BZPRPG - Kentoku Archipelago

[25K Now!]

IC: Noshima

 

"These visits are subject to explicit orders of my clan."

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

"Ah. Yes, they are indeed." The Eiyu replied, the meaning of the original sentence fitting together in her mind with the additional interpretation. She nodded slightly, not moving from her spot nor outwardly changing expression. The topic she had hoped to avoid had arrived, though she supposed it was inevitable.

 

"I am aware of the rather... Muddled area that my visits reside within."

[25K Now!]

IC: Noshima

 

"Clarity is lacking in whether members of thy class are permissible to attend," she continued, her tone rather flat, "however, until such is decreed, no disruption to this meditation will be provided."

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

Hanabe bowed once more, more deeply than before. "That is greatly appreciated, Lady Noshima. While I would obey such a decree, it would sadden me to no longer be able to visit this place."

[25K Now!]

IC: Noshima

 

"There would be much regret at loss of access," agreed the Toroshu quietly.

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

Normally, this was around the point that Hanabe would have quieted completely and returned to her meditation. Conversation, particularly of this length, wasn't something she often engaged in. At that moment, she supposed, she wished for someone to talk to.

 

"The Gardens and the Library, these are the places I visit. The latter reminds me of home, I suppose, while the former reminds me of what I wish our land had more of."

[25K Now!]

IC: Noshima

 

"And visitations to places other, they are rare?"

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

"Much of my time is spent at home. The Eiyu libraries, those are my usual environment. There are a few places, back home." Hanabe's mouth quirked upwards faintly, the barest traces of a smile. "There's a pond, in the corner of one of our courtyards. A scholar, long passed from this world, wanted to study the natural behaviors of such an ecosystem. She secured a piece of land from her Toroshu, and set about her mission."

"It was her greatest  work. She studied every natural one she could find, however small, to determine what resided within them. She dug a hole in that courtyard, large enough for her purposes, and waited for the rain to begin to fill it. She gathered plants to move to her creation, enlisted the aid of a Vilda to imitate a natural pond perfectly. She commissioned equipment, crystalline tanks, to carry fish and other creatures overland. She filled them with water, with the animals she needed, and she used her own Mindarm to carry them back home for her own pond." The Menti stared idly at a tree in front of her as she recounted the tale. "The work took her years. By the end of it she had created a pond, self sustaining just like all the others."

"She studied it for years afterward, writing down everything she observed from the number of fish to the height of the plants. She was an old Datsue by the time her work was done. 'The Life of the Pond', that was what she called her volume. To this day it is the most detailed overview of such a system in the entire Empire." She paused again, nodding slightly. "I like that pond."

 

"I like the coast, as well. I visit it often to sit next to the water, or train among the waves. These places, these places and the libraries. Those are where I am at peace."

[25K Now!]

IC: Noshima

 

She knew of what the younger Dasaka spoke. In her own youth, Noshima remembered her own fascination with with nature and all that she read (including the volume that Hanabe mentioned, which she possessed a copy of in her own personal library). While this interest had dimmed since she had ascended to the seat of her clan's Toroshu, she still found herself empathising with the Eiyu clan member more than she had expected.

 

"There is difficulty in seeking worthier sources of peace than thine."

[Palm]

IC: (Iolatra)

 

"Does this affect my clan personally, or the Taajar as a collective people?" Iolatra asked. "I speak for both, and will be able to act for both- however in varying degrees and difficulties Political, and otherwise."

 

IC: Dastana Arsix

 

Arsix gave a satisfied smile, "Both," her eyes returned to Iolatra as she continued, "Your people have skills that no others in the capital seem to have. I've seen some of the goods myself years ago and I was as impressed as I was jealous. However my mother never seemed particularly interested much like the rest of my clan." Arsix said, "I'm talking about weapons of course."

 

She motioned to the single guard that had accompanied her inside, "As you can see, these metals and armors well good, are not as high of quality as what your people craft. Despite your standing in the caste, anybody with any sense can clearly see that," Arsix spoke very business-like and cordially. This was one of the first things she learned to do - other than hold back desires to cull her brother in the crib - and was almost second nature to her, "Bottom line, Iolatra, is that I'd like to replace the tools we have with tools of your making; we'll pay you well of course. Additionally, I'm seeking to improve trade between our peoples as I am with other families of the Empire. If you will conduct business with me on this venture, I can pass word to the rest of my clan," Arsix unbuttoned the clasp on her royal jacket and reached inside, producing a paper, "A declaration to the Dastana that they must not refuse your people business," she handed Iolatra the parchment and with a smile she said, "Barring any bad deals of course."

 

Arsix let this hang in the air. Most women in the Empire refuse to conduct any sorts of business with Taajar women and have since the nomads were forced to adopt the caste system long ago. The few traders that worked at all with the people of Odaiba were Dastana women, but even they flipped between trading and refusing. Arsix knew this idea was certainly unorthodox and would get quite a bit of animosity from nobles back home, but for both clans, it meant reliable trade which was exactly what Arsix and her brother were looking for.

Edited December 12, 2014 by Palm

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

"They are places important to me. Perhaps to another their worth is little, but for myself..." The Eiyu sighed, almost imperceptibly, as her power carefully replaced the world around her with that of the coast. The very portion of the beach that she herself so often visited, with rocks rising behind her and the sea in front of her. The smell of salt filled the air as she began speaking again.

 

"The sea could wipe out anything in its path. Our histories speak of a tidal wave, generations back, that had threatened our own chateau. Had it not been forestalled it would have wiped out all that we had built. But it is restrained. Its power is seldom unleashed, instead harnessed into the gentle waves on which fisherwoman sail." The landscape was replaced by the pond in her courtyard, recreated in loving detail down to the sounds of its inhabitants. "The pond is the manifestation of one woman's lasting determination, even if so many have forgotten."

 

The illusions faded again, permitting the Gardens to resume their place in the world. Dappled sunlight fell through the leaves, painting the earth and grass below in shades of green. Hanabe paused a moment, her hands moving from her knees for the first time to pick up a fallen leaf.

 

"The Gardens are what the world should be. The Vilda have painstakingly maintained them as one of the last bastions of nature. Species long extinct exist here. They should be respected. Protected. They are the last example of the balance that once existed, not the artificial semblance we have created."

[25K Now!]

IC: Noshima

 

"Is it?" she asked.

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

"Where else could such a place be found but the Vilda's home?"

[Mr. House]

IC: (Iolatra/Greywood)

 

The fates had gone their way, it seemed. The Dastana, controllers of almost all of the mercantile Imperials, were giving her something that would change the status quo in a way unseen in millennia. Her mind buzzed with a special kind of joy, of happiness. The Taajar would not face as much exclusion, and could finally be recognized as equals. Her mind began to buzz with possibilities, as she unclasped the parchment, and began to read. However, an old ghost came over to her left, leather armor pitted and worn. Her cousin.

 

"Mahane, do not intrude-as regent I ask you do not..." she said warily, knowing full well the Dastana would hear.

 

IC: (Mahane)

 

Her mind went back to west Odaiba, three decades ago. Her sister was still under the thumbs of the elders, still being sheltered by them. Mahane, being younger by but a year, had been sent as a diplomatic token to a clan of Soko-riders. In that small, proud clan, she had more of a family then Greywood would ever offer her. The days had always been quiet, except that one autumn day. That day, a caravan of Kuychar had came to the village, except not to trade or rest. Their Mukau was barren of bag or good, seemingly hobbling on a limp. On it was a small thing, bound in what seemed to be blankets.

 

The Zrupgrars let them in, helping them through the gate, and escorted them to the central Longhouse. Being called from the stables in a hurried voice, the scene she came into would come to haunt her. The merchants were all beaten, in one way or another. Some had black eyes, or broken fingers, some hobbled upon sticks. The described to the Jahagir their story, that they were traveling the back roads of Odaiba when they came upon a group of Dastana.

 

Engaging in barter with the Kuychar, the Imperials became offended by a deal the Kuychar offered, and it degraded into shouting and anger. Until, in rage, the Imperials declared they would punish the Taajar far their usury, and attacked the caravan. The Imperials overwhelmed them, beating them senseless with club and sword-flat. They took all the Kuychar owned, as punishment for their supposedly collective crimes. The one beaten most was the young daughter of the merchant, beaten to the point of almost unrecognizability. Mahane remembered her whimpers as she tried to give to her painkilling tea, as the child passed within her arms.

 

They were targeted because they were considered lower than the lowest. That those Imperials felt that the Kuychar, despite being of the same caste, despite being innocent, were parasites, intent upon preying on their fortunes and their clanswomen. Those Imperials knew they wouldn't be punished, wouldn't be vilified. That they were putting those lower in their rightful place as below them. Such incidents were rare, but they nonetheless happened. Mahane also knew the attitudes that led to such incidents, and all the multitude of other problems caused by it, wouldn't go away due to a piece of parchment.

 

It seemed to her this was a ploy. The Dastana Toroshu seemed well intentioned. Seemed. The Dastana had enough economic power to overwhelm her people, to degrade, exploit, and manipulate the Taajar. What Imperials could not do with sword they would do with coin. If not Arsix, then Arsix' children, or grandchildren. The hate towards her people would no be snuffed within her clans. If anything, it would be fueled by greed and ruthless ambition. She hadn't an ounce of trust in Arsix, no more than she did for any Imperial. Iolatra, being corrupted into degeneracy by the Daikura, wouldn't see it one bit. She had to speak up, but had to begin as innocently as she could. She spoke first about the odd request of weapons Arsix had given her cousin. It would allow her to kill time, to allow her to get to the real issues after introducing herself.

 

"Toroshu Arsix, I am Mahane, Sokomaster of Clan Angavur, sister of Senavysh," she said in her rough Imperial. "Why, might I ask, is a clan of merchants so desirous of weaponry?"

 

Her cousin gave Mahane a look of cold rage.

Edited December 13, 2014 by Mr. House

[Palm]

IC: Dastana Arsix

 

Arsix turned her attention to the Sokomaster, who up until now had remained silently off to the side. The Toroshu glanced to Iolatra who was clearly giving Mahane a look. However, Arsix responded with little hesitation, "We're desirous of plenty of things, Sokomaster Mahane," she began, "My clanspeople are some of the most looked down upon people in the capital when in actuality we're some of the most innovative and brilliant business people or inventors," she turned her full attention to Mahane.

 

"I may have been born into a royal family, and I may wear my wealth but those things only go so far. Weapons are practical," with a curt pause Arsix explained, "I can't use the garb I wear to defend myself and my name will only do do much to protect me from harm. Besides," the Dastana slowed slightly, "I'm always seeking to improve what I can."

Edited December 13, 2014 by Palm

[Mr. House]

IC: (Mahane Angavur)

 

"You did not answer my question," Mahane said bluntly. "Your guard is armed well. Not as well as a Zrupgar, but good enough to fight other Imperials. Surely enough to dispatch those who seek to harm you. Yet you come out here, to the hinterlands of Odaiba, to buy weapons from the Angavur, and smooth over a trade agreement-"

 

"Mahane, be silent, please," Iolatra hissed.

 

She would not bow to her degenerate cousin. No, she would stand by her words. "I do not believe your clan wishes solely for quality weapons. No. The tension between Dastana and Umbraline is known even here, Toroshu. I believe you are here to both procure arms  away from the eyes of Imperial Customs, and also to put the Taajar under the Dastana thumb. Another set of clans in your confederacy"

 

IC: (Iolatra)

 

Breathe in, breathe out. Iola was holding back the urge to take the flat of her Katar to Mahane's ignorant, vain face. She was a wary of the Empire, as any Taajar should be. But this was a chance for a better life, for all Taajar. The Dastana understood their plight probably more than any Umbraline or Fursic ever would. Those like Mahane wished to return to a past they could never go back to. Iolatra wanted the future, a see a new era for them, new prosperity and peace.

 

Of the points Mahane made, the weaponry part bothered her not. The Imperials would kill each other whether the blade was Dastana or Angavur in make. The second part was unrealistic and paranoid. The Dastana were better people than that, and the Taajar would allow themselves such repression. It was counterproductive to bring it up. She needed to stop Mahane, honorably.

 

"...Toroshu Arsix, has my cousin offended you, or your clan?" she said, barely hiding her spite after the word cousin. "I can arrange for her to return to her chambers. To calm herself into a more honorable mood."

[Toa Fanixe]

IC:

 

Kulrik waited anxiously for a reply. 

 

 

....

 

Relisai spied him from behind a copse of trees. He was huddled over, trying to start flame in crude fire pit he'd made. From the sound of it, he was having a hard time of it. He was blue skinned like most Dasaka, but his crystal armour was so dark Relisai would have said it'd been painted black if not for the faint accent of a muscular build beneath it. Very muscular.

 

Without realizing it the Vilda lesser princess began to grin, happy that she had this handsome secret all to herself. She wondered who he was, and what he was doing here. 

 

Then he was gone.

 

"What th-" Relisai exclaimed, rubbing her eyes. She's just seen the strange man an instant before, and somehow he'd disappeared! There was no shadow on the ground either, so he wasn't using a Huna, and Relisai was confident she would have picked up on him if he'd used any Sigheye powers. She ran ahead to the fire pit, looking for tracks. There they were, leading to the pit, but then... nothing.  She cursed herself for losing concentration and the man, that was no way for the sister of the future Toroshu to behave. She was a Vilda, the guardians of Oki! Relisai couldn't just let some male sneak onto the island without the clan's knowledge. She looked from one side to another, hoping to catch a glance of the suspect. But she saw nothing.

 

"Hello."

 

Release looked up. Floating down gently to the ground was the man, a warm and inviting smile on his face. Which she realized was positively princely. Whoever this man is, he's not from around here, she thought before losing herself in hungry, golden eyes. 

[Palm]

IC: Dastana Arsix

 

Arsix was silent for a moment while she eyed Mahane. Her cool blue eyes seemed entirely undisturbed by the outburst. Internally there was a part of her that burned hotly ever since her mother's death - and here it was being stoked, "No," she said finally, "Anger should be heard, not kept secret."

 

The Toroshu paused for a few seconds, letting the silence do some talking for her, "The bottom line is this, Hokomaster: I want to a better future for this archipelago. And out of all the potential futures I see, none of them include a world where your people are beaten and spat upon by myself or any other Dasaka. As far as I'm concerned, a future where that is the case is not a better future."

[Mr. House]

IC: (Mahane)

 

"Parchment will not change the attitudes of all who see us as dirt. No. They will not stop spitting upon the Taajar, decrying us as heathens and usurers. It will not stop Imperial merchants from robbing our caravans, beating our clanswomen, and denying us services and viewing us as savages. No, Toroshu, you cannot force everyone of your clan to abandon their millennia-old prejudices with a penstroke. This will only lead to the Taajar meeting rule by coin-purse, instead of rule by sword. Your merchants shall overwhelm us, take advantage of our hospitality and our goods to keep us under you. Consciously or not. The future will not change so easily."

 

"Mahane, you are being disrespectful. This is the Toroshu of Clan Dastana, one of the most respected Clans in this Empire. You shall not treat her as you are know, accusing her of malice and double-dealing. She brings us a document that could change our future for the better. That could give us the respect and dignity denied to us for ages. And yet you look upon the Toroshu as if she is Zataka in the flesh. Stop, now. Or I will have the guards come to take you from the throne room!" 

[Constructelf]

IC: Chiyo

"So. Any more vacation tips?"

 

IC: Kaede

"Not again..."

 

Kaede knew that her swords had been damaged during the riot, but she hadn't expected them to finish shattering on their own. She didn't recall bumping into anything...

 

What was this, the fifth daisho set she broke so far?

 

No wonder she was tight on money.

 

Perhaps it was a problem with her technique? Or maybe she needed a different kind of crystal? Tourmaline wasn't used that often for a reason. Or maybe...

 

Kaede remembered reading up on the properties of crystal when she was younger. If she recalled correctly, most varieties of crystal were quite brittle; it had to be extensively treated before it became durable enough to use as a bladed weapon. If improperly treated (how the process worked Kaede had no idea), the blade would easily shatter; even the tiniest cracks in the blade would compromise the structural integrity of it severely. One hard whack from a bo, a yari, or a kanabo was all it took for the sword to go from treasure to trash.

 

"Perhaps I should try to parry less..."

 

Maybe she wasn't cut out for swords. Given how she fought, wooden weapons might be better for her.

 

But charging into battle with a training sword would be ridiculous, wouldn't it?

 

Perhaps she could do with one of those.... What were they called. Those wooden clubs with crystal prismatic blades. Would those work?

[Palm]

IC: Dastana Arsix

 

Arsix's eyes began to swallow up the room, entrapping the attention of those present and becoming hotter until she finally shouted, "Then tell me what I should do!" Her calm posture had not changed, but the expression on her face was clearly angry, "I know things aren't going to change overnight." Arsix said, suddenly quiet, "This is the best I can do." She turned to Iolatra and finished, "If you don't want that document, rip it up. If you don't want our business then I won't force it on you."

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Boil your own water."

[Mr. House]

IC: (iolatra Angavur)

 

"Guards, escort Mahane from the Great Hall!" Iola said in a quiet, sharp tone. Four Zrupgar came from the sidelines, and grabbed Mahane by the shoulder. The Sokomaster tried to resist but gave in to the guards after a brief squabble. There was just enough time her Mahane to spit at Iola. The Regent sat quiet as the Zrupgar hurled open the doors, and dragged the other Taajar up the stairs. With quiet reprieve, she took a handkerchief and wiped the spit off her face. She summarily motioned her handmaiden for a pen, before turning to Arsix.

 

"Let me state, Toroshu, that I apologize utterly for the actions of my cousin. She is a bull-headed woman, holding her position in court only because of law. ...Her sister even holds ill opinion of her, to be completely frank. But let me say, not as a warning, but as a fact, that her hatred of the Empire and your Clan is far more widespread the I'd wish it to be. Some merely dislike the Empire, and wish to preserve our customs from Imperial influence. For others, threat of destruction by Clan Angavur is all that stops them from open rebellion. Our more modern clans are more numerous, but not by much of a margin. Admittedly, the Dastana are not wholly trusted among my people. You will see some clans trade with yours, others staying as they are. Our own prejudices are equally deep and lingering, may I say. But I pray to Mother Zuto that things can improve, be it slightly or slowly."

 

She cut open the seal, and dipped the crystalline pen in yellow ink, and signed Iolatra Angavur, Regent of The Taajar in Imperial. "It is signed, and can come into effect. However, it cannot be made permanent until Toroshu Senavysh returns. As it is ultimately her who decides whether it shall be law. Nonetheless, our Toroshu is sensible, I am certain she will make it into law. As she is not one to pass off such an opportunity."

 

A handmaiden came with a tray of tea and honey-cakes, a Taajar specialty. "Now that such diplomacy is over, would you like some refreshments? And let me state, I can certainly give you a tour of our workshops, show you our selection of arms, or our library. Or if you choose to leave, I can provide escorts and supply for your journey back to Sado."

[Ghosthands]

IC (Gotsoko)

 

The Lorekeeper laughed mildly.

 

"I'm far too old for adventuring," she said, leaning on her staff. "But if you require assistance in the pursuit of knowledge, here in the Imperial Library, you have but to ask..."

 

The Datsue paused. Motes of dust floated in silence between the bookshelves.

 

"...provided that noise is kept to a minimum, and all books are returned or renewed within one month and kept in acceptable condition."

 

A librarian was a librarian, after all.

[Constructelf]

IC: Ichi and Ni

"Ichi, are we there yet?"

 

"No."

 

...

 

"Are we there yet?"

 

"No."

 

"Why did we take the cart?"

 

"Because that's the only way to carry all our stuff."

 

...

 

...

 

"Where are we going again?"

 

"We're going to Kyū's house. She has some buildings in the village that we can open shop in."

 

"... Which village is it?"

 

"... I can't remember the name. I know it's close to the Odaiba-Iki bridge. It's a thriving fishing village, so you can work there Ni."

 

"... That's nice..."

 

Ichi looked over at her sister. She seemed down for reason.

 

"Ni, do you miss Sado or something?"

 

Ni sighed loudly.

 

"No, I'm just SOOOOO exhausted! Ha..."

 

"Huh."

 

Ichi didn't bother snarling this time.

 

OOC: Open for interaction

[Palm]

IC: Arsix Dastana

 

Arsix thought about this silently for a moment. On one hand, she was on a schedule today. There was much to take care of in the next few days. But on the other, this trade agreement is about establishing relationships.

What would mother do?

She'd leave. She'd go home, and she'd consider the situation resolved.

 

"I'd be happy to take a tour."

[Geardirector]

IC: Ageru Tamachan (Mahuika Hall)

 

The sunlight bore down on the plains of Odaiba, where dutiful Dashi farmers attended to their fields with skill, care and insurmountable patience. The afternoon sun burned their necks and made them sweat where they hunched over their crops, uncharacteristically paying no attention to the weary, battered-looking male that was walking down the road near them. It was as if he didn’t deserve to be acknowledged.

 

The male himself didn’t seem to mind, he just kept walking, his gaze fixed on the outline of the Mahuika hall in the distance. The seat of power for the Ageru wasn’t his destination, but it served as a decent landmark to maintain his course.

 

In the sunlight, it was easy to spot the marks of wisdom beyond years on the warrior’s face, the marks of someone who’d made more than one mistake in life, but his eyes glimmered with a hidden light as he peered through the sunlight to spot the road.

 

Ageru Neymin saw the silhouette of Mahuika hall loom over him now, so he took off to the right on the next fork in the road, guiding him alongside the old building rather than towards it.

 

“Father!” a child’s voice squealed as he reached the end of the road and the modest house (certainly better than what your average Ringti could hope for, but not by much) being swallowed in the shadow of Mahuika hall.

 

Neymin’s crinkled face burst into a smile as he caught his young daughter in a welcome-home hug, the first time he felt at ease since he’d left three days ago.

 

He hoisted her up with one arm and finished the last leg of the trip with his daughter already in the middle of asking him questions.

 

“Who did you have to protect this time, dad?”

 

“An Ageru diplomat meeting with the Taajar, it was a remarkable success”.

 

“Did you have to fight anyone, did you save the diplomat?”.

 

At that, Neymin just laughed, outwardly it sounded cheerful, but there was a bitter undertone present.

 

“She has a warrior’s heart” he thought to himself, “but she’ll need a Kanohi Dragon’s strength to follow it”.

 

His face brightened a little more when he looked up again, seeing his wife come out of the house towards him. Her rough, somewhat masculine features a telling sign of her heritage, this was no imperial noble.

 

She was smiling at first, but her face darkened when she heard what her husband had to say, and she had joined in on the forced laugh her husband had given, though hers was even more fake.

 

But when they looked at each other again, a small smile returned to both of their faces. After a deep breath, Ageru, formerly Angavur, Kiroshi upstaged her daughter by granting Neymin a welcome-home kiss.

 

“Alright, then” Neymin continued “have you been practicing your Soulsword lessons, Tama?”

 

The girl nodded enthusiastically, “yeah, and mom’s been giving me target practice, too”

 

“Wonderful” Neymin declared enthusiastically “then as soon as I’ve gotten something to eat, we can look over what you’ve learned”

 

“Okay” Tama agreed and slid down from her father’s arm, running inside the house to attend to the need Neymin had just expressed.

 

Neymin and Kiroshi remained outside for a while, listening to Tama rummage around.

 

“She’s an absolute gem” Neymin stated, eyes glimmering stronger than usual.

 

“She really is,” Kiroshi agreed, “a pity almost no one else will be willing to look past us or our lineage, and see her for just her…”

 

“Unfortunately, that’s usually how things work, isn’t it?” Neymin posited.

 

“Then let’s make sure she understands that” Kiroshi declared…

 

-

 

“Barbarian”

 

“Half-breed”

 

“Flea-infested thief”

 

“Zataka-mannered spawn of an insulting union to all honorable Dasaka,” that was an eloquent one.

 

If that kind of underhanded remarks were what was considered “honorable” among her peers, then the Menti currently giving a training dummy the roughest time of its short, short life didn’t feel like it suited her very well.

 

Quick slash, raise shield.

 

She should have expected it, but being lectured by your parents in a secure and safe place only did so much. Once she actually started her training, on particularly bad days the words would rain like a hailstorm.

 

Shield thrust, overhead slash.

 

The glowing blade illuminated the sparsely lit surroundings, displaying the Menti’s strong, lean form, built for power and speed, with a rough undertone of uncompromising self-reliance. That blade, this blade, was one of the few things she had to show for all the work she’d put in, nearly all she could lay claim to having earned herself.

 

Step back, shift stance, slash from the side.

 

The dummy had had enough, the scattered remains lying like broken bones in the weak light, Tama smiled a little to herself as she dispersed the soulsword. If it  really was all she had, it at least didn't disappoint when put to the test.

 

After cleaning up and stepping outside, Tama grabbed her bow and quiver, looking around in the sunlight for a good spot for some target practice.

 

Her face was serious and stern, but deep in her eyes, it glimmered.

 

OOC: Open for interaction

Edited December 18, 2014 by Geardirector

[sunflower]

IC: Viitkha [Mahuika Hall]

 

"Your form is excellent, but watch the footwork," The voice, strong if somewhat rough, came from off to the side of the Menti, "And relax, one who is too tense ends up shattering like a poorly-crafted blade swung too hard."

 

Viitkha stepped forward toward Tama, a small, rarely seen smile on her Kanohi.

Edited December 18, 2014 by Gravity

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"So how's life treating you?"

 

IC: Noshima

 

"It is a recommendation to survey Oki in time."

Edited December 18, 2014 by Purple God

[Geardirector]

IC: Tamachan Ageru (Mahuika Hall)

 

She wasn't particularly surprised when she heard someone speak out of nowhere. Something about how a lot of people nowadays seemed to enjoy dropping in unannounced on something that really wasn't their business.

 

Only half of that was true here, though, Tama immediately recognized the tough, battered-looking blademaster, who was breaking up her mask with an unexpected smile. Tama wasn't used to seeing a whole lot of those aimed at her.

 

To return the favor, Tama assumed a ready stance and bowed to her better, a lot less ironically than usually.

 

"Your words are recognizable enough, blademaster. Funny how you forget some of the simplest lessons like that"

 

The words flowed with an impeccable, run-of-the-mill imperial accent. While it wasn't hard for Tama to do, she had to force it if she didn't want to out herself right away, which was rarely a good idea.

Edited December 18, 2014 by Geardirector

[sunflower]

IC: Viitkha

 

She nodded in acknowledgement of Tama's remark, while her accent caught the Soulsword's interest.  It was completely normal, but that was the strange part, it didn't sound wholly natural.  Of course, there could have been any number of different reasons for that, more than Viitkha cared to take the time to count.  Still, she mentally filed it away.

 

"It's something we all have repeated to us again and again, though not without good cause, isn't it, Menti..."

 

She let the last part trail off in question.

[Geardirector]

IC: Ageru Tamachan (Mahuika hall)

"Tama, Ageru Tama, Ma'am"

Her first name was still off the table. The much more neutral 'Tama' had yet to set of any alarms ringing in anyone's heads right off the bat.

"I can vouch for that, yes. Personally I've been my own harsh critic on that front"

Edited December 18, 2014 by Geardirector

[Mr. House]

IC: (Iolatra)

 

Iolatra stood up. It was so very little that she was able to do this sort of thing, with an Imperial, nonetheless. It would be simple. Hall, library, armory, and perhaps the Sokoai pens to the back. It wouldn't take too long, she thought.

 

"This is Greywood Longhouse, the seat of the Taajar court. It was built after we were granted our lands after the defeat of the Konyat Horde by the Empire in late antiquity. It is made of wood felled from ancient trees, which has been preserved and restored periodically over the years. Here the noble family lives and trains with our Menti and Elders.

 

The walls to the outside are older than the village. In the wars with the Fursic the Taajar have joined in, they have been attacked several times. Each attempt by the rebels at takeover being repulsed, thank Mother Zuto."

 

She looked to the sides. "Would you like to go to the armory, or library first?"

[Constructelf]

IC: Chiyo

"Boil your own water, you say? Why is that?"

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Kills germs."

[Constructelf]

IC: Chiyo

"What are 'germs'?"

 

OOC: unless I'm severely underestimating the tech level of Kentoku, I'm not sure if germs are common knowledge...

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"You ever tried drinking stale water?"

[Constructelf]

IC: Chiyo

"No."

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Yeaah, there's a reason why you gotta boil that stuff before drinking it."

[Constructelf]

IC: Chiyo

"Aside from the implication that it tastes bad, I take it that it has negative effects on health?"