[Empire] The Fourth Raaneki Games, year 392

[Zap Dynamic]

The Fourth Raaneki Games
-Winter, 392-

All Guests note - any alliances or trades or betrothals can be merged into your action of attending the games, so long as you summarize all occurrences in your action post.



With the joined voices of Queen Anguri and King Krama Adite, Masters of Raaneka, may all the realms lend ear!

The first Lord and Lady of Raaneka ruled for fifteen years, and great contests of prowess were held at their coronation and their abdication. These games have repeated themselves every fifteen years for centuries, and in the winter of 392, on the six coolest days of the year, the Raaneki Games shall be held yet again. The Raaneki are eager to receive you in peace, and our athletes eager to compete. Come one and all, to partake of our hospitality and our fabled wine.

The Raaneki Games shall begin in the capitol, Bandar of Many Colors. They will conclude in the city of Sarab.

Signed,

Anguri and Krama Adite
Queen and King of Raaneka
Bright Glory, Dark Wine
Boundless Glory



All regents in attendance are invited to dwell in the homes of wealthy Raaneki for the duration of their stay. Contestants may remain in the company of their regents, or may dwell in any home that accepts them.

Demonstration events from any realm are welcome. They serve as an opportunity for a culture to show off their most prized feats in a noncompetitive atmosphere.

Queen and King advised the Raaneki to clothe themselves so as not to offend visiting foreigners, but made no demands. Perhaps four of every five Raaneki are wearing clothing. They are a famously relaxed and affectionate people, and love nothing more than to share wine and hospitality with visitors.


The Kindred Stadiums
Wave Stadium:
Like a crashing wave, great blocks of blue and white stone formed the stadium of Bandar Harbor. Bleachers of pale green stone provided seating for 30,000, including luxurious box seating for foreign regents and the Lady and Lord of Raaneka. The harbor itself was large enough for two forces of three ships each. Though built for the Games, it was home to Bandar’s sea trade at all other times.

Mounted Racecourse:
Filling the second, third, and fourth days of the Games, athletes mounted a trusted steed to race almost two hundred miles from the gates of Bandar of Many Colors to the gates of Sarab. There were three legs to the journey: the treacherous Painted Coast, the sublime Lower Berrylands, and the final climb to Sarab.

The Great Stadium at Sarab:
The field of grass was long enough to hold the ranged tournament, and wide enough for the mass melee. A long track of raised earth encircled the field for the foot race. A platform of stone was raised in the center for the field for dueling, wrestling, and demonstrations of worthy skills. Victors were crowned in glory upon it.

The stadium was raised in purple sandstone on the field’s southern edge. Audiences looked out from under shaded awnings, as the Upper Berrylands and the Mountains of Dis beyond framed the field of play in majesty. Golden-yellow sandstone benches provided seating for 30,000 spectators, again with luxurious box seating for foreign regents and the Lady and Lord of Raaneka.

The Victors’ Plaza was erected outside the stadium in pure white stone. It was ringed by the statues of crowned victors and many warm taverns. A huge statue of a Berunda, wrought of gold and gems, topped a fountain at its center. Here many streamers were hung and many kites unfurled, and all manner of revelry and celebration found in its welcoming arms.


Schedule
Day 1
Revelry in the streets of Bandar of Many Colors

Day 2
Mock Naval Battle in Bandar Harbor
Mounted Race begins at the gates of Bandar

Day 3
Ranged Tournament at the Great Stadium
Duel Tournament at the Great Stadium
Mass Melee at the Great Stadium
Mounted Race through the Lower Berrylands
Demonstration Events

Day 4
Caragita at the Great Stadium (foot race, long jump, javelin throw, wrestling)
Mounted Race ends at the gates of Sarab

Day 5
Art Contest at the Victors' Plaza

Day 6
Revelry in the streets of Sarab

Event Descriptions
Arts Contest: Any craft or display of art may be submitted. Prize awarded for finest skill and overall beauty.

Caragita: A contest in four parts: foot race, long jump, javelin throw, and wrestling. Prizes awarded for individual events. Prize for best overall is the highest honor of the Games.

Duel Tournament: Any blunted weapons may be used. Prize awarded to the character with the best win/lose/draw record. Please organize your own 1v1 matches.

Demonstration Events: Noncompetitive display of any cultural artifact (e.g. weapons styles, poetry, etc.).

Mass Melee: Party-based combat against all realms from other parties. Prize awarded to the last party standing.

Mock Naval Battle: Two forces of three ships face off in Bandar Harbor. Prize awarded to the character with the best win/lose/draw record. Please organize your own 1v1 matches.

Mounted Race: A race in three parts from Bandar to Sarab. Any landborne mount may be used. Prize awarded to the first to enter the gates of the city.

Ranged Tournament: Any ranged weapons may be used. Prize awarded to the character with the best win/lose/draw record. Please organize your own 1v1 matches.


Event Mechanics


Event
Roll 2d6+...
# of Rolls
Victory Condition


Arts Contest
1/2 Curiosity (rounded up)
1
Highest Result


Caragita
1/2 Military (rounded up)
4 (Foot Race, Long Jump, Javelin Throw, Wrestling)
Highest individual and highest cumulative results


Demonstration Events
None
None
None


Duel Tournament
1/2 Military (rounded up)
3 (Rounds 1, 2, and 3)
Best 2/3


Mass Melee
Military
3 (Assaults 1, 2, and 3)
Best 2/3


Mounted Race
1/2 Military (rounded up)
3 (Legs 1, 2, and 3)
Highest Cumulative Result


Naval Battle
Military
3 (Sorties 1, 2, and 3)
Best 2/3


Ranged Tournament
1/2 Military (rounded up)
3 (Rounds 1, 2, and 3)
Best 2/3


Bonuses
You may add +1 to any land-based event roll if you possess Maian Athletes as a resource.
You may add +1 to any water-based event roll if you possess Jeweled Cities Pilots as a resource.
You may add +1 to any Duel or Mass Melee event roll if you use a style from the Scrolls of Prowess.

Instructions
For the tournaments, the melee, and the naval battle, challenge as many people as you would like and resolve each 3-round bout individually. Victory goes to the contestant with the greatest win/lose/draw ratio.

For all other events, roll the indicated number of times. Everyone competes in a single contest, as opposed to the challenge method above.

Feel free to ask me about any rules clarifications (or suggest changes! This is a perpetual work in progress).

Embrace the Anachronism
Feel free to make all of your rolls for the events as soon as you’d like. In the interest of letting people RP whatever they’d like, I think it’s a good idea to free ourselves from linear time. Your first post could be about something at the end of the Games or vice versa. Go nuts!



Standings


Realm
Arts
Caragita
Duel (W/L/D)
Mass Melee
Mounted Race
Naval (W/L/D)
Ranged (W/L/D)


Guilder
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


Hurosha Empire
14
11/9/14/13 (47)
3/0/0
-
35
11/10/10
-


Ignato Empire
-
-
1/1/0
-
-
-
-


Jarrland
12
12/11/6/12 (41)
1/3/0
13/10/8
32
9/11/16
-


Jeweled Cities
16
15/12/10/13 (50)
2/2/0
-
34
-
0/1/0


Raaneka
12
9/12/10/11 (42)
1/3/0
12/13/20
36
12/14/14
1/0/0


Current Leader
Jeweled Cities
Jeweled Cities
Hurosha
Raaneka
Raaneka
Raaneka
Raaneka





Awards
In addition to whatever awards are given by their nations, victorious contestants will receive a crown made of berry vines, one years' store of Raaneki wine, and a life-size statue of their likeness in the Victors’ Plaza.
Arts Contest:
Tarn and Firth Grant-Tremblor, Fire Acrobatics, Jeweled Cities
Caragita:
Tupelo Cornus, Tar
Duel Tournament:
Grïend of Gwrîstîn, Huroshi Empire
Mass Melee:
Sir Bapa Adite (Commander), Raaneka
Mounted Race:
Sir Bapa, Crimar Horse, Raaneka
Mock Naval Battle:
Prince Jacob Serendel (Captain), Qarimos
Ranged Tournament:
Alara Sacco, Qarimos

Roll of Champions
These proud and doughty champions have earned victory and glory in the games of the past. Their likenesses surround the plaza outside the stadium in Sarab.
Arts Contest:
Papa Raana, Raaneka , 2nd Games
Anonymous, Lyradis, 3rd Games
Tarn and Firth Grant-Tremblor, AQUA, 4th Games
Caragita:
Princess Anguri Adite, Raaneka, 2nd Games
Cascade "Casca" Pitch, AQUA, 3rd Games
Tupelo "Freak" Cornus, AQUA, 4th Games
Duel Tournament:
Trumbo Bashskull, Grmanhil, 2nd Games
Grïend of Gwrîstîn, Huroshi Empire, 3rd Games
Grïend of Gwrîstîn, Huroshi Empire, 4th Games
Mass Melee:
Raaneka, 2nd Games
Sympolemou, 3rd Games
Raaneka, 4th Games
Mounted Race:
Prince Tikta Satato, Raaneka, 2nd Games
Princess Uristine, Razdis, 3rd Games
Sir Bapa Adite, 4th Games
Mock Naval Battle:
Raaneka, 2nd Games
Lyradis, 3rd Games
Raaneka, 4th Games
Ranged Tournament:
Prince Tikta Satato, Raaneka, 2nd Games
Prince Avam Devdano, Raaneka, 3rd Games
Alara Sacco, Raaneka, 4th Games

Past Raaneki Games
The First Worldwide Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?330727-Empire!-The-Raaneki-Games-of-347&p=16975881#post16975881), Summer 347
The Second Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?334602-Empire-The-Second-Raaneki-Games-year-362), Summer 362
The Third Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?339070-Empire-The-Third-Raaneki-Games-year-377), Summer 377

[Zap Dynamic]

Day One, The Great Market of Bandar

There was not as much revelry in Bandar as Queen and King had hoped. Because of the heat of previous years but in a huge break with tradition, they decided to hold the Games in Winter. Rain showers blew in and out of the region during the course of the Games, though it had not been cold enough for snow in recent years.

The Raaneki gathered as only the Raaneki could, but heat, famine, and plague had diminished their number. Almost all of them wore clothing, and more than half covered their mouths with scarves. Contrary to their usual friendly natures, no Raaneki shared their goblet with another.

Queen and King sat on the central dais erected in the market as they did every year, but it was less a tempest of celebration around them. It was more like the revelry found in other lands, which had the Queen in a foul mood.

All the same, the tables had been heaped with many stews made form the mushroom trees of Ayava and what meat and vegetables the Raaneki could muster. Wine flowed from casks all over the city, but many of the finest vintages seen in years past were absent. Music played, but a hint of melancholy seemed to sour every third or fourth measure.

"Come, my Queen" Krama said, offering a sumptuous cushion to Anguri. "The people of Telluris will come as they always have."

Queen Anguri sat down by her husband and their lover, Seri, but her thoughts were clearly elsewhere. "My love," her husband said with renewed effort, "Raaneka thrives in its golden age. This is but a temporary hardship! The wine still flows, and look at the smiles on the faces of the painted folk. We have done well."

[QuintonBeck]

Mira arrived with her head bowed low and a grim look dominating her face. Her husband, Andust of Celero, wore a hard face that spoke of disappointment and sadness. The air of the soured Raaneki festival did little to brighten their moods.

Normally Mira's mixed features shone brightly, a pleasant mix of Woodwind and Ashenian heritage that was both exotic and fair, but they seemed dull and muddied now. Like a clear stream that had been disturbed by dirt. This was the first Raaneki Games the Empire had attended and would be the last as the Triumvirate completed itself in the following years, and it was nearly the opposite in air of what the stories had purported. Mira noticed the general melancholy but attributed most of the sadness to internal feelings of sickness and sadness. Back west her mother was aiding the Salterri, those who had attacked Hrathan-Tuor and killed Woodwind explorers many years back, as Andust had reminded her repeatedly on the way to Raaneka.

She trusted her mother, but Andust's complaints made her question things. Her mother had been a proponent of peace and she had told Mira this was a step towards that peace. She had promised her daughter the Salterri were changed under the leadership of Wandao and that there would be no bloodshed if it could be avoided. She believed her, but she feared for her uncle's safety. Her mother had assured her of his and his wife's safety and that Bordeux would not risk war by harming Dyamusan but there was the lingering fear within Mira and Andust's own voacal displeasure with the idea of aiding the Salterri had done little to calm her nerves.

She was deep in melancholic contemplation when Andust's voice shook her from her revery,

"Well, there are the Raaneki King and Queen, we ought to say hello."

Mira nodded and tried her best to affect a smile though it didn't reach her eyes as she approached the Raaneki leaders. Themselves filled with an air of sorrow.

"King Krama, Queen Anguri, it is a pleasure to finally attend one of the famed Raaneki Games."though we've brought no athletes as they're off threatening war she thought to herself.

[SamBurke]

The skies, bright and flashing, go dark for a moment, and the land is cloaked in shade. A shrill, fearsome cry is echoed by a dozen, no, a hundred others! Beasts with 40-foot wingspans swoop down across the games, slamming into the earth with forceful impact, and revealing...


The Guilderene Delegation. Humperdink slides from the back of his reptile, avoiding the 20-foot sweep of its wings as it resumes flight. The sky is dark once more as the Pterids move off to fish the oceans. "I see why Columbo said he'd stay in the caves of the Domhan... it is brutal here." Humperdink groans, keeping careful track of Inigo, who was attempting to run off again. He had to keep reminding himself that Inigo was a man now, but he kept getting into trouble like a boy.


Guilder still has stuff for trade! Looking to find techs mostly, but open for most trading. :smallwink:

[Aedilred]

Not just one, but three ships from Jarrland sailed into the harbour, their bright purple, red and gold flags flying. Launched only the previous year, the vessels still had the look of the shipyard about them, their painted names gleaming proudly: King Aesa, Lady Eirwynn, King Ujval. The cynical might almost think they'd arrived early and anchored off the coast for some cleaning so they could arrive in pristine condition. As the ships drew closer, the eagle-eyed might have noticed the royal standard borne by the vessels was defaced. For whatever reason, the king himself was not present.

The man who stepped from the King Aesa looked like what you might get if you described Athelmark to a man who had never seen him and asked him to build you a replica. Physically, he was almost identical: less grey, perhaps a little broader in the shoulder, but his posture and manner - his brother's bluff charm and upright carriage apparently absent - made him seem a distorted reflection of the king.

The delegation from the Lady Eirwynn disembarked more cheerfully, with all the raucousness generally associated with the Horwik sailors. This was Athelmere's flagship, and the king's son was here, with his arm round his islander wife - who for once was dressed almost as soberly as the Jarrs, though it did nothing to detract from her looks, together with Athelmark's younger son Edwyrd, visiting the north for the first time, and the usual cluster of retainers, bodyguards and general hangers-on. The King Ujval remained anchored further out in the harbour, and it seemed none of the royal family were aboard.

The leading figures of the delegation made their way to the dais to greet the Raaneki king and queen. For each of them, a gift was presented - a carved cedarwood ship, identical to the vessels built and traded by the Qarimosi to Jarrland over the last few years. On closer inspection each of them is inlaid with gold and mithril details, perfect replicas, down to the name inscriptions, of the vessels that brought the delegation here. Edwyrd - who had been entrusted with the task of making the presentation - somewhat excitedly demonstrated that the decks of the ships can be removed to reveal holds packed with cochineal and saffron.

"We're honoured to be here at these Games, about which we've heard so much, for the first time," Alfwyr said, earnestly but with apparent caution. "The king regrets that there are matters of state he must attend to at home, but asked me to convey his warmest regards and thanks once again for your generosity. We look forward to matching our athletes and warriors against those of Raaneka and the rest of the north."

Athelmere meanwhile had spotted Mira and dragged Tempest over to greet her (it had apparently become a common joke in Jarrland that a ceremony conducted between the pair fused their skin together somehow, so rarely is Mere seen in public without holding onto his woman).

"Why, Princess Mira, isn't it?" he exclaimed. "So good to see you. Last time-" he seemed to stop himself from adding the obligatory 'oh you must have been about so high/so old' , whether in response to her apparently dismal expression or just because he recalled how annoying such comments are. Recovering, he turned to Andust. "And I am sorry, but I don't believe we've met."


Alfwyr, Earl of Jarburg (the king's brother and heir)
Athelmere (the king's eldest son)
Tempest Grant, First Lady of the Admiralty (Athelmere's wife)
Edwyrd Jarrow (the king's second son, aged 24)
Villem, Lord Horwik, Admiral of the Fleet (the king's brother-in-law, aged 45)
Eldin the Bastard, (the king's cousin, aged 54)
Marrik Sunder, King's Champion (aged 48)

Any of them except Alfwyr are up for duels, and we'll also be entering a team into the mock naval battle. All of them are also unmarried, except Mere and Tempest, obviously.

[QuintonBeck]

OOC: Edited my initial post to reflect the new state of things, the general gist is more or less maintained however so no worries there for incongruity.



Athelmere meanwhile had spotted Mira and dragged Tempest over to greet her (it had apparently become a common joke in Jarrland that a ceremony conducted between the pair fused their skin together somehow, so rarely is Mere seen in public without holding onto his woman).

"Why, Princess Mira, isn't it?" he exclaimed. "So good to see you. Last time-" he seems to stop himself from adding the obligatory 'oh you must have been about so high/so old' , whether in response to her apparently dismal expression or just because he recalls how annoying such comments are. Recovering, he turns to Andust. "And I am sorry, but I don't believe we've met."


"Andust Ruffio. Ignato." he added, partially having forgotten and feeling a bit foolish but deciding instead it was the result of his current frustration with his mother in law, "I am the Princess' Husband, we were wed only a few years back. After the Jeweled Cities Anniversary."

Mira managed a meager smile as she spoke with Athelmere, "It is good to see you, and you," she bowed her head towards Tempest.

"Andust, this is Prince Athelmere of the Jarrlands and his wife, Princess Tempest originally of the Jeweled Cities,"

"Ah, southrons," he said, either not realizing or not caring for the partial negativity surrounding the Dwarven term for southerners, "The mother Empress speaks often of your father and your Qzare."

"Things of goodness and praise," Mira interjected diplomatically.

"Unfortunately, yes," Andust remarked.

"I hope your father fares well?" Mira asked, diverting the conversation from an international incident.

[Aedilred]

"Things of goodness and praise," Mira interjected diplomatically.

"Unfortunately, yes," Andust remarked.

"I hope your father fares well?" Mira asked, diverting the conversation from an international incident.
For a moment, Athelmere looked almost uncertain, then gave a sad smile. "He's been better, I think. I think all this unpleasantness has taken its toll on him, after he's spent the last fifteen years working for peace. I hope some accommodation can be reached, and I am sure your mother does too. Let us hope they succeed.

He turned briefly to Andust. "And milord Andust, if you do feel the desire for conflict with any of us southrons, we are more than happy to meet you in the arena. Better to settle things that way than in battle, don't you think?" His tone was friendly, but the challenge underlying his statement sounded sincere.

[QuintonBeck]

For a moment, Athelmere looked almost uncertain, then gave a sad smile. "He's been better, I think. I think all this unpleasantness has taken its toll on him, after he's spent the last fifteen years working for peace. I hope some accommodation can be reached, and I am sure your mother does too. Let us hope they succeed.

He turned briefly to Andust. "And milord Andust, if you do feel the desire for conflict with any of us southrons, we are more than happy to meet you in the arena. Better to settle things that way than in battle, don't you think?" His tone was friendly, but the challenge underlying his statement sounded sincere.

"Yes, mother has been stressed as well, her efforts for peace have for years been heeded as wise, but after her most recent return from," she caught herself realizing others might be listening, "After her return her pursuit of peace has ruffled more feathers than usual, included amongst them my husband's."

After Mere addressed Andust the Celerese man spoke up,

"Most true, I have heard of Salterri ability, I would be most happy to see it tested against Celerese steel where life is not at risk but the determination of the superior duelist might be determined," the proud Celerese man said, a sense of dignity that might be read as haughtiness bolstering him.

Mira said nothing, it was impossible to argue with Andust when he took impression that his honor or dignity had been challenged and she only hoped the Jarrland Prince did not take offense to his reference to the man as Salterri. She hoped this duel might release some of his frustration and allow a lighter day to be fostered.

"Shall we go and sign up for a duel then?" Andust offered, clearly anticipating the prospect.

[Aedilred]

"Yes, mother has been stressed as well, her efforts for peace have for years been heeded as wise, but after her most recent return from," she caught herself realizing others might be listening, "After her return her pursuit of peace has ruffled more feathers than usual, included amongst them my husband's."
"Ah, my father would say it's a sad time when peace proves as divisive as war. I have never fought in battle, and there is a part of me that hopes one day I will, that I can win honour and glory like my father and uncles. But those urging war should be careful what they wish for." He continues ostensibly to address Mira, but his words are clearly meant for Andust. "The Imperium underestimated the northern leaders ten years ago, but the Salterri are not people accustomed to defeat, and the Qzare will not make the same mistake again. Another war would be costly and bloody, and to the benefit of none."


"Shall we go and sign up for a duel then?" Andust offered, clearly anticipating the prospect.
Tempest laughed. "Salterri?"

"Well, I confess I did not come north expecting to have to defend the honour of the Imperium in the arena!" Mere says, with a smile. "If I had known I was to take the part of the Qzare's champion I might asked him for some better equipment. But I'm happy to duel you in the name of Clan Jarrow, and if you wish to take me as a Salterri representative, I leave that to you."


To the dice thread! Military score of 5, and Mere will be fighting Wall of Iron style as in the Scrolls of Prowess for a +1 bonus.

[QuintonBeck]

"Ah, my father would say it's a sad time when peace proves as divisive as war. I have never fought in battle, and there is a part of me that hopes one day I will, that I can win honour and glory like my father and uncles. But those urging war should be careful what they wish for." He continues ostensibly to address Mira, but his words are clearly meant for Andust. "The Imperium underestimated the northern leaders ten years ago, but the Salterri are not people accustomed to defeat, and the Qzare will not make the same mistake again. Another war would be costly and bloody, and to the benefit of none."


Tempest laughed. "Salterri?"

"Well, I confess I did not come north expecting to have to defend the honour of the Imperium in the arena!" Mere says, with a smile. "If I had known I was to take the part of the Qzare's champion I might asked him for some better equipment. But I'm happy to duel you in the name of Clan Jarrow, and if you wish to take me as a Salterri representative, I leave that to you."


To the dice thread! Military score of 5, and Mere will be fighting Wall of Iron style as in the Scrolls of Prowess for a +1 bonus.

"I agree with you wise young prince, war is most certainly not a desirable outcome," she too addressed her partner in conversation but clearly directed her statement towards her husband.

"And those who send troops are those who start wars," Andust replied, "I shall face you in whatever role you choose to take." he added as he marched his way towards the booth designated for enrolling in a duel.

Away Batman! Mil score of 5, no Scrolls style however. Shall we simply roll and then cut to the after duel? I can't write battle scenes to save my life.

[Aedilred]

Away Batman! Mil score of 5, no Scrolls style however. Shall we simply roll and then cut to the after duel? I can't write battle scenes to save my life.
Seems fair enough. Do you want to do the roll?

"I've known you since you were a boy," Marrik said to him, "and I still can't understand how you got yourself into a fight within five minutes of stepping off the ship. I'm the one who's supposed to duel for the king!"

"Better a duel than a war," Athelmere said, as he cast his eye over the weapons available. "Do you know anything about this chap?"

"Celero, did you say he was? Stiff and upright, so most likely sword and shield, strong on the defence."

"Well, he said he wanted to fight a Salterri, so I suppose I'll meet him Salterri-style," Mere said, selecting his armour and weapons from the pile.

A northerner might have mistaken him for a Salterri, but to anyone who knew the south well, his hodge-podge garb would have disgraced even the most slovenly of Salterri legionaries: a helmet without plume, a mail shirt rather than plate, and the bold Jarrow colours visible at any part of his clothes that showed under the armour, as well as daubed on his shield.

Once fully dressed, he looked back at Marrik. "Any more words of wisdom?"

"None you'll remember."

"Right then. Wish me luck." He grinned to Tempest and stepped out into the arena.

[QuintonBeck]

Seems fair enough. Do you want to do the roll?

Figured I'd do mine and you could do yours. Let's see

13
9
14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385495&viewfull=1#post17385495)

[Aedilred]

Figured I'd do mine and you could do yours. Let's see

13
9
14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385495&viewfull=1#post17385495)

12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385524#post17385524)
13 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385524#post17385524)
9 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385524#post17385524)

Andust wins 2-1!

[Zap Dynamic]

STANDINGS UPDATED


*snip*

Queen and King rose, and bowed to the Princess with joined hands. "We welcome you," they said together. A brace of Raaneki attendants offered them delicacies and wine the color of emeralds. "Sarabi Summer," King Krama said with a smile. "Vinted this past summer. You will find it more warming than vintages of Summers past." They raised a toast. "May your athletes win glory in the coming days!"

Anguri looked about as dire as the Empress felt, but managed to summon a little formality. "What of your lands? This heat has been a bane."


*snip*

Queen and King smiled at the arrival of the Guilderenes. "Pterids!" Krama barked by way of a greeting. "Our Maian friends in this land have told many tales. They are impressive, though perhaps not so nimble as a berunda!"

Nawwwwww dawg, you did NOT just show up in Raaneka with some fancy new birds and jacked tech to ride em?? Awwwwwwwwww, it's gonna be an air race up in here. For pink slips. ...>.>


*snip*

Queen and King appraised the gifts. "Excellent," Anguri said, as if she had been starved for excellence.

"We shall find a glorified place for them in our home," said King Krama.

Beside them, a man with no tattoos or dye approach the Earl. "My lord, your ships are marvelous! I am Jacob Serendel, Prince of Qarimos and Admiral of its fleets. You have taken the designs of my people and bettered them with your own culture. They are beautiful but I must ask, why does the third ship remain anchored in the bay?" He leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Secret weapon for the naval battle tomorrow?"

[QuintonBeck]

12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385524#post17385524)
13 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385524#post17385524)
9 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17385524#post17385524)

Andust wins 2-1!

Andust wiped the sweat from his brow as he lowed his saber. The southern man had put up a damn good fight. It was half by luck he had managed to get first touch in the first round and he had been easily overtaken in the second. It had come down to the final bout and while Andust had ended up prevailing it hadn't been an easy victory by any means.

"You fight well," he said as he returned his saber to the arena quartermaster alongside Athelmere, "Where is it you said you were from? Jarrland?"



Queen and King rose, and bowed to the Empress with joined hands. "We welcome you," they said together. A brace of Raaneki attendants offered them delicacies and wine the color of emeralds. "Sarabi Summer," King Krama said with a smile. "Vinted this past summer. You will find it more warming than vintages of Summers past." They raised a toast. "May your athletes win glory in the coming days!"

Anguri looked about as dire as the Empress felt, but managed to summon a little formality. "What of your lands? This heat has been a bane."

"To the athletes, Mira toasted.

"I'm afraid they suffer hard times. Our people in Hrathan-Tuor and Grizzland suffer most as the unbearable heat dries our crops and reservoirs of water. The Anagua river in Grizzland is so low as to be more akin to a stream than the mighty river it is known as."

Mira's face was distant and concerned, "But let us not dwell on it, like all things this too shall pass. Allow me to thank you for your shipments of the new vintages of Heartwine, though times are troubled in Nyroth the famed liquid happiness of the Raaneki keeps spirits lightened. I hope your lands do not suffer overmuch in this heat?"

Not the Empress, but rather Princess but it's all the same :smallwink:

Also, not sure if Heartwine counts as a food export for the "no food export" clause of this round but I'm assuming not. Also, I'm assuming Diplomatic Heartwine tech is actually just "the really good stuff" that gets sent along with regular shipments so correct me if I'm wrong.

[Aedilred]

Andust wiped the sweat from his brow as he lowed his saber. The southern man had put up a damn good fight. It was half by luck he had managed to get first touch in the first round and he had been easily overtaken in the second. It had come down to the final bout and while Andust had ended up prevailing it hadn't been an easy victory by any means.

"You fight well," he said as he returned his saber to the arena quartermaster alongside Athelmere, "Where is it you said you were from? Jarrland?"
"Not well enough, clearly!" Mere removed his helm and mopped his own brow before letting his hair down. "Jarrland, aye, a small kingdom south of the Discord Mountains. Do you know it?"



Beside them, a man with no tattoos or dye approach the Earl. "My lord, your ships are marvelous! I am Jacob Serendel, Prince of Qarimos and Admiral of its fleets. You have taken the designs of my people and bettered them with your own culture. They are beautiful but I must ask, why does the third ship remain anchored in the bay?" He leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Secret weapon for the naval battle tomorrow?"
"Heh," Alfwyr says, smiling slightly. "I am pleased to meet you, Prince Jacob. I don't know what Mere and Lord Villem have been planning for the battle tomorrow, but if they have a secret weapon of any sort I suspect it's my niece Lady Tempest. The ship... well, that was my brother's idea. There a demonstration planned, which requires some valuable and cumbersome cargo, so we thought it best to leave it in the bay until it's ready, well away from prying eyes."

He looked back out towards the bay. "The king would be pleased to hear you approve of our ships. It was always one of his ambitions - one Mere clearly shares - to make my people great seafarers one way or another. Though without the Qarimosi designs and exports we would still be shuffling fishing boats up and down the coast, so it is you who really deserves the credit."

[lt_murgen]

A small, odd conglomeration of peoples came into to view. Leading them was an old woman, leaning heavily on a cane. She was dressed in an odd comglomeration of clothes- some woodwind fashion, other Raaneki. It was clear she had dyed her hair its brilliant red shade. She was still fit and trim, despite the evident ravages of age and arthritis.

Next was, of all things, a dwarf. He wore finely wrought mithril armor and carried a pair of well-crafted picks in his belt. Following him was a tall, lean woman dressed in Islander fashion, but with a heavy shawl as well. There were a couple of Quill in the entourage as well. A couple of teenagers travelled with them, wearing fashion that was could only be described as scandalously Woodwind. As the crowd and their minders were distracted by the reptiles plummeting from they sky, they quickly disappeared into the crowd.

The woman waited until the Guilder delegation introduced themselves, then made their way forward. “Move it, you overgrown pair o’ boots” She groused at several of the lizards.

She struggled to do a slight bow, “King Krama, Queen Anguri, Greetings! The AQUA delegation is honored to attend your games.”

[QuintonBeck]

"Not well enough, clearly!" Mere removed his helm and mopped his own brow before letting his hair down. "Jarrland, aye, a small kingdom south of the Discord Mountains. Do you know it?"


Doh! Used the wrong color there didn't I... :smalltongue:

The Empress and my wife have mentioned it I think," he said as the two of them walked back to their wives, "You know, Celero has some holdings down south, do you travel much across the Imperium?"

[Aedilred]

Doh! Used the wrong color there didn't I... :smalltongue:

The Empress and my wife have mentioned it I think," he said as the two of them walked back to their wives, "You know, Celero has some holdings down south, do you travel much across the Imperium?"
Athelmere shakes his head. "Sadly not. We are largely cut off by the mountains, and it's only recently we've developed really effective ships - with the help of our Qarimosi friends, of course, so travel has been slow and difficult. I daresay it's only because of the Empress's hospitality and my father's efforts that my kingdom is known in the north at all. I have been through Discordia a number of times, and Salteire, but mostly for the purposes of picking up ships to take us further north. And I have travelled briefly into Vennland, or Relic as you may have heard it called, but that's an Imperial backwater. Early in the year I did get to visit the Imperial capital for the first time at Xianzhi Urbe, and that was quite a sight.

"But the far reaches of the western peninsula and the core Imperial provinces are as yet unknown to me. Is it Prop- Propinlonge, the Celero colony? I have heard they had holdings over that way, but have never had the opportunity to visit. Have you ever been there?"

[QuintonBeck]

Athelmere shakes his head. "Sadly not. We are largely cut off by the mountains, and it's only recently we've developed really effective ships - with the help of our Qarimosi friends, of course, so travel has been slow and difficult. I daresay it's only because of the Empress's hospitality and my father's efforts that my kingdom is known in the north at all. I have been through Discordia a number of times, and Salteire, but mostly for the purposes of picking up ships to take us further north. And I have travelled briefly into Vennland, or Relic as you may have heard it called, but that's an Imperial backwater. Early in the year I did get to visit the Imperial capital for the first time at Xianzhi Urbe, and that was quite a sight.

"But the far reaches of the western peninsula and the core Imperial provinces are as yet unknown to me. Is it Prop- Propinlonge, the Celero colony? I have heard they had holdings over that way, but have never had the opportunity to visit. Have you ever been there?"

"Aye, that's the name. Founded by a sailor woman head over heels with my namesake grandfather," he laughed, "I've been there once, a year before marrying Syana. The southern lands are relatively enjoyable, and the sea is ever-present there. Celero has history with the sea, it's different down there, but still familiar."

The two reached their women and Andust stuck out his hand to the Jarrland man,

"I apologize for my earlier rudeness, you seem an honorable sort and a decent fighter, so don't beat yourself up for losing," he grinned lopsidedly.

[Aedilred]

The two reached their women and Andust stuck out his hand to the Jarrland man,

"I apologize for my earlier rudeness, you seem an honorable sort and a decent fighter, so don't beat yourself up for losing," he grinned lopsidedly.
Mere took his hand with a smile. "No apology necessary, old chap, although I'm more worried about how my wife beating me up for losing than for my own part... I look forward to seeing you around again. Given Celero's nautical history, do you have a team in the naval melee?"

[lt_murgen]

Mere took his hand with a smile. "No apology necessary, old chap, although I'm more worried about how my wife beating me up for losing than for my own part... I look forward to seeing you around again. Given Celero's nautical history, do you have a team in the naval melee?"

Tempest laughed, hugging her sweathy man "Never, dear. Lover and fighter, remember? Though, you better be able to go three rounds with me winning each one." She leaned over and gave his ear a playful lick.

[QuintonBeck]

Mere took his hand with a smile. "No apology necessary, old chap, although I'm more worried about how my wife beating me up for losing than for my own part... I look forward to seeing you around again. Given Celero's nautical history, do you have a team in the naval melee?"

"It may be my sister brings a team, though how she'd manage to get it here I haven't a clue. I believe she plans to attend, but matters of Celerese state are out of my hands thankfully."


Tempest laughed, hugging her sweathy man "Never, dear. Lover and fighter, remember? Though, you better be able to go three rounds with me winning each one." She leaned over and gave his ear a playful lick.

Mira and Andust both looked away at the display of affection, whatever differences they may have had they both shared a sense of modesty that might be considered offensive in The Painted Lands or the Islands. Andust certainly enjoyed the scantily clad women, but the overt displays of love clearly didn't sit well with him and Mira hadn't quite mastered her mother's ability to overlook the more relaxed nature of some of their international friends though the human form didn't overtly bother her as much as scandalous words.

"It was a pleasure to see you again Athelmere, and talking with you Tempest while our husbands played warrior but I believe I saw a friend of Woodwind I must go and talk with." Mira curtsied delicately alongside a bow from Andust.

[Aedilred]

"It was a pleasure to see you again Athelmere, and talking with you Tempest while our husbands played warrior but I believe I saw a friend of Woodwind I must go and talk with." Mira curtsied delicately alongside a bow from Andust.
"Likewise a pleasure to see you again, milady. I hope to see you again at one of the events, but if not, please give my regards to your family." He nodded politely to Andust as they walked away, and kissed Tempest.

"I think you scared them off," he said, with a slight smirk. "Although I do think Andust could do with loosening up a bit, he's stiffer than a Raaneki cocktail. I mean, not physically, obviously," he added quickly.

[lt_murgen]

"Likewise a pleasure to see you again, milady. I hope to see you again at one of the events, but if not, please give my regards to your family." He nodded politely to Andust as they walked away, and kissed Tempest.

"I think you scared them off," he said, with a slight smirk. "Although I do think Andust could do with loosening up a bit, he's stiffer than a Raaneki cocktail. I mean, not physically, obviously," he added quickly.

"Phhhbbt" Tempest blew a raspberry. "Aunt Evvy says those Woodwind folks act all prim and proper, but they're the ones getting kicked out of the Emerald City's brothels for lewd behavior." She laughed, "But I think my grandma arrived while you were fighting. Let's go see!"

[Aedilred]

They strolled off in search of the AQUA delegation, Edwyrd and Marrik tagging along, and sighted them a few minutes later. Mere gave a cheerful wave as they came into view, and released Tempest to greet her family properly.

[Zap Dynamic]

"To the athletes, Mira toasted.

"I'm afraid they suffer hard times. Our people in Hrathan-Tuor and Grizzland suffer most as the unbearable heat dries our crops and reservoirs of water. The Anagua river in Grizzland is so low as to be more akin to a stream than the mighty river it is known as."

Mira's face was distant and concerned, "But let us not dwell on it, like all things this too shall pass. Allow me to thank you for your shipments of the new vintages of Heartwine, though times are troubled in Nyroth the famed liquid happiness of the Raaneki keeps spirits lightened. I hope your lands do not suffer overmuch in this heat?"

Not the Empress, but rather Princess but it's all the same :smallwink:

Also, not sure if Heartwine counts as a food export for the "no food export" clause of this round but I'm assuming not. Also, I'm assuming Diplomatic Heartwine tech is actually just "the really good stuff" that gets sent along with regular shipments so correct me if I'm wrong.

Anguri grimaced. “Even Ayava knows the sun’s light, but Raaneka is worst of all.” Our people starve. Starving, they die. “As you say: let us not dwell.” Her electric blue eyes stared out from a deep purple face upon the crowd. It teemed with excitement from the arrival of the Guilderenes, and with good reason. The pterids had stirred her from her melancholy that nothing had for months. Competition had come to Raaneka, and she would test herself against them. “Which athletes have you brought? The Raaneki are eager for sport.”

Whoops! I edited my post accordingly.

As for Heartwine... I'm not sure where it stands. I had been assuming that it counts as food (the berries that make it are, anyway), so it might not be available this round. Of course, any sensible person would have saved some for their wine cellar, so it might not count? Eh, I'm gonna beg for forgiveness on this one. :smalltongue:

You're exactly right about the tech: the "good stuff" in this case is Heartwine, while the actual "Heartwine" resource would be any and all varietals (the name is officially misleading... guess I'll be changing that!).


"Not well enough, clearly!" Mere removed his helm and mopped his own brow before letting his hair down. "Jarrland, aye, a small kingdom south of the Discord Mountains. Do you know it?"


"Heh," Alfwyr says, smiling slightly. "I am pleased to meet you, Prince Jacob. I don't know what Mere and Lord Villem have been planning for the battle tomorrow, but if they have a secret weapon of any sort I suspect it's my niece Lady Tempest. The ship... well, that was my brother's idea. There a demonstration planned, which requires some valuable and cumbersome cargo, so we thought it best to leave it in the bay until it's ready, well away from prying eyes."

He looked back out towards the bay. "The king would be pleased to hear you approve of our ships. It was always one of his ambitions - one Mere clearly shares - to make my people great seafarers one way or another. Though without the Qarimosi designs and exports we would still be shuffling fishing boats up and down the coast, so it is you who really deserves the credit."

Jacob raised his eyebrows. “Ah, I await this demonstration eagerly! Please, have you had refreshment?” The Raaneki attendants--was it possible to be lurid in winter garb?--brought over a crystal goblet of deep red wine. “Have you ever tasted our Heartwine before?”


A small, odd conglomeration of peoples came into to view. Leading them was an old woman, leaning heavily on a cane. She was dressed in an odd comglomeration of clothes- some woodwind fashion, other Raaneki. It was clear she had dyed her hair its brilliant red shade. She was still fit and trim, despite the evident ravages of age and arthritis.

Next was, of all things, a dwarf. He wore finely wrought mithril armor and carried a pair of well-crafted picks in his belt. Following him was a tall, lean woman dressed in Islander fashion, but with a heavy shawl as well. There were a couple of Quill in the entourage as well. A couple of teenagers travelled with them, wearing fashion that was could only be described as scandalously Woodwind. As the crowd and their minders were distracted by the reptiles plummeting from they sky, they quickly disappeared into the crowd.

The woman waited until the Guilder delegation introduced themselves, then made their way forward. “Move it, you overgrown pair o’ boots” She groused at several of the lizards.

She struggled to do a slight bow, “King Krama, Queen Anguri, Greetings! The AQUA delegation is honored to attend your games.”

King Krama welcomed the Islanders and offered them food and drink. Anguri did a double take. “Mama Ginger?” A huge grin broke over her as she threw her purple arms around the matron. “Ginger! I have grown since you saw me last. How fare our Cousins?”

Woah woah woah! I just realized I've got an 18 year old woman in need of a husband (or a wife). She's the eldest daughter of the heirs to the Twin Thrones. Any takers?

[Aedilred]

A
Jacob raised his eyebrows. “Ah, I await this demonstration eagerly! Please, have you had refreshment?” The Raaneki attendants--was it possible to be lurid in winter garb?--brought over a crystal goblet of deep red wine. “Have you ever tasted our Heartwine before?”


"No, never. I have heard of it, of course, but it's hard enough even to get Salterri wine in Jarrland, so most of what we drink is beer." He tried the wine, then peered at it more closely. "I say, that's very good!"

[QuintonBeck]

Anguri grimaced. “Even Ayava knows the sun’s light, but Raaneka is worst of all.” Our people starve. Starving, they die. “As you say: let us not dwell.” Her electric blue eyes stared out from a deep purple face upon the crowd. It teemed with excitement from the arrival of the Guilderenes, and with good reason. The pterids had stirred her from her melancholy that nothing had for months. Competition had come to Raaneka, and she would test herself against them. “Which athletes have you brought? The Raaneki are eager for sport.”

Whoops! I edited my post accordingly.

As for Heartwine... I'm not sure where it stands. I had been assuming that it counts as food (the berries that make it are, anyway), so it might not be available this round. Of course, any sensible person would have saved some for their wine cellar, so it might not count? Eh, I'm gonna beg for forgiveness on this one. :smalltongue:

You're exactly right about the tech: the "good stuff" in this case is Heartwine, while the actual "Heartwine" resource would be any and all varietals (the name is officially misleading... guess I'll be changing that!).


"Only ourselves I'm afraid," she gestured to herself and her husband beside her, "Most of our soldiers who might compete as athletes are...keeping the peace. I regret we may not be able to participate in but the lightest activities and those that do not require a team. It seems it may never come to pass that the Ignato Empire attends a Raaneki game truly for by the time of the next we shall have fully embraced the Triumvirate, but I assure you we shall make sure the Triumvirate will be represented at every game that is held and we physically capable of attending."

She smiled and sipped the Heartwine which seemed to cool her down in this warm winter.

[lt_murgen]

King Krama welcomed the Islanders and offered them food and drink. Anguri did a double take. “Mama Ginger?” A huge grin broke over her as she threw her purple arms around the matron. “Ginger! I have grown since you saw me last. How fare our Cousins?”

Woah woah woah! I just realized I've got an 18 year old woman in need of a husband (or a wife). She's the eldest daughter of the heirs to the Twin Thrones. Any takers?

She gave Anguri a classic old-lady hug, "Anguri, I would sooner forget my own face than fail to recognize yours. How proud I am of all you have accomplished."

"Amber is leading the Jeweled City Fleet to Cassia, to allow Cedrick to withdraw peacefully. Evey is working her butt off trying to redo our trades so the AQUA can help out. Speaking of which..." Ginger waved her can angrily "Get up here, girl! Give the nice young lady the papers.."

Feather, the air shaman accompanying the old woman, introduced herself and handed over some formal letters.

Ignoring the woman, Ginger continued in a raspy voice, "Lots of details, but it says "dont worry about the wine, and we've got some food to spare."

Looking around, he spotted Humperdink. "Humpy, you old fart! You're still alive? And flyin' round on those slimy bird? Absol-freakin-amazing! I've got to introduce you to my grandchildren..."

Before she could cause an international incident, the dwarf cut in. He looked like he would fit in with any Radazzi group, anywhere. "Thrustone Howell, Regent. So glad to meet you at last."

"Dammit! Where did those two get off to? Lousy fourteen year olds...."


The letter says they understand completely the needs faced by this crisis, so not shipping wine is certainly not a problem.
It also lets you know that both Tar and the Jeweled Cities are greatly concerned about this crisis, and wish to assist you in any way you wish.
To that end, they offer shipments of meat from Tar and fruit from the Jeweled Cities to assist in feeding your people. This offer is for 10 years, and asks for nothing in return.
Additionally, they understand that heat is the hardest on the old and infirm. So, they offer to open up the islands for as many refugees as wish to relocate.

[Aedilred]

"Dammit! Where did those two get off to? Lousy fourteen year olds...."

"The more I see of your family, Lady Grant," Mere said with a straight face, "the more it seems Tempest was the well-behaved one." Continuing quickly before the inevitable retaliation, "I'm sure they can't be getting into too much trouble-" his ability to say that with a poker face really was remarkable- "but I'm sure my brother would welcome an excuse to wander off if you want me to send him looking for them. I'm sure he'd make a thorough search of every tavern in town, at least."

Turning to the Doge, he bowed slightly. "Doge Humperdink, I don't believe we've met, but I know you by sight and reputation, and it's a pleasure to see you again."

[SamBurke]

Anguri grimaced. “Even Ayava knows the sun’s light, but Raaneka is worst of all.” Our people starve. Starving, they die. “As you say: let us not dwell.” Her electric blue eyes stared out from a deep purple face upon the crowd. It teemed with excitement from the arrival of the Guilderenes, and with good reason. The pterids had stirred her from her melancholy that nothing had for months. Competition had come to Raaneka, and she would test herself against them. “Which athletes have you brought? The Raaneki are eager for sport.”
"Ah, yes. They do love an entrance." says the Doge, "No matter how many times I tell them that gigantic bireme-sized flying monsters will terrify the women, those Maians never listen... But, they are most certainly good at their competition. Athletes, you know, every one of 'em, feisty and hard-headed. Best I've ever seen." He adds, "Though I don't remember the last games well enough to compare to your people, of course."


King Krama welcomed the Islanders and offered them food and drink. Anguri did a double take. “Mama Ginger?” A huge grin broke over her as she threw her purple arms around the matron. “Ginger! I have grown since you saw me last. How fare our Cousins?”

Woah woah woah! I just realized I've got an 18 year old woman in need of a husband (or a wife). She's the eldest daughter of the heirs to the Twin Thrones. Any takers?

Inigo is young, single, and we still haven't gotten Raneeka and Guilder married together. What say you?




Turning to the Doge, he bowed slightly. "Doge Humperdink, I don't believe we've met, but I know you by sight and reputation, and it's a pleasure to see you again."

"Indeed, it is! How goes the ways of the Imperium? I am sad to say we do not hear much from them."

[Aedilred]

"Indeed, it is! How goes the ways of the Imperium? I am sad to say we do not hear much from them."
"Oh, the usual politics and factionalism, of course, but mostly the same as ever. The Salterri are a conservative people and do not take to change quickly, but Qzare Wandao seems keen to open ties with the north - but slowly, of course. I only hope the conflict in the west does not set back relations too far."


Woah woah woah! I just realized I've got an 18 year old woman in need of a husband (or a wife). She's the eldest daughter of the heirs to the Twin Thrones. Any takers?
If you don't go for Inigo, Mere's brother Edwyrd is 24 and single. He's currently... fourth in line to the throne, iirc, but the stupid way my succession works has a reasonable chance of being king one day.

[WaylanderX]

It was a rough flight. The insects were used to heat, but even they were suffering in this unnatural blaze. The deligation was small this time, only consisting of Nyllana,Wayve and her. Grïend had insisted to come as wel, to "defend his title". However, no insect was strong enough to carry the Menhîrin, so he travelled to the Games by hovercraft.

Haruka sighed, her life was flipped upside down since her mother had gained control over Tekorva. She hadn't spoken to Valineth aswel in a long long time. "Is she still oke?" She wondered. It wouldn't surprise her if she was angry at her aunt or her mother.

She was quite intregued by the Games, never having been there before. However, she suspected an alterior motive behind her aunt requesting her presence and the twinkle in her mothers eyes when she urged her to go and "have some fun and let your eyes feast upon the exotic ...wares present there". She knew what her mother meant and agreed that it was about time she let her eyes feast indeed on the more...exotic wares. Though that didn't meant she liked it straight of the bat. And she would have to be carefull. Exotic goods require a lot of.....inspection. A small smile formed around her lips. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad afterall.

Meanwhile, Wayve was thinking about other matters. The day before, he had a long conversation with his mother about his choice of bride and to say the least, mother did not like it very much. However, Wayve thought it could bring good relations and trading benefits to the Hurosha Empire and above all, his own luck and happiness. He had wrote down a list of agreements so that if he would come across her, he could ask her to marry him immediately and figure out the future of their nations.

And so they arrived at the Raaneki Games. The people present at the landing site saw a group of huge insects flying down towards them, one giant moth, the mount of Nyllana, one giant mantid, the mount of Wayve and one dragonfly, Haruka's mount. They were accompanied by two guards, tasked with caring for the beasts and a dozen huge, fifteen meter long beetles, each carrying a huge huge package of crates under them. Their low buzzing was nearly deafening. When they dropped the crates, they flew off towards home once again. All of the remaining Hurosha visitors, including Haruka and Nyllana, were only sparsely dressed, still adequate for etiquete, but slightly more revealing than usual to counter the heat. They placed the mounts under strict supervision of the guards and approached the Raaneki rulers. Nyllana spoke to her the pair:

"Prowess to both of you, Queen and King of Raaneka, we have come once again to partake in friendly competition with all of the countries of Telluris. However, that is not the only thing we bring."

Nyllana gestured to the crates.

"We bring goat meat, bred in Keldagrim and fresh squid, caught in the Sea of Darkness of Shikurai. We have heard that the other countries of the Central Continent are cooping with the same troubles we have. However, Hurosha is lucky to have underground areas where animals are bred in safety from the blazing sun. I hope you can use them to bring happiness among the visitors of the Games."


*Day 2*

Grïend arrives at the duelling area, looking for an opponent.

OOC: Who wants to duel Grïend?!

Marriage:
Haruka is unwed still, a Tekorva-Cloudiz hybrid, she is 30 years old and has gills and wings. Note that due to her Cloudiz blood, she looks around 20 years old at the moment.
Wayve, my heir, is currently unwed, but I have some good plans for him. You are always welcome to try and seduce him however and providing me a better deal. Who knows.

Trade:
Due to Shikurai and Keldagrim both being situated underground, their food resources are still in use and able to be exported. I have 3 stacks of goats and 1 stack of squid for highest bidder. Also, I also have 3 stacks of gold, 3 stacks of iron and 1 stack of brass for trade. And if you really want, I could trade one or two techs, but would require a very very good deal.

[QuintonBeck]

It was a rough flight. The insects were used to heat, but even they were suffering in this unnatural blaze. The deligation was small this time, only consisting of Nyllana,Wayve and her. Grïend had insisted to come as wel, to "defend his title". However, no insect was strong enough to carry the Menhîrin, so he travelled to the Games by hovercraft.

Haruka sighed, her life was flipped upside down since her mother had gained control over Tekorva. She hadn't spoken to Valineth aswel in a long long time. "Is she still oke?" She wondered. It wouldn't surprise her if she was angry at her aunt or her mother.

She was quite intregued by the Games, never having been there before. However, she suspected an alterior motive behind her aunt requesting her presence and the twinkle in her mothers eyes when she urged her to go and "have some fun and let your eyes feast upon the exotic ...wares present there". She knew what her mother meant and agreed that it was about time she let her eyes feast indeed on the more...exotic wares. Though that didn't meant she liked it straight of the bat. And she would have to be carefull. Exotic goods require a lot of.....inspection. A small smile formed around her lips. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad afterall.

Meanwhile, Wayve was thinking about other matters. The day before, he had a long conversation with his mother about his choice of bride and to say the least, mother did not like it very much. However, Wayve thought it could bring good relations and trading benefits to the Hurosha Empire and above all, his own luck and happiness. He had wrote down a list of agreements so that if he would come across her, he could ask her to marry him immediately and figure out the future of their nations.

And so they arrived at the Raaneki Games. The people present at the landing site saw a group of huge insects flying down towards them, one giant moth, the mount of Nyllana, one giant mantid, the mount of Wayve and one dragonfly, Haruka's mount. They were accompanied by two guards, tasked with caring for the beasts and a dozen huge, fifteen meter long beetles, each carrying a huge huge package of crates under them. Their low buzzing was nearly deafening. When they dropped the crates, they flew off towards home once again. All of the remaining Hurosha visitors, including Haruka and Nyllana, were only sparsely dressed, still adequate for etiquete, but slightly more revealing than usual to counter the heat. They placed the mounts under strict supervision of the guards and approached the Raaneki rulers. Nyllana spoke to her the pair:

"Prowess to both of you, Queen and King of Raaneka, we have come once again to partake in friendly competition with all of the countries of Telluris. However, that is not the only thing we bring."

Nyllana gestured to the crates.

"We bring goat meat, bred in Keldagrim and fresh squid, caught in the Sea of Darkness of Shikurai. We have heard that the other countries of the Central Continent are cooping with the same troubles we have. However, Hurosha is lucky to have underground areas where animals are bred in safety from the blazing sun. I hope you can use them to bring happiness among the visitors of the Games."


*Day 2*

Grïend arrives at the duelling area, looking for an opponent.

OOC: Who wants to duel Grïend?!

Marriage:
Haruka is unwed still, a Tekorva-Cloudiz hybrid, she is 30 years old and has gills and wings. Note that due to her Cloudiz blood, she looks around 20 years old at the moment.
Wayve, my heir, is currently unwed, but I have some good plans for him. You are always welcome to try and seduce him however and providing me a better deal. Who knows.

Trade:
Due to Shikurai and Keldagrim both being situated underground, their food resources are still in use and able to be exported. I have 3 stacks of goats and 1 stack of squid for highest bidder. Also, I also have 3 stacks of gold, 3 stacks of iron and 1 stack of brass for trade. And if you really want, I could trade one or two techs, but would require a very very good deal.


Mira noted the arrival of her blooded great aunt, or was it just aunt now with Sharas being married to Yr? She smiled as she made her way towards the Empress after the conclusion of her talk with the Raaneki.

"Aunt Nyllana! I'm glad you made it!"

I'd like to set up something for 3 stacks of food or 2 if the demand from elsewhere is high. 1 to Grizzland, 1 to Hrathan-Tuor, and 1 to Nyroth (though that's the droppable one if the offers are just too good elsewhere) As for payment, I'm a bit thin on tradeable resources. I've got 1 unit of Saffron, 2 of Ginger, and really that's it. The rest is either food or tied up in trade. Of course, we're pretty close allies and I won't need the food shipments forever so maybe a deal for your ole pal?...:smallbiggrin:

[Aedilred]

Jarrland Demonstration Event!

The third Jarrland ship King Ujval eventually docked without ceremony, and those paying attention to the unloading of cargo rather than the events of the Games would have seen the crew carrying large and bulky items from the harbour to the area in front of the residence where Alfwyr and Athelmere were staying, supervised by the king's son Edwyrd. Meanwhile a wooden dais had been constructed in front of the house, and the objects brought from the ship placed on the dais, covered with cloth. Those attempting to get a closer look were warded off by Jarrland guards, although anyone making enquiries rather than just attemping to peer curiously were handed a small document promising that in the early evening there would be "A Demonstraytion of an Exceptionall Cunning Devyce." Invitations were also extended to all visiting heads of delegations as a matter of course.

At the appointed hour, around dusk, those interested arrived to find the dais occupied by four large covered objects, now illuminated by torchlight. A few seats had been set up in front of the dais so that heads of state could sit, but there was plenty of room to stand. Athelmere and Alfwyr welcomed those arriving who they had met previously, and greeted those they did not.

Eventually Edwyrd took to the stage. "My lords, ladies and... anyone else passing," he called, "thank you for coming to our demonstration. For those of you who don't know me, I am Edwyrd, son of Athelmark king of the Jarrs, and I am here on behalf of my father to tell you about developments in his kingdom.

"Many of you will know that the king has made it a goal of his reign to improve standards of literacy across the kingdom, and I am pleased to tell you that this programme is very nearly complete. Already everybody born since my father's coronation is able to read and write to a basic standard, and progress is continuing quickly among older generations. Before long, the king hopes that the expertise of his subjects will prove of use to other realms as well as his own.

"But what, the king believes, is the point of learning to read, if there is nothing to read?" Edywrd strode across the dais, clearly enjoying himself, and Athelmere chuckled at his brother's sense of theatricality. "For centuries, written materials have been produced by hand. They have been few in number, they have been expensive, and many of them have in all honesty been very boring! But all this is about to change in Jarrland, and we hope in your own realms too!"

With a flourish, he unveiled one of the large objects on the dais, revealing a wooden structure about eight feet high. There was a high frame filled with machinery, and below that a bench about as long as the device was tall. Those who had seen one before immediately recognised it a a printing press.

"This device is not new," Edwyrd continued, "and many of you may have seen one before. Indeed, I believe our generous hosts of Raaneka have possessed them for some years. But until now these machines have been kept hidden away and shared only reluctantly. My father believes it is time for this to change, and that Jarrland can help to prove instrumental in not just exporting literate persons to the world, but exporting literacy itself! These machines can turn out hundreds, if not thousands, of pages a day, limited only by the amount of paper, parchment and ink you have available.

"It is my father's hope that soon there will be one of these in every realm in Telluris, and to that end tonight we will be providing demonstrations of what these machines can accomplish, and, for what we believe is the first time, offering them for trade. Not only are we offering all the machines you see before you this evening, and a box of type, but we will also supply the plans to enable you to begin building more immediately. And if there is more demand than we have copies of the plans available..." he added with a shrug, then grinned, "well, we'll just print more!"

He stepped down from the dais, and Mere and Alfwyr walked over to clap him on the back. Meanwhile a couple of men moved forward to man the revealed press, carrying boxes of metal type and sheaves of parchment to demonstrate the press to anyone interested.

Anyone interested in trading for the printing press technology, let me know!

[Zap Dynamic]

"No, never. I have heard of it, of course, but it's hard enough even to get Salterri wine in Jarrland, so most of what we drink is beer." He tried the wine, then peered at it more closely. "I say, that's very good!"

Jacob nodded in approval. Calling Heartwine "very good" was perhaps akin to calling the Wave Stadium "pretty big," but Qarimosi emulated the waters they so loved: formless and flexible. "You will have to take a few casks home with you! Recent vintages have hardly weathered the heat, but there is enough quality wine in my cellars back in Qarta to share. I wish for all of my friends to enjoy the bliss of Bandari Heartwine."


"Only ourselves I'm afraid," she gestured to herself and her husband beside her, "Most of our soldiers who might compete as athletes are...keeping the peace. I regret we may not be able to participate in but the lightest activities and those that do not require a team. It seems it may never come to pass that the Ignato Empire attends a Raaneki game truly for by the time of the next we shall have fully embraced the Triumvirate, but I assure you we shall make sure the Triumvirate will be represented at every game that is held and we physically capable of attending."

She smiled and sipped the Heartwine which seemed to cool her down in this warm winter.

"Glory may shine brighter in war," Queen Anguri replied warmly, "but it is more nobly won here. I am glad that you will continue to attend, even if you can't compete this year." The Queen paused. She rarely spoke this much. "My mother and uncle told me tales of the famed Doomkhan. Perhaps you would watch the Games with me and my lovers? I would hear those tales again, if you would tell them."


She gave Anguri a classic old-lady hug, "Anguri, I would sooner forget my own face than fail to recognize yours. How proud I am of all you have accomplished."

"Amber is leading the Jeweled City Fleet to Cassia, to allow Cedrick to withdraw peacefully. Evey is working her butt off trying to redo our trades so the AQUA can help out. Speaking of which..." Ginger waved her can angrily "Get up here, girl! Give the nice young lady the papers.."

Feather, the air shaman accompanying the old woman, introduced herself and handed over some formal letters.

Ignoring the woman, Ginger continued in a raspy voice, "Lots of details, but it says "dont worry about the wine, and we've got some food to spare."

Looking around, he spotted Humperdink. "Humpy, you old fart! You're still alive? And flyin' round on those slimy bird? Absol-freakin-amazing! I've got to introduce you to my grandchildren..."

Before she could cause an international incident, the dwarf cut in. He looked like he would fit in with any Radazzi group, anywhere. "Thrustone Howell, Regent. So glad to meet you at last."

"Dammit! Where did those two get off to? Lousy fourteen year olds...."


The letter says they understand completely the needs faced by this crisis, so not shipping wine is certainly not a problem.
It also lets you know that both Tar and the Jeweled Cities are greatly concerned about this crisis, and wish to assist you in any way you wish.
To that end, they offer shipments of meat from Tar and fruit from the Jeweled Cities to assist in feeding your people. This offer is for 10 years, and asks for nothing in return.
Additionally, they understand that heat is the hardest on the old and infirm. So, they offer to open up the islands for as many refugees as wish to relocate.

The Queen's chest tightened as she read the letter. "I am... deeply moved," she said with a tear in her eye. "Truly, Raaneka knows no closer friends than in the Jeweled Cities." She thought of her own days as a ward to Jonas and Ginger, and of the dozens of Raaneki children who had warded on the islands since. Islanders were almost commonplace in Raaneka these days, and many of the painted folk knew dear friends and family in the Cities.

I accept! This is awesome. You rock. :smallbiggrin:

What gender are these grandkids?


"Ah, yes. They do love an entrance." says the Doge, "No matter how many times I tell them that gigantic bireme-sized flying monsters will terrify the women, those Maians never listen... But, they are most certainly good at their competition. Athletes, you know, every one of 'em, feisty and hard-headed. Best I've ever seen." He adds, "Though I don't remember the last games well enough to compare to your people, of course."



Inigo is young, single, and we still haven't gotten Raneeka and Guilder married together. What say you?


Laughter had been rare for the Adite family since the troubles brought on by famine and disease, but Anguri laughed heartily at the exchange between Humperdink and Ginger. It was just that time that her two nephews, Talvar Devdano and Tikta Satato II, scrambled past the dais after the Islander children. Neither of her nephews had quite reached fourteen years, but they were close enough in age to make no matter.

Shortly after they passed, King Krama approached. "Doge Humperdink, I have long wanted to meet you. My uncle, Tikta, told me of your feat at the Last Visitation. Most impressive!" He looked again to the Pterids. "You have a flair for entrances and exits, it seems! I am Krama Adite, King of Raaneka by my Queen's side. I have made it my life's work to bring the Maians and the Raaneki closer together. I am fast friends with many of them!"

Shortly behind Krama stood a young woman covered in ashy black dye from head to toe. Flowing white tattoos covered the dye on her neck, cheeks, and arms. She was not the slimmest or most attractive of the Raaneki, but she moved with serene grace. She cast a coquettish grin at Inigo and flashed a bit of her shoulder. Then she looked at Athelmere nearby and casually flashed a bit of leg. Well, it was "a bit" in Raaneka. The same displays in Guilder might have caused a raucous scandal, and they were likely to have given an Ashenite a heart attack.

Somewhere out in the crowd, a particularly loud Raaneki rose up onto the shoulders of his fellows. "Welcome to the Fourth Raaneki Games, *****es!"

Hmmm... two suitors... one prize... welcome to the Games indeed. :smallamused:


It was a rough flight. The insects were used to heat, but even they were suffering in this unnatural blaze. The deligation was small this time, only consisting of Nyllana,Wayve and her. Grïend had insisted to come as wel, to "defend his title". However, no insect was strong enough to carry the Menhîrin, so he travelled to the Games by hovercraft.

Haruka sighed, her life was flipped upside down since her mother had gained control over Tekorva. She hadn't spoken to Valineth aswel in a long long time. "Is she still oke?" She wondered. It wouldn't surprise her if she was angry at her aunt or her mother.

She was quite intregued by the Games, never having been there before. However, she suspected an alterior motive behind her aunt requesting her presence and the twinkle in her mothers eyes when she urged her to go and "have some fun and let your eyes feast upon the exotic ...wares present there". She knew what her mother meant and agreed that it was about time she let her eyes feast indeed on the more...exotic wares. Though that didn't meant she liked it straight of the bat. And she would have to be carefull. Exotic goods require a lot of.....inspection. A small smile formed around her lips. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad afterall.

Meanwhile, Wayve was thinking about other matters. The day before, he had a long conversation with his mother about his choice of bride and to say the least, mother did not like it very much. However, Wayve thought it could bring good relations and trading benefits to the Hurosha Empire and above all, his own luck and happiness. He had wrote down a list of agreements so that if he would come across her, he could ask her to marry him immediately and figure out the future of their nations.

And so they arrived at the Raaneki Games. The people present at the landing site saw a group of huge insects flying down towards them, one giant moth, the mount of Nyllana, one giant mantid, the mount of Wayve and one dragonfly, Haruka's mount. They were accompanied by two guards, tasked with caring for the beasts and a dozen huge, fifteen meter long beetles, each carrying a huge huge package of crates under them. Their low buzzing was nearly deafening. When they dropped the crates, they flew off towards home once again. All of the remaining Hurosha visitors, including Haruka and Nyllana, were only sparsely dressed, still adequate for etiquete, but slightly more revealing than usual to counter the heat. They placed the mounts under strict supervision of the guards and approached the Raaneki rulers. Nyllana spoke to her the pair:

"Prowess to both of you, Queen and King of Raaneka, we have come once again to partake in friendly competition with all of the countries of Telluris. However, that is not the only thing we bring."

Nyllana gestured to the crates.

"We bring goat meat, bred in Keldagrim and fresh squid, caught in the Sea of Darkness of Shikurai. We have heard that the other countries of the Central Continent are cooping with the same troubles we have. However, Hurosha is lucky to have underground areas where animals are bred in safety from the blazing sun. I hope you can use them to bring happiness among the visitors of the Games."


*Day 2*

Grïend arrives at the duelling area, looking for an opponent.

OOC: Who wants to duel Grïend?!

Marriage:
Haruka is unwed still, a Tekorva-Cloudiz hybrid, she is 30 years old and has gills and wings. Note that due to her Cloudiz blood, she looks around 20 years old at the moment.
Wayve, my heir, is currently unwed, but I have some good plans for him. You are always welcome to try and seduce him however and providing me a better deal. Who knows.

Trade:
Due to Shikurai and Keldagrim both being situated underground, their food resources are still in use and able to be exported. I have 3 stacks of goats and 1 stack of squid for highest bidder. Also, I also have 3 stacks of gold, 3 stacks of iron and 1 stack of brass for trade. And if you really want, I could trade one or two techs, but would require a very very good deal.


Queen and King welcomed the Huroshi and openly gawked at their gifts. "Such generosity!" exclaimed King Krama. "We have heard your own lands suffer from this heat as well. Raaneka will not forget this kindness!"

As they carried on with formalities, a pair of women made their way over to where Haruka was standing. The first was slender and classically beautiful, with hair and tattoos of the same purple-black shade. Her arms were dyed green to the elbow. The second, the more robust of the two, had hair the color of spring grass. Her brown tattoos charted an abrupt course over her blue-dyed skin. Both of them wore skirts and shawls, but didn't seem to care whether they covered anything with them. "Greetings," the purple-haired woman said. "I am Hansi Devdano, First Vintner of Raaneka. This is my wife, Krodhi," the two women were fascinated by Haruka's wings. "Forgive us, but we have only heard tales of the Cloudiz. You are gifted and wondrous beyond measure! Welcome to the Fourth Raaneki Games!"

In which direction does Haruka's door swing? :smalltongue:


Jarrland Demonstration Event!

The third Jarrland ship King Ujval eventually docked without ceremony, and those paying attention to the unloading of cargo rather than the events of the Games would have seen the crew carrying large and bulky items from the harbour to the area in front of the residence where Alfwyr and Athelmere were staying, supervised by the king's son Edwyrd. Meanwhile a wooden dais had been constructed in front of the house, and the objects brought from the ship placed on the dais, covered with cloth. Those attempting to get a closer look were warded off by Jarrland guards, although anyone making enquiries rather than just attemping to peer curiously were handed a small document promising that in the early evening there would be "A Demonstraytion of an Exceptionall Cunning Devyce." Invitations were also extended to all visiting heads of delegations as a matter of course.

At the appointed hour, around dusk, those interested arrived to find the dais occupied by four large covered objects, now illuminated by torchlight. A few seats had been set up in front of the dais so that heads of state could sit, but there was plenty of room to stand. Athelmere and Alfwyr welcomed those arriving who they had met previously, and greeted those they did not.

Eventually Edwyrd took to the stage. "My lords, ladies and... anyone else passing," he called, "thank you for coming to our demonstration. For those of you who don't know me, I am Edwyrd, son of Athelmark king of the Jarrs, and I am here on behalf of my father to tell you about developments in his kingdom.

"Many of you will know that the king has made it a goal of his reign to improve standards of literacy across the kingdom, and I am pleased to tell you that this programme is very nearly complete. Already everybody born since my father's coronation is able to read and write to a basic standard, and progress is continuing quickly among older generations. Before long, the king hopes that the expertise of his subjects will prove of use to other realms as well as his own.

"But what, the king believes, is the point of learning to read, if there is nothing to read?" Edywrd strode across the dais, clearly enjoying himself, and Athelmere chuckled at his brother's sense of theatricality. "For centuries, written materials have been produced by hand. They have been few in number, they have been expensive, and many of them have in all honesty been very boring! But all this is about to change in Jarrland, and we hope in your own realms too!"

With a flourish, he unveiled one of the large objects on the dais, revealing a wooden structure about eight feet high. There was a high frame filled with machinery, and below that a bench about as long as the device was tall. Those who had seen one before immediately recognised it a a printing press.

"This device is not new," Edwyrd continued, "and many of you may have seen one before. Indeed, I believe our generous hosts of Raaneka have possessed them for some years. But until now these machines have been kept hidden away and shared only reluctantly. My father believes it is time for this to change, and that Jarrland can help to prove instrumental in not just exporting literate persons to the world, but exporting literacy itself! These machines can turn out hundreds, if not thousands, of pages a day, limited only by the amount of paper, parchment and ink you have available.

"It is my father's hope that soon there will be one of these in every realm in Telluris, and to that end tonight we will be providing demonstrations of what these machines can accomplish, and, for what we believe is the first time, offering them for trade. Not only are we offering all the machines you see before you this evening, and a box of type, but we will also supply the plans to enable you to begin building more immediately. And if there is more demand than we have copies of the plans available..." he added with a shrug, then grinned, "well, we'll just print more!"

He stepped down from the dais, and Mere and Alfwyr walked over to clap him on the back. Meanwhile a couple of men moved forward to man the revealed press, carrying boxes of metal type and sheaves of parchment to demonstrate the press to anyone interested.

Anyone interested in trading for the printing press technology, let me know!

An obviously drunk group of Raaneki men and women stumbled over to the demonstration. They eyed the machinery with dubious fascination. "I heard about these!" one said.

"Yeah, down Qarimos way!" said another.

"D'y'think...?" mumbled a third, clearly the most inebriated among them.

The fourth, a voluptuous woman of middle age, sauntered over to one of the Jarrs. She traced a lurid finger over his torso. "Could one'a these give me--*hic*--a new godana?"

((Competition post to follow in a few hours))

[QuintonBeck]

"Glory may shine brighter in war," Queen Anguri replied warmly, "but it is more nobly won here. I am glad that you will continue to attend, even if you can't compete this year." The Queen paused. She rarely spoke this much. "My mother and uncle told me tales of the famed Doomkhan. Perhaps you would watch the Games with me and my lovers? I would hear those tales again, if you would tell them."


"That's a sentiment my mother shares, it's why she's worked so long at peace, much the opposite of Great Grandfather," Mira laughed, "Though I suspect his tales are more intriguing to tell. I would be honored to join you and share a tale," Mira smiled and made to join the Raaneki woman.

[COLOR="#008080"]"I think I shall be out wandering," Andust said, "I shall see you when I return Mira, it was a pleasure Queen Anguri," he bowed his head respectfully and departed back to the crowd.

"Something you have to realize about these stories," Mira began, "Is that Grandfather tried to play down Great Grandfather's accomplishments and only recently has Mother has been more open with allowing tales of his deeds so their actual accuracy is disputed by some but they make fine tales. I know much of him, as much as is known by any, are there any tales in particular you were aching to hear?"

****************************

Andust quickly put distance between himself and the Raaneki platform. It wasn't a displeasure with the King and Queen, and though he and Mira had been at odds on the journey that had begun to dissipate, but he just couldn't help but feeling uncomfortable sitting around spinning tales of historic wars while his mother in law marched against a friend of his home nation in favor of southron Salterri trash. The Jarrland man had seemed decent, but he also didn't have the blood of thousands of innocents staining his hands directly like his master did. Just like that he was angry again. His sister had run off to Ashenia and practically joined the Toranath family, the Ignatos were dealing with the Salterri, and everything he had thought Celero and his allies had stood for was being undermined.

Just like that his blood was boiling again. He looked out at all the scantily clad Raaneki women, contemplating an avenue of release that wasn't likely to be traced back but his resolve was strong enough to resist it. His bout with the Jarrland Prince had helped for a time, perhaps he might tire himself out in the arena.

Anyone looking for a stressed 27 year old married Celerese turned Ignato noble to duel or...other here's your man.

[Aedilred]

Shortly behind Krama stood a young woman covered in ashy black dye from head to toe. Flowing white tattoos covered the dye on her neck, cheeks, and arms. She was not the slimmest or most attractive of the Raaneki, but she moved with serene grace. She cast a coquettish grin at Inigo and flashed a bit of her shoulder. Then she looked at Athelmere nearby and casually flashed a bit of leg. Well, it was "a bit" in Raaneka. The same displays in Guilder might have caused a raucous scandal, and they were likely to have given an Ashenite a heart attack.
If she was hoping for the Jarrland prince to be scandalised, she was to be disappointed. Eleven years in a relationship with a woman from the Cities had rendered Mere rather less easily shocked than most of his people. He raised an eyebrow and nodded politely, as if appreciating a piece of artwork or a fine wine, then turned back to Tempest and muttered something that made her giggle.

His brother, on the other hand, who was trying (and failing) not to stare too much at the Raaneki women, spotted her, blushed slightly and looked at the ground.


The fourth, a voluptuous woman of middle age, sauntered over to one of the Jarrs. She traced a lurid finger over his torso. "Could one'a these give me--*hic*--a new godana?"
The man coughed and tried to ignore the physical contact. "Well, it could, but really what these machines are good at is turning out lots of the same thing. You'd still need an artist to draw it, and to make that design in metal, probably do something to it to make the ink stay... it would probably be quicker to have an artist draw it on directly. Unless you wanted the same godana repeated several times for some reason, or several people wanted the same one, of course. Does that happen often?"

If anyone's up for a naval battle or archery challenge, let me know.

[lt_murgen]

I accept! This is awesome. You rock. :smallbiggrin:

What gender are these grandkids?

Currently, I have them as two amorphous blobs. But I think they should be boys... They are half Islander, half Quill, so I'm not sure about details.




If she was hoping for the Jarrland prince to be scandalised, she was to be disappointed. Eleven years in a relationship with a woman from the Cities had rendered Mere rather less easily shocked than most of his people. He raised an eyebrow and nodded politely, as if appreciating a piece of artwork or a fine wine, then turned back to Tempest and muttered something that made her giggle.

Tempest yelled toward the woman "Sorry! No matter how much I try to get him to visit exotic ports, he loves his home harbor too much!" She laughed.

OOC: Islanders have no issues with dalliances of any sort.

[Aedilred]

Currently, I have them as two amorphous blobs. But I think they should be boys... They are half Islander, half Quill, so I'm not sure about details.
When I did the big family tree I was tempted to add them as "Blob Grant"... but managed to resist :smalltongue:

[lt_murgen]

A Quill stepped into the stadium. At first glance, appeared as most Quill, dark skinned, lean and long of limb, with extensive tatoos. It is only upon closer inspection that one realizesd that those are not tattoos. His skin had a hard, woody, bark-like appearance. Large, golden irises dominate his eyes, with only the lightest hints of white.

Against Andust 9-12-9
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17394032&viewfull=1#post17394032

Against Grend 8-6-14 (using techniques in Codex)
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17396305&viewfull=1#post17396305


A thanks to Quinto for pointing this person out. Time to renew the cast of villians in the AQUA Senior Council
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?326407-EMPIRE!-A-World-Building-Game-of-People-amp-Discovery&p=16959465&viewfull=1#post16959465

[QuintonBeck]

A Quill stepped into the stadium. At first glance, appeared as most Quill, dark skinned, lean and long of limb, with extensive tatoos. It is only upon closer inspection that one realizesd that those are not tattoos. His skin had a hard, woody, bark-like appearance. Large, golden irises dominate his eyes, with only the lightest hints of white.

Against Andust 9-12-9
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17394032&viewfull=1#post17394032

Against Grend 8-6-14 (using techniques in Codex)
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17396305&viewfull=1#post17396305


A thanks to Quinto for pointing this person out. Time to renew the cast of villians in the AQUA Senior Council
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?326407-EMPIRE!-A-World-Building-Game-of-People-amp-Discovery&p=16959465&viewfull=1#post16959465

Andust had arrived back at the dueling grounds only a moment before when he noticed the appearance of a strange being. It was a man, but more like a man shaped tree... He didn't know what this creature was but he challenged Andust to a duel and that was what Andust had been looking for so he gave him what they both were craving.

Against Bark 12-7-15 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17396375#post17396375)

The man tree may have looked tough but Andust had trounced him in the end, even with a somewhat cocky loss by the Celerese man in the second round. After their bout Andust approached his opponent to investigate who this stranger was.

"Say friend, I don't think we spoke before we started slashing at each other with sabers, I can't say I recognize you, from where do you hail?"

Oooh, I get to battle Bark Skin McGoldeneyes!

[Aedilred]

With Mere having been told in no uncertain terms not to go accepting any more challenges on behalf of the King, the Qzare, Jarrland or the Imperium in general, any gods, any specific hemispheres, or any other relatives (although, he determined, that clearly didn't include himself and his wife), the duelling field was left as the domain of the man who was actually there to fight duels on behalf of other people.

Marrik Sunder will have a crack at the Quill, and, after some deliberation about how exactly he's supposed to defeat a 20ft crystal monster, Grïend. Fighting Fling style as in the Scrolls against both:


10, 12, 6 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17396489&viewfull=1#post17396489)


7, 13, 14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17396489&viewfull=1#post17396489)

[lt_murgen]

"Say friend, I don't think we spoke before we started slashing at each other with sabers, I can't say I recognize you, from where do you hail?"


OOC: I had written a challenge line, but I failed to copy it correctly….

"I am Tupelo Cornus, though everyone calls me 'Freak'. I am Quill, though only by birth, as they will not claim those who are deformed." He gestured to his skin and eyes. "You fight very well, it was an honor to duel you." His eyes said something different, far more cold and calculating.


Against Marrik
13, 6, 14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17396709&viewfull=1#post17396709)

Tupelo takes the first and third passes, for the win!


Tempest hadnt been all that interested in the duels, but 'Mere insisted on watching his countryman fight. What she saw terrified her. She tried to get down to the dueling ground, but only arrived after it was over. She pulled Marrik aside, looking frightened "You fool! You're lucky he didn't kill you!" Seeing the puzzled look on Marrik's face, Tempest explained, "Freak is a murderer and thug. He and his band of Deceivers kill any non-Quill they find in the Blackadder forest. What in the nine hells is he doing here? With my grandmother?"


If I win something, I'll write a fluff piece on it.
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17394032&viewfull=1#post17394032
arts contest (2d6+5)[16]

caragita 1 (2d6+3)[15]
caragita 2 (2d6+3)[12]
caragita 3 (2d6+3)[10]
caragita 4 (2d6+3)[13]


mounted- mammoths again! 1 (2d6+3)[13]
mounted 2 (2d6+3)[10]
mounted 3 (2d6+3)[11]

ranged
ranged 1 (2d6+3)[11]
ranged 2 (2d6+3)[10]
ranged 3 (2d6+3)[11]

HOT BUTTERED DAMN I got some good rolls!

[Aedilred]

Tempest hadnt been all that interested in the duels, but 'Mere insisted on watching his countryman fight. What she saw terrified her. She tried to get down to the dueling ground, but only arrived after it was over. She pulled Marrik aside, looking frightened "You fool! You're lucky he didn't kill you!" Seeing the puzzled look on Marrik's face, Tempest explained, "Freak is a murderer and thug. He and his band of Deceivers kill any non-Quill they find in the Blackadder forest. What in the nine hells is he doing here? With my grandmother?"
"We're not in the Blackadder," Mere said, hoping to calm her down. "This is a public arena, and the city's full of non-Quill. Surely he wouldn't be reckless enough to kill someone this openly?"

"Well he wasn't holding back, that's for sure," Marrik said, acknowledging Tempest's point. "But I don't think he was planning to kill. Fortunately, the way I fight, milady, in a duel to the death, even if your opponent gets first touch, you're still odds-on to cut him in half. I tired myself out in the first two rounds, true, but if he'd gone for the kill in the third I think I could still have taken him with me."

"Well that's reassuring," Mere muttered. "I'm sure that two deaths in the arena is even more acceptable than one." He turned back to Tempest. "Maybe you should ask your grandmother if he came with her. He might have made his own way here, in which case... well, at least you'd have a better idea what's going on."

[QuintonBeck]

OOC: I had written a challenge line, but I failed to copy it correctly….

"I am Tupelo Cornus, though everyone calls me 'Freak'. I am Quill, though only by birth, as they will not claim those who are deformed." He gestured to his skin and eyes. "You fight very well, it was an honor to duel you." His eyes said something different, far more cold and calculating.


((No worries, it just makes him more mysterious and angry seeming haha))

"And you..." Andust answered carefully as he looked the strange man over.

He'd heard the Quill were a rather...harsh people. In truth he was surprised this man hailing from the region had survived infancy considering their practices. There'd been talk by some of going in there and straightening them out but Celero wasn't much of one to play world police and considering the actions Calorum's priesthood pursued it was deemed a little hypocritical to demand fairer standards from a further nation.

"I guess you learn to fight growing up in a place like that, person like you?" Andust prodded as he removed bits of armor.

Normally one would leave it on if they were planning on another duel but the heat made it less reasonable to do so. Andust imagined he'd be making this change in and out a few more times this day alone.

[Zap Dynamic]

Day Three, the Great Stadium at Sarab

The rain had stopped on the afternoon of the first day. It raised spirits until the heat returned in earnest. Even in winter, more than a few Raaneki could be seen walking unclad through the side streets of Sarab. It was a city perched on the divide between the upper and lower Berrylands. Just north beyond the city gates, the Great Stadium was raised to frame the competition with a view of the Mountains of Dis to the north, and the land falling away into the Lower Berrylands and beyond to the sea.

Sir Bapa Adite, son and only child of Queen Anguri and King Krama, strode out onto the field a different man than many of the foreigners remembered. Once, he had carried his childhood weight into manhood. Even at six feet tall, he had been stocky until his trip to Wenyavuk. His white tattoos fanned out over that Raaneki giant's tanned skin, devoid of any dye. There was no hair on his head, only knicks and scars from years spent as a warrior and adventurer with his wives. His musclebound arms were striped like a tiger from Wenyavuk in the north.

"Who has come to Raaneka for sport? Who thinks themselves superior to Raaneki glory? Come! Let us find out!"

He wielded the Vineyard Spear with power and agility, resplendent in mithral breastplate and red silk armor. He was ferocious and cunning in combat.

Arts (Calaki Serendel and Dacari Devdano, Qarimosi song & dance): 12

Caragita (Sir Bapa): 9/12/10/11 (42)

Duel:
- vs. Cornus: 15/13/9
- vs. Marrik: 12/16/11
- vs. Griend 7/14/14
- vs. Andust 12/14/14

Mass Melee (Sir Bapa, Patari, Sir Ghor, Sir Teja): 12/13/20
- Instead of best w/l/d ratio, victory in the Melee goes to best overall. Hopefully this won't be a cluster...

Mounted Race (Sir Bapa upon a Crimar Horse): 36

Naval Battle (Jacob Serendel & fleet): 12/14/14
- Note: Like the Mass Melee, this will be "best overall wins."

Ranged (Alara Sacco): 11/13/9


Rolls. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17397294&viewfull=1#post17397294)

[Aedilred]

Marrik strode out to face Bapa in the arena. The muscle-bound Raaneki was an imposing sight, taller even than the Jarrlander, his young body already showing signs of a lifetime of battle experience. The lean, wiry forester, now well into his forties, looked like a darker shadow of his youthful opponent as they went through the salutes. But Marrik had not earned his reputation as the greatest swordsman in Jarrland merely on the back of his father's accomplishments, and following his earlier defeat against the Quill, seemed to feel he had a point to prove. As soon as the bout started, he was moving like a man twenty years younger, his long arms and long sword seeming to equal the reach of Bapa's spear, even as he slid out of the way of the thrusts of the weapon's tip. He took a narrow victory in the first, one Bapa immediately equalled with a lightning jab in the second that no man could have prevented. But the third round went Marrik's way, his great sword parrying the spear and somehow turning it into a slash at the throat. Had the weapons not been blunted, and had he put all his force behind it, it would likely have taken Bapa's head off, but as it was, a light bruise on the collarbone was all he got. As Marrik congratulated Bapa on a bout well fought, the result was announced. 2-1 to the foreign king's champion, and a degree of self-respect returned to Jarrland swordsmanship.


Marrik vs Bapa
13, 12, 13

And for other events:

Arts contest: 12
Caragita: 12, 11, 6, 12

Rolls (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17397437&viewfull=1#post17397437)

[QuintonBeck]

It had been a couple days since his conversation with the bark skinned Quill and Andust was back at the arena. His wife was off making trade deals or sharing more wine with the Raaneki King and Queen and Andust had to find his own entertainment. He'd been watching a few unofficial sparring matches taking place on the sidelines between sets of scantily clad Raaneki women warriors when a giant of a man, covered in white paint stepped into a quickly dominated the center of the arena. The issued challenge excited Andust but a Jarrlander, not the one he'd beaten two days prior, beat him to the punch and went a bout with the Raaneki giant.

Andust tried to watch the Raaneki's moves and figure them out as he planned to enter the round next but he found himself distracted by the earlier sparring women and the fact that the Jarrlander seemed quite capable of outdoing the giant man. When their bout concluded Andust was already entering the arena.

"I shall see myself tested against Raaneki glory," he said, grinning at the giant man and preparing himself for a battle.


8
12
12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17397716&viewfull=1#post17397716)

Andust's ears were still ringing from one of the blows the Raaneki had gotten on him early on in the fight. The Raaneki had opened very strongly and though Andust had recovered enough to hold out some as it went on there was no denying he'd been dominated and manhandled by the Raaneki warrior.

Andust thanked the man in earnest before heading to the sidelines to return to his now much preferred activity of watching the female sparring matches.

[lt_murgen]

AQUA makes sure that Guilder gets the copy of the formulae for pitch, as promised at the party a few years ago (gift of Pitch technology)
They also provide an update on ‘the project’ (not much- I haven’t asked Morph for an update and I think we are only on round 4 if he is considering this a gret project of some sort).
Lastly, they inquire if they can acknowledge what they have learned about hovercrafts (thus offically getting the technology)






*SNIP*


Tupelo pursed his lips "You learn quickly to survive means something or someone else doesn't. That's nature's way." He seemed to be repeating a mantra almost. Beyond that, he seems to be trying to calm down, and is not very communicative.


During the event, the AQUA delegates present a letter. In essence, if offers a gift of 2 stacks of fruit for 10 years to help alleviate the famine in your area. It also offers to relocate the elderly and infirm to the islands should they wish. Lastly, they request that the Ignato Empire consider allowing AQUA to build another port city, perhaps in Aloren. Aloren has a wild, rocky coast of small villages and seems unsuited to a large port. But AQUA has the expertise make it happen. The Emerald City has been a boon for everyone. Nothing formal needs to be discussed now, it is just a suggestion."




My streak continues 15-15-12
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17398681&viewfull=1#post17398681

As the duels went on, Tupelo seemed to be getting stronger and more agressive. When fighting Bapa, it was clear that the man had trained extensively in the Jeweled Cities techniques for turning an opponents momentum against them. He also used his long, strong arms to his advantage. On the last pass, he seemed to be visibly struggling against... something.

After the duel, another Quill rushed out to Tupelo. He was on the short side of the race, and dressed in the simple robes of one of their scholars. He scooped something off the gro

und that Tupelo had dropped during the fight. It seemed to be a black cloth of some kind. Quickly, he escorted Freak off of the combat field.




He turned back to Tempest. "Maybe you should ask your grandmother if he came with her. He might have made his own way here, in which case... well, at least you'd have a better idea what's going on."

That opportunity did not come until the end of day 4. Ginger, Thrustone, and the Shaman Feather held a dinner for Tempest, Athlemere and his family.
It was a fun cordial dinner, which much laughter and small talk. Ginger, despite being well into her 80s, was as fiesty as ever. She possessed a quick mind and sharp wit, and held no man in awe. This was her last official act, she was retiring from everything.

Thrustone was retiring as well. He had spent nearly 100 years as a fugitive from his people. It was time to return home and face judgement. Oddly, he seemed happy about it. He explained that it was Evelyn who counciled him to return. Her experience as an exile taught her the value of facing the demons of hearth and home.

Eventually the topic did turn to Tupelo. Tempest could not help herself. “Gi Gi, why is did you bring that thug?”

“Didn’t have a choice, clownfish. Freak and Geek have built quite a following amongst the Quill. Yea, the Decievers have been brutal on non-Quill in the Blackadder, but many Quill see them as folk heroes. And Geek, he’s got a mind like a barracuda tooth. Could give my Jonas a run for his money…” She trailed off, turning melancholy.

Tempest leaned her head on Ginger’s arm. “I still miss him to, Gi Gi”

The Shaman Feather spoke up. “The pair have the proxies of the Chars, and backing of the Quill Elder Council. They have seats on the Senior Council.”

That snapped Tempest’s head up. “They're COUNCIL? Mama let that happen?”

Feather replied sourly, “She had little choice. The vote was a tie until Junior Black sided with them.” Knowing that villian Samhell Bellami Junior made it happen seemed to answer Tempest’s questions for the time being.

[QuintonBeck]

Tupelo pursed his lips "You learn quickly to survive means something or someone else doesn't. That's nature's way." He seemed to be repeating a mantra almost. Beyond that, he seems to be trying to calm down, and is not very communicative.


During the event, the AQUA delegates present a letter. In essence, if offers a gift of 2 stacks of fruit for 10 years to help alleviate the famine in your area. It also offers to relocate the elderly and infirm to the islands should they wish. Lastly, they request that the Ignato Empire consider allowing AQUA to build another port city, perhaps in Aloren. Aloren has a wild, rocky coast of small villages and seems unsuited to a large port. But AQUA has the expertise make it happen. The Emerald City has been a boon for everyone. Nothing formal needs to be discussed now, it is just a suggestion."

"Yeah, I guess it is." Andust said, moving away from the strange creature-person as quickly as he could after un-armoring himself.

What a strange fellow Andust thought to himself I thought most freaks ended up being avatars of some stripe or another. If that was the case what in the name of the Ancestor was this thing connected to?

The Ignato Empire, soon to be Triumvirate gladly accepts such an offer. Emerald City is a fine city and well loved by the people of Woodwind. If the Cities would deign to send 1 stack of fruit to Grizzland province and 1 to Hrathan-Tuor we would be more than happy to prepare for discussions regarding another AQUA port city in Aloren or any Province in the Triumvirate. Perhaps at such discussions the Shahidi Mkuu might attend as well as there are discussions she wishes to have with the AQUA Council.

[WaylanderX]

Grïend

Grïend vs Marrik

Result: 11-16-10 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399534&viewfull=1#post17399534)

Seeing an unknown warrior step towards him, Grïend readies himself for battle, slowly moving around his arms to find his proper balance for the fight. When the starting signal is given, he rushes forward, catching Marrik offguard. He sweeps him off his feet, confident in his victory. However, before he could finish the fight, Marrik places one last well aimed blow against Grïend's head. The fight is over, but it left Grïend with quite a headache.

"WELL...FOUGHT...STRANGER......YOUR PROWESS...IS GREAT INDEED." He rumbled, bowing politely before his opponent.

"MAY WE...SURVIVE...TO FIGHT AGAIN...ANOTHER DAY."

Grïend vs Tupelo

Result: 8-11-14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399534&viewfull=1#post17399534)

Eyeing the bark-skinned stranger, Grïend wondered what he could expect from a creature like this. He had seen alot of strange beings over the years, but none like this yet. He decided that he would have to go all out.

Hearing the starting signal, he took a defensive stance, to measure his opponent. A wise decision as he would soon find out. His opponent was stronger than he had imagined, coming towards him, weapon in a deadly arc towards his torso. He could just block it with his crystaline fist, sending an echo through the air. Knocking him back with a powerful blow, he charged at Tupelo, determined to gain the upper hand. He raised his fist in the air, punching down into the ground with devastating force, grazing the Quill. However, it was enough. Not wanting to fight any longer, Tupelo gave up. Grïend sat down onto the ground, exhausted from the fight. This had been a tough one, the toughest one he had seen in a long long time.

Grïend vs Bapa

Result: 15-17-16 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399576&viewfull=1#post17399576)

Seeing the drunk Raaneki before him, he pondered if he should accept this duel. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. It was after the singing began that he took on the Raaneki's challege. He would teach this Raaneki a lesson he would not soon forget.

After the start signal, he took a few big steps towards the Raaneki, while the latter swung his weapon at him in a lazy arc. He deflected the sword without any effect and he grabbed the partygoër. Seeing a barrel of Hearthwine nearby, he walked to it, turned the Raaneki upside down and threw him into the vat.

"I THINK...YOU SHOULD JUST...KEEP IT TO DRINKING."

The Raaneki resurfaced from his wine-bath, even more drunk than before. Grïend had won again. He was on a roll today.

Other contests:

Art (Kasumori Songwriters): 14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399534&viewfull=1#post17399534)
Caragita: 11-9-14-13 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399534&viewfull=1#post17399534)
Mounted Race: 8-13-14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399534&viewfull=1#post17399534)
Naval Battle: 11-10-10 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399534&viewfull=1#post17399534)


Haruka


Queen and King welcomed the Huroshi and openly gawked at their gifts. "Such generosity!" exclaimed King Krama. "We have heard your own lands suffer from this heat as well. Raaneka will not forget this kindness!"

As they carried on with formalities, a pair of women made their way over to where Haruka was standing. The first was slender and classically beautiful, with hair and tattoos of the same purple-black shade. Her arms were dyed green to the elbow. The second, the more robust of the two, had hair the color of spring grass. Her brown tattoos charted an abrupt course over her blue-dyed skin. Both of them wore skirts and shawls, but didn't seem to care whether they covered anything with them. "Greetings," the purple-haired woman said. "I am Hansi Devdano, First Vintner of Raaneka. This is my wife, Krodhi," the two women were fascinated by Haruka's wings. "Forgive us, but we have only heard tales of the Cloudiz. You are gifted and wondrous beyond measure! Welcome to the Fourth Raaneki Games!"

OOC for Zap Dynamic: I'll play along, lets see where this goes. She can swing both ways for now, at least for a while. :smallwink:

Haruka blussed at the attention from the other two women.

"T-t-thank you, my wings are nothing special, I can assure you. This is the first time I am in Raaneka aswell."

She looked at Wayve and Nyllana for help in this situation. Both of them smiled at her wickedly, a knowing, evil twinkle in their eyes.

"You should ask them to show you the games, Haruka." Wayve said. "I think they would show you around with....pleasure."

Nyllana nodded. "Indeed, my dear. Let them show you around. Maybe you'll even learn a thing or two."

There was something frightning about those words, although she couldn't lay her finger on it.

"Very well, I guess it couldn't hurt to ask." She turned to Hansi. "Could you show me around the games? I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with this place yet."


Nyllana

To the King and Queen of Raaneka

After sending Haruka on an undoubtedly very educative show-around, she turned towards the queen of the Raaneki.

"It is no problem, really. It wouldn't be the games without proper food, would it? I am glad Hurosha could help to make this a slightly bigger success."

To Mira

"Mira! I am glad to see you are well. How are things back home?"

Nyllana embraced her niece warmly.

I can manage 1 or 2 stacks of squid. Where do you want them? You don't need to trade for them, but I'll cancel the transport when the heat crisis is over.

[Zap Dynamic]

STANDINGS UPDATED - Griend leads the duel tournament, and--in a massive effort--Tupelo wrestled Griend to a standstill in the Caragita! Guilder has yet to field its famous athletes, and Raaneka waits for more competition in both the Melee and the Naval Battle! Who will claim the glory of victory? Who will become one of the champions of the Fourth Raaneki Games?!

Pre.S. - There was some confusion on my part with the standings. I think I overestimated Ignato's duels... everyone should check just to be sure.


"That's a sentiment my mother shares, it's why she's worked so long at peace, much the opposite of Great Grandfather," Mira laughed, "Though I suspect his tales are more intriguing to tell. I would be honored to join you and share a tale," Mira smiled and made to join the Raaneki woman.

[COLOR="#008080"]"I think I shall be out wandering," Andust said, "I shall see you when I return Mira, it was a pleasure Queen Anguri," he bowed his head respectfully and departed back to the crowd.

"Something you have to realize about these stories," Mira began, "Is that Grandfather tried to play down Great Grandfather's accomplishments and only recently has Mother has been more open with allowing tales of his deeds so their actual accuracy is disputed by some but they make fine tales. I know much of him, as much as is known by any, are there any tales in particular you were aching to hear?"

****************************

Andust quickly put distance between himself and the Raaneki platform. It wasn't a displeasure with the King and Queen, and though he and Mira had been at odds on the journey that had begun to dissipate, but he just couldn't help but feeling uncomfortable sitting around spinning tales of historic wars while his mother in law marched against a friend of his home nation in favor of southron Salterri trash. The Jarrland man had seemed decent, but he also didn't have the blood of thousands of innocents staining his hands directly like his master did. Just like that he was angry again. His sister had run off to Ashenia and practically joined the Toranath family, the Ignatos were dealing with the Salterri, and everything he had thought Celero and his allies had stood for was being undermined.

Just like that his blood was boiling again. He looked out at all the scantily clad Raaneki women, contemplating an avenue of release that wasn't likely to be traced back but his resolve was strong enough to resist it. His bout with the Jarrland Prince had helped for a time, perhaps he might tire himself out in the arena.

Anyone looking for a stressed 27 year old married Celerese turned Ignato noble to duel or...other here's your man.

The Queen was reclined on a cushion and could not return the bow, but saluted Andust with her goblet as he left. "Sport will relax him, I think."

Krama chimed in when Mira began speaking of the Doomkhan. "I have heard much of his glory, but most intriguing was his journey into the Salterri lands. I heard a wizard conjured him into a woman so he wouldn't be noticed?"

****************************

After a few impressive showings in the duel arena, Andust had no trouble attracting a gaggle of young Raaneki men and women. Three Raaneki women warriors in particular seemed practically glued to his side. "You did as well as you could against Sir Bapa!" said one, a short woman with brown godana stippled into countless swirls and patterns.

"Which tavern shall we find?" said a second, a sturdy woman with blue dye and lacy green godana.

"Oh!" the third exclaimed, wrapping her arm in Andust's. The wore only breeches and a band of leather across her chest, and was covered in broad red tattoos. "The Champions's Rest is perfect for you, darling." She gestured toward an opulent tavern on the edge of the Victor's Plaza, between statues of Grïend and a fierce orc warrior. "Shall we?"

Ask and ye shall receive. :smalltongue:


If she was hoping for the Jarrland prince to be scandalised, she was to be disappointed. Eleven years in a relationship with a woman from the Cities had rendered Mere rather less easily shocked than most of his people. He raised an eyebrow and nodded politely, as if appreciating a piece of artwork or a fine wine, then turned back to Tempest and muttered something that made her giggle.

His brother, on the other hand, who was trying (and failing) not to stare too much at the Raaneki women, spotted her, blushed slightly and looked at the ground.

The man coughed and tried to ignore the physical contact. "Well, it could, but really what these machines are good at is turning out lots of the same thing. You'd still need an artist to draw it, and to make that design in metal, probably do something to it to make the ink stay... it would probably be quicker to have an artist draw it on directly. Unless you wanted the same godana repeated several times for some reason, or several people wanted the same one, of course. Does that happen often?"

If anyone's up for a naval battle or archery challenge, let me know.

The woman with King Krama laughed at Tempest's remark. "He won't even dance in other ports?" She noticed the other Jarr paying exquisite attention to something at his feet and smirked. "No matter. I'll welcome any tall-masted ship." She glided over to Edwyrd, hips swaying succulently. They were almost the same age. "I've heard the Jarrow are descended from ancient elves." She cast a challenging look back at Inigo. "Can they dance?"

Jump on into that naval battle! Bring it on!
********************

The Raaneki woman guffawed with her comrades as the Jarr man blustered out his reply. "Indentical godana? How could this be, when each is placed on a unique person?" She moved closer, examining the printing press with interest. "But a temporary pressing? Aye, sounds right up my alley!" She gulped the last of the wine in her flagon and cast off her shawl, revealing huge... tracts of land. She couldn't tear her eyes from the tray of letters "Where should we put them? And what should we say?"

Sir Bapa's Duels
Sir Bapa had his mother's ferocity on the battlefield, but when each bout ended his father's easygoing nature shone through. "Well done!" he said to each opponent, win or lose. "In Raaneka, we believe everything should be done both sober and drunk. Have you ever tried our Battlewine?"

I don't want to roll these, but drunken duels could be a lot of fun to write out. Any takers?

[Aedilred]

Although he was well over forty, the almost childlike enthusiasm displayed by Lord Villem was infectious as he finally got the chance to test his new ships in battle - albeit an exhibition - against a genuine seafaring power. With his own favourite ship, the Queen Amber, back home, he took command of the navy's flagship, King Aesa, leaving Athelmere to command Lady Eirwynn and Tempest to helm King Ujval, which, now that the printing presses had been unloaded, looked rather sleeker and higher in the water than it had when it had arrived.

Despite the friendly nature of the fight, the sailors clambering over the rigging and rails were clearly taking this seriously. Most of them were Horwiks of Villem's own clan, and they knew how important this was to the new admiral.

9, 11, 16 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17400467&viewfull=1#post17400467)

And in the arena...

Jarrland was represented in the melee by Wulfrynn Cambra, quietly regarded as possibly the best swordsman in the kingdom, the king's half-cousin Eldin the Bastard, Prince Edwyrd, and, inevitably, Marrik Sunder. All of them fighting Fling style, it soon became apparent that none of them, with the sole exception of Eldin, had ever fought in a true battle. They fought as champions, as individuals, with little regard to the position of their fellows, and while their unconventional approach and the element of surprise gained them a narrow win in the first round over their Raaneki opponents, in the second round they were isolated and defeated individually, and by the third, their exertions were starting to take their toll, a brilliant performance from the Raaneki all but routing them.

Still, they acquitted themselves well enough, their glamorous display attracting a great deal of attention from the crowd, and Wulfrynn was apparently seen returning to his quarters after the bout accompanied by no fewer than three local women.

14, 11, 9 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17400467&viewfull=1#post17400467) (I forgot to add in the bonus for the Scrolls of Prowess style in the rolls post, but it doesn't make a difference).

Edit: Didn't see these!



The woman with King Krama laughed at Tempest's remark. "He won't even dance in other ports?" She noticed the other Jarr paying exquisite attention to something at his feet and smirked. "No matter. I'll welcome any tall-masted ship." She glided over to Edwyrd, hips swaying succulently. They were almost the same age. "I've heard the Jarrow are descended from ancient elves." She cast a challenging look back at Inigo. "Can they dance?"
"At least as well as any northerner," Edwyrd said quickly, without really thinking things through. Dimly he recalled that Mere and Tempest had met at a dance, so he must have been at least half-capable. These things ran in families, right? And then there was the swordsmanship, where his footwork had been commended. Besides, it wasn't like he'd never danced before. Just not formally. Or with anyone. Or sober. But there had to be a first time for anything, and he couldn't back down now...


The Raaneki woman guffawed with her comrades as the Jarr man blustered out his reply. "Indentical godana? How could this be, when each is placed on a unique person?" She moved closer, examining the printing press with interest. "But a temporary pressing? Aye, sounds right up my alley!" She gulped the last of the wine in her flagon and cast off her shawl, revealing huge... tracts of land. She couldn't tear her eyes from the tray of letters "Where should we put them? And what should we say?"
"Well, it can say anything you want. We probably want to use large letters, to reduce the list of smudging, so-" he measured out about a square foot with his hands -"given this much space, we could probably get a name, or a short phrase. I suppose," and here he brightened as an idea occurred to him, "you could commemorate an athlete who's particularly impressed you in the Games or you're hoping does well. It wouldn't last long, but the Games themselves are only short. And then you could wash it off at the end of the Games or if they disappoint you."


Sir Bapa had his mother's ferocity on the battlefield, but when each bout ended his father's easygoing nature shone through. "Well done!" he said to each opponent, win or lose. "In Raaneka, we believe everything should be done both sober and drunk. Have you ever tried our Battlewine?"
"Ah, there are many people in my family who would agree with you, Sir Bapa," Marrik smiled, "but I make it a rule never to fight drunk. In friendly bouts, it's too easy to injure someone, and in real ones, it'll get me killed. But I'm sure some of my cousins would gladly oblige you if you fancy a drunken spar."

[QuintonBeck]

To Syana

"Syana! I am glad to see you are well. How are things back home?"

Nyllana embraced her niece warmly.

I can manage 1 or 2 stacks of squid. Where do you want them? You don't need to trade for them, but I'll cancel the transport when the heat crisis is over.

"Stressed would be putting it lightly," she answered, "Mother is trying to keep peace as ever but using the army to do it and reopening old wounds with the UN in her attempt to patch the newer ones with the Salterri. Andust doesn't think it wise, I don't know what to think. I'd rather not discuss it if you don't mind," she said, rushing through her words and getting visibly nervous, "How is my sister-cousin Sharas? She writes often but it would do me good to hear of her from my own aunt."

AQUA is now taking care of the truly famined provinces, but 1 stack of squid to Nyroth would be greatly appreciated and of course I wouldn't ask it continued beyond the crisis. Thanks man! :smallbiggrin:


The Queen was reclined on a cushion and could not return the bow, but saluted Andust with her goblet as he left. "Sport will relax him, I think."

Krama chimed in when Mira began speaking of the Doomkhan. "I have heard much of his glory, but most intriguing was his journey into the Salterri lands. I heard a wizard conjured him into a woman so he wouldn't be noticed?"

Mira nodded at the Queen's comment, her own mind hoping it was true. Her husband had a fierce streak of wild Celerese blood, honorable but quick to action in cases where sometimes he ought not be. On the other hand it may just have been she was too slow to act... The king mercifully interrupted her thoughts.

"Ah yes!" she laughed and took a healthy sip of her wine, "Not too many people know this, but Great Grandfather did send a few letters back home while he was down south and what isn't covered in them travelers north have mentioned."

"But the woman thing," she smiled and sipped her wine again, "That's an interesting tale. See, the rulers who went down there, kind of reminds me of your fellows, the rulers who went down there went there because of the old Salterri's interactions with the north see? They had plans to seek vengeance on Lord Qing for being, by all accounts from the Sea Conference, a colossal prick. But they didn't want to bring bad tidings back on their home nations, rushing down there looking like an act of war so the first thing they did was pretend to be Cree merchants," she stopped to drink.

They adopted these, in great grandfather's words "ridiculous accents" and start to move around Saltie port cities trying to get information. That little Bucka Eljak ends up stealing everything they need though," she paused to laugh, "But the woman thing, the woman thing comes later. See, they finally get to where they're trying to go, Lord Qing's personal city or whatever, but foreigners aren't allowed inside see? So they can't be Cree merchants anymore, right? So what do they do? These world leaders get dressed up as a peasant family and great grandfather, you gotta understand he'd gone a bit loose in the head at this time, great grandfather dresses up like a local Saltie woman and that's how they get in the city."

"Now here's, now here's where it getsh a little tricky to know if itsh all true," Mira was deep in her third glass of wine now, "According to the Kashumori who had the last contact with the espedishion great grandfather sedushes Lord Qing, gets him in a room, and kills him while dressed like a lady!"

Mira broke down into laughter, "And then, and then they go and free the captivesh and nobody knows what happened after that."

She laughed again as she poured herself another goblet of wine.


After a few impressive showings in the duel arena, Andust had no trouble attracting a gaggle of young Raaneki men and women. Three Raaneki women warriors in particular seemed practically glued to his side. "You did as well as you could against Sir Bapa!" said one, a short woman with brown godana stippled into countless swirls and patterns.

"Which tavern shall we find?" said a second, a sturdy woman with blue dye and lacy green godana.

"Oh!" the third exclaimed, wrapping her arm in Andust's. The wore only breeches and a band of leather across her chest, and was covered in broad red tattoos. "The Champions's Rest is perfect for you, darling." She gestured toward an opulent tavern on the edge of the Victor's Plaza, between statues of Grïend and a fierce orc warrior. "Shall we?"

Ask and ye shall receive. :smalltongue:

"Mmm, yes, I think we shall!" Andust said, eagerly scooping his free arm around the waist of the sturdy Raaneki and walking them towards the tavern.

This is how a royal ought to be treated he thought to himself Not tied down talking trade and boring administrative things, really living with the people. All people. People of every country ought to know a proper noble. They ought to say, oh did you hear Lord Andust is coming to town? And they'll say, of course, it's all the buzz!

"Who doesn't love Lord Andust!" he finished his thought out loud by accident and looked somewhat embarrassed at the women with him.

"Say, what are your names anyway?" he asked as the entered the Raaneki bar.

[WaylanderX]

"Stressed would be putting it lightly," she answered, "Mother is trying to keep peace as ever but using the army to do it and reopening old wounds with the UN in her attempt to patch the newer ones with the Salterri. Andust doesn't think it wise, I don't know what to think. I'd rather not discuss it if you don't mind," she said, rushing through her words and getting visibly nervous, "How is my sister-cousin Sharas? She writes often but it would do me good to hear of her from my own aunt."

AQUA is now taking care of the truly famined provinces, but 1 stack of squid to Nyroth would be greatly appreciated and of course I wouldn't ask it continued beyond the crisis. Thanks man! :smallbiggrin:


Corrected name to Mira, my bad :P. Corrected name to Mira, my bad :P.

"That's oke, I already heard some of the details from your mother." She said soothingly, seeing Mira getting visibly agitated. "On the subject of your sister, Sharas is feeling right at home in Earthhome (no pun intended)! So much at home, that you even have a niece! You should really come and visit her together with the rest of the family."

[QuintonBeck]

Corrected name to Mira, my bad :P. Corrected name to Mira, my bad :P.

"That's oke, I already heard some of the details from your mother." She said soothingly, seeing Mira getting visibly agitated. "On the subject of your sister, Sharas is feeling right at home in Earthhome (no pun intended)! So much at home, that you even have a niece! You should really come and visit her together with the rest of the family."

It's all good, now it's just the big lettered bolded part that's wrong and who will see that? :smallwink::smallbiggrin:

"Sharas had mentioned she was with child, I can't believe she finally had it! Who does she take after? What did she name her!?" Mira said excitedly.

Sharas had been pregnant for the better part of 9 months leading up to the time of the Games, it must have been while Mira was on the road to Raaneki that she'd had the child. She would have to see if Andust would agree to going back with Nyllana after the Games to see Sharas.

[Zap Dynamic]

STANDINGS UPDATED



Grïend

Grïend vs Bapa

Result: 15-17-16 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17399576&viewfull=1#post17399576)

Seeing the drunk Raaneki before him, he pondered if he should accept this duel. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. It was after the singing began that he took on the Raaneki's challege. He would teach this Raaneki a lesson he would not soon forget.

After the start signal, he took a few big steps towards the Raaneki, while the latter swung his weapon at him in a lazy arc. He deflected the sword without any effect and he grabbed the partygoër. Seeing a barrel of Hearthwine nearby, he walked to it, turned the Raaneki upside down and threw him into the vat.

"I THINK...YOU SHOULD JUST...KEEP IT TO DRINKING."

The Raaneki resurfaced from his wine-bath, even more drunk than before. Grïend had won again. He was on a roll today.

The grin on Sir Bapa's face when he came out of the barrel looked like it might split his face. "Grïend of Gwrîstîn! I *hic* remember your fights from the last Games. It's been a*hic* real honor!" He climbed out of the barrel, grabbed a largest tankard at hand, and filled it to the brim. "Have you ever tried Battlewine?"



Haruka[/FONT]

OOC for Zap Dynamic: I'll play along, lets see where this goes. She can swing both ways for now, at least for a while. :smallwink:

Haruka blussed at the attention from the other two women.

"T-t-thank you, my wings are nothing special, I can assure you. This is the first time I am in Raaneka aswell."

She looked at Wayve and Nyllana for help in this situation. Both of them smiled at her wickedly, a knowing, evil twinkle in their eyes.

"You should ask them to show you the games, Haruka." Wayve said. "I think they would show you around with....pleasure."

Nyllana nodded. "Indeed, my dear. Let them show you around. Maybe you'll even learn a thing or two."

There was something frightning about those words, although she couldn't lay her finger on it.

"Very well, I guess it couldn't hurt to ask." She turned to Hansi. "Could you show me around the games? I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with this place yet."

DAY ONE
Hansi and Krodhi were delighted to show Haruka around, and couldn't seem to stop asking questions about her and her homeland. Neither of them had traveled much, as it turned out, and very few Raaneki made it to Kasumor or its neighbors. "The Heartwaste keeps many of us from traveling north," Hansi said at one point. "Some of our oldest tales speak of bogeymen coming from the north and snatching away our children."

Krodhi nodded in agreement. "I think the gnomes found a connection between the Heartwaste and our ancient past, isn't that right? Something about an empire..."

They waded through the Great Market with Haruka, pointing out some of the trivia of Bandar. "Every building is a different color," Krodhi said, "but each color means something different to the builder and the owner. Take my own tavern, the Surly Wench." She pointed a massive building on the edge of the market. "The builder chose yellow stone because his mother was a wheat farmer from Qarimos. When I joined the dynasty," she gave Hansi a squeeze and a grin, "I decorate with some berunda feathers. The yellow is now gold, and it is a sign of fortune and glory."

They continued down Bandar's broad thoroughfare toward the harbor. The buildings were raised in colored stone--usually no taller than a couple stories--with broad windows and flat, tiled roofs. They walked slow and paused often to remark on one thing or another.

After nearly an hour, they reached the harbor. The Wave Stadium rose up near the shore, overlooking a host of trade ships and yachts for various nobility. The trio idled their way out onto a natural breakwater, where there were stone benches and very few people.

"Come, sit," Hansi said warmly to Haruka. The low roar of revelry could be heard in the distance. Clouds loomed on the horizon, but they had already begun to break up over the city. It might have been midwinter, but it felt like a hot summer day. "The market is a fine place to celebrate the Games, but there is such peace and comfort to be found on the shores of the sea. Don't you agree, Haruka?"

Sorry if she has an honorific... I didn't notice one anywhere. :smallsmile:



Nyllana

To the King and Queen of Raaneka

After sending Haruka on an undoubtedly very educative show-around, she turned towards the queen of the Raaneki.

"It is no problem, really. It wouldn't be the games without proper food, would it? I am glad Hurosha could help to make this a slightly bigger success."

Amid light conversation, King Krama gradually gravitated toward discussion of Kasumor and its culture. "I have heard of your Academy," he said, searching. "Our grandchildren are many, and I am sure some of them would benefit from a little worldly knowledge. At what age would they be able to attend?"


Although he was well over forty, the almost childlike enthusiasm displayed by Lord Villem was infectious as he finally got the chance to test his new ships in battle - albeit an exhibition - against a genuine seafaring power. With his own favourite ship, the Queen Amber, back home, he took command of the navy's flagship, King Aesa, leaving Athelmere to command Lady Eirwynn and Tempest to helm King Ujval, which, now that the printing presses had been unloaded, looked rather sleeker and higher in the water than it had when it had arrived.

Despite the friendly nature of the fight, the sailors clambering over the rigging and rails were clearly taking this seriously. Most of them were Horwiks of Villem's own clan, and they knew how important this was to the new admiral.

9, 11, 16 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17400467&viewfull=1#post17400467)

And in the arena...

Jarrland was represented in the melee by Wulfrynn Cambra, quietly regarded as possibly the best swordsman in the kingdom, the king's half-cousin Eldin the Bastard, Prince Edwyrd, and, inevitably, Marrik Sunder. All of them fighting Fling style, it soon became apparent that none of them, with the sole exception of Eldin, had ever fought in a true battle. They fought as champions, as individuals, with little regard to the position of their fellows, and while their unconventional approach and the element of surprise gained them a narrow win in the first round over their Raaneki opponents, in the second round they were isolated and defeated individually, and by the third, their exertions were starting to take their toll, a brilliant performance from the Raaneki all but routing them.

Still, they acquitted themselves well enough, their glamorous display attracting a great deal of attention from the crowd, and Wulfrynn was apparently seen returning to his quarters after the bout accompanied by no fewer than three local women.

14, 11, 9 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?331102-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=17400467&viewfull=1#post17400467) (I forgot to add in the bonus for the Scrolls of Prowess style in the rolls post, but it doesn't make a difference).

Naval Battle
Prince Jacob Serendel was the commander of the Raaneki Fleet for the naval battle. He and his crews manned four brand new Qarimosi Dhows, each nimble in the water and armed with archers and boarding equipment. The archer rained padded arrows upon their foes. When the Raaneki fleet clashed with another ship, nimble marines boarded their opponents and wrestled their opponents into submission. In the final sortie, one of their ships was boarded and captured by a daring Jarrland ship, while the others won a clear victory of the Hurosha hovercrafts. As the Qarimosi learned, hovercrafts had trouble staying afloat when their bladders were full of arrows.

Mass Melee
The Raaneki won great glory under the command of Sir Bapa Adite, who had long commanded the First Raaneki Cavalry with distinction. He was joined by twin Raaneki giants, Ghor and Teja, who had won great glory as members of the first Raaneki Fellowship. Their force was rounded out by Sir Bapa's wife, Patari, a warrior woman-turned-stonemason guildowner who had lost little of her prowess in the field. Sir Bapa, Ghor, and Teja formed a brilliant defense against their opponents, while Patari made opportunistic strikes while dancing in and out of the cover of her allies. Each assault was more ferocious than the last, and their final charge was so glorious that Qarimosi musicians were singing of it by that evening, and would continue to do so for many years.


"At least as well as any northerner," Edwyrd said quickly, without really thinking things through. Dimly he recalled that Mere and Tempest had met at a dance, so he must have been at least half-capable. These things ran in families, right? And then there was the swordsmanship, where his footwork had been commended. Besides, it wasn't like he'd never danced before. Just not formally. Or with anyone. Or sober. But there had to be a first time for anything, and he couldn't back down now...

Dacari smiled seductively and ran her finger under Edwyrd's chin. "Perhaps we should find out? But there's so much room up here on the dais... not good for dancing." She reached out with both hands, grabbed Inigo and Edwyrd, and plunged with them into the market throng. Horns blared, stringed instruments drifted their melodies over the crowd, and close contact and (probably not) mistaken groping was common. To her credit, Dacari managed to keep her clothing on in the midst of some very... athletic moves.



"Well, it can say anything you want. We probably want to use large letters, to reduce the list of smudging, so-" he measured out about a square foot with his hands -"given this much space, we could probably get a name, or a short phrase. I suppose," and here he brightened as an idea occurred to him, "you could commemorate an athlete who's particularly impressed you in the Games or you're hoping does well. It wouldn't last long, but the Games themselves are only short. And then you could wash it off at the end of the Games or if they disappoint you."

The woman had a brazen cackle. "Oooo, a champion! Sir Bapa is the champion of any true Raaneki." She lifted one of her square feet. "Put 'Sir' right here," she hefted the other one, "and 'Bapa' right here. Think I'll grab his attention now, friends?"

The men and women behind her howled with laughter. One of them came up to the Jarr doing his job so very well. "Here! A little battlewine after such a sparring match as this!"


"Ah, there are many people in my family who would agree with you, Sir Bapa," Marrik smiled, "but I make it a rule never to fight drunk. In friendly bouts, it's too easy to injure someone, and in real ones, it'll get me killed. But I'm sure some of my cousins would gladly oblige you if you fancy a drunken spar."

Sir Bapa clapped the Jarr on the back. "Ah! It is a strange rule, but the ways of foreigners are often strange. Perhaps you will consent to drink when night falls, and the champions have been crowned! Look for me in the Bawdy Berunda! There is no finer tavern for any man or woman fond of *hic* sport!"


Mira nodded at the Queen's comment, her own mind hoping it was true. Her husband had a fierce streak of wild Celerese blood, honorable but quick to action in cases where sometimes he ought not be. On the other hand it may just have been she was too slow to act... The king mercifully interrupted her thoughts.

"Ah yes!" she laughed and took a healthy sip of her wine, "Not too many people know this, but Great Grandfather did send a few letters back home while he was down south and what isn't covered in them travelers north have mentioned."

"But the woman thing," she smiled and sipped her wine again, "That's an interesting tale. See, the rulers who went down there, kind of reminds me of your fellows, the rulers who went down there went there because of the old Salterri's interactions with the north see? They had plans to seek vengeance on Lord Qing for being, by all accounts from the Sea Conference, a colossal prick. But they didn't want to bring bad tidings back on their home nations, rushing down there looking like an act of war so the first thing they did was pretend to be Cree merchants," she stopped to drink.

They adopted these, in great grandfather's words "ridiculous accents" and start to move around Saltie port cities trying to get information. That little Bucka Eljak ends up stealing everything they need though," she paused to laugh, "But the woman thing, the woman thing comes later. See, they finally get to where they're trying to go, Lord Qing's personal city or whatever, but foreigners aren't allowed inside see? So they can't be Cree merchants anymore, right? So what do they do? These world leaders get dressed up as a peasant family and great grandfather, you gotta understand he'd gone a bit loose in the head at this time, great grandfather dresses up like a local Saltie woman and that's how they get in the city."

"Now here's, now here's where it getsh a little tricky to know if itsh all true," Mira was deep in her third glass of wine now, "According to the Kashumori who had the last contact with the espedishion great grandfather sedushes Lord Qing, gets him in a room, and kills him while dressed like a lady!"

Mira broke down into laughter, "And then, and then they go and free the captivesh and nobody knows what happened after that."

She laughed again as she poured herself another goblet of wine.

Queen and King were fairly in pieces by the time Mira had finished. They were well into their cups also, and showed no signs of stopping. "There are no finder deedsh than those that bring humor as well as glory," King Krama said, refilling Mira's goblet himself. "Would that I coulda met your Great Grandpa! I'm shure he would have been a worthy rival."

As the laughter died down, the Queen recalled the Lord Andust as he left. "That man of yours can be a gloomy fella," she said, sipping at her own wine. She love wine as much as any Raaneki, but she was not truly drunk unless it was on the thrill of battle. Sadly, she had not been truly drunk in many long years. "What troubles him, or is it just these hard times?"


"Mmm, yes, I think we shall!" Andust said, eagerly scooping his free arm around the waist of the sturdy Raaneki and walking them towards the tavern.

This is how a royal ought to be treated he thought to himself Not tied down talking trade and boring administrative things, really living with the people. All people. People of every country ought to know a proper noble. They ought to say, oh did you hear Lord Andust is coming to town? And they'll say, of course, it's all the buzz!

"Who doesn't love Lord Andust!" he finished his thought out loud by accident and looked somewhat embarrassed at the women with him.

"Say, what are your names anyway?" he asked as the entered the Raaneki bar.

Lord Andust found no resistance whatsoever to his accidental outburst. In fact, the women giggled uncontrollably in agreement. They said their names were Rabi, Sangi, and Khusi, though there seemed to be some debate as to which name belonged to which woman. This debate was soon forgotten, though, when the Surian Spring and Sarabi Summer began to flow in the Champion's Rest. There was a wide courtyard in the midst of the building, with low tables and cushions of Nyrothian silk laid out for the tavern's many guests. The room was surrounded by silk curtains, any of which could be drawn to create semi-private spaces around the perimeter. In contrast to the vibrant colors of the cushions and curtains, the tavern itself was built from pure white sandstone.

If the Raaneki had been subdued on the opening days of the Games, the bounty of their many worldwide friendships has restored their revelry to its proper glory. This was no place for the sensible. Indeed, any man or woman could get away with just about any activity they could imagine.

I just realized it, but I think I mention the Raaneki laughing in 90% of my posts. Potentially bad writer habit, but damn it's a fun little tidbit about their culture. :smallbiggrin:

[Aedilred]

Dacari smiled seductively and ran her finger under Edwyrd's chin. "Perhaps we should find out? But there's so much room up here on the dais... not good for dancing." She reached out with both hands, grabbed Inigo and Edwyrd, and plunged with them into the market throng. Horns blared, stringed instruments drifted their melodies over the crowd, and close contact and (probably not) mistaken groping was common. To her credit, Dacari managed to keep her clothing on in the midst of some very... athletic moves.
This dancing was even easier than he'd thought! Not too different to swordplay after all... although in some ways perhaps closer to wrestling.


The woman had a brazen cackle. "Oooo, a champion! Sir Bapa is the champion of any true Raaneki." She lifted one of her square feet. "Put 'Sir' right here," she hefted the other one, "and 'Bapa' right here. Think I'll grab his attention now, friends?"

The men and women behind her howled with laughter. One of them came up to the Jarr doing his job so very well. "Here! A little battlewine after such a sparring match as this!"
"Thank you!" He took a sip of the Battlewine, and smirked slightly. "I'll save the rest till I've done the printing, I think. Wouldn't want to end up with 'Sri Baap' or something imprinted on you." He directed the woman into position, making a couple of necessary adjustments, then began to lower the block. "Although, if you wanted to reconsider," he said, with a grin, after it was far too late to do anything about it, "I hear our man Marrik's a sure thing to beat Bapa, if they haven't fought already."

When it was done, he inspected his work. "I think it's passable, not bad for a first attempt. I've put some fixative in the ink so it shouldn't come off too easily. Just try not to get it too wet and not to, um, rub it too much." He was clearly quite pleased. "Now for some more of this fine Raaneki wine!"

[QuintonBeck]

Queen and King were fairly in pieces by the time Mira had finished. They were well into their cups also, and showed no signs of stopping. "There are no finder deedsh than those that bring humor as well as glory," King Krama said, refilling Mira's goblet himself. "Would that I coulda met your Great Grandpa! I'm shure he would have been a worthy rival."

As the laughter died down, the Queen recalled the Lord Andust as he left. "That man of yours can be a gloomy fella," she said, sipping at her own wine. She love wine as much as any Raaneki, but she was not truly drunk unless it was on the thrill of battle. Sadly, she had not been truly drunk in many long years. "What troubles him, or is it just these hard times?"

"I couldn't say," Mira said growing somber, "We never really hit it off after being betrothed truth told, and the bedroom of our quarters seesh far too little use if you catch my meaning," she said, her tongue loosened by the wine, "Couple that with his thinking my mother is a traitorous and back shtabbing traitor to the Coalition." She drank again.

"Not that he has any solutionsh, just whining all the time and marching off to sulk and talk to people who aren't me," she frowned, her thoughts and the drink putting her in a sour mood.


Lord Andust found no resistance whatsoever to his accidental outburst. In fact, the women giggled uncontrollably in agreement. They said their names were Rabi, Sangi, and Khusi, though there seemed to be some debate as to which name belonged to which woman. This debate was soon forgotten, though, when the Surian Spring and Sarabi Summer began to flow in the Champion's Rest. There was a wide courtyard in the midst of the building, with low tables and cushions of Nyrothian silk laid out for the tavern's many guests. The room was surrounded by silk curtains, any of which could be drawn to create semi-private spaces around the perimeter. In contrast to the vibrant colors of the cushions and curtains, the tavern itself was built from pure white sandstone.

If the Raaneki had been subdued on the opening days of the Games, the bounty of their many worldwide friendships has restored their revelry to its proper glory. This was no place for the sensible. Indeed, any man or woman could get away with just about any activity they could imagine.

Andust drank healthily and fully and as he did his few inhibitions and the voices of honor and restraint grew fainter and fainter until the activities taking place took on a peculiarly blurry format. He remembered curtains being drawn, seeing some tattoos he hadn't seen before, and then the next thing he knew he was waking up in a somewhat compromising position in a significantly lesser state of dress than when he had entered the bar. ((Day 3 for Andust now I think. Uh Oh! :smallwink:))

[Aedilred]

Naval Battle
Prince Jacob Serendel was the commander of the Raaneki Fleet for the naval battle. He and his crews manned four brand new Qarimosi Dhows, each nimble in the water and armed with archers and boarding equipment. The archer rained padded arrows upon their foes. When the Raaneki fleet clashed with another ship, nimble marines boarded their opponents and wrestled their opponents into submission. In the final sortie, one of their ships was boarded and captured by a daring Jarrland ship, while the others won a clear victory of the Hurosha hovercrafts. As the Qarimosi learned, hovercrafts had trouble staying afloat when their bladders were full of arrows.
The reaction of Lord Admiral Horwik when he saw the Raaneki ship lower its flags under assault from the King Ujval was hardly decorous, but nobody could fault him for lack of enthusiasm, practically dancing a jig on the quarterdeck until his own ship pulled alongside and he leaped across to embrace his 'niece'. As the Lady Eirwynn drew up, he hurriedly released her, but Athelmere was grinning as he too clambered aboard.

"Satisfied, uncle?" he called.

"Capturing a Raaneki ship in their own harbour? What do you think?" He was grinning from ear to ear, the disappointment of the first sortie apparently entirely forgotten. "This is what we came here for! It's exactly the sort of statement I was hoping to make!"

Mere reached Tempest and kissed her, to a chorus of whistles and catcalls from the crew. "We couldn't have done this without your family's help, you know," he said quietly. "Make sure you tell them how grateful we are."

Villem turned back to the onlooking sailors. "Well then, lads, I think you've earned a bit of R&R. The drinks are on me till sun-up!"

There was a mighty cheer, and the ships set off for the docks and attendant taverns - if anything, slightly faster than they'd moved during any of the mock battles themselves.

((Day 3 for Andust now I think. Uh Oh! ))
What a rotter!

[lt_murgen]

Mere reached Tempest and kissed her, to a chorus of whistles and catcalls from the crew. "We couldn't have done this without your family's help, you know," he said quietly. "Make sure you tell them how grateful we are."


Tempest laughed, delighted in family's success. "Aunt Evvy took three fishing boats against Anguri twenty years ago, and nearly beat them. They have come a long way, but we still rule!"

[WaylanderX]

STANDINGS UPDATED



The grin on Sir Bapa's face when he came out of the barrel looked like it might split his face. "Grïend of Gwrîstîn! I *hic* remember your fights from the last Games. It's been a*hic* real honor!" He climbed out of the barrel, grabbed a largest tankard at hand, and filled it to the brim. "Have you ever tried Battlewine?"

OOC: on a tablet atm, so no color or accents. Edit: Fixed

Grïend rumbled merrily, deeply amused by Bapa's antics. The Raaneki would never change, he figured.

"UNFORTUNATELY...MY RAANEKI FRIEND...I CANNOT DRINK......MY PEOPLE DO NOT...NEED...MOISTURE......ONE OF THE DISADVANTAGES...OF NOT HAVING...A MOUTH."

Somewhere, he was indeed curious what this being "drunk" was, but alas, it was not for his people. He found it to be very amusing to watch those who were drunk though. The actics, the fun, the spirit of the people, fascinating.



DAY ONE
Hansi and Krodhi were delighted to show Haruka around, and couldn't seem to stop asking questions about her and her homeland. Neither of them had traveled much, as it turned out, and very few Raaneki made it to Kasumor or its neighbors. "The Heartwaste keeps many of us from traveling north," Hansi said at one point. "Some of our oldest tales speak of bogeymen coming from the north and snatching away our children."

Krodhi nodded in agreement. "I think the gnomes found a connection between the Heartwaste and our ancient past, isn't that right? Something about an empire..."

They waded through the Great Market with Haruka, pointing out some of the trivia of Bandar. "Every building is a different color," Krodhi said, "but each color means something different to the builder and the owner. Take my own tavern, the Surly Wench." She pointed a massive building on the edge of the market. "The builder chose yellow stone because his mother was a wheat farmer from Qarimos. When I joined the dynasty," she gave Hansi a squeeze and a grin, "I decorate with some berunda feathers. The yellow is now gold, and it is a sign of fortune and glory."

They continued down Bandar's broad thoroughfare toward the harbor. The buildings were raised in colored stone--usually no taller than a couple stories--with broad windows and flat, tiled roofs. They walked slow and paused often to remark on one thing or another.

After nearly an hour, they reached the harbor. The Wave Stadium rose up near the shore, overlooking a host of trade ships and yachts for various nobility. The trio idled their way out onto a natural breakwater, where there were stone benches and very few people.

"Come, sit," Hansi said warmly to Haruka. The low roar of revelry could be heard in the distance. Clouds loomed on the horizon, but they had already begun to break up over the city. It might have been midwinter, but it felt like a hot summer day. "The market is a fine place to celebrate the Games, but there is such peace and comfort to be found on the shores of the sea. Don't you agree, Haruka?"

Sorry if she has an honorific... I didn't notice one anywhere. :smallsmile:


Haruka enjoyed her walk with the two women. They were kind, inquisitive and had a smart mind and quick wits.

"The Heartwaste was once also part of the ancient empire of the Cloudiz, our scholars speculate. I wonder if there is any deeper connection between the information the gnomes have and the thing our scholars found."

When hearing about the Raaneki culture, she eagerly drank it in. She learned about the cultures of the Grand Coalition back at the Academy, but she didn't knew anything about the Raanekan culture. This was all very new and exciting for her.

When she arrived at the harbor and asked to sit down, she said:

"I agree, the sea is beautiful. In Kasumor and Tekorva alike there are no seas, only lakes. Frozen lakes in the case of Tekorva. The water soothes the soul, it seems like, waving back and forth in its own tempo, unhindered by the burdens of the people it sustains."

She looked dreamily about the water, feet danglling back and forth below her, her wings slowely fluttering.



Amid light conversation, King Krama gradually gravitated toward discussion of Kasumor and its culture. "I have heard of your Academy," he said, searching. "Our grandchildren are many, and I am sure some of them would benefit from a little worldly knowledge. At what age would they be able to attend?"

"Of course they can attend. Our tradition allows children from the age of 13 and older to enroll at the Academy."

Nyllana said. Then she winked.

"However, all foreigners have seperate sleeping quarters to prevent..incidents, if you catch my drift. The cultural clashes might be quite severe and the Academy doesnt want to be the cause of a international incident. But if you wish, you can send some of your grandchildren to Kasumor to learn of our ways. I can even arrange transport if neccesary."



Naval Battle
Prince Jacob Serendel was the commander of the Raaneki Fleet for the naval battle. He and his crews manned four brand new Qarimosi Dhows, each nimble in the water and armed with archers and boarding equipment. The archer rained padded arrows upon their foes. When the Raaneki fleet clashed with another ship, nimble marines boarded their opponents and wrestled their opponents into submission. In the final sortie, one of their ships was boarded and captured by a daring Jarrland ship, while the others won a clear victory of the Hurosha hovercrafts. As the Qarimosi learned, hovercrafts had trouble staying afloat when their bladders were full of arrows.

Wet and disgraced, Rejik, the Bucka commander of the new prototype hovercraft they tested, inspected the damage. He grumbled, hitting the skirt, which was riddled with holes. Plating, thats what it needed. Light, durable plating. Mithril would be perfect. However, it was difficult to acquire. But...in Keldagrim they might have the solution to this predicament. Rejik smiled.

"Just you wait, Raaneki boatsmen. I'll get you next time......next time."

Laughing evily, attracting the attention of his co-workers, he set off to repair the damage so they could drive it home. At least this one could float on land AND water. Ha!

[Zap Dynamic]

STANDINGS UPDATED!


This dancing was even easier than he'd thought! Not too different to swordplay after all... although in some ways perhaps closer to wrestling.

"Thank you!" He took a sip of the Battlewine, and smirked slightly. "I'll save the rest till I've done the printing, I think. Wouldn't want to end up with 'Sri Baap' or something imprinted on you." He directed the woman into position, making a couple of necessary adjustments, then began to lower the block. "Although, if you wanted to reconsider," he said, with a grin, after it was far too late to do anything about it, "I hear our man Marrik's a sure thing to beat Bapa, if they haven't fought already."

When it was done, he inspected his work. "I think it's passable, not bad for a first attempt. I've put some fixative in the ink so it shouldn't come off too easily. Just try not to get it too wet and not to, um, rub it too much." He was clearly quite pleased. "Now for some more of this fine Raaneki wine!"

Edwyrd:

Dacari laced herself between Inigo and Edwyrd for a few goblets*, but her favorite soon became clear. Inigo was as nimble as any Guilderene, and looked to have taken a few moves from the Maians far to the south. Dacari had danced with many Maians, and had enjoyed them all.

But this Jarrow with his new ships! While others blended with the dance he flung himself about as if in a duel. It suprised her. Whether on the dance floor or on any of her diplomatic missions, Dacari Devdano had become estranged from surprise. And he was so much taller than anyone she knew! Dacari came to give herself to no dancer but Edwyrd until the day waned into evening.

((*an official unit of measurement in Raaneka. One goblet is equivalent to about 5 minutes of sustained revelry. 6 goblets is equivalent to 1 bottle. 6 bottles is equivalent to 1 cask. 4 casks is a typical length of time for a Raaneki celebration. Of course, the longest Raaneki celebrations are measured in days, not casks.))

Printing Press:

The woman examined his handiwork with a wide grin. She hopped off the press, threw her arms around the demonstrator, and smothered him with a long kiss. "Don't you rub 'em off either! Come now, to the taverns!"


"I couldn't say," Mira said growing somber, "We never really hit it off after being betrothed truth told, and the bedroom of our quarters seesh far too little use if you catch my meaning," she said, her tongue loosened by the wine, "Couple that with his thinking my mother is a traitorous and back shtabbing traitor to the Coalition." She drank again.

"Not that he has any solutionsh, just whining all the time and marching off to sulk and talk to people who aren't me," she frowned, her thoughts and the drink putting her in a sour mood.



Andust drank healthily and fully and as he did his few inhibitions and the voices of honor and restraint grew fainter and fainter until the activities taking place took on a peculiarly blurry format. He remembered curtains being drawn, seeing some tattoos he hadn't seen before, and then the next thing he knew he was waking up in a somewhat compromising position in a significantly lesser state of dress than when he had entered the bar. ((Day 3 for Andust now I think. Uh Oh! :smallwink:))

Mira:

Anguri sputtered at the thought of a dull bedroom. Foreigners! Such backward ways. "Does he not like princesses?" She put the question to Mira perhaps harder than she might have done sober. "Princesses at the helm of empires? Your blood has forged a great realm, and you carry it with pride!" She stood, pacing about the dais with an incredulous look on her face. "My husband may sleep where he likes--I may too--but even in Raaneka he is still my husband." She had but to look at him and he was on his feet, wrapping her in his arms. "He arrives when I call for him, because our love demands it."

"If you love your husband," Anguri continued with a voice that could not quite soften, "then go to him and demand his love in return. I ask you: who could refuse a woman of such beauty and bearing as Mira, Imperial Princess of Ignato?" She was shocked by how much she was talking. "Go to him. Make him see your majesty. Command his love."

If I'm going to support your philandering, I might as well offer you some free Raaneki marriage counseling while I'm at it. :smalltongue:


OOC: on a tablet atm, so no color or accents. Edit: Fixed

Grïend rumbled merrily, deeply amused by Bapa's antics. The Raaneki would never change, he figured.

"UNFORTUNATELY...MY RAANEKI FRIEND...I CANNOT DRINK......MY PEOPLE DO NOT...NEED...MOISTURE......ONE OF THE DISADVANTAGES...OF NOT HAVING...A MOUTH."

Somewhere, he was indeed curious what this being "drunk" was, but alas, it was not for his people. He found it to be very amusing to watch those who were drunk though. The actics, the fun, the spirit of the people, fascinating.

Haruka enjoyed her walk with the two women. They were kind, inquisitive and had a smart mind and quick wits.

"The Heartwaste was once also part of the ancient empire of the Cloudiz, our scholars speculate. I wonder if there is any deeper connection between the information the gnomes have and the thing our scholars found."

When hearing about the Raaneki culture, she eagerly drank it in. She learned about the cultures of the Grand Coalition back at the Academy, but she didn't knew anything about the Raanekan culture. This was all very new and exciting for her.

When she arrived at the harbor and asked to sit down, she said:

"I agree, the sea is beautiful. In Kasumor and Tekorva alike there are no seas, only lakes. Frozen lakes in the case of Tekorva. The water soothes the soul, it seems like, waving back and forth in its own tempo, unhindered by the burdens of the people it sustains."

She looked dreamily about the water, feet danglling back and forth below her, her wings slowely fluttering.

"Of course they can attend. Our tradition allows children from the age of 13 and older to enroll at the Academy."

Nyllana said. Then she winked.

"However, all foreigners have seperate sleeping quarters to prevent..incidents, if you catch my drift. The cultural clashes might be quite severe and the Academy doesnt want to be the cause of a international incident. But if you wish, you can send some of your grandchildren to Kasumor to learn of our ways. I can even arrange transport if neccesary."


Wet and disgraced, Rejik, the Bucka commander of the new prototype hovercraft they tested, inspected the damage. He grumbled, hitting the skirt, which was riddled with holes. Plating, thats what it needed. Light, durable plating. Mithril would be perfect. However, it was difficult to acquire. But...in Keldagrim they might have the solution to this predicament. Rejik smiled.

"Just you wait, Raaneki boatsmen. I'll get you next time......next time."

Laughing evily, attracting the attention of his co-workers, he set off to repair the damage so they could drive it home. At least this one could float on land AND water. Ha!

Grïend

Bapa's jaw practically came unhinged when he heard the massive crystalline man. He couldn't drink? He could do nothing but stare for a long moment. "Where do you speak from?"

Haruka

"No seas?" Krodhi said into the distance. Her eyes were lost on the watery horizon. Haruka was right. The rhythm and the rolling were sometimes like the arms of a lover.

They were out at the end of the breaker, and had left the last people behind a fair distance back. Hansi stood and stepped to the water's edge. Beads of sweat had gathered on her sun-browned legs and letting the water lap against her felt good. Krodhi rose and followed after her.

"Do you swim?" Hansi said she turned back to Haruka. Behind her, Krodhi had cast off her shawl as she walked to the water. Her blue back was bare from neck to waist, and her godana continued down her legs beneath her skirt.

Nylanna

King Krama beamed at the thought. "They will be delighted to attend! As for their behavior," he cracked a wry grin, "they will surely grow jealous of their siblings who are warded on the Islands! At least they will learn a thing or two."

Rejik

Prince Jacob was disembarking just as the goblins were setting out. "Perhaps you will!" he called to Rejik. "They say 1000 ships were floundered before Qarimos learned to sail the seas. Learn from this, and it is no defeat!"

[QuintonBeck]

Mira:

Anguri sputtered at the thought of a dull bedroom. Foreigners! Such backward ways. "Does he not like princesses?" She put the question to Mira perhaps harder than she might have done sober. "Princesses at the helm of empires? Your blood has forged a great realm, and you carry it with pride!" She stood, pacing about the dais with an incredulous look on her face. "My husband may sleep where he likes--I may too--but even in Raaneka he is still my husband." She had but to look at him and he was on his feet, wrapping her in his arms. "He arrives when I call for him, because our love demands it."

"If you love your husband," Anguri continued with a voice that could not quite soften, "then go to him and demand his love in return. I ask you: who could refuse a woman of such beauty and bearing as Mira, Imperial Princess of Ignato?" She was shocked by how much she was talking. "Go to him. Make him see your majesty. Command his love."

If I'm going to support your philandering, I might as well offer you some free Raaneki marriage counseling while I'm at it. :smalltongue:

Mira bolted upright, passion in her eyes as she raised her goblet high,

"By the Ancestor you're right! Andust will recognize me as his wife in every way!" she finished her raised goblet in a flash and marched off into the larger Raaneki festival.

Walking was proving much more difficult than she'd ever remembered it being before and she quickly found herself lost amidst the noise and revelry of the Raaneki. Thinking perhaps a different vintage might restore her faculties and her voice having grown dry from realizing she'd been caught chanting and yelling along with different party goers she stopped in to the nearest tavern. Some Chesty Champion or some such. At least, that's what someone had said when they were going in. Things didn't get clearer as she had hoped, only blurrier and it wouldn't be until the next day that she awoke.

************************************************** **********

Andust removed himself from the cushion delicately, trying his best not to disturb his bed fellows. As he looked around for clothing he caught sight of a terrifying image that made him double take and his heart began to pound. Laying amongst three Raaneki women was his wife, Mira. He swallowed and tried to recollect the night before, frozen in place as he was but he couldn't recall what had happened much after his arrival at the bar. Deciding discretion was in this case the better part of valor he quickly robed himself and snuck carefully out of the curtained area.

He wondered how clear Mira's head would be, noting his own was aching severely, and he moved with as much haste as his sluggish body could manage to exit the tavern and make way towards what was their home for the duration of this visit. Whether to ask or keep quiet were things he debated as he moved through the morning streets, still partying but lulled some in the absence of those who could not celebrate as hard as the Raaneki who had passed to the realms of sleep for the time.

Over and over he tried to recollect the exact events of the night before and in none of them could he remember Mira explicitly, he just hoped her recollections of him were the same as he stepped into their temporary abode.

Haha, it's only fair! I'll do Mira's side in a bit once I feel inspired on what I want to do.

[WaylanderX]

Grïend

Bapa's jaw practically came unhinged when he heard the massive crystalline man. He couldn't drink? He could do nothing but stare for a long moment. "Where do you speak from?"

Griend rumbled. "IT IS...COMPLICATED......IN SHORT TERMS..." He pointed at his chest. "THE SOUND...COMES FROM...HERE......IT...RUMBLES...VIBRATES...CREATES SOUND."

He looked around, looking for something.

"ON A DIFFERENT NOTE...I WOULD LIKE...SOME GEMS OR STONE...TO EAT......DO YOU KNOW...A PLACE...WHERE I CAN GET SOME?"



Haruka

"No seas?" Krodhi said into the distance. Her eyes were lost on the watery horizon. Haruka was right. The rhythm and the rolling were sometimes like the arms of a lover.

They were out at the end of the breaker, and had left the last people behind a fair distance back. Hansi stood and stepped to the water's edge. Beads of sweat had gathered on her sun-browned legs and letting the water lap against her felt good. Krodhi rose and followed after her.

"Do you swim?" Hansi said she turned back to Haruka. Behind her, Krodhi had cast off her shawl as she walked to the water. Her blue back was bare from neck to waist, and her godana continued down her legs beneath her skirt.


Haruka broke into a broad grin: "And how I can swim! I'll be right there!"

She stripped down to her undergartments, revealing a well-trained, slender but also well-curved body. She spread her wings and jumped into the air, diving in the water with a grace of a born flyer, her hair flying behind her.The water was cool and soothing, envelloping her like a soft shroud. She resurfaced, flipping her hair out of her eyes.

"The water is great! It has been a while since I've been in the water!"



Nylanna

King Krama beamed at the thought. "They will be delighted to attend! As for their behavior," he cracked a wry grin, "they will surely grow jealous of their siblings who are warded on the Islands! At least they will learn a thing or two."


"Hehe, well....with consent of the other...party...It is allowed to do certain things though. Also, do not underestimate Kasumori women and men in that regard. But I digres, your grandchildren will need a supervisor on campus before they are enrolled officially and must have approval from me or the Ambassadors, which they of course have. I look forward to seeing the Raanekan people liven up the Academy. I am sure they will throw great parties."



Rejik

Prince Jacob was disembarking just as the goblins were setting out. "Perhaps you will!" he called to Rejik. "They say 1000 ships were floundered before Qarimos learned to sail the seas. Learn from this, and it is no defeat!"

"Heh, I do not have the time to wait for 1000 failed experiments. I will make the improvements I came up with after this battle and I will, with my unfailing intelligence, will anticipate any changes needed. This is not a defeat indeed, this is only a setback! We are not retreating! We are advancing in the opposite direction!"

[Aedilred]

*snip*

How long did these dances last, anyway? Dacari seemed like she was planning to go all day and then all night as well! He could just about manage the dance, but too much longer and he'd be exhausted... although he seemed to have outlasted the Guilderene, at least. The question now was, how to go forward from here? He ran over some of his usual lines:

"Well, as I heard the Qzare say once-"
"Yes, as it happens I do know where Lady Grant gets her hats..."
"Hey, guess who I am?"

Somehow he didn't think these were going to work as well on Dacari as they did on the girls back home. Well, she seemed to have appreciated his "Jarrland-style" dancing, perhaps she'd appreciate a similarly-themed pick-up? Literally, in fact.

He waited until the dancing, well, not stopped (it was starting to seem like the dancing never stopped here) but at least appreciably slowed down, then, without a great deal of warning, seized her and threw her over his shoulder - somewhat unceremoniously, but as gently as he could manage (she was a princess, after all) - and carried her away from the other dancers.

"Well, milady, I think you've seen enough of my dancing," he said as he set her down, almost apologetically, then gave a wicked smile. Well, it had to be worth a try. "Want to see what else I can do?"

[lt_murgen]

Since it looks like I won the arts contest:

It was evening when the AQUA delegation finally got around to putting on its arts display. It was performance art, the crowd was promised. All afternoon laborers stocked and maintained a long, narrow bed of coals in the ground. As the daylight dimmed, the heat wash from the ashy-white strip shimmered in the cooling air.
Tarn and Firth Grant-Tremblor were the performers. They were the fourteen year old twin sons of Evelyn Grant, an Islander, and Pinna Tremblor, a Quill. They had the ganly appearance so many teens have- their large arms a bit too spindly and barrel chests a tad too braod for true rugged handsomeness. Still, with Evelyn’s good looks and their father’s athletic ability, there was hope.

The pair were stripped to the waist and bare-footed. Their performance started out as a juggling routine, passing belaying pins in the air. Soon, they began stepping and leaping back and forth across the line of hot coals, each unwatched step landing right on the edges of the pit. Then, tradgedy. One of the pins was tossed wrong and went sailing over Firth;s head. He dove for it, right into the coals! The crowd gasped in horror. But Firth had managed to land just to one side of the pit and roll away, coming up with his pins on fire.

Undaunted, the pair began juggling the flaming torches. Soon, all ot them were ablaze, and the crowd realized it was all part of the show. The lights blazed in the darkness, back and forth. Tarn wound up straddling the pit, juggling all 6 flaming torches and Firth reached for a long pole. He swung it at his brother’s feet once, twice, causing him to have to jump up to avoid being knocked off balance into the pit of coals. Now the ends of the pole were ablaze, and Firth spun and twirled the flaming stick with great speed. It blurred and wove intricate patterns of fire in the darkening skies. With the crowd focused on Firth, Tarn retrieved a pair of small censers on chains, and lit their contents as well. Pticch blazed, and he too started spinning and weaving them in intricate patterns.

The crowd cheered as they jumped and danced across the hot coals, unitl they found themselves both at opposite ends. Then the pair of fire-dancers became fire-walkers as they stepped into the pit of coals. The crowd gasped again! Slowly, they walked from one end of the fire pit to the other, bobbing and weaving their glowing tools the entire way. The look of pure joy on their faces belied their concentration. The delciate bob and weave as they passed each other in the middle of the path was a sight to behold. At last, safe on the other side, they bowed to the crowd, to thunderous applause!

[Aedilred]

"So where is he now?"

"I have no idea," Athelmere said, with a shrug. "Well, I have some idea, in general if not specific-"

"Yes, thank you," Alfwyr said. "Believe it or not, Mere I do have children of my own, I am aware of what happens behind closed doors."

"Just trying to help," Mere grinned. "Any information at my disposal is yours."

"Well, this is Raaneka, after all. So they could be pretty much anywhere."

"But as you say, it's Raaneka, so it's unlikely to cause a diplomatic incident. The girl was making eyes at me, after all, and dancing with two of them before he carried her off..."

That was all very well in theory, Alfwyr thought to himself. Perhaps he had just taken the girl off for a quick tumble and nothing more would come of it. On the other hand, knowing his luck in these matters, there was probably a Raaneki delegation beating a path to his door at this very moment bearing a marriage agreement for his signature. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad. Jarrland had survived Tempest Grant, at least, even done well out of the deal. Could they get away with it again?

He wondered what Athelmark would do. Probably put a fatherly arm round Edwyrd and give him a firm talking-to, draft a one-sided deal with the Raaneki, punch that Lord Andust prat in the jaw for good measure and smooth everything over with a crate of heartwine. He tried to picture himself doing the same and found that picture ridiculous.

"What is it about you and your brother?" he asked. "Are you trying to do me in?"

"You wouldn't have us any other way, uncle."

"No, I suppose not. But I'd rather have you alive. Your father and I won't live forever - we need you in one piece. If you must go fighting Celerese sticks in the arena, at least wait until you've got an heir of your own."

Mere laughed. "Don't worry, uncle, that's well in hand."

"Yes, as I say, I don't need to know the details. Just... making sure you know what you're doing."

"Well, she certainly-"

"Enough!" Alfwyr put his hands over his ears theatrically. "Go and find your brother if you want to be useful. Searching the taverns might be a good start."

[Zap Dynamic]

FINAL STANDINGS UPDATED!
Champions of the Fourth Raaneki Games:
In addition to whatever awards are given by their nations, victorious contestants will receive a crown made of berry vines, one years' store of Raaneki wine, and a life-size statue of their likeness in the Victors’ Plaza.

Arts Contest:
Tarn and Firth Grant-Tremblor, Fire Acrobatics, Jeweled Cities
Caragita:
Tupelo "Freak" Cornus, Tar
Duel Tournament:
Grïend of Gwrîstîn, Huroshi Empire
Mass Melee:
Sir Bapa Adite (Commander), Raaneka
Mounted Race:
Sir Bapa, Crimar Horse, Raaneka
Mock Naval Battle:
Prince Jacob Serendel (Captain), Qarimos
Ranged Tournament:
Alara Sacco, Qarimos



Griend rumbled. "IT IS...COMPLICATED......IN SHORT TERMS..." He pointed at his chest. "THE SOUND...COMES FROM...HERE......IT...RUMBLES...VIBRATES...CREATES SOUND."

He looked around, looking for something.

"ON A DIFFERENT NOTE...I WOULD LIKE...SOME GEMS OR STONE...TO EAT......DO YOU KNOW...A PLACE...WHERE I CAN GET SOME?"

Sir Bapa gawked for a moment, then splashed the wine all over Griend's chest. "Perhapsh that'll *hic* work. We'll try again later."

Thinking of rocks and gems, the only place that came to Bapa's mind was a warehouse of colored sandstone nearby. "What color'f rocksh do ya like? Nevrmind... just follow me!" He charted a lurching course through the streets of Sarab, eventually arriving at a large building of gray stone. Inside were hundreds of large shaped blocks, but around the back of the structure was a huge pile of colorful, rocky detritus. "What'sh yer favrite color?" Sir Bapa managed to mutter out as he sat himself down in the shade of the warehouse. Loud snoring could be heard from the vicinity not long after.


Haruka broke into a broad grin: "And how I can swim! I'll be right there!"

She stripped down to her undergartments, revealing a well-trained, slender but also well-curved body. She spread her wings and jumped into the air, diving in the water with a grace of a born flyer, her hair flying behind her.The water was cool and soothing, envelloping her like a soft shroud. She resurfaced, flipping her hair out of her eyes.

"The water is great! It has been a while since I've been in the water!"

And no one was around to gawk at all the fun they had that afternoon.


Slowly, the camera turns away and fades to black as we hear our gal whisper "Mr. Bond... oh James." :smalltongue:

Well maybe it didn't result in a marriage, but it sure was fun!


"Hehe, well....with consent of the other...party...It is allowed to do certain things though. Also, do not underestimate Kasumori women and men in that regard. But I digres, your grandchildren will need a supervisor on campus before they are enrolled officially and must have approval from me or the Ambassadors, which they of course have. I look forward to seeing the Raanekan people liven up the Academy. I am sure they will throw great parties."

Queen and King grew more and more excited as the conversation continued. Some of their grandchildren would receive one of the most valuable educations in Telluris, and learn of another culture at the same time! This was especially exciting for Anguri, who knew firsthand the benefits of living abroad during childhood.


How long did these dances last, anyway? Dacari seemed like she was planning to go all day and then all night as well! He could just about manage the dance, but too much longer and he'd be exhausted... although he seemed to have outlasted the Guilderene, at least. The question now was, how to go forward from here? He ran over some of his usual lines:

"Well, as I heard the Qzare say once-"
"Yes, as it happens I do know where Lady Grant gets her hats..."
"Hey, guess who I am?"

Somehow he didn't think these were going to work as well on Dacari as they did on the girls back home. Well, she seemed to have appreciated his "Jarrland-style" dancing, perhaps she'd appreciate a similarly-themed pick-up? Literally, in fact.

He waited until the dancing, well, not stopped (it was starting to seem like the dancing never stopped here) but at least appreciably slowed down, then, without a great deal of warning, seized her and threw her over his shoulder - somewhat unceremoniously, but as gently as he could manage (she was a princess, after all) - and carried her away from the other dancers.

"Well, milady, I think you've seen enough of my dancing," he said as he set her down, almost apologetically, then gave a wicked smile. Well, it had to be worth a try. "Want to see what else I can do?"

Dacari squealed and giggled as Edwyrd scooped her over his shoulder. "Never!" she shouted, playfully pounding on his shoulder with her delicate fists. "I'm a chaste maiden of Bordeux! Whatever shall I do in the hands of this big, beautiful southron conqueror? Oh me!"

Of course, with a few whispered words and enough seclusion to put the Jarrlander at ease, it took Dacari almost no time at all to learn exactly what she could do with such a big, beautiful southron conqueror.

Marriage obtained! I figure she'll head down to Jarrland with you (and thus be under your control), but just to satisfy my curiosity: how will Edwyrd react when Dacari starts talking about rotating a few more "dancers" into the mix? Or when the rumors start flying that she's a wild Raaneki gal?


Since it looks like I won the arts contest:

It was evening when the AQUA delegation finally got around to putting on its arts display. It was performance art, the crowd was promised. All afternoon laborers stocked and maintained a long, narrow bed of coals in the ground. As the daylight dimmed, the heat wash from the ashy-white strip shimmered in the cooling air.
Tarn and Firth Grant-Tremblor were the performers. They were the fourteen year old twin sons of Evelyn Grant, an Islander, and Pinna Tremblor, a Quill. They had the ganly appearance so many teens have- their large arms a bit too spindly and barrel chests a tad too braod for true rugged handsomeness. Still, with Evelyn’s good looks and their father’s athletic ability, there was hope.

The pair were stripped to the waist and bare-footed. Their performance started out as a juggling routine, passing belaying pins in the air. Soon, they began stepping and leaping back and forth across the line of hot coals, each unwatched step landing right on the edges of the pit. Then, tradgedy. One of the pins was tossed wrong and went sailing over Firth;s head. He dove for it, right into the coals! The crowd gasped in horror. But Firth had managed to land just to one side of the pit and roll away, coming up with his pins on fire.

Undaunted, the pair began juggling the flaming torches. Soon, all ot them were ablaze, and the crowd realized it was all part of the show. The lights blazed in the darkness, back and forth. Tarn wound up straddling the pit, juggling all 6 flaming torches and Firth reached for a long pole. He swung it at his brother’s feet once, twice, causing him to have to jump up to avoid being knocked off balance into the pit of coals. Now the ends of the pole were ablaze, and Firth spun and twirled the flaming stick with great speed. It blurred and wove intricate patterns of fire in the darkening skies. With the crowd focused on Firth, Tarn retrieved a pair of small censers on chains, and lit their contents as well. Pticch blazed, and he too started spinning and weaving them in intricate patterns.

The crowd cheered as they jumped and danced across the hot coals, unitl they found themselves both at opposite ends. Then the pair of fire-dancers became fire-walkers as they stepped into the pit of coals. The crowd gasped again! Slowly, they walked from one end of the fire pit to the other, bobbing and weaving their glowing tools the entire way. The look of pure joy on their faces belied their concentration. The delciate bob and weave as they passed each other in the middle of the path was a sight to behold. At last, safe on the other side, they bowed to the crowd, to thunderous applause!

The applause thundered, the wine flowed, the music played, and the taverns were full to bursting. It was to be a blurry night indeed.

((That's a wrap, folks! Thanks so much for playing along!))