[Exalted] The Restoration of the Solar Deliberative IC

[emeraldstreak]

The Imperial City...standing proudly where the grayish waters of the Blessed Isle greatest river dissolve into the turquoise calm of the Inner Sea; considered by most the center of the world; and unconquered for millenia...until recently. Hundreds of ships, big and small, with sails colored in every hue known to man, enter and leave its busy port. The cries of seagulls, sailors, and dockhands merge into a hectic cacaphony as your own ship approaches, briefly passing under the shadow of a magnificent dragon-like lighthouse. Making a godspeed sign, you part with the captain and the crew and step on the thorntreewood dock.

Nearby, exotic-looking travellers from all over Creation get on or off the ships. A little further several docks end up in a small square. A group of soldiers wearing matching gray-green coats and hoods, a bit too thick for this warm and sunny day, stare blankly at the crowds. A few black-clad officials next to them are far more active, stopping every passenger for questioning. Beyond them dozens of large warehouses block the horizon, but aren't big enough to hide the glimmering spire of a distant palace. Narrow shadowy alleyways separate the warehouses. Some are often traversed by dockhands. Other look more desolate, with heaps of garbage and rag-tag people eyeing the travellers hungrily.



OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?402929-Exalted-Restoration-of-the-Solar-Deliberative)

[Obscurejones]

Stepping off his boat and waving goodbye to the captain who had been kind enough to see him this far, Koyo is amazed by the sights of the city. The lighthouse had been beautiful, but even more then that the gentle hum of being in a metropolis. It felt good to be among a thriving hustle and bustle again. Starting towards what he can only assume would be the customs officers he stops for a moment. Looking to the alleyways he frowns. Beggars? Theives? Or mere common vagrants? In any case in a city about to lay host to a small army of miracle workers it seemed vaguely... Unseemly. Not that these men should be here, but that there should be any cause for poverty. Still, he supposed that he was as much responsible for their welfare as any other. Though he may have fewer gifts with which to help.

Doing his best to quiet Fokuf's chattering objections he sets out towards the men he can see loitering in the alleys.
"Good morning. I couldn't help but notice that you seem out of place. Can I ask why you are here?"
He pauses and laughs softly at his own blundering.
"Apologies if I am over direct. But it seemed odd to me that any should look hungry in this city, especially as the host is gathered. Am I correct in guessing that you are indeed hungry?"
As he speaks he sends a single grain of his power through his senses, aiming to make better sense of the cause of this motley bunch.
To ascertain the nature of the men in black who are questioning travelers, assuming they are officials as they seem to be, intelligence and bureaucracy. Not sure if legal minutiae specialty applies, so leaving it out for now. [roll0]
To attempt to gauge the nature of the men he is talking to, and their place in the society of the city, Wits and socialize? Not sure if wits, but it seems fitting. [roll1]
Also, firing Mastery of Small Manners for one mote of personal essence. Koyo's effective appearance is now 6 and he is aware of basic motivations of those around him.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin steps off the boat, squinting against the sun. His burlap poncho waves slightly in the wind, but a sharp eye can pick out the leather and steel wrapping his hands, and the quality of the fabric of his dark leggings. why he chooses to wear a crude and probably uncomfortable covering on top of that defies logic. A sharp eye can pick out the distinctive glint of white jade on his forearms. A very sharp eye might see a bit of starmetal mixed in. He stands a few inches over six feet, and is obviously well-muscled. His head is recently tonsured, but judging by his eyebrows he usually has very dark hair. His face looks at if he's spent a good portion of his life being punched in the face, and the way he carries himself, with grace and confidence, suggests he's done a fair bit of punching himself. He stands on the docks for a few moments, looking around, before walking towards the city. If there was no one on the docks to greet him after he received a personal invitation, then he'd simply walk to the Imperial Palace and present himself. And if this was all a ruse to lure Solars to the city, well, he knew how to deal with that too.

[roll0] Perception+Awareness

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard steps from the boat taking in the sights with more then a little surprise. A lifetime ago, or so it felt, he had heard tales of the Imperial City's splendor. Face to face with it, it was all to easy to see the gaps. "And disappointments mount." Waving a fair-well to the crew that had brought him across the Inland Sea, Leopard hops from the ships deck to the jetty. His face was covered in a few weeks of stubble, and though his pace was firm and even, his posture was slightly stooped do to long days below decks on a small cargo vessel. His panoply was covered by an intensely travel-worn cloak of cheap fabric, but occasionally the tiniest flash of gold can be seen peeping though. Poor in the streets, officials and soldiers at the docks. Something was either very wrong here, or matters had been even worse in the Realm then rumors had indicated.

Regardless, standing around would accomplish nothing. Leopard advances towards the officials, keeping pace with the rest of the crowd. It was only proper to allow them first entrance, despite the inconvenience. After all, he had just arrived, and was only a simple traveler.

Perception+Awareness: [roll0] 9 Succ

[Phasm]

A sleek, fast-looking ship flying the Haslanti flag lowers its gangplank. Two women walk onto the pier, both tall and broad-shouldered in the typical Northern way. The first is pale-skinned and blue-eyed, perhaps in her late twenties, with a faintly glowing green tattoo high on her right cheek. To those who can read Old Realm, it's a highly stylized glyph reading 'Fella'. Her red-gold hair is bound into an intricate, waist-length braid. Sun gleams off of her golden breastplate, but her other clothing is a simple dark green tunic, dark gray trousers, and knee-length gray boots. "The Imperial City, at long last. Are you excited, Lily?"

The second, younger woman is obviously an Air Aspect, from her blue-tinged skin and pure white ponytail. She wears a white jade breastplate, and a blue jade chakram hangs from a strap on her belt. "Um... sort of? I mean, it's a place I never thought I'd see, but they're going to expect me to know all sorts of fancy etiquette things because I'm a Dragon-Blood!"

Shiori pats her assistant on the shoulder. "You'll do fine, Lily. I'm sure we can hire a tutor for both of us to learn these things. It's not as if I know any more about Realm etiquette." She smiles wryly. "High First Age etiquette, certainly, but not so much about the modern Realm." Strangely, they aren't carrying much luggage. Lily is carrying a backpack of the sort the Haslanti nomads use, but it's not big enough to have two people's worth of gear. "Let's find someone who can direct us to the Deliberative. Keep your eyes and ears open."


Not going to bother with Excellencies for the moment. If anyone else wants Teal, let me know and I'll find another color for Lily. PCs take priority!

Perception + Awareness: [roll0]

Wits or Perception (both 3) + Investigation: [roll1]

Perception + Medicine, what is the general state of public health? [roll2]

Intelligence + Lore, what does Shiori know about current affairs in this area? [roll3]

Intelligence + Occult, what does she know about current supernatural affairs in this area? [roll4]

[emeraldstreak]

Few details avoid Koyo's eyes. A shifty, lean vagrant-girl notices his interest and darts to meet him halfway from the alley, extending an open hand. Most would dismiss her as a lowlife, but Koyo judges the girl a novice to begging. She's tanned...way too tanned for this city and her palms have recently seen hard work. A field hand, no doubt...

Her words are unintelligible. As Koyo looks around for help with her Low Realm, he is interrupted by the high-pitched Riverspeak of one of the officials "M'lord, everyone entering this domain is required to register...Essence-wielders doubly so". The black-clad clerk sounds determined to do his job. Behind him, several soldiers eye Koyo lazily like tigers under the midday sun.

Most of their unit, however, has turned attention to the warrior figure on the pier. Another clerk beckons Keldin "Welcome, sir. Please register your arrival. Also, declare any trading goods. Presently all port duties are off, courtesy of the One King, but that is sure to change the moment the Deliberative sets its mind on a budget."

While the soldiers on the square seem occupied with other recent arrivals, Leopard doesn't fail to notice the marksmen observing him from the lighthouse. They are appropriately camouflaged for the bright colors of the dragon-like structure and wield powerful longbows. The tips of their arrows reflect the light in a strange way...

Shiori and Glacier Lily certainly have the attention of the officials and their guard. Unfortunately, no useful rumors about the situation here had made their way North. As the two walk the pier, Shiori concludes the vagrants haven't been malnorished for too long, but their health would soon deteriorate if circumstances don't change for the better. A cold shiver runs her spine, the unwelcome memory of a grand temple filled with thin, frozen corpses to the brink...She snaps out of it just in time to register at one of the clerks, while a nearby soldier, a sergeant perhaps, assures her "You will be granted escort to the Deliberative, Chosen". Peculiarly, Shiori recognizes the subtle signs of a Bright Morning addiction in him...but perhaps that's not surprising as the soldier is clearly from the East. He also wears a small pendant of a dragon, made from a white metal. It's a faith symbol of a god...but one she doesn't know.



Leopard needs 10+ successes on Per+Awareness roll to notice all details about the arrows' tips from this considerable distance. Up to Oracle to roll spending on an Excellency.

Shiori needs a Craft (Air or Fire) success for the metal and she could try rolling even more on Occult to either recognize the god of the pendant or be sure it's not a common god at all.

Overall, I'll always ask you for important rolls, however I want to let you explore the situation in the Imperial City on your own and make your own conclusions. You are welcome to roll for Abilities your characters are experts in whenever you feel more information they're interested in may be revealed.

This would be especially important in the opening chapter of the campaign. Don't forget: all information and impressions you get are from your characters ability to read the world and from the words of NPCs...none is ST-proof ultimate truth.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin arches an eyebrow slowly, watching the official approach. He crosses his arms over his chest, his jade-and-starmetal bracers plainly visible now. "One King? Not for long. I an Keldin the Living Dragon, chosen of the Unconquered Sun, invited to this city to take part in the reordering of the world. I have no trade goods to declare. Tell me, is the city under such threat that armed guards are necessary?"

[Obscurejones]

"Be that as it may this women is clearly hungry. Her hands indicate a farmer, not a beggar. The blessed isle is renowned for the fertility of its fields, so I find it hard to believe that there is no work to be found for her for natural reasons."
Glancing out over the crowds approaching the registrar Koyo calls out in Old Realm. The language of spirits, and to hear his mother tell it, his best bet for finding his fellow Celestials.
"Pardon me, but are there any Solars about who speak lower realm? I'm having a slight problem with translation and would value assistance."

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard smiles slightly at the young... diplomat? Scholar? Something like that's, request, stepping out of his place in line to join him. "I'd be happy to. Low Realm does have a few peculiarities. It would be no trouble at all."

[Obscurejones]

Fixing Leopard with a bright smile Koyo gives a gentle bow of respect and continues speaking in Old Realm.
"My thanks Honored Lawgiver. I was attempting to ascertain why this women was in a position of needing to beg. She seems to be a farm hand or worker by vocation and still fit enough to ply her trade."

[OracleofSilence]

"It is worrisome. No need for all that "honored" stuff though." Leopard returns the smile and bow briefly before focusing on the woman and switching to Low Realm. Though his Old Realm had been slightly stilted and archaic, this language seemed far more natural, as indeed, it was to him. "My friend here is concerned. He heard stories about the wealth of the land here, and wonders what put you on the street. Perhaps, with some explanation, we can help."

[emeraldstreak]

More and more refugees gather as Leopard and the girl strike a conversation. Apparently, their home villages in the Jade Coast are raided by warbands. The attacks have began only recently, in the month or so since the fall of the Imperial City. The refugees describe the raiders as well armed and organized, wearing crests in red. Shiori overhears the conversation and instantly recognizes the description as forces of the great Dragon-Blooded House Cathak.

The sergeant next to her nods, "The Dragon-Blooded nobles herd the villagers of the coast in our direction as scared cattle, and have also cut all food supply from the interior. Between the armies, the city's population, and the refugees, that's millions upon millions of hungry mouths to feed. We have enough grain in the Riverlands and the Lap, but not enough ships..."He seems quite versed in strategic matters, more than it would have been expected from his rank.

The sergeant with the white pendant turns to Keldin, "We live to serve the One King. Our orders are to protect the port...danger is everywhere these days."

A unit of ten by ten more soldiers comes along the promenade. The square is getting very crowded. Keldin notices a man in a black coat: there is something off about this man, it is as if sight itself slides off him. As the conversation with the refugees is now dominated by a couple of village elders, the girl turns her attention back to Koyo and manages to utter in Riverspeak, "I...White Lilac."


Wits+War diff. 4 would reveal more on the food question for those involved in the conversation (that's pretty much everyone at that point as even those of you not involved overhear it. Perception+socialize roll, diff 7, to learn a certain additional bit about the officials/soldiers.

The registration requires your names and Exalt status of Chosen of the Sun or the Dragons. Anyone not interesed in complying for either let me know; for the rest I assume you do and are to be escorted to the palace.

Keldin and anyone else could try to spot the man in the black coat, his supernatural stealth can be defeated by MDDV (so declare excellencies, etc) or should that fail by spending four Willpower.

@obscurejones - not sure if Koyo can tell Leopard is a Lawgiver yet



You have heard of the king of the One Kingdom That Used To Be A Hundred. Rumor has it he is a Chosen of the Dawn, and his well-known deeds include the uniting of the Scavenger Lands' petty kingdoms and a brief occupation of all major cities in the South years ago, accompanied with the destruction of no less than two of the Realm's legions.

[Rhyvurg]

"Then the Isle has fallen farther than I suspected." Seeing other arrivals speaking to the guards about the refugees, he moves to join their group. He raises his hand slightly to attract Leopard and Koyo's attention. "If I may intrude, we know something must be done to help these people, but the problem is on a larger scale than we ourselves can address just standing here. Perhaps it would be best if we move on to the Palace, where we might marshal the forces and resources needed. The idea of raiders on the Isle itself is alarming. In the meantime, " he takes the vagrant girl's hand and places a small handful of jade bits in her palm. "This is all I have, for now. Please, buy food for everyone you can."

[Obscurejones]

Koyo smiles at the young lady and gives a slight bow. Indicates himself, then his familiar.
"Koyo, and Fokuf."
He nods his thanks to Keldin Digging into his pockets Koyo searches for the few obols he had brought from Ayannor. As he digs he does his best to put together the proper phrasing in Low Realm. He's certainly heard a fair amount of it in the past few moments.
"I... This is all we can give for now, but if you give me a way to contact you, I will try to help more. I need to go meet now."
Wits+Linguistics+1 Sux from the Second Excellency [roll0]

[Zarthrax]

Yamah Saventis gave Mavis a slap on the rear, motivating the donkey to get down the gangplank, also pulling his rickety cart with him. He idly scratched at his forearms, not bothering to move his sleeves out of the way first as he takes the reins and hops into the driver seat of it. It was hell finding a big enough boat to take his cart/home across the ocean to the Blessed Isle in the first place.

Vile extortionate pricing is what it is.

Ever since his Visitation, Yamah Saventis kept to himself, doing as little as possible to be noticed. Why would he not? The Wyld Hunt everywhere, the Immaculate Order decrying his new circumstances as Abomination, and the commoners ground down under the Exalted everywhere he went. Staying quiet and keeping his ears open was usually the best tack, as well as not using his new abilities as much as possible.

Damn arrogant nobles made it hard sometimes, but Yamah knew that his expertise wasn't in combat. Now, repairing a Warstrider is easy. Piloting it was something he wasn't quite ready for.


Yet.


He drove the cart over to the clerk in black.

In Low Realm, he spoke up. "Yamah Saventis. Tinker by trade, some odds and ends mostly used for repairs."

He pauses for a moment, unsure of how to continue, before a surge of confidence overtakes him.

"Copper Spider."


Perception + Awareness[roll0]

[emeraldstreak]

Suddenly, a golden circle with beams radiating out of it flares on the clerk's forehead. "Welcome, Copper Spider", he says, "Welcome, Sun-brethren. Let us not lose more time, join us at the former Imperial Palace! Your escort awaits." The bright sign on the clerk's forehead fades.

White Lilac reacts, "May I come with you? My mother died a long time ago, and my father was kidnapped by the warband." Her eyes dart from Koyo to Leopard and back, it is obvious she is counting on the latter's help in translating her request.

[Zarthrax]

Yamah nods and motions the clerk to lead the way. He is uncomfortable as always when thrust into new situations, and this is no exception. He quickly brushes a strand of dirty brown hair out of his eyes and gives his reins a quick giddap to start Mavis on her way.

"Very ostentatious. And slightly disturbing."

[OracleofSilence]

"She wants to come along. Her family is either dead or gone, and with the city like this, that could mean very bad things once some of the less pleasant inhabitants catch on." Leopard is sympathetic to be sure, but worthy or not, it was hard to tell how much of this was opportunism, and how much genuine need.

[Obscurejones]

"Well I can promise her little I could always use an assistant familiar with the area."
Turning directly to Lilac and nods, doing his best to convey his approval. Fokuf can be heard muttering something to himself, but as its in monkey it would be difficult to surmise what.
"Thank you again for your help, Lawgiver. I'm afraid I did not catch your name. I am Koyo Alphaeus Offendson, Exalted of the Eclipse. My shard is known colloquially as the Golden Dragon."

[Rhyvurg]

"I am moving on to the palace, I hope to see you all there. Miss." He nods to the vagrant girl and leaves the dock area, heading into the city proper.

[emeraldstreak]

Led by Keldin and surrounded by the escort, the newly arrived now revealed as mighty Chosen of the Sun pass along the promenade and then turn left on a major boulevard leading deep into the great city. Just as they are about to enter the Market district, the escort's leader takes a sharp turn right on a lesser street, but not before everyone notices another group of soldiers, in gold, purple and black coats and cowls more fitting for the deserts of the far South. After spending some time in maze-like narrow streets, Keldin and his fellow travelers found themselves on yet another boulevard, and the Palace is much closer.

High above in the sky, a fiery winged dot descends to the Palace from the West. As if not to be outdone, another, far more alien, dot descends from the East. It's hard to describe it, but there's certain dread about it felt even at great distance. Patrons of a nearby inn curse and spit wine that has suddenly gone sour.

[OracleofSilence]

"Lilac, he agrees. Come on then." This was probably a mistake. On some level if nothing else.

"Leopard. Chosen as a Zenith. And as I said, it's no trouble, but I'm happy to help. Shall we go?" Leopard nods to the soldiers and follows the party along towards the palace, stopping only momentarily when he notices the lights. "So. Trouble already? Or just some ridiculous effort to wow newcomers?"

[Phasm]

Shiori frowns slightly as her trained eye picks up the slightly unfocused gaze and tiny muscle tremors she's all too familiar with. Bright morning. Oh, you poor fool. The pendant is interesting, though, made of platinum. A metal much more difficult to refine and work than gold or silver. She inclines her head slightly to the clerk and soldier. "Thank you. Sergeant, a quick word with you?"

She beckons him a small distance away, far enough from the clerk that a whisper won't be easily overheard. "That bright morning will make your duties more difficult. It is easy to confuse illusion with reality; you might miss an enemy, or mistake a civilian for an infiltrator." She holds up a hand to forestall any protests. "I know how hard the withdrawal is. I am a doctor, I have seen it many times. If you were a civilian, I would leave you to your choices, but more than just your own safety depends on a soldier having a clear head and keen eyes."

[Obscurejones]

"Zenith! Wonderful. I remember my father always had a great respect for your caste. Had glowing things to say about their ability to resolve disputes through words rather then weapons."
Koyo frowns just slightly as the troops suddenly veer and leans up to whisper a question to his familiar. The tamarin shakes its head and points after their escort. The message is clear. Stay with your group for now. Time for exploration and inquisition later.
"Is it just me or does the ownership of this particular city seem... Still open to question?"

[emeraldstreak]

That's an omen! an old woman mutters, "Your doom is here!"

Relax, old mother, one of the soldier softly says, "You are safe. There is no victory against the forces of the One King."


As the group continues along the avenue, the buildings of the city fall behind, replaced by a magnificent park. To the right, a beautifully ornate arena of white stone rises. Occasionally, thuds rattle the area.

[OracleofSilence]

"One King, huh? More an more..." Leopards voice trails off slightly uncomfortably. It was a string of small issues to be sure, but doubts where piling up. "I'm afraid, Koyo, that my time in Thorns left me little time to develop those particular talents." He smiles quickly, at Koyo quip. "If nothing else, a city with this many Solars in it always has it's leadership open to questions. But yes, I think you might be on to something here."

[emeraldstreak]

@Leopard

A soldier answers with a hint of pride, "If it were a danger, Sohoron would have intercepted it already"



@Shiori

The sergeant says "M'lady, don't miss your escort. My state is not a secret, the service to the One King requires many sacrifices. Reality might be a mist, but the mists of the immaterial are clear to me. It is a deal well-thought through."

[emeraldstreak]

And then...it is as if the North tries to answer the challenges of West and East, with a dot rising above the arena after a thud more powerful than the ones before, and then rapidly falling in your direction. It is only the power of the Sun that gives your eyes the reaction to see the falling white ball for what it is: a grand half-boar with white mane and glowing silver tattooes.



A giant Lunar is about to crash into you and the escort. What do you do?

[Phasm]

Shiori raises an eyebrow, but nods. "If you say so. Come, Lily." They have to walk more quickly than is strictly dignified, but the two women catch up to the procession of Exalts. So many! I wonder if Elias or Rune are here yet?

Suddenly, a Lunar! "Watch out!" Shiori and Lily both rely on finely honed dodging skills rather than heavy armor or parrying expertise to survive. As such, both of them run. Just far enough for the white boar to (hopefully) miss them, though. Their medical expertise will probably be needed shortly.

[Obscurejones]

"...****"
Interestingly, despite being a native river tongue speaker, Koyo still curses in Old Realm.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin's face could not scowl harder that is does at that moment, and with a burst of essence he vaults into the air, crashing his fist into the falling Lunar and stopping him in mid-flight and crushing him backward, sending him impacting into an empty area of the street. "Arrogance! Irresponsibility! You endanger innocent lives with this foolishness!" When Keldin's feet touch the ground again, the mark of the Dawn blazes on his brow. "Now, explain yourself!"

Charm: Heaven Thunder Hammer: 3 motes periphial
Not a Charm: Second Martial Arts Excellency, 1 mote per success: 11 motes personal
Reasons it's not a charm: Martial Arts Essence Flow makes all 3 basic MA Excellencies count as natural powers instead of charms. Supreme Perfection of Martial Arts reduces the cost of the 3 basic Excellencies when used via Essence Flow, in this case 1 mote per success.
[roll0] Martial Arts w/single combat Specialty and 2-die stunt, +11 successes from Second Excellency
[roll1] Base damage for Exceptional Cestus

HTH will throw him back 3 yards per point of pre-soak damage, pushing him towards the nearest clear spot on the street, or into a wall if there isn't one.

[emeraldstreak]

The Lunar momentarily rises from the ground, his muscular upper body towering over everyone. He yells sending saliva your way:

"I am Uka the Boar! Uka the Youngling-Elder! I haven't been defeated in 500 years! Now you made me angry, Cyan Sifu!" Then his eyes glaze and he falls like the trunk of a tree, unconscious.


You know the Cyan Sifu, so if you want to conceal this you have to roll Manipulation+Socialize at -1 penalty as you're caught by surprise.



The soldiers and any of you feeling strong enough carry the Lunar, with considerable effort, to the palace. Just before reaching it, you are met by three Exalts. They are chatting, but seeing your predicament they rush to you.

The first is a woman in an impeccable flowing white gown and a golden choker. She is on the verge of being tanned, yet maybe still fair-skinned; some would say her tiara-held hair is dark blonde, others light brown, but all would agree her eyes are hazel. The soldiers apparently know her and silently part letting her by the Lunar. Her face is concerned and focused as she examines the health of the great beast.

The second one is a Dragon-Lord who could hardly hide his pure blood. He seems honorable...but White Lilac jumps in fear when she sees him and hides behind Leopard and Koyo.

The third one...is the omen that flew from the East, and it is hard to describe the alien glory of his hellish ride...

[Rhyvurg]

"Excuse me Miss, but is this overgrown manchild known to you? He needs a shorter leash. And you." He points at the third Exalt. "Whatever that thing is, you're making people sick flying it about like that. Stop it."

[emeraldstreak]

"Hardly," she beams a smile towards you. "We've fought alongside once, in Malfeas. He is Uka the Boar, also known as the Youngest of those worthy to be considered Elders by the Lunars. If you ask me, it is worrisome he is the most regarded Lunar to attend our congregation so far...He will juust be fine."

She steps up and offers her hand, "My name is Aquerne".

[Obscurejones]

Koyo gives a deep bow to each of the three exalts.
"Well thank you for the invitation, Honored Lawgiver Aquerne. I am Koyo Alphaeus Offendson, Chosen of the Sun, Exalted of the Eclipse. My shard is colloquially known as the Golden Dragon. I look forward to serving alongside you in this new deliberative. Now, and I hope this is not impolite, if I may ask why your lunar compatriot was flying? Or rather, why was he flown?"
Seeing Lilac shudder and try to hide he gently raises a hand to his shoulder and taps Fokuf once on the knee. Nodding, the little lion monkey leaps onto Lilac's shoulders and gently tries to comfort her with a pat on the head. The Monkey glares warningly at the Dragon blood.

[Rhyvurg]

He takes her hand. "Keldin." He offers no additional titles. "Is it common for the Exalted in this city to have so little regard for the people we are tasked to lead and protect? I have been here an hour and I have seen neglect and reckless behavior."

[emeraldstreak]

Honored Brother, I am Aquerne of the Eclipse, born Princess of the Neck and known as the White Lady of Kirighast, she heartily greets Koyo Offendson.

Her face darkens when she turns to Keldin, "Much has to be done, and promptly. The foundation of the Deliberative must be laid correctly. There is much indecisiveness".

[Obscurejones]

Koyo demurs slightly as Keldin's objections seemingly gloss over his own. To be expected really, of the two he'd likely speak to Keldin's concerns first were he in Aquerene's shoes. After all, Koyo was reasonably certain that nothing he could do would be as effective as one of Keldin's punches. He does perk up slightly at the mention of the deliberative.
"To that end, I was wondering if within the city we have enough members for a quorum?"

[Phasm]

Shiori steps forward and offers a hand to the lady Eclipse. "I am Ardis Shiori of the Twilight Caste, doctor of Fella." She gestures to the Air Aspect standing nearby. "And this is my assistant, Glacier Lily." Lily bows to their hostess, although she keeps sneaking looks at the other Dragon-Blood. "I too would like to know why Uka the Boar was flying. Particularly since he was doing so without wings."

[emeraldstreak]

White Lilac lightly tugs Koyo's sleeve and says "Is Cathak!", glaring at the Dragon-Blooded.


Aquerne looks up, "Quorum? This is the right question, the first question, and it speaks little of us that we got stuck at it...you see, we are divided: some of us think we should vote to accept all Lunars as equal members, and only then vote on anything else or even consider the Deliberative found. Others believe we first have to elect a Chairman, create procedure, and only after that vote on full Lunar membership. Both sides have their arguments, of which you'd soon hear much."

The While Lady waves in the direction of the Palace and dismisses the soldiers.

[emeraldstreak]

Shiori steps forward and offers a hand to the lady Eclipse. "I am Ardis Shiori of the Twilight Caste, doctor of Fella." She gestures to the Air Aspect standing nearby. "And this is my assistant, Glacier Lily." Lily bows to their hostess, although she keeps sneaking looks at the other Dragon-Blood. "I too would like to know why Uka the Boar was flying. Particularly since he was doing so without wings."

Aquerne greets Shiori and Glacier Lily and chuckles lightly, "You'll have to ask the great boar himself. A doctor you say? Most interesting. Perhaps we could be of use to one another."

[Obscurejones]

"If I may be so bold as to question, that seems to cover the current discussion as to the Celestial Exalts, but what of our Terrestial brothers? I see we have one among our number gathered here at least."
He gives a short but respectful bow to the Dragonblood.
"Cathak... I must admit your given name is not known to me. My apologies for my mortal companion. It seems you terrify her. Might I ask why? Not to assign a fault, sir, but I do try to know everything I can. Knowledge being one path to enlightenment, after all."

[Rhyvurg]

"The solution, to me, seems obvious. We cannot risk a chairman holding power, a first among equals is intolerable. But someone must preside over the opening discussions. A chairman, mediator, whatever title you wish should be appointed, but once their service is no longer needed, and the Deliberative formed, they should go into exile for twice the length of time as he held office, with no communication between them and any Exalt in the Deliberative. This solution will benefit us threefold. They will find it difficult to retain their power base after long absence, it will help ensure the person who is chosen can set aside their personal ambition, and it will aid us in settling pressing matters quickly, such as the status of our Lunar brothers, the situation of mortals here in the city, and the bandits I have heard of on the Isle itself, operating in the neighboring province no less." He looks at Shiori. "Learned sister, if you can do anything to awaken this overgrown lout, we can settle one of the city's problems here and now. I would be most grateful." He clasps his hands before him and bows to the Twilight.

[Django]

The Dragonblood regards the incoming exalts for a long, quiet moment. His long black hair, thick eyebrows, and stern expression give him an overall impression of noble contempt. He looks like he may be in his late twenties. His panoply consists of red jade plate armor, done in the style of Old Realm traditional. On his back rests a massive daiklave, made of the same.

When at last he speaks, after looking to each Solar in turn, his voice is humble, deferential in contrast to his fierce glare. "... My name is Cathak Azeri. "

Azeri's voice breaks a bit, as he gestures toward himself with great passion. "I am here at the noble behest of the Solar Deliberative! And I am DEEPLY HONORED to meet you, honored Lawgivers!!!"

He's kind of shouting.

[DukeGod]

The hellish engine at last lands. A spot in the chest seems to just open, malfean brass folding on itself and a figure jumps down.

It is a big man, wearing hard leather clothin, and a cloak of what appears to be a wolf skin with fur still attached to it. Except it's been dyed blue. And the wolf's skull apparently doing the parts of a helmet has instead been painted lines in several garish colors. The figure carries pouches, some with herbs peeking out of them. The pouches do nothing to stop the smells, some most foul, some most fragrant, and varying from all the ranges in between. Also hanging are prayer pieces and some other paper. From what you can see of the head it appears to be a man. He covers his lower face with leather strips working as a mask

"Sickness? Is easy to cure. Some of this, some of that. Bit of thistle! Hot water to make tea. Done. Sickness cured.

The man laughs looking at the Lunar that is being carried

"Aaah. Uka! Fainted again have he? Could never hold his liquor. I remember one time, I handed him drinking horn made from very tiny goat. Very watered wine inside. He had half a sip and crashed!"

You recognize a lie. Easily.

"Where are my manners. We are in city land. I am Logrym Stormbless Flamesbane. This is very angry and powerful demon" he points at his machine

[OracleofSilence]

"Alright, let's take it down a notch, shall we? Keldin, if it's there has been reckless and dangerous behavior, shouting about it in the street won't accomplish anything. Aquerne, if I may ask, how many Solars are in the city right now? And who precisely is this One King?" Leopard keeps his tone calm, and rigidly controlled, but it's clear that a steadily growing irritation lies beneath the carefully modulated tones.

"Azeri. It's a pleasure. And you as well Shiori, Lily." Some of the hardness in his tone evaporates as he greats the other new comers, but tension remains.

[Rhyvurg]

"Aaah. Uka! Fainted again have he? Could never hold his liquor. I remember one time, I handed him drinking horn made from very tiny goat. Very watered wine inside. He had half a sip and crashed!"

You recognize a lie. Easily.

"Where are my manners. We are in city land. I am Logrym Stormbless Flamesbane. This is very angry and powerful demon" he points at his machine

"He is not drunk. I was forced to strike him. In my judgement a little humiliation for him is more than worth the lives of several soldiers and citizens. And your flippant attitude is hardly commendable either. Just what is that...thing, and why do you have it?"

[Obscurejones]

As the situation is seemingly greater and greater from his control Koyo feels his blood begin to rise. To be ignored by his fellow Lawgivers was one thing, to be the least among equals did not trouble him. But despite his hopes for tolerance and even words to that effect to be ignored by someone who is clearly either done harm to a mortal in his care or would at least be able to speak to that harm was in excusable. He feels the twining paths of essence through his mind, places his hand at the ring on his hand, preparing to force the issue, to demand the attention of his peers.

But then... A breath.

In for five beats of his heart. Out for six. He turns and smiles as gently as he can to White Lilac and then turns back to their host.
"Are there compartments prepared for the deliberative's use? I had hoped to unpack a few articles and settle my secretary and familiar."

[Django]

Azeri gestures to Koyo. "Er, a moment, Sai Offendson. I have never met your companion before, so I cannot imagine doing anything to warrant such terror... But I am told that I have a very intimidating personage." Azeri speaks Low Realm with all the affectations of top class noble, though he seems to be taking pains to sound both deferential and accommodating. A far cry from the typical Dynast's haughty disregard for mortals.

The vagaries of the PBP format and Azeri being starstruck by all the amazing Solars led to his lack of an immediate response to Koyo. He would never dream of giving a Lawgiver the cold shoulder.

[Obscurejones]

Koyo looks to Cathak Azeri with a slight exhaustion. Finally he sighs and addresses the terrestrial in Old Realm.
"My apologies sir, but I do not speak Lower or Higher Realm. I do not suppose you speak River tongue or Older Realm?"

[Rhyvurg]

Koyo looks to Cathak Azeri with a slight exhaustion. Finally he sighs and addresses the terrestrial in Old Realm.
"My apologies sir, but I do not speak Lower or Higher Realm. I do not suppose you speak River tongue or Older Realm?"

"He introduced himself and apologized for the reaction of your companion. I should say, I speak Low and High Realm, and Riverspeak."

[Obscurejones]

"My thanks. I think the most certain lesson of the day for me has been a need to learn both dialects of the modern realm as soon as possible."

[Rhyvurg]

"I believe we all need to become familiar with more languages. My apologies for the lack of introduction earlier, but a large pig-man almost landed on us and demanded some attention."

[Django]

Azeri nods, and switches to an accented Riverspeak."My apologies. As I say, I know of no reason this young lady would fear me so; Though, I would imagine many common mortals would have reason to fear someone arrayed as I am."

"While I would hope for a voice in the Deliberative, and a chance to aid the new Realm to the best of my ability... In my heart, I fear that the Dyanstic Heads will be utterly opposed to any sharing of power. Even before the Empress disappeared, they had grown greedy, wicked, and unfit to lead."

Azeri smiles, his strict martial expression softening with it. "The Solars have returned at this hour, when we are at our most divided and misguided, to lead the Realm back into greatness. At least, this is what I choose to believe."

[Phasm]

Shiori nods to Aquerne, intrigued. "Do you or someone you know require medical care?" At Keldin's request, she walks over to take a look at the unconscious Lunar. He's probably fine- in Shiori's admittedly limited experience with Lunars, they tend to be incredibly tough- but she channels a spark of Essence toward him anyway. What ails you?

While the Twilight occupies herself with doctoring, Glacier Lily watches the conversation with Cathak Azeri. "Um, if anybody needs a translator, I speak Skytongue, Riverspeak, Old Realm and High Realm. So does Shiori, she's the one who taught me. We still need to learn Low Realm though, not many people speak that where we come from." She smiles tentatively at Azeri.


Firing off Flawless Diagnosis Technique on Uki.

[DukeGod]

"What? Her? Logrym asks as he bangs the leg of the hellstrider WE have giant armor yes? This is kinda like giant armor, only made by demons! At least that is what all of my motonic probing could determine, but truth be told I lack the the proper tools. I believe it is called a Hellstrider"

"As for how I got, you see, during the attack on Malfeas, it kinda became part of my exit plan from the Demon City back into Creation. So, it is in way captured demon. But don't worry. I pay it one jade obol per month!"

He coughs a bit, and turns back to Old Realm while looking at Koyo

<Old Realm> "So you speak in the ancient language? But not the twisted version of it? My apologies then, you must have missed much of what I've said. Allow me to introduct myself. I'm Logryn Stormbless Flamesbane, Khmeri Shaman of the Alchemical Concotions and also of the Enchantments. May I take it that you're some kind of scholar? Do you happen to have the capability of analyzing a being such as the Infernal Relic that stands behind me?"<>

[emeraldstreak]

" Aquerne, if I may ask, how many Solars are in the city right now? And who precisely is this One King?" Leopard keeps his tone calm, and rigidly controlled, but it's clear that a steadily growing irritation lies beneath the carefully modulated tones.


Aquerne adorably squints, "Some tend to come and go...about fifty have made the city their home already. There are at least four full circles, mine, Panther's, Ikaru's, and Shadow's...hopefully soon to be five when all of the Nightingale of Nine Swords' one reincarnate. There are many more half-circles or sole brothers and sisters.

I met the king many years ago, when he had the misfortune to face my circlemate, the Doer of Due Deeds, in a duel. Back then, he was just a petty king, but one with a vision. Eventually, his vision came true - he managed to unite the Hundred Kingdoms into the One Kingdom, and so his sobriquet was earned.

The king is a Chosen of the Dawn, a general, and a cautious leader. His ways of waging war surpass any other I have seen."






"Are there compartments prepared for the deliberative's use? I had hoped to unpack a few articles and settle my secretary and familiar."

"Most certainly! We are in possession of both the Scarlet's Empress Palace and the Mouth of Peace's Palace. They are magnificent and offer plenty of room," Aquerne says.





Shiori nods to Aquerne, intrigued. "Do you or someone you know require medical care?" At Keldin's request, she walks over to take a look at the unconscious Lunar. He's probably fine- in Shiori's admittedly limited experience with Lunars, they tend to be incredibly tough- but she channels a spark of Essence toward him anyway. What ails you?

Aquerne smiles, "I meant to say I am a student of medicine myself', and then she turns to everyone, "I am also versed in many languages. I'll be happy to oblige with lessons".

Shiori concludes the great Lunar has been defeated by a powerful blow suffused with Solar Essence...While Uka has suffered bashing damage, the true reason for his unconsciousness is a Crippling effect of Solar Hero origin. Unless you can and want to remove it magically, you'll have to give him some time to recover



Keldin has the uneasy feeling the hellish machine of brass and demon flesh is measuring him up...

[Phasm]

Shiori brightens at Aquerne's statement that she too studies medicine. "I see! Perhaps we can compare notes sometime." She stands up, dusting her hands. "Uka will be fine, he just needs to sleep it off. That was a mighty blow, Keldin." So many people, all trying to talk at once!

The Twilight inclines her head to Logrym, and then Azeri. "Shaman Logrym, Lord Cathak. It is a pleasure to meet you both."

[emeraldstreak]

"If I may be so bold as to question, that seems to cover the current discussion as to the Celestial Exalts, but what of our Terrestial brothers? I see we have one among our number gathered here at least."


Aquerne brightens up, "Oh, there are many: The Roseblack leads a legion of Imperials turned to our side and looks after the Temple District. You can also find Ledaal Kes, Cathak Alkun, Nellens Poramo, Peleps Raj, and Sesus Nagezzer here. Lookshy has also sent a legion, they are currently in the Western Borough. The commanding officer of the One Kingdom for the city is a Chosen of Daana'd, General Jai, looking after the Palace District, the Port District, and the Eastern Borough. Come to think of it, all of the city except for the Market District and the Southern Borough is administered by Dragon-Blooded commanders.

Hopefully, soon all of the Realm's Dragon-Blooded will rally behind us!"

[emeraldstreak]

Finally, you reach the palace itself. Surrounded by vast parks, the twin palaces of the Scarlet Empress and the Mouth of Peace rise as a wall of spendor blocking the southern horizon. Seven jade-encrusted spires of glass and marble aim for the sky, each higher than the previous. At the ground floor, the palace begins with semi-open spaces of pillars and shades, suitable for large gatherings in the mellow climate of the Blessed Isle. One to your right currently holds many illustrious guests in what appears to be part-feast, part-debate split in many small, interchanging groups.

Straight ahead of you the marble-tiled, gold-flecked main alley ends up in a grandiose staircase leading to the main gates of the Imperial Palace. Two dragon statues frame it.

To the left, serene gardens surround an amphitheatre of exquisite blue marble, giving it the appearance of a pool. As for pools, there are a few in the gardens, each with a dragon-fountain inside.


presuming everyone will head to the gathering to the right; anyone not going there let me know

[Rhyvurg]

Shiori brightens at Aquerne's statement that she too studies medicine. "I see! Perhaps we can compare notes sometime." She stands up, dusting her hands. "Uka will be fine, he just needs to sleep it off. That was a mighty blow, Keldin." So many people, all trying to talk at once!

The Twilight inclines her head to Logrym, and then Azeri. "Shaman Logrym, Lord Cathak. It is a pleasure to meet you both."

"Thank you. I regret I was forced to hurt him."


Aquerne brightens up, "Oh, there are many: The Roseblack leads a legion of Imperials turned to our side and looks after the Temple District. You can also find Ledaal Kes, Cathak Alkun, Nellens Poramo, Peleps Raj, and Sesus Nagezzer here. Lookshy has also sent a legion, they are currently in the Western Borough. The commanding officer of the One Kingdom for the city is a Chosen of Daana'd, General Jai, looking after the Palace District, the Port District, and the Eastern Borough. Come to think of it, all of the city except for the Market District and the Southern Borough is administered by Dragon-Blooded commanders.

Hopefully, soon all of the Realm's Dragon-Blooded will rally behind us!"

"Lookshy is here, good. I would like to speak to their commander about sending a request to the city."


Finally, you reach the palace itself. Surrounded by vast parks, the twin palaces of the Scarlet Empress and the Mouth of Peace rise as a wall of spendor blocking the southern horizon. Seven jade-encrusted spires of glass and marble aim for the sky, each higher than the previous. At the ground floor, the palace begins with semi-open spaces of pillars and shades, suitable for large gatherings in the mellow climate of the Blessed Isle. One to your right currently holds many illustrious guests in what appears to be part-feast, part-debate split in many small, interchanging groups.

Straight ahead of you the marble-tiled, gold-flecked main alley ends up in a grandiose staircase leading to the main gates of the Imperial Palace. Two dragon statues frame it.

To the left, serene gardens surround an amphitheater of exquisite blue marble, giving it the appearance of a pool. As for pools, there are a few in the gardens, each with a dragon-fountain inside.


presuming everyone will head to the gathering to the right; anyone not going there let me know

Keldin sighs. "This is a rabble, hardly a way to start a government. What we need is to organize a proper gathering, so we may take necessary steps. Such as contacting the leaders of the Silver Pact, and attempting to locate more Solars. Aquerne, would it be unreasonable to ask for rooms with an adjoining office? I have a feeling the palace will be filling up quickly, and I have much to learn about the city, indeed the entire Isle. I have dealt with many headstrong, overly confident youngsters with an inflated opinion of their own abilities, and there are many long-time rivals and enemies here. Sooner or later, the sword-measuring is going to start and someone is going to hurt someone else far more than I did poor Uka. We need to give them something to do."

[emeraldstreak]

The Exalted gathering is held in a large paved circle, surrounded by marble pillars with ivy growing around them, and covered by silky shades. Warm breeze brings the aroma of flowers from the gardens with a hint of salt and sea.

Small tables with refreshments and food rest near the pillars. Unobtrusive servents in gold and green liveries change them from time to time. Just so, guards in gray-green uniforms, holding spears and shields, look more like statues than living beings. They keep an eye both to the outside and the inside of the gathering.

There are dozens of illustrious guests, and more arrive by the minute, you not the least.

A dashing young gentleman with unruly golden hair and orichalcum daiklave, accompanied by a gruff, green-haired man in a military uniform, talk to a somewhat underdressed young woman with tilted cap and dirty fingers.

A striking black-bearded figure dressed in rich clothes from a bygone age wears a hat-crown high at least a foot. He's shadowed by a man with gleaming eyes and sparking hatchets in his belt, and converses with an elderly, wisely looking man with white beard, similarly rich clothes, and an orichalcum scimitar tucked in his sash.

A man dressed all in black, with a black pearl earring, plays a guitar near the edge of the paved circle.

A fair-haired woman in white and pink gown has no less than five listeners as she gestures confidently in the center of the gathering.

Two jade armored officers talk quietly to each other, one in green armor and with long reddish hair, the other in black armor and cleanly-shaven dark face. An older woman in red jade armor joins them.

Three younglings, most likely in their late teens, sit on large gilded pillows and laugh. One is a boy, the other two comely girls.

A short, hairless young woman with alabaster skin if not for the dark spots talks to a square-jawed, muscled man in a simple outfit.

A man with half-open white shirt touches a conservatively-clad gentleman on the belly.

A figure in a brown robe calmly reads an old book.

A man in a cyan robe approaches the gathering from the gardens.

A young, straw-haired woman in a stunning, divine-looking golden mantle waves excitedly at Aquerne.

A young woman with beautiful black hair argues with a silver-haired girl with a clever smirk.

An older man enjoys a pipe while slowly conversing with a scarred, rune-painted, warrior.

A figure at least eight feet high, covered in a massive white armor inlaid with gold and silver from head to toe, towers alone at the edge, as motionless as a statue.

These are the guests that catch your eye at first, but there are even more of them.

[emeraldstreak]

"Lookshy is here, good. I would like to speak to their commander about sending a request to the city."

Keldin sighs. "This is a rabble, hardly a way to start a government. What we need is to organize a proper gathering, so we may take necessary steps. Such as contacting the leaders of the Silver Pact, and attempting to locate more Solars. Aquerne, would it be unreasonable to ask for rooms with an adjoining office? I have a feeling the palace will be filling up quickly, and I have much to learn about the city, indeed the entire Isle. I have dealt with many headstrong, overly confident youngsters with an inflated opinion of their own abilities, and there are many long-time rivals and enemies here. Sooner or later, the sword-measuring is going to start and someone is going to hurt someone else far more than I did poor Uka. We need to give them something to do."

Aquerne answers, "I am sure you can find her in their headquarters in the West Borough."

The leaders of the Silver Pack? Aquerne says incredulously, "I personally travelled the lands inviting all righteous Exalts by the powers the Sun has gifted me. They know, the ones still living and sane, that is. Tammuz of the South and the two Elders of Halta wish us success and will send envoys, younger Lunars, but will not personally join us just yet. Lilith, Leviathan, and Raksi are presumed dead. Ma-Ha-Suchi won't join us, and even if he did, he won't be welcome unless he changes his ways. Uka is the greatest of the Lunars here, although, I personally believe our two Haslantian guests are much wiser than him", she looks at the man with the pipe and the runed warrior.

You can certainly have such accomodations, my friend. Do not think of our mission as this Isle, it is Creation itself. I count every ally in organizing the Exalted host and preventing conflicts as a blessing. We have to set the Deliberative in motion and attend to the needs of the city, the Isle, and the world. Swords must be crossed, but only in training; it's words that have to be crossed in the quest for righteousness today.

[OracleofSilence]

"Your optimism is truly boundless I see." Leopard smiles politely to Aquerne and nods to Koyo and Lilac. "I should probably find a room for myself as well, but I suppose that can wait. Anyone in particular we should meet?"

[emeraldstreak]

"Your optimism is truly boundless I see." Leopard smiles politely to Aquerne and nods to Koyo and Lilac. "I should probably find a room for myself as well, but I suppose that can wait. Anyone in particular we should meet?"


"Everyone", Aquerne quips and rushes to hug the woman in the golden mantle.

[Rhyvurg]

"Then I must take my leave." He bows to everyone in their group in turn. "Aquerne, I will look for you later regarding my quarters." He heads for the West Borough, but internally his mind is racing. Raksi and Lilith dead? Unlikely, never underestimate the tenacity of elder Lunars.

[emeraldstreak]

Keldin walks west, but as he descends to what appears to be a commercial neighborhood, his path is blocked by an artificial channel.


Roll Int+Survival or Larceny, in this case 3 dice, to find the shortest path to the Western Borough.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin rolls his eyes. Trust the Dynasts to not build a bridge. He keeps going, looking for a way across.

[roll0]Int+Survival

[emeraldstreak]

It takes time to navigate the Market District, but eventually Keldin sets sight on a bridge.

There is a marketplace just before the bridge, and some kind of commotion is underway. Six soldiers in platemail and pointed helmets, covered with robes in golden, purple, and black, observe as one of their own is whipping a young family of shopkeepers, husband and wife, who are screaming and prone in the middle of the street. Many more citizens watch horrified, but dare not intervene.

[Django]

Azeri stands behind the semi-circle of Exalts he arrived with, his face returning to the default sternness that made it look like he was glaring at everyone. He had never witnessed such a huge congregation of Solars before, and their collective presence made even a lifelong Dynast feel shy.

He casts his gaze around the gathering, looking for any fellow Terrestrials, whether those who arrived alone like him, or those following Solars like Miss Glacier Lily.

Perception+Awareness to find fellow DBs, 2nd Awareness Excellency 2m
[roll0]

[Rhyvurg]

If Keldin was annoyed when a reckless Lunar nearly crashed into him before, he is furious now. Rather than push his way through the crowd (and risk heedlessly harming someone in his urgency), he makes a superhuman leap into the center of things, taking the next lash across his own chest, ripping his beggar-like poncho and revealing the very well-made armor beneath. "Lay down your weapons, AT ONCE! How DARE you beat these people!? You have five seconds to explain, before I tie you all together and THROW YOU INTO THE SEA! There is no possible justification for this! I want your names, ALL your names, and the name of the person you report to! I will not have this, I WILL NOT TOLERATE CRUELTY! If you do not kneel right this moment, I swear by SOL INVICTUS HIMSELF I will return the pain you inflicted on this family A THOUSAND TIMES OVER!"

[Obscurejones]

Koyo looks around and finds himself stricken by the paralysis of choice. So many exalts in small a space. The power gathered here, assuming even a few of their number had refined their essence was... Considerable, to say the least. Still there must be some who he could speak to. As to finding them, perhaps it would be best to allow himself to be found instead.

Finding himself a quiet space at the edge of the gathering he pulls from his pocket a small collapsed table made of wood and canvas. With a little unfolding it becomes a tray a little ways off the ground. Next he retrieves a small dented teapot, a brazier, and a sachet of tea. Setting the brazier going he starts the tea steeping. Sitting quietly by his table he arranges enough cups on the table to make his willingness to accept guests clear. After a few moments Fokuf scrambles over with a couple of pomegranates. Offering one to White Lilac he splits the other with Koyo. They sit and eat as the tea is brewed.

[emeraldstreak]

@Keldin


One of the foreign soldiers utters a contemptuous curse in a language you don't understand, making the rest chuckle a bit as they ready their weapons and surround the sifu. Another one, a commander perhaps, speaks to Keldin in High Realm:

"You should not challenge us. We are the law here, and we are legion. Don't interfere with the merciful punishment of these criminals."


Wits+War to read the tactical situation.

[emeraldstreak]

@Azeri

You recognize two Dragon-Blooded groups. The man and the woman in jade armor, the more obvious one. The man in the white shirt and the gentleman next to him, the less so.




@Koyo

A girl in a glimmering, short, black dress and hair held high with the help of two long needles approaches with you with a smile, "What a cute little pet! What's its name?"

[Obscurejones]

"Fokuf. Would you like some tea?"
Reaching over to ruffle the monkey's hair Koyo makes use of a single of his familiar's motes, throwing out his senses to acquire a quick understanding of the girl.
Mastery of Small manners, and safe to say we're speaking Old Realm?

[Rhyvurg]

"Oh no, little man. It is my mercy that matters here, not yours." With a vicious uppercut, he sends the whip-wielder into the air and into the canal many yards away. As the punch connects, sunlight bursts forth from his brow. "This will not be the first time a lesson had to be hammered home. The abuse of the weak by those that deem themselves strong is over, for true strength has returned to the Isle."

[emeraldstreak]

"Fokuf. Would you like some tea?"
Reaching over to ruffle the monkey's hair Koyo makes use of a single of his familiar's motes, throwing out his senses to acquire a quick understanding of the girl.
Mastery of Small manners, and safe to say we're speaking Old Realm?


Old Realm is the preferred language at the gathering, however most of the attending guests speak enough languages to find one you do, in case you don't speak Old Realm.


"Oh, but I meant the girl, not the monkey!" the girl and an approaching friend of hers laugh.

Please excuse them, they can be silly this way. It's the trio you previously saw sitting on the gilded pillows. The young man introduces himself, "My name is Icon, master inventor at your service. These two rascals are Lip Gloss and Brain-Like-Feathers, from the Kolo Isle".

The girls giggle again in protest, "We are not named like that! And we aren't from Kolo Isle!"


Mastery of Small Manners info incoming via PM in a bit

[emeraldstreak]

*snip snip*

[Obscurejones]

"Ah... Well the girl is White Lilac. We met at the docks. I'm planning to hire her on as a secretary as soon as we share a common language."
As the tea gently whistles he removes it from the heat and pours two cups. The first he hands to White Lilac and the second he sets in front of himself. Fokuf nudges him and he laughs softly and pours a cup for each of his guests.
"I am Koyo Alphaeus Offendson. A pleasure to meet you Icon."

[emeraldstreak]

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Results: One soldier acts on tick 0. One on tick 1. Two on tick 2. Two on tick 3. The last one acts on tick 6 with Keldin.


The bystanders back away from the fight. Crates, tables, and goods litter the marketplace, but overall it is an open space with one side bordering the bridge and the channel, and the other three bordering shops and residences separated by three streets. At present Keldin is surrounded.

"Don't kill him", their officer commands, "The Zamorin would want to question him".


The first soldier probes the sifu's defenses with a lightning-fast jab of his shortspear.


Tick 0. Attack boosted by heroic mortal stunt and Valor channel. Total accuracy pool 24 dice. What defenses does Keldin declare?

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard shrugs and heads over to one of the tables of refreshments, taking a small cup of tea from it and casting his eyes over the group. Quite a few. And Leopard knew none of them. Ah well, that needed to change sooner or later. For now though, Leopard takes a seat slightly apart from any of the major groups, removing his cloak and drawing a small piece of soft fabric from his belt to clean some of the wear of travel from his shield and bracers.

[emeraldstreak]

Leopard shrugs and heads over to one of the tables of refreshments, taking a small cup of tea from it and casting his eyes over the group. Quite a few. And Leopard knew none of them. Ah well, that needed to change sooner or later. For now though, Leopard takes a seat slightly apart from any of the major groups, removing his cloak and drawing a small piece of soft fabric from his belt to clean some of the wear of travel from his shield and bracers.

Leopard knows the man approaching from the gardens, the Cyan Sifu.

[DukeGod]

Logrym also goes to a table of refreshments, but doesn't care much about "small". He simply grabs as much as he can in one big hand like popcorn and starts throwing them at his mouth.

Meanwhile he looks around for anyone who was in the attack on Malfeas. And lets his eyes linger on some of the pretty Exalts around.

[emeraldstreak]

"Ah... Well the girl is White Lilac. We met at the docks. I'm planning to hire her on as a secretary as soon as we share a common language."
As the tea gently whistles he removes it from the heat and pours two cups. The first he hands to White Lilac and the second he sets in front of himself. Fokuf nudges him and he laughs softly and pours a cup for each of his guests.
"I am Koyo Alphaeus Offendson. A pleasure to meet you Icon."


The girls turn their attention to Fokuf, seemingly enchanted. Icon enquires, "What is your first impression of the Exalted gathering, Koyo? And is this man in the Hellstrider your friend?"

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin will be using Second Martial Arts Excellency and Break the Storm, activated in step 2, to counterattack in step 6. Every success I get takes one of his away, and I roll my damage, if I hit, in step 9 as normal for a counterattack.

[Obscurejones]

"A combination of fear and hope, I suppose. This much power in so small a space. We could unmake creation with a concerted effort. But, by that same token so much potential here. I have ideas but I'm afraid I'm something of a neophyte. I came here hoping I could meet others with the power to do the good that I cannot yet bring about. It would seem that my hopes were answered."
Fokuf preens for a moment, happy to show off for the girls. Koyo chuckles at his companion before reaching over and tapping Fokuf on the shoulder. Once he has his familiar's attention he points to the massive white and gold armored fellow in the corner and gives a curt nod. Fokuf dutifully pours a cup of tea and runs it over, presenting it to the armored figure. While that is being done Koyo turns his attention back to Icon.
"As for the fellow with the Infernal warstrider, I can't say we've met before today. Seems a nice enough chap, if a little... Boisterous."

[emeraldstreak]

Logrym also goes to a table of refreshments, but doesn't care much about "small". He simply grabs as much as he can in one big hand like popcorn and starts throwing them at his mouth.

Meanwhile he looks around for anyone who was in the attack on Malfeas. And lets his eyes linger on some of the pretty Exalts around.

While the Hellstrider barely fits under the canopy, it's probably best to leave it outside the pillars. Up to you.

Other than Aquerne and Uka, Logrym notices the Roseblack and General Jai in jade armor, Shuyana the Spymaster of the One King, unkempt as usual, Aquerne's circlemate Peleps Garei reading a book, Seven Devils Clever arguing with a young woman with a fiery demeanor, Peleps Raj in need to button up his white shirt, and Demetheus as strong as ever.

[emeraldstreak]

Keldin will be using Second Martial Arts Excellency and Break the Storm, activated in step 2, to counterattack in step 6. Every success I get takes one of his away, and I roll my damage, if I hit, in step 9 as normal for a counterattack.

Need you to declare total expenditure for the Second Excellency (presuming it is via Flow) and whether you spend peripheral/personal on the excellency and Break the Storm.

[emeraldstreak]

The girl in the glimmering black dress sighs, "They will be over you in no time, Alphaeus...the moment the pack leaders mark you as an unexperienced youngling they will bite you and tug you in every direction. Maybe we are better off pretending we are our own thing, raising our own candidate to lead the Deliberative!"

The giant figure takes the tea from Fokuf and tells it, "I never thought I'd meet another person with an appreciation for such familiars."

Then he approaches Koyo's table. Half of the Exalts stop and watch in disbelief. Icon's eyes widen in unbound curiosity and the girls gasp almost in fear.

Taking a closer look now, Koyo notices the massive armor is pure platinum with etched patterns of moonsilver and orichalcum. The orichalcum is most dense at the hands and the wrists, and glowing runes of pure power hover above it there. The armor is seamless, there isn't even the tiniest crack in it, other than a slit at the mouth. The eyes are covered by thick blue lens.

"Greetings. Sergeant Sohoron at your service", the voice is deep and metallic, and yet somehow velvet-y, "May I inquire the exact species of your familiar?"

[emeraldstreak]

The Cyan Sifu, aptly dressed in a cyan robe, politely nods at Leopard before checking on Uka. The Lunar is slowly regaining consciousness.

Meanwhile, a man in a violet coat Leopard didn't notice before joins him at the table and says, "The city is full of hungry souls and we feast. Isn't that troubling?"

[Obscurejones]

Koyo gives a slight bow to his new guest.
"Fokuf is a black lion tamarin. A particularly old one. Can I take your statement to mean you have a familiar of your own?"

[emeraldstreak]

Indeed, an ink monkey. He is not keen on feasts though. Sohoron nods at Koyo and steps back to his place at the edge, sipping tea from time to time.

"Unbelievable!", Icon exclaims. Did you see that? the other girl joins him, "He totally confuses essence sight!"

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard nods to the newcomer "Such thoughts have occurred to me. Repeatedly. I fear that perhaps the Isle was taken too quickly, and with too little thought given to the outcome of incomplete victory. More concerning is the possibility that too few care, so long as they have their silks and exotica." He sighs, trying unsuccessfully to lighten his expression somewhat, and turns to face the man full on. "A pleasure to meet you. I go by Leopard. And you are?"

[emeraldstreak]

"Swan", he says. "I do not think we are decadent...yet...but disagreeing we are. Every day, problems mount yet we do nothing because we haven't yet found the Deliberative, we haven't set the rules that will let us make decisions. It's about time we do. Tomorrow, we gather for a vote.

Well, even the vote is contested...should we vote for the Lunars inclusion or the chairman first; and if the chairman, do we have one vote, or rounds of votes so that similar candidates don't eat up each others votes. Then, we have to quickly resolve the remaining procedural questions, likely choose committees on important issues, and send out our forces to deal with the injustices and the sinister threats of this world.

That's why I ask you, will you support one of the Caste of the Zenith? All other candidates, but my friend, Panther of Nexus, are Eclipse. I do not think an Eclipse is the right choice to lead the Deliberative.

[OracleofSilence]

"I think, perhaps, we are getting ahead of ourselves. I have met no candidates, heard no detailed proposals, and attended no votes. I also suspect that my own thoughts on this matter will be somewhat more involved then is appropriate for this setting." Garnering favor? Or simply blunt.It's hard to tell which possibility was worse. "And you? I take it you favor a Zenith, or perhaps a Twilight in charge? As a Zenith myself, I must say I have concerns about letting one of the Horns of the Sun rule."

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin scoffs at the attack of the mortal, skillful though it was, and casually moves up and away, over the circle of soldiers, landing at the edge of the crowd. His anima is flaring around him now, swirling patterns of light forming First Age pictograms around him.

[emeraldstreak]

"Did I hear Twilight candidate", Leopard hears a resonant voice from the center of the gathering. "That'd be a wise choice indeed. I am Amaya, formerly of the Sequestered Tabernacle, and Twilight candidate for chairwoman of the Deliberative." It is the woman in pink and white. Two lanky men and a freckled young woman stand next to her.

My proposal is simple. We go straight for the chairwoman vote, then appoint committees in several key areas and tackle the problems head-on. Lunars, Sidereals, Dragon-Blooded will be allowed eventually to vote, but only after the majority of their kind is on our side. I do not take lightly the snubs of the Lunar Elders.

[Django]

@Azeri

You recognize two Dragon-Blooded groups. The man and the woman in jade armor, the more obvious one. The man in the white shirt and the gentleman next to him, the less so.


Azeri approaches the armored Terrestrials amicably. He tends to get along a bit better with more militant Dragonbloods, rather than the master socialites. "It's a strange, fascinating experience isn't it? Not being at the center of attention."

He extends an armored hand to both of them, in turn. "Cathak Azeri. Honored to meet you."

[Obscurejones]

"They seemed perfectly lovely. I hope to meet their familiar one day."
Koyo takes a quiet sip of his tea. While being overly proud of one's accomplishments was a vice he attempted to avoid he was rather pleased with how that had turned out. Sending Fokuf was always a gambit, but one that had worked.
"My apologies for the interruption. You were saying something about nominating a chairperson?"

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard's expression remains slightly cheerful, but the slightest edges of frost are clearly audible in his voice.. "And I have a counter proposal, Amaya. There is nothing a chairperson could accomplish that carefully followed and enforced procedure could not. And it is ridiculous to spurn powerful allies once they prove trustworthy, simply because of the color of their anima. We have more important issues to deal with then scrabbling vainly for power." He smiles calmly at them, though the expression does not reach his eyes. "On the other hand, if you have some proposal other then a personal power grab and blatant bigotry, I would be happy to listen."

Leopard is angry!

Leopard uses rude dismissal!

Let's see if it's effective!

[emeraldstreak]

"Jai Adjepur. The honor is mine", says the man in the black armor.

"Tepet Ejava. I have heard of you, Cathak Azeri", the woman greets you.

Behind them, an older woman in red jade armor bows slightly, "Karal Fire Orchid".


Judging by their insignias, Azeri has just met three very high-ranking generals.





"Ahhh...forget it...we'll never win anyway", the girl's mood has swinged. "Maybe I'll vote for the Shadow Behind. He dresses so funny it's actually trendy. Or maybe for Panther...mmmm. Certainly not for one of the bitches", her warm breath whispers in Koyo's ear. "Why not Prince Ikaru?" the other girl giggles, "I thought you fancy him".




Amaya seems amazed, "But dear brother, power is not the only measure we should follow. There is tradition, there is precedence, and there is the divine will of the Unconquered Sun, the Holiest of the Holy. He did not give the mandate to rule Creation to the Lunars or even the Sidereals, he gave it to us. It is not something to be given as a payback for power services rendered.

[OracleofSilence]

"And look how that turned out. Sol turned his face from us, we were largely assassinated, and the world was plunged into chaos for centuries. Perhaps it's time to try something new while we still have the chance. We were given stewardship of creation, not free license to act like jealous fools, angry at the justified concern and distrust of those that were left behind the last time we made a mistake." Leopard tilts his head, almost curious about this woman's position. "I was lucky enough to be gifted with a vision from Sol Invictus on my exaltation. He spoke of spreading darkness, corruption, and loss, but he named no source. Maybe it was the deathlords. Perhaps it was the forces of Malfeas. Or, perhaps it is the future we could end up creating ourselves should we make the mistakes of the past once more."

[Obscurejones]

"Actually it stands to reason that if we could determine a candidate and rally support around them quietly and then split the vote between the elders winning would be relatively... Easy. Neophytes escape notice. Hidden by their weakness. And then we would hold power despite our weakness. Or rather because of it. Although I suppose it could be construed as a somewhat dishonest tactic."
Koyo takes another quiet sip of his tea. What was it his father had always said about their caste? "Eclipse. We're not the greatest fighters, thieves, speakers, or sages. But we're lovely bastards if you give us a chance." Fokuf chuckles as Koyo's delight ripples through their bond.
"In fact not only the neophytes could be drawn upon. Take the sergeant. Only someone with nothing apparently to lose could approach him. And now I suspect I'm the only exalt in this hall to have spoken more then a smattering to him. So, those with no apparent backing or group to call home would be the ones to gather."

[emeraldstreak]

Amaya smiles, "I do agree we must not repeat the mistakes of the past. But I honestly see no reason to favor the Lunars over the Sidereals, the Chosen of the Stars may be few, but Venerable Silk, Lupo, and Matutine have helped us more than any Lunar Elder."

And if you agree with me, realize that there are those who have suffered at the hands of the Sidereals and will bitterly oppose their inclusion. And so the wheel of disagreements turns and tomorrow we are just as divided as yesterday. We have to concentrate on what everyone agrees to first to get the process going. There is much more to be discussed. Perhaps you can join me after the feast for further talks."


Lupo formerly of Kether Rock is Leopard's sifu.




The girl in the black dress suddenly looks straight in Koyo's eyes, "You are smart. My name is Swallowflock."

Icon, eyes on the armored figure, says absently, "He can't vote. He is not a Solar."

[Obscurejones]

"You say he cannot vote. I hear that he cannot vote yet. Another source that others will neglect. They will see each other sort of exalt as a potential foe and not a source of further allies. So we gather to our banner not merely the neophytes but also the Lunars, the Terrestials. And in time, the Sidereals. After all, they all have something to offer the deliberative. No reason the should be left out of what we plan to make."
Koyo meets the girl's gaze and smiles gently.
"A pleasure to properly meet you, Swallowflock"

[Zarthrax]

Yamah Saventis holds the cooling cup of tea in his hands. He remembers the smell of it from the households of nobles, even as they disdained him for being a lowly tinker. His appetite suddenly gone, he pours the tea into a nearby plant and continues watching the ongoing games of power with a jaundiced eye.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Why am I here? There is nothing to fix here...

[Django]

"Jai Adjepur. The honor is mine", says the man in the black armor.

"Tepet Ejava. I have heard of you, Cathak Azeri", the woman greets you.

Behind them, an older woman in red jade armor bows slightly, "Karal Fire Orchid".


Judging by their insignias, Azeri has just met three very high-ranking generals.

Azeri bows. "Well met, one and all. I've only just arrived, so I am still fairly ignorant about certain circumstances.If I may be so bold, what role do you have in this new Deliberative?"

[emeraldstreak]

"You say he cannot vote. I hear that he cannot vote yet. Another source that others will neglect. They will see each other sort of exalt as a potential foe and not a source of further allies. So we gather to our banner not merely the neophytes but also the Lunars, the Terrestials. And in time, the Sidereals. After all, they all have something to offer the deliberative. No reason the should be left out of what we plan to make."
Koyo meets the girl's gaze and smiles gently.
"A pleasure to properly meet you, Swallowflock"

It is as if Swallowflock, eyes gleaming, sees you truly for the first time as she extends her hand to you, palm facing downwards...

Icon, still looking aside, drones on, "Should the rumors be true, Sohoron is not even an Exalt...he is just a sergeant in the One King's Royal Guard, not even an officer..." Icon's voice trails as you are approached by a fair-haired man with a crest pin on his coat.

"And so, Icon the Twilight, lead your thought to the logical conclusion: representing and ruling Creation must be a meritocracy even non-Exalts should have a chance to achieve. That's what true democracy would be." The stranger promptly turns to you and bows "Nellens Poramo, at your service".




Yamah Saventis holds the cooling cup of tea in his hands. He remembers the smell of it from the households of nobles, even as they disdained him for being a lowly tinker. His appetite suddenly gone, he pours the tea into a nearby plant and continues watching the ongoing games of power with a jaundiced eye.

"I see you are not one to be easily deceived by the glamor", an old lady in dirty pink robe has approached Yamah. "What is your opinion of the taint of the demons and the Fair Folk? Would you drink and eat food prepared by their powers? Trust them as your guards in the night?"






Azeri bows. "Well met, one and all. I've only just arrived, so I am still fairly ignorant about certain circumstances.If I may be so bold, what role do you have in this new Deliberative?"


"To a large extend we planned the operation. Today, Jai oversees the boroughs given to the One Kingdom to keep order in, and ultimately commands the main perimeter defense of the Exalted host. Ejava is the rallying beacon for all Dynasts leaving the sinking nepotism of the Realm and joining the Deliberative. She is the commander in charge of the order in the Temple District. Karal Fire Orchid, while technically a Chosen of the Sun, was born in one of the greatest Houses, or Gens, of Lookshy, and after a long exile is back as a senior advisor to their forces which protect the Western Borough."

Ejava adds, "These are our titles and jobs, but most of the time we worry. Right now, we worry the Imperial Navy, left mostly intact, will join their raiders and cut grain supplies from the Lap and damage the ones from the Scavenger Lands too. And then, the weather will go bad, storms getting in the way of even more of our merchant fleet. Famine here is weeks away at best unless we act preemptively."

[Django]

"To a large extend we planned the operation. Today, Jai oversees the boroughs given to the One Kingdom to keep order in, and ultimately commands the main perimeter defense of the Exalted host. Ejava is the rallying beacon for all Dynasts leaving the sinking nepotism of the Realm and joining the Deliberative. She is the commander in charge of the order in the Temple District. Karal Fire Orchid, while technically a Chosen of the Sun, was born in one of the greatest Houses, or Gens, of Lookshy, and after a long exile is back as a senior advisor to their forces which protect the Western Borough."

Ejava adds, "These are our titles and jobs, but most of the time we worry. Right now, we worry the Imperial Navy, left mostly intact, will join their raiders and cut grain supplies from the Lap and damage the ones from the Scavenger Lands too. And then, the weather will go bad, storms getting in the way of even more of our merchant fleet. Famine here is weeks away at best unless we act preemptively."

Azeri frowns deeply. "I've heard these raiders mentioned before, as the cause of the starving refugees in the streets outside. Do you mean to tell me they are Dynastic forces?"

Azeri shakes his head, and raises a fist in passionate resolution. "Unacceptable. I volunteer myself and my forces, to strike against these cravens as soon as possible. If the Great Houses need force to dissuade them from such villainy, let it be us, fellow Dragon-blooded, who mete it out."

Azeri blanches slightly after his proclamation, realizing he may be giving what sound like demands to people stationed above him. Still, he maintains his direct, fervent gaze.

[Obscurejones]

Gently taking Swallowflock's hand Koyo begins to lean in, when suddenly his attention is caught by the arrival. Koyo practically beams with joy at the man's words.
"If I may say so Nellens Poramo that is exactly the sort of forward thinking of which this deliberative is in dire need. Koyo Alphaeus Offendson. And I agree. The whims of either blood or Incarna should not be the only qualifier to join a body dedicated to creation. Any individual of merit and good character should be able to earn a place."

[emeraldstreak]

Azeri frowns deeply. "I've heard these raiders mentioned before, as the cause of the starving refugees in the streets outside. Do you mean to tell me they are Dynastic forces?"

Azeri shakes his head, and raises a fist in passionate resolution. "Unacceptable. I volunteer myself and my forces, to strike against these cravens as soon as possible. If the Great Houses need force to dissuade them from such villainy, let it be us, fellow Dragon-blooded, who mete it out."

Azeri blanches slightly after his proclamation, realizing he may be giving what sound like demands to people stationed above him. Still, he maintains his direct, fervent gaze.

"There is much deception during war", Jai wisely observes, "For me it is uncertain until Shuyana says who they are. Yet, many of the Chosen here oppose direct action just yet. It is easy to kill, but should they be Dynasts, that will open a rift hard to bridge."

"Moreover, a good general can place himself in his enemies' shoes. It is quite conceivable the Dynasts are confused and fearful after our invasion, and easy prey to those who spread lies and would like to see us permanently divided. It would be wise to open official negotiations with the Dynast Houses first, so that they know our true intentions.

Of course, this as all things is now on the waiting list of the Deliberative, and the illustrious ones don't seem able to tackle even the first thing on that same list."






Gently taking Swallowflock's hand Koyo begins to lean in, when suddenly his attention is caught by the arrival. Koyo practically beams with joy at the man's words.
"If I may say so Nellens Poramo that is exactly the sort of forward thinking of which this deliberative is in dire need. Koyo Alphaeus Offendson. And I agree. The whims of either blood or Incarna should not be the only qualifier to join a body dedicated to creation. Any individual of merit and good character should be able to earn a place."

"You amaze me again, Koyo Offendson. You are invited to a midnight meeting in the Jade Pony Inn," a voice booms into Koyo's head, seemingly from nowhere. No one else has heard it. Then Koyo notices Sohoron's gaze fixed at him, and realizes it's the armored warrior somehow talking straight into Koyo's thoughts.

[Zarthrax]

"I see you are not one to be easily deceived by the glamor", an old lady in dirty pink robe has approached Yamah. "What is your opinion of the taint of the demons and the Fair Folk? Would you drink and eat food prepared by their powers? Trust them as your guards in the night?"

Yamah shakes his head at the woman's words.

"Not I. I barely trust myself and Mavis to do these things, much less creatures like that.

He returns the cup to a nearby empty tray.

"That is one of the main reasons I avoid Sorcery. I barely trust myself. Why would I bring a creature inimical to my continued existance forth to do those tasks?"

He shakes his head again.

"All this appears to be is the exercise of power for its own sake, not something more worthwhile. A pity.

[Obscurejones]

Koyo does his best to hide his startle at the realization. He has Fokuf nod though, hopefully signaling his consent.

[emeraldstreak]

Yamah shakes his head at the woman's words.

"Not I. I barely trust myself and Mavis to do these things, much less creatures like that.

He returns the cup to a nearby empty tray.

"That is one of the main reasons I avoid Sorcery. I barely trust myself. Why would I bring a creature inimical to my continued existance forth to do those tasks?"

He shakes his head again.

"All this appears to be is the exercise of power for its own sake, not something more worthwhile. A pity.



"Then allow me to invite you in the Purists faction", the lady says. "We are not many yet, but in time all will see the folly, and the bare greed for power, that reliance on demons and fairfolk trickery is. Even now, as we speak, some of the so-called-industrious Exalts plan to feed this city with Malfean food and fey glamors. Such outrages blasphemy!"

[Zarthrax]

"Then allow me to invite you in the Purists faction", the lady says. "We are not many yet, but in time all will see the folly, and the bare greed for power, that reliance on demons and fairfolk trickery is. Even now, as we speak, some of the so-called-industrious Exalts plan to feed this city with Malfean food and fey glamors. Such outrages blasphemy!"

Yamah considers this for a moment, then replys.

"What exactly does your faction consider fair folk trickery? Wyld manipulation can be used for good as well as evil ends, as can anything in Creation."

[emeraldstreak]

Yamah considers this for a moment, then replys.

"What exactly does your faction consider fair folk trickery? Wyld manipulation can be used for good as well as evil ends, as can anything in Creation."

"Anything derived from the filth of the Wyld!"

[emeraldstreak]

@Keldin

It seems some soldiers will prepare a shield wall, while others will pelt Keldin from the square.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Results: One soldier acts on tick 0. One on tick 1. Two on tick 2. Two on tick 3. The last one acts on tick 6 with Keldin.


Soldier #1's speed was 5, acting again on tick 5.

On tick 1, Soldier2 imbibes the contents of a small bottle as a Misc action. (acting again on tick 6)
On tick 2, one soldier guards with shield and shortspear, another throws a javelin at Keldin, enhanced with stunt and Valor channel, total dice 22 (speed 4, acting again at tick 6)

On tick 3, the bowman unleashes three arrows at Keldin (speed 6, act again on tick 9), while another soldier hides behind the others to prepare some devilry (misc. action, act again tick 8).


The soldiers cry triumphantly, tasting victory. Their bowman wastes no time in unleashing three arrows, hoping to finish Keldin. The first arrow is a vicious bodkin.

Attack pool is 22 dice, stunt and Valor channel. Keldin's turn to declare defense.

[Zarthrax]

"Anything derived from the filth of the Wyld!"

Yamah shakes his head in negation.


"Then I'm afraid I must decline your gracious invitation. However, should you need the services of an above average tinker, do not hesitate to ask for me."

Yamah patiently awaits her leave, then grabs another glass of the tea and knocks it back, wishing it were something stronger.

Save us from high minded zealots with their heads in the sand. Ameru, hear my prayer.

Yamah only offered prayer to Ameru, since his studies discovered her. After all, she wasnt widely known, didnt ask anything of him, and as far as he could tell (never having been to the Celestial City), does her job.

[DukeGod]

Glad to see Garei was there, Logrym heads towards him. He was just the right man to do some nice question asking

So, he goes towards him

"Instead of reading some fairy tale book, I don't suppose you wanna tell me a story, Peledps Garei?"

[emeraldstreak]

Glad to see Garei was there, Logrym heads towards him. He was just the right man to do some nice question asking

So, he goes towards him

"Instead of reading some fairy tale book, I don't suppose you wanna tell me a story, Peledps Garei?"


Garei looks at Logrym inqusitively.

[DukeGod]

"This would be a lot more fun if you people played along...Honestly"

Logrym sits on the ground, by Garei's side

"I've heard some circles managed to push deeper into the heart of Malfeas after I left. All I heard was the really short version. You were there right? At least...when she was brought back here to Creation? What happened?"

[OracleofSilence]

Amaya smiles, "I do agree we must not repeat the mistakes of the past. But I honestly see no reason to favor the Lunars over the Sidereals, the Chosen of the Stars may be few, but Venerable Silk, Lupo, and Matutine have helped us more than any Lunar Elder."

And if you agree with me, realize that there are those who have suffered at the hands of the Sidereals and will bitterly oppose their inclusion. And so the wheel of disagreements turns and tomorrow we are just as divided as yesterday. We have to concentrate on what everyone agrees to first to get the process going. There is much more to be discussed. Perhaps you can join me after the feast for further talks."

"I'm not sure I follow. I oppose putting any Exalt above another, so long as they have proven their good intentions. Sidereal or Lunar makes no difference. As for talking later, it is possible. We'll see how that goes." Leopard bows slightly and turns to leave, once again taking in the crowd. Lots of people, lots of ego, at least from what he'd seen. Perhaps it was worth a shot.

Leopard stands and maneuvers through the crowd, heading back towards Koyo and the small gaggle of guests he had acquired. "Hey. Mind if I join you?" Well, they mostly looked young. No telling how they would react. "So Koyo, how have you been enjoying Creations 'best'? Are they everything you imagined?"

[emeraldstreak]

@Keldin

It seems some soldiers will prepare a shield wall, while others will pelt Keldin from the square.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Results: One soldier acts on tick 0. One on tick 1. Two on tick 2. Two on tick 3. The last one acts on tick 6 with Keldin.


Soldier #1's speed was 5, acting again on tick 5.

On tick 1, Soldier2 imbibes the contents of a small bottle as a Misc action. (acting again on tick 6)
On tick 2, one soldier guards with shield and shortspear, another throws a javelin at Keldin, enhanced with stunt and Valor channel, total dice 22 (speed 4, acting again at tick 6)


The javelin whistles through the air [roll0] minus one success = 12 successes against DV of 10.

[emeraldstreak]

Its steel tip feels as cold as death itself. (piercing attack, total damage with two threshold successes 13L minus 4L soak) [roll0] = two health levels lost. Somehow, Keldin survives.




[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Results: One soldier acts on tick 0. One on tick 1. Two on tick 2. Two on tick 3. The last one acts on tick 6 with Keldin.


Soldier #1's speed was 5, acting again on tick 5.

On tick 1, Soldier2 imbibes the contents of a small bottle as a Misc action. (acting again on tick 6)
On tick 2, one soldier guards with shield and shortspear, another throws a javelin at Keldin, enhanced with stunt and Valor channel, total dice 22 (speed 4, acting again at tick 6)

On tick 3, the bowman unleashes three arrows at Keldin (speed 6, act again on tick 9), while another soldier hides behind the others to prepare some devilry (misc. action, act again tick 8).


The soldiers cry triumphantly, tasting victory. Their bowman wastes no time in unleashing three arrows, hoping to finish Keldin. The first arrow is a vicious bodkin.

Attack pool is 22 dice base, accounting for the flurry 19 dice minus 1 success, stunt and Valor channel. Keldin's turn to declare defense. His penalty is 2: 1 from previous actions and 1 from wounds.

[emeraldstreak]

Yamah patiently awaits her leave, then grabs another glass of the tea and knocks it back, wishing it were something stronger.
Save us from high minded zealots with their heads in the sand. Ameru, hear my prayer.
Yamah only offered prayer to Ameru, since his studies discovered her. After all, she wasnt widely known, didnt ask anything of him, and as far as he could tell (never having been to the Celestial City), does her job.


Icon has left Koyo's table and approaches Yamah, "Pardon me, but I feel we share much, particularly interest in tinkering. My name is Icon. Would you like to join us at the so-called Black Tamarin Table?"





"This would be a lot more fun if you people played along...Honestly"
Logrym sits on the ground, by Garei's side
"I've heard some circles managed to push deeper into the heart of Malfeas after I left. All I heard was the really short version. You were there right? At least...when she was brought back here to Creation? What happened?"



"It is fortunate you ask me and not my compatriots. As you know, we saw the Circle of the Nightingale of Nine Swords die, and yet we did not give in to fear and engaged the Heart of Darkness, the Ebon Dragon's Fetich Soul. We destroyed it, that is all I have to say on the matter, and brought her back...

...You saw what happened then. Some great heroes have the highest admirations for one another but cannot share a common space. The wisest course of action was to let the Scarlet Empress leave."





"I'm not sure I follow. I oppose putting any Exalt above another, so long as they have proven their good intentions. Sidereal or Lunar makes no difference. As for talking later, it is possible. We'll see how that goes." Leopard bows slightly and turns to leave, once again taking in the crowd. Lots of people, lots of ego, at least from what he'd seen. Perhaps it was worth a shot.

Leopard stands and maneuvers through the crowd, heading back towards Koyo and the small gaggle of guests he had acquired. "Hey. Mind if I join you?" Well, they mostly looked young. No telling how they would react. "So Koyo, how have you been enjoying Creations 'best'? Are they everything you imagined?"


You arrive just as Icon introduces himself to you before briefly leaving the table.

[Zarthrax]

Icon has left Koyo's table and approaches Yamah, "Pardon me, but I feel we share much, particularly interest in tinkering. My name is Icon. Would you like to join us at the so-called Black Tamarin Table?"

Yamah nods at the new person.

"I would indeed." Turning to the woman in pink, he makes a polite withdrawal.

"Please excuse me."

Turning to the inviter, he motions for him to lead the way.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Yamah Saventis, inveterate tinker."

[Phasm]

Shiori takes a cup of tea from a side table, followed shortly by her assistant. "You don't have to follow me around if you don't want to, Lily. Would you like to talk to some of the other Dragon-Blooded present?"

The Air Aspect shakes her head vigorously, ponytail swinging. "I wouldn't know what to say. This is all... all so fancy."

Given the fact that Lily grew up in what is basically an oversized mining camp, and then spent the next several years wandering the North with Shiori- well, it's not surprising that she's intimidated. Shiori is too; she's just better at hiding it. "All right, then. Just remember, you can go off and talk to other people any time you want." She scans the crowd while she sips her tea. Prince Ikaru and General Ergrin... no. I'm not sure how diplomatic I could be with them right now. Admiral Sand, he could be interesting. There's the Roseblack, and General Jai of the One Kingdom. Not in the mood to deal with Sesus Nagezzer, even if the stories about him are probably exaggerated. Gods- is that the Cyan Sifu? And the Wiseman! And- and Gerd Marrow-Eater! It takes some serious effort not to choke on her tea when she spots the savior of the Haslanti.

On the one hand, keeping her composure around Gerd and the Wiseman is going to be difficult. On the other hand, they could be invaluable allies in getting the new Deliberative to curb the Bull of the North and do something about the Lover's nascent empire. Mind made up, Shiori strides toward the two men, trailed by Lily.

"Good day, gentlemen. You are Gerd Marrow-Eater and the Wiseman, correct? I am Ardis Shiori, doctor of Fella and Twilight Caste." She inclines her head respectfully.

[emeraldstreak]

Yamah nods at the new person.

"I would indeed." Turning to the woman in pink, he makes a polite withdrawal.

"Please excuse me."

Turning to the inviter, he motions for him to lead the way.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Yamah Saventis, inveterate tinker."


Yamah joins the Black Tamarin table. At present, Koyo, Yamah, Leopard, Icon, Swallowflock and her friend, Nellens Poramo, and of course Fokuf, are there.



So is Logrym in the Hellstrider, or is he out and the Hellstrider "parked" nearby?

[emeraldstreak]

Shiori takes a cup of tea from a side table, followed shortly by her assistant. "You don't have to follow me around if you don't want to, Lily. Would you like to talk to some of the other Dragon-Blooded present?"

The Air Aspect shakes her head vigorously, ponytail swinging. "I wouldn't know what to say. This is all... all so fancy."

Given the fact that Lily grew up in what is basically an oversized mining camp, and then spent the next several years wandering the North with Shiori- well, it's not surprising that she's intimidated. Shiori is too; she's just better at hiding it. "All right, then. Just remember, you can go off and talk to other people any time you want." She scans the crowd while she sips her tea. Prince Ikaru and General Ergrin... no. I'm not sure how diplomatic I could be with them right now. Admiral Sand, he could be interesting. There's the Roseblack, and General Jai of the One Kingdom. Not in the mood to deal with Sesus Nagezzer, even if the stories about him are probably exaggerated. Gods- is that the Cyan Sifu? And the Wiseman! And- and Gerd Marrow-Eater! It takes some serious effort not to choke on her tea when she spots the savior of the Haslanti.

On the one hand, keeping her composure around Gerd and the Wiseman is going to be difficult. On the other hand, they could be invaluable allies in getting the new Deliberative to curb the Bull of the North and do something about the Lover's nascent empire. Mind made up, Shiori strides toward the two men, trailed by Lily.

"Good day, gentlemen. You are Gerd Marrow-Eater and the Wiseman, correct? I am Ardis Shiori, doctor of Fella and Twilight Caste." She inclines her head respectfully.

"Good day, Ardis", they present themselves as a Changing Moon and a No Moon.

"Your reputation precedes you", says the Wiseman before going back to smoking his pipe for a moment. "You seem a tad troubled."

[Zarthrax]

Yamah joins the Black Tamarin table. At present, Koyo, Yamah, Leopard, Icon, Swallowflock and her friend, Nellens Poramo, and of course Fokuf, are there.


Yamah Saventis offers the assembled people a short bow to go with his impending introduction.

"A pleasure to meet you all. My name is Yamah Saventis."

[emeraldstreak]

"Yamah, whom do you intend to support at the vote tomorrow? The candidates so far are Prince Ikaru of the Eclipse Caste, the Lady Aquerne of the Eclipse Caste, the Shadow Behind Thrones of the Eclipse Caste, Lady Amaya ot the Twilight Caste, and Panther of the Zenith Caste," innocently asks Poramo.

[Phasm]

Shiori discreetly steps upwind of the pipe. She dislikes the smell, but they are outdoors; if the Wiseman wants to smoke, he can smoke. "I am... unused to such lavish gatherings. Especially when there are many without enough to eat." Her gaze is briefly unfocused, old memories coming to the forefront for a moment. "I was in Icehome when the Lover attacked; but if you are familiar with my reputation, you probably know that.

"May we sit down?"

[emeraldstreak]

"No, not before you meet me." It's the unkempt woman with the tilted hat. "Shuyana. The "K" is silent".

The four of you move to the unoccupied gilded pillows and take seat.

[Phasm]

Shuyana's presence was unexpected, but Shiori rolls with it. "Pleased to meet you. I am Ardis Shiori of the Twilight Caste, and this is my assistant Glacier Lily." Anyone familiar with the Dragon-Blooded will be able to tell what Aspect Lily is once they get a good look at her. "I have yet to hear of you, Shuyana. What part of Creation do you call home?" Lily fetches an unoccupied cushion from another cluster of pillows and sits next to Shiori.

[emeraldstreak]

You realize Shuyana sees far more than the Dragon-Blooded aspects. Her tone is boisterous but her eyes are unmoved, "Oh, I am a Scavenger daughter through and through. Although, I travel the lands almost constantly nowadays. There's hardly a place I haven't been already."

"Be careful with this one, Ardis", friendly warns the Wiseman, "She is the One Kingdom's spymaster and deadliest practitioner of the javelin"

[emeraldstreak]

Its steel tip feels as cold as death itself. (piercing attack, total damage with two threshold successes 13L minus 4L soak) [roll0] = two health levels lost. Somehow, Keldin survives.




[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Results: One soldier acts on tick 0. One on tick 1. Two on tick 2. Two on tick 3. The last one acts on tick 6 with Keldin.


Soldier #1's speed was 5, acting again on tick 5.

On tick 1, Soldier2 imbibes the contents of a small bottle as a Misc action. (acting again on tick 6)
On tick 2, one soldier guards with shield and shortspear, another throws a javelin at Keldin, enhanced with stunt and Valor channel, total dice 22 (speed 4, acting again at tick 6)

On tick 3, the bowman unleashes three arrows at Keldin (speed 6, act again on tick 9), while another soldier hides behind the others to prepare some devilry (misc. action, act again tick 8).


The soldiers cry triumphantly, tasting victory. Their bowman wastes no time in unleashing three arrows, hoping to finish Keldin. The first arrow is a vicious bodkin.

Attack pool is 22 dice base, accounting for the flurry 19 dice minus 1 success, stunt and Valor channel. Keldin's turn to declare defense. His penalty is 2: 1 from previous actions and 1 from wounds.



The bodkin is loose! Keldin can only attempt to duck...[roll0] vs DDV 7

[emeraldstreak]

The sharp tip of the arrow pierces Keldin's breastplate...


one threshold success, total dmg 6 dice vs soak of 4 = [roll0]

[emeraldstreak]

The next two arrows have blunt tips...the soldier's orders were to bring Keldin alive for questioning before the Zamorin, after all.


13 dice vs DDV 6 [roll0]
12 dice vs DDV 5 [roll1]

[emeraldstreak]

2 dice of bashing damage [roll0]
3 dice of bashing damage [roll1]

Keldin takes a level of lethal damage and a level of bashing damage from the whole flurry. His wound penalty is now 2. Reflexive movement down to 1y/t.

At tick five, Soldier1 with shield/shortspear takes stand in the shieldwall and Aims.

At tick six, two soldiers act alongside Keldin, while one more is Guarding and another Aiming.


The Solar Sifu's fortitude helps him withstand the arrows, but his wounds begin to show.

[Phasm]

"Really?" Shiori smiles and sips her tea. Privately, the Twilight makes a note to thank Wiseman later for his warning. "An important job, to be sure." She turns her gaze to the two Lunars. "Wiseman, Gerd, I am concerned about recent events in the North. Have you heard anything of the Bull's plans regarding this new Deliberative? There are disquieting rumors regarding certain of his circlemates, not to mention the man himself." From their expressions, it is clear that neither Shiori nor Lily care for the Bull of the North.

[emeraldstreak]

"I have tried to reason with him," the Wiseman says, downbeat. "It was of no use".

Shuyana nods. Gerd concludes curtly, "War in the North is inevitable."

[supernerd]

"From up high it looks so wonderful. I wonder if it stays that way on the ground." Darryl thought as he flew over the Imperial City towards the Imperial Palace. He stood upon his Windblade, his whole body clad in ornate plate, just within the range of what the Windblade could carry. Beneath his armor was a lean body, ready for most anything and sticking out the top was a head with white hair and a fair face with red eyes. He looked around the palace grounds before landing by the party, folding his Windblade, clipping it to his waist, and entering. "I knew I should have learned Old Realm. Oh, well." He then went around searching for anyone willing to speak High or Low Realm.

So just send me to a table with the appropriate NPCs or a PC translator.
Int+Lore on the state of the city [roll0]
Wits+Awareness if anything's up [roll1]

[emeraldstreak]

Darryl's arrival certainly catches attention. He is approached by a golden-haired man who introduces himself as Prince Ikaru, ruler of Port Calin.

"I remember once I did the same dashing entrance! It was the beginning of a glorious adventure. Where are you from and what is your story, mighty Chosen?"

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin flicks the arrow from his armor. "Enough, is enough." He leaps from the roof, landing in the middle of the group of soldiers. As he rises, he seems to split into five half-visible copies of himself, each delivering a hard blow to a different soldier. The impacts almost fracture the air as the soldiers hurl away from the impact, four outwards towards the crowd, and the last crashing into the soldier he had not struck, the one with the shortspear. As the two men collide, Keldin's afterimages flash after the other four, meeting each before he collides with the crowd, and slamming them all with vicious uppercuts. All four men fly up over the ground, smashing together simultaneously in mid-flight before falling to the ground. right on top of the other two.
Assuming these attack rolls don't suck.

Hoooookay, this is gonna cost me.
6 motes to activate the perfected kata bracers, Rate for punches increases to 5, all soak goes up by 5.
Spending 5 motes for Second Martial Arts Excellency, spending 1 willpower to channel Conviction, 2-die stunt.
Total dice pool for the flurry, counting extra action penalties: 12, +5 successes
Activating combo, 1 willpower spent
Heaven Thunder Hammer. They move 3 yards per pre-soak damage. A one-mote surcharge moves them an additional essencex5 (25) yards, 5 motes
Lightning Strikes Twice. I may make additional unexpected attacks against each target, arresting their original flight and sending them in a new direction of my choosing moving the same distance they would from HTH, ie, diagonally upward back over the area on a collision course with each other. They take no damage from this collision, LST cancels that, but they are a fair distance over the ground and will suffer falling damage. And the two soldiers on the ground will take damage from four armored men landing on them from that height. 2 motes, 1 willpower
Knockout Blow. If I inflict at least one level of damage on any target, if the [Damage Successes x Exalt's Essence] is greater than the target's health levels, they are automatically knocked out. This applies to the initial and LST bonus attacks. 4 motes
Total mote usage this action: 22 motes, 3 willpower. Yeesh.

[roll0] Flurry attack 1, plus 5 auto successes
[roll1] Flurry attack 2, plus 5 auto successes
[roll2] Flurry attack 3, plus 5 auto successes
[roll3] Flurry attack 4, plus 5 auto successes
[roll4] Flurry attack 5, plus 5 auto successes

[roll5] Unexpected attack 1, plus 5 auto successes
[roll6] Unexpected attack 2, plus 5 auto successes
[roll7] Unexpected attack 3, plus 5 auto successes
[roll8] Unexpected attack 4, plus 5 auto successes
[roll9] Unexpected attack 5, plus 5 auto successes

[emeraldstreak]

You can Hammer On Iron them, but activating the Kata Bracers requires activating the Form as a Simple charm, and waiting out its duration (out of Combo at that). Your best chance to do that is to fall back (via Monkey Leap), activate the Form, and return to fight them.*


*-obviously they are part of a greater army so time is of the essence, yet the fight has gone for mere 6 seconds so far

[Rhyvurg]

Hmm. No, I'd rather leave off the bracers and just flurry punches and kicks instead, the number of attacks ends up the same. So, 14 motes, 3 willpower, once the stunt refund is added in.

[supernerd]

Darryl's arrival certainly catches attention. He is approached by a golden-haired man who introduces himself as Prince Ikaru, ruler of Port Calin.

"I remember once I did the same dashing entrance! It was the beginning of a glorious adventure. Where are you from and what is your story, mighty Chosen?"

When the man introduces himself as a prince, Darryl gives a small bow, about halfway to the waist, one arm folded in front of his torso and the other at his side. He smiles when he is complemented. "I am Darryl, Chosen of Luna, of the Full Moon. I was asked here via invitation, which was interesting because I was in Lookshy. I grew up in Chanta, and go back often, but the winds of fate have carried me away. I have gone around the world collecting a few shapes. With luck, they've all served use. I'm grateful that Fate allowed me to be their legacy. So, anyways, I was in Lookshy when I recieved the invitation and flew over the sea. This thing is faster than I am. What about you? What brought you to the Princehood?" When he noted the speed, he tapped his side where his Windblade was clipped.

[Zarthrax]

"Yamah, whom do you intend to support at the vote tomorrow? The candidates so far are Prince Ikaru of the Eclipse Caste, the Lady Aquerne of the Eclipse Caste, the Shadow Behind Thrones of the Eclipse Caste, Lady Amaya ot the Twilight Caste, and Panther of the Zenith Caste," innocently asks Poramo.

Yamah shakes his head.

"I will not vote for any of them. I have not met any of them, so how can I possibly choose one to lead the Deliberative without knowing who they are?

[DukeGod]

"Fine them. I'm still gonna discover what actually happened. Now, since I got you so talkative, let's be like two hens and gossip. What you know of the all the groups that are forming here. Something tells me I should know this thing"

[Obscurejones]

"I'm not sure I follow. I oppose putting any Exalt above another, so long as they have proven their good intentions. Sidereal or Lunar makes no difference. As for talking later, it is possible. We'll see how that goes." Leopard bows slightly and turns to leave, once again taking in the crowd. Lots of people, lots of ego, at least from what he'd seen. Perhaps it was worth a shot.

Leopard stands and maneuvers through the crowd, heading back towards Koyo and the small gaggle of guests he had acquired. "Hey. Mind if I join you?" Well, they mostly looked young. No telling how they would react. "So Koyo, how have you been enjoying Creations 'best'? Are they everything you imagined?"
"Both more and less I suspect. I see here phenomenal potential. And a surprising amount of pettiness. But I suppose we were men and women before we were champions and kings. So it would do us all well to remember our gifts are a responsibility before they are a personal blessing."

Yamah shakes his head.

"I will not vote for any of them. I have not met any of them, so how can I possibly choose one to lead the Deliberative without knowing who they are?

Koyo holds out his hand with a smile on his face.
"Then perhaps it behooves us to make sure we have at least properly introduced ourselves. I am Koyo Alphaeus Offendson, exalted of the eclipse. I suppose I would be an... Inveterate bureaucrat. Although it occours to me that calling myself as such is hardly the sort of thing that will make me friends."
Fokuf reaches out a hand as well.
"This is Fokuf, my familiar. And I suspect I speak for him as well when I congratulate you on your thinking. I suspect that between yourself, Poramo here, and my own somewhat naive musings we'll come to a brilliant thought. There is no reason to vote for someone on name alone. So let us come at it from a different angle. You are a tinkerer. And I assume you've seen the city. I know little of artifice but I do know that one tends to build out from the middle rather then crafting the edges first. So. What sort of person do we need to fix this city? Look at it as a broken down item, a watch, or something like my own meager table. Who do we need to fix it?"

[emeraldstreak]

When the man introduces himself as a prince, Darryl gives a small bow, about halfway to the waist, one arm folded in front of his torso and the other at his side. He smiles when he is complemented. "I am Darryl, Chosen of Luna, of the Full Moon. I was asked here via invitation, which was interesting because I was in Lookshy. I grew up in Chanta, and go back often, but the winds of fate have carried me away. I have gone around the world collecting a few shapes. With luck, they've all served use. I'm grateful that Fate allowed me to be their legacy. So, anyways, I was in Lookshy when I recieved the invitation and flew over the sea. This thing is faster than I am. What about you? What brought you to the Princehood?" When he noted the speed, he tapped his side where his Windblade was clipped.

"Heh! I don't want to brag, but I saved Port Calin against an invasion led by the most fearsome Abyssal captains there are: the knights of the Deathlord of the Cleansing Flame! Sadly, I was too late to prevent the murder of the Shogun's family, so I took after the city."

[Zarthrax]

Koyo holds out his hand with a smile on his face.
"Then perhaps it behooves us to make sure we have at least properly introduced ourselves. I am Koyo Alphaeus Offendson, exalted of the eclipse. I suppose I would be an... Inveterate bureaucrat. Although it occours to me that calling myself as such is hardly the sort of thing that will make me friends."
Fokuf reaches out a hand as well.
"This is Fokuf, my familiar. And I suspect I speak for him as well when I congratulate you on your thinking. I suspect that between yourself, Poramo here, and my own somewhat naive musings we'll come to a brilliant thought. There is no reason to vote for someone on name alone. So let us come at it from a different angle. You are a tinkerer. And I assume you've seen the city. I know little of artifice but I do know that one tends to build out from the middle rather then crafting the edges first. So. What sort of person do we need to fix this city? Look at it as a broken down item, a watch, or something like my own meager table. Who do we need to fix it?"

Yamah shakes both Koyo's and Fokuf's hands, then considers the problem for a moment.

"I think the most obvious problem is that the Deliberative has no purpose. Yes, it gathers the Exalts to run the affairs of Creation, but at the moment, it seems more of an aim than a purpose for it. What we would need in a candidate then, is someone who understands a basic premise of mine. Leave Creation better than you found it. But i could be slightly biased in that respect."

He smiles and sips his tea, barely registering the taste.

[emeraldstreak]

"Fine them. I'm still gonna discover what actually happened. Now, since I got you so talkative, let's be like two hens and gossip. What you know of the all the groups that are forming here. Something tells me I should know this thing"


"You know my opinion of what power is differs from the one popular here. Yet I could tell you..." Peleps Garei's voice trails as he notices an arrow, which leaves a bright essence tail behind it, high above. The projectile is quickly crossing the azure sky in your direction.

The arrow falls just outside the paved circle and half of its length penetrates into the ground. A thin orichalcum sheet scroll is attached to the shaft.

"Be careful", someone warns from the crowd, "Do not read it without proper defense!"


Aquerne quietly steps out of the crowd, opens the scroll, squints for the briefest of moments, and then reads:


To Those Who Proclaim Themselves Solar Representatives To The Deliberative

We reject your invitation. We see the Deliberative as the same vile corruption that brought us down in the First Age.

We reject your decadent civilization. The Solar Exaltations were pure the day they were made, for the hunters and gatherers of the Dawn of Time. They were never meant for the so-called civilized life, and it poisons them.

We will ride and burn all the cities of the North and the East, then we will cross the sea and burn this Deliberative of yours, and we will pile the heads of the decadent in gory pyramids.

To those with the warrior-hero hearts of the First Exaltations, we say come and join us!

To the rest, your wretched end is far closer than you imagine.


Signed,
The Bull Of The North

[Obscurejones]

"If I may then, allow me to share my personal initial goals for the deliberative in the hopes that they meet your approval. First, see to it that power is not concentrated based on the symbol that may or may not adorn a person's head. To have this body open to the votes of exalts and mortals alike, as well as any God, Spirit, or Demon who is willing to pledge them self to the aim of bettering creation. Two, that no person should go hungry. We have here the power to solve this basic need. We should do so. Third, the elimination of war. Of the three I imagine the first and the last will be the hardest.

[supernerd]

Darryl nods to the Prince, smiling. "A valiant story and I commend you, but it seems we have other business." He then worms his way toward the other side of the party when another exalt begins talking of votind rights and ending war. He speaks up, "While I wholeheartedly support you first two goals, and would gladly donate food and goods to the city, the elimination of war requires measures that could leave us vulnerable to threats, and there will always be those willing to make them in this Age. How do you propose that we work towards that goal in the meantime?"

[Django]

Azeri is quick to recall the conversation he was just having. Into the large silence and worried murmurs following Aquerne's reading, he poses a question.
"Do we have a means of determining whether this is really a missive from the Bull, and not a false flag operation? It must serve someone's purposes to set the Deliberative against his empire."

[supernerd]

Darryl looked to the other exalted who spoke. "The threat came from somewhere, so even if it is simply a ruse, there is someone who was in Arrowshot that opposes the Deliberative. Though I have every confidence we can be ready for whatever this turns out to bring. We must simply have faith."

[Zarthrax]

"If I may then, allow me to share my personal initial goals for the deliberative in the hopes that they meet your approval. First, see to it that power is not concentrated based on the symbol that may or may not adorn a person's head. To have this body open to the votes of exalts and mortals alike, as well as any God, Spirit, or Demon who is willing to pledge them self to the aim of bettering creation. Two, that no person should go hungry. We have here the power to solve this basic need. We should do so. Third, the elimination of war. Of the three I imagine the first and the last will be the hardest.

Yamah nods.

"I agree with the first two as well. Sadly, flawed creatures that we are, war will be a likely event no matter our opinions on the matter.

Post Arrowshot Proclamation, he continues.

"Sometimes Inloathe being right."

[Obscurejones]

Gesturing to the arrow Koyo expands his idea.
"This serves as a nearly perfect example. Do we strike at the Bull or rely on our intellect and good graces? Surely we can coexist peacefully with him. It may difficult but preferable I'd imagine to a bloody struggle. And while there will undoubtedly be situations where force must be used I'd like for it to be our last resort. So upon both of your council I will revise: War to be us d only when every option of peace is well and truly exhausted. On that I hope we can agree?"

[supernerd]

Darryl nodded. "Yes, I can certainly agree to that. Peace is definitely to be strived for, even if we cannot eliminate war and survive. If we can negotiate, then I see no reason for war."

[DukeGod]

Logrym bids Garei goodbye before returning to his new friends. He catches the last of the conversation

"We are likely to go to war. The Deliberative is new. We are eager to prove our power. Something like this will probably be...untolerated by the council. We will be like new chieftain who has not even killed his first fox, yet wishes to hunt tiger"

He's doing a lot of assuming here.

"But we will be hurt by war more than the Bull. We have an army of generals who will not agree with each other or admit to be the inferior. Some will be willing to work together, I have seen this in the Malfeas attack, but many will try to split. Plans will clash with other plans. Forget ideology. Point that out to them. I am Flamesbane. Not good with words, with coming up with ideas. I can see the plots, but not find a way to unravel the thread other than cutting it with sword"

[Obscurejones]

"Then when it inevitably comes to a vote tomorrow can we count yours as a voice for peace and caution?"

[DukeGod]

"Yes. I will vote for peace."

[supernerd]

Darryl chooses to snark a bit. "I would vote for peace, but your first goal has not yet come to pass. You may choose to take that as a motive for supporting that goal. Still, I wish the Chosen of the Sun all the luck an Wisdom of Creation."

[Obscurejones]

"Wonderful. And can the Solars gathered here agree to my first premise, that of an inclusive deliberative?"

[Zarthrax]

Yamah hesitates.

"I would exclude demons, myself, if only for the fact that they tend to oppose us and usually insist on distasteful methods that they consider 'help'"

[emeraldstreak]

Aquerne comments on the veracity of the proclamation, "I fear this is truthful declaration of war. A number of us have met the Bull, and his thoughts align with this letter.

There is a perrenial question before us, the Chosen of the Sun: why did we fail back in the First Age? Many seek the answer, and the Bull believes he has found it: in a world of barbarism akin the dawn of time when Sol Invictus first raised us.

He also despises lack of strong leadership...our gathering here would likely offend him and make him scoff over our undecisiveness so far. And he is not one afraid to shed blood."



The Roseblack weighs in, "I am uncertain the Bull would strike conventionally at first. He is very clever and well-versed in assymetrical warfare. We have to double our vigilance."

[Phasm]

Shiori lets out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose between two fingers. "Well, I suppose that answers that question. Has he never heard of Merela and the Crown of Thunders? Or the fact that the great cities of the Dragon Kings were pleasing in the eye of Sol Invictus long before the first Exaltations were made?" She picks up her teacup and finds it empty. Setting it down, she stands up to address the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Exalts of all kinds. I am Ardis Shiori of the Twilight Caste and a native of Fella, a city near Whitewall. I have traveled the North for years and seen much of the aftermath of the Bull's endless war. Know that his appetite for territory and people is boundless. He has forged his empire for one thing and one thing only; war. The Bull of the North is not interested in peace or coexistence. I wish that it were otherwise, for I place great value on peace, but that dance requires two willing partners. I do not wish to see my home or the homes of countless innocent people razed and burned as the Bull has already done to far too many cities."

[emeraldstreak]

"Wonderful. And can the Solars gathered here agree to my first premise, that of an inclusive deliberative?"

Icon nods enthusiastically, while Swallowfolk is more reserved, but plays along.

[Obscurejones]

Yamah hesitates.

"I would exclude demons, myself, if only for the fact that they tend to oppose us and usually insist on distasteful methods that they consider 'help'"


"Fair enough, though I suppose I would consider that more of a point of order then an entire disagreement. But it seems as if you agree to the spirit of the premise."
Koyo pauses to take a sip of tea before fixing his gaze rather earnestly on Yamah.
"As to your point earlier Yamah, about what purpose the deliberative would serve. To that I bring us back to my second goal. Let us say a Twilight like yourself invents a device that would revolutionize the production of grain. It is elegant, simple, and doubles yield. How does he get it to the people? He has the idea and the item. But he is unlikely to be able to convince people of its superiority to methods that have been used for centuries. And if he does, what is to stop bandits from simply stealing the device or levying a heavy tax on those who would use it least they destroy the devices? And what to do with the resulting surplus? Ah, but if he has with him a few fellow Exalts, how simple the problem. A Zenith travels between villages giving public speeches that convince the populace of the device's virtues and explain its use. As bandits rise up a Dawn discourages their violence. As the surplus grows an Eclipse puts in place treaties of trade between those villages with surplus and those still in need.

That is the purpose of our deliberative. To have a way to share in our burdens and in doing so to magnify our benefit to Creation."

He pauses to give Fokuf a quick scratch behind the ears and the monkey yawns. Koyo laughs and finishes his tea. Blows out the brazier.
"I suspect that our time is winding down. But there is a point I'd like to raise before the group. I mentioned earlier the strength we might find in acting with an accord tomorrow. I suspect that there will be several votes and we seem to be of a like mind about many of them. But who shall we nominate as Chair? Although I hope to have that position be merely procedural it does behoove us to have a plan in that regard."

[emeraldstreak]

Shiori lets out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose between two fingers. "Well, I suppose that answers that question. Has he never heard of Merela and the Crown of Thunders? Or the fact that the great cities of the Dragon Kings were pleasing in the eye of Sol Invictus long before the first Exaltations were made?" She picks up her teacup and finds it empty. Setting it down, she stands up to address the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Exalts of all kinds. I am Ardis Shiori of the Twilight Caste and a native of Fella, a city near Whitewall. I have traveled the North for years and seen much of the aftermath of the Bull's endless war. Know that his appetite for territory and people is boundless. He has forged his empire for one thing and one thing only; war. The Bull of the North is not interested in peace or coexistence. I wish that it were otherwise, for I place great value on peace, but that dance requires two willing partners. I do not wish to see my home or the homes of countless innocent people razed and burned as the Bull has already done to far too many cities."


Shiori feels her words have hardened the resolve of those already viewing the Bull with distrust.

Shuyana gloomly warns, "Ardis, the Bull of the North...he has not been idle these last few years. There are worrisome developments few know and they have to be shared with the Deliberative the moment it manages to appoint some semblance of military command."


Charisma+Performance with two-die stunt

Stunt successful.

[Django]

Azeri looks around the room, at the reactions of the Lawgivers he had pledged to serve. When he made that pledge, he did not imagine the gathering before him. He had not expected such confusion, such a lack of clear leadership.

But Azeri had also sworn that he, and any Dragon-Blooded who felt the same, would be here, at the first Deliberative, to support them when they might falter. It is with this in mind that Azeri steps forward, and addresses the gathered Exalts as a whole.

"The Bull of the North is mad, but he speaks with one voice. Whether it is with words of peace or words of war, let us answer him in kind; with one voice, formed of many, united toward a single purpose.

"This challenge is not the only one that faces the Deliberative. And none of them can be solved by any one of you alone."

Azeri bows. "I do not know which is the correct path for the Deliberative. I can only ask you all to decide, and to remind you that the Realm needs you. CREATION needs you. All of you."

[emeraldstreak]

Aquerne steps up to the Black Tamarin table, "You, younglings, I know you believe in equality, don't deny it, my hearing is quite phenomenal. I have a task for you: if we are to include the Lunars tomorrow, we have to know there is enough support priorly to putting it to a vote. A defeat would be devastating to the cause of equality. Try to corner as many of the Solars as possible and ask for their vote inclination...before the Sun rises we must know our chances."

[Obscurejones]

"Certainly. And I am glad to hear you support the same."

[emeraldstreak]

"Certainly. And I am glad to hear you support the same."

"I do", Aquerne says mellowly with a hint of pride, "And I can bring one more vote from Peleps Garei."

[emeraldstreak]

Azeri looks around the room, at the reactions of the Lawgivers he had pledged to serve. When he made that pledge, he did not imagine the gathering before him. He had not expected such confusion, such a lack of clear leadership.

But Azeri had also sworn that he, and any Dragon-Blooded who felt the same, would be here, at the first Deliberative, to support them when they might falter. It is with this in mind that Azeri steps forward, and addresses the gathered Exalts as a whole.

"The Bull of the North is mad, but he speaks with one voice. Whether it is with words of peace or words of war, let us answer him in kind; with one voice, formed of many, united toward a single purpose.

"This challenge is not the only one that faces the Deliberative. And none of them can be solved by any one of you alone."

Azeri bows. "I do not know which is the correct path for the Deliberative. I can only ask you all to decide, and to remind you that the Realm needs you. CREATION needs you. All of you."


The Exalts clap approvingly.

A man in expensive, archaic robes, and a hat-crown at least a foot high, waves a hand heavy with jeweled rings in a beckoning gesture. He is inviting Azeri to join a small circle of another man and a young, willowy girl.

[Obscurejones]

That day...
Koyo waits for a moment to see if any other member of the table has any objections or an answer for his prior question.
Later that evening...
Koyo checks over himself in the mirror once before heading out. Appraising his suit he checks to make sure that the thin layer of moonsilver covering his skin is not readily apparent. While he was willing to meet with the Sergeant without preconditions he was less willing to do so with no protection whatsoever. Thankfully his grandmother's ring could provide at least some measure of armor without sacrificing goodwill. Satisfied with both his appearance and preperations he heads out into the night in search of the Jade Pony Inn

[emeraldstreak]

The city's nightlife is busy. Music, bright lights, and street performers of all stripes are everywhere. Couples enjoy the refreshing nightly breeze. Granted, there are the signs of war too, patrols of the One Kingdom's army eye you warily, and a thin wench offers Koyo an hour of her time for the price of a loaf of bread.

Eventually, Koyo has to follow a winding, moisty street to reach the inn near the docks. The inn itself is quite large and luxurious. No less than twenty soldiers are outside of it, but they wave to Koyo as if he were an old friend and tell him the meeting is in the basement of the Jade Pony. Stepping down a flight of creaking stairs, Koyo finds himself in a large hall. The air is slightly smokey and stale. Solid wooden pillars support the ceiling along the walls. The rest of the space is taken by rows of wooden benches and filled with dozens of guests. Most weak gray-green uniforms, although a few wear purple, gold, and black instead. Many have platinum dragon pendants on their necks.

Just as Koyo takes seat Sohoron enters from an oval sidedoor. Conversations stop and all eyes are on the person in the platinum armor.

"Brothers and sisters", a sonorous metallic voice booms through, "The future is now, and it is ours!"

At these words, the crowd jumps up in enthusiastic cheers, claps, and utterings of support. It takes a while for it to calm down...Per+Awareness roll to overhear something of interest

[Obscurejones]

Pricking up his ears Koyo does his level best to hear the nature of the resulting chatter. That phrase... Not unlike a call to worship or a battle cry. It seems like something thought out, likely said before to rally these men.
per 2 awareness 1 [roll0]
Stunt if any [roll1]

[emeraldstreak]

Pricking up his ears Koyo does his level best to hear the nature of the resulting chatter. That phrase... Not unlike a call to worship or a battle cry. It seems like something thought out, likely said before to rally these men.
per 2 awareness 1 [roll0]
Stunt if any [roll1]


It is too noisy: Koyo overhears only fragments: "Another Exalt", "Market District", and "Sohoron was right!"

When the crowd calms the Sergeant continues:

"Finally, Mankind has a chance to live decently. The dangers are many, but the Sixth Dragon spreads its wings above us! The Platinum Age is near!" Sohoron continues to speak fervently of a time when the Gold and the Silver ones would preside largely ceremoniously over a sea of capable humans defending and developing Creation. "Finally, we need not cower in fear and beg for the flimsy protection of whimsy Exalts. At long last, we have a God who has not turned its face away from our plight. Praise the Platinum Dragon!"

Once again, the public explodes in cheers, praising the Platinum Dragon and its Prophet, Sohoron.

"Is it true, Prophet? Is it true the Children walk among us already?" first asked by a single voice, the crowd picks up this question in force. Sohoron gestures for calm with his massive platinum hands, leaving trails of orichalcum energy in the air.

"It is. The Daughter of the Moon has descended in the frozen, star-lit wastes of the North and mighty heroes flock to her pledging service, love, and life. The Son of the Sun travels the blazing deserts of the South, punishing the wicked and uplifting the righteous. The Deathlords tremble in fear! The Bull of the North, this cruel ravager, is the next foolhardy Exalt about to learn of the power of Man!"

"Crush him, Sohoron, crush him!" the crowd chants.

Once again, the platinum warrior makes a soothing gesture and confidently says "My brothers and sisters, we will not be denied anymore. The Platinum Age is upon us!"

[Obscurejones]

Well that's somewhat intriguing. And more then a little terrifying at that. And hadn't he been told that the Sergeant was... Well, a sergeant? This would seem to indicate a rather more lofty position. And something of a cult at that. Lifting a hand Koyo speaks softly, hoping that the Sergeant's excellent hearing from before would work as well in the din.
"If I may ask, and I hope my ignorance does not offend, what is the Platinum Age?"

[emeraldstreak]

"You do not, my friend." Time itself slows and the noise of the hall fades as Sohoron once again speaks in your thoughts. It is a subject worth writing a book, a Holy One, but let me reveal as much as I can to you now.


The Platinum Age is what a righteous First Age should have ended with. An age where Creation is finally tended by its promised people, Mankind. An Age when Men are no longer toys of the Primordials or serfs of the Exalted.

As any great concept, it has a God, the Platinum Dragon, but it is more than a mere God, it is also an Element of a profound change in Creation, the Sixth and Last Dragon.

I spent most of my life as a simple farmer, living the life most of the men in Creation do, before the One King magic divined me for a greater calling - a place in his Royal Guard. As a Guard, I partook in terrifyingly dangerous missions all over Creation and beyond. In one such mission, all of my unit perished. I thought my fate was sealed...but instead, it was unsealed. The Sixth Dragon chose me for its Prophet and revealed to me the glory of the Platinum Age.

It also predicted that I would be joined by the Children of the Incarna in preaching the truth. The Incarna are turning away from Creation forever, but through these Children they connect to the future of the Platinum Age. Just so, the Chosen of the Incarna are to take a step back - and higher - more and more occupying a lofty ceremonial position over the population of Creation, and not that of God-Kings and war champions.

[Obscurejones]

As subtly as he can Koyo makes a gesture for Sohoron to continue their sermon.

[emeraldstreak]

The sermon is at an end. Several guests, mostly soldiers but also a black-clad clerkwoman and a local Patrician receive dragon pendants from Sohoron. Finally, only the two of you remain.

"Few of your brethren are as forward thinking as you are, Koyo, and my duties as a Royal Guardsman often put me at odds against the more hot-headed and the less low-abiding ones. I have no choices but to make examples of them. It is only a matter of time before you hear smear about me."

[Obscurejones]

Perhaps there the meaning of the invitation? To garner favor? But why bother to garner it with a neophyte?
"And would you have an inkling as to the form these slanders will take?"

[Rhyvurg]

Every fiber of Keldin's being tells him to beat every single one of them into submission, but the more rational part of his mind won't let him forget that he was severely disadvantaged here. He had rushed in blindly, had not properly prepared for this kind of fight, and as a result some surprisingly skilled and ready soldiers had gotten one over on him. Gritting his teeth, he turns and leaps down on the far side of the building. He would concede them the battle, but he would win the war...

[Django]

The Exalts clap approvingly.

A man in expensive, archaic robes, and a hat-crown at least a foot high, waves a hand heavy with jeweled rings in a beckoning gesture. He is inviting Azeri to join a small circle of another man and a young, willowy girl.

Azeri approaches the eccentrically dressed man and his erstwhile followers. "Greetings. I take it you appreciated my willingness to embarrass myself before my peers and betters?" He smiles a bit nervously at his own self-deprecation. He also makes an effort to ascertain as much about this group as he can.

Perception 2, Awareness 3, First Awareness Excellency (personal)
[roll0]

[OracleofSilence]

Leopards keeps his silence as Koyo and his compatriots talk. It would completely defeat his purpose to try to interject, to stunt the growth of their own ideas, and seeing a more senior exalt siding with them might damage their own position as well. So, he swallows his small twinges of pride and nods at the appropriate times, keeps a look of bored disinterest through the announcement that may or may not be genuinely associated with the Bull, and generally remains a quiet presence. Once things have calmed somewhat he rises, nods a polite farewell, and reenters the crowd, in search of any others that may support his views.

Rolling Perception+Awareness enhanced by the Second Awareness Excellency to locate any other groups referring positively to an inclusive deliberative. (6m from personal)

Perception+Awareness[roll0]+3 Successes

6 Successes total

Willpower: 10/10
Personal: 19/25
Peripheral: 36/54 (18 committed)

[emeraldstreak]

Perhaps there the meaning of the invitation? To garner favor? But why bother to garner it with a neophyte?
"And would you have an inkling as to the form these slanders will take?"

"Koyo, you are new to the city. Is there anything you need?", Sohoron asks.






Every fiber of Keldin's being tells him to beat every single one of them into submission, but the more rational part of his mind won't let him forget that he was severely disadvantaged here. He had rushed in blindly, had not properly prepared for this kind of fight, and as a result some surprisingly skilled and ready soldiers had gotten one over on him. Gritting his teeth, he turns and leaps down on the far side of the building. He would concede them the battle, but he would win the war...

The jeers of the soldiers fade in the background noise of the metropolis. Will Keldin continue to the Lookshy Headquarters, or return to the Palace grounds?

Keldin's stamina and resistance let him reflexively close his wounds and defy any risk of infection. He can keep the javelin and bodkin arrow if we wishes, the other two arrows were destroyed at impact. The bodkin is damaged to the point it is only useful as evidence, but the javelin is quite intact.







Azeri approaches the eccentrically dressed man and his erstwhile followers. "Greetings. I take it you appreciated my willingness to embarrass myself before my peers and betters?" He smiles a bit nervously at his own self-deprecation. He also makes an effort to ascertain as much about this group as he can.

Perception 2, Awareness 3, First Awareness Excellency (personal)
[roll0]



The willowy girl introduces herself as Nightingale, but then makes a hasty retreat. Azeri's assessment is she was looking for a way out of the conversation. The other man's face is inscrutable, but the fearsome artifact hatchets in his belt leave no doubt about the danger he poses.

The bearded man with the crown introduces himself as one of many names, most widely known as The Shadow Behind Thrones or The Grand Vizier. Under his advice dozens of kingdoms in Creation prosper, he says. The other is his circlemate Tigereyes, a Night Caste.

"Cathak Azeri, you seem free of any allegiance to Solars. Most of the other Dragon-Blooded here are ultimately aligned with the Chosen of the Sun. Would you accept an invitation to spend the night in our residence, the Summer Palace south of the Imperial City? We are afraid the Imperial Palace is crawling with the agents of Shuyana, not only the guards, but all servants too are members of the overt and covert military units of the One Kingdom, and even the local spirit world itself is corrupted to spy for the One King."








Leopards keeps his silence as Koyo and his compatriots talk. It would completely defeat his purpose to try to interject, to stunt the growth of their own ideas, and seeing a more senior exalt siding with them might damage their own position as well. So, he swallows his small twinges of pride and nods at the appropriate times, keeps a look of bored disinterest through the announcement that may or may not be genuinely associated with the Bull, and generally remains a quiet presence. Once things have calmed somewhat he rises, nods a polite farewell, and reenters the crowd, in search of any others that may support his views.

Rolling Perception+Awareness enhanced by the Second Awareness Excellency to locate any other groups referring positively to an inclusive deliberative. (6m from personal)

Perception+Awareness[roll0]+3 Successes

6 Successes total

Willpower: 10/10
Personal: 19/25
Peripheral: 36/54 (18 committed)


Initially, Leopard hears nothing of interest...but then the converasation between a large, simple-looking man and an athletic dwarf-woman turns to the possible inclusion of the Lunars. They seem to be slightly in favor...

[Django]

Azeri puts his hand to his mouth, feigning deep consideration. But as his face is obscured, he mouths a quiet inquiry, directed to the departing Nightingale. His voice travels on undetected air currents, to no one's ears but hers. (Sorry to bother you, but does your hasty retreat mean that these two are not to be trusted?)
Wind-Carried Words Technique, the Exalted cell phone.

[emeraldstreak]

Nightingale looks at Azeri and waves her hand in a so-so gesture.

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard nods quietly to himself and approaches the pair, nodding cordially to them before introducing himself. "I hope you don't mind terribly if I join your conversation. Things seem a bit shaken up since that letter made the rounds, so some good company is a little scarce, and reasonable company is even scarcer."

[emeraldstreak]

"Uh..Hi! I am Demetheus, and this is Faka Kun. You are welcome," says the muscle-bound man.

[OracleofSilence]

"Demetheus, Faka Kun, it's good to meet you. So I'm curious. What do you see the Deliberative as? I'll admit, I'm a little encouraged that you didn't try to recruit me the instant I started talking to you. Some people here strike me as a little eager."

[emeraldstreak]

Faka Kun purses her lips before replying, "Eagerness is not a quality the Sun Shards avoid. Yet, it can be onerous. Hopefully, tomorrow one of the wannabes will win the Chairperson position and we will catch a respite."

[emeraldstreak]

Servants await any new arrivals ready to retire to their private chambers.

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard smiles, a little wryly at her response. "True I suppose. On the other hand, some of these wannabes are wannabes with big ideas. Keeping the deliberative Solar dominated, preventing political access to dragonbloods until the Realm is fully conquered. That kind of thing seems problematic to me."

[Django]

Nightingale looks at Azeri and waves her hand in a so-so gesture.

(I see. Thank you, and have a pleasant evening.)

Azeri smiles in a neutral way toward the Vizier."Sai Vizier, to hear you say it, one would assume the One King is some feared enemy, not a member of the Deliberative. What could give you cause to fear him so?"

[Obscurejones]

"Koyo, you are new to the city. Is there anything you need?", Sohoron asks.

"To be perfectly honest, no. My resources are meager but my needs are negligible. Had I desired for comforts or the appearance of power I would have had no reason to leave my home."
Koyo pauses and takes a deep breath. In for three. Out for four. Softly, no gasping or melodramatic sigh. He decides to start his line of inquiry slowly.
"May I ask a few questions of you though?"

[emeraldstreak]

Leopard smiles, a little wryly at her response. "True I suppose. On the other hand, some of these wannabes are wannabes with big ideas. Keeping the deliberative Solar dominated, preventing political access to dragonbloods until the Realm is fully conquered. That kind of thing seems problematic to me."

While Demetheus visibly is thrown in deep thought at Leopard's comment, the Jala-woman mutters, "Some of us are still invested in the Threshold. I have no desire to deal with Dynasts anymore than I have to."







Azeri smiles in a neutral way toward the Vizier."Sai Vizier, to hear you say it, one would assume the One King is some feared enemy, not a member of the Deliberative. What could give you cause to fear him so?"

The Shadow Behind strikes his beard:

"Do you notice the One King here? No? It is a secret well-kept, but the only reason he bankrolled this invasion was because he owed a debt for services rendered to Aquerne's Circle. Let me tell you two things about the King:

You think yourself free here? You aren't. The food you eat, the refreshments you drink, the servants that make the bed in your chambers, the soldiers that guard most of the city, the grain given to its besieged population...everything here - it's the One King's. Without him, this little venture of our alluring Aquerne will fall apart in a day or so. When you feed a dog, you know you are his master.

And should the Deliberative in any way try to enforce its will on the One King, the charade would be over. These guests here - they chatter for or against Lunar equality - but they don't realize there isn't a Solar equality at the first place. Should the King wish you dead or imprisoned, there is only but a handful of Exalts here capable to escape the trap the Imperial City is, and even we will be hard pressed to flee the monstrous Sohoron.

Now, I am not one to declare a crazed war on Creation as the Bull of the North. But if you think the Bull, Samea the Solar Circle Sorceress, and their Circle are only blind fools, think again. They know this gathering here is nothing more but pawns for the One King. The Lunar Elders, the true sane and wise ones, not Uka, also see this and won't join either.

The Deliberative won't come into its own until it elects an experienced leader and begins to establish its own income, services, protection, and laws. Until then, you are guests, and the host thinks himself so high above you he won't even meet you in person."







"To be perfectly honest, no. My resources are meager but my needs are negligible. Had I desired for comforts or the appearance of power I would have had no reason to leave my home."
Koyo pauses and takes a deep breath. In for three. Out for four. Softly, no gasping or melodramatic sigh. He decides to start his line of inquiry slowly.
"May I ask a few questions of you though?"

"Please do, Koyo," the platinum warrior invites.

[DukeGod]

So, Sohoron wanted the mortals as the rulers of Creation. There certainly was something beautiful and interesting on it, but...

Logrym couldn't help but think that maybe it wasn't quite the whole truth. Especially all this talk of a new Incarna. One that was some kind of elemental dragon no less. Everything seemed tailored to appeal to everyone. Oh, the great part of the gathered mortals were downright moved by it. He didn't think the Exalted would be so

...

He decides he is tired of this. He didn't want to be ruler in the first place. But he wouldn't give it so easily to someone he didn't trust either. He can't find a way to deal with the preaching though

Logrym walks the streets of the Imperial City

[emeraldstreak]

So, Sohoron wanted the mortals as the rulers of Creation. There certainly was something beautiful and interesting on it, but...

Logrym couldn't help but think that maybe it wasn't quite the whole truth. Especially all this talk of a new Incarna. One that was some kind of elemental dragon no less. Everything seemed tailored to appeal to everyone. Oh, the great part of the gathered mortals were downright moved by it. He didn't think the Exalted would be so

...

He decides he is tired of this. He didn't want to be ruler in the first place. But he wouldn't give it so easily to someone he didn't trust either. He can't find a way to deal with the preaching though

Logrym walks the streets of the Imperial City


I am sorry but only Koyo was invited to the Jade Pony Inn...Logrym knows very little of Sohoron for now.

[supernerd]

Darryl sighed as the deliberative resolved to count the votes for inclusion. Having said his mind, he looked around, searching for other Chosen of Luna. He walked across the room, seeing a man that resembled a white boar. He approached the well built man and nodded back to where the big show had been. "Hey, what did you think about all that. Oh, Darryl, Chosen of Luna, of the Full Moon."

My Tell MDV is like 20, unless he's wearing someone else's face.
How much of my Reputation 3 applies? Probably won't be making any social rolls, but it's probably worth noting when speaking with other Lunars, as well as whether I'd have heard of Uka the Bull through the grapevine.

Side note: Uka sounds like an amazing drinking buddy.

[emeraldstreak]

Darryl sighed as the deliberative resolved to count the votes for inclusion. Having said his mind, he looked around, searching for other Chosen of Luna. He walked across the room, seeing a man that resembled a white boar. He approached the well built man and nodded back to where the big show had been. "Hey, what did you think about all that. Oh, Darryl, Chosen of Luna, of the Full Moon."



"Darryl! Long time no see", Uka boisterously greets you. "I think this is a fine gathering. Fine! And war: it's always good news."



All of your reputation applies. The Lunars I listed and Darryl all have sufficient reputation to already know of each other, and likely have met at least once before. There are Lunars of lower repute around, but Darryl can't recognize them for Lunars just yet.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin leaves the javelin, but keeps the arrow. Those soldiers would be dealt with in time, he had something more important to deal with. He keeps on for the Lookshy headquarters.

[supernerd]

Darryl smiles. "Yes, maybe a bit too long. Yes, it's a fine party. I wonder if they'll let us help in running this show. However, while I love a good fight, and definitely a good quest, I'm not so sure about jumping into war. I don't like risking so many lives that aren't my own. Still, that feeling of my blood rushing around, and letting the fury of Luna run through me. But mortals aren't so lucky, if sometimes incredibly competent. Well enough of that. How have you been?"

[emeraldstreak]

Darryl smiles. "Yes, maybe a bit too long. Yes, it's a fine party. I wonder if they'll let us help in running this show. However, while I love a good fight, and definitely a good quest, I'm not so sure about jumping into war. I don't like risking so many lives that aren't my own. Still, that feeling of my blood rushing around, and letting the fury of Luna run through me. But mortals aren't so lucky, if sometimes incredibly competent. Well enough of that. How have you been?"


"Well, yes!" Uka snorts in agreement, "The only thing better than war is settling disputes by personal challenge. But we both know Kaneko is too much of a coward to attempt this route."


"I've been well. In fact, ever since we descended in Malfeas I feel alight with...glory! For centuries I have dreamt of this day, the day we will be as heroic as our shard-ancestors were in the beginning of time. I cannot wait to go out in force again."






Keldin leaves the javelin, but keeps the arrow. Those soldiers would be dealt with in time, he had something more important to deal with. He keeps on for the Lookshy headquarters.


Lookshy's commanding general, one Teresu Otama, has chosen a sturdy gray Dynast mansion as his headquarters. A unit of guards wearing the famed Gunzosha full armor briefly questions Keldin before letting him in. Teresu Otama's cabinet has three adjoining rooms, one for visitors waiting, the other two for a seemingly ceaseless traffic of intelligence and strategic planning officers bringing in reports and other documents.


Otama curtly greets Keldin and asks for the reason of his visit.

[OracleofSilence]

"True. Never said it would be easy, but it's hardly fair to say that ex-Dynasts who've proven themselves should be excluded for the actions of those who still oppose us. I mean, give it enough time, and we might get some terrestrials born in our territory. They can't be held responsible at all, but some would rather exclude them to keep their position safe from contention."

[emeraldstreak]

"Somebody has to held responsible", sadly says Demetheus.

"Oh, don't start again," scolds him Faka Kun.

[OracleofSilence]

"Perhaps, but it's hard to hold some responsible for the actions of others. Yes, the Realm has committed atrocities, but freshly exalted Terrestrials have not. And beyond that, some want to exclude Lunars and Sidereals, just for traditions sake." Leopard pauses for a moment. "It uh... sounds like I missed something there. Why the sudden drop in spirits?"

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin bows slightly, in his current state of mind an infinitely polite social gesture. "My name is Keldin, I arrived in the city only a few hours ago. I was hoping I could ask you a small favor."

[Obscurejones]

"Please do, Koyo," the platinum warrior invites.

"I hope you do not mind if I work out my thoughts aloud. I see no reason to conceal my intentions from you. Now, I can see that I am the only Exalt from the gathering this morning that was invited to this event. This concerns me. I was not the only one to express a willingness to incorporate non exalts into our new deliberative. I was perhaps the least of the exalts expressing that view. That would make it seem that I was chosen for my weakness. This I should point out, is not a criticism, merely a theory. Correct or no? "

[emeraldstreak]

"Perhaps, but it's hard to hold some responsible for the actions of others. Yes, the Realm has committed atrocities, but freshly exalted Terrestrials have not. And beyond that, some want to exclude Lunars and Sidereals, just for traditions sake." Leopard pauses for a moment. "It uh... sounds like I missed something there. Why the sudden drop in spirits?"

"I...", starts Demetheus, but Faka cuts him:

"No! We are not going there. Demetheus, I will see you to your bed." She grabs his hand and pulls him before freezing for a moment, then turning to Leopard, "My apologies for the hasty retreat...I will find you later."








Keldin bows slightly, in his current state of mind an infinitely polite social gesture. "My name is Keldin, I arrived in the city only a few hours ago. I was hoping I could ask you a small favor."

"If it is a small one, Lookshy say why not," replies the general.








"I hope you do not mind if I work out my thoughts aloud. I see no reason to conceal my intentions from you. Now, I can see that I am the only Exalt from the gathering this morning that was invited to this event. This concerns me. I was not the only one to express a willingness to incorporate non exalts into our new deliberative. I was perhaps the least of the exalts expressing that view. That would make it seem that I was chosen for my weakness. This I should point out, is not a criticism, merely a theory. Correct or no? "

"Incorrect. Icon and his young Twilight friends may be interested in equality, but they are doubly curious about me. It is their tinkerer Caste natural inclination. Yamah and Leopard I have to yet judge conclusively.

When you are the Prophet of the Sixth Dragon, power is a relative thing. Many of the Chosen who proclaim themselves mighty, I tag as weak. And, occasionally, I see strength where they see weakness."

[Obscurejones]

"Incorrect. Icon and his young Twilight friends may be interested in equality, but they are doubly curious about me. It is their tinkerer Caste natural inclination. Yamah and Leopard I have to yet judge conclusively.

When you are the Prophet of the Sixth Dragon, power is a relative thing. Many of the Chosen who proclaim themselves mighty, I tag as weak. And, occasionally, I see strength where they see weakness."

"Then I suppose the logical question is why invite me? I already showed a willingness to advance your cause."

[emeraldstreak]

"Then I suppose the logical question is why invite me? I already showed a willingness to advance your cause."


"What do you think of our vision of the future?"

[Rhyvurg]

"Thank you. I would like you to arrange the delivery of a letter to your city, I must ask your leaders for a small favor, which I will return several times over. I am in possession of a manse in the East, and I would like to ask for Lookshy's aid in protecting it. Nothing extravagant, just a few soldiers to bolster my own followers in the area. Your men would be housed and fed in exchange for their service."

[Obscurejones]

"It is laudable. I do not think it necessary to separate the exalted from man, but the concept of self rule is desirous. I wish to use my powers to help mankind. If we can help society reach a place where mankind has no need of us... I imagine such a world would be nearly Utopian."

[emeraldstreak]

"Thank you. I would like you to arrange the delivery of a letter to your city, I must ask your leaders for a small favor, which I will return several times over. I am in possession of a manse in the East, and I would like to ask for Lookshy's aid in protecting it. Nothing extravagant, just a few soldiers to bolster my own followers in the area. Your men would be housed and fed in exchange for their service."

"We are honored by your trust. It can be done under these circumstances." Keldin feels Teresu's words of admiration are not empty courtesies. The two Exalts arrange the details for the deployment of the protective force.



Teresu Otama is very busy, but will answer if Keldin had more questions. If not, the scene is concluded and Keldin is free to do as he will.





"It is laudable. I do not think it necessary to separate the exalted from man, but the concept of self rule is desirous. I wish to use my powers to help mankind. If we can help society reach a place where mankind has no need of us... I imagine such a world would be nearly Utopian."

"Imagining is something the Deliberative will need your help in, Koyo. This is a reason enough to invite you."


This concludes the scene unless you have more questions. The sermon has been very effective, count it as one scene in building a positive intimacy to the cult of the Platinum Dragon, unless you spend 3wp to resist this natural temptation.

[supernerd]

"Well, yes!" Uka snorts in agreement, "The only thing better than war is settling disputes by personal challenge. But we both know Kaneko is too much of a coward to attempt this route."


"I've been well. In fact, ever since we descended in Malfeas I feel alight with...glory! For centuries I have dreamt of this day, the day we will be as heroic as our shard-ancestors were in the beginning of time. I cannot wait to go out in force again."

Darryl huffs in an near chuckle. "Oh, surely, if he's willing to deliver this declaration by arrow. The campaign into Malfeas must have been fantastic. I'm so sad to have missed it. I'm glad to be part of this endeavor. The Chosen are doing as we should, uniting in our efforts to fight back against evils and right wrongs."

Darryl ponders for a moment. "You know, do you think the Lunars could have their own meeting once this party is over? Would be interesting to see what everyone thinks."

[Obscurejones]

"If I may ask, you would seem to have the one king's... You would seem to be his trusted agent. Do you know his thoughts on the votes tomorrow? Or even if we can expect him to attend?"

[emeraldstreak]

Darryl huffs in an near chuckle. "Oh, surely, if he's willing to deliver this declaration by arrow. The campaign into Malfeas must have been fantastic. I'm so sad to have missed it. I'm glad to be part of this endeavor. The Chosen are doing as we should, uniting in our efforts to fight back against evils and right wrongs."

Darryl ponders for a moment. "You know, do you think the Lunars could have their own meeting once this party is over? Would be interesting to see what everyone thinks."

"So be it. I will gather them," Uka nods approvingly.







"If I may ask, you would seem to have the one king's... You would seem to be his trusted agent. Do you know his thoughts on the votes tomorrow? Or even if we can expect him to attend?"

Sohoron shakes his armored head. "The One King commands, and I obey. I am only a Sergeant in the Royal Guard. From the ones attending the meetings of the Deliberative, Shuyana would know most about his disposition."

[Django]

Azeri smirks slightly at the Vizier. "From what I have seen of the One King? He knows how to throw a fete. Some of the best parties I went to, I never met the host."

"As you said, gentlemen, I am not aligned with any particular Solar. I am aligned with the Deliberative, and the One King has done it- as well as the Realm- a noble service. I see no reason to scorn him for his generosity.

Good night, Gentlemen."

Azeri turns to leave, feeling that he has perhaps had enough socializing for tonight.

[Rhyvurg]

"Thank you. Another matter. As I was making my way here, a group of soldiers was publicly whipping people in the street. I tried to intervene, but I acted brashly and could not resolve the matter. I was hoping you knew who they served." He describes their armor and gear.

[emeraldstreak]

Commander Teresu reveals:

"There is a God-King by the name of the Shadow Behind Thrones or the Grand Vizier. We've only recently met him and it appears he is the puppetmaster of no less than a dozen kingdoms all over Creation. Their forces are trained by his Solar magic. The ones you describe are from Kolo Isle in the far Southwest. It is our assessment they are less disciplined than his other legions, and he deploys them when he desires certain measure of cruelty to be applied."

[Obscurejones]

"Will you attend?"

[emeraldstreak]

"Will you attend?"

"I do not attend the meetings, I guard them. The One King has tasked me with the prevention of deadly violence among the Exalts, the prevention of violence and theft against his forces by the Exalts, and protecting the Imperial City from any vector of attack the Deathlords, the Infernals, or other external forces may concoct."

[Obscurejones]

Koyo extends his hand to the armored colossus.
"Then I wish you luck in your duties until we meet again."

[supernerd]

"So be it. I will gather them," Uka nods approvingly.

Darryl nods. "Thank you, my friend. I look forward to the meeting, then." He offers a hand to Uka.

[emeraldstreak]

A glowing orichalcum gauntlet firmly accepts Koyo's hand.

When Sohoron pulls his hand, there is a barely noticeable blur of motion, and then a distant sonic boom. Koyo finds himself alone in the basement hall.

[Obscurejones]

"...On the off chance that you can still hear me, that is entirely terrifying. Sincerely and utterly terrifying."
Laughing softly to himself Koyo heads up the stairs and out into the streets. Walking with a spring in his step he whistles a happy tune as he returns to his apartments.

[emeraldstreak]

Darryl nods. "Thank you, my friend. I look forward to the meeting, then." He offers a hand to Uka.

...and receives an enthusiastic handshake and a clap on the back.

Later, the Lunars Darryl have already recognized and a shifty young woman with short brown hair gather in a grove at the Palace grounds. Uka the Boar completes the formalities of opening such a meeting according to the ways of the Chosen of Luna. The right to speak then passes to Darryl.

[Rhyvurg]

"I see. Thank you for your time. I will return tomorrow with the letter, and one to deliver to my followers with my instructions." He bows again and leaves, heading back to the palace. Grand Vizir. We'll see how grand...

[emeraldstreak]

@Azeri
@Koyo
@Others who retire to rest


Two sinewy maids in tight green and golden uniforms show you to your quarters on the second floor of the Imperial Palace. The rooms are grand with ceilings five yards high at least, matchingly large windows, and a balcony. Everything is luxorious with silver, gold, and jade adorning expensive wood and velvet.

[emeraldstreak]

"I see. Thank you for your time. I will return tomorrow with the letter, and one to deliver to my followers with my instructions." He bows again and leaves, heading back to the palace. Grand Vizir. We'll see how grand...


By the time Keldin returns to the palace, the gathering is over. Yet stray guests do inform him of the ultimatum of Yurgen Kaneko, the Bull of the North.

[Obscurejones]

Deciding to inquire after White Lilac he asks for her most likely location.
"Is there a servants quarters?"
Can has access to that one BP from before nowish?

[emeraldstreak]

Deciding to inquire after White Lilac he asks for her most likely location.
"Is there a servants quarters?"
Can has access to that one BP from before nowish?

"As big as a village", one of the maids answers with impeccable accent.


look for a post in OOC

[Obscurejones]

"Could you show me to the quarters provided to my secretary?"

[supernerd]

Darryl nods to Uka. "Thank you, sincerely, for gathering us here." He then addresses the other Lunars, "fellow Chosen of Luna, Uka the Boar graciously called this meeting after I expressed an interest in gathering the perspectives of those gathered now on the events of this party. I, for one, am more than willing to throw my money into helping the poor of the city get food and water; it means fewer problems for use to deal with and more time spent dealing with threats like the one recieved today. I am also intrigued by the idea of all men voting in the Deliberative. It would give the Lunar Exalts a voice, if only a small one if the scale of that progressive Solar is met. I was wondering, and I suppose that I do not wonder alone of the views of my fellow Chosen of Luna."

He then looks to the young woman he doesn't recognize. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't recognize you as I do the others. Darryl. Of the Full Moon. I've yet to chose a monochre(sp), so it's just Darryl. And what would you like to be called?"

Should I google all the Reputation available NPCs?

[emeraldstreak]

"Could you show me to the quarters provided to my secretary?"


After a bit of commotion, the servants manage to inform you White Lilac has retired in Swallowflock's chambers.





Darryl nods to Uka. "Thank you, sincerely, for gathering us here." He then addresses the other Lunars, "fellow Chosen of Luna, Uka the Boar graciously called this meeting after I expressed an interest in gathering the perspectives of those gathered now on the events of this party. I, for one, am more than willing to throw my money into helping the poor of the city get food and water; it means fewer problems for use to deal with and more time spent dealing with threats like the one recieved today. I am also intrigued by the idea of all men voting in the Deliberative. It would give the Lunar Exalts a voice, if only a small one if the scale of that progressive Solar is met. I was wondering, and I suppose that I do not wonder alone of the views of my fellow Chosen of Luna."

He then looks to the young woman he doesn't recognize. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't recognize you as I do the others. Darryl. Of the Full Moon. I've yet to chose a monochre(sp), so it's just Darryl. And what would you like to be called?"


"I am Pia of Kether Rock!" She sounds strangely defiant.



While all but the Wiseman and Kalmar are official NPCs, the character, backstory, and fiction pieces for the official NPCs are only a rough guide for their behavior in the campaign. Also, years have passed since the timeline described in the splatbooks.

I will send you a quick outline of what you know via PM

[Obscurejones]

Gently massaging his temples for a moment Koyo checks himself against the mirror again. Whistles for Fokuf. The monkey blearily lifts its head and yawns in his direction.
"Enough of that. I may need your help on this one."
Nodding Fokuf hops to his feet and dutifully leaps to Koyo's shoulder. Familiar now in tow they head to Swallowflock's quarters.

[Phasm]

It's already been a long day for Shiori and Glacier Lily; travel aboard ship is tiring even when you aren't part of the crew. Shiori asks Gerd and Wiseman to meet later, which they agree to. Two maids show the Solar and Air Aspect to their quarters, a place even more grand than the room Shiori routinely uses in Whitewall's Solar manse. But then, the manse was originally designed as a temple, and ages have passed since it was built. This was obviously built for luxury and showing off wealth and power.

"Well! That was ominous. This is going to be even more of a political snake-pit than I feared." Shiori starts removing her breastplate, as Lily does the same with hers. "The power and influence of this One King worry me. I wish now that I had paid more attention to rumors coming out of the southern lands."

Lily grimaces, setting her armor and weapon belt on stands conveniently placed for that purpose. "I hope he isn't a more civilized version of the Bull. You know, a ruler who thinks everybody should do things his way, and if they don't then he'll teach them better at swordpoint. Can I have my nightshift and bathrobe?"

Shiori reaches into a large pocket inside her cloak. Two tightly rolled bundles of cloth appear, which she hands over. Lily shakes them out to reveal the requested items. "I hope the same. Do you want the bath first? I intend to spend a while there."

"Sure, I'll try not to take too long." The Air Aspect pads barefoot into the bathroom and lets out a cry of surprise. "Wow! This tub can definitely fit both of us, come on in!" The pair is accustomed to Haslanti sweat lodges and Whitewall public baths; bathing together is routine by now. Shiori transforms her traveling clothes to a shift with a thought- infinite resplendence amulets are a traveler's best friend- and follows her assistant in. Indeed, the bath is just as big and luxurious as the rest of the suite.

I'd better not spend too long here, just in case the Lunars get done with their meeting early. Shiori sincerely doubts that, given the enormous egos and wildly different agendas that seem common to all Exalted, but stranger things have happened.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin follows the same route back to the palace, stopping at corners to make sure those soldiers aren't still there. Seeking another confrontation now would be a mistake. If they are gone, he asks people in the area about what happened to the people being assaulted, who they were and where he might find them.

[emeraldstreak]

They aren't there, but their comrades are. The entire Market District is under the control of the Kolo Isle Legionnaires. The residents of the nearby houses have fled in fear of retribution. Suddenly, an old woman intercepts Keldin and warns him to leave immediately. "I saw you, young Master" she says, "you are a righteous one...but no match for their insidiousness...they have hunters in the Spirit World...they can feel you...it is a trap. Leave now!"

[emeraldstreak]

Koyo finds himself in front of a massive oaken door lacquered in black...


letting you enter in whatever way you see fit

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin smiles and thanks her, and heads back to the palace. Let them accost him, he would not be caught by surprise again.

[Obscurejones]

"... This evening seems to be going out of its way to terrify."
Fokuf shrugs his shoulders. Life of an exalt Koyo. Now quit messing about.
"You're awfully judgemental for someone I've seen fall drunkenly out of a tree."
Sighing with resignation Koyo taps his knuckles against the door and then puts on his prettiest young politician face to greet whoever answers.

[emeraldstreak]

The door opens slightly. It's Swallowflock, still in the short glimmering black dress, but with no pins to hold her long hair.

"Oh...where have you two been? Come on in."

Several candleflames cast long shadows in the room. A woman with twelve fingers per hand slowly plays the harp in the far corner. Icon is lying on several pillows and smoking a hookah. White Lilac is nowhere to be seen.


roll Int+Occult

[supernerd]

"I am Pia of Kether Rock!" She sounds strangely defiant.



While all but the Wiseman and Kalmar are official NPCs, the character, backstory, and fiction pieces for the official NPCs are only a rough guide for their behavior in the campaign. Also, years have passed since the timeline described in the splatbooks.

I will send you a quick outline of what you know via PM


Darryl offers a hand. "It's good to meet you, Pia of Kether Rock. I hope we can share in the many adventures that await. What do you think of the goals proposed for the Deliberative to vote on?"

[Obscurejones]

With a slight shifting of his essence the ring does away with Koyo's overcoat. He laughs softly at Swallowflock's comment.
"Well we are terribly sorry if we kept you waiting. An Angyalkae, no? A rather interesting choice for entertainment in mixed company. I can only imagine what the next missive from the Bull will make of this show of our terrible civilized decadence."

[emeraldstreak]

Darryl offers a hand. "It's good to meet you, Pia of Kether Rock. I hope we can share in the many adventures that await. What do you think of the goals proposed for the Deliberative to vote on?"

Pia boasts in a high-pitched voice, "Where I come from, we know better than to touch another Exalt! A proper greeting is a bow. Touching can easily be used to subvert you!"

"I believe a Chairperson has to be elected as soon as possible."






With a slight shifting of his essence the ring does away with Koyo's overcoat. He laughs softly at Swallowflock's comment.
"Well we are terribly sorry if we kept you waiting. An Angyalkae, no? A rather interesting choice for entertainment in mixed company. I can only imagine what the next missive from the Bull will make of this show of our terrible civilized decadence."

"Malfeas take them him and his Zenith-witch who dabbles in matters best left to a more studious Caste! But enough of them. Let's relax."

Swallowflock takes a seat on a pillow near Icon, "So, Koyo, tell us more about yourself"