The Ruins of Iselsi IC [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

Thanqol

2014-05-06, 01:45 AM

[Hard: 2d6+2 = 7. Want: Idle. +3 Barter]

The great owl was old and blind. When it stood it leaned to the side, broken leg causing it to tilt comically. The features of it's face had been worn down, rendering it an almost unrecognizable shape of metal - but for the shape of it's open wings, as distinctive as the day. Black smudges marred it's silver feathers, muck and grime and faint hints of blood, and scars ran across it's back.

But when it moved it was as fast and violent as the day it had been forged.

The owl swept across the battlefield, dispatching the eagle and griffon in turn. It dodged the clumsy charge of the yeddim, luring it into a trap where the rhino could gore it. Before the monkeys could rally together it had pressed it's advantage and soared through the golden Celestial Gate - on it's way to Heaven.

"Ohh, tough luck. Best out of seven hundred and thirteen?" said Iselsi Aurala, holding up the owl figurine. She was smiling; the genuine, predatory smile that came from victory - and only from victory.

"I don't have any other plans for the day," said the Solar Exalt sitting across from her, sweeping the board clean.

He was... handsome?

She wasn't really sure. No matter how she tried she could never quite see his face. It was like looking directly at the sun. She could remember the shape. Remember that it was bright. Remember the after-image. She could see his hands move. She could see the earthy strength, the muscles of a labourer, the beard of a peasant. The smell of smoke and sweat. Maybe she'd known it once.

It was reassuring. That she didn't know, that she couldn't know.

"You'll need the day. I haven't met anyone as bad at Gateway since my son," she said, collecting her own tokens and setting up her side of the board again. Gateway was a board game with three levels; earth, sky and undergrowth. It taught the Dynasts of the Realm to think in terms of multiple angles, teamwork, and terrain - the core principles of Dragon Blooded warfare. "What part of it aren't you getting?"

"Oh, I get the game just fine," he said, folding his arms across his chest. His shirt was green.

"Aw c'mon," said Aurala with a grin, advancing her yeddim. "It won't kill you to admit that you're bad at something."

"I'm not bad at this," he said, moving his owl into an obvious trap. Aurala's eagle instantly tore it from the sky.

"Just unlucky?" Aurala teased.

"Luck has nothing to do with it," he said, moving his monkeys out of a strategically critical zone.

"Well facts are facts, buddy, and fact is that you're going to lose again," said Aurala, consolidating her forces for a push at the gate. "So much for the great and terrible Forsaken."

"You seem pretty wedded to that explanation," said the Solar, sounding more amused than anything.

"What do you mean?" said Aurala.

He leaned back in his chair, heavy boots rising up to rest on the table. The wet rice-paddy mud stained the tablecloth.

"Option one: I don't get Gateway. I'm stupid and you're smart and this is just a way to demonstrate it.
"Option two: Your mind is spiraling into madness and, for whatever reason, it has decided to boost your ego by spending hours in a fantasy where you beat me at Gateway thousands of times.
"Option three: I'm getting something out of this other than winning."

"Awfully meta for a hallucination," said Aurala.

"You're a smartass. It stands to reason the manifestation of your mental breakdown would be a smartass too," said the Solar.

Aurala's owl again flew through the Celestial Gate. The Solar shoved the board to one side, leaned forwards across the table, and looked her in the eye. She thought she might go blind.

"Everyone is trying to win. All the time. This makes them eminently predictable. It's the most common motivation in all Creation. And the only difference between all those people is how much they stand in their own way. They stand in their own way through honour, stupidity, emotions, whatever. The more barriers there are the longer their path becomes but it still all leads to the same place.

"But what if someone isn't playing to win?"

~

"Winglord?"

Aurala snapped awake. She was sitting in front of the Gateway board by herself, still in her armour. She must have - well. Not the first time she'd fallen asleep in full kit. Thank Mela for the comfort of Jade.

Talonlord Hitto was standing in the doorway, politely and calmly at attention. Aurala shook herself and clambered to her feet, rotating her stiff limbs. "At ease," she said. Hitto's chance became more casual but it was the casual movement of a man being polite rather than a man responding to military discipline. "Report,"

"The labourers are protesting. A small thing, my Talon is ready to disperse them if commanded."

"Not yet... I should at least speak to them first. Gather the troops and stand ready to meet me in the courtyard," said Aurala. Hitto bowed his head and walked away.

Five men made a Fang; five Fangs made a Scale; five Scales made a Talon; five Talons made a Wing; two Wings made a whole Dragon, a Legion of men, the ultimate expression of Imperial Authority. Iselsi Aurala had five Talonlords under her banner, and Hitto was by far the most concerning - which was saying something considering the motley assortment she shared command with.

Talonlord Marcus was the only Realm-born of her Talonlords, and he resembled nothing so much as a decaying old dragon. All his hair was falling out, his armour seemed only attached by string and his mind seemed to be rotting in clumps. He was a career soldier and he'd seen almost as much as she had - but he was rigid and inflexible and a stickler for rules.

Talonlord Zareth-from-Water was a slave from the South - a eunuch, in fact, cut as part of some barbaric pagan ritual. She'd promoted him for his loyalty, cunning and head for strategy, but he'd never been able to really control his men. She wasn't sure if this was through incompetence or design - Zareth was certainly cunning enough to see the value in having deniable assets.

Talonlord Hoggarth was a barbarian chieftain who had sworn his tribe to her after she had defeated him in personal combat, taking his hand in the process. He'd seemed positively delighted to have lost the hand and encountered someone so strong and had followed her without question. While a loyal and capable servant he was also a barbarian, and could never be fully trusted.

Talonlord Saielle was a ladder-climber, which was an extremely unattractive trait in a mortal and a military subordinate. She was an ass-kisser and vulgar in how forward she was in seeking improved fame, wealth and status. She had even attempted to proposition her once, which Aurala had firmly shut down before it had gotten to the point where she'd needed to discipline her.

But of all of them, Talonlord Hitto was the most concerning. His tribe had joined hers, similar to Hoggarth's, and he'd taken the Iselsi Blue. He was an excellent commander, his men were devoted to him, and he showed utmost deference and self control. His men were likewise unflinchingly polite and followed orders to the letter. They might be mistaken for Imperial troops.

The catch was they worshiped the Pale Lady, the Goddess of Pain and Suffering. Under their armour each one was covered in scars and she had no doubt that their discipline had been instilled at knife-point. They were capable of unsettling things and needed to be watched very closely, especially in civil settings. The pagan religion had remained stubbornly immune to any sort of Immaculate preaching, too.

So it was that Iselsi Aurala finished stretching and headed out down into the mustering field, smoothing out her cape and sashes as she walked. The walls and towers of the Stair gleamed in the morning light. Talonlord Hitto's troops swiftly fell into step behind her as she made her way towards the disturbance.

Deadly

2014-05-07, 05:22 PM

[Bonefeel 2d6+2: 1, 2 = 5]

The smooth black silk stocking snuck up her thigh, snug and tight. Iselsi Inamori traced her palms around the tight-fitting band and stood up, smoothing out a fold in her otherwise immaculate pure-black uniform. Light glinted as she picked a pair of glasses from a stand, and thin chains of silver rattled on her dress as she gathered her dark curls of hair, letting them flow down her front like black water.

Turning to the mirror and lifting her chin, she considered herself in the glass with a critic's unreadable expression. "Regal," she declared. "As befits you, my lady." She smiled, teeth gleaming and eyes bright. "You flatter me, but you are right as always."

She gave herself a last look of appraisal and appreciation, then spun around gracefully and walked across the room, head high and smile bright. "Come! The day needs us to remind it how to shine!" She threw open the doors and walked out into the warm light of the sun shining down through a thick glass ceiling, glittering in the scales of fish swimming by above her head.

A demon slithered up to her.

"You look great this morning, Mariko. I like what you did with your scales. Walk with me please," Inamori said as she walked briskly down the path through her underwater workshop.

"Yes, mistress," the demon hissed and obligingly snaked along just behind and beside her.

"How is the lake project going?"

"Swimmingly, mistress."

Inamori grinned. "In that case, I believe I shall have my tea and news on the dam. Are the shipments expected today?"

The demon bowed its head as it slithered along. "Yes, mistress."

Inamori glanced up through the water above as a shoal of colorful fish swam by. "Excellent."

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-07, 07:13 PM

Wherever one walked in the Giant's Step, the grand mansion of House Iselsi loomed overhead. On the average day, it stood as a watchful guardian, ever-protective of the little people scurrying about its feet. In times of war, it wielded military might like a giantic sword. In times of joy, it lit up with merriment and invited all to come celebrate by the hearth. It was the face of the Giant's Step, and all within strove to maintain its glorious visage.

Iselsi Haruto's personal chambers opened up to the mountainside. It was not coincidence.

Not that it was a poor room by any means. Trinkets of fine jewels and precious metals, an ample wardrobe with outfits for all occasions, a luxurious four-poster bed soft as a cloud, any Exalt would be proud to call this room their own. Nor were his habits particularly distasteful. An early rise, a light stretch in bed, a cup of tea he brewed himself, a fluffing of Miku's pillow, and he was ready to face the day. No, it may have had something to do with the longstanding vacancy in his bed. And his stubborn refusal to fill it as quickly as possible. Among other things.

How hard it is to find a partner when you're considered a murderous traitor. He mused as he slipped on his robes. "Daisuke? What's my schedule for this morning?"

His trim, elderly manservant adjusted his spectacles. "You have no new orders from Iselsi Raiton and no new requests for transport, sir. You have yet to formally reply to Iselsi Aurala's insistence that you report to the parade grounds to start remedying your...training deficiency."

"Insisting, is she?"

"Quite strongly, sir."

"That's quicker than usual," he noted. That usually wasn't good news; for himself and for his mother. "Best not to keep her waiting."

"...should I send word you'll be over after breakfast?"

"No, not yet," Haruto held a hand out his window, feeling the breeze on his skin. "This is a morning for visiting, and an afternoon for training. Tell her I'm going to visit father, and that I would 'greatly appreciate the blessing of her illustrious presence.' Wait, make that 'her most precious company.'"

"Of course, sir." Daisuke looked up from his parchment in time to see his charge poised halfway out the window.

"And let the chefs know I'll be late for breakfast!" Haruto called back.

"...I shall tell them you had difficulty with your tea, sir." The manservant bowed, utterly unsurprised.

"Excellent as always, Daisuke. May I one day have a hundred like you in my service." With a nod and a wave, he hopped out the window and crept along the mountainside. One advantage of a room facing away from the harbor? Nobody ever watched that side of the house. If any of mother's men saw him, they'd report it straightaway to her, bless their hearts. Better Daisuke deliver the news in one hand and his personal invitation in the other.

With the morning sun rising, Iselsi Haruto snuck away from the house and towards his personal stables.

Anarion

2014-05-07, 08:48 PM

So it was that Iselsi Aurala finished stretching and headed out down into the mustering field, smoothing out her cape and sashes as she walked. The walls and towers of the Stair gleamed in the morning light. Talonlord Hitto's troops swiftly fell into step behind her as she made her way towards the disturbance.

The laborers were gathered in the courtyard. It wasn't a big protest, barely 100 men, none of them trained in combat or armed with anything beyond a farming scythe or a hoe. They wore no armor either, merely large straw hats and cotton shirts in a navy blue, mostly white cotton pants, and wooden sandals. Aurala could easily have taken the whole group by herself, with barely a scratch on her Jade armor.

Still, there was a set to their faces and a look in their eyes that seemed surprisingly stubborn. When Aurala stepped outside, the crowd quieted and pushed an older man from their ranks. He had a flowing salt and pepper beard that hung down nearly to his shirt, and he stroked with a mixture of pride and nerves as he stepped up to Aurala.

"*Ahem* Most great and illustrious general, we come to you today out of most desperate need. With the...*ahem*" He coughs again, it's a deep sound, like an illness..."with the recent occurrences of the house, we have found many of the regular activities of the grounds curtailed. There is nothing to do, and without work, the men and their families will go hungry within a few weeks. *Ahem*"

So, want to read a charged situation?

"Yes, mistress," the demon hissed and obligingly snaked along just behind and beside her.

"How is the lake project going?"

"Swimmingly, mistress."

Inamori grinned. "In that case, I believe I shall have my tea and news on the dam. Are the shipments expected today?"

The demon bowed its head as it slithered along. "Yes, mistress."

Inamori glanced up through the water above as a shoal of colorful fish swam by. "Excellent."

Hey, how well protected is your underwater lab? Do any regular servants ever come down to wait on you, or is the corridor strictly off limits? Guarded by some demons maybe?

Oh, and lake project? deliveries? What's that all about?

"Excellent as always, Daisuke. May I one day have a hundred like you in my service." With a nod and a wave, he hopped out the window and crept along the mountainside. One advantage of a room facing away from the harbor? Nobody ever watched that side of the house. If any of mother's men saw him, they'd report it straightaway to her, bless their hearts. Better Daisuke deliver the news in one hand and his personal invitation in the other.

With the morning sun rising, Iselsi Haruto snuck away from the house and towards his personal stables.

You're acting under fire to sneak away without being caught. Roll +cool. And while you're at it, tell me, are your rooms anywhere near any of the others? Raiton or Bato maybe?

Forum Explorer

2014-05-07, 09:33 PM

Raiton woke up, his flame red hair perpetually stuck in a spiked straight up position. As usual he tried to do something with it as he chatted aloud. "Today...today I have...nothing to do. Huh, that's weird. Why do I have nothing to do? Well that's because I've been told I can't leave this fortress til I meet up with Mother, and she gives me clearance. Great, I wonder what she wants now?" Giving up he dresses and arms himself, his dueling rapier on his left hip and the thorn hilted sword on his right.

"Good morning oh Great and Honorable Prince of the Fires of Earth," Tensin said, bowing so low it looked like he was going to flip over."

"Good morning, my most faithful and only sort of expendable minion," Raiton shot back grinning.

"So what's the plan today, Boss?" Tensin said, grinning back as he straightened up.

"No idea. I've got a no fly order, which means either my brother or I have a job from Mother waiting for us."

"The Winglord is in the courtyard, will you eat first or skip right to the part with the yelling?" Tensin said.

"Breakfast first, then I'll go pick up whatever quest Mother has waiting for me. Knowing her she'll want me at work as soon as she's finished talking." Raiton said.

"Then I shall endeavor to collect your brother, as his presence is likely required, one way or the other." Tensin said, before heading off.

"Right, see you later! More like you'll endeavor to stay as far away from Aurala as possible. Raiton said, his curse kicking in. He headed to breakfast, eating quickly in case his Mother got impatient and showed up earlier then expected.

Anarion

2014-05-07, 09:56 PM

"Right, see you later! More like you'll endeavor to stay as far away from Aurala as possible. Raiton said, his curse kicking in. He headed to breakfast, eating quickly in case his Mother got impatient and showed up earlier then expected.

For once, that wasn't going to happen. Raiton heard the shouting start up from his room, and the sudden hush that so frequently accompanied his mother's presence.

Balmas

2014-05-07, 10:02 PM

Dawn is always a beautiful sight on the Giant's Stair. The sun peeks lazily over the horizon, like a child wondering if anyone will notice five more minutes. When it's clear that no, people will mind if they can't get their days underway, it quickly rises, its rays filtering through the clouds in a blaze of red and orange, like the God of the Bay has spilled a bucket of paint onto the Goddess of the dawn's dress.

Today was no exception. The light spread, lighting city and citizens alike with its warmth. It tiptoed over the tall masts of ships in the harbor, leaped gleefully over ceramic rooftops, and bounded through windows with the joy of being alive.

One particular ray found its way over the trees that dotted the Stair, around the gables of the Iselsi mansion, and into the eyes of the sleeping Iselsi Bato. She squirmed, but the light was quite insistent. Day had arrived, and that meant there was work to be done.

Bato rolled over in bed, throwing the rich silk sheets off her bed. A servant would be by to clean up, so there was no need to worry about that. There were more important things to do.

The woman danced to the window, breathing in the sea air and sighing happily. "It's going to be a good day," she murmured, and turned again to the room.

It wasn't a sumptuous room, by any standard of the word. Besides the bed, the desk, and the closet, there weren't many personal touches. The sole exceptions were a small black-framed picture and a miniature notebook.

Bato flipped open the notebook and scanned today's entry. There was the ever-present party to plan for, of course, but Haruto could help with that.

Bato bounced over to the closet, throwing the door open with reckless abandon. If the bedroom was spartan in its accommodation, the closet more than made up for it. Racks of dresses for every occasion lined the walls, framing a dresser with a massive mirror. Bato pursed her lips, considering, and pulled a long, slimming gown from the rack. It'd emphasize her hips. That ought to catch the Peleps' eyes at the affair tonight.

Now for the makeup. Just a hint of eyeshadow--a deep purple, to bring out the lighter lilac tattoos that adorned one side of her face and down one arm--and some facepaint to draw out the paleness in her face.

[Using makeup kit to take +1 Hot forward.]

A gentle knock drew Bato to the door of her chamber. "Enter..."

"Mommy?"

"Susumu! Ryu!" Bato drew her two sons into a hug. "Is it breakfast time already?"

The elder nodded, his head bobbing wildly. "Are you coming? Cookie is making eggs."

"Well, with that, I could hardly resist, right?" Bato smiled, ruffling Ryu's messy red hair. "Come on. Lead the way!"

The two boys cheered and rushed out the door, dragging their grinning mother behind them.

Thanqol

2014-05-07, 10:16 PM

The laborers were gathered in the courtyard. It wasn't a big protest, barely 100 men, none of them trained in combat or armed with anything beyond a farming scythe or a hoe. They wore no armor either, merely large straw hats and cotton shirts in a navy blue, mostly white cotton pants, and wooden sandals. Aurala could easily have taken the whole group by herself, with barely a scratch on her Jade armor.

Still, there was a set to their faces and a look in their eyes that seemed surprisingly stubborn. When Aurala stepped outside, the crowd quieted and pushed an older man from their ranks. He had a flowing salt and pepper beard that hung down nearly to his shirt, and he stroked with a mixture of pride and nerves as he stepped up to Aurala.

"*Ahem* Most great and illustrious general, we come to you today out of most desperate need. With the...*ahem*" He coughs again, it's a deep sound, like an illness..."with the recent occurrences of the house, we have found many of the regular activities of the grounds curtailed. There is nothing to do, and without work, the men and their families will go hungry within a few weeks. *Ahem*"

So, want to read a charged situation?

"If you require something of the Exalted, you elect a single delegate and schedule an appointment, according to the proper order of things," growled Aurala. "You do not gather in the streets like common criminals! You do not obstruct traffic in my town!" She reached out and grabbed the man, easily lifting him off the ground by the front of his shirt.

"You do not shame me with your impiety and disobedience!" Iselsi Aurala roared, voice rattling the stones. "You do not threaten me with a shouting mob!"

She tossed him to the ground at her feet. The swirling dust of the streets surrounded her in long, bladed wind-arcs. "Return to your homes. Contemplate your actions! And once you have remembered your role in the Perfected Hierarchy, only then may you approach me!"

[Go Aggro; 6+3+2+1(Read sitch) = 12.]

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-07, 10:21 PM

You're acting under fire to sneak away without being caught. Roll +cool. And while you're at it, tell me, are your rooms anywhere near any of the others? Raiton or Bato maybe?

(Roll: 2d6+0 = 6)

While the family quarters were indeed built close together, the master chambers of Aurala and her late husband are deeper inside, closer to the house's heart. Raiton earned the better of the two of them, snatching up a room with a stunning view of the bay. All the better to keep watch over the going-ons below. Bato had room in the guest wing above, though there'd been talk of moving her to more permanent chambers given the...fragile situaiton with the house.

Speaking of fragile situations, Haruto had managed to cross the rear of the house with little difficulty. A child could do it, and he'd done just that in his youth. Repeatedly. It was all a matter of getting below the line of windows and sticking close to the base of the house. Unless you were unfortunate enough to have someone poke their head out and look straight down, you were fine. Now came the tricky part; making a break from the mansion to the stables. Nobody liked the house to smell of manure, so the horses were all kept in stables separate from the main house. The downside was that, apart from the odd ornamental tree, the grounds were clear of any obvious cover. Something about 'leaving the enemy no foothold.'

And it's working splendidly! Here you are, an enemy without a foothold. Top marks.

He could wait here all day, and watch as a thousand opportunities passed him by while waiting for the perfect moment. Or, he could take a deep breath, test his speed, and settle the matter now. Hardly a choice; he couldn't go train with mother if he was sitting here all day, now could he? Once the coast cleared, he made his move...

Anarion

2014-05-07, 10:31 PM

"If you require something of the Exalted, you elect a single delegate and schedule an appointment, according to the proper order of things," growled Aurala. "You do not gather in the streets like common criminals! You do not obstruct traffic in my town!" She reached out and grabbed the man, easily lifting him off the ground by the front of his shirt.

"You do not shame me with your impiety and disobedience!" Iselsi Aurala roared, voice rattling the stones. "You do not threaten me with a shouting mob!"

She tossed him to the ground at her feet. The swirling dust of the streets surrounded her in long, bladed wind-arcs. "Return to your homes. Contemplate your actions! And once you have remembered your role in the Perfected Hierarchy, only then may you approach me!"

[Go Aggro; 6+3+2+1(Read sitch) = 12.]

The crowd dispersed almost instantly. People were on the verge of trampling each other to get out of that courtyard. Old Kenji, though, lay spluttering on the ground. The combination of stress and all the dust left him hacking and thrashing. He looked for all the world like a fresh fish, just pulled off the line and waiting to be gutted.

As he lay there with the soldiers...

He could wait here all day, and watch as a thousand opportunities passed him by while waiting for the perfect moment. Or, he could take a deep breath, test his speed, and settle the matter now. Hardly a choice; he couldn't go train with mother if he was sitting here all day, now could he? Once the coast cleared, he made his move...

Haruto made a break past the corner of the hallway. Unfortunately for him, he hadn't heard the two children running on soft carpet or bothered to look around the corner at the last second before making his move. Bato and her family had apparently taken the scenic route to breakfast and the two boys had seen fit to run ahead of their mother, barreling directly into Haruto as he set out. The momentum of the three of them carried the whole lot to a window, and Haruto found himself with his head hanging fully defenestrated to the courtyard. He saw an old man on the ground about to cough a lung out, an array of his mother's most terrifying soldiers lined up, and Aurala herself standing sternly with the wind swirling about her feet, kicking up more dust.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-08, 12:12 AM

Raiton finished up his meal and headed to the courtyard. Taking the scene in at a glance, he sighed and walked forward. "Greetings Mother. I see you are your usual cheery self this fine morning. Looks like she scared the old guy half to death."

"Come on, on your feet." Raiton said, pulling the mortal to his feet and patting him roughly on the back to clear his throat. "I know her yelling is fierce, but none have died from it yet. I think."

Thanqol

2014-05-08, 04:32 AM

Forum Explorer

2014-05-08, 05:42 AM

"As you command. Would've done that anyways. If you are dealing with trade negotiations, might I suggest talking to Aunt Bato? She is much more...suited to such a task then you are. " Raiton says, helping Kenji to the temple.

"Hello? Got a mortal fresh from Mother's 'tender' ministrations here." He called looking around.

Deadly

2014-05-08, 07:36 AM

Hey, how well protected is your underwater lab? Do any regular servants ever come down to wait on you, or is the corridor strictly off limits? Guarded by some demons maybe?

Oh, and lake project? deliveries? What's that all about?

The tower itself isn't guarded by Inamori, and it is mostly used for greeting visitors. Controls and machinery for the dam are on the lower levels of the tower, behind locked doors but no special guard. The upper level of the underwater area is guarded by a demon, but is open to trusted servants and friends. It's mostly residential area. The lower level of the underwater area, where the actual work and excavation is done, is closed off and guarded by the demons working there.

I imagine Aurala has a few guards keeping watch of the dam and lake itself, since it is used across the mountain for water, and a breach of the dam could threaten the port downriver. They might watch for people entering the tower as well, but they don't guard the interior. Inamori has nothing to do with them aside from pleasantries, as long as they stick to their job.

The shipment could be a general delivery of goods for more than just Inamori, if anyone feels like using it.

*

"They're all anchored?" Inamori sipped her tea while gazing out over the lake. Glass-like lily pads dotted the surface, fractal patterns glowing in concentric circles within.

"Yes, mistress," Mariko said beside her. "Algae populations are down twenty percent since operation began, and the toxic spill is below containment levels, but we have used up our store of saké. If we could use the--"

"My private saké is not to be wasted, Mariko," Inamori said sternly as she took a step onto one of the pads, holding her tea steadily as she stood in the middle of the platform. "Very stable," Inamori noted to herself with satisfaction. "Good. The metal is not too thin, either. I could perhaps make it even thinner," she mused quietly.

"Yes, mistress," the demon bowed her serpentine head and slid into the water next to Inamori, only her head sticking out of the water.

"Besides," Inamori continued as she stepped from the first pad onto another, "this shipment should provide us with enough saké to fuel the project for the foreseeable future." Inamori took another sip of her tea. "And the fish are not disturbed?"

"Not since we stopped using distilled alcohol, mistress." Mariko slithered through the water as Inamori stepped from pad to pad, holding her tea. "The saké keeps the pads working at maximum efficiency with no undue slicing, as you predicted, mistress."

"Good. The frogs should add the final touch, once they get here with the saké," she said as she stopped and turned, standing well out on the lake. "Unless we end up receiving a shipment of drunken frogs marinated in saké."

"I doubt it, mistress." Mariko drifted around the pad, her long body undulating in the water.

"If we do, I'll invite the family over for dinner tonight." Inamori smiled. "Speaking of which, I should pay them a visit while work is low. Keep things running as usual while I'm away." She finished her tea before heading back towards the shore, preparing to head out.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-08, 08:46 AM

Haruto relaxed his white-knuckle grip on the window and breathed out the tension of the moment. No need to go jumping out of another window this morning. Yet. With one soul safely seen to, he turned to the other two lying sprawled on the carpeted hallway and moved out of sight from the open window. "Are you unharmed? Goodness me, within a year we could make a battering ram out of you two." He gently helped the two lads to their feet.

Anarion

2014-05-08, 01:26 PM

"Hello? Got a mortal fresh from Mother's 'tender' ministrations here." He called looking around.

The head priest, Iselsi Shinja, greets Raiton as he arrives. He looked slightly resentful. He always looked slightly resentful, and had for the past 40 years, ever since he failed to Exalt for his House. Still, his training gave him expertise in thaumaturgy as well as plants and herbs, and he was also well trained enough to serve where he could.

Shinja swept his deep-sea colored robes aside and withdrew a stick of incense from his long deep sleeves, placing it in a brazier within the small temple.

The temple itself was not fancy in the slightest: there were no images of any local gods, merely a room lined with dark oak and with straw prayer mats placed in a long line. At the head of the room was a bronze bell, set to be rung to alert the gods to the presence of the faithful, and on the side was a small sitting and tea room where Shinja spent the day and received guests visiting to pray.

As the incense began to fill the room, Kenji finally seemed to stop coughing, though he still had trouble standing without Raiton's support.

"He suffers from a wasting sickness," Shinja said, as Raiton's eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room. "This is the third case I've seen, and the first to enter the hold proper. Sea incense lightens the burden, but it is only temporary. After that..." He sighs and shakes his head.

"If we do, I'll invite the family over for dinner tonight." Inamori smiled. "Speaking of which, I should pay them a visit while work is low. Keep things running as usual while I'm away." She finished her tea before heading back towards the shore, preparing to head out.

As Inamori stepped out, one of the guards whispered to her. "Humble apologies, mistress. A courier asked us to inform you that the peasant laborers have gathered in the castle. General Aurala is dealing with the disturbance at present, but work outside has slowed to a crawl. Combined with the recent banditry on the roads and our need for more guards, you should not expect any new goods arriving today."

Haruto relaxed his white-knuckle grip on the window and breathed out the tension of the moment. No need to go jumping out of another window this morning. Yet. With one soul safely seen to, he turned to the other two lying sprawled on the carpeted hallway and moved out of sight from the open window. "Are you unharmed? Goodness me, within a year we could make a battering ram out of you two." He gently helped the two lads to their feet.

They both smiled at Haruto, apparently none the worse for wear. "You should let us train you in stealth, uncle Haruto" Susumu said. "Yeah, we're really good at it!" added Ryu, both of them smirking.

Balmas

2014-05-08, 01:40 PM

Bato laughed as she caught up to her children. "Boys, how many times have I told you not to go running in the halls? You could hurt someone doing that, you know." She stifled her giggles, arching one painted eyebrow at Haruto. "Though it doesn't explain why your cousin is doing it..."

Forum Explorer

2014-05-08, 04:21 PM

"Is that your third case recently, or third in your lifetime?" Raiton asked, focusing on the potential for a possible plague then the fact that the old mortal was going to die soon.

Deadly

2014-05-08, 05:27 PM

As Inamori stepped out, one of the guards whispered to her. "Humble apologies, mistress. A courier asked us to inform you that the peasant laborers have gathered in the castle. General Aurala is dealing with the disturbance at present, but work outside has slowed to a crawl. Combined with the recent banditry on the roads and our need for more guards, you should not expect any new goods arriving today."

"That will not do," Inamori declared and held a hand to her lips, frowning in thought. "Always at the worst of times, too. Excuse me, I need to ensure my frogs arrive on time," she said as she hastened for the castle.

Thanqol

2014-05-08, 09:02 PM

Now that was done, Aurala's next move was to get to the City Office. If there was something wrong with employment in her town she needed to find out what was up - someone, somewhere wasn't doing their job right and she needed to know as much as possible before she made a decision.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-08, 09:02 PM

They both smiled at Haruto, apparently none the worse for wear. "You should let us train you in stealth, uncle Haruto" Susumu said. "Yeah, we're really good at it!" added Ryu, both of them smirking.

"I didn't realize I was in the presence of such distinguished experts." Haruto ruffled their heads affectionately. "What stealthy honors have you two earned for yourselves?"

Bato laughed as she caught up to her children. "Boys, how many times have I told you not to go running in the halls? You could hurt someone doing that, you know." She stifled her giggles, arching one painted eyebrow at Haruto. "Though it doesn't explain why your cousin is doing it..."

Haruto laughed along with her. "Would you believe I was merely taking care of a little pre-breakfast business?" he offered halfheartedly. His eyes darted down to the pair of listening ears.

Balmas

2014-05-08, 10:30 PM

Anarion

2014-05-08, 10:35 PM

"Is that your third case recently, or third in your lifetime?" Raiton asked, focusing on the potential for a possible plague then the fact that the old mortal was going to die soon.

"Yes..." said Shinja, his face grave. "I have prayed to the proper gods for guidance, but I did not think to trouble your most illustrious self with a minor affliction." There's that bit of resentment agian, Shinja following all the forms, but putting just a hint of a sneer in his tone.

"That will not do," Inamori declared and held a hand to her lips, frowning in thought. "Always at the worst of times, too. Excuse me, I need to ensure my frogs arrive on time," she said as she hastened for the castle.

Now that was done, Aurala's next move was to get to the City Office. If there was something wrong with employment in her town she needed to find out what was up - someone, somewhere wasn't doing their job right and she needed to know as much as possible before she made a decision.

Aurala and Inamori found themselves in the same corridor, one coming and one going.

"I didn't realize I was in the presence of such distinguished experts." Haruto ruffled their heads affectionately. "What stealthy honors have you two earned for yourselves?"

"well, we-" *slap*
Susumu gives Ryu a harsh smack, and then both say "No, um, we've just been practicing our hunting and tracking. Isn't that right, Mother?" They both look to Bato for confirmation.

Thanqol

2014-05-09, 01:26 AM

Aurala and Inamori found themselves in the same corridor, one coming and one going.

"Sister, you wouldn't happen to have profitable employment on hand for a hundred-odd jobless mortals, would you?" said Aurala. She was focused sharply on her current task, no room in her mind for any personal feelings or reservations. She had her job to do.

Deadly

2014-05-09, 08:32 AM

"Sister, you wouldn't happen to have profitable employment on hand for a hundred-odd jobless mortals, would you?" said Aurala. She was focused sharply on her current task, no room in her mind for any personal feelings or reservations. She had her job to do.

"Morning, dear sister!" Inamori lit up into a bright smile at the sight of Aurala. "Well, can they guard shipments or round up bandits? Because I understand we have a surplus of bandits and not enough shipments getting through."

Thanqol

2014-05-09, 08:47 AM

"Morning, dear sister!" Inamori lit up into a bright smile at the sight of Aurala. "Well, can they guard shipments or round up bandits? Because I understand we have a surplus of bandits and not enough shipments getting through."

"Oh, bandits are the problem? Well, that's easier solved with the soldiers I already have," said Aurala. "Do you know anything about these bandits?"

Deadly

2014-05-09, 08:55 AM

"Oh, bandits are the problem? Well, that's easier solved with the soldiers I already have," said Aurala. "Do you know anything about these bandits?"

"One of the guards on the dam just informed me of recent banditry on the road and a lack of guards to deal with it. I have a shipment coming in today, but if you believe these bandits should be easily dealt with, then I am more at ease."

Thanqol

2014-05-09, 09:12 AM

"One of the guards on the dam just informed me of recent banditry on the road and a lack of guards to deal with it. I have a shipment coming in today, but if you believe these bandits should be easily dealt with, then I am more at ease."

"This shipment... is it valuable, dangerous, likely to spoil or some terrible combination of those things?" Aurala asked flatly.

Deadly

2014-05-09, 09:30 AM

"This shipment... is it valuable, dangerous, likely to spoil or some terrible combination of those things?" Aurala asked flatly.

"The rice wine is cheap swill, but there's a lot of it," Inamori said, ticking off on her fingers. "The frogs are rare, poisonous ... and living, but who knows how long?"

Thanqol

2014-05-09, 09:34 AM

"The rice wine is cheap swill, but there's a lot of it," Inamori said, ticking off on her fingers. "The frogs are rare, poisonous ... and living, but who knows how long?"

"..." Aurala stared blankly for a second. "Frogs -" she snapped to. "You are coming with me then, sister. It is possible we will see a blight of poisonous, invasive frogs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toads_in_Australia) across our fields and rivers if this goes awry, and that problem seems better solved with sorcery than legionnaires."

Balmas

2014-05-09, 10:56 AM

"well, we-" *slap*
Susumu gives Ryu a harsh smack, and then both say "No, um, we've just been practicing our hunting and tracking. Isn't that right, Mother?" They both look to Bato for confirmation.

*pinch*

"Yowowow!"

"Now, Susumu, I think we've covered this before, have we not?"

"Gerroff gerroff ooooow!"

"Ryu's your brother. He's family. We don't hurt family."

"You're tearing my ear off!"

"What do we say to Ryu?"

Anarion

2014-05-09, 10:58 AM

Bago smiled, patting Ryu and Susumu on the shoulders. "Go ahead and tell Cookie I'm coming, okay? And don't eat all the eggs before I get there!"

The lithe woman didn't wait to hear the scampering of bare feet as she moved to glance out the window. "Important morning business, huh? I'm sure it has nothing to do with the hurricane in the courtyard?"

Susumu and Ryu hesitate. They look like they want to follow their mother's instructions, but Haruto is also looking at them so intently that they seem uncertain if they should leave. They both suddenly look nervous.

Roll +sharp to read a charged situation. [Also, let me highlight that Bato may very much be interested in either helping or hindering via Hx when somebody tries to read her own children.]

"..." Aurala stared blankly for a second. "Frogs -" she snapped to. "You are coming with me then, sister. It is possible we will see a blight of poisonous, invasive frogs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toads_in_Australia) across our fields and rivers if this goes awry, and that problem seems better solved with sorcery than legionnaires."

Besides Inamori's answer, who would you get to go with you? And would you head out there right away, or try and get the laborers sorted out first, or something else entirely?

Forum Explorer

2014-05-09, 01:25 PM

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-09, 08:43 PM

*pinch*

"Yowowow!"

"Now, Susumu, I think we've covered this before, have we not?"

"Gerroff gerroff ooooow!"

"Ryu's your brother. He's family. We don't hurt family."

"You're tearing my ear off!"

"What do we say to Ryu?"

Susumu and Ryu hesitate. They look like they want to follow their mother's instructions, but Haruto is also looking at them so intently that they seem uncertain if they should leave. They both suddenly look nervous.

Roll +sharp to read a charged situation. [Also, let me highlight that Bato may very much be interested in either helping or hindering via Hx when somebody tries to read her own children.]

"Now boys, you ought to listen to your mother." Haruto knelt down to their level with a frown. "There's wisdom to be had there, and not just in how to keep your ears from getting pinched. A wise little spy picks up wisdom wherever he can find it, eh?" He waited expectantly for Susumu to apologize, carefully watching the boys interactions. This might have just been some frivolous secret - he'd kept his share of deathly serious oaths over useless matters in his time - but you never know. A wise spy picked up information wherever he could find it, after all.

[Will roll once Hx is decided/rolled.]

Balmas

2014-05-09, 09:34 PM

Bato kept her fingers clenched around Susumu's ear, just tight enough to let him know that they were there and could tighten to a vice-grip at the first sign of mischief. "You should answer your cousin, boys. After all, all it would take to find out would be to consult your riding teacher. And if you've been playing truant, I'd prefer to hear it from you instead of having to chase it down myself."

It was true, too. Much easier to get them to confess than to chase it down.

Roll 10 on the dice, +2 hx. +1 to help Haruto.

Thanqol

2014-05-09, 09:51 PM

Besides Inamori's answer, who would you get to go with you? And would you head out there right away, or try and get the laborers sorted out first, or something else entirely?

Originally, Aurala's plan would be to take a reasoned, measured response of the situation from her office and probably send Raiton to gather information about the bandits before conducting a military campaign using her full force. The presence of an indeterminate number of poisonous frogs in the hands of bandits is getting her to step up her timetable pretty quick.

Anarion

2014-05-09, 11:29 PM

"I see. Elder, for the time you should rest here. In the meanwhile I need you to tell me more about the other people who fell victim to this sickness. Also remind me, which gods would be responsible for the health of our people? I've never dealt with a plague before."

"If you paid any attention, you'd know that the local gods most skilled at healing were Purifying Water from Winter Snow, and Kelp Entwined by Driftwood." Shinja sighs in pity. "When I was being trained to be a prince of the earth, we taught our children the names of the gods properly. At any rate, why don't you do your duty and go visit them? Nearby hilltop down the coast and about 100 yards out to sea in a hidden cave, respectively." He sniffs at Raiton, clearly disappointed.

[Will roll once Hx is decided/rolled.]

The best way in is to offer the children safety and remove the fear of punishment.

Originally, Aurala's plan would be to take a reasoned, measured response of the situation from her office and probably send Raiton to gather information about the bandits before conducting a military campaign using her full force. The presence of an indeterminate number of poisonous frogs in the hands of bandits is getting her to step up her timetable pretty quick.

I'm not really sure what you're actually doing, so I guess figure that out with Inamori and let me know when you move somewhere else and who you take.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-09, 11:41 PM

Hmm, do I go with the Mother, or the Haruto response. "And if you had reported your failure to cure a new disease this problem might have been solved already." With that Raiton headed off, dismissing the mortal from his mind. "So I've got a god or two to deal with. I'll check in with Stairway to Heaven first. See if he knows them and any particular eccentricities they might have." He muttered as he headed to the top of the mountain, the resident god's favorite place.

Anarion

2014-05-09, 11:54 PM

Why don't you all tell me about Stairway to Heaven? What kind of god is he? What's do in his free time an what's he care about beyond "more power and worshippers?" Anybody can answer, not just Raiton.

Deadly

2014-05-10, 03:08 AM

"..." Aurala stared blankly for a second. "Frogs -" she snapped to. "You are coming with me then, sister. It is possible we will see a blight of poisonous, invasive frogs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toads_in_Australia) across our fields and rivers if this goes awry, and that problem seems better solved with sorcery than legionnaires."

"It would make it easier to get the frogs," Inamori said, then quickly added, "but it would be a disaster, of course. Can't have that. What do you suggest?"

Thanqol

2014-05-10, 03:38 AM

"It would make it easier to get the frogs," Inamori said, then quickly added, "but it would be a disaster, of course. Can't have that. What do you suggest?"

"I'm going to see if anyone knows anything, and then take three Talons out scouting," said Aurala, starting towards her office again. "If we find them, we defeat them on the battlefield."

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-10, 08:21 AM

The best way in is to offer the children safety and remove the fear of punishment.

Nasty emotion, fear. Give into it once, and it binds you up like a prized hog until it's time for the slaughter.

"...and a brave little spy," he put his hands on their shoulders reassuringly. "Doesn't let fear stop him from doing his duty. Though his teeth may be chattering, he tells those fearful teeth to shoosh up, because he's got a job to do. Look at me; every day I undertake a mission so dangerous, few would dare to take it." He leaned in close, lowering his voice to a conspiring whisper. "I give your Aunt Aurala a warm hug. And sometimes...flowers too." He nodded gravely. "It's a dangerous mission, but if I let fear stop me, your Aunt would never get a hug. Ever!"

The horror!

He stood up beside them, a pillar of strength for the two lads to lean on. "If I can do it, then I know my cousins can do it too. Come on now; let's all of us be brave together!" He bowed at the waist to Bato. "Dearest Aunt! I confess that I was running and sneaking in the halls when I should've been walking carefully, and beg your forgiveness." He raised his head just enough to send a wink Bato's way.

(Not sure if this counts as manipulating, or just roleplaying.)

Anarion

2014-05-10, 08:45 AM

It counts as manipulating. And I'll even tell you that what they'll probably ask for is your intervention against their mother, who is, of course, standing right there. Bato is also likely aware of that.

Balmas

2014-05-10, 05:51 PM

"I accept your apology," Bato said graciously, returning the bow with a modest curtsy. Her serious tone was somewhat undercut by the laughter in her eyes. "Although, I beg you to repent of your dangerous ways. After all, who knows what my dear sister would do without her daily supply of hugs?"

Bato finally released Susumu's ear, and bent down to be near their faces. "Now, you know I love you. I know that you're good boys, and I can rely on you never to lie to your mother. Or your cousin." She tapped her chin in thought. "Now that I think about it, Cookie told me that she was going to be making some mochi tonight. Of course, only good children and Dragon blooded would be able to have some..."

Anarion

2014-05-10, 05:56 PM

I'm gonna need a manipulate roll from one of you. Could be either at this point.

Balmas

2014-05-10, 07:13 PM

Anarion

2014-05-10, 08:20 PM

"And I promise you, I won't be angry." Bato pulled her boys closer into the hug. "Disappointed, maybe. But how about you tell Mommy what you're doing, so she doesn't have to go see your instructor before Cookie can bring out dessert."

[6+3=9. Pity Bato didn't Read the Sitch, or she'd have made it.]

The two look at each other pointedly, then both look at Haruto and grin. "Okay, okay" Susumu says. "But we have to go eat first, so you can't change your mind later, then we'll tell you." "Yeah," Ryu adds, "And you have to punish Haruto too, cuz he was sneaking around, so whatever punishment you give to us for our sneaking, he gets the same thing, or else we won't tell you."

Balmas

2014-05-10, 10:21 PM

"Hmm. That sounds fair, but I'll have to leave that up to Haruto." Bato stood up, and ribbed the man. "Whaddya say, cousin?"

Anarion

2014-05-10, 10:36 PM

"Hmm. That sounds fair, but I'll have to leave that up to Haruto." Bato stood up, and ribbed the man. "Whaddya say, cousin?"

"Well, if he doesn't agree, we won't tell, no matter what you do."

Figuring you guys go eat now? Haruto, what do you do in response to them?

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-10, 11:08 PM

The little scamps! A pity they weren't born in his time; just think of the adventures the three of them could've gotten away with. "Cousin accepts." Haruto said, arms folded determinedly. "Family sticks together through thick and thin, rain and shine, desserts and punishments. Now run-walk along now, and your mother and I will meet you at breakfast."

There was still the matter of his little visit. Every second he spent chatting just increased the odds he'd be spotted and dragged off to Mother.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-11, 12:19 AM

Deadly

2014-05-11, 03:08 AM

"I'm going to see if anyone knows anything, and then take three Talons out scouting," said Aurala, starting towards her office again. "If we find them, we defeat them on the battlefield."

"Direct as ever, I see. What do you need from me?" Inamori followed beside her, flowing along the floor.

Thanqol

2014-05-11, 03:18 AM

"Direct as ever, I see. What do you need from me?" Inamori followed beside her, flowing along the floor.

"Advice. Backup. Some kind of protective gear for dealing with an indeterminate number of poisonous toads," said Aurala.

Aurala arrived in her office. It had a lot of maps. She liked maps. She wished she had better ones than the ones she did; something made out of stone or tile.

Recently a lot of the maps had been updated using an awful lot of red paint.

She grabbed one of the maps of the local area and rolled it out onto the table, knocking aside a few plates and notebooks that had been left lying around. She stood back and looked at it, seeing if she could figure out the likely source of the attacks based on previous reports and the shape of the terrain.

[Read a sitch; 2d6+Sharp - 8. One question: What is my enemy's true location?]

Deadly

2014-05-11, 05:34 AM

"Advice. Backup. Some kind of protective gear for dealing with an indeterminate number of poisonous toads," said Aurala.

Aurala arrived in her office. It had a lot of maps. She liked maps. She wished she had better ones than the ones she did; something made out of stone or tile.

Recently a lot of the maps had been updated using an awful lot of red paint.

She grabbed one of the maps of the local area and rolled it out onto the table, knocking aside a few plates and notebooks that had been left lying around. She stood back and looked at it, seeing if she could figure out the likely source of the attacks based on previous reports and the shape of the terrain.

[Read a sitch; 2d6+Sharp - 8. One question: What is my enemy's true location?]

"You know I'm always good for that," Inamori said as she stood in the office, hands on her back while she studied the maps. "Protective gear might take time to make, if I don't have something lying around that I can fit to our needs. I should start as soon as possible, once we know what we need."

Balmas

2014-05-11, 09:24 AM

Bato nodded along with her nephew. "Yes. Go get breakfast. But remember, the syrup is a condiment, not the meal itself."

Anarion

2014-05-11, 11:31 AM

Raiton took a deep breath as he finally reached the top of the mountain. As expected Stairway to Heaven was in his usual position, overlooking the entire land.

"Good morning, Stairway to Heaven. Anything interesting on the horizon today?" he asked politely as he approached.

The large granite statue atop the mountain stood nearly 12 feet tall, towering over anyone who approached it. It's serene, smiling face, atop a fat body clothed in robes told half the story. As Raiton approached it, the head of the statue flipped 180 degrees to show the face of a snarling demon. A flowing, curly mane wrapped around its dog-like head as it gazed down at Raiton's approach.

This wasn't unusual for Stairway to Heaven. Its inner rage had been unleashed when half its mountain was cloven in twain, and it generally preferred that face for its guests, rather than gifting them the serenity that it used to look out over the ocean.

A voice like gravel tumbling down a mountain issued from its mouth: "Ships as always, Prince. Some come. Some go. Weak men get on and off."

Stairway to Heaven was never especially talkative, though it always knew ten times what it said.

"Advice. Backup. Some kind of protective gear for dealing with an indeterminate number of poisonous toads," said Aurala.

Aurala arrived in her office. It had a lot of maps. She liked maps. She wished she had better ones than the ones she did; something made out of stone or tile.

Recently a lot of the maps had been updated using an awful lot of red paint.

She grabbed one of the maps of the local area and rolled it out onto the table, knocking aside a few plates and notebooks that had been left lying around. She stood back and looked at it, seeing if she could figure out the likely source of the attacks based on previous reports and the shape of the terrain.

[Read a sitch; 2d6+Sharp - 8. One question: What is my enemy's true location?]

As Aurala gazed over the maps, her view settled on a series of caves along the shore, about 15 miles from the Giant's Stair. As far as she knew, nobody lived and they weren't along the standard route for ships as the entrance was partially hidden in a cove. But they were less than an hour's march to the main road and a ship that knew about them could drop off and pick up men there without any unwanted eyes noticing.

Based on the lack of reports until today and the sudden stoppage of all deliveries, she had no doubt this was where the bandits were.

15 miles was close enough that she could personally get there at a sprint by mid-afternoon. Force-marching soldiers there to arrive in a state where they could still fight would take about half a day.

Bato nodded along with her nephew. "Yes. Go get breakfast. But remember, the syrup is a condiment, not the meal itself."

The children ran to breakfast and at first ate their food with gusto, but as they neared the end of the meal, they began to slow down, and their eyes became downcast as they started to anticipate what they would need to do when they finished. Finally, they did finish, and as Ryu chewed on his last bite of syrup topped with a little toast, Susumu began to speak.

"Mother, we're really really sorry, but we snuck into the guest quarters a couple nights ago. We wanted to see the Peleps guests who were arriving for the party. I know that you told us to never ever go in there without permission and that we could dishonor the whole family, but we were sure we wouldn't get caught. There's this loose ceiling beam that lets you get into the crawlspace where the carpenters work, and you can hear what people are saying and even look down into the guest bedrooms at a couple spots where the wood's rotten.

We, um, while we were watching, there was this one guy who came in wearing really heavy robes to his bedroom. And he closed and locked the door and took his robes off and I think he cast a spell."

Ryu finishes swallowing and says "yeah, he was chanting and his eyes turned all red, and it got cold even up where we were."

Susumu picks back up. "We, um, we got scared and crawled away and didn't see what he did. But, we thought we shouldn't tell you cuz we'd get in big trouble for spying on guests like that."

Ryu adds "yeah, and Aunt Inamori does stuff like that all the time and always gets mad when people try to come in while she's working, so we thought that you'd be really upset."

Both together. "We're really sorry."

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-11, 07:14 PM

Bato nodded along with her nephew. "Yes. Go get breakfast. But remember, the syrup is a condiment, not the meal itself."

Once the boys were out of sight, Haruto spared a glance outside before turning back to his aunt. "Crafty little fellows; you're teaching them well." He wanly smiled. "You've almost got it; my business involves avoiding the Hurricane long enough to pay a little visit. I hadn't anything pressing to do, and I thought it as good a morning as any to visit Father." Both names were said with equal respect and gravity.

Balmas

2014-05-11, 08:11 PM

Once the boys were out of sight, Haruto spared a glance outside before turning back to his aunt. "Crafty little fellows; you're teaching them well." He wanly smiled. "You've almost got it; my business involves avoiding the Hurricane long enough to pay a little visit. I hadn't anything pressing to do, and I thought it as good a morning as any to visit Father." Both names were said with equal respect and gravity.

"They'll make a wonderful pair of extortionists someday," Bato agreed, chuckling ruefully. "Would my presence be acceptable?"

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-11, 08:29 PM

"They'll make a wonderful pair of extortionists someday," Bato agreed, chuckling ruefully. "Would my presence be acceptable?"

Haruto nodded solemnly. "I won't turn down the company, and who knows? Perhaps Mother will join us once she hears you're along too," he mused, before shifting back to his usual lazy smile. "Provided I can avoid running into any more close relatives, I'll meet you outside my stables?"

Forum Explorer

2014-05-11, 08:46 PM

Balmas

2014-05-11, 09:56 PM

Anarion

2014-05-11, 11:59 PM

"Hmm, ships could carry disease I suppose. Someplace to look if all else fails. Regardless I'm here to share some news with you, we've got a new disease on the mountain, a wasting disease our resident healer is unable to cure. I suppose I'll have to track down Purifying Water and Kelp Entwined."

"Oh, is that all?" says the stone god. It's head swivels around to the smiling, serene face. "Perhaps I shall finally have some peace and quiet then."

"I'm sure the boys would love to have your company at breakfast," Bato wheedled. "I'd gladly run interference for Aurala, should she show, but somehow I don't think she'll be in a hurry to arrive. She needs a good half-hour to wind down from a shouting session. But if not, I can meet you there."

[I have no reply to this, you guys can set up however you want to get to the boys disclosure.]

Forum Explorer

2014-05-12, 01:10 AM

Thanqol

2014-05-12, 02:42 AM

As Aurala gazed over the maps, her view settled on a series of caves along the shore, about 15 miles from the Giant's Stair. As far as she knew, nobody lived and they weren't along the standard route for ships as the entrance was partially hidden in a cove. But they were less than an hour's march to the main road and a ship that knew about them could drop off and pick up men there without any unwanted eyes noticing.

Based on the lack of reports until today and the sudden stoppage of all deliveries, she had no doubt this was where the bandits were.

15 miles was close enough that she could personally get there at a sprint by mid-afternoon. Force-marching soldiers there to arrive in a state where they could still fight would take about half a day.

"Here..." she murmured, tapping the map. She rolled it up, put it back on the shelf and then ordered a soldier to instruct Talonlords Hitto, Saielle and Hoggarth to muster their troops and have them ready outside the front gate.

"Bato. They're extremely close by so this is going to be an event rather than a campaign," said Aurala. "How soon can you have your things together?"

Anarion

2014-05-12, 07:57 AM

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-12, 12:43 PM

"I'm sure the boys would love to have your company at breakfast," Bato wheedled. "I'd gladly run interference for Aurala, should she show, but somehow I don't think she'll be in a hurry to arrive. She needs a good half-hour to wind down from a shouting session. But if not, I can meet you there."

Haruto briefly mulled over his options. Breakfast was a risk, but a delightful risk at that. And something told him Bato's odds of handling his mother's ire dwarfed Daisuke's. "When you put it like that, how could I refuse? I would be honored to join you for breakfast." He respectfully offered her his arm as they headed off for the dining hall. "Wouldn't want to disappoint the boys, now would we?"

Anarion

2014-05-12, 09:30 PM

"You know you love us. And I know that you hate those other gods. So what dirt do you have on Purifying Water and Kelp Entwined?"

Guess I need a manipulate roll or does him being my contact avert that?

If not here's my roll 2d6+cool (Operator ability): [roll0]

The head flips back to the angry maned dog. "Pathetic. You would attempt to flatter me by driving a wedge between local gods. They shall both hear of this my Prince, and gods are not swift to forget such slights."

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

Meanwhile, in Inamori's laboratory, she sets herself to brewing up a poison antidote as swiftly as possible. She doesn't have a sample of the frog venom on hand, but as she casts about, she realizes that one of her toad-like demons can, with sufficient prompting, produce a sample of what is likely to be a very similar venom. In order to produce its venom, however, it requires that someone present to it a tale shattered or failed love. It simply cannot produce the venom otherwise.

Balmas

2014-05-12, 09:37 PM

Bato laughed, and laced her arm through the proffered elbow. "Indeed not. And I'm sure you'd love to hear what you're being punished for."

The kitchen sat at the very base of the building, like some squat critter huddled around itself. The oven fires roared, turning it from a dark cave to a cozy den. The workers scuttled back and forth, carrying their loads of meat, eggs, like a hive of ants with aprons. And lording over it all was the queen ant, Cookie.

No one quite knew how old Cookie was. She was a fixture of the kitchen almost as much as the massive stone furnace that dominated the kitchen. Bato had fond memories of riceballs delivered by those massive, gnarled arms. Always with that same warm smile, too.

Aurala may have run the house, but in that kitchen, Cookie was Lord and Lady both.

Bato gratefuly nodded as Cookie presented them with two steaming plates full of eggs, and scanned for her children in the rows of tables next to the kitchens.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-12, 10:18 PM

"Oh good. For a second there I was worried that I might resolve this easily. Now I get the fun of dealing with upset gods and a new plague. Well I best get started, so have a nice day. And Raiton once again manages to turn even the simplest of tasks into an over complicated mess. " With a final bow, Raiton headed back down the mountains and to the stables. I didn't tell Stairway which of the healing gods I'd visit first. So with some luck, he'll talk to the wrong god first, and I'll manage to get a conversation in without an angry god.

I'm leaving it to you Anarion if Raiton is simply being optimist or if a roll for luck should be made. Also I figure I'll run into Aurala and her troops on my way out of the mountain. Thanqol, you want to throw in a scene, or should I just breeze through it?

Anarion

2014-05-13, 01:09 AM

When Raiton descended the stair again, he found the base of the fortress suddenly crowded with soldiers. Sturdy, disciplined troops were lined up next to crude, bearded northmen led by a hulking one-handed leader. And before them all strode Aurala, a beacon of strength and power, though one held up so stiffly, it was a miracle she didn't blow over in a strong breeze.

There was no avoiding his mother's gaze as he arrived. A prince of the earth did not simply stride around unnoticed, at least not without trying.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-13, 01:30 AM

Thanqol

2014-05-13, 01:53 AM

Raiton headed straight for Aurala, a small smile on his face. He knew full well that running or trying to avoid her just attracted her attention, and her anger. "It's so nice to see that you're off to have fun Mother. I would like to join the festivities, but I'm afraid that the business with that mortal earlier is demanding my full attention. Plagues have a tendency to do that. " Raiton said, keeping his tone of voice relaxed and cheerful, though he couldn't help but wince when his curse kicked in.

"FESTIVITIES!?" roared the one-handed barbarian. He didn't quite fit in his standard-issue armour, and some of the straps had been extended with scavenged belts to fit his enormous muscles. "Only if you consider blood and conquest FESTIVE!! What is wrong with you, BOY!?"

"That boy is a Prince of the Earth, if I do not miss my guess," murmured the thin, balding man by his side. He wore the same uniform and rank insignia but his strength was an extremely wiry, focused kind, and his hands were covered in scars. Unlike his barbarian ally, he was showing absolutely impeccable etiquette and discipline, avoiding eye contact and bowing the exact appropriate amount.

"A DRAGON CHILD!?" said Hoggarth in surprise.

"Yes. You can tell from the scales," said Hitto.

"WELL THEN!" Said Hoggarth. "I guess you learn something every day!" It was evident he didn't have a very good grasp on the Low Realm language, given his tendency to massively over-emphasise random words. "Good to meet you, lizard!"

"I do not believe that is the appropriate term either," said Hitto.

"He's got scales, don't he?" said Hoggarth.

"Silence!" snapped Iselsi Aurala. The barbarian clamped his jaw shut and stomped off. "You, Raiton. Speak plainly."

Deadly

2014-05-13, 03:15 AM

"Here..." she murmured, tapping the map. She rolled it up, put it back on the shelf and then ordered a soldier to instruct Talonlords Hitto, Saielle and Hoggarth to muster their troops and have them ready outside the front gate.

"Bato. They're extremely close by so this is going to be an event rather than a campaign," said Aurala. "How soon can you have your things together?"

[Was she meant to say Inamori, or was Bato intentional?]

"I shall see what I can concoct on short notice, though it would be simpler if I had the frogs to sample," Inamori said. "I had better get to work. I will meet you there, sister."

Meanwhile, in Inamori's laboratory, she sets herself to brewing up a poison antidote as swiftly as possible. She doesn't have a sample of the frog venom on hand, but as she casts about, she realizes that one of her toad-like demons can, with sufficient prompting, produce a sample of what is likely to be a very similar venom. In order to produce its venom, however, it requires that someone present to it a tale shattered or failed love. It simply cannot produce the venom otherwise.

Inamori walked down the spiraling stone steps deeper into her workshop, passing by demons carrying metal for processing as she continued past the forge. She continued through a small forested area with a glowing fountain and found herself in a room before shelves upon shelves of alchemical reagents, preserved specimens in bottles, and a wide selection of other sundry items, all of it neatly arranged in rows. Inamori breathed in the lingering scent of past alchemical experiments and smiled at the memories, then she quickly cleared a surface and went to work looking through her stock and making notes on viable concoctions.

Humming to herself as she worked, the surface she had cleared quickly became a mess of notes and bottles. "See, this is why I ordered these frogs in the first place," she told herself as she swirled a bottle of something foul, looking at it through the dim glass, set it back down and looked around searchingly. "But mostly because they are of an aesthetically essential value to my lily pads, of course, but let's not tell dear Aurala that."

Inamori poked her head through a door, looking into a room of bubbling vats. "No, no good," she muttered. "Surely I have something I can use instead," she pondered. Her eyes lit up at a deep croak from the back of the room. "Prince of Warts!"

A flat, bald head of green leathery skin and warts looked out from behind one of the vats. The demon's throat gave a low croak before the whole of the creature moved out from hiding. It's wide mouth was set in a perpetual frown, while its eyes appeared both kindly and wise; smiling with the eyes, frowning with the mouth. "Can I be of assistance, my lady?" the demon croaked, words sounding in its throat, its mouth barely moving.

"I have need of your venom, Prince of Warts," Inamori explained. "You do produce venom, don't you? I am not mistaken?"

The toad demon stood up proudly. "Your memory is impeccable, my lady. I do indeed have venom to spare," he croaked. "Alas, I cannot produce said poison for you without a tale of tragic love."

"Oh yes," Inamori said and paused, pondering her options. She did have her own tragic story, of course. Otherwise she would have to find someone else, and that could take time, or make one up. "Have I ever told you my own?"

Forum Explorer

2014-05-13, 03:16 AM

Raiton ignores the mortals, they don't really matter. "A small matter. The Elder's cough from before was a symptom of a disease, one our resident healer is unable to cure. Still there is a chance that it is a sign of an upcoming plague, so I'm making sure it's stamped out right away."

Thanqol

2014-05-13, 08:31 AM

[Yeah that was a typo]

Raiton ignores the mortals, they don't really matter. "A small matter. The Elder's cough from before was a symptom of a disease, one our resident healer is unable to cure. Still there is a chance that it is a sign of an upcoming plague, so I'm making sure it's stamped out right away."

"Fine. I trust you to handle it," said Aurala. And that seemed to be it from her - though that was as close to a genuine gesture as she really came.

Balmas

2014-05-13, 02:43 PM

"Mother, we're really really sorry, but we snuck into the guest quarters a couple nights ago. We wanted to see the Peleps guests who were arriving for the party. I know that you told us to never ever go in there without permission and that we could dishonor the whole family, but we were sure we wouldn't get caught. There's this loose ceiling beam that lets you get into the crawlspace where the carpenters work, and you can hear what people are saying and even look down into the guest bedrooms at a couple spots where the wood's rotten.

We, um, while we were watching, there was this one guy who came in wearing really heavy robes to his bedroom. And he closed and locked the door and took his robes off and I think he cast a spell."

Ryu finishes swallowing and says "yeah, he was chanting and his eyes turned all red, and it got cold even up where we were."

Susumu picks back up. "We, um, we got scared and crawled away and didn't see what he did. But, we thought we shouldn't tell you cuz we'd get in big trouble for spying on guests like that."

Ryu adds "yeah, and Aunt Inamori does stuff like that all the time and always gets mad when people try to come in while she's working, so we thought that you'd be really upset."

Both together. "We're really sorry."

"Boys," Bato started, "I'm disappointed in you. Not only did you skip your classes, but you could have been hurt!" Turn away. Expert squeezing out of a single tear. "You two are all I have left of your father, boys. What would I do if you got hurt, or worse, got caught?

Forum Explorer

2014-05-13, 03:33 PM

Sadly such a gesture went straight over Raiton's head. "I figured as much. Hopefully I will have this resolved by tonight. You're so predictable sometimes." With that Raiton continued on his journey to the stables. Barring interference he'd be on his way to Kelp Entwined in a matter of minutes.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-13, 08:19 PM

"Boys," Bato started, "I'm disappointed in you. Not only did you skip your classes, but you could have been hurt!" Turn away. Expert squeezing out of a single tear. "You two are all I have left of your father, boys. What would I do if you got hurt, or worse, got caught?

Living under Aurala's roof - or was that rule? - taught a man many things. Most of these things were violent, dangerous, and likely to kill somebody if you weren't careful. But sometimes, amid the steel and thunder, she unknowingly imparted a little kernel of wisdom capable of guiding one safely through life's more dangerous storms without raising their blade. Such as when to employ a quiet, metaphorical step back and let a mother's fury blow freely past to its intended target.

Haruto slowly sipped his juice, enjoyed some more of Cookie's eggs, and quietly told a servant to give his regards to the chef.

Anarion

2014-05-13, 10:52 PM

The toad demon stood up proudly. "Your memory is impeccable, my lady. I do indeed have venom to spare," he croaked. "Alas, I cannot produce said poison for you without a tale of tragic love."

"Oh yes," Inamori said and paused, pondering her options. She did have her own tragic story, of course. Otherwise she would have to find someone else, and that could take time, or make one up. "Have I ever told you my own?"

"No my lady. Please tell me your story." The toads voice rolls as it speaks, an excited croak echoing on the R as it hangs on Inamori's every word, it's eyes alight and tongue lolling as though it had just spotted the most delicious fly to devour. It waits only on her words.

"Fine. I trust you to handle it," said Aurala. And that seemed to be it from her - though that was as close to a genuine gesture as she really came.

As Raiton departs, the men shift restlessly. Finally, after several more minutes and no Inamori, Hoggarth stomps up and shouts, "WELL, what are we waiting for?! Why bother lining up all the soldiers just so we can stand around?!"

"Boys," Bato started, "I'm disappointed in you. Not only did you skip your classes, but you could have been hurt!" Turn away. Expert squeezing out of a single tear. "You two are all I have left of your father, boys. What would I do if you got hurt, or worse, got caught?

The two look downcast. They're buying Bato's act hook, line, and sinker, and they stammer over one another trying to apologize. Ultimately, they both just look at the floor as though the small syrup stain from Ryu's waffles were the most interesting piece of modern art ever to grace the Realm. "So...what are you gonna do to us?" they ask, after a moment.

Sadly such a gesture went straight over Raiton's head. "I figured as much. Hopefully I will have this resolved by tonight. You're so predictable sometimes." With that Raiton continued on his journey to the stables. Barring interference he'd be on his way to Kelp Entwined in a matter of minutes.

There were plenty of horses in the stables. Aurala's soldiers kept them well-cleaned, and Raiton was greeted by the odor of fresh straw and oats, rather than manure when he entered. Small horseback bows lined the walls for the scouts, along with saddlebags and a few saddles, though many Princes of the Earth preferred bareback when they bothered to ride at all.

The ride, while pleasant, was of limited use in reaching Kelp Entwined by Driftwood. After perhaps an hour's swift ride along sandy beaches, the sun glinting off smooth obsidian stones, polished by the waves, Raiton found himself standing at the shoreline of the ocean. Kelp Entwined by Driftwood made its home within the sea, surrounded by its namesake in a vast field of fronds a hundred yards or so from the shore. A water aspected Dragon-blood would have been more at home in the area, but Raiton had lived by the sea enough of his life to know how to swim, and only the most pathetic and scrawny of dragon-bloods couldn't hold his breath for prodigious lengths of time.

There was nothing to it but to swim out there if he wanted to speak with the god.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-13, 11:40 PM

Thanqol

2014-05-14, 12:52 AM

As Raiton departs, the men shift restlessly. Finally, after several more minutes and no Inamori, Hoggarth stomps up and shouts, "WELL, what are we waiting for?! Why bother lining up all the soldiers just so we can stand around?!"

"Standing around is what being a soldier is all about," said Aurala. She switched to the tongue of the Northerners so that Hoggarth could speak more freely. "Long periods of boredom punctuated by brief moments of excitement. But while we're waiting we might as well talk - there are brigands operating out of a cove nearby. Have you ever dealt with pirates before?"

Balmas

2014-05-14, 08:19 AM

The two look downcast. They're buying Bato's act hook, line, and sinker, and they stammer over one another trying to apologize. Ultimately, they both just look at the floor as though the small syrup stain from Ryu's waffles were the most interesting piece of modern art ever to grace the Realm. "So...what are you gonna do to us?" they ask, after a moment.

"I don't know," Bato said honestly. "For now, I'm going to need to know where the loose beam is, so I can have Aurala send a carpenter to fix it." And maybe Inamori, first. "After all, ceiling beams do more than look pretty. They're important."

Bato frowned, gathering the two in for a close hug. "Thank you for being honest with me, boys. That means a lot, even if it took some prompting."

Deadly

2014-05-14, 03:37 PM

"No my lady. Please tell me your story." The toads voice rolls as it speaks, an excited croak echoing on the R as it hangs on Inamori's every word, it's eyes alight and tongue lolling as though it had just spotted the most delicious fly to devour. It waits only on her words.

"I was married once," Inamori said and leaned against the doorway, gazing at the room with the bubbling vats. "I was quite young, and the family chose for me a fitting husband. I could have ended up with any number of suitable men as my husband, but I ended up with my Michi. I don't think any greater fortune could have been given me. He was my fairytale prince, most handsome and charming of all men. More importantly, he loved and adored me no less than I did him." She smiled sadly at the memory and hugged herself.

"We could have been the happiest couple in the world together. We were like two sides of the same soul, always thinking alike and laughing together at the same things. What a man he was too, oh yes," she grinned meaningfully. "Not content with the bed either. Oh Michi," she sighed. "I would have blessed him with many children if I could, but it turned out I couldn't ... and so it had to end."

"We spent one last night together before our marriage was undone and we were forced to part our ways. One glorious night of romance and love that I will never forget, and that I still wish could have lasted forever, or just a little bit longer." She closed her eyes and smiled at the fond memory. "My sweet Michi, that night we spent together ... But no night can last forever, and in the end he had no choice but to walk out of my life."

Inamori fell silent.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-14, 03:59 PM

"I don't know," Bato said honestly. "For now, I'm going to need to know where the loose beam is, so I can have Aurala send a carpenter to fix it." And maybe Inamori, first. "After all, ceiling beams do more than look pretty. They're important."

Bato frowned, gathering the two in for a close hug. "Thank you for being honest with me, boys. That means a lot, even if it took some prompting."

A few moments of tight embraces and tearful forgiveness later, Haruto appeared beside them and wrapped all three up in a giant bear hug.

"What?" He asked innocently. "Just sharing the punishment, as promised."

Anarion

2014-05-14, 05:56 PM

"I was married once," Inamori said and leaned against the doorway, gazing at the room with the bubbling vats. "I was quite young, and the family chose for me a fitting husband. I could have ended up with any number of suitable men as my husband, but I ended up with my Michi. I don't think any greater fortune could have been given me. He was my fairytale prince, most handsome and charming of all men. More importantly, he loved and adored me no less than I did him." She smiled sadly at the memory and hugged herself.

"We could have been the happiest couple in the world together. We were like two sides of the same soul, always thinking alike and laughing together at the same things. What a man he was too, oh yes," she grinned meaningfully. "Not content with the bed either. Oh Michi," she sighed. "I would have blessed him with many children if I could, but it turned out I couldn't ... and so it had to end."

"We spent one last night together before our marriage was undone and we were forced to part our ways. One glorious night of romance and love that I will never forget, and that I still wish could have lasted forever, or just a little bit longer." She closed her eyes and smiled at the fond memory. "My sweet Michi, that night we spent together ... But no night can last forever, and in the end he had no choice but to walk out of my life."

Inamori fell silent.

"Oh, yes my lady, such sadness, such grief wells within you. I am moved beyond words at your plight." And true enough, the great toad began to cry, vast tears of dark, smoky liquid welling in its bulging yellow eyes. They began to drip onto the floor and the stone sizzled where they landed. Far from sad, the demon seemed to rest back on its brown, wrinkled haunches in contentment, even as it sobbed freely.

Inamori was able to hurriedly gather several specially prepared vessels. The amount of tears from the toad demon was prodigious, and Inamori would have no shortage of demon poison for the foreseeable future.

Even a small sample was enough to prepare an anti-venom, which Inamori brewed as quickly as possible. Enough doses to pre-treat every soldier in preparation for extended handling of poison frogs would have required a barrel and several days to prepare at that volume. But 10 or so small doses to treat inadvertent exposure fit into a hip flask and would probably be plenty.

Balmas

2014-05-15, 03:49 PM

Deadly

2014-05-15, 03:58 PM

"Oh, yes my lady, such sadness, such grief wells within you. I am moved beyond words at your plight." And true enough, the great toad began to cry, vast tears of dark, smoky liquid welling in its bulging yellow eyes. They began to drip onto the floor and the stone sizzled where they landed. Far from sad, the demon seemed to rest back on its brown, wrinkled haunches in contentment, even as it sobbed freely.

Inamori was able to hurriedly gather several specially prepared vessels. The amount of tears from the toad demon was prodigious, and Inamori would have no shortage of demon poison for the foreseeable future.

Even a small sample was enough to prepare an anti-venom, which Inamori brewed as quickly as possible. Enough doses to pre-treat every soldier in preparation for extended handling of poison frogs would have required a barrel and several days to prepare at that volume. But 10 or so small doses to treat inadvertent exposure fit into a hip flask and would probably be plenty.

"Well, one day ..." Inamori smiled, then went to work quickly gathering the demon tears and producing the anti-venom. Once satisfied with her product, she wrapped up her work, put away the rest of the tears safely for later use, and went to head back out.

Anarion

2014-05-15, 03:59 PM

Raiton quickly ties the horse to a nearby tree, and strips down in preparation for a swim. He bundles his gear together and stores in it the upper branches of the tree. "You'd better not tear yourself free, or I swear I'll ask Small and Biting, the god of fleas, to put a curse on you," he said to the horse before swimming out to the god's home.

Swimming out to the kelp forest wasn't much of a challenge. But Kelp Entwined by Driftwood was not a god to deign to appear to mortals on the surface of the water, and so Raiton was forced to swim down. And down and down.

The terrain beneath the water here was rocky, and came to a sudden cliff after 50 or so yards, dropping off over thirty yards in depth immediately, which left a vast, dark underwater forest of kelp strands for Raiton to wade through.

Still, it was mostly easy travel as he entered, until he started going further and further within. Near the center of the forest, vast pieces of wood and debris floated amid the kelp, perhaps from wrecked ships, perhaps simply trees and flotsam blown into the ocean. The darkness of the water and the thickness of the plants was so great here that an unwary swimmer could easily knock his head and drown to death without ever seeing what hit him.

Raiton was made of tougher stuff than that, but it was still tough going, and he had to hold his breath nearly the whole time. It's a risk trying to approach the god's domain, but you've already come this far. So, what do you do?

Have you ever dealt with pirates before?"

Hoggarth's massive beard nearly hits the floor as his mouth falls open. "Ever dealt with-? Have you gone daft, woman?! Did you forget leading 10 of my best men to their deaths aboard the flagship of Misensho the Red?! Did you forget their blood mixed with the ocean, and their entrails strewn over the deck as though a butcher's apprentice had botched a new-killed lamb?!" He roared in the northern tongue.

"What?" He asked innocently. "Just sharing the punishment, as promised."

The two children look up at Bato with angelic eyes, hoping against hope that cousin Haruto is right and that little lecture will be the entire extent of their punishment.

Thanqol

2014-05-15, 09:17 PM

Hoggarth's massive beard nearly hits the floor as his mouth falls open. "Ever dealt with-? Have you gone daft, woman?! Did you forget leading 10 of my best men to their deaths aboard the flagship of Misensho the Red?! Did you forget their blood mixed with the ocean, and their entrails strewn over the deck as though a butcher's apprentice had botched a new-killed lamb?!" He roared in the northern tongue.

Aurala thought for a little while. No bells were rung. "Not really," she admitted. "I've been doing this for seventy five years. I can't remember every single skirmish. What campaign was this?"

Must have been within the last 20 years if Hoggarth was with her, but that was still an interval covering a lot of fights.

Anarion

2014-05-15, 10:13 PM

Aurala thought for a little while. No bells were rung. "Not really," she admitted. "I've been doing this for seventy five years. I can't remember every single skirmish. What campaign was this?"

Must have been within the last 20 years if Hoggarth was with her, but that was still an interval covering a lot of fights.

"The Recovery of Twenty Villages!" he roared even louder. The onlookers who couldn't understand him simply felt a cascade of rage emanate from Hoggarth, his whole body practically quivering as he shouted. "The one where you had us all dress as filthy villagers and hide all goddamn day! We could have crushed that army, and I don't care if they were five times our size!"

Thanqol

2014-05-15, 10:21 PM

"The Recovery of Twenty Villages!" he roared even louder. The onlookers who couldn't understand him simply felt a cascade of rage emanate from Hoggarth, his whole body practically quivering as he shouted. "The one where you had us all dress as filthy villagers and hide all goddamn day! We could have crushed that army, and I don't care if they were five times our size!"

"Oh, that!" said Iselsi Aurala, snapping her fingers and smiling at the memory. She did not mind Hoggarth shouting at her because they both knew she could shout much louder. "Really, I thought you made an excellent baker. You seemed like you were really getting into it, ordering around the assistants and everything."

Forum Explorer

2014-05-15, 10:21 PM

Raiton didn't hesitate, though he did shudder a little in disgust as he pushed his way through the kelp. He hated the water and how it felt against him. Still he had the blood of a dragon in him and he wasn't going to let his instinctive dislike prevent him from doing his duty.

Anarion

2014-05-15, 10:38 PM

"Oh, that!" said Iselsi Aurala, snapping her fingers and smiling at the memory. She did not mind Hoggarth shouting at her because they both knew she could shout much louder. "Really, I thought you made an excellent baker. You seemed like you were really getting into it, ordering around the assistants and everything."

Saille had glided up behind Aurala in all the shouting and took the opportunity of Hoggarth's stunned silence to whisper in her ear. "Perhaps, general, it is not the best plan to make a public scene just after this morning's riot?"

Raiton didn't hesitate, though he did shudder a little in disgust as he pushed his way through the kelp. He hated the water and how it felt against him. Still he had the blood of a dragon in him and he wasn't going to let his instinctive dislike prevent him from doing his duty.

Well okay, you're going in deep. Moving at this point is acting under fire, so roll me +cool.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-15, 11:25 PM

Bato chuckled, ruffling her sons' hair with either hand. "Don't let Haruto fool you, boys. There will have to be a punishment, unfortunately. You skipped classes. So, starting tomorrow and until the end of the week, both of you, and Haruto, will have twice your normal amount of riding and hunting classes."

She allowed a small, wicked smile to grace her cheeks. "Oh, and one more thing. Each of you is required to hug your mother before bed tonight."

Haruto nodded slowly. Something was amiss here. "Fair, fair. Of course, you will have to be present for the latter. How else will you know the punishment's been carried out?" And how else would she get to watch her sister-in-law's face the moment her anger turned transcendent? He hugged the three of them tightly, taking advantage of the opportunity to surreptitiously whisper in Bato's ear, "You do realize I haven't taken a formal riding and hunting class for years now, right?"

Forum Explorer

2014-05-15, 11:35 PM

Raiton kicked his legs, diving deeper under water.

Moving under fire roll: [roll0]

Balmas

2014-05-16, 12:00 AM

Haruto nodded slowly. Something was amiss here. "Fair, fair. Of course, you will have to be present for the latter. How else will you know the punishment's been carried out?" And how else would she get to watch her sister-in-law's face the moment her anger turned transcendent? He hugged the three of them tightly, taking advantage of the opportunity to surreptitiously whisper in Bato's ear, "You do realize I haven't taken a formal riding and hunting class for years now, right?"

"Your cousin raises a good point," Bato acknowledged. "I will, of course, be telling your instructor, and giving him instructions to report back."

Her only response to the whisper was a cheeky grin, so quick it might not have even been there.

Thanqol

2014-05-16, 10:17 AM

Saille had glided up behind Aurala in all the shouting and took the opportunity of Hoggarth's stunned silence to whisper in her ear. "Perhaps, general, it is not the best plan to make a public scene just after this morning's riot?"

"I am not a general, Talonlord," said Iselsi Aurala. "And when I need your advice I will ask for it."

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-16, 11:02 AM

"Your cousin raises a good point," Bato acknowledged. "I will, of course, be telling your instructor, and giving him instructions to report back."

Her only response to the whisper was a cheeky grin, so quick it might not have even been there.

Haruto's shoulder, back, wrist, knee, left foot, and neck all twinged in painful memory. Bato hadn't shown him mercy in sparing him from further punishment, she'd shown a shred of basic decency. "Marvelous. I will...make an opportunity to hug mother. Today, you said?" He drew back, resolute and reserved as he received his sentence.

All in the line of duty...all in the line of duty...

Deadly

2014-05-16, 02:43 PM

"I am not a general, Talonlord," said Iselsi Aurala. "And when I need your advice I will ask for it."

"She's just grumpy in general," Inamori's cheerful voice joined the conversation. The sorceress strolled across the ground towards them, all dressed up and ready to go. "Hello sister. I see you have your steel fist tightly clamped around the necks of the situation, as always. I presume we are ready?"

Anarion

2014-05-16, 02:47 PM

Raiton kicked his legs, diving deeper under water.

Moving under fire roll: [roll0]

Raiton parted the kelp delicately and carefully, not harming a single strand of it as it seemed to part for him like a loose bead curtain in the temple.

Within the center of the waving green kelp field was a strange sight: a series of driftwood blocks, ranging in size from a hand to the size of house boards had all flowed together into a shape vaguely like that of a man. The wood was so numerous and tightly packed that it seemed as if someone had tried to use the pieces of wood to hold down the few strands of kelp that were lashed to it.

A voice echoes out through thr surrounding water, wavering with the tide. "Welcome, prince of the earth." The voice seems to grin. "I imagine you won't be staying long? How can I be of service?"

It occurred to Raiton that relaying a request and holding his breath were somewhat at odds with each other.

"I am not a general, Talonlord," said Iselsi Aurala. "And when I need your advice I will ask for it."

Saille recoils as though Aurala had driven a gauntleted fist into her stomach. "Of course winglord. Please forgive my insolence."

Haruto's shoulder, back, wrist, knee, left foot, and neck all twinged in painful memory. Bato hadn't shown him mercy in sparing him from further punishment, she'd shown a shred of basic decency. "Marvelous. I will...make an opportunity to hug mother. Today, you said?" He drew back, resolute and reserved as he received his sentence.

All in the line of duty...all in the line of duty...

The children sigh, but don't seem too upset. Bato knew they enjoyed physical activities, even if they would resent the temporary loss of free time. Perhaps the extra pressure might even drive one of them to exalt. A mother could always hope.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-16, 03:09 PM

Anarion

2014-05-16, 03:15 PM

Crap. Raiton thinks, before quickly pantomiming someone coughing, pointing to the god, and then shrugging.

So what I'm trying to say is that there is a new coughing disease and does the god know how to cure it or it's cause?

I imagine this is either a manipulate or a act under fire roll. Either case they are both +cool so

[roll0]

Alright, you definitely get your point across. Want to give me a little more description of the dance and of what you want to see this guy do? Make it cool enough to match that roll.

Balmas

2014-05-16, 07:33 PM

The children sigh, but don't seem too upset. Bato knew they enjoyed physical activities, even if they would resent the temporary loss of free time. Perhaps the extra pressure might even drive one of them to exalt. A mother could always hope.

Bato smiled, and sat back at the table. "Now, you said you saw a man in red? Can you tell me anything more than that? Skin tone, hair color, big, short, fat, fit?"

Thanqol

2014-05-17, 06:08 AM

"She's just grumpy in general," Inamori's cheerful voice joined the conversation. The sorceress strolled across the ground towards them, all dressed up and ready to go. "Hello sister. I see you have your steel fist tightly clamped around the necks of the situation, as always. I presume we are ready?"

Saille recoils as though Aurala had driven a gauntleted fist into her stomach. "Of course winglord. Please forgive my insolence."

"We are ready," said Aurala. She let loose a loud, piercing whistle and started the column moving. She was sure to send out several small scouting parties - the one edge that bandits usually possessed over soldiers was cunning and ambuscade.

Anarion

2014-05-17, 10:57 AM

Bato smiled, and sat back at the table. "Now, you said you saw a man in red? Can you tell me anything more than that? Skin tone, hair color, big, short, fat, fit?"

Susumu seems unsure, but Ryu thinks for a second and speaks, "Um, he was bald and he had this snaky purple tattoo along his back...like, um, like a purple tree kinda, all branchy going up his back. It's kinda hard to tell otherwise, cuz it was dark and we were in the ceiling and there was only a tiny hole cuz of the board. I'm sorry, Mommy."

"We are ready," said Aurala. She let loose a loud, piercing whistle and started the column moving. She was sure to send out several small scouting parties - the one edge that bandits usually possessed over soldiers was cunning and ambuscade.

Few questions about the scouts. How far afield do they go in general terms? Really far from the army, or pretty close and constantly checking in? Somewhere in-between? Additionally, do the scouts have any way to signal the main army from a distance, or do they need to respond to finding something by riding back to the group. Thirdly, are the scouts mixed from the different Talons, or is there one talonlord in particular who provides the skirmishing forces?

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-17, 02:39 PM

Susumu seems unsure, but Ryu thinks for a second and speaks, "Um, he was bald and he had this snaky purple tattoo along his back...like, um, like a purple tree kinda, all branchy going up his back. It's kinda hard to tell otherwise, cuz it was dark and we were in the ceiling and there was only a tiny hole cuz of the board. I'm sorry, Mommy."

"Wait a moment; which room was this again?" Haruto chimed in, now back to reclining in his seat. "There are an awful lot of guest rooms, and we've more than one guest from House Peleps. Think back to that night, boys; was it the left side or the right side of the beam you were looking out of? Do you remember how many rooms you crawled past? Even a good guess would help your mother out, I'm sure."

Anarion

2014-05-17, 05:24 PM

Susumu and Ryu both sit and think, tapping their chins and gazing up at the ceiling. Bit after a moment they look downcast. Susumu speaks got both. "I'm sorry cousin Haruto. We crawled around a bunch, I dunno which room it was. Maybe we can show you the passage?"

Balmas

2014-05-17, 05:34 PM

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-17, 10:42 PM

"Yes, that's a splendid idea. You boys handle your riding classes, let your mother and cousin handle our guests." Though Haruto didn't believe the two scamps-in-training would need reminding, it didn't hurt to make sure.

Anarion

2014-05-17, 11:08 PM

"Yes, I think that would be best," Bato decided, nodding gratefully at Haruto. "But let's wait for tonight, yes? After all, we don't want to keep your instructor waiting longer than we have to. Even princes and princesses of the Earth should be polite."

"Yes, that's a splendid idea. You boys handle your riding classes, let your mother and cousin handle our guests." Though Haruto didn't believe the two scamps-in-training would need reminding, it didn't hurt to make sure.

The kids head off to their lessons, and Bato and Haruto found themselves free for an afternoon. There were, of course, the Peleps guests in attendance and party preparations. So, what do you do next?

Balmas

2014-05-18, 12:00 AM

Thanqol

2014-05-18, 02:51 AM

Few questions about the scouts. How far afield do they go in general terms? Really far from the army, or pretty close and constantly checking in? Somewhere in-between? Additionally, do the scouts have any way to signal the main army from a distance, or do they need to respond to finding something by riding back to the group. Thirdly, are the scouts mixed from the different Talons, or is there one talonlord in particular who provides the skirmishing forces?

Talonlord Hoggarth oversees the scouts, auxiliaries, light infantry and raiders. For reference, Marcus oversees siege weaponry and the elite infantry, Hitto's men are heavy infantry, Saielle commands cavalry and Zareth-from-Water oversees archers, specialists and exotic equipment.

Hoggarth's men are independent and individually capable, so they are allowed to range quite far from the army and return when they discover something. Occasionally they'll hit targets of opportunity or enemy scouting nests if they think they can do it without an alarm going out, they're pretty good judges of that. They usually report back in person though they have been known to use pagan rituals to the air gods to speed their messages if it's an emergency.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-18, 02:50 PM

Bato watched her children happily wander off, a content smile playing across her face. "Thank you for helping, Haruto," she breathed, before snaking out an arm to hook into her nephew's. "Now, I believe you and I have someone to go visit."

"Thankful enough to lessen your poor nephew's sentence?" Haruto quipped, patting her arm gratefully. "Ah, but it's no use going to visit full of dread and worry; Father wouldn't like to see such miserable faces. Let's take a pair of horses, enjoy the journey there, and banish all thoughts of guests and parties and training for a while. There'll be time to rush home in a panic later if we need to." Proper prioritization was key to victory, after all. Both Mother and Father said just as much.

Balmas

2014-05-18, 03:02 PM

"Why, I'm sure I don't know what you mean, dear 'ruto," Bato said, giggling. "After all, you were the one who said it's your job to make sure my dear sister gets her daily hug. I never could have thought of it without your help. But I think you're right; our day is busy enough without making it more complicated with dreary party business." She laughed again, and threw one arm outward in a dramatic pose. "Lead on, my fair sir."

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-18, 03:17 PM

"You could at least grant me the decency of saying that with a straight face," Haruto smirked. "One of these days, I might actually beat you at your own game. And then, when you're sitting alone in your room - victim of an early bedtime with no dessert - you'll wish you had been kinder to your poor nephew." He bowed deeply and dramatically. "As you wish, oh fairest lady."

The two of them headed to the stables, trailing laughter and happiness behind them.

Anarion

2014-05-18, 06:11 PM

Talonlord Hoggarth oversees the scouts, auxiliaries, light infantry and raiders. For reference, Marcus oversees siege weaponry and the elite infantry, Hitto's men are heavy infantry, Saielle commands cavalry and Zareth-from-Water oversees archers, specialists and exotic equipment.

Hoggarth's men are independent and individually capable, so they are allowed to range quite far from the army and return when they discover something. Occasionally they'll hit targets of opportunity or enemy scouting nests if they think they can do it without an alarm going out, they're pretty good judges of that. They usually report back in person though they have been known to use pagan rituals to the air gods to speed their messages if it's an emergency.

About an hour into the march, Three of Hoggarth's scouts burst out of a wooded copse near the roadside, no more than 100 feet from the main army. Their horses are in full gallop, lather streaming off them and desperation in the eyes of both man and rider.

They clear the trees and turn onto the road, but as they do, a hail of arrows flies out of the copse and takes one of them in the back. He slumps in the saddle, and the other two grab the reins of his horse and forcefully, by pure upper body strength, wedge it between their own, continuing the gallop without losing their man.

With that many arrows at once, there could be no fewer than twenty men in there.

What do you do?

"You could at least grant me the decency of saying that with a straight face," Haruto smirked. "One of these days, I might actually beat you at your own game. And then, when you're sitting alone in your room - victim of an early bedtime with no dessert - you'll wish you had been kinder to your poor nephew." He bowed deeply and dramatically. "As you wish, oh fairest lady."

The two of them headed to the stables, trailing laughter and happiness behind them.

The stables were mostly emptied. Auralas had taken her men out, and many of the scouts and soldiers were mounted. A young peasant boy with a wide-brim straw hat was sweeping the floors, whistling and singing. He clearly had not heard the approach of Haruto and Bato.

Oh my little love bird was aloft in her house
And I crept to the window, ahush like a mouse

For a sweet little plum, in a hard father's eye
Was no place to be found, hard as he might try

But I made a soft call, like the swallow's sweet trill,
and she came out from there to my heart's leaping thrill

Oh swallow, sweet swallow, I'm calling to you,
Oh swallow, sweet swallow, oh what shall we do?
Oh swallow, sweet swallow, so lost all alone
Oh swallow, sweet swallow, come to lover's soft tone

He whistles merrily, l sweeping all the while.

Balmas

2014-05-18, 06:53 PM

Bato smiled, a mischievous twinkle creeping into her eyes. A princess of the earth should be polite, yes, but she could also have fun.

Silently, she put a finger to her lips, and began to creep forward. When she was right behind the boy, she cleared her throat, and said, "You sing quite well."

Thanqol

2014-05-19, 02:46 AM

About an hour into the march, Three of Hoggarth's scouts burst out of a wooded copse near the roadside, no more than 100 feet from the main army. Their horses are in full gallop, lather streaming off them and desperation in the eyes of both man and rider.

They clear the trees and turn onto the road, but as they do, a hail of arrows flies out of the copse and takes one of them in the back. He slumps in the saddle, and the other two grab the reins of his horse and forcefully, by pure upper body strength, wedge it between their own, continuing the gallop without losing their man.

With that many arrows at once, there could be no fewer than twenty men in there.

What do you do?

"TESTUDO!" yelled Aurala, forming up the infantry into shield wall formations.

She possessed the Advantage of Earth; power, stability, durability. They possessed the Advantage of Wood; terrain, concealment, range. To advance recklessly forwards would give them mastery. To commit her cavalry into a forest would be to become an infantry commander.

"SKIRMISHERS!" she roared with the rage of the great Air Dragon. Light infantry moved forwards in a loose, scattered formation with slings and javelins, ready to return fire and drive the bandits out of their position.

"Scouts! Report!" she barked as the men made it back to her. Her defensive position would give her time to gather information and make her next move a decisive one.

[Leadership 2d6+Hard = 8. Holding 1]

Deadly

2014-05-19, 05:15 AM

Iselsi Inamori sat astride her steed in the middle of their formation, behind the protective walls of soldiers. She craned her neck and leaned from one side to another to better see through the lines of soldiers, her eyes scanned the woods around them. This could well be a planned ambush, which meant the choice of this location was unlikely to be random. Perhaps the attackers expected them to walk into a trap, or had some surprise in store for them. If only Inamori could follow and anticipate their way of thinking.

[Roll+Weird to figure **** out : [roll0]]

Anarion

2014-05-19, 10:23 AM

"TESTUDO!" yelled Aurala, forming up the infantry into shield wall formations.

She possessed the Advantage of Earth; power, stability, durability. They possessed the Advantage of Wood; terrain, concealment, range. To advance recklessly forwards would give them mastery. To commit her cavalry into a forest would be to become an infantry commander.

"SKIRMISHERS!" she roared with the rage of the great Air Dragon. Light infantry moved forwards in a loose, scattered formation with slings and javelins, ready to return fire and drive the bandits out of their position.

"Scouts! Report!" she barked as the men made it back to her. Her defensive position would give her time to gather information and make her next move a decisive one.

[Leadership 2d6+Hard = 8. Holding 1]

The man shot by the arrow looks ashen, his face drooping. One of the scouts holds him up as the other reports in the northern tongue.

"We were baited, winglord. There was an empty camp, the fire freshly out and our scouts only saw signs of two men, so we tried to follow their trail. As soon as we entered the campground, we were beset. One of our men, Raegar, was captured, pulled off his horse by a rope. We turned and broke for the army, but, as you saw, a hail of arrows pursued us.

Iselsi Inamori sat astride her steed in the middle of their formation, behind the protective walls of soldiers. She craned her neck and leaned from one side to another to better see through the lines of soldiers, her eyes scanned the woods around them. This could well be a planned ambush, which meant the choice of this location was unlikely to be random. Perhaps the attackers expected them to walk into a trap, or had some surprise in store for them. If only Inamori could follow and anticipate their way of thinking.

[Roll+Weird to figure **** out : [roll0]]

The routes didn't make sense. Inamori had seen Aurala's map and her memory was near perfect. The routes just didn't make sense.

Bandits should not be this far out from their lair and this was the wrong direction even if they were ranging afield. This felt like an army, and like am army making an attack in stages, with reinforcements waiting in support.

Bato smiled, a mischievous twinkle creeping into her eyes. A princess of the earth should be polite, yes, but she could also have fun.

Silently, she put a finger to her lips, and began to creep forward. When she was right behind the boy, she cleared her throat, and said, "You sing quite well."

The stable boy jumped as though the Deathlords themselves had appeared to carry his soul down to the underworld.

In a voice suddenly cracking, he shouts "beggin yer pardon your graces, I didn't know anyone else was scheduled ta be here. I'm always s'posed to clean up while the soldiers're out."

By that point, he had dropped to the floor and was scraping his knees and arms against the scattered hay, keeping his eyes down to stare at the floor.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-19, 10:33 AM

"Indeed! A fine whistle with a finer voice to match," Haruto chimed in from the stable doors, taking up residence in the background. Bato did so love her spotlight, though he doubted the poor boy would see much beyond her. She had that effect on mortals and Dragonblooded alike.

He idly glanced around the stables, raising an eyebrow at the empty stables. Strange; either they were part of a mass, simultaneous urge to go for a ride, or Mother had turned loose her troops. Whatever the case, he hoped there were still normal horses for the two of them. There was one steed guaranteed to be available, but Dawn's Timely Glory required...special handling. They wanted to go to the graveyard, not follow after Mother's troops in hopes of "arriving just in the nick of time."

EDIT: The stable boy's sudden outburst at least confirmed his suspicions; Mother and the soldiers were out. "Rest easy, boy, you didn't misread the schedule. We just decided to go for a ride after breakfast," he assured him. "Though it looks as though the soldiers had the same idea. Are there any horses left at all?"

Thanqol

2014-05-19, 10:48 AM

The man shot by the arrow looks ashen, his face drooping. One of the scouts holds him up as the other reports in the northern tongue.

"We were baited, winglord. There was an empty camp, the fire freshly out and our scouts only saw signs of two men, so we tried to follow their trail. As soon as we entered the campground, we were beset. One of our men, Raegar, was captured, pulled off his horse by a rope. We turned and broke for the army, but, as you saw, a hail of arrows pursued us.

That made no sense. It was impossible for the bandits to have been forewarned; she made the decision to attack literally an hour before she'd left the city. Either they sat around in booby-trapped campgrounds with coherent fire lines to ambush scouts all day or this entire venture had been a trap.

And that explanation, sadly, made perfect sense.

Despite the cunning of the move, Aurala felt that the enemy commander had made a strategic blunder. He should have baited her out at least three days ride from the Stair, not less than one. That would have given him the chance to harry her all throughout the retreat. As it was she hadn't even needed to bring a baggage train. Her troops would be able to withdraw swiftly and easily while her opponents would be rapidly overextended. If they were brash or foolish they could be drawn within range of her garrison forces, which she could link with her main army to annihilate the invaders. If they were cautious they would have to maintain an army deep in foreign territory with an aware and vengeful opponent.

She thought for a moment. She decided she far preferred the former idea - but how could she bait an enemy commander she knew nothing about? How could she manipulate him without speaking to him?

Ah - an idea. Aurala gave a rare smirk. I shall speak the universal language: Money.

She quickly spoke to her soldiers, collecting as much wealth as they had on them, promising to repay it when they returned to town. She threw the money into chests on a wagon and began setting up an organised retreat. The army would make a show of leaving the wagon filled with money behind, and when the enemy army got the scent that the retreating Iselsi army was guarding a caravan full of riches, greed would overcome strategy - and the situation would be reversed.

[Spend 1 hold: Make an organised retreat
Giving 1 Barter with strings attached: Manipulating them with a 10+ to pursue Aurala's army into the open near Giant's Stair.]

Anarion

2014-05-19, 10:54 PM

EDIT: The stable boy's sudden outburst at least confirmed his suspicions; Mother and the soldiers were out. "Rest easy, boy, you didn't misread the schedule. We just decided to go for a ride after breakfast," he assured him. "Though it looks as though the soldiers had the same idea. Are there any horses left at all?"

"Um, yes your high graciousness, there's still horses left. Um, but only a couple'o old plowmares, a yearling colt, and that one horse in the stall in back where I'm not 'sposed to go."

He manages all that without lifting his face up from the ground, which causes it to come out as a mildly reverberating mumble into the stone.

That made no sense. It was impossible for the bandits to have been forewarned; she made the decision to attack literally an hour before she'd left the city. Either they sat around in booby-trapped campgrounds with coherent fire lines to ambush scouts all day or this entire venture had been a trap.

And that explanation, sadly, made perfect sense.

Despite the cunning of the move, Aurala felt that the enemy commander had made a strategic blunder. He should have baited her out at least three days ride from the Stair, not less than one. That would have given him the chance to harry her all throughout the retreat. As it was she hadn't even needed to bring a baggage train. Her troops would be able to withdraw swiftly and easily while her opponents would be rapidly overextended. If they were brash or foolish they could be drawn within range of her garrison forces, which she could link with her main army to annihilate the invaders. If they were cautious they would have to maintain an army deep in foreign territory with an aware and vengeful opponent.

She thought for a moment. She decided she far preferred the former idea - but how could she bait an enemy commander she knew nothing about? How could she manipulate him without speaking to him?

Ah - an idea. Aurala gave a rare smirk. I shall speak the universal language: Money.

She quickly spoke to her soldiers, collecting as much wealth as they had on them, promising to repay it when they returned to town. She threw the money into chests on a wagon and began setting up an organised retreat. The army would make a show of leaving the wagon filled with money behind, and when the enemy army got the scent that the retreating Iselsi army was guarding a caravan full of riches, greed would overcome strategy - and the situation would be reversed.

[Spend 1 hold: Make an organised retreat
Giving 1 Barter with strings attached: Manipulating them with a 10+ to pursue Aurala's army into the open near Giant's Stair.]

The troops grudgingly give up their wealth, all of them knowing that when Iselsi Aurala makes a promise, infrequent as such events may be, they can expect her to keep it. When they're done, the wagon is filled to the brim, and it looks perfectly as though one of the wheel spokes snapped in a rut at the side of the road, causing them to have to abandon the wagon.

The soldiers begin their withdrawal. The shield wall holds fast, and the few arrows that the bandits launch from the woods bounce harmlessly off the formation, mostly ricocheting into the soft dirt around the roadside, a few clattering to the stones that line the coastal route to be recovered by Aurala's own troops. Meanwhile, the skirmishers ensure that the flanks are protected as the column makes its move, drifting in and out of vision and laying low in the roadside. All in all, a military maneuver to be proud of and the bandits make no effort to give chase to the column as they instead descend on the abandoned cart. As her troops round a curve in the path, Aurala has a last chance to catch some of the bandits descending upon the cart, every movement of their bodies betraying their overwhelming greed.

With the column now safely away and the bandits likely to follow, there was only one problem: Inamori's horse had no rider.

***************
Inside the cart, Inamori wakes up, her head pounding. She wasn't sure how her horse had thrown her, or how she'd hit her head and stumbled into one of the supply carts, but the sound that had woken her was the stamping of the feet and the sudden creaking of wood as several men began to clamber onto the broken wagon.

So, what do you do?

Balmas

2014-05-20, 12:01 AM

"Um, yes your high graciousness, there's still horses left. Um, but only a couple'o old plowmares, a yearling colt, and that one horse in the stall in back where I'm not 'sposed to go."

He manages all that without lifting his face up from the ground, which causes it to come out as a mildly reverberating mumble into the stone.

Well, that wouldn't do. Bato bent low, and patted the young man on his back. "Come on, up you come now. You've no need to be afraid of us." Well, at least of her. And while Aurala was a terror, Haruto hadn't seemed to inherit any of her drive to terrorize the populace. He didn't have the necessary cruelty. "In fact, can I tell you a secret?" Bato checked left and right, before whispering, "I like to sing too. Would you like to sing with me? You'll have to teach me the words."

Deadly

2014-05-20, 04:32 AM

Inside the cart, Inamori wakes up, her head pounding. She wasn't sure how her horse had thrown her, or how she'd hit her head and stumbled into one of the supply carts, but the sound that had woken her was the stamping of the feet and the sudden creaking of wood as several men began to clamber onto the broken wagon.

So, what do you do?

Inamori restrained a ladylike groan and lay quietly in the wagon, trying to catch some words or other sounds around her while her mind got itself slowly into gear again.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-20, 04:53 AM

Raiton's message was a mixture of acting and dancing. He spun, flipped, and swayed through the water. He made emphatic gestures, and finally pretended to choke himself with a strand of kelp. Once he saw the understanding dawn in the god's eyes, he went still, waiting patiently and conserving his energy and air.

Anarion

2014-05-20, 07:44 AM

Well, that wouldn't do. Bato bent low, and patted the young man on his back. "Come on, up you come now. You've no need to be afraid of us." Well, at least of her. And while Aurala was a terror, Haruto hadn't seemed to inherit any of her drive to terrorize the populace. He didn't have the necessary cruelty. "In fact, can I tell you a secret?" Bato checked left and right, before whispering, "I like to sing too. Would you like to sing with me? You'll have to teach me the words."

The young man looked like a fox with one leg caught in a snare, weighing its options between waiting to see what comes and biting its own leg off to flee.

Ultimately, he decided that his desires weren't the important ones here. "O'course yer high graciousness. Did...didja mean now?"

Inamori restrained a ladylike groan and lay quietly in the wagon, trying to catch some words or other sounds around her while her mind got itself slowly into gear again.

Would that be an attempt to read a charged situation or are you waiting on me to make a move?

Raiton's message was a mixture of acting and dancing. He spun, flipped, and swayed through the water. He made emphatic gestures, and finally pretended to choke himself with a strand of kelp. Once he saw the understanding dawn in the god's eyes, he went still, waiting patiently and conserving his energy and air.

The god seemed to understand, and as Raiton finished, the driftwood came unmoored, swirling in a sudden underwater whirlpool. Loose pieces of kelp took hold of Raiton, gently, and guided him to the surface, where the driftwood floated amid the strands of kelp in a giant star pattern.

A voice again echoes around Raiton. "You seek help for the ill. Bring to me the proper offering of worship, an item of finest wood that may be given unto the sea, and I shall lend all the panacea that resides within the rare gifts beneath the sea."

(Such an offering would be worth at least 2 barter.)

Thanqol

2014-05-20, 08:37 AM

The troops grudgingly give up their wealth, all of them knowing that when Iselsi Aurala makes a promise, infrequent as such events may be, they can expect her to keep it. When they're done, the wagon is filled to the brim, and it looks perfectly as though one of the wheel spokes snapped in a rut at the side of the road, causing them to have to abandon the wagon.

The soldiers begin their withdrawal. The shield wall holds fast, and the few arrows that the bandits launch from the woods bounce harmlessly off the formation, mostly ricocheting into the soft dirt around the roadside, a few clattering to the stones that line the coastal route to be recovered by Aurala's own troops. Meanwhile, the skirmishers ensure that the flanks are protected as the column makes its move, drifting in and out of vision and laying low in the roadside. All in all, a military maneuver to be proud of and the bandits make no effort to give chase to the column as they instead descend on the abandoned cart. As her troops round a curve in the path, Aurala has a last chance to catch some of the bandits descending upon the cart, every movement of their bodies betraying their overwhelming greed.

With the column now safely away and the bandits likely to follow, there was only one problem: Inamori's horse had no rider.

Aurala was committed to her strategy. She couldn't turn this column around even if she wanted to.

She continued the withdrawal, sending riders ahead to inform the troops at the Stair as to her plan. She would come back for her sister, ready to pay the inevitable ransom, but for now Inamori would just have to fend for herself.

Anarion

2014-05-20, 02:02 PM

Aurala was committed to her strategy. She couldn't turn this column around even if she wanted to.

She continued the withdrawal, sending riders ahead to inform the troops at the Stair as to her plan. She would come back for her sister, ready to pay the inevitable ransom, but for now Inamori would just have to fend for herself.

Not including whatever happens with Inamori, the biggest question is how to set up to catch the bandits without giving them a chance to safely withdraw when they realize that they're outnumbered. So, how do you set up the forces to catch them when they give chase?

Deadly

2014-05-20, 04:26 PM

Would that be an attempt to read a charged situation or are you waiting on me to make a move?

[Let's see what she can read from the situation. Roll+Sharp : [roll0]]

Balmas

2014-05-20, 04:37 PM

The young man looked like a fox with one leg caught in a snare, weighing its options between waiting to see what comes and biting its own leg off to flee.

Ultimately, he decided that his desires weren't the important ones here. "O'course yer high graciousness. Did...didja mean now?"

"Please, call me Bato," she said gently, pulling the young man to his feet. "And it doesn't have to be right now, but I'd love to see you develop that wonderful voice. Perhaps I could put in a good word for you at one of the schools once I get back from my ride with my friend here. What's your name?"

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-20, 04:41 PM

While Bato worked her magic on the peasant boy, Haruto slipped off to the back stable. With only one horse available to them, he'd need time to get Dawn's Timely Glory pointed in the right direction. And who knows? Maybe some music would help tame the savage beast. Or whet its appetite for blood and glory. One of those.

(Short stupid posts while internet is restricted just to keep things moving.)

Forum Explorer

2014-05-20, 05:40 PM

Raiton nods, bows and begins to swim away. He might have tried to barter the god down in other circumstances, but submersed in water and a limited amount of oxygen? He wanted to get this over with quickly. Besides conversing wasn't exactly easy, either.

Anarion

2014-05-20, 07:09 PM

[Let's see what she can read from the situation. Roll+Sharp : [roll0]]

You get one question from the following list.
• where’s my best escape route / way in / way past?
• which enemy is most vulnerable to me?
• which enemy is the biggest threat?
• what should I be on the lookout for?
• what’s my enemy’s true position?
• who’s in control here?

"Please, call me Bato," she said gently, pulling the young man to his feet. "And it doesn't have to be right now, but I'd love to see you develop that wonderful voice. Perhaps I could put in a good word for you at one of the schools once I get back from my ride with my friend here. What's your name?"

"Mah name's, Mao, your most high worshipfulness." He almost goes to bend down again, but thinks better of applying any force to resist Bato's pull. "Um, and that sure wouldn't be necessary ma'am, they wouldn't want a fella like me anyhow."

While Bato worked her magic on the peasant boy, Haruto slipped off to the back stable. With only one horse available to them, he'd need time to get Dawn's Timely Glory pointed in the right direction. And who knows? Maybe some music would help tame the savage beast. Or whet its appetite for blood and glory. One of those.

(Short stupid posts while internet is restricted just to keep things moving.)

(You don't like old plow mares and unbroken colts?)

The back of the stables shook, dust falling in a fine spray from the wooden rafters as Dawn's Timely Glory stamped and pawed, sensing the approach of his master.

Raiton nods, bows and begins to swim away. He might have tried to barter the god down in other circumstances, but submersed in water and a limited amount of oxygen? He wanted to get this over with quickly. Besides conversing wasn't exactly easy, either.

Raiton was actually on the surface of the water, pulled up by the god's kelpy fronds, and could communicate relatively freely at this point. The god seemed receptive as well, if his offering were promised, and now was as good a time as any to seek aid.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-20, 07:28 PM

Deadly

2014-05-21, 02:16 AM

• which enemy is most vulnerable to me?

Inamori listened to the people around her. If she was alone behind enemy lines, perhaps she should do a little ... fraternizing. Only question was who would be a good target for a little manipulation and charm

Anarion

2014-05-21, 08:02 AM

"I see. I have no trouble paying such a debt in return for your aid, though it will take me some time to acquire an appropriate offering for your aid. I was wondering if you were aware where the malady originated? Perhaps it came from a ship over the sea."

"Perhaps" the god agreed. "There have been many more ships up and down the coastline than normal, many that did not know the nature of the proper offerings to he made." His tone is bitter, as though such a failure were akin to murder.

That was a typical god answer. It wasn't all that likely that a god would pay attention to the source of a mortal malady anyway. They knew who or what had been in their domain, and about things associated with their purview.

Inamori listened to the people around her. If she was alone behind enemy lines, perhaps she should do a little ... fraternizing. Only question was who would be a good target for a little manipulation and charm

As the men pulled open the wagon, Inamori was greeted with the sight of them. Mostly unwashed, in heavy leathers, their black beards bushy with time spent living in the woods. Each man was wearing a large longbow and carrying either a short spear or a katana.

One of the men, standing slightly back from the wagon, caught Inamori's eye. He had a pair of crossed scars on his left cheek and stood holding a massive naginata with a stance and swagger that broadcast to the world: "I'm better than you." He seemed like a leader, and Inamori could tell at a glance that he was vulnerable to his own pride. She didn't have much time though, several men were already leering over her.

Thanqol

2014-05-21, 08:20 AM

Not including whatever happens with Inamori, the biggest question is how to set up to catch the bandits without giving them a chance to safely withdraw when they realize that they're outnumbered. So, how do you set up the forces to catch them when they give chase?

Water wisdom. Perfect order can feign disorder; a system more complex than a mind's ability to process becomes mere anarchy. Sweet and inviting the beach beacons, speaking not of it's hidden currents and tides.

The cavalry flees towards town, bolting ahead, and then splits in two halves and circling around at an extremely wide angle, out of sight, ready to arrive behind the battle lines. The light infantry cuts in half, heading left and right, ready to turn and engage the flanks once the enemy force is fully committed. All that remains around the caravan is a seemingly disorganized collection of men, ready to fall apart - but their bodies conceal the disciplined ranks of pike infantry rolling up behind them, who they stand ready to fall into line behind.

The army exists in an amorphous state, a confused and scattered gaggle of men making a disorganized retreat. The churning, flowing eddies of water conceal a stone reef below, and when it is time, water wisdom gives way to earth wisdom, sundering the wooden ship.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-21, 12:01 PM

(You don't like old plow mares and unbroken colts?)

The back of the stables shook, dust falling in a fine spray from the wooden rafters as Dawn's Timely Glory stamped and pawed, sensing the approach of his master.

Among the Dragonblooded, Haruto had taken to riding better than most. The whispered joke was the height of his elemental prowess would merely blow back the horse's mane. Whatever the others may say, his riding ability was one of his few remaining points of pride. And while he could settle for an old plow mare, why would he shy away from a true flexing of his abilities?

Curiously enough, he'd never been particularly good at breaking in the colts.

Haruto strode to the back of the stables. Bold. Confident. Unafraid. The storm unleashed its fury in all directions, but spared the calm eye. Theirs was a relationship of respect and necessity. Without the eye, the storm would blow undirected and soon tear itself apart. Without the storm, the eye would be nothing more than a still nothingness. The storm respected the eye, and would not bring it to harm. The eye respected the storm, and gave it direction, longevity, and sometimes sugar secreted from the breakfast table.

Haruto opened the stable door, one hand outstretched to stop an eager gallop to freedom, the other offering a few tasty sugarcubes to give the god pause. "Hold on; a windowless stable's no place to spend your energy. You've a road to travel, an honorable destination to reach, and a beautiful lady to carry there. It would be a crime to start off in anything less than our finest."

Anarion

2014-05-22, 08:32 AM

Water wisdom. Perfect order can feign disorder; a system more complex than a mind's ability to process becomes mere anarchy. Sweet and inviting the beach beacons, speaking not of it's hidden currents and tides.

The cavalry flees towards town, bolting ahead, and then splits in two halves and circling around at an extremely wide angle, out of sight, ready to arrive behind the battle lines. The light infantry cuts in half, heading left and right, ready to turn and engage the flanks once the enemy force is fully committed. All that remains around the caravan is a seemingly disorganized collection of men, ready to fall apart - but their bodies conceal the disciplined ranks of pike infantry rolling up behind them, who they stand ready to fall into line behind.

The army exists in an amorphous state, a confused and scattered gaggle of men making a disorganized retreat. The churning, flowing eddies of water conceal a stone reef below, and when it is time, water wisdom gives way to earth wisdom, sundering the wooden ship.

The bandits arrive to descend upon the caravan. Out in the open, Aurala can see that this was more than a mere scouting force, and someone had laid an ambush at least capable of engaging on equal terms with the forces that she had originally taken into the field. Had she not sent out skilled scouts, the whole army might have been surrounded and enveloped.

As it was though, the talon of bandits, armed with spears and bucklers, descended upon the "scattered" forces, howling with glee, but in surprisingly uniform ranks. As Aurala's forces withdrew, the bandits still pursued out of greed. They didn't so much crash upon the sudden wall of pikes as engage with them on fair terms, spear against spear. The bandits superior numbers would eventually overwhelm the core force if left unchecked.

The flanking infantry appeared nearly in position, but the cavalry was, as yet, nowhere to be found. They may have run into trouble on their route.

Aurala very quickly realized the obvious. This was not a route of simple bandits, it was a pitched battle against trained soldiers.

What do you do?

Among the Dragonblooded, Haruto had taken to riding better than most. The whispered joke was the height of his elemental prowess would merely blow back the horse's mane. Whatever the others may say, his riding ability was one of his few remaining points of pride. And while he could settle for an old plow mare, why would he shy away from a true flexing of his abilities?

Curiously enough, he'd never been particularly good at breaking in the colts.

Haruto strode to the back of the stables. Bold. Confident. Unafraid. The storm unleashed its fury in all directions, but spared the calm eye. Theirs was a relationship of respect and necessity. Without the eye, the storm would blow undirected and soon tear itself apart. Without the storm, the eye would be nothing more than a still nothingness. The storm respected the eye, and would not bring it to harm. The eye respected the storm, and gave it direction, longevity, and sometimes sugar secreted from the breakfast table.

Haruto opened the stable door, one hand outstretched to stop an eager gallop to freedom, the other offering a few tasty sugarcubes to give the god pause. "Hold on; a windowless stable's no place to spend your energy. You've a road to travel, an honorable destination to reach, and a beautiful lady to carry there. It would be a crime to start off in anything less than our finest."

Dawn's Timely Glory burst from the stables, the air exploding outwards as Haruto opened the doors. Its hooves echo through the empty stables with the sound of thunder and it snorts with the scent of blood and sweat in the air. It knew what Haruto did not: battle had made its way to the doorstep of the Giant's Stair.

Balmas

2014-05-22, 08:46 AM

"Mah name's, Mao, your most high worshipfulness." He almost goes to bend down again, but thinks better of applying any force to resist Bato's pull. "Um, and that sure wouldn't be necessary ma'am, they wouldn't want a fella like me anyhow."

"If you say so, Mao," Bato said, allowing a hint of doubt to creep into her voice. "I can't help thinking that it'd be good for you, and maybe for your little love bird." She shrugged easily, and said, "Now, I think you have an old ploughmare for me, if you please?"

Thanqol

2014-05-22, 09:58 AM

The bandits arrive to descend upon the caravan. Out in the open, Aurala can see that this was more than a mere scouting force, and someone had laid an ambush at least capable of engaging on equal terms with the forces that she had originally taken into the field. Had she not sent out skilled scouts, the whole army might have been surrounded and enveloped.

As it was though, the talon of bandits, armed with spears and bucklers, descended upon the "scattered" forces, howling with glee, but in surprisingly uniform ranks. As Aurala's forces withdrew, the bandits still pursued out of greed. They didn't so much crash upon the sudden wall of pikes as engage with them on fair terms, spear against spear. The bandits superior numbers would eventually overwhelm the core force if left unchecked.

The flanking infantry appeared nearly in position, but the cavalry was, as yet, nowhere to be found. They may have run into trouble on their route.

Aurala very quickly realized the obvious. This was not a route of simple bandits, it was a pitched battle against trained soldiers.

What do you do?

Iselsi Aurala handed the signal flag to Talonlord Marcus.

She raised herself to her full height. Her order was heard across the entire battlefield.

"Kill them all."

She drew her short sword, red-flecked jade glistening in the sun, and she walked into the heart of the battle.

The ranks of pikes parted smoothly as she approached from behind. She lunged into the heart of the enemy line, as magnificent and terrible as a thunderstorm. Her anima banner cut a swathe through the enemy line and her troops pressed the breach hard.

The time for wisdom had passed. Now was the time for bloodshed.

[Move: Inflict Harm]

Anarion

2014-05-22, 09:58 AM

Out in the field, although the bandits had tried to form up properly, what they had initially thought to be a battle tilted in their favor swiftly took a turn for the worse.

They were met not only with an unassailable wall of pikes, but with a howling gale in human form, as Aurala herself ripped into their front lines, dancing between their spears and ripping a hole in their formation wide enough to march a talon through. Which, she promptly did, with two other talons in support and Hoggarth's men, chanting a furious battlecry, falling upon the bandits' flanks.

The entire thing was over in less than a couple minutes, with Hoggarth's men beginning the process of butchering the entire force in revenge for their slain scout unless Aurala bothered to stop them.

The Cavalry was still out of sight, and the best guess at the moment was that they had been engaged at multiple angles and retreated along whatever clear line had been presented to them. Worst case scenario, they were being herded somewhere, best case they'd circle even further around and show up in a few minutes.

"If you say so, Mao," Bato said, allowing a hint of doubt to creep into her voice. "I can't help thinking that it'd be good for you, and maybe for your little love bird." She shrugged easily, and said, "Now, I think you have an old ploughmare for me, if you please?"

Mao looks torn. He obviously wants what Bato is offering, but the majority of his mind still seems to be of the opinion that one should never, ever accept gifts from dragons. He settles on awkward silence as he begins to saddle an old brown plowmare, which placidly accepts the harness, it's only movement a small swipe of its tail to flick away a fly.

Haruto, in the back, sounds like he's got his hands full, though even when the whole stable seems to thunder, the mare, at least, seems unperturbed.

Thanqol

2014-05-22, 10:06 AM

Out in the field, although the bandits had tried to form up properly, what they had initially thought to be a battle tilted in their favor swiftly took a turn for the worse.

They were met not only with an unassailable wall of pikes, but with a howling gale in human form, as Aurala herself ripped into their front lines, dancing between their spears and ripping a hole in their formation wide enough to march a talon through. Which, she promptly did, with two other talons in support and Hoggarth's men, chanting a furious battlecry, falling upon the bandit's flanks.

The entire thing was over in less than a couple minutes, with Hoggarth's men beginning the process of butchering the entire force in revenge for their slain scout unless Aurala bothered to stop them.

The Cavalry was still out of sight, and the best guess at the moment was that they had been engaged at multiple angles and retreated along whatever clear line had been presented to them. Worst case scenario, they were being herded somewhere, best case they'd circle even further around and show up in a few minutes.

Aurala was not interested in showing mercy to these men. They had marched into her lands without displaying their colours and without formally declaring war. They had no heraldry to show their allegiances or Terrestrial officers to beg for their lives. They had attacked caravans and elected to fight as bandits. They would be treated as bandits, slain to the last, and their heads placed on pikes as warnings to others. They would not receive burial rites or the honours of the wartime dead because they had chosen not to fight as such.

Actions had consequences. Dishonour was rewarded with retribution. Besides, it would do well for the morale of her own forces.

Her cavalry was still amiss and, judging by the Wood Wisdom displayed by the enemy before now, it was likely that they were being herded into another trap.

Iselsi Aurala's solution was as simple as it was effective. She leapt magnificently to the top of the tallest nearby tree, cleared her throat, and bellowed orders at the top of her lungs at her distant cavalry. And Iselsi Aurala had some lungs on her - her voice would carry all the way out to the moving cavalry force and guide them directly out of the ambush.

[Roll +Sharp 'Read A Sitch', 7, asking 'what is my best escape route?'. Using that to direct the cavalry out of any potential traps]

Anarion

2014-05-22, 10:17 AM

Thanqol

2014-05-22, 10:37 AM

The cavalry ran into a formation of pikers supported by archers hidden behind a rise in the land and the infantry force moved to cut them off from the main battle, forcing them back to the sea. Their best escape route is actually to stop where they are. The encircling pikers, although making a show of force, just heard from their scout that the initial force got annihilated and are therefore on the verge of withdrawing, which would open a clear route for the cavalry to rejoin the main army.

Talonlord Marcus steps up to Aurala after she has finished shouting her orders. He is holding one of the bandits' spears, and he bows and presents the spear to Aurala.

"1000 pardons winglord. One of my men, Haki, who is known as strong-arm, was formerly a blacksmith by trade. He recognized the steel of these weapons. They were made by the smiths of Morimoto, a forested region perhaps two weeks march from here, on the borders of Tepet lands. I thought, perhaps, you would wish to know."

"House Tepet. I thought I could smell their particular brand of monomanical incompetence here," said Iselsi Aurala. She wheeled around to her army. "The invaders are trying to retreat! We are not going to let this happen! Not only do they have my sister but they also have your pay! Worse than that, they also have their pay! Let's go and take it from them!" she roared, brandishing her sword.

Already her mind had turned back to elemental associations. Her foe was still wise in the way of Wood Wisdom but probably lower ranked than a Winglord; this had the taste of some jumped-up Talonlord to it, most likely a Terrestrial - too bold for a mortal. Their withdrawal would be laced with poisoned blooms and a favouring of remaining in forested terrain. They would try and draw anyone pursuing them into the same manner of traps they had originally gambled on.

She gathered her Talonlords and started to smile as she planned out her next move. The counter to Wood Wisdom was Earth Wisdom. She knew where they were headed - the town of Morimoto. She knew they would take a longer route in their struggle to avoid a direct confrontation. She could afford to be direct: She would arrive there first and sack their homeland before they completed their retreat.

Zareth was assigned command of The Giant's Stair, commanded to hold the town and avoid being drawn into the field. Hoggarth was assigned the task of raiding the retreating enemy, harrying and harassing them while avoiding any sort of engagement whatsoever. Her remaining forces were to organise and march on Morimoto. They were heavy infantry so there would be plenty of time to divert them if a political settlement was raised.

She considered where to best place herself. After consideration, she decided it was with Hoggarth's troops. The main body of her army was strong enough to fight openly without her while if she accompanied Hoggarth's scouts she might discover more about the political situation behind these raiders - and rescue her sister, and help guide her men out of any traps.

Balmas

2014-05-22, 02:42 PM

Mao looks torn. He obviously wants what Bato is offering, but the majority of his mind still seems to be of the opinion that one should never, ever accept gifts from dragons. He settles on awkward silence as he begins to saddle an old brown plowmare, which placidly accepts the harness, it's only movement a small swipe of its tail to flick away a fly.

Haruto, in the back, sounds like he's got his hands full, though even when the whole stable seems to thunder, the mare, at least, seems unperturbed.

Bato watched the stableboy work, stepping forward and quietly brushing her hands through the old mare's mane, whispering soft nothings.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-22, 03:02 PM

"Perhaps" the god agreed. "There have been many more ships up and down the coastline than normal, many that did not know the nature of the proper offerings to he made." His tone is bitter, as though such a failure were akin to murder.

That was a typical god answer. It wasn't all that likely that a god would pay attention to the source of a mortal malady anyway. They knew who or what had been in their domain, and about things associated with their purview.

"Tsk, that is just shameful of them to not be presenting the proper offerings. It sounds like they may be guilty, even if it's out of ignorance. Ah, but before I forget, what aid does the ocean have to offer in combating this malady?"

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-23, 01:04 AM

Dawn's Timely Glory burst from the stables, the air exploding outwards as Haruto opened the doors. Its hooves echo through the empty stables with the sound of thunder and it snorts with the scent of blood and sweat in the air. It knew what Haruto did not: battle had made its way to the doorstep of the Giant's Stair.

Haruto didn't know why the soldiers had gone, nor what had gotten Dawn's Timely Glory so riled, but he wagered the two were related. He did know that he was still the eye, and the eye moved when and where it willed. "I said hold." He stood in the horse's path, refusing to be blown aside or provoked. "Are there two dawns now? Does the sunrise get a do-over if it comes too quickly?" he asked, calm and steady. "You are the last and finest of the warhorses. I won't waste you charging out before your time. Especially when we know so little. Would you lead a...two gentle ladies on a wild goose chases, or worse, into battle?"

He glanced meaningfully back at Bato and the plowmare. "Don't pretend she wouldn't follow you to the ends of Creation. A lord has that effect, horse or otherwise."

(Post was eaten. Wasn't going to be much longer anyway. Haruto and I have more if more cajoling is needed. Let me know if anything doesn't make sense.)

Anarion

2014-05-23, 10:43 AM

(Still waiting on Aurala until we see who else ends up outside. She's a little ahead in time of others.)

Bato watched the stableboy work, stepping forward and quietly brushing her hands through the old mare's mane, whispering soft nothings.

Perhaps despite himself, Mao seemed to have the time of the song running through his head as he pulled the saddle out and brushed down the old mare. He wasn't singing or humming, but Bato could see a lilt and rhythm as he worked that sang the song running through his head to the whole world. He must have been in love.

"Tsk, that is just shameful of them to not be presenting the proper offerings. It sounds like they may be guilty, even if it's out of ignorance. Ah, but before I forget, what aid does the ocean have to offer in combating this malady?"

"Bring the ill to me, or return and take of the bounty that the deep offers."

The driftwood shifts through the water in a sort of rolling shrug. "That may do enough. Or it may not. I know not the malady, nor do I much care, oh Prince. Bring to me what I seek and I will lend my aid."

Haruto didn't know why the soldiers had gone, nor what had gotten Dawn's Timely Glory so riled, but he wagered the two were related. He did know that he was still the eye, and the eye moved when and where it willed. "I said hold." He stood in the horse's path, refusing to be blown aside or provoked. "Are there two dawns now? Does the sunrise get a do-over if it comes too quickly?" he asked, calm and steady. "You are the last and finest of the warhorses. I won't waste you charging out before your time. Especially when we know so little. Would you lead a...two gentle ladies on a wild goose chases, or worse, into battle?"

He glanced meaningfully back at Bato and the plowmare. "Don't pretend she wouldn't follow you to the ends of Creation. A lord has that effect, horse or otherwise."

(Post was eaten. Wasn't going to be much longer anyway. Haruto and I have more if more cajoling is needed. Let me know if anything doesn't make sense.)

The horse seems to calm, and waits patiently for Haruto to mount it bareback. Mao finished saddling the mare as well and Bato can mount it easily. They seemed ready to go, though the faint scent of blood and steel still hung in the air, causing Dawn's Timely Glory to dig in its hooves and look ready to spring as soon as Haruto was ready.

Deadly

2014-05-23, 05:05 PM

As the men pulled open the wagon, Inamori was greeted with the sight of them. Mostly unwashed, in heavy leathers, their black beards bushy with time spent living in the woods. Each man was wearing a large longbow and carrying either a short spear or a katana.

One of the men, standing slightly back from the wagon, caught Inamori's eye. He had a pair of crossed scars on his left cheek and stood holding a massive naginata with a stance and swagger that broadcast to the world: "I'm better than you." He seemed like a leader, and Inamori could tell at a glance that he was vulnerable to his own pride. She didn't have much time though, several men were already leering over her.

Inamori stood up and dusted herself off, looking none too worried. "Well well," she said and smiled, "it would seem I have been left among the trifles." She looked around at the men outside the wagon, a meaningful glint in her eyes upon the last word. "I suppose there's no reason we could not expand our fortunes together, eh? Why settle for less than you're worth?" Her gaze lingered on the apparent leader.

Anarion

2014-05-23, 06:31 PM

Inamori stood up and dusted herself off, looking none too worried. "Well well," she said and smiled, "it would seem I have been left among the trifles." She looked around at the men outside the wagon, a meaningful glint in her eyes upon the last word. "I suppose there's no reason we could not expand our fortunes together, eh? Why settle for less than you're worth?" Her gaze lingered on the apparent leader.

(Gonna ask for a follow-up move here. I think you're offering a seduce/manipulate attempt here, and since you're acting on my advice from your previous roll, you get +1 to this roll.)

Forum Explorer

2014-05-23, 07:11 PM

Balmas

2014-05-23, 09:18 PM

"You're quite good at this," Bato said to Mao, still running her hands through the horse's mane. "You'll make some lucky girl a good husband. Do you have any plans to marry soon?"

OOC:
Question one: What would be easiest way to manipulate Mao into working for Bato, while not having him resent it?

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-23, 10:00 PM

The horse seems to calm, and waits patiently for Haruto to mount it bareback. Mao finished saddling the mare as well and Bato can mount it easily. They seemed ready to go, though the faint scent of blood and steel still hung in the air, causing Dawn's Timely Glory to dig in its hooves and look ready to spring as soon as Haruto was ready.

Haruto dug out his stash of sugar cubes and waved them temptingly underneath Dawn's nose. "Chew before swallowing, and don't trample anyone on the way out." He patted his head as it - hopefully - ate the snack.

(Asking: How could I get Dawn's Timely Glory to keep from bolting where to wherever he pleases?)

Deadly

2014-05-24, 03:44 AM

(Gonna ask for a follow-up move here. I think you're offering a seduce/manipulate attempt here, and since you're acting on my advice from your previous roll, you get +1 to this roll.)

[That'd be Roll+Hot then. Not so much seduction as trying to suggest a deal. [roll0]]

Anarion

2014-05-24, 06:35 AM

Raiton floats on his back, relaxing for a little bit. "Cure the sick, or investigate the cause? A tough choice. Best to bring the victim to you right away. Do you have any further business before I leave?"

Asking the question
How does this character feel?

"It is your business, Prince. I am content to rest within the sea, until my proper offerings are brought or you come needing my aid."

(Kelp Entangled by Driftwood is feeling smug and pleased with his deal. He doesn't much care about Raiton's problems, but believes what he has been told.)

"You're quite good at this," Bato said to Mao, still running her hands through the horse's mane. "You'll make some lucky girl a good husband. Do you have any plans to marry soon?"

OOC:
Question one: What would be easiest way to manipulate Mao into working for Bato, while not having him resent it?

"Um, no yer most high exaltedness." Mao seems nervous when asked about plans to marry, though he doesn't appear to be lying.

(There are two things Mao would want in order to work for Bato without resentment: one is assurance that he won't be taken away from working at the Giant's Stair, the other is some way to ensure the job does not make him appear disloyal to another woman. The second item is not especially easy to accomplish.)

Haruto dug out his stash of sugar cubes and waved them temptingly underneath Dawn's nose. "Chew before swallowing, and don't trample anyone on the way out." He patted his head as it - hopefully - ate the snack.

(Asking: How could I get Dawn's Timely Glory to keep from bolting where to wherever he pleases?)

The horse chews on the sugar thoughtfully, its mane rustling as it shifts its head while munching.

(You're already on the right track and he's ready to listen, but when battle draws close, keeping him away from it will require not only a firm voice, but a forceful hand. Show neither hesitation nor fear in demanding obedience, as is the right of the Princes of the Earth.)

[That'd be Roll+Hot then. Not so much seduction as trying to suggest a deal. [roll0]]

The men step back from Inamori. The signs of her exaltation are clear upon her as she stands before them, despite her location, and the leader eyes her carefully. Several draw their katanas, two draw bows and step further back. They look wary, and they no doubt know the stories of some exalts who can become as the sea and storms and destroy whole talons of men.

The leader draws himself up indignantly, slamming the butt of his naginata on the ground. "You think I don't receive what I'm worth!" he shouts, at Inamori. "You're at our mercy! You're worth your weight in gold for ransom, and you think I DON'T RECEIVE WHAT I'M WORTH?!" The man steps forward and spits at Inamori's feet. "You will be bound and gagged. Cooperate and march under your own power and perhaps you will be permitted to see the worth of the men who captured you here today, Iselsi whore."

(Your request was for an opportunity to work together. He wants you to promise to cooperate, and the concrete assurance is to allow yourself to be bound and gagged while they lead you somewhere.)

Balmas

2014-05-24, 10:06 PM

Bato frowned gently. "That's odd. I'd think that with your talent, your love bird would wish to seal you hers before anyone else could. Dare I ask why not?"

Deadly

2014-05-25, 02:58 AM

The men step back from Inamori. The signs of her exaltation are clear upon her as she stands before them, despite her location, and the leader eyes her carefully. Several draw their katanas, two draw bows and step further back. They look wary, and they no doubt know the stories of some exalts who can become as the sea and storms and destroy whole talons of men.

The leader draws himself up indignantly, slamming the butt of his naginata on the ground. "You think I don't receive what I'm worth!" he shouts, at Inamori. "You're at our mercy! You're worth your weight in gold for ransom, and you think I DON'T RECEIVE WHAT I'M WORTH?!" The man steps forward and spits at Inamori's feet. "You will be bound and gagged. Cooperate and march under your own power and perhaps you will be permitted to see the worth of the men who captured you here today, Iselsi whore."

(Your request was for an opportunity to work together. He wants you to promise to cooperate, and the concrete assurance is to allow yourself to be bound and gagged while they lead you somewhere.)

Inamori quirked an unimpressed eyebrow at the leader. "You think my worth is in mere gold, manling? A one-time cash-in? A mere monetary masturbation?" she said, disappointment on her face. "What I see here are good men scurrying through the dirt and woods, with the ambition of a worm." She smiled amicably, and for a split second her eyes might have glanced downwards just slightly. "If you have real worth to show, let us all see it. I shall cooperate with you, on my word. If that is not enough, if your quivering heart is so fearful of me, then I shall walk bound and gagged as well." She stood calmly before them, offering no resistance. It wasn't the first time she had been bound and gagged, although ... in somewhat different circumstances. She had experience with ropes and ties, and how to slip them too, if need be. Not that she was counting on that beeing needed, if all went well.

Anarion

2014-05-25, 11:26 AM

Bato frowned gently. "That's odd. I'd think that with your talent, your love bird would wish to seal you hers before anyone else could. Dare I ask why not?"

"How'd you do that?"

Mao looks shocked, shocked that Bato would somehow know exactly what he's thinking. He then realizes that he didn't refer to Bato with any kind of formal title and makes a great show of putting away the brush and finishing up tying the saddle, bustling about and looking in just about every direction except at Bato as he draws himself up to answer.

"Well, um, your most high and elegant worshipfulness, that is to say, uh, you see...her parents wouldn't let me. She's a Patrician. And her granpappy was a Ragara, so she's s'posed to marry up, not down...So, you see, that's why."

Inamori quirked an unimpressed eyebrow at the leader. "You think my worth is in mere gold, manling? A one-time cash-in? A mere monetary masturbation?" she said, disappointment on her face. "What I see here are good men scurrying through the dirt and woods, with the ambition of a worm." She smiled amicably, and for a split second her eyes might have glanced downwards just slightly. "If you have real worth to show, let us all see it. I shall cooperate with you, on my word. If that is not enough, if your quivering heart is so fearful of me, then I shall walk bound and gagged as well." She stood calmly before them, offering no resistance. It wasn't the first time she had been bound and gagged, although ... in somewhat different circumstances. She had experience with ropes and ties, and how to slip them too, if need be. Not that she was counting on that beeing needed, if all went well.

The men, one and all, catch that brief glance down, and blood begins to rush up to the leader's face, though whether out of rage or humiliation, it's hard to say. "GET THAT GAG ON HER!" He roars, "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD! AND A BLINDFOLD TOO!"

Despite the ropes going around her wrists and the cloth over her mouth and eyes, Inamori had reason to be pleased. For just an instant before he had lost his composure, a gleam of genuine interest had flashed across the man's eyes.

With that, one of the soldiers put his hands on Inamori's shoulders, not unkindly, rough as they all were, and after spinning her around 7 or 8 times so that she lost all sense of direction, he began marching her forwards, the sound of other boots echoing around her.

[If you've got nothing further to add at this point, we'll break to the next area and as soon as certain people inside the castle *cough* Haruto *cough* get outside, then we can get everyone back on parallel time.]

Forum Explorer

2014-05-25, 01:19 PM

"Fair enough. I bid you good day, and I'll bring the first patient by soon." With that Raiton attempted to bow, and started to swim back to shore.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-25, 01:25 PM

The horse chews on the sugar thoughtfully, its mane rustling as it shifts its head while munching.

(You're already on the right track and he's ready to listen, but when battle draws close, keeping him away from it will require not only a firm voice, but a forceful hand. Show neither hesitation nor fear in demanding obedience, as is the right of the Princes of the Earth.)

(As Bato's problem just became complicated and I'm holding up two other players now, time to get this show on the road. Sorry for the delay. :smallsigh:)

Haruto waited patiently for the horse to finish its snack, his touch almost transferring his calm to the once-wild beast. When it had finished, he neatly mounted his steed and held on; the storm bore the eye along, after all, and the eye didn't fancy getting flung off at the first gallop. "Mind yourselves down there, we're coming out!" he warned Bato and the stable boy, and gave the command for a light trot.

Next stop, the graveyard.

Balmas

2014-05-25, 02:37 PM

"How'd you do that?"

Mao looks shocked, shocked that Bato would somehow know exactly what he's thinking. He then realizes that he didn't refer to Bato with any kind of formal title and makes a great show of putting away the brush and finishing up tying the saddle, bustling about and looking in just about every direction except at Bato as he draws himself up to answer.

"Well, um, your most high and elegant worshipfulness, that is to say, uh, you see...her parents wouldn't let me. She's a Patrician. And her granpappy was a Ragara, so she's s'posed to marry up, not down...So, you see, that's why."

Bato winced. "Yes, I can see how that would make things difficult." She draped a sympathetic arm over the young man's shoulders. "If she wishes to marry up, then if you wish to marry her, you'll have to find a way up."

(As Bato's problem just became complicated and I'm holding up two other players now, time to get this show on the road. Sorry for the delay. :smallsigh:)

Haruto waited patiently for the horse to finish its snack, his touch almost transferring his calm to the once-wild beast. When it had finished, he neatly mounted his steed and held on; the storm bore the eye along, after all, and the eye didn't fancy getting flung off at the first gallop. "Mind yourselves down there, we're coming out!" he warned Bato and the stable boy, and gave the command for a light trot.

Next stop, the graveyard.

"If you're willing, I'd like to help," Bato said quietly. "But it will have to wait. I must tend to my nephew. Thank you for your expert care of this animal, Mao."

Riding was, if not something that came naturally to Bato, at least something that she didn't mind all that much. And with a mare as docile as this, it would hard to get into trouble. Bato placed one elegantly-tended leg into the stirrup, and goaded the horse into mvement.

Anarion

2014-05-25, 03:02 PM

Mao smiles at Bato. "You'd help a fella like me? That's awful nice, yer most gracious high elegance. I live in one of the fishing villages, west o'here and come in every mornin to work." He bows back to the ground as the horses ride out.

Haruto's mount, freed from its confines and its rider's hold, bursts out of the stables, starting at at trot and warming up to a light gallop. The grey mare follows placidly, not seeming especially concerned, but going at a nice, gentle jog so that it doesn't lose sight of Haruto's horse.

As the two animals clear the hold and exit outside, they arrive in time to see Aurala cleaning up the battle. An infantry formation had just charged, seemingly suicidally, into 3 talons, and Aurala was dancing in the middle of them, bursts of wind blowing over lines of men at a time as her troops surged around her.

Dawn's Timely Glory pulled at his reins. It wounded his pride to be kept out of a fight, and there was still time for a triumphal charge to end the battle. The grey mare simply followed along, slowing to a walk to keep Bato in a pleasant position as Haruto struggled with his reins.

So, what do you do?

Deadly

2014-05-25, 03:32 PM

The men, one and all, catch that brief glance down, and blood begins to rush up to the leader's face, though whether out of rage or humiliation, it's hard to say. "GET THAT GAG ON HER!" He roars, "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD! AND A BLINDFOLD TOO!"

Despite the ropes going around her wrists and the cloth over her mouth and eyes, Inamori had reason to be pleased. For just an instant before he had lost his composure, a gleam of genuine interest had flashed across the man's eyes.

With that, one of the soldiers put his hands on Inamori's shoulders, not unkindly, rough as they all were, and after spinning her around 7 or 8 times so that she lost all sense of direction, he began marching her forwards, the sound of other boots echoing around her.

[If you've got nothing further to add at this point, we'll break to the next area and as soon as certain people inside the castle *cough* Haruto *cough* get outside, then we can get everyone back on parallel time.]

Inamori was quite pleased indeed, and did not hide it from the spring in her steps or the smirk beneath her gag. Blind and gagged she might be, but that didn't mean she couldn't give people the right impression. Body language was a powerful thing. It also didn't mean she couldn't listen, or feel the terrain as they walked, both of which she did to the best of her ability, trying to pick up on anything and everything she could.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-25, 04:02 PM

Haruto caught sight of his mother dancing through the enemy lines at the same instant the reins were nearly yanked from his grasp. "Whoa!" Wrapping the straps tightly around his fist, the young lord pulled back with a firm hand. "We're not going to battle, we're going to the graveyard. Now turn right and-I said turn right!" He held on, refusing to yield as the horse whinnied and kicked for its chance at combat. The wind suddenly gusted in his cape as he drew himself up to his full height. "You do not settle for this spoon-fed pittance, do you hear me? You do not trip over yourself to gnaw on the table scraps! You do not throw away your chance at glory for the first thug-bashing you run across!" Haruto grimaced and strove to yank the reins farther away from the tantalizing battle. "Turn aside. Trot to the graveyard. We will escort these ladies, and only when the time is right will we enter the fray."

Anarion

2014-05-25, 04:35 PM

Forum Explorer

2014-05-25, 04:40 PM

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-25, 04:43 PM

Hmm, this definitely feels like a move to me, but I'm not sure which one. Go aggro maybe? What do you think?

This is difficult to say. On the one hand, Haruto isn't yet putting any force behind his orders, so I want to say he's using Manipulate. On the other, he's making it pretty clear this isn't a conversation or negotiation - and he's channeling his mother pretty hard here - so I also want to say he's Going Aggro. However, he is leaving the option open of charging into battle at a later time. That sounds like the closest thing to a condition/concession as you're going to get under the circumstances, so I'm leaning more towards Manipulation. If something in the core book has any suggestions, that'd help too.

Balmas

2014-05-25, 07:05 PM

Bato grimaced at the violent display. Blood tinged the air with the smell of rust, and death screams tore through the air. The woman brushed her skirl down, grasped the reins, and began to skirt the edges of the battle, heading towards the graveyard.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-26, 08:17 AM

Hmm, this definitely feels like a move to me, but I'm not sure which one. Go aggro maybe? What do you think?

After sleeping on it, Manipulate sounds better for Haruto right now, even though he's toeing that line. That's +2 for Sharp, +1 for the earlier read, and +2 for Dawn's Looks = +5.

Roll: 5 + (rolled) 5 = 10

Anarion

2014-05-27, 05:14 PM

Raiton takes his time swimming, being careful to conserve his energy. He does have a long ride back home, and he still has to make the trip back out later that day. If he's lucky, that will be the end of the matter, but it was more then likely that he had another god to talk to today and he wanted to have some energy left before then.

Still the swim was uneventful and he headed back up to his horse so he could head back to the temple to pick up the sick Elder.

Raiton's swim back was much easier, as though the sea itself were supporting him, and perhaps it was, with the god's expectation of coming favor. It occurred to Raiton that making such promises to the gods wasn't entirely in keeping with the immaculate philosophy, although the odds of an itinerant monk just happening to show up on this stretch of shoreline at the same time that Raiton was giving the god an offering were exceptionally low.

The ride back to town was equally uneventful. It seemed that this side of the mountain had nearly cleared itself out. Nobody was on the roads, the villagers were quiet, and Raiton arrived home to the aftermath of a battle that had already ended, with naught but a few soldiers cleaning up the last of the wounded.

Bato grimaced at the violent display. Blood tinged the air with the smell of rust, and death screams tore through the air. The woman brushed her skirl down, grasped the reins, and began to skirt the edges of the battle, heading towards the graveyard.

The mare cringed from the fighting, it clearly wasn't rained for battle. As Bato tried to guide it away from the fighting, it gladly complied.

After sleeping on it, Manipulate sounds better for Haruto right now, even though he's toeing that line. That's +2 for Sharp, +1 for the earlier read, and +2 for Dawn's Looks = +5.

Roll: 5 + (rolled) 5 = 10

The horse snorted proudly and also complied with Haruto's request. It seemed that he was riding for the graveyard along with Bato, leaving Aurala to herself unless she went and got him.

Dawn's Timely Glory shook its head whinnied long and loud at Haruto. It was clear what it wanted: "next time, we must be the first into battle."

[On other stuff, Deadly, I'm still not feeling the terrain, so it's all you. Tell me about Inamori's march leading up to the caves, what sort of land she encounters, and who, if anyone might be around there.

Thanqol, you're up to time now, assume Aurala sees Raiton, Haruto, and Bato all arriving back at the castle. If she ignores them and continues with the troops, I can narrate her next part, up to you.]

Thanqol

2014-05-28, 09:07 AM

As Haruto reached his destination, Talonlord Zareth-From-Water arrived there to greet him. While Aurala's Northern soldiers were notorious for their vulgar lack of propriety, Zareth was a Southerner and his excessive abasement was just as uncivilized. He knelt and touched his forehead to the ground before Haruto, waiting patiently to be given leave to speak.

The Northern Gods respected strength and independence, rewarding those who could claw a living out of stone and snow. The Southern Gods valued obedience and community, because the delicate flower of desert civilization was too easily broken by recklessness.

When invited to speak, Zareth said, "Prince of the Earth, Iselsi Aurala Haruto, your mother has called upon you in this time of war. You are to arm yourself and travel with Talonlord Marcus. You are expected to distinguish yourself on the field of battle and bring honour to your house."

Aurala, meanwhile, was finishing giving commands and laying strategy so she might head off in pursuit of the raiders with Hoggarth.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-28, 05:30 PM

Raiton managed to arrive around the same time as everyone else. Spotting his brother he quickly dismounted and walked over to him. "Hey Haruto, how's it going? Listen, I know this is short notice but I've got to get a sick Elder over to Kelp Entangled by Driftwood. So can you get your ship ready for departure in say, the next ten minutes or so? The sooner we can get this epidemic under control the better," Raiton says, not seeing the cowering mortal at all due to approaching Haruto from the other side.

Anarion

2014-05-28, 09:48 PM

Aurala, meanwhile, was finishing giving commands and laying strategy so she might head off in pursuit of the raiders with Hoggarth.

The raiders had a head start, both from the time it had taken the cavalry to report and because they had already started their movements and were grouping up and retreating overland.

Hogarth's men were superb trackers, however, and the damp ocean air left the dirt of the fields moist and muddy. It simply wasn't possible to move over a hundred men through that kind of territory in secret, at least not without magic. This whole retreat had the feel of a botched operation trying to save as much as possible, but knowing, like that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, that not everything could be saved.

The first real obstacle that Aurala's scout forces encountered was a forested region along the seashore. It was between fishing villages and the woods extended nearly to the shoreline: there was perhaps 50 feet of open beach between water and the first young trees that were marching their way to the shore. The road ran inland the long way around the forest and it would be much faster to pursue directly through the woods than to go almost four miles out of the way, especially with a light skirmishing force. Of course, the enemy probably knew that too.

Raiton managed to arrive around the same time as everyone else. Spotting his brother he quickly dismounted and walked over to him. "Hey Haruto, how's it going? Listen, I know this is short notice but I've got to get a sick Elder over to Kelp Entangled by Driftwood. So can you get your ship ready for departure in say, the next ten minutes or so? The sooner we can get this epidemic under control the better," Raiton says, not seeing the cowering mortal at all due to approaching Haruto from the other side.

Zareth was far too deferential to interrupt a conversation between two of the Exalted. He simply remained in his position, silently waiting for either a reply to himself or for the two to finish their own conversation.

Balmas

2014-05-28, 09:55 PM

Bato raised an eyebrow at the younger men. "Haruto was taking me to visit my brother's grave. Surely you would not have him abandon me in these woods, with none to defend me?"

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-28, 10:01 PM

The horse snorted proudly and also complied with Haruto's request. It seemed that he was riding for the graveyard along with Bato, leaving Aurala to herself unless she went and got him.

Dawn's Timely Glory shook its head whinnied long and loud at Haruto. It was clear what it wanted: "next time, we must be the first into battle."

Haruto patted the horse's side, a small gesture of understanding, before taking off for the graveyard. As he and Bato journeyed on, he plucked wildflowers along their path - all without breaking his steed's stride - into a pair of lovely bouquets. Something to apologize for his tardiness, another to soothe the iron heart.

As Haruto reached his destination, Talonlord Zareth-From-Water arrived there to greet him. While Aurala's Northern soldiers were notorious for their vulgar lack of propriety, Zareth was a Southerner and his excessive abasement was just as uncivilized. He knelt and touched his forehead to the ground before Haruto, waiting patiently to be given leave to speak.

The Northern Gods respected strength and independence, rewarding those who could claw a living out of stone and snow. The Southern Gods valued obedience and community, because the delicate flower of desert civilization was too easily broken by recklessness.

When invited to speak, Zareth said, "Prince of the Earth, Iselsi Aurala Haruto, your mother has called upon you in this time of war. You are to arm yourself and travel with Talonlord Marcus. You are expected to distinguish yourself on the field of battle and bring honour to your house."

...he was going to need a bigger bouquet.

After hearing Zareth's report, Haruto sighed deeply, letting his head hang for a moment. The graveyard was so close, but it may as well have been on the other end of Creation. "Thank you, Talonlord," he replied, raising his head and smirking wearily. "You have leave to speak even more freely; were those Mother's exact words, or did she have anything more specific she wanted me to hear?"

Raiton managed to arrive around the same time as everyone else. Spotting his brother he quickly dismounted and walked over to him. "Hey Haruto, how's it going? Listen, I know this is short notice but I've got to get a sick Elder over to Kelp Entangled by Driftwood. So can you get your ship ready for departure in say, the next ten minutes or so? The sooner we can get this epidemic under control the better," Raiton says, not seeing the cowering mortal at all due to approaching Haruto from the other side.

And then his little brother came along to grab his other arm. Epidemics to the right, wars to the left, and him right in the middle. He chuckled hollowly at the perfectly timed disasters that made up his life. "Little brother, I think you're a few ranks short and a few seconds too late." He leaned to the side, revealing the prostrating Talonlord. "Mother orders me to the field; have you any other way of transporting the sick?"

He spared a glance to Bato with a resigned, apologetic shrug.

(Apologies for the shortish post. Things sprung up, and I had to throw something together to keep things moving. EDIT: Gosh darnit how are there this many ninjas all the time. I think the post still works, tweaked it a little bit.)

Forum Explorer

2014-05-28, 10:06 PM

"Knowing you Auntie, anyone who tried to attack you would end up escorting you home and joining up with Mother's forces a week later," Raiton said, grinning. "Regardless, if you have your heart set on visiting his grave, then by all means let us go. Unless you are planning on taking an extremely long amount of time, it should still be faster to simply escort you there and back then to find a way to get a sick Elder a kilometer or two out to sea."

(Darn ninjas!)

"I suppose that is true, but she did place the responsibility of curing this disease under my sole command, and as such all of my resources should be devoted to solving this problem, which technically includes you. You know you'd rather avoid Mother anyways. Besides you don't truly believe Mother requires your assistance in defeating a bunch of bandits do you? She's probably just trying to toughen you up again." Raiton replies to Haruto.

"Tell me Talonlord, did my Mother not slaughter the enemy? Is she in danger to require her sons to ride to her rescue?"

Anarion

2014-05-28, 10:34 PM

Talonlord Zareth looked absolutely beleaguered by the onslaught of (two) questions that had been directed at him. After thinking for a moment, he settled on:

"Princes of the Earth, this lowly servant's poor opinion and failing memory could not possibly rise to the task of fully satisfying your most noble curiosity. I most humbly recommend that you approach your esteemed mother, Winglord Iselsi Aurala and consult with her directly on these matters of import."

Thanqol

2014-05-29, 04:20 AM

The raiders had a head start, both from the time it had taken the cavalry to report and because they had already started their movements and were grouping up and retreating overland.

Hogarth's men were superb trackers, however, and the damp ocean air left the dirt of the fields moist and muddy. It simply wasn't possible to move over a hundred men through that kind of territory in secret, at least not without magic. This whole retreat had the feel of a botched operation trying to save as much as possible, but knowing, like that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, that not everything could be saved.

The first real obstacle that Aurala's scout forces encountered was a forested region along the seashore. It was between fishing villages and the woods extended nearly to the shoreline: there was perhaps 50 feet of open beach between water and the first young trees that were marching their way to the shore. The road ran inland the long way around the forest and it would be much faster to pursue directly through the woods than to go almost four miles out of the way, especially with a light skirmishing force. Of course, the enemy probably knew that too.

Hmm, a puzzle. Her enemy was wise in the way of Wood Wisdom, and invited her to assert the Advantage of Air. What she possessed now was the Advantage of Water - a mobile skirmishing force - and the Advantage of Fire - a threat on their capital. On the other hand, her awareness of their Wood Wisdom was known. If she were in charge of the enemy she would leave a token force in the forest to slow the pursuit down by forcing a paranoid and over-cautious advance.

She could opt to trust in her soldiers to simply weather an ambush but that involved more potential casualties than she would like; her men were not easily replaceable. What she would prefer to do was keep all three advantages - Air, Water, Fire, and wield them together to the destruction of Wood. Reverse their strategy to enable her own.

"Hoggarth," said Aurala. "Take your men along the road around the forest; keep an eye for ambushes but otherwise exercise haste. I am going to take a fang of soldiers track the enemy directly through the forest. My fang will disrupt, harry and delay the enemy retreat, which will allow you to catch up. No unnecessary risks; we have a campaign to fight, and to maintain our advantage every battle must be perfect."

Anarion

2014-05-29, 10:52 AM

Unsurprisingly, after a few moments pushing through the woods, Iselsi Aurala and her forces were met with a volley of arrows. The archers withdrew from their positions as Aurala's forces approached, and a second volley of arrows came at them from a different position.

In this location, the enemy had the advantage of Air, superior knowledge and (mostly likely) planning time giving them the ability to move quickly and in any direction in this terrain.

The second volley is incoming, what do you do?

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-29, 11:59 AM

(Darn ninjas!)

"I suppose that is true, but she did place the responsibility of curing this disease under my sole command, and as such all of my resources should be devoted to solving this problem, which technically includes you. You know you'd rather avoid Mother anyways. Besides you don't truly believe Mother requires your assistance in defeating a bunch of bandits do you? She's probably just trying to toughen you up again." Raiton replies to Haruto.

"Tell me Talonlord, did my Mother not slaughter the enemy? Is she in danger to require her sons to ride to her rescue?"

"What I believe?" Haruto laughed, arching his brow. "Brother, you forget who you're talking to. I am but a loyal servant of Iselsi, in servitude to yourself and Mother. It isn't my place to weigh down decisions with whatever I believe. All I know is that my most senior officer has called me to battle, and I must answer. For the moment, I'm requisitioned from your command by a higher authority."

"Now; for transporting the Elder, how serious is this disease?" He sat back on his horse, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "The Giant's Step has no end of wagons, carts, and boats. You should be able to get him to Kelp Entwined With Driftwood without any trouble, even if he is unwell enough to walk."

Talonlord Zareth looked absolutely beleaguered by the onslaught of (two) questions that had been directed at him. After thinking for a moment, he settled on:

"Princes of the Earth, this lowly servant's poor opinion and failing memory could not possibly rise to the task of fully satisfying your most noble curiosity. I most humbly recommend that you approach your esteemed mother, Winglord Iselsi Aurala and consult with her directly on these matters of import."

Haruto motioned to Raiton to hold on to any further questions "Duly noted. Perhaps you could answer something more simpler then; when my Mother called for me, how loud and how angry was she?"

Forum Explorer

2014-05-29, 01:42 PM

"The disease is quite serious, as our own healers can only provide comfort for the ill, and they shall eventually die from coughing. We've had three cases in the last little while, and considering that it's relatively new, I imagine there are even more cases being unreported or passed off as 'just a cough'. This is much more important then bandits." Raiton argues.

Raiton does wait patiently for the Talonlord to answer his brother's question before adding another one.
"Tell me, where is Mother now or when you last saw her?"

Anarion

2014-05-29, 01:56 PM

Balmas

2014-05-29, 02:20 PM

"Well then, it hardly makes sense to go traipsing into a forest full of bandits, waiting to ambush us at every step," Bato decided, before flashing a grin at Raiton. "Even if I probably could have them paying us for the privilege of coming back and being slaughtered as criminals. Haruto, I wouldn't presume to tell you what to do; what's your opinion?"

Deadly

2014-05-29, 03:59 PM

[On other stuff, Deadly, I'm still not feeling the terrain, so it's all you. Tell me about Inamori's march leading up to the caves, what sort of land she encounters, and who, if anyone might be around there.]

Inamori wrinkled her nose and shook her head as they passed through what felt suspiciously like spider webs hanging from the trees. She didn't think webs in her hair would improve upon her good looks, but there was no way to avoid them, blinded as she was. They were moving slowly too, stopping occasionally or stepping and bowing carefully as if to avoid something. The spiders, no doubt, Inamori thought. The men seemed alert and tense.

She could smell the dry aromatic scent of the woods, mixed with the smell of earth that had seen too little rain of late. The ground beneath her feet was covered in dry needles, their crunch providing the only sound in the otherwise heavy stillness.

"Nearly didn't see it this time," one man suddenly spoke very quietly, his voice containing a hint of tension. Inamori did her best to listen to the conversation.

"I hear it moves," another man replied in a whisper. Inamori was firmly led to the side a few steps, as if walking around something on the ground. "An inch at a time, little by little, day by day. Sometimes you never find it in the same place."

"It's eerie, way too lifelike. Its eyes always follow you," a third man chimed in.

"Its eyes are closed, man."

"So? Ever looked at a sleeping man while he's dreaming? This one's eyes look like he's following you in his dreams."

"Nothing but your imagination. It's just dirt, nothing more. Probably some dirt farmers made it. There are villages all around these woods."

"The earth shouldn't have faces."

"Will you all just SHUT UP!" the apparent leader cut through the whispers, which all silenced immediately.

Anarion

2014-05-29, 06:26 PM

"Your most august mother has ventured out with our forces. She now hunts the bandits who so brazenly entered our land. The remainder of the forces, save for my own, march to Morimoto to crush the invaders in their home."

Turning to Haruto, he adds, "I believe she was in unusually fine spirits. If I am not mistaken, her lips may have parted in what appeared to be a smile."

Inamori wrinkled her nose and shook her head as they passed through what felt suspiciously like spider webs hanging from the trees. She didn't think webs in her hair would improve upon her good looks, but there was no way to avoid them, blinded as she was. They were moving slowly too, stopping occasionally or stepping and bowing carefully as if to avoid something. The spiders, no doubt, Inamori thought. The men seemed alert and tense.

She could smell the dry aromatic scent of the woods, mixed with the smell of earth that had seen too little rain of late. The ground beneath her feet was covered in dry needles, their crunch providing the only sound in the otherwise heavy stillness.

"Nearly didn't see it this time," one man suddenly spoke very quietly, his voice containing a hint of tension. Inamori did her best to listen to the conversation.

"I hear it moves," another man replied in a whisper. Inamori was firmly led to the side a few steps, as if walking around something on the ground. "An inch at a time, little by little, day by day. Sometimes you never find it in the same place."

"It's eerie, way too lifelike. Its eyes always follow you," a third man chimed in.

"Its eyes are closed, man."

"So? Ever looked at a sleeping man while he's dreaming? This one's eyes look like he's following you in his dreams."

"Nothing but your imagination. It's just dirt, nothing more. Probably some dirt farmers made it. There are villages all around these woods."

"The earth shouldn't have faces."

"Will you all just SHUT UP!" the apparent leader cut through the whispers, which all silenced immediately.

The men marched silently through the woods after the rebuke. But Inamori could hear voices. Such a barren patch of land was not often visited by the Exalted, perhaps this particular bit of woodland had not been visited in centuries. And yet, no matter how much time passed, the spirits, gods, and demons always knew one of the exalted, for the chosen of the dragons could not be mistaken.

They were mere whispers at first. Moans of pain and sadness, voices too low and deep to be heard by mortals, the sound keening to the spiritually attuned ear. As Inamori kept walking, one word formed in her thoughts, over and over, coming from all sides. "sorceress."

"sorceress."

"sorceress."

What do you do?

Thanqol

2014-05-30, 08:12 AM

Strategy informs tactics.

The enemy possessed the Advantage of Wood (definitely not Air). She possessed the Advantage of Air. Her strategy was to demoralise, scatter and delay the enemy force in order to force an advantageous conflict later. Knowing these things her tactics were self apparent.

These men ambushing her were not her enemy. Her true enemy was their commander who had lead such a brazen attack and laid such a transparent ambush. These men firing arrows at her were her weapon.

They wanted to play stealth and murder games with a Daughter of Mela? Let them.

The air flashed into a whirlwind around her. It rippled, screamed, bent, wrapped - and she was gone. The air of her element wrapped her so tightly that even light couldn't penetrate through it, and the forest howled as it coiled and thrashed. She surged forwards over trees and boughs, a blurred current in the air, hunting down the fleeing archers one by one.

She targeted the middle aged men. A middle aged man was old enough to have done this before but too young to be thinking of retirement and family. They were the professional soldiers, the backbone of the army. She plucked them out, one by one, opening calves and guts and spines with flashes of her jade sword. Crippling injuries, slow deaths, so that their screams would haunt those who ran, and would haunt the campfire-stories they told when they rejoined the bulk of their forces.

[Seize By Force: 10+2 = 12
Choices:
- Take Little Harm
- Take Definite Hold
- Terrify, Dismay, and Impress]

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-30, 09:28 AM

Turning to Haruto, he adds, "I believe she was in unusually fine spirits. If I am not mistaken, her lips may have parted in what appeared to be a smile."

High spirits? That ruled out desperate straits, and made something so simple as toughening him up unlikely. Unless she'd grown fond of seeing him in pain, in which case Daisuke would have to ensure his stock of balms and bandages was in good supply. He chose to disregard that option. "Thank you, Talonlord, you've been of great assistance." He nodded his thanks to the prostrating man.

"The disease is quite serious, as our own healers can only provide comfort for the ill, and they shall eventually die from coughing. We've had three cases in the last little while, and considering that it's relatively new, I imagine there are even more cases being unreported or passed off as 'just a cough'. This is much more important then bandits." Raiton argues.

Raiton does wait patiently for the Talonlord to answer his brother's question before adding another one.
"Tell me, where is Mother now or when you last saw her?"

"It seems you have quite the handle on the situation, but that's not what I meant; if the Elder's condition is not immediately life-threatening, then there's many ways you can transport him and any other sick to the sea without my help." Digging around in his pockets, Haruto pulled out some writing tools, scribbled some directions, and passed it to his little brother. "Here; these houses should have unused wagons and boats, provided any of them haven't taken to traveling. Greet them in my name, let them know I will personally see to it that their property is returned in good condition, and you will have enough transportation to carry a small army."

(Using my Contact (Locals of the Giant's Step) to procure transport for the sick.)

"Well then, it hardly makes sense to go traipsing into a forest full of bandits, waiting to ambush us at every step," Bato decided, before flashing a grin at Raiton. "Even if I probably could have them paying us for the privilege of coming back and being slaughtered as criminals. Haruto, I wouldn't presume to tell you what to do; what's your opinion?"

Haruto looked longingly at the graveyard in the distance, then shook his head. "My opinion is that the Talonlord and I should make all due haste back to Mother's side. I trust her order was given with good reason, and war's a poor time to gamble on intentions. Besides; I have something to give her, don't I?" He offered Bato one of his bouquets with a sly wink. "Though if you are willing, it is also my opinion that I could ask for no nobler a lady to deliver these to father, along with my apologies for my absence."

Forum Explorer

2014-05-30, 12:53 PM

Balmas

2014-05-30, 02:16 PM

Bato accepted the flowers with good grace, though a sad smile crossed her face. "Very well, then. I'll make sure to pass along your love, though I'm sure he'll be able to see how well you're taking care of your mother from here. Do make sure that she comes out alive, yes?"

Anarion

2014-05-30, 09:51 PM

[Seize By Force: 10+2 = 12
Choices:
- Take Little Harm
- Take Definite Hold
- Terrify, Dismay, and Impress]

Aurala's movements were too fast for mortal eyes to track. It was as though one moment she were on the ground and in the next instant, she had blinked into the air, disemboweling a cloaked man behind a tree with a single, elegant downward cut before flashing to another, her backhanded slice leaving him writhing on the ground in agony, unable to move his legs.

The archers scattered near-instantly. Men who, moments before, had looked hard-bitten and faced barbarians with a casual ease dropped their weapons and fled, many screaming in abject terror. Their motions rippled through the forest, accompanied by the flight of birds and the swift hops of deer making way ahead of them.

As the wind died down, the forest was deathly quiet. The only sound remaining was the soft, whimpering sob of the last man Aurala had struck, still alive as his blood flowed slowly down his thighs and pooled beneath his useless knees.

Aurala's path would not be hampered any longer, and with the forest so fully cleared out, she would hear any man that tried to set an ambush before he'd even strung his bow.

(Using my Contact (Locals of the Giant's Step) to procure transport for the sick.)

[I consider that an automatic 10 on a manipulate roll. Raiton can assume he gets whatever he needs and narrate the next part. At some future time, Haruto may hear of a request that was asked in exchange for the aid, which he may choose whether or not to obey.]

Bato accepted the flowers with good grace, though a sad smile crossed her face. "Very well, then. I'll make sure to pass along your love, though I'm sure he'll be able to see how well you're taking care of your mother from here. Do make sure that she comes out alive, yes?"

The graveyard was nestled in a quiet pine forest. It wasn't very far from the Giant's Stair (carting bodies around wasn't generally considered a pleasant task), but was far enough removed to avoid disease and far enough out of the way of the road to avoid the wear and tear of foot traffic and the majority of grave robbers.

Several stone arches marked the entrance, their columns touched by moss, the upward flairing arch carrying a sense of solemnity and spiritual power, marking the boundary between the realm of the living and that of the dead. A tiny warbling broke the silence, the song of a wren seeking out his mate.

http://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/sbj-one-of-over-200-000-tombs-set-amidst-large-cedar-trees-in-okunoin-said-to-be-japan-s-largest-graveyard/800/one-of-over-200-000-tombs-set-amidst-large-cedar-trees-in-okunoin-said-to-be-japan-s-largest-graveyard.jpg

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-30, 10:58 PM

"If you insist Brother, then I will not hold your choice against you. Coward." Raiton sighs and takes the map and information from Haruto. "Regardless, I've got to get going. It seems I have a long day ahead of me."

Haruto clapped his brother on the shoulder as the map was passed along. Whether he caught the subtle jab or not, he didn't show it. "And I'm sure you'll make Mother proud; you're quite good at that, you know. Good luck, and take care, brother."

Bato accepted the flowers with good grace, though a sad smile crossed her face. "Very well, then. I'll make sure to pass along your love, though I'm sure he'll be able to see how well you're taking care of your mother from here. Do make sure that she comes out alive, yes?"

"But of course; you haven't a thing to worry about." He straightened up on his horse, securing his cape for a speedy gallop. "If anything even dreams of harming her, I will decimate them from the face of Creation. Good-bye, Bato, and tell your boys Cousin Haruto kept his word."

"Talonlord!" He called Zareth. "If you have a horse, now's the time to get on it. If not, get on and hold on tight. We'll return faster by air, and give these bandits a few nightmares while we're at it, eh?" Once Zareth was in place, Haruto leaned over and whispered to Dawn's Timely Glorly. "Fly like the wind, back to the hangar; you're getting your battle."

Thanqol

2014-05-30, 11:19 PM

"But of course; you haven't a thing to worry about." He straightened up on his horse, securing his cape for a speedy gallop. "If anything even dreams of harming her, I will decimate them from the face of Creation. Good-bye, Bato, and tell your boys Cousin Haruto kept his word."

"Talonlord!" He called Zareth. "If you have a horse, now's the time to get on it. If not, get on and hold on tight. We'll return faster by air, and give these bandits a few nightmares while we're at it, eh?" Once Zareth was in place, Haruto leaned over and whispered to Dawn's Timely Glorly. "Fly like the wind, back to the hangar; you're getting your battle."

"Apologies, Prince, but Aurala has assigned me defense of the city in her absence. It is Talonlord Marcus who you must speak to," said Zareth-From-Water.

Thanqol

2014-05-31, 01:32 AM

Aurala's movements were too fast for mortal eyes to track. It was as though one moment she were on the ground and in the next instant, she had blinked into the air, disemboweling a cloaked man behind a tree with a single, elegant downward cut before flashing to another, her backhanded slice leaving him writhing on the ground in agony, unable to move his legs.

The archers scattered near-instantly. Men who, moments before, had looked hard-bitten and faced barbarians with a casual ease dropped their weapons and fled, many screaming in abject terror. Their motions rippled through the forest, accompanied by the flight of birds and the swift hops of deer making way ahead of them.

As the wind died down, the forest was deathly quiet. The only sound remaining was the soft, whimpering sob of the last man Aurala had struck, still alive as his blood flowed slowly down his thighs and pooled beneath his useless knees.

Aurala's path would not be hampered any longer, and with the forest so fully cleared out, she would hear any man that tried to set an ambush before he'd even strung his bow.

Iselsi Aurala let them go. The point had been made. The wind around her stilled to a chill breeze, and a few unseasonal snowflakes touched the ground.

She doubled back, reconvening with her Fang and approaching one of the crippled soldiers. "Tell me who your commander is and what House you fight for," she said. She did not feel the need to append that with a threat.

Deadly

2014-05-31, 05:05 AM

The men marched silently through the woods after the rebuke. But Inamori could hear voices. Such a barren patch of land was not often visited by the Exalted, perhaps this particular bit of woodland had not been visited in centuries. And yet, no matter how much time passed, the spirits, gods, and demons always knew one of the exalted, for the chosen of the dragons could not be mistaken.

They were mere whispers at first. Moans of pain and sadness, voices too low and deep to be heard by mortals, the sound keening to the spiritually attuned ear. As Inamori kept walking, one word formed in her thoughts, over and over, coming from all sides. "sorceress."

"sorceress."

"sorceress."

What do you do?

Inamori listened intently for the voices. Her foot kicked a small pebble, and her heel scraped the ground for a second. Subtly and without slowing her pace she tapped and shuffled a response, trying to gauge what these spirits were and what they wanted.

[Roll+Weird to open her mind: [roll0]]

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-31, 08:03 AM

"Apologies, Prince, but Aurala has assigned me defense of the city in her absence. It is Talonlord Marcus who you must speak to," said Zareth-From-Water.

"And where is Talonlord Marcus? He'd best know where to find Mother." Haruto asked.

Thanqol

2014-05-31, 08:09 AM

"And where is Talonlord Marcus? He'd best know where to find Mother." Haruto asked.

"In the field east with the bulk of the troops," said Zareth.

TheAmishPirate

2014-05-31, 08:14 AM

"In the field east with the bulk of the troops," said Zareth.

"Thank-you, Talonlord. And may our enemies throw down their arms at the sight of your defenses!" With that, he turned Dawn's Timely Glorly loose, pointing him towards the old storage building where its other half resided.

Balmas

2014-05-31, 10:24 AM

The graveyard was nestled in a quiet pine forest. It wasn't very far from the Giant's Stair (carting bodies around wasn't generally considered a pleasant task), but was far enough removed to avoid disease and far enough out of the way of the road to avoid the wear and tear of foot traffic and the majority of grave robbers.

Several stone arches marked the entrance, their columns touched by moss, the upward flairing arch carrying a sense of solemnity and spiritual power, marking the boundary between the realm of the living and that of the dead. A tiny warbling broke the silence, the song of a wren seeking out his mate.

http://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/sbj-one-of-over-200-000-tombs-set-amidst-large-cedar-trees-in-okunoin-said-to-be-japan-s-largest-graveyard/800/one-of-over-200-000-tombs-set-amidst-large-cedar-trees-in-okunoin-said-to-be-japan-s-largest-graveyard.jpg

Bato dismounted the horse, leaving just enough space in the reins for it to graze on the abundant grass around the gate. Silently, she ran a hand over the rough stone of the gate. Reverence was a privilege afforded to few in life. Somewhat ironic that what some people worked their entire life to achieve was most easily achieved in death.

Bato wandered through the graves, her gown brushing across the stones. There were a few more graves here than at her last visit; she stopped to read the names, even if for a few of them, all that was there was a plank with an initial scratched into them.

The Iselsi plot wasn't hard to spot. It occupied a place of honor in the center of the graveyard, its memorial obelisks visibly taller than the others. Bato drew near to it, mounting the stone dais with a quiet step.

"It's been a while," she said quietly, placing the flowers down in front of one of them. "I'm sorry, brother. Things have been busy on the Stair."

Anarion

2014-05-31, 12:34 PM

She doubled back, reconvening with her Fang and approaching one of the crippled soldiers. "Tell me who your commander is and what House you fight for," she said. She did not feel the need to append that with a threat.

The man let out an agonized moan, and spat blood at Aurala's feet. "Winglord Tepet Tsuyoushi!" He spat blood again, this time splattering a bit onto Aurala's boot. "May she dance on your grave!" He choked out, his voice gurgling as the blood continued to rise through his throat and began to run down his chin like a river slashed between two cliffs. He had bare moments left to live.

Inamori listened intently for the voices. Her foot kicked a small pebble, and her heel scraped the ground for a second. Subtly and without slowing her pace she tapped and shuffled a response, trying to gauge what these spirits were and what they wanted.

[Roll+Weird to open her mind: [roll0]]

"Freedom. Sorceress. Freedom."

An image flashed through Inamori's mind. Men bustling about, the land being cleared as they swung scythes to harvest wheat, large alabaster spires in the distance. Then it flashed again, a rainstorm, heavy clouds and water cascading off waxed hats in whirling pools as men huddled down outdoors. One man seemed untouched by the water, a golden halo of light surrounding him, his red hair, long enough to nearly reach his feet, blowing wildly in the wind like cackling fire as he chanted atop a treestump in front of the men. The gathered host wept and pleaded, but they could not move as their tears salted the rain. The telling glint of madness twinkled in the man's eyes as he finished his chant.

It flashed again, and Inamori was back to being blindfolded, walking through the forest, the men guiding her no longer speaking, though she could feel her guard's hand trembling on her shoulder.

"Thank-you, Talonlord. And may our enemies throw down their arms at the sight of your defenses!" With that, he turned Dawn's Timely Glorly loose, pointing him towards the old storage building where its other half resided.

Dawn's Timely Glory was never what one might call slow, but the speed with which he raced back towards the stables now did at least hint that he may not have been altogether eager to to reach their previous destination. Now the wind raced past Haruto and he was as one with it: it belonged to him, and he to it.

Dawn's Timely Glory had reached their destination before Haruto even knew it. It shook its head once, a hint of pride betraying itself at such a run.

"It's been a while," she said quietly, placing the flowers down in front of one of them. "I'm sorry, brother. Things have been busy on the Stair."

"One of time's greatest traps is the desire to constantly fill it whenever it is idle." The kneeling man on the ground spoke quietly when Bato has finished making her own statement. His skin was so grey, and his bald head so like unto the stone that Bato had taken him for a statue kneeling in prayer in honor of one of the dead. He did not stir nor change his position after speaking, he simply waited, sitting with his knees beneath him and his simple grey traveler's robes splayed out on the ground around him.

Balmas

2014-05-31, 05:39 PM

"One of time's greatest traps is the desire to constantly fill it whenever it is idle." The kneeling man on the ground spoke quietly when Bato has finished making her own statement. His skin was so grey, and his bald head so like unto the stone that Bato had taken him for a statue kneeling in prayer in honor of one of the dead. He did not stir nor change his position after speaking, he simply waited, sitting with his knees beneath him and his simple grey traveler's robes splayed out on the ground around him.

"And one of life's great challenges is knowing which is which." Bato placed a kiss on a finger and brushed it up against the gravestone. "You are here for your family, I expect."

Thanqol

2014-05-31, 10:09 PM

The man let out an agonized moan, and spat blood at Aurala's feet. "Winglord Tepet Tsuyoushi!" He spat blood again, this time splattering a bit onto Aurala's boot. "May she dance on your grave!" He choked out, his voice gurgling as the blood continued to rise through his throat and began to run down his chin like a river slashed between two cliffs. He had bare moments left to live.

Iselsi Aurala nodded and put the man out of his misery. A fair trade.

She just swiftly mentally confirmed that Tepet Tsuyoushi did indeed operate out of the town she'd sent her army towards and then set off in pursuit of the raiders again.

Forum Explorer

2014-05-31, 11:23 PM

Haruto's refusal was disappointing, but his help still proved to be invaluable. Finding a cart and a fresh horse (if not up to Raiton's usual standard) was easy enough, as was loading the sick Elder. The journey to the fishing village was similarly uneventful. Finally Haruto's contacts lead Raiton straight to a fisherman, who was willing to go back out after a long day of work in return for a 'suitable reward' from Haruto. Still despite Raiton's and the mortals best efforts it was still sunset by the time the small fishing boat left the docks.

Deadly

2014-06-01, 04:19 AM

"Freedom. Sorceress. Freedom."

An image flashed through Inamori's mind. Men bustling about, the land being cleared as they swung scythes to harvest wheat, large alabaster spires in the distance. Then it flashed again, a rainstorm, heavy clouds and water cascading off waxed hats in whirling pools as men huddled down outdoors. One man seemed untouched by the water, a golden halo of light surrounding him, his red hair, long enough to nearly reach his feet, blowing wildly in the wind like cackling fire as he chanted atop a treestump in front of the men. The gathered host wept and pleaded, but they could not move as their tears salted the rain. The telling glint of madness twinkled in the man's eyes as he finished his chant.

It flashed again, and Inamori was back to being blindfolded, walking through the forest, the men guiding her no longer speaking, though she could feel her guard's hand trembling on her shoulder.

Inamori furrowed her brow as she took in the vision. When it left her, she turned her attention back to the men, and the man guiding her. Why was he trembling?

Anarion

2014-06-01, 12:27 PM

"And one of life's great challenges is knowing which is which." Bato placed a kiss on a finger and brushed it up against the gravestone. "You are here for your family, I expect."

"I am here because it is commendable to pay respect to the dead," said the man. He still did not move, and there was something about the perfect stillness with which he held himself that spoke of great power and even greater training.

She just swiftly mentally confirmed that Tepet Tsuyoushi did indeed operate out of the town she'd sent her army towards and then set off in pursuit of the raiders again.

No...something was amiss. The dying soldier hadn't lied, he had sounded too proud. Neither had her man been wrong, these were Morimoto weapons that the enemy was using.

But Tepet Tsuyoushi did not operate out of Morimoto. It was far too small, only the smiths and a few farmers and merchants lived in Morimoto. Tsuyoushi's soldiers would outnumber the villagers two to one and eat them out of house and home. Tsuyoushi was known to keep her men in the much larger fortified city of Rokishi to the South. Aurala doubted that Tsuyoushi could stage out of Morimoto for more than a couple weeks, especially unnoticed, as her soldiers would almost surely cover the entire village and be impossible to miss for any visitors.

If Tsuyoushi had moved her entire army to Morimoto without anyone knowing, the Iselsi spy network was in an even worse state of affairs than Aurala had known.

Haruto's refusal was disappointing, but his help still proved to be invaluable. Finding a cart and a fresh horse (if not up to Raiton's usual standard) was easy enough, as was loading the sick Elder. The journey to the fishing village was similarly uneventful. Finally Haruto's contacts lead Raiton straight to a fisherman, who was willing to go back out after a long day of work in return for a 'suitable reward' from Haruto. Still despite Raiton's and the mortals best efforts it was still sunset by the time the small fishing boat left the docks.

The boat sailed back to the domain of Kelp Entangled by Driftwood with little trouble, and Raiton was able to douse the elder in the ocean. It was hard to tell if this did anything beyond give the man chills in the cooling air of twilight, and the god was not being forthcoming with directions.

Inamori furrowed her brow as she took in the vision. When it left her, she turned her attention back to the men, and the man guiding her. Why was he trembling?

It was rather difficult to tell with a blindfold and a gag, especially since the men weren't talking. What Inamori knew prior to her visions was that the men were perturbed by the faces and, based on the recent ending of the vision, they were still in the same woods.

[Btw, there's no read a sitch/person roll available at the moment. You've got what you've got for data, although if you would like to ask questions about that vision I may or may not clarify things you don't know about the setting.]

Thanqol

2014-06-02, 09:11 AM

No...something was amiss. The dying soldier hadn't lied, he had sounded too proud. Neither had her man been wrong, these were Morimoto weapons that the enemy was using.

But Tepet Tsuyoushi did not operate out of Morimoto. It was far too small, only the smiths and a few farmers and merchants lived in Morimoto. Tsuyoushi's soldiers would outnumber the villagers two to one and eat them out of house and home. Tsuyoushi was known to keep her men in the much larger fortified city of Rokishi to the South. Aurala doubted that Tsuyoushi could stage out of Morimoto for more than a couple weeks, especially unnoticed, as her soldiers would almost surely cover the entire village and be impossible to miss for any visitors.

If Tsuyoushi had moved her entire army to Morimoto without anyone knowing, the Iselsi spy network was in an even worse state of affairs than Aurala had known.

Iselsi Aurala thought about this hard as she walked.

Was Morimoto a Tepet holding? Was it possible Morimoto had simply sold arms to Tsuyoushi? Was it possible that these raiders were staging out of Rokishi - was the retreat path in the right direction for that? Or was Rokishi too far out of the way?

She really wished she had a map.

Balmas

2014-06-02, 05:10 PM

Bato nodded respectfully, and knelt before her brother's grave. Even the starlings and wrens didn't sing in this spot. It was the perfect place to meditate, ponder, or pray. And it the grey man wished to speak, then she would hear him

Forum Explorer

2014-06-02, 07:18 PM

Raiton looks around at the ocean, trying to figure out if things are happening and if this was a double cross.

Read a Sitch: [roll0]

TheAmishPirate

2014-06-02, 10:00 PM

Dawn's Timely Glory was never what one might call slow, but the speed with which he raced back towards the stables now did at least hint that he may not have been altogether eager to to reach their previous destination. Now the wind raced past Haruto and he was as one with it: it belonged to him, and he to it.

Dawn's Timely Glory had reached their destination before Haruto even knew it. It shook its head once, a hint of pride betraying itself at such a run.

Haruto breathed in the wind, and before the taste of it hit his tongue the journey was over. He breathed out wistfully. "One of these days, you and I should chase the horizon," he told Dawn's Timely Glory, running trembling fingers through its mane. "Go for a run we can savor."

The swift ride had taken them out to an overgrown field on the Giant's Step, a fair ways from the main house. A long time ago, this had been a tidy little farm for some servant or highly-favored peasant. After they'd moved on, their field became the site of many a pitched battle between Iselsi Aurala and her eldest son. One wanted a new barracks, another wanted a hunting lodge, and both wielded an impressive display of petty delays, hidden shipments, disguised workers, sympathetic friends, and swift punches to the gut in defense of their vision. So long was their stalemate that the wildlife reclaimed much of the land and parts of the remaining buildings too. Their battle ended in a disappointing draw upon the recovery of the flying machine, as no more suitable hangar could be found other than the large, abandoned barn still standing on the property.

Haruto dismounted his horse and, after undoing the myriad of locks and safeguards, opened the barn door. A wall of polished, storm-blue metal curved out from floor and ceiling to greet him. The surface sparkled with jade and other precious metals, worked into stunningly detailed reliefs all over the ship's saucer-like body. Hurricanes making landfall, typhoons clashing against mountains, ships beholding the awesome might of the storm, every inch was covered with lavish tribute. And given the ship stood at least twice Haruto's height, the time, effort, and expense that went into its construction staggered the imagination.

The top of the ship opened to receive its master. Haruto climbed in, and nodded to Dawn's Timely Glory. The horse let out a piercing whinny, dissolving into a white mist that encircled the ship. Faster and faster it went, thickening, splitting, weaving around the metal frame. The sound of rushing winds and thundering hooves filled the air and the entire ship shuddered, yearning to take off. Haruto let go, falling into the core of the ship where a cushion of air waited to catch him. Standing in space, he poured his Essence into the growing gale until it solidified into a roaring sphere of swirling winds.

Not the best image for the eye of the storm, but no relationship was perfect.

In response to his power, the ship left the earth, carried aloft by the streams of air. With an easy, practiced stride, Haruto walked in place, taking the craft gently out of the barn without so much as scratching the wood. Once they were clear, he coiled his legs, leaped, and stayed aloft as if in horizontal freefall. Hurricane's Emminent Wrath responded in kind, tearing across the sky with a terrible roar.

Iselsi Aurala Haruto was going to war.

Anarion

2014-06-02, 10:09 PM

She really wished she had a map.

Wish granted, ask questions.

Bato nodded respectfully, and knelt before her brother's grave. Even the starlings and wrens didn't sing in this spot. It was the perfect place to meditate, ponder, or pray. And it the grey man wished to speak, then she would hear him

The man sat in silence as did Bato. After several moments had passed, he stood, his whole weight rising up like a heavy stone hoisted by a pulley. He turned his head slightly to Bato and saw her looking at him. He opened his mouth and the words tumbled out as though Bato had triggered an avalanche.

"Aaaah, it is also commendable to meditate in silence. Too often action and thought are broken by words. But now, Iselsi Bato, we will speak to one another. There are many things you may wonder. The first, since I have your measure already, is to share my own name. I am Ragara Tobikau, an itinerant monk. And I have come to visit your home. I have come to see whether the corruption of your family has spread so deeply that none can be saved. I have come to see what strength yet remains of your house, and whether you can find a way to please the gods without the favor of the Empress to support you. I have come for all these reasons and because I wish to see the sunset over the ocean from the mountain's peak. Now, speak, you personally have earned that right by the honor and respect you have shown this day."

Raiton looks around at the ocean, trying to figure out if things are happening and if this was a double cross.

Read a Sitch: [roll0]

Ask me the questions you want answered.

Balmas

2014-06-02, 11:02 PM

The man sat in silence as did Bato. After several moments had passed, he stood, his whole weight rising up like a heavy stone hoisted by a pulley. He turned his head slightly to Bato and saw her looking at him. He opened his mouth and the words tumbled out as though Bato had triggered an avalanche.

"Aaaah, it is also commendable to meditate in silence. Too often action and thought are broken by words. But now, Iselsi Bato, we will speak to one another. There are many things you may wonder. The first, since I have your measure already, is to share my own name. I am Ragara Tobikau, an itinerant monk. And I have come to visit your home. I have come to see whether the corruption of your family has spread so deeply that none can be saved. I have come to see what strength yet remains of your house, and whether you can find a way to please the gods without the favor of the Empress to support you. I have come for all these reasons and because I wish to see the sunset over the ocean from the mountain's peak. Now, speak, you personally have earned that right by the honor and respect you have shown this day."

Excellent. "You honor me, son of Ragara." Even if it was worrisome that she was so easily recognized. "I hope that I may yet earn favor in your eyes." Ragara. That meant money. Bato quickly reviewed her finances, looking for any holes that might be exploited. Possibly that issue with Inamori, but perhaps she could coax just a bit more influence from Aurala. "May I have the honor of your presence at my home tonight? I trust that you shall find all to your liking."

Deadly

2014-06-03, 05:08 AM

It was rather difficult to tell with a blindfold and a gag, especially since the men weren't talking. What Inamori knew prior to her visions was that the men were perturbed by the faces and, based on the recent ending of the vision, they were still in the same woods.

[Btw, there's no read a sitch/person roll available at the moment. You've got what you've got for data, although if you would like to ask questions about that vision I may or may not clarify things you don't know about the setting.]

Inamori returned her thoughts to the vision, satisfied that it was only the earlier nervousness among the men. She went back through what she had seen, and took particular note of the alabaster spires in the distance. Perhaps they were something she could recognize, even if the faces of the people were unfamiliar.

Thanqol

2014-06-03, 05:43 AM

Wish granted, ask questions.

Iselsi Aurala came to a decision. What was unquestionable was that House Tepet was behind this and it didn't matter where they were ranging from. The war had begun and she intended to prosecute it until House Tepet begged her for terms of surrender. She would campaign against them, town by town, until all the Realm recognized that House Iselsi was still a Great House.

She set off after the raiders again. First, she had to return her sister.

Anarion

2014-06-03, 09:12 PM

Excellent. "You honor me, son of Ragara." Even if it was worrisome that she was so easily recognized. "I hope that I may yet earn favor in your eyes." Ragara. That meant money. Bato quickly reviewed her finances, looking for any holes that might be exploited. Possibly that issue with Inamori, but perhaps she could coax just a bit more influence from Aurala. "May I have the honor of your presence at my home tonight? I trust that you shall find all to your liking."

Tobikau bows mildly, just the slightest tip of his shoulders to acknowledge Bato's request, the motion like the shifting bones of the earth. "I am honored by your hospitality, Iselsi Bato. Please, lead the way."

Inamori returned her thoughts to the vision, satisfied that it was only the earlier nervousness among the men. She went back through what she had seen, and took particular note of the alabaster spires in the distance. Perhaps they were something she could recognize, even if the faces of the people were unfamiliar.

These spires were old. Inamori knew that deep within her. The shogunate had never had architecture like them, historically they dated back to the first age, to the terrifying time when the Anathema ruled the world and all were their slaves and servants.

She set off after the raiders again. First, she had to return her sister.

This was a large forest and Aurala only had a few men with her. Though retracing her steps from where they had left the wagon would mean a cold trail. What did she do to search?

Thanqol

2014-06-04, 04:57 AM

Talonlord Marcus was a man who understood his job.

He looked like a molting dragon. Everything about him seemed to be coming apart; his armour was a patchwork of salvage and animal hides, his hair was like a curious fog bank was lurking around his scalp, and there seemed to be endless numbers of hooks, buckles and other things attached in one place or another. He was a patrician, with just enough of the Blood in him to be mistaken for a low-class Exalt in the right kind of light.

His eyes were an extremely bright, unnatural blue - his vision claimed by some sorcerous weapon many years ago. His horse was an impressive old mare - a traveled man would suspect a beast this fine to be stolen from the herds of the Marrukani Horselords far to the east. It didn't just carry him, it seemed to almost dote on him, carefully going around pot-holes and rough terrain so not to disturb Marcus' concentration.

He was kind of grand, in his way. He would have made a good Terrestrial.

An assistant whispered something in his ear as Haruto approached. "Ah, yes, welcome young master," said Marcus.

This was a large forest and Aurala only had a few men with her. Though retracing her steps from where they had left the wagon would mean a cold trail. What did she do to search?

She had panicked enemy soldiers retreating back towards their own lines as fast as their legs would travel, hopefully making no moves to conceal their tracks. She would simply follow them.

TheAmishPirate

2014-06-04, 10:04 AM

Talonlord Marcus was a man who understood his job.

He looked like a molting dragon. Everything about him seemed to be coming apart; his armour was a patchwork of salvage and animal hides, his hair was like a curious fog bank was lurking around his scalp, and there seemed to be endless numbers of hooks, buckles and other things attached in one place or another. He was a patrician, with just enough of the Blood in him to be mistaken for a low-class Exalt in the right kind of light.

His eyes were an extremely bright, unnatural blue - his vision claimed by some sorcerous weapon many years ago. His horse was an impressive old mare - a traveled man would suspect a beast this fine to be stolen from the herds of the Marrukani Horselords far to the east. It didn't just carry him, it seemed to almost dote on him, carefully going around pot-holes and rough terrain so not to disturb Marcus' concentration.

He was kind of grand, in his way. He would have made a good Terrestrial.

An assistant whispered something in his ear as Haruto approached. "Ah, yes, welcome young master," said Marcus.

Hurricane's Eminent Wrath slowed to a dull thrum, and Haruto dropped out from the lower hatch. For times when he needed to step out and handle matters personally, the airship could hover in place until he returned. Any unwelcome visitors would be blown away, and any allies could take refuge inside its armored hull. On the downside, it couldn't properly defend itself against sudden ambushes until its pilot returned, so the feature was only used when they were firmly in friendly territory.

"Well met, Talonlord," Haruto greeted Marcus warmly. "What's the current situation? Has mother left me any specific orders?"

Deadly

2014-06-04, 02:01 PM

These spires were old. Inamori knew that deep within her. The shogunate had never had architecture like them, historically they dated back to the first age, to the terrifying time when the Anathema ruled the world and all were their slaves and servants.

Could she hear any of what the man was saying, or was it a silent vision?

Anarion

2014-06-04, 06:09 PM

She had panicked enemy soldiers retreating back towards their own lines as fast as their legs would travel, hopefully making no moves to conceal their tracks. She would simply follow them.

The route they took was direct enough, and the soldiers had made no move to hide their footsteps nor any signs of their passing. Cracked twigs and broken branches marked the few steps where footprints might have faded in dry soil, and Aurala had little difficulty tracking the men's retreat with her fang.

As they cleared the forest, it was nearly sunset, and they found themselves on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the sea caves, tinged with the color of blood as the last light of day fell upon the rocks. The cave network was large: the full three talons that Aurala had encountered that day could have all fit themselves within them, even at high tide, though moving so many men into and out of them would take ages without access to ships. The men ahead of her looked to have gone straight to the cliff edge, and to Aurala's surprise there was a track down, hidden by several boulders so that it was invisible until you were nearly on top of it.

Of her sister, Inamori, there was no sign.

Could she hear any of what the man was saying, or was it a silent vision?

The red-haired man was speaking in the tongue of sorcery. Inamori could not understand the spell, but instinctively, she knew that it was beyond her ken. The dragon-blooded, princes of the earth that they were, could only refine their own souls in a limited way, and their access to sorcery was limited to the spells of the terrestrial circle. Inamori knew that the Anathema and some demons could access much greater powers through their dark magic, and that such things as she was witnessing in this vision were cursed and could lead only to ruin.

Balmas

2014-06-05, 04:35 PM

Anarion

2014-06-06, 12:05 AM

Bato nodded thankfully, standing with creaking knees. The old trail was familiar, yet it felt different somehow with someone behind her. "I'm afraid that all I can offer you is an older mare," she said as she walked. "If you will have her. She is docile to a fault, and will be no trouble."

"I prefer to walk, please, ride." The monk gathers up his robes and begins to walk from the graveyard. His pace is swift, despite the feel with every step of a great boulder rolling across the plains. His whole body radiates the the strength of stones, and Bato can almost here the faint sound of rocks clattering against each other as he steps.

She notices as they travel that though he keeps unnecessary movements to a minimum, his gaze is constantly shifting, as though he appraises each thing that he sets eyes on and, having satisfied himself as to its place and value, moves on to the next.

They arrive back to the Giant's Stair to find it mostly empty, as only Talonlord Zareth is still present with 1/5 of Aurala's forces.

Deadly

2014-06-06, 02:03 AM

The red-haired man was speaking in the tongue of sorcery. Inamori could not understand the spell, but instinctively, she knew that it was beyond her ken. The dragon-blooded, princes of the earth that they were, could only refine their own souls in a limited way, and their access to sorcery was limited to the spells of the terrestrial circle. Inamori knew that the Anathema and some demons could access much greater powers through their dark magic, and that such things as she was witnessing in this vision were cursed and could lead only to ruin.

Inamori made a mental note of all this as they walked in tense silence. Right now she was a little limited, but she would need to come back here and take a closer look once an opportunity presented itself.

Anarion

2014-06-06, 09:14 PM

Inamori made a mental note of all this as they walked in tense silence. Right now she was a little limited, but she would need to come back here and take a closer look once an opportunity presented itself.

[I may need to screw around with time later as a result of this post. But...oh well, let's do it.]

The men ultimately guide Inamori out of the forest. She can tell because of the sudden warmth of the sun caressing her cheek and the crashing sound of the waves and foam hissing through the air as it breaks upon sharp, sheer rocks. The ground is slippery, but the man guiding Inamori is careful, and even as they descend what feels like a flight of stairs, he guides her gently.

As they reach the bottom, the sun is cut off suddenly and Inamori feels a cool mist replace its rays, the damp air on her cheek. They march further onwards, and after a few moments they stop and her guides remove her blindfold. The guard who had been leading her was a burly man, almost as wide as he was tall and with the thick muscled arms of a man who had spent a great deal of his life wrestling. He had a dark black beard that fell to his neck and he looked not unkindly at Inamori.

At first her guard's body filling out her vision was all Inamori could see as her eyes tried to adjust to the dimness. After a moment, however, her attention was pulled by the loud clunk of wood upon stone as the leader who had taken Inamori prisoner stood with his Naginata and slammed the butt into the ground.

"We will arrive soon," said the leader. "You are now our guest, oh princess of the earth." He gestures and one of the men removes her other bindings and the gag. "I appreciate your cooperation and hope you will speak highly of your treatment in this war." Whatever had happened on the trip, it seemed the man had had the time to contemplate how he was going to deal with Inamori and this was his chosen tactic. He gestured forward, for her to walk further into the caves along a winding path that she could now see more clearly as her eyes adjusted.

What does Inamori do?

Forum Explorer

2014-06-06, 11:06 PM

"Kelp Entwined by Driftwood, I call upon you to heal this man as if my right as a Prince of the Earth. Prove to us your capability in fighting off this foul disease and you shall be rewarded. Fail and you shall know nothing but scorn. And if you shall decide to betray our compact, I shall declare you false and you shall face my wrath." Raiton declares formally, staring down at the dark ocean.

Going aggro on Kelp Entwined. Threat is that if he fails to cure the Elder I'll make sure that everyone hears of his failure. If he tries to backstab me on the matter of curing the sick then I'll beat the crap out of him.

On a side note the words were also chosen to remind Kelp Entwined of our deal, he does this and he will get his 2-barter reward, while keeping things vague enough that the mortals hopefully will not connect the fact that I've promised a reward in return.

[roll0]

Anarion

2014-06-07, 01:43 AM

Balmas

2014-06-07, 02:29 AM

Bato nods gracefully, and mounts the mare. "Is there anything you would wish to see in the city?"

Anarion

2014-06-07, 01:45 PM

Bato nods gracefully, and mounts the mare. "Is there anything you would wish to see in the city?"

Tobikau's answer was all politeness and entirely appropriate. He spoke of the reputation of the sunset from the mountain peak, his desire to pay proper respect to the local gods and to rest from his travels. He complimented the bounty of the sea, inquired as to any local specialties, and suggested that he had an avid interest in architecture and liked always to tour the streets of a new city.

Would Bato be interested in trying to read a person, or any of her skinner moves?

Deadly

2014-06-07, 04:54 PM

[I may need to screw around with time later as a result of this post. But...oh well, let's do it.]

The men ultimately guide Inamori out of the forest. She can tell because of the sudden warmth of the sun caressing her cheek and the crashing sound of the waves and foam hissing through the air as it breaks upon sharp, sheer rocks. The ground is slippery, but the man guiding Inamori is careful, and even as they descend what feels like a flight of stairs, he guides her gently.

As they reach the bottom, the sun is cut off suddenly and Inamori feels a cool mist replace its rays, the damp air on her cheek. They march further onwards, and after a few moments they stop and her guides remove her blindfold. The guard who had been leading her was a burly man, almost as wide as he was tall and with the thick muscled arms of a man who had spent a great deal of his life wrestling. He had a dark black beard that fell to his neck and he looked not unkindly at Inamori.

At first her guard's body filling out her vision was all Inamori could see as her eyes tried to adjust to the dimness. After a moment, however, her attention was pulled by the loud clunk of wood upon stone as the leader who had taken Inamori prisoner stood with his Naginata and slammed the butt into the ground.

"We will arrive soon," said the leader. "You are now our guest, oh princess of the earth." He gestures and one of the men removes her other bindings and the gag. "I appreciate your cooperation and hope you will speak highly of your treatment in this war." Whatever had happened on the trip, it seemed the man had had the time to contemplate how he was going to deal with Inamori and this was his chosen tactic. He gestured forward, for her to walk further into the caves along a winding path that she could now see more clearly as her eyes adjusted.

What does Inamori do?

Inamori shook her hands free of the bonds and smiled to get a bit of life back into her jaw. Not that it had been all that unpleasant, unlike what it could have been. "This war, you say?" she asked and turned to the leader while letting her eyes take in the caves, now that her eyes were getting used to the gloom.

Balmas

2014-06-08, 12:41 AM

Tobikau's answer was all politeness and entirely appropriate. He spoke of the reputation of the sunset from the mountain peak, his desire to pay proper respect to the local gods and to rest from his travels. He complimented the bounty of the sea, inquired as to any local specialties, and suggested that he had an avid interest in architecture and liked always to tour the streets of a new city.

Would Bato be interested in trying to read a person, or any of her skinner moves?

Bato chatted animatedly with the monk as they rode through the Giant's Step, pointing out local landmarks, talking about the schools, the lighthouse at the end of the bay, the happy residents. Even as her mouth quickly answered the monks questions, her mind flashed over what could be done with the man. For a Dragon Blooded to show up uninvited could mean any number of things. For a monk to show up... Well, that was simply trouble. And it would mean trouble with the Tepet Dragon-blooded.

Unless she were to get him on her side. She'd done well, so far, but there was still room for improvement. It all depended on what the man wanted. Every man had his price; it all depended on her ability to find it. As they talked--her bright metal chime matching his low, drawn out gong-- she quietly evaluated the way he walked, what he looked at, his facial expressions. Anything that she could use later on.

[Rolling Read a Person. Will save Hypnotic for later on.

[roll0]

Forum Explorer

2014-06-08, 02:32 AM

"Have the ship follow me the best you could," Raiton orders the crew before jumping as far as he could and grabbing one of the fleeing strands of kelp. Pulling himself forward he snaps a piece of driftwood in half as he wraps his arm in the kelp to prevent the god from escaping.

Anarion

2014-06-08, 09:27 AM

Inamori shook her hands free of the bonds and smiled to get a bit of life back into her jaw. Not that it had been all that unpleasant, unlike what it could have been. "This war, you say?" she asked and turned to the leader while letting her eyes take in the caves, now that her eyes were getting used to the gloom.

"Aye" says the leader. He looks Inamori over as they walk forwards through the curving tunnel, moving slowly due to the damp floors and slick walls. "You really think bandits would prey on travelers within a day's march of a Dynast fortress on the Blessed Isle itself?

As they go through the corridor, Inamori notices the faint smell of smoke and, as they round a corner, her eyes shut involuntarily at the sudden torchlight. As she adjusts, she sees a rich setup within the cave: the wall is adorned with several soft tapestries, mostly in blues with some dark blacks, greens, and reds mixed in forming abstract geometric patterns. Several torches stand upon brass braziers giving off the smoke and forming an open diamond in the center of the room. And at the end of the corridor, the stone naturally forms into a seat, where a man is seated, resting his head on one arm, wearing full plate jade armor, the deep-sea blue of his breastplate shimmering and waving in the torchlight, seeming almost to glow with a cold light. His hair seems almost the same color as well, the deep blue formed into wavy patterns falling to the sides of his cheeks.

He looks up but does not stand as Inamori enters. "Well, Bota, this is quite a catch you've brought" he nods at the scarred leader, who thumps his naginata proudly, then turns to Inamori. "To whom do the I owe the honor of speaking?"

Bato chatted animatedly with the monk as they rode through the Giant's Step, pointing out local landmarks, talking about the schools, the lighthouse at the end of the bay, the happy residents. Even as her mouth quickly answered the monks questions, her mind flashed over what could be done with the man. For a Dragon Blooded to show up uninvited could mean any number of things. For a monk to show up... Well, that was simply trouble. And it would mean trouble with the Tepet Dragon-blooded.

Unless she were to get him on her side. She'd done well, so far, but there was still room for improvement. It all depended on what the man wanted. Every man had his price; it all depended on her ability to find it. As they talked--her bright metal chime matching his low, drawn out gong-- she quietly evaluated the way he walked, what he looked at, his facial expressions. Anything that she could use later on.

[Rolling Read a Person. Will save Hypnotic for later on.

[roll0]

Go ahead and ask your first question to me, and perhaps ask him something IC that directs the conversation where you'd like.

"Have the ship follow me the best you could," Raiton orders the crew before jumping as far as he could and grabbing one of the fleeing strands of kelp. Pulling himself forward he snaps a piece of driftwood in half as he wraps his arm in the kelp to prevent the god from escaping.

As fast as he could jump, the kelp was faster. Raiton came up with a strand of it, but it was just normal kelp, nothing special about it, no effigies of a god to be seen anywhere. A fire-aspected young dragon-blood did not have the tools to deal with this. The god could be right next to him and he'd never know it, or be long gone.

Thanqol

2014-06-09, 02:03 AM

The route they took was direct enough, and the soldiers had made no move to hide their footsteps nor any signs of their passing. Cracked twigs and broken branches marked the few steps where footprints might have faded in dry soil, and Aurala had little difficulty tracking the men's retreat with her fang.

As they cleared the forest, it was nearly sunset, and they found themselves on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the sea caves, tinged with the color of blood as the last light of day fell upon the rocks. The cave network was large: the full three talons that Aurala had encountered that day could have all fit themselves within them, even at high tide, though moving so many men into and out of them would take ages without access to ships. The men ahead of her looked to have gone straight to the cliff edge, and to Aurala's surprise there was a track down, hidden by several boulders so that it was invisible until you were nearly on top of it.

Of her sister, Inamori, there was no sign.

Caves. Yet more Wood Wisdom - and she was finally on ground she did not need to preserve. Attack by Fire was called for.

"Gather wood," Iselsi Aurala directed to Hoggarth. "Rich, green living branches full of bitter smoke. We shall build great bonfires at the openings to the caves and I shall use my Anima to direct the smoke inside. Stand ready to assail those who emerge."

Hurricane's Eminent Wrath slowed to a dull thrum, and Haruto dropped out from the lower hatch. For times when he needed to step out and handle matters personally, the airship could hover in place until he returned. Any unwelcome visitors would be blown away, and any allies could take refuge inside its armored hull. On the downside, it couldn't properly defend itself against sudden ambushes until its pilot returned, so the feature was only used when they were firmly in friendly territory.

"Well met, Talonlord," Haruto greeted Marcus warmly. "What's the current situation? Has mother left me any specific orders?"

"We are to conduct a campaign against House Tepet. We are claiming one of their border towns first as payment for their treacherous assault. Further advances to be decided on by the Winglord's decree."

Deadly

2014-06-09, 03:22 AM

"Aye" says the leader. He looks Inamori over as they walk forwards through the curving tunnel, moving slowly due to the damp floors and slick walls. "You really think bandits would prey on travelers within a day's march of a Dynast fortress on the Blessed Isle itself?

As they go through the corridor, Inamori notices the faint smell of smoke and, as they round a corner, her eyes shut involuntarily at the sudden torchlight. As she adjusts, she sees a rich setup within the cave: the wall is adorned with several soft tapestries, mostly in blues with some dark blacks, greens, and reds mixed in forming abstract geometric patterns. Several torches stand upon brass braziers giving off the smoke and forming an open diamond in the center of the room. And at the end of the corridor, the stone naturally forms into a seat, where a man is seated, resting his head on one arm, wearing full plate jade armor, the deep-sea blue of his breastplate shimmering and waving in the torchlight, seeming almost to glow with a cold light. His hair seems almost the same color as well, the deep blue formed into wavy patterns falling to the sides of his cheeks.

He looks up but does not stand as Inamori enters. "Well, Bota, this is quite a catch you've brought" he nods at the scarred leader, who thumps his naginata proudly, then turns to Inamori. "To whom do the I owe the honor of speaking?"

"Bandits are a desperate lot," Inamori said as they walked. "You never know what men will do if they are desperate enough."

Inamori blinked the light from her eyes and looked around as they entered the throne room. Her eyes picked up the little details as they went, and her mind was already at work trying to piece together the story from those pieces. "The finest catch," she chuckled and focused her attention on the man in the jade armor. "Iselsi Inamori," she added with a bow and a flourish. She tried to gauge whether the man had known the answer already or not, and whether she could tell who he might be in return. Maybe the colors and decorations around her held clues, if not the man himself.

[Reading a ... something. Not sure if a sitch or person, or half of both, but it's definitely reading something. [roll0]]

Anarion

2014-06-09, 07:38 PM

Caves. Yet more Wood Wisdom - and she was finally on ground she did not need to preserve. Attack by Fire was called for.

"Gather wood," Iselsi Aurala directed to Hoggarth. "Rich, green living branches full of bitter smoke. We shall build great bonfires at the openings to the caves and I shall use my Anima to direct the smoke inside. Stand ready to assail those who emerge."

There was certainly no want of firewood nearby. The sounds of chopping and the grunts of Hoggarth's men soon filled the air as a steady stream of people began carrying wood from the forest down to the caves.

It was a bit hard to get everything going though. This near the ocean the wood was damp and the waves came right up to the exterior of the caves. The wind was also blowing in the wrong direction, so it would take quite a long time for enough smoke to go the right direction in order to force people outside.

"Bandits are a desperate lot," Inamori said as they walked. "You never know what men will do if they are desperate enough."

Inamori blinked the light from her eyes and looked around as they entered the throne room. Her eyes picked up the little details as they went, and her mind was already at work trying to piece together the story from those pieces. "The finest catch," she chuckled and focused her attention on the man in the jade armor. "Iselsi Inamori," she added with a bow and a flourish. She tried to gauge whether the man had known the answer already or not, and whether she could tell who he might be in return. Maybe the colors and decorations around her held clues, if not the man himself.

[Reading a ... something. Not sure if a sitch or person, or half of both, but it's definitely reading something. [roll0]]

"Peleps Shibuki, at your service." He smiled, a lopsided smirk that never required him to move his hand or raise his head. He had an easy assurance about him, the casual knowledge that he was master wherever he stood. Or sat, as the case may be. "Don't look so surprised, you'd run home to your sister and she'd recognize me within moments of the description. We blue-haired northerners are hardly common amongst Dynasts, after all." He let out a small snort, an exhalation just short of a real chuckle as he gazed over Inamori. "But then again, you might not be running home for a long while yet."

[Respond and ask your first question. I'd say this is mostly about reading a person, but you can choose to read the sitch instead. Really depends on what questions you want answered.]

Thanqol

2014-06-09, 07:46 PM

There was certainly no want of firewood nearby. The sounds of chopping and the grunts of Hoggarth's men soon filled the air as a steady stream of people began carrying wood from the forest down to the caves.

It was a bit hard to get everything going though. This near the ocean the wood was damp and the waves came right up to the exterior of the caves. The wind was also blowing in the wrong direction, so it would take quite a long time for enough smoke to go the right direction in order to force people outside.

Damp was good. Damp made thicker smoke. From Aurala's perspective this was a siege situation so she was happy to take her time. She sat on a folding chair and started to gradually fill the cave with smoke.

Her spare soldiers were put to work constructing some basic earthworks, traps and barriers to really maximize their advantage when the enemy was forced to emerge.

Anarion

2014-06-09, 07:52 PM

Damp was good. Damp made thicker smoke. From Aurala's perspective this was a siege situation so she was happy to take her time. She sat on a folding chair and started to gradually fill the cave with smoke.

Her spare soldiers were put to work constructing some basic earthworks, traps and barriers to really maximize their advantage when the enemy was forced to emerge.

Depending on the size of the overall cave network, the enemy would probably be out sometime in the middle of the night, but certainly before the next sunrise.

[In game terms, Inamori's conversation won't be interrupted.]

TheAmishPirate

2014-06-09, 07:58 PM

"We are to conduct a campaign against House Tepet. We are claiming one of their border towns first as payment for their treacherous assault. Further advances to be decided on by the Winglord's decree."

"They were audacious for mere bandits, weren't they?" Haruto mused, digesting this new information. "We saw at least a full Talon's worth from the Giant's Step. It'd be a rare breed of fool to waste that many near our stronghold, and rarer still to hide that many near our stronghold." That ruled out dumb, and lucky felt unlikely, which left driven a palatable answer. Best to see where this breeze blew. "Which town has earned Mother's ire?" he asked.

Forum Explorer

2014-06-09, 11:25 PM

Anarion

2014-06-09, 11:53 PM

Raiton swam over to the approaching boat and climbed out of the water, literally steaming as he fought to control his anger. "Return home. There is no more work to be done tonight. If only Haurto was here, I could've caught him." Raiton ordered before sitting down and striving to calm down. Once the boat reaches the docks he thanks the crew one final time and gives them a small tip. Finally he made sure to get a blanket to keep the Elder warm on the ride home. "Tch, such a treacherous god. Remember Kelp Entwined by Driftwood's actions here tonight, for it displays the capriciousness and unreliability of the gods. They are more then willing to forsake their duty at a whim, and thus should shunned outside of their holy days."

The people nod thoughtfully. Raiton gets them all to their homes and heads home himself for the night, finding a mostly empty keep, although Bato is still around somewhere, as are her Peleps guests. Raiton recalls absently that the elder did not seem to cough at all on the way home despite the chill air and the water.

Balmas

2014-06-10, 01:20 AM

Thanqol

2014-06-10, 05:35 AM

Depending on the size of the overall cave network, the enemy would probably be out sometime in the middle of the night, but certainly before the next sunrise.

Aurala could afford to be patient. She sat, fanning the smoke, and waited.

"They were audacious for mere bandits, weren't they?" Haruto mused, digesting this new information. "We saw at least a full Talon's worth from the Giant's Step. It'd be a rare breed of fool to waste that many near our stronghold, and rarer still to hide that many near our stronghold." That ruled out dumb, and lucky felt unlikely, which left [I]driven a palatable answer. Best to see where this breeze blew. "Which town has earned Mother's ire?" he asked.

"Given that the Winglord has directed me to besiege a stronghold of House Tepet, Morimoto, I believe the current theory is that this is a military campaign," said Marcus. "The Winglord has wanted to challenge House Tepet for a long time so I believe she will enjoy this opportunity."

TheAmishPirate

2014-06-10, 08:34 AM

"Given that the Winglord has directed me to besiege a stronghold of House Tepet, Morimoto, I believe the current theory is that this is a military campaign," said Marcus. "The Winglord has wanted to challenge House Tepet for a long time so I believe she will enjoy this opportunity."

"A military campaign? From a town that close?" Haruto asked curiously, standing at ease. "I don't know what concerns me more; how Tepet squirreled away that many men under our noses, or that they might still be at it." He let that note hang on the air, just long enough for the smell of ambush to permeate, before continuing. "What do you think, Talonlord? What have our scouts uncovered?"

Anarion

2014-06-10, 10:36 AM

Deadly

2014-06-10, 02:40 PM

"Peleps Shibuki, at your service." He smiled, a lopsided smirk that never required him to move his hand or raise his head. He had an easy assurance about him, the casual knowledge that he was master wherever he stood. Or sat, as the case may be. "Don't look so surprised, you'd run home to your sister and she'd recognize me within moments of the description. We blue-haired northerners are hardly common amongst Dynasts, after all." He let out a small snort, an exhalation just short of a real chuckle as he gazed over Inamori. "But then again, you might not be running home for a long while yet."

[Respond and ask your first question. I'd say this is mostly about reading a person, but you can choose to read the sitch instead. Really depends on what questions you want answered.]

"You rather took the fun out of recognizing you by giving it up for free so soon." Inamori offered a fake pout, though her eyes smiled yet. If he didn't expect her to run anywhere soon, then he might feel safe lying. Maybe it wasn't all that likely, but Inamori tried to catch any falsehoods as they spoke. "Peleps, you say. And what would bring House Peleps here, in this manner?"

[Let's start by seeing if he's truthful, then. Is he speaking the truth?]

Anarion

2014-06-10, 02:53 PM

"You rather took the fun out of recognizing you by giving it up for free so soon." Inamori offered a fake pout, though her eyes smiled yet. If he didn't expect her to run anywhere soon, then he might feel safe lying. Maybe it wasn't all that likely, but Inamori tried to catch any falsehoods as they spoke. "Peleps, you say. And what would bring House Peleps here, in this manner?"

[Let's start by seeing if he's truthful, then. Is he speaking the truth?]

"A request for assistance, of course." The smile never left his face as he spoke.

"My turn, why were you captured by a small force of mortal 'bandits' this far out?"

(He hadn't lied to Inamori. At least not yet.)

[I can't really answer the truth question definitively right now. I know he hadn't lied, but whether he lies in the future might depend on the discussion.]

Deadly

2014-06-10, 03:39 PM

"A request for assistance, of course." The smile never left his face as he spoke.

"My turn, why were you captured by a small force of mortal 'bandits' this far out?"

(He hadn't lied to Inamori. At least not yet.)

[I can't really answer the truth question definitively right now. I know he hadn't lied, but whether he lies in the future might depend on the discussion.]

[Okie dokie]

"Curiosity, adventure. Because I could, so 'why not?' " Inamori said. If he was going to give her cheeky answers, so could she. It was pretty much true anyway. "And for opportunities. They won't find themselves, you know, if you sit around." She smiled. "What sort of assistance?"

Anarion

2014-06-10, 08:25 PM

[Alright. First question: What does Tobikau wish Bato would do?]

Bato knelt at the alter of the temple, offering the appropriate ablations to the god of the day. "I am glad that you decided to come visit us," she said to the man on her right. "Too often, I feel, an entire group is condemned for the actions of only a few. It will be a relief to be able to prove that our devotion is as strong as ever, even if her favor does not shine on us at this time."

"Regrettably, such condemnation is all too often correct. It is said that traits run through the blood, and the blood of the dragons is thicker even than water. It is well that you acted honorably when you believed yourself alone, and when you found yourself with a stranger, received him politely. But you have merely taken the first step down a long road to return to honor.

Tobikau seems to contemplate the city as they walk through the streets, admiring the walls and passing the empty stables. "There is a story of a herd of wild ponies that used to leap across the mountains. Dragons of earth and stone sought to tame them, but the mountain ponies could not withstand them nor bear their weight, and fled at the sight of them. Slowly, over time, the dragons gained the trust of the ponies, for the virtue of the earth is determination and endurance. And yet, though they would take food from the dragons and nuzzle them freely, when the dragons sought to mount them or fit them with saddles, they fled. Their nature was to run freely upon the mountain steppes. No amount of virtuous and upright actions could change that, for it was inherent to what they were, just as endurance was inherent to the dragons who sought them."

He ceases his walking and simply stares at the empty stables. "Your men are not here," he remarks.

[Okie dokie]

"Curiosity, adventure. Because I could, so 'why not?' " Inamori said. If he was going to give her cheeky answers, so could she. It was pretty much true anyway. "And for opportunities. They won't find themselves, you know, if you sit around." She smiled. "What sort of assistance?"

"The sort that good friends in the military sometimes ask for. So, what kinds of opportunities are you looking for, Iselsi Inamori?"

Thanqol

2014-06-10, 10:19 PM

"A military campaign? From a town that close?" Haruto asked curiously, standing at ease. "I don't know what concerns me more; how Tepet squirreled away that many men under our noses, or that they might still be at it." He let that note hang on the air, just long enough for the smell of ambush to permeate, before continuing. "What do you think, Talonlord? What have our scouts uncovered?"

"The Winglord took the scouts to hunt down the retreating invaders," said Marcus. "And if they infiltrated this deep into our territory I doubt the efficacy of scouting in any case. My instinct is to maintain a cautious pace and stand ready for ambuscade."

Balmas

2014-06-10, 10:34 PM

"Regrettably, such condemnation is all too often correct. It is said that traits run through the blood, and the blood of the dragons is thicker even than water. It is well that you acted honorably when you believed yourself alone, and when you found yourself with a stranger, received him politely. But you have merely taken the first step down a long road to return to honor.

Tobikau seems to contemplate the city as they walk through the streets, admiring the walls and passing the empty stables. "There is a story of a herd of wild ponies that used to leap across the mountains. Dragons of earth and stone sought to tame them, but the mountain ponies could not withstand them nor bear their weight, and fled at the sight of them. Slowly, over time, the dragons gained the trust of the ponies, for the virtue of the earth is determination and endurance. And yet, though they would take food from the dragons and nuzzle them freely, when the dragons sought to mount them or fit them with saddles, they fled. Their nature was to run freely upon the mountain steppes. No amount of virtuous and upright actions could change that, for it was inherent to what they were, just as endurance was inherent to the dragons who sought them."

He ceases his walking and simply stares at the empty stables. "Your men are not here," he remarks.

"This is true," Bato mused. "The men are with my sister, Iselsi Aurala, defending the people from the efforts of bandits. But the men are strong, and the walls thick. And I am unsure that I understand your saying; do you mean to say that I am a pony, or a dragon?" She laughed as their steps brought them closer to the mansion. "After all, I am but the least of the Dragon Blooded, of poor birth and standing. Yet I have received favor. Is this not evidence that ponies may become dragons?"