Jade and Cattle stuff
Oct. 23rd, 2005 10:02 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
leticiaStoryteller says "You have just seen the rescue of who and what could be taken from the burning embers of what had once been a mighty edifice to your patron deity, Sol Invictus. The first whispers of a suppression campaign of local religion by the Immaculate Faith have been heard, crackling in the sparks leaping skywards."
Storyteller says "Whether due to Fate or foolishness, Kanfi has set loose a course of whispers to the air himself, heard faintly by Diamond Borealis, but resonating so deeply within Phoenix Maiden that they threw her to the ground. Welcome home, Phoenix Maiden of the Unfettered Sky. Welcome home, Virtuous Willow. Saturn Rises."
Storyteller bows, and opens curtain on that scene.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "I believe you said it kind of knocks PM out last time?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, you've had an oracular swoon."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You should certainly hit the ground; your recovery time is up to you."
Phoenix Maiden staggers, hands vainly covering her ears, and collapses to the ground, dropping first to her knees and then keeling over on her side.
Kanfi scrambles over to his sister, eyes wide and frightened. "Sister! What-- what's wrong? Virtuous Willow?"
Liu is brushing her Stallion's mane upon open of scene. When Phoenix Maiden falls, she drops her brush and draws a throwing knife from her side, all alert to determine where the danger is.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Every time Kanfi says that name you can feel it reverberating in the elements around you.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You can hear the whispers gaining volume whenever he says that, as well.
<<OOC>> Kanfi totally has no idea. XD
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden makes a note to gag Kanfi when she gets up. :p
Diamond Borealis blinks as he sees Phoenix fall to her side. "Who the hell is Virtuous Willow?" He moves toward her more slowly than the others. He is not tense, fearing no immediate attack. "And why are the spirits apparently pissed that she has returned?" Finally, he tilts his head toward Kanfi. "Is she alright?"
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: When YOU say her name, it doesn't quite resound as much as when Kanfi says it, but you can hear the echoes growing--less like disgruntled whispers, more like a joyous chorus.
Storyteller [to Kanfi; Liu]: In fact, the two of you can hear odd music on the wind, but can neither place the source nor discern a theme.
Liu observes no danger, just weirdness, so she moves closer to Kanfi and Phoenix Maiden, still clutching her throwing knife. Her chiming voice calls softly, "Phoenix Maiden, do you hear me?"
Phoenix Maiden groggily raises her head. "...Kanfi?" Her voice is a little edged. "/Don't/ call me that anymore."
Kanfi rests his hands on Phoenix Maiden's shoulders gently, biting his lower lip. "Virtuous Willow is-- was her name. Before we got separated." Which, of course, explains why he's still calling her that. "I... Vir-- Sorry, sister."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: RumblerumbleRUMBLE. Seraphim and cherubim-- of the oldschool biblical variety-- appear as phantom images before your eyes, swirling out of the elements around you to chorus your name and welcome unto your homeland.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You can now hear all of the elements singing the chorus, though you can't see or feel their power.
Storyteller [to Liu; Kanfi]: This time, you guys -do- hear the echoes of Willow, willow, willow, on the air.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Well, my bet's on the Realm knowing we're here now! >_<"
Diamond Borealis frowns deeply then. He's still trying to listen tot he chiming of the spirit voices. "Alright, so we need to keep calling her Phoenix Maiden so they'll keep the damn racket down. But I'd be obliged if you'd explain to me what's going on. They seem to recognize you." He scratches his jawline.
Phoenix Maiden closes her eyes for a long minute, holding her head in her hands. "...Why shouldn't they? I'm a native." Her voice is flat, and she doesn't seem to have any additional comment.
Kanfi jerks his head up, looking around wildly. Well, hell. He reaches out, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Are you alright?"
Liu smiles at Phoenix Maiden real big. "They /missed/ you, didn't they?" She tucks her throwing knife away, and turns around and around, listening to all the sounds. "Do you think anyone else hears it?"
Storyteller says "Actually, Phoenix Maiden is quite right. In a cut scene, unbeknownst to the lot of you, various abbots of the Immaculate Order-- and a certain Legionary general-- are awakened or disturbed by elementals of their bloodline, warning them that the rebel is back, and seems to carry a mighty destiny on her back. The Great and Beneficent Abbot of the Immaculate Faith Within the Satrapy of Harborhead calls to order his officers of the Just and Regretful Suppression to order an immediate increase in troops to deal with the rise of an apparent God-blood; this time, the general is not unwilling to provide the Hunt with legionnaires."
Storyteller [to Liu]: You feel a nervous crawl up your spine as you ask that question. Not immediate danger as per your Surprise Anticipation Method, but something -very- similar. Save that it doesn't cost you Essence. ;)
Phoenix Maiden mutters. "Probably every Dragon-blooded between here and the coast."
Phoenix Maiden glares at Kanfi. "Did it occur to you /ever/ that I might have had a reason for changing my name?"
Kanfi grins sheepishly at her and rubs the back of his neck. "Oops?"
Diamond Borealis frowns at that. "Looks like we might not have a choice about killing some Dragons." A little grin at that as Phoenix seems fine. Nor does he seem to care what she calls herself. He starts looking around the area. "Since you're the native, how long do we have before they're going to be here breathing down our necks?"
Liu shudders and holds her shoulders, both at the creepy feeling she's got and Phoenix's comment about Dragon-blooded.
Phoenix Maiden shrugs. "I have no clue. That depends on whether they know where we are."
Liu bites her lip and smiles nervously. "Maybe we should not be where they know we are."
Diamond Borealis motions with his blade. "Then get her up and lets get going. We've got to find Swan Dragon, and we've got to start plotting how to kick the Dragons out and keep them out."
Kanfi hops to his feet and offers Phoenix Maiden his hand. "I'm really sorry, sister."
Phoenix Maiden sighs at Kanfi and shrugs. "Just... don't do it again." She pulls herself up to her feet. "I'm not so sure about heading out now; unless they know where we are, we make ourselves more obvious by scurrying off just after camping."
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Need to know scenery - I thought at the end of last round we were at our encampment, not the temple. Are we at the temple?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "That was my understanding too, Liu."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You are, sorry-- the ruins are in the distance but the smoke is everywhere."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Sorry, thought we were at the ruins."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "It's my fault, I misremembered."
Liu looks at Phoenix Maiden, widens her eyes just a touch in understanding, and nods.
Diamond Borealis gives a nod of his head to that. "Then we need to leave early and get on the way to finding Swan Dragon. We also need to post a watch tonight. In case any foolish Dragons poke their snouts in over here. We aren't very far from the Temple."
Phoenix Maiden nods in agreement. "A watch... is a very good idea." She eyes the surroundings warily.
Liu stretches her arms up over her head, then rolls lazily into a backbend, then kicks up into a hand-stand. This has the feel of someone cracking their knuckles, or stretching and yawning. She tilts her head up to look at Diamond and Phoenix. "Well then... who's first watch? I'm good at watching."
Liu smiles winningly.
Phoenix Maiden glances around. "Four watches; not bad. Shame we can't make the toy-men watch. Do you want first watch then, Liu?"
Diamond Borealis considers a moment. "I'll take first watch. Liu, you can spell me in...four hours. But you need to get some sleep before you do. Then Kanfi can relieve you, and I can relieve him. Phoenix; get your rest. After that little misadventure..." He smiles faintly, giving her a wink.
Liu hops back down onto her feet, and smiles at Diamond.
Phoenix Maiden rubs her head and admits dryly, "I've been hallucinating enough I wouldn't trust my eyes right now."
Kanfi nods and reaches out to rub his sister's shoulder. "Well, then get some rest."
Storyteller says "It looks like night-time arrangements have been made. Do you guys want to be doing anything in particular as you go to bed, or are your plans for the evening uneventful?"
Phoenix Maiden is going to be trying to avoid conversation in case anyone wants to ask more questions. >_>
Kanfi is giving his sister some space and feeling kinda guilty.
Liu is just going to make sure Midnight-With-Stars is free to roam, and pat the yeddim, before going into the trailer and crawling up into the small space near the roof where her bed is made. Though, if Kanfi is looking sad, she will stop and try to make him smile.
Storyteller <to Kanfi; Liu> is amused. Encourages you two to RP that out!
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: I take it you're heading off to bed pretty promptly, though?
Phoenix Maiden is going to meditate for a while first. Has things to think about.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: And your plans?
Diamond Borealis is going to do his watch then try to dream of something besides Skulls and Such.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: What do you plan on meditating on?
Storyteller [to Liu; Kanfi]: Ignore my talking to the others, just go ahead. :)
Kanfi watches his sister, but doesn't want to try apologizing again. So instead he goes to sit by the fire, and stare at IT for a while. Mopily. He hadn't MEANT to get them all into trouble. For once.
Liu passes by Kanfi on her way to the caravan, and slows down as she sees his face. She stops after having just walked past him, and then bends over backwards and looks up into his face.
Kanfi manages a shadow of a smile for the trick. "Flexible."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Your watch is mainly untroubled, save by whatever happens between Kanfi and Liu. As for sleep, when it comes, for the first time in -months-, it is not bothered by visions of the underworld. Nor do you dream of the terrible consequences of one loose tongue. As a matter of fact, you dream of a selection of comely, willing, and none-too-morally-restricted young ladies, in a setting of unsurpassed opulence and decadence. You get a remarkable night's sleep, in fact.
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: Hrm. The fire, and such - the wrongs of the Realm.
Liu grins at Kanfi and speaks in Flametongue. "Well, it's a signature style. It didn't take me long to learn. But the other acrobats said that was because I'm young."
Liu stands back up and sits down in front of Kanfi. "Are you afraid she's angry at you?"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: It's not too hard of a subject to meditate on, really. The Realm needs Harborhead, for both temporal and spiritual reasons, to be crushed. With the discovery of MASSIVE jade beds in Bent Creek (slightly north of where you are), Harborhead is now a major military and economic resource. Furthermore, it's one of the last bastions of uncontrolled Little Gods worship in their realm. Facing punishing losses in the north against the Bull, and severe unrest at home, they need to flex their muscles, and the Immaculates have been forbidden from interfering in what they see as a self-perpetuating, cannibalizing system of violence-- mainly, ironically, on the grounds that it supports the slave trade that the empire is ALSO desperately relying on.
Kanfi responds in their native language, not really looking at Liu at all. "A little. I didn't mean to get us all into trouble again. I just haven't seen her in years and she was still Vir-- she still went by that name. I think it suits her better anyway." He tries for another smile, wry.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Hey, your brain has been suppressed on what IT wants for months, due to interference. It's got Business to take care of. :P"
Liu looks a little perplexed and shakes her head. "I dunno. She doesn't look like a Willow to me. I mean..." quick blush of embarrassment "She's shaped like a willow tree! I just meant... you know, how you look like a Kanfi."
Storyteller [to Liu; Kanfi]: You two feel little tremors, but nothing like before. No one else feels anything.
Liu ducks her head a little, looking up at the sky. She hitches her shoulders closer together.
Kanfi coughs out a little laugh. "Do I? I thought about changing my name when I got to Nexus, but it's like a worn-in sandal. I'd have to break-in an entirely new name and it wouldn't comfortable at all for a year or so." Hooray for changing the subject!
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Do any particular points of the realm's actions vex you? Is there anything you, as a player, need to know that I may have glossed over for PM to come to her mind about the matter?
Liu grins. "I like the name Kanfi. ... What's Nexus like?"
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: I don't think so at the moment. She's being very general and fixing her grievances in her mind.
Kanfi reaches out and touches her knee, that wide smile slowly returning. "Loud and busy. Like the market this morning, only with thousands more people and buildings boxing you in on all sides. Everyone and everything comes to Nexus at some point."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Okay. Unless you'd like to 'listen in' on Kanfi and Liu, we can move on to your dream sequence. No, it's not as fun as Diamond's.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: In -your- dream, you are standing on the long veldt, the hilly/savannah region of your home, stretching off into an infinite plain. It is not now; it is a long time in the past. All around you, you see giant columns holding up the Dome of the Sky. Some have walls between them and other architectural supports; some stand on their own. Some have been reduced to rubble.
Liu smiles in response to Kanfi's smile, and stretches her arms behind her with a far off look on her face. "I've seen The Lap, and Paragon, and even Gem once -- well, outside of Gem -- near Gem -- but I've never been to Nexus. Do you think we'll go there? It would be fun to see all of Creation."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Off -far- in the distance you can see a mighty edifice built on the rubble of many towers. It is huge and made of jade, and curtain walls stretch between it and numerous other towers. But your attention is drawn closer, to a set of small and rather weak looking towers, centered around your precious veldt.
Kanfi toys with a braid and gives her a mischievous wink. "Well, once we're done here I have to go back and catch up with my partner. We could always ditch the old man, get out of Harborhead before it explodes and head on up to Nexus."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: There, you see a young, dark-skinned muscular woman-- not too different from yourself, a warrior bearing shield and spear. She is trying to build a new tower amidst the old ones, carefully scavenging from rubble at their bases and building up more of the walls between them-- trying to make a castle of her towers and the old.
Liu almost believes Kanfi, and a horrified look tries to steal over her face before it's quashed by a roll of the eyes and an indulgent smile. "I thought you got paid better if we found Swan Dragon? Besides... " She stands up, popping a few joints in her back as she does so, "there's a world to save. Right?" She bends over and kisses Kanfi on the top of the head before heading off to bed. "Get some sleep!"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You feel a warm hand on your shoulder-- almost burning-warm, but comforting. Whoever is placing his hand on your shoulder stays out of sight, behind you. "You must come closer," he says in a deep, powerful voice that you recognize in the depth of your soul. "You must see." What do you do?
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: One presumes, go closer.
Kanfi tilts his head up to watch her walk away, chuckling. A world to save. Right. He stands himself and goes to get his own bedroll.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Without ever entering your vision, the person leads you up to the base of the woman's tower. She is at the top, building it up with good, strong material-- spears, shields, and treaties wrought in stone and her own blood. Nearby you see Ahlat, who does not seem to notice your presence. He is smiling up at the woman in a paternal way. But beneath, the presence turns you towards the foundation. "This cannot stand," he says sadly, and you soon see why. She has built her tower on a foundation of neck vertebrae, and straining ox-yokes.
Storyteller [to Liu]: You heading off to bed after you tag off on watch, too?
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You also do not have a great time sleeping. I imagine this is something of a shock. :D
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Guilt!"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is just waiting for someone to point out that Kanfi's a native too. >_>
<<OOC>> Liu says, "yeah, I'll head back to sleep."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Your dreams are less coherent than phoenix maiden's. You see falcons fly off in the distance, flashing at each other and clashing in the air. You hear the whispers-- this time in full-- that you have unleashed upon the land. You see your people-- your family, your friends, the people of your home, but strangely different-- now representing all of the People of Harborhead. But they are all terribly, terribly wounded, and there is just you to heal them. You can hear your sister's voice in the background, with the beating of the drums; it is all that keeps them alive. And above, the fighting of the falcons.
Storyteller [to Liu]: You, unfortunately, are not as lucky as Diamond Borealis. The land has no immunity for you, and you see it in flames. Dark shapes haunt the backgrounds, and suddenly grow larger and wider and adorned with fierce claws and harsh teeth. They shrink back as you travel through an incoherent, burning dreamscape; you find a source for some of the fires. It is an immense red dragon, long and serpentine, thrashing and flailing about. He has deep gouges in his side, and his eyes have been put out; they bleed fire, as do his wounds. You suspect that he could help to constrain the fire-- and the dark figures are afraid of him-- but he is digging his own claws into his side, piercing his scales and opening new gouges-- or preventing old ones from healing.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Awww, Swan Dragon needs hugs!!!"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: In the distance, you see the walls of Jade coming closer and closer. While they provide sources for the other towers to lean on at the bottom, their foundations are mortared with blood and darker things-- and towards the top, they seek to overwhelm and supplant the towers, even battering at the dome of the sky-- beyond which, you are sure, are terrible things in brass and black and green. A woman wearing all red is building them up fast and furious, but every so often, you notice, she steals a brick here and there, and scurries back to her home tower. "This cannot stand," repeats the entity, and you are blinded by the brilliance of the sun-- in your dreams, and in the waking world as dawn rises.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: As you wander among the wounded, you notice that as you breath on them, as you speak to them, their wounds begin to heal. You find that you can take parchment and pen and write bandages onto them-- but they heal, as you speak to them, and as you give them voice and breath to speak to each other. But the falcons are still fighting in the sky, and where their feathers and blood fall, your friends and family refuse to speak to one another, and even Phoenix Maiden's voice grows softer. She is keeping them alive as best she can-- but the remaining responsibility lies on your shoulders. It was your voice that stirred them; it is your voice that must heal them.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You wake up with a spasm-- feeling the phantom weight on your shoulders.
Storyteller [to Liu]: You, unfortunately, wake up before you can perceive any details about the thrashing dragon.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You get a fantastic night's sleep and unless you decided to wake yourself up at a certain time, will be sleeping restfully until they come to wake you up for breakfast.
Kanfi ponders the meaning of his dream throughout his watch. It's probably good that no one's trying to sneak up on them, since he's so distracted he wouldn't have noticed. He barely remembers to wake up the old man, even.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, when you go back to sleep, you have the same dreams, of course, ending as I've so said. Diamond, you feel remarkably well rested when the dawn breaks over Phoenix Maiden's nightmare."
Phoenix Maiden wakes and sits up bolt straight with a gasp, the sun in her eyes reflected jade-green for a moment.
Diamond Borealis stretches, yawns when its time to wake up, sometime in the middle of Kanfi's watch. He actually has a smile on his face. "Now that was a good night's sleep." He turns, lifting an inquisitive brow at PM's sudden gasp.
Kanfi half-turns to glance at his sister, worry stirring inside him around the cold knot of panic the dream left in the pit of his stomach.
Liu starts in her bed when her nightmare wakes her up, and groans at being awake. Stupid morning.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Um, are we all inside the caravan except for Kanfi, or is just Liu inside the caravan in her little bed with everyone else outside? *figured the latter*"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden would probably be sleeping inside curled up next to her shiny shiny spear. >_<
<<OOC>> Kanfi is curled around Seven!
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Sacks out wherever."
Liu looks at Phoenix along with everyone else. After what happened to her yesterday, Liu feels like she should pay special attention to Phoenix Maiden's moods. "Are you okay, Phoenix?"
Phoenix Maiden rubs her eyes and nods, not trusting her voice to reassure at the moment.
Liu nods, and goes to brush out her hair in the mirror next to her sleeping area, watching Phoenix out of the corner of her eye.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Strike that. Liu wears braids. Duh."
Liu nods, and goes to find out if someone else is going to make food, or if we should just be off.
Phoenix Maiden stretches and heads out of the small wagon.
Diamond Borealis gets up and follows her out as well. "Bad dreams?" He asks quietly as he moves beside her.
Phoenix Maiden shrugs slightly. "Certainly not restful ones..."
Kanfi sighs and pats Seven as he gets up to put on all of his multitudes of jewelry and join everyone outside.
Diamond Borealis gives a nod of his head. Then watches Kanfi arrive. "How about you, puddin'? You sleep well?" He seems curious after the change in his own dreams. Something brewing in the back of his mind.
Kanfi glowers mildly at Diamond and rubs his eyes. "You're in a cheerful mood today, old man." He'll feel better once he's eaten,
"Yeah, well, I had pleasant dreams." Diamond admits. Then confesses in addition. "That worries me. Especially as your sister apparently didn't." Cup is not only half-empty, the water is poisoned.
<<OOC>> Storyteller assumes the Game Masterly Pose Of Innocence.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Diamond: I had good dreams where a bevy of sexy young ladies plied me with... favors. Yes. Favors. This disturbs and worries me!"
Phoenix Maiden digs through supplies for breakfast things for everyone.
Kanfi rolls his eyes and goes scrounging for food with his sister. "Well, aren't we the lucky one." Grumpypuss. "Maybe it's a foreigner thing. Normally when the Realm is about to attack the village one doesn't have a good night's sleep."
Phoenix Maiden eyes Kanfi. "Bad dreams?"
Kanfi shrugs with a sigh. "Something like that." Where are the many establishments with nude dancing girls to take his mind off this, dammit?
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: There are quite a few in Bent Creek, not too far north of where you are now!
Liu walks over to try and be useful to Phoenix Maiden, who's trying to make food. "I had bad dreams too. Different than just-scared-dreams."
Phoenix Maiden takes half the food, letting Kanfi get the rest, and sets it out for everyone.
Diamond Borealis wags a finger. "See. I'm telling you. Something is hinky. I've had nightmares for weeks, months maybe. Then we get here, and you all three have bad dreams while I'm playing pattycake with a bevy of beauties? Something isn't right. We need to get after Swan Dragon. And fast." He doesn't seem concerned about breakfast, though he does sit down to eat automatically.
Kanfi sets out the rest of the food. Neatly and stylishly even! "So you have sexy dreams when bad stuff is about to collapse on our heads? Neat trick."
Liu looks at Diamond hard. She opens her mouth to ask him why he'd play pattycake with pretty women, but decides to leave it be. She starts eating quietly.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "... Have I mentioned recently that I love you guys?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Aw, we love our ST too! <3"
Phoenix Maiden ponders. "Significant dreams. Mine was... though I don't know what aid it could be to us now." She glances to Diamond and nods. "That is... askew."
"Sexy or not is irrelevant. It's a break in the pattern. Someone or something related to the Deathlords has spent a great deal of time and effort disturbing my sleep. Then they let up? While Phoenix and Liu have significant dreams of incoming disaster? The pattern doesn't fit." Diamond shovels more food in his gob, giving Liu a smile. "So tell us about your dreams. Maybe we can make some sense of them."
Phoenix Maiden nods. "If someone was still tampering with your sleep... one wonders what dream you /didn't/ have.
Phoenix Maiden looks to Liu and Kanfi. "Care to share your dreams?"
Liu looks back up at Diamond, and recounts her dream, along with her feeling that Swan Dragon would be able to help put the South back to right if he could be found and brought back.
Kanfi nibbles on a piece of bread while pondering how to explain his dream. "Well, I suppose it's a good thing we intended to find him int he first place, isn't it?"
Phoenix Maiden is thoughtful. "If your dream is true, Liu -- and as I am sure my own was, I do not doubt yours -- if it is true, then Swan Dragon is gravely injured. This does not /surprise/ me, given the..." she hesitates, and nods towards the caravan and the sword it conceals. "I hope we can heal him."
Liu shrugs. "We should go."
Liu clears her food and wipes her plate down, and sets off to make sure Curly is ready to get going.
Diamond Borealis nods agreement with Liu, finishing up his breakfast by stuffing the last bites into his mouth with his fingers. "I don't see any reason to change what we had planned.
Storyteller says "Alrighty. I direct you guys to http://home.in.tum.de/~hohenber/images/exalted/Creation_Map_v5.2a.jpg"
Kanfi nods and is glad no one's pressing him about his dream. It seems... weirdly personal. "So let's find him as fast as we can, and we won't have to worry!"
Storyteller says "Currently, you're south of Bent Creek and east of Tiraktou. The emanations from the sword are indistinct, but reach far away; wherever the owner of the blade is, he's not in the Southeast or even close. Further, the shallow "curve" of the vast majority of the lines seems to either follow the coast or go straight across the water itself."
Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond, with a brief glance to Kanfi. She helps tidy up the campsite.
Storyteller says "Unfortunately, most of the coastal states are tributaries of the Realm. Fortunately, Kanfi's little blunder only had effects in Harborhead proper-- for now. Unfortunately, the waves of suppression that have been left in the pathway-- and the tides of rebellion-- are growing in strength, although it will take weeks to months for the -legions- to have a coherent policy, much less formal rebellion to grow in the absence of Virtuous Willow making a direct appearance, though rumor will play a role, of course."
Storyteller says "You don't have a lot of time, though, before the pressure begins to devolve into daily incidents of strife between the Realm occupation forces and Harborhead natives."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "So we have a choice..."
Phoenix Maiden will recommend a boat if it's faster.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Go looking for the SD."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden still waiting for the map to load. SO SLOW.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "OR go ahead and reestablish the Solar Republic of Harborhead."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "I'm not built for ruling!"
Storyteller says "Either approach has its benefits and its fallacies."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden twitch. Must forge Harborhead into a nation built on a strong foundation! To take the reigns of stabilizing Creation from the corrupt and arrogant Realm! But isn't sure she's ready to take on the Realm QUITE yet.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis pats Kanfi. "You just kill who I say kill." :)
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "I mean...who PM says Kill."
Storyteller says "You have the potential to get in on the ground floor now, in Harborhead, and direct the early rebellion. You also have the potential to stop -- or at least, more closely avenge-- any further acts of blasphemy and terror like the one that just happened."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden laughs. I thought he was supposed to charm people, not kill them!
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis bahs and meant Liu.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "We could always say the words GMs hate: Split the party!"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis has been up since 6AM.
<<OOC>> Kanfi is no good at killing things!
Storyteller says "On the other hand, two of you are currently under bound agreement with Ahlat -- to whom this realm is special anyway-- to find out what you can about Swan Dragon."
<<OOC>> Kanfi wants to find Swan Dragon, so he can get paid.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis considers a nifty little spell called 'Summon First Circle Demon'.
Storyteller says "Furthermore, Swan Dragon was a military mastermind and a hero. He's also a personal powerhouse. Not only would it shake up the local Celestial Bureaucracy to have him re-claim his title as Censor, his restoration at your hands would give you a mighty ally, one who has shaken the foundations of the earth before, slaying mighty princes of the Tribes of Madness."
Storyteller says "As well as having titular leadership of the Court of the Orderly Flame, which is mainly based in and around Harborhead in the first place."
Storyteller says "Speaking as your game master, I am prepared to accept either direction for your adventure, but not both. No party splits. :P You're a circle now."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Meeeeeh."
Liu has traveled /from/ The Lap. She asks Diamond about their pathway as they're readying to leave. "Are we going to stay along the coast, or do you want to stay in the foothills?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis hrms, hrms, hrms.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden wants to find Swan Dragon still. Might make a deliberate effort to plant rumors about waiting for the 'arrival' of Virtuous Willow, though, trying to get Harborhead natives not to act until she goes, ah, public.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden will code them into stories! >)
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "What we need is a fast travel spell..."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden also cries at her slow connection as the map /continues/ to load.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: By the by, if you like, we can stop after you guys make a major decision, if you need to sleep. I understand the been-awake-since-6am thing, trust me.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "hold on, real life stuff"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Well, I have XP to buy 'Stormwind Rider'."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Shouldn't be too high a cost to move the whole party to wherever we're going fast with that..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Or better yet the Chariot thingie from Pooney McTangalot's book."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Isn't that a Solar Circle Spell, though"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay, we're pausing for Liu's RL concerns, but the three of you can plot and plan as you like; just please no RP until she can get back."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "... Pooney McTangalot? Hee."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Nope. Conjure the Azure Chariot is an Emerald Circle Spell."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden will, barring a spell, ask whether sea-travel would be faster. Has, mind you, never been out of Harborhead ...well, except to wander the desert and the jungles... so doesn't really know.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "You said the threads are leading...which direction?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "We're a long way inland, PM."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Yeah, but I understand they're heading out across the ocean."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: South and west, either hugging the coastline or going straight over the water. They're long to the west and shallow to the south.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...IE, towards the Lap. Where an insane old man is handing out exploding pillows to the good and virtuous."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...And Liu."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Among other places.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Chiascuro, Yane, and Paragon are all touched, along with lesser Varang city-states and tributaries of Paragon. Heck, some threads even pass through Delzahn and Djala territory.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Chiaroscuro and Paragon."
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: Yes, but I believe in the RP theory of conservation of coincidence. :p
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "I thinks it is easiest to go hunting for the old Lizard."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Particularly if Diamond can get a quick travel spell."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Well, yes. *chuckles* I'm just saying.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Eh. Problem is...it's only gonna let me carry 600 lbs besides myself."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Hrm. Well, that could carry /us/ but not our toys."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Right."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...and caravan and livestock and legionnaires..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Damnit, if only I had a really fast bird and Moureau's Tureky Baster Spell."
Storyteller says "Liu has increasing RL difficulties."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Hey, ST, our artifacts get all light when we're attuned... does that /count/? ^^;"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis could turn Curly into a supah-fast flying Yeddim.
Storyteller says "I think I'm going to call for a break, to be turned into a full adjournment if Liu can't get back, and I'll get a consensus on what you guys plan to do over AIM."
Phoenix Maiden [to Diamond Borealis]: Well, maybe MWS can pull the caravan... >_>
You say "'Cause that horsie is not NORMAL."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Depending on how you want to do it, I'm amenable to Sapphire Circle mass transportation spells that can enchant your beasts of burden.
Storyteller chuckles. that too.
Diamond Borealis is still emerald circle.
Diamond Borealis says "Sapphire already has the Cloud thingie."
Diamond Borealis says "Which is 500lbs per pt of essence."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: In either Emerald or Sapphire, we can work out a less-efficient in terms of speed, but more broad-effecting spell. How much spare XP do you guys have?
Diamond Borealis only has like..11, not counting tonight.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Er, do you ha- right. What's your essence at the moment?
Diamond Borealis says "3."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: We can work on something emerald-circly over AIM, then.
Diamond Borealis says "3 Permanent, I mean."
Diamond Borealis says "Kay."
Diamond Borealis wants the Spawning of Monsters though.
Storyteller says "I'm taking it, though, that from all 3 of you, you want to go to try and find Swan Dragon first."
Storyteller chuckles. Oh dear.
Diamond Borealis says "I mean...two Yeddim. Two fast flying animals..."
Phoenix Maiden has 26. >_>
Diamond Borealis says "Bam. Rocs!"
Phoenix Maiden <to Diamond Borealis> snrk.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Any preferences?
Phoenix Maiden wants to, yes. She is, as they pass through Harborhead, though, going to do her best to spread stories encouraging people to hold off on outright rebellion until Signs Happen. >_<
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Start thinking up a basic outline of the legends and rumors you want to make; I heartily recommend co-writing with Kanfi, who has the Touch. Whatever you or you two come up with, I'll consider as a Stunt for your Rumor-mongering role.
<<OOC>> Liu returns, Real Life averted.
Kanfi would prefer to go looking for Swan Dragon. He actually seems to be the only one opposed to this whole rebellion thing...
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Yay!"
Phoenix Maiden [to Kanfi]: Hehehe. Your sister is not only plotting rebellion, but forming Harborhead into a military power that can /challenge the Realm across Creation/. >_>
Phoenix Maiden [to Kanfi]: That's still pretty vague, though. ^^
Storyteller says "Okay. Considering the possibility that Diamond Borealis may at some point have some way to boost your travel speeds, what plan of travel do y'all have?"
Kanfi [to Phoenix Maiden]: I have plans. They're just not quite so... broad-reaching. They include women and wine.
Kanfi is easily contented!
Diamond Borealis would think if I can boost speed we make hest south-west to the coast, and hop on a ship.
Diamond Borealis says "Unless I can dink up some sort of enchant the big-ass yeddim to fly spell."
Storyteller meant more in the lines of cities visited, regions explored. Or intentions along those lines anyway.
Diamond Borealis ohs.
Diamond Borealis just wants to find the old Lizard.
Diamond Borealis says "But hitting Chiaroscuro would be cool."
Diamond Borealis says "They've got some nifty baubles."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Right-- but where are you going to look for him?
Diamond Borealis wants no part of Paragon.
You say "If Diamond's conveyance is faster than ship, I am inclined to traveling through the coastal regions looking for stories of things blowing up... I mean things that might connect to him."
Kanfi suggests swinging by most of the more populated areas to see if we get lucky.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You're a smart man.
Diamond Borealis says "Less'n we plan to gakk the Perfect and take it over, using his forces as shock troops to being the retaking of Hammerhead."
Diamond Borealis says "But that's more a Trand sort of idea than a Diamond one. So I'll set that aside."
You say "We already have shock troops."
Diamond Borealis means ones we can afford to use as Meat Shields.
Diamond Borealis says "I mean...valiant human warriors who are precious to us, each and every one? *eyeshifts*"
Phoenix Maiden thinks brass shields are better. :) Bronze. Whatever.
You say "If Diamond's conveyance is not faster than ship, I am inclined to sailing along the coast stopping in major ports and seeing what tales we can pick up."
Phoenix Maiden [to Diamond Borealis]: Of course. >_<
Diamond Borealis likes PMs plan.
Phoenix Maiden and Kanfi will have to plot on Tales to Tell.
Storyteller says "Whatever I come up with for Diamond won't be faster than a ship going directly anywhere; among other reasons, because it can go in a straight line. The more ports you stop at the faster his conveyance will relatively be because it can travel in a relatively smooth curve, as opposed to the current/wind-following "bounces" of a ship."
Storyteller says "Whether due to Fate or foolishness, Kanfi has set loose a course of whispers to the air himself, heard faintly by Diamond Borealis, but resonating so deeply within Phoenix Maiden that they threw her to the ground. Welcome home, Phoenix Maiden of the Unfettered Sky. Welcome home, Virtuous Willow. Saturn Rises."
Storyteller bows, and opens curtain on that scene.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "I believe you said it kind of knocks PM out last time?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, you've had an oracular swoon."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You should certainly hit the ground; your recovery time is up to you."
Phoenix Maiden staggers, hands vainly covering her ears, and collapses to the ground, dropping first to her knees and then keeling over on her side.
Kanfi scrambles over to his sister, eyes wide and frightened. "Sister! What-- what's wrong? Virtuous Willow?"
Liu is brushing her Stallion's mane upon open of scene. When Phoenix Maiden falls, she drops her brush and draws a throwing knife from her side, all alert to determine where the danger is.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Every time Kanfi says that name you can feel it reverberating in the elements around you.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You can hear the whispers gaining volume whenever he says that, as well.
<<OOC>> Kanfi totally has no idea. XD
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden makes a note to gag Kanfi when she gets up. :p
Diamond Borealis blinks as he sees Phoenix fall to her side. "Who the hell is Virtuous Willow?" He moves toward her more slowly than the others. He is not tense, fearing no immediate attack. "And why are the spirits apparently pissed that she has returned?" Finally, he tilts his head toward Kanfi. "Is she alright?"
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: When YOU say her name, it doesn't quite resound as much as when Kanfi says it, but you can hear the echoes growing--less like disgruntled whispers, more like a joyous chorus.
Storyteller [to Kanfi; Liu]: In fact, the two of you can hear odd music on the wind, but can neither place the source nor discern a theme.
Liu observes no danger, just weirdness, so she moves closer to Kanfi and Phoenix Maiden, still clutching her throwing knife. Her chiming voice calls softly, "Phoenix Maiden, do you hear me?"
Phoenix Maiden groggily raises her head. "...Kanfi?" Her voice is a little edged. "/Don't/ call me that anymore."
Kanfi rests his hands on Phoenix Maiden's shoulders gently, biting his lower lip. "Virtuous Willow is-- was her name. Before we got separated." Which, of course, explains why he's still calling her that. "I... Vir-- Sorry, sister."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: RumblerumbleRUMBLE. Seraphim and cherubim-- of the oldschool biblical variety-- appear as phantom images before your eyes, swirling out of the elements around you to chorus your name and welcome unto your homeland.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You can now hear all of the elements singing the chorus, though you can't see or feel their power.
Storyteller [to Liu; Kanfi]: This time, you guys -do- hear the echoes of Willow, willow, willow, on the air.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Well, my bet's on the Realm knowing we're here now! >_<"
Diamond Borealis frowns deeply then. He's still trying to listen tot he chiming of the spirit voices. "Alright, so we need to keep calling her Phoenix Maiden so they'll keep the damn racket down. But I'd be obliged if you'd explain to me what's going on. They seem to recognize you." He scratches his jawline.
Phoenix Maiden closes her eyes for a long minute, holding her head in her hands. "...Why shouldn't they? I'm a native." Her voice is flat, and she doesn't seem to have any additional comment.
Kanfi jerks his head up, looking around wildly. Well, hell. He reaches out, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Are you alright?"
Liu smiles at Phoenix Maiden real big. "They /missed/ you, didn't they?" She tucks her throwing knife away, and turns around and around, listening to all the sounds. "Do you think anyone else hears it?"
Storyteller says "Actually, Phoenix Maiden is quite right. In a cut scene, unbeknownst to the lot of you, various abbots of the Immaculate Order-- and a certain Legionary general-- are awakened or disturbed by elementals of their bloodline, warning them that the rebel is back, and seems to carry a mighty destiny on her back. The Great and Beneficent Abbot of the Immaculate Faith Within the Satrapy of Harborhead calls to order his officers of the Just and Regretful Suppression to order an immediate increase in troops to deal with the rise of an apparent God-blood; this time, the general is not unwilling to provide the Hunt with legionnaires."
Storyteller [to Liu]: You feel a nervous crawl up your spine as you ask that question. Not immediate danger as per your Surprise Anticipation Method, but something -very- similar. Save that it doesn't cost you Essence. ;)
Phoenix Maiden mutters. "Probably every Dragon-blooded between here and the coast."
Phoenix Maiden glares at Kanfi. "Did it occur to you /ever/ that I might have had a reason for changing my name?"
Kanfi grins sheepishly at her and rubs the back of his neck. "Oops?"
Diamond Borealis frowns at that. "Looks like we might not have a choice about killing some Dragons." A little grin at that as Phoenix seems fine. Nor does he seem to care what she calls herself. He starts looking around the area. "Since you're the native, how long do we have before they're going to be here breathing down our necks?"
Liu shudders and holds her shoulders, both at the creepy feeling she's got and Phoenix's comment about Dragon-blooded.
Phoenix Maiden shrugs. "I have no clue. That depends on whether they know where we are."
Liu bites her lip and smiles nervously. "Maybe we should not be where they know we are."
Diamond Borealis motions with his blade. "Then get her up and lets get going. We've got to find Swan Dragon, and we've got to start plotting how to kick the Dragons out and keep them out."
Kanfi hops to his feet and offers Phoenix Maiden his hand. "I'm really sorry, sister."
Phoenix Maiden sighs at Kanfi and shrugs. "Just... don't do it again." She pulls herself up to her feet. "I'm not so sure about heading out now; unless they know where we are, we make ourselves more obvious by scurrying off just after camping."
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Need to know scenery - I thought at the end of last round we were at our encampment, not the temple. Are we at the temple?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "That was my understanding too, Liu."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You are, sorry-- the ruins are in the distance but the smoke is everywhere."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Sorry, thought we were at the ruins."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "It's my fault, I misremembered."
Liu looks at Phoenix Maiden, widens her eyes just a touch in understanding, and nods.
Diamond Borealis gives a nod of his head to that. "Then we need to leave early and get on the way to finding Swan Dragon. We also need to post a watch tonight. In case any foolish Dragons poke their snouts in over here. We aren't very far from the Temple."
Phoenix Maiden nods in agreement. "A watch... is a very good idea." She eyes the surroundings warily.
Liu stretches her arms up over her head, then rolls lazily into a backbend, then kicks up into a hand-stand. This has the feel of someone cracking their knuckles, or stretching and yawning. She tilts her head up to look at Diamond and Phoenix. "Well then... who's first watch? I'm good at watching."
Liu smiles winningly.
Phoenix Maiden glances around. "Four watches; not bad. Shame we can't make the toy-men watch. Do you want first watch then, Liu?"
Diamond Borealis considers a moment. "I'll take first watch. Liu, you can spell me in...four hours. But you need to get some sleep before you do. Then Kanfi can relieve you, and I can relieve him. Phoenix; get your rest. After that little misadventure..." He smiles faintly, giving her a wink.
Liu hops back down onto her feet, and smiles at Diamond.
Phoenix Maiden rubs her head and admits dryly, "I've been hallucinating enough I wouldn't trust my eyes right now."
Kanfi nods and reaches out to rub his sister's shoulder. "Well, then get some rest."
Storyteller says "It looks like night-time arrangements have been made. Do you guys want to be doing anything in particular as you go to bed, or are your plans for the evening uneventful?"
Phoenix Maiden is going to be trying to avoid conversation in case anyone wants to ask more questions. >_>
Kanfi is giving his sister some space and feeling kinda guilty.
Liu is just going to make sure Midnight-With-Stars is free to roam, and pat the yeddim, before going into the trailer and crawling up into the small space near the roof where her bed is made. Though, if Kanfi is looking sad, she will stop and try to make him smile.
Storyteller <to Kanfi; Liu> is amused. Encourages you two to RP that out!
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: I take it you're heading off to bed pretty promptly, though?
Phoenix Maiden is going to meditate for a while first. Has things to think about.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: And your plans?
Diamond Borealis is going to do his watch then try to dream of something besides Skulls and Such.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: What do you plan on meditating on?
Storyteller [to Liu; Kanfi]: Ignore my talking to the others, just go ahead. :)
Kanfi watches his sister, but doesn't want to try apologizing again. So instead he goes to sit by the fire, and stare at IT for a while. Mopily. He hadn't MEANT to get them all into trouble. For once.
Liu passes by Kanfi on her way to the caravan, and slows down as she sees his face. She stops after having just walked past him, and then bends over backwards and looks up into his face.
Kanfi manages a shadow of a smile for the trick. "Flexible."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Your watch is mainly untroubled, save by whatever happens between Kanfi and Liu. As for sleep, when it comes, for the first time in -months-, it is not bothered by visions of the underworld. Nor do you dream of the terrible consequences of one loose tongue. As a matter of fact, you dream of a selection of comely, willing, and none-too-morally-restricted young ladies, in a setting of unsurpassed opulence and decadence. You get a remarkable night's sleep, in fact.
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: Hrm. The fire, and such - the wrongs of the Realm.
Liu grins at Kanfi and speaks in Flametongue. "Well, it's a signature style. It didn't take me long to learn. But the other acrobats said that was because I'm young."
Liu stands back up and sits down in front of Kanfi. "Are you afraid she's angry at you?"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: It's not too hard of a subject to meditate on, really. The Realm needs Harborhead, for both temporal and spiritual reasons, to be crushed. With the discovery of MASSIVE jade beds in Bent Creek (slightly north of where you are), Harborhead is now a major military and economic resource. Furthermore, it's one of the last bastions of uncontrolled Little Gods worship in their realm. Facing punishing losses in the north against the Bull, and severe unrest at home, they need to flex their muscles, and the Immaculates have been forbidden from interfering in what they see as a self-perpetuating, cannibalizing system of violence-- mainly, ironically, on the grounds that it supports the slave trade that the empire is ALSO desperately relying on.
Kanfi responds in their native language, not really looking at Liu at all. "A little. I didn't mean to get us all into trouble again. I just haven't seen her in years and she was still Vir-- she still went by that name. I think it suits her better anyway." He tries for another smile, wry.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Hey, your brain has been suppressed on what IT wants for months, due to interference. It's got Business to take care of. :P"
Liu looks a little perplexed and shakes her head. "I dunno. She doesn't look like a Willow to me. I mean..." quick blush of embarrassment "She's shaped like a willow tree! I just meant... you know, how you look like a Kanfi."
Storyteller [to Liu; Kanfi]: You two feel little tremors, but nothing like before. No one else feels anything.
Liu ducks her head a little, looking up at the sky. She hitches her shoulders closer together.
Kanfi coughs out a little laugh. "Do I? I thought about changing my name when I got to Nexus, but it's like a worn-in sandal. I'd have to break-in an entirely new name and it wouldn't comfortable at all for a year or so." Hooray for changing the subject!
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Do any particular points of the realm's actions vex you? Is there anything you, as a player, need to know that I may have glossed over for PM to come to her mind about the matter?
Liu grins. "I like the name Kanfi. ... What's Nexus like?"
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: I don't think so at the moment. She's being very general and fixing her grievances in her mind.
Kanfi reaches out and touches her knee, that wide smile slowly returning. "Loud and busy. Like the market this morning, only with thousands more people and buildings boxing you in on all sides. Everyone and everything comes to Nexus at some point."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Okay. Unless you'd like to 'listen in' on Kanfi and Liu, we can move on to your dream sequence. No, it's not as fun as Diamond's.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: In -your- dream, you are standing on the long veldt, the hilly/savannah region of your home, stretching off into an infinite plain. It is not now; it is a long time in the past. All around you, you see giant columns holding up the Dome of the Sky. Some have walls between them and other architectural supports; some stand on their own. Some have been reduced to rubble.
Liu smiles in response to Kanfi's smile, and stretches her arms behind her with a far off look on her face. "I've seen The Lap, and Paragon, and even Gem once -- well, outside of Gem -- near Gem -- but I've never been to Nexus. Do you think we'll go there? It would be fun to see all of Creation."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Off -far- in the distance you can see a mighty edifice built on the rubble of many towers. It is huge and made of jade, and curtain walls stretch between it and numerous other towers. But your attention is drawn closer, to a set of small and rather weak looking towers, centered around your precious veldt.
Kanfi toys with a braid and gives her a mischievous wink. "Well, once we're done here I have to go back and catch up with my partner. We could always ditch the old man, get out of Harborhead before it explodes and head on up to Nexus."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: There, you see a young, dark-skinned muscular woman-- not too different from yourself, a warrior bearing shield and spear. She is trying to build a new tower amidst the old ones, carefully scavenging from rubble at their bases and building up more of the walls between them-- trying to make a castle of her towers and the old.
Liu almost believes Kanfi, and a horrified look tries to steal over her face before it's quashed by a roll of the eyes and an indulgent smile. "I thought you got paid better if we found Swan Dragon? Besides... " She stands up, popping a few joints in her back as she does so, "there's a world to save. Right?" She bends over and kisses Kanfi on the top of the head before heading off to bed. "Get some sleep!"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You feel a warm hand on your shoulder-- almost burning-warm, but comforting. Whoever is placing his hand on your shoulder stays out of sight, behind you. "You must come closer," he says in a deep, powerful voice that you recognize in the depth of your soul. "You must see." What do you do?
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: One presumes, go closer.
Kanfi tilts his head up to watch her walk away, chuckling. A world to save. Right. He stands himself and goes to get his own bedroll.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Without ever entering your vision, the person leads you up to the base of the woman's tower. She is at the top, building it up with good, strong material-- spears, shields, and treaties wrought in stone and her own blood. Nearby you see Ahlat, who does not seem to notice your presence. He is smiling up at the woman in a paternal way. But beneath, the presence turns you towards the foundation. "This cannot stand," he says sadly, and you soon see why. She has built her tower on a foundation of neck vertebrae, and straining ox-yokes.
Storyteller [to Liu]: You heading off to bed after you tag off on watch, too?
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You also do not have a great time sleeping. I imagine this is something of a shock. :D
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Guilt!"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is just waiting for someone to point out that Kanfi's a native too. >_>
<<OOC>> Liu says, "yeah, I'll head back to sleep."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Your dreams are less coherent than phoenix maiden's. You see falcons fly off in the distance, flashing at each other and clashing in the air. You hear the whispers-- this time in full-- that you have unleashed upon the land. You see your people-- your family, your friends, the people of your home, but strangely different-- now representing all of the People of Harborhead. But they are all terribly, terribly wounded, and there is just you to heal them. You can hear your sister's voice in the background, with the beating of the drums; it is all that keeps them alive. And above, the fighting of the falcons.
Storyteller [to Liu]: You, unfortunately, are not as lucky as Diamond Borealis. The land has no immunity for you, and you see it in flames. Dark shapes haunt the backgrounds, and suddenly grow larger and wider and adorned with fierce claws and harsh teeth. They shrink back as you travel through an incoherent, burning dreamscape; you find a source for some of the fires. It is an immense red dragon, long and serpentine, thrashing and flailing about. He has deep gouges in his side, and his eyes have been put out; they bleed fire, as do his wounds. You suspect that he could help to constrain the fire-- and the dark figures are afraid of him-- but he is digging his own claws into his side, piercing his scales and opening new gouges-- or preventing old ones from healing.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Awww, Swan Dragon needs hugs!!!"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: In the distance, you see the walls of Jade coming closer and closer. While they provide sources for the other towers to lean on at the bottom, their foundations are mortared with blood and darker things-- and towards the top, they seek to overwhelm and supplant the towers, even battering at the dome of the sky-- beyond which, you are sure, are terrible things in brass and black and green. A woman wearing all red is building them up fast and furious, but every so often, you notice, she steals a brick here and there, and scurries back to her home tower. "This cannot stand," repeats the entity, and you are blinded by the brilliance of the sun-- in your dreams, and in the waking world as dawn rises.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: As you wander among the wounded, you notice that as you breath on them, as you speak to them, their wounds begin to heal. You find that you can take parchment and pen and write bandages onto them-- but they heal, as you speak to them, and as you give them voice and breath to speak to each other. But the falcons are still fighting in the sky, and where their feathers and blood fall, your friends and family refuse to speak to one another, and even Phoenix Maiden's voice grows softer. She is keeping them alive as best she can-- but the remaining responsibility lies on your shoulders. It was your voice that stirred them; it is your voice that must heal them.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You wake up with a spasm-- feeling the phantom weight on your shoulders.
Storyteller [to Liu]: You, unfortunately, wake up before you can perceive any details about the thrashing dragon.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You get a fantastic night's sleep and unless you decided to wake yourself up at a certain time, will be sleeping restfully until they come to wake you up for breakfast.
Kanfi ponders the meaning of his dream throughout his watch. It's probably good that no one's trying to sneak up on them, since he's so distracted he wouldn't have noticed. He barely remembers to wake up the old man, even.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, when you go back to sleep, you have the same dreams, of course, ending as I've so said. Diamond, you feel remarkably well rested when the dawn breaks over Phoenix Maiden's nightmare."
Phoenix Maiden wakes and sits up bolt straight with a gasp, the sun in her eyes reflected jade-green for a moment.
Diamond Borealis stretches, yawns when its time to wake up, sometime in the middle of Kanfi's watch. He actually has a smile on his face. "Now that was a good night's sleep." He turns, lifting an inquisitive brow at PM's sudden gasp.
Kanfi half-turns to glance at his sister, worry stirring inside him around the cold knot of panic the dream left in the pit of his stomach.
Liu starts in her bed when her nightmare wakes her up, and groans at being awake. Stupid morning.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Um, are we all inside the caravan except for Kanfi, or is just Liu inside the caravan in her little bed with everyone else outside? *figured the latter*"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden would probably be sleeping inside curled up next to her shiny shiny spear. >_<
<<OOC>> Kanfi is curled around Seven!
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Sacks out wherever."
Liu looks at Phoenix along with everyone else. After what happened to her yesterday, Liu feels like she should pay special attention to Phoenix Maiden's moods. "Are you okay, Phoenix?"
Phoenix Maiden rubs her eyes and nods, not trusting her voice to reassure at the moment.
Liu nods, and goes to brush out her hair in the mirror next to her sleeping area, watching Phoenix out of the corner of her eye.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Strike that. Liu wears braids. Duh."
Liu nods, and goes to find out if someone else is going to make food, or if we should just be off.
Phoenix Maiden stretches and heads out of the small wagon.
Diamond Borealis gets up and follows her out as well. "Bad dreams?" He asks quietly as he moves beside her.
Phoenix Maiden shrugs slightly. "Certainly not restful ones..."
Kanfi sighs and pats Seven as he gets up to put on all of his multitudes of jewelry and join everyone outside.
Diamond Borealis gives a nod of his head. Then watches Kanfi arrive. "How about you, puddin'? You sleep well?" He seems curious after the change in his own dreams. Something brewing in the back of his mind.
Kanfi glowers mildly at Diamond and rubs his eyes. "You're in a cheerful mood today, old man." He'll feel better once he's eaten,
"Yeah, well, I had pleasant dreams." Diamond admits. Then confesses in addition. "That worries me. Especially as your sister apparently didn't." Cup is not only half-empty, the water is poisoned.
<<OOC>> Storyteller assumes the Game Masterly Pose Of Innocence.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Diamond: I had good dreams where a bevy of sexy young ladies plied me with... favors. Yes. Favors. This disturbs and worries me!"
Phoenix Maiden digs through supplies for breakfast things for everyone.
Kanfi rolls his eyes and goes scrounging for food with his sister. "Well, aren't we the lucky one." Grumpypuss. "Maybe it's a foreigner thing. Normally when the Realm is about to attack the village one doesn't have a good night's sleep."
Phoenix Maiden eyes Kanfi. "Bad dreams?"
Kanfi shrugs with a sigh. "Something like that." Where are the many establishments with nude dancing girls to take his mind off this, dammit?
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: There are quite a few in Bent Creek, not too far north of where you are now!
Liu walks over to try and be useful to Phoenix Maiden, who's trying to make food. "I had bad dreams too. Different than just-scared-dreams."
Phoenix Maiden takes half the food, letting Kanfi get the rest, and sets it out for everyone.
Diamond Borealis wags a finger. "See. I'm telling you. Something is hinky. I've had nightmares for weeks, months maybe. Then we get here, and you all three have bad dreams while I'm playing pattycake with a bevy of beauties? Something isn't right. We need to get after Swan Dragon. And fast." He doesn't seem concerned about breakfast, though he does sit down to eat automatically.
Kanfi sets out the rest of the food. Neatly and stylishly even! "So you have sexy dreams when bad stuff is about to collapse on our heads? Neat trick."
Liu looks at Diamond hard. She opens her mouth to ask him why he'd play pattycake with pretty women, but decides to leave it be. She starts eating quietly.
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "... Have I mentioned recently that I love you guys?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Aw, we love our ST too! <3"
Phoenix Maiden ponders. "Significant dreams. Mine was... though I don't know what aid it could be to us now." She glances to Diamond and nods. "That is... askew."
"Sexy or not is irrelevant. It's a break in the pattern. Someone or something related to the Deathlords has spent a great deal of time and effort disturbing my sleep. Then they let up? While Phoenix and Liu have significant dreams of incoming disaster? The pattern doesn't fit." Diamond shovels more food in his gob, giving Liu a smile. "So tell us about your dreams. Maybe we can make some sense of them."
Phoenix Maiden nods. "If someone was still tampering with your sleep... one wonders what dream you /didn't/ have.
Phoenix Maiden looks to Liu and Kanfi. "Care to share your dreams?"
Liu looks back up at Diamond, and recounts her dream, along with her feeling that Swan Dragon would be able to help put the South back to right if he could be found and brought back.
Kanfi nibbles on a piece of bread while pondering how to explain his dream. "Well, I suppose it's a good thing we intended to find him int he first place, isn't it?"
Phoenix Maiden is thoughtful. "If your dream is true, Liu -- and as I am sure my own was, I do not doubt yours -- if it is true, then Swan Dragon is gravely injured. This does not /surprise/ me, given the..." she hesitates, and nods towards the caravan and the sword it conceals. "I hope we can heal him."
Liu shrugs. "We should go."
Liu clears her food and wipes her plate down, and sets off to make sure Curly is ready to get going.
Diamond Borealis nods agreement with Liu, finishing up his breakfast by stuffing the last bites into his mouth with his fingers. "I don't see any reason to change what we had planned.
Storyteller says "Alrighty. I direct you guys to http://home.in.tum.de/~hohenber/images/exalted/Creation_Map_v5.2a.jpg"
Kanfi nods and is glad no one's pressing him about his dream. It seems... weirdly personal. "So let's find him as fast as we can, and we won't have to worry!"
Storyteller says "Currently, you're south of Bent Creek and east of Tiraktou. The emanations from the sword are indistinct, but reach far away; wherever the owner of the blade is, he's not in the Southeast or even close. Further, the shallow "curve" of the vast majority of the lines seems to either follow the coast or go straight across the water itself."
Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond, with a brief glance to Kanfi. She helps tidy up the campsite.
Storyteller says "Unfortunately, most of the coastal states are tributaries of the Realm. Fortunately, Kanfi's little blunder only had effects in Harborhead proper-- for now. Unfortunately, the waves of suppression that have been left in the pathway-- and the tides of rebellion-- are growing in strength, although it will take weeks to months for the -legions- to have a coherent policy, much less formal rebellion to grow in the absence of Virtuous Willow making a direct appearance, though rumor will play a role, of course."
Storyteller says "You don't have a lot of time, though, before the pressure begins to devolve into daily incidents of strife between the Realm occupation forces and Harborhead natives."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "So we have a choice..."
Phoenix Maiden will recommend a boat if it's faster.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Go looking for the SD."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden still waiting for the map to load. SO SLOW.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "OR go ahead and reestablish the Solar Republic of Harborhead."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "I'm not built for ruling!"
Storyteller says "Either approach has its benefits and its fallacies."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden twitch. Must forge Harborhead into a nation built on a strong foundation! To take the reigns of stabilizing Creation from the corrupt and arrogant Realm! But isn't sure she's ready to take on the Realm QUITE yet.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis pats Kanfi. "You just kill who I say kill." :)
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "I mean...who PM says Kill."
Storyteller says "You have the potential to get in on the ground floor now, in Harborhead, and direct the early rebellion. You also have the potential to stop -- or at least, more closely avenge-- any further acts of blasphemy and terror like the one that just happened."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden laughs. I thought he was supposed to charm people, not kill them!
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis bahs and meant Liu.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "We could always say the words GMs hate: Split the party!"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis has been up since 6AM.
<<OOC>> Kanfi is no good at killing things!
Storyteller says "On the other hand, two of you are currently under bound agreement with Ahlat -- to whom this realm is special anyway-- to find out what you can about Swan Dragon."
<<OOC>> Kanfi wants to find Swan Dragon, so he can get paid.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis considers a nifty little spell called 'Summon First Circle Demon'.
Storyteller says "Furthermore, Swan Dragon was a military mastermind and a hero. He's also a personal powerhouse. Not only would it shake up the local Celestial Bureaucracy to have him re-claim his title as Censor, his restoration at your hands would give you a mighty ally, one who has shaken the foundations of the earth before, slaying mighty princes of the Tribes of Madness."
Storyteller says "As well as having titular leadership of the Court of the Orderly Flame, which is mainly based in and around Harborhead in the first place."
Storyteller says "Speaking as your game master, I am prepared to accept either direction for your adventure, but not both. No party splits. :P You're a circle now."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Meeeeeh."
Liu has traveled /from/ The Lap. She asks Diamond about their pathway as they're readying to leave. "Are we going to stay along the coast, or do you want to stay in the foothills?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis hrms, hrms, hrms.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden wants to find Swan Dragon still. Might make a deliberate effort to plant rumors about waiting for the 'arrival' of Virtuous Willow, though, trying to get Harborhead natives not to act until she goes, ah, public.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden will code them into stories! >)
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "What we need is a fast travel spell..."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden also cries at her slow connection as the map /continues/ to load.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: By the by, if you like, we can stop after you guys make a major decision, if you need to sleep. I understand the been-awake-since-6am thing, trust me.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "hold on, real life stuff"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Well, I have XP to buy 'Stormwind Rider'."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Shouldn't be too high a cost to move the whole party to wherever we're going fast with that..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Or better yet the Chariot thingie from Pooney McTangalot's book."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Isn't that a Solar Circle Spell, though"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay, we're pausing for Liu's RL concerns, but the three of you can plot and plan as you like; just please no RP until she can get back."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "... Pooney McTangalot? Hee."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Nope. Conjure the Azure Chariot is an Emerald Circle Spell."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden will, barring a spell, ask whether sea-travel would be faster. Has, mind you, never been out of Harborhead ...well, except to wander the desert and the jungles... so doesn't really know.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "You said the threads are leading...which direction?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "We're a long way inland, PM."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Yeah, but I understand they're heading out across the ocean."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: South and west, either hugging the coastline or going straight over the water. They're long to the west and shallow to the south.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...IE, towards the Lap. Where an insane old man is handing out exploding pillows to the good and virtuous."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...And Liu."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Among other places.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Chiascuro, Yane, and Paragon are all touched, along with lesser Varang city-states and tributaries of Paragon. Heck, some threads even pass through Delzahn and Djala territory.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Chiaroscuro and Paragon."
Phoenix Maiden [to Storyteller]: Yes, but I believe in the RP theory of conservation of coincidence. :p
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "I thinks it is easiest to go hunting for the old Lizard."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Particularly if Diamond can get a quick travel spell."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Well, yes. *chuckles* I'm just saying.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Eh. Problem is...it's only gonna let me carry 600 lbs besides myself."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Hrm. Well, that could carry /us/ but not our toys."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Right."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...and caravan and livestock and legionnaires..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Damnit, if only I had a really fast bird and Moureau's Tureky Baster Spell."
Storyteller says "Liu has increasing RL difficulties."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Hey, ST, our artifacts get all light when we're attuned... does that /count/? ^^;"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis could turn Curly into a supah-fast flying Yeddim.
Storyteller says "I think I'm going to call for a break, to be turned into a full adjournment if Liu can't get back, and I'll get a consensus on what you guys plan to do over AIM."
Phoenix Maiden [to Diamond Borealis]: Well, maybe MWS can pull the caravan... >_>
You say "'Cause that horsie is not NORMAL."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Depending on how you want to do it, I'm amenable to Sapphire Circle mass transportation spells that can enchant your beasts of burden.
Storyteller chuckles. that too.
Diamond Borealis is still emerald circle.
Diamond Borealis says "Sapphire already has the Cloud thingie."
Diamond Borealis says "Which is 500lbs per pt of essence."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: In either Emerald or Sapphire, we can work out a less-efficient in terms of speed, but more broad-effecting spell. How much spare XP do you guys have?
Diamond Borealis only has like..11, not counting tonight.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Er, do you ha- right. What's your essence at the moment?
Diamond Borealis says "3."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: We can work on something emerald-circly over AIM, then.
Diamond Borealis says "3 Permanent, I mean."
Diamond Borealis says "Kay."
Diamond Borealis wants the Spawning of Monsters though.
Storyteller says "I'm taking it, though, that from all 3 of you, you want to go to try and find Swan Dragon first."
Storyteller chuckles. Oh dear.
Diamond Borealis says "I mean...two Yeddim. Two fast flying animals..."
Phoenix Maiden has 26. >_>
Diamond Borealis says "Bam. Rocs!"
Phoenix Maiden <to Diamond Borealis> snrk.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Any preferences?
Phoenix Maiden wants to, yes. She is, as they pass through Harborhead, though, going to do her best to spread stories encouraging people to hold off on outright rebellion until Signs Happen. >_<
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Start thinking up a basic outline of the legends and rumors you want to make; I heartily recommend co-writing with Kanfi, who has the Touch. Whatever you or you two come up with, I'll consider as a Stunt for your Rumor-mongering role.
<<OOC>> Liu returns, Real Life averted.
Kanfi would prefer to go looking for Swan Dragon. He actually seems to be the only one opposed to this whole rebellion thing...
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Yay!"
Phoenix Maiden [to Kanfi]: Hehehe. Your sister is not only plotting rebellion, but forming Harborhead into a military power that can /challenge the Realm across Creation/. >_>
Phoenix Maiden [to Kanfi]: That's still pretty vague, though. ^^
Storyteller says "Okay. Considering the possibility that Diamond Borealis may at some point have some way to boost your travel speeds, what plan of travel do y'all have?"
Kanfi [to Phoenix Maiden]: I have plans. They're just not quite so... broad-reaching. They include women and wine.
Kanfi is easily contented!
Diamond Borealis would think if I can boost speed we make hest south-west to the coast, and hop on a ship.
Diamond Borealis says "Unless I can dink up some sort of enchant the big-ass yeddim to fly spell."
Storyteller meant more in the lines of cities visited, regions explored. Or intentions along those lines anyway.
Diamond Borealis ohs.
Diamond Borealis just wants to find the old Lizard.
Diamond Borealis says "But hitting Chiaroscuro would be cool."
Diamond Borealis says "They've got some nifty baubles."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Right-- but where are you going to look for him?
Diamond Borealis wants no part of Paragon.
You say "If Diamond's conveyance is faster than ship, I am inclined to traveling through the coastal regions looking for stories of things blowing up... I mean things that might connect to him."
Kanfi suggests swinging by most of the more populated areas to see if we get lucky.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You're a smart man.
Diamond Borealis says "Less'n we plan to gakk the Perfect and take it over, using his forces as shock troops to being the retaking of Hammerhead."
Diamond Borealis says "But that's more a Trand sort of idea than a Diamond one. So I'll set that aside."
You say "We already have shock troops."
Diamond Borealis means ones we can afford to use as Meat Shields.
Diamond Borealis says "I mean...valiant human warriors who are precious to us, each and every one? *eyeshifts*"
Phoenix Maiden thinks brass shields are better. :) Bronze. Whatever.
You say "If Diamond's conveyance is not faster than ship, I am inclined to sailing along the coast stopping in major ports and seeing what tales we can pick up."
Phoenix Maiden [to Diamond Borealis]: Of course. >_<
Diamond Borealis likes PMs plan.
Phoenix Maiden and Kanfi will have to plot on Tales to Tell.
Storyteller says "Whatever I come up with for Diamond won't be faster than a ship going directly anywhere; among other reasons, because it can go in a straight line. The more ports you stop at the faster his conveyance will relatively be because it can travel in a relatively smooth curve, as opposed to the current/wind-following "bounces" of a ship."
