The District of Water has changed very much in the few weeks since the Purge.

Most of the Terrestrial Exalted and their loyal subordinates had already cleared out of the District before the final few minutes of the countdown. Those that stayed -- the Peace Forces with their tiger shark armor, the Water Aspect Immaculates, the Terrestrials wearing Armor of Elemental Inurement -- were not so fortunate. For when Saina Nanaret, Third Beneficiary and Yaishin Higura awakened the Gatekeeper of Water to its true loyalties and convictions, the District of Water suddenly became a war zone from which they had no escape.

The people of Water District had spoken: they did not wish to be drowned and erased. Not all of them were Anathema supporters. Plenty did not even realize or care that any Celestials had escaped. But most of them were people who did not in any way believe themselves expendable, despite being low born, or mutant, or simply down on their luck. The Gatekeeper of Water's next move was to support these people by taking control of the automaton guards and subordinate AIs of the District, and forcing the Dragon-blooded to fight for their lives or consent to capture. The Gatekeeper is all but omniscient in its domain, and losing its loyalty was a devastating blow to them.

The majority of the Terrestrials died. Not all of them to the machine sentries or warframes that the Gatekeeper of Water sent, either. Some of the fighters were desperate mortals protecting their homes, their lives and dignity, their right not to be exterminated. Some were failed genetic experiments, Wyld mutants and sickening crossbreeds that never before had the chance to HAVE rights.

And some of them were Celestial Exalts: One of the Wretched, whose twin blades tore into his Terrestrial enemies and sent them screaming to their deaths, and a Crowned Sun sorcerer and spirit-talker, who fought bravely in his own right, and afterward forged oaths among the disparate survivors of the District to finalize the Independent Republic of the District of Water.

Now Broken Eternal and Veldygar Arhandor stand with the other leaders of the newly formed Water Republic -- highly regarded members from the mutant factions, the laborers, the skilled workers, ex-slaves and Peace Force defectors. The Gatekeeper of Water has gathered them all together in the B26 Central Core Chamber to speak on what will be their first act as a nation.

---

OOC: Annnnd so it begins. Eternal and Veldygar, please introduce us to your characters and what they would be doing or thinking now. Then I'll get us through this meeting and, hopefully, toward some *action*!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:00, Tue 21 Apr 2009.

It was a time of Change for Five Coils--change that was unexpected and certainly unwanted by the majority, but a change nevertheless.  One action sparked another, and was it any coincidence that Broken Eternal's escape from his Dragon-Blood masters had quickly led into his departure into the Water District?  Though he had killed many (countless) since his freedom had been won, he still had no choice but to flee from their superior numbers, and that fact ate at his putrid black soul.  He shunted the foulness of his disappointment away to face another day, as common sense whispered that it had been strategic, that their strength was in numbers and he knew that.  He was of no use to anyone, especially himself, if he were dead thanks to unbridled and unwarranted rage.  Blind rage was useless to him...it would only serve to make him weak.

The Wretched One had agreed to join this farce of a meeting, to entertain the GateKeeper of Water and to keep something of good faith between them.  Of all the Celestial Exalted, to those who knew what he was, he was the most feared--the most untrusted.  And for good reason, he thought with a sinister grin.  It would do nothing but soothe his dark impulses to slaughter the whole of them.  The mere thought of their flesh separating around his keen blades was like a sweet dream he wished to never awaken from--but it was misleading, and he knew it.  It would be joyous to kill them all, yes, but now was not the time.  Wanton slaughter would do nothing to grant him an exodus from this horrid place, and besides--they had done nothing to earn his wrath.  They were alive and breathing, true enough, and for that reason alone he had a nearly psychotic urge to strangulate them all; but something was stronger.  He hated the sniveling Dragon-Blooded much much more than this simple rabble, and so he would indulge in their meetings and their words, and even contribute his own ideas if it meant he would have a better chance of both escaping this place, and completely annihilate the sons and daughters of the Elemental Dragons.

For his part, at least the man was visible, which was more than many would expect or ask of him.  Instead of standing or sitting on the floor, Eternal was a good ten feet in the air, almost lazily sitting atop a large rectangular piece of metal jutting from the wall--a conduit or regulator of some sort, judging from the vibrating coming from the unit.  His arms were crossed over his chest, while one leg dangled over the side of his perch, and the other was bent and close to his chest as he watched the others have their discussion.  The lie of independence was a persuasive one, and now they were discussing what should be done next.  With such democracy normally came the want to dispense justice, and such weaknesses of the human psyche could be used and manipulated to suit larger plans, couldn't they?

"They will not let you be."  He said, his voice a cold and raspy baritone, decidedly unsettling to many who had never heard him speak before.  "I know them better than you could imagine.  This will eat at their pride like a necrotic abscess, and they will try to take away what you have fought so hard to obtain.  They expect you to build defenses, garrison troops, and lick your wounds, so they can try to outmaneuver and out-think you."  He paused, letting his words sink in.  "And that is why you should press an attack, and take away their ability to strip you of your Republic."

Veldygar leaned against a bulkhead, seemingly dozing off. The past few days had been hectic, and his mystical energies had been depleted more than once. He raised his gaze to contemplate the assembled representatives.

When the chosen of darkness spoke, a shiver ran up his spine. While he had proven himself a skilled companion, there was still something wrong about him.

But the contents of his words had roused him from his half-sleep. He harbored no love for the Terrestrials - one year of being a slave assisting a demon-breeding experiment had definitely dispelled any illusion he might have had about the nobility of the scions of the Dragons.

But there was a gap between what he felt about them and this howling for blood.

What he is trying to do? Trigger more bloodshed?

"With all the respect that is due to my fellow freedom fighter," the Eclipse caste said, "we should not be precipitous. Right now, we do not know the situation in the Earth district - what troops they have stationed there, their state of readiness. We may indeed have to strike preemptively should the need arise, but in the meantime, we must both consolidate our hold on the Water district and turn our eye on the world above"

[OOC: Do we have to Join Debate or do we play it smoothly?

A few questions (honestly, I can't read the entire game in search of the relevant elements, I simply do not have the time):
*how easy is it to access the Earth district right now?
*how numerous is the population, is there much unrest yet?
*I don't think there are exploitable intelligence reports on what is going on above, but realistically, what forces would the DBs muster?]

Among the varied groups of humans and mutants, the Gatekeeper of Water appears in a decidedly inhuman form. Its only true shape in three-dimensional reality is the magitech components that host its brain and allow humans to interact with it through terminal input/output. So the image it presents of itself now is a life-sized, holographic projection of its spirit shape: a cecaelia, or half woman half-octopus, with pupil-less aquamarine orbs for eyes, wearing a breastplate of adamant and diamond. The image hovers near the center of the chamber, in front of a pair of sliding doors leading into the elevator shaft behind it.

It speaks in a voice devoid of inflection, a robotic, androgynous tone: "THE EVENTS OF THE WATER DISTRICT HAVE LARGELY BEEN KEPT HIDDEN FROM THE EARTH DISTRICT CITIZENS. OUR INFORMANT FROM ABOVE BELIEVES THAT THIS KNOWLEDGE IS CLASSIFIED, HIGH CLEARANCE INFORMATION, SO THERE MAY BE TERRESTRIAL EXALTED NOT FULLY AWARE OF OUR ACT OF INDEPENDENCE, THE ESCAPED CELESTIALS OR THE FAILED PURGE."

One of the mutant faction leaders, a half jaguar beastwoman, speaks up loudly, "Then this is a perfect time to strike! We are ready to fight!" This sentiment is echoed by many of her peers among the avians and bull-men. "We will tear them limb from limb!" spits a demon-blood with pitch black skin and a pair of red horns on his bald head.

In contrast, the majority of humans seem more inclined to wait and see, focus on continuing to strengthen their base. Though a bespectacled older man clears his throat and says, "Many of us are most concerned about resources. The majority of food is produced in the upper districts, particulary Wood, and the best factories are in Earth and Fire. We cannot survive cut off forever."

"We are still taking recruits for the Water Republic Force," counters a Peace Officer defector, "Many of these men still need training, besides weapons."

And so the debate continues, until the Gatekeeper finally utters, "ENOUGH. WE ALREADY HAVE ALLIES IN THE EARTH DISTRICT, INCLUDING ANYWHERE FROM 8 TO 12 FREE CELESTIAL EXALTED. WE WILL, IN TIME, FORMALLY OPEN HOSTILITIES WITH THE TERRESTRIALS OF COILS. UNTIL THEN I WISH TO SEND A SMALL EXPEDITION TO GATHER INTELLIGENCE, MEET WITH THE FORCES ABOVE AND COORDINATE WITH THEIR EFFORTS TO SUBVERT OR OVERTAKE THE EARTH DISTRICT."

---

OOC: No Join Debate. If you ever say something that you feel is important enough to merit a social attack, we don't need to go by ticks. You can just post, roll the attack and I'll apply any bonuses or penalties or stunt dice or whatnot.

- Accessing Earth District: This will be answered soon.
- Earth District forces: give me an Int+Lore or Int+War roll.
- Unrest in Earth District: as mentioned above the people of Earth are purposefully being kept in the dark about things.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:59, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

[OOC: I was talking about unrest in the Water district population.

12:29, Today: Veldygar Arhandor rolled 2 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,10,2,2,4. Int+Lore.]

Veldygar recalls his memory of having observed Peace Force training and troop movements in the Coils before. He would know that in the Fire District they have the equivalent of at least three Legions (Magnitude 8) being trained there. To compare the population of the Water District is in the ten thousands. But the majority of the district is populated by non-combatants.

However it's not likely the entire army would mobilize at once right away. It would depend on the threat being responded to, and how dangerous the Dragon-blooded perceive it to be. And there are also specific groups to consider such as the Immaculate Order (who trains its own combatants separate from the Coils militia) and the automatons of the Earth Gatekeeper. An equivalent size of about a Dragon (Magnitude 5) might be more expected for an initial force -- not all of them Dragon-blooded, of course.

In the Water District, people aren't getting along perfectly. But everyone's pretty much agreed to get along because they have a common enemy, and the purge is fresh enough in people's memory that they'll stick with it. On the other hand, the resources issue as well as differences in opinion may lead to trouble later on.

(edited slightly, after some thought about the size and population of Coils.) [Private to Broken Eternal: If you roll 2 sux on your int+lore or war, you'll know the same stuff. If you get more sux I might be able to tell you more.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:14, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

Eternal had heard there were other Exalted in this place--knew there was, in fact, due to his upbringing.  He knew these things primarily because it was what he had been raised, and ferociously trained to handle.  You didn't simply swat a few thugs with the might of an Abyssal Exalt--it was overkill, and as much as Eternal did enjoy dealing death, such mundane matters were not his purpose--at least, not as Dragon-Blooded had said.  He was to be a divine weapon, despite being an abomination.  A weapon that, once completed, had turned against them unexpectedly, and had caused no small amount of damage--both to their numbers, and to their morale.  And, when you got right down to it, that was all Eternal was really good for: Causing Damage.

Given his penchant for stalking through the shadows, he was no strange to the idea of patients.  The fact the Water District planned to eventually wage war with the rest of Coils was all he really needed to know.  He wasn't a master planner of any sort, but the 'if' had already been solved--now it was only a matter of 'when'.  As long as it was within his lifetime (which, barring unfortunate circumstances, would be forever) that was good enough for him.

Then there were two words spoken by the Gatekeeper of the Water District.  'Subvert' and 'Overtake'.  Which, to Eternal, were simply flashier versions of 'Sneak' and 'Destroy'.  Two things that the Wretched One excelled at.  Here, he would be bored...and besides, he was not suited for the task of rebuilding.  Creation came to his kind only with great difficulty.  Destruction, however, was as easy as breathing.

"I will go." He said, with a very small, somewhat sinister smile on his face.  And though many of the men and women there tried to hide it, there was a sigh of relief, as several, if not all of them were happy that the Dark One would be leaving their presence.  True, he was a tremendously powerful ally and warrior, the sheer truth of his nature unsettled just about everyone, whether they wanted to admit it or not.

Veldygar was quite please that the Gatekeeper of Water seemed to agree with him. That's a good start - it seems we might have calmed down their bloodlust, for a time.

The suggestion to infiltrate the Earth District was, at first, of little interest to him - he was intent on developping his gifts until he could manage the whole Water District and make it run smoothly, efficiently. He wanted to make it something stable and perennial.

But he realized he could not just watch this project grow - it was threatened from the outside. He had to go out and meet the danger up front.

He raised an eyebrow when the Day caste stated his willingness to go forward with the plan.

Considering that he himself had the ability to make himself unnoticed, he decided that the two of them would make a good team of infiltrators. And there would be someone to direct the deathknight's... unwholesome urges... towards ultimately constructive purposes.

"If my skills are not crucially needed," he said, "I will also go into the Earth District."

The holographic image of the Gatekeeper of Water stares at Eternal boldly, then makes a sharp nod. "YOUR PATH LIES ABOVE, BROKEN ETERNAL. THIS I WILL NOT CONTEST."

To the Crowned Sun, it says, "YOUR TALENTS IN NEGOTIATION AND ORGANIZATION ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED, VELDYGAR ARHANDOR. HOWEVER, SECURING THE UPPER DISTRICTS IS ALSO A PRIORITY. IN TIME, THE REPUBLIC WILL ENCOMPASS ALL DISTRICTS, AND THE GATEKEEPERS WILL BE UNITED AS IN THE DAYS OF THE PILLAR OF CREATION. I WILL OVERSEE THIS DISTRICT IN THE MEANTIME."

"You mean WE will oversee the district," spits the demon-blooded Novenion.

"We owe much to you, Gatekeeper," says Dutiful Quill, the human with glasses, speaking more calmly and eloquently. "You maintain our energy and our air, and your automatons keep order. However, we all agreed to this alliance on the condition that we would be equals."

Former Peace Officer Peleps Damija shakes her head. "It has already proven its good intentions by protecting us. Besides, this is a symbiotic relationship. It needs us to help maintain its systems, as well." The Water Technicians' Guild leader, Cascade Prism, nods in agreement, while Madam Ten Leaves of the sex-workers' faction frowns disapprovingly at everyone for making waves.

Finally, Itzala, the jaguar-woman, lashes her tail emphatically. "We Mutants will not consent to be slaves without a voice, no matter who is the leader. We wish a guarantee you will not abuse your power, Gatekeeper."

"I SEE," replies the Gatekeeper of Water, unperturbed by the criticism. "YOU WISH TO REMAIN A PART OF THE DECISION PROCESS. THEN I WILL SUGGEST THREE POINTS. FIRST: PROVE YOU ARE CAPABLE OF COMING TO A CONSENSUS. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE PLAN TO SEND BROKEN ETERNAL AND VELDYGAR ARHANDOR TO THE DISTRICT OF EARTH? SECOND: SHOULD YOU PROVE CAPABLE OF AGREEMENT, FORM A COUNCIL AMONGST YOURSELVES TO DRAFT THE LAWS OF THIS REPUBLIC."

The gathered humans and mutants in the central core chamber burst into heated debate almost immediately. Finally, someone shouts out: "What is the third point?"

"AN OATH. VELDYGAR, I WOULD ASK THAT YOU BIND ME TO MY WORD THAT I WILL NOT ABUSE MY AUTHORITY AS CARETAKER OF THIS DISTRICT, WITH THESE MORTALS AS WITNESS."

All heads in the room turn to stare at the Eclipse Caste, the discussion momentarily put aside. The people of Water District are still not completely accustomed to the power of a Free Anathema, so their interest is as much curiosity as it is expectation. No one seems willing to give Broken Eternal so much as a glance, though, so he is free to observe them at his leisure. [Private to Broken Eternal: Perception+Socialize or Investigation, assuming that would interest him.]

---

OOC: As I really dislike writing scenes with tens of NPCs talking to one another, I'll be ending this pretty soon. Just the matter of the oath and some last info from Gatekeeper.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Sat 25 Apr 2009.

Veldygar blinked at the Gatekeeper's request. From his fragmentary memories, he knew the weight such an oath could have. He was quite a bit surprised that someone would so willingly submit to its power, to the point of outright demanding it.

One more proof of the Gatekeeper's good will, he thought.

"Very well..." he said.

He stepped towards the artificial image. His power required him to hold the hand of one who pledged under his power. He hoped the insubstantial image would suffice.

"Gatekeeper of Water," he said solemnly, "do you swear, free of constraint or coercion, to forever respect and abide by the decisions democratically taken by the people of the political entity now known as the Republic of Water, and all of its future, legitimate versions?"

He held out his hand, the space surrounding him tense with palpable power.

[OOC: sorry if my phrasing was awkward, English is not my native language and I'm not so good with legalese. Basically I want to make the oath as fair as possible to the keeper, binding him not to abuse its powers, but also leaving him some freedom in case this democratic adventure sours into a dictatorship]

"I DO SWEAR," replies the Gatekeeper of Water, holding out its holographic hand. As the Gatekeeper itself has no real form, it is as close as one can get to touching it.

Apparently it is enough for the oath-binding power of the Eclipse, as well. [Private to Veldygar Arhandor: you can post the actual sanctifying as simple or as complex as you wish :) if it's memorable (like a really good stunt), you may make a lasting impression on the mortals watching you.]

Broken Eternal's observations show him only the most apparent emotions of the group. He can divide the mortals in broad lines. He definitely senses their fear and mistrust for him, but that is something he already expected. The true humans and mutants are not completely trusting of one another either. The ex-slaves and others that were forced to do 'dirty' jobs (prostitution, grave-digging etc.) are more likely to be sympathizing with the mutants. Those humans who had relatively respectable jobs, despite being un-Exalted and living in the lowest district, are also the ones who seem most eager to build power for themselves. [Private to Veldygar Arhandor: if you roll at least 1 sux on Perc+Socialize you'll find out pretty much the same. If you roll higher I'll give you more info privately.]

The absurdity of a cybernetic elemental swearing an Oath to one of the Sun-Kings was incredible, but Eternal kept the thoughts to himself as he let his gaze wander over the mortals and mutants watching.  Was he more attentive, or possibly more interested, he might well have garnered more from them.  As it was, none of them seemed remotely interesting aside from their stereotypical roles and biases.  Rabble, more or less.  And like all things, Rabble had its uses--an angry mob was one of the most destructive forces on in creation, if large enough.  And the hopes and fears that each of them held could be used to different ends, but not now.  For now, The Wretched had other concerns.

He dropped down from his perch some ten feet in the air with a silent grace that heavily frightened the people whom suddenly found themselves beside the Dark Warrior.  He landed in complete silence, the whisper of his cloak the only mention of his movement, and that came only after he had stood up from the practiced crouch.

"This is all very fine.  Well done."  He said, his voice filled with what could either be amusement or annoyance, depending on what you wanted to hear, though there were certainly trace amounts of both in those dark words.  "If Veldygar and I are to depart for the upper floors, then we have little bearing on what is left to be said.  Give him whatever information that may suit his purpose so that we may be on our way."  He said to the Gatekeeper.  His words practically dripped with malice, but not toward the Gatekeeper--or even towards the poor fools who made up his current company; No, Eternal Broken knew his path now, and he wanted very much to travel it.  There was blood to be spilled, and vengeance to be had.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Sun 26 Apr 2009.