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Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset.

Posted by StorytellerFor group archive 4
Darel Arwan
player, 45 posts
Aspect of Air
Emissary of Perfect Water
Mon 2 Feb 2009
at 10:38
  • msg #26

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Listening to the girl's revelations, Darel raised an eyebrow. Dragon God? He wondered what it could be. A lesser elemental dragon, like Fakharu, the Censor of the West, who would brave the Immaculate Faith and Heaven's edicts and gather worship in Creation, or something even more sinister? He pondered the question, plundering his vaults of occult and historic knowledge, letting Treon defuse the maiden's fears about their intentions and definite lack of proselytizing...

[OOC: 11:35, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 8 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,10,10,3,9,9. Int+Lore.
11:35, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 8 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,7,8,7,9,10. Int+Occult.]

Cathak Garel Treon
player, 107 posts
No longer an officer
... still a gentleman
Mon 2 Feb 2009
at 13:12
  • msg #27

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

It's on one of the unconscious hair brushes at Treon gently takes hold of her hand, lifting it away from her hair after a brief flick of his own finger sets an errant lock straight.  "There's no need for that, Aranita," he says, his voice warm.  "Your hair is quite beautiful however it falls," giving her a small smile before he releases her hand once more.

He listens attentively, although without any judgement, to her as she speaks of the strange 'False Dragon God', his eyes leaving her just for a moment to flick across to Darel, quirking an eyebrow, curious as to if he had any theories before he returned his attention fully to Aranita.  "Now, now, Aranita, there is no need to worry about us or what you reveal to us," his voice sincere as he smiled reassuringly.  "We'll keep everything just between ourselves," he continues.  "Though I must admit you have piqued my curiousity with the mention of this Dragon God ... what manner of worship does he want?" he pressed for a little more information, stepping closer to the girl--close enough to make the questions seem intimate, private, whilst not being close enough to intimidate.

"And what can you tell me about the woman with red hair?" he asks, and then gives her a slightly conspiratorial smile.  "We're here to look for her, you see," he confides in the woman.  "Perhaps once she is found, everything will calm down here ...," he ventures.
[Private to GM: If more social rolls are needed, the pool and charm usage is the same as before.  His main priority is to calm her, but he would like to get some more information too, and is willing to flurry if this is needed (spending motes on both actions)]
Storyteller
GM, 440 posts
Tue 3 Feb 2009
at 19:39
  • msg #28

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

"T..Thank you Mister Fireblade," Aranita says, her cheeks still warm. Her stomach flutters with the thought: Elder Maha-suma would certainly be scandalized!! But something about Treon's proximity makes her feel relaxed, confident, sure in her beauty and the interest her words draw from the two men. [Private to Cathak Garel Treon: Gave you a +2 stunt :)]

"The Dragon God, honestly, we know very little of him. I know little of his worship... only that his people are fanatically loyal." The island maiden gives a little shudder. "But he takes the form of a... a reptilian man. He is tall, very tall, with brown scales and a tail and snout like a crocodile! I have seen crocodiles, in the southern lagoons, but nothing like this being who walks among the people of Tekai!" [Private to Darel Arwan: You're certain the being Aranita speaks of is a Western Dragon King, one of the Mosok. He has apparently taken up residence in western Nkiru and likely made a small cult of the people there, to gain strength through their worship and tribute.]

"But the red-haired one, Lady Megara of Cynis, she came in a vessel at least as grand as yours. She was no monk, fortunately, and mostly preoccupied -- impatient, even. She seemed hurried to pursue a quest that had consumed her mind, and stayed only to ask us of it. The lady sought the Black Rock Chasm, though we warned her it was folly. Lesser men have been lost there, seeking treasures of black jade! But she sought something greater... I do not remember... a book or a stone, or some such..."

Aranita suddenly breaks off, shaking her head distractedly as her eyes drift toward the south. During their conversation, a sound has arisen from the southwest, a distant drumbeat? Darel and Treon hear it as well, as does Kathleen, from the tightening of her hand on his arm.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Tue 03 Feb 2009.
Cathak Garel Treon
player, 108 posts
No longer an officer
... still a gentleman
Tue 3 Feb 2009
at 20:01
  • msg #29

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

"Treon," he says, his voice soft, but firm and his smile encouraging.  "Thank you, Aranita.  You've been very informative, very helpful," he says, as he hopes that Darel can make more sense of the description of the 'god'.  A god or a demon?  One of the Anathema that were said to sometimes wander the world?  Something stranger?

I wonder also what this Megara was searching for, that might consume her mind so.  Seeking another manse?  "It is a shame she didn't heed your advice, but then she following a dream of sorts.  It can be hard to give those up," he says, his voice taking on a briefly melancholy tone.

Then his ears pricked up as he heard the sound in the distance.  "What do the drums mean, Aranita?" he asks softly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:55, Thu 05 Feb 2009.
Darel Arwan
player, 46 posts
Aspect of Air
Emissary of Perfect Water
Tue 3 Feb 2009
at 20:43
  • msg #30

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Darel's eyes widened in delight as he thought of a solution to the conundrum. For a second his face seemed to light in wonder as that of a child handling his new tow. Of course!

"I would have a word with you later about this Dragon God," he whispered to Treon as Aranatia pursued her explanation. That's when he noticed the drumbeats. His gaze followed the maiden's to the south, and he squinted his eyes to see what was coming.

[OOC:
21:41, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 1 success using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,1,5,3,9. Per+Awareness.

Probably not enough to get a good picture of what she's looking at. Bah.]

Storyteller
GM, 443 posts
Wed 4 Feb 2009
at 10:53
  • msg #31

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

There's nothing to be seen at least immediately -- the southern end of the mountain range splitting Nkiru in two is blocking the way.

Darel's agata, though, has something to report, coming near in dematerialized form to communicate it to him. [Private to Darel Arwan: "It is a procession of canoes rowing around the island from the west. They are chanting and beating drums and have brought with them a lizard-man."] Aranita's expression is wide-eyed at the disembodied sound of crystal chimes that resounds from the agata's brief statement, but it's an entirely too beautiful sound for her to fear.

Asked about the drums, though, her expression is startled. "Oh, ohhh... this is just terrible timing! Please, Mister... ah... Treon, and Mister Darel, we must return to the Elder at once!" She urges them to follow, leaping away and down Prayer Hill so quickly she risks tumbling down it in a heap.
Darel Arwan
player, 47 posts
Aspect of Air
Emissary of Perfect Water
Wed 4 Feb 2009
at 11:39
  • msg #32

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

As they follow the young maiden, Darel spoke to Treon in a low voice, using High Realm: "It seems the Dragon God is coming from the sea, with a few canoes...I am convinced he is part of a race of reptilian humanoids called the Dragon Kings, that predate humanity... This one must belong to a sub-species called the Mosok, adapted to the seas of the West... It is likely he is drawing power from the local population in the form of prayers. We must tread carefully, they have elemental abilities of some potency..."
Cathak Garel Treon
player, 109 posts
No longer an officer
... still a gentleman
Wed 4 Feb 2009
at 11:53
  • msg #33

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Treon cocks his head at the odd and melodious sound, wondering a little at how a demon could sound so beautiful.

"Careful there, Aranita," he says in Seatongue, taking hold of her arm lightly to steady her as she hurries down.  "We'll take a lot longer to get there if you fall." When they reach the bottom, he keeps his hand there for a while longer.

"If he presses us, so do I," Treon says to Darel in High Realm.  "Though I would prefer to avoid conflict with him, if that is possible."
Storyteller
GM, 445 posts
Thu 5 Feb 2009
at 11:04
  • msg #34

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Elder Maha-suma is already waiting outside her two-story dwelling, one of the few stone buildings in the vicinity. Bells have begun ringing throughout the entire village of Umai, gathering people to the town square.

The wizened matron is accompanied by her Speaker and honor guard. When Aranita and Treon, Darel and Kathleen appear before her, she glances to the taller Speaker, who utters, "Visitors. We apologize for the unexpected disturbance. If you wish, you may wait inside my home until all is well; however, I am obliged to ask your favor in lending your presence to our entourage. Nkiru's quarrels are not yours, we understand this much, but should you have mercy in your heart, please stand with us."

The Speaker stoops to listen to the Elder's next words, then adds, "We would be happy to compensate you with more of Nkiru's beauty and bounty." While she says this, the Elder's expression goes sour, as if she is unhappy with the idea of bribing her guests, if indeed that is what the people of Umai have been doing from the start.
Cathak Garel Treon
player, 110 posts
No longer an officer
... still a gentleman
Thu 5 Feb 2009
at 12:53
  • msg #35

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

"We would be poor guests indeed if we sat around whilst you faced trials and tribulations, especially after your kindness on our arrival.  We of the Cobalt Alliance would be happy to stand at your side.  What, though, is approaching?" he asked of her.  He was curious as to what she would say of the matter now it had come to a head.

"Darel, would you be so good as to ask Tethia to please return to the Hammerhead, along with any of the crew she finds, and to start preparing the Implosion Bow," he spoke as a rapid aside in High Realm.  "I don't intend to start a fight if it can be avoided, but I will finish it," he stated simply.

Turning once more to give the Elder his attention.  "Before we do join you in your entourage, I need to return my ship.  They are my first responsibility here."
Storyteller
GM, 452 posts
Thu 5 Feb 2009
at 19:01
  • msg #36

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

"The God of Western Nkiru has come to pay a visit," replies the Speaker gravely.

Elder Maha-suma starts to proceed toward the town square to meet these chanting newcomers. She has said her peace. If the Dragon-blooded would help, they would help; if not, then so be it. In any case, her Speaker and entourage fall into step with her, and the villagers gathered in the square part on either side to allow her passage toward the beach.

Meanwhile, the canoes the agata had reported to Darel have begun to make their appearance from around the south point of Nkiru's Fang. At the lead boat stands the brown-scaled leader, the 'Dragon God', flanked on one side by a slender, white-haired young man dressed in silks. Following second is the only boat that is not one of the long canoes, a battered fishing boat that bears a young, radiantly blonde woman with her crew of two. They seem... out of place among the native islanders. As does the silk-clad man, though his proximity to the 'God' indicates he is an important figure.

About a half dozen canoes follow behind them. Occupying each are western Nkiruans wearing ceremonial loincloths, wreaths of shell and bone, masks carved to resemble their god. The rowers work to the beat of hand drums, and chant phrases meant to praise and honor their god: his strength, his stateliness, his dominion over the sea.

[Private to Hera; Indrid Cold; Tomistoma: The village of Umai itself is larger and more prosperous than Tekai, even sporting a few stone buildings among the thatch-roofed homes characteristic of Nkiru. Tomistoma, Indrid and Hera see, among the fishing vessels and other small craft at the pier, a sturdy large yacht flying a cobalt banner with a sea serpent and thorned vine design. This must be the Terrestrials' ship that the native scout spoke of.

They also see the people of Umai grouping in a restless throng, and their Elder Matron organizing to meet them. A tall, thin man with blue hair and a handsome man in a blackened coat stand out among the crowd.
]



OOC: Treon, you should be able to reach the Hammerhead, the Elder will be going toward the pier anyway to meet this new procession.

[Private to Hera; Indrid Cold; Tomistoma: You're still en route, not yet close enough to shore or to be heard by people on shore (unless you've got charms or powers to aid that). But you can post reactions, or speak amongst each other.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:12, Thu 05 Feb 2009.
Darel Arwan
player, 49 posts
Aspect of Air
Emissary of Perfect Water
Thu 5 Feb 2009
at 19:31
  • msg #37

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

As soon as Treon asked, Darel sub-vocalized the message to Tethia, weaving Essence into a message for the woman to hear.

[OOC: Spending 3 motes of Personal Essence to fuel the Charm.]

Following the Elder, he studied the Dragon King and his entourage, though he was not sure what to look for... Traces of Wyld mutations or Fae presence, clues about the Dragon King's cult practices...

[OOC: 20:30, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 2 successes using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,8,3. Per+Investigation. ]
Cathak Garel Treon
player, 112 posts
No longer an officer
... still a gentleman
Fri 6 Feb 2009
at 09:36
  • msg #38

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Treon nods his head.  As the Elder and her entourage moved forward, Treon instead moved off to the ship, stepping up the gangplank to find Black Reed and hopefully Tethia.  He looks about the assembled crew.  "A 'god' from the western part of this isle is coming to visit.  I will be with the Elder Matron's entourage for this meeting," he speaks calmly and firmly.  "I don't expect there to be violence, and I don't want you waiting with weapons in hand, but if it does go south, I trust you to be ready," he concludes.  "Any questions?" he asks, looking around, and then after any have been asked, he leaves the ship.

After leaving the ship, he moves down onto the beach, to rejoin Darel and the Elder's entourage, awaiting the arrival of the 'god' and his people, studying them as he does.
Storyteller
GM, 454 posts
Fri 6 Feb 2009
at 10:21
  • msg #39

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Per Darel's message, Tethia has already pulled the tarpaulin away from the implosion bow, and is standing there at the ready. The group coming in with the canoes sees the weapon revealed, and may or may not take that as a hostile action, though she has not yet targeted anything with it.

"Understood, sir," says Black Reed immediately, and sets about shaping up the men. A few other men are still aboard (Hobnail, Tonsar, Jarvan, Crowfoot and Zir) and ready but several of the others are still among the throng of villagers, having spent some time ashore relaxing... or skirt-chasing. A few of the stragglers are starting to return though, seeing the trouble gathering. Sang in particular comes slinking back with a rather prominent red hand-mark on his cheek, looking unabashed.

There aren't really questions, besides whether they'd be leaving before the day is over, after all. Also some grousing about being interrupted from relaxation, but when Treon points out their help would pay for further hospitality they warm up to it quite a bit.

The procession with all its rowdy chanting and drum beating continues unabated in the meantime. The gathered villagers have begun something of an anti-chant: apparently some sort of anthem of Umai solidarity. With so many voices to contribute, it's more than enough to compete.
Indrid Cold
player, 6 posts
Fri 6 Feb 2009
at 20:52
  • msg #40

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Standing at the prow upon the season legs of a soul with years upon rougher seas, Indrid Cold, the last of the Amiliki-Kings, stares for long at the vessel they approach. Fine a vessel though it is, it seems not like the chariots that convey the Prices of the Earth across the waves in his own lands. Though in truth, he has seen few of either upon awakening here.

His gaze is drawn to the motion taking place upon the deck and watches as the tarp pulls away. The gesture is clear and the sight of what lay below fills his heart with subtle dread. He stoops down to speak to the Dragon-King in a hushed voice, switching to the tongue of the Old Realm to avoid alerting the islanders rowing dutifully behind him. "(In Old Realm) Approach in caution, my lord Tomistoma. Tis a weapon of terrible power they carry there. I know it of old. Should it be their will to fire, I fear none of us would survive."

"Trumpeter, sound thy horn. Speak to them in strong note we come with peaceful purpose," Indrid orders one of the islanders behind him, a wide-breasted man with a great conical seashell carefully carved to blast out sound or song across the horizon.

"Thou are a woman of the sea within these lands, have thy chance to cross ship of this caliber in thy journeys, lady Hera?" he asks to the woman in the cannon across from his own, speaking rather literally above the head of Tomistoma. "It's nature is not unknown to me, yet I confess not truly recognizing the class of such a vessel."
Darel Arwan
player, 50 posts
Aspect of Air
Emissary of Perfect Water
Sat 7 Feb 2009
at 18:58
  • msg #41

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

[OOC: I've nothing to add until the canoes actually arrive, I think.]
Storyteller
GM, 458 posts
Sat 7 Feb 2009
at 21:36
  • msg #42

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Finally the canoes round the last curve of rocky shore before they reach the beach, skirting the raised pier where Umai's fishing boats are docked. Tomistoma and his entourage may come ashore as they wish, meeting the Elder, her entourage and the Terrestrials waiting for them on foot, or choose to address them from the boats.

Neither the local villagers nor the Tekai are at all willing to silence themselves until the other quiets down first. Elder Maha-suma does not raise her hand for silence, in any case, unless the 'Dragon God' calls his drummers to cease.

Indrid finds that Hera would know no more than himself about the make of the ship, as she has lived a life sequestered from the wide world until very recently. It is definitely no design from the age he was born in, built of sturdy but mundane material. The shape reminds him of large ceremonial or pleasure craft, though, strengthened and altered slightly to better weather naval combat.

[Private to Darel Arwan: So long as the canoers don't disturb the Hammerhead, your eristufa is remaining quiet and dematerialized. You feel that it is definitely starting to get agitated with all the noise and emotion emanating from the islanders, though.]



OOC: I'm really needing some input from Tomistoma and Hera to continue this, I think this is as far as I can stretch without them posting. [Private to Hera; Tomistoma: For now I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you were waiting for a cue. But if I feel your posting rate starts to hinder the others I may end up NPCing you.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:02, Sat 07 Feb 2009.
Tomistoma
player, 15 posts
Western Dragon King
Sun 8 Feb 2009
at 01:43
  • msg #43

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Tomistoma nods silently at Indrid's words. As the canoes approach the beach, he stands at the front of the 'royal' vessel, his arms held out to the sides, displaying his magnificent cloak of leaves. The instant his canoe touches the sand of the shore, he drops his arms, stilling his drummers.

Without stepping onto the shore, he shouts in a loud voice in Old Realm, "The lord of Western Nkiru wishes to greet the Lords of the East."
Hera
player, 10 posts
Sun 8 Feb 2009
at 08:37
  • msg #44

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Hera rows the small fishing vessel alongside her two countrymen. She looks with wonder at the vessel that they are approaching. Even as small as it is, it is the largest vessel she has ever seen. "Behold my friends, we have risked much to come here. We have prayed nightly for safety from my father Nan the mighty and grandfather Sol. Think of this, that ship is beyond any we have at Home. If we could learn of ships like that, how they are built or perhaps bring one back to my father. We must watch, listen, and prepare. Things could go poorly, be on guard."

When they are close enough, she sets her oar down and prepares to step onto fresh land.
Storyteller
GM, 462 posts
Sun 8 Feb 2009
at 08:56
  • msg #45

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Now the Elder's arms rise up... then down. The people of Umai cease their singing, though they remain restless, whispering among each other. Some scowl and gaze toward the canoes with mistrust, others cling worriedly to their loved ones.

The short-statured matron murmurs to her Speaker, a maiden of dark green hair and strong features. Her face registers incredulity, then smooths into an expression more politely neutral.

"The village of Umai hears your greeting... Lord of the West." The Speaker's use of the title sparks another wave of murmurs, which another gesture from the Elder hushes down. "The Elder Matron Maha-suma wishes to know what business has brought you to us, and prays you bring no trouble or quarrel."
Cathak Garel Treon
player, 113 posts
No longer an officer
... still a gentleman
Mon 9 Feb 2009
at 16:30
  • msg #46

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Treon waits until the pair have spoken their greetings before he raises his own voice.  "I am Treon Fireblade, Captain of the Hammerhead and member of the Cobalt Alliance.  We are standing by the people of Umai," he introduces, gesturing to the vessel in the harbour as he mentions her name.

"It is our hope that you bring no trouble or quarrel here."

After that, he lowers his voice to ask in an aside to Darel in High Realm "That is a Dragon King?"
Darel Arwan
player, 51 posts
Aspect of Air
Emissary of Perfect Water
Mon 9 Feb 2009
at 19:20
  • msg #47

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Darel nodded. "A Mosok Dragon King, straight from my mentor's paleontology books... What a chance - these creatures are so rarely seen nowadays!"
Tomistoma
player, 16 posts
Western Dragon King
Tue 10 Feb 2009
at 04:18
  • msg #48

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

"As I am sure you have already noted, had I journeyed here with hostile intentions," The Dragon King waves an arm at the festively decorated canoes floating on the water behind him, "I would have brought more spears, and fewer women and children bearing floral arrangements."

"But there is no need for guile to conceal the purpose of my visit," Tomistoma continues, "I have observed for a time people of Power congregating on this, the far side of the isle from my domain. I thought it my duty to determine whether events on the east are likely to affect my people in the west."
Storyteller
GM, 466 posts
Tue 10 Feb 2009
at 08:48
  • msg #49

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Again comes the Elder's whispers to her Speaker, which the taller, younger woman echoes: "Dragon God of the West, I do not think trouble is brought only with spears and bows. We have no intention to worship your personage, Godly though it may be." There are fierce nods of assent from the gathered people of Umai, who grow bold with the aid of Treon, Darel, Tethia and the Hammerhead on their side.

The Elder's speech comes out sentence by sentence, as her Speaker faithfully relates. The matron stands proudly the entire time, her head held high and her dark eyes gazing squarely at the Mosok, while her honor guard bristles around her. "You speak of individuals of Power. Indeed, the Terrestrials have favored our side of the island as of late."

"If this interests you, I am willing to exchange information, as leader to leader. So long as you will take none of my people as worshippers. None! You must understand, we of Umai feel threatened, as we risk losing our culture and our territory to your worship, as the people of Tekai have!"

Jeers and boos come from the Tekai boats. "We are not so mindless!" cries out one of their number, a young man fervent in his faith. "Our God has protected and favored us! We have prospered greatly for it, and the western Fair Folk no longer harm us! You easterners had it easy to start with, do not think to judge us!"
Darel Arwan
player, 52 posts
Aspect of Air
Emissary of Perfect Water
Tue 10 Feb 2009
at 19:02
  • msg #50

Re: Chapter 2, Phase 3 - Nkiru of the Sunset

Darel listened intently to the exchange, careful to examine the balance of power at stake...

A battle of words. I know words that can twist the fabric of Creation, though I doubt they are appropriate to the circumstances. I hope Treon fares better than me.

[OOC: From now on, I think I will be merely observing silently until something forces me to react - open hostilities, or the need to impress with a display of arcane power... So don't wait for me to post.

In the meantime, I will try to gather as much as I can on the politics and dynamics of the various groups... I think Perception+Socialize will be required.

20:01, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 3 successes using 4d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,2,8,7. Per+Socialize. ]

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