Fate Accelerated: Dragon Campaign (IC)

[Feathersnow]

And so they met. Lords of a bygone age, but still mighty, if less invested in temporal power. Dragons!

The topic was clear. Restore that which was lost. Once the child of a God ruled from the Western sea to the plains at the center of the world, now hus three bastard grandchildren squabble in the ruins of his home. And those who lived under the Three Houses suffered for their disunity. A scholar, a dreamer, a priest, and a merchant came together in those days to discuss what might be done.

Of immediate interest was the Medipatetian Centaurs running roughshod over the people even as Kret, the Minotaur, Lord of one of the Three Houses, bought them off his vassals. And he dared call himself the Scion of Sargelus!

Kret could not or would not do his duty. Those who would see it done had an opportunity, therefore...

[Nyan]

For each one of the dragons, besides Axeszanyreth, there had one day arrived a messenger, declaring himself bearer of the decree of The Lord of Heaven...This message delivered was an invitation, nay, a demand, with the great honor to visit the halls of his current domain in order to speak of matters of great importance. To be graced with his presence in person for the first time. This could perhaps have been an expected invitation, if either of the dragons have had interactions with his servants, collaborations perhaps or other means which could have draws his attention to them. But no matter if this invitation was sudden or not this would be the first time this Dragon Lord would suggest a direct meeting rather than conversing through a third party. "Make haste, Noble dragons. For the future of these lands sits upon a knifes edge and prophecy speak of great things ahead. For the prosperity of the realm, do not make him wait..." The messenger implores each individual with great reverence after leaving his message before traveling back.

Assuming all dragons eventually made their way to the location indicated be it by flying or traveling in their human guise they soon would notice a stark difference to the people, the architecture, culture, language and even the nature itself as they came closer to their destination from what they were used to. The people were dressed differently, spoke in a foreign language despite looking native to the land here and if not that they spoke the common tongue with an accent. The architecture humble at first by the farmsteads but becoming more intricate as they came closer to their destination. Everything was in order and harmony with no indication of troubles of any sort in the area. The weather was constantly clear and comfortable, if they flew the wind itself seemed to always be with them. Another thing which became very obvious is that everything had a great spiritual influence, multiple shrines dotted the way, art and craftsmanship usually depicting a dragon, all the people young and old of all walks of life in prayers and granting reverence to this great lord of the sky and sun. All of them would also show great respect to each of the dragons, bowing as they passed.

They would find their arrival at the main city expected, a parade and religious sermons being held in their honor through the city, banners flowing with greetings that even those that arrived from the sky would see. In this city they would notice that all roads there were made wide enough so even their draconic forms could move through. At the center of the city was a temple complex of unimaginable splendor, gilded, opulent, seemingly glowing like another sun in the sky. Wide long stairs lead up to it and for those that arrived from the sky the courtyard of which seemed to be made as a perfect place for a dragon to land.

When they arrived they would have been met by several attendants which would with great respect ask to tend to each dragons weary form, for lest the dirt of the journey would sully the divine halls. 100 People each assigned in trained fashion would ceremoniously clean every inch of the visitors, hymnals and blessings being spoken throughout and incense burning constantly. Finally with all said and done they would be lead in to the largest building, which they could walk in to even in their dragon shapes, which was just one single chamber of incredible beauty and elegance. But none of the attendants followed them past the threshold. At the end of this large room was a shrine of glowing gold and gems. Behind that was what could only be described as a hoard, but not a simple pile of gold coins nay, all manner of objects of worth or simply religious significance was neatly stacked and organized in a harmonious fashion.

Behind that mass of offerings was a giant curtain consisting of multiple decorated banners which covered the entire wall. It wasn't possible to see past this curtain but there was undoubtedly something incredibly large behind it. But it was not a great dragon that greeted them in this hall. For in front of the altar stood a single man dressed in fine, religious robes and one thing of note was that his milky eyes suggested that this individual was in fact blind. And to each side of them against the walls, more human attendants in equal amounts of finery stood all blindfolded and heads lowered in reverence to the visitors.

"Honored dragons and guests, you are allowed to advance up to 20 away from the throne." The human by the shrine said. Then as they did he continued. "You stand before the great Tianzhu, Dragon lord of the 7 heavens, ruler of winds, the shining sun of eternal grace..." The list of titles went on for quite a while before the priest finished with: "...You have been summoned to address the state of the land and discuss the future. For you all know the troubles that plague this land. Introduce yourselves with all titles and honors."

Spoiler: OOC

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Axeszanyreth, im thinking you are either already seated within the chamber by the altar or perhaps you arrive with them. Up to you.

For the rest of you, perhaps bring up a discussion OOC if you'd like to have some previous interaction with me in some capacity. I have already established previous relations with Axeszanyreth. If not thats fine and we can have our first meeting now.

[ahyangyi]

Axeszanyreth, in his dragon form, sits on the ground of the chamber by the alter. He holds an empty parchment scroll in one claw, seemingly ready to write down something as the host and the guests speak.

As the visitors get ceremoniously cleaned, Axeszanyreth chuckles; the first time those trained people tried to ceremoniously clean an ink dragon, it was funny, and probably a bit wasteful for those silk napkins; those things are a bit expensive here. But perhaps being slightly wasteful was on purpose. Anyways, those are old memories: he is no longer a stranger here.

Axeszanyreth curiously watches the guests, waiting for them to introduce themselves.

[JNAProductions]

"I am Azzelfet," she introduces herself. "I feel no need to introduce myself with the honorifics that so easily fall from the tongues of most of our kind-deeds, not words, are what matter. You may not know me directly, honored Tianzhu, but those in your employ do. I have seen to many of the deals your workers have settled upon, from the animals that make up your feasts, to the housing for your vast networks of people, to the construction of the very throne you lay upon."

She pauses a moment. "Your servants are troubled-you may not know it, as you consider yourself above their squabbles, but they are tired, and hungry. You work them to the bone, and expect them to work beyond that. You must remind yourself, honored Tianzhu, that the smaller races lack our abilities. They are limited, not as we are, but in their own ways. You would be best to remind yourself of that when you give your orders."

[Kaworu]

- Trixie Silverfeather, a dreamer - said simply the dragon with white, fluffy fur covering his whole body - I also believe there is no need for honorifics. We are meant to help them people, aren't we? - he went straight to business.

[Nyan]

There was a sudden stillness that fell on the room at the dragons reply, like the very world itself held its breath. The head priest, who had previously had a proud and dignified expression, when Azzelfet replied a visible expression of indignation and anger flashed on his features. The servants to the sides of the wall lowered their heads even further, shock on their features in seeming anticipation for an outburst.

But instead, interrupting the priest as he opened his mouth to speak, the bottom of the curtains fluttered outward slightly with a single gust of wind like a sigh or perhaps a huff. Which was not much for the dragons, but specifically sent the head priest jerking forward with a stumble and a light gasp not being prepared. He quickly turned his head, seemingly catching himself in what perhaps had been an error to almost speak out of turn.

The priest collected himself and then seemingly listened towards the curtains, taking a breath before first addressing Trixie. "Then the Great Tianzhu will simply call you by your name, Trixie Silverfeather. And indeed by the grace of his will and eternal wisdom you all are here to seek the betterment of the land. For what land can prosper without its people...The subject of the centaurs that have began to run rampant across its fields with the failures of their Lord Kret to control his subjects... Being in need of direct attention."

Then the priest turned to Azzelfet and continued. "Azzelfet it is then...His divine lordship is grateful for all of your assistance these past eight decades in matters of trade. But mentions it isn't you who can claim to decide what matters here...The people under his dominion grow hungry yes and that is why he sees that it is finally time to set his divine plan in motion! And with the labors of his people united to this purpose, working to the bone as you say, we will finally see absolution from this chaos."

[JNAProductions]

Azzelfet's eyes meet Tianzhu's. "The world is in turmoil, it is true-but if you wish to be a leader and not a tyrant, you must give your people a reason to hope. What does the slave care if he toils under a dragon or a centaur? What does the slave care if his bones break because the dragon above him demands it, or because of the cruel whips of the equine overlord? You are strong, honored Tianzhu. You are cunning, and intelligent, and brave. But you are not benevolent to all-and again. To be a leader, you must be so."

She breaks the eye contact to look to Silverfeather. "Well met, friend," she says.

[Kaworu]

Trixie raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. Will not the Dragon Emperor speak for itself? And was "punishing" (for a lack of better word) his main priest really that necessary?

He was still quiet, but his intense gaze fell on the divine dragon - or rather the place he would be, how irritating! - as if trying to decipher the kind of game he was playing.

[ahyangyi]

"Sometimes, one can be blessed with titles, but is simply unfit to rule." Axeszanyreth suddenly inserts a comment, then explains, "For example, I bet the people in my dominion are... not only troubled by the centaurs, but also troubled by their overlord's lack of attentiveness."

He uses the other paw to write something on the scroll he had been holding. Or, perhaps he's actually painting?

Spoiler: OOC

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I feel I need to know more about Tianzhu's personality and/or plans.

[Nyan]

At Azzelfets reply the curtains would once again sway as if something behind it stirred. And the dragons would then hear a powerful voice in their minds as if it echoed through the entire chamber. The dragon not even deigning to use his physical voice to reply.


"Impudence. You lecture me on what it means to be a leader, merchant?"

The priest, none the wiser of this would however seem to listen towards the curtains again and continued the reply. "Our Draconic leige has graced you all the honors of the hospitality, and a parade deserving of his fellow dragons yet you come here with nothing but insolence on your tongue! Your seeming lack of courtesy is unbecoming of a merchant of your supposed caliber, your compliments ring false after the fact. You speak of his people lack of hope like you haven't heard them sing his praises, the spoken legends of his ascension to his rightful seat as ruler of the land. You DARE compare him to the likes of the centaur lord who lets his herd crush the people underfoot? When the benevolence of his eternal grace has risen the people under his direct domain leagues above the squalor, filth and injustice the rest of the realm suffers!" His speaks with every once of his being, tho a lot of his own fervor being added.

"You were not summoned to come and ignorantly insinuate flaws towards his divine being. We are here to discuss on the matters that plague this land and how to solve them. The Medipatetian Centaurs and their supposed leader Kret needs to be dealt with." With a snap of his finger one of the other servants ran over to them and rolled out a scroll for the dragons to look at. "Our scouts has heard that they were recently seen here. Through our lieges impeccable foresight to prepare this information for this very meeting."

Spoiler: GM

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((GM. If its not to far fetched to know for either of us. Do let us know where they are.))

"And the great Tianzhu has seen fit to have you, his fellow kin, assist him to show these barbarians the path this land needs to take."

[Feathersnow]

It is true, by the standards of the current aristocracy. Tianzhu is better than most. Despite his pompousness, his people are safe and well fed.

The map is produced showing a Centaur camp located between various cities ostensibly under control of the Minotaur king but giving tribute to the Centaur, anyway. Not that they can afford it. The winters, though less bad than a generation ago, went late the past few years, and came early half of those as well, so harvestsvwere less than they might have been.

[Kaworu]

Trixie sighted in his mind. He would like to avoid arguments. but... oh well...

- Let's then focus on the centaurs, shall we? - he said in a hopeful tone of voice, hoping that they all will pay attention to something constructive this time.

[JNAProductions]

Azzelfet is sorely tempted to roll her eyes. She's used to being seen as "lesser" for her disdain of the aristocracy. But, Trixie has a point. "The centaurs, yes. Focus on the pressing matter-the rest can wait."

[ahyangyi]

Axeszanyreth also turns his scroll to everyone else's direction. He had little knowledge about the centaur camp before, but for the cities themselves, he probably read something about them before, and he listed various trivia or special legal statuses of the cities.

Spoiler: OOC

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Ah, let me attempt some Fate Accelerated mechanics?

~~Quickly~~Cleverly Create an Advantage to try to discover a new aspect, invoking the aspect "I read about many things".

Roll 4d3-8 gives the FATE dice results, I got (4d3)[6], then minus 8, with +2 bonus from the approach and +2 bonus from invoking aspect.

6-8+2+2 = 2

[Feathersnow]

There are currently three fortified cities and about a dozen surrounding attendant towns in the area raided by the centaurs. They could be defended, but Kret has chosen to give them tribute out of the towns' stores so he can preserve his armies for fighting rival claimants and possibly to hire the centaurs as mercenaries.

Things you know are that the primary exports of this region are whiskey and flour, it being a great land for barley and wheat. Centaurs famously can't hold their liquor, so attacking them right after a raid would be very bad for them.

Alternatively, Centaurs can't climb walls, so rallying the townsfolk immediately during the hand-off, while they were inside the walled city, would be a bloodbath, but most of the forces would probably get away.

Other things you know- the local farmers are more likely to be armed and have legal rights in the city to shelter from the Centaurs, but these rights are largely theoretical because the cities are being targeted, not the farmers. In principle, you could raise an out-farmer militia simply by convincing them to show up in one place.

The burgers in the small towns have the worst of both worlds. They have enough stuff to be worth raiding and no Defenses.

Spoiler: ooc

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This is a situation report. Axeszanyreth, with your tag, feel free to declare something or ask for more specific info.

[ahyangyi]

Axeszanyreth explains the various items he came up,

"The centaurs are strong and numerous, even as dragons we would need some plans against them:
they love alcohol but get drunken easily;
they're like fearsome cavalries, but they can't dismount like a regular cavalry does, making walls more useful against them;
and finally, the farmers have the equipment and every reason to fight against the centaurs, they just need a commander to rally under."

Spoiler: OOC

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Admittedly, this is just rephrasing of things...

[Kaworu]

- Maybe we should then focus on establishing walls around cities? - Trixie wondered aloud - Or make some ambush after they are drunk. either way...

[Nyan]

The preist once more listened towards the cuirtans then spoke. "The great Tianzhu mentions that these three towns which the minotaur king and his barbarians are extorting is bordering his domain. He has intended to liberate these cities from the unjust rulership of lord Kret and lay claim on the lands surrounding them by his divine right and negligence of their former leige. And so fighting these savages off by means of force is inevitable. He intends to go in person but will prepare means of reinforcement and quick releif to the effected towns by preparing his men at the border."

[ahyangyi]

Axeszanyreth leaves out the judgement about the idea of annexing lands for this moment, concentrates on the strategic virtues.

"Being on the offensive has the advantage that we might be able to pick the location of the battlefield. Though that puts a test on our information gathering..."

Axeszanyreth then switches to the other perspective, "I also want to talk to the literate people, who are mostly burghers, about the centaurs. They as a whole would be scared and defenseless. Which means they need my protection, and they can probably offer help in exchange."

Spoiler: OOC

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Cleverly Create an Advantage to try to discover a new aspect: what kind of features among the three border towns can we utilize?
(4d3-6)[1]

[Feathersnow]

Spoiler: OoC

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The border towns have hedge-witches and witch-doctors. Between the three towns, most academies for Training plant and healing magic are in this area. They could do things like poison the centaurs' tribute or minimize losses in the event of a battle. They also can vastly increase the yields of beer from malt in the event if a seize, increasing supplies. Other uses foe them may exist

[Kaworu]

- So we can agree for alcohol solution? At least for now? - asked Trixie. It seemed to be the most obvious rute, but maybe others had better ideas?

[ahyangyi]

"Considering how these border towns happen to have hedge-witches and witch-doctors who are adept with poisons and beers, yep, that's probably the most reliable plan." Axeszanyreth connects a few dots on the scroll with his inky paw.

[Nyan]

The priest adds to the discussion. "The great Tianzhu will leave you to the unsavory means of poisoning the savages. His holiness will meanwhile go with his heralds and rally the people of the fields and cities to action under his banner. And offer this supposed minotaur king a chance of immediate surrender lest the wrath of the very heavens will crash down upon him."

Spoiler: OOC

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Okay so im thinking we could do all the things mentioned so far.
We got
-Poisoning the minotaurs/getting them drunk
-Rallying the people
-Speak with witches in the area about said poisoning.

[Kaworu]

Trixie just rolled his eyes - both because the priest was still speaking for the dragon emperor, and because he was keeping away from the most logical steps. Eh, them religious dragons...

[JNAProductions]

Azzelfet commiserates with Trixie, but out loud says "Very well."

[Nyan]

The priest claps his hands which puts all the other attendants lining the walls to attention. "Our divine lord will prepare himself to leave. He expects you to join him in his flight. Should you wish to enjoy the festivities that he has so graciously prepared for you, perhaps to...Educate yourselves on the good and joy his rule brings to the people." He says looking towards Azzelfet specifically. "Then you shall be allowed thus. However if you intend to leave immediately then such will also be adequate. I personally will see to the preparations needed to execute his plan."

Another clap of the priests hands and the servants would in perfect unison take hold of a rope that was behind them and started to pull on it. As they did the curtain would slowly part and a blinding light shone out through the opening as it slowly parted. On a giant cushioned throne of gold and white marble was the large form of a serpentine dragon. His shimmering diamond like scales were white and gold, majestic horns crowned with finery, a large mane of hair billowing without wind, eyes glowing with power, talons without equal and surrounded by this brilliant aura of energy like a sun in itself.

Without wings the dragon simply hovered out from his seat his long body slowly following as it uncoiled itself. He remained hovering a meter or so off the ground without even letting his taloned feet touch the golden floor. All the servants, head priest included would kneel with their foreheads on the floor until with a wave of Tianzhu's talon would get up again. "Blessed be the Lord of Heaven!" They all shouted in unison.

The head priest then left and the other servants would close his curtain. Tianzhu would the observe Azzelfet and Trixie in turn for a moment, lingering just allitle bit longer on Trixie seeing his furry exterior. Yet the dragon said nothing and continued out to the courtyard.

As he exited all the people outside who where celebrating would all as one prostrate themselves where they stood. An immediate silence falling upon the crowd from the former ruckus and noise of the celebration. The head priest was outside, taking a podium at the top of the stairs would clear his throat and shout. "Rejoice! For the days of disunity and chaos are soon over! The Great Tianzhu shall finally begin his liberation of the realm! Celebrate, eat, drink! For soon many more shall join you in his graceful leadership and benevolence! Prepare yourselves to welcome those destitute and ignorant that has yet to see his light! Show them the joy and plenty his people share! Blessed be the Lord of Heaven!"

The people then all stood and with a roar responded in turn. The celebrations erupting with even more fervor and excitement. Tianzhu coiled up and simply observed the celebration below waiting for the other dragons to either begin their flight or go down to the people and join the celebration.

[ahyangyi]

"Alright, an era that more people are literate enough to spell their own names, what's not to like?" Axeszanyreth continues, "Alright, I'll visit the border towns tonight." He then returns to his own chamber to talk to his subordinates about the upcoming task.

[Kaworu]

Trixie rolled his eyes yet again, this time trying hard to hide a smirk. The dragon emperor liked giant entrances, this much could be said without any difficulty.

Still, it was good that he served his people well.

- I do believe that staying here and partying would be nice - the furry dragon began - But I think I have some responsibilities to take care of. Alas, enjoy your time none the less, I shall, perhaps, celebrate too, but only after we will prevail - he explained, then spread his enormous wings and took off.

Now, where to find a lot of alcohol, hm?

[Feathersnow]

After a long and enjoyable feast, the dragons set out the next morning.

Azzelfet and Axeszanyreth begin work in the towns, preparing poisons for the tribute to be given to the Centaurs. Trixie and Tian Zhu decide to rally the countryside for the actual attack, as part of Tian Zhu's move to Annex the lands the Minotaur King will not bother to defend.

[Kaworu]

Trixie wasn't himself sure how he felt. It was necessary to participate in war, yet the actual acts themselves... he sighted, knowing all too well that the was no going around that. Still, his heart sank.

- How are we gonna do it? - he asked his companion with resigned tone of voice.