BZPRPG - Kentoku Archipelago

[Palm]

IC: (Iolatra Angavur)

 

"It is ancient methods our craftswomen have passed from mother to daughter over millennia. As my clan has been armorers since the days of the Hordes in antiquity, they have tried and refined to the present."

 

She looked around. "If you wish to stay, we will happily host you and your party, and hold a feast in honor of this agreement. If you choose to leave, however, I will lead you to our Sokoai pens. A Toroshu like yourself, after all, deserves a gift equal to her status. I think we even have a steed yellow of color."

 

IC: Dastana Arsix

 

It seemed so forced. Not talking with Iolatra or touring with her, but Arsix simply being here. She - nor her family - had ever taken the time to visit Taajar clans or take the time to learn more about them. Arsix had suspected it might seem strange, and unfortunately that seemed to be the case. She only wondered how Iolatra felt.

 

"Thank you, but there is someplace I must be tonight in Sado. Unfortunately I've booked myself into a corner. I'm on a strict schedule starting this evening. I would happily repay you a visit in the coming weeks if it is something you wish," Arsix said, "In fact I must part soon. Before I leave however, I want to say a few things," she stopped, facing Iolatra, "I'm sure you're aware of the political turmoil currently under-way in the Empire. The word of war is whispered through the streets and I know they've made their way here too," Arsix said, "I want you to understand that war affects especially those doing the real fighting, while people like myself and the other Toroshu get to evade much of it. If I'm honest, people in the capital have looked to your people as a chance to buffer their own safeties. They'd easily trade the lives of your people for their own interests. People like me are craving for something to give that pulls you their direction, and those directions are polarizing."

 

Arsix's tone was serious, "Tonight, there will be a controversy. One that truly splits down the Imperials in two. I'm praying and planning for the best outcome I can, but in the end I am only one piece of this game and I cannot stay the weapons that do not belong to me. War may come to the Kentoku Archipelago," her eyes seemed to soften, "You are not my shield nor should you be for anyone else. I must ask that you and your cousin remain free of whatever war is pressed upon you. Do not let people like myself make you a buffer, do you understand what it is I'm saying?"

Edited January 7, 2015 by Palm

[Mel]

[Odaiba, Greywood Longhouse]

 

The young male dashi dismounted at the gate.  His Husi, a bad-tempered gray and black bird, glared balefully at the guards, matching their hostile looks.  For his part, the dashi looked only vaguely annoyed, but he kept a hand on one of his two curved daggers.  They were not exactly rare for dashi to carry, but the click of crystal chainmail beneath his felted jacket was something else, as were the crystal loops that swung on either side of his noble rau, each with a shimmering, minute strip of copper embedded in their bottoms.

 

“I come at the behest of my Jahagir, Ilykaed of Kuychar,” he said (in Vulgar Taa, another oddity.)  “I carry her signet as proof of her favor.  I carry a message for the clan regent.  It has been requested that I deliver the message directly to her.”

 

There was a challenge, hanging heavy in the air as he handed the crystal ring to the guard in front of him.  She examined the signet for a minute at least, her eyes focused mostly on him rather than on the ring in from of her.  The dashi’s pale blue-silver eyes never wavered once.

 

Finally, with a reluctant grunt, the guard handed the signet back to him and motioned upward.  The gates creaked open, just wide enough for him to pass through.

 

The koshi zrupgar sighed in relief as he stepped through the gate.  His Husi grawked angrily as the closing door nearly clipped her tailfeathers.  He knew that he would have to repeat the same show at the longhouse--but all things considered it had gone fairly well.  Maybe he could even complete this mission without someone spitting on him.

 

[Odaiba, Outside Mahuika Hall]

 

Hatchi bowed low to the datsue that opened the door, leaning on her cane.  “Wise one, these humble servants come from Clan Kuychar.  Although it pains us to disturb you, we would like to request passage through your lands for our caravan.”

 

[iki, Ferry Docks]

 

My smile probably could have wilted several of mother’s prize orchids.  “Oh Kulrikky, you do care about me!”

I shamelessly sashayed up to him and linked arms, grinning.  “Care to escort a lady through the market?”  

Edited May 24, 2015 by Mel

[Krayzikk]

IC:

"Agreed." Nihonei replied simply, her eyes panning briefly over the landscape. In truth, she was beginning to regret her choice to leave Sado. She knew little to nothing of those she traveled with, and she had already been away from home too long. Though her clan could easily carry on in her absence it caused her great discomfort to be away from her people in such treacherous times. 

 

Traveling to Iki had not made her feel any better. The island was barren, it had been for many generations, and its purpose was to mine and sell. It was from here that the Dastana had come, and here that they remained. The Eiyu Toroshu was apathetic to their rise to power but now they were at the heart of the greatest unrest the Empire had experienced since the Fursic Uprisings. It had been her mother's time as Toroshu, then. Eiyu Rinai had been the last Eiyu Toroshu to lead her clan into the empire's conflicts, but it was not something she had done lightly.

 

Now her daughter was faced with the Empire's feuds once more. She found herself, in fact, in the eye of the storm. Though she would much have preferred to be home... She needed knowledge. She needed to find out exactly what was coming so she could lead her clan through it intact. Be informed if she had to make a choice.

 

Zuto Nui willing she wouldn't have to.

 

Without another word, she set out towards the castle.

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

Kulrik couldn't hide the displeasure from his face that was aroused by Shuuan's sheer enthusiasm to accompany him. The First Son cursed his luck. One minute he'd been having a conversation with a rapturous Taajar, and now he would have to bog through hours of time with this horrendous, ill-mannered woman. And that smile....

 

Irritation grew to to horror as Kulrik watched the Plangori Menti sashay herself right up to him. He had a bad feeling that knew exactly what Shuuan was planning on doing.

He tried to stammer out a few words of refusal, but because of either surprise or fear, he managed only a small mumble. The next thing Kulrik knew she had wrapped her arms around his and they'd begun walking to market.

 

"Right, of course I'll umm, I'll escort you to the market. Any shop you'd like visit in particular?" 

 

Kulrik himself was trying to think of the most likely corner in this district  to find information that'd prove useful. It helped keep his mind away from the female beside him.

[Mel]

[iki, Market]

 

I rolled my eyes up at him, still grinning.  “Honestly, I think it would be much better if we investigated whichever person so cruelly hid the leader of the Taajar clans.  I mean, how hard can it be to find a sighteye?  They’d have to be--” I stood up on my tippy toes, which incidentally allowed me to breath down Kulrik’s neck.

 

“--standing still, in some place out of the way, where they could see us well enough to project the illusion.”

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

Kulrik shivered uncontrollably for a moment and felt goosebumps run down his spine. This was precisely why he'd hated having Shuuan come along on this journey. She had no sense of decency, she was purposely trying to provoke him, catch him off guard. Plangori Shuuan was an appalling Menti, with no sense of honour or respect (or fashion, he noted) Her breath on his neck had actually felt rather nice.... but that wasn't the point! 

 

He attempted to clear his mind.

 

"That's not.... that's not entirely true" Kulrik said, the hot air still making his cheeks turn red. "The Sighteye doesn't have to see us to use his or his discipline against us. Remember, they work on the mental plane, so they just have to sense their target's mind nearby to wreak havoc. 

 

"Now, we all thought Toroshu Senavysh was with us when we boarded the ferry and after we parted ways. I'm guessing the Sighteye was hidden in a crate, or a wagon maybe, and had someone move them around to follow us. There'd be no point to look for them, we'd have as much chance of finding them as being crowned Emperor and Empress of Kentoku." He immediately regretted his words; he could only image how Shuuan would twist them.

 

"There" Kulrik said pointing to a small of area of shops selling cut crystal jewellery. "Those merchants must scour the island looking for fine crystal. They might have seen the place mentioned by Zunoastra's Blade."

[Mel]

[iki, Market]

 

I pouted.

 

“Alright, if you say so, Kulrikky dear.”

 

Still, I wondered--if the sight eye had affected our minds at one point, it should be easy enough to do the opposite.  I was kind of frustrated at myself for that oversight, I’m usually more sensitive to that sort of activity on the mental plain.  I kept my sense on high alert as we strode up to the booth, smiling winningly at the artisans within.

 

“Do you have anything in bright pink?”

Edited January 8, 2015 by Mel

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

"Oh yes of course Madame, we carry a large pink inventory. We also have items that are rose, rosé, salmon, hot pink, violent, magenta - any color really." 

 

The short Dashi deftly picked up a tray of jewellery from her right and began presenting it to her prospective customers. She'd been doing this a long time, and by now holding so that it caught the light just the right way was second nature to her. All the merchandise on the tray incorporated some element of pink crystal, which was common enough on Iki but the merchant found that many Menti from other clans were willing to empty their purses on. The Dashi lived very comfortably.

 

"Here we have a stunning necklace, you see the crystal feature is carved to resemble an old Empress, back when she was young and slender of course, and holds the record for number of suitors that came to ask of her hand. Oh, and right there is crystal bracelet, it's a dolphin that wraps around the wrist. Do you see those eyes, they're actually small pearls. But maybe you'd like a brooch instead? This one is a real eye-catcher, the design is a whirlpool, that's actually powdered blue crystal there, very hard to make but the effect is quite nice...."

 

The merchant continued to peddle her ways, expertly if she did say so herself, and was certain she'd have another money bag under lap in ten minutes or so, fifteen at the most.

 

"...depends on your taste though, and you beau of course, but between the two of us, it's not like he'd notice, they never do, he just needs to make sure you're happy with it , so, anything catch your eye?"

 

 

 

Kulrik coughed loudly about midway through the merchant's last sentence, and he'd decided that it was time to speak up. 

 

"Excuse me, we were actually hoping you could help us with a problem of ours. We're looking for a 'palace of crystal, where water rises.' Or darkness rises, we're not quite sure on the translation."

 

The merchant raised an eyebrow at the First Son, obviously wondering what was quite the matter with him.

 

"Vulgar Taa. We found an old book, it talked about some buried treasure, thought we'd make a go of it. You know, just for fun" he said with a dashing smile and a laugh, as if he didn't really believe it to be true.

 

Best not to question the motives of Menti, the artisan thought to herself. Living in palaces all day rots their brains.

 

"That's not a very good description of a place you'd bury treasure" she said with a small frown. She'd hoped to sell something to these folks. Ah, perhaps she still would.  "Not if you want to find it again. But a 'palace of crystal' sounds an awful lot like a crystal mine, or star cavern. That is, large rooms in the mines where the walls and ceiling are studded with millions of shards. Bring some light in there, and you'll think you're looking up at the night sky. As for where water rises though, there are some water spouts on the eastern side of Iki. Not sure if that's what you're looking for though.

 

She turned her attention back to Shuuan.

 

"So, will the Madam be having anything today?"

 

Kulrik, meanwhile, was ecstatic and his expression showed it. Finally, some good luck!

[Mel]

[iki, Market]

 

Luckily, while mother is scrupulous in counting inventory and expenditures, she neglects to secure our personal dragons with the same amount of vigor.  I drew out my money pouch, watching the merchant’s eyes widen.  Well,I am, as it pains me to say, the daughter of a very rich clan.  Although I hated myself a little at that moment, I would have felt bad extracting information from this women without giving something return.  Besides, you should never anger a merchant if you want to live life comfortably--a certain dashi named Soraya had grown quite a reputation on that proverb.

 

“Do you have anything a bit more--avant garde?  You know--” I raised an ironic eyebrow.  “--something that will go with my face.”

Edited January 8, 2015 by Mel

[Mr. House]

IC: (Senavysh Angavur)

 

It was quite a lot to take in. The Rora appearing out of the blue, the proclamation of upcoming war between The Crown and The Dastana, and her sudden, outstanding extension of friendship. A part of her mind, the part coddled and groomed by her elders to be suspicious of the Imperials, to distrust they who took over your people, flared upon the back of her mind. Nonetheless, she fought it. The Rora's words, of revolt and destruction of the Imperial system, took her by surprise. She thought it would have been more akin to a Clan-dispute, than a full-blown revolution.

 

The Taajar often got the raw end in wars, with no regard as to whether they participated in them or not. Opposing Imperial clans historically preyed upon their caravans and villages, along with desperate, dispossessed peasants that followed in their wake. A War between Umbraline and Dastana would amplify such tragedies tenfold. At this moment, she came a mental crossroad. For long she had taken the road of caution. To be wary of the Imperial clans who might abuse her people, while also serving as a positive force, a force to change attitudes about them. It was a balance, but a balance that had done little. Her people had so much potential, and she wanted a chance to let that potential manifest into prosperity and peace.

 

Would it be worth it, to throw off that balance? To go deep into Imperial affairs in a way none of her predecessors had ever before, in wartime nonetheless, to give her people the possibility of a better future? If they lost, would The Angavur be destroyed, the Taajar annihilated? The last question, no doubt, rang through the heads of her forebears. One every wartime Jahagir no doubt faced. Every Fursic Rebellion, every Civil War. All the times the Taajar were called to war, it was a possibility. It was an obligation she would have to accept. Something that was enshrined in treaty, one she had to abide by, or else dishonor herself, her clan, and descendants. A war of such magnitude would come to them in time. Creep upon them and strike them in the night. It would be ridiculous to think they could remain neutral. So she had to pick a side, and it seemed to her the side of The Rora offered her both the greatest chance, and the greatest rewards.

 

Honor it she would, but she needed assurances.

 

"Long ago, upon the steps of Mount Koshiki, my people were upon the edge of extinction. Starving, terrified, and humiliated. They could hear the angry cries of the Imperial clans below them, and the ancestors of our people, mine included, prayed to our ancient gods that we would find safe passage out of this world. But your ancestor, one of the first of an Empire united, came to give us terms instead of swords. We sacrificed much to those terms, our Gods, our independence, and the nomadic life we held since times long forgotten. In exchange, we were granted autonomy and peace. We settled and built, and made lives anew, while your ancestor was given the title of Rhonyu, made our liege."

 

"Silently and slowly have recovered. Year by year, century after century, our numbers have grown. At this time, in fact, we are at numbers unseen since the time of the Horde. Not anywhere near that of your people, but enough, I assume, to warrant your statement that we can help change the course of this upcoming conflict. It pains me to say this, but war shall come to us whether we desire it or not. We will bleed, we will suffer. In past conflicts, my people have always heeded the call of the Rora, always fought and died upon her behalf, with little but maybe plunder to show for it. We did it not out of greed, not out of power, but out of honor, and out of debt. I will do the same, keep the agreement my ancestor signed, if you, my Rora, swear to Mother Zuto you repay us for our sacrifices. That my people, with the help of you, your daughters and your kin, will thrive when the last blade is sheathed. That we may always have a voice in council, and see our culture protected and preserved. With that you shall have my blades and my horses, Rhonyu."   

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

"Your face, you say? And something avant-garde? Hmm, one moment" the Saihoko said. This one was going to be a bit of a challenge, but the customer had a bag full of Dragons, and the Dashi was going to make sure it would soon be her own. She bent down below the counter of the booth, picking up a new tray she usually kept hidden from common passerby. She had a few such trays, separated by colour, and they all held items that were just a little less common in this district of the market.

 

"Here we are, I'm you'll find something you like in this batch. Do you see that short scarf in the corner? You won't find a finer silk, and those little crystals are very sharp. They're only on side of course, so if someone is little too violent and tries to grab you well, they'd be in for a nice surprise. And this dagger's hilt is actually ivory, taken from the tusk of a dead sea Rahi, very rare."

 

The Dashi merchant continued to describe the rest her merchandise, all of which was, according to her, very valuable and rare. It helped raise the price.

 

"Anything here catch your eye?"

 

Kulrik, still smiling like a fool, whispered to Shuuan.

 

"C'mon Shuuan, just pick something you want and we can head to the Dastana castle. Whatever you want, but let's hurry up."

[Mel]

[iki, Market]

 

“I rather like the scarf,” I said.  “How much do you want for it?”

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

"Well, its rather unique, you won't find anything like it on Sado. Tell you what, between the two of us, what's three hundred dragons?  It's barely a drop in the bucket, and a bargain for this piece."

[Mel]

[iki, Market]

 

“That’s highway robbery,” I said, then smiled.  “But I’m feeling generous today, besides--”

 

I poked Kulrik just below the ribs.  “The male is rather impatient today.”  I made an effort to sound as lewd as possible.

 

As I counted out the blue crystal coins, I imagined somewhere mother was squirming at the vague feeling that money was being spent without any haggling.

[EmperorWhenua]

IC: (Senavysh Angavur)

 

"Long ago, upon the steps of Mount Koshiki, my people were upon the edge of extinction. Starving, terrified, and humiliated. They could hear the angry cries of the Imperial clans below them, and the ancestors of our people, mine included, prayed to our ancient gods that we would find safe passage out of this world. But your ancestor, one of the first of an Empire united, came to give us terms instead of swords. We sacrificed much to those terms, our Gods, our independence, and the nomadic life we held since times long forgotten. In exchange, we were granted autonomy and peace. We settled and built, and made lives anew, while your ancestor was given the title of Rhonyu, made our liege."

 

"Silently and slowly have recovered. Year by year, century after century, our numbers have grown. At this time, in fact, we are at numbers unseen since the time of the Horde. Not anywhere near that of your people, but enough, I assume, to warrant your statement that we can help change the course of this upcoming conflict. It pains me to say this, but war shall come to us whether we desire it or not. We will bleed, we will suffer. In past conflicts, my people have always heeded the call of the Rora, always fought and died upon her behalf, with little but maybe plunder to show for it. We did it not out of greed, not out of power, but out of honor, and out of debt. I will do the same, keep the agreement my ancestor signed, if you, my Rora, swear to Mother Zuto you repay us for our sacrifices. That my people, with the help of you, your daughters and your kin, will thrive when the last blade is sheathed. That we may always have a voice in council, and see our culture protected and preserved. With that you shall have my blades and my horses, Rhonyu."   

Ic: "You have my word," I said, my voice and face swelling with intense pride and a new sense of power, "your requirements are my desires. They will be met." 

 

It worked. It would take a little while for news of this bolster to my side to trickle down through the ranks of the many Tajaar clans, but Senavysh's oath guaranteed me an army to match any the Dastana could muster. The difficulty now lay in actually using it. I hoped I wouldn't have to, but having the Tajaar on my side helped to ease my stress nonetheless. Goddess, how I'd love a peaceful resolution to whatever conflict was to come, though...

 

At my whim, a sheaf of paper and a quill flew to the table in front of me, and, in what must have been an impressive display of my Mindarm skills to Senavysh, the quill took a life of its own, scribbling out the details of our arrangement with unmatched elegance, all without me even lifting a single digit. At the end, the quill streaked a long line and marked it with an x. "Please, sign this. Our words are enough for us, but records mean a great deal more to historians."

 

After she signed it, we got up and... Well, I wanted to hug Sena, but that would have broken the doctrine of diplomacy and professionalism, so I opted to merely offer my hand, which she kissed and then shook formally, and then our business was concluded for the day. Before we parted ways though, me through the passage I came from and Senavysh through the throne room, I told her she could call on me any time, if not as her friend then as her liege-lady, or Rhonyu. 

 

This was the dawn of a new age for both of us.

Edited January 9, 2015 by Queen Anora Mac Tir

[Constructelf]

IC: Ayako

"O... Okay?"

 

This was odd.

 

"Normally people don't have to ask for permission to travel through Clan lands, as far as I know; then again, I've never handled immigration before. Oh well." Ayako shrugged. "Permission granted."

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

Three hundred dragons, and the Menti hadn't even tried to bargain her down! The merchant graciously accepted the coins and handed Shuuan the scarf, careful that neither she nor the Dasaka touched the side with sharpened crystal, and deposited the currency somewhere hidden behind the counter.

 

"It'll look absolutely magnificent on you, my lady, really stunning. And if ever you need something else, just come right to me!"

 

She'd been worried at first by Shaun's comment that she might lost a customer, but it had all turned out very well.

 

The Dashi would be feasting with her family tonight, yes she would.

 

 

Kulrik felt a tingling sensation run through when Shuuan spoke, the flavour of her words wholly inappropriate. His face looked terrified again, worried about what his companion could have been implying.

 

"No I'm not, I just- look, we needed to -" he breathed in deeply. Finally, in an exasperated sort of way, he said "We really are in a hurry to get somewhere, ok."

 

With his arm linked with hers, Kulrik turned around with Shuuan and began the long walk back. He ventured to concentrate on the Blade and the quest they were on. Everything that had been revealed in the sword's message, the description of where the next Key could be found and how the island's features on western coast seemed to match it exactly, what good luck they'd had. Unfortunately, the image of the woman on his left sashaying up to him, now with a scarf dangling behind her, kept intruding. 

 

Eventually, he just decided to give up.

 

"So Shuuan, earlier in the library you came in with First Son Jiyu. What were you doing with him?"

[Mel]

[iki, Market]

 

“Looking for books, what else would we be doing in the library?”

Edited January 9, 2015 by Mel

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

"I'm sorry, I didn't think you looked like the type to go reading books in the library." Truthfully, Kulrik didn't know what type of woman Shuuan looked like. The  First Son usually spent most of his time with females that were a great deal more pleasing to look at. His mind thought of the times he'd been to the Imperial Library during his Menti training. It certainly hadn't been for the books, but the librarians on the other hand...

 

"How do you know Herupa Jiyu? Are your clans close, or...."

[Mel]

[iki, Market]

 

I tutted.

 

“They don’t breed you for brains, do they?   And you don’t look like the reading type yourself, Kulrikky dear.  We ran into each other--as you know, people do normally.  Or do you not tend to notice people on a regular basis?”

 

I wasn’t sure how much I could trust Kulrik with, considering his mental defense was even worse than mine and didn't come with the strong awareness that I had.  I wasn't willing to go into just how many problems Jiyu had. He probably thought people like me just sat around in rooms all day cackling.  Or something.

Edited January 14, 2015 by Mel

[Palm]

OOC:
Timeskipping Arsix away to Sado to get things going. House, if you'd like to continue the conversation between Arsix and Iolatra via flashback on your own, or a jammed flashback just hit me up, but this needs to happen this week.

 

Suggested listening

 

IC: Dastana Arsix - Sado - Eastern Markets

 

Arsix stepped onto Sado's docks, just east of the markets. For a moment her eyes were fixated on the market-goers and shopkeepers, but she quickly turned her attention to the imperial residences. Arsix's eyes seemed to scan the towers from a distance with a sort of concentration, as if she was waiting for something. This was interrupted however, when First Son Jasik slid up next to her pretending to care about the position of the sun in the sky, "What took you so long in Obaida? Did you stop for some sight-seeing?"

 

Arsix gave Jasik a small look, "You sound like you missed me."

 

"I didn't know if I could go on honestly," Jasik said absolutely dishonestly, "Without you by my side, I had no idea what to do with myself."

 

Arsix turned again to the capital's towers, staring at them intently, "Iolatra was there to mediate for her cousin. They've accepted my declaration so at the very least we should be able to avoid angering an entire group of clans by proxy of our own people." The Toroshu said calmly, giving Jasik a telling look.

 

After a brief moment the twins shared one more glance before stepping off the docks and into the market.

 

To their sides, a small guard walked, while others began to bleed into the market-place. Their job was to spread the same message that Arsix was now giving, "People of the Dasaka Empire! Hear me, Toroshu Arsix! Hear my proclamation!"

 

Since most of the traders were Dastana, to see their matriarch marching past them with the promise of demonstration was enough to make swaths of people - even within ear-shot - to follow. "Come! Hear this proclamation!"

 

Arsix felt right at home. To anybody that looked to her as she constantly repeated her message through the streets, she could only be described as unsettlingly at peace. She walked within the perfect balance of rage and serenity, and with it, came a power virtually emanating from her being. This power was a result of the fire in her chest. Not a newly lit fire, but a patient one. Knowing when to grow, and knowing when to remain unchanged. Going largely unnoticed, this small flame was about to make a declaration, but now as a billowing pillar of fire.

 

More market-goers began to follow, and with it there was a spreading of the message that Arsix no longer needed to take part in. Something was happening, and everybody would want to be there for it. Not only were people within the single street following, but followers were now recruiting more followers adjacent to the twins. Whispers that told of the twins coming became murmurs and then shouts, "A proclamation!", "She's marching towards the towers!", or "Toroshu Arsix to make a proclamation!"

 

The famous eyes looked up the road to look yet again at the approaching capital. Her and her brother looked to each other, and Arsix felt her hand grips his.

 

By the time the twins reached the outer ring of the palace, they had amassed behind them what could only be described as a small army, made up completely of market-people. Traders and consumers alike stood behind her.

 

Arsix breathed in, became taller and began to shout, her words supplemented with her willhammer powers, "My family's future has been called into question in recent days," She turned and faced her audience, "My brother and I stand before you all, at the Rora's front steps, to make this clear for you all!"

 

She felt the fire within come forth on her tongue, as she turned to face the Rora's stead over the residences, "Clan Dastana no longer recognizes the Rora's authority!" There was a sudden hush, "The Rora is not entitled to the profits of people she does not respect!"  Her voice began to rise in intensity, "The Rora has no right to the resources my clan makes for themselves! The Rora has no right to clan Dastana! And no sanctions, no threats, and no army at my doorstep will ever change that!" Arsix reached over her shoulder and unclasped golden buttons to cast off her rich cloth, "We secede!"

 

At the roar behind her, Arsix turned hard on her heel, and in a matter of seconds, Jasik and Arsix had vanished into the crowd.

 

OOC:
TL;DR

Clan Dastana no longer considers themselves part of the Empire and have officially seceded.

Edited January 17, 2015 by Palm

[Specter Knight]

OOC

I figured I'd better get stuff happening in Kentoku after a long period of nothing.

 

IC-Jinrali

 

Jinrali walked Into the library, ready for relaxation after a hard day at work. She Walked up to the front desk and asked "Excuse me, but do you have any recent books about historical battles and strategy in today?

 

OOC

Think along the lines of "The Art of War"

[silo]

IC: (Naihi Okrihnok/Odaiba)

Again, they had settled for the night in open grassland, sprawling unto the horizon.

The empire was collapsing, and the time would come when the Taajar and all others that those scum had mistreated would rise to power and grind them to dust beneath their feet.

But not yet.

Honour. Honour to the clan and to the people. But not to them.

We would not be Taajar in our hearts if we attacked the Imperials before Angvur decreed it was right to do so. But there is no rule against inciting others to.

In an hour, envoys from the Coalition of Black would meet her in the longhouse at the centre of the village. There, plans would be made.

OOC: That's your cue, Construct and Nato

Edited January 17, 2015 by Sil

[Nato G]

OOC: Might as well get things moving. 

 

IC: Vazaria - Odaiba. 

 

"This is the place?" Vazaria asked uncomfortably, as she and Sora entered the sprawling Tajaar encampment. She wasn't particularly fond of the clansmen. She didn't understand their society; a fact that made her uncomfortable to be around them. And with nearly half of her body covered in burn scars, she lived with enough discomfort as things were. 

 

"Let's get this over with..." 

Edited January 17, 2015 by Roman Torchwick

[Constructelf]

IC: Sora

Sora really, really didn't want to be here.

 

Okrihnok was an ultra-traditionalist Taajar clan, to the point where they even trained Koshi Zrupgar. It was an open secret that they weren't exactly fond of the Imperials, but how far their hatred went, Sora didn't know. Would a Hoaja Mudra, an oathbreaker, a not-Taajar fall under their wrath? There was a social stigma around clanless Menti already; to be both clanless and a blood traitor?

 

Nevertheless, work was work. Food had to be put on the table somehow. Hissing under her teeth, Sora nodded to Vazaria. "The quicker the better," she stated with obvious trepidation even as she walked to what could be a tiger's den.

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

Kulrik ignored the insult to his intelligence, his mind made up to enjoy what was left of the day after they'd discovered an enormous clue to the whereabouts of the second Key. As for Shuuan's comment that he didn't often notice people... that was partially true, though he wouldn't admit it. The Vilda First Son did tend to ignore, and not notice, people like her, people that were so ugly. 

 

"My attention is usually focused on more pleasing images."

 

He thought he felt Shaun's grip on his tighten.

 

He hadn't said that aloud, had he?

[silo]

IC: (Okrihnok/Odaiba)

A young Menti, lithe and clad entirely in grey-black crystal armour, approached Sora and Vazaria. As far as the pair could tell, she held no weapons, but blue-green light danced around her right hand, occasionally flickering into recognizable shapes, before flowing back into the luminescent energy.

As she got closer, the light cut out, and a weary smile spread itself across her face.

She didn't offer a hand to shake, but nodded to the pair, stating: "I am Telum, lieutenant Zrupgar-Sicar of clan Okrihnok." Realising that the two may not have heard the phrase before, she explained: "That being, the lieutenant to the Assassin-Master."

She turned, walking towards the main building at the centre of the makeshift village.

Over her shoulder, she said: "The Jahagir will see you now."

[Nato G]

IC: Vaza - Odaiba.

 

"I have no idea what that means," Vazaria could barely contain her contempt for the whole situation. She knew her attitude was a poor one, but she made no effort to change it. Once she got an idea of what these Tajaar could offer the Coalition, she'd be willing to reconsider her attitude. "I'm going to guess it's someone important, so let's get this over with." 

[Constructelf]

IC: Sora

"Jahagir is the Vulgar Taa word for Toroshu," Sora commented quietly as she walked alongside Vazaria. Nervous, she put the black lenses into her mask and pulled her hood over her head.

[silo]

IC: (Okrihnok/Odiaba)

Sora and Vazaria were ushered into the log-made long house, the young Menti proceeding them. The interior was dark and gloomy.

As they got further inside, Telum had seemingly disappeared silently into the shadows, and...a figure, sitting at a desk piled with tablets and scrolls, was just visible in the less-than-light.

They would approach the figure cautiously, but it didn't seem to be moving, staying exactly still. The shadows around the pair shifted.

Unease enveloped them.

"Thank you, Xelkar. You are dismissed" said a voice a few metres behind them. "Honoured, Jahagir." was the short reply, issued in the voice of the one introduced as Telum.

Turning, the pair would see an identical desk a few feet to the side of the path they had walked, seemingly having appeared out of nowhere. Even stranger, turning back they would no longer find the indistinct figure in front of them at all.

"I apologise about the light, but the scrolls are very old and easily damaged." the first voice continued, seemingly unaware of the ghostly desk that had just disappeared from sight. "But they can wait." There was some sliding of compartments, and suddenly four large candles illuminated the space around them and the figure in front of them. The oppressive darkness was gone, even the far reaches of the large room cut in sharp detail, contrasting to their half-visible forms seconds earlier.

The figure in front of them sat tall, crystal armour gleaming azure, cloth bluish-grey and eyes piercing blue...talking of her eyes, there seemed to be a third one embedded in the forehead of her stylised Calix. Her expression, like Xelkar/Telum, was weary, but she seemed genuinely happy to see the two. A large fir coat was draped over her shoulders and a pendant hung round her neck. The symbol engraved upon it resembled a ring of outwards facing spikes with a downwards pointing dagger at it's centre.

"Please, be seated." she said, gesturing to two rough wooden chairs made to be disassembled at a moment's notice. Surprisingly, she too was sitting in one of these, rather than some sort of throne you might expect from someone of her status.

Edited January 20, 2015 by Sil

[Constructelf]

IC: Sora

Sora took a seat, looking somewhat tense.

[Nato G]

IC: Vazaria

 

She sat down slowly, crossing her legs and folding her arms across her chest. Her scarred face regarding the interior of the tent impassively. Where had the figure gone, and why was the furnture seemingly teleporting around? Someone nearby had been casting illusions to confuse them, she was sure of it.

 

The question was... why? 

[silo]

IC: (Naihi/Odiaba)

"Thankyou for taking the time to come." the Jahagir continued.

"I have a task for your group. It must be done with utmost secrecy, and not be link-able to our clan in any way." 

Naihi knew that the only other beings listening were her most trusted lieutenants, currently using their various skills and powers to stay completely hidden around the room from the two. 

Even if another from the clan did hear, it would not matter - they were all fiercely loyal to her. The burden of responsibility was a heavy one, but ever since the last leader had died, she had sworn to do her duty to keep order.

"There is a small Imperial clan here on Odiaba, known as Clan Malleo. For years, they have attacked us in a highly...legal way. That is to say, by the Empire's rotten law, they have done nothing wrong. I have something in mind to make them...pay."

 

OOC: (Sil/Okoto)

Btw, Malleo are NPCs, so the Dragon Egg stunt isn't going to affect any PCs too much.

Edited January 24, 2015 by Sil

[Constructelf]

IC: Sora

"You require plausible deniability," Sora replied, nodding.

 

So we have to do the dirty work of the nobles again, do we? Ah well. Gotta put food on the table, and this is really the only option. Still...

 

<What have we come to...> If Naihi was of sharp hearing, she might hear Sora muttering under her breath in Vulgar Taa, with a Kuychar accent. It was reflex; after all, your mother tongue better lent itself to usage in times of emotional and cognitive stress.

 

But anyways.

 

"And how are you going to make this Clan pay?"

Edited January 25, 2015 by One-Eyed Construct

[Nato G]

IC: Vazaria - Odaiba.

 

Vaza let Sora do the talking, while she swept my eyes through the tent, trying to figure out who had been casting those illusions. Quite possibly, they still were casting them in order to hide themselves from sight. She didn't appreciate being played for a fool by someone who supposedly wanted an alliance. 

[silo]

IC: (Naihi/Odaiba)

On the edge of her hearing, the Jahagir noticed Sora's words.

Interesting, but now was not the time to ask about her origins.

Adressing her question, she said:

"As you will know, Mount Koshiki is home to many great Kanohi Dragons. At this time of year, many new eggs will have been laid. However, the mask drakes will have very many eggs to guard, and...it is possible to take one without them noticing for, let us say, an hour or two."

She paused.

"Take one and plant it in the centre of Malleo's village. The dragon will come soon enough, but by that point, you will be gone. It will destroy the village."

Another pause.

"Your pay will be one hundred green Imperial Dragons."

 

OOC: Not sure how much green dragons are worth, but let's say 100 of them is a lot

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: It'd been almost ten minutes since Inokio left Empress Yumiwa in her privy council chamber and the advisor was whiling the moments away ambling around the royal's private library. It was the same room he had bent his knee and proclaimed the then-chōjo as his sovereign and began putting her on a track she could never veer off of. It wasn't that his proclamation was what made her the rora, but the fact that he was the first to do it had tainted her apotheosis with a certain degree of expectation and solemnity. It had also cemented his position as one of her chiefest supporters, particularly in her eyes, and in that role he been molding her from afar while being close, veering things in her favour far in advance despite maintaining nearly no degrees of separation with the monarch.

 

There seemed to be no higher purpose in his pace while he strode calmly, nearly hugging the wall of the circular chamber, and from time to time he would pause, admire a volume and flip through the pages a bit before depositing it back from whence it came and resuming his walk. Like many things Atramentous did, however, there was a level of suspect in his actions shrouded in casual and innocuous fog. Everything had an explanation—an ancient feud, a modern lust, a simple demand—and the battlemaster was an expert in showing the inauspicious to disguise the sinister. 

 

"Pardon, Your Lordship, but can I help with anything?" a fragile voice asked from the center of the room, at the stairwell. Inokio snapped his face towards the source. It was Yumiwa's youngest maid, Than. She timidly folded her hands at her crotch and looked at the floor as she explained her interruption. "I— Er, I saw you come in here and I... became curious when I thought I heard you shuffling about still..."

 

"Rest easy, Than," Inokio assured her. "I'm just whiling away a few free minutes to reacquaint myself with these books."

 

He thought that would satisfy the young meant, but the sliver of conversation instead emboldened her to step forward a little and look up. "Mistress Yumiwa speaks often of your erudition and teaching skill. I was wondering if there was any chance you would be able to tutor me. If—if you had spare time to sped with a lower-blooded—"

 

"I'd love to," Inokio said, then held the moment before continuing, "but it's not a matter of logistics or rank. Time can be found or made. Knowledge doesn't care who seeks it and answers all prayers just the same. Tell me, does Yumiwa know about your ambitions?"

 

"Well... no. Since her ascension to the throne I and the others have become more servants than friends to Her Majesty. I haven't had the opportunity to tell her what I want."

 

"I see." Inokio toyed with the thought and caressed a volume's spine for a mindful moment, leaving Thran waiting, something she had become increasingly used to doing. "What is it you want to learn about?"

 

"Everything," Thran said, assertive for the first time, and rattled off her interests while tapping her fingers. "Politics, naturalism, lore, combat. For all of Yumiwa's apparent nonchalance I know she's more cultured than the finest cheeses, and I want to be as learned as she is. I have very little to offer in return but perhaps you could maybe teach me like you did her."

 

The councillor chuckled heartily at the comparison and smiled broadly. He'd heard many witticisms, but contrasting the monarch to cheese was a new one even in his book. "Alright. I'll teach you when I can," he finally relented, impressed with Thran's creativity, if not her ambition or boldness. "That may be limited, but I will try."

 

"Can we start now?" Thran said, eagerly sitting at the nearest chair and expecting Inokio to waft over and deliver a lesson on the fly, but Inokio shook his head. 

 

"No. I only had a few spare minutes, and that pool is now dried up. Another time—"

 

Crimson dominated. Thran, the books, the chairs, everything faded to washed-out red. Like a bloody nightmare that remained seared on the irises after waking, monochrome enveloped Inokio's mind. As though someone had flashed a bright light into Inokio's eyes, a single emblem erupted into his view and only gradually diluted itself into the background. Clan Anguvur's sigil was the symbol the councilor was waiting for, a sign that Yumiwa's diplomacy had won and the Tajaar clans would heed the throne again. 

 

Of course, Yumiwa could have used some more finesse with her delivery. Inokio blinked rapidly to rid himself of the rora's mental imprint on his mind. Thankfully, while her execution of Willhammer was overwhelming, it was also hasty with enthusiasm and not lasting beyond the initial slap in the face. 

 

He sighed, then picked his satchel up and strode past Thran to the stairs. "Another time, Thran, I promise." With a wink, he fled the room. This time, it seemed, his purpose was innocent. Books always did calm him, and he needed a peaceful respite while awaiting the rora's message. Thran, however, had opened a new avenue he hadn't considered before. Perhaps that was a road that required more investigation than his idle paces 'round a room.

Edited January 26, 2015 by Queen Anora Mac Tir

[AuRon the champion]

Ic:

 

Jiyu had the desire to return home. So he did. Of course, there was various paperwork and other sort of busybody things that he needed to attended to, and he gladly attended to the tasks that required his attention. He had wanted this job after all.

 

So when news finally reached him of shifting alliances and independence, he simply shrugged and continued on with his work.

[Constructelf]

IC: Sora

Wait.

 

WAT.

 

JUST, WAT.

 

"... Sounds easy enough, at least in concept."

 

Still.

 

Robbing a Kanohi Dragon?

 

This was the sort of job this Jahagir was offering?

 

Hey, I just met you/

And this is crazy/

But here's my-

 

Sora mentally punched herself.

 

Well... Not much they could do. Work was work. Besides, what would happen if they declined...?

 

"What do you think?" she asked turning to Vazaria. "I'm in favor, but if it doesn't feel right for you..."

[Nato G]

IC: Vazaria.

 

"This is a joke, right?" Vaza snapped. "Your little illusionist buddies are hiding an audience who are secretly laughing at us this entire time, aren't they?" I narrowed my eyes. "I'm not going to start taking you seriously until you start being honest with us. No more illusions; show me who else is in this room with us."