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11:49, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos.

Posted by DworkinFor group 0
Roman of Chanicut
player, 802 posts
Sat 16 Feb 2013
at 21:53
  • msg #52

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

To kill Senghiz?  Things ave gotten bad here.  Maybe coming back wasn't the wisest of moves.  But maybe there is a way out....  "I confess that Senghiz has been good to me, and I would find it difficult to kill him.  But if the Amberites are involved, maybe we should be careful?  They're devious.  They eat and drink conspiracy.  If you found out about the meetings maybe it was because the Amberite wanted you to find out - if it isn't one if their tricks.  Maybe they want Senghiz dead.  That's the problem of dealing with them, getting past all the deceptions."  Roman feels quite good about that.  Hell, it might even be right!
Mistress Chanicut
NPC, 8 posts
Sat 16 Feb 2013
at 22:55
  • msg #53

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"My own allies told me of the meetings, Roman, my dear Roman."

Derris releases Roman's hand, "They witnessed two of them, from hiding.  Nothing can be concealed from them, and they are faithful to me, and I to them."  The Mistress of House Chanicut laughs suddenly, the sound broken, and with an edge of hysteria to it.  She moves back to her chair and sits, for gesturing Roman to move closer.

"Sit, Roman, sit."  There are other chairs in the room, but all are much lower than Derris', meaning that even seated she would tower over a sitting Roman.  She brushes the fingers of her left hand over one of the chair's intricately carved armrests, then lifts the hand to lick a drop of blood from a fingertip.

Apparently at least one of the carvings has a sharp edge on it.  Perhaps worryingly, she appears to enjoy the taste of her own blood.

"Senghiz has been good to us, yes, to all of us.  But I fear that time may be coming to an end.  I ask you again, Roman... If I asked you to do it, would you kill Senghiz?  For me.  The head of your House."
Mistress Chanicut
NPC, 9 posts
Sat 2 Mar 2013
at 16:18
  • msg #54

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

She cocks her head to one side, and smiles, as the silence stretches out.

Finally she laughs, and says, "Do you see, Sand?  He doesn't answer me.  he has doubts, I suppose.  Is that it, Roman?  Do you doubt me?  I command you to answer.  I am the leader of this House, soon to be ruler over the Courts themselves.  You would do well to speak when I command you to do so."

The air in the room seems to crackle, and sparks of red, blue and orange dance through her hair and around the tips of her fingers.

"Answer Roman.  Would you kill Senghiz, at my command, or do you doubt me?"
Roman of Chanicut
player, 803 posts
Mon 4 Mar 2013
at 06:59
  • msg #55

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"Of course I have doubts!" Roman responds.  "How can I not ? To kill one of our own, on the word of outsiders ?  How can we trust them that far ?  Senghiz has always been loyal to the House.  How can we know that this is not part of their plan ?"
Mistress Chanicut
NPC, 10 posts
Tue 5 Mar 2013
at 20:16
  • msg #56

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"Ah... "

Derris tilts her head down, studying her fingers, where a last spark still dances.  Whe she lifts her gaze again, her eyes are yellow and the pupils are cruciform, "I remember when you were young, Roman.  We would sit in this very room together, though it has changed since then, so perhaps you do not recognise it.  And we would talk.  I would tell you stories.  Do you remember that?"

"Always, at the end of the tale, you had questions.  You never could simply accept them.  You always had to ask where the hero went after the tale ended, or why the conquering army stopped where it did, or why the wandering princess was not devoured by a manticore...  Do you remember?


She turns over her hand, and the spark skips into her palm, and she enfolds it in a loose fist.  "You always had questions Roman.  And I see that you have not changed.  As always, I will do my utmost to answer them."

"Senghiz has been loyal to Chanicut, Roman.  But he has changed, while accusing me of changing.  I trust my allies, Roman, but they are not the only ones who have seen this.  I have seen it with my own eyes.  With each passing day I have seen him grow less and less reliable."

"That is why I do not trust him.  It is why I let you go with him, and then summoned you back.  I did not wish him to grow suspicious while he was here.  This way, we can talk, while he is far out of earshot."

Roman of Chanicut
player, 804 posts
Sat 16 Mar 2013
at 19:06
  • msg #57

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"In what way is he less reliable?" Roman asks.  "If it is only a matter if aspiring to take your place - something I am not yet convinced of- that would be a matter of House politics, and one where killing would be a last resort.  And I must say that I found te manner of your summons back somewhat disturbing."
Mistress Chanicut
NPC, 11 posts
Sun 17 Mar 2013
at 14:54
  • msg #58

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"He is conspiring with others, Roman.  Amberites and worse." Derris replies, staring at her fist as she speaks.

"I have allies who would support Chanicut and make us as strong as any House in the entire history of the Courts.  We would rule all.  One day, Roman, you might rule all.  You were always my favourite."  She opens her fist, turning her palm upwards, and the spark sits there still, like a tamed firefly moving in a slow circle in her hand.

"And Senghiz would destroy my allies.  Destroy the future of Chanicut.  The bright... " and the spark flares for a moment, "... future that I have been forging."

"Would you rule the Courts, Roman?  The sole king, with as much power and authority as the Amberite Random?"

"Join me, and that will be your destiny."

Roman of Chanicut
player, 805 posts
Sun 24 Mar 2013
at 17:04
  • msg #59

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"To be King of Chaos as it is, or ruler of a poor remnant, surviving only because we would not be worth the effort it would take to destroy us." Roman answers quietly, voice deepened with concern.  "My Lady, there are creatures out there who would destroy the Courts, to remake the entire Cosmos to their desire, with no Logrus to inhibit them.  And I fear that they might have the power to do so - and if not they can cause great harm to us.  Are those the ones you call 'allies' ?"
Mistress Chanicut
NPC, 12 posts
Tue 26 Mar 2013
at 18:48
  • msg #60

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"The ones that I would call allies are the ones that have shown that they can help Chanicut stand against our enemies.  The ones who would provide troops to back us when the other houses turn against us.  Chanicut will survive, even if I have to sweep all those houses into the Abyss."  There is a hard edge to Derris' voice.  An edge of barely restrained rage.

And then it softens.

"Do you have the papers with you, Roman?  I would be interested in seeing them now.  I am interested in seeing anything that might help Chanicut endure the coming storms."
Roman of Chanicut
player, 806 posts
Sun 31 Mar 2013
at 16:55
  • msg #61

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"The Huse comes first" Roman murmurs, although he is far from sure how to follow that duty at this point in time.  "Your guards were most insistent that I return with them immediately.  I thought it better to leave the notes with Senghiz to study, rather than try your men's patience by demanding the time to gather them up.  I doubt that they would have permitted it, even had I asked."
Mistress Chanicut
NPC, 13 posts
Tue 2 Apr 2013
at 14:09
  • msg #62

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"Sometimes people can be a little too... zealous... when it comes to following orders from those who hold the power of life and death over them."   Derris seems to be having trouble resisting the urge to smile at that thought.  She falls silent then, the tip of one finger tapping against her lip as she considers.

In the sudden quiet there is a faint whining sound in the room, like a mosquito hovering somewhere.

Derris' tapping finger stops, and her clenched fist hammers down on the arm of the chair.  "SILENCE!  Do not speak to me like that in my own House!  You need me as much as I need you!"

The spark reappears from behind her, growing brighter and larger, until Roman can clearly see that it is a small hoop of lightning.  Derris sighs, "This, Roman, is Zakkiel.  One of my allies, and an enemy of those who conspire with Senghiz.  Sadly, he has not learned to hold his tongue."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:11, Tue 02 Apr 2013.
Roman of Chanicut
player, 807 posts
Wed 10 Apr 2013
at 17:42
  • msg #63

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

Roman bows ironically.  "Zakkiel of the herenethi, might I ask who you serve, what aid you offer, and what price you ask?" he inquires.  Perhaps the Archon may offer something.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:53, Sat 13 Apr 2013.
Dworkin
GM, 3813 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Sat 13 Apr 2013
at 13:10
  • msg #64

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

The Archon hesitates a moment, before answering, + WE SERVE ONLY OURSELVES.  IF YOU MEAN, RATHER, WHO WE CHOOSE TO ALLY OURSELVES WITH... WE ARE OF THE MALAKIM. +

+ WE DEFEND OUR PEOPLE FROM THREATS, WHETHER INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL.  THE SERAPHIM ARE AN INTERNAL THREAT, AS ARE THE NEPHELIM.  THEIR WAR SPREADS, PROPAGATING WAVES OF ENTROPY AND DESTRUCTION AMONG ALL ARCHONS.  IF YOU HAVE THE MEANS TO DESTROY ARCHONS IN NUMBERS, OR MORE OF OUR BREEDING WORLDS, THEN YOU REPRESENT AN EXTERNAL THREAT. +

+ WE OFFER SUPPORT, IN EXCHANGE FOR SUPPORT, BUT WE WILL NOT TOLERATE THAT WHICH WILL LEAD TO THE END OF OUR PEOPLE. +

Zakkiel circles around Derris as it speaks, + WE HAVE NOT REVEALED THIS BEFORE.  IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT NEITHER THE SERAPHIM, NOR THE NEPHELIM, MUST BE PERMITTED TO GAIN A FOOTHOLD HERE, OR IN AMBER, AND WE WORK, COVERTLY, TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING. +
Roman of Chanicut
player, 808 posts
Wed 24 Apr 2013
at 18:07
  • msg #65

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

So, Chaos to be a Protectorate, forbidden from acquiring the power to defend itself Roman thinks, summing up the Archin's words.

Those thiughts, he keeps to himself.  "The Nephilim seem harmless enough.  The Seraphim, however seem to be a true threat.  What aid could you offer against them?  Your faction has not made itself known in the battles that I have heard of."
Dworkin
GM, 3817 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Sun 28 Apr 2013
at 10:02
  • msg #66

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

+ WE MALAKIM ARE NOT POWERFUL IN OUR OWN RIGHT.  WE COULD DO LITTLE IN OUTRIGHT BATTLE AGAINST THE SERAPHIM OR NEPHELIM, FOR EXAMPLE. + Zakkiel explains, + WE WORK, INSTEAD, TO UNDERMINE THEM.  TO HINDER THEIR AMBITIONS.  AS IN THIS CASE - WE LEARNED OF A PLOT BY THE NEPHELIM TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE COURTS, AND WE WORK TO PREVENT IT. +

+ IT IS IN CHANICUT'S INTEREST THAT WE SUCCEED.  IF THE NEPHELIM COME HERE, THEN THE SERAPHIM WILL COME TO CHALLENGE THEM.  THEY WILL FIGHT HERE, ON YOUR TERRITORY, AND THE DAMAGE WILL BE TERRIBLE. +

The Archon pauses for a moment, letting the words sink in, + WHILE WE HAVE LITTLE CONCERN FOR YOUR HOME, WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT EITHER FACTION GAINING ENOUGH OF AN ADVANTAGE TO ANNIHILATE THE OTHER. +

+ SO WE OFFER AN ARRANGEMENT.  IF CHANICUT WILL ASSIST IN PREVENTING THE SERAPHIM AND NEPHELIM FROM BRINGING THEIR WAR HERE, WE WILL PROVIDE INTELLIGENCE ON THE HOUSE'S ENEMIES, AND SOME SUPPORT SHOULD BATTLE AGAINST THEM BECOME INEVITABLE. +

Roman of Chanicut
player, 809 posts
Sun 5 May 2013
at 13:15
  • msg #67

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"If the Seraphim have no designs on our portion of reality, then your proposal would seem to have some value." Roman replies neutrally.  "I can see that this is a matter that requires careful consideration."
Dworkin
GM, 3821 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Sat 11 May 2013
at 19:08
  • msg #68

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

+ DO NOT CONSIDER FOR TOO LONG.  IT WOULD, PERHAPS, BE MORE ACCURATE TO SAY THAT THE ATTENTION OF THE SERAPHIM IS ELSEWHERE, FOR THE MOMENT.  YOURSELF, AND YOUR ALLIES, HAVE FORCED THEM TO CONCENTRATE ON THE FULFILMENT OF GOALS WHICH YOU HAVE, THUS FAR, OBSTRUCTED. + Zakkiel actually sounds impressed, but not for long.

+ THAT WILL ASSUREDLY CHANGE SHOULD IT COME TO THEIR ATTENTION THAT THE NEPHELIM ARE MAKING OVERTURES TO GAIN SOME MEASURE OF POWER HERE.  AND IT WOULD COME TO THEIR ATTENTION.  AFTER ALL, WE WERE ABLE TO DISCOVER THIS SCHEME, SO YOU MAY REST ASSURED THAT THE SERAPHIM, WITH THE RESOURCES THEY HAVE AT THEIR DISPOSAL, WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO DO SO. +

Derris bangs her fist on the arm of the chair, "That is why Senghiz must die!"

+ NOT NECESSARILY.  IF THERE WERE SOME OTHER WAY TO FORESTALL HIS ALLIANCE WITH THE NEPHELIM, THEN THAT MIGHT BE SUFFICIENT. +
Roman of Chanicut
player, 810 posts
Sun 2 Jun 2013
at 21:26
  • msg #69

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

Interesting  "Senghiz has enough wisdom to understand the realities." Roman replies.  "And his death may not be the best solution."  He turns to the Archon  "If the Nephilim wish to gain influence here, a simple cutting off of contact with Senghiz would be a setback that they may seek to remedy by cultivating a replacement.  It may be better to stall, if that will be sufficient to keep the Seraphim away.  What do you say ?."
Dworkin
GM, 3829 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Tue 4 Jun 2013
at 10:39
  • msg #70

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

Zakkiel hangs silently, save for the quiet crackling of a million small lightning strokes.  Then, + YOUR POINT MAY HAVE MERIT.  WE ARCHONS ARE TENACIOUS, WE DO NOT SIMPLY GIVE UP AT THE FIRST SETBACK.  NOR THE SECOND. +

+ WOULD SOME OTHER COURSE OF ACTION SERVE TO DISCOURAGE SENGHIZ, AND OTHERS OF HIS ILK, FROM FURTHER DEALINGS WITH ARCHONS?  WE DO NOT KNOW - WE HAVE LITTLE EXPERIENCE DEALING WIRH YOUR PEOPLE. +


"And I know little of what would discourage an Archon." Derris replies, "Death, certainly... "

+ NOT NECCESARILLY.  AN ARCHON WITH REMAINING LIFE FORCES COULD SIMPLY ELECT TO FORM A NEW BODY. +

"Interesting.  Not death then."  Mistress Chanicut studies Roman, "What of you, Grandson?  What do you have to say?  You know of our people, and have had dealings with Zakkiel's.  Can you suggest a plan to end this situation?"
Roman of Chanicut
player, 811 posts
Sun 16 Jun 2013
at 10:48
  • msg #71

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

To Lady Chanicut, Roman says "The House would not benefit if some other were to ally with one of the stronger Archon factions.  If there were war between the Archons here, I do not think that the Seraphim would greatly respect our diagreements"

To Zakkiel he state "So long as Archons are seen as powerful enough to be useful allies, someone will choose to deal with them, if they can."

To both, he continues. "For now, from our side, it seems to e that a delaying tactic is best.  If we can persuade Senghiz to draw out negotiations, we may keep Nephilim involvement in this realm at a level too low to provoke Seraphim involvement.  Archon tenacity may work for us there.  From the Archon side, more might be possible.  Perhaps the Nephilim might be persuaded to abort their plans?  Do you know what they desire from an alliance, and how importantly they view secrecy?"
Dworkin
GM, 3833 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Sun 16 Jun 2013
at 20:19
  • msg #72

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

+ THEY SEEK AN ALLIANCE IN THE HOPES OF CONTROLLING THIS REGION.  DENYING IT TO THE SERAPHIM. + Zakkiel responds after a brief moment of thought, + AND THE COURTS ARE SIMPLY THE EASIEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THAT.  A PRESENCE IN THE COURTS GIVES THEM ACCESS TO THOSE NEIGHBOURING REALMS THAT ARE ALLIED TO THE COURTS.  BY REACHING AN ACCORD WITH SENGHIZ THEY HOPE TO GAIN THE BACKING OF CHANICUT, AND THE MOST DIRECT WAY OF ACHIEVING THAT WOULD BE TO ELEVATE SENGHIZ TO LEADER OF THE HOUSE. +

The Archon seems to grow restless, and starts to circle the room.

+ WE HAVE SEEN THIS APPROACH IN OTHER PLACES, USED BY BOTH NEPHELIM AND, OCCASIONALLY, SERAPHIM.  OFTEN THEY ARE SUBTLE - EVEN THEIR INTENDED ALLY MAY BE UNAWARE THAT THEY INTEND TO PUT HIM IN A POSITION OF RULERSHIP.  RIGHT UP UNTIL THE MOMENT WHEN IT HAPPENS. +

+ AND SECRECY WOULD BE IMPORTANT.  THEY DO NOT WANT THE SERAPHIM TO COME HERE BEFORE THEY HAVE A CHANCE TO GAIN THEIR ADVANTAGE. +

Roman of Chanicut
player, 812 posts
Sun 23 Jun 2013
at 09:26
  • msg #73

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"So, the Nephilim might abandon their plan, if they believed that the Seraphim knew of it?" Roman inquires.  "It should be possible to convince them of that, the more so since a slain Archon reforms elsewhere.  If the Nephilim agents here were to be attacked by Archons, that they believed to be Seraphim, for instance?"
Dworkin
GM, 3837 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Sun 23 Jun 2013
at 11:42
  • msg #74

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

+ WE... + Zakkiel starts to answer doubtfully, then falls silent, as his lightnings seem to grow more agitated.

+ THAT... MAY WORK.  IF THEY BELIEVE THAT THE SERAPHIM ARE ALREADY HERE IN FORCE, THEY WILL NOT OPENLY CHALLENGE THEM, BELIEVING THAT THEY HAVE TOO STRONG AN ADVANTAGE.  WE HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE.  WHEN ONE FACTION HAS A DECISIVE ADVANTAGE, THE OTHER DOES NOT ENGAGE. +

Zakkiel is circling the room again, moving in rapid bursts of frenetic activity. + THE SERAPHIM, UNDER HARBONAH, OUTNUMBER ANY OTHER FACTION.  IF THE NEPHELIM CAN BE CONVINCED THAT THE SERAPHIM KNOW OF THEIR PRESENCE HERE, AND HAVE THE STRENGTH TO DESTROY THEM, THEN THEY WOULD, IN ALL LIKELIHOOD, WITHDRAW. +

+ DESTRUCTION, WHILE NOT ALWAYS FATAL, IS NEVER ENJOYABLE. +


The Archon comes to a halt, hovering directly before Roman, and says, + TELL US OF YOUR PLAN. +
Roman of Chanicut
player, 813 posts
Sun 7 Jul 2013
at 09:17
  • msg #75

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

"To call it a plan would be stretching a little." Roman replies.  "But your forces could impersonate Seraphim, could they not?  And your intelligence would let you ambush and slay the Nephilim here?  And when those Nephilim reform and report, they should spread the message we wish."
Dworkin
GM, 3840 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Tue 9 Jul 2013
at 13:25
  • msg #76

Re: Part 71a  The Courts of Chaos

+ A DANGEROUS GAMBIT, BUT ONE WHICH COULD PRODUCE SIGNIFICANT RESULTS IF SUCCESSFUL. +

+ WE MALAKIM ARE FEW, BUT IT WOULD SEEM LOGICAL THAT THERE ARE ONLY A HANDFUL OF NEPHELIM HERE, AT MOST, OR THERE WOULD BE MORE EVIDENCE OF THEIR PRESENCE.  WE CAN SUMMON MORE OF OUR ALLIES.  MORE THAN ENOUGH TO OVERWHELM THE NEPHELIM. +


Zakkiel seem excited by the prospect, and Derris gives Roman a smile (albeit a small one), "I told you my grandson could help."

"Roman, if this works, then Senghiz will owe you his life.  Success will mean that I will spare him, as a reward to you.  But know this... if he ever threatens my control of Chanicut again, then he will die, in the most slow and painful manner I can devise.  And I have had a great many years to consider these things."

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