Rd2 Event: The Meld

[JBarca]

Near the border of Danabae's central region, the Crop, one can find a series of deep tunnels, jagged seafloor obstacles, and rough, unpredictable currents. It is here, in this nigh inhospitable seascape, that the envoys and champions of the invited states find the waiting Enneii.

At the center of the waiting party is, unsurprisingly, Prince Antenius, Ninth of Nine, himself. His weight rests gently atop a cushioned platform born by nine Nautilites, each unmarried. The prince's family is present in small numbers, most notably his speaker and chief magistrate, one Prince Telian, Seventh of Nine. The absence of Antenius' older sister, Diastia, is keenly felt.

Telian is a thin Doflein who has focused his body additions on expanding his beak and deepening his mouth, such that his maw takes up a disproportionate part of his body. His tentacles end in bony hooks that constantly swirl in tiny patterns, as if eager for flesh to pierce.

As each guest arrives, Telian and his lictors move forward to greet them, offering simple gifts of kelp and fat. Once the attendees have all arrived, Telian floats above their heads and speaks, his slow, lilting voice seeming to move like a lazy tide. Antenius reclines away from the crowd, his lictors keeping away any who might approach. His eyes never stop moving, almost manically, as he watches the gathered dignitaries.

"Welcome, one and all, to this great gathering! For too long have we remained separate, divided, and weak. Nothing but organisms struggling against each other. The Prince Antenius, Ninth of Nine, Who Grasps the Wave, Son of Strolinus, Son of Akkoroas says 'no more!' Today marks the start of a grand new age, one in which all states and people can lend their strength to those who benefit from it. To commemorate this grand venture, we are hosting competitions that we might all prove our might and demonstrate our shared value. For now, though, eat! Talk! Learn from each other! Share, relax, and become one. The games will begin soon. And thank you, each and every one of you, for coming."


There will be a series of three games throughout the round, each initiated by a post by yours truly. They'll follow a simple 2d6 roll, with ties being broken by leader's MIL score. The nature of the games will be announced as the games are initiated, and the first game will start once I hear back from the GMs about a minor rules thing. I would also strongly advise, fully OoC, that you not choose important characters to compete (rulers and the like), as I do have some less than ideal outcomes in mind, depending on what the GMs say. I'll explain these in detail (again, OoC - all the plotting is kept secret IC) when the games begin.

Feel free to talk, trade, wheel and/or deal before and/or during the games, of course!


Please feel free to start up conversations with any of them, or ignore the list as you see fit. Just wanting to give some names for people to choose from if they want to talk to the Enneii!
Prince Antenius - Leader of the state, basically unapproachable here
Prince Telian - Third in the hierarchy of the state, serving as host and voice of the Ninth of Nine
Esico - The highest ranking Beak at the event, officially unattached to any specific lord at the moment (Nautilite)
Saenu - A powerful merchant (Nautilite)
Zoltes - A priest of the Silted Queen (Mer)

[JBarca]

The First Game!

After the various delegates have had a chance to settle in, the first round of competition takes place. Biological champions are invited to a small hollow in the ground where the rushing waters of Danabae make even remaining upright a true challenge for the unprepared. Prince Telian introduces the challenge.

"First, we shall play a children's game: darts! Your task is simple. You will throw these darts-" here he indicates footlong shards of sharpened bone, each weighed down with rounded stone near the tip "-through the rings above. In order for such an attempt to count in your favor, though, you must catch the dart out of the water before it strikes the seafloor. Whoever completes this task the most within the allotted time will be declared the winner!"

The rings in question are large circles held aloft by pairs of serfs who seem to be struggling to hold their position in even the weaker currents above the hollow.


Again, this will be a simple 2d6 roll-off (with ties being broken by MIL, as needed). Feel free to describe how your attempt goes and all of that, of course!

I mentioned a sort of "catch" with the games. As players, I want you to be aware of what you're signing up for here, even if the characters don't know.

While the event itself is perfectly safe (from my end, at least!), the games are not. The winner(s, if necessary) of each game will be taken to a winner's lounge, never to be seen again. OoC, I know this will not earn the Enneii any favors. IC, the Prince is well beyond the capacity to particularly care. I'll post this warning in the Discord as well to make sure it's not missed. I don't want to surprise anyone with a fairly hostile action OoC! Feel free to DM me if you want to discuss this at all, whether for future plots, figuring out details, or anything else that you think might make for a more interesting story!

Thanks!

[Lumaeus]

A cloud of microscopic polyps, flesh-beige and given to tendrilled protrusion buzzes silently up from the south, a dark mass held in its center. Small masses split off from it here and there, observing that which merits seeing before returning to the cluster. Unhurriedly but inexorably, the mass makes its way to Prince Telian, spying subclusters serving to inform that this is the isolate nearest to authority in this realm.

"We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. It is a great sacrifice to invite such a diverse and vibrant congregation to your realm, and we acknowledge the sacrifice. We had brought with us a gift of the richness of the Mother, but we see in this half-cleansed terrain that you have more sense than the typical addled isolate, and we will not saddle you with it. We offer instead the secrets of our technologies, that you may further oversee trophic devastation in your realm."

We make a gift of Graduated Symbiosis to our gracious hosts.

Still speaking openly, where anyone might hear, the cluster continues:

"It has come to our attention that you seek the construction of a Holdfast in your realm. This is foolishness that will invite only further outside interference to our already crowded waters. However, our attempts to sabotage your efforts have failed plainly. We ask instead that you keep these interlopers under your thumb and prevent their influence from spreading. We offer what aid is necessary in this project. We know also that you are by reputation power hungry and predatory. Would you join us on a campaign of dissuading further introduction of foreign powers? More such bases are even now being built, and we would stand with you against them.

The Ambassador have, as yet, no intention of participating in games, but they will mill and be available. They may even have gifts ;)

[Talis]

Judge Shimmering Turquoise floated idly in the water, his form scintillating in a myriad of colors. Although the Pepsin did not wear clothes in the traditional sense, they were not unadorned. The Judge wore dozens of elaborate rings and bangles made of gold, silver and bone. A Torc of authority, rain with rainbow colors, rested upon his stalk. In some places, strips of cloth etched with glowing symbols had been sewn onto pieces of jewelry, creating tassels that gave the judge a regally meditative appearances. The judge pulled two appendages together in a clasping motion and inclined himself towards his host. Behind him, a well-dressed Mer translated the flickering waves of color that passed across his body into verbal speech for the convenience of other species.

"On behalf of the Seatide Confederacy, I bring well wishes and thanks to our generous host. May fair tides guide you wherever you wish. Our Drifts travel far in the hope of finding new arts and goods to trade. It is our hope that they will be treated fairly and honorably, as guests in your lands."

"Yet as much as I might wish for harmony, the torrent of the tides cannot be unwoven. We have listened with great trepidation to the tales of violent shark-people from the depths, and have watched our host amass great forces. Warriors of great skill and wit. The Drifts thus wish to inquire with our esteemed host as to his intentions. Why does he raise such a great host, and where do the tides of fate pull him?"

[Villskap]

A single Draig arrives, accompanied by a diverse collection of attendants, including Nautilons, Mer, Hermitfolk, and a pair of tritaol merfolk, all dressed brightly in bleached kelp weavings adorned with shining baubles and colorful bits of reflective scales and pearls. The dragon herself sports scales of a deep, reflective blue and purple hue, as well as 2 pairs of eyes that shimmer and reflect every light source like jewels, and features and claws as much reptilian as crustacean, seen as rare among remaining Draigiau. The great creature finds a place not too disruptive to settle and watches the display currently being set up with interest, before turning to present herself to the hosts.
"Great princes of the Shifting Ennead, fellow guests at this wondrous and beautifully diverse gathering, I bring greetings and gifts from Brenhineplisgyn, the Gatherer of the Residuum! I am Sgliendilynwr the Wisp Wanderer, and I am honored to be invited to partake in this exchange of lights and speech in the cliffs and riptides of your kingdom."
She gives a bow, and opens one clawed hand, presenting a large claw full of shining polished scale fragments, each as thick as her own claw-tips, and stained a different color, reflecting and shimmering under the shining aurora above.
"I bring a gift of scale fragments, for our hosts and fellow guests to each choose from, mined from the grand shell of the Shallow Crest itself, and several dyed with pigments made from scales of the various Residuum."

She waits and watches as the game events are explained and prepared, and while other envoys and the Prince select gifts from what is offered, before smiling a toothy grin with thin mandibles and handing the remaining scales off to her attendants. "We seek to continue to improve our adaptations and abilities to protect our kind and noble serving ones! We have heard tell of the wondrous techniques of Graduated Symbiosis, Composite Grafting, and Trophic Deconvolution, and on behalf of the court of the Two-Headed Gatherer, I am prepared to make offerings of our own knowledge, or wealth, in exchange for such teachings being sent to our home."

[Autumn Stars]

The Gravetenders are few in number, and send only one of their own to the Danabae, officially. Sersi the Pale, a shimmering golem of white stone and silver filigree, is a clear deviation from the standard Gravetender template. Whether she was made this way or made herself this way is unclear, and likely impossible to confirm. Brought with her is a single reliquary, a gold and shadowed thing guarded by her unofficial escort. Four Gravetenders stand watch over it, silently and intently focused in their task. To bring harm to the reliquary, even this far from official Gravetender grounds, would be no easy feat.

Sersi, on the other hand, is all smiles and shining enthusiasm, unaffected by the constant current. The hierarchy of the Gravetenders continues to be difficult for biologicals to ascertain, but she's of some equal status to the various delegates arriving, certainly. "I thank you for the invitation, and offer a gift in return." She lays out a tapestry, of sorts, a relic of the Makers. "May it serve to further your personal enlightenment, Prince Antenius, Ninth of Nine, Who Grasps the Wave, Son of Strolinus, Son of Akkoroas." She repeats the title carefully, making sure to get the intonation of each word just right.

[JBarca]

A cloud of microscopic polyps, flesh-beige and given to tendrilled protrusion buzzes silently up from the south, a dark mass held in its center. Small masses split off from it here and there, observing that which merits seeing before returning to the cluster. Unhurriedly but inexorably, the mass makes its way to Prince Telian, spying subclusters serving to inform that this is the isolate nearest to authority in this realm.

"We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. It is a great sacrifice to invite such a diverse and vibrant congregation to your realm, and we acknowledge the sacrifice. We had brought with us a gift of the richness of the Mother, but we see in this half-cleansed terrain that you have more sense than the typical addled isolate, and we will not saddle you with it. We offer instead the secrets of our technologies, that you may further oversee trophic devastation in your realm."

We make a gift of Graduated Symbiosis to our gracious hosts.

Still speaking openly, where anyone might hear, the cluster continues:

"It has come to our attention that you seek the construction of a Holdfast in your realm. This is foolishness that will invite only further outside interference to our already crowded waters. However, our attempts to sabotage your efforts have failed plainly. We ask instead that you keep these interlopers under your thumb and prevent their influence from spreading. We offer what aid is necessary in this project. We know also that you are by reputation power hungry and predatory. Would you join us on a campaign of dissuading further introduction of foreign powers? More such bases are even now being built, and we would stand with you against them.

The Ambassador have, as yet, no intention of participating in games, but they will mill and be available. They may even have gifts ;)

Telian listens patiently while the cluster offers niceties, gifts, and unsolicited advice. When it makes its request, the Prince merely waggles his bone hooks briefly before responding.

"It is with deep appreciation that we accept your gift of knowledge. I am more than certain that our noble grafters will come to new conclusions by working with your unique methodology. We do not, however, feel that now is the best time to be discussing closing off borders that were only so recently opened! The knowledge of those far afield will only help us all grow stronger. We speak of unity, and you speak of isolation? We will aim for compromise instead. Merging, not avoiding. That said, within Danabae the Doflein are ascendant, just as the Riftlings are within your home - we see no reason not to enforce at least that much status quo. We dearly hope that this, at least, is agreeable to you?"



Judge Shimmering Turquoise floated idly in the water, his form scintillating in a myriad of colors. Although the Pepsin did not wear clothes in the traditional sense, they were not unadorned. The Judge wore dozens of elaborate rings and bangles made of gold, silver and bone. A Torc of authority, rain with rainbow colors, rested upon his stalk. In some places, strips of cloth etched with glowing symbols had been sewn onto pieces of jewelry, creating tassels that gave the judge a regally meditative appearances. The judge pulled two appendages together in a clasping motion and inclined himself towards his host. Behind him, a well-dressed Mer translated the flickering waves of color that passed across his body into verbal speech for the convenience of other species.

"On behalf of the Seatide Confederacy, I bring well wishes and thanks to our generous host. May fair tides guide you wherever you wish. Our Drifts travel far in the hope of finding new arts and goods to trade. It is our hope that they will be treated fairly and honorably, as guests in your lands."

"Yet as much as I might wish for harmony, the torrent of the tides cannot be unwoven. We have listened with great trepidation to the tales of violent shark-people from the depths, and have watched our host amass great forces. Warriors of great skill and wit. The Drifts thus wish to inquire with our esteemed host as to his intentions. Why does he raise such a great host, and where do the tides of fate pull him?"

Prince Telian watches with great interest the lightshow that is the Judge's language. He leans to speak with another nearby Doflein who quickly darts up the Prince Antenius.

"We are more than pleased to see you here. Your nomadic ways are not so different from our own, and you are, of course, more than welcome. We would be very interested to see your people compete in our games, in fact - your unique biology seems as though it would enlighten many here, and we cannot help but wonder what your best are truly capable of!

Our shared nomadism, though... this we understand to some extent already. In fact, we may find it mutually beneficial to learn from each other, should your people agree. Perhaps an exchange of a handful of curious youths might see both of our cultures grow from the experience?"

Telian hesitates a moment, glancing up to his Prince, before calmly responding to the Judge's main concern.

"Prince Antenius orders the readiness of our Beaks because He commands it."



A single Draig arrives, accompanied by a diverse collection of attendants, including Nautilons, Mer, Hermitfolk, and a pair of tritaol merfolk, all dressed brightly in bleached kelp weavings adorned with shining baubles and colorful bits of reflective scales and pearls. The dragon herself sports scales of a deep, reflective blue and purple hue, as well as 2 pairs of eyes that shimmer and reflect every light source like jewels, and features and claws as much reptilian as crustacean, seen as rare among remaining Draigiau. The great creature finds a place not too disruptive to settle and watches the display currently being set up with interest, before turning to present herself to the hosts.
"Great princes of the Shifting Ennead, fellow guests at this wondrous and beautifully diverse gathering, I bring greetings and gifts from Brenhineplisgyn, the Gatherer of the Residuum! I am Sgliendilynwr the Wisp Wanderer, and I am honored to be invited to partake in this exchange of lights and speech in the cliffs and riptides of your kingdom."
She gives a bow, and opens one clawed hand, presenting a large claw full of shining polished scale fragments, each as thick as her own claw-tips, and stained a different color, reflecting and shimmering under the shining aurora above.
"I bring a gift of scale fragments, for our hosts and fellow guests to each choose from, mined from the grand shell of the Shallow Crest itself, and several dyed with pigments made from scales of the various Residuum."

She waits and watches as the game events are explained and prepared, and while other envoys and the Prince select gifts from what is offered, before smiling a toothy grin with thin mandibles and handing the remaining scales off to her attendants. "We seek to continue to improve our adaptations and abilities to protect our kind and noble serving ones! We have heard tell of the wondrous techniques of Graduated Symbiosis, Composite Grafting, and Trophic Deconvolution, and on behalf of the court of the Two-Headed Gatherer, I am prepared to make offerings of our own knowledge, or wealth, in exchange for such teachings being sent to our home."

Telian sends one of his lictors to select a scale. The Nautilite spreads his tentacles in deference after choosing, then swims back to Telian. The Prince eyes the piece critically as the Draig speaks her offer.

"This gift, Wisp Wanderer, is truly wonderful. No host in history has been so blessed. You are most welcome, and we are glad that you find our home so pleasing.

The Doflein spreads his swollen maw in something approximating a smile at the pronouncement of the Draig.

"We would be honored to exchange knowledge with such eager students and powerful teachers. It gladdens my hearts to hear one such as you speak on topics so very close to the living soul of Danabae. If you so desire, I will join you and yours for the first game and we can discuss details!"


The Gravetenders are few in number, and send only one of their own to the Danabae, officially. Sersi the Pale, a shimmering golem of white stone and silver filigree, is a clear deviation from the standard Gravetender template. Whether she was made this way or made herself this way is unclear, and likely impossible to confirm. Brought with her is a single reliquary, a gold and shadowed thing guarded by her unofficial escort. Four Gravetenders stand watch over it, silently and intently focused in their task. To bring harm to the reliquary, even this far from official Gravetender grounds, would be no easy feat.

Sersi, on the other hand, is all smiles and shining enthusiasm, unaffected by the constant current. The hierarchy of the Gravetenders continues to be difficult for biologicals to ascertain, but she's of some equal status to the various delegates arriving, certainly. "I thank you for the invitation, and offer a gift in return." She lays out a tapestry, of sorts, a relic of the Makers. "May it serve to further your personal enlightenment, Prince Antenius, Ninth of Nine, Who Grasps the Wave, Son of Strolinus, Son of Akkoroas." She repeats the title carefully, making sure to get the intonation of each word just right.

Prince Telian spends many long moments eying the Gravetenders. While some prior contact had been made, this is the first time a Doflein has laid eyes on these... creatures from the ruins of antiquity. Several Doflein appear more than a little uncomfortable with the new delegation. Antenius appears almost apathetic, his attention soon wandering elsewhere as a Beak hurries to his side after a hasty swim from the Last Limites.

When Telian speaks, his customary lilting speech is slow and cautious.

"You are, of course, welcome. Your gift is lordly and we cannot but thank you for it." Here, a glance toward Antenius is met with a deep frown.

"You are, unfortunately, not welcome to participate in the games, though numbering you in the audience would be a great honor for the athletes and the Enneii."

His perfunctory greeting done, Telian swiftly finds a reason to excuse himself and seeks out another delegation to speak with. Two Nautilites, Calgacus and Esico, approach to ensure the needs (unknown as they might be) of the Gravetenders are met.

"I am Esico. I am pleased to meet you. I am here to help or answer questions. I hope you enjoy yourself."

[mystic1110]

In the aquatic environment of . . . well . . . the entire world, the presence of fish at any gathering was less an assumption and more of an axiomatic state of being. Of course there were fish. There was water after all. That said, some of the attendees may have begun to notice that there was a slightly larger number of Herring as compared to the usual number, or even in ratio as compared to the other fish that were usually found nearby. The number was not large, it wasn't as if a school of Herring had moved into the neighborhood, but with the rumors of a so-called haunted school of such fish out in the western ocean, some could not help pay attention to them. Why would a spirit haunt fish in the first place? What did they ever do? What sin did the fish commit to become possessed by whatever force? What sin could fish even commit?

Regardless, during the games, there were fish, and the fish seemed to move in a slow circle around the gathering - almost imperceptibly - and the herring in particular, although other smaller fish surely joined in the pattern as well, had begun to spiral towards a center point. That center point being Prince Antenius, himself. As the spiral of Herring moved closer to the waiting party of Telion and his Lictors, the fish begun to gather speed.

Almost as soon as the gathered group had sensed the fast moving fish, the first of the herring smashes against the floor at such an angle that its guts and bones would appear to a viewer as a number, let’s say the number one. The second herring of the string, dashed itself against the sand, and a different number appears in blood and sinew, let’s say the number zero. And so, after, only three hundred and thirty-seven individual fish, their cartilage and guts eviscerated and spread along the seafloor, a gruesome code is spelled out. A code and a gift of food.

If the Prince or the waiting party had the fortitude of mind, after such unusual suicidal behavior, and the ability to work out the code, the message would read:

Greetings Molluscs. Query: Observed communication with non-aquatic lifeform. Report: You require assistance with construction. Consider transaction: Assistance to be in arrears.”

The remaining fish spiral slowly back outwards, whether whatever force haunted them would hear an answer or reply was unclear - they seemed like simple fish.

[JBarca]

In the aquatic environment of . . . well . . . the entire world, the presence of fish at any gathering was less an assumption and more of an axiomatic state of being. Of course there were fish. There was water after all. That said, some of the attendees may have begun to notice that there was a slightly larger number of Herring as compared to the usual number, or even in ratio as compared to the other fish that were usually found nearby. The number was not large, it wasn't as if a school of Herring had moved into the neighborhood, but with the rumors of a so-called haunted school of such fish out in the western ocean, some could not help pay attention to them. Why would a spirit haunt fish in the first place? What did they ever do? What sin did the fish commit to become possessed by whatever force? What sin could fish even commit?

Regardless, during the games, there were fish, and the fish seemed to move in a slow circle around the gathering - almost imperceptibly - and the herring in particular, although other smaller fish surely joined in the pattern as well, had begun to spiral towards a center point. That center point being Prince Antenius, himself. As the spiral of Herring moved closer to the waiting party of Telion and his Lictors, the fish begun to gather speed.

Almost as soon as the gathered group had sensed the fast moving fish, the first of the herring smashes against the floor at such an angle that its guts and bones would appear to a viewer as a number, let’s say the number one. The second herring of the string, dashed itself against the sand, and a different number appears in blood and sinew, let’s say the number zero. And so, after, only three hundred and thirty-seven individual fish, their cartilage and guts eviscerated and spread along the seafloor, a gruesome code is spelled out. A code and a gift of food.

If the Prince or the waiting party had the fortitude of mind, after such unusual suicidal behavior, and the ability to work out the code, the message would read:

Greetings Molluscs. Query: Observed communication with non-aquatic lifeform. Report: You require assistance with construction. Consider transaction: Assistance to be in arrears.”

The remaining fish spiral slowly back outwards, whether whatever force haunted them would hear an answer or reply was unclear - they seemed like simple fish.


As the lictors notice the swirling herrings, they pull Telian from his conversation and into a huddle, surrounded by shell and weaponry. Antenius is likewise covered, and Beaks around the entire event move into readiness. When the first herring splatters itself across the seafloor, there is a collective start. As this continues, the Beaks begin to look more baffled than ready. By the hundredth fish, arms are lowered. The gruesome display is eyed with concern and silence for the long moments it takes to finish. When the swirl disperses, Antenius gestures, sending a few servants rushing toward the Last Limites.

Telian and a handful of his aides study the mess before a young Nautilite realizes there is a code contained.

The Prince shakes his body in disbelief, then speaks out loud to the mass of fish, hoping that such a delivery method will suffice.

"Greetings... fish. You are, of course, all welcome here. Your offer is much appreciated, but in order to discuss actual details, is there a less, ahem, wasteful method of communication? Perhaps a meeting can be arranged. In the meantime, enjoy yourselves!"

Several Beaks are assigned to keep a close eye on the swarms of fish for the duration of the gathering.

[JBarca]

Second Game!

"Our second game is a bit more involved! You champions will be expected to complete a series of tasks, all at once. The first to complete their tasks entirely will be declared the winner!

When the game begins, two manatees will be released for each competitor. You will track, lure, or otherwise hunt each, then dismantle them. Your aim here is to solve the puzzle contained within the beasts, using only the parts of your prey. Once your puzzle is complete, you must simply present it to one of my lictors to be declared the winner. Best of luck!"


As with before, a simple 2d6 will determine the winner here, ties broken by leader's MIL score.

Thanks!

[mystic1110]

As the lictors notice the swirling herrings, they pull Telian from his conversation and into a huddle, surrounded by shell and weaponry. Antenius is likewise covered, and Beaks around the entire event move into readiness. When the first herring splatters itself across the seafloor, there is a collective start. As this continues, the Beaks begin to look more baffled than ready. By the hundredth fish, arms are lowered. The gruesome display is eyed with concern and silence for the long moments it takes to finish. When the swirl disperses, Antenius gestures, sending a few servants rushing toward the Last Limites.

Telian and a handful of his aides study the mess before a young Nautilite realizes there is a code contained.

The Prince shakes his body in disbelief, then speaks out loud to the mass of fish, hoping that such a delivery method will suffice.

"Greetings... fish. You are, of course, all welcome here. Your offer is much appreciated, but in order to discuss actual details, is there a less, ahem, wasteful method of communication? Perhaps a meeting can be arranged. In the meantime, enjoy yourselves!"

Several Beaks are assigned to keep a close eye on the swarms of fish for the duration of the gathering.

How would a vast school of fish communicate? How could such a gestalt entity communicate? Could the fish move in such a pattern such that their scales rub against each other in passing in a specific frequency to produce sub-vocal sounds underwater that mimic speech? Yes. Could the fish coalesce in a fractal pattern and twist so that they bend the minimal light filtering in from the surface and thus use themselves as sort of moving screen to display pictographs or other images? Yes. Could other patterns of bombardment be developed such that the fish that are sacrificed for communication splatter in the shape of letters? Yes. All of this is possible, but, in Deep Blue's so called mind, computationally wasteful. Such patterns would take thousands and thousands of fish, many subroutines, many programs to get the angles right. It was more efficient to simply expend a couple nodes, of which it had many, and of which were in vast excess, to spell a simple message. Were its messages too complex for other lifeforms? A simple yes or no would have sufficed.

The school posed a question to itself - wasteful? The question implied a belief system on the part of the mollusks, that was entirely alien to the school. It of course considered its manner of speech the height of efficiency. The fastest way for it to communicate. And yet, such method was now called wasteful? Why? For the death of a node? What did a node matter? It was just a node. Deep Blue was fine. Even now, back at Spawn Point other subroutines were already laying eggs and yet others were busy fertilizing them, soon other eggs that had already gestated would hatch into more herring, easily replacing those which these strange creatures thought lost. Nodes could be and are replaced frequently.

Confused, a couple of fish broke off from the pack and again dive bombed into the ground to produce a code that read.

Report: No. Query: Provide additional details for transaction.

[Villskap]

Sgliendilynwr the Wisp Wanderer tries his hands at the game of darts, but with her size and not being particularly adept at throwing things, she has some trouble managing to meet all the requirements, and gets distracted interacting with other emissaries before scoring even a single point. She seems unbothered by this, and pleased that such entertainment was offered. If allowed, a few of her attendants may try their appendages at it, though several of them seem more wary and uneasy around the princes' lictors.

Approaching the resplendent Gravetender, Sgliendilynwr gives an elegant bow, her eyes twinkling reflections.
"Why hellllo there! It's lovely to meet such an elegant and impressive creation as yourself. Your makers must have had wondrously skilled craftsmanship! A pity we have no records presently of meeting them before the calamity. But I personally hope that they were friendly towards those of my kind they may have known, and that we likewise shared of our wisdom and wealth. Surely we must have with crafters of such beautiful and mystical arts! It is a mystery to me why the princes would not allow you to compete in their games... unless perhaps they are worried you may win them all!"
She proffers the pile of scales again. "Please, take one of these to bring back to your people! A gift from other survivors of the ancient times."

The Dragon is then caught by a display of lights not too unlike the shimmering aurora far above, but immediate and present among those gathered, and follows the reflections in her eyes almost mesmerized by the prospect of what the beautiful shimmering could be. As she approaches, she listens to the translated speech, and she smiles, but her eyes are no less filled with gleam. She waits her turn to greet the Judge of the Seatide Confederacy
"It is an honor to meet you, Judge Shimmering Turquoise. Truly your people's speech is a beautiful thing to behold! I would be delighted to learn more of it if the opportunity arises during my interactions with your people as envoy, though I doubt I would be capable of emitting it myself. Please! Take one of our gifts! If you fancy it, I would be most honored should you choose this one, as it is dyed the reflective blue of my own scales- Oh no, the Haunted Herring..."

As the messengers of Deep Blue splatter themselves on the rock in front of Prince Telian and his lictors, Sgliendilynwr moves herself protectively to shield the other envoys, just in case. Once the bloody display has dissipated, she relaxes a bit, and shakes her head, approaching to respectfully offer what she knows of the situation to assist the princes. "What a strange being this is. Our queen believes she is on the verge of fully understanding how to communicate with it. But I have my worries. Still, the herring themselves are delicious, and I agree, it would be a pity to waste them. Shall I have my attendants help gather the remains to be served as hors d'oeuvres?" she offers, hoping to be a helpful guest.
"Oh, and this next game sounds a bit bloody, but delightful! Chasing after treasure that swims away? I am intrigued. I believe I will try my claws at it, if there are any other competitors to join me?

Having hopefully ingratiated herself with several of the other envoys, Sgliendilynwr bravely (or perhaps foolishly) leads the way into competing in the Dolfein's games, naively hoping that others will join her in friendly competition, but also, that she will win and impress all present.
Game 2 roll (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25440884&postcount=95) (7)

[JBarca]

Final Game!

Telian once again gathers together any who might wish to participate in the contests. This time, the Prince is swimming above a field of twisting, curling rocks that seem to be as much tunnel as solid stone. It is filled with jagged edges, darkness, and harsh currents.

"For our final game, we have a real challenge! The rules here, though, are incredibly simple. Merely find your way through this sea-made labyrinth and claim the prize that lies at its center! Speed, agility, quickness of thought, and, if things get dicey, strength will all be necessary to succeed. I wish you all luck, and thank you for an exciting competition so far!"


Last game! 2d6, leader's MIL breaks ties. Good luck!

If you wish to participate in the first or second game, please feel free until the event ends! I don't want anyone to miss out on a chance to win because they didn't check the thread before I got a new game up!

I will have replies up tomorrow - this is about all the time I had tonight, unfortunately. Thanks!

[Villskap]

Sgliendilynwr continues to poke at the strange puzzle for some time, having a difficult time manipulating its parts using manatee bones held carefully in her claw tips. Finally she hands it in as she hears the announcement of the third game, perhaps fully solved, perhaps not.

"Ooh! Another treasure hunt?! A prize, hmm?"

Roll (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25443869&postcount=107)

[Talis]

Prince Telian watches with great interest the lightshow that is the Judge's language. He leans to speak with another nearby Doflein who quickly darts up the Prince Antenius.

"We are more than pleased to see you here. Your nomadic ways are not so different from our own, and you are, of course, more than welcome. We would be very interested to see your people compete in our games, in fact - your unique biology seems as though it would enlighten many here, and we cannot help but wonder what your best are truly capable of!

Our shared nomadism, though... this we understand to some extent already. In fact, we may find it mutually beneficial to learn from each other, should your people agree. Perhaps an exchange of a handful of curious youths might see both of our cultures grow from the experience?"

Telian hesitates a moment, glancing up to his Prince, before calmly responding to the Judge's main concern.

"Prince Antenius orders the readiness of our Beaks because He commands it."

"How enlightening." The Mer translator managed to capture the subtle twinge of sarcasm conveyed by the momentary flaring of some colors. "To learn from one another is most excellent. Our Drifts range far in search of trade and clear seas to raise their schools. I cannot guarantee action now, but I will carry your invitation to the Elders, and bid them consider exchanging some of their own young for foster-guests."

"But on that subject: the seas are wide and our Drifts range far. Your expansion west has put some of your lands at the edge of our grazing waters. Perhaps it would be wisest if we were to form a pact and establish our mutual boundaries, to prevent some wayward Drift from exploiting your shoals.

I'd like to propose a PRC treaty to negotiate our territorial boundaries and spheres of expansion, so we don't end up racing each other for territory or fighting over it.

The Dragon is then caught by a display of lights not too unlike the shimmering aurora far above, but immediate and present among those gathered, and follows the reflections in her eyes almost mesmerized by the prospect of what the beautiful shimmering could be. As she approaches, she listens to the translated speech, and she smiles, but her eyes are no less filled with gleam. She waits her turn to greet the Judge of the Seatide Confederacy
"It is an honor to meet you, Judge Shimmering Turquoise. Truly your people's speech is a beautiful thing to behold! I would be delighted to learn more of it if the opportunity arises during my interactions with your people as envoy, though I doubt I would be capable of emitting it myself. Please! Take one of our gifts! If you fancy it, I would be most honored should you choose this one, as it is dyed the reflective blue of my own scales- Oh no, the Haunted Herring..."

The Judge inclined towards the aquatic dragon, holding two tentacles together in greeting. "The honor is mine, o great one. Your gift is most splendid; I receive it with humility. I but wish I had something worthy to reply with; for now, I can only offer my ring." The Pepsin removed one of the golden bangles, etched with bio-luminescent enamel that shone in red and blue, from around its tentacle, offering it in exchange for the scale.

---

After much arguing over who should have the honor of competing, the young Pepsin Resplendent Yellow had been given the privilege, in no small part thanks to his obnoxiously loud lights and a general consensus that the older members of the delegation shouldn't hog the glory. Resplendent Yellow was well trained and canny, and would not compete alone.

Unfortunately, lobbing projectiles was something the Pepsin were ill-equipped for. Their tentacles, while mobile and flexible, lacked the brute strength and joint mechanics for throwing. Resplendent Yellow got around the problem by using circular momentum: splaying his tentacles out wide and then spinning himself before he released the darts. The result was crude, but it gave good power. He did much better on the catching part of the competition, where his 360 degree vision and multiple appendages could be put to good use.

For the second game, the young Pepsin took advantage of Pepsin herding skills. He sent ahead of him two young herd-sharks, trained to work with him and react to his color-calls. Together they tracked and corralled the manatees for the hunt.

In the third game, Resplendent Yellow at first intended to take a pot of luminescent paint with him into the labyrinth to mark his way, but this was vetoed by the older sting-warriors, who considered it to be a cheap tactic, and uninventive beside. Instead, he paid careful attention to the flow and shift of water, trying to find the subtle tug and flow of the tides that could guide him through.

[Lumaeus]

The Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many their way from delegation to delegation, missing the first of the games entirely. The first to be met is the Judge Shimmering Turquoise. An advantage of the cluster's structure, the Ambassador are able to bend their speech and attention to both their interlocutor and the translator.

We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. Please except our regret at having to have even become aware of each other. Our people were late to learn of you, but we hope that our relations will be as sparse and fruitful as possible. Know that we claim all lands within our briny borders. Should you avoid trespass, you will not be our enemy. Know also that many of the foolish races here have sought to invite alien influence into their lands. We would stand against it, were we able. If you should ever find a way to undo the damage already done, we would be indebted. As a mark of good faith, we offer you our knowledge of Graduated Symbiosis and a sample of the breath of the Mother [non-mechanical sample of our trade good, fertile soil].

The Ambassador also make their way to Sgliendilynwr, ignoring all attendants unless stopped, but if they are, they speak to the attendant as though it were her.

We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. It is good to see a truly neutral party present at this unfortunate convocation. While we pray that it be as brief as possible, we wish to extend the hollow pleasantry that there are few parties with whom we would so gladly share this mutually inflicted suffering. Since we last spoke, the Congregation of the Scintillating Ceiling has made incursions into our lands of the most hostile sort--diplomatic overtures. If you have any leverage with them, we would be indebted were you to stop them. As a reminder that blessings come to those who do not trespass upon our lands, we offer you our knowledge of Graduated Symbiosis and a sample of the breath of the Mother [non-mechanical sample of our trade good, fertile soil]

When the Ambassador go to Sersi, their form grows more indistinct as the polyps within swirl more agitatedly, the tendrils lashing more than flowing.

We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring condemnation from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. You have taken part in the invitation of two alien races into our polar sea, and in doing so you invite death, or worse, interdependence and cooperation. We would work against you for this, had we the means, but as we remain unable to cleanse the seas of these invaders and those who invited them, we instead make a grudging offer: if you make sure to keep these interlopers contained, we will offer whatever we can to support it. We do not want to see any sign of change within our own desolate seas.

The Ambassador take some time for themselves before visiting with Deep Blue. As their form steadies, they meet the other higher being.

We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. We are disappointed that you have elected to take part in the foolish locals' plans to invite alien influence, but trust that you will undermine any true interference. Unwarped by the horrors of isolation, you surely move only with wisdom. As a mark of faith, we offer you our Graduated Symbiosis and a sampling of the breath of the Mother [non-mechanical fertile soil, our trade good]. And, in confidence, it is a relief for us to see at least one normal being at this otherwise tragic convention.

Before taking part in the last two games, the cluster again approaches Telian.

Having considered your words, allow us to assure you that we have sympathy for your isolation-addled state. You have our sympathy for your strange compulsions towards broken communion with alien species. However, that you acknowledge the sanctity of our borders means you are a true ally of our people. We will gladly respect your own rights, though it lead to your undoing.

With that, the Riftlings head to the games. They, erm, are a cloud of polyps. It goes as you'd expect (6 and 5 (can't link yet)).

[JBarca]

How would a vast school of fish communicate? How could such a gestalt entity communicate? Could the fish move in such a pattern such that their scales rub against each other in passing in a specific frequency to produce sub-vocal sounds underwater that mimic speech? Yes. Could the fish coalesce in a fractal pattern and twist so that they bend the minimal light filtering in from the surface and thus use themselves as sort of moving screen to display pictographs or other images? Yes. Could other patterns of bombardment be developed such that the fish that are sacrificed for communication splatter in the shape of letters? Yes. All of this is possible, but, in Deep Blue's so called mind, computationally wasteful. Such patterns would take thousands and thousands of fish, many subroutines, many programs to get the angles right. It was more efficient to simply expend a couple nodes, of which it had many, and of which were in vast excess, to spell a simple message. Were its messages too complex for other lifeforms? A simple yes or no would have sufficed.

The school posed a question to itself - wasteful? The question implied a belief system on the part of the mollusks, that was entirely alien to the school. It of course considered its manner of speech the height of efficiency. The fastest way for it to communicate. And yet, such method was now called wasteful? Why? For the death of a node? What did a node matter? It was just a node. Deep Blue was fine. Even now, back at Spawn Point other subroutines were already laying eggs and yet others were busy fertilizing them, soon other eggs that had already gestated would hatch into more herring, easily replacing those which these strange creatures thought lost. Nodes could be and are replaced frequently.

Confused, a couple of fish broke off from the pack and again dive bombed into the ground to produce a code that read.

Report: No. Query: Provide additional details for transaction.

Telian is taken aback by the sudden, less flashy, burst of death, but gathers himself quickly. "Very well. You may relay to your masters that aid would be much appreciated and that we are happy to give up the promised, if vague, debt from the Nacres."



"How enlightening." The Mer translator managed to capture the subtle twinge of sarcasm conveyed by the momentary flaring of some colors. "To learn from one another is most excellent. Our Drifts range far in search of trade and clear seas to raise their schools. I cannot guarantee action now, but I will carry your invitation to the Elders, and bid them consider exchanging some of their own young for foster-guests."

"But on that subject: the seas are wide and our Drifts range far. Your expansion west has put some of your lands at the edge of our grazing waters. Perhaps it would be wisest if we were to form a pact and establish our mutual boundaries, to prevent some wayward Drift from exploiting your shoals.

I'd like to propose a PRC treaty to negotiate our territorial boundaries and spheres of expansion, so we don't end up racing each other for territory or fighting over it.


Telian nods at the promise. "Please do! Regarding our expansion, though, I can assure you that we mean you no direct harm! We can discuss the details of such a pact if you wish, though we cannot see the benefit. You are valued friends, not targets. What did you have in mind?"

If my current (future in the event, but y'know) actions don't invalidate what you had in mind, I'm happy to talk.




Before taking part in the last two games, the cluster again approaches Telian.

Having considered your words, allow us to assure you that we have sympathy for your isolation-addled state. You have our sympathy for your strange compulsions towards broken communion with alien species. However, that you acknowledge the sanctity of our borders means you are a true ally of our people. We will gladly respect your own rights, though it lead to your undoing.


"Some might consider that a threat, friends. But I know it to be nothing more than friendly advice, of course! Your willingness to stay your many hands is noteworthy and commendable."


Games
With the games coming to an end, the victors' achievements are lauded and their skills praised. Telian makes a very brief speech, congratulating the participants.

"We have seen such a wonderful display of skill, cleverness, and strength today, the likes of which the people of Danabae have not witnessed in generations! We thank you all for you willingness to perform. Farewell!"

With the sudden departure of Telian, the guests may well quickly notice that there are no Doflein, or even Nautilites, still in attendance. After a short time, the polyps of the Dead Seas return, drifting back out of the labyrinth. Shortly thereafter, Resplendent Yellow makes his appearance as well. Noticeably absent, though, is Sgliendilynwr the Wisp Wanderer. The awkward ending of the Meld is quickly replaced by Mer burning nervous energy: cleaning, offering remaining food to guests, and generally trying to look busy.