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  1. - Top - End - #1
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    Default EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Welcome to the Festival of New Horizons!


    It has been over fifty years since the Phoenix flew across the world of Ember and illuminated the once wholly blighted land. Since that fateful day, Mamut has been embroiled in conflict after conflict as remnants of the dark cling with determination to the world like a cancerous tumour. Since the light returned to the world, new peoples have sprang up with it, and even those who stood tall before the false dawn have risen once more from their disparate and remote enclaves safe from the blight.

    It is a time of miracles and an age of heroes as Mamut grows safer by the day, yet even in a time of change for the better, conflict brews between the disparate nations that call the riverland home. Not every nation sees the world through the same lens, in fact, none at all do. Yet the Festival of New Horizons is one of very few times during the year when all conflict can be laid down and those who live can celebrate exactly that: they survived the Blight another year.

    The city of Arrakh-Rah still remains ruined, but the countless scaffolds and surrounding encampments dedicated to restoring it mark the dawning of a grand new era of prosperity for not only the Arrakhi, but those around them. Arrakh-Rah will once again shine as the jewel of Mamut, a radiant beacon against the Blight... but that is neither here nor there. While the city itself remains heavily guarded and incomplete, the surrounding villages and restored ancient Arrakhi buildings provide the perfect fairground for this year's festival.


    Messengers were dispatched to each kingdom of Mamut months in advance, informing them of the festival and urging them to bring as many people as they wished, from every walk of life! Whether you be royal or peasant, noble or exile, all are welcome to revel on this very special occasion.

    The entire festival is held within a sprawling town of ancient Arrakhi dwellings given new life and redecorated in the lavender and violet decor of the festival! Confections and drinks are served all over the fair grounds, and a grand banquet is planned on the second evening of the three-day celebration, serving revived Arrakhi traditional dishes only recently rediscovered from preserved manuals found in and around the holy city! Perhaps off-putting to some, the festival is under the guard of almost entirely Cometborn, their polished stone exteriors belying their true undead nature to those unfamiliar with the comet stone rituals involved.

    Come one, come all. Honour your life and the lives of those around you. You yet survived another year, and that is always worth celebrating.

    Spoiler: Important Guests:
    Show


    -Thalaz'ir Doraan. The still fairly young Thalaz'ir wanders the grounds under constant guard, a guard he is all too eager to slip away from should the opportunity arise. He seems in very high spirits, and many of the Arrakhi and their followers praise him in particular for being the Thalaz'ir to reunite their empire.

    - Arrha, Sun's Divine. The Undying Flame herself can be found loitering in the town square with her faithful attendants, not partaking much in the revelry, but eyes ever-scanning the crowds.

    -Oloa, Moon's Divine. The Moons Divine, contrary to her solar counterpart, can be found actively drinking and boisterously laughing the days and nights away by the confectionary stands.

    -Caalix, Stars' Divine. The Stars Divine seems far more preoccupied with gazing longingly towards the city of Arrakh-Rah, but does not shy away from cheerful greetings and appreciative gestures as many people pass him by. He can thusly be found right on the edge of town with a small orrery setup.

    -Chepri. The famed 'daughter of darkness' is, contrary to popular belief, still very much capable of emotion, and all too eager to cast aside her darker persona in favour of celebration and higher spirits! Chepri can be found wherever the music is loudest, dancing to her heart's content while awaiting her special guest's arrival!~

    -Gorrn. Gorrn, though in attendance, seems to be the one coordinating the defense of both the city and the festival proper, and as such can be seen mostly on the outskirts of the festivities, patrolling and issuing orders to the Cometborn guardians that encircle the fairground.

    Last edited by SOSDarkPhoenix; 2021-01-23 at 02:13 PM.
    "If the universe wasn't meant to be ruled, why does the power to rule it exist at all?"

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Youngest Child

    Olea ran down the busy avenue, Rayner, the stuffed Auroch doll her father gave her, swinging wildly in her hand as she weaved past townsfolk carrying goods and food for the festivities to come and silent Cometborn standing vigil. The girl was only twelve but her half-Goliath blood made her as tall as the tallest humans, which made her dodging through the crowd awkward and often made people jump out of the way or fall on their bottoms and curse in annoyance. She ran with a big smile on her face, her hair flowing behind her like so many snakes. Her skin was marked with what seemed like gem-encrusted freckles and as Olea ran they broke the sunshine into rainbows that trailed behind her.

    Olea had been living with her father and the Arrakhi for a couple years now and while she enjoyed spending time with him and in the wild environs around Arrakh-Ra, there was a hint of homesickness. A big important festival like this? Surely her mother or sister would come? Perhaps even her brother who she hadn't seen almost her entire life. Her run took her behind a hut that over looked the festival grounds; there, without missing a beat she jumped onto a barrel and in one smooth motion, leaped onto the wooden roof.

    Rayner! We can see the whole festival from here! I can't wait to see who will come!
    Last edited by mystic1110; 2021-01-19 at 10:42 AM.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    As long-time allies, the Ko would be remiss if they did not attend such a historic occasion. And besides, Zinnia and Theris appreciate the generous hospitality given to them while the Towerhome was under attack. To them, this celebration is not only about the restoration of the city, but also the victory over the Sokau in their second attempt to conquer the Towerhome. With the capture of their enemy's capitol, however, the Ko doubt that the war will be continuing for much longer.

    The grandeur of the city is clear to see, even in ruins. A fitting place to hold a celebration indeed. Or so thinks Zinnia as she takes measured steps through the streets. Her ever-present retinue surrounds her, wary even here of the Crimson Kingdom's interference. Truly, the elves are not to be trusted. Still, such matters may be cast aside for the time being.

    She seeks out the Thalaz'ir, as they are both heads of state and equals in rank. Hopefully his guards will let her approach, since if she posed a threat she would have had ample time to carry out some wicked design already.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    A rumor had started to circulate among some groups of those preparing for the festivities. Strange ships had been sighted off the coast, unlike any that Mamut kingdoms had previously been known to use. Some claimed this marked a visit from a previously unknown king, while others thought the tale fake altogether. Elsewhere a small group was already disembarking from these very real ships, blissfully unaware of the danger they’d managed to avoid by chance while sailing past Deru lands.

    --

    Travelling towards the place they’d been told the festival would take place in, the party eventually closes in on the encampments surrounding the ancient city. Several of those on the outskirts of the festival area stopped to look on these newcomers with attentiveness and bewilderment. These gazes of curiosity were however returned by the retinue, as they started to progress further towards the heart of the festivities.

    “Remember to stay composed”, Karra instructed the two closest to her. “We’re not here just to revel in the excitement of the festival.”
    “Way to be the coyote that mocks the jackal, mom”, the young man at her right responded.
    “Yeah! You’ve been trembling with excitement ever since we woke up!” the girl on her left added in.
    Karra ruffled the girls’ hair. “And you’ve trembled with excitement for the entire journey, you little coxswain.”
    “Hehe.”

    Spoiler: Notable individuals
    Show

    Karra – The exiled High Chieftess herself, now in her fifties. May actually be the most enthusiastic to participate in the festivities, despite asserting otherwise.

    Thaban – Karra’s son, even though his mulberry-colored skin makes that hard to believe for some. His black hair is braided in the traditional Koxrrit way. Trains a lot to make sure he doesn’t fall behind in strength compared to others in his clan. Easily riled up.

    Aidha – Karra’s youngest child. Her reseda green skin and pointed ears betray both her orcish and elven heredity. Merely the size of an average human woman, although doesn’t like to be reminded of that fact. Loves seafaring and everything related to it.

    Kethix – Grim orcish warrior, a few years Karra’s junior. Large even for an orc. Does not show much interest in revelry. Devout follower of the Sun.

    Aseltia – Elven warlord, falling just short of the full-blooded orcs in height. Her skin is dark and hair gray not unlike silver in color. More focused on keeping track of Karra and her children’s whereabouts than the festival itself.

    Otaroto – A man native to Rankalore, brought along to act as a guide and interpreter. In reality is almost as clueless of North Mamutian customs as the rest of the party. Of questionable loyalty to Karra’s regime.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Middle Child

    Nyct walked towards the festival grounds with a straight back and an ever straighter expression on her face, her mouth may as well been made by drawing a straight line in the sand. It was humorless and stern. The young woman’s Goliath blood was strong and she towered over the humans at almost seven feet despite her youth, she towered over the other goliaths as well, but that was likely as a result of her perfect and rigid posture. She was dressed in a plain robe that draped over her shoulder and hid all curves and other feature of her body so that she looked almost like a ghost, a flowing dress and a face. Her hair was black and long and like everything else, straight in strict lines. What little skin could be seen was greyish, the coloring of the Targiz, and lined with jewel-like freckles from her grandmother Merine, which also seemed to arrange themselves in rows and columns.

    Surrounding the young woman were not soldiers or guards, neither were they the feathered priests or naïve sacrifices of the Corpse Flower. Her entourage consisted entirely of tradesmen, guild bosses, merchants, importers, exporters and those aristocratic speculators that made Kursaal what it was. This was the train that followed the Heir of the city, the future Odds-Mistress herself; it jangled with gambles and promises, wealth and debt, credit and chance.

    Nyct walked past Cometborn and one could wonder who had less expression. Surely, the commercial princess was beautiful, but she seemed like she was carved from ice. The only hint of softness would seem to be her flower crown, which she wore like the other Goliaths as tradition dictated that certain flowers to be worn as an indication of adhering to the laws of guest right. Nyct wore white lilies unlike the red Anthurium or lavender that the others wore. Those who knew Nyct knew that she only ever wore lilies.

    Nyct walked unerringly towards where the Thalaz’ir could be found and introduced herself by raising her hands to her sides, palms up, her arms sliding out of her robe and yet still being concealed in what appeared to be long gloves, her skin other than her face, still entirely concealed. She spoke in a formal manner, despite the arguable familial connection to the Thalaz’ir.

    Greetings Thalaz’ir. The Odds-Mistress regrets to inform you that she will not be able to attend, but we hope that my presence will be sufficient. The Targiz brings wine and other gifts for your festival and we look forward to the strengthening of our mutual cooperation.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    As the orcish retinue passes through the city, a most singular Ko detaches himself from the crowd and begins to follow them. A feathered crest tops his head, held in place by a mask that seems made from an animal skull. He moves with a trained grace and practice ease, weaving between those larger than him and keeping his target in sight. He draws nearer and nearer to them, hands hidden under a cloak. But as he nears that invisible barrier where people would be ready to draw weapons and demand to know his business, he takes his clawed hands from under his cloak and spreads them wide both in greeting and 'hey, I'm unarmed'. A wide smile crosses his face to match.

    Spoiler: Fosfer, the Midnight Dancer
    Show


    "Greetings," he says, "Elven-kind are becoming a more and more common sight these days. But...I have not seen green ones before." His words are jovial, but there is an edge to them, and the pupils of his eyes remain narrow.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Aseltia is the first one who notices a presence approaching them. As the creature shows that he is unarmed, she discreetly slips her hand off her axe.
    "Greetings," he says, "Elven-kind are becoming a more and more common sight these days. But...I have not seen green ones before." His words are jovial, but there is an edge to them, and the pupils of his eyes remain narrow.
    As the only greenskin in the group with elf blood, Aidha feels that the remark is aimed at her. But as she struggles on how to respond to being singled out, her brother Thaban steps forward. “Oh yeah? What about violet ones?” While his words are clearly meant to be some kind of challenge, it is not at all clear what he thinks they will accomplish.

    Simultaneously, the older members of the party have finished consulting with Otaroto. They’ve arrived at the conclusion that the word the person used meant “elf”. Kethix opens his mouth, although it becomes immediately apparent that he is not quite as fluent as the youngster. “We… used to. See Soreni. But. Never see… such small one.” He looks down on the Ko with a complacent grin.

    For the time being Karra is content to just sigh and shake her head.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Discrete or no, Fosfer's profession practically dictates he notice such details. Besides, Aseltia is the only one who looks like the elves he knows and thus is worth an extra measure of attention. But really, they shouldn't be worried about his hands. They should pay attention to his tail, hidden under his cloak and out of sight but with a specialized blade strapped to the end.

    "Vi-olet ones too," he says with a chuckle, the word coming out with an odd pronunciation, "Your grasp of our language is impressive. But I do not know this word, Soreni." He bows. "I am Fosfer, chief of the Midnight Dancers and the Right Claw of Towerlady Zinnia, high and honored leader of the Ko."

    He rises. "But, leaving that aside, you do speak our language well. I am surprised that elves would take the time to learn the language of those they consider..." He pauses for a moment and seems to consider his next word. "...an appetizing evening meal."

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Uzii Arrive

    Sailing up the coast in one of the newly built Swamp Catamarans, Far-Reach Mudmore and his mate Coarse-pond Windswept are eager to celebrate. Coarse-pond has just found out that she is to be a mother, and Far-Reach is quite pleased for the both of them. A party with other Mamut kingdoms is a good place to make it known that they will be having whelps soon!

    Far-Reach is a bit troubled, though. The Sokau seemingly so easily collapsed; they could almost see the depressed feeling caused from the Alqar occupation of the capital. A former honored foe was but a pale shadow of itself. Additionally, the Hraban were despondent and if not for the Protectorate, would have been rudderless at the moment. Far-Reach mulled over the quiet reclusiveness of the former Hraban leadership, and wondered if there was something there to do with either a discovering with Soul Honor, the Crimson Kingdom's capital being so near, or somehow a mix of both.

    "You seem lost, my heart," Coarse-pond interrupted his thoughts as they stepped off the boat, and towards the Festival grounds. Ancestors, she was beautiful. Tall, wide, and with brown fur that had glorious black spots along her back; Far-Reach had known the moment he saw her that he would do anything to have her accept him. Luckily, she had seen qualities in him he was still discovering himself.

    Smiling at his mate, Far-Reach nodded his head, "There are still many problems, and that is before our whelps are born or I am even able to battle within the Snortsmoot."

    "A battle you are sure to win," Coarse-pond smiled back. Her confidence filled him.

    "It is likely, yes. The current Tuskers are not weak by any means, but they lack ambitions; they are beginning to show age. Only Huge-Grin Rocktusk might prove a challenge to me. Or maybe one of the other governors of the realms will step forth, but my read is that the Ancestors will guide me to victory." They kept walking, flanked now by Hraban guards. Far-Reach loved his brethren Uzii, but his father, the current Homage, has insisted he take some of the Hraban as guardsmen; a show of good faith and trust for their soul cousins. Closed-Fist was savvy like that, and Far-Reach wished his father could have continued to be Homage for decades more.

    For their part, the feathered raven-men were vigilant and rarely engaged in conversation. Still, Guard Captain Diedrich was good at his job. His blood red tipped feathers were a mark of his clan affiliation, and he stayed close to Coarse-pond more than Far-Reach; a noticeable change after hearing the news of their forthcoming children. "What do you think, Diedrich? Will the Hraban send someone to the Snortsmoot for a chance to be Homage of the protectorate?"

    Opening his beak in a Hraban smirk, Diedrich answered succinctly, "Unlikely, cousin. None hold the status or the drive. For now."

    Far-Reach returned the grin at the for now. "Then I shall look forward to the next Snortsmoot after this one. I-"

    Coming upon the festival gates, Far-Reach paused when he saw a familiar - and big - figure. "Gorrn! I'd know that fur anywhere. We have news, if you can spare a moment!"




    Later, In the Festival Grounds

    By now, Coarse-Pond was used to seeing unusual creatures. Ko, Goliaths, Humans, Goblin, even Harpies and Elves. She, like many Uzii, were not a fan of Elves. But unlike many Uzii, she knew what they looked like, having lived in the southwest near the Crimson Kingdom. Her Clan's policy was to avoid the Elves, as the Horned King sent (or did not stop) his followers from random raids on their once open borders. No more. Coarse-Pond was looking forward to when her mate would help to guide the Uzii and the Protectorate to dealing with the Crimson King, once and for all.

    So it was with some surprise that she spied a large group of beings she had not seen before, with what looked like an Elf with them. An elf with green skin. The rest of the group were taller than the average human, and as broad as an Uzii, but with smaller tusks. And also green, if a darker shade. Reaching down to her mate, she turned Far-Reach's head, till he spotted them.

    "Curious."

    "Agreed. See how they have the most of the translators here?"

    "I have heard rumors of many other lands. Perhaps they are from behind the Isles to our east?"

    Coarse-pond slowly shook her head. "Remember the unusual boats those of Rhödödendräk mentioned when we dined briefly with Gordon Brieson? I think they come from near Too-Dry Dunes."

    "South of our new lands? Hmmm." Far-Reach mused. "Well, shall we go meet the neighbors, then?"

    With a motion to Diedrich, the three approached the group of green skinned beings and their translators. Stepping forward and looking up without fear, Far-Reach introduced himself. Whether it was by intuition or some other means, he immediately singled out the one that was the older female in the group and spoke directly to her, "Honor to your Ancestors. I am Far-Reach Mudmore, son of the Homage of the Uzii Protectorate of Mamut. Might I ask your name, Den Mother of a Foreign Land?"
    Spoiler
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    BladeofObliviom said:
    I've only seen a character at anything resembling this level of absurdity thrive exactly once, and he/she/what-the-jongo had the advantage of being written by Gengy, who I look up to as a writer.

    "What-the-Jongo?"
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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The group listens intently to Fosfer, hoping to catch as much of the meaning of his words without the need for translation. All but Thaban seems to have relaxed somewhat, unaware of the hidden blade. Fosfer’s last remark, however, draws puzzled looks from the group.

    “Well? Do you want to eat our friend here?” Karra jabs at Aseltia, to which she responds with one of the cackles she’s known for.
    “I’ve heard that some enjoy eating lizard tails, but I don’t see the appeal. And he seems to be against it, too.”
    “But what if we are expected to? Is it one of their customs?”
    “I guess the Alodites have kin here, then.”

    It’s this pondering that the arrival of the Uzii thankfully interrupts. Karra patiently waits for a translation of the titles presented, and then pounds her chest once. “Greetings to you, Far-Reach Mudmore, son of Homage. I am Karra, the rightful High Chieftess of the Koxrrit clans of Ixkarr, but I now rule over Ura Rankalore.” She involuntarily glances in Otaroto’s direction, who avoids her gaze. Then she belatedly pounds her chest while facing Fosfer. “And greetings to you as well, Right Claw Fosfer.” Sharing her name with strangers was something she had grown accustomed to over the years due to her station, weird as it felt.

    With the introductions concluded, Karra turns to Kethix. “Didn’t you end up in this Uzii Protectorate when you travelled around [Region 5]?”
    “Yes. For… short time.” He gestures in the direction of the Uzii pair. “One. Of them. Break my… nose.”
    That’s how your nose broke?” Aseltia cuts in.
    Kethix sneers. “I… break. His everything.”
    “You killed him?” Karra asks.
    “No. Somehow.”
    After a moment’s silence, Karra addresses Far-Reach again. “Clearly, your kind are not to be underestimated. And as for you,” she now talks to Fosfer, “Soreni are people from our homeland. Please tell us more of the Ko.”

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Confrontation

    (This event may be held after Zinnia speaks to the Thalaz'ir or before she arrives, up to you Milt!)

    "ZINNIA!" A loud, booming voice echoes across the markets, disrupting some of the cheer. The current leader of the Ko sees a pair of furious young humans march towards her. The leader is the a young man, one she can identify quickly as the young heir to the Sokau throne. His name is (Prince?) Iceno Soge, and he bares a greatsword in his hands - as well as the fire of hatred in his eyes. The woman beside him looks equally furious, armed with a dagger. It's his twin, Nylah, and they seem to come alone. The two of them bear the darker skin of their mother, green eyes, and the easily noticed snake-like features that mark them as descendants of Merine. In particular the two of them bare the very hair of snakes that their grandmother did; that which set her apart as a medusa among humans. The two viper dens watch intently, hissing quietly as the market falls silent around them. Nylah speaks:
    "We would have words with you. You have much to answer to, and you will find privacy in the matter a mercy that you don't deserve. Leave your company and come with us, or we will have this confrontation in sight of all the public."

    If she complied, which she certainly would not have to given that these two seemed to mean her harm, the two would lead her away from the crowd and out the flat roof of a nearby stone building, two stories up and cleared for just this occasion... Humans soldiers loyal to the new Sokau leader guarded the entrances to the building, but out of earshot unless things got loud. ...A roof not too far from Olea's cheerful bounding. A curious young girl might overhear things that she shouldn't.


    Night

    (Open to any approach)

    Meanwhile, a newly proclaimed Queen walks among her brother's people, adorned in a lovely black outfit quite the opposite of the white that tends to run in the family. She had done a short round of socializing in the markets, looking at baubles and outfits like she had as a girl... Only this time she came under guard instead of with her illicit boyfriends, and merchants were eager to show her the most expensive of their wares or nothing at all depending on how they took her ascension to from Warchief to Queen. It frustrated her that she couldn't do things normally anymore; and supposedly, declaring herself queen interceded on the authority of the Thalaz'ir as the rightful ruler of the Arrakhi people. There was no shortage of arguments she could make against it, but she couldn't change their initial perceptions. The damage had already been done. Adorned in a very fuzzy fur hat she just bought and a cometstone vase held by one of her two guards, she sat down to relax under the shade of a tree with a drink and simply thought for some time. Though she seemed to be relaxing, worry tugged at her mind. There was so much to do and so little ability to see it done. Her family might break apart, she had received yet more terrible news, and she felt alienated by her priests. Victory, she thought, had rarely felt so hollow. Her son's usurper hadn't even deigned to defend his capital when her armies marched in with Iceno at the head. Now the tribes were all scattered and all her efforts for the next few years would be so focused on restructuring administration that she'd barely have time to sit still. Even now, as she does get to sit still, her mind is unquiet.
    Last edited by Zayuz; 2021-01-20 at 09:18 PM.
    "What is to give light must endure burning."

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    "Elves that do not eat sentient flesh?" Fosfer's smile widens, becoming less of a mask and more sincere. "Then I have done you a disservice."

    His tail appears from under his cloak and, before their eyes, he undoes the blade on it and hooks it into his belt. "Apologies for the deception. There are many elves here who wish to roast us over an open fire while still alive. Caution was called for."

    With the Uzii's arrival, he takes a step back. They are friendly enough, but boisterous and can easily injure those smaller than them. "Ah," he says, "The Ko are a small race, not much larger or smaller than myself, though our influence is great. In our time, we have killed sorcerers and toppled empires." He chuckles. "We are also the stars of the 'Ko-Ball-D' game which has so taken Mamut for these past few generations."

    ======

    Zinnia was approaching Doraan when she hears her name shouted across the market. Her form stiffens in surprise. She turns, looking at them with confusion evident on her face. After a moment to recover her composure, she speaks in a calming, level tone. "Children of the Alqar," she says, "You come at me with blades drawn, like bandits, and insist I attend you alone. Were you not clearly so agitated, I could agree to such a private conference. As it is, I do not think it wise for me to leave my retinue. You seem murderous, though I know not why. Yet, if you will agree to it, we can withdraw to another place with all our companions."

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Confrontation

    "In public then?" Iceno tests. "You know your sins. The people here will have no sympathy for you. Come with us, or all will know. You may yet convince us to spare you, but the crowd has no such mercy." He glances at the cometborn guard beginning to move, blade still ready.
    "What is to give light must endure burning."

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Youngest Child

    Olea, on the roof, scans the crowd with wide excited eyes. So many different people and races! She couldn't wait for the festival to start proper, but she enjoyed this moment literally above it all. She could see so much and her imagination ran away from her. She would have seen her sister pass but before Nyct crossed her line of sight a loud commotion drew her attention. Snapping her neck towards the sounds she misses Nyct and her Lily Crown crossing the town square. She scampers over the wood tiles, holding tight onto to Rayner, her stuffed auroch doll, and gazes over the edge to watch the events unfold.

  15. - Top - End - #15
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    "Know what?" Zinnia snaps. Anger mixed with righteous indignation enters her voice. She steps forward, leaning on her staff, and shakes it at them. "You come at me with weapons and accuse me of some great crime, claiming I should fear you? Oh, how very clever. If I should go away with you now, all would think me guilty and afraid of what you accuse me of. But I say now that I can think of no sins I've committed recently, and certainly none against you. The Ko have long been your allies. Together, we fought your enemies, and you profited greatly in power and wealth while our lands are emptied of both gold and lives. We are still finding our slain and burying them. You marched in without resistance because the pretenders to your throne were busy trying to sack our city."

    Her voice lowers to a simmering, dangerous tone, chock-full of rage. "Even if I had done some crime, you owe me and all Ko more courtesy than this!"

    She seems to shrink. "But...I am old. You are young and strong. Even the mightiest of our kind could not life the weapon you carry, now that Thorn is gone. Gone, I should mention, in the war that you profited from. And it is the place of the strong to make demands."

    From behind her, Fosfer steps into view, as if materializing from the rock of the floor. He grins, as he almost always does, but takes up a guard position, ready to jump to Zinnia's defense.

    A light appears in Zinnia's eyes, as if she has just comprehended something. "Ah," she says, "You accuse me of killing Tsraak." Of course, by saying it herself, she robs the accusation of much of its power. "Well, allow me to say, and honestly, that I had no hand in his death, though I did not mourn him either. I understand if that causes you pain, due to your relationship, but his insults to our kind and the many of our kind slain by him cool any pity I might have felt."

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The prince goes on a tirade.

    "You think I should thank you for declaring war on my father? For shattering MY REALM? You think you've HELPED ME? My father might not have been a popular man, but it was only a matter of time before I took my place and corrected his errors! The entirety of the Sokau tribes could have been singing praises to the sky, not cutting one another's throats, writhing in corpse flower nonsense because my army is dead, the succession was a mess, and my mother's allies cut my father's throat! What profit do you see me gaining from this? What enemy has been defeated? I haven't even started on your true crime, but let me be clear you scaled rat, you are no ally of mine."

    He turns to address the crowd, any foreign leaders that happen to be around. He seems to ignore her protests at the idea that she did not kill Tsraak. "I know that none of you care that this woman killed my father. I know that you would not believe me even if I claimed it! He was no ally of you and yours, and with his death your war was won. But that is only a piece of why I'm here - you look upon the orchestrator of a Champion of Light's death, the murderer of Thorn! I have her confession in writing, a conspiracy from one ruler to another that proves it, as well as her attempts to manipulate the Uzii and human realms so that she can kill off her competition among the Ko and reign absolute! With the Sun as my witness, I accuse you of regicide, treason against the Ko, and murder of a champion of light!"
    Last edited by Zayuz; 2021-01-20 at 11:11 PM.
    "What is to give light must endure burning."

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Zinnia's initial reply is to let out a long-suffering sigh, as if all this is nothing more than an annoyance. "Tell me," she says in a quieter voice, as if speaking in confidence, "Are you familiar with the concept of lying?" She presses forward. "And if such things were true, do you think I would be a fool enough to commit them to paper? I believe I know the letter of which you speak, and I know from whence it came. So I ask you, what trickery is this? You can be honest with me. What is it you want that you bring these trumped up charges against me?"

    She blinks. "Oh. Wait. Don't tell me you believe it? Do you not know that the Horned King is a master of subterfuge? That, with the right tools, such letters are easily faked? Or altered? Or has he so earned your trust that you believe him without question?"

    "But I will admit, yes, I did send him a letter. Whether it is the one you hold in your hands I cannot say without seeing it. I would be a fool to when it is an easy ploy to alter and fake it. You see, he kidnapped a number of my own kind." Her tone darkens. "We are not so fortunate as you. We are not so favored by the Horned King. I can well imagine the fate that would await them had I left them in his hands. And I, Zinnia, Towerlady of the Ko, am not willing to let such things happen if I can prevent it."

    "Tell me. Has he left the price I offered unaltered? I am essentially emptying our entire treasury to ransom them back. Ignore the words, for they are cheap and you have many reasons to doubt them. Look to my actions. If I were the monster you described, would I part with so much treasure simply to ransom a few of my own kind, whose names I do not even know? No. But I am not a monster. I am unwilling that any should suffer the fate that befell Thicket from Thorn's teeth. I tried several times to use subtlety to secure our future free of fear, but they failed. And so now I intend to buy it."

    She lets out a huff. "As to your...direct accusations, allow me to inform you why it is simply not possible for me to have done half of what you say. You accuse me of manipulating the human realms and Uzii against my foes, the murder of Thorn, and...treachery against the Ko along with Regicide." That last one, oddly enough, seems to almost amuse her. In fact, several members of her retinue have to contain giggles.

    "To the first, I say this. I do not know what the letter contains, but I pride myself in helping the Scions and Uzii, who have long been rivals, forge an alliance that lasted long enough to end a threat that could have consumed us all. And if that is conspiracy, then I am guilty. But tell me, how good of a conspiracy is it when everyone else benefits much more than yourself? I would argue that our alliance was mutually beneficial, and would hope they would see it the same way."

    "To the second, I was far from the battle in which Thorn died. Those present can indeed confirm that it was the Sokau, the armies of your father, who killed him. If I 'orchestrated' it, then it was simply by giving him command of the army and asking him to lead the defense. If I had sent someone else, then he would have survived. Well, if the father you hold in such high regard had seen fit to not put us all to the sword."

    "And as for...treachery against the Ko." Her expression goes dark. "I believe the efforts I have gone to in order to preserve them and save those captured by the Crimson Kingdom would alone be enough to exonerate me. But if you need more explanation, then I will admit that I killed Thicket. But such is our way. I expect Theris will kill me one day. Watching her several attempts to do so already has kept me feeling young and spry, quite the accomplishment for someone my age. But if she is not clever enough, perhaps it will be Onyx or even Fosfer here." She chuckles. "Though if it is Onyx, I shall be very disappointed in myself on my way to the afterlife!"

    The Ko around her chuckle. "He would soon follow you, Towerlady," Fosfer says. This seems to amuse Zinnia.

    "In summary, then," she says, "Conspiracy against my own allies can be dismissed out of hand. The murder of Thorn is blatantly not my fault, as countless witnesses from both the Scions and the Ko soldiers can attest. And as for treachery against my own kind, we expect such things on an individual level, but my care and concern for my species as a whole should demonstrate how ridiculous the charge is."

    Her voice and face softens. "If you want my honest opinion...you've been tricked by the Horned King. I would start asking yourselves why. I think, however, I know. The alliance we have forged threatens him, and so he strikes at what he thinks is the weakest link: the Ko. But I hope my words can sway you and we can go forward, if not as allies, then at lest not as enemies."

  18. - Top - End - #18
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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Spoiler: Uzii, Orc, and Ko.
    Show
    Quote Originally Posted by OmnivorousOgre View Post
    The group listens intently to Fosfer, hoping to catch as much of the meaning of his words without the need for translation. All but Thaban seems to have relaxed somewhat, unaware of the hidden blade. Fosfer’s last remark, however, draws puzzled looks from the group.

    “Well? Do you want to eat our friend here?” Karra jabs at Aseltia, to which she responds with one of the cackles she’s known for.
    “I’ve heard that some enjoy eating lizard tails, but I don’t see the appeal. And he seems to be against it, too.”
    “But what if we are expected to? Is it one of their customs?”
    “I guess the Alodites have kin here, then.”

    It’s this pondering that the arrival of the Uzii thankfully interrupts. Karra patiently waits for a translation of the titles presented, and then pounds her chest once. “Greetings to you, Far-Reach Mudmore, son of Homage. I am Karra, the rightful High Chieftess of the Koxrrit clans of Ixkarr, but I now rule over Ura Rankalore.” She involuntarily glances in Otaroto’s direction, who avoids her gaze. Then she belatedly pounds her chest while facing Fosfer. “And greetings to you as well, Right Claw Fosfer.” Sharing her name with strangers was something she had grown accustomed to over the years due to her station, weird as it felt.

    With the introductions concluded, Karra turns to Kethix. “Didn’t you end up in this Uzii Protectorate when you travelled around [Region 5]?”
    “Yes. For… short time.” He gestures in the direction of the Uzii pair. “One. Of them. Break my… nose.”
    That’s how your nose broke?” Aseltia cuts in.
    Kethix sneers. “I… break. His everything.”
    “You killed him?” Karra asks.
    “No. Somehow.”
    After a moment’s silence, Karra addresses Far-Reach again. “Clearly, your kind are not to be underestimated. And as for you,” she now talks to Fosfer, “Soreni are people from our homeland. Please tell us more of the Ko.”
    Quote Originally Posted by Miltonian View Post
    "Elves that do not eat sentient flesh?" Fosfer's smile widens, becoming less of a mask and more sincere. "Then I have done you a disservice."

    His tail appears from under his cloak and, before their eyes, he undoes the blade on it and hooks it into his belt. "Apologies for the deception. There are many elves here who wish to roast us over an open fire while still alive. Caution was called for."

    With the Uzii's arrival, he takes a step back. They are friendly enough, but boisterous and can easily injure those smaller than them. "Ah," he says, "The Ko are a small race, not much larger or smaller than myself, though our influence is great. In our time, we have killed sorcerers and toppled empires." He chuckles. "We are also the stars of the 'Ko-Ball-D' game which has so taken Mamut for these past few generations."


    Noting the Ko nearby, Far-Reach nods in respect, but his mind is elsewhere. It's not like the Uzii hear every report of any border skirmishes, but even a place like Too-Dry Dunes in the far southwest would have mentioned running into some new creature. Especially a new creature that broke an Uzii's bones in a scuffle.

    That would have caused a whole hunt. Or at least some boasting. He looked over at his wife, who was beginning to hum something. A nursery rhyme that had started to make it's rounds in recent years, from the southern lands. Something silly, but perfect for whelps to learn to stand and fight. She was looking right at him as she hummed, but her look wasn't one of an upcoming mother, planning to sing her newborns to sleep. No, this was a look Far-Reach was coming to know meant that he wasn't getting some hint she was dropping him.

    But a nursery rhyme? Ancestors, what were the words... Far-Reach wracked his brain, but couldn't do so for long, even with the Ko distracting the High Chieftess for a brief moment.

    Finally, he had to admit it to his wife with a blank look. "Sorry my heart, I don't know the song well enough to..."

    Coarse-pond pointed at the one that Karra had spoken with, and said, "I think he's the reason for the nursery rhyme. Parts of it are... wrong, but... He's the Go-Away-Monster!"

    And with that, Far-Reach could hear the spirit of the Ancestor that traveled nearby start to laugh, and sing the song. Far-Reach's voice wasn't as good, but he took up the tune quickly, the words coming to him slowly at first, but faster and easier as the nursery rhyme went on.

    ♪ ♫ Green of skin and eyes of red
    Better dodge or wind up dead
    To run now would bring us shame
    Stand your ground and shout it’s name!

    Go Away, Go Away, Go-Away-Monster!
    Or I’ll stomp on your toes!
    ♪ ♫

    Small, sharp scowl, white of tusk
    Big and tall, strong of musk
    Charge straight forward, show no fear
    Meet it loud, snort and sneer:

    Go Away, Go Away, Go-Away-Monster!
    Or I’ll sock you in the nose!
    ♪ ♫

    Breaks your bones with each punch,
    Ancestors help, I’ll not be lunch!
    Tough it out, scare it off,
    If in pain, grunt and scoff:

    Go Away, Go Away, Go-Away-Monster!
    Or I’ll trade you blow for blows!
    ♪ ♫

    Come any closer, I tell you true,
    I’ll become a fearsome monster too!
    Protectorate proud, here I’ll fight,
    Uzii raised, we can do this all night,

    SO, GO AWAY, GO AWAY, GO-AWAY-MONSTER! ♪ ♫
    Or I’ll…
    hey, look! Off it goes!

    Coarse-pond clapped when he finished, but Far-Reach looked over at the High Chieftess, slightly embarrassed. Coughing to help hide his awkwardness, the son of the Homage explained, "It would seem that we have heard of your people, though whomever your friend got in a fight with, no one believed them. But they apparently boasted so well that it was turned into a song for our little ones, to learn to stand and fight. I am afraid I do not know whether to apologize to your friend, or congratulate him. Though parts are obviously untrue, he may very well live on amongst the Uzii for generations beyond imagining."
    Spoiler
    Show
    BladeofObliviom said:
    I've only seen a character at anything resembling this level of absurdity thrive exactly once, and he/she/what-the-jongo had the advantage of being written by Gengy, who I look up to as a writer.

    "What-the-Jongo?"
    Before you insult someone, walk a mile in their shoes.
    That way, you'll be a mile away, and have their shoes!

    Got me a Real Job™ (yay!). Still busy (boo!).
    ~avatar by myself

  19. - Top - End - #19
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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    "You give my father too little credit, Ko."

    A figure steps from the concealing shadows of a nearby stall, taller than the heirs of the Sokau and made more regal still by the horns rising from her brow. Crimson eyes per out from a mass of red tresses dancing freely in the festive breeze, her golden skin shrouded in borrowed Alqar styles. Arlais, chosen daughter of the Horned King, had been only to grateful for the Night Queen's invitation, and had spent the weeks of travel becoming acquainted with her children. With silent step, she took position between Iceno and Nylah, placing a hand on each of the royals.

    "If we feared your little people, we would have exterminated you years ago and burned your forest to ash. The affairs of those beyond our borders are of little concern to us, save when they harm those deemed worthy."

    She squeezed her newly-made friends' shoulders in genuine sympathy, though her disdainful gaze never left Zinnia.

    "The truth is not so fragile to be banished by words."

    Elsewhere...

    Reclining in a shaded tent erected in the ruins of an ancient palace, Ceron looked out on the festival with bemused curiosity. The reclaimed city was a pale reflection of Caloth Mawr, but in its bones he could see the foundation for a grand dynasty. One built, as his father's had been, on blood. Glancing to the shrouded veils of the tent's interior, he shook free a dappling of snow from his horns and pushed himself to his feet.

    "Fond as I am of your shadows, Chepri, it seems a shame to let the festival pass without once walking the streets. This place will be yours soon - you should bask in your peoples' adoration."

    A vicious smile curled in his mouth, as a final thought went unsaid.

    And their fear.

    I was old when the pharaohs first mounted
    The jewel-decked throne by the Nile;
    I was old in those epochs uncounted
    When I, and I only, was vile;

    Spoiler
    Show
    Quote Originally Posted by apocalypsePast2 View Post
    ...one could possibly refer to you guys' elaborate dance of allies-to-enemies-to-suicide-of-the-universe as some sort of weird art form.

    If one were on drugs.
    Quote Originally Posted by VonDoom View Post
    Behold, the mighty slayer of strangely coloured mutant equines! The thwarter of forum woes! The! Dark! DM!

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    At the appearance of Arlais, Zinnia hardly twitches. Instead, it is Fosfer he comes forward. The skull-wearing Ko's smile has stretched far beyond what any would consider 'normal' or 'healthy'. "Ah-hahaha!" he says, "And so you arrive! I knew I sensed an elf somewhere! But never, mmm, no, never could I have foreseen one so beautiful. The horns, ah! The horns are something most of your kind lack."

    He giggles. "I want to cut them off and wear them as a crown! Wouldn't that be ironic?"

    "Fosfer," Zinnia chides.

    The grin fades away by a few degrees. "Ah. Of course. Forgive me, forgive me." He bows elegantly. "The matter at hand! Or claw." He waggles one of his. "You respect strength? Fine! If they are so strong, then surely they would have no trouble defeating me..." He grins. "Or does your father think that merely being close enough to stand his stench makes them worthy in his eyes?"

    "FOSFER," Zinnia snarls.

    "No, no, no, it's a fair question." Fosfer chuckles. "He favored Tsraak. Tsraak died. I want to know WHY THEY CARE. Clearly he was weak. The whole empire fell apart without him." He gasps, as if in horror. "Which means they choose wrong. Oh of course! How could I be so stupid?"

    He points at Arlais. "This is all a cover up so your daddy doesn't have to admit he 'royally' screwed up!" The skull-wearing Ko giggles, tries to suppress a chuckle, fails entirely, and then falls over in a fit of uproarious laughter.

    Zinnia bends down low over him and strikes his ribs with her scepter. "Get. UP. You. Idiot."

  21. - Top - End - #21
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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Scrim were pleased to be invited to this festival. Such things were unknown in Thun- when one day is much the same as the next, what use for festivals? The closest most Scrim come to such celebrations would be at the Gathering at Arkusa, itself a sort of rolling year-long festival. And in the Land of the Watchers, hardship keeps the people from much celebration.

    So when the Thunspeaker arrives, attended by Warspeaker Arman and Steady-Hand, it is with no small wonderment that they survey their surroundings. Steady-Hand especially gawks openly at the sights of the festival, and the smells, too. As the three move along, she frequently stops to stare at whatever has caught her interest, before hurrying to catch up with the others.

    But when they arrive to pay their respects to the Thalaz'ir, they find a scene of barely-restrained chaos before them. Almost immediately, Arman and Steady-Hand reach for their weapons, not yet drawing them but ready to at a moment's notice. Nithor seems a little uncertain, and for now, the three lurk on the periphery of the standoff, watching and waiting.
    I go by them/they/their pronouns, but I'm comfortable with he/him/his or she/her/hers.

    Spoiler: STUFFS
    Show
    Quote Originally Posted by Silent_Interim View Post
    Yes... continue ignoring me... exactly as planned
    Quote Originally Posted by Xihirli View Post
    'Kay! Ignoring a ninja never hurt anyone.



    Being terrible at being a wolf since always.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Youngest Child

    As Olea watches from the roof the commotion, the shouting and the crowd grows louder and larger. She is still too far away to make anything out and decides that she needs to be closer. She looks over the village and tries to figure out the quickest so called high road for the best view. She spots it, but it was a tricky one. For whatever reason all these buildings had triangular roofs. She could not understand it. Kursaal had flat roofs for easy running! These were much more difficult.

    She eyes her intended route and gets up and crouches and jumps with her doll Rayner swinging in her arm. She lands on the next roof with a thud and roll - which, again was difficult with these angels! She grins and gets up and runs on the roof to make it to the next one. And the next one. And the next one. The fact that she was so large made it both easy and incredibly awkward for those below. One more roof until she was right above where all the action was. She prepares herself by crouching down and then high tails it into a run and leaps off the building. Her jump was perfect, but the roof was not - the wood piece that she landed on was poorly placed and whatever adhesive or other method that normally would have kept it from sliding was apparently forgotten in its construction. She slips on the tile and falls right off into the middle of the burgeoning confrontation.

    Ahhh! she yells as she falls and Ughh she groans as she lands on a badly placed ankle twisting it and falling into the dirt. Rayner falls from her hand and tumbles on the ground until it lays dirty between the soon to be combatants.

  23. - Top - End - #23
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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The ground shakes and rumbles as 3 enormous 80ft tall Deru stride ponderously into the festival. Jofry, riding in the upper branches of his minder, Reya-Uran, points over at the commotion forming in the streets. "There. Trouble brews." The falcon and hawk perching on his shoulders silently glare their agreement, and the trio of Deru turn and stride over towards the ruckus.

    Jofry's eyes survey the area, taking in the convergence of potential combatants, spotting the goliath child running over the rooftops. He smiles, a rare sign of joy from a face locked in a bitter grimace of hatred and despair, glad to see a familiar figure in an unfriendly world. His smile slides off his face as he watches Olea tumble and fall. His fists ball in all-too-familiar anger. "Put me down next to her." Reya-Uran stops, reaching up with a slender branch. Jofry swings out onto the appendage and Reya-Uran lowers him down. He hits the ground running and darts to Olea's side. The hawk spots the girl's doll and swoops over to it, perching upon it, safeguarding it.

    "You don't want to be this close. Can you walk? I'm Jofry. Who're you?"

    The Deru stand, groaning and creaking as they shift in the wind. This may yet become their business.
    "Into the Jaws of Death, into the Mouth of Hell;" (Tennyson)
    So shall you tread, once you pass the precipice of villainy.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Youngest Child

    Olea clutches her ankle in pain, the reason she jumped off the roof lost in her mind to the confusion of finding herself on the ground and her foot feeling as if it were burning. She looks frantically for Rayner, when suddenly she is embraced by Jofry's protective arms. She exclaims Rayner! almost hysterical but calms down when she looks into Jofry's eyes Oh, I'm Olea suddenly the pain was briefly forgotten as she got red for a completely different reason.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Jofry's face was puzzled for a moment. "Rayner? Wha- oh!" He turned to the hawk perched on the doll. It stared back at him for a long moment, then yielded to the gaze, irritably flapping back over, dropping the doll at Jofry's side before perching back onto his shoulder. Jofry fought back a wince as the talons gripped painfully tight. He picked up the doll and dusted it off, blushing a little himself as he handed it back to Olea. "I uh... Is this Rayner? I could help you up if you want, it's just that there are some folks with swords that look like they're going to fight pretty close, and I thought maybe we could walk somewhere else and then see if you're alright and all after that fall. It was a brave jump!" He smiles, unaccustomed to the expression, speaking very quickly.
    "Into the Jaws of Death, into the Mouth of Hell;" (Tennyson)
    So shall you tread, once you pass the precipice of villainy.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Youngest Child

    Olea hugs Rayner tightly as Jofry handed him back to her. Thank you! Th-siighh ah she winces as the pain from the ankle interrupts her gratitude. She takes one hand that was gripping Rayner and uses it to apply pressure to her ankle. She grimaces and puts on a brave face, setting herself to properly thank her rescuer Thank you! I can jump further though. Don't know how I messed that up. Sorry for the trouble. The girl apologizes as she continues to grab her ankle. She is looking at Jofry's face with wet eyes, although he might notice that the tears may be less of pain and more of the beginnings of adoration.
    Last edited by mystic1110; 2021-01-21 at 11:18 PM.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    "No - it's no trouble. If you want, I have something, for the pain. So you could walk, is all. If you wanted to walk. Have you had lunch? I just got here, so- do you want lunch? I can help you walk too, if you want. If you wanted to walk." Jofry went increasingly red. "Ooh! This might help!" Jofry removed his living wood armoured boots and held one up, whispering to the birds on his shoulders. The falcon nodded once and he reached over Olea to her ankle, slipping the boot on. It creaked and groaned, adjusting to the shape, then locked solid. "Now it'll stay still and hurt less! You could walk! I have something for the pain too, if you wanted. Only if you wanted, of course."
    "Into the Jaws of Death, into the Mouth of Hell;" (Tennyson)
    So shall you tread, once you pass the precipice of villainy.

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    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    The Youngest Child

    Olea looks at the marvelous magic boot with surprise. Living wood was abundant in the Targiz but she never seen it used in such a way. Flabbergasted she nods yes with that mixture of enthusiasm and shyness that young children are prone to, leaving it up to Jofry to interpret whether she meant yes to the lunch, the pain, both, neither or anything else.

  29. - Top - End - #29
    Orc in the Playground
     
    OrcBarbarianGuy

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    Oct 2015

    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    Thaban and Aidha gaze at Fosfer’s tailwork in awe, having never seen such a thing before. Aseltia and Kethix, on the other hand, look irritated. Whether that’s because of the deception or because they didn’t notice it was anyone’s guess.

    Karra focuses more on his words. “Your race is a really impressive one, having done all that. I’ve never heard of ‘Ko-Ball-D’, but if it’s part of local culture we’d gladly participate.” She pauses. “Yet… you still live in fear of the local elves? They must be very mighty if so. Our warriors will be glad to hear that, they’ve complained about the lack of battles lately.” Kethix nods solemnly.

    Far-Reach’s singing interrupts this train of thought, as the group quiets down to listen. Some comprehend the words better than others, but the song still leaves all of them dumbstruck. That is, all except for Aseltia, who laughs hysterically by the end of it.

    “I… Well…” Karra struggles for words. “I’m sure even our best shamans didn’t know this was part of Kethix’s fate. I'm partly responsible, since I sent him on the expedition. But if any Uzii truly wants to fight him for glory, I’m sure he’d be happy to.” Meanwhile, Thaban and Aidha are now busy sizing up and circling Diedrich, having lost interest in the Uzii after the song ended.

  30. - Top - End - #30
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
    SOSDarkPhoenix's Avatar

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    Dec 2016

    Default Re: EMPIRE!6 Mamut Round 14 Event: Festival of New Horizons

    As tensions flare, hands tighten around hilts, and teeth grit, Thalaz'ir Doraan remains silent. His golden eyes have followed each new addition to the 'conversation', and he has winced with every barbed word and stinging accusation hurled today. His eyes linger especially on the horned visage of Arlais, someone who was certainly not invited to the festival, but even then he does not speak or act.

    The Scrim and Deru are noted, as are the myriad others who swarm towards the sounds of discourse. The Thalaz'ir takes his comet-shard necklace in his palm, looking at each fine cut of the stone.. and rips it from his neck, tossing it under heel and crushing it. Taking a step forward into the heart of the conversation, with quivering voice, but as firm a tone as he can muster, Doraan speaks. "ENOUGH." His fists are clenched tightly, as is his jaw, and his usually famously composed demeanor has left him. "This is the festival of new horizons, not Zinnia's court in the Towerhome, nor any other more appropriate place." The Thalaz'ir's words simmer with barely controlled rage as he points a finger at Zinnia. "You have much to answer for, if these claims levelled against you are true, and you will remain light-damned SILENT until I am done."

    The distant sounds of marching grow closer...

    Doraan's eyes trail over Fosfer, then up to his niece and nephew, and their 'benefactor'. "Iceno, Nylah, you are both kin of my kin, and I love you as if you were my own children. Even so, this behaviour is unacceptable, without exception. You come to the sacred festival of peace and kinship, on the three days where such conflicts are specifically left behind, and cause the largest explosion of tempers since.." He trails off, shaking his head a moment in exhaustion before lifting his head again to look upon Arlais. "You must be Arlais, then. My parents told me of you when they first visited your lands, and Chepri speaks of you still. I hadn't known the Crimson Kingdom had an interest in the festivals of 'lesser beings', and I'm shocked to see you here, but no doubt this outburst can be attributed, at least in part, to you."

    The marching comes to a halt, replaced with hushed murmurs from the crowd as twenty-four Cometborn soldiers encircle the group, the effects of Doraan's shattered necklace now apparent.

    "As the Thalaz'ir of the Trinity of Light, heir to the throne of Arrakh-Rah, and Purveyor of the New Dawn, it is within my right to do this. Cometborn, take Zinnia to the guard tent and see to it she remains there until I have a chance to speak with her." His eyes momentarily return to Zinnia herself. "Your people are our allies, Zinnia, pray do not make this any harder than it needs to be." With a sigh, he looks to Nylah and Iceno. "And take these two to my tent, but keep them under guard as well until the same. I will fetch your mother and talk with you there."

    With a snap of his fingers, the Cometborn move forward to guide Zinnia, Iceno, and Nylah away from the crowd, taking them by the arms where possible and with stern force if necessary. "And as for you, Horned Princess. You may stay, but you will find no food to sate your specific cravings here. If you wish to speak with me in specific, you may do so at tomorrow's feast. The rest of you are dismissed, I need time to think on this and speak to the others. Come seek me tomorrow, when I will be in far more jovial a mood." His last words are specifically to the Scrim, who had come to see him in particular..



    Elsewhere...
    Chepri listens to Ceron, and nods.. "Perhaps you're right! Do you dance, crimson prince?~ I'd love to dance near the minstrels with you if so."
    Last edited by SOSDarkPhoenix; 2021-01-23 at 09:20 AM.
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