Observing the people of Tekai, Darel is pretty sure there is no unnatural influence present. They are not mutated by the Wyld, or hypnotized or bespelled. They appear to truly believe the Dragon King their savior. It could be that Tekai has more of a symbiotic relationship with their god, than a harmfully subservient one.

The people of Umai are not typically warmongers, either; they are just more numerous. Unlike the people of Tekai the Nkiru mountains shield them a great deal from the Fae, rogue storm-mothers and other hazards of the Far West. They have a closer relationship with Wavecrest, so more opportunities for trade as well as protection from their Navy or even the Realm -- though from what Aranita said the people of Umai are not terribly fond of Realm influence in Wavecrest and its tributaries.

Because of the relative prosperity and position of Umai, a cult would have more problem taking root there than with the less numerous and more endangered Tekai. But the Umai are also rather insular, so see Tomistoma's 'conversion' of the Tekai people as the possible beginnings of a hostile takeover. While the Umai people's refusal to worship may be seen by the Tekai as an affront.

---

OOC: Darel, I'm sorry, I realized I never posted the results of your investigation roll. so consider this a combination of that plus the Socialize. [Private to Cathak Garel Treon: since you've got great socials, you could probably assume you know all this, too... or if you'd rather you can roll a perc+socialize, and with 3 or more success get a similar idea of the situation as Darel got. May even be able to discover more than that, if you roll higher.

I changed it to perception, after seeing you roll. I realized that made more sense... duh.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:05, Tue 10 Feb 2009.

Hera turns to address the elder, "Wise peoples of..." she pauses  thinking for a moment, "Umai. Though I have traveled here with this Dragon God, but I am not of his people. He has generously offered me shelter and hospitality after my long journey from Home. I am Hera, daugher of the god king Nan. I have come to learn of the world beyond the rim."


She looks nothing like a person of the West. Her hair is the color of sunlight and her clothes look from another place and age. She wears Orichalcum openly on her person both in the form of bracers and gloves that hang from her belt.

"Darel, is that ..." he asks in High Realm as an aside to the man.  That looks an awful lot like the metal of the Anathema.  If one of those is here.  Well.  he tried to rack his mind for the other signs of the demonic possession.

"Leader of the Tekai," Treon spoke.  "We are here to seek information, and not about yourself, nothing more.  It is my hope that both the Tekai and the Umai can continue the peaceable state of affairs that have persisted to date, without the Umai being converted to worship your cause, but neither with them pressing any hostile intentions towards you."

"I would think so," Darel replied in High Realm. "Orichalcum - a magical material tied to the legendary Solar Anathema..."

That... complicates things...

Tomistoma raises a hand to silence his followers. "The bond between faithful and their lord is one of mutual obligation." The Dragon King replies, as if lecturing to students, "Worship must be repaid with deeds."

"What have I to offer the people of Umai?" He asks gesturing with his arms to the people gathered on the beach, "Shall I swim around the island every time Umai needs divine help? To precide over every festival?" The huge reptile's shoulders shake a bit as a hissing laugh escapes past his conical teeth, "I am indeed a mighty predator, but I would be an unwise hunter indeed if I claimed a larger hunting ground than I could care for or defend."

He half-turns from his stance at the prow of the beached canoe, looking across his shoulder at his followers, "My beloved people of Tekai meet my needs, and I meet their's. I possess not the hubris to force all of Creation to bend knee to me."

Princes of the Earth...

Silent since their approch, Indrid is a watchful presence off the Dragon-King's shoulder. He feels his hammer, Hanuman, react to the mere presence of the Terrestrials. A tingle under his hand as he balanced the massive goremaul with head down and handle up - a peaceful and yet somewhat authoritive stance.

Now mine eyes have been laid upon thee, yet these names and faces, I know them not. Does no house of the Shogunate yet stand here? What place is this, where the rulers of the world carry so much less in the vanity and glory of their station? Walk upon naked soil and not the petals of roses? Tis a most... unseemly thing.

"Knowledge-Seeker," Indrid says suddenly towards Treon and knelt down humbly, eyes averted to the bottom of the boat before he went on. "Prince of the Earth. I am the Amiliki, Indrid Cold. Servant to the Dragon-King Tomistoma by oath, yet servant to thee by birth."

"Thou speak of questions to be answered. Low before thee as I am,  I am not without my talents. It may not be beyond my capacity to assist. In the way of goodwill, as gesture both for myself and mine lord Tomistoma, let me rendered unto thee what aid I may."

"So, then, people of Umai, are you reassured as to Tomistoma of the Tekai's intentions here?" he asked of the gathered crowd, and the matron.

"And whether you are or not, such discussions are better held face to face rather than bellowed across the water.  If the Elder Matron would permit it,  can the Dragon-King Tomistoma and some of his entourage land, that such talks may be accomplished with some level of civility?"

Amiliki?  Who are the Amiliki? Treon tried to remember.

"If this is not the case, then I would like to speak with you, Indrid Cold, aboard my ship, the Hammerhead," he addresses the kneeling man.

Darel's eyebrow raised a bit further. "Quite interesting..." he whispered. Though the ancient saurian was fascinating, he felt uneasy about his attitude...

Do not expect me to bow to you in any way, Dragon King... You are no god... You remind me too much of the Dynastic Dragon-Blooded and their Immaculate theocracy.

[OOC: Time to roll Lore I guess!

19:09, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 2 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,4,8,9,6,1. Int+Lore.

Meh...]

"As thou would have it. Cast me down a rope from thy deck and I shall make mineself available," Indrid agrees and then turns to the Dragon-King beside him, offering the same bow of homage he had given Treon. "With thine leave, lord Tomistoma, I shall attend to the good captain's needs."

At a motion from his hands, the rowers carefully ease his boat around the rest and slide up beside the far larger vessel with practiced ease.

While the newcomers and the Terrestrials conversed with one another, the Elder and her entourage have been deep in discussion. The people of Umai murmur quietly amongst themselves as well, though their attitude is less hostile now and more... Uncertain? Expectant?

Finally the Speaker clears her throat and speaks again, at Elder Maha-suma's behest. "If you will walk among us only as a visitor, and neither hunt nor convert our people to your flock, then we will allow you upon our shores, Dragon King Tomistoma." The murmuring from the gathered crowd of locals grows louder, a note of incredulity there, but the Speaker... speaks louder, the edge in her tone quieting them down. "However, we would hope you leave us with the next dawn, which we hope will be suitable for you to sate your curiosity."

The Elder's expression is noticeably less stern when she gazes upon Hera, and nudges the Speaker to continue. "Hera, daughter of Nan, the Handmaiden shines her grace upon us by bringing you here. Be welcome among our people, whether you choose to stay or not." Another pause, as the Elder Matron makes a wide gesture with both arms; her guards turn their spearpoints down, and her cadre of island maidens step forward... in some cases quite nervously... to welcome the 'Dragon God' and his entourage. Aranita, however, remains close by Treon and Darel, quietly glad to have been 'assigned' to them.

"We have a banquet prepared," is Maha-suma's final pronouncement. "All of our visitors will be addressed as one as guests in my home. Citizens of Umai, return to your homes and daily tasks! This matter is now closed!"

---

OOC: Treon and Indrid can have their chat on the Hammerhead, but the Elder will be expecting all of the PCs at her house, too. I'll move the scene ahead once I get a feel for what you'll all be doing.

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon: You... really have no idea what the Amiliki are except that the word appears to have an Old Realm sound to it.]

[Private to Darel Arwan: Your studies as a sorcerer/occultist make this a bit easier. You have heard the word "Amiliki"; it is an old word that means 'adept', and you believe it was synonymous with 'thaumaturge'. How that relates to Indrid's oaths or birth you have no idea, though.]

The people of Umai are respectful enough of their Elder to snap quickly to attention as soon as they are dismissed. Quickly the crowd disperses as they shut themselves up in homes and common rooms, likely to gossip amongst one another about recent events, and keep themselves as far away as possible from the Dragon King. One presumes from their behavior that they have been told some quite frightening tales (propaganda?) about the 'Dragon God of the West', likely to keep them from being drawn toward Tekai and the 'new religion'.

The smaller entourage from Tekai is unhappy with the lukewarm welcome, but they make no more loud or rude gestures, leaving it to the wisdom of their God to express their true intent for arriving here. They do not step ashore until Tomistoma has done so first, in any case.

All that remains of the Umai on the beach now are the Elder and her Speaker, her guard and her maidens. For whatever reason they seem more comfortable with Hera's presence than any of the others.

Treon makes a gesture to the Hammerhead, to indicate to those onboard that the man should be helped up and that he will be over shortly to converse with him.

"Certainly, Elder Matron," Treon acknowledges with a nod.  "I will join you for your banquet in a short while," he indicates the boat to say where he will be.

"Darel, please feel free to come back to the Hammerhead with me, or to go with the Elder Matron and converse more with the Dragon King Tomistoma." Whilst his insight would be welcome when dealing with the strange man now boarding his vessel, he would understand if the man wished to speak more with the dragon king.

Then, with a smile to Amarita, he walked back to the Hammerhead.
[Private to Storyteller: Yeah, I figured that when I rolled one success! Treon is not a history buff >_>]

Darel smiled. "I think I will stay with the Matron for now," he said, following her entourage.

"I think we have a lot to discuss about," he said with a cryptic glance at the Dragon King, and the woman openly wearing orichalcum.

"I am Darel Arwan, of the Emissaries of Perfect Waters," he told them in Old Realm, introducing himself after having stood slightly apart of the earlier exchange. "I must confess that I am most surprised by the sight of a living and civilized member of such an incredibly ancient and august species, thought extinct or fallen into barbarism. Almost as much as the sight of crafted orichalcum, which the Scarlet Dynasty went to great pains to confiscate and hide."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Thu 12 Feb 2009.

Hera looks blankly past the ongoing conversations in the languages of the corrupt priests. She is forced to wonder, why the language is so popular beyond and if her father should think about lifting his ban on it's teaching. Her words are simple in the language of the people, Seatongue. "Thank you, Matron. And thank you people of this land. Me and my companions accept your hospitality. Praise be to Nan."

Aranita looks like she would very much like to follow Treon and Indrid, but a look from her Elder stays her, and she remains with the main entourage. Technically she would remain near Darel, but again there is that other strange woman that hangs close to him, so she looks a little bit at a loss, wringing her hands.

Fortunately for Hera, the people of both halves of Nkiru are also speakers of Seatongue, albeit with a different accent than she is used to. After some quite conference with the Matron, the Speaker echoes her Elder's words. "You are quite welcome, lady Hera. We are sadly unfamiliar with the name of your father, but perhaps you would know of the Handmaiden, Vesperna?" There is some hope in her tone, though it is mostly polite. [Private to Hera: You probably wouldn't know, exactly, but the people of Umai do seem to recognize and respect your authority as daughter of a Sunchosen god-king so you assume this Vesperna must have some common ties.]

The young maidens sent forth to welcome Tomistoma and his people flank them on either side as they step ashore, still nervous but valiantly showing their best and most pleasant expressions. Chosen for their beauty and hospitality, their presence serves to pacify even the hardier Tekai at least somewhat.

With the Tekai thusly preoccupied, Tomistoma, Hera and Darel are beckoned to join the Elder. Umai village has been built on a slope, and the stone-paved path she indicates is now and then is broken by short flights of stairs, so buildings above shore level appear to be tiered. The apex of the village is not actually the Elder's home, but a rounded hilltop upon which a small, closed shrine is situated. Nonetheless, the dwelling is a beautiful one even seen from a distance, crafted (as Darel and Treon have already seen) from stone and ceramic roof-tiles rather than the wood and thatch of the lower homes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:21, Sat 14 Feb 2009.

Tomistoma's prehistoric expression is unreadable as he steps onto the beach, which signals his people to join in. He speaks to his chief quietly before leaving his followers to walk with the elders of Umai. "The hospitality of the people of Umai is obviously inferior to their paranoia. Accept their hospitality and return to our shores, remembering the shackles that rulers without the confidence and love of their followers place on them to keep them in their place." As he steps away, he puts a hand on the chief's shoulder, meeting the smaller mammal's eyes, "And make it clear to our people that anyone that cares to stay behind with the soft people of Umai and their fearful rulers is free to do so."

Walking away with the elders and Dragon-Bloods, he addresses Darel. "Extinct, no. Barbaric, certainly. It is a miracle indeed when any of my people rise above their animalistic birth. My search has found no remains of Dragon King's civilization, only scattered tribes, 'herds' more like, of savage young, and a few ruins." He considers keeping any knowledge to himself, deciding to show the people of Umai that he lacks their paranoia, and has the confidence to speak openly, to deal with them as equals, rather than rivals to be feared.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:10, Mon 16 Feb 2009.

Hera smiles to the speaker and the Matron, "Do not feel bad. My father's kingdom has been protected by the sacred circle until only recently. This island is the first outside Home to hear of his glory. I have also not heard of this Handmaiden Vesperna. I would very much like to meet her though."

The chief of the Tekai, a man named Jangat, bows proudly and confidently upon being personally bestowed the counsel of the Dragon God. "It will be as you say. Though I believe some of us may partake in the 'softness' of these people, none will stay permanently. Praise to you, Great One, your wisdom and guidance ever inspire us." He bows again, deeply and respectfully, and withdraws again toward the boats... and the maidens.

The Speaker smiles back to Hera. With the Elder moving ahead of the procession, the younger woman with green hair answers the Golden Childe for the first time using her own words. This way, her speech is plainer, rather than the formal tones of her 'official' voice.

"How I wish we could meet Her. But the Handmaiden has long departed from this world. We only know her blessings from a distance now." She is uneasy with Tomistoma's attitude of derision, and so largely ignores the Dragon King, murmuring her words specifically for Hera's ears. "Though I am the Speaker, I am also the Elder's first daughter. You may call me Risina."

Two maiden-servants hold open the double door entrance into the Elder's dwelling. The Matron enters at the lead, with the Speaker and Hera following, then Darel, Kathleen and Aranita, then Tomistoma (catching up after his brief words to Jangat). The entryway is spacious, with painted folding screens and places for those with shoes to place them so as not to leave tracks on the bamboo floor.

---

OOC: I had more than this but I figured I'd let Darel answer before the Elder speaks again and the meal begins.

"What a shame," Darel nodded. "I have seen but fragmentary accounts of the wonders crafted by your people, or their philosophy, but they have always fascinated me."

As they entered the Elder's abode, he continued: "You have unusual company, too. I have never thought I would find someone wearing orichalcum so openly. Is she aware of the danger she would incur closer to civilization?"

"I fear my memories are as a sandy beach, with some few dozen grains holding treasures beyond compare. Every one of my people holds thoughts back to the very dawn of Creation, diluted beyond recovery by subsequent Ages of savagery." The Dragon King holds an arm out towards Darel, the kelp-like leaves of his magnificent robe glint in the light, as each is gilt along the edge in the same golden metal as Hera's bracers. "Some few of my people's wonders still remain, at least."

His eyes turn towards Hera, "I know little of this grandchild of the Sun, but it seems her lord-father has kept her well insulated from the realities of this Age. I believe we are akin in our curiousity of Creation beyond the bounds of our experience.

"If she were to travel in the outside world, I would strongly recommend that she learn to better hide... whatever she is," Darel told the Dragon King.

The dining room is adjacent, overlooking a tropical flower garden. The meal is spread out on a long low table, and the seats are cushions on the floor, upon which the islanders sit in lotus style. The cuisine is fare such as vegetable spring rolls, rice dumplings on banana leaves, baked shellfish and scallops, seafood stew with rice noodles, or codfish braised whole. There is also a barbecued rack of lamb, and a honey glazed poultry, for those who dislike the seafood.

The Elder and Speaker seat themselves first, then invite their guests to sit as well. The few maidens who accompanied them begin to serve and distribute the meal. For a time there are few words, as dishes are passed around, soup ladled into bowls, food and drink sampled and enjoyed.

Finally the Elder takes her utensils and starts tapping on her ceramic cup to draw the guests' attention. In such close proximity, Maha-suma does not bother to let her daughter speak for her. Her voice is still quiet, though, more of a raspy whisper, but it forces the guests to remain quiet at the table in order to hear her. "Visitors, it has come to my attention that you have vested interests in the fate of the Savant known as Cynis Megara. We, too, are interested in her recovery, for while she remains missing, Umai will know no peace from the Realm. Should you agree to help one another in finding her, we would tell you all that we know."

Hera smiles and is cordial. After the elder speaks, Hera is one of the first to stand from her seat, "If some one is missing, I will do all that is in my power to find her. It is important to help others in need, as was the lessons taught by Nan. How may I be of aid?"

Tomistoma devours a large amount of seafood, tasting a bit of everything to sample different kinds of human cuisine. He has no idea who Cynis Megara is, but he is here to learn as much as anything else, so he listens carefully to anything he can learn about the politics of the area.

It's as the Elder was talking of the unlucky Cynis that Treon entered the room, still talking with Indrid, although he breaks off his conversation with the man as they cross the threshold.  "My apologies for lateness," he says, with a nod to the Elder.  "It is indeed true that we seek Cynis Megara," Treon confirms as he takes a seat at the table.  "We would certainly be grateful for any information you could provide us," he continues.

"We would also be grateful for any aid that the others might provide.  I had already planned to ask the Dragon King Tomistoma if he would mind if Indrid Cold would accompany us."

Edited for positioning
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Sat 21 Feb 2009.