[EMPIRE] The International Technology Summit [Archive]

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SamBurke

2014-11-18, 12:53 AM

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The Florin Isles, a non-national port of call, home of the Technical Institute for Brilliant Minds, and now, the International Technology Summit.

It had begun a little over four years before, when Vizini had sent back the first plans for a new, grand, hall to be built instead of the squat buildings of the original Technical Institute. However, the plans were not fully realized until the catalyst came: when the Cree arrived in the Florin Isles. Their efforts were comprehensive. Hundreds of Cree, Niskovian, and Guilderene engineers flooded the future event site and began renovating. The area was turned inside out before construction began, leaving no room for error, and all known security risks removed with prejudice.

In the early months, the Tyrannical Inquisition spread through the island and those near by, often in disguise, aided by alibis supplied in part by various “specialists”. Every criminal dive and den of conspiracy was examined. Potential threats to the event were quietly “resolved”, usually by way of mutually beneficial deals, but by other means, if necessary. Already, belief in Jaaku Na was a stigma; the Inquisition simply went to the next logical step.

The Guilder government was pressured to make entering the sewers and under city without the official authentication of the Inquisition illegal on pain of death. Cree combat engineers went to work filling them with traps, focusing on the areas beneath and around the International Peace Hall. Regular patrols were arranged to check and reset any traps as necessary.

Above ground, the conference grounds where made to exemplify the Tyrannical Expectation of Design, a beautiful flower supported by tough stem of razor thorns. Strength concealed by show. Power allowing peace to flourish and take center stage.

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An artist's impression of the Summit, with a few fanciful liberties taken.

So called Information Kiosks were placed tactically through the main fairground, where display and souvenir stations had been set aside for each nation to display their cultural and industrial resources. These Kiosks contained maps, umbrellas, an other assorted useful things, such as, in a purely theoretical example, the leader (Palm) of a unit (Hand) of Inquisitors, ready to act on any disturbance within seconds.

Though private citizens were encouraged to attend the event, they were all expected to do so under the protection and liability of their home nation. Those without a genuine Cree issued event pass would be removed from the site by an Inquisitorial agent (Finger) for “discussion”.

Large auditorium spaces had been built to host expert panel discussions and international technology demonstrations. Each one was reinforced to act as an emergency shelter, and contained decoratively disguised ballista nests ideally suited to provide firing support against anyone attempting a forced entry.

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Technology from all across the world is on display, in all stages of completion.

Among the many grand prestige structures, the amazing rideable Fiassa Wheel was one of the only standing structure built largely by Guilder technicians, though it was thrice examined and installed by Cree. The structure was crude and slow, driven like a crane, by a rolling wheel and chained trihorn, but despite its glacial pace it was fit as a wonder.

Before boarding, each rider would be asked by a friendly Cree Bloodknight to “Keep a close eye on the fair grounds! Please mention it if you notice anything odd, but first and foremost please enjoy!” The height of the structure was the perfect place for a watch over the city.

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The first Fiassa Wheel, maximum speed: half a revolution per minute.

The other highly noteworthy architectural wonder was the Gereltuuleg Tower. Designed by the famous Cree scholar of the same name, the Tower is a massive iron structure, strewn with lights and banners. Atop rests and observation deck, from which the Inquisition and Bloodknights give subtle signals to the Cree organizers bellow, in the form of changes to the lighting, and modified naval semaphore.

The Tower also housed a Radurja Wapanagi-Mashahidi, brought in as a “spiritual adviser”. The Cree knew nothing of magic and miracles except that they greatly distrust them, and the Jaaku Na have them. No security risk could be overlooked.

In the sky above, beautiful Raaneka airships patrolled, each outfitted with retractable thundersheets loaned from AQUA to aid in making important announcements... or warnings, should those be needed. They were also fitted with a supply of fireworks in various colors, first for display and celebration, but also functioning as flares to communicate various significant sightings made by the telescope operating Inquisitors on-board.

The over all effect was a locked down and tightly scrutinized staging area... cleverly disguised as a delightful open air festival celebrating knowledge and progress. Safety here was paramount: nothing so small as a pickpocket would go unnoticed. And, because of that: because of the responsibility of the Cree, dialogue was an option, even for the warring powers invited.

As the various delegations, whether merchants, mages, or Ministers, disembark from their ships, they are greeted by multi-cultural parties of Raaneki, Guilderenes, and Crimans, Serendels and many more. For any royal landing parties, these greeters are led by the two scientific minds of the Summit, Columbo Fiassa II, and Gereltuuleg of New Crima. "Hello, great one! You are expected..." begins Columbo, bowing to his counterpart and removing his crimson beret. Gereltuuleg stares, saying, ""Ugh, yeah. Hope you enjoy yourselves. Putting it together was certinly damned expensive enough...""

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Batny Gereltuuleg, Head Professor of Mechanical Studies- Univerity at Ryazen Bay

lt_murgen

2014-11-18, 12:09 PM

AQUA had a large pavilion along one corner. In the center, something between a large bathtub and small pond had been erected. A miniature version of the Tangarotha archipelago was laid out in exquisite detail. Dozens of miniature catamarans, larger merchant sailing ships, and paddlewheel warships moved around without any visible wires or ropes. Members of the shipbuilding guild passed out replica catamarans and cogs to visitors and encouraged them to sail them around the islands. The display was sponsored by the Free Association of Trading Ships, the large cargo hauling conglomerate of AQUA.

Ringing the lake were booths and small seating areas where Instructors from the Naval Academy of the Jeweled Cities gave presentations on naval tactics and strategy. The Shipbuilding guilds held discussions on the failings of other ship builders (Guilder and Qarimos particularly) in comparisons to their designs. The aeromancers of Tar discussed the philosophy of taming the winds, and the implications of their abilities. Several tables held samples of the multitude of flora from the Bloomewald Isles. A few noted the Cree security that stood near to the grape-lotus blossom and samples of its thick nectar. Botanists and alchemists discussed their potential properties, and the opportunities for development. And each speaker bore a simple necklace designed to hold a thundersheet leaf, amplifying their voice to be heard over the noise.

The entire AQUA senior council and their families were milling about the fair. The exception being Maximillian Grant Tremblor and his Cloudiz wife Pyrithia, who were expecting their first child.

AQUA would request the additional security around the grape-lotus. It is strongly addictively narcotic

Reggiejam

2014-11-19, 10:50 AM

QuintonBeck

2014-11-19, 02:26 PM

The Triumvirate delegation had arrived at the Conference a few weeks earlier, eager to prepare their section of the exhibition and to demonstrate the technological and mystical marvels produced by the Triumvirate's fusion of mysticism with practicality. A small group of Mtambuzi numbering 20 in total held demonstrations of their vast intellectual abilities, challenging men and machines to outsmart or overcome their knowledge and ability to adapt. They were scholars primarily, but these who had elected to attend were those of whom after completing the Mtambuzi training had gone on to contribute their talents to a variety of other fields be they military, economic, technological, or theological and had been further screened for appearance here for their ability to interact with non-mtambuzi, a trait not all Mtambuzi were created equally with.

So too was the team of Agri Guildsmen who had perfected the arts of crop rotation and designed more easily constructed and utilized plows that was the most recent innovation of the Triumvirate, present, standing guardedly beside their creation, eager to invite people to witness and look upon their creation but hesitant to let anyone too close. A strange amount of protection being lent to farm equipment that in any other scenario would see itself being dragged through the dirt and sweat of the earth.

A smaller display of Vyuma Benders put on impressive displays of their psionic control of the liquid silver metal but a keen eye could spot a significant amount of protection had been devoted to this display and viewers were kept at a relative distance from the performance. The Triumvirate had at first been disinclined to include the exhibit given recent events but had been convinced by security agents, both Cree and their own, that any potential disaster would be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

A few shrieking crossbows could be seen leaning against the main part of the Triumvirate display, unstrung and largely being ignored, the Triumvirate not desiring to upstage the Pavonian's own recent innovations or promote the concept of a largely militarized technological complex as too many technologies already did.

At the head of it all was Speaker Hanistizo Kellin, reveling in the spirited atmosphere of the Conference. Beside him stood his long time friend and confidant the Senator Sashra Sha Sa.

"You're going to miss thiss Han, you know the ssenate approvess of your re-election..." the lizardfolk female said as she caught Han's eye.

Han smiled, "You're right that I will, but wrong about the Senate. They may support my running for re-election but if I won and did something that displeased them down the line they'd have more to stack against me than they did Kondriix and look what happened to him. The life of a newspaper editor does not appeal to me. Better to bow out while in good favor than continue forward down a potentially dooming path."

Sha seemed about to rebuke his statement when a foreign delegate appeared and drew the Speaker's attention.

OOC: Anyone feel free to come up and chat

Snowfire

2014-11-19, 05:40 PM

The Raaneki delegation had been present at the site of the summit for several weeks before it began, ensuring that everything that could be done to protect the event was, and perhaps far more importantly to bring his fiance to Guilder for the last time - she was not intending on leaving the country again except as a wife. It was strange how that relationship had grown, yet the entire Empire had been gladdened by its blossoming. And Sucheta's words to her fellow rulers at the games had borne out in truth, showing surprising perception for the young woman she had been then - and remained still. The delegation had also brought the last pieces of the Raaneki contribution to the summit, the final groups of Fellows detailed to be a part of the Criman security apparatus for the event, and the most important thing: places for everyone to relax.

When Raaneka had requested several clear areas across the breadth of the summit, it had been taken with some surprise, yet in the end their good ties with New Crima had allowed them to convince them that they would not be doing anything bad with those spaces. As the weeks had passed and the Summit had approached more and more steadily, it had become even more confusing, but when the Raaneki delegation arrived the reason was revealed, hanging below dirigible envelopes. The Raaneki carried five buildings across the breadth of the Lyrian Ocean beneath their airships, and on their arrival at the Florin Isles they had lowered them carefully - and with a great many watchful Cree eyes paying attention - into place. Their walls had been repainted and poles of finely polished Raaneki Lumber held up wide awnings of brilliantly dyed silk. And within the buildings were places of leisure, with all the comforts that Raaneka could provide and that New Crima would allow. There had been a few arguments about that, truth be told, but after a short talk with their Queen, the Raaneki hosts had agreed to work within the rules required for the event's safety. That did not mean, howeverm that they weren't going to shave that line down to the most fragile thread permissible. For what was an event such as this without the free and easy means to enjoy one's self? No event at all!

It wasn't their only contribution to the Summit though, far from it. The new Qarimosi airships floating above the city were perhaps the most obvious symbols of Raaneka's technological evolution, but there was more. Down near the waters, a mixed group of scholars and sailors had set up a small pond for a swarm of Mahaki Jana, and they'd be showing off the incredible possibilities of the gentle creatures to anyone who asked. The sheer possibilities of those jellyfish were incredible.

Sucheta had left her aunt with her soon-to-be uncle - it was quite funny, how life brought changes to your world in the way it did. Once her ward, now he was to be family. So strange how the world worked, wasn't it. Yet she was happy for it too, the man that she'd taken in in punishment had been very different to the one who now stood as the voice of Guilder. The Empire was healing, her friends had not forgotten her. And for all the chaos that stood before the East, it was chaos that she could face on this day with joyful enthusiasm, and an easy smile.

And it was that very same with which she greeted the Triumvirate delegation, dipping something between a bow and a curtsy to Speaker Han as she seemed to appear out of thin air - crowds were surprisingly easy to navigate for Raaneki - in front of him. The gesture of greeting had a decidedly Raaneki flavour, and given the still young woman's attire, it was...more than a little distracting. Not that Sucheta even seemed to notice - or perhaps the proper word was care.

"Speaker!" She cried, eyes bright with a seemingly limitless excitement that had become her trademark, "It is so good to see the Triumvirate here, you have created so much - and helped in the creation of even more." She leaned in close, as if a schoolgirl whispering something to a trusted friend. "The first of the new locks were being sunk into the canal when we departed for this summit. And it would not have been possible so soon without your aid." She grinned. "Yet I could not help but overhear your conversation as I approached, I hope you don't mind! What do you plan to do after the next elections, if I might ask?"

HalfTangible

2014-11-19, 06:59 PM

lt_murgen

2014-11-19, 07:28 PM

Han smiled, "You're right that I will, but wrong about the Senate. They may support my running for re-election but if I won and did something that displeased them down the line they'd have more to stack against me than they did Kondriix and look what happened to him. The life of a newspaper editor does not appeal to me. Better to bow out while in good favor than continue forward down a potentially dooming path."

"But he creates the most excellent crossword puzzles." Andus Fitzrion said as he stepped into their presence. "And should your Senate chase you out, a competing paper would liven things up even more.. Speaker Kellin, Senator Sha Sa, it is an honor."

QuintonBeck

2014-11-19, 10:57 PM

"But he creates the most excellent crossword puzzles." Andus Fitzrion said as he stepped into their presence. "And should your Senate chase you out, a competing paper would liven things up even more.. Speaker Kellin, Senator Sha Sa, it is an honor."

"Skipper-General," Han said with a smile, bowing to the AQUA sovereign alongside Sha, "I'm afraid my ability with the written word and passion doesn't much compare to the former Senator's own."

"Speaker!" She cried, eyes bright with a seemingly limitless excitement that had become her trademark, "It is so good to see the Triumvirate here, you have created so much - and helped in the creation of even more." She leaned in close, as if a schoolgirl whispering something to a trusted friend. "The first of the new locks were being sunk into the canal when we departed for this summit. And it would not have been possible so soon without your aid." She grinned. "Yet I could not help but overhear your conversation as I approached, I hope you don't mind! What do you plan to do after the next elections, if I might ask?"

Before he could continue speaking with the Skipper-General the Raaneki Queen arrived. Han was an older man, with interests outside the realm of flesh and found little distraction in the young woman's flourish. Though he could not appreciate the entirety of Raaneki culture he still held them in high regard and their new Queen even more for her political efforts in the recent years that had led to a reawakening of the Empire of Dawn.

"Queen Sucheta," he bowed again to the Queen, "It seems our small display has attracted the rowdiest and most well known of attendants," he smiled with a twinkle in his eye, whether in reference to calling the Triumviral display small or in regards to his commentary on the present company or a bit of both couldn't be clear.

"Thank you for your compliments, but it is the pleasure of the Triumvirate to ensure rapid and satisfactory transportation through it's lands for the most noble and peaceful institution, trade. As for my plans following the upcoming elections I imagine I shall return to participating in the Senate as a Senator. I'm afraid my duties as Speaker have seen my time available for returning to Nyroth seriously limited and I may take a sabbatical there for some time as well."

"Vacations and time without such intense pressures of leadership, a minor benefit of the federal system. Though I think some days the piles of bueracracy quite outweigh the positives," he laughed, "Tell me, Skipper, Your Majesty, I've heard rumors from dock-workers that our Qarimosi ships are being outpaced by the ships coming out of AQUA, surely this can't be true? Long has Qarimos produced some of the finest ships and I've always been a supporter of production with a rich line of antiquity to draw on. Of course, AQUA has a fairly long history upon the Sea of the Golden Sun so perhaps it is true their ships know the sea better?"

Aedilred

2014-11-20, 12:10 AM

For those looking around casually, it might have been easy to miss the Carmine stands at the exhibition, and part of the reason for that was that officially, there was no Carmine stand. The atheling, the elder princes, the Duke of Vennland (and his brother even moreso) and the three Earls of Tuhiland had agreed unanimously that the kingdom should not attend, and the king was too distraught and distracted to overrule them even if he was minded to. On the other hand, the royal council had been well aware that while it was not appropriate for an official delegation to be sent for all sorts of reasons, it would be foolish to miss this opportunity to witness developments elsewhere in the world for the first time in most of their lifetimes. So what was definitely not a delegation was assembled entirely privately, given instructions on how to conduct themselves and power to negotiate for trade deals within agreed parameters, and dispatched. The Kingdom of the Isles was also here, in a more obviously official capacity than its liege, but still maintaining the appearance of a private venture.

There were no elves in the group, nor humans, nor anyone between the two. The nominal leader was a sylphid in her mid-thirties named Elliope, the sylphids having been chosen to lead the party as the least likely of the kingdom's peoples to chafe and take offence at the security restrictions. Unfortunately for a technological conference, sylphids were also widely renowned at least in the south for their complete disinterest in technology or indeed anything even remotely like technology unless it made their lives objectively and undifferentiatedly easier. Fortunately, there was also a substantial contingent of goblins present, who were responsible for maintaining and displaying the items in question.

At the stands, then, there were no flags or heraldry, but those paying attention would soon be able to piece things together. There were working models of windmills and watermills, the watermills being powered by actual running water apparently pumped somehow around a diorama, as well as examples of architecture: a scale model of the grand new cathedral in Salteire, and what appeared to be a scale model - most likely the one used during the design - of the Horbeach redevelopment, showing all its new buildings and infrastructure. Beside them were two of the roaring lion automata seen in the throne room, whether one of those very lions or duplicates was unclear, and the usual latest refinements to the southern printing press and papyrus production techniques, including at least one new typeface, and brightly-coloured cloth, dyes and inks demonstrating new strengths of concentration and fixatives. A little further back were bloomeries where the goblins would demonstrate their method for forging steel, and large wheelbarrows for transporting the produce around, and the whole area further decorated with examples of goblin artistry in carved quartz. That almost all the carvings were of fully-armoured warriors with helm masks was probably just a coincidence. Those arriving early might have seen a (somewhat unflattering) carving in ice that appeared to resemble a Guilderene prince, though by the time most of the senior delegates made their appearance it had thankfully melted to be almost unrecognisable, though it retained a soft glow.

The Isles stand had a more natural appearance, covered in living things, for manufacturing on the islands was minimal. Small specimens of mithril-willow were on display alongside hanging star nectar lanterns, bathing the stand in a warm light, while vines climbed around the outside of the structure and birds twittered from elegant cages. There was another strange plant contained under a glass bowl set slightly back from the main passage with clearly marked instructions not to touch unless supervised. Most obviously notable, however, were the two creatures at the stall, each of them standing eight or nine feet tall, taller even than the Spriggans, but much broader, hugely muscled and white-furred, with large, sharp-looking teeth, horns protruding from their foreheads and each paw capped with claws.

"Front of house" was largely handled by the sylphids, at least early in the day (many of them wandered off in the late morning and afternoon), all of them apparently women, dressed in brightly-coloured silks of various diaphanousness, and many of them wearing delicate jewellery of various exotic metal and precious stones.

Kitsanth

2014-11-20, 02:25 AM

The pavilion set aside for use by the Sovereign Principality of Niskovia was absolutely packed. Innovations designed by Niskovian tinkerers are everywhere. There are glass-fronted display cases full of pocket-watches and intricately decorated music boxes. Stands with both telescopes and microscopes - the lenses made of the finest glass imported from Grmanhil.
The Niskovian tinkerers present - mostly Niskans and Karranan - are eager to take challenging orders if a particular item is desired.

And under the close watch of members of the Niskovian Home Guard are some never before seen items.
Of note is a rather curious means of conveyance - the velosiped (bicycle). Consisting of two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other, which the rider powers by manipulating 'pedals' with their feet. More stable three-wheeled variations are also on display.
Under even closer watch is a prototype mechanised letter writer (typewriter). The device works by an individual manipulating the 'keyboard'. When a 'key' is struck the corresponding letter mechanism will strike the a ribbon which in turn transfers an ink impression of the letter onto the paper. There are two models on display - one with Niskan letters and one designed for trade-tongue.
And curiously, in an isolated corner of the pavilion there is another device - a prototype sewing machine. Wovirl Nalraen, a Karranan 'tailor' standing nearby is quite keen to talk any interested persons through his invention.

Also present, just outside the pavilion, a viewing platform has been erected with a large telescope directed towards the Niskovian airships - moored some distance away from the grounds due to security concerns. Visible via this telescope is a new prototype airship, an ironclad. The metal is a prototype alloy, still in development, that may be even lighter than mithril. Also at this viewing platform is Iona Nisakovich, who is quite happy to discuss airships with any who may ask.

Prince Vanya Nisakovich (113)
Dušan Nisakovich (61)
Iona Nisakovich (52)
Wovirl Nalraen (34)
Kazimir Nisakovich (33)
Rolan Nisakovich (32)
Grand Prince Jehan de Sebastian of House Nisakovich (23, unmarried)

And other members of House Nisakovich.

Reggiejam

2014-11-20, 01:59 PM

[A Clockwork Priestess]

Eirlys had told Marvella multiple times that doing nothing but wait for response from Pyronia was bad for her health. There was simply nothing left for them to do but wait, now. This technology summit Guilder was hosting would be a good chance for her to unwind and connect with the rest of the world. With what Sycia had planned, that would be absolutely necessary in the years to come. Marvella had insisted on attending alone with her guard, however, leaving Eirlys to deal with any political fallout regarding her attempts to contact Pyronia.

Sycia's technological wonders were few and far between (most of what they had was borrowed from their allies in the concordat, as Marvella understood) but they had recently discovered how to make lenses with their crystals, and more recently a way to make paper out of wood pulp. It was a small contribution, but not without merit. However, Marvella was prouder of the magnificent ice statue of Yphine on display. Culture fascinated her more than technology.

She spent most of her time milling about and viewing the creations of other nations, however. There was always something interesting around the corner here...

Katava and Pendraga Tayanya had made their way to the small Sycian pavilion purely by chance but had found it slightly more appreciable due to its equal or greater focus on culture and faith and subsequently spent more time near it than the other displays. When the two Heartwastians saw the Ice Priestess they at first did not recognize her as the sovereign and holy voice of the holy eastern kingdom, taking her young age to presume she was an attendant presenter for the display.

"Excuse me," Pendraga said to the young woman approaching her with a smile, "This statue of Yphinne, do you know who it was carved by? It is of excellent quality and I would like to speak with them about a potential commission for the Fae Court of Kina."

SamBurke

2014-11-20, 03:05 PM

Katava Tayanya and her brother Pendraga arrived at the Florin Isles aboard a Guilderene transportation vessel they had hired out of the Battersea Harbor without much in the way of elaborate fanfare. It was not a desire of the Fae nobles to remain humble or make a small impact, their rich clothing and gaudy jewelry spoke to a desire to appear both affluent and decadent, but the machinations within the Freehold were currently preventing any grand show or appearance from the north central power. The very fact that it was Katava and Pendraga, the heir to the County of Tayanya a sister House to the current dynasty reigning in Wenyavuk, and her brother who despite his male heritage had proved a shrewd courtier, traveling alone spoke to the efforts elsewhere that were drawing the focus of the more prestigious officials.

The Heartwaste and by extension the Freehold had never been an incredibly industrious nation when it came to matters of technology and advancement. While Sanctuary possessed the ability to produce brilliant minds capable of crafting that which the whole world would desire as exemplified by their invention of Plate Armor over 100 years ago it's own internal unrest had caused such advancements to die slowly. A few had speculated that the late Queen Valineth had been on the cusp of a great innovation regarding Bloodfire treatment thanks to her funding devoted to researching the technology agreed upon by the Pax Varinel but her untimely death followed by her daughter's ascension and subsequent shifting of funds away from research and more strongly into religious and military avenues to honor her sister and pursue her own long planned goals had largely dashed any hopes of imminent technological revolution.

So too was The Heartwaste a nation devoid of many of the modern technologies taken for granted by the rest of the known world, having never been granted them by their former liege and never worked to acquire them, placing more emphasis on faith and internal and international diplomacy to bind their nation together than on advancements of the sciences. This inward focus had only been reinforced by the events reported at the Caercian Coronation with many Kina preachers and some priests of Calorum's Lord of Fire reaching out to the populace and decrying the twisted future promised by technology and encouraging the citizens to embrace their fellows and their faith above the materialistic promises of technology.

Thus it was, for the Faedas representatives who looked out across the vast field of technological might arrayed by Guilder and the other participating nations, as if they were stepping into another world. Technology deified and idolized, given a seat equal to or greater than that perch given to a holy event or the coronation of a new monarch. The two Heartwastian nobles had quietly discussed the vulgarity of the displays, each having bought into the latest fad of preaching against the technological capabilities of outside works but as they disembarked the ship, slightly nauseous from the trip over the sea due to their unfamiliarity with the ocean, they maintained straight and pleasant faces. Each knew the world would no doubt look upon them and see only the current rebellion and each was prepared to face such inquiries but they each made a point not to bring the subject up themselves and to tour the convention as casual observers curious at the strange technological worship of the outside world. It is Vizini who visits the Fae, bowing to each in turn, and, oddly, almost unaccompanied. Other than Qu, the newest of the Unmarked to guard the Doge, there is no other. An interesting sight, to be sure; a ruler of the Expanse mingling in among others like a common merchant.

Vizini smiles and bows, extending his arms in the traditional greetings of the Heartwaste towards Katava and Pendraga. "Ah! My friends! Welcome to the event! It is so good to see you and to speak to you in person, here... There is much to see, is there not? So many gorgeous exhibitions from so many nations... more technology in this one island than in any other place in the world! What think you of it?"

Time Bubble: At End of Conversation
While he speaks, an attendant approaches him, panicked and panting. "Yes, Abiele?" he asks.

"You... forgot to give them... the itinerary..."

Vizini laughs, scratching at some of the scales on his arm, and passes the delegation a small scroll. "This appears to be quite important to her... but make sure that you don't let plans ruin your enjoyment, good friends."

Exhibitions:
-Technology Showcase, with modern wonders
-The Model Room, with the most beautiful of (tiny) views
-International Peace Hall, with conference rooms

Optional Events:
-Technology Show and Awards: The best must be recognized
-The Peace Summit: Technology's dangers must be curbed
-The Wedding: Doge Vizini and Dulari of the house of Ambere

In one corner of the vast Exhibition, the Pavonian Imperium had established a massive booth. Most of the space was taken up by an impromptu archery range, where Princess Astrid and a couple of soldiers wielded the new Pavonian crossbows against polished steel targets, driving through the metal plate like a needle through cloth. Other soldiers stood guard in their black armor, while both soldiers and civilians roamed the Exhibition, looking to see what can be seen.
Vizini nods in appreciation. "These are truly wondrous weapons... My compliments to your people and to your engineers..." He watches as another bolt slams into the chest of a plate armor replica, and winces. "This reminds me of the weapons I saw, far, far, to the West... mighty ballistas that could drive a bolt through the heart of any man... You seem to have replicated them well." This thought seems to trigger some unpleasant memories, as he grimaces, and turns back to the conversation with a new topic.

"So, Princess.. Astrid, is it? Yes, yes, how are your people? Dealing with the new government, the new crowning, being an Imperium now, no?"

Time Bubble: At End of Conversation
While he speaks, an attendant approaches him, panicked and panting. "Yes, Abiele?" he asks.

"You... forgot to give them the itinerary! Again!"

Vizini laughs, scratching at some of the scales on his arm, and passes the delegation a small scroll. "Here's a program with the sights and sounds... but make sure that you don't let plans ruin your enjoyment, good friends."

Exhibitions:
-Technology Showcase, with modern wonders
-The Model Room, with the most beautiful of (tiny) views
-International Peace Hall, with conference rooms

Optional Events:
-Technology Show and Awards: The best must be recognized
-The Peace Summit: Technology's dangers must be curbed
-The Wedding: Doge Vizini and Dulari of the house of Ambere

The Triumvirate delegation had arrived at the Conference a few weeks earlier, eager to prepare their section of the exhibition and to demonstrate the technological and mystical marvels produced by the Triumvirate's fusion of mysticism with practicality. A small group of Mtambuzi numbering 20 in total held demonstrations of their vast intellectual abilities, challenging men and machines to outsmart or overcome their knowledge and ability to adapt. They were scholars primarily, but these who had elected to attend were those of whom after completing the Mtambuzi training had gone on to contribute their talents to a variety of other fields be they military, economic, technological, or theological and had been further screened for appearance here for their ability to interact with non-mtambuzi, a trait not all Mtambuzi were created equally with. Some of the judges arrived, arguing amongst themselves. "They're humans! They can't count as TECHNOLOGY!"

"They're the result of years of work, and application of knowledge. If that's not technology, why are we even walking through the grounds, Jameson?"

Jameson growls. "Perhaps we should ask them waht they think? Let's see if the Mtambuzi would be willing to prove their worth to us?" He turns to the display expectantly.

So too was the team of Agri Guildsmen who had perfected the arts of crop rotation and designed more easily constructed and utilized plows that was the most recent innovation of the Triumvirate, present, standing guardedly beside their creation, eager to invite people to witness and look upon their creation but hesitant to let anyone too close. A strange amount of protection being lent to farm equipment that in any other scenario would see itself being dragged through the dirt and sweat of the earth.

"Hmmm.... Interesting... It's a much better blade, with a far better angle of turning sod... which, when combined with a more efficient use of seed, will result in..." The man is muttering to himself in what he clearly thinks is a small voice, but it is anything but. The Agri can hear him quite clearly as he's dissecting the booth, but he's not writing anything down, visibly. The man looks up and smiles to the booths' creators.

A smaller display of Vyuma Benders put on impressive displays of their psionic control of the liquid silver metal but a keen eye could spot a significant amount of protection had been devoted to this display and viewers were kept at a relative distance from the performance. The Triumvirate had at first been disinclined to include the exhibit given recent events but had been convinced by security agents, both Cree and their own, that any potential disaster would be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

A few shrieking crossbows could be seen leaning against the main part of the Triumvirate display, unstrung and largely being ignored, the Triumvirate not desiring to upstage the Pavonian's own recent innovations or promote the concept of a largely militarized technological complex as too many technologies already did.

At the head of it all was Speaker Hanistizo Kellin, reveling in the spirited atmosphere of the Conference. Beside him stood his long time friend and confidant the Senator Sashra Sha Sa.

"You're going to miss thiss Han, you know the ssenate approvess of your re-election..." the lizardfolk female said as she caught Han's eye.

Han smiled, "You're right that I will, but wrong about the Senate. They may support my running for re-election but if I won and did something that displeased them down the line they'd have more to stack against me than they did Kondriix and look what happened to him. The life of a newspaper editor does not appeal to me. Better to bow out while in good favor than continue forward down a potentially dooming path."

Sha seemed about to rebuke his statement when a foreign delegate appeared and drew the Speaker's attention.

OOC: Anyone feel free to come up and chat
Vizini bows to the delegation, smiling and embracing them ecstatically. "Hello friends! How goes it on your side of the continent? It is good to be hearing more from our friends from the Triumverate... Speaker, a pleasure to meet you in person. Senator Sha Sha, you as well. If you could speak with me for a little while, I have a few questions about your government, and... the quirks it possesses. Perhaps you've heard, but Guilder is looking to work itself into a more egalitarian form of government. I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter."

Time Bubble: At End of Conversation
Vizini finishes up, bowing. "You have been most helpful, friends. If you wish to see me later at any time, please don't hesistate to try and find me... Though I'll be wandering quite a bit, so that may be difficult. While you wait, there are many interesting things going on throughout the Summit." He hands them a scroll which serves as the official program for the event.

Exhibitions:
-Technology Showcase, with modern wonders
-The Model Room, with the most beautiful of (tiny) views
-International Peace Hall, with conference rooms

Optional Events:
-Technology Show and Awards: The best must be recognized
-The Peace Summit: Technology's dangers must be curbed
-The Wedding: Doge Vizini and Dulari of the house of Ambere

After examining his own copy of the list, his eyes go wide, and he glances around for his aide. "ABIELE!"

For those looking around casually, it might have been easy to miss the Carmine stands at the exhibition, and part of the reason for that was that officially, there was no Carmine stand. The atheling, the elder princes, the Duke of Vennland (and his brother even moreso) and the three Earls of Tuhiland had agreed unanimously that the kingdom should not attend, and the king was too distraught and distracted to overrule them even if he was minded to. On the other hand, the royal council had been well aware that while it was not appropriate for an official delegation to be sent for all sorts of reasons, it would be foolish to miss this opportunity to witness developments elsewhere in the world for the first time in most of their lifetimes. So what was definitely not a delegation was assembled entirely privately, given instructions on how to conduct themselves and power to negotiate for trade deals within agreed parameters, and dispatched. The Kingdom of the Isles was also here, in a more obviously official capacity than its liege, but still maintaining the appearance of a private venture.

There were no elves in the group, nor humans, nor anyone between the two. The nominal leader was a sylphid in her mid-thirties named Elliope, the sylphids having been chosen to lead the party as the least likely of the kingdom's peoples to chafe and take offence at the security restrictions. Unfortunately for a technological conference, sylphids were also widely renowned at least in the south for their complete disinterest in technology or indeed anything even remotely like technology unless it made their lives objectively and undifferentiatedly easier. Fortunately, there was also a substantial contingent of goblins present, who were responsible for maintaining and displaying the items in question.

At the stands, then, there were no flags or heraldry, but those paying attention would soon be able to piece things together. There were working models of windmills and watermills, the watermills being powered by actual running water apparently pumped somehow around a diorama, as well as examples of architecture: a scale model of the grand new cathedral in Salteire, and what appeared to be a scale model - most likely the one used during the design - of the Horbeach redevelopment, showing all its new buildings and infrastructure. Beside them were two of the roaring lion automata seen in the throne room, whether one of those very lions or duplicates was unclear, and the usual latest refinements to the southern printing press and papyrus production techniques, including at least one new typeface, and brightly-coloured cloth, dyes and inks demonstrating new strengths of concentration and fixatives. A little further back were bloomeries where the goblins would demonstrate their method for forging steel, and large wheelbarrows for transporting the produce around, and the whole area further decorated with examples of goblin artistry in carved quartz. That almost all the carvings were of fully-armoured warriors with helm masks was probably just a coincidence. Those arriving early might have seen a (somewhat unflattering) carving in ice that appeared to resemble a Guilderene prince, though by the time most of the senior delegates made their appearance it had thankfully melted to be almost unrecognisable, though it retained a soft glow.

The Isles stand had a more natural appearance, covered in living things, for manufacturing on the islands was minimal. Small specimens of mithril-willow were on display alongside hanging star nectar lanterns, bathing the stand in a warm light, while vines climbed around the outside of the structure and birds twittered from elegant cages. There was another strange plant contained under a glass bowl set slightly back from the main passage with clearly marked instructions not to touch unless supervised. Most obviously notable, however, were the two creatures at the stall, each of them standing eight or nine feet tall, taller even than the Spriggans, but much broader, hugely muscled and white-furred, with large, sharp-looking teeth, horns protruding from their foreheads and each paw capped with claws.

"Front of house" was largely handled by the sylphids, at least early in the day (many of them wandered off in the late morning and afternoon), all of them apparently women, dressed in brightly-coloured silks of various diaphanousness, and many of them wearing delicate jewellery of various exotic metal and precious stones. The judges walk past, stopping with great interest at the sylphs' table. "Ah! A rather delightful display, wouldn't you agree?" said Jameson, writing some positive notes on his notepad.

James nods. "A very peaceful scene... very much captures the goal of the summit, wouldn't you say?" The two of them appear to ignore the massive creatures, examining the tiny diorama with interest. "If you would please, dear miss, what's this plant labeled "do not touch?" he says, reaching out a tenative finger. He probably isn't stupid enough to touch it, though.

[A Clockwork Priestess]

Eirlys had told Marvella multiple times that doing nothing but wait for response from Pyronia was bad for her health. There was simply nothing left for them to do but wait, now. This technology summit Guilder was hosting would be a good chance for her to unwind and connect with the rest of the world. With what Sycia had planned, that would be absolutely necessary in the years to come. Marvella had insisted on attending alone with her guard, however, leaving Eirlys to deal with any political fallout regarding her attempts to contact Pyronia.

Sycia's technological wonders were few and far between (most of what they had was borrowed from their allies in the concordat, as Marvella understood) but they had recently discovered how to make lenses with their crystals, and more recently a way to make paper out of wood pulp. It was a small contribution, but not without merit. However, Marvella was prouder of the magnificent ice statue of Yphine on display. Culture fascinated her more than technology.

She spent most of her time milling about and viewing the creations of other nations, however. There was always something interesting around the corner here...
Vizini walked to the Sycian delegation with a wide smile. "Ah! Hello, Marvella! I see that you have a wonderful display up! I've heard wondrous things about your ice-sculptures, as usual!" He laughs and smiles, performing the traditional Sycian greeting, and returning to the conversation with a pep in his step. "I'm feeling delightful today! Getting to see the assembled greatness of the nations, all of whom are here for peace... So many events! Speaking of which, I suppose you'll need a program for today's festivities? He hands Marvella a scroll, which, besides the usual maps and advertisements --a staple of any good Guilderene event-- there is a grandiose list of "Events, Exhibitions, and Enjoyments." Interestingly, though, one event seems to be crossed off the list. It is still legible, though.

Exhibitions:
-Technology Showcase, with modern wonders
-The Model Room, with the most beautiful of (tiny) views
-International Peace Hall, with conference rooms

Optional Events:
-Technology Show and Awards: The best must be recognized
-The Peace Summit: Technology's dangers must be curbed
-The Wedding: Doge Vizini and Dulari of the house of Ambere

"So, tell me of your people! And, further, tell me of little Wesley. How is the lad? Is he enjoying his shift in your great nation?"

The Raaneki delegation had been present at the site of the summit for several weeks before it began, ensuring that everything that could be done to protect the event was, and perhaps far more importantly to bring his fiance to Guilder for the last time - she was not intending on leaving the country again except as a wife. It was strange how that relationship had grown, yet the entire Empire had been gladdened by its blossoming. And Sucheta's words to her fellow rulers at the games had borne out in truth, showing surprising perception for the young woman she had been then - and remained still. The delegation had also brought the last pieces of the Raaneki contribution to the summit, the final groups of Fellows detailed to be a part of the Criman security apparatus for the event, and the most important thing: places for everyone to relax.

When Raaneka had requested several clear areas across the breadth of the summit, it had been taken with some surprise, yet in the end their good ties with New Crima had allowed them to convince them that they would not be doing anything bad with those spaces. As the weeks had passed and the Summit had approached more and more steadily, it had become even more confusing, but when the Raaneki delegation arrived the reason was revealed, hanging below dirigible envelopes. The Raaneki carried five buildings across the breadth of the Lyrian Ocean beneath their airships, and on their arrival at the Florin Isles they had lowered them carefully - and with a great many watchful Cree eyes paying attention - into place. Their walls had been repainted and poles of finely polished Raaneki Lumber held up wide awnings of brilliantly dyed silk. And within the buildings were places of leisure, with all the comforts that Raaneka could provide and that New Crima would allow. There had been a few arguments about that, truth be told, but after a short talk with their Queen, the Raaneki hosts had agreed to work within the rules required for the event's safety. That did not mean, howeverm that they weren't going to shave that line down to the most fragile thread permissible. For what was an event such as this without the free and easy means to enjoy one's self? No event at all! These palaces were a particular favorite of the Guilderenes, and many of the Princes spend the entire time of the Summit resting and relaxing in the way only the Raaneki can provide. Interestingly enough, since even the common people are allowed to enter, there is a lot of mixing between the various provinces of the Expanse. Many Guilderenes learn on that day that they're all basically the same... an interesting experience, to be certain, in the Raaneki Palaces.

It wasn't their only contribution to the Summit though, far from it. The new Qarimosi airships floating above the city were perhaps the most obvious symbols of Raaneka's technological evolution, but there was more. Down near the waters, a mixed group of scholars and sailors had set up a small pond for a swarm of Mahaki Jana, and they'd be showing off the incredible possibilities of the gentle creatures to anyone who asked. The sheer possibilities of those jellyfish were incredible.
"A fantastical set of creatures, to be sure, but... what do they do, exactly?" Jameson asks.

"Clearly, they produce jelly. Why else is it in their names?" James says, with a know-it-all air.

They begin to write "Produces jelly. Ranking: High. Reason: Food." on their clipboards, and if they are not stopped, will continue on to the next stall.

Sucheta had left her aunt with her soon-to-be uncle - it was quite funny, how life brought changes to your world in the way it did. Once her ward, now he was to be family. So strange how the world worked, wasn't it. Yet she was happy for it too, the man that she'd taken in in punishment had been very different to the one who now stood as the voice of Guilder. The Empire was healing, her friends had not forgotten her. And for all the chaos that stood before the East, it was chaos that she could face on this day with joyful enthusiasm, and an easy smile.
At long last, Vizini has reached the delegation he was most excited for. "Ahhh... Dulari. It is so good to see you again." He kisses her on both cheeks, before blushing, and moving to a proper Raaneki greeting.

"Have I mentioned how beautiful you look under this light?" He asked, spinning her around, partly for her pleasure, partly for his benefit, and of course, partly to show her off to the world. "Because if I haven't in the last few hours, then I probably haven't said it enough."

Sucheta coughs off to the side --intentionally or otherwise-- and Vizini pays attention to her for a moment. "Thank you for bringing your lovely young aunt... If you don't mind, I'm going to run away with her for a little while."

Exhibitions:
-Technology Showcase, with modern wonders
-The Model Room, with the most beautiful of (tiny) views
-International Peace Hall, with conference rooms

Optional Events:
-Technology Show and Awards: The best must be recognized
-The Peace Summit: Technology's dangers must be curbed
-The Wedding: Doge Vizini and Dulari of the house of Ambere

AQUA had a large pavilion along one corner. In the center, something between a large bathtub and small pond had been erected. A miniature version of the Tangarotha archipelago was laid out in exquisite detail. Dozens of miniature catamarans, larger merchant sailing ships, and paddlewheel warships moved around without any visible wires or ropes. Members of the shipbuilding guild passed out replica catamarans and cogs to visitors and encouraged them to sail them around the islands. The display was sponsored by the Free Association of Trading Ships, the large cargo hauling conglomerate of AQUA.

Ringing the lake were booths and small seating areas where Instructors from the Naval Academy of the Jeweled Cities gave presentations on naval tactics and strategy. The Shipbuilding guilds held discussions on the failings of other ship builders (Guilder and Qarimos particularly) in comparisons to their designs. The aeromancers of Tar discussed the philosophy of taming the winds, and the implications of their abilities. Several tables held samples of the multitude of flora from the Bloomewald Isles. A few noted the Cree security that stood near to the grape-lotus blossom and samples of its thick nectar. Botanists and alchemists discussed their potential properties, and the opportunities for development. And each speaker bore a simple necklace designed to hold a thundersheet leaf, amplifying their voice to be heard over the noise.

The entire AQUA senior council and their families were milling about the fair. The exception being Maximillian Grant Tremblor and his Cloudiz wife Pyrithia, who were expecting their first child.

AQUA would request the additional security around the grape-lotus. It is strongly addictively narcotic
A strange, small man walks up, and begins to examine the Thundersheets, standing right beneath them, even as they blast announcements at full volume. "Fascinating! Truly Fascinating!" He appears to be making rough measurements, closer examinations, and even touching the material, but absolutely no notes.

Behind him--but definitely taking notes-- are the three main judges, James, Jameson, and Jonah. James and Jameson are arguing about something again, something about "but they insulted our honor" and "It's a truly splendificous design", if people listen close enough. Jonah, the final judge, is simply drawing a picture of it all. Still, all of them are paying attention to the booth, and its presentation.

The pavilion set aside for use by the Sovereign Principality of Niskovia was absolutely packed. Innovations designed by Niskovian tinkerers are everywhere. There are glass-fronted display cases full of pocket-watches and intricately decorated music boxes. Stands with both telescopes and microscopes - the lenses made of the finest glass imported from Grmanhil.
The Niskovian tinkerers present - mostly Niskans and Karranan - are eager to take challenging orders if a particular item is desired.

And under the close watch of members of the Niskovian Home Guard are some never before seen items.
Of note is a rather curious means of conveyance - the velosiped (bicycle). Consisting of two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other, which the rider powers by manipulating 'pedals' with their feet. More stable three-wheeled variations are also on display.
Under even closer watch is a prototype mechanised letter writer (typewriter). The device works by an individual manipulating the 'keyboard'. When a 'key' is struck the corresponding letter mechanism will strike the a ribbon which in turn transfers an ink impression of the letter onto the paper. There are two models on display - one with Niskan letters and one designed for trade-tongue.
And curiously, in an isolated corner of the pavilion there is another device - a prototype sewing machine. Wovirl Nalraen, a Karranan 'tailor' standing nearby is quite keen to talk any interested persons through his invention.

Also present, just outside the pavilion, a viewing platform has been erected with a large telescope directed towards the Niskovian airships - moored some distance away from the grounds due to security concerns. Visible via this telescope is a new prototype airship, an ironclad. The metal is a prototype alloy, still in development, that may be even lighter than mithril. Also at this viewing platform is Iona Nisakovich, who is quite happy to discuss airships with any who may ask.

Prince Vanya Nisakovich (113)
Dušan Nisakovich (61)
Iona Nisakovich (52)
Wovirl Nalraen (34)
Kazimir Nisakovich (33)
Rolan Nisakovich (32)
Grand Prince Jehan de Sebastian of House Nisakovich (23, unmarried)

And other members of House Nisakovich.
There is quite a crowd around the Niskovian delegation, as judges, rulers, and commoners all seem to be very interested in the wonders of its gears and levers. They're speaking loud, in amazement of how far the world has come. Old folk all around can be seen expressing their discontent, but otherwise, the only emotions in the crowd are awe and wonder.

First up are the judges, James, Jonah, and Jameson, who strut to the forefront, all carrying clipboards and looking imperious. "Let's see if this lives up to the so-called hype that the common folk are radiating..." Jameson says, doing his best to stay away from said common folk.

"Let's see... a writing assistant! It... presses ink! Fascinating... why, this is like a tiny printing press!"

Jameson glares at James. "Remember that you are, in fact, a professional, and, what's more, a Guilderene. You don't get excited until they tell us how much money it makes." He turned to the Niskovians with an expectant look.

Jonah kept drawing, having moved on from the "mechanized writer" to the velociped.

Another figure, bearing the robes and regalia of the Technical Institute, enters the semi-circle, completely ignoring the antics of the judges, and leaning against the stall to have a conversation with Wovirl Nalraen. "Tell me, dear sir, about this device... it appears to be capable of sewing on its own, in a rudimentary way? This is most fascinating..."

HalfTangible

2014-11-20, 03:31 PM

Katava and Pendraga Tayanya had made their way to the small Sycian pavilion purely by chance but had found it slightly more appreciable due to its equal or greater focus on culture and faith and subsequently spent more time near it than the other displays. When the two Heartwastians saw the Ice Priestess they at first did not recognize her as the sovereign and holy voice of the holy eastern kingdom, taking her young age to presume she was an attendant presenter for the display.

"Excuse me," Pendraga said to the young woman approaching her with a smile, "This statue of Yphinne, do you know who it was carved by? It is of excellent quality and I would like to speak with them about a potential commission for the Fae Court of Kina."Marvella glanced where the two were pointing.

Yphine was depicted as a captivatingly beautiful catfolk, one foot stepping down from a pedestal. She looked upon the viewer with pride and a hint of contempt, clad in an elegant dress snowflakes and ice. In one hand she held the rod of Yphine (which, now that Pendraga and Katava noticed, the girl also had tied to her waist, almost like a scabbard) and in the other she reached out to take someone's hand. On her head was a cowl with spikes reminiscent of a crown. A raggedy man covered in scratches and a scraggly beard was taking her hand and standing up.

"Ah, I love this statue. That was carved by Orion Glacia, one of Sycia's best. This one of three carvings he's done of the Lady of the Doctrine, and in my humble opinion his best. It takes talent to depict ice in an ice carving... well, in a way that looks different from the cloth and skin, anyway."

Marvella was glad to be spoken to informally, and equally glad that her guards hadn't stopped the two strangers. Their breath and her showed in the pavilion, kept just cold enough to keep the statue from melting.

Vizini walked to the Sycian delegation with a wide smile. "Ah! Hello, Marvella! I see that you have a wonderful display up! I've heard wondrous things about your ice-sculptures, as usual!" He laughs and smiles, performing the traditional Sycian greeting, and returning to the conversation with a pep in his step. "I'm feeling delightful today! Getting to see the assembled greatness of the nations, all of whom are here for peace... So many events! Speaking of which, I suppose you'll need a program for today's festivities? He hands Marvella a scroll, which, besides the usual maps and advertisements --a staple of any good Guilderene event-- there is a grandiose list of "Events, Exhibitions, and Enjoyments." Interestingly, though, one event seems to be crossed off the list. It is still legible, though.

"So, tell me of your people! And, further, tell me of little Wesley. How is the lad? Is he enjoying his shift in your great nation?"Marvella cocked her eyebrow at the crossed out event, but thought little of it. She'd show if she wished. "Ah, Vizini, isn't it? Wesley's doing Marvella-sly..." She grinned at her own joke. "Granted, the weather took a little getting used to and his caretakers have their hands full, but he's learning our ways and generally well-behaved. He's quite enjoying seeing the pegasi, as well." She still didn't know how Wesley had gotten into the pegasi stables or where the skunks had come from, but at least he'd been enjoying himself.

Marvella twisted her own hand over her chest in a formal greeting before continuing. "The Holy Kingdom of Sycia seeks to spread the Doctrine of Frost and prepare the world for the coming Eternal Winter, as told to us by Yphine, Lady of the Doctrine and the beauty of winter's first snow. Those who follow the Doctrine and adhere to it shall be saved, and we intend to make sure that that is as many as possible. Our lands boast some of the finest pegasi in the world, beautiful icy landscapes and a proud, cultured people.

"In practical terms, we're a matriarchal theocracy, currently vassal to Glazfell and member of the Concordat of Frost and Flame. Our lands stretch from Sycia proper to Felitora, and we boast many beast-blood sentients from Catfolk-" Marvella tapped her own ears "-to Drakeborn and Bearborn."

For a girl that appeared to still be at the age when boys were icky, she spoke with clear diction and grace. It was a little disturbing.

Reggiejam

2014-11-20, 06:27 PM

It is Vizini who visits the Fae, bowing to each in turn, and, oddly, almost unaccompanied. Other than Qu, the newest of the Unmarked to guard the Doge, there is no other. An interesting sight, to be sure; a ruler of the Expanse mingling in among others like a common merchant.

Vizini smiles and bows, extending his arms in the traditional greetings of the Heartwaste towards Katava and Pendraga. "Ah! My friends! Welcome to the event! It is so good to see you and to speak to you in person, here... There is much to see, is there not? So many gorgeous exhibitions from so many nations... more technology in this one island than in any other place in the world! What think you of it?"

Time Bubble: At End of Conversation
While he speaks, an attendant approaches him, panicked and panting. "Yes, Abiele?" he asks.

"You... forgot to give them... the itinerary..."

Vizini laughs, scratching at some of the scales on his arm, and passes the delegation a small scroll. "This appears to be quite important to her... but make sure that you don't let plans ruin your enjoyment, good friends."

"It is...different than we are used to," Katava responded to the Doge.

"We see technology is held in the highest of regards by the other realms. It is strange. Disturbing in some ways. How can technology inspire one's soul more than faith and solidarity amongst one's fellows? It seems impossible, yet here it sits upon pedestals and as idols as if it were divine." Pendraga followed up, eyeing the surrounding technological marvels.

Marvella glanced where the two were pointing.

Yphine was depicted as a captivatingly beautiful catfolk, one foot stepping down from a pedestal. She looked upon the viewer with pride and a hint of contempt, clad in an elegant dress snowflakes and ice. In one hand she held the rod of Yphine (which, now that Pendraga and Katava noticed, the girl also had tied to her waist, almost like a scabbard) and in the other she reached out to take someone's hand. On her head was a cowl with spikes reminiscent of a crown. A raggedy man covered in scratches and a scraggly beard was taking her hand and standing up.

"Ah, I love this statue. That was carved by Orion Glacia, one of Sycia's best. This one of three carvings he's done of the Lady of the Doctrine, and in my humble opinion his best. It takes talent to depict ice in an ice carving... well, in a way that looks different from the cloth and skin, anyway."

Marvella was glad to be spoken to informally, and equally glad that her guards hadn't stopped the two strangers. Their breath and her showed in the pavilion, kept just cold enough to keep the statue from melting.

"He's certainly talented," Pendraga commented, moving around the statue to look at it from different angles.

"My brother and I adore artistic depictions of the divine, I must say this statue is a pleasant surprise and respite from the surrounding displays," Katava gestured at the rest of the convention, "Yphine and Kina are not too different you know? Both matrons who act to preserve and guide their faithful but not so weak as to be incapable of dispensing proper punishment where needed. In a world consumed with Radurjic pan-theological acceptance and equalization that sees the divine weakened by broad application and the power of the mortal mind hoisted as equal or above the divine that some still follow faith above the rationalizations of fallible mortals is a welcome relief."

HalfTangible

2014-11-20, 07:22 PM

"He's certainly talented," Pendraga commented, moving around the statue to look at it from different angles.

"My brother and I adore artistic depictions of the divine, I must say this statue is a pleasant surprise and respite from the surrounding displays," Katava gestured at the rest of the convention, "Yphine and Kina are not too different you know? Both matrons who act to preserve and guide their faithful but not so weak as to be incapable of dispensing proper punishment where needed. In a world consumed with Radurjic pan-theological acceptance and equalization that sees the divine weakened by broad application and the power of the mortal mind hoisted as equal or above the divine that some still follow faith above the rationalizations of fallible mortals is a welcome relief."

"Indeed." Marvella sighed and shook her head as she picked up a pair of lenses. "It will be quite a shame if we abandon the gods." On closer inspection, the lenses she was holding were made out of some type of crystal. She looked at them intently. "Mortal thoughts are nice and all, but Yphine didn't make me her voice because she trusted humanity to prepare for the eternal winter on their own."

"...Speaking of which," She leaned in, "Have you heard anything from the lands of Pyronia? I've tried to make contact since learning about what happened but I've received no word."

Reggiejam

2014-11-21, 02:01 AM

"Indeed." Marvella sighed and shook her head as she picked up a pair of lenses. "It will be quite a shame if we abandon the gods." On closer inspection, the lenses she was holding were made out of some type of crystal. She looked at them intently. "Mortal thoughts are nice and all, but Yphine didn't make me her voice because she trusted humanity to prepare for the eternal winter on their own."

"...Speaking of which," She leaned in, "Have you heard anything from the lands of Pyronia? I've tried to make contact since learning about what happened but I've received no word."

The casual remark regarding Marvella as Yphine's voice and her personal adoption of I as an embodiment of Sycia seemed to be missed by the two Heartwastians as the young woman mentioned Pryonia.

"I'm afraid we've heard dear little from our allies out of the priesthood of Calorum," Pendraga said.

"Not that that's a surprise, they're a legendarily reserved nation. Still, they're hardly xenophobic or unwelcoming of assistance, though perhaps a bit overconfident in their own abilities as they turned down the Queen's offer for assistance against the militants before a most recent change of heart."

"My sister means to say that she is certain the Pryonians and their priest-lords in Calorum would not object to an investigation from Sycia."

"So long as you not attempt to proselytize them that is," Katava added.

lt_murgen

2014-11-21, 08:11 AM

A strange, small man walks up, and begins to examine the Thundersheets, standing right beneath them, even as they blast announcements at full volume. "Fascinating! Truly Fascinating!" He appears to be making rough measurements, closer examinations, and even touching the material, but absolutely no notes.

Behind him--but definitely taking notes-- are the three main judges, James, Jameson, and Jonah. James and Jameson are arguing about something again, something about "but they insulted our honor" and "It's a truly splendificous design", if people listen close enough. Jonah, the final judge, is simply drawing a picture of it all. Still, all of them are paying attention to the booth, and its presentation.

One of the aeromancers who was assisting with the event pointed out to the judges that there seems to be a link between thundersheet plants, even after they are divided into two bundles instead of one. "The potential for communication at a distance is a tantilizing vision, but we lack the deeper mathematical understandings to capitalize on it." An Islander healer added, lamenting, "It is the same with the medicinal effects of so many plants in the Bloomewald. Specialists in medicine could uncover greater benefits than we can even dream of."

***Elsewhere****
In a shadowed corner of another tent, far away from the AQUA delegation, a young man emerges from the insubstantial shadow cast by a single thin tent pole. He asks one of the security officers "Pardon me, where is the lavatory?"

This is one of the concil's kids, playing with the ability he gained (Walk of the Night Sky) during my event last round. Gotta cause a little disturbance, if only for fun.

Reggiejam

2014-11-21, 07:13 PM

***Elsewhere****
In a shadowed corner of another tent, far away from the AQUA delegation, a young man emerges from the insubstantial shadow cast by a single thin tent pole. He asks one of the security officers "Pardon me, where is the lavatory?"

Katava and Pendraga, who happened to be passing by the tent at the appearance of the AQUAn jumped for a moment, and quickly came marching over.

"This is how you use the Mother's Gift?" Katava hissed to the young AQUAn.

HalfTangible

2014-11-21, 07:19 PM

The casual remark regarding Marvella as Yphine's voice and her personal adoption of I as an embodiment of Sycia seemed to be missed by the two Heartwastians as the young woman mentioned Pryonia.

"I'm afraid we've heard dear little from our allies out of the priesthood of Calorum," Pendraga said.

"Not that that's a surprise, they're a legendarily reserved nation. Still, they're hardly xenophobic or unwelcoming of assistance, though perhaps a bit overconfident in their own abilities as they turned down the Queen's offer for assistance against the militants before a most recent change of heart."

"My sister means to say that she is certain the Pryonians and their priest-lords in Calorum would not object to an investigation from Sycia."

"So long as you not attempt to proselytize them that is," Katava added.

She shrugged. "We're going in whether they like it or not - If this is a precursor to the eternal winter I need to know now, and if it's not then I can help end the storm before Pyronia is wiped out.

DoomHat

2014-11-21, 10:43 PM

DurkBlanston

2014-11-22, 01:28 PM

The Lord Protector sneered at the Guilderene who had spoken to him upon his disembarkation once more as he followed Khoonbish past the foppish fool before returning his attention to his travelling companion.

"Thank you for handling that one Khoonbish, I don't think the King would have appreciated my gutting of the poor fool. I had thought it would be well known the Consortium does not visit Guilderene lands out of desire to speak to Guilderenes but only out of necessity to speak with those worthy of address."

***Back at the Landing***

Lord Lieutenant Vitus bit down on his inner lip to keep from laughing as his uncle and recently adoptive father nearly split the poor Guilderene greeter in two with his glare. Nao had been nothing but jovial aboard the Bane, such as he was among friends, but now it seemed as if every negative portion that might have been weighed against the positives of the trip was to come unveiled.

"I gotta work on my glare if I'm hoping to be Lord Protector one day," he joked quietly to Martina and Cecilia.

Martina stood at his side their arms intertwined as if they were a proper married couple. However, despite the fact that the two had simply been sharing a bedroom down in Palas Caercia for the past few years they remained unwed and even un-betrothed, a point of some gossip among the Caercian Courtiers. Still, neither seemed to be especially bothered by the rumors, being quite consumed enough in their own affair as to pay no heed to the rumors regarding it.

Off to the right and a step behind was Vitus' young cousin Cecilia, a gifted artist and weaver who accompanied the group to join discussions with AQUA regarding a variety of different things. While Nao worked with the Cree, Vitus and the small entourage he was escorting were to meet with AQUA and Celero and discuss a variety of plans concocted regarding the northern powers and the Imperium.

Vitus turned towards Ganbaatar, "We need to speak with AQUA and the Kingdom of Celero, do your men know a private place we might all meet?"

Attendants

Lord Protector Nao Caercia (B. 435) - See image
Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia (B. 450) - Broad shouldered, and strong with Sterk features and a well groomed but thick blonde beard and gray eyes.
Martina Grant-Tremblor Fitzrion (B. 447) - Tanned skin, pleasantly proportioned and fit AQUAn with godana and her father's attractive features.
Cecilia Abn Tnyn (B. 455) - Half Wyrmar with delicate brown skin, pale eyes, dark hair and and intelligent quirk to her.

lt_murgen

2014-11-23, 08:38 PM

[COLOR="#B22222"]"Tell me, Skipper, Your Majesty, I've heard rumors from dock-workers that our Qarimosi ships are being outpaced by the ships coming out of AQUA, surely this can't be true? Long has Qarimos produced some of the finest ships and I've always been a supporter of production with a rich line of antiquity to draw on. Of course, AQUA has a fairly long history upon the Sea of the Golden Sun so perhaps it is true their ships know the sea better?"

"Know the sea? Perhaps. But our true strength lies in our Naval Academy. Over one hundred years of teaching and training sailors and navigators. One hundred years of solving solving the issues of sailing and building new designs to fix those problems. Qarimos has a fine tradition and some of the best shipwrights of the world. But they have languished in innovation in recent decades." There was sadness in his voice.

The Inquisitor was not visibly startled by the sight of the young man's miraculous arrival. He smiled easily under his colorful mask as he gently patted the young man's shoulder in a kind paternal way until his hand settled firmly but gently between his shoulder and neck, ready to inflect a variety of potential agonies in an instant.

There was a subtle menace in the sweet softness of his voice as he said, "Of course sir, we are here to help. Would you mind showing me your Event Pass please?".

John Francis flashed the man his pass absently. "Here." After receiving directions, he began to fade out. The Inquisitor felt the man's shoulder under his hand simply, vanish. A faint smell of dead flesh and open graves wafted across the Iquisitor But he was back in a second, re-emerging from a shadow to confront the two women who accosted him.

Katava and Pendraga, who happened to be passing by the tent at the appearance of the AQUAn jumped for a moment, and quickly came marching over.

"This is how you use the Mother's Gift?" Katava hissed to the young AQUAn.

He turned to look at them, and gave them a cold, cold stare. There was something dead behind his eyes, that was for certain. "It's Mother's business. Not yours." [/color[ His hand touched the ruemel on his wrist. A black one. He looked them up and down, and a slight glimmer of humanity returning to his eyes. [COLOR="#808080"] "Apologies. I was.. elsewhere for a moment. So many tasks, so few of us. I've been instructed to be at your disposal during the convention. You will take me to your homeland after." The man seemed to be enduring some kind of ague.

DoomHat

2014-11-23, 10:35 PM

The Lord Protector and Khoonbish
"Thank you for handling that one Khoonbish, I don't think the King would have appreciated my gutting of the poor fool. I had thought it would be well known the Consortium does not visit Guilderene lands out of desire to speak to Guilderenes but only out of necessity to speak with those worthy of address."

In response she fell softly into him and grasped his arm as though requiring it to support her weight as they walked. Nao had plenty of time on the voyage here get used to her peculiar 'quirks'. At that moment, she resembled a woeful wraith haunting his shadow, which was arguably better then the lurking ghoul from a moment earlier.

“Your anger serves you weeell to set the stage... but holding onto it gains you nothing! Look arOUnd you and see the Tyrant's wrath. Had she acted on her rage with vitriol the Cree would have gained nothing and lost much.

Look... loook! Seee what you can buy with forgivenesssss! Even if you can not truly forgive, think of the irony, how much they will pay for the illusion of peace. Allow them the opportunity to imagine they've stayed your wrath. Why bloody your hands and risk destroying the spoils. Wait. Watch. Smiiile.”

The "Walk of the Night Sky" Incident

The young man flashed his pass, absently saying “Here.”, apparently already bored with this interaction.

The Inquisitor attempted to study the small document for the brief glimpse that was allowed him. Nothing could be more suspicious then this kind of flippancy, especially when it came to trying to pass off forged documents. All he caught was the name John Francis and the AQUA Crest.

“Mr. Francis, I'm going to have to ask you to please come with me.” said the Inquisitor, attempting to remain cordial while resting his thumb over a pressure point in the boy's neck.

After receiving those directions, he began to fade out instead. The Inquisitor attempted to pull him in, driving the thumb into the weak spot while his other hand reached for his cudgel, but the boy had simply vanished. A faint smell of dead flesh and open graves wafted across the Inquisitor, who responded by immediately putting his hand to his mouth and whistling what sounded like urgent bird song. The sound began echoing throughout the streets as other distant Inquisitors heard and repeated it, recognizing the code.

Another Inquisitor a short distance away from the first, who'd witnessed the exchange, rushed to the Information Kiosk and shouted urgent shorthand to he man inside. At the same moment the young man was re-emerging from a shadow, not two heartbeats after he'd vanished, a single purple firework could be seen and heard screeching upward from the Kiosk.

The boy, now facing Katava and Pendraga, was in no position to see an Inquisitor's cudgel lashing out at the side of his head with the quick sureness of a viper strike. The Inquisitor had officially lost his cool. The back swing would be just as hard, and the flurry of followups would be no kinder.

Already a number of Wapanagi were converging on the sector to assist in neutralizing the unauthorized and or unidentified supernatural agent.
You're perfectly free to have him no-sell this Inquisitor's years of training with magical fiat, just know that it will escalate the situation. At this stage the Cree will be forced to apologize for the excessive force. If he fights back and or escapes, there'll be a manhunt and diplomatic pressure against AQUA.
EDIT: Also worth noting the Inquisitor's not going for a kill here. Just to subdue. A whole lot of subdue.

Aedilred

2014-11-23, 11:23 PM

The judges walk past, stopping with great interest at the sylphs' table. "Ah! A rather delightful display, wouldn't you agree?" said Jameson, writing some positive notes on his notepad.

James nods. "A very peaceful scene... very much captures the goal of the summit, wouldn't you say?" The two of them appear to ignore the massive creatures, examining the tiny diorama with interest. "If you would please, dear miss, what's this plant labeled "do not touch?" he says, reaching out a tenative finger. He probably isn't stupid enough to touch it, though.

One of the huge creatures made a rumbling sound, a sound primally associated in humanoid brains with impending death. It appeared to be some sort of laughter. It spoke in a low voice, something that was recognisably language, but unintelligible.

"Yes, you did tell me, putting that sign on it was only going to attract attention. Still, better that than the alternative... No, I don't think it would be funny... Maybe a bit funny," one of the spriggans said to it. She turned back to the Guilderenes, laughing slightly nervously.

"Sorry about that. The plant is rustwind. It is highly corrosive and, in an enclosed space or even an outdoor one if sufficiently densely planted, poisonous. It's not something you want to get near your jewellery, or get stuck in a booth with for too long." She carefully lifted the lid from it and withdrew what on closer inspection was a belt knife, highly pitted and rusted, looking as if it had spent several years lying out in all weathers, completely uncared for.

"This was good steel. I put it in with the plant when we began setting this stall up, just a couple of days ago. If metal comes into contact with the miasma of the plant, it will continue to corrode even when taken away from it, hence my concern for your jewellery, not to mention any other metal on your persons. My - er - friend here seems to think it would be entertaining to watch peoples' clothes disintegrate as the metal in them rusts over the course of the conference, but he hails from the islands where this plant grows, and so thinks anyone wearing metal is very foolish in the first place. The rest of us thought it best to contain it so that the miasma doesn't spread widely and ruin anyone's display."

Snowfire

2014-11-24, 03:34 PM

"Skipper-General," Han said with a smile, bowing to the AQUA sovereign alongside Sha, "I'm afraid my ability with the written word and passion doesn't much compare to the former Senator's own."

Before he could continue speaking with the Skipper-General the Raaneki Queen arrived. Han was an older man, with interests outside the realm of flesh and found little distraction in the young woman's flourish. Though he could not appreciate the entirety of Raaneki culture he still held them in high regard and their new Queen even more for her political efforts in the recent years that had led to a reawakening of the Empire of Dawn.

"Queen Sucheta," he bowed again to the Queen, "It seems our small display has attracted the rowdiest and most well known of attendants," he smiled with a twinkle in his eye, whether in reference to calling the Triumviral display small or in regards to his commentary on the present company or a bit of both couldn't be clear.

"Thank you for your compliments, but it is the pleasure of the Triumvirate to ensure rapid and satisfactory transportation through it's lands for the most noble and peaceful institution, trade. As for my plans following the upcoming elections I imagine I shall return to participating in the Senate as a Senator. I'm afraid my duties as Speaker have seen my time available for returning to Nyroth seriously limited and I may take a sabbatical there for some time as well."

"Vacations and time without such intense pressures of leadership, a minor benefit of the federal system. Though I think some days the piles of bueracracy quite outweigh the positives," he laughed, "Tell me, Skipper, Your Majesty, I've heard rumors from dock-workers that our Qarimosi ships are being outpaced by the ships coming out of AQUA, surely this can't be true? Long has Qarimos produced some of the finest ships and I've always been a supporter of production with a rich line of antiquity to draw on. Of course, AQUA has a fairly long history upon the Sea of the Golden Sun so perhaps it is true their ships know the sea better?"

"Know the sea? Perhaps. But our true strength lies in our Naval Academy. Over one hundred years of teaching and training sailors and navigators. One hundred years of solving solving the issues of sailing and building new designs to fix those problems. Qarimos has a fine tradition and some of the best shipwrights of the world. But they have languished in innovation in recent decades." There was sadness in his voice.

"Raaneka knows her friends, Speaker, and with your people certainly among them, how could I fail to find a way to see you?" She laughed at his further words, eyes sparkling with youthful light as she turned to the matter of ships and speed. "The Naval Academy is a great boon to your people, yet Qarimos has not been idle in its work," she pointed upwards, at the beautiful Raaneki airships hovering above the isle. "They simply turned their hands to a new type of ship. And the discovery of the Gifts of Lyrian has...distracted a great many of their finer minds." She chuckled, yet here her eyes almost glowed with enthusiasm. "The possibilities of those creatures...it opens so much to those less gifted in blood than I." She lifted her head and indicated the gills upon the flawless skin of her neck. "Have you seen their exhibit?"

These palaces were a particular favorite of the Guilderenes, and many of the Princes spend the entire time of the Summit resting and relaxing in the way only the Raaneki can provide. Interestingly enough, since even the common people are allowed to enter, there is a lot of mixing between the various provinces of the Expanse. Many Guilderenes learn on that day that they're all basically the same... an interesting experience, to be certain, in the Raaneki Palaces.

"A fantastical set of creatures, to be sure, but... what do they do, exactly?" Jameson asks.

"Clearly, they produce jelly. Why else is it in their names?" James says, with a know-it-all air.

They begin to write "Produces jelly. Ranking: High. Reason: Food." on their clipboards, and if they are not stopped, will continue on to the next stall.

"What they do is quite incredible." An Ayavan scholar smiled at the two judges, nodding at one of the sailors, meters below the water with one of the jellyfish over his mouth. It looked quite strange, yet as the judges looked down he winked at them and swam down towards the bottom of the harbour. "As you can see."

At long last, Vizini has reached the delegation he was most excited for. "Ahhh... Dulari. It is so good to see you again." He kisses her on both cheeks, before blushing, and moving to a proper Raaneki greeting.

"Have I mentioned how beautiful you look under this light?" He asked, spinning her around, partly for her pleasure, partly for his benefit, and of course, partly to show her off to the world. "Because if I haven't in the last few hours, then I probably haven't said it enough."

Sucheta coughs off to the side --intentionally or otherwise-- and Vizini pays attention to her for a moment. "Thank you for bringing your lovely young aunt... If you don't mind, I'm going to run away with her for a little while."

"Good to see you as well, my love" Dulari replied, wrapping herself around her fiance and planting a firm kiss upon his lips, then laughing with joy as he spun her beneath his hand, fast enough to raise, ever so slightly, her very Raaneki skirt. "And you have told me many times, but I never mind compliments." She smiled gently, then looked for a moment at Sucheta.

"Have fun, Dula'." Sucheta grinned and then winked at her aunt-sister. "You've certainly waited long enough."

SamBurke

2014-11-24, 04:03 PM

Nearly the entire Cree navy could be seen paroling the Florin Isles, delighting and confusing all those entering the Summit by sea with the dissonance of their unsettling decorations, and pleasant musical accompaniment in some cases. However, the nation's Flagship, Bane of Hope, could not be missed when it appeared among them.

In seamless choreography, the Cree ships diverted from their normal patrol, crisscrossing Bane of Hope's path in equal parts guard action and salute. Besides all the other onlookers from various nation's encouraged to view the arrival, every Cree civilian and soldier unoccupied with specific duties at that moment was arrayed there at port, shouting in unison, honoring the arriving passengers.

“Cree! Cree! Cree! Cree!”

Three figures descended the gangplank, apparently indifferent to the spectral, laughing and gossiping as casually as a group of old friends walking to a tavern.

http://38.media.tumblr.com/7aaff817178027231d6f4f0d61816021/tumblr_nfcy4d2Ba61skwqimo1_1280.jpg
Ganbaatar Heart of the Inquisition, Lord Protector Nao Caercia, and Tyrant's Champion Heir Khoonbish the Inhuman.
A strange and eerie group indeed.

A proud and noble Caercian Protector who's otherwise handsome features were marred by the deep burns he'd received at his own coronation, at the hands of Guilder technology, wielded by a Guilder noble. He was flanked on either side by figures plucked from a nightmare. The Heart of the Inquisition was completely concealed by the dark robes and horse faced mask of his office, which obscured even his eyes. Khoonbish was just as monstrous as the rumors suggested, her every movement was either jarringly sudden or uncannily smooth, he skin was corpse pale, and her eyes were sunken yet somehow brightened by her apparent mania.

Further up the causeway Gereltuuleg turned to his counterpart with a look of genuine concern saying, “Columbo, I don't care what your government told you... you should probably go. Now. I'll cover for you, just... just go.”

Columbo Fiassa II looked back at him with confusion and incredulity. Guilder was hosting this event specifically to repair relations with the nations of the world, Caercia in particular. It wouldn't do to let the Lord Protector feel he was being ignored. While he was considering this, it was already too late, the delegation was upon them.

"Hello, great one!” he said cheerfully, “You are..."
https://33.media.tumblr.com/d8989900d3c0c11df66718e808a03f58/tumblr_nff21zJFiD1skwqimo1_400.jpg
It would later be said that Nao's glare at that moment might have spoiled milk and extinguish fires. The scale and weight of his royal contempt could be felt at a distance, and it strangled the jubilant atmosphere into silence.

“Is this creature speaking to me?” he asked no one in particular, starring at Fiassa in the same way a man might stare at clump of maggots found wriggling in his dessert.

“Suuurely not, nooo” said Khoonbish as she slithered up to Columbo and examined the pours of his cheek with interest, “This one's job is to remind the Doge and his subordinates that the Lord Protector his here only to honor the efforts of the Cree. He shall partake of the wonders on display, but he will only hear the voice of a Guilderian if they are speaking upon a stage. All other messages, be they requests, fauning, or appologies shall be rendered through the Cree, lest Guilder tax the Lord Protector's royal patience. ”.

She then licked the Fiassa's face from lip to cheek to forehead with her long purple tongue before darting away to lead the Lord Protector onward into the fairground. Her saliva remained there like a thick greasy slime.

Ganbaatar did not follow, instead choosing to observe the remaining Delegation, Heir to the Lord Protector "Lord" Vitus Caercia, his 'betrothed' Martina Grant-Tremblor Fitzrion, and Cecilia Abn Tnyn.

Columbo stepped backwards as if slapped... no, as if he'd been slammed full on by a rhino. "I! I... if you...."

“Is this creature speaking to me?”

"Well, sir, I--"

“Suuurely not, nooo” said Khoonbish, slithering most unnaturally, “This one's job is to remind the Doge and his subordinates that the Lord Protector his here only to honor the efforts of the Cree. He shall partake of the wonders on display, but he will only hear the voice of a Guilderian if they are speaking upon a stage. All other messages, be they requests, fauning, or appologies shall be rendered through the Cree, lest Guilder tax the Lord Protector's royal patience. ”.

Columbo took his hint, and fell silent. There was, however, now no way of exit. He was trapped on the dock with the assembled... beings, and there wasn't a hope of escape. So he waited, as the procession moved past, seemingly taking an hour to pass along beside him. At long, long, last, the final Caercian walked by with a scowl, and he was free. "How did Crima even manage to get them to come...?" He wondered aloud, shaking himself off. Still, he had one last duty.

He ran to one of the Cree in the rearguard, and slid out a scroll. "I believe your master is most interested in the Peace Summit...? Regardless, here are the events of the day."

Exhibitions:
-Technology Showcase, with modern wonders
-The Model Room, with the most beautiful of (tiny) views
-International Peace Hall, with conference rooms

Optional Events:
-Technology Show and Awards: The best must be recognized
-The Peace Summit: Technology's dangers must be curbed
-The Wedding: Doge Vizini and Dulari of the house of Ambere

One of the aeromancers who was assisting with the event pointed out to the judges that there seems to be a link between thundersheet plants, even after they are divided into two bundles instead of one. "The potential for communication at a distance is a tantilizing vision, but we lack the deeper mathematical understandings to capitalize on it." An Islander healer added, lamenting, "It is the same with the medicinal effects of so many plants in the Bloomewald. Specialists in medicine could uncover greater benefits than we can even dream of."
Jameson began to speak, saying "Ah! Most interesting! So with the two bundles... it's... twice as loud! Clearly!" He begins to write that down on his notepad when another figure interrupts.

"I can't help but overhear you... When you say you do not have mathematical understandings... do you mean Calculus? Physics, perhaps? If Guilder were to assist you with those things, would you be able to increase either the power of these plants, or the ability of the medicine? Because I definitively have the ability to assist you there..."

Sounds like you need some TRADES? :smallbiggrin: I've got Calc and Physics. Would those help?

Astrid sets down the bow. "It's... interesting, to be sure. Going from third in line to second in line for the throne makes a bigger difference than you'd think. It does mean I get to go on trips like these, though."

"As for the bows, yeah, they're quite something. Bit weird to use, though. You have to brace them against your shoulder, and then when you loose it's like it punches you. I might suggest that they make the next run with padded stocks.

(At conversation's end)

She glances at the scroll. "Ooh, congratulations! She any relation to Mum?"

"Oh, I can imagine... it was quite the responsibility when I returned from my labors in Raaneka. They thrust me straight towards the throne, said, "Lucky boy" and threw the Sword of the Doges in my hand. Not literally, of course, but very nearly. I hope you're enjoying your progression benefits, though? Enjoying yourself at the conference, no doubt?

"I suppose there are some in my cabinet who would be interested in the bows, but I, however, would decline a test run, pads or no pads. But on to happier things! Perhaps Pavonia would be interested in trades? Guilder's accountants have found that Buttercup diverted many of our resources awry, so we have more than expected!"

(At Conversation's End)
"She's a Raaneki, and the aunt of Sucheta... I assume she's related to everyone until otherwise told." He laughs. "That's a Raaneki kind of joke... she's been introducing them to me... I rather like it! I should introduce it to my people, methinks... we could all use more Raaneki in us, no?"

"It is...different than we are used to," Katava responded to the Doge.

"We see technology is held in the highest of regards by the other realms. It is strange. Disturbing in some ways. How can technology inspire one's soul more than faith and solidarity amongst one's fellows? It seems impossible, yet here it sits upon pedestals and as idols as if it were divine." Pendraga followed up, eyeing the surrounding technological marvels.

"He's certainly talented," Pendraga commented, moving around the statue to look at it from different angles.

"My brother and I adore artistic depictions of the divine, I must say this statue is a pleasant surprise and respite from the surrounding displays," Katava gestured at the rest of the convention, "Yphine and Kina are not too different you know? Both matrons who act to preserve and guide their faithful but not so weak as to be incapable of dispensing proper punishment where needed. In a world consumed with Radurjic pan-theological acceptance and equalization that sees the divine weakened by broad application and the power of the mortal mind hoisted as equal or above the divine that some still follow faith above the rationalizations of fallible mortals is a welcome relief."
Vizini nods. "My Sage Columbo spoke to me about Kina, saying that she was far more... raw, real, to him than Rajurda. I've often wondered if it is not detrimental to have so MANY beliefs that one cannot stay strong to a central one. I, of course, am Rajurda by official, for all the people of my nation are. But I believe that each person must have an individual belief, a strong-held conviction.

"For Columbo, his is that the world can be made better with the human mind. It's not a worshipping of the mind, to him... simply that he has been given one of a certain intelligence, and he must use it. So he does. He travelled halfway across the world to see the Mother of the Night, and wrote of its wonders when he returned. He travelled halfway the other direction to reach the Clanships, and wrote of its characteristics as well... I believe you would be interested in those lands. They have many strange and dark things, but it would seem to be a place near to Kina's heart."

Marvella cocked her eyebrow at the crossed out event, but thought little of it. She'd show if she wished. "Ah, Vizini, isn't it? Wesley's doing Marvella-sly..." She grinned at her own joke. "Granted, the weather took a little getting used to and his caretakers have their hands full, but he's learning our ways and generally well-behaved. He's quite enjoying seeing the pegasi, as well." She still didn't know how Wesley had gotten into the pegasi stables or where the skunks had come from, but at least he'd been enjoying himself.

Marvella twisted her own hand over her chest in a formal greeting before continuing. "The Holy Kingdom of Sycia seeks to spread the Doctrine of Frost and prepare the world for the coming Eternal Winter, as told to us by Yphine, Lady of the Doctrine and the beauty of winter's first snow. Those who follow the Doctrine and adhere to it shall be saved, and we intend to make sure that that is as many as possible. Our lands boast some of the finest pegasi in the world, beautiful icy landscapes and a proud, cultured people.

"In practical terms, we're a matriarchal theocracy, currently vassal to Glazfell and member of the Concordat of Frost and Flame. Our lands stretch from Sycia proper to Felitora, and we boast many beast-blood sentients from Catfolk-" Marvella tapped her own ears "-to Drakeborn and Bearborn."

For a girl that appeared to still be at the age when boys were icky, she spoke with clear diction and grace. It was a little disturbing.Vizini nods. "You have wisdom beyond your years, good Marvella... You are a far more capable ruler than the gossips and the nay-sayers will admit. Tell me... what do you think of Rajurda's acceptance of the Doctrine of Frost? Given that its pantheon is now massive, is there a weakening of belief from being included? Or is it simply good that all now have more exposure to the belief of your people?"

(After the Religion Conversation)
"Now, now... can you take me to Wesley? I want to see the little troublemaker... it's... I..." Vizini chokes and breathes deeply.

One of the huge creatures made a rumbling sound, a sound primally associated in humanoid brains with impending death. It appeared to be some sort of laughter. It spoke in a low voice, something that was recognisably language, but unintelligible.

"Yes, you did tell me, putting that sign on it was only going to attract attention. Still, better that than the alternative... No, I don't think it would be funny... Maybe a bit funny," one of the spriggans said to it. She turned back to the Guilderenes, laughing slightly nervously.

"Sorry about that. The plant is rustwind. It is highly corrosive and, in an enclosed space or even an outdoor one if sufficiently densely planted, poisonous. It's not something you want to get near your jewellery, or get stuck in a booth with for too long." She carefully lifted the lid from it and withdrew what on closer inspection was a belt knife, highly pitted and rusted, looking as if it had spent several years lying out in all weathers, completely uncared for.

"This was good steel. I put it in with the plant when we began setting this stall up, just a couple of days ago. If metal comes into contact with the miasma of the plant, it will continue to corrode even when taken away from it, hence my concern for your jewellery, not to mention any other metal on your persons. My - er - friend here seems to think it would be entertaining to watch peoples' clothes disintegrate as the metal in them rusts over the course of the conference, but he hails from the islands where this plant grows, and so thinks anyone wearing metal is very foolish in the first place. The rest of us thought it best to contain it so that the miasma doesn't spread widely and ruin anyone's display." The judges laugh. "Just the thing, eh, to get back at your wife, right Jonah?"

"Or, perhaps, to make sure an enemy is going to lose his Princeship!" Jameson howls through laughter.

Jonah simply scowls, continuing to draw while the two buffoons slap their knee.

"Oh... Jonah's face... I... you're such a laugh! But we need to be examining the rest of the booth, don't we? Look at all the beautiful cultural objects and the like, right?" he wipes a tear from his eye. "So tell me, good Sylph... what scene is this? From your homeland?"

"What they do is quite incredible." An Ayavan scholar smiled at the two judges, nodding at one of the sailors, meters below the water with one of the jellyfish over his mouth. It looked quite strange, yet as the judges looked down he winked at them and swam down towards the bottom of the harbour. "As you can see."
"Hmmm... Did we ever decide that question about technology, James?"

"I decided that you're a dumbass. Does that count?" the other judge whispered back. He turned to the Avayans with a false smile and bow. "Is he... diving below the water? Swimming... he could die! Will he die? Or does eating the jelly help him living?'

"Help him living? You need mental help... Clearly, the jelly he's eating is giving him a second set of lungs, and that's why he's alive."

Event:
The Peace Summit
At high noon, as the sun beats down upon the heads of the Technology Summit's guests, they are given two handy escapes. The first is a small vial full of true ice, shipped from Glazfell's frozen beauty with the greatest of speed. Whenever the attendees open these vials, the ice begins to mist and fog, pouring out a volume of ice-cold water vapor, instantly covering their skin in a sweet-smelling, perfume-like cool.

The second escape is indoors, whether at the Raaneki "Pleasure" Palaces, or at one of the technological events. Most notable, however, are the massive doors of the Peace Hall, which are guarded by the soldiers of a half a dozen different nations. Rulers and sages alone are allowed entrance to its grand purpose, and all nations present are requested to send at least one delegate to speak their peace.

The following missive is sent, through proper channels of course, to all those present, whether hiding or officially announced, or through middlemen or Cree.

It is widely known that the world now contains many dangerous powers and people. The incursion of the Jaaku Na has caused trouble to the minds of all, and has brought harm to too many people. Guilder would like to open the floor to all nations to discuss the future of technology, as well as the necessary steps to curb such terrorism again. This is an open floor for all to air their fears and complaints, as well as understand international positions.

For the purposes of this event, all those present will protected by the Cree. Please come with an open mind and an inquisitive soul.

The short letter directs its bearers toward the Peace Hall, a structure which has been surprisingly empty until now. As delegates enter, they are escorted to seating by a friendly Bloodknight, and handed stacks of notes and information. It appears to be some sort of large armor set... remarkably similar to the MECK. However, for those with a keen eye, it differs in a number of important respects. Most notably, of course, is its inability to bear weapons.

The room is a massive circle, whose space is mostly taken up by banking rows of seats and sections; each section to a nation, with their own desks, chairs, and at center of each, a pair of thrones for its rulers. At the center of it all is a raised dais, and a podium with a lectern all around, so that the speaker may address all sides of the room at once.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Maccari-Cicero.jpg

At present, there is no one standing, but that may change as the delegations begin to filter in...

Private Event:
The Concordat Peace Conference
A private message goes out to the members of the Empire of Dawn and the Concordat of Dawn, requesting their presence in a seperate room of the Peace Hall, to discuss policy and peace.

OOC: That's gonna go down over [Here] (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?385222-EMPIRE-SECRET-The-Concordat-Peace-Conference&p=18447245#post18447245), in a private thread. Seems better to keep our business out of people's eye.

Story Event:
A Romantic Day

"Good to see you as well, my love" Dulari replied, wrapping herself around her fiance and planting a firm kiss upon his lips, then laughing with joy as he spun her beneath his hand, fast enough to raise, ever so slightly, her very Raaneki skirt. "And you have told me many times, but I never mind compliments." She smiled gently, then looked for a moment at Sucheta.

"Have fun, Dula'." Sucheta grinned and then winked at her aunt-sister. "You've certainly waited long enough."

"Ah, and thank you! I have to take a lovely young lady on a date, methinks..." Vizini winked at Dulari, grabbing her hand and walking off into the crowd. "Make sure the world doesn't explode, Sucheta! We'll be back in a few hours!"

He pulled her through the crowd, slowly sliding in and around the people, pushing through until they could find one of the vendors selling foreign cloaks. "Today, I want you to be whoever you want to be. Pick a cloak."

She laughed, and grabbed a Selyran coat. "What's your plan, lover-boy?"

"We're gonna see the sights! We're gonna dance the dances! Feel the feels! And by the end of the day, we're going to sleep in the palace." He winked, switched one of the coats with a few gold pieces, and they disappeared again.

lt_murgen

2014-11-24, 04:13 PM

"Raaneka knows her friends, Speaker, and with your people certainly among them, how could I fail to find a way to see you?" She laughed at his further words, eyes sparkling with youthful light as she turned to the matter of ships and speed. "The Naval Academy is a great boon to your people, yet Qarimos has not been idle in its work," she pointed upwards, at the beautiful Raaneki airships hovering above the isle. "They simply turned their hands to a new type of ship. And the discovery of the Gifts of Lyrian has...distracted a great many of their finer minds." She chuckled, yet here her eyes almost glowed with enthusiasm. "The possibilities of those creatures...it opens so much to those less gifted in blood than I." She lifted her head and indicated the gills upon the flawless skin of her neck. "Have you seen their exhibit?"

"What they do is quite incredible." An Ayavan scholar smiled at the two judges, nodding at one of the sailors, meters below the water with one of the jellyfish over his mouth. It looked quite strange, yet as the judges looked down he winked at them and swam down towards the bottom of the harbour. "As you can see."

"Airships and gill-fish, you do seem poised to conquer the very elements. With the underwater regions coming into our attention, such things would become very valuable indeed." He noted his own neck, "With native Celerii parents, I lack the diving capacity of many of the Islanders. Even my wife, being native to Tzalteclan, cannot truly enjoy our beautiful reefs.

I must admit that AQUA has been scattered in recent years. We cannot seem to find a goal to unite around, as my predecessors did."

The boy, now facing Katava and Pendraga, was in no position to see an Inquisitor's cudgel lashing out at the side of his head with the quick sureness of a viper strike. The Inquisitor had officially lost his cool. The back swing would be just as hard, and the flurry of followups would be no kinder.

Already a number of Wapanagi were converging on the sector to assist in neutralizing the unauthorized and or unidentified supernatural agent.
You're perfectly free to have him no-sell this Inquisitor's years of training with magical fiat, just know that it will escalate the situation. At this stage the Cree will be forced to apologize for the excessive force. If he fights back and or escapes, there'll be a manhunt and diplomatic pressure against AQUA.
EDIT: Also worth noting the Inquisitor's not going for a kill here. Just to subdue. A whole lot of subdue.

John Francis was just starting to recover. When Kina wished to know something, the Chosen had little say in what happened. He spoke to the two girls and had endured some kind of shaking fit, when the Inquisitor's blow knocked him down.

He crumpled like a paper doll. For an instant, the inquisitor worried he had mis-aimed his blow. But his training was too precise for that. The man's shaking seemed to grow worse for a moment, then he was still, and breathing steady.

HalfTangible

2014-11-24, 05:40 PM

Vizini nods. "You have wisdom beyond your years, good Marvella... You are a far more capable ruler than the gossips and the nay-sayers will admit. Tell me... what do you think of Rajurda's acceptance of the Doctrine of Frost? Given that its pantheon is now massive, is there a weakening of belief from being included? Or is it simply good that all now have more exposure to the belief of your people?""It would be hard not to be." She suddenly took on a mocking, high pitched shrilly tone. "'Oh what a cute little 10 year old, are you the high priestess' daugh-tor?' 'A child could never be a proper politician!' Hmph. Of course not. Children could probably do a better job than some idiots I could mention. 'Oh no, some minor resistance to the idea of being controlled like a puppet! How revolting!'" She facepalmed. "And don't get me started on the wizards."

She laughed at her question on Rajurda. "Milady, all due respect, Rajurda is not the first religion to accept Yphine into their pantheon - Tzaltec sees her as an elemental dragon. The Doctrine is dedicated to surviving the endtimes, not turning me into a Priest-queen. As long as more people know what to do when the eternal winter finally comes, I will be happy."

(After the Religion Conversation)
"Now, now... can you take me to Wesley? I want to see the little troublemaker... it's... I..." Vizini chokes and breathes deeply. Marvella's cat ears flattened and her expression turned sad. "I... Only met Doge Inigo the once, but he seemed like a good man. The world is less for his loss." She turned to her guards. "Wesley's teachings are almost complete, but I thought Guilder might want to see him in light of... anyway, Wesley is...?"

"In the back, ma'am. Sergeant Frost is keeping a close eye on him after the pegasi incident."

"Good. Bring her and Wesley out here."

I just checked - By the time this conference rolls around Marvella is either 17 or 18, depending on how you count it. I've been assuming she was still 12 or so. *facepalm*

Reggiejam

2014-11-24, 06:27 PM

She shrugged. "We're going in whether they like it or not - If this is a precursor to the eternal winter I need to know now, and if it's not then I can help end the storm before Pyronia is wiped out.

"It falls within the realm of your deity, no doubt. It is your faithful's duty to attend to it as you see fit. Each of the greater gods must always be mindful of the happenings within their domains."

"
John Francis flashed the man his pass absently. "Here." After receiving directions, he began to fade out. The Inquisitor felt the man's shoulder under his hand simply, vanish. A faint smell of dead flesh and open graves wafted across the Iquisitor But he was back in a second, re-emerging from a shadow to confront the two women who accosted him.

He turned to look at them, and gave them a cold, cold stare. There was something dead behind his eyes, that was for certain. "It's Mother's business. Not yours." [/color[ His hand touched the ruemel on his wrist. A black one. He looked them up and down, and a slight glimmer of humanity returning to his eyes. [COLOR="#808080"] "Apologies. I was.. elsewhere for a moment. So many tasks, so few of us. I've been instructed to be at your disposal during the convention. You will take me to your homeland after." The man seemed to be enduring some kind of ague.

The "Walk of the Night Sky" Incident

The young man flashed his pass, absently saying “Here.”, apparently already bored with this interaction.

The Inquisitor attempted to study the small document for the brief glimpse that was allowed him. Nothing could be more suspicious then this kind of flippancy, especially when it came to trying to pass off forged documents. All he caught was the name John Francis and the AQUA Crest.

[COLOR="#696969"]“Mr. Francis, I'm going to have to ask you to please come with me.” said the Inquisitor, attempting to remain cordial while resting his thumb over a pressure point in the boy's neck.

After receiving those directions, he began to fade out instead. The Inquisitor attempted to pull him in, driving the thumb into the weak spot while his other hand reached for his cudgel, but the boy had simply vanished. A faint smell of dead flesh and open graves wafted across the Inquisitor, who responded by immediately putting his hand to his mouth and whistling what sounded like urgent bird song. The sound began echoing throughout the streets as other distant Inquisitors heard and repeated it, recognizing the code.

Another Inquisitor a short distance away from the first, who'd witnessed the exchange, rushed to the Information Kiosk and shouted urgent shorthand to he man inside. At the same moment the young man was re-emerging from a shadow, not two heartbeats after he'd vanished, a single purple firework could be seen and heard screeching upward from the Kiosk.

The boy, now facing Katava and Pendraga, was in no position to see an Inquisitor's cudgel lashing out at the side of his head with the quick sureness of a viper strike. The Inquisitor had officially lost his cool. The back swing would be just as hard, and the flurry of followups would be no kinder.

Already a number of Wapanagi were converging on the sector to assist in neutralizing the unauthorized and or unidentified supernatural agent.
You're perfectly free to have him no-sell this Inquisitor's years of training with magical fiat, just know that it will escalate the situation. At this stage the Cree will be forced to apologize for the excessive force. If he fights back and or escapes, there'll be a manhunt and diplomatic pressure against AQUA.
EDIT: Also worth noting the Inquisitor's not going for a kill here. Just to subdue. A whole lot of subdue.

John Francis was just starting to recover. When Kina wished to know something, the Chosen had little say in what happened. He spoke to the two girls and had endured some kind of shaking fit, when the Inquisitor's blow knocked him down.

He crumpled like a paper doll. For an instant, the inquisitor worried he had mis-aimed his blow. But his training was too precise for that. The man's shaking seemed to grow worse for a moment, then he was still, and breathing steady.

If Katava had been taken aback by John's initial words she showed no sign of it, likely owing to her knowledge of the Queen, herself affected by bouts of the Mother, and other faithful who had made the sojourn to the Grove. She did however respond to the following actions. She had been about to reply to his request/order to accompany her back to Faedas when the Cree Inquisitor dispatched the young man.

She jumped, shocked at the speed and ability of the simple Cree but recovered her bearings, she motioned for her brother who appeared from behind her and knelt beside John, holding his head up and trying to keep him from thrashing too wildly.

"Inquisitor, I commend you for your thoroughness and ability, but this young man has just now entered himself under Faedas protection," she withdrew her pass and presented it to the Inquisitor to look over for as long as he desired.

"This young man is one of the Mother's Chosen, no matter how foolish, and it would be a great dereliction of faith to allow him to be hauled away by your fine Inquisitorial Service without being made to answer to his Mother. If you would like, my brother and I shall accompany you to any holding area you would like to place the young Chosen in, but we do ask to be given the privilege to speak with him when he rejoins the mortal world."

Vizini nods. "My Sage Columbo spoke to me about Kina, saying that she was far more... raw, real, to him than Rajurda. I've often wondered if it is not detrimental to have so MANY beliefs that one cannot stay strong to a central one. I, of course, am Rajurda by official, for all the people of my nation are. But I believe that each person must have an individual belief, a strong-held conviction.

"For Columbo, his is that the world can be made better with the human mind. It's not a worshipping of the mind, to him... simply that he has been given one of a certain intelligence, and he must use it. So he does. He travelled halfway across the world to see the Mother of the Night, and wrote of its wonders when he returned. He travelled halfway the other direction to reach the Clanships, and wrote of its characteristics as well... I believe you would be interested in those lands. They have many strange and dark things, but it would seem to be a place near to Kina's heart."

"Radurja is a path of pleasant acceptance, purposefully ignorant of the disparities between the weak and the strong within the spirit realm. Would any argue a common peasant or a Tzaltec slave were the equal in power to the Salterri Qzare or the Emperor of Dawn? Surely not, such is a fallacious argument and while objectively perhaps egalitarian and equalizing in nature it is still a lie. The true gods, the gods who act upon the world and make their presence known are those that deserve our respect and worship, Kina is one of a few capable of proving herself worthy as a goddess and in the belief of Her Children, as is the belief of all children about their parent, that She is in truth the strongest and one day this truth will show."

"I had heard of your Clanships," Pendraga spoke up, "Mother truly does seem to reside within their realm. It would be a great pleasure that our Faithful might travel them and learn of Kina from their lands."

EDIT:

Pendraga and Katava arrived at the Peace Summit and quietly took their seats, awaiting the other arrivals and the conversations to begin.

DurkBlanston

2014-11-24, 07:40 PM

"
I must admit that AQUA has been scattered in recent years. We cannot seem to find a goal to unite around, as my predecessors did."

"What of the goal of spreading peace, order, and civilization to the world?" Vitus said, interrupting the conversation between the AQUAn and the Raaneki Queen, "Skipper-General Andus, Queen Sucheta," he inclined his head to each sovereign, "Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia, and I don't imagine I need introduce my companion to you Skipper," he smiled as Martina came forward to hug her father.

After the father and daughter had become re-acquainted Vitus resumed speaking, "Many lands still suffer under barbarism Skipper-General, a lack of direction and an inability to plot a proper course through international waters," though not looking Sucheta's direction his words echoed of the words that had been directed towards Guilder over the recent years.

"A guided and steady hand is needed to help make their transition into the international community an easy one. The Consortium and the Imperium have heard only good things regarding the ability of the Kingdom of Celero and it's sister nation AQUA. There is much that would be discussed regarding reinvigorating your nation and the nation of Celero if I could interest you in joining my father and I for a discussion on the matter?"

***Peace Summit***

The Lord Lieutenant eyed the entrance to the Peace Hall warily. It was an unfortunate bit of duty that he would have to attend this Guilderene meeting but it was better him than the Lord Protector who would have caused undue discontent in his attendance and was at present attending to the final discussions with Crima over what Vitus had heard had now been termed "The Umajin Frontier Agreement". He presented his documentation to the Cree outside the door, and entered the Hall.

Looking around he received the stack of papers from the Cree Bloodknight and upon seeing the designs of a MECK written out upon them scoffed and closed them back into their binder. He might have disposed of them if he didn't feel he was responsible for returning the Guilderene papers to the Consortium. He approached one of the Bloodknights who appeared to be standing near the Guilderene who was presumably running this assembly and spoke to the Cree,

"Sir, am I correct in understanding that any may speak? I would like to put in a request to voice myself as soon as is appropriate following any opening statements to be made by Guilder."

lt_murgen

2014-11-24, 09:04 PM

"I can't help but overhear you... When you say you do not have mathematical understandings... do you mean Calculus? Physics, perhaps? If Guilder were to assist you with those things, would you be able to increase either the power of these plants, or the ability of the medicine? Because I definitively have the ability to assist you there..."

Yea, I want to get calculus and physics, and then combine those two with thundersheets and aeromancers when I get a curiosity 10 action to create a long distance communications system. The goal would be to make it the rule breaker about 4 contiguous regions for a great Kingdom. It is likely the only way I will ever get there. Unfortunately, I have very little to trade, since I think Guilder is already getting thundersheets. :smallfrown:[.spoiler]

"What of the goal of spreading peace, order, and civilization to the world?" Vitus said, interrupting the conversation between the AQUAn and the Raaneki Queen, "Skipper-General Andus, Queen Sucheta," he inclined his head to each sovereign, "Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia, and I don't imagine I need introduce my companion to you Skipper," he smiled as Martina came forward to hug her father.

After the father and daughter had become re-acquainted Vitus resumed speaking, "Many lands still suffer under barbarism Skipper-General, a lack of direction and an inability to plot a proper course through international waters," though not looking Sucheta's direction his words echoed of the words that had been directed towards Guilder over the recent years.

"A guided and steady hand is needed to help make their transition into the international community an easy one. The Consortium and the Imperium have heard only good things regarding the ability of the Kingdom of Celero and it's sister nation AQUA. There is much that would be discussed regarding reinvigorating your nation and the nation of Celero if I could interest you in joining my father and I for a discussion on the matter?"

Andus looked up from what martina was whispering in his ear. He seemed to have a big, broad smile. "Of course, of course. I look forward to discussing the position AQUA and Celero find themselves in."

[spoiler=ooc]
In referenece, I will make a note of the marriage this round, so it can be official.

HalfTangible

2014-11-24, 09:13 PM

"It falls within the realm of your deity, no doubt. It is your faithful's duty to attend to it as you see fit. Each of the greater gods must always be mindful of the happenings within their domains."

Marvella nodded. "Ice is Yphine's domain, so I go."

Marvella's reply to Vizini is on the previous page

QuintonBeck

2014-11-24, 09:55 PM

"Know the sea? Perhaps. But our true strength lies in our Naval Academy. Over one hundred years of teaching and training sailors and navigators. One hundred years of solving solving the issues of sailing and building new designs to fix those problems. Qarimos has a fine tradition and some of the best shipwrights of the world. But they have languished in innovation in recent decades." There was sadness in his voice.

"Raaneka knows her friends, Speaker, and with your people certainly among them, how could I fail to find a way to see you?" She laughed at his further words, eyes sparkling with youthful light as she turned to the matter of ships and speed. "The Naval Academy is a great boon to your people, yet Qarimos has not been idle in its work," she pointed upwards, at the beautiful Raaneki airships hovering above the isle. "They simply turned their hands to a new type of ship. And the discovery of the Gifts of Lyrian has...distracted a great many of their finer minds." She chuckled, yet here her eyes almost glowed with enthusiasm. "The possibilities of those creatures...it opens so much to those less gifted in blood than I." She lifted her head and indicated the gills upon the flawless skin of her neck. "Have you seen their exhibit?"

"What they do is quite incredible." An Ayavan scholar smiled at the two judges, nodding at one of the sailors, meters below the water with one of the jellyfish over his mouth. It looked quite strange, yet as the judges looked down he winked at them and swam down towards the bottom of the harbour. "As you can see."

"Airships and gill-fish, you do seem poised to conquer the very elements. With the underwater regions coming into our attention, such things would become very valuable indeed." He noted his own neck, "With native Celerii parents, I lack the diving capacity of many of the Islanders. Even my wife, being native to Tzalteclan, cannot truly enjoy our beautiful reefs.

"Yes, the realms of the deep have certainly caused their fair share of issues to arise," the Speaker mused as he watched the demonstration, "The Triumvirate is open to innovation, but to dive below the seas when so much can still be done upon the land seems to rush out of one's house to visit a distant friend without making sure the stove isn't still burning."

I must admit that AQUA has been scattered in recent years. We cannot seem to find a goal to unite around, as my predecessors did."

The Speaker had been about to respond when the young Caercian arrived. Han raised an eyebrow at the young man who missed his introduction but said nothing of it. Han certainly did not appear as stately as his companions and was far less well-known being a non-dynastic leader. He remained quiet as the Caercian lord spoke with the Skipper. He could hear the undertone, the message beneath the words, but he had little he could say. The Triumvirate had made the play the Imperium was making now some years back and been rebuffed. The price of true unity was also true exclusion it seemed. Not so true among the Imperium made up of disparate vassals.

"The Salterri are a mighty Empire," he commented to Sucheta after the Skipper and Caercian had departed, "I know your Empire struggles with the East, it would likely do you good to develop relations with at least one of the Imperium as the Triad Council has with Carmine and the Heartlands to ensure stability upon the central continent. Bad enough the business with Faedas disrupting things, better to see a united continent than a divided one."

SamBurke

2014-11-25, 10:59 AM

"It would be hard not to be." She suddenly took on a mocking, high pitched shrilly tone. "'Oh what a cute little 10 year old, are you the high priestess' daugh-tor?' 'A child could never be a proper politician!' Hmph. Of course not. Children could probably do a better job than some idiots I could mention. 'Oh no, some minor resistance to the idea of being controlled like a puppet! How revolting!'" She facepalmed. "And don't get me started on the wizards."

She laughed at her question on Rajurda. "Milady, all due respect, Rajurda is not the first religion to accept Yphine into their pantheon - Tzaltec sees her as an elemental dragon. The Doctrine is dedicated to surviving the endtimes, not turning me into a Priest-queen. As long as more people know what to do when the eternal winter finally comes, I will be happy."

Marvella's cat ears flattened and her expression turned sad. "I... Only met Doge Inigo the once, but he seemed like a good man. The world is less for his loss." She turned to her guards. "Wesley's teachings are almost complete, but I thought Guilder might want to see him in light of... anyway, Wesley is...?"

"In the back, ma'am. Sergeant Frost is keeping a close eye on him after the pegasi incident."

"Good. Bring her and Wesley out here."

I just checked - By the time this conference rolls around Marvella is either 17 or 18, depending on how you count it. I've been assuming she was still 12 or so. *facepalm*

I fully understand that feel... I just realized that Vizini, due to round constraints, has never physically SEEN Wesley. Part of that is because he was taken by Inigo, and partly because Wesley was kept secret, because of his mother. :smallwink: Who by the way was (in a twist of events I didn't actually have control over) NOT married to Vizini at the time.

Anyway, Transmute Long Story! Vizini is laying his eyes on Wesley for the first time today.

"Don't get you started on the wizards? But it sounds like a rather interesting story..." Vizini grins, playing with the beginnings of what promises to be a long beard. "Still, you take your lot and your responsibilities well. It is but a few years since you've begun, and you already look much more authoritative, more ready to take on the world. That's more than I can say... the first few years after I got back from the West, when I was supposed to be leading, all I could say was, "Yes Buttercup. No Buttercup. Sure thing, Buttercup..."" He growls.

"I know exactly what it feels like to be ordered around by a set of control freaks. From the very moment I began to find my way on the public stage, the Council was pushing me. When I took my stand, they sent me to a country I'd never heard of, and didn't want to visit... got me captured there. When I returned, I was told by the Dragon to marry Buttercup, "for peace." When that happened, I traded one set of bosses for another. But somewhere in there I changed. You know the feeling. That moment when, suddenly, there's a spine in your back and a spring in your step. You burst into the throne room one day, and you silence the first person you talk to. Just because you can. The next person to order you around gets sent home that minute. The man who tells you to calm down? Well, he can calm down for a day or two away from your presence. And then, you change. You don't say your "Well what do you think, Councilor?" or your "I can't make any official statements but...", but instead, you're a leader, who says: "Here is our official policy..." and that's quite a day. QUITE a day. Unforgettable, really. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Radurja is a path of pleasant acceptance, purposefully ignorant of the disparities between the weak and the strong within the spirit realm. Would any argue a common peasant or a Tzaltec slave were the equal in power to the Salterri Qzare or the Emperor of Dawn? Surely not, such is a fallacious argument and while objectively perhaps egalitarian and equalizing in nature it is still a lie. The true gods, the gods who act upon the world and make their presence known are those that deserve our respect and worship, Kina is one of a few capable of proving herself worthy as a goddess and in the belief of Her Children, as is the belief of all children about their parent, that She is in truth the strongest and one day this truth will show."

"I had heard of your Clanships," Pendraga spoke up, "Mother truly does seem to reside within their realm. It would be a great pleasure that our Faithful might travel them and learn of Kina from their lands."

Pendraga and Katava arrived at the Peace Summit and quietly took their seats, awaiting the other arrivals and the conversations to begin."It is true, as you say, that many men are more powerful than others. However, there are many amongst us who would take that idea and abuse it, who would destroy nations in the pursuit of their own power. What of this danger?"

Vizini turns to Pendraga. "They are a fascinating place... perhaps you'd like to talk to my Sage, Columbo. He has travelled more than I in the region, and perhaps he can work something out with you. I'm sure that Guilder would be interested in a trade of ideas, and knowledge. Here, we are all the same." He motioned to the isles and the wonders around him. "Here, we all want more knowledge of some sort, no?"

At the Summit
As quickly as they came, the Bloodknights melt away, having seated Pendraga and Katava, their visible duties are done. In fact, for a moment, it seems as if they are absent from the room. However, to the more wary observer, the stealthy Cree can be seen at almost every crevice, every vantage-point, ready to strike with their invisible precision.

***Peace Summit***

The Lord Lieutenant eyed the entrance to the Peace Hall warily. It was an unfortunate bit of duty that he would have to attend this Guilderene meeting but it was better him than the Lord Protector who would have caused undue discontent in his attendance and was at present attending to the final discussions with Crima over what Vitus had heard had now been termed "The Umajin Frontier Agreement". He presented his documentation to the Cree outside the door, and entered the Hall.

Looking around he received the stack of papers from the Cree Bloodknight and upon seeing the designs of a MECK written out upon them scoffed and closed them back into their binder. He might have disposed of them if he didn't feel he was responsible for returning the Guilderene papers to the Consortium. He approached one of the Bloodknights who appeared to be standing near the Guilderene who was presumably running this assembly and spoke to the Cree,

[COLOR="#800000"]"Sir, am I correct in understanding that any may speak? I would like to put in a request to voice myself as soon as is appropriate following any opening statements to be made by Guilder."
Just want to be clear: those are not MECK designs. They are very clearly NOT MECK designs, and cannot be used for that purpose; there are several key weaknesses incorporated into the design, such as exposed leg joints, an unarmored cockpit, and all available space filled with steam boilers, instead of weapons. In fact, if any of the Caercians with engineering prowess examine it closely, there are at least three portions of the design which would prevent weapons from being mounted at all.

The Master of Ceremonies, a diminuitive human from the caves of Rannara stands up on the stage, though careful not to enter the podium. "We will begin the rostrum to speak, then. After Doge Vizini's introductory remarks, the Lord Lieutenant shall speak next. Do any others wish to approach the well following him?"

-Doge Vizini of Guilder
-The Lord Lieutenant of Caercia

[SPOILER=OOC]
Yea, I want to get calculus and physics, and then combine those two with thundersheets and aeromancers when I get a curiosity 10 action to create a long distance communications system. The goal would be to make it the rule breaker about 4 contiguous regions for a great Kingdom. It is likely the only way I will ever get there. Unfortunately, I have very little to trade, since I think Guilder is already getting thundersheets. :smallfrown:[.spoiler]

Columbo thinks for a moment, scratching his non-extant beard. "That can be arranged, then. Guilder and AQUA have a long history of assisting each other on projects, do they not? In fact, if I remember my studies right, Guilder was part of the team that examined the Avatar's Gift to your people. In that case, perhaps we can work out a trade in goodwill?"

So, here's my suggestion: You get Calc and Physics now. Then, you trade Aeromancers (if you have any left?), and the tech whenever it's finished. So, in essence, it's a trade for a tech "Future." It seems like an interesting enough technology to me, so I suppose the wait would be worth it.

Reggiejam

2014-11-25, 12:03 PM

"It is true, as you say, that many men are more powerful than others. However, there are many amongst us who would take that idea and abuse it, who would destroy nations in the pursuit of their own power. What of this danger?"

Vizini turns to Pendraga. "They are a fascinating place... perhaps you'd like to talk to my Sage, Columbo. He has travelled more than I in the region, and perhaps he can work something out with you. I'm sure that Guilder would be interested in a trade of ideas, and knowledge. Here, we are all the same." He motioned to the isles and the wonders around him. "Here, we all want more knowledge of some sort, no?"

At the Summit
As quickly as they came, the Bloodknights melt away, having seated Pendraga and Katava, their visible duties are done. In fact, for a moment, it seems as if they are absent from the room. However, to the more wary observer, the stealthy Cree can be seen at almost every crevice, every vantage-point, ready to strike with their invisible precision.

The Master of Ceremonies, a diminuitive human from the caves of Rannara stands up on the stage, though careful not to enter the podium. "We will begin the rostrum to speak, then. After Doge Vizini's introductory remarks, the Lord Lieutenant shall speak next. Do any others wish to approach the well following him?"

"If a woman or man is incapable of holding on to power, of deserving reverence and worship, then they shall be cast down by those more worthy. It is a commonly held belief throughout many lands, your own included, but native delicate words soften the harshness of the blow. Kina does not powder her words in the guise of 'Prowess' or 'Merit' or 'Democracy' the truth of these institutions, the truth they seek, is someone capable of wielding Power."

"Your Dogeship, for instance, as I understand it, is based on which of the Merchant Princes has accrued the greatest wealth at the time of succesorship, no? That was instituted, I would bet my life, to ensure that he or she with the most sound mind for investment and spending, the most powerful merchant, led the rest to follow in his or her own greatness. The Huroshan Empire to which we once belonged prescribed itself as a nation built on Prowess and while I shan't discuss the many perceived failures in their regards to live up to their motto, intellectually the tenet is intended to ensure the most powerful leads. The Triumvirate's electoral senate, to ensure one perceived as most powerful sits amid the leaders of their nation and so on."

"It is all power Doge Vizini and those with enough wherewithal to attain it and retain it and so it is with the gods and spirits as well. Though their means and their comprehensions are beyond ours their primal desires are refinements of our own instincts, power thus is what is sought by gods and earned and granted unto them by that which they do upon the world. Kina is powerful, thus she deserves our worship and our works to act in Her name and Her name alone, to adhere to others, or to adhere to all as Radurjic doctrine does is to reject the right of the powerful to lead the weak."

At Vizini's suggestion Pendraga's lip curled strangely as he forced a smile to displace his instinctive scowl at his surroundings.

"Of some sort," he agreed warily, "I don't suppose your sage might be present here?"

Could I interest you in a trade (to be completed from my end next round) of Mushrooms, Moss, Opal, Iron, or Ketsuek Crystal for Dark Cakes and/or Shaping Wood from the Clanships?

Katava raised her hand at the Summit, smiling politely, "I would speak after the honored dignitaries if allowable?"

HalfTangible

2014-11-25, 03:38 PM

I fully understand that feel... I just realized that Vizini, due to round constraints, has never physically SEEN Wesley. Part of that is because he was taken by Inigo, and partly because Wesley was kept secret, because of his mother. :smallwink: Who by the way was (in a twist of events I didn't actually have control over) NOT married to Vizini at the time.

Anyway, Transmute Long Story! Vizini is laying his eyes on Wesley for the first time today.

"Don't get you started on the wizards? But it sounds like a rather interesting story..." Vizini grins, playing with the beginnings of what promises to be a long beard. "Still, you take your lot and your responsibilities well. It is but a few years since you've begun, and you already look much more authoritative, more ready to take on the world. That's more than I can say... the first few years after I got back from the West, when I was supposed to be leading, all I could say was, "Yes Buttercup. No Buttercup. Sure thing, Buttercup..."" He growls. "Believe me, it's not. It's just unbelievably annoying."

"The first thing I had to do when I got my throne was to order an execution." She replied, eyes downcast again. "Not a pleasant memory."

"I know exactly what it feels like to be ordered around by a set of control freaks. From the very moment I began to find my way on the public stage, the Council was pushing me. When I took my stand, they sent me to a country I'd never heard of, and didn't want to visit... got me captured there. When I returned, I was told by the Dragon to marry Buttercup, "for peace." When that happened, I traded one set of bosses for another. But somewhere in there I changed. You know the feeling. That moment when, suddenly, there's a spine in your back and a spring in your step. You burst into the throne room one day, and you silence the first person you talk to. Just because you can. The next person to order you around gets sent home that minute. The man who tells you to calm down? Well, he can calm down for a day or two away from your presence. And then, you change. You don't say your "Well what do you think, Councilor?" or your "I can't make any official statements but...", but instead, you're a leader, who says: "Here is our official policy..." and that's quite a day. QUITE a day. Unforgettable, really. Wouldn't you agree?"Also I thought Vizini was a girl. WOOPS!

"Oh, yes! It's like a bolt in a door shifts shut and suddenly you realize you're the 'big woman' calling the shots. 'I want a biiig tomb made for Ymina and the other high priestesses! Double time!' 'But milady, we wanna use Tzaltec fire to burn down a giant straw man in her honor' 'I'm sorry, who's in charge of this land again?'" Marvella laughed. "Oh, it's priceless!"

EDIT: And then Wesley showed up.

DurkBlanston

2014-11-25, 03:47 PM

At the Summit
As quickly as they came, the Bloodknights melt away, having seated Pendraga and Katava, their visible duties are done. In fact, for a moment, it seems as if they are absent from the room. However, to the more wary observer, the stealthy Cree can be seen at almost every crevice, every vantage-point, ready to strike with their invisible precision.

Just want to be clear: those are not MECK designs. They are very clearly NOT MECK designs, and cannot be used for that purpose; there are several key weaknesses incorporated into the design, such as exposed leg joints, an unarmored cockpit, and all available space filled with steam boilers, instead of weapons. In fact, if any of the Caercians with engineering prowess examine it closely, there are at least three portions of the design which would prevent weapons from being mounted at all.

The Master of Ceremonies, a diminuitive human from the caves of Rannara stands up on the stage, though careful not to enter the podium. "We will begin the rostrum to speak, then. After Doge Vizini's introductory remarks, the Lord Lieutenant shall speak next. Do any others wish to approach the well following him?"

They're mechanized frames people get in right? So to any layman they would look very similar to MECKs no? OOC I understand they're different but Vitus isn't a scientific mind and appearance-wise they sound roughly similar. It's essentially being introduced to a rolling land vehicle with a tank and then being shown a picture of a Humvee and being told it's totally different which is true but if you don't know any better it isn't so obvious.

DoomHat

2014-11-25, 05:27 PM

Walk of the Night Incident

"Inquisitor, I commend you for your thoroughness and ability, but this young man has just now entered himself under Faedas protection," she withdrew her pass and presented it to the Inquisitor to look over for as long as he desired.

"This young man is one of the Mother's Chosen, no matter how foolish, and it would be a great dereliction of faith to allow him to be hauled away by your fine Inquisitorial Service without being made to answer to his Mother. If you would like, my brother and I shall accompany you to any holding area you would like to place the young Chosen in, but we do ask to be given the privilege to speak with him when he rejoins the mortal world."

The Inquisitor caught his breath and regained his composure. His heart was racing from the mad dash. His eyes were wide with terror and fury as they remained locked on the young man. His cudgel remained raised and poised to strike again. Taking a suspect's convalescence for granted was always a mistake.

Once he'd noticed that another Inquisitor had moved in to examine the suspect, he turned and bowed respectfully to Katava, humbly excepting the Event Pass for examination.

"Thank you Lady Tayanya," he replied, returning the pass after a long pause, "but our holding areas are reserved for unauthorized entities. If you're willing to take custody and liability for this man then that is your right. However I must ask you to wait a moment.

"Spiritual advisers" are currently inbound, and we must allow them the opportunity to examine the situation. I'm sure your testimony will certainly prove most valuable in normalizing this affair. We are most eager to understand the nature and limits of this ability. It possesses many alarming characteristics..."

In the background, a bat emerged from the Information Kiosk, carrying with it a silver cylinder to one of the Airships above.

He ran to one of the Cree in the rearguard, and slid out a scroll. "I believe your master is most interested in the Peace Summit...? Regardless, here are the events of the day."

The Bloodknight turned slowly on Colombo. She stepped close and canted her head like a confused wolf before making intense eye contact.
“What a strange statement to make. Mistress Khoonbish is of course well aware of the itinerary for this evening, obviously. The Inquisitorial Heart participated directly in writing today's schedule. To which “Master” could you possibly be referring?

Perhaps you meant “Guest”. Guilder accents can to be a little strange sometimes. This humble one would suggest employing a speaking instructor before you undertake any future diplomatic appointments, Ser. I will present this to the Lord Protector as a courtesy.”

The Knight stormed off as Gereltuuleg moved in beside Colombo and patted him heartily on the back, saying with sympathy, “I did try to warn ya. They're bastards. All of um bastards. Most of um are still looking out for the greater good, but they're still harsh, proud, violent bastards. Let me buy you a drink.”.

Vizini, Katava and Pendraga's Conversation

"It is all power Doge Vizini and those with enough wherewithal to attain it and retain it and so it is with the gods and spirits as well. Though their means and their comprehensions are beyond ours their primal desires are refinements of our own instincts, power thus is what is sought by gods and earned and granted unto them by that which they do upon the world. Kina is powerful, thus she deserves our worship and our works to act in Her name and Her name alone, to accept others, or to accept all as Radurjic doctrine does is to reject the right of the powerful to lead the weak."[/COLOR]

Khoonbish liked to watch people. The moment she'd seen to the Lord Protector's comfort, she scurried up to the top of a building, so she could bound between them, and watch, unseen. She saw many things, chuckling quietly to her self at the thrill of catching people doing things when they thought no one was looking.

She also listened. One conversation caught her interest. She let is play out, uninterrupted for a long while, but finally she couldn't help herself. She wanted to try interjecting. She skittered stealthily down, then slithered quietly into the presence of the three distinguished figures.

“Heeello,” she said like a cold Autumn breeze attempting to simulate cheerfulness, “forgive me please for intruding, I certainly do not mean to disrupt or offend... but as a Cree, a conversation about the philosophy of Power was just to much to resist.

I am to be Tyrant one day. Did you know that? Perhaaaps not. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Khoonbish. I am to be Tyrant one day. I earned that right with blood and suuuffering and bending the wills of my rivals into the shape of allies and frieeends.

But the most important test to earn my right, was to see, for who's benefit, I split my blood, and the blood of so many others... You see... the Tyrant is not the Strongest by strength of arms and will alone. A True Cree Tyrant's greatest asset, greatest merit, is Love.

Personal strength... or so we believe... is empty unless it serves a GREAter purpose. Why should the weeak serve the strooong? The Strong are already strong, and need no weaklings to lift their hand for them. Is strength not better spent raising up the weak? The Strength of a parent shelters the Weakness of their children, and when the children are Strong they shelter their patents as age withers them to Weakness.

What do youuu think of that philosophy Child of Kina? What of love and pity?”.

"Sir, am I correct in understanding that any may speak? I would like to put in a request to voice myself as soon as is appropriate following any opening statements to be made by Guilder."
Not exactly clear on that point, having trouble keeping up.

Snowfire

2014-11-25, 07:31 PM

"Hmmm... Did we ever decide that question about technology, James?"

"I decided that you're a dumbass. Does that count?" the other judge whispered back. He turned to the Avayans with a false smile and bow. "Is he... diving below the water? Swimming... he could die! Will he die? Or does eating the jelly help him living?'

"Help him living? You need mental help... Clearly, the jelly he's eating is giving him a second set of lungs, and that's why he's alive."

"No, no, nothing like that," the scholar laughed, shaking his head at the two judges. "These creatures, Mahaki Jana as they're called by Qarimosi, are truly remarkable. They don't sting at all, unlike many other jellyfish, yet they are somehow full of tiny pockets of air that seem to replenish constantly. We...well," the scholar shakes his head ruefully, "we wish that we could work out how they do that, but for now knowing is quite enough, as you can see thanks to my underwater friend down there." He pointed at the sailor again, who was now swimming around just above the seabed.

"It's quite amazing, really."

"Airships and gill-fish, you do seem poised to conquer the very elements. With the underwater regions coming into our attention, such things would become very valuable indeed." He noted his own neck, "With native Celerii parents, I lack the diving capacity of many of the Islanders. Even my wife, being native to Tzalteclan, cannot truly enjoy our beautiful reefs.

I must admit that AQUA has been scattered in recent years. We cannot seem to find a goal to unite around, as my predecessors did."

"Yes, the realms of the deep have certainly caused their fair share of issues to arise," the Speaker mused as he watched the demonstration, "The Triumvirate is open to innovation, but to dive below the seas when so much can still be done upon the land seems to rush out of one's house to visit a distant friend without making sure the stove isn't still burning."

"Valuable, perhaps, yet their value was never my intent in leading the investigation that discovered what they could do." Sucheta sighed, and gestured again at her gills. "I can move as freely as any of my grandfather's people between air and water, yet so many others cannot. The Gifts of Lyrian offer a way for those, like yourself, Andus, to see the beauty of the underwater world without any worry for time." She smiled again, this time very gently. "For so long the sea, and true understanding of it, have been the province of precious few peoples. And though I do not desire to expand into those places for now, as your are quite correct in your statement Speaker, I do wish to help show the world of those who can only breathe air what they have been forced to miss." Her eyes literally seemed to glow as she finished, shining with a light that was completely harmless and yet utterly terrifying. Pure belief was like that.

The Speaker had been about to respond when the young Caercian arrived. Han raised an eyebrow at the young man who missed his introduction but said nothing of it. Han certainly did not appear as stately as his companions and was far less well-known being a non-dynastic leader. He remained quiet as the Caercian lord spoke with the Skipper. He could hear the undertone, the message beneath the words, but he had little he could say. The Triumvirate had made the play the Imperium was making now some years back and been rebuffed. The price of true unity was also true exclusion it seemed. Not so true among the Imperium made up of disparate vassals.

"The Salterri are a mighty Empire," he commented to Sucheta after the Skipper and Caercian had departed, "I know your Empire struggles with the East, it would likely do you good to develop relations with at least one of the Imperium as the Triad Council has with Carmine and the Heartlands to ensure stability upon the central continent. Bad enough the business with Faedas disrupting things, better to see a united continent than a divided one."

Sucheta smiled at the representative of the Consortium, the light in her eyes fading as she turned to the more boring tasks of stately conversation that had been taking place before, yet she did not engage overmuch. The Peace Summit was designed to assuage these concerns, and to raise them here...well, she'd known from the Games that the Caercian royal family had become less capable of courtesy. So it was a simple smile, pure Raanekan, and kind words followed it.

"Many lands suffer, Lord Vitus. Yet there are none that cannot heal, and become beautiful again despite the wounds that they suffer. Those who protect this gathering are perhaps the greatest example of them all to mark the annals of history." She shook her head, laughing again. "Yet you seek to talk to the Skipper-General, I am sure."

To the speaker, after the two had left, she shrugged contentedly, a faint smile pulling at one side of her face as if she knew very well some of what lay behind his own statement. But of course, she had traveled to their capital at the start of the decade. Perhaps she had listened well enough then.

"The Heartlands know us kindly and well," she replied, yet her face seemed to drop a little even as she said it. "Yet for all the friendship we have shared in the past, the Consortium does so no longer." Han recognised the emotion on her face now, sadness. So strange to see it on the face of a Raaneki, certainly one still young. "Yet I, and my people, we shall persevere. Carmine," her face brightened, as if a bubble of light had flickered into being across it. Fragile it might be, yet... "Aeth', I mean, Prince Aethlwygg, and myself have grown quite close since the Games." The manner of the statement would tell Han a great deal. Any ruler, really. Or, perhaps not. Any parent might be more precise.

"It has been said that our peoples, yours and mine, hold the keystone of the world." She cocked her head at the Speaker, eyes curious. "Yet it is simple only because we remain friends. The Raaneki, and all others on the Council, are agreed in that this should continue. In fact, the Empire of Dawn is of a similar mind - and I know that Vizini seeks your advice in rebuilding Guilder's government to include at the least a voice of the people within it." She laid a hand on Han's own, a light touch, as if testing the tone behind it.

"There are many ways to stability, and whilst friendship with many is one which we both seek, there are also old friendships that could be considered. The work on the canal has certainly helped our peoples rebuild the bonds that Raaneka's retreat from the world allowed to fall into slumber. Could you see more between us?" From any other, it would have been an easily answered inquiry, yet this was a Raaneki in front of Han, and there could be many meanings to a question like that. Luckily there was no overt playfulness in the question, so it probably (probably!) only meant what would make sense for anyone else.

QuintonBeck

2014-11-25, 11:30 PM

To the speaker, after the two had left, she shrugged contentedly, a faint smile pulling at one side of her face as if she knew very well some of what lay behind his own statement. But of course, she had traveled to their capital at the start of the decade. Perhaps she had listened well enough then.

"The Heartlands know us kindly and well," she replied, yet her face seemed to drop a little even as she said it. "Yet for all the friendship we have shared in the past, the Consortium does so no longer." Han recognised the emotion on her face now, sadness. So strange to see it on the face of a Raaneki, certainly one still young. "Yet I, and my people, we shall persevere. Carmine," her face brightened, as if a bubble of light had flickered into being across it. Fragile it might be, yet... "Aeth', I mean, Prince Aethlwygg, and myself have grown quite close since the Games." The manner of the statement would tell Han a great deal. Any ruler, really. Or, perhaps not. Any parent might be more precise.

"It has been said that our peoples, yours and mine, hold the keystone of the world." She cocked her head at the Speaker, eyes curious. "Yet it is simple only because we remain friends. The Raaneki, and all others on the Council, are agreed in that this should continue. In fact, the Empire of Dawn is of a similar mind - and I know that Vizini seeks your advice in rebuilding Guilder's government to include at the least a voice of the people within it." She laid a hand on Han's own, a light touch, as if testing the tone behind it.

"There are many ways to stability, and whilst friendship with many is one which we both seek, there are also old friendships that could be considered. The work on the canal has certainly helped our peoples rebuild the bonds that Raaneka's retreat from the world allowed to fall into slumber. Could you see more between us?" From any other, it would have been an easily answered inquiry, yet this was a Raaneki in front of Han, and there could be many meanings to a question like that. Luckily there was no overt playfulness in the question, so it probably (probably!) only meant what would make sense for anyone else.

Han glanced at the young Queen's hand on his own but said nothing. The appeal of Raaneka he understood even if he did not feel the draw himself and he took this gesture as simply a sign of friendship from a more openly loving people.

"I could see such, yes, but I could see many things and the Senate and her people do not always see on the same level as those of us privileged to speak directly with others with sight above. The Triumvirate has made it's path clear, friendship of the many at all costs. Costs moral, costs ethical, and costs of honor."

The Speaker paused, seeming to evaluate his next words carefully, "Do you know the history of the War of the Knights of PAIN? I should imagine you do, all of the north unified against the Salterri Imperium, at the time an unknown threat believed to be intent on conquest of our people. All enemies of old united to drive out the Salterri and defeat them. Less than a decade later the Triumvirate marched side by side with the Salterri against Bordeux in Cassia-Shengdi and the fabled Empress Syana married the honored Qzare Wandao."

"Only a few decades back Speaker Valtis called for a world sanction on Tzalteclan and sponsored agents to sow discord among the eastern nation and the blockade of slave shipments to Glazfell with Guilder's assistance secured through the sponsoring of Doge Buttercup. That all failed, Speaker Valtis was deposed and driven out, today I am scheduled to meet with King Ghalle to discuss technological trades with Glazfell."

"There are many examples of the Triumvirate placing the price of balanced peace above the terms of 'greater good' seeking profit to such ends it would make a Guilderene turn red with embarrassment. So when I say I hope that others might see a future with Raaneka and the Empire of Dawn I hope you understand my full meaning and to what end others will seek from any future with our nations," Han seemed weary, worn, as if he was explaining the cruelties of the world to a child who had not yet accepted that bad things happened often for no reason at all but more often for even worse reasons.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself, "Keep few close Queen Sucheta, I know it is not Raaneki advice, but it is the best advice I can provide and I'm sorry that it is. If you'll excuse me I must make preparations for the aforementioned appointing with King Ghalle."

SamBurke

2014-11-26, 05:26 PM

"Oh, I am enjoying the conference. I'm hoping to swing by the Triumvirate stands in a bit, try out one of those Screaming Crossbows of theirs. Be interesting to see how they work, and maybe I can gain some insights to pass back to Dad's alchemists. They've been playing around with ice dragon bits, trying to work out things to do with them. And I am hoping to get a gander at those MECK things you showed at Aunt Sonja's party. The writers have been going wild ever since they heard about them."

"As for trades, I'm not even sure what we're trading right now, let alone what we might want. That's more Maria's department than mine."
Vizini nods. "Where might I find Maria, should the urge for trading overtake me? That happens sometimes, you know!

"And... you shall see the MECKs, in a sense. If you attend the Peace Summit, you'll know what I mean. However, Pavonia's scientists may be disappointed in their... adaptation." Vizini pauses, thinking. "I'll see you there, I hope?"

"Not for us, I think. We've always been children of the South, of Winter. These Raaneki sound far too... Northerly... for my tastes. I prefer steel in the gut to poison on the tongue from my foes." "Winter, indeed... I do have a question. There was some argument about the Kell a few years back, and it got heated. Being children of the winter, as you are, do you --or did you-- know those people? Could you speak to their plights at all?"

"If a woman or man is incapable of holding on to power, of deserving reverence and worship, then they shall be cast down by those more worthy. It is a commonly held belief throughout many lands, your own included, but native delicate words soften the harshness of the blow. Kina does not powder her words in the guise of 'Prowess' or 'Merit' or 'Democracy' the truth of these institutions, the truth they seek, is someone capable of wielding Power."

"Your Dogeship, for instance, as I understand it, is based on which of the Merchant Princes has accrued the greatest wealth at the time of succesorship, no? That was instituted, I would bet my life, to ensure that he or she with the most sound mind for investment and spending, the most powerful merchant, led the rest to follow in his or her own greatness. The Huroshan Empire to which we once belonged prescribed itself as a nation built on Prowess and while I shan't discuss the many perceived failures in their regards to live up to their motto, intellectually the tenet is intended to ensure the most powerful leads. The Triumvirate's electoral senate, to ensure one perceived as most powerful sits amid the leaders of their nation and so on."

"It is all power Doge Vizini and those with enough wherewithal to attain it and retain it and so it is with the gods and spirits as well. Though their means and their comprehensions are beyond ours their primal desires are refinements of our own instincts, power thus is what is sought by gods and earned and granted unto them by that which they do upon the world. Kina is powerful, thus she deserves our worship and our works to act in Her name and Her name alone, to adhere to others, or to adhere to all as Radurjic doctrine does is to reject the right of the powerful to lead the weak."Vizini nods, pulling harder at his beard. "True indeed that it is the richest who rules in my land, which is the only form of power most of my people care about. Yet, my line is unbroken, from now to the unification. Do you not find that odd? Power there was not followed to the letter: the people did not want power incarnate to rule them; the masses have that in spades. The priests have that to call down from any true deity --and not to cause offense, but even Rajurda has conjured wonders before.

"Power is only useful at the start. My great grandfather, Doge Tumberink, was the Unifier of the Princes. He was a truly powerful man, able to use his words and his wits to destroy any who opposed him, or to build them up as allies. He was the one who found us our oldest and strongest friends. But his power has passed, and no Doge since --my father possibly excepted-- has been the same.

"So power is needed, yes." Vizini flexed his arms, allowing three claws to break through his glove, which extend to a full four or five inches past the fingers they appear to replace. "But which is more used? I have never once shown my true power. I have never once, in my life, transformed to show the ultimate edge of raw might. But I also have never, ever, once, needed to. Once, perhaps, in the greatest tragedy the world has seen, would power have been useful." The claws disappear, leaving only a set of common hands and shredded leather gloves.

"The thing that has helped me through the world is, oddly, the opposite of power. It is goodwill. It was the goodwill of the Raaneki that led me to a new light. It was goodwill, dawning on me in a Western prison that showed me such a light was possible. It was, long long ago, at the Coronation of the Qzarina, where her goodwill allowed me to live. Now, in each of those situations, I made the wrong choice, but goodwill saved me. So, in my mind, it is the connections between nations that bring my goals."

At Vizini's suggestion Pendraga's lip curled strangely as he forced a smile to displace his instinctive scowl at his surroundings.

"Of some sort," he agreed warily, "I don't suppose your sage might be present here?"

Could I interest you in a trade (to be completed from my end next round) of Mushrooms, Moss, Opal, Iron, or Ketsuek Crystal for Dark Cakes and/or Shaping Wood from the Clanships?

Shaping Wood is more open, so I'd prefer that, in exchange for Mushrooms?. If there's any way to make sure that the Mushrooms ship this round, it'd be appreciated. Regardless, I can edit this into my actions.

Also, if you'd like to put in an action, I can match, and we can have a Cur/Faith exchange go down, regarding the Clanships.

"Columbo is indeed here! Let me wave him over!" Vizini nodded to a young looking sage walking nearby.

"Greetings! How may I... help you?"

Katava raised her hand at the Summit, smiling politely, "I would speak after the honored dignitaries if allowable?"
The moderator nods, adding Katava's name to the list.

-Doge Vizini, of Guilder
-Lord Lieutenant, of Caercia
-Katava, of the Faedas

Having finished, he looks up for any others interested in joining the discussion.

"Believe me, it's not. It's just unbelievably annoying."

"The first thing I had to do when I got my throne was to order an execution." She replied, eyes downcast again. "Not a pleasant memory."

Also I thought Vizini was a girl. WOOPS!

"Oh, yes! It's like a bolt in a door shifts shut and suddenly you realize you're the 'big woman' calling the shots. 'I want a biiig tomb made for Ymina and the other high priestesses! Double time!' 'But milady, we wanna use Tzaltec fire to burn down a giant straw man in her honor' 'I'm sorry, who's in charge of this land again?'" Marvella laughed. "Oh, it's priceless!"

EDIT: And then Wesley showed up.
Vizini nods, laughing at the girl's vigor. She was a truly feisty one, wasn't she? "I can just imagine you sassing all of the guards around... does it come easily to you, or do you have to spend a lot of your official time preparing cutting remarks about your own authority?" He smiled again, his aging face and way-too-early gray hairs bright like his eyes.

"I've dismissed almost all of my handlers, and, I have to say... best decision I ever made!" Then he thinks for a moment. "Second best, actually. First best was having a sketch artist there to make portraits of their faces as they walked away." He winked to Marvella, and started another grin, when his eyes caught sight of a tiny boy.

Vizini turned, wondering for a second who the boy was... this wasn't a baby, or a toddler... this wasn't a face he knew. Who...?

Wesley.

His son.

The forbidden baby.

The baby he had never gotten a chance to lay an eye on.

Only this wasn't a baby. It was a young man, a boy old enough to ship out on a galley, work as a kitchen hand. This was a young man old enough to be an apprentice, to begin learning the rest of his life...

And it struck Vizini. He'd never seen the boy. Not one moment of his life, in any of his experiences. He'd missed the first steps, first words, first learning, first failing, first... everything with this, his son.

He tried to open his mouth, to speak, but instead, he could simple gaze lovingly. At last, the boy looked up to him, and Vizini dared a word. "Do you... know who I am?"

They're mechanized frames people get in right? So to any layman they would look very similar to MECKs no? OOC I understand they're different but Vitus isn't a scientific mind and appearance-wise they sound roughly similar. It's essentially being introduced to a rolling land vehicle with a tank and then being shown a picture of a Humvee and being told it's totally different which is true but if you don't know any better it isn't so obvious.

Sorry. I just jumped straight down your throat there. Apologies on my part.

You're right; to an untrained eye, it's a MECK frame; nothing more, nothing less.

The Bloodknight turned slowly on Colombo. She stepped close and canted her head like a confused wolf before making intense eye contact.
“What a strange statement to make. Mistress Khoonbish is of course well aware of the itinerary for this evening, obviously. The Inquisitorial Heart participated directly in writing today's schedule. To which “Master” could you possibly be referring?

Perhaps you meant “Guest”. Guilder accents can to be a little strange sometimes. This humble one would suggest employing a speaking instructor before you undertake any future diplomatic appointments, Ser. I will present this to the Lord Protector as a courtesy.” Columbo bows. "Pardon me... I actually requested not to be given a diplomatic assignment, but still, here I am. It appears the word of a hyper-intelligent Sage means nothing..." He pauses for a moment, appearing to think over his words. "Hm. You are right though. I meant your guests, the Caercians... please make sure they're aware of the events and so on. You've got all the information, of course, at the Kiosks. Good day!" and with that, he left, walking brusquely to something more technological, before he was stopped by...

The Knight stormed off as Gereltuuleg moved in beside Colombo and patted him heartily on the back, saying with sympathy, “I did try to warn ya. They're bastards. All of um bastards. Most of um are still looking out for the greater good, but they're still harsh, proud, violent bastards. Let me buy you a drink.”.
Columbo nods. "I'll take you up on that offer, good sir... anything to get away from this."

Vizini, Katava and Pendraga's Conversation
Khoonbish liked to watch people. The moment she'd seen to the Lord Protector's comfort, she scurried up to the top of a building, so she could bound between them, and watch, unseen. She saw many things, chuckling quietly to her self at the thrill of catching people doing things when they thought no one was looking.

She also listened. One conversation caught her interest. She let is play out, uninterrupted for a long while, but finally she couldn't help herself. She wanted to try interjecting. She skittered stealthily down, then slithered quietly into the presence of the three distinguished figures.

“Heeello,” she said like a cold Autumn breeze attempting to simulate cheerfulness, “forgive me please for intruding, I certainly do not mean to disrupt or offend... but as a Cree, a conversation about the philosophy of Power was just to much to resist.

I am to be Tyrant one day. Did you know that? Perhaaaps not. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Khoonbish. I am to be Tyrant one day. I earned that right with blood and suuuffering and bending the wills of my rivals into the shape of allies and frieeends.

But the most important test to earn my right, was to see, for who's benefit, I split my blood, and the blood of so many others... You see... the Tyrant is not the Strongest by strength of arms and will alone. A True Cree Tyrant's greatest asset, greatest merit, is Love.

Personal strength... or so we believe... is empty unless it serves a GREAter purpose. Why should the weeak serve the strooong? The Strong are already strong, and need no weaklings to lift their hand for them. Is strength not better spent raising up the weak? The Strength of a parent shelters the Weakness of their children, and when the children are Strong they shelter their patents as age withers them to Weakness.

What do youuu think of that philosophy Child of Kina? What of love and pity?”. Vizini nods. "The Cimbran Clan have a very similar belief: their Mantra is "Weakness", which they believe is the purpose of life. The strong must protect the weak: power exists to protect others, and allow the finer arts to exist. In the same way, I believe that a Doge is given all of the power, in order that he might use none of it for himself."

"No, no, nothing like that," the scholar laughed, shaking his head at the two judges. "These creatures, Mahaki Jana as they're called by Qarimosi, are truly remarkable. They don't sting at all, unlike many other jellyfish, yet they are somehow full of tiny pockets of air that seem to replenish constantly. We...well," the scholar shakes his head ruefully, "we wish that we could work out how they do that, but for now knowing is quite enough, as you can see thanks to my underwater friend down there." He pointed at the sailor again, who was now swimming around just above the seabed.

"It's quite amazing, really."
"Oh yes! Quite fascinating indeed!"

"I do believe I've wrecked my page, and perhaps my clipboard..."

Jonah looked over at James' notepad, and rolled his eyes. The entire thing was covered in notes of "Jelly" "Jelly-fish" "Jelly+Fish?" "Fish-jelly?" and the like.

"You are a shame to all of us."

Elsewhere at the Fair
Vizini laughed, again. Dulari was such a breath of fresh air. Her youthful smile, her grace, her air that everything would be right in the world... It was good to be reminded of optimism. "Say, beautiful... I may be old, but I think I've got enough in me for an adventure." He winked, and pointed to the gigantic Fiassa Wheel in the corner of the fair.

"Well, I think I could be persuaded..." She held out her hand, and Vizini bowed.

"Very well, milady. Could I please have the pleasure of your accompaniment?"

She giggled and nodded. "Much better, Sir Vizini."

"Sir Vizini" sighed. "That's what you said to me the very first time we met, Dul."

"Why do you think I said it now?"

The two of them climbed into the iron contraption, spinning around on its supports in delight, as it slowly turned, and they could see the fair. The wonders of the technology spread out below them, however, was somewhat lost in their haze. "Do you think we'll ever be too old to appreciate this?" Dulari asked, squeezing Vizini's entire arm.

"If we do, then perhaps we should take another visit to the hot springs... That should cure things right well, shouldn't it?" The wheel went 'round again.

Reggiejam

2014-11-26, 06:25 PM

The Inquisitor caught his breath and regained his composure. His heart was racing from the mad dash. His eyes were wide with terror and fury as they remained locked on the young man. His cudgel remained raised and poised to strike again. Taking a suspect's convalescence for granted was always a mistake.

Once he'd noticed that another Inquisitor had moved in to examine the suspect, he turned and bowed respectfully to Katava, humbly excepting the Event Pass for examination.

"Thank you Lady Tayanya," he replied, returning the pass after a long pause, "but our holding areas are reserved for unauthorized entities. If you're willing to take custody and liability for this man then that is your right. However I must ask you to wait a moment.

"Spiritual advisers" are currently inbound, and we must allow them the opportunity to examine the situation. I'm sure your testimony will certainly prove most valuable in normalizing this affair. We are most eager to understand the nature and limits of this ability. It possesses many alarming characteristics..."

In the background, a bat emerged from the Information Kiosk, carrying with it a silver cylinder to one of the Airships above.

"Yes of course Inquisitor, I understand your concerns, I am familiar with this phenomenon, my cousin is another Chosen. The gift of the Mother can certainly be cause for alarm, I understand the security concerns but allow me to assure you the Mother will not allow one of her Chosen to cause harm where harm is not due."

Vizini, Katava and Pendraga's Conversation

Khoonbish liked to watch people. The moment she'd seen to the Lord Protector's comfort, she scurried up to the top of a building, so she could bound between them, and watch, unseen. She saw many things, chuckling quietly to her self at the thrill of catching people doing things when they thought no one was looking.

She also listened. One conversation caught her interest. She let is play out, uninterrupted for a long while, but finally she couldn't help herself. She wanted to try interjecting. She skittered stealthily down, then slithered quietly into the presence of the three distinguished figures.

“Heeello,” she said like a cold Autumn breeze attempting to simulate cheerfulness, “forgive me please for intruding, I certainly do not mean to disrupt or offend... but as a Cree, a conversation about the philosophy of Power was just to much to resist.

I am to be Tyrant one day. Did you know that? Perhaaaps not. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Khoonbish. I am to be Tyrant one day. I earned that right with blood and suuuffering and bending the wills of my rivals into the shape of allies and frieeends.

But the most important test to earn my right, was to see, for who's benefit, I split my blood, and the blood of so many others... You see... the Tyrant is not the Strongest by strength of arms and will alone. A True Cree Tyrant's greatest asset, greatest merit, is Love.

Personal strength... or so we believe... is empty unless it serves a GREAter purpose. Why should the weeak serve the strooong? The Strong are already strong, and need no weaklings to lift their hand for them. Is strength not better spent raising up the weak? The Strength of a parent shelters the Weakness of their children, and when the children are Strong they shelter their patents as age withers them to Weakness.

What do youuu think of that philosophy Child of Kina? What of love and pity?”.

"Forgive me for my misrepresentation, personal strength is not the strength to which I speak alone. The strength of love is indeed a great strength to wield. Our Mother is not a singular being, she does not live solely as the mighty Khadi devourer of souls, though she possesses this immense power it is not her only aspect, it draws worshippers to her, it draws followers, but her strength alone is not what retains them. Kina is our Mother for a reason, she is loving of Her people, as we all emerge from the Blackness that is Kina we all return, She gives us that knowledge, but not only is She our Mother informing us of the path we walk She punishes those with the hubris to attempt and walk astray in her aspect as Khaditna."

"Strength earns one's position, Kina is strong, to that I speak, she deserves our respect and admiration for her strength, she retains it with her Love, just as you speak Khoonbish, just as your Tyranny is founded upon these principles so too is Kina built upon the same."

Vizini nods, pulling harder at his beard. "True indeed that it is the richest who rules in my land, which is the only form of power most of my people care about. Yet, my line is unbroken, from now to the unification. Do you not find that odd? Power there was not followed to the letter: the people did not want power incarnate to rule them; the masses have that in spades. The priests have that to call down from any true deity --and not to cause offense, but even Rajurda has conjured wonders before.

"Power is only useful at the start. My great grandfather, Doge Tumberink, was the Unifier of the Princes. He was a truly powerful man, able to use his words and his wits to destroy any who opposed him, or to build them up as allies. He was the one who found us our oldest and strongest friends. But his power has passed, and no Doge since --my father possibly excepted-- has been the same.

"So power is needed, yes." Vizini flexed his arms, allowing three claws to break through his glove, which extend to a full four or five inches past the fingers they appear to replace. "But which is more used? I have never once shown my true power. I have never once, in my life, transformed to show the ultimate edge of raw might. But I also have never, ever, once, needed to. Once, perhaps, in the greatest tragedy the world has seen, would power have been useful." The claws disappear, leaving only a set of common hands and shredded leather gloves.

"The thing that has helped me through the world is, oddly, the opposite of power. It is goodwill. It was the goodwill of the Raaneki that led me to a new light. It was goodwill, dawning on me in a Western prison that showed me such a light was possible. It was, long long ago, at the Coronation of the Qzarina, where her goodwill allowed me to live. Now, in each of those situations, I made the wrong choice, but goodwill saved me. So, in my mind, it is the connections between nations that bring my goals."

Vizini nods. "The Cimbran Clan have a very similar belief: their Mantra is "Weakness", which they believe is the purpose of life. The strong must protect the weak: power exists to protect others, and allow the finer arts to exist. In the same way, I believe that a Doge is given all of the power, in order that he might use none of it for himself."

"As I explained, strength earns power, but love retains it. Your late wife speaks to that point Doge, not to cause offense," Katava mused, "Your late wife, the Doge Buttercup held power and she held the eyes of thousands, perhaps millions who looked on her in awe, but she was unable to retain that attention because she relied on fear for too long. Fear catches the eye Doge, fear of power, but as our Cree compatriot has identified, love retains that power. But as much as it does, that power cannot wane Doge, for if it does another more powerful will rise, and those that seek power are not always those fit to wield it."

"To speak to your other point, the miracles of Radurja were perpetrated not through grand means of the many deities Radurja proclaims working in unison, but for the most part through the Lord of Fire, another powerful god who earned His place to sit as a worshipped being through power and the lovely ability to wield it. Though His power has faded as His powers have grown to become cruel and arbitrarily used He has been powerful for a long time, and the goodwill you speak of retaining the power for yourself is what has retained His own worship. Too many people have too much invested to admit He may no longer be worthy, and the fact remains He may not yet have lost his right to his power. "

Shaping Wood is more open, so I'd prefer that, in exchange for Mushrooms?. If there's any way to make sure that the Mushrooms ship this round, it'd be appreciated. Regardless, I can edit this into my actions.

Also, if you'd like to put in an action, I can match, and we can have a Cur/Faith exchange go down, regarding the Clanships.

"Columbo is indeed here! Let me wave him over!" Vizini nodded to a young looking sage walking nearby.

"Greetings! How may I... help you?"

Don't have the actions this round I'm afraid, but I will put things through next round.

Next round I'll also send a Faith action the Clanships way.

OOC: I imagine this can be a handwaved conversation unless you had anything you'd like to discuss?

lt_murgen

2014-11-26, 09:29 PM

Columbo thinks for a moment, scratching his non-extant beard. "That can be arranged, then. Guilder and AQUA have a long history of assisting each other on projects, do they not? In fact, if I remember my studies right, Guilder was part of the team that examined the Avatar's Gift to your people. In that case, perhaps we can work out a trade in goodwill?"

So, here's my suggestion: You get Calc and Physics now. Then, you trade Aeromancers (if you have any left?), and the tech whenever it's finished. So, in essence, it's a trade for a tech "Future." It seems like an interesting enough technology to me, so I suppose the wait would be worth it.

I'll have to check on the aeromancers, to see if I have any left. I'd be willing to take the two to give you exclusive non-Imperium rights to the tech(s) once I get them. I expect one curiosity roll tech towards getting to a tech 10, which I will share

"Spiritual advisers" are currently inbound, and we must allow them the opportunity to examine the situation. I'm sure your testimony will certainly prove most valuable in normalizing this affair. We are most eager to understand the nature and limits of this ability. It possesses many alarming characteristics..."[/COLOR]
[/B]
In the background, a bat emerged from the Information Kiosk, carrying with it a silver cylinder to one of the Airships above.
"Yes of course Inquisitor, I understand your concerns, I am familiar with this phenomenon, my cousin is another Chosen. The gift of the Mother can certainly be cause for alarm, I understand the security concerns but allow me to assure you the Mother will not allow one of her Chosen to cause harm where harm is not due."

John groaned and opened his eyes, staring up at the Cree Inquisitor. His eyes seemed to have returned to normal, and his shaking stopped. The man did not move, he merely stared upwards. "Kina has no mercy, for her children or non-believers. I'm not entirely certain how I ended up here, but you should put me in your brig as soon as you can. She desires to see how you handle those with Power."
Another wafting of cemetaries and corpses drifts across the small group, and John trembled again. His voice became grating, like steel across glass, "Powers have twice attacked events. Powers claimed my Chosen. Not again. My Children will do what mortals cannot."

***At the Summit***
Andus Fitzrion took his place at the summit. He made certain to respect his Cree neighbor's obsession with security by coming unarmed. Overly so, some might say, given his rather skimpy attire of vest and short breeches.

DoomHat

2014-11-26, 10:37 PM

Reggiejam

2014-11-26, 10:49 PM

John groaned and opened his eyes, staring up at the Cree Inquisitor. His eyes seemed to have returned to normal, and his shaking stopped. The man did not move, he merely stared upwards. "Kina has no mercy, for her children or non-believers. I'm not entirely certain how I ended up here, but you should put me in your brig as soon as you can. She desires to see how you handle those with Power."
Another wafting of cemetaries and corpses drifts across the small group, and John trembled again. His voice became grating, like steel across glass, "Powers have twice attacked events. Powers claimed my Chosen. Not again. My Children will do what mortals cannot."

“Ha ha, oh my. That does sound a little too much like a threat!” said the stout middle-aged Cree who'd emerged from the Information Kiosk.

He had an earnest smile and a number of ugly scars. The surrounding Inquisitors had nearly doubled in number and most had at some point acquired crossbows from some hidden cash. The Radurjan forces had also arrived but remained at a wary distance.

“Esteemed Tayanya, this is now an emergency situation. I now speak for the Tyrant, so please forgive my curtness.

You are going to take this boy, along with any other 'Chosen' you are aware of at this Event, and you are going to get them far, FAR, away from this island Right Now. You will do so with haste and without argument, because the only thing we're going to be holding this boy in is a lit furnace.

I am getting myself in a lot of trouble here. Regulation demands I should have already stepped on his neck until it snapped. So get moving.”

Katava looked distressed as she looked from John's face over to the Cree, "I'm afraid the Mother speaks through him now, there is nothing I can do but wish you luck in apprehending or killing him if you choose to pursue that path. I do not believe the Mother intends harm, but many interpretations may be made of Khaditna. If you do manage to apprehend him I will acquiesce and remove his mortal form from this island in perpetuity, though will not fault you if that is not your choice of action. Kina guide you."

"Brother?"

Pendraga stood up from where he still knelt beside John and went to join his sister, each watching to see what would happen next. The Chosen were difficult to corral, and Katava quietly wished another less brash Chosen had been sent by the Mother to test the Cree, but Her ways were not Katava's to question. She doubted whether the Mother would choose to kill any of those present, but putting a Chosen on the line with the Cree meant risking their life. She was sure Kina knew this and she must have had Her reasons, Katava just hoped they were worth it.

HalfTangible

2014-11-26, 11:10 PM

Vizini nods, laughing at the girl's vigor. She was a truly feisty one, wasn't she? "I can just imagine you sassing all of the guards around... does it come easily to you, or do you have to spend a lot of your official time preparing cutting remarks about your own authority?" He smiled again, his aging face and way-too-early gray hairs bright like his eyes.

"I've dismissed almost all of my handlers, and, I have to say... best decision I ever made!" Then he thinks for a moment. "Second best, actually. First best was having a sketch artist there to make portraits of their faces as they walked away." He winked to Marvella, and started another grin, when his eyes caught sight of a tiny boy.

Vizini turned, wondering for a second who the boy was... this wasn't a baby, or a toddler... this wasn't a face he knew. Who...?

Wesley.

His son.

The forbidden baby.

The baby he had never gotten a chance to lay an eye on.

Only this wasn't a baby. It was a young man, a boy old enough to ship out on a galley, work as a kitchen hand. This was a young man old enough to be an apprentice, to begin learning the rest of his life...

And it struck Vizini. He'd never seen the boy. Not one moment of his life, in any of his experiences. He'd missed the first steps, first words, first learning, first failing, first... everything with this, his son.

He tried to open his mouth, to speak, but instead, he could simple gaze lovingly. At last, the boy looked up to him, and Vizini dared a word. "Do you... know who I am?"
Wesley gulped nervously as he twisted his hand over his chest in a Sycian greeting - particularly one meant as a sign of respect towards high rank. "I- I meant no disrespect, my lord, I-"

Marvella placed her hand on Wesley's shoulder. "Wesley, this is Doge Vizini. Your father."

"... Oh." The boy looked even more nervous than before. He'd been sure that the Doge had been offended twice over now - once from him suddenly showing up (why else would he sound so shocked) and once for not recognizing his own father. "Um... hi?"

TheDarkDM

2014-11-27, 04:01 AM

Arrival

To the shock of many, the Tzaltec did not arrive in an armada or a fleet of airships. Birds did not flee for their lives as the vanguard of a soaring dragon, and the crowds were not driven to terror by its shadow. Indeed, it was but a single ship that approached the Florin Isles, albeit one of singular size and splendor. Its escort of Tzaltec ships had departed before the crossing at Maos, but had been replaced by an honor guard of Cree vessels, of all things. They flanked the towering galleon as it made towards port, the standard of the Tzaltec Empire streaming from its three masts. And on the pier waited further wonder, for there stood the heir to the Tyranny of New Crima, so long estranged from Tzalteclan, now brought together in the spirit of reconciliation that the Summit so embodied.

The Tzaltec ship drifted to a stop and became a flurry of activity, sailors and slaves and courtiers all scurrying to make ready for the Teotlkan's departure. Yet Senusret had been a man of action in his previous life, and was not one to wait on the failings of others now. So with little fanfare, the gangplank was lowered, and the Teotlkan descended to meet Khoonbish the Inhuman in a robe of black samite, the two curved horns that rose from his temples providing a dire accent to his golden crown. Spreading his clawed hands wide, he stopped mere feet from the angular spider of a woman and her entourage.

"Good people of Cree, let now our long feud be ended! Let our grievances be struck from memory, and let us move into this new day as happy cousins!"

Pretty words, and apparently genuine, though none could help but notice the shadow cast by the figure standing at the prow of the Tzaltec ship, the former Teotlkan Nezetkhamun staring down with his baleful golden eyes.

Dragon and Divine

Soon after Vizini departed the Sycian pavilion, a murmur swept through the surrounding crowd. Though at first the high priestess and her attendants were unable to see the cause, the masses soon parted to reveal the towering figure of Nezetkhamun strolling towards them. He seemed to give the still mass of humanity no notice as he laid eyes on the statue of Yphine and the diminutive catgirl teenager standing alongside it, and his lips curled into a smile. He was dressed more simply than some may have remembered, subsisting only with a layered black robe that flowed like flame in his wake. Yet for all its simplicity, the sheen of his gold-black scales was the envy of every jeweler in Telluris. He stopped but a few feet shy of Marvella, and took the time to examine the craftsmanship of Yphine's likeness before turning his attention to her.

"High Priestess Marvella, it is a pleasure. I thought it long past time we met in person."

He bowed, if only slightly, and extended a hand that Marvella well knew could shear through steel.

"I am Nezetkhamun, Xiuhtlatec of the Tzaltec people."

Mother's Mercy

Even as Kina's Chosen was gripped by tongues and the representatives of Faedas drew away from seemingly inevitable bloodshed, a slim needle sprouted from the possessed boy's neck, conjured as if from air. That was, until the new Teotlkan appeared around the corner of a nearby pavillion, and one of the Unmarked dropped from her perch atop it. The Inquisitors froze for an instant, unsure if this meant more trouble, before the youth's body went slack and he succumbed to the potent tranquilizer.

"Forgive me officers, for infringing on your duty, but it seemed prudent to stop the situation from escalating. He should be unconscious for a good hour."

He turned to the lord and lady from Faedas, and gave a slight bow in greeting.

"I trust that is enough time to remove him from the island and commit him to the care of someone more...prudent?"

HalfTangible

2014-11-27, 03:07 PM

Dragon and Divine

Soon after Vizini departed the Sycian pavilion, a murmur swept through the surrounding crowd. Though at first the high priestess and her attendants were unable to see the cause, the masses soon parted to reveal the towering figure of Nezetkhamun strolling towards them. He seemed to give the still mass of humanity no notice as he laid eyes on the statue of Yphine and the diminutive catgirl teenager standing alongside it, and his lips curled into a smile. He was dressed more simply than some may have remembered, subsisting only with a layered black robe that flowed like flame in his wake. Yet for all its simplicity, the sheen of his gold-black scales was the envy of every jeweler in Telluris. He stopped but a few feet shy of Marvella, and took the time to examine the craftsmanship of Yphine's likeness before turning his attention to her.

"High Priestess Marvella, it is a pleasure. I thought it long past time we met in person."

He bowed, if only slightly, and extended a hand that Marvella well knew could shear through steel.

"I am Nezetkhamun, Xiuhtlatec of the Tzaltec people."

Marvella carried herself with a strong regal bearing worthy of a high priestess, but wore very little adornment. Her dress was white and about as simple as it could be while still being considered formal clothing, and she wore a pair of jewel-set bracers. Were it not for her regal posture and the Xiuhtlatec's previous knowledge, it was doubtful one could have picked the High Priestess out of a crowd.

Marvella stared at the offered claw, trying not to think about how easily this man could shred her apart. Maybe she could pretend he was Drakeborn?... No, even Drakeborn claws weren't strong enough to rend steel. She took the offered hand (shakily) and tried to smile. "N-nice to meet you. I am Yphine's High Priestess, Marvella of Sycia, speaker of the Doctrine, and numerous other titles I'm not interested in. How fare the Tzaltec?"

DoomHat

2014-11-27, 05:10 PM

SamBurke

2014-11-27, 06:52 PM

I'll have to check on the aeromancers, to see if I have any left. I'd be willing to take the two to give you exclusive non-Imperium rights to the tech(s) once I get them. I expect one curiosity roll tech towards getting to a tech 10, which I will share
***At the Summit***
Andus Fitzrion took his place at the summit. He made certain to respect his Cree neighbor's obsession with security by coming unarmed. Overly so, some might say, given his rather skimpy attire of vest and short breeches.

OK. So... to go over that again, Calc/Physics for Tech/Aeromancers(Or other resource)?

The ushers passed him with a nod, showing him to his nation's booth.

"Forgive me for my misrepresentation, personal strength is not the strength to which I speak alone. The strength of love is indeed a great strength to wield. Our Mother is not a singular being, she does not live solely as the mighty Khadi devourer of souls, though she possesses this immense power it is not her only aspect, it draws worshippers to her, it draws followers, but her strength alone is not what retains them. Kina is our Mother for a reason, she is loving of Her people, as we all emerge from the Blackness that is Kina we all return, She gives us that knowledge, but not only is She our Mother informing us of the path we walk She punishes those with the hubris to attempt and walk astray in her aspect as Khaditna."

"Strength earns one's position, Kina is strong, to that I speak, she deserves our respect and admiration for her strength, she retains it with her Love, just as you speak Khoonbish, just as your Tyranny is founded upon these principles so too is Kina built upon the same."

"As I explained, strength earns power, but love retains it. Your late wife speaks to that point Doge, not to cause offense," Katava mused, "Your late wife, the Doge Buttercup held power and she held the eyes of thousands, perhaps millions who looked on her in awe, but she was unable to retain that attention because she relied on fear for too long. Fear catches the eye Doge, fear of power, but as our Cree compatriot has identified, love retains that power. But as much as it does, that power cannot wane Doge, for if it does another more powerful will rise, and those that seek power are not always those fit to wield it."

"To speak to your other point, the miracles of Radurja were perpetrated not through grand means of the many deities Radurja proclaims working in unison, but for the most part through the Lord of Fire, another powerful god who earned His place to sit as a worshipped being through power and the lovely ability to wield it. Though His power has faded as His powers have grown to become cruel and arbitrarily used He has been powerful for a long time, and the goodwill you speak of retaining the power for yourself is what has retained His own worship. Too many people have too much invested to admit He may no longer be worthy, and the fact remains He may not yet have lost his right to his power. "

Don't have the actions this round I'm afraid, but I will put things through next round.

Next round I'll also send a Faith action the Clanships way.

OOC: I imagine this can be a handwaved conversation unless you had anything you'd like to discuss?

Sounds good! Trades can go through next round, then.

"I believe, then, that we speak from the same point of view. We are both saying that goodwill is the key: however, you emphasize more of the power beforehand than I. Perhaps there is wisdom in having much power... but I have found that Buttercup's power must be forgiven with goodwill, not any other way around.

"Though I must say, some of Faedas' actions seem to be harming goodwill... I'm curious to ask: what pushed your people over the edge into open rebellion?"

Wesley gulped nervously as he twisted his hand over his chest in a Sycian greeting - particularly one meant as a sign of respect towards high rank. "I- I meant no disrespect, my lord, I-"

Marvella placed her hand on Wesley's shoulder. "Wesley, this is Doge Vizini. Your father."

"... Oh." The boy looked even more nervous than before. He'd been sure that the Doge had been offended twice over now - once from him suddenly showing up (why else would he sound so shocked) and once for not recognizing his own father. "Um... hi?"
Vizini's buzz was gone. His happiness, his brief hour of joy with Dulari before the wedding, seemed to have vanished. Instead, he was filled with panic. Sheer, raw, panic, coursing through his veins with all the delicacy of Tzaltec fire.

"Hello, son... It's so good to..." To what? He had been excited for this moment, true. But it was still a child with whom he had no bond. What was his favorite play? What was his favorite tale? Did he fight with a bow or with a dagger, an axe or a Maian spear? There wasn't anything that he knew.

But it didn't have to be that way. He could change his fate. He could bring them together, in the brief time they had. The brief year. And he would... there would be letters, back and forth, between them.

"Son... I'm so glad to see you!" he shouted, stretching out his arms and rushing towards the boy.

lt_murgen

2014-11-27, 07:54 PM

OK. So... to go over that again, Calc/Physics for Tech/Aeromancers(Or other resource)?

Yes, we can trade calculus and physics for aeromancers (ongoing resource) and 1 tech to be developed off of thundersheets (which is what I need the calculus and physics for)

Kitsanth

2014-11-27, 11:47 PM

There is quite a crowd around the Niskovian delegation, as judges, rulers, and commoners all seem to be very interested in the wonders of its gears and levers. They're speaking loud, in amazement of how far the world has come. Old folk all around can be seen expressing their discontent, but otherwise, the only emotions in the crowd are awe and wonder.

First up are the judges, James, Jonah, and Jameson, who strut to the forefront, all carrying clipboards and looking imperious. "Let's see if this lives up to the so-called hype that the common folk are radiating..." Jameson says, doing his best to stay away from said common folk.

"Let's see... a writing assistant! It... presses ink! Fascinating... why, this is like a tiny printing press!"

Jameson glares at James. "Remember that you are, in fact, a professional, and, what's more, a Guilderene. You don't get excited until they tell us how much money it makes." He turned to the Niskovians with an expectant look.

Jonah kept drawing, having moved on from the "mechanized writer" to the velociped.

"I am chief technician Tsanmaith, and I would be honoured to introduce you to the wonders of these new devices." said a technician standing by the device, somewhat amused by their scepticism as he introduced himself, "This device," he said, gesturing towards the 'typewriter', "is what we have been calling in 'typewriter' and it offers numerous advantages. Why with one of these there is no need to hire a trained scribe for you will be able to compose all your correspondence yourself, with no risk of staining ones clothes with ink or getting a cramp in ones hand."

Taking a sheet of vellum, he showed the judges that it was in fact blank on both sides, before placing inserting it into the device. The motion looked complicated but it was obvious that the chief technician was well practised at manipulating the device. As he did this Tsanmaith continues speaking, "Currently we have no models designed for Guilderene script but I am sure we all know trade-tongue, so if you will allow me to demonstrate the operation of this device... if you watch closely, you can actually see the mechanism of this device in action as I press the 'keys'" His fingers fly over the keys, as before it is obvious that the chief technician knows this device well. And in a short time he is done and so he hands the vellum to the closest judge. The sheet reads 'I hope you have found this demonstration to be informative'

Noticing one of the judges interest in the velociped, Tsanmaith gives some background on the contraption, "Ahh, and that is a velociped! They are rather common in Niskovia, you see horses are quite rare and so we came up with this. From what I understand it is not unlike riding a horse, and it is certainly simpler when one lives in the city to keep a velociped! It is rather simple to use as well once a person has the knack and can be fitted with baskets to transport packages and such. And the three-wheeled variant can be fitted with a cart if needed. I would demonstrate how exactly one goes about riding a velociped but it is rather crowded in here." He says, finishing on that humorous note.

Another figure, bearing the robes and regalia of the Technical Institute, enters the semi-circle, completely ignoring the antics of the judges, and leaning against the stall to have a conversation with Wovirl Nalraen. "Tell me, dear sir, about this device... it appears to be capable of sewing on its own, in a rudimentary way? This is most fascinating..."

The Karranan tailor smiles, glad to have a chance to show his invention to an interested party. "In a manner of speaking that is the case. With the required thread properly inserted into this device, one must then pass their cloth between these two plates as they manipulate this foot pedal in order to drive the mechanism," as Nalraen talks, he points out the relevant parts of his invention. "I feel that this device will revolutionise the world. You see, I have been a tailor for almost my entire life. It is exceedingly time-consuming work, and much of it is tedious repetitive stitching - the sort that this device is perfect for."

Apologies for my laxness in posting this week.

HalfTangible

2014-11-28, 01:47 AM

Vizini's buzz was gone. His happiness, his brief hour of joy with Dulari before the wedding, seemed to have vanished. Instead, he was filled with panic. Sheer, raw, panic, coursing through his veins with all the delicacy of Tzaltec fire.

"Hello, son... It's so good to..." To what? He had been excited for this moment, true. But it was still a child with whom he had no bond. What was his favorite play? What was his favorite tale? Did he fight with a bow or with a dagger, an axe or a Maian spear? There wasn't anything that he knew.

But it didn't have to be that way. He could change his fate. He could bring them together, in the brief time they had. The brief year. And he would... there would be letters, back and forth, between them.

"Son... I'm so glad to see you!" he shouted, stretching out his arms and rushing towards the boy.

Wesley flinched as the random stranger who called himself his father suddenly rushed forward and wrapped him in a hug. He look over to Marvella, eyes wide and fearful. Marvella shrugged as if to say 'Don't look at me'. Wesley timidly patted the man on the back. "Uh, it's okay... I'm learning a lot about the Doctrine, like you asked. Even been to the Icefall."

Reggiejam

2014-11-28, 03:28 PM

"If you do manage to apprehend him I will acquiesce and remove his mortal form from this island in perpetuity, though will not fault you if that is not your choice of action. Kina guide you." she said.

The Inquisitorial Palm looked down at the boy's prone form with the swelling bruise at his temple from the cudgel strike, and then back to her.

"Just how much more apprehended you want him Lady?!" he said with agitated incredulity as he raised his hand to gesture for an 'open fire' order...
when suddenly a needle appeared in the target's neck.

"Forgive me officers, for infringing on your duty, but it seemed prudent to stop the situation from escalating. He should be unconscious for a good hour." said the Teotlkan.

He turned to the lord and lady from Faedas, and gave a slight bow in greeting.

"I trust that is enough time to remove him from the island and commit him to the care of someone more...prudent?"

There was a short pause, and the Palm burst into laughter.
"BAHAhaha! Well your Highness, Tzalticlan's contribution is well appreciated, but I can't say this constitutes 'apprehended' yet. I certainly hope so... I wasn't kidding about that furnace."

Despite the Palm's good humor, the surrounding security forces still had their weapons trained on the boy's body. There was no way to know if any mundane drug could hold such a creature long.

"Ah, Your Grace, your arrival is well timed," Katava said with a thin smile and a gesture to her brother who ran forward to lift John up into his arms.

"To the dock, with our Captain, tell him to sail us back to a Sympol port, bring him to Tekorva, and send for another ship will you brother?" Katava spoke quietly but not so quiet that the surrounding Cree and Tzaltec couldn't hear her.

Her brother nodded in acknowledgment to her, and then to the Tzaltec and Cree and moved to depart the Summit.

"You're right to question to effectiveness of the poison on a Chosen Inquisitor, I'd advise you send men to keep an eye on the Chosen until my brother has fully departed him, though I am certain I need not tell you that," she turned to the Tzaltec prince, "Good Teotlkan Senusret, I don't believe I've had the pleasure and unless I am mistaken I am the first of my country to see you under your new title. It is an honor," she bowed low, nearly as low as one would to their own sovereign.

"You'll forgive the intrusion, but I had taken Tzalteclan to be on hard terms with Guilder given their recent...actions? I am pleasantly surprised that you have chosen to arrive."

"I believe, then, that we speak from the same point of view. We are both saying that goodwill is the key: however, you emphasize more of the power beforehand than I. Perhaps there is wisdom in having much power... but I have found that Buttercup's power must be forgiven with goodwill, not any other way around.

"Though I must say, some of Faedas' actions seem to be harming goodwill... I'm curious to ask: what pushed your people over the edge into open rebellion?"

"If you think we speak the same, then you misunderstand. Goodwill is not the key, it is a component in wielding power properly, and it is earned for doing so, but to rely solely on goodwill is a desperate and shaky positioning. The late Queen Valineth might agree with your views, but us of more knowledge of the Mother know better that goodwill is earned through righteous execution of power."

"As I stated, the Lord of Fire teeters on the edge of having lost his power, his goodwill nearly spent in decades despite having accrued over centuries. It is only the good priests of Calorum that keep even a fraction of His fire burning. If He had had the power and the ability to step forward and strip those who would abuse Him, First Brother Adam, Shahidi Mkuu Shevedrishti, King Tendaji, then His power might not yet wane so. So too with Buttercup, if yourself or your father had had the strength to stop her perhaps then she would not have nearly destroyed the goodwill earned by the title Doge prior to her ascension."

"Ah, you find our actions abusive of goodwill?" Katava asked, a perplexed smile on her face, "The Emperor of Hurosha has been found negligent in his duties as a liege, our former fellow vassal Calorum burned under wretched militants while Hurosha marched against invisible invaders from the deep and frozen warriors who nearly had the support of the Kingdom of the Ashene. Edicts passed to deal with supposed sedition at best and simple difference of opinion at worst when found and revealed to be incredibly punitive and invoking of slavery that Hurosha has so long railed against were not reviewed or revised but staunchly defended, first by the Emperor, declared mad by his own court, and now by his supposed successor Ryena Fireguard. And shall we discuss Ryena Fireguard? The Freehold's independence made it clear that we found the leadership of Hurosha distasteful and so too apparently did the entirety of Hurosha's core lands, so much so that a coup was orchestrated to attempt to deflect responsibility for the previous dynasty's actions, yet when this happened was the Queen, the daughter of the former Emperor and sister in law to the usurper spoken to? Only to inform her that she had been stripped of her birthright by the supposed 'failure' and abdication of her beloved brother Rove."

"Perhaps I speak from an un-enlightened view, but good Doge you stand in a perfect position to attest, can a line of rulers step down in favor of their mate and have that mate prove capably prepared? She is a Huroshan Buttercup, but worse yet she does not even have legal basis to claim a new dynasty. Huroshan's are patriarchal in names and titles of inheritance, a son and daughter inherit the family of their father, and Ryena Fireguard is married to our queen's beloved brother Rove Earthguard all children she has are Earthguard by legal right and her dynasty is still Earthguard, yet she has no claim as strong as Rove's own or Faedas's Queen. We of Faedas are aware of the Shuzoku No Henkaku despite Hurosha's claim to the opposite, and we are equally aware that a new dynasty may be chosen in times of need. Yet no true new dynasty has claimed the throne and the Earthguard line, through Kyria and her sister Loris, have not relinquished their rights to the throne thus any attempt to proclaim a new dynasty is a falsehood and the good Queen must shoulder the burden of retaining her rightful title as Empress."

"In that way, Faedas has not in truth even broken away, but rather, the core lands of Hurosha belonging in truth to Queen Kyria, have rebelled against their rightful Empress," Katava cocked her head to one side, "Perhaps you could enlighten me on how exactly rightful Faedas has dissolved any goodwill existing between itself and its many friends?"

TheDarkDM

2014-11-29, 04:51 AM

Dragon and Divine

Nezetkhamun's face widened into a smile, one that despite his eternally youthful features carried the warmth of a grandfather. He took her hand gently and bowed as he brought it to his lips for a brief kiss. She could feel the heat radiating from deep inside him, the power that threatened to surge were it not for his iron will.

"They fare well, Marvella of Sycia. The eastern expansion continues apace, and we savor the fruits of conquest. You must visit us, that we might show you what might be found beyond the frozen north."

He straightened, though his hand remained in hers.

"And what of Sycia? We heard of some foul business involving one of your high priests - I hope you were not endangered?"

Mother's Mercy

Senusret watched impassively as the Chosen was carried towards the docks under the watchful eyes of Cree Inquisitors. Then he turned to the Palm and offered the slightest of bows.

"It was no trouble. I am only happy to have stumbled onto the scene before you were forced to take lethal action."

He straightened his back, and for a split second the Palm suspected that the Teotlkan had never "stumbled" onto a scene in his life. But the guard had left Senusret's mind by the time he turned towards Lady Katava.

"The honor is mine, good lady."

He bowed in return, slightly lower than one might bow to ones own vassal. Straightening, he offered his arm.

"The only grievance we hold towards Guilder is weakness, my lady. And while we of Tzalteclan despise weakness, it is an affliction that can be remedied. Our true issue is to those taking advantage of Guilder's momentary lapse in character. Though with luck, those grievances will soon be resolved. Will you walk with me?"

After she took his arm, they began to stroll through the exhibits, a nearly invisible wall of Unmarked clearing a path through the crowds.

"I must say though, our conflicts pale in comparison to those your good Queen has invited. Please do not misunderstand me, it was an act of wisdom to divest Faedas from the court of that bloated popinjay and his successors, but there is a storm rising in the west. Faedas will need friends to weather it, and Tzalteclan could be such a friend."

HalfTangible

2014-11-29, 11:46 AM

Reggiejam

2014-11-29, 12:53 PM

Mother's Mercy

Senusret watched impassively as the Chosen was carried towards the docks under the watchful eyes of Cree Inquisitors. Then he turned to the Palm and offered the slightest of bows.

"It was no trouble. I am only happy to have stumbled onto the scene before you were forced to take lethal action."

He straightened his back, and for a split second the Palm suspected that the Teotlkan had never "stumbled" onto a scene in his life. But the guard had left Senusret's mind by the time he turned towards Lady Katava.

"The honor is mine, good lady."

He bowed in return, slightly lower than one might bow to ones own vassal. Straightening, he offered his arm.

"The only grievance we hold towards Guilder is weakness, my lady. And while we of Tzalteclan despise weakness, it is an affliction that can be remedied. Our true issue is to those taking advantage of Guilder's momentary lapse in character. Though with luck, those grievances will soon be resolved. Will you walk with me?"

After she took his arm, they began to stroll through the exhibits, a nearly invisible wall of Unmarked clearing a path through the crowds.

"I must say though, our conflicts pale in comparison to those your good Queen has invited. Please do not misunderstand me, it was an act of wisdom to divest Faedas from the court of that bloated popinjay and his successors, but there is a storm rising in the west. Faedas will need friends to weather it, and Tzalteclan could be such a friend."

Katava stood tall as she walked beside the Tzaltec leader, though he still towered over her she felt magnificent on his arm. It was a rare thing for a Heartwastian noblewoman to take pleasure in being the accompaniment to a male. So often were males simply the unseen courtiers running behind an official delegation or a pleasant piece of jewelry to accompany a noblewoman's procession. Few possessed power, and certainly not the power that emanated off of the eastern Teotlkan. It was delightfully different.

"I can safely say I speak for my Queen when I say she and the Court would find a friendship with Tzalteclan most...desirable."

Not sure on the policy of 'adultery' in Tzalteclan but this thought has just occurred to me as something interesting to pursue. Would you be interested in a Senusret having fling with Katava? She wouldn't be eligible for marriage, and certainly not as a concubine, being as she's set to inherit a County in the Heartwaste and it's a matriarchal society but it might be interesting, and with your permission if that encounter led to a bastard child all the more interesting.

Up to you if you want to pursue it.

SamBurke

2014-11-29, 06:12 PM

"You'll forgive the intrusion, but I had taken Tzalteclan to be on hard terms with Guilder given their recent...actions? I am pleasantly surprised that you have chosen to arrive." Columbo shook his head. "There is still hope of peace, I am told... but it is, I suppose, tenuous. That is why these nations come: for hope of peace. Is that not true?"

"If you think we speak the same, then you misunderstand. Goodwill is not the key, it is a component in wielding power properly, and it is earned for doing so, but to rely solely on goodwill is a desperate and shaky positioning. The late Queen Valineth might agree with your views, but us of more knowledge of the Mother know better that goodwill is earned through righteous execution of power."

"As I stated, the Lord of Fire teeters on the edge of having lost his power, his goodwill nearly spent in decades despite having accrued over centuries. It is only the good priests of Calorum that keep even a fraction of His fire burning. If He had had the power and the ability to step forward and strip those who would abuse Him, First Brother Adam, Shahidi Mkuu Shevedrishti, King Tendaji, then His power might not yet wane so. So too with Buttercup, if yourself or your father had had the strength to stop her perhaps then she would not have nearly destroyed the goodwill earned by the title Doge prior to her ascension."
Vizini nodded. "Religion has changed much in the past years of the world... in ways I did not expect. Where we are now, many of the deities have faded... Kina has not, but she is young in her recognition. Who is to say that in a hundred years, she will not again fall from the world stage? My great grandfather was of our former pagan gods, my grandfather of the Lord of Fire, my father of no religion at all, and I Rajurda. My son, Wesley... he shall be free to choose whatever he likes. Hopefully, he chooses his power to stop evil, as you say."

"Ah, you find our actions abusive of goodwill?"[/COLOR] Katava asked, a perplexed smile on her face, "The Emperor of Hurosha has been found negligent in his duties as a liege, our former fellow vassal Calorum burned under wretched militants while Hurosha marched against invisible invaders from the deep and frozen warriors who nearly had the support of the Kingdom of the Ashene. Edicts passed to deal with supposed sedition at best and simple difference of opinion at worst when found and revealed to be incredibly punitive and invoking of slavery that Hurosha has so long railed against were not reviewed or revised but staunchly defended, first by the Emperor, declared mad by his own court, and now by his supposed successor Ryena Fireguard. And shall we discuss Ryena Fireguard? The Freehold's independence made it clear that we found the leadership of Hurosha distasteful and so too apparently did the entirety of Hurosha's core lands, so much so that a coup was orchestrated to attempt to deflect responsibility for the previous dynasty's actions, yet when this happened was the Queen, the daughter of the former Emperor and sister in law to the usurper spoken to? Only to inform her that she had been stripped of her birthright by the supposed 'failure' and abdication of her beloved brother Rove."

"Perhaps I speak from an un-enlightened view, but good Doge you stand in a perfect position to attest, can a line of rulers step down in favor of their mate and have that mate prove capably prepared? She is a Huroshan Buttercup, but worse yet she does not even have legal basis to claim a new dynasty. Huroshan's are patriarchal in names and titles of inheritance, a son and daughter inherit the family of their father, and Ryena Fireguard is married to our queen's beloved brother Rove Earthguard all children she has are Earthguard by legal right and her dynasty is still Earthguard, yet she has no claim as strong as Rove's own or Faedas's Queen. We of Faedas are aware of the Shuzoku No Henkaku despite Hurosha's claim to the opposite, and we are equally aware that a new dynasty may be chosen in times of need. Yet no true new dynasty has claimed the throne and the Earthguard line, through Kyria and her sister Loris, have not relinquished their rights to the throne thus any attempt to proclaim a new dynasty is a falsehood and the good Queen must shoulder the burden of retaining her rightful title as Empress."

"In that way, Faedas has not in truth even broken away, but rather, the core lands of Hurosha belonging in truth to Queen Kyria, have rebelled against their rightful Empress," Katava cocked her head to one side, "Perhaps you could enlighten me on how exactly rightful Faedas has dissolved any goodwill existing between itself and its many friends?" "Perhaps I mis-spoke... You have dissolved no good-will with me or my people... I think that many among my advisors stand wholeheartedly with you. When I say that goodwill has been lost, I mean between you and Hurosha, longtime Liege.

"I simply wonder that there was no discussion beforehand, is all. You do seem to be more in the right, at least based on what I've heard..." Vizini shrugs, and moves the conversation on to pleasanter things.

"Tell me! With independence under your wings, where do you plan to take Faedas? What greatness may I expect from its halls and walls?"

Wesley flinched as the random stranger who called himself his father suddenly rushed forward and wrapped him in a hug. He look over to Marvella, eyes wide and fearful. Marvella shrugged as if to say 'Don't look at me'. Wesley timidly patted the man on the back. "Uh, it's okay... I'm learning a lot about the Doctrine, like you asked. Even been to the Icefall."Vizini nods. "You're... you're a good kid. Better than I deserve, I think. I wonder... I wonder... If you were to stay home, to stay in Guilder for this next cycle, instead of traveling south? Would you like that?"

"I am chief technician Tsanmaith, and I would be honoured to introduce you to the wonders of these new devices." said a technician standing by the device, somewhat amused by their scepticism as he introduced himself, "This device," he said, gesturing towards the 'typewriter', "is what we have been calling in 'typewriter' and it offers numerous advantages. Why with one of these there is no need to hire a trained scribe for you will be able to compose all your correspondence yourself, with no risk of staining ones clothes with ink or getting a cramp in ones hand."

Taking a sheet of vellum, he showed the judges that it was in fact blank on both sides, before placing inserting it into the device. The motion looked complicated but it was obvious that the chief technician was well practised at manipulating the device. As he did this Tsanmaith continues speaking, "Currently we have no models designed for Guilderene script but I am sure we all know trade-tongue, so if you will allow me to demonstrate the operation of this device... if you watch closely, you can actually see the mechanism of this device in action as I press the 'keys'" His fingers fly over the keys, as before it is obvious that the chief technician knows this device well. And in a short time he is done and so he hands the vellum to the closest judge. The sheet reads 'I hope you have found this demonstration to be informative'

Noticing one of the judges interest in the velociped, Tsanmaith gives some background on the contraption, "Ahh, and that is a velociped! They are rather common in Niskovia, you see horses are quite rare and so we came up with this. From what I understand it is not unlike riding a horse, and it is certainly simpler when one lives in the city to keep a velociped! It is rather simple to use as well once a person has the knack and can be fitted with baskets to transport packages and such. And the three-wheeled variant can be fitted with a cart if needed. I would demonstrate how exactly one goes about riding a velociped but it is rather crowded in here." He says, finishing on that humorous note.

The two men clap their hands. "Delightful! Delightful! I believe that you have won me over... tell me more about the clerks I shan't need to employ--"

James shushed him. "You say that it can be ridden, if it's in a better arena? Where might we find such a place?"

The Karranan tailor smiles, glad to have a chance to show his invention to an interested party. "In a manner of speaking that is the case. With the required thread properly inserted into this device, one must then pass their cloth between these two plates as they manipulate this foot pedal in order to drive the mechanism," as Nalraen talks, he points out the relevant parts of his invention. "I feel that this device will revolutionise the world. You see, I have been a tailor for almost my entire life. It is exceedingly time-consuming work, and much of it is tedious repetitive stitching - the sort that this device is perfect for."

Apologies for my laxness in posting this week.
Columbo nods. "What a fascinating device... I shall certainly see more of it, I presume? Perhaps there could be some sort of a trade worked out between Guilder and your people, because this invention! Oh! Wondrous... and how many more there must be at home, that your folk could not bring!" He appears to be enraptured by the possibilities.

I have some random materials (Magnetite, Tar, Wood, etc) available for trade, if you'd be interested. I can also do some tech/project sharing work with you, and would be eager to. How does that sound? It can be completed next round as well, given that this comes so late.

Yes, we can trade calculus and physics for aeromancers (ongoing resource) and 1 tech to be developed off of thundersheets (which is what I need the calculus and physics for)

It's been added into my actions.

The Summit's Wanderings Conclude
Vizini laughs again as Dulari finishes her story. "And then, as it turned out, he didn't want the shipment of jellyfish at his mountain-home, so I had to take them..."

"NO! You didn't!"

"Yes, yes! I had to take them all the way down the hill again, bouncing and slopping all over the place... did you know the noise they make?" Dulari, buzzed on love and a Raaneki-approved mixer of liquids contorted her face and pushed air through a twisted mouth. The sound itself was inimitable, and perhaps it's best that only the two of them know it.

"Oh... Oh... My sides hurt..." Vizini glanced at the bell above the Peace Halls, as they rung for the 8-o-clock hour. "I've only got another little bit with you, love, before I have to go..."

She sighed, sitting down and trying to "compose" herself a bit more for public. Perhaps his Guilderene ways had rubbed off on her too much. "I suppose you should get back now, then, to go over your notes one last time?"

Vizini shook his head. "We have one last thing to do..." He picked her up for a second, spinning again, and set her down facing the tower. "We have to climb the largest tower built out of metal, and look down upon today... and maybe do a little special thing while there."

They climbed and smiled, and Vizini thought again what a lucky, fabulously lucky man he was. That a younger woman --at 30, she was practically a girl for a Raaneki-- should see anything in the grizzled, gaunt, face he possessed... It was beyond him. Yet she loved him, despite his lack of beauty. And she, beautiful as she was, radiant as the dawn and far more energetic, brought light to him. Sucheta had not worked too hard bringing them together, whatever she might think, but he was grateful.

When they reached the top of Gereltuuleg Tower, Vizini got to his knees. "What are you doing, silly? You can't see the world from there?"

"Maybe I don't want to see the world, right now," said the man, quietly. "I have to, of course. Duty is duty, and my Duty is eternal to my people. But I have to ask... I don't want to do my duty alone. I don't want to live this life or rule this country if it has to be without... you."

From behind Dulari came the attendants; the only four people who'd been called there, to witness the ceremony. She was speechless, holding one hand over her mouth, the other still trapped with Vizini. "I... of course..."

"I know this comes as a surprise to you, but I wanted to make it official. Dulari Ambere, you are a true woman, a beautiful soul, and I want the world to know of our bond." The two female servants came from behind, draping a Raaneki veil--utterly transparent, in Raaneki fashion-- over her head.

She smiled, tears running down her cheeks. "Yes..." she managed to choke out.

The manservant placed the traditional armor of Guilder over Vizini's chest, and attempted to hand him the broken Dogal bronze blades, but he pushed them back. "Tumberink broke those on purpose, just as I marry my love for purpose: because peace is better than war, and this is the lesson which I have learned." He turned back to her, and they shared a long gaze.

At long last, he drew her to himself, and they kissed.

They kissed so long, and in fact so well, now married, that the servants excused themselves, and the officiating priest began to walk down the stairs as well. Some looking at the tower may have seen one figure, silhouetted against the sky, made of two intertwined loves. Or, perhaps, they would look down again quickly. Even from a distance, it was clearly a Raaneki kiss.

At the Peace Summit
Vizini enters, rushed, taking his agenda and checking over it. "Nothing's changed? No one has spoken yet? Good. Good. I'll have a few minutes to study... cue up the first speaker, please?" He adjusts his coat, brushing off a few of the more obvious traces of his activities in the tower.

The master of ceremonies walks to the front again, holding the Rostrum, and reads it out:

-Doge Vizini, of Guilder
-Lord Lieutenant, of Caercia
-Katava, of the Faedas

"In the interest of time, the Doge will cede the floor to those with pressing concerns. The Lord Lieutenant of Caercia is first, I believe."

lt_murgen

2014-11-29, 10:45 PM

"Ah, Your Grace, your arrival is well timed," Katava said with a thin smile and a gesture to her brother who ran forward to lift John up into his arms.

"To the dock, with our Captain, tell him to sail us back to a Sympol port, bring him to Tekorva, and send for another ship will you brother?" Katava spoke quietly but not so quiet that the surrounding Cree and Tzaltec couldn't hear her.

Her brother nodded in acknowledgment to her, and then to the Tzaltec and Cree and moved to depart the Summit.

"You're right to question to effectiveness of the poison on a Chosen Inquisitor, I'd advise you send men to keep an eye on the Chosen until my brother has fully departed him, though I am certain I need not tell you that,"

From the shadows A beregenian female stood watching, calmly. She knew that no harm would come to a Chosen of the Mother, and the response had been most interesting. She would, one day, be allowed the honor of the Blood of the Mother. But for now, she followed her mentor's instructions. Her position as an aide to the AQUA councilmembers allowed her access to the fair. She was to use it, and watch proceedings carefully. The Tzaltec and the Heartwaste's interaction certainly qualified.

TheDarkDM

2014-11-29, 11:23 PM

HalfTangible

2014-11-30, 02:08 AM

Dragon and Divine

Nezetkhamun chuckled at the name of the former conspirator, and squeezed Marvella's hand gently.

"Truly he was a fool to challenge you, Marvella. Too often are we judged by our stature rather than the potency of our spirits. I am fortunate that they are one and the same."

He stepped inside the pavilion, and brought his free hand close to the icy sculpture of Yphine, black claws hovering a hair's breadth from the shining surface.

"Exquisite craftsmanship. I can understand why the events in Pyronia would occupy your thoughts. To so usurp the powers of Yphine? It speaks to an influence with which I am all too familiar. Should you require aid know that I would be honored to assist."

He pulled his hand away from the statue, and a glittering chain fell from the depths of the robe's sleeve. It was a golden chain, wrought to resemble a pair of serpentine figures entwined. And where their heads came together, they held a ruby the size of a quail's egg. At least she thought it was a ruby, but what other stone would have such luster buried in its crimson heart? Guiding Marvella's palm open with his other hand, Nezetkhamun clasped her fingers around the bauble.

"You need only whisper my name into the stone, and I shall know I am needed.""Yeah, I... remember." She looked down. "I saw your entrance at the last Telluris games. I was... impressed. Tzultep's gifts are quite a sight to behold."

Ymina's the name of the previous high priestess, not the conspirator :smalltongue:

"Uh... thank you." Marvella replied as she opened her palm back up, eyeing the pendant with interest. She'd seen many gems in her time in Sycia - the place was famous for them, after all - but usually they were blue or purple. Such a luscious red was a rarity to her. Nezet-whatsits was probably buttering her up for a favor of some sort, but at least he was doing so well. If she had to explain to one more person that she couldn't perform wedding ceremonies...

"... Hey, lemme ask you something. Off the record." She took the pendant and started to put it on. Marvella placed the jewel under the collar of her very conservative dress - she didn't like to show off, evidently. "This business with the Empire of Dawn." Her gaze grew hard as she looked up to the chosen of the dragon god. "You've been around longer and have seen much more of this entire... altercation than I have. Am I wrong to think it will come to war?"

Vizini nods. "You're... you're a good kid. Better than I deserve, I think. I wonder... I wonder... If you were to stay home, to stay in Guilder for this next cycle, instead of traveling south? Would you like that?"

Wesley wasn't sure what to say. He'd been only a toddler when he'd first arrived in Sycia. To him, Guilder was just a birthplace that Marvella and the other priests had told him about. At the same time though, this was still his father and the man who had sent him to learn about the Doctrine (And freeze my butt off, he thought bitterly I hope the next place I go to is warmer). He glanced at Marvella.

She nodded, almost imperceptibly. He couldn't stay in Sycia forever, and while Guilder probably wouldn't be part of the Concordat by the time they left, she didn't want a war with them or the Empire.

"A-alright. If you think it's best."