Seas of Change

[Lanaya]

The Plaza
The Plaza Grande is anything but at the moment. The storm which arrived in Paraida yesterday morning shows no sign of abating, as sheets of rain continue to pound the streets and roofs of the city, the fierce winds blowing them in every direction. On a kinder day the Plaza would be filled with brightly coloured market stalls selling all manner of exotic (and dubiously sourced) wares and local delicacies, but today only the most dedicated of traders have shown up to make hurried deals with drenched customers. Still, some of the buildings on the Plaza's edges are bustling with activity and life. Those merchants successful enough to own property in the heart of Paraida draw in soggy patrons with the promise of warm fires and a solid roof, and three teahouses are abuzz with the contented chatter that inevitably accompanies a pleasantly full belly.

[OracleofSilence]

The Plaza
"I'm telling you, it was just a fluke. Sorry I beat your record, alright?" Caida extricates himself, still dripping wet from a small crowd of equally wet (and equally disreputable) sailors, swinging a a small bag of cowries and whistling a jaunty, if downright bizarre tune. Rolling locals for loose change was all well and good, but he needed something more substantial to live off before he started his work. For now, one of those tea shops sounded good. He wanders the plaza, checking the stalls and trying to gauge the atmosphere.

[Rhyvurg]

The Plaza
Kel steps into a tea house, his helmet retracting into his armor. Ignoring the stares he's doubtlessly going to get, he heads for the hostess, carefully navigating the room due to the massive sword stuck to his back. "Excuse me miss, can I have a moment?"

[Phasm]

The Plaza

A tall, muscular woman in a blue Wavecrest-style jacket and loose gray trousers strolls through the market, seemingly unbothered by the rain. She wears a broad-brimmed hat of tightly woven straw in concession to the weather; a straight sword adorned with an amethyst on the pommel sits at her left hip. The Tya (for such she must be, given the trousers) turns into a nearby teahouse and joins Kel in front of the hostess. "Good day, mistress. Have you any tables free?" Renata takes off her hat, revealing short purple hair and bold black facial tattooes.

[Rhyvurg]

The Plaza

Kel glances at the other woman, then does a double-take seeing the tattoos on her face.

[Lanaya]

The Plaza

The poor hostess can do naught but stare in shock at the huge, golden man and his Tya companion. To her credit, she recovers after a few long moments. "Uhh, yes. To both of you. Ummm. But you," and her stare makes it quite apparent that she means Kel, "well, it might be against the rules to wear that inside. Err, not that I think we have rules about wearing golden armour inside. But it might scare other customers. Umm. Sorry."

[Rhyvurg]

The Plaza

Kel crosses his arms over his chest, frowning slightly. "I'm not staying. I just needed to ask if there's any ship captains here tonight, I need to talk to them."

[Aevylmar]

The Plaza

The poor, shivering woman had been given a place out of kindness; the woman who managed the tea shop wasn't sure why, but she was a hungry thing wrapped in clothes hardly more than rags, and she'd had a few tables open, and it just wasn't right that that girl should be starving and freezing out there, and so the Hunter of the Pack could look up at the two new strange intruders. She'd heard that Anathema were in town, and the big one was proof. Begin scan.

His helmet retracted automatically; that was proof of magitech. Hence he must be a powerful essence-wielder. The sword was orichalcum. Value of raw materials, minimum of twelve talents jade. Armor... not a common model. Not Gunzosha Armor. Not Dragon Armor. Not ashigarunottigernotyoroi - oh dragons.

"Celestial Battle Armor," two suits known, empress's personal collection... one suit suspected, scavenger lands, unclear reports of a fourth in the Near South... historical records from the Shogunate. Scattered only.

It was the sort of thing you'd never see in real life; they existed as solutions to impossibly different mystery cases, used to teach humility. 'Well, the reason he was murdered by a clawed shapeshifter even though only a Prince of the Earth could enter the room was because he was using this rare artifact... I suppose you should've studied the subject of First Age Relics further, Student Varias.' One had been supposedly recovered and lost in a recent Anathema sighting, unless that was a story...

One had walked in the door. Assuming the Empress had not returned while she was changing clothes, the most probable theory was that another one had been discovered by an essence-wielding scavenger recently, possibly underwater, then salvaged.

Ah. Error. She was looking calculating. She was supposed to be a starved wretch too new in town for the beggars' guild to have bothered yet. They did not attempt to appraise the value of the treasures of the Forsaken; they cowered in a corner.

She turned to the other woman instead, looking at her quietly, trying to keep her face downturned and her hair over her ears. That would be simpler than cowering. Tya, yes, such a silly concept. Evading the powerful and unjust instead of punishing them as they deserved. But she couldn't blame the woman for it. Muscles... not a lot of scars? Hm. That's a sign she's good. Does she know him? It looks like it. That's an amethyst on her sword's hilt; she can't be too poor. No armor in town; a sign that she doesn't expect to be stabbed, or just a seaman's natural aversion to anything heavy and metal? She isn't acting like a flunky, but a common sailor wouldn't have the budget for gems and a common sailor probably wouldn't be so polite.

Theory A: They're unrelated. Subdivide into theory groups a1 and a2 for explanations on the individuals.
Theory B: Anathema and naval officer; possibly ship captain? Subdivide into theory groups b1 and b2. The Anathema is newly arrived and has no resources, so he's subcontracting looking for minions to a mortal ally.
Theory C: Anathema and anathema. Needs more data first...

This situation is fascinating. How many of the stories of the Forsaken and the Blasphemous are true? What powers does he have, precisely?

What is going to happen? Can she get information? Are they enemies of Parai? If so, are they worse?

She takes a sip of her tea and waits to see what happens next.

Ah. Shock. Unexpected. Fascinating. Ship captains. So he was recruiting minions, he did not know the other, he would likely succeed soon. So he's leaving. On the run from the Wyld Hunt? Perhaps.

[Lanaya]

The Plaza - Outside
As Caida wanders through the makeshift market stalls he senses an atmosphere of soggy misery (of course) as the mercurial winds toss rain this way and that, sometimes at entirely horizontal angles, managing to drench the salespeople no matter how expansive the roofs of their stalls may be. But the truly overpowering emotion here is desperation. The stalls' owners yell at Caida, struggling to be heard over the wind, the rain and his cheerful whistling, insisting that their jewellery will be the perfect gift for his lady, or these scraps of cloth and fur are actually magical talismans blessed by mighty sorcerers during the Shogunate, or this odd assortment of pills and powders will give him the power and virility of an ox. One enterprising woman with startlingly green hair has spotted a clear business opportunity and set up a stall that sells nothing but umbrellas. Oddly, there seems to be a small crowd growing outside one of the teahouses. Some have huddled under the awning, but others are braving the rain, and they all seem quite focused on the establishment.

The Plaza - Inside
The chatter in the teahouse gradually fades, as more of the patrons notice the golden-armoured man and his impressively large sword. After a few moments, though, the crowds decide that he's not a threat and go back to their conversations. Paraida is used to strange-looking folks, and if anybody is educated enough to realise what the armour truly is, and what Kel must be, they're sensible enough to pretend otherwise. The hostess remains flustered, but is relieved to hear that the golden stranger won't be staying too long. "I'm not really the one to ask, sorry sir. I don't really know what our patrons do, I just make sure they're served promptly. Uh, but your friend there, she's Tya right? Wouldn't she know about that sort of thing? Oh! My apologies, you wanted a table, didn't you?" Sensing an opportunity to escape, she guides Renata over to a small one-person table in a corner of the shop.

[Rhyvurg]

The Plaza

Kel smiles at the woman, trying to look charming. Or at least, not dangerous. "Thank you, sorry for taking up your time." He turns to the...what did she say? Teeah woman? "Can we talk for a moment? I need to hunt Lintha and I'm looking for a ship that might give me a shot at them." Kel, master of subtlety.

[Fortuna]

The Plaza

Yaiven strides into the teahouse, shivering in the cold. At the sight of Kel, he stops dead a moment to stare. Then he catches himself, nods a greeting to Renata, and glances around before settling at an empty table, producing paper, brush and ink from the satchel at his side while he waits for his usual. He pauses a moment, considering, then sets to work with sure strokes, making notes in his own private code on the day's observations.

[OracleofSilence]

"Fascinating." Caida wanders over to the teahouse, smoothly maneuvers through the crowd, and then stares in unmitigated shock at the scene unfolding before him. He chucks a few cowries at the hostess, then strolls over to the table being occupied by the Tya woman and the golden armored man. "You know, there aren't a lot of people that would walk around in, much less own armor quite like that." He drops into a seat across from them, gives a friendly nod, and starts wringing out his a clothing.

[Phasm]

The Plaza

Renata blinks, momentarily surprised at the armored man's request. "You're a bold one, aren't you? Much as I'd love to take down those demon-blooded bastards, my ship and half my crew are at the bottom of the sea." She sighs. "Still, if you should find a ship and need someone to captain her, I'm your Tya. Name's Renata Swiftblade. Good luck on your hunt!" With that she gives him a friendly smile and follows the hostess to her table, returning Yaiven's nod as she walks.

No sooner does she sit down and order her tea than a stranger makes himself at home in front of her... a stranger with a Coral accent. The Tya barely manages to restrain a scowl. "And who might you be?"

[Aevylmar]

The Plaza - Teahouse

Excellent. Her theories are at partially confirmed and partially debunked. He has not confirmed his nature, but the evidence suggests Anathema; he is trying to get out as quickly as possible. He's trying to join a crew to fight the Lintha. Logical. That puts his armor and weapon to good use, lets him appease his conscience by convincing himself he isn't running, and possibly may even convince the Realm to let its two enemies fight while they focus on other things, such as imposing justice on Parai themselves.

A new one enters to come speak with the other two. Cheerful, gambler, sailor. He was winning, across the street. Is he Exalted, himself? He was shocked, but now he speaks to them as an equal, and he's careless with money, but that could just be a gambling personality. Handsome; either not a fighter or a very good fighter.

Her eyes are drawn, though, to a different one, carefully writing. Good clothing, not too fancy... average looks… why is he so interesting? He's not a fighter; that much is clear. He's just writing… but he's interesting.

She's looking at him, jerks away. Looks at the table. Only at the table.

[OracleofSilence]

"You can call me Caida. I'm new in these parts, and I'm interested in joining up with some pirate hunters. You seemed a good bet." Well the accent seemed to bother her, but that could be dealt with. "I like to think I might have some useful skills, so don't worry about me pulling my weight."

[Rhyvurg]

The Plaza


"Fascinating." Caida wanders over to the teahouse, smoothly maneuvers through the crowd, and then stares in unmitigated shock at the scene unfolding before him. He chucks a few cowries at the hostess, then strolls over to the table being occupied by the Tya woman and the golden armored man. "You know, there aren't a lot of people that would walk around in, much less own armor quite like that." He drops into a seat across from them, gives a friendly nod, and starts wringing out his a clothing.

"Thanks. Um, I think..."


The Plaza

Renata blinks, momentarily surprised at the armored man's request. "You're a bold one, aren't you? Much as I'd love to take down those demon-blooded bastards, my ship and half my crew are at the bottom of the sea." She sighs. "Still, if you should find a ship and need someone to captain her, I'm your Tya. Name's Renata Swiftblade. Good luck on your hunt!" With that she gives him a friendly smile and follows the hostess to her table, returning Yaiven's nod as she walks.

No sooner does she sit down and order her tea than a stranger makes himself at home in front of her... a stranger with a Coral accent. The Tya barely manages to restrain a scowl. "And who might you be?"

He sighs. "I'm sorry about your crew. I'll be back when I find you a ship." And he turns and marches out, as if finding a ship without a captain was a trivial thing.

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

As the imposing man in the ridiculous armour leaves, Yaiven relaxes slightly and waves a more open greeting to Renata, endeavouring to signal that he'd like to talk to her.

[OracleofSilence]

"What a strange man." Caida see's some scholar or other waving at the woman. "Hey, you've got some banker waving at you. I can leave as well if you want, but even if I do say so myself, I am quite good at sailing. I'd like to offer my services, should you accept them, on the condition you attack targets from Coral as well as the Lintha."

[Lanaya]

Aboard The Leaping Simhata
For the past day and a half the boat has been tossed around by powerful waves which may have capsized a lighter vessel, buffeted by fearsome winds and hammered by the rain. The Simhata's crew have guided her through many a storm in the past and their experience shows in the expert way they tackle this one, but it's still an uncomfortable ride for all those aboard. Any possessions that haven't been securely strapped down are thrown about, preparing a proper meal is all but impossible and sleep is both brief and somehow seems just as exhausting as being awake. The only light that pierces the black blanket of cloud is the occasional flash of lightning, thankfully nowhere near the boat.

Then suddenly the storm's fury is gone. The water's surface is all but entirely flat, the howling winds that threaten to blow sailors overboard drop to merely strong. The clouds themselves seem somewhat thinner, allowing more of the sun's light through. The rain continues to batter the boat as furiously as ever, the last defiant trace of the vicious storm, but otherwise it appears to be smooth sailing from here. And in the distance, the keen-eyed can see the faint outline of an island.

[Phasm]

The Teahouse

"Very strange indeed. As I said earlier, I'm a Tya without a ship at the moment. I'll keep you in mind when I get a new one, though." Hmm, this man wants to attack Coral? Must be an exile, or perhaps a criminal. Renata shrugs and gets up. "If you want to come, feel free. He's an acquaintance of mine, a businessman."

With that she makes her way over to Yaiven's table and sits down across from him. "Good to see you, Yaiven. How's business?"

[Amaril]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Standing at the prow of the ship with his face thrust into the sea spray, Jin was considerably taken aback when they abruptly moved from tossing waves and battering wind to calm waters and clear skies. All through the journey, he'd felt a little bad for the mortal crew and passengers on board, so miserable in the foul weather while his Exaltation had kept him feeling right as rain and moving unhindered on the pitching deck, but it had been so exciting, sailing on the high seas off to find adventure, that he'd grown to somewhat enjoy the storms--they just added to the atmosphere. Now, however, he was just confused; he was no sailor, but he'd never heard of the weather at sea changing so dramatically in such a short moment.
"Hey, what just happened?" he called over his shoulder, in between scanning the horizon and squinting up at the abruptly thinner clouds. 'I've never seen a storm pass by so fast..."

[Rhyvurg]

The Plaza
Kel's helmet moves into place as he steps back out into the rain. He found a captain, but now he needed a ship. Which he could not begin to afford. Well, there were ways besides money to pay for things. He heads for the docks.

[Beans]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Standing at the prow of the ship with his face thrust into the sea spray, Jin is considerably taken aback when they abruptly move from tossing waves and battering wind to calm waters and clear skies. All through the journey, he'd felt a little bad for the mortal crew and passengers on board, so miserable in the foul weather while his Exaltation had kept him feeling right as rain and moving unhindered on the pitching deck, but it had been so exciting, sailing on the high seas off to find adventure, that he'd grown to somewhat enjoy the storms--they just added to the atmosphere. Now, however, he was just confused; he was no sailor, but he'd never heard of the weather at sea changing so dramatically in such a short moment.
"Hey, what just happened?" he called over his shoulder, in between scanning the horizon and squinting up at the abruptly thinner clouds. 'I've never seen a storm pass by so fast..."
I doubt it is entirely natural. Perhaps the Maiden of Journeys has decided to smile upon us.
A slender lady somewhat shorter than the tall Jin glides up from behind him to stand at his side, fiery red hair standing out against her fairly pale skin and the pulled-up hood of her pale taupe buff jacket. Adjusting the iron-framed, gold-chained pince-nez on the bridge of her nose, she looks up at him with a smile.
Of course, there others up there who might be favoring us. She glances at the sun shining through the clouds.

[Lanaya]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

The captain of the ship is a peculiar man. In most regards he's the saltiest of sea dogs, a big well-muscled man with a face full of black stubble and half an ear missing after an encounter with pirates, but his voice like that of a highly educated scholar, his enunciation clear and his accent most sophisticated. He calls to the pair of Exalts. "There is someone favouring us, but she's not up there. The goddess of the city keeps the worst of the storms off her coasts, to help traders and prevent shipwrecks. She doesn't stop the rain though, otherwise her people would run out of water quickly." True enough, as Vocusta looks up at the sky she sees that back where the ship came from the storm is still raging just as strong as before, but it stops suddenly as though it had collided with an invisible wall.

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

"It goes, although the weather's hampering me. I hope life has been treating you well."

[Amaril]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Jin gave a low whistle as he turned and saw the storm still raging behind them. "She must be one hell of a goddess, to keep that away all the time."
Suddenly shaking himself, he turned back to the woman now standing next to him. He was sure he must have seen her on board during the journey (it wasn't as if there were a lot of space aboard the ship, after all), but he couldn't recall having gotten a good look at her face. On reflection, he decided she must have been hiding behind that hood. Damn shame, he thought, she's too pretty to be shy.
"You sure seem to know your stuff when it comes to gods, sweetheart" he said with a grin, leaning back against the deck railing and trying to look relaxed. "Don't think we've been introduced, have we?" He offered her his hand. "I'm Jin, but pretty soon all of Creation is gonna be calling me 'hero'."

[Beans]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Jin gave a low whistle as he turned and saw the storm still raging behind them. "She must be one hell of a goddess, to keep that away all the time."
Suddenly shaking himself, he turned back to the woman now standing next to him. He was sure he must have seen her on board during the journey (it wasn't as if there were a lot of space aboard the ship, after all), but he couldn't recall having gotten a good look at her face. On reflection, he decided she must have been hiding behind that hood. Damn shame, he thought, she's too pretty to be shy.
"You sure seem to know your stuff when it comes to gods, sweetheart" he said with a grin, leaning back against the deck railing and trying to look relaxed. "Don't think we've been introduced, have we?" He offered her his hand. "I'm Jin, but pretty soon all of Creation is gonna be calling me 'hero'."

Vo gives the articulate, learned captain a smile and a nod. Ah, I stand corrected, thank you.

She turns back to Jin and giggles, taking his hand after a moment. Well, thank you very much for informing me in advance. My name is Vocusta, but I think I'll let you get away with calling me Vo. Beneath the indulgent giggles, though, her interest is sparked. Is this more than bravado, perhaps? Is he, possibly, the one?
He certainly bears further scrutiny.

[aetherialDawn]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

'Kaiden' has been below-decks and out of sight during much of the storm - his disguise could excuse the discomfort he feels at his first time on a ship this large, but it was still embarrassing! Perhaps a water aspect had been a poor choice of disguise.
As the ship's movement evens out so suddenly, he looks up from his book in confusion, and soon comes above-decks into the heavy, but no longer driving or horizontal rain. He holds up a hand to keep the rain off, the reality-warping of his true charms concealed as ocean-dark essence that guides the rain to either side. "Keeping the winds steady and letting the rain through... It sounds like she is a wiser god than I had heard, as well as powerful."
Virgil can't help suspecting something lazier from a corrupt god, but it would be rude to say such, so he only thinks it. He looks back towards the wall where the storm simply comes no further with some curiosity, eventually closing his eyes for a moment to focus. He opens his eyes, and then opens them again to the invisible truths of more subtle orders, staring towards that invisible 'wall'. A powerful innate charm? The influence of some unseen artifact or geomancy? Huraka allies? Perhaps even something he hadn't thought of; a question to file away for later discovery... He can't help grinning a little.

Activating Essence-Dissecting Stare for 5m from my personal pool, lasting for the next hour. Just curiosity, if there's anything to be seen! Especially fluffy Huraka :smallbiggrin:

Personal Motes 12/17, 5m committed
Peripheral Motes 24/41, 17m committed
Anima Flare 0m

Essence-Dissecting Stare (1 hour)
Mind-Hand Manipulation (Indefinite)
Loom-Snarling Deception (Indefinite)

[Amaril]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Jin inclined his head slightly to the woman, his grin widening further. "Vocusta, huh? That sure is a mouthful. I like Vo better." He chuckled at his own cleverness, but was suddenly distracted by Kaiden emerging from belowdecks over Vo's shoulder, surrounded by his soggy field of Essence. The first time he'd found out that the Dragon-blooded would be aboard the ship, he'd only just resisted challenging the man to a fight right then and there; Dragon-blooded he may have been, but he wasn't causing anyone any harm. That didn't mean Jin had to like him, though, and he failed to stop himself from scowling as Kaiden turned back to examine the storm line. He quickly wiped the glare from his face, hoping Vo hadn't noticed. "So, what brings you out to this neck of the woods? Or the ocean, I guess?"

[Aevylmar]

Aha.

She smiles slightly. A businessman who may be able to fund an entire pirate-hunting crew. And a name, Yaiven. Family name or personal name? Better to learn as much as possible. Someone with that much money may be a secondary target for her, especially outside the Realm, where there are few better ways to get power than money or to get money than power. Or else an ally.

She moves slightly in her seat, to get a better angle of hearing for the conversation, showing a faint flash of spike before she adjusts her hair again to cover it. Sips her tea; she doesn't want it to get cold.

[Phasm]

The Teahouse

Renata shrugs uncomfortably. It's not as if she can talk to him about the issue that's driven half her surviving crew away, people she lived and worked with and bled alongside for years. "I've been worse." She leans back in her chair, dark eyes intent on her companion. "So, were you trying to flag me down for a reason, or is this a social thing? I'm fine with it being the latter; not much else to do today until the rain lets up a bit. But if there's a job in the offing, that would be mighty nice to hear."

[Beans]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Jin inclined his head slightly to the woman, his grin widening further. "Vocusta, huh? That sure is a mouthful. I like Vo better." He chuckled at his own cleverness, but was suddenly distracted by Kaiden emerging from belowdecks over Vo's shoulder, surrounded by his soggy field of Essence. The first time he'd found out that the Dragon-blooded would be aboard the ship, he'd only just resisted challenging the man to a fight right then and there; Dragon-blooded he may have been, but he wasn't causing anyone any harm. That didn't mean Jin had to like him, though, and he failed to stop himself from scowling as Kaiden turned back to examine the storm line. He quickly wiped the glare from his face, hoping Vo hadn't noticed. "So, what brings you out to this neck of the woods? Or the ocean, I guess?"

Vo notices a flash of something unhappy on Jin's face, but she doesn't realize just who it is who caused it. Shrugging, she adjusts her glasses. Me? Oh, just a silly little archivist away from her library, out and looking for more tidbits to scrawl down... of course, one hears things about places, and Paraida has been spoken of terribly often in a few circles to which I claim at least a little contact...

[Amaril]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Jin raises a curious eyebrow at Vo's answer. "You know, I thought you looked like an educated type. I don't know much about this place, what's so special about it?"

[ChaosArchon]

[Aboard The Leaping Simhata]

"Schneizel" had enjoyed the rain immensely being a Water Aspect dragon-blood after all. Zeras on the other hand did... not, the entire time he thought,"How in Creation do the mortals deal with all this rain, I'll have to have my suit cleaned once we get on the island but before I meet the others at the White Lotus."

Never-the-less, the young Sidereal stuck to his cover and feigned enjoyment in being showered with the water. However on the inside he praised the Maidens once the rain had stopped and he was able to change his clothes back into his suit, although thanks to his sorcerous disguise, nobody could see his true garb.

Upon hearing the captain admonish the possibility of one of the Maidens aiding them, Zeras smirked and thought,"He couldn't be farther from the truth, nevertheless this goddess does seem to be protecting her followers. I wonder whether she sometimes rescinds this blessing in order to force the mortals to worship to her?"

Despite all the talking going around him, Schneizel merely leans over the railing and watches the sea but continues listening to all the conversations that surround him, hoping to learn something more about those he had shared the ship with. He had gotten on the Leaping Simhata a few days ago after he had exited Celestial Gate Forty-One, the Pearl Gate and chartered the ship to take him to Paradia. But since then he had only spoken a bit with the other passengers and still didn't know them too well, although he would be meeting two of them at the White Lotus later in the day.

[Beans]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Jin raises a curious eyebrow at Vo's answer. "You know, I thought you looked like an educated type. I don't know much about this place, what's so special about it?"

Vo simply shrugs. Not entirely sure, other than what I've beard about the goddess... speaking of which, do excuse me a moment---I believe the captain can supply a few more facts.

She glides over to the captain, smiling. What you said about the goddess caught my interest---can you tell me anything else about her?

[aetherialDawn]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Kaiden turns his head slightly, listening curiously, then curses the reflex - it wasn't going to make the captain say anything more, and might make him say less... Nothing to do for it now but be attentive, anyway. Hopefully the man was good enough not to worry; the West seemed... less intimidated by the Dragon-blooded than his home. Or perhaps it was just this ship?

[OracleofSilence]

The Teahouse

"It's been going alright, but that question probably wasn't aimed at me. I'm just in it for the company" Caida puts on his most thoroughly disarming grin as he follows the Tya woman over to the other table. "Sunabi Caida, originally of Coral, as of a roughly a week ago, of Parai. You go by Yaiven?"

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

Yaiven nods to Caida. "That's my name, the only one I have. You could call me an entrepreneur, or if you're feeling unkind, a jumped-up scribe. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Then he turns to Renata. "No good news, I'm afraid. Just the opposite. I've been looking into that matter, as we agreed, and I'm afraid it's just not in my power for the time being. My funds just don't quite stretch far enough. I could get you a ship, barely, but I couldn't provision her; or I could get you crew and provender, but not with a ship. I'm keeping my eye out for shipwrights willing to cut deals, or for sailors who'd be willing to accept shorter pay and dubious rations to get in on the ground floor, but you know what they say - good, cheap or fast, pick any three, and I can't afford the third. Now, if nothing else, there should be a cargo in in a few months that I can take a good profit from, and I could manage it then, but for the time being..."

[Lanaya]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata


She glides over to the captain, smiling. What you said about the goddess caught my interest---can you tell me anything else about her?

The captain thinks for a moment, stroking his grizzled chin, before responding. “If you’ll be staying in the city, the most important thing for you to know is that she’s got a powerful ego. Her name is The Most Glorious Parai, and shortening that to just Parai is a criminal act. You probably won’t get in real trouble for it, but if you’ve irritated her she might use an act of blasphemy as a justification to get you locked up.”

He takes a moment to race over to a few mysterious ropes and adjust them, shouting orders at his crew that might as well be in another language as far as the landlubbers on board are concerned, before continuing. “Most worship her because they’re forced to, but they’re not too upset about it. There are some true believers, though, especially after her chosen priests showed off their supernatural abilities. There’s a lot of people out there who will worship anything as long as they think it’ll give them power. Anyway, all her priests wear hoods and cloaks most of the time so you can’t see their faces. I think it’s something of religious significance, they give up their individuality to become members of the cult. Don’t call it a cult where they can hear you though.”

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel walks along the waterfront, keeping an eye out for any ship that looks at if it has been in port a long time, or has recently seen battle. Something that either is in need of a crew, or someone that might welcome a chance at some payback but could have lost their nerve.

[aetherialDawn]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Listening to the captain, Kaiden suppresses a grin. A mystery cult with lost identity?... Probably easy to impersonate, if things come to that. An easy way to jab at Parai's generous ego. He moves up closer, and nods politely, extending his disguised shield against the rain to Jin, Vocusta, and the captain. Closer to, it has a bit of a watery chill to it... but enormously less than the pouring rain does.
"Quite fascinating, Captain. You seem to be well-informed indeed; If we're not too close to shore yet - can I ask what sort of supernatural powers are these priests supposed to hold? I'd heard whispers of a coup, but not... details, so to speak. Plenty of rumors of magical clashes, past and soon-to-come, just not much about how it happened. The tales are usually more colorful than the real thing anyway."
After a brief moment's pause, he nods also to Jin and Vo and adds, "Ah, apologies, sir and lady - I'm Kaiden. I don't think I've spoken with either of you much, despite sharing a ship. I might have asked you about a spare book to read, when I thought I'd lost mine?" He addresses the latter part to Vo specifically, and has the grace to look a little sheepish for being unsure whether he's forgotten her name or never knew it.

[Lanaya]

The captain gives Kaiden a grateful look as the shield covers him. "Now there's a useful trick. Feels a bit strange, to a common man such as myself, seeing the power of the Dragons being used like that. Not that I'm complaining. And yes, I am reasonably well-informed; it pays to learn the local customs of any port you plan on visiting, especially those that might get you imprisoned or burned at the stake. As for the priests, though, I haven't heard anything but tales either. I was a few hundred leagues north when it happened, so any rumours that reached my ears were doubtless warped by a hundred retellings."

[Amaril]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Jin's glare returned as Kaiden introduced himself. Quickly stepping to the side, out from under the Dragon-blooded's shield against the rain, he rounded on the man. "Save the courtesy, Dragon," he growled. "I ain't your friend, and you ain't mine. Tell me, are you a noble? Any peasants you keep in a village somewhere, working their hands to the bone for you?"

[ChaosArchon]

[Aboard the Leaping Simhata]

Schneizel continued to watch the sea as their ship said towards their destination, where hopefully everything would go smoothly on his first assignment, but with Solars in the mix he doubted that heavily. Still this was an opportunity to bring them into the fold of the Gold faction, so their presence wouldn't be a total loss regardless.

As he sees no rain fall upon Kaiden he thinks,"what interesting trick indeed it seems not just gods can rebuff the rain. Perhaps Kaiden is not what he might be a first glance, a sorcerer too perhaps?" This Kaiden would hopefully prove to be an interesting side-query as Zeras tried to uncover irrefutable evidence that the goddess would found wanting of a a celestial audit.

As Schneizel continues to listen to the talk upon the deck, he hears the man whose name was Jin declare his displeasure about being in the presence of a dragon. If need be Schneizel could step in so as to prevent violence, but hopefully that will not be necessary.

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

The door to the teahouse opens, and through it strides a group of people, very wet but nonetheless looking serene and well-composed, as though getting drenched had been their plan all along. They number eight, and each wears a simple, belted robe of some kind and sandals - recognisable to most as the clothing that marks a monk of the Immaculate Order. Once again the patrons of the teahouse gradually fall silent and begin to stare at these new arrivals, though the curiosity with which they had regarded Kel has been replaced by cold dislike mingled with traces of fear.

[aetherialDawn]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

It wouldn't do for Kaiden to show as much surprise as Virgil would, and so with the help of his false self, he doesn't - although he glances apologetically at the captain for causing a disruption, and tries to convey that there's no problem. The West is definitely not the same as back home when it comes to the Dragon-Blooded.
"I was exiled, so no. No nobility, no peasants, and as yet no home. I have myself and the things I carry." He glances at Schneizel... Having an Immaculate decide that anything important was happening here could be bad, but trying to pressure to man to stay quiet would probably have the opposite effect, if anything - and the idea of applying that sort of pressure doesn't appeal, anyway.
"As for keeping the rain off, it's not a common talent, but it's hardly sorcery. Thank you for the compliment on my skills, however, honored Peleps."
I can think of at least three other ways to do this, although one of them would be difficult to grant to others... No, it must have been just an odd way of expressing surprise, that's all.

[Aevylmar]

The Teahouse

Mnemon Varias's first feeling is a combination of happiness and irritation; happiness, because she was about to have eight monks' worth of charms and armed backup, and irritation, because she would have to deal with eight uppity Princes of the Earth trying to enforce very literal interpretations of scriptures talking about how they were much more important than she was, despite Imperial decree.

A fraction of a second later, her mind triggers. She is Saria Silverscale, not Mnemon Varias. They are hunting an Anathema; almost certainly, the armored one who just left. Though not certainly, she reminds herself. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, and they might be hunting her. Her precautions - swimming, false names, different clothes, different hair, randomly choosing which of twenty islands to visit - should've been sufficient, but you never know what clue you leave behind. A perfect crime is a result of chance, not planning. And, of course, there is a vanishingly small chance that one more Anathema is on the island, that he has a partner.

Or, she realizes, they could have arrived after he left deliberately, to arrest all of his associates before they had their master to support them. She had heard that some Anathema had such charms, though she certainly didn't.

She needs to take an action. The sensible action for her cover identity... is to react the way she's seen people do. She's seen how criminals shiver when justice walks in the door, but she wants the variant where heretics and heathens without Essence powers respond to an Immaculate's monk presence. She imitates it as best she can, magnified appropriately for the number of monks.

[OracleofSilence]

"Huh. Think they were after tall strong and golden back there?" Caida continues wringing out his cloak, and orders a pot of tea from a nearby waitress. "So, I don't mean to be rude captain, but what is your name? I didn't hear it before, and I'm running out of polite ways to refer to you."

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

Yaiven pointedly ignores Caida's remark - the stranger seems as dangerous as he might be useful, but he bears the Immaculates no particular love either, and there's no reason to foster a conflict that might be useful later - and calmly rolls up his scroll, exchanging it for one written in Rivertongue rather than ciphertext. On the off-chance that the monks are interested in him, this one will be easier to explain. Hopefully they won't notice that despite the rain remaining in his hair, his cloak is already bone-dry.

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

After a long moment, one of the Immaculates - a short, dark-skinned woman with a linen robe and silken belt - beckons to the hostess, who hurries over. There is a brief and quiet conversation, then the hostess leads the Immaculate group over to an empty table, where they seat themselves and begin to order refreshments.

[Phasm]

The Teahouse

"Eh, much as I expected. Thanks for trying, Yaiven." The Tya shrugs at Yaiven's statement, trying to hide her worry. She got most of Albatross' cargo off before the ship sank, but the real coin from that voyage was to come from the messages they were carrying from Azure to Gateway. She has twelve people to feed and house, and the Tya guildhouse in Paraida doesn't have much in the way of funds to lend them. "I'll figure something out."

Renata scowls at the monks' entrance. She doesn't bother to hide her disdain; Wavecrest may be a Realm satrapy, but there are plenty of Wavecrest folk who aren't happy about the arrangement. Turning back to her companions, she takes a sip of the rather nice tea that a server brought. "Ah, sorry about that. Thought you would have heard me introducing myself to Master Golden back there. Name's Renata Swiftblade, formerly of the Tya schooner Albatross." She offers a large, callused hand to Caida.

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

Yaiven grimaces. "I'm sorry. I'll keep working on it. I have a few things in mind that I can try still. And in the meantime, I can offer you a retainer."

[Beans]

Vo steps up next to Jin, looking up at him and face obscured by her hood from those not looking her in the eyes, mouths 'calm down'. She's not at all comfortable with the idea of getting caught up in a fight like this.

[Aevylmar]

The Immaculates aren't looking for a fight? Good. Still, they might be saying something useful; this far west, everyone speaks Seatongue, or, if priests, Old Realm instead of the more common languages of the Blessed Isle. They might get sloppy, and assume that they could discuss important matters without anyone being able to understand.

She hunches closer to the warmth of her teacup, incidentally turning her ear towards the monks, and listens, tuning out the background noises to focus clearly on the words of the monks.

Rolling Perception+Awareness, spending two personal on the first excellency and getting them back with a 1-die stunt.

[roll0]

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

Gradually everyone in the building relaxes as it becomes apparent that the Immaculates aren't here to stir up trouble. There are still occasional suspicious glances thrown at them from all corners of the teahouse, which is a strange sight indeed for those who are accustomed to regions more loyal to the Realm and its religion, but otherwise things settle down. The monks themselves appear to be enjoying themselves, reclining in comfortable chairs and chatting to one another, totally oblivious to the Anathema presence in this very room. After serving them, a blue-haired lad with heavily tanned skin and a cheerful smile walks over to Renata. "Sorry to interrupt, but the monks over there wanted to talk with you about something. They said your friends can come too," he adds, gesturing at Yaiven and Caida.

The Immaculates are speaking in Seatongue. Anyone who got 2 successes to eavesdrop will hear this:
in golden armour - of the Anathema? - quite good tea - voyage over was - should talk to - this uppity god - the Tya woman?
Anyone with 3 or more will hear this (paraphrased, because eight people conversing amongst themselves is far too much for me to type out in full):
Initially, the group is discussing the man in golden armour who was present earlier. It's implied that they deliberately entered after he left. They aren't sure what he is, but consider it sufficiently unlikely that anyone other than the Solar Anathema would wear that armour and bear that daiklave that it's worth the slim risk of accidentally attacking an innocent. They're enjoying the tea and the warmth, although one mentions that these Western barbarians are ruining the atmosphere with their suspicious glances and long stares. Two of the monks are discussing the god of the city and when she will agree to meet them, while the others talk about the Tya who was speaking with the Anathema. When the server comes over to give them their tea, they ask him to ask her to talk to them.

[OracleofSilence]

"Well big surprise. They are talking about Goldenboy. I'll join you if that's alright. Can't have some monks talking down to my new Captain." Caida's smile remains, but its tone changes, becoming colder, a little more hungry. He quietly fiddles with his belt a bit and slips on his gauntlets, stretching his fingers and adjusting a few straps as he does so.

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

Yaiven reaches out and carefully dips his brush into the ink dish. "You go ahead. I need to finish this." This Caida person is far too indiscreet. It could be a problem if they are seen to be associated more than very loosely. Better to stay apart.

[Amaril]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

For a long moment, Jin keeps his silent glare trained on Kaiden, warring with himself over what to do. Sorely tempting it might be to make trouble for the Dragon, but still as foolish as when they had first set sail, and even less warranted now that Jin could no longer hold him personally responsible for any wrongdoing. Vo's silent warning made up his mind, and he stepped back, un-clenching the fists he hadn't realized he'd been making. "Hmph. Well, you're better off exiled than helping the Realm. But I still don't like you, so you just stay out of my way." He stalks off back to the prow of the ship and leans against the railing, watching the island slowly grow larger on the horizon.

[Beans]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

For a long moment, Jin keeps his silent glare trained on Kaiden, warring with himself over what to do. Sorely tempting it might be to make trouble for the Dragon, but still as foolish as when they had first set sail, and even less warranted now that Jin could no longer hold him personally responsible for any wrongdoing. Vo's silent warning made up his mind, and he stepped back, un-clenching the fists he hadn't realized he'd been making. "Hmph. Well, you're better off exiled than helping the Realm. But I still don't like you, so you just stay out of my way." He stalks off back to the prow of the ship and leans against the railing, watching the island slowly grow larger on the horizon.

Vo glides after him, looking around before sighing gently.
While I am no greater proponent of oppression than you, one must sometimes hold back one's indignation---however righteous---at least until leaving the boat.

If he's the one, he's going to need a bit of guidance... but that's my job anyway, isn't it?

[Amaril]

Aboard the Leaping Simhata

Vo's approach shakes Jin out of his foul mood somewhat. He glances over his shoulder and flashes her a cocky smirk. "Holding back is for men too afraid to fight for what they believe. Anyone tries to make something of it, they'll get a lot more than they bargained for...." His smile lingers as he watches the horizon. That's right, bro...I don't have to be afraid. Not anymore. I'm gonna do you proud, and it all starts on that island.

[Phasm]

The Teahouse

"All right, then." Renata hadn't heard the monks saying anything ominous (all right, so she was eavesdropping, if the monks didn't want to be listened to they shouldn't have been talking in a public place), and refusing might bring unwelcome suspicions on her. She nods politely to Yaiven as she gets up. "I appreciate the help, Yaiven." With that, the Tya gestures to the server. "Lead on."

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

The server escorts Renata and Caida over, then respectfully bows to the monks and wanders off to another table. The short Immaculate woman turns to Renata and smiles. "Hello, and thank you for coming over. My name is Master Hidden Star, and my group and I have heard rumours of a strange man clad in golden armour, with an impressively large sword to match it. I understand you were talking to a him not long ago?" The Most Enlightened Master pauses for a moment to take a long sip of tea. "Mmm, very good. As you may know, these golden weapons are often considered the trappings of the Solar Anathema, so of course we would like to investigate this man. The people of the West may not have accepted the teachings of the Immaculate Philosophy, but I'm sure you still know how dangerous these beings are.

"Now, we would like to hear from you exactly what the man spoke to you about. Try to think clearly, and hold nothing back, even if it seems unimportant. It is the way of the Anathema to cloud the minds of others and deceive them, if you feel anything was too minor to mention it may be because he did not want you to mention it. And don't feel afraid to tell us anything. We have slain Anathema in the past, we can protect you from him if need be."

The Docks

Between the skill of the sailors and the more agreeable weather, the Leaping Simhata soon reaches the docks of Paraida. Despite the continuing rains, the docks are filled with activity and life. Sailors rush to and fro, preparing their boats for their next journey or unloading valuable goods. Men and women of less reputable professions beckon potential customers from various doorways, promising shelter as well as company. There is some commotion around what appear to be the blackened ruins of a burned-out building, and from the attention being paid to it, it seems it may have burned down only very recently. And a man covered in golden armour, with a huge golden sword across his back, is wandering casually through the area.

[ChaosArchon]

[The Docks]

Schneizel is relived to get off the ship and be able to begin his investigation. As he steps off of the ship, he sees a man clad in brilliant gold armor and thinks to himself,"I don't know whether to call him brave, stupid, or a combination of both. Even if he isn't an Anathema but rather just a god-blooded whose daddy gave him an ancient relic, he still places himself at great risk."

As he nears the golden man, he "accidentally" bumps into the man of the golden armor, while loudly asking for his forgiven, Schneizel whispers to him,"If you wish to become greater than any man could dream of, meet me at the White Lotus Bar. Make sure you're not followed."

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel turns, his frown unseen inside his helmet. What...? Shaking his head, he heads up the boarding ramp of the shop that just arrived. "Excuse me? I need to speak with the captain, or owner if they're about?"

[Phasm]

The Teahouse

If the situation wasn't so serious, Renata would have been tempted to laugh. Oh yes, I bet you would love to save me from myself. Probably by killing me. As it is, though, this feels all too much like sailing over a storm mother's lair. One wrong move and it will all be over. The Tya slowly nods, gathering her thoughts.

"Yeah, I've heard a few things about Anathema. There's not much I can tell you about the golden-armor man, though; he didn't even tell me his name. I met him just a few minutes ago, coming into the teahouse." She purses her lips. Since there were witnesses to everything, it will be in her best interests to be complete. "I think he might be a foreigner. Did a double-take when he saw my tattooes, so he probably isn't used to Tya, and he didn't talk down to me as many men do. Anyway, he asked the hostess where he could find a ship's captain, and she suggested he talk to me." Renata sighs. "He wanted to go hunting Lintha. Mind you, if he's got the skills to go with that fancy armor, he's got a better chance than most, and best of luck to him. But my ship and half my crew are at the bottom of the ocean thanks to those demon-blooded bastards, and I told him as much. So he left."

There, that ought to do it. The smart thing to do would be to stop talking now. But... Renata hasn't been able to find anyone to ask about Anathema. Here she has an expert and an excuse to talk about them. She's pretty sure the Immaculates are wrong about the source of her powers, but Master Hidden Star probably knows more about what Renata can do than she does at the moment. "So, um... do all Anathema mess with your mind? Is there a way to know when they have, or when they're doing it? Or is it just something they do automatically?" Renata really does not want to meddle with innocent people's minds.

[Aevylmar]

The Hunter of the Pack nods approval. Yes, that's the way to go about it. A little rushed, perhaps, but targeting the Anathema's mortal contacts is an excellent way to flush him out. Question them, preferably with the Scent-Of-Crime Technique and Falsehood-Unearthing Method; there are eight monks visible, there may be more disguised, and of course, those charms are favored by the Water-aspects, who also make the best monks. The monks can extract valuable information, determine if these are unknowing stooges, irrelevant acquaintances, or loyal minions, and, if they seem to be important to him, use them as bait. Promising them protection is a good way to do it; is, in fact, what she would do.

And there would be no problem with this - except, of course, for the fact that, in her experience, Immaculate monks do not follow any sort of code of "Let humanity be your guide," and there is a very high chance that those two surrounded mortals, the Tya and the mercenary, are not going to survive the next week. She would actually provide them with protection, if she had any protection to provide. And, she reminds herself, if he is young, he may not be fully corrupted, and hence undeserving of death at the hands of the monks.

She may need to help them escape. But how to do that without letting them know that the Hunter of the Pack is quietly sipping tea within hearing range of their conversation?

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

One of the other Immaculates responds to Renata's question. He wears a black robe and looks surprisingly young and pretty for a monk. "Any Anathema, but not every Anathema. There are many who cannot affect the minds of others at all, their dark 'gifts' lie in other areas. But you can never know which ones have that power until it is far too late."

"And you likely won't know if they put you under their spell," says the Most Enlightened Master. Despite being sworn enemies, Renata and Caida can't help but feel that she's a very reasonable and kind person. After all, she's only doing this to help you. "It doesn't sound to me like he managed to put some influence on you, but you must be more careful in the future. 'Resist the commands of the Anathema to the fullest degree of the abilities of your present incarnation, and do not fall into despair.' If you would not see yourself become a worshipful slave to darkness, betraying everything and everyone you hold dear at his command, stay away from that man and all his kind."

Auspicious First Meeting Attitude go! Then she's making a social attack, encouraging Renata to stay away from and not trust any Anathema she sees. First time I've done a social attack with this system, so I'll write everything out step by step. If I've done anything wrong, please correct me.
- Charisma+Presence attack, encouraging the target to act on one of their principles, in this case her conviction (since if you don't do this the Anathema will make you betray everything you care about to become their slave).
- This influence would be supported by Renata's 4-dot loyalty to the Tya, since she doesn't want to be made to abandon them, giving her -4 to MDV. I'm not sure if any of her other principles would oppose the influence.
- So now we roll: [roll0] = 8 successes.
- If this beats her modified Dodge MDV (2 unless she can use some other principle to oppose the influence or boost it through charms), she'll need to either spend willpower surpressing her conviction or accept the influence and avoid other Anathema.

[OracleofSilence]

"Captain, is it really wise to judge someone on suspicions and rumor? Meaning no offence, Honored Master, but the Chosen of the Dragons can also change minds and stir souls, even if their methods do come from less dubious sources. While the Anathema are said to be demons in human flesh, how is that danger greater from them?" Well crap. This was dangerous, but circumstances dictated action. This captain seemed a handy ally.

Using a refutation, targeting Renata (so presence). My Parry MDV (7) + 3 for everyone deserves a second chance is now considered her defense agains the attack (total of 10 for PMDV)

[Amaril]

The Docks

As he stepped off the gangplank, Jin hesitated for a moment, holding off from placing his foot on Paraida's soil. He breathed deep of the scent of the harbor, salt water and fish and everything that accompanied scores of people. All these crowds, and not a single person would know him as Jin the smith's apprentice. This was where his task would begin in earnest--he could feel it in his bones, and as he landed on the island, he felt like jumping for joy.
As soon as he glanced around, the man in the golden armor drew his eye. Standing out like a lit candle in a dark room among the crowd, everything about his bearing and extravagant equipment screamed of a formidable fighter--not least the gigantic sword strapped over his back, which, upon a closer look, Jin's newly regained knowledge told him was made from the same material as his armor: orichalcum. The Solar metal, and wearing so much of it... An idea crept into his mind. Could he be...? It seemed too good to be true, scarcely off the ship as he was, but he couldn't shake the intuition. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Wending his way around passersby, he moved over to the armored man, who seemed to be paying more attention to the other Dragon-blooded from the Simhata as he departed. When he turned around again, Jin stood facing him. "Quite the suit of armor you've got there...orichalcum, right? That stuff's hard to come by."

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel stops again, this time with much less annoyance. This man possessed a weapon like his, though a hammer instead of a sword. And he looked like he could use it. Maybe this was someone he shouldn't brush off, he might be useful. "Oriwhatnum? I wouldn't know how rare it is, I just found it. I know you just got here, but are you doing anything important? I'm trying to go Lintha hunting and I need to get a ship and crew together."

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

The Enlightened Master raises a suspicious eyebrow at Caida, but otherwise remains silent. One of the red-robed monks at the table is less willing to accept his words, and leaps out of his seat to confront him. "And who exactly is this man who would so openly defend the Anathema? Their servant, or perhaps you are one of them yourself? And you compare the Dragon-blooded to the Anathema? I would be doing this city a service if I slew you right now."

[OracleofSilence]

"I am simply concerned for my Captain's well being, and attempting to protect her from any inconvenience. Where we in the Realm, such concerns could be avoided. But we are in the West. As the ship sails, Skullstone isn't far away, an island where the dead rule over the living. The demonblooded Lintha raid everywhere, with seeming impunity. Coral takes lives and cargo by the ship full. And, as you have said, there are the Anathema. I don't defend them. Anyone who would twist and pervert the will of a free person deserves whatever horrible end they meet. I am just being practical. I know about your Order. You are indeed powerful, and in the Realm, I might even be able to put my trust in that power. We aren't in the Realm, honored monk. We're in the West." Caida keeps his pleasant smile as he speaks, his eyes never wavering from the monks, but it is clear from a shift in his posture that his every word is intended to defend not only himself, but his new Captain. "If you want to find the golden armored man, he left recently. He is probably at another teahouse, or at the harbor, if he is looking for a captain. I would offer to show you around, but I am new here myself, and you could find him just as well as I."

Social attack! And other stuff. Using Tragic Love Amusement to create a 3 dot principle of (platonic) devotion and admiration for Renata. Then, spending a Willpower to get 3 bonus successes on my social roll. (3 personal, 1 willpower)

Charisma+Presence+Honeyed Words: [rollv]10d10+3,

Personal:
Periphera: l

Screwed up the code. Rolling in OOC

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

Yaiven looks up at that. Staying clear and safe is well enough, but death threats are another thing altogether. This is a situation that demands answering. He closes his eyes and breathes deeply, deciding on his target, then opens them to glance across the Master, seeing how she reacts to a thousand subtle stimuli, imagining what might induce her to gather her entourage and leave.

Know the Soul's Price, silent version, targeting the Enlightened Master. My condition is 'Gather your group and take them to a different teahouse'. Also spending, oh, let's say three motes on the First Investigation Excellency, and awarding myself a one-die stunt to get two of them back. Total dice pool is 13 after the stunt.

[roll0]

EDIT: Five successes.

Personal motes: 12/18
Willpower: 8/9

[Aevylmar]

In response to the threats, the ragged woman scurries for the door. Out as quick as she can, into the rain, away from the crazy monk threatening to kill people.

Turns a corner, moving very fast indeed, into an alley where there are no watchers. She dressed for 'cold' and 'wet', the top two layers of clothing come off with no troubles; between them and the lower layers is the thick swath of cloth she was usingaroudn her waist to disguise her shape; fourth and third are reapplied in not quite the same order, and over them goes her nice robe. Shoes come out of the little pack she carried, onto her feet; the pack itself is concealed under the folds. Adjust hair, adjust expression, and Saria Silverscale waits for a good opening line to come in for the first time.

I think that in social speed, leaving the room briefly, moving to where no-one can see, and adjusting clothing is a diceless miscellaneous action.

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kaiden is a water-aspect and has lived in the West for some time. He strides down the ship's plank with the measured pace and dignity of one for whom this is nothing unusual, gazing across the entire Docks with an appraising eye.
Virgil has lived in the East, and had never seen a boat until this journey, and so he is too distracted by the sights, sounds, and smells to properly rush down the plank as he wants to. He has seen marketplaces, but this is where he has been sent to begin the true work he has trained for, and even the pangs of homesickness do not wholly eclipse that.

And... there is a man in golden armor. Golden artifact armor. Golden armor that... Virgil delves into the secrets, peeling apart the layers of perception and essence, eyes opened to higher truths. Orichalcum armor more wondrous than any he has seen... or expected to see, truthfully. Layer upon layer of potential and power exist inside the metal, making it the single most powerful object the Defiler has ever seen. The sword is also potent, if only awe-inspiring rather than overwhelming, and the man himself... His power is somewhat more restrained. Suspiciously so, given the wonders he wears.

He had expected to stay back, at first, seeing the armor. The man could not be more Anathema-looking if he bled gold and demons, to the Immaculates. He could not be more offensively holy if his words were sunlight and condemnation, to Hell. Instead, Virgil abandons all pretense of staying in character, allowing his Loom-Snarling Deception to strain against his sudden actions against the persona he pretends.
But I want to know the secrets of that armor, and damn it all. I'll take a new face later if I have to, just to get a chance to see this...
"Honored unknown, I know what it is, and I would share, but I would speak with you. I have no ship, nor crew, but if you truly do not know the secrets of that armor... I might. And I would sell that knowledge back to you, simply to be allowed to gain it."

I'm assuming EDS would lapse, but I will have reactivated it/will reactivate it. for 5m from my personal pool, lasting the next hour. Again.
Assuming a 2-die stunt and taking the mote reward,
for a social influence attempt to use Charisma to engender or enhance any Principle of curiosity that could apply to the armor in Kel. Also, Virgil has spontaneously developed his own 1-dot Principle of Curiosity towards Kel and his armor specifically, and is channeling his "Become Better, Wiser, Respected" in order to learn about it as well as spending 5 motes on the First SWLiHN excellency to boost his not-great Charisma+Presence of 5 dice to 10 dice, which with the channeled Principle is 14 dice, and with the stunt is 16 dice.

[roll0] 6 Successes, and Kel's highest MDV is 5 unless he wants to boost it.
Principles which might apply to reduce MDV: Lore of the Unconquered Sun (4), Compassion (1) - Kaiden/Virgil is NOT trying to hide the fact that he really, really wants to know about this.

Personal Motes 6/17, 5m committed
Peripheral Motes 24/41, 17m committed
Willpower Points 7/8
Anima Flare 0m

Essence-Dissecting Stare (1 hour)
Mind-Hand Manipulation (Indefinite)
Loom-Snarling Deception (Indefinite)

[Phasm]

The Teahouse

The Immaculate seems so reasonable... and where there's smoke, there's fire, right? Really, staying away from the Anathema would be a very good-

No.

Renata closes her eyes, and a fog seems to lift. She is Anathema, and she isn't a monster. It would be the height of hypocrisy to not extend the benefit of the doubt to other Anathema. (Don't they have another name? Surely Anathema don't call themselves that.) She opens her eyes, ready to give the Immaculate some polite platitudes, only to find a fight brewing. Oh, it's not as obvious as it would be with a pair of misbehaving sailors, but it's there.

"Thank you for your concern, Master Hidden Star." Renata gets up, squeezing Caida's shoulder with a hard grip just this side of painful. "If you want to be part of my crew, Caida, the first lesson is to not pick fights with powerful folk unless there's something vitally important on the line. I think I've had enough tea for now." She jerks her head toward the door. "If you want to find me later, I'll be at the Sailor's Rest Inn."

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

"Pretty words." For a long moment the monk glares at Caida, but eventually he drops back into his chair. "Whatever. We didn't come here to kill blasphemous fools, luckily for you."

You can tell that the Most Enlightened Master isn't enjoying the tension in the room, and is quite inclined to leave already. All she needs would be to be allowed to take her cup of tea with her.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel turns again, the confusion and edge or irritation showing in his voice. Just how many people on this boat wanted to stop for a chat? "Look, I'm sure what you have to say is fascinating, but I really do have things I have to do. Know what what is? Sell what, how? Is it Cryptic-Speaking Stranger day here or something?"

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

Yaiven stands up and signals to the nearest member of staff. "Here now. I apologize for my friend's associate's impropriety. Let me pay for your tea - in fact, if you wish to be about your business, I will cover the cups as well. I fear tensions are too high to enjoy them properly here."

Unblockable undodgeable social attack go! One-die stunt, I figure, so ten dice. Seeking to compel 'accept my deal', probably based on the Enlightened Master's Principle towards comfort.

[roll0]

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kel turns again, the confusion and edge or irritation showing in his voice. Just how many people on this boat wanted to stop for a chat? "Look, I'm sure what you have to say is fascinating, but I really do have things I have to do. Know what what is? Sell what, how? Is it Cryptic-Speaking Stranger day here or something?"

"I can be more direct, but in that case, please excuse my rudeness. What you wear is a wonder, and you said you don't know everything about it. I think I do, or can, know a lot - maybe everything, with enough investigation - about it, and I will tell you what I can discover if you let me look at it in detail. I have little else to offer in payment right now, but if you can name a price I will try to meet it."
Certainly Virgil preferred the wit and play of sparring with words, but that armor... too magnificent to let that get in the way, for now.

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

"Thank you, that's probably for the best. Tell your... friend's associate to watch his tongue in the future, or he might end up in an unpleasant situation without someone like you to save him." Her kind manner makes this seem more like a friendly warning than a veiled threat. "And you and I, Cathak Tachoka," she says, looking at the red-clad monk, "are going to have some words later. Your fiery nature does not excuse threatening innocent strangers with death." With this she sweeps out of the teahouse, the other monks following in her wake.

[Aevylmar]

Aha. Fascinating.

So there's a minimum of two two Princes of the Earth among the monks. More likely, at least three; possibly, as many as eight.

Saria Silverscale, standing just outside the entrance, looking nothing like the ragged woman who left, reflexively gives them the bow of depth calculated as being precisely appropriate for a non-exalted Dynast to a group of Immaculate Monks, then realizes a few moments later that it was out of character. Still, with luck they won't notice, and she can go and investigate the Anathema's allies further. They may need help.

[Fortuna]

The Teahouse

Yaiven allows himself a small smile and returns to his seat and his work.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks


"I can be more direct, but in that case, please excuse my rudeness. What you wear is a wonder, and you said you don't know everything about it. I think I do, or can, know a lot - maybe everything, with enough investigation - about it, and I will tell you what I can discover if you let me look at it in detail. I have little else to offer in payment right now, but if you can name a price I will try to meet it."
Certainly Virgil preferred the wit and play of sparring with words, but that armor... too magnificent to let that get in the way, for now.

"And how do I know I can trust you? I know you can't steal it, or damage it, but I have important work and what you're asking could take weeks. I'm not sure I could ever spare it long enough for you to study anything, and I'm not sure you want to come where I'm going."

[Beans]

The Docks

As he stepped off the gangplank, Jin hesitated for a moment, holding off from placing his foot on Paraida's soil. He breathed deep of the scent of the harbor, salt water and fish and everything that accompanied scores of people. All these crowds, and not a single person would know him as Jin the smith's apprentice. This was where his task would begin in earnest--he could feel it in his bones, and as he landed on the island, he felt like jumping for joy.
As soon as he glanced around, the man in the golden armor drew his eye. Standing out like a lit candle in a dark room among the crowd, everything about his bearing and extravagant equipment screamed of a formidable fighter--not least the gigantic sword strapped over his back, which, upon a closer look, Jin's newly regained knowledge told him was made from the same material as his armor: orichalcum. The Solar metal, and wearing so much of it... An idea crept into his mind. Could he be...? It seemed too good to be true, scarcely off the ship as he was, but he couldn't shake the intuition. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Wending his way around passersby, he moved over to the armored man, who seemed to be paying more attention to the other Dragon-blooded from the Simhata as he departed. When he turned around again, Jin stood facing him. "Quite the suit of armor you've got there...orichalcum, right? That stuff's hard to come by."

Vo is making rather a point of sticking by Jin; she follows him over to the... intensely conspicuous armored man. Looking him over, Vo posits several possibilities. The man could be a stupid and/or brave Solar. He could also be a very show-offy DB. For now, though, she stays silent. When he asks about Lintha hunting she starts to open her mouth... but then the DB comes to chat.
Perhaps so many people wish to talk to you because you wear... well, very conspicuous armor.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel looks at the woman, shifting a little in his armor. "Well, it's not as if I can leave it laying around can I? That's like leaving a loaded plasma repeater in a schoolhouse, someone who oughtn't would find it."

[Amaril]

The Docks

"That might be true," Jin argues, once he's done glaring at Kaiden, "but if I'm right about what it is--and I'm always right--not many people could actually use it to its full potential. And I also think you know as well as I do why that is." He looks the man straight in the eyes through his helmet. "So what I'm asking is, if you're one of those people, would you rather let this Dragon lead you off somewhere? Or would you rather let me help you with your Lintha hunting, whatever the hell a Lintha is, and then listen to the offer I have to make?"

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel turns back to Jin. "They're pirates, which would normally mean they're the business of local law enforcement. But Lintha are different, they're demon-blooded. Which makes them my business. Creation belongs to humanity, not the dead, not the demons, not to the things in the Wyld. And I'm going to keep it that way."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kel turns back to Jin. "They're pirates, which would normally mean they're the business of local law enforcement. But Lintha are different, they're demon-blooded. Which makes them my business. Creation belongs to humanity, not the dead, not the demons, not to the things in the Wyld. And I'm going to keep it that way."

Kaiden doesn't particularly respond to this statement, but Virgil certainly does. Beneath his shadow, his eyes narrow and he bristles somewhat, even as the body language that anyone else can see is controlled to betray no such thing. Kaiden, if anything, agrees entirely - Creation is for humanity, and gods, beastmen, and the like should have stayed out of it.

He turns first, instead, to Jin. "If you suspect what the armor is, then you know that saying more here would be unwise. You are certainly correct that most cannot use an artifact, let alone one such as this. If you mean something more specific, I would prefer to discuss it somewhere more private than crowded docks. But I would... honestly, I would enjoy hearing what you know, if you are truly so well-informed."

He turns back to Kel, and finds that the words do not come for a moment, still bitter over the man's unthinking - unknown, probably - insult. The temptation to simply lift him into the air and capture him to examine the armor... Is probably an overwhelmingly foolish one, but the thought of it helps blunt Virgil's distaste.
"Is traveling with you for as long as it takes to examine the armor without it leaving your presence the price you ask? I'll pay it gladly. I'll help you kill Lintha on the way, should you have a ship swiftly enough that it comes up. And since you plan to fight Lintha, having someone like me along to repair the ship will help as well, as well as simply fighting."

... Upon reflection, it seemed that... whatever the man's name is... was having a little more luck with getting the armored man's favor. Having him along might satisfy both of them, and fighting against it would hardly help. How to say it... "If you want to bring friends, guards, whatever you need, do so. It seems the Realm I have very much left has made a bad impression here long before I arrived, so I can understand. I don't suppose you'd be willing to move somewhere quieter to discuss exactly what I suspect?"

How does Jin know anything at all about artifacts, let alone non-Jade ones? He has no Lore. :smalltongue:

[OracleofSilence]

"Well that was marginally more harsh then I mostly deserved." Caida smiles slightly to himself. Better to be thought over confidant then to lose an asset. Snaps a into a slightly more respectable position as Renata speaks "Makes sense. I'll try to avoid it in the future." He turns and heads away from his new captain, calling over his shoulder as he does so. "I'll meet you there in a bit. for now, I'll check down at the docks to see if anyone is looking to hire a captain and crew."

Freedom Lets Go. Looses the new Principle to much trouble right now

Personal: 16/19
Peripheral: (some amount)
Willpower 9/10

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

"Um, help is appreciated, but it's going to be dangerous. I don't want to be responsible for you getting hurt. No offense, but you don't look like you can handle yourself. But why do you think I need guards?" Kel couldn't help but feel curious about this man, but hunting demon pirates was dangerous business, not something for those who aren't prepared for it.

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

"Firstly, I am aware that the Lintha are dangerous, that they would wish to enslave, kill, or torture me. I know that, and still I would come with you to study that armor. Secondly, I am Dragon-blooded, and capable of handling myself in a fight better than most men. Thirdly, I don't think you need guards. I merely don't mind if you bring whoever you want, and if you plan to fight Lintha, you are likely to have guards, soldiers, or sailors."

[Amaril]

The Docks

As the Dragon-blooded and the armored man continued their conversation, Jin found himself feeling conflicted. True, if he joined in with Kaiden and continued to offer his help, it would mean co-operating with the Dragon for longer...but if he walked away now, he'd miss his chance to possibly meet a powerful new ally. And besides, Kaiden had said he was exiled from the Realm...he wasn't actually doing anything wrong, was he? Dragon-blooded he might have been, but wasn't Jin's whole mission to create a world where no-one was forced to live a life they didn't want because of how they'd been born?
He sighed and swallowed his pride. "Yeah, and you've got my help too, if you want it. I think we're a lot alike, you and me," he said pointedly, "and I sure as hell know my way around in a fight, if you're planning on hunting pirates."

[Beans]

The Docks

As the Dragon-blooded and the armored man continued their conversation, Jin found himself feeling conflicted. True, if he joined in with Kaiden and continued to offer his help, it would mean co-operating with the Dragon for longer...but if he walked away now, he'd miss his chance to possibly meet a powerful new ally. And besides, Kaiden had said he was exiled from the Realm...he wasn't actually doing anything wrong, was he? Dragon-blooded he might have been, but wasn't Jin's whole mission to create a world where no-one was forced to live a life they didn't want because of how they'd been born?
He sighed and swallowed his pride. "Yeah, and you've got my help too, if you want it. I think we're a lot alike, you and me," he said pointedly, "and I sure as hell know my way around in a fight, if you're planning on hunting pirates."
Vo smiles. "And with him comes me---I'm not exactly useless in a fight myself, along with my more... cerebral assets."

[Lanaya]

The Teahouse

The black-robed monk sees Saria bow and gives her a grateful smile. She didn't do it properly, of course, but few in the West would bow to an Immaculate at all, let alone know to bow to precisely the correct depth for one of their station.

Over the course of the next few minutes, the various Exalts in and around the teahouse leave, most of them heading for the docks. It's a fairly long walk, but at least there's a good amount of shelter from the rain along the way.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks


The Docks

"Firstly, I am aware that the Lintha are dangerous, that they would wish to enslave, kill, or torture me. I know that, and still I would come with you to study that armor. Secondly, I am Dragon-blooded, and capable of handling myself in a fight better than most men. Thirdly, I don't think you need guards. I merely don't mind if you bring whoever you want, and if you plan to fight Lintha, you are likely to have guards, soldiers, or sailors."

"Dragon-blooded. Are you, ah, sure that's enough?"


The Docks

As the Dragon-blooded and the armored man continued their conversation, Jin found himself feeling conflicted. True, if he joined in with Kaiden and continued to offer his help, it would mean co-operating with the Dragon for longer...but if he walked away now, he'd miss his chance to possibly meet a powerful new ally. And besides, Kaiden had said he was exiled from the Realm...he wasn't actually doing anything wrong, was he? Dragon-blooded he might have been, but wasn't Jin's whole mission to create a world where no-one was forced to live a life they didn't want because of how they'd been born?
He sighed and swallowed his pride. "Yeah, and you've got my help too, if you want it. I think we're a lot alike, you and me," he said pointedly, "and I sure as hell know my way around in a fight, if you're planning on hunting pirates."

Kel holds out his hand, his helmet retracting. "Thank you. My name is Kel."


Vo smiles. "And with him comes me---I'm not exactly useless in a fight myself, along with my more... cerebral assets."

Kel looks visibly nervous when she starts talking about her assets.

[ChaosArchon]

[The White Lotus]

After being rebuffed by the man clad in orchicalcum, Schneizel began on his path to the White Lotus. It was a short walk from the docks to their but it allowed for an excellent vantage point, as from the bar one could not only see any incoming ships but also see the path which led from the city to the goddess' temple.

As he entered the bar which was empty given the time of day, Schneizel sat at the bar and looked at the bartender who said to the man,"Hello stranger, I must confess I have a question perhaps you can answer. How does the starlight flow from the heavens?"

Schneizel then replied,"As water does from a waterfall." upon which the bartender nodded and motioned for him to enter the room behind the bar.

Contrary to what many would have expected, the room housed not alcohol but a bed and closet as well as several mundane blades and bows.

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

"Dragon-blooded. Are you, ah, sure that's enough?"

Don't get angry... don't get angry...
"It would not be enough on its own, but I am able to contribute more to a fight than most. What proof would you have of it? I'm not going to duel you in the middle of a crowded street just to prove it. An empty street, if you asked first, I suppose. I am Kaiden, once of Peleps. For the sake of studying the armor you wear, and since your cause is worthy on its own, you will have my aid in battle and outside it. If you want more, name the price. If you don't believe me, name a fair trial for me to prove it."
Could the man just not care about his own armor? Did he not understand the glorious wonder he is... just... wearing! The annoyance shows on Kaiden's face, held firmly in check by the promise of getting to examine that armor... For now.

[Amaril]

The Docks

Grinning, Jin reaches out and firmly clasps Kel's gauntleted fist in his own bare one. "Call me Jin--and you'd better get used to hearing it, because everyone'll be telling stories about me soon! So, when do we set off?"

[Aevylmar]

A little under a minute after she leaves, the Hunter of the Pack realizes that the writing man from the teahouse is walking behind her, following almost exactly in her footsteps. Of course he is. Is he following her? No. He is doing exactly what she would do, and going to the docks, where everything interesting is happening. Probably, the two are following the armored man together...

He is a man of wealth, wealth is power, he is either an ally or an enemy. Probably an ally. Hence they had best ally.

She slows down to let him catch up, falls in step beside him. It feels oddly natural, and she smiles faintly.

"Thank you for ending that without violence," she says, perfectly calmly. Waits for a response.

[Fortuna]

Yaiven falters a moment, then converts it into a full stop and turns to face his new companion. "Well, you're quite welcome. I only did what anyone would do." He pauses, then goes on, "I don't seem to recall your face, I'm afraid. Have we met?"

[Aevylmar]

"I'm afraid not," she says. She stops; if he doesn't want to continue walking, neither will she. "That is, you neither did what anyone would have, nor have we been introduced. My name is Saria. I have heard you are Yaiven." She has a faint accent, if you know to look for it - Realm aristocracy. The Scarlet Dynasty. In her voice, it is almost musical.

"You are a businessman, who writes in code, which means you are cunning. Those cunning who love the Realm would have told the monks that the Tya woman lied. Those cunning who hate the Realm would have tried to destroy the expedition, which would have been simplicity itself. And you tried to prevent conflict instead of fleeing, which means you would rather risk yourself than your associates."

She's an odd sight for any street; beautiful, since she isn't hiding it, in a magistrate's robes with a wide cloth sash covering the chest-symbol that would give her rank. With luck, they'll look like any other robes, if a bit frayed.

"What do I deduce from that?"

[Beans]

The Docks

Grinning, Jin reaches out and firmly clasps Kel's gauntleted fist in his own bare one. "Call me Jin--and you'd better get used to hearing it, because everyone'll be telling stories about me soon! So, when do we set off?"

Vo giggles softly and leans up to Kel, whispering. I was talking about my brains, dearie.
Returning to Jin's side, she smiles. I am Vocusta, though you may call me Vo if you wish. She slips an arm around Jin's arm.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Grinning, Jin reaches out and firmly clasps Kel's gauntleted fist in his own bare one. "Call me Jin--and you'd better get used to hearing it, because everyone'll be telling stories about me soon! So, when do we set off?"

Kel grins. "Well, I met a captain who needs more crew and has a reason to hate the Lintha, we just need a ship to put under her."


Vo giggles softly and leans up to Kel, whispering. I was talking about my brains, dearie.
Returning to Jin's side, she smiles. I am Vocusta, though you may call me Vo if you wish. She slips an arm around Jin's arm.

Kel's eyes get slowly wider the closer she leans towards him. "N-nice to meet you."


The Docks


Don't get angry... don't get angry...
"It would not be enough on its own, but I am able to contribute more to a fight than most. What proof would you have of it? I'm not going to duel you in the middle of a crowded street just to prove it. An empty street, if you asked first, I suppose. I am Kaiden, once of Peleps. For the sake of studying the armor you wear, and since your cause is worthy on its own, you will have my aid in battle and outside it. If you want more, name the price. If you don't believe me, name a fair trial for me to prove it."
Could the man just not care about his own armor? Did he not understand the glorious wonder he is... just... wearing! The annoyance shows on Kaiden's face, held firmly in check by the promise of getting to examine that armor... For now.

Kel's smile and friendly demeanor melt away. "Peleps. Right. I wasn't aware your House placed any value on knowledge. It was my impression that you would rather kill to preserve ignorance."

[aetherialDawn]

Kel's smile and friendly demeanor melt away. "Peleps. Right. I wasn't aware your House placed any value on knowledge. It was my impression that you would rather kill to preserve ignorance."

Noting Kel's demeanor becoming enormously less friendly, Kaiden sighs.
"Once of Peleps, and not my House. That House," and he injects sufficient vitriol into the words, he hopes, "Exiled me because they did not think I ought to research. So no. No, if you like the Peleps approach to knowledge, you, too, can walk away and join them, and if you dislike it, you've nothing to fear from me - I've firmly left them behind. Given the... responses... here, it seems I ought to start denying that I was even born to that House. What in the world have they done while I have not been paying attention to them, exactly?" He addresses the last portion to Jin and Kel both, with an additional questioning glance to Vocusta. Does anyone not hate House Peleps?

After a few moments, Kaiden adds, "... And ... I am sorry, Kel, to have implied that you might join their reasons for rejecting me. It is a sore point, but I should not have said such things. If you have your own reasons then... Well, I will still try to convince you. But I won't accuse you, or anyone, of being like them over that."

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel looks surprised, but still wary. "Fine, you're not one of them anymore. Come with me, and you'll have a chance to examine my armor at some point. Cross me, and I'll feed you to the siaka. Deal?"

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

"...Deal."

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel grins and claps Kaiden on the shoulder. "Excellent! Now, just what is it about my armor you find so interesting?"

[ChaosArchon]

[White Lotus]

Schneizel emerges from the room behind the bar and rejoins the bartender at the bar. It is quiet for awhile as both gaze upon the city, taking in its highs and lows. After some time, Schneizel's gaze returns to the bar that was his makeshift safehouse for the duration of his stay here. A few weeks ago, upon receiving his first mission, he had used his contacts and managed to discretely set up the safehouse for his use while he investigated the The Most Glorious Parai.

Schenizel gazed at the bar, with its white and green tablecloths and maplewood furniture and was pleased with the cover it provided him. He then opened his mouth and asked the bartender,"Do you know where the Immaculate Order has been gathering? Furthermore, what do you know of this town's command structure? Who are the prominent leaders in this community besides the Parai herself?"

[Lanaya]

The Docks

Are you really going to work with this man, 'Pelelps Kaiden'? The calm voice of the unwoven coadjutor inside Virgil's mind has a slight tinge of disbelief to it. Certainly he could be useful for a time, but he's evidently dim-witted and will attract the sort of enemy that you simply can't afford to have. I must insist that you abandon this idle curiosity before it gets you killed.

The White Lotus

The bartender brushes his unmannishly long, black hair aside to stroke his totally hairless chin as he ponders Schneizel's questions. "Uhhh... let me think. Immaculates are staying at a temple their Order built here some time ago. Nobody's cared for it in years so it's not in great shape, but they're fixing the place up a bit from what I've heard, making it all pretty-like. Hope for their sake they've fixed the leaky roof by now." He takes a moment to laugh at this idea before continuing. "Anyway, command structure. Well, there's the High Priests - also, try not to shorten her name like that 'round here. It's The Most Glorious Parai here, unless you want to get in trouble with those priests. The High Priests are the ones with all the weird powers, but they look just like the regular ones, makes it hard to tell what you're dealing with. Might be the reason they wear those hoods, come to think of it.

"Otherwise, well, there's the eleven great families and their patriarchs, but they're more for show these days. The priests give 'em orders, the patriarchs make a big show of how they choose to follow them, not 'cause they've been told to but 'cause it was such a good idea and they were going to do that themselves anyway. 'Cept Yinzhen, who's leader of the Chao family. He's the only Dragon-blooded native to Paraida that's alive right now. Priests are a lot more respectful toward him and all the other Chao people too, and Yinzhen's still got real power. He's hardly a hero of the people who fights back against the tyranny of The Most Glorious Parai, though. He's worse than her, if you ask me. Reckons being Exalted means he can do whatever he wants to whoever he wants and nobody's allowed to complain. Uhh, that's about it really. Nobody else's got power, on account of those who do have power not wanting to share. That help you, sir?"

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kel grins and claps Kaiden on the shoulder. "Excellent! Now, just what is it about my armor you find so interesting?"
Kaiden nods, and says, "For the deep details? I'd prefer to discuss what interests me in private. Some teahouse or bar should do; wherever you will be later today or tonight. For the basic overview..." He leans in to whisper, "Suffice to say - it is the most refined and powerful armor I have heard of, let alone seen. I would need to at least touch it to confirm that with full certainty, but I am very good at discerning such things."
If Kel permits him, then Kaiden touches the armor, and his shadow-shaped disguise puts on an appropriate show of dawning satisfaction - after all, a Dragon-Blooded would have needed a touch to gather what Virgil simply saw.


In his own thoughts, speaking to no-one but Aiden, Virgil argues - humbly, as a student pleading with a teacher. Aiden has no ability to stop him, true, but Aiden's words ring true and wise, as they generally do. That is more power than mere control could have.
I suspect that 'Peleps Kaiden' can work with the man for a short time. You saw the power in that armor as well as I did. ... More importantly, you are correct regarding his enemies, Aiden. I cannot afford to have his foes as mine - but Kaiden is the work of a moment to replace. And... you have seen the reactions the Peleps name receives. It seems that Kaiden will need replacing regardless. Will you grant me... three days, to see whether he is safe enough to study, or so dangerous that Kaiden would do well to simply disappear sooner? If not... I suppose I will understand. But that armor!... And stealing it would be so difficult...

[ChaosArchon]

[White Lotus]

Schneizel smiles, his mind already planning on where to go first,"Yes that was quite helpful, thank you." he begins to head to the exit before he says,"I'll be back in a few hours, if anyone comes by saying that a man asked them to meet them here, tell them I will be back shortly."

With that the tall, brown haired man garbed in fine robes leaves the bar and heads further into town, until he reaches the old Immaculate temple he was informed of. Upon reaching it and stopped by the guards, Schneizel says,"My name is Schneizel vi Peleps, Dragon-blooded agent of the Immaculate Order and I wish to meet with whomever is in charge here."

[Lanaya]

The Docks

There is a long pause before Aiden responds. Perhaps you are correct. I feel inclined to coddle you, for you are still young and with much to learn, but there is a great power within you. Perhaps I should be less protective. There is another pause, shorter this time, as the coadjutor considers this. "Three days, then. Three days to investigate this man, and with any luck to gain his trust and take this fascinating artifact for yourself. Don't make me regret trusting you in this matter.

The Immaculate Temple

It might be a bit generous to call the two women outside the temple guards. More likely is that they are two lowly acolytes who have been told that standing outside in the freezing rain is a way to build discipline and strengthen their character. Nonetheless, they seem dedicated enough to the task they have been given. Both are clearly surprised and hesitate when Schneizel introduces himself as a member of their Order, and one is bold enough to voice her doubts. "What are you doing out here? Why haven't we met you yet?"

[ChaosArchon]

[The Immaculate Temple]

Schneizel smiles at the two guards,"I only just arrived from the Imperial City. I was on another mission when this one departed for the island but as soon as I returned I was bid to come here and join up with the the Immaculate forces here. Now may I please enter, it has been a long journey but I must speak with our leader before retiring?"

If I need to roll anything say so, but I'm not telling a lie. Schneizel vi Peleps truly was dispatched by the order and had been on another mission before coming here

[Fortuna]

Yaiven is clearly taken aback at first, but by the time Saria finishes her monologue, he is smiling and relaxed, eyes twinkling as he answers in kind. "Well now. This is a pleasant surprise. Let me see...

"You deduce that I am a person of some importance, in one way or another, and that my importance can somehow be leveraged to your advantage, and that your best method of doing so is to impress me, surprising me and catching me at a disadvantage so you can disarm, as it were, right in front of me. That demonstrates your goodwill, too, which I'm sure you have not failed to note. Then you establish yourself in a position of dominance despite revealing your conclusions by leaving open a question to me.

"But, of course, that is only half the story. There is more to you than this encounter, after all. I do believe I hear a faint trace of the Scarlet Dynasty in your voice - perhaps a patrician, then, since any Dragonblooded would have better things to do than confront little old me. Unless, of course, you were among the monks, but I rather think I would recognize your face in that case. Or you could be exiled, I grant, so let us leave as the score that you are certainly descended of the Realm, possibly Exalted but unlikely to be. Then there are your robes, which I think must bear some emblem by the way you wear that sash. And of course, there is the timing of the matter, which makes me reasonably certain that you have either unusually acute hearing or some facility with disguise - both being the most plausible situation."

He pauses here, and bows, throwing back his hood as he does so to reveal a ringed circle gleaming on his brow for a moment before he covers it again. "My cards on the table, madam. Yaiven, Quicksilver Falcon, Crowned Sun, Harmonious Voice, Quill of Heaven, so-called Deceiver and Chosen to the Eclipse Caste of the Unconquered Sun. A pleasure indeed."

Spending three peripheral motes to activate Judge's Ear Technique for the scene. If Saria lies in response, he'll cut her off as soon as she tries with something along the lines of "Lie."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks


There is a long pause before Aiden responds. Perhaps you are correct. I feel inclined to coddle you, for you are still young and with much to learn, but there is a great power within you. Perhaps I should be less protective. There is another pause, shorter this time, as the coadjutor considers this. "Three days, then. Three days to investigate this man, and with any luck to gain his trust and take this fascinating artifact for yourself. Don't make me regret trusting you in this matter.

I will not fail you, Teacher. I believe the first thing to do is to investigate what Kel truly wants - it may be that he can be convinced to act more subtly in future, at least. In the mean-time, also... Have you considered that Peleps man, Schneizel? To ally with a dragon-blooded would be useful, but it seems that the Peleps name is a dangerous one to be near to... Kaiden has some time left... I suppose I will need to find out where he travels, so that I can meet him again with no connection to 'Kaiden' in whatever guise is next.

Regardless of whether Kel permits Kaiden to touch the armor as he 'needs' to to determine it, and keeping his discussion with Aiden nearly-perfectly concealed, he eventually says, "I have said I shall aid you in combat and in other ways... But I am a scholar first, even if I am a better warrior than most, and so... To do best, I must ask. What is your aim with regards to the Lintha - do you want to simply slay Lintha? To protect other ships from piracy? To free or defend a particular island? Is there a particular ship or captain of theirs you seek to destroy?"

By 'nearly-perfectly concealed' I mean 'Difficulty 8 to detect' - A base difficulty of 1, plus 3 from (Manipulation + Socialize /2), plus 2 from deliberately concealing it, plus 3 from my Poker Face.
... And all you'd know for sure is that Kaiden is considering Kel carefully with relation to someone he very much respects. On the other hand, having good reason to believe he's silently conferring with someone would certainly be... Interesting to have discovered.

[Lanaya]

The Immaculate Temple

The monk smiles. "Of course, come in. Please forgive my earlier suspicion, there are few on this island who bear us good will and I was afraid of some sort of trick." She leads Schniezel through the temple, still in a state of disrepair but warm and cozy. The leaky roof has been boarded up, fires have been lit and much of the old artwork has been restored. Shortly Schniezel enters a room in which eight Immaculates sit on a wooden floor on which a selection of empty teacups are scattered. Their leader glances up at the newcomer, with a curious but also welcoming look. "Hello. Who are you?"

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel looks...unhappy. "The Lintha are a means to an end. It's unfortunate that they must die, if they had been willing to live and let live, I could let them live. But they have proven themselves to be heartless and cruel too many times. In order to do what I need to, I need experience. I need to know how to handle every threat to Creation and humanity. And since marching into Thorns is a little...above me, for now, I decided to start with easier prey, the demon pirates. When they are all dead, or some other issue demands my attention, I will move on. Each battle, each strike, charm and spell teaches me. They teach me how my enemies fight, what their strengths are, what weaknesses they protect. With each lesson, I grow wiser, and with each wisdom I grow stronger. Who knows, within a year I might just march into Thorns and drive the dead from the city for good."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Threats to humanity. The word bites, slightly. But then, it could just be ignorance - Virgil hardly knows what other peoples live in the West. Perhaps there just... aren't any? ... No, unlikely.
Regardless, Virgil sets those feelings aside, as he expected to have to do.
"... Interesting. You, in the depths of the West, care for Thorns, in the East? I admit, I had not expected such a wide-ranging outlook. However... one could spend a year traveling from West to East, let alone expecting to gather the power, gather the men, gather the alliances, gather the ships, and then move all of those from West to East. I fear your desires are unreasonable - but nonetheless..."

Kaiden looks downwards in thought, walking alongside Kel. Watching the raindrops splash upon the ground. After a moment, a more immediate concern occurs. "Oh. The rain." With a wave of his hand that his shadow adds more drama to, more ocean-dark essence manifests to shield Kel, Jin, and Vocusta from the rain again. "I hope you do not mind, honored Jin? This is slightly simpler than it looks, and even moderated this is a heavy rain. I can banish it again if you prefer."

After several more moments, the flood of words comes quickly, and unbidden.
"I would advise you, in the short term... You really should purchase a cloak, and I can modify it to keep your armor slightly less blasphemous to the Immaculates who have come here. Look to Paraida, where you stand. And consider, if you are not certain of killing, that Death is not a thing to be wielded carelessly. In the long term... Look to Skullstone first, not Thorns?"

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel looks at Kaiden with complete and total sincerity. "I care about everyone. I would not risk others, leading them into a dangerous battle. I can do it alone."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kel looks at Kaiden with complete and total sincerity. "I care about everyone. I would not risk others, leading them into a dangerous battle. I can do it alone."
Kaiden... gapes. He is dumbfounded. He stops, and only barely catches himself from dropping everything and letting rain pour onto everyone.
"That... that is not how caring about people works. Not how it should work. I.... self-sacrifice, fine. But not senselessly. Do not... toss yourself into death just for the sake of dying in battle! You have been given the tools to achieve more than dying in battle, alone, for the sake of... Augh."

You were right, Aiden. You were entirely right, even more right than usual. He's just a madman who wants to die in a way that makes him feel good, isn't he?

Kaiden gathers his breath, and makes the same argument outside of his own head.
"What you have told me makes me think: This is not a hero. This is a man who only wants to look like a hero. He has heard of a heroic death, but he has not understood it. Tell me why I should think something else."

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel frowns, confused. "Who said anything about senseless death? That's why I'm out here, to expand my power so I will in. So that I will always win, against anything. I have no intention of dying, I need to survive so I may continue protecting others."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kel frowns, confused. "Who said anything about senseless death? That's why I'm out here, to expand my power so I will in. So that I will always win, against anything. I have no intention of dying, I need to survive so I may continue protecting others."
"I... ... Egh. Alright."
"Firstly, I don't think there is so perfect a power. But!"
"If there could be, you do not have it yet, yes? But people suffer now. Thorns, Skullstone, Lintha... Coral, even, or poverty."
"If you let those people help you, then you can achieve goals - make people happier, safer, more prosperous - sooner, and prevent suffering they would otherwise have had to endure or fall before when you... were not there yet. Does that make sense, at least, for why seeking to do everything alone and relying upon simply 'not losing' is not enough?"
How has he not simply been scammed out of that armor yet? Kaiden does not say. At first, he wanted to look at the armor. Then, he felt simply confused. Now he has passed out the other side into some sort of strange curiosity - how does someone believe this? Why?
At least it's certainly more interesting than walking along alone in the rain would have been.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

"I...don't think it's my place to direct human society, people should make choices for themselves. Who am I to tell others what's right and wrong?"

[Beans]

The Docks

"I...don't think it's my place to direct human society, people should make choices for themselves. Who am I to tell others what's right and wrong?"
Vo, hood up and arm tucked around Jin's, smiles just a little.
Of course it's not your place, dearie. It'll be Jin's, once he's gotten all the kinks worked out.

She is silent for now, just watching the conversation, though she has to admit it is getting a bit... long.

[Amaril]

The Docks

Jin rounds on Kaiden aggressively as he walks beside Kel. "Yeah, exactly!" he joins in with the armored man's argument. "Nobody should get to tell people to go to their deaths in battle if it's not their choice! And for your information," he continues, hardly realizing the foolishness of saying so to a Dragon-blooded, even an exiled one, "there is a power that'll let a man face the dangers of Creation on his own and come out on top--I know that better than most!" He flashes Kel a sidelong grin and a knowing wink before falling back into step with Vo.

[Aevylmar]

"And that, sir," she says happily, "was a most excellent move to gain the advantage. I had been expecting a calm and noncommittal response, which would force me to continue explaining how little I knew. But I'm afraid, Quicksilver Falcon, that your first deduction was in error. Your analyses of me are of course correct; I am a former patrician official of the Realm, and I do have both acute hearing and a disguise."

She smiles faintly. "But while I am here for a reason, it is not to make use of you. It is to determine if you are a dangerous criminal who has evaded justice, or an upright citizen in need of aid against the manifold threats to this city and to his life. If the latter is true, I will offer you all the aid I can provide until such time as another, more urgent, task calls. If the former, I am here to kill you. The same, naturally, goes for all others of like power in Paraia."

She casually lifts her hair for a moment to show the fringe of spikes by her ear.

"And, to place my cards on the table, I have more than a little interest in another Anathema myself."

And all of this is true.

[Lanaya]

The Docks

"So! This is our golden toy soldier?" The speaker (or shouter, as he struggles to be heard over the distance and rain) is a rough, well-weathered man wearing his brown hair back in a ponytail. He wears a jacket that doesn't entirely cover his upper body, showing off wiry muscles and a few impressive scars. Standing next to him is another man, identical save that his hair is not tied back and he lacks scars, who is nodding in agreement, and behind the two are about a dozen tough-looking lads. All of them wear sheathed swords, hooked in shape and with sharp blades protruding from their hilts.

"Well well well, sounds like we have ourselves a righteous hero, come to save the innocent and rescue fair maidens from the evil Lintha!" The men swagger over towards Kel and the others, the speaker coming right up into Kel's face. "That kind of tough talk might impress your mother, but she's not here to protect you now, is she? Maybe you ought to hold your tongue on our turf, kid, or else we'll find out just how thick that armour really is."

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's eyebrows shoot up, not that they're visible under his hood. "Well then. I rather suspect we have a lot to talk about, my friend. Shall we go to my office, to get out of the rain?"

[Aevylmar]

"Certainly." She bows. "Lead on."

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office

Yaiven leads Saria to his offices, past his secretary, Alia, at the front desk, and into his office, sparsely furnished with three wooden chairs, a desk, and a small bookshelf. "Do please have a seat," he says, taking one of the chairs not behind the desk. "I'm afraid I can't offer you tea, but I think I have a little wine set aside if you would like?"

[ChaosArchon]

[The Immaculate Temple]

Schneizel respectfully bows before the leader and assembled figures before he begins to speak,"My name is Schneizel vi Peleps, and I am a Water Aspect Dragon-blooded agent of the Immaculate Order. I was on another assignment when the rest of your force had left but I upon my return to the Imperial City I was bid to join your forces here. Along with an odd instruction to tell you, I was told to inform you that surveying the goddess was given top priority. As such, on the off chance there are any on this island, we are not engage Anathema unless they attack us. I was bid to relay this order from the very top, most glorious master." he says as he bows again.

[Aevylmar]

"Thank you," she says, taking the other seat in front of the desk. "As you wish."

With the door closed, she removes the sash. Her rank - her once-high rank - is clear to those who can read it.

"This leaves you with two interesting questions, then. What you will do now about me, and what will you do about the armored man? My experience with such things is limited, but I believe he is wearing a treasure more valuable than this island."

She watches his hands closely. Is he about to poison her? This would be a reasonable opportunity.

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office

Yaiven stands again and fetches out an unopened bottle. He brings it, with two glasses, to the desk, opening it with some difficulty and pouring two glasses. As he works, he talks.

"The armoured man... he is either very powerful, or very foolish, or both. I lean towards the latter. I'd rather avoid him if I can - people like that are poor fits for those of us who like a measure of the predictable in our lives. It's true that what he wears is, if I am any judge, priceless - the materials alone would beggar me a great many times over - but removing it from him is likely more trouble than it's worth, and dealing with him for the sake of it likewise."

Yaiven offers Saria the choice of glasses from the tray, then sits back down to sip his own. "You, if I may say so, are much more interesting. I have not, to my knowledge, met one of Luna's Chosen before today, and you evidently have very significant talents. If I may be blunt, I think you and I could achieve great things together. What would you say if I asked you to work with me on a project that, all aligning, will span a Direction?"

[Lanaya]

The Immaculate Temple

The Most Enlightened Master lets out a small sigh, brief but full of sadness. "For a few days we have been hunting an Anathema. Not long ago we interrogated some people it had spoken with, so it is likely that it knows about us. And now comes a messenger, almost immediately afterwards, to tell us that we are to ignore the presence of any Anathema, allow them to corrupt this city's people and soul." She looks at Schneizel, pity in her eyes. "As powerful as the Exalted are, they can still fall to the lies of the Anathema. You may not even know it, but I fear you are the creature's latest victim, sent here by it to dissuade us."

She and the other monks stand. "I am sorry, Schneizel vi Peleps. You seem to be a good man. May you find better fortune in your next life than you did in this one."

[Aevylmar]

Yaiven's Office

Saria is smiling faintly, takes a random glass. There are still ways it could be poison, but they are unlikely. His flattery is appreciated, if not unexpected.

"I would say that it is a fascinating offer, and I would ask for more information. Such a project could, if in accordance with heavenly justice, be an excellent way for me to continue accomplishing my duties despite my current state. First, though I would wish to correct you on a point. I have not used my powers as a Lunar Anathema today. Indeed, I prefer not to. Those others I have met with my powers have proved to be... mentally unstable, and I worry that these facts may not be unrelated. Suffice to say that I give far more credence to the superstitious popular aspects of the Immaculate Faith now than I ever did when I was an official of the Realm."

She sips, both to be polite and out of curiosity. She has not drunk much grape-wine, and almost none since she last left the Threshold.

"And while I would of course be glad to help you towards any just goal, whether by means of an alliance or any other, your status as one of those the Realm calls Deceivers naturally makes me hesitant to sign any contract I have not read. I believe you are capable of great things, but, though I regret being so blunt, we have not yet established whether you will use this capacity for great good or for great evil."

"I have not used my powers as a Lunar Anathema today" is a half-truth. She means it in the context of 'I have not shapeshifted or used real charms', but she did use a low-level Excellency earlier. She's understating the case for Lunar insanity, but not via lies or half-truths. Literally everything else she said she believes to be unambiguously true.

[ChaosArchon]

[The Immaculate Temple:Interior]

Schneizel speaks in a slow, measured voice while drawing his reaper daiklave, which to all the others appears to be made of the finest jade,"I do not wish to harm any of you, but if you wish to invoke the wrath of a dragon then you do so at your own peril. The Order demanded this mission be operated with prudence and subtly, both of which you shall be shown to be bereft of should you continue your train of thought."

this is just my join battle post, after they respond to my reply I shall post my action.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

"So! This is our golden toy soldier?" The speaker (or shouter, as he struggles to be heard over the distance and rain) is a rough, well-weathered man wearing his brown hair back in a ponytail. He wears a jacket that doesn't entirely cover his upper body, showing off wiry muscles and a few impressive scars. Standing next to him is another man, identical save that his hair is not tied back and he lacks scars, who is nodding in agreement, and behind the two are about a dozen tough-looking lads. All of them wear sheathed swords, hooked in shape and with sharp blades protruding from their hilts.

"Well well well, sounds like we have ourselves a righteous hero, come to save the innocent and rescue fair maidens from the evil Lintha!" The men swagger over towards Kel and the others, the speaker coming right up into Kel's face. "That kind of tough talk might impress your mother, but she's not here to protect you now, is she? Maybe you ought to hold your tongue on our turf, kid, or else we'll find out just how thick that armour really is."

The Docks

Kel watches this little display with mild curiosity. "Who are you, and why should I care? Never mind, I don't care. I don't know why you decided to be stupid today, but you need to walk away before something bad happens to you. Let me clue you in on something. All those scars? Each one is a reminder that someone was better than you, and marked you, so everyone can see how many times you've been bested. Me?" He reaches behind his back, the clamps on his armor releasing his sword as his hand grasps the hilt. He holds the weapon at his side in one hand despite it's size. "I have no scars."

[Beans]

[Docks]
Vo simply listens, tucked against Jin, though readying herself to slip her hand under her jacket to grab her khatar.

As Kel speaks, she pays close attention to the leader of the group confronting them.

[roll0]
3 Successes. Eh.

[Amaril]

The Docks

Disentangling himself from Vo somewhat regretfully, Jin steps up beside Kel, withdrawing his hammer from his belt and swinging it casually in his hand as he looks the scarred stranger in the eye without a trace of fear. "I'd listen to this guy if I were you, buddy. He's not the sort you want to mess with...and neither are the rest of us."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

"So! This is our golden toy soldier?" The speaker (or shouter, as he struggles to be heard over the distance and rain) is a rough, well-weathered man wearing his brown hair back in a ponytail. He wears a jacket that doesn't entirely cover his upper body, showing off wiry muscles and a few impressive scars. Standing next to him is another man, identical save that his hair is not tied back and he lacks scars, who is nodding in agreement, and behind the two are about a dozen tough-looking lads. All of them wear sheathed swords, hooked in shape and with sharp blades protruding from their hilts.

"Well well well, sounds like we have ourselves a righteous hero, come to save the innocent and rescue fair maidens from the evil Lintha!" The men swagger over towards Kel and the others, the speaker coming right up into Kel's face. "That kind of tough talk might impress your mother, but she's not here to protect you now, is she? Maybe you ought to hold your tongue on our turf, kid, or else we'll find out just how thick that armour really is."

Fools everywhere... No... wait, there's more than ten of them, they might actually have a point. These look like thugs, not soldiers, though.

He says - to Kel and Jin, not the thugs - "I maintain my point about a cloak, and we can discuss choices later if you wish to continue."

Virgil casts his gaze over all of the men, looking into the alleyway and across the rooftops as well. Looking for artifacts, charms - even a divine blessing or a bit of thaumaturgy - and, of course, listening for the telltale scrape of any hidden ambushers readying positions or weapons... Convincing them to back down, or escalating into a fight, is someone else's decision to make. For now, he can simply prepare and observe.
He also spares attention to Kel's armor again... if there is a fight, perhaps he can catch how it responds to the Essence of battle. The thought of seeing that makes him grin and ready himself a little more.

My social pool to intimidate them away isn't bad, but it's not great either. I certainly don't like the look of having my dice halved to do it in a few seconds instead of a few minutes.
And I don't really want to be responsible for starting a fight with 12-14 guys. So Virgil, in the finest tradition of She Who Lives in Her Name, is prepared to implement what another leader decides upon.
I am, however, observing for any magic (Essence-Dissecting Stare) and hidden people (Perception+Awareness), with a Join Battle roll in case it comes up.

Perception+Awareness, including Hearing, 1-die stunt (mote reward) [roll0] 3 Successes!
Join Battle, if needed: Wits+Awareness, no Hearing, 1-die stunt, spend 1wp for a success [roll1] 1 Success, and it's from the Willpower point. :smallsigh:

Personal Motes 8/17, 5m committed
Peripheral Motes 24/41, 17m committed
Willpower Points 6*/8
Anima Flare 0m
*7 if no Join Battle occurs.

Essence-Dissecting Stare (Somewhat under 1 hour)
Mind-Hand Manipulation (Indefinite)
Loom-Snarling Deception (Indefinite)

[Lanaya]

The Immaculate Temple

The monks pay no attention to Schneizel's words.

The Docks

"You talk reeaaaal big for someone who has to hide behind a few tonnes of metal to fight." The speaker's double responds to Jin. "You really are clueless, aren't you? Nobody threatens the Lintha and lives, and you're about to find out why." The pirates all draw their blades in one smooth motion.

Roll Join Battle everyone!

Sailor's Rest Inn

The inn is cheap, but respectable. The furnishings aren't of the highest quality, but they're kept clean and replaced if they break, and while the food and drink is average it comes in large quantities. As Renata walks in she sees an assortment of people, mainly sailors, quietly getting thoroughly drunk. In one of the corners is her crew, who have been given a wide berth by the other patrons. Whether this is due to a dislike for the Tya, some sort of respect or simply chance isn't apparent.

[ChaosArchon]

[The Immaculate Temple:Interior]

Schneizel appears disappointed at the monks' insistence on fighting him but realizes that in this situation it is either him or them,"Do not forget it was you who wanted this, I suppose none of you have ever heard the adage of not shooting the messenger huh? Oh well, may your next lives bring you more happiness than this one."

Upon saying that, the brunette man was swept up in a flurry of action. In the blink of an eye he was beside two of monks and slashes at both of them with a swipe of his blade. The seemly emerald jade blade glistens with the blood of its masters foes as it leaves the area's where it had struck them. It moves with impossibly fast speed and with an elegance and fluidity of motion more commonly associated with martial arts than a blade.

activating Flight of Mercury+First Martial Arts Excellency (x5) -7m (-2m FoM, -5 from FMAE) 3/15 personal essence
attack 1 (Martial Arts (3)+ Dexterity (3)+ Accuracy (4)-flurry (-2)+FMAE (2)): [roll0]
attack 2 (Martial Arts (3)+ Dexterity (3)+ Accuracy (4)-flurry (-3)+FMAE (3)): [roll1]
stunts if necessary: [roll2] stunting to recover essence (bit fuzzy on how this works)

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office


Saria is smiling faintly, takes a random glass. There are still ways it could be poison, but they are unlikely. His flattery is appreciated, if not unexpected.

"I would say that it is a fascinating offer, and I would ask for more information. Such a project could, if in accordance with heavenly justice, be an excellent way for me to continue accomplishing my duties despite my current state. First, though I would wish to correct you on a point. I have not used my powers as a Lunar Anathema today. Indeed, I prefer not to. Those others I have met with my powers have proved to be... mentally unstable, and I worry that these facts may not be unrelated. Suffice to say that I give far more credence to the superstitious popular aspects of the Immaculate Faith now than I ever did when I was an official of the Realm."

She sips, both to be polite and out of curiosity. She has not drunk much grape-wine, and almost none since she last left the Threshold.

"And while I would of course be glad to help you towards any just goal, whether by means of an alliance or any other, your status as one of those the Realm calls Deceivers naturally makes me hesitant to sign any contract I have not read. I believe you are capable of great things, but, though I regret being so blunt, we have not yet established whether you will use this capacity for great good or for great evil."

"I have not used my powers as a Lunar Anathema today" is a half-truth. She means it in the context of 'I have not shapeshifted or used real charms', but she did use a low-level Excellency earlier. She's understating the case for Lunar insanity, but not via lies or half-truths. Literally everything else she said she believes to be unambiguously true.

Yaiven stands and crosses to the bookshelf. "Ah, I see. You still believe the Immaculate doctrine, to some degree. I'm sorry to hear that - what I have seen for myself indicates that, at best, it is an exaggeration. Still, the best way I can prove that to you is by demonstration.

"But your caution, though partly born of false dogma, is nonetheless justified and commendable. Let me show you this." So saying, he pulls out two large sheets of paper, whisper-thin and covered with curious marks in many colours. With great care, he lays them out on the desk, folded over so as to fit, matching up the marks until, as though by magic, they resolve into a map, covered in strange markings and splashes of colour, with no legend to be seen. He weights down the corners as he begins his speech.

"Behold, the West. This is a Guild map, one of the finest to be had anywhere in Creation. They are kept jealously by Guild merchants - one of the few goods that, in all my time there, I never saw sold nor bought. This one is some years out of date, but still valuable to me."

Yaiven points to several places in turn, naming their meaning as he goes. "This is a Wyld zone, where slaves are dream-eaten, not to be confused with here, where the raksha devour all those who come to bargain. Here there are pirates who will not be bribed, and must be fought; here others who require a supply of human flesh - both living and dead - for their pleasure. This ring indicates which 'gift' will best please the customs officers of a city - see, red means whores, green jade, and black indicates that the Guild has some other hold, most likely blackmail. Here there is Skullstone, with all the ills that plague it. And I could go on, across the map - I have studied it so often that I see it in my dreams."

He steps back, and looks at Saria. "This is the West. More, this is Creation. Corruption, theft, incursions from beyond the world that take and take and never give back. The system of the world rots at its heart, the way of things is fundamentally broken. I want to mend it.

"But I cannot do it alone. That is not my skill, not my way. I will need a great deal of help, from every quarter I can find. That is why I am here, to begin gathering allies." He stops, and stares Saria straight in the eye, gazing fit to pierce to the soul, summoning every ounce of acumen and majesty he can muster. "So I'll ask this - what will it take for you to trust me?"

Five personal motes to Know the Soul's Price, and I'll blow the last four personal motes on the Excellency to throw four more dice at the problem. I'm claiming that as a two-die stunt, so I'm rolling fifteen dice against Saria's Manipulation + Socialize/2 = 2, and leaving myself four personal motes.

[roll0]

[OracleofSilence]

"Oh my, what on earth is going on here?" Caida had intended to arrive at the docks, look around a little, maybe even find a ship looking for a commander and crew. Instead, a fight seemed to be brewing. Caida takes a seat on a nearby barrel, watching the proceedings with interest. "Oh, Lintha or Lintha sympathizers versus golden boy! This should be fun."

[Aevylmar]

Yaiven's Office

He knows the answer to that question as soon as he asks it. That your plans are made and executed in accordance with justice, compassion, and humanity. So long as you do that, I will trust you.

"That you display yourself worthy of trust," is what she says. "You are right. The world is wrong. It must be repaired. Injustice and corruption spread throughout the world. For long years I worked for that purpose in the Realm, a place where there was peace and wealth and hope. Now I work to rebuild it in the West, and I have seen that I am far more needed here. If your mission is to heal the world, you and I are allies."

She pauses. "And the Immaculate Faith is a mess of lies and superstition encrusted around a few facts, most of which are exaggerated and impossible stories of events that happened thousands of years ago. I did not expect to find much truth in it."

She raises an eyebrow.

"Now. How do you intend to accomplish your goal?"

[Lanaya]

The Immaculate Temple

Schneizel's blade strikes true, and before they can react two of the monks are lying on the floor in pools of their blood.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel leaps up, flipping and rotating in mid-air, bringing his blade down on the scarred one as he lands behind him. Luck wasn't quite on his side, as the pirate managed to get his own weapon up in time to deflect the strike. Kel steps back, in the thick of the pirates. "Not bad, demon-spawn. I might have to exert myself."

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office


He knows the answer to that question as soon as he asks it. That your plans are made and executed in accordance with justice, compassion, and humanity. So long as you do that, I will trust you.

"That you display yourself worthy of trust," is what she says. "You are right. The world is wrong. It must be repaired. Injustice and corruption spread throughout the world. For long years I worked for that purpose in the Realm, a place where there was peace and wealth and hope. Now I work to rebuild it in the West, and I have seen that I am far more needed here. If your mission is to heal the world, you and I are allies."

She pauses. "And the Immaculate Faith is a mess of lies and superstition encrusted around a few facts, most of which are exaggerated and impossible stories of events that happened thousands of years ago. I did not expect to find much truth in it."

She raises an eyebrow.

"Now. How do you intend to accomplish your goal?"

Yaiven smiles. "I shall certainly do my best. In the end, what I do, I do for everyone - it is only right that I do so with justice, with humanity, with compassion.

"As to my methods... well, I do what I know, and what I know best is systems. Organizations, dozens or hundreds of people moving to a single goal. Economies where thousands of deals are struck each day. Even people, in all their infinite complexity, I can achieve some understanding of. So that is what I will leverage.

"I will build a system. For now, we are few, and weak, and for a long time I expect to lack the power to do more than build. But as we build, we will acquire tools. The Wyld will fall to my will, held in place by frequent commerce. Corruption will be purged, for I will make it less profitable than the alternative. Piracy will be ended, for no longer will there be the weak and the desperate with no other course - I will give them what they need to rise to a better life. And those who stand in our way will meet all the myriad allies and weapons and nations that one day we will wield as the New West.

"That is my plan. Any questions?"

[Lanaya]

The Docks

"Stupid boy. All the fancy trinkets in Creation won't do you any good if you don't know how to use them. They'll make me rich after I take them off your corpse though."

Tick One
Unpleasant as the Lintha may look, they're disciplined and well coordinated fighters. All their manoeuvers have clearly been perfected in the heat of many a battle. "Leave the shiny one to Okanth! We'll take that one," calls one of them, pointing at Kaiden. Two of the other pirates nod in agreement, ready to kill him when they can find an opening.

Coordinate attack, targeting himself and two of the others who were acting on tick 2. If he passes the roll at difficulty 1 they'll get to make the coordinated attack on Kaiden at tick 6.

[roll0] = 0 successes, failed.

Tick Two
The Lintha descend upon the Exalted group. The two ordered after Kaiden rush him with their signature blades, another two charge at Vocusta, and a fifth circles around Jin to attack him from the side as the scarred man's twin battles the Dawn head on.

Each of the extras is making a two-attack flurry on their target. The attacks against Kaiden:
7d10
[roll1] = 3 successes
6d10
[roll2] = 3 successes
7d10
[roll3] = 3 successes
6d10
[roll4] = 4 successes

The attacks against Vo:
7d10
[roll5] = 1 success
6d10
[roll6] = 2 successes
7d10
[roll7] = 3 successes
6d10
[roll8] = 4 successes

The extra's attacks against Jin:
7d10
[roll9] = 3 successes
6d10
[roll10] = 2 successes

And finally, the non-extra's attacks against Jin. He's flurrying three attacks, and each one is enhanced by a two-mote First Melee Excellency.
8d10
[roll11] = 3 successes
7d10
[roll12] = 2 successes
6d10
[roll13] = 1 success

Tick Three
The battle is chaotic, and the Exalted group already mostly surrounded. Four Lintha stand back, each watching one particular foe and waiting for a gap in the action, and the perfect chance to strike.

They're taking Aim actions, each one aiming at a different member of the group.

Tick Four
The scarred Lintha briefly looks at one of his comrades, while making some peculiar hand gestures. Seeming to understand them, the other pirate stands guard over his master, helping to protect him from Kel's massive daiklave. Satisfied that he is well defended, the leader scans for weak points in the mighty celestial armour, then makes three quick jabs with his sword, each at a different point on Kel's body, in the hope that one will manage to pierce through.

Like his twin he's flurrying three attacks, but only putting one mote into the First Melee Excellency on each. The final extra is taking a Defend Other on him.
8d10
[roll14] = 3 successes
7d10
[roll15] = 2 successes
6d10
[roll16] = 4 successes

[Aevylmar]

"I accept your plan, and your offer." She bows.

"Except, of course, for the questions." Again, a faint smile appears. "While I appreciate the brief summary, plans for Direction-wide conquest take some thought."

"Point one. While it is certainly true that there is no banditry on the Blessed Isle except where the oppression of corrupt authorities makes criminals out of honest peasants, it would, even enhanced by charms and sorcery, take generations for economic forces to bring the West to the level of the Blessed Isle, if indeed it is possible, during which time existing pirates will simply see richer treasures as a greater prize. Point two. Before your hegemony is established, you will face serious opposition by those who wish to take your wealth and other resources - not only the aforementioned pirates, but corrupt gods, neighboring countries, warlords, Raksha, and possibly even the Realm, which cannot be deterred by diplomacy. In order to defend yourself, you will require both serious military power and significant numbers of essence-wielding officers, as well as funds, barracks, and systems of administering discipline, as well as a lack of outside restrictions on your ability to use these things to defend yourself. It should not escape your notice that by this point you are essentially running an empire. Am I missing anything?"

She brings her left index finger to her lips in an unconscious gesture.

"Point three. You are presently operating in the territory of 'The Most Glorious Parai'. You will either need to move, recruit her, or destroy her. No-one who would threaten those who shorten her titles with death will be obedient to any authority such as the one you wish to wield. Hence you must either move or destroy her. If you move, you will eventually need to incorporate Paraida into your hegemony, as it is part of the West. Hence..."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks Brawl

Kaiden watches with amusement as indecision in how to strike an unknown Terrestrial robs the thugs of the co-ordination they attempted. Aiden whispers to him with greater tactical skill, identifying the level of threat, and so Virgil decides upon a response: He spreads his arms wide mockingly for the two pirates to come after him - perhaps he can even bait more into attacking him with the display of disrespect.

The simple thugs make use of his hubristic opening, of course, taking advantage of his utterly useless defensive stance. Exactly as planned.

With a swift and dismissive gesture, he conjures telekinetic force that his shadow masks - pulling rain from the air that freezes into ice and turns aside blades before shattering back into droplets of water once more. Two, and four - the paired swords bite into the ice uselessly, and even a second attempt meets only identical results, forcing them to re-evaluate how to attack.

It's the flares of Essence that truly catch his attention - with the chance to see the armor in play as well, Virgil makes the decision easily, and calls up the power of Truth from within, sharpening his perceptions on a level more fundamental than mere senses.

The two probably-Lintha know enough of swordplay to have charms in it, it seems. He focuses his attention on the whispers and bright fires of pure truths that only he can see, watching information trail from the swords of his enemies with more ease than he watches the swords themselves. It helps also that they are striking at Kel, who Virgil is already paying attention to in order to watch his armor.

...And if they have charms, they should be removed from combat first.
Chains of ice spring from the rain-slick ground, growing to entangle the leader's twin and deny him the movement he needs to be a threat. Kel may be annoyed at getting denied the chance to fight, but fair play and deliberately holding back is for sparring, not real combat.

"Tell me, have tales of the power of the Dragons just been understated in the Neck?"
Kaiden punctuates his rhetorical question with twisting lances of ice that attempt to knock the leader's sword away - or more likely, his defender's sword. Underneath all of the false ice is is pure telekinetic force, with the admixture of Virgil's shadow shaping it such that it even has the cold of winter in its very essence.

On defense, I'm two-die stunting against the four attacks, bringing my Parry DV to 9 against the first attacks in each flurry and 8 against the second. If anything gets through that I shall be quite astonished.
Now, about charms! I expect plenty of other people are going to use charms, and I'll edit in attention to them as well, but for now it's just the Lintha. I'm going to group rolls by actor, and I'm trying to get the exact effects of each charm, such as "This is the Solar or Solar Half-Caste First Melee Excellency" vs. "This is the Demon or Demon-blooded First Melee Excellency." I am also spending five Personal motes to activate my Defiler Anima Power, which means +3 successes on every single one of these rolls. I'm also taking a one-die stunt in advance for everyone to make things simpler. It's not Obvious and doesn't flare my anima, so I'm just unreasonably well-informed! :smallbiggrin:

Analyzing Lintha charms, one roll for Lintha One and one roll for Lintha Two
[roll0] 2 rolled successes + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
[roll1] 11 rolled successes + 3 Anima Power successes: Success beyond the dreams of most mortals :smalleek:
Kel's first three charms (I don't expect him to use this many)
[roll2] 6 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
[roll3] 6 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
[roll4] 3 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
Jin's first three charms (Using a ridiculous combo is unlikely, but possible.)
[roll5] 5 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
[roll6] 1 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Failure. What.
[roll7] 5 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
Vocusta's first three charms (I'm not sure she has that many that can apply all at once)
[roll8] 3 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
[roll9] 4 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: Success
[roll10] 11 rolled success + 3 Anima Power successes: YET AGAIN a truly absurd amount of Success

Whew.
For my own actions, I'm going to clinch Scar-Dude's twin, and toss out two disarm attempts at Scar-Dude and his defender - I won't actually carry on through to Scar-Dude until the defender is disarmed so that he can't Defend Other anymore. I'm using lethal ice, so parrying it unarmed is not an option without a convincing stunt.

Clinching the Twin (1-die stunt)
12d10
[roll11] 4 rolled successes
Disarming Scar-Dude (but probably actually the Defender) (1-die stunt)
11d10
[roll12] 11 rolled successes. Deal with THAT, hah!
[roll13] 6 rolled successes


Motes gained: 4m
Motes spent: 5m Personal
Personal Motes 7/17, 5m committed
Peripheral Motes 24/41, 17m committed
Willpower Points 6/8
Anima Flare 0m

Defiler Anima (1 Scene)
Essence-Dissecting Stare (Somewhat under 1 hour)
Mind-Hand Manipulation (Indefinite)
Loom-Snarling Deception (Indefinite)

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office


"I accept your plan, and your offer." She bows.

"Except, of course, for the questions." Again, a faint smile appears. "While I appreciate the brief summary, plans for Direction-wide conquest take some thought."

"Point one. While it is certainly true that there is no banditry on the Blessed Isle except where the oppression of corrupt authorities makes criminals out of honest peasants, it would, even enhanced by charms and sorcery, take generations for economic forces to bring the West to the level of the Blessed Isle, if indeed it is possible, during which time existing pirates will simply see richer treasures as a greater prize. Point two. Before your hegemony is established, you will face serious opposition by those who wish to take your wealth and other resources - not only the aforementioned pirates, but corrupt gods, neighboring countries, warlords, Raksha, and possibly even the Realm, which cannot be deterred by diplomacy. In order to defend yourself, you will require both serious military power and significant numbers of essence-wielding officers, as well as funds, barracks, and systems of administering discipline, as well as a lack of outside restrictions on your ability to use these things to defend yourself. It should not escape your notice that by this point you are essentially running an empire. Am I missing anything?"

She brings her left index finger to her lips in an unconscious gesture.

"Point three. You are presently operating in the territory of 'The Most Glorious Parai'. You will either need to move, recruit her, or destroy her. No-one who would threaten those who shorten her titles with death will be obedient to any authority such as the one you wish to wield. Hence you must either move or destroy her. If you move, you will eventually need to incorporate Paraida into your hegemony, as it is part of the West. Hence..."

"To begin with your last and move back to the first, you neglect a fourth option - alliance. I did not choose Paraida by accident. I have little doubt that the Most Glorious Parai would like nothing better than to see Paraida established as the centre of economic power in the West, and hate little more than to see that opportunity slip to some rival. I am, when I want to be, extraordinarily persuasive. I am confident that I can handle her.

"To your second point, then. It is true, I - we - will have need of might of a great many kinds. But an empire? Only in the loosest sense. Look first to the Guild. Deeply flawed though it is, in many ways it is an instructive model for our purposes, and built by mortal hands - we can do better. In fact, in the early stages, it is my intention to leverage the cells of the Guild wherever possible. But I digress.

"The point is this. We do not need an empire. Only alliances. This endeavour stands or fails on the strength of our friends and our friendships, for in truth that is all it is. The day that I command an army is the day I step down to start again, for somewhere on that path I will have gone astray.

"And your first point, then, the best for the last. I have few illusions on this point. The kind of solution I wish to implement will take years at best, perhaps decades or centuries, to show its true benefits. But even those impulses which so concern you may be turned to our ends. Pirates may be made privateers, after all."

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

The Lintha have made a mistake. They ignored Kel, and that makes him angry. "Armor, raise shields!" The suit hums, and a field of essence forms around him, like a flickering, golden fire. Kel takes a moment to fortify himself, and as his power flows, a light forms around him, like the sun itself is rising to witness his glory. to all who can see him, Kel is a silhouette against the dawn. Kel glares at the would-be defender, slowly raising his sword, giving the man a chance to flee.


Kel is spending 4 motes to activate his armor's shields, giving him +2 to Dodge and Parry DV's. Then, he activates Increasing Strength Exercise for 6 motes, increasing his Strength by 2, bringing his peripheral motes spent up to 13 and triggering his anima power. Kel gains an additional +2 DV against anything with Valor less than 2, and all mortals must make a Valor check or flee in terror.

[Aevylmar]

Her eyes narrow.

"And what, pray tell, will you do when your network of allies refuse your requests? When they politely decline to join your quest against the Guild? Will you then use the Guild tools of prostitutes, bribes, and blackmail? That you can use your powers to control one or two allies, I have little doubt. That you can control fifty without using such corrupt methods - "

She shakes her head.

"Either you have sufficient force so that your allies have no choice but to serve you, in which case you command an empire, or you are hostage to the whims of everyone who will not do as you wish, or you have magic of enthrallment which I cannot imagine and have already fallen prey to."

She tosses out one final remark. "And a privateer is nothing but a pirate who happens not to be victimizing those stronger than he. That does not make him more virtuous."

[Lanaya]

The Docks

To Kaiden's keen eyes, the normally invisible traces of essence are dancing flames that course over the Lintha leaders as they do battle. They wield a curious power, the familiar sight of demonic essence diluted by mortal blood. Almost certainly a pair of the Demon-blooded, then.

As the writhing ice-chains sprout from the earth to envelop the second leader, he flares with essence once more. His speed, skill and strength suddenly enhanced to superhuman levels, he swings his blade in mighty arcs, hacking down the chains before they can bind him. The loyal guardian of his twin is less lucky. The disguised telekinetic blasts knock at his sword viciously, once, then twice, and send the blade flying through the air. A worried look flashes across his ward's face for a moment, as he realises his main defence against Kel's huge daiklave is gone. But he is safe, at least for a few seconds, as his foe instead takes this moment to amplify his already impressive powers.

[Fortuna]

Her eyes narrow.

"And what, pray tell, will you do when your network of allies refuse your requests? When they politely decline to join your quest against the Guild? Will you then use the Guild tools of prostitutes, bribes, and blackmail? That you can use your powers to control one or two allies, I have little doubt. That you can control fifty without using such corrupt methods - "

She shakes her head.

"Either you have sufficient force so that your allies have no choice but to serve you, in which case you command an empire, or you are hostage to the whims of everyone who will not do as you wish, or you have magic of enthrallment which I cannot imagine and have already fallen prey to."

She tosses out one final remark. "And a privateer is nothing but a pirate who happens not to be victimizing those stronger than he. That does not make him more virtuous."

Yaiven sits back and sighs, hand coming up to push nonexistent glasses up his nose before he catches himself and converts the gesture into pinching his nose.

"Again the fourth option eludes you. I have no wish to bend the world to my will. Things that are bent push back, or worse, break under the strain.

"If I lived in a world of demons wearing human skin, a world where each felt nothing for their neighbour, perhaps your fears would be insurmountable. But even warped as it is, Creation is not such a world. It is a world of people, and therein lies the escape from your trilemma.

"Tell me this. Is there any price I could offer you to set the world aflame and throw yourself on the pyre? No. Because you are not an automaton, nor a beast, but a person. You have hopes and dreams and desires, principles you'll not betray and ideals you'd go to any length for. And of those strands, those myriad connections to the world, I weave my fabrics.

"Think of why you were interested, before. Not because I offered you glory. Not because I threatened you. Not because I beguiled you with honeyed words of Essence, I promise you that. You wished to help me because you believed my cause was just. Because I showed you how your goals and mine coincided, without a whisper of deception. To a general I would have promised the wherewithal to raise armies beyond imagining. To a scholar, I would have spoken of the secrets I would need uncovered, challenges beyond compare. To a farmer, a life free from danger would be incentive enough. And for you, your price was a world made better. No need for tricks. No need for words persuasive beyond mortal ken.

"There is no need for force, or blackmail, or compulsion. All that is needed, the key to this puzzle, is a simple truth; people do what they want to do. If you make them want to help you - not from fear, or from corruption, or from magic, but through the simple play of truths and desires - they will. On this truth, ultimately, we all depend. And with it alliances that do not depend on armies or bribery can be made, and made to endure until the sun burns cold. Do you see?"

[Beans]

[Docks]
Oh dear, some thugs want to play. They've lined up to have a little tussle...
Kel's already in the thick of it.
Their ex-Peleps friend is making something of himself.
And now it's time for a silly, mousy little librarian to dole out a few concussions.

Slipping into a practiced stance, she tenses herself, buff jacket blowing in wind which may or may not be there---but it's here for her, and it's here to make her coat billow. Eyes glinting behind her pince-nez, she suddenly darts forward. Oh dear, big scary pirate boys! How utterly terrifying! Whatever is an archivist to do?
Oh, I think I know---THIS.

Calling a bit of Essence into the well-learned hand stance, she drives her fist right into the face of the pirate she faces, the Fist of Iron Technique enhancing her blow. As her buff jacket ripples, her free hand slips under it, drawing out her khatar as her fist returns from her attack to push her spectacles up on her nose.
Will that be all, dears?


Punch enhanced with Fist of Iron (cast from Personal) on the Lintha in front of her.
[roll0]

And then drawing her khatar, which doesn't require a roll, but still counts for a flurry, which is why the punch isn't eight dice instead.

[Lanaya]

The pirate ducks under Vo's punch and grins at her. "Nice try."

[ChaosArchon]

[The Immaculate Temple:Interior]

Schneizel's onslaught continues as he moves to engage three of the other monks. He has become an avatar of death in the eyes of the monks, a force of nature which cannot, shall not, will not, be stopped. His steps are as swift as the wind and thrice as lethal, as each step he takes brings the monks' demise a step closer.

His first slash annihilates the first monk entirely, the blade going through the monk's heart and slicing it in twain as Schneizel withdraws his blade from its temporary flesh receptacle. As he pulls out the blade, a geyser of blood pours out of the body as its host passes from this world to the next.

Without a moment of hesitation, Schneizel's blade strikes another monk with lightning speed. Rather than destroying this ones' heart, the blade instead pivots upward and pierces its newest victim's skull. There is a sickening crunch as the daiklave goes through one and and out the other, as the it eviscerates the mind of the poor monk who had deigned to threaten the aqueous dragon that is Schneizel vi Peleps. As the blade retracts from the skull, a piece of the monk's brain remains on it, but is swiftly falls on the floor as the daiklave moves to its next target.

As swift as the other attacks, Schneizel's daiklave moves to kill the third interloper, another common monk. With the grace of one skilled in martial arts rather than swordfighting, the blade slices through the air and hits its third victim. Rather than a simply penetrating stab, this time the blade begins at the monk's netherregions and continues its cut until the monk is bisected from toe to head. As Schneizel withdraws his blade, the two parts of the monk fall to the floor like dominoes.

activating First Marital Arts Excellency x5 -5m 0/15 personal essence
attack 1 (Martial Arts (3)+ Dexterity (3)+ Accuracy (4)-flurry (-3)+FMAE (+1)):[roll0]
attack 2 (Martial Arts (3)+ Dexterity (3)+ Accuracy (4)-flurry (-4)+FMAE(+1)): [roll1]
attack 3 (Martial Arts (3)+ Dexterity (3)+ Accuracy (4)-flurry (-5)+FMAE(+3)): [rollv[8d10[/rollv]
stunting if necessary [roll2], using to restore essence

[Lanaya]

The deadly blade of Schneizel vi Peleps neatly slays two of the monks, but the third narrowly ducks under it at the last moment. Had her head not already been shaven, it would be now. The monk in the black robe looks at the shredded corpses of his allies in horror then leaps upon Schneizel, furiously punching him again and again.

Four attack flurry, adding five dice with First Martial Arts Excellency to each.
13d10
[roll0] = 7 successes
12d10
[roll1] = 7 successes
11d10
[roll2] = 3 successes
10d10
[roll3] = 7 successes

[OracleofSilence]

To those paying attention to anything other then fighting, they might catch a quick "Count me in." Caida hops down from his perch, hitting the ground running, barreling in directly towards the scared Lintha twin. His back was turned, facing a strange man who conjured... was that really ice? out of the air. Perhaps not the easiest target, but his defender was occupied, and the timing seemed perfect.

Caida turns gracefully as he runs, his anima flashing in a viscous red-white discharge as he does so, allowing his strike to build greater momentum before ducking low and striking once, his gloved hand blurring into invisibility as he strikes upwards, launching his target away from the dock and, more practically, over open water.

Comboing Who Strike the Wind?, Death Dealing Journey, Thousandfold Typhoon Hand, Behemoth Fetch Exercise, and Racing Vitaris, and First Adorjan Excellency. Activating DDJ, TTH, and BFE. The rest may be used later. I'll award a 1 die stunt for that.

Join Battle: [rollv]5d10[rollv] Based off OOC roll and stunt dice 3 succ
Attack: [roll0] DV halved against attack and successes count double for damage. 9 rolled Succ
If the attack connects, regardless of damage dealt, the target is launched 17 yards off the dock, and lands stunned and prone. Additionally, any predatory natural animals that saw the attack feel an unnatural Compulsion to attack and devour the food source (ie the Lintha) until successful or the scene ends. Resisting this urge costs only one Willpower and may be done at any time, but beasts will normally only resist if they personally know and care about the target as something more than a snack.

Stunt: [roll1]

Motes: 2 regenerated
Personal: 9/19
Peripheral: 33/42 (8 commited)
Willpower:

[Amaril]

The Docks

Jin's expression hardened as the pirates leapt at the group. "So, you think you can get away with attacking my crew, huh?" He stared down the one coming at him, hefting his hammer and reaching for his daiklave over his shoulder. "Who the hell do you think I am?" As he drew his blade with a spinning motion and launched himself toward the pirate, his anima immediately flared up, surrounding him in a golden aura, and the mark of the Dawn Caste shone on his forehead. His weapons resonated with the Essence, seeming to shed more light on their own, though it could have just been his own aura reflecting off the golden metal. Whirling his hammer towards his adversary's head, he let loose a resounding battle cry. "Battle Charm: Hungry Tiger Technique!"

Okay, hopefully I'm doing this right...

First, -1 DV penalty to draw my reaper daiklave as a miscellaneous action.

Second, Flurrying two attacks with my goremaul and one with my reaper daiklave against the closest pirate, activating First Melee Excellency for two extra dice on each attack, and Hungry Tiger Technique on each, for a total of 9m, all drawn from peripheral (anima is at aura level).

First attack (goremaul): (rollv)8d10(/rollv)
Second attack (reaper daiklave): (rollv)10d10(/rollv)
Third attack (goremaul): (rollv)6d10(/rollv)

For my goremaul attacks, I'm counting both my (+Hammers) and (+Dual-wield) specialties, since I'm doing both at once--if there'a a limit of one specialty per roll, just knock off one die. Also, once again, I'm almost certainly botching this whole process spectacularly, so let me know if I need to do this all over again in a completely different way).

I'm not pulling my blows here, because as far as Jin is concerned, these guys deserve the punishment they're getting for attacking them with lethal force unprovoked, and probably won't be missed anyway.

[ChaosArchon]

[The Immaculate Temple:Interior]

Realty warps around Schneizel, for a moment all of Creation shimmers around him, a thin veneer of cosmic webbing can be seen wrapped around his very identity. Just as quickly as the thread appears, it shatters and in place of the man known as Schneizel is a being none of those present had ever met. He was no mere mortal, having never even graced Creation with his presence until a few weeks ago.

Of course none of the monks present were aware they were in the midst of an Oracle of Yu-Shan, all they could see was that the man who claimed to be Schneizel vi Peleps... wasn't.

As the black-robed monk attacks the mysterious man, he deftly attempts to side step his attacks while using his daiklaive to fling the teacups at the monk to distract him. As the mysterious man dodges the attacks, he is surrounded by a green glow which permeates his very being as the mark of Jupiter shines like a beacon on his forehead.

activating First Dodge Excellency (x9) -9m, 30/39 peripheral essence
adding 2 dice to the second attack [rollv]2d10[rollv]
adding 2 die to the third attack [roll0]
adding 5 dice to the fourth attack [roll1]
welcome to the stage, the Silk-and-Shade-covered-Enigma, Zeras!

[Aevylmar]

"We live in a world of pride and corruption, Yaiven. Those things are an integral part of the human condition. I was a traveling magistrate, in the Realm. I have seen men who murdered their fathers and mothers for their inheritance - rich men, with everything they could want, except that they could not bear another be richer. I have seen women who poisoned their own children for attention, and crimes and cruelties that would beggar the imagination simply to keep some unimportant secret from coming to light. Why does the Realm fight wars? Because war is glorious and tribute is pleasing. There are people who would be offended at the request that they buy instead of stealing."

She shakes her head.

"Further, what people desire is so often scarce or immaterial. They want to 'be the best', or 'be better than him', or, 'make my father proud', and that they will want even if their father is King of the Lintha. There are some you cannot negotiate with, some who must be kept in check by force and the threat of force. Do I say that everyone is such? No. But you cannot tell me who have spent my life exposing criminals that that everyone would rather be good than wicked. And, far more important, you cannot tell me that power is good for the soul, and that the worst of them may not be your allied princes, bringing about all the evils you need their help to prevent. There are a thousand in the Realm who do not wish to say it, but their highest desire is, 'Be the Empress', and bedamned to the world."

She sighs. "Your plan would be a useful tool for unification. But you need an empire alongside it, with the power to crush those who will not negotiate. An empire ruled by a just and virtuous emperor, a man of reason and intellect. If only such a person existed, your work would be far simpler."

OK, that line counterposed with Party Leader Jin beating face amuses me.

[Lanaya]

The Docks

Tick Six
The Demon-blood, shocked by the force of Jin's furious assault, tries to distract the Dawn with his own series of strikes rather than go on the defensive. He deftly swings his strange sword thrice, enhanced by the fires of his essence, but despite the distraction of having to defend as he attacks Jin is too fast for him, and his first vicious strike finds its target. The impact from Jin's goremaul sends the pirate reeling, and he stumbles into the sweeping daiklave, which hacks huge chunks out of his flesh. The final goremaul strike crushes the man's skull and ribcage, killing him in an instant. The other Lintha look in horror for a moment, then converge on Jin, seeking revenge.

Dammit GiantITP, you screwed up all these rolls. I'll add them into the next post.

[Lanaya]

The Docks

Tick Eight
The other Demon-blood looks upon the Dawn's blazing anima with fear and shock, but launches a mighty assault against Kel nonetheless, hammering away at the man's face with his blade in a desperate attempt to end the fight now. He doesn't see Caida coming until it is far too late. The Lintha desperately tries to impede the mighty charge by sticking his sword out at the last second, hoping his foe will impale himself, but Caida effortlessly slips by it and sends him flying, landing in the sea with an anticlimactic plop.

Okay, second try at the attacks on Jin. Dead Demon-blood's attacks first, then the extras, beginning with the extra who'd aimed and is getting bonus dice for it. Oh, and every single attack in this post gets -1 for attacking a Dawn with a flaring anima.

Demon-blood
9d10
[roll0] = 3 successes
8d10
[roll1] = 3 successes
7d10
[roll2] = 2 successes

Extras
10d10
[roll3] = 5 successes
7d10
[roll4] = 4 successes
7d10
[roll5] = 3 successes
7d10
[roll6] = 3 successes
7d10
[roll7] = 3 successes
6d10
[roll8] = 2 successes
6d10
[roll9] = 3 successes
6d10
[roll10] = 3 successes
6d10
[roll11] = 4 successes
6d10
[roll12] = 2 successes

And then three attacks against Kel from the other Demon-blood.
10d10
[roll13] = 4 successes
9d10
[roll14] = 5 successes
7d10
[roll15] = 2 successes

[Lanaya]

The Docks

With one leader a bloody mess on the ground and the other meeting an unknown fate in the dark waters, the remaining pirates flee in terror from the wrathful Dawns and their allies. Others begin to panic as well, as some recognise the light illumating almost all of Paraida as the sign of an Anathema and many more are swept up in the fear and confusion.

The Immaculate Temple

The red-robed Cathak Tachoka gives Schneizel a look of pure hatred and fury. "You would butcher innocent mortals rather than fight your equals? COWARD." His rage takes physical shape in the form of flames enveloping both his hands, and he launches a flurry of attacks. Like his comrade he cares little for accuracy, instead trying to overwhelm Schneizel with the sheer force and number of his fierce blows, and as he strikes the fire begins to spread around his body, forming the terrible destructive anima of a Dragon-blood. Thick ropes of flame lash out from his fiery aura at everything nearby, threatening to set the building ablaze and incinerate everyone inside.

Four attacks, each enhanced with Fiery Hand Attack and four motes' worth of First Martial Arts Excellency. By the end of the flurry he's spent more than 16 motes of peripheral essence, so his anima banner's in full swing and will start to damage everything around him at a constant rate.
11d10
[roll0] = 4 successes
10d10
[roll1] = 3 successes
9d10
[roll2] = 5 successes
8d10
[roll3] = 2 successes

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

On sudden inspiration, Kel points his sword at the fleeing Lintha. "And don't come back, or you'll get another taste of the Most Glorious Parai's divine power!" With some luck, the locals will think they were just more of the local goddess's servants. They already knew she gave some kind of power to her followers, this might keep any of them from running down the street yelling 'anathema' at the top of their lungs.

[Amaril]

The Docks

For a long few seconds, Jin just stood there catching his breath. He hadn't been in many real battles since he'd been Chosen, and although he seemed to know the techniques now as if they'd been second nature to him for years, it was still a little overwhelming using Essence this way. He stared down at the crushed remains of what had recently been the demon-blooded, bile rising in his throat. He pushed it down. He would have done the same to you, given the chance. Nobody will miss his sort.
Turning around, he saw Kel in his golden armor glowing with the same solar light as he, the symbol of Dawn shining on his brow as well as Jin's own. He grinned and clapped Kel on his pauldron, leaning in close. "I figured you were one too," he kept his voice low, below the hearing of the onlookers. "Not bad, I have to admit. You might even be almost as strong as me" he chuckled.

[Beans]

[Docks]
Vo... bounces in excitement.
And squees shamelessly.
Oh boy.
Oh, I just knew it! I'm one myself... not quite as spectacular, I'm afraid. She puts away the khatar she didn't get to use.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel takes a breath, his charms fading. "Well, that could have gone better." He looks at Jin and Vo. "So, uh...you too?"

[OracleofSilence]

"Perhaps now, out in the open is not be best time to say things like that. There are Immaculates on the island after all." Caida skids to a halt watching the ripples spreading from away from the Lintha's watery landing with some satisfaction. "I'll give you credit for this gold-man, you can fight pretty well. I still think the armor is a mistake."

[Amaril]

The Docks

Jin gives Vo a slightly incredulous look as she squeals about being Solar. "Uh, really? Then why aren't you all...you know...glowy?" His train of thought is interrupted by some stranger skidding to a halt in front of Kel, praising him for his fighting prowess. "Hey, hey, hey! What about me, huh? I fought them too! Held my own pretty damn well, I'd have to say!"

[OracleofSilence]

"Yeah. You did indeed. But you also don't walk around in gigantic golden armor that screams 'hey monks, I'm Anathema!' No offence gold-guy. It is nice armor." caida is still grinning a little bit "So then, you seem a pleasant lot. Who are you all?"

[Rhyvurg]

"Would you rather I leave it lying around? It's not like I have a private vault and soldiers to protect it while I head out for a drink you know. It's not like I designed it, my father discovered it in some kind of tomb, and without it I would be dead by now. But yeah, we should go somewhere we can talk. Name's Kel, by the way." He holds out his hand.

[Amaril]

The Docks

Jin's face splits into its widest grin yet at the stranger's question, as he squares his shoulders and strikes his most heroic pose.
"Who am I? Well I'm gonna tell ya, but I'm only gonna say it once, so you'd better listen close! I am a warrior beyond compare, who faces the perils of Creation without fear and laughs in the face of death! I am the man who will right the wrongs of this world and restore humankind to its rightful place, free to choose their own destiny without fear of the Dragon-blooded's tyranny! So in years to come, when people from all corners of the land are saying my name, you can tell your grandchildren about the day you bore witness to the might of the paragon of masculinity and virtue who is me, Akame Jin!"

[OracleofSilence]

"I go by Caida. Nice to met you, Kel, Jin. Impressive goal. You have plans on how to do that?" Caida accepts the handshake and takes in the rest of the group. "So lets see. We also have the lovely lady, and the icy fellow. I haven't seen someone fight like that before. It's certainly interesting."

[Beans]

The Docks

Jin gives Vo a slightly incredulous look as she squeals about being Solar. "Uh, really? Then why aren't you all...you know...glowy?" His train of thought is interrupted by some stranger skidding to a halt in front of Kel, praising him for his fighting prowess. "Hey, hey, hey! What about me, huh? I fought them too! Held my own pretty damn well, I'd have to say!"

Vo pouts a little. Well, clearly you boys were using quite a lot of energy... and perhaps I could've stood to use a bit more. I suppose I could get a bit of forehead-shiny happening if you insisted... not that there's much point in trying to stay stealthy, what with the lightshow. At Jin's protests, she giggles and pats his arm.
Don't you worry, dearie, you did splendidly.

She turns to Caida, fixing her pince-nez.
You may call me Vocusta or Vo. I have a more inventive title, but... well, I don't quite think I've the justification after that rather poor showing on my part.

[Lanaya]

The Docks

A woman seems to pop into existence near the group of Exalts. Her skin is weathered and tanned like a sailor's, and her hair and long, flowing and very expensive-looking dress are both the same sea-green colour. "Well, this is quite a sight. I couldn't even begin to count how many years it's been since I saw that distinctive glow, but it's something that you never forget. So tell me, great Chosen of the Sun, what are your names? What brings you to my city?"

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Virgil watches as Vocusta imbues her fist with the might of a Solar Hero... Not a perfect certainty, but interesting.
Not even a second later, such thoughts are blasted away by Kel igniting a brilliant solar anima. Virgil all but drops his own defense, amazed as much by the stupidity of doing this in a crowded street as by the sheer surprise.
Jin then adds his own might, using distinctively sun-born charms of his own and setting Virgil's mind back to working properly - how to get away, how to use these three. Power, but no subtlety at all, and unwilling to listen more than a little...
...
As if the world is mocking Virgil's preconceived notions, the one type of anima banner he expected even less then manifests, briefly, alongside a dizzying array of Adorjan's charms.

All of this leaves Kaiden standing still and thinking, conferring with Aiden. These people have the power to change the world, but not - it seems - the wisdom to apply it well.

"I bear no ill will towards any of you for what you are. I know more about the truth of it than most. ... But I bear you, Kel, and you, Jin, ill will for your lack of empathy and wisdom. To kill the Lintha is to take responsibility for that choice. To refuse to replace an unjust king, when you have the power as Solars to do so, is to take responsibility for that choice. If you wish to give people freedom, remember that you strip it from every enemy you slay, and that granting freedom is not so simple as refusing to act. You seem, at least, to mean well enough that you can handle being told that." Kaiden folds his arms, a gesture that he won't attack. It has, of course, no bearing on whether he can, but the gesture is clear enough.

---

It is at this point that a goddess teleports into place... almost certainly the Most Glorious Parai.
Kaiden bows, and does not speak yet. He, after all, has not been addressed... but she seems a wise if corrupt leader, so her reactions will help determine his. In the meantime, he moves a safe distance away from the overly-unsubtle Anathema and plots out possible routes to flee by with Aiden.

I don't like that we've been ignoring social mechanics with other players without saying that we are. If you want to continue doing this, could you state so explicitly? It would help me a lot! I'm a very bookkeeping-friendly person, so being able to express myself in Principle changes comes naturally, but I understand that not everyone wants to put in that particular effort.
In the meantime, Virgil has developed a 1-dot Principle of disapproval mixed with ambition with relation to Jin, Kel, and Vo. You will find it easier to convince him that your power could be useful, but harder to convince him that you are wise enough to use it on your own. He doesn't know what to feel with regards to Caida, but he already has some fellow-feeling for other Infernals.

Personal Motes 7/17, 5m committed
Peripheral Motes 24/41, 17m committed
Willpower Points 6/8
Anima Flare 0m

Defiler Anima Power (1 Scene)
Essence-Dissecting Stare (Somewhat under 1 hour)
Mind-Hand Manipulation (Indefinite)
Loom-Snarling Deception (Indefinite)

[Rhyvurg]

"I bear no ill will towards any of you for what you are. I know more about the truth of it than most. ... But I bear you, Kel, and you, Jin, ill will for your lack of empathy and wisdom. To kill the Lintha is to take responsibility for that choice. To refuse to replace an unjust king, when you have the power as Solars to do so, is to take responsibility for that choice. If you wish to give people freedom, remember that you strip it from every enemy you slay, and that granting freedom is not so simple as refusing to act. You seem, at least, to mean well enough that you can handle being told that." Kaiden folds his arms, a gesture that he won't attack. It has, of course, no bearing on whether he can, but the gesture is clear enough.


"The kings of men are for the people to choose, if there is enough ill-will towards a ruler, then their rule will not last. If people want their freedom badly enough, they will have it, regardless of what I have to say. If a people are being oppressed, they do not desire their freedom badly enough, they are allowing themselves to be subjugated, and they have to live with the consequences of their choices. The Lintha made their choice, they chose to be cruel, heartless, merciless killers. I have no intention of hurting anyone who doesn't deserve it, and they deserve it because they hurt others. I have never heard of a demon that is willing to coexist peacefully. If I ever meet one, I won't raise a hand to him. I will not strike first, but I will strike last."


The Docks

A woman seems to pop into existence near the group of Exalts. Her skin is weathered and tanned like a sailor's, and her hair and long, flowing and very expensive-looking dress are both the same sea-green colour. "Well, this is quite a sight. I couldn't even begin to count how many years it's been since I saw that distinctive glow, but it's something that you never forget. So tell me, great Chosen of the Sun, what are your names? What brings you to my city?"

Kel puts his sword away. "Am I to understand you are Most Glorious Parai?"

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kaiden does not get the chance to respond properly to Kel before Parai appears... but his glare speaks volumes.
I have my opinions yet... but later.

[Lanaya]

The Docks

The god smiles at Kel. "Please, Parai will be fine. We're all equals here, there's no need to grovel at my feet. But let us find a more agreeable place to discuss this. The returning Lawgivers should speak in magnificent palaces, not standing out here in the miserable rain. My own home is hardly worthy of your glory, but it should do for now."

The Immaculate Temple

Fire spreads across Zeras's body just as the impact of the Immaculate's fist sends him flying into the wall. The monks almost forget about him in their panic, so easy now that he does not wear Schneizel vi Peleps, trying to get the fluxing anima of Cathak Tachoka to where it will do no harm as quickly as possible, and the black-robed monk frantically begins to douse the room in water from his own anima, helping to put out the flames on the Sidereal's body. The last thing he sees before losing his grip on consciousness is a fierce, glowing light streaming through every window in the building.

[Phasm]

The Sailor's Rest

Renata takes a deep, relaxing breath as she walks into the inn. Smoke from the fire, cheap but well-made food, salt water, tar, sailor sweat... all of it says 'relax' to her. A decent dockside inn that caters to sailors, just like many others throughout the West. A place to get a good hot meal, a bath, and a night's sleep in a bed with clean sheets. The Tya waves to her crew and walks over to their table, signaling the barmaid as she does so.

"How's it going? Any word on a job?" Renata sighs and pulls up a chair. "I ran into Yaiven; no luck there, although he thinks he may have something in a few weeks. And he said he would pay me a retainer." She grimaces. "Normally I would refuse... but we have to eat somehow." Pay for work she hasn't done rubs her the wrong way. Beggars can't be choosers, though, and she has heard of retainer fees before. "Oh yes, we have Immaculates in town, so keep any anti-Realm sentiments behind your teeth until they're gone. One of them has a real temper and I don't want to find out one of you has been barbecued for sassing a monk."

[Lanaya]

The Sailor's Rest

The Tya women greet their captain as she settles down with them. Once Renata's finished talking, Iolanthe shrugs and replies. "Oh, plenty of opportunities for a job if you're into piracy or smuggling. Not so many for more honest folks though. What was the something Yaiven might have?"

"Damn Immaculates," adds Jenelle. "They've got their Realm, why do they need to stick their noses in our business too?"

[Beans]

The Docks

A woman seems to pop into existence near the group of Exalts. Her skin is weathered and tanned like a sailor's, and her hair and long, flowing and very expensive-looking dress are both the same sea-green colour. "Well, this is quite a sight. I couldn't even begin to count how many years it's been since I saw that distinctive glow, but it's something that you never forget. So tell me, great Chosen of the Sun, what are your names? What brings you to my city?"

Well, then.
Vo bows, though any more extreme deference is forestalled when she hears Parai speak to Kel. On her forehead, her caste mark glimmers softly to life.
As does a pinkness in her cheeks. She swallows before speaking, hands fidgeting a little.

... I am Vocusta. Your hospitality is most kind, even before one contrasts it with the... She glances at the blood-splatters from the battle. ... ill-mannered welcoming party.
She steps closer to Jin. She'd love to hide behind him, but no, that wouldn't do.

[Fortuna]

"We live in a world of pride and corruption, Yaiven. Those things are an integral part of the human condition. I was a traveling magistrate, in the Realm. I have seen men who murdered their fathers and mothers for their inheritance - rich men, with everything they could want, except that they could not bear another be richer. I have seen women who poisoned their own children for attention, and crimes and cruelties that would beggar the imagination simply to keep some unimportant secret from coming to light. Why does the Realm fight wars? Because war is glorious and tribute is pleasing. There are people who would be offended at the request that they buy instead of stealing."

She shakes her head.

"Further, what people desire is so often scarce or immaterial. They want to 'be the best', or 'be better than him', or, 'make my father proud', and that they will want even if their father is King of the Lintha. There are some you cannot negotiate with, some who must be kept in check by force and the threat of force. Do I say that everyone is such? No. But you cannot tell me who have spent my life exposing criminals that that everyone would rather be good than wicked. And, far more important, you cannot tell me that power is good for the soul, and that the worst of them may not be your allied princes, bringing about all the evils you need their help to prevent. There are a thousand in the Realm who do not wish to say it, but their highest desire is, 'Be the Empress', and bedamned to the world."

She sighs. "Your plan would be a useful tool for unification. But you need an empire alongside it, with the power to crush those who will not negotiate. An empire ruled by a just and virtuous emperor, a man of reason and intellect. If only such a person existed, your work would be far simpler."

OK, that line counterposed with Party Leader Jin beating face amuses me.

Yaiven sighs as well, and then is silent for a long moment. When he speaks, it is softly, so much so that one with lesser hearing than Saria might be obliged to lean in to hear.

"Do you imagine that I have seen fewer horrors? Do you think I have not been privy to the worst excesses humanity can offer? Do you honestly, truly believe that I am so blind?

"I know that there is darkness in every soul, and in some it seems to eclipse all light. I have grappled with this, in myself and in others, times without number. There may be those for whom no price will suffice, who I cannot wheedle or bluff or persuade, who no sanction will dissuade.

"But I must try. Surely you can understand that. There is no honour nor virtue in setting aside a goal merely because it is impossible. And if I am to try, I must try my best, and for that I will need every ally I can get. Do you not agree that this is worth the attempt?"

Right, let's stress-test this sucker!

One-die stunt, regaining two motes.

Charisma + Presence argument, attempting to instill a one-dot Principle of "Yaiven's Plan Should Be Tried": [roll0].
Appearance + Presence, attempting to instill a one-dot Principle of "Well-Intentioned Businessman" for himself: [roll1].

EDIT: Five and three successes, respectively.

[Phasm]

The Sailor's Rest

Renata shrugs in response to Iolanthe's question. "We didn't get to that part. That was when the Immaculates came in. He seems like a reasonably honest sort, though. I think he's our best option so far." She turns to Jenelle. "They're hunting an Anathema." The other reason I need you to stay away from them. That part need not be said, all five of the Tya who remain loyal to Renata are fully aware of what she is. "There's a guy walking around in golden armor, so my guess is that they're after him. He talked to me briefly before the Immaculates arrived; he wants to hunt Lintha." The captain accepts a mug of ale from a plump serving girl, handing over enough cowries to cover both the ale and a tip. "Ordinarily I'd love to help, but with the monks here..." She sighs and takes a swig of her drink. "Well, it's a moot point anyway without a ship."

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

The god smiles at Kel. "Please, Parai will be fine. We're all equals here, there's no need to grovel at my feet. But let us find a more agreeable place to discuss this. The returning Lawgivers should speak in magnificent palaces, not standing out here in the miserable rain. My own home is hardly worthy of your glory, but it should do for now."


"We should speak in whatever place we are needed. But, I would be happy to visit your home, it is doubtlessly more beautiful than mine, as I have none. My name is Kel." He offers the goddess his hand.

[Amaril]

The Docks

Jin contented himself with watching and listening for a few moments as Kel and Vo addressed the goddess--conveniently, this gave him a chance to process seeing a goddess standing in front of them, plain as day and apparently in the flesh. His village had had its own gods, of course, but no-one ever talked about seeing them, much less speaking with them apparently as equals. He hid his surprise by drawing Vo closer to him as she shied away.
Once Kel had offered Parai his hand, Jin extricated himself once more and stepped up beside the other Dawn. "Heh...you know, Parai, I think I like you. Call me Jin" he said, offering his own hand in turn. "I sure won't say no to seeing a goddess' home either, if the offer's open."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Virgil silently plots two possible escape routes with Aiden's help... not so much from Parai, who could likely find him anyway in her own city, but from the Solars, if they decided not to tolerate his words.
If Parai and her power-base support these people, then they might well survive and thrive until the Realm can bring down its armies... She, for all her corruption, seems to run her city well. We shall see... and before the problems arrive, Kaiden can always disappear.
Kaiden, eventually, speaks up quietly. "Honored Parai, I also would come with you. I know something of the difference between the truth of Solars and the lie of Anathema, if by rumors more than fact... And while I am worried by the opinions of these Sun-Children, what I have heard of you makes me trust in your wisdom with power. If you believe in them, I might as well."
And in either case, to know of how to befriend the City-Goddess will be potent for whatever face I next take.

[Lanaya]

The Docks

Parai takes each Solar's hand in turn and shakes it with surprising strength, despite her slight build. "Jin and Kel of the Dawn Caste, it is truly an honour to meet you. And these," she gestures at Kaiden, Vo and Caida, "your servants? Concubines? Worshippers? They are welcome in my home as well. It is only a short walk from here, overlooking the ocean." She seems skeptical of Kaiden's words, however. "If there is one thing I have learned in my long years, it is to trust in the might and wisdom of the Solar Exalted. Maybe in time you will discover this also."

[Amaril]

The Docks

Jin immediately felt his liking for Parai drop a couple notches at her words. "Hey, hey! Vo here's no concu-whatsit--she's one of us too, and don't you forget it!" He jabbed his thumb over his shoulder at the girl for emphasis.

[Beans]

[Docks]
Vo's eye had twitched, a frosty little huff escaping her nostrils as she had straightened up and prepared to let loose with all the passive-aggressive polite fury a career in archiving will give one.

But her knight in shining, er... hammers... forestalls her broadside, and that means very much to her. Her cold librarian's rage is replaced by as much satisfaction as she can muster without actually being rude to a goddess. She steps up to Jin's side again and loops an arm around his.
How kind of you to clarify, Jin dearest. Of course, I am sure no offense was meant, just as I am sure I have taken none. As for those two... She glances back at Kaiden and Caida. ... They are hardly my concubines---were I inclined to avail myself of such services, the providers would be considerably less male.

[OracleofSilence]

The Docks

"And I am not their servant. I simply have a quarrel with the Lintha." Caida takes in the apparent god with a mildly critical eye, but lightens up somewhat at Vocasta's comment, swooning theatrically as he responds "Oh don't say that my lady! I'm not sure my poor heart could stand a rejection as harsh as that."

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Parai takes each Solar's hand in turn and shakes it with surprising strength, despite her slight build. "Jin and Kel of the Dawn Caste, it is truly an honour to meet you. And these," she gestures at Kaiden, Vo and Caida, "your servants? Concubines? Worshippers? They are welcome in my home as well. It is only a short walk from here, overlooking the ocean." She seems skeptical of Kaiden's words, however. "If there is one thing I have learned in my long years, it is to trust in the might and wisdom of the Solar Exalted. Maybe in time you will discover this also."

"Mmm. I am aiding them, certainly, until I either trust them or reject them, for so long as I can study the armor Kel wears. Worshipper - likely not ever, and concubine? ... Not until I know them better, at least. Regardless, your trust in them encourages my own."
But not enough that Virgil isn't planning out his next face ahead of schedule...

[Lanaya]

The Sailor's Rest

The tall, striking Birgitte makes a frustrated look when Renata mentions their lack of ship. "Couldn't you just, you know," she looks around at the room and sees that nobody is listening in, but leans in and whispers anyway, "cast some sorcery on some pirates and take their ship?" Raising her voice again, she adds "it's not like you'd be abusing your, uh, condition, you'd be doing the world a favour."

The Docks

As Vo straightens up and Parai's attention is drawn to her, the goddess finally notices the caste mark glimmering on her forehead. "Oh! I apologise, I didn't realise you were a Solar as well. Three of you, in my city! It really has been too long." She looks confused for a moment, then some realisation dawns and her confident expression returns. "Of course, I forgot. It's only been about four years, and you've had nobody to guide you. Don't worry, young Chosen," she says, wrapping a comforting arm around Vo's shoulder, "quite a few are unsure of themselves after their Exaltation. It's only natural, after being thrust into this new world and given so much responsibility. Just remember, you were Chosen for a reason. There is a spark of true greatness within you, and someday you will realise that potential. But we should be off." With that, Parai begins to stride along the dock.

As she wanders off, Aiden speaks to his young charge. This goddess may be a useful ally, Virgil, but do not forget the talk of Immaculates on the island. If you are seen to grow too close to her they may see you as an enemy.

[Aevylmar]

Yaiven's Office

She sighs. Her voice is calm and reasonable. "Yes. We must try. We must try to do the best we can, always. Our goal is a world of perfect justice, to be made as best we can, by a league of the good aligned against the wickedness of the world. Our only guide is our natural sense of humanity, and thus we have a duty to build a humane society where people can live in peace and harmony, striving together for a better world. And you may call it a league or an alliance or an empire, but that means that there must be a union of government which can help build that, which can reward the good and punish the bad, which can wield military force to defend its citizens against the enemies of humanity."

She sits tall, meeting his eyes. There is a cool fire deep inside them.

"We cannot refuse to protect those in need, and thus we must always have the strength to shield them. Anything else is unendurable."

So! She defends against him, and is now launching her counterattack. Her Charisma-based attack is the precise mirror of his, "Saria's Plan Should Be Tried." Unfortunately, while she's self-controlled, passionate speeches aren't very calm. Her Appearance-based attack is to build a Principle positive towards her; I don't know the specific context of it, other than "Well-intentioned." She's also rolling Investigation to identify his principles from the speech he made. Giving her a one-die stunt; she's spending the motes on the Appearance attack.

[roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kaiden follows Parai, silently. Her phrasing... It would be best to start drawing forth some idea of what Parai intends to do, rather than mere platitudes and flattery.
"Honored Parai, I have a question which worries me, but may be easily dispelled. You are, I am sure, aware of the Immaculates on the island... What is your plan as regards them? For all that I know that they can be wrong, I would not see them killed for it if there is another path - and I fear battle is inevitable if nothing is done."


Aiden
How many people saw me stand next to Kel as he flared his anima? The only way to reclaim some measure of safety from Immaculates as Kaiden would have been to attack two Dawns and more, or flee to the monks - and with Parai here, fleeing to them right now would be... unlikely to go well. I am already marked as an enemy, damn Kel and Jin, and either she can offer safety or Kaiden is dead and I will need to find a way to observe them from a greater distance...
Kaiden is going to have to disappear shortly, one way or another, I think.
Though it sounds like she has aims to guide these Solars as much as I do, or more... Hmm, a fellow-Solar might be able to gain their trust more than a mere patron god, and it would seem to be a way to gain her favor, but it puts me in some threat with the Immaculates. ... I fear I will still simply need to lose much, and simply abandon Kaiden entirely. Let us see how generous her offers are, and what safety she can promise for alliance.
...
And this new, Adorjan-using man... Akuma or true Prince, I must wonder?

[Phasm]

The Sailor's Rest

Once she's satisfied that nobody looks like they're listening in, Renata replies to her bo'sun in a low voice. "I don't think I have that power." She returns to a more normal tone, taking a handful of roasted nuts from the bowl on the table. "Everybody's good at different things, you know. I sail, I fight, I'm tough and I know how to lead others. And there's a reason we didn't take the Lintha ship." The Tya wrinkles her nose. "Damned thing was probably made by demons, out of demon-tainted materials. I don't think they make 'em any more unlucky, short of a curse from Mercury herself." Luck, as any sailor knows, is important.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

Kel looks very uncomfortable with all this talk of concubines, but thanks to his helmet no one can see his blush. "Um, Miss Parai, do you have a large Lintha problem here? There were quite a few of them back there."

[Lanaya]

The Docks

"Hmmph. Those Immaculates are a bloody nuisance. Until now I've tried to stall them; they want to talk to me, convince me that it's not my place to rule my city rather than resort to violence, so I've granted them small concessions and given them false hope. Soon enough they'll realise that and may try to attack me, but they won't win. Not in my city, with my people surrounding me. But with three Sun-Chosen by my side now I doubt they'll be stupid enough to continue this conflict. I'll offer them a fast ship home, and if they have any sense they'll take it."

As Kel speaks, Parai gives him an apologetic look. "Not a problem actually, at least for now. They're allowed into the city as long as they bring in goods to trade, or stolen wealth. There was a time that I didn't have to deal with pirates and other scum, but that is long past now. We live in a dark age, and sometimes we must make unpleasant decisions."

The Sailor's Rest

Birgitte looks confused by the idea of Renata not having mind-controlling powers, but doesn't press the issue. "Maybe this work for Master Yaiven will pay us well enough to buy one then. I'll ask around among the sailors, talk to some shipwrights, see if I can find something that's not too expensive. Not today though, I'd rather stay warm and dry. Any of you want to come with me once we have a nicer day for it?"

[Beans]

[Docks]
At the goddess's touch, Vo tenses slightly, blushing as she clings a little tighter to Jin.

[Rhyvurg]

The Docks

"That's why we're here ma'am, to make this dark age a little brighter." He is completely serious.

[Amaril]

The Docks

"Amen to that, bro" Jin agreed, reaching over and giving Kel a playful punch on the shoulder--though he likely couldn't even tell through all those plates.

[aetherialDawn]

The Docks

Kaiden nods, agreeing as well, although he sighs as he does so. "I just wish you thought through how you planned to do it more..."

[OracleofSilence]

"It's certainly a nice goal. Who's to say what nice is though?" Caida smiles at the exhange, despite his somewhat dour comment. This Solars seemed like better people then most. Maybe they even were.

[Lanaya]

Parai's Palace

The richest district of Paraida is only a few minutes' walk from the docks. Here the streets are noticably cleaner and better maintained, the houses all large and impressive and the few people you see travel in elaborate horse-drawn carriages, with roofs that protect their occupants from the rain. As you walk, Parai points out the houses which belong to the eleven great families of Paraida, whose patriarchs theoretically still rule the city, but by far the most magnificent dwelling of them all is hers. Its size is impressive enough, at four storeys tall and at least as large in other aspects as the mansion of Chao Yinzhen, the Dragon-blooded patriarch, which Parai had specifically drawn your attention to earlier. It rests on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean, the white marble of its grand walls seeming to illuminate the surrounding area, and its mighty doors appear to be forged from orichalcum.

To the learned eyes of Virgil and Vocusta, the building is more than a mere palace. From a number of peculiar architectural quirks, intricate symbols and odd patterns they recognise it as a manse, likely Solar-aspected from its design. However, neither of them can feel or see the telltale thrum of essence which should infuse it.

"Well, here we are," says Parai, pulling open the huge, heavy doors. "It's not much by Solar standards, and no doubt you've seen far grander in your past lives, but for a lowly Terrestrial god it suffices."

[Beans]

[Parai's Palace]
Still tucked resolutely against Jin, Vocusta analyzes the palace---no, the manse---with interest. And no thrum of essence...

Well, now. That's a funny thing.

There's little need to sell oneself short, I'm sure. She smiles, not quite aware of how adorably hypocritical she's being. This is a charming abode, and to look down on it would be unnecessarily condescending of even the most lofty child of the sun.

[Amaril]

Parai's Palace

Stepping through the grand doorway into the goddess' abode, Jin didn't even try to refrain from gaping openly. So huge a building, so many rooms, so much space...and the decoration, tapestries and luxurious carpets and sculpture, abundant everywhere he looked...he knew his jaw must be hanging open in awe, and honestly didn't care one bit. Far from just more wealth than he'd ever seen in his life, this was more than he'd even thought existed in one place. When Parai started apologizing for failing to meet their standards, he thought it had to be some kind of joke. "This is where you live? Parai, my parents would have sold every one of us for a house the size of this room! If you think this is unworthy of Solars, then the Solars you've met really should have been working on their standards!"

[aetherialDawn]

Parai's Palace

Virgil scans over the 'manse' with interest... and the sheer size and wealth is great as well, though he feels a pit in his stomach as it brings back the worst memories of his time in Malfeas... Meeting with his patron, and feeling the lash of...
No. He can set that aside. Personal issues do not, can not, erase his debt of gratitude, no matter when the haunt him. What she meant for him was painful, but it allowed him to see as she did enough to learn true Sorcery.

Kaiden shows none of this - impressed and comfortable here, everything that Virgil is not. He, after all, is a former Dynast who remembers such palaces as parts of childhood and occasional visits throughout life.

"It is a fine palace, honored Parai. All the more so, that you are willing to show golden doors and friendship even in the current times."

Essence-Dissecting Stare is probably still on; the Defiler Anima Power is firmly off.

If Parai starts offering Virgil binary choices without much time to consider them and her favor as a price, he might get... agitated.

[OracleofSilence]

"It's clear neither of you have been to Coral. I met captains there who would take one look at this place and complain about the furniture as being 'beneath them', and the architecture being 'uninspired'. You don't need to be a solar to have insane standards." It was true as well. It didn't matter what some people got. It was never enough.

[Rhyvurg]

The Palace

"Kaiden, you speak much of 'these times', and the need for subtlety, but I have seen little reason for such pessimism." Kel gapes openly at the goddess' palace, his shock plain when his helmet retracts. "It's beautiful..."

[OracleofSilence]

"As I said, Kel. You've never been to Coral. Reason aplenty to fear for the future there."

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office

She sighs. Her voice is calm and reasonable. "Yes. We must try. We must try to do the best we can, always. Our goal is a world of perfect justice, to be made as best we can, by a league of the good aligned against the wickedness of the world. Our only guide is our natural sense of humanity, and thus we have a duty to build a humane society where people can live in peace and harmony, striving together for a better world. And you may call it a league or an alliance or an empire, but that means that there must be a union of government which can help build that, which can reward the good and punish the bad, which can wield military force to defend its citizens against the enemies of humanity."

She sits tall, meeting his eyes. There is a cool fire deep inside them.

"We cannot refuse to protect those in need, and thus we must always have the strength to shield them. Anything else is unendurable."

Yaiven matches her gaze levelly. "Not all strength is in steel. And some forces are more readily corrupted than others.

"Your system relies no less on the upright nature of humanity than mine, but where I would mould societies to minimize the worst, you would batter them into shape. I have no issue with peacekeepers, even armies, on a local scale - but power must ever be decentralized, and no large military can survive a decentralized power base. Gathering power close, gathering it inward, invites abuse of the worst kind, and unless you would take personal command of every aspect - a prospect that seems frankly impossible as your empire grows larger - there will be those who will seek to abuse it.

"I propose instead to make a system where justice lies in the hands of those who would experience it, with no power overarching save my own. There will ever be the trustworthy, but where you require that there be ever more worthy of trust, and those worthy be moreso, as your power base grows, I would seek to minimize those individuals I would trust, so that I can trust in societies instead.

"But in truth, I think the point is moot. For whatever system is to be created, its originator must have help - and you must admit that, even if it might be flawed, my own proposal is more just than the world as it stands. If you would serve justice, I think you have no better choice than to aid me - but conversely, if I am to mend the world, I have need of each ally I can get.

"So I propose a deal. Join me, assist me in creating what I would make. Eschew force unless and until it is needed. And in exchange, if ever force is needed - if there comes some foe who cannot be avoided, or convinced, or subdued by peaceful means, who poses some insurmountable threat to the effort - then I will yield, and lay down my dreams of peace for empire. And if you will agree, then I will swear on the laws and before the eyes of Heaven.

"What do you say?"


So! She defends against him, and is now launching her counterattack. Her Charisma-based attack is the precise mirror of his, "Saria's Plan Should Be Tried." Unfortunately, while she's self-controlled, passionate speeches aren't very calm. Her Appearance-based attack is to build a Principle positive towards her; I don't know the specific context of it, other than "Well-intentioned." She's also rolling Investigation to identify his principles from the speech he made. Giving her a one-die stunt; she's spending the motes on the Appearance attack.

[roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]

Yaiven has a high enough PMDV to deflect both without a stunt if he detects the Appearance attack, so I'll roll that (Perception + Investigation is 9: [roll0])

Then... all in. Charisma attack to compel, based on 'Serve Justice', the action of accepting his deal, arguing that it's the best possible course to serving justice. Irresistible Salesman Spirit and nine motes of Presence Excellency, and claiming this as a two-die stunt for a total of sixteen dice and regaining the personal Essence needed to Excellency that hard without flaring.

[roll1], double successes before comparing to Hunter's MDV. To resist, she'll have to suppress Serve Justice, paying willpower for that according to how well I do here.

[Phasm]

The Sailor's Rest

Renata shrugs, draining her drink. "Sure, if I'm back by then. I figure I'll take one more turn around the docks today, see who's come in." She stands up and puts her hat back on. "See you tonight, crew. Remember, no sassing the Immaculates, even if they deserve it!" With that she waves to the little gathering and exits the inn.

The minute she does so, a brilliant golden glow catches her attention. She's heard enough stories to know what that is; an Anathema using their powers. Ha! So he was an Anathema! Renata pauses for a moment, torn between curiosity and common sense. Common sense would dictate that she go back inside and pretend she never saw anything. If the Anathema is using their powers, there's probably a fight going on. And does she really want to be seen associating with another one of her kind, one who obviously likes to flaunt his nature?

But... that's the rub, isn't it? Her kind. Maybe he knows more about their powers. Maybe he knows who Ignis Divine is, the correct name for Anathema. Renata has felt like she's floundering about in the fog ever since that fateful battle with the Lintha. She's accustomed to being in control, and now she isn't.

Before she knows it, the Tya is running down the docks toward the light. I'll pull him aside once his light dies down for a talk. But in order to do that, I need to know where he's staying. As she gets closer, it becomes obvious that Master Gold-Armor is part of a largish group, one headed by a green-haired woman in rich clothing. Who is that, I wonder? Are women allowed to be mayors in Paraida, or could this be Most Glorious Parai? An Anathema battle in her city would certainly catch her attention. Paraida doesn't seem to be large and wealthy enough to support a noble class who could afford that kind of finery.

Part of Renata's mind notes that running isn't nearly as strenuous as it used to be. She was tough before, but life aboard ship doesn't give you much exercise of the kind that keeps you from getting winded. Thank you, shiny golden powers.

Soon they're in the wealthy part of the city; the rain is a blessing here, as not many of the residents are out and about to notice a Tya in plain, somewhat battered clothing running through the street. The woman leads the group to what must be the largest and grandest building in Paraida. Renata nods to herself. This has to belong to Most Glorious Parai. Any god that would punish people for leaving the 'Most Glorious' part of her name off would not tolerate anyone having a bigger and fancier house or temple than hers.

But the massive golden doors close just before Renata can get inside. The damp Tya mutters a curse and looks for a bellpull. She's come far enough by now that she isn't about to go back without some answers. If anyone can tell me about Anathema, it'll be the local deity, and it looks like she's sympathetic to them. Us. Gods, that's still strange.

[Lanaya]

Parai's Palace - Outside

After a moment's looking, Renata notices an ornate door knocker in the shape of a lion's head.

Parai's Palace - Inside

The goddess laughs at Jin's incredulity. "You will see many greater wonders in your coming years, young Lawgiver." The happiness momentarily drains from her face as she adds, "although many of the greatest have been lost forever. Still, more can always be created, even more magnificent than those that came before. Your family can someday live in the mightiest of palaces, live in peace and prosperity forged by your might, never know hunger or pain again."

To Kel she gives a sad smile. "These times are dark indeed, and this building one of the few rays of light that survive from a better age. I have seen Creation rise higher than any knew possible. I could stand on the roof of my home and all around I could see nothing but buildings as grand as it, or more magnificent still, extending all the way to the horizon. I saw a world built by the Solar Exalted, every bit as glorious as its creators. My beloved city grew and thrived. It was one of the greatest jewels of all the West. Mere mortals lived lives that the greatest lords of this age could not even conceive of. Spirits, dragon kings and all kinds of other creatures walked my streets, living together in harmony. I grew in power and prestige along with my city, and Exalts came from hundreds of miles away for my company or counsel.

"Then I watched all of Creation, and my city, fall further than anyone could have imagined. The usurpers, mad with their lust for power, tore down the glories the Solars had built. They shattered the West itself, destroying the land and leaving nothing but small islands, lost in the seas. They were as unfit to rule as they were undeserving. After endless years of simple incompetence destroying everything that had made Creation great, they allowed in the Contagion. The few people who still lived here died by the thousands. The streets were filled with corpses and the stench of death. The invasion of the Fair Folk consumed everything in its path, for there was nobody left to protect us against them. Even the false Empress only succeeded in stopping them by stumbling upon a relic of Solar magnificence. The world slowly slipped into a final decline, and I abandoned all hope.

"Then the news reached my shores. The Empress had vanished, her great 'Realm', a shallow imitation of the Deliberative of old, has begun to collapse under its weakness and its decadence. And now the Sun-Chosen return to the world. The rightful rulers of Creation live once more, while their enemies are weaker than ever. If you find this small piece of the world that once was to be so inspiring, know that you have the power to bring back the majesty of its age. You alone have the power and the wisdom to bring Creation into a second age of glory, to once more rule as you always were meant to. You can mend this broken world, and save all its people from the doom that awaits them. You, and only you."

Long speeches! Parai is making a Charisma + Performance social attack, aiming to create a new Principle in all of you of "Rebuild the Solar Deliberative". Virgil can see her using a charm to enhance her speech.
16d10
[roll0] = 10 successes

[Phasm]

Outside Parai's Palace

Here goes nothing. Renata takes the knocker and gives it two firm knocks. Wait, how will I get them to let me in? There's only one way she can think of. It goes against the grain to provide irrefutable proof of her nature, but she would have to do so anyway when she got inside, right? With a moment of concentration, the shining golden disc of the Anathema appears on Renata's forehead.

[Aevylmar]

She nods. "I agree that most societies are poor. A better one must be created - a meritocracy instead of the aristocracy of the Realm, with officials chosen via impartial methods for uprightness and ability..."

And then she sighs.

"You are right. I do not have the power to create this newer, better realm myself; I do not have the wit or will or temper to be an empress, and I certainly do not have the desire. And there is no-one I can trust to take the role. I do not think what you were building will succeed, but I will help it as best I can. I will accept your offer, and help you as best I can, provided only that you, as you said you would do, act with justice, compassion, and humanity, and that if it fails, you accept my offer."

A quick smile, then gone.

"I do hope to have a chance to explain to you some of the flaws of the plan. If you must resort to war, drilled companies under the strict hierarchy of a chain of command have better discipline than a scattered coalition where any member has the power to veto an order. But if Heaven smiles on us, we will not need armies."

This isn't a social attack, this is just her talking. After a last few Investigation rolls, I think we can declare this round of social combat over.

First Investigation Roll
[roll0]
Second Investigation Roll
[roll1]

[aetherialDawn]

Parai's Palace - Inside

Kaiden does not speak up, respectfully listening to Parai's argument. It is only as her aims become clearer and yet more ambitious that he begins to debate against them - and then, still internally. She has woven a narrative for herself, it is clear, of herself and of the Solars...

But he has heard the other side. The Dragon Kings fading, the Alaun destroyed, the Mountain Folk cast down, and a society where ultimately no-one had a place except for the Exalted above Humanity above all others... And Parai has done so little to earn his trust, save to run one city into corruption for the sake of stability - yet she can complain of the Empress with a straight face? No, the more Parai talks - of 'creatures' living in harmony, rather than people, of granting the Solars all the glories they took as well as the ones they built, yet denying the same to the Terrestrials who brought down on their heads exactly what they earned...

No.
Ultimately, it seems Parai is just another City Goddess. Her perspective reaches to the edges of her domain, and then stops. She is saying what she thinks a Solar will want to hear... she is saying what she wants to hear. Her plans are nothing but hollow promises that somehow, things will work out just because these three are Chosen. She is a liar, or else understands as little as they do that being Chosen means having to act, to do, not simply to be, as if the world will right itself. He has doubts about the Primordial Yozis; this much Virgil can freely admit to himself. But they, at least, saw the wisdom of asking for parts of a world - of saying that they desire a particular thing, of choosing what they care about rather than pretending that anything they want, they can take without consequence.

Unfortunately, he can see the wisdom; building a better world is better than letting it die even if a perfect one might not be in reach... And most importantly, however wrong Parai is, her power, and the three Solars she is likely to sway, indicate that his greatest hope for fulfilling his obligations is to work alongside them, one way or another. It seems that he will need to start thinking up arguments to sway these Solars to include the systems his patron desires in their new Deliberative... Perhaps he can convince them to be subtle until they have the alliances to oppose the Realm, as well...

... Virgil has a rose-tinted view of the Yozis, doesn't he? Blame Aiden for having the perspective and competence to help him form a Yozi-positive worldview. Which, I must admit, still came very close to cracking a bit from one social attack from a single goddess. The Yozis just aren't very good at selling their worldview beyond "WE GIVE YOU GREAT POWER AND DEMAND YOU DO WHAT WE WANT!"

Taking a two-die stunt to Dodge MDV - Virgil is more effectively saying "This argument is not convincing" than "This argument is wrong."
Not, however, spending any motes on an Excellency. In-character, he's saving up so he can swap Loom-Snarling Deceptions sneakily. Out-of-character, I don't mind this attack hitting.
His Dodge MDV is thus 7... Which turned out to be insufficient, even with Reluctant Champion of the Yozis boosting it to 9! If Aiden chimes in, then Virgil will discard the Principle - he was caught in the false dichotomy of aid and believe/do not aid and do not believe, when the best option is watch, guide them, and do not believe.
New Principle Get: Rebuild the Solar Deliberative!

[Lanaya]

The Immaculate Temple

A few hours later, as the sun begins to set, Zeras awakens. The bodies of the monks he slew have been removed from the room, which is now both scorched in places and an inch deep in water, but he still lies where he fell, ignored - or perhaps forgotten. Thankfully his scorched body feels numb rather than painful, at least for the moment. The temple itself is dark and appears to have been abandoned.

[Rhyvurg]

The Palace

Kel wants to believe Parai so badly. She talks about how great the world used to be, and how it could be that way again. He could almost see this city she talked about, higher than the towers of the Imperial City, that he saw only once as a child. But he has so many questions. What was the Deliberative? Who were the usurpers? How could such a powerful realm be defeated? And if he was chosen by the sun, did that mean the sun was alive? Before he could ask, there was a knock on the front door.

[Beans]

[The Palace]
Vo carefully considers Parai's words. On one hand, Parai is pretty clearly only thinking about her city here, as is her wont as a city god. It's what they do and what they are, self-serving (at least if one regards the city as part of that self) and with a narrow (or rather short-ranged) perspective.

On the other hand... Vo isn't quite sure she doesn't want the same general thing. After all, isn't that what they're here for? Fixing a broken world? Aren't these points correct regardless of the fact that they happened to come from a necessarily biased mouth? Vo is silent for now, looking up at Jin as she gnaws the inside of her cheek.

And then, a knock at the door.

Well, I don't think there'd be a way to raise Vo's Dodge or Parry MDVs enough to counter a whopping ten successes, and it sounds easy enough for Vo to at least partly agree with.

[Amaril]

The Palace

As Jin listened to Parai spin her story of the wonders of the old Deliberative, he found her words resonating with images in his mind that he didn't quite recognize, but somehow knew as familiar--he realized they were memories carried by his Exaltation, like the ones that had come to him when he'd forged his sword. What she was describing certainly had existed, and it was beautiful to contemplate...everyone living in peace and safety, poverty a thing of the past, all this wondrous technology changing the world in ways he'd never thought to contemplate...but something else about what she said stood out to him. The rightful rulers of Creation live once more...
His face sets as he looks the goddess in the eye. "Listen, Parai--I'm gonna explain something to you. If you wanna talk to me about making the world a better place, with everyone able to eat and not having to be afraid of the Dragon-blooded or anyone else, that's something I'll fight for until the day I die. But what you're telling me is that because of these powers we have, we should be ruling everyone else, and that's just not right. Nothing about being Exalted makes us any wiser or any more 'worthy' to choose people's lives for them--no-one should ever be doing that, not the Dragon-blooded, and certainly not us. So yeah, if you wanna help, fine, be my guest, but you won't be helping me rebuild the old Deliberative. I'm going to build a new world, where people are free to live the lives they want, not the ones I or any of the rest of us say they should." He turns to the others. "And if you guys want to join me, that'll make things that much easier. What do you say?"
As he finishes his speech, his train of thought is interrupted by the knock on the door. He spins around towards the source of the noise. "Were we expecting anybody else?"

[Lanaya]

Parai's Palace

Parai frowns at Jin's speech. "That's very... idealistic of you, but the Exaltation does make you wiser and more worthy of ruling than any mortal, especially as you become older and more experienced with your powers. For hundreds of years this city's patriarchs have abused it and lost everything that made it great, while I had to watch in horror out of fear of the Realm's agents. Only a handful of years ago I could retake what was mine, and now it thrives. I have more experience with leadership than any mortal possibly could, the nature of my being gives me abilities far beyond theirs and my ability to manipulate essence only enhances them further. I am simply more capable at every task involved in ruling a city than any mortal could ever be, and some day you will likewise be more capable than I ever could be."

She looks surprised at the knock on the door, but quickly goes to answer it before Jin can respond. "And who are - oh." She stares at the caste mark on Renata's forehead. "More of you? Not that I'm displeased, but how many Solars are on this island, and why? Well, you'd better come in." She leads the Zenith over to where the others have gathered before addressing the group. Jin and Vo still show their caste marks, while Kel glows all over, albeit far less brightly than before. "Make yourselves at home, everyone. Dry off, warm up, if you want some fresh clothes, or anything else, I can have some brought for you. We can chat more over dinner in a couple of hours, I've found there's nothing that inspires conversation like a belly full of good food."

[OracleofSilence]

Caida stands still for a minute, awash in the painfully clear images Parai's argument brings to mind. the Old Realm was a place of beauty. Only a fool would argue with that. But at the same time, it had done terrible things to the world. He could remember flashes of pointless, glory seeking wars, terrible experiments wrought for no purpose what so ever, mortals used as an excuse rather then a cause. The Deliberative may not have caused all of it, but it was responsible for more then enough. But at the same time... Some part of him wanted to do it right. Maybe this time.

He would keep an eye on these Sun chosen, but ultimately, if they made the same mistakes as those in the past, all bets were off.

At Renata's entrance however "Good to see you. I was worried you'd miss all the fun!"

DMDV starts at 5. It is then brutally tanked down to 2 by "Everyone deserves a second chance". FML. I'll call that a 1 die stunt, but as that does not add 8 to my DMDV, that is nowhere near enough.

Whee, new one dot principle.

[Amaril]

The Palace

Noticing the caste mark on the new arrival's brow, Jin was more than a little taken aback. So many others this fast? Damn, someone important must be on my side... Caida's reaction was more of a surprise. "You two know each other? Well, whatever--come on, join the party! Things are already getting interesting."
At Parai's mention of food, his stomach gave a mighty rumble, and he realized he hadn't eaten since the previous night, and that only a pitiful few crumbs aboard the ship. "Yeah, arguing can wait--I'm not talking about anything important until I've eaten."

[Beans]

[Parai's Palace]
Vo listens to Jin and bites her lip, thinking. On one hand, he makes a good point... and on the other hand, doesn't Parai as well? Isn't that the point of being a Solar---to be better at doing these things? And using that to help people, of course, but...
She thinks she's found the person she wants to make king, but he doesn't sound like he'd be sure to take the throne.

The arrival of Renata and the promise of food, however, breaks her concentration and gives her a reprieve from all this thinking. She decides she'll have to talk about it with Jin later, probably.
... Oh dear, Renata's hot too. Dammit, ladies!

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office


She nods. "I agree that most societies are poor. A better one must be created - a meritocracy instead of the aristocracy of the Realm, with officials chosen via impartial methods for uprightness and ability..."

And then she sighs.

"You are right. I do not have the power to create this newer, better realm myself; I do not have the wit or will or temper to be an empress, and I certainly do not have the desire. And there is no-one I can trust to take the role. I do not think what you were building will succeed, but I will help it as best I can. I will accept your offer, and help you as best I can, provided only that you, as you said you would do, act with justice, compassion, and humanity, and that if it fails, you accept my offer."

A quick smile, then gone.

"I do hope to have a chance to explain to you some of the flaws of the plan. If you must resort to war, drilled companies under the strict hierarchy of a chain of command have better discipline than a scattered coalition where any member has the power to veto an order. But if Heaven smiles on us, we will not need armies."

This isn't a social attack, this is just her talking. After a last few Investigation rolls, I think we can declare this round of social combat over.

First Investigation Roll
[roll0]
Second Investigation Roll
[roll1]

Yaiven raises his glass to her. "And with any luck, you will have ample chances to do so. Welcome aboard, Saria.

"Now tell me, where are you staying? My resources are modest compared to my aims, but still reasonably substantial, and it would make life easier if you roomed nearby. I believe there are rooms for rent not far from here."

[Rhyvurg]

The Palace

Kel looks up in surprise. "Captain? You too? I'm sorry, I haven't been able to find a ship for you yet."

[ChaosArchon]

[The Imperial Temple]

Zeras stands up and winces while doing so. His flesh is singed, his robes are in tatters, and his daiklaive still glowing a bit from its fiery bath. As he sees that he is alone, he quickly picks up his daiklaive and focuses his essence into doing the impossible. As he focuses, Fate begins to lose track of the young Eye of Heaven and to all others the man has vanished from Creation entirely.

Confident in his anonymity, Zeras begins to hobble away from the temple and walks back to White Lotus. While he walks there he thinks,"So they must believe Schneizel to be dead as right before I removed my disguise of fate, he was under attack. I can use that to my advantage, but first I need to get to my safehouse and recover. Luckily my sorcerous disguise still holds so I can put Schneizel back on once I reach the White Lotus."

[The White Lotus]

After what seemed like an eternity of pain while walking, Zeras, now Schneizel once again, finally returns to the White Lotus. As he enters, he allows Fate to notice him once again as he collapse in front of the bartender.

As he rushes to help him, Schneizel says,"I require you to get three things for me my friend; one is a doctor skilled in treating burns, the second is a new set of robes similar to my current ones, and the third are robes suitable for a woman."

After issuing his requests, Schneizel retires to his saferoom and begins to rest.

activating Walking Outside Fate -10m 20/39 Peripheral Essence 8/9 wp

[Phasm]

Parai's Temple

'Solars'? Is that what I am? Renata doesn't want to say it out loud in front of this many people, though, especially since there's not one other Anathema, but three! When in doubt, brazen it out. It's a policy that has served her well over the years. The captain puts on a confident smile and strides in after Parai, taking a seat with the others. "Thank you for your hospitality, Most Glorious Parai. I am Renata Swiftblade, formerly captain of the Tya ship Albatross." She gives Caida a small smile and nod. "Fancy meeting you here, Caida. I'm sure there's a great story behind all of this." To Kel, she waves a hand in a 'don't worry about it' gesture. "I would be astonished if you had found a ship in so short a time... ah, I don't believe I got your name earlier."

[Rhyvurg]

The Palace

"It's Kel, ma'am." He holds out his hand, trying not to stare at her tattoos.

[Lanaya]

Parai's Palace

Sensing a brief lull in the conversation, Aiden takes a moment to talk to Virgil. Stirring speech, wasn't it? If nothing else, this god can talk. But you have a purpose in life, and a debt to pay. Abandoning them to aid the Solars would be... unwise.

"No need for the 'Most Glorious', Renata Swiftblade. You need never worship or bow to another again." With that, Parai wanders off to another part of the manse. A small group of well-dressed servants shuffle into the room shortly afterwards, offering the Solars anything they may desire.

[Amaril]

Parai's Palace

As Parai turned to leave, Jin disentangled himself from Vo as gently as he could manage and offered his hand to Renata, flashing her a grin that he hoped could be described as rakish. "Gotta say I'm surprised to run into so many Solars in one day. Renata, was it? Call me Jin." He noticed the mob of servants bustling in to fuss over the Exalts. "Oh, hey, awesome! I'd kill a man for some food, and a bath sure wouldn't hurt either..."

[Beans]

[Parai's Palace]
Very visibly flustered at having to deal with yet another beautiful woman around here, Vo steps forward after Jin greets the new arrival, blushing and swallowing. E-er, my name is Vocusta, and it's nice to meet you. You can, um, you can call me Vo---I-I mean, if you like, that is... The archivist fidgets with the clasps of her open buff jacket, trying to be polite and avoid staring, even though toned women like Renata are very much her sort of thing and---no, bad Vocusta, eyes up!

[aetherialDawn]

Parai's Palace

Virgil listens to Jin's words, and feels... some hope, after all. Building a new world, not taking mere power as a replacement for wisdom... Admitting of both power and limits.
This is a man he can work with, even if it is sometimes difficult to be certain of Jin's wisdom... But then, wisdom is something that can be shared, after all.

Kaiden soon enough excuses himself, thanking Parai quietly for her hospitality and generosity, and walks the halls alone for a bit, speaking with Aiden.
You are right. She has a plan for these Solars, and it will not include the Pyre's desires unless it can be made to do so. She would have glories and wonders and... I admit, it is tempting! But... My duty must come first.
No, I'll not abandon my duties. But there are four Solars here, and with an influential city-goddess supporting them... She Who Lives in Her Name sent me here, not just to the West in general. I think she may have... must have... known. I cannot deny so many Solars, but I might be able to sway them instead.
... But what do you think? Whatever else, Parai must be dealt with, no? She believes in the old Deliberative, and however beautiful it was for her, it was built on untenable, unjust foundations.
I think that if I am to present a message to her, it will have to be as a Solar - 'revealing' myself to by a secretive Twilight Caste. I must get distance from Kel somehow, regardless - a new face is called for, and it turns out I do not need three days to decide...

[Aevylmar]

She raises her glass, clinks it against his, then drinks.

Her second question is met with... a faint blush.

"I am... not staying anywhere. When I left the Threshold, I did so with the clothes on my back and nothing else. Certainly no money. This -" she gestures to herself - "is all I have."

[OracleofSilence]

"Oh, Cap'n looks like you got yourself a fan!" Caida takes the break to un-hook and stow his bracers. No need to wave weapons every time he gestured.

[Rhyvurg]

The Palace

Kel looks uncomfortable being waited on. "I...guess I wouldn't mind a bath and a meal. I can't stay though..."

[Phasm]

Parai's Palace

"Pleasure to meet you, Kel, Vo, Jin." Renata shakes hands with each of them in turn. Unfortunately for Vo, Renata is currently engaged in checking out Jin. Not blatantly- she does have some class- but if you're watching closely, it's there. Mmm mmm, look at those muscles! It isn't long before her practical side reins her in, though. Business before pleasure, self. Besides, you don't know whether he's taken, or if he even likes women that way. She settles back in her chair, looking from one person to another. While a bath and dry clothes sounds heavenly, there are a few burning questions she wants answers to. "So, does anyone here know who 'Ignis Divine' is?"

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office


She raises her glass, clinks it against his, then drinks.

Her second question is met with... a faint blush.

"I am... not staying anywhere. When I left the Threshold, I did so with the clothes on my back and nothing else. Certainly no money. This -" she gestures to herself - "is all I have."

Yaiven grimaces. "I'm sorry to hear that. It has been a long time since I last had nothing, but I still remember it well." He stands up, and crosses to his desk, fetching out some silver. "Here, then. Forty dinars, more than enough to live well for the next few months. Consider it a welcome present."

[Lanaya]

The White Lotus

The bartender looks shocked at Schneizel's entry. He hesitates for a few long seconds, torn between enquiring about the impressive injuries and carrying out Schneizel's request, before deciding on the latter. "Uhh, yes, of course. Right away." He hurries out of the room.

Parai's Palace

So, muses Aiden at Kel's mention of a bath, do you think he still wears that armour to bathe?

[ChaosArchon]

[White Lotus]

Once the bartender leaves, Schneizel returns to the safe room and disrobes, slipping in between the sheets and letting his body rest as it attempts to repair itself from the beating it sustained today.

[Rhyvurg]

The Palace

Kel asks one of the servants where the baths are, and asks if food can be brought to him there. He finds the place easy enough, and walks to the far end of the room from the door before setting his sword down on the water's edge. With a series of clicks and hisses, the armor opens up, allowing Kel to step backward out of it, leaving it standing next to the bath like a statue. Kel unplugs the hearthstone powering the armor and keeps it with him, just in case. Removing his normal clothing, he steps into the water with a relieved groan. It had been a while since he'd removed the suit, not since he left the Blessed Isle, it's self-cleaning and repairing functions had made that unnecessary. As powerful as it was, Kel wasn't sure he liked the armor very much. It felt like...a crutch, something he needed to cover some deficiency in himself. Perhaps someday, he could return it to it's tomb.

[Aevylmar]

Yaiven's Office

She considers declining for a moment, then sighs. "Thank you. I accept your gift, and I will find a way to repay it. I expect I can find somewhere to room, as you say, nearby." Her smile is one of thanks.

[Fortuna]

Yaiven's Office

Yaiven smiles in response. "And I'm sure, based only on what I've seen so far, that you will have no trouble in finding ways to repay it a thousand times over.

"But I'm sure I have only scratched the surface. If we are to cooperate for, as I hope, many years to come, we should learn each others' strengths.

"My own, for the most part, are simple and subtle. I can hear any lie, assess with a few moments of study a person's place in the world, and value any deal in the eyes of another. My tongue is quick, my brush is, with all humility, unparalleled, and I can extract the greatest potential from almost any organization. Besides those, I have some small mastery over chaos and dreams, and I think - though I have never tried - that I could even force a section of the Wyld to adopt a stable form, with some effort.

"What of yourself?"

[Lanaya]

The White Lotus

Some time later the bartender stumbles back inside clutching a pair of cheap-looking robes. "I got these for you and, uhh, your lady friend? But I couldn't get any doctors, not at this time of night. Not without payin' some serious bribes at least, and we didn't have the money for that." He pauses for a moment and awkwardly looks around the room, trying his best to avoid staring at Schneizel's injuries. "Was that all you needed?"

[Aevylmar]

Yaiven's Office

She pauses.

Wow. If that's what he can do, he doesn't need to be a monster for the Scarlet Dynasty to devote all its powers to destroying him. One Yaiven is a threat to it. A few hundred would make it obsolete.

"I have the talents of any unexalted dynast, I suppose. I can survive in courtly politics or fight unarmed; I have a good education in mundane and occult matters. A knack for discovering the truth. My Anathema powers - improved fighting abilities, a perfect memory, the ability to know the insides of a container by touching it, and the ability to transform into wild animals."

She smiles faintly. "I can become a river dragon or simhata, if I must fight, or a dog or cat or seagull, to travel unnoticed. I prefer not to use my powers unless I must. For all such things there is a price."

She closes her eyes, breathes out.

"I must beg your forgiveness for not telling you before," she says. "But there is something important you should know. I have met several other individuals with my powers. Every one of them was insane and evil. They were moonsilver-skinned man-beast hybrids that stole the faces of men, willing to sacrifice the lives of innocents to seek revenge, or to destroy the Realm, or to try to 'recruit' me. I fear both that they may come for me again, and also that the same madness might overtake me."

She holds out the purse. "If you wish to annul our contract, I will understand."

The entire first paragraph is true. The line 'every one of them was insane and evil' is... hmm. I'd call it a half-truth; she believes it with a low degree of confidence, and she's stating it with a high degree of confidence. All the rest of it is true.