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08:00, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Last Thread: the Endgame.

Posted by Shining PeacockFor group 0
Sabre Fox
player, 3741 posts
Armageddon Fighting Kai
Sorceress's Knight Abound
Wed 29 Jan 2020
at 14:21
  • msg #244

Last Thread: the Endgame

"You are of course correct in what you say" Fox said with a nod "I don't see both my home and the place I was raised as a military force either, but that's us though isn't it? We know what goes on here and know its not all sword swinging, but humanitarian aid along with education and learning to hone ourselves"

Fox then shook his head

"But sadly that's not what everyone, even a minority know of us in the world. Everyday people see us fighting against darkness, and theres that word, fighting. We don't talk down agents of Naar with no souls, we kill them. That's what they see. I would like nothing more than for others to think of us as you do, but it will be a large task in the long run"
Sun Snake
player, 5478 posts
Kai Lord
Grand Guardian
Wed 29 Jan 2020
at 19:35
  • msg #245

Last Thread: the Endgame


Sun Snake had nodded along silently to Sabre Fox's points.

"Another thing to consider is that we are not a boon to where we settle as Kai. We are in some small ways self sufficient, but not completely. Sommerlund and its heirarchy disguises what a drain we could be in other place. Sommerlund does not begrudge the metal and other resources that flows in to keep the monstery afloat, but we should not take that as a given. And worse, we are an affliction of a far worse sort. We draw the ire of Naar to us. The Sommlending came to Magnamund with their eyes open, fought the Darklords from the start. All Sommlending - Kai or not - have our eyes open to the struggle and see it as a duty to resist. When the Darklords smashed the First Black Muster in to Sommerlund against the Kai and the monastery a millenia ago, it was against all of Sommerlund, and all of Sommerlund saw it as their duty to resist. The Helghast Wars afflicted all of Sommerlund, but Sommerlund saw it as a its duty to resist. When the Second Black Muster all but destroyed the Kai, it was Sommerlund alone that was flooded afterwards, Sommerlund alone left to fight impossible forces. It was simply seen as a duty to resist, to fight, no matter the cost. The Kai are bound to the Sommlending not by blood after all this time, but because the Sommlending still accept the unfair burden of being champions against Naar, even though most of Sommerlund does not have the gifts of Kai that are granted further and further afield these days."

Sun Snake seemed quite displeased. "What you see as a shackle I see as a responsibility to the land, to the people, and that land and people are represented by the rulers. A reminder that we don't just float above it all. Prince Lenher is an exception to how the royal house has behaved, and even he has been made to question his desires when confronted. King Ulnar has always placed his people first. Can you imagine what he had to feel, each time Lone Wolf left, knowing that he might be dooming the Sommlending to death? How much faith he showed, caring for his people, but accepting that Lone Wolf needed to fight for others, such as your own in Taahou, Summer Wasp? We are not the only ones who fight the evil, we just have the privelidge of powers to help us, where everyone else does not. To judge others as 'unjust' if they will not welcome us, to dare to settle elsewhere and not commit to that land to honour the people we put in danger? That is not what I want for the order. We must always consider the cost of our higher calling on others, or we are no less blind than we accuse anyone else of being."

Sun Snake sighed. "As Sabre Fox says, I do not disagree with you. The order must not  be blinded by petty squabbles, must never take its eye from the higher fight. However, I believe the only way we can ever truly keep that loftier vision is explicitly by being anchored. Not weighed down unable to fight, nor distracted by that anchor, but kept attached to what matters, the people around us, so we don't lose our way."
Summer Wasp
NPC, 41 posts
Magnakai Principalin
Age: 25
Wed 5 Feb 2020
at 14:41
  • msg #246

Last Thread: the Endgame


Summer Wasp shook his head at that.

"I don't know what else I expected out of you two."

Then she glanced at Rain Feather.

"And what of you? You know this won't be solved this easily, certain ties will hunt you down no matter how hard you try to shed them. Yet you align with Sun Snake's plan anyway. Why?"
Rain Feather
player, 1169 posts
Resident Sorceress
She lives!
Mon 10 Feb 2020
at 01:21
  • msg #247

Last Thread: the Endgame

"You could say I'm going along with it, well... kind of.  I mean, let's face it: we'll have some autonomy for- hopefully- a good long while yet; as long as the King's staying in good health. But when he passes into the arms of Kai and Ishir, and they put the crown on that want-to-be conqueror, I imagine he'll be right back here, trying to bully us into following whatever insane plan he has so he can get some history books written about him.

If we stay here, then we're asking for more trouble, but at the same time- as long as the House of Ulnar is still around, yes, evil will come after it because Naar still holds a grudge, even after all this time.  And it's our duty to protect Sommerlund, too.

But while we must keep a presence here- after all, it's not like we can uproot the Vault of the Sun and just transport everything elsewhere all that easily- there's nothing saying that we can't try and establish smaller monasteries elsewhere in the world, to carry on our traditions and look for more possible Kai elsewhere.  After all... it's looking like it's only taking one Sommlending parent to keep the Kai potential going- why not spread out and make it easier for them to get training?"

She looked out the door that Lenhar had stepped out of, and then nodded.

"We are a military force, yes- but at the same time, we are also men and women of peace; and I think we forget that sometimes.  But when it comes down to it, we have to just make it clear that we will not support, well... leaders who will not take the hint that we're not simply extra troops for them to call up and order around as needed.

That is the true danger of what someone like Lenhar is- because the first time we do it, we lose the one thing that keeps us able to do what we do: our neutrality, the fact that we have no political affiliations.  Suddenly, we get looked at everywhere we go as if we're not just carrying out things for the betterment of the world, but things specifically for the betterment of Sommerlund on its own.

We lose the trust of the people, and that's it.  We're no longer the wonderful people who fight the monsters that come out of the dark to keep them alive, we're just another agent of the crown, and other nations will always see fit to wonder if we're there for Kai business, or Sommlending business.   How long until Lenhar asks us to act in the interests of a nobleman of the court?  If the man is brazen enough to come to the Monastery and try to bully Sparrow into giving him Kai for his insane little mission, he's brazen enough to see how far he can push us once we bend the knee.

If he's willing to court Valador, that should be all the proof we need to deny his little scheme- it's not about bringing light to the darkness, it's about his power, how history remembers him- him, him, him.  It's not about right or wrong- it's only about power.  And that's so unlike our principles that we need to keep refusing him no matter what.

How long before he tries to limit those who can come to the Monastery for training?  After all, the only Kai monastery currently is in Sommerlund, and how sure are we he won't start turning away travelers with potential seeking training, simply because they refuse to swear fealty to him?  We don't do that, currently- but a man after nothing but power is often ready to do whatever it takes to gain him power, and if he's willing to lay siege to the Monastery to try and make a point..."

She sighs, and then finally finishes.

"So we need to establish monasteries outside Sommerlund.  Durenor, Vassagonia, the Lastlands, and other places- to keep this from happening.  At the same time, we need to make sure to spread around what Lenhar tried to pull here- stomp on it before he gets the idea to paint us as the bad ones who won't listen to him and his demands.  Maybe a little humility will knock some sense back into him.

As for ties... we stop running from them.  We deal with and fight back as we can, and we help each other fight the ones we can't handle ourselves.  We're supposed to be a group, working together, no matter who taught us- not trying to shame and dishonor each other simply because of a political struggle.  We work and fight and solve them.  Family issues, pasts, no matter where we were born and where we came from, we're Kai.  We don't have to fight each other any more.  There are better foes to fight.

That's why I keep pushing for a council idea- because I'm not the smartest Kai in the world on every subject out there, and I can admit that.  But I can also accept the fact that it's not up to me as to who runs the Monastery- if Snake's chosen, I'll support him.  I may not like some of his ideas, but I can live with the old man because I know he's got the best interests of the Kai at heart- unlike the Prince."

Looking over to Snake, she nodded.
Sun Snake
player, 5483 posts
Kai Lord
Grand Guardian
Wed 12 Feb 2020
at 18:21
  • msg #248

Last Thread: the Endgame


Sun Snake nodded at the compliment and shrugged otherwise. "It is not so much a plan, just a logical extention of the lesson of the Grandmaster's fall. None of us can consider we will lead for long, and certainly we should not trust having a single leader that is required to make it all work in the long term. And worse, if that single leader is going to push the minority voice at the exclusion of others, then they are also giving leave to the next leader to do the same thing, at the expense of that minority. The order needs to evolve, and move forward in many directions. But together. Pushing to one extreme then the next will tear us apart. It is a delicate task. I believe a council backing a leader allows everyone a voice, and ensures a continuity."

Something Rain Feather had said Sun Snake came back to. "Rain Fetaher mentioned a second monastery in Durenor? There you go, that is a positive step that can get support from many. Durenor has proven itself an ally both of Sommerlund, but in general of good. The Sommerswerd was trusted to them, Lone Wolf went alone there, and without hesitation at the worst point for Sommerlund, Durenor returned both with no hesitation, backed by a fleet to break the seige against Holmgard after the fall of the First Order. The two royal Houses have long been mixing, so this is an easier gesture for those of Sommerlund to accept. And it is perhaps past time that Sommerlund repays the loyalty of Durenor by once more setting the Sommerswerd - and perhaps now Kai - in that land, if they will be accepted. And perhaps if those who want to be separate can prove they can work under another ally, one we know has also never sought power nor shirked the fight against Naar.... then who knows what the future holds. It may be easier to prove the Order's intentions with two separate lands showing the Kai can work for good within those borders. It is also a good idea for putting a balance on Lehnar. Another country, and an ally, with the Sommerswerd and the Kai, to give him pause in being too aggressive with his future plans."

Sun Snake sighed. "Anyway, it is perhaps ideas such as this that we can all debate in better faith, but later. Still, ideas such as these that might allow us to come to a powerful, positive consensus. But first, we need to come to a consensus of deciding upon the vote."
Shining Peacock
NPC, 527 posts
Very best Kai ever born!
Mentora, Age: 25
Wed 12 Feb 2020
at 18:35
  • msg #249

Last Thread: the Endgame


Summer Wasp looked at Rain Feather and Sun Snake, the resolve in her eyes abating slightly as she seemed to consider their words. She gave a glance to her group, perhaps evaluating their disposition with a it, before turning back to the others and answering:

"Let's say you two have a point, that selling Ulnar on letting us build a second Monastery in Durenor would make for a good compromise. How do you expect that to be managed? Would whomever is leading it be subordinate to whomever is leading here?"

Shining Peacock let out a long sigh at that, capturing everybody's attention, and then stated what seemed obvious to him.

"Lady Wasp is going to ask that we let her lead this new Monastery, and that she be free to do it in whichever way she sees fit."

Summer Wasp frowned at Peacock and didn't deny his words, instead shooting back:

"And what of it? It would give us a voice strong enough to be heard and the freedom to act as we think right, without stopping you from playing your game of politics here."

Peacock didn't looked at all persuaded by her words, but didn't answer himself, instead looking at Rain Feather, as if to encourage her to resolve the situation herself.
Sun Snake
player, 5484 posts
Kai Lord
Grand Guardian
Wed 12 Feb 2020
at 19:02
  • msg #250

Last Thread: the Endgame


Sun Snake actually seemed amused by the exchange, looking to Rain Feather and also Swift Fox with a raised eyebrow. However, he did not speak, as if sensing Shining Peacock's intention for Rain Feather to debate with Summer Wasp directly.
Rain Feather
player, 1170 posts
Resident Sorceress
She lives!
Thu 13 Feb 2020
at 07:27
  • msg #251

Last Thread: the Endgame

"...Durenor would be good- maybe Dessi, as well?  They did let Lone Wolf stay there on his journey searching out the Lorestones..."

With that thought, she nods, and turns to Wasp, with a sigh.

"I can get why you feel the way you do.  I think, in time, you'd be a spectacular leader- you're very charasmatic and outspoken.  It's a shame that you keep neglecting your psychic disciplines, because with a little Divination and some Psi-Surge, you'd be a damned terror.  And that's why... I'd recommend that request be refused.

All disciplines are equal in importance.  Just because I'm fairly specialized in mental warfare doesn't mean that I think any less of someone like Swift, or Dusk, or anyone.  They can do things I'm not that good at.  I know, sooner rather than later, I'd have to hone my body as well as I have my mind, and keep everything in balance.  It's not going to be fun, but at the same time, I'm looking forward to it.

You can't simply dismiss some of the disciplines as not important simply because you don't like them, Wasp.  It's pretty well-known you try to limit the progress of your charges into the psychic disciplines... how many of the students under you have ever had their potential truly tested?  There could be another psychic of a strength and skill to match myself or Snake among yours, and you'd never know it because you don't like or trust psychics.

You can give your students all the instruction you want, but if you're not giving them a well-rounded one, you're just setting them up to die at the hands of a bunch of Vordaks or a Helghast or something else that could hit their mind instead of their body.  And no, Mindshield won't cut it for some of the threats out there.

You want to turn out some amazing Kai.  But you're asking them to fight with an arm tied behind their back if you don't let them learn of Psi-surge, Psi-Shield, Divination, or the others."

She'd sigh, and then continue.

"I have a lot of respect for the work you've put in, don't get me wrong.  But your methods... you lack any kind of subtlety.  If you don't like someone, you make no secret of it.  Leaders can't keep causing diplomatic incidents, Wasp- and, well... you seem to be a walking one.  How many times has Peacock had to go on an errand to soothe various groups and people because of something you did?  I mean, I remember going along on a few, myself, but at the same time, the leader of a monastery shouldn't constantly need someone to have to follow them around and clean up after them- and it would only be a matter of time before we wore out our welcome with the Durenese with your antics.

...but I wouldn't completely disqualify you as leadership material.  I think you have a lot of potential, and the younger ones look up to you so much.  I mean, they used to all be scared of me- I think a few of them tried to put calacena or something in my porridge last year- multiple times- and nowadays, well..."

She just shrugged.

"If it were up to me, I'd give you a position of authority here, helping to oversee the training of the younger students.  They love you, you push them to be the best, and for the most part, you're a great example- am I right?"

That last part would be directed at her followers.

"Besides, sometimes someone like me and someone like Snake could use someone to provide a different perspective.  And no, you wouldn't have to do the whole 'do what I say or I'll spill your secrets' bit.  Just... be more open, more relaxed when it comes to things like this.  I mean, I almost started working out with your crew there, myself- hey, you're friendly, inspiring, and fun to be around.  Maybe I would have tried to be more open and relaxed- but then I heard you hated those of us who showed psychic skills... and, well... I just froze up again, because the last thing I wanted was to end up humiliated in front of more people here.

If you lead a monastery, you can't pick and choose who has Kai's gift.  You train everyone who has it, no matter how it manifests and wherever its strengths lie.  If you're just not good with them, then there are those of us who are.  If you just don't like them, maybe figure out why and talk with someone to figure out how to deal with it."

She finished with another sigh.

"...and a leader has to be able to be tolerant of viewpoints who don't support what they're thinking.  If you think you know best and that you're always right about everything and nobody else is as smart or as good as you, you're going to get someone killed.

...ask Snake when they had to pull me out of the temple in the Maakengorge, what was going through his mind.  It was his plan. I remember getting a touch from his mind, and then..."

She shakes her head, as if to clear the memory.

"...if you want to lead, learn to lead effectively.  Then go lead.  But as you are now, you're just going to go off and get you and yours killed or worse- and there's a lot of 'worse' out there.  So don't leave.  Learn, and then we'll see.  Sound good?"
Summer Wasp
NPC, 42 posts
Magnakai Principalin
Age: 25
Thu 13 Feb 2020
at 07:50
  • msg #252

Last Thread: the Endgame


Summer Wasp frowned.

"Not really, no. First of all, small as it is, I already have a position of influence here as the best scout the order has. Minimal, and subject to Moon Shadow's oversight, but better than noting, and I'm not sure I would trade it for Phantom Steed's. I've more to contribute to the Order than just sitting in a place the whole day."

Then she patted Night Crow on the shoulder and added:

"And I do not mistrust all psychics - just the ones who don't know how to keep their powers to themselves; you don't see people with Weaponsmastery using their weapons to do all sort of things even if they totally could, or Nexus users just wielding their power all the time to manipulate their surroundings, even if it'd be more convenient for them. But psychics use their powers all the time, on everybody, enemies and allies alike. That's what I don't like, the attitude that psychics tend to develop; if I had free hand to have psychics trained the way I would prefer, Night Crow would teach them boundaries. He's certainly better than who people need to ask for training from right now."

She sent a disdainful glare at Peacock; Night Crow's, on the other hand, was very mild as he met the purple-haired man's gaze with his own, as if he couldn't care any less.
Sun Snake
player, 5485 posts
Kai Lord
Grand Guardian
Thu 13 Feb 2020
at 21:16
  • msg #253

Last Thread: the Endgame


Sun Snake's expression went quite stiff when Rain Feather mentioned him.

Sun Snake made a great effort to come back to the conversation after Summer Wasp spoke. He seemed to have a hint of steel in his voice. "I do not believe you will get an argument from Rain Feather regarding psychic intrusion. My master had exactly the lack of boundaries you hate. It is not something I am comfortable with, and indeed I believe I ruffled Dusk Rat's feathers - or fur? - during our first day together in that regard, insisting on a respect of other's minds. I would argue that my reticence to push my mind out as far as possible in to other's minds except in extreme situations may have been to the detriment of the group, but that was a line I was loathe to cross. My master was the opposite, yet I held that boundary to myself. Psychic ability is not something to weed out. Respect for others does not come from anything but fostering respect. Anyone can teach that."

Sun Snake gave a dismissive gesture to Night Crow. "Night Crow and Shining Peacock were tested against each other, in the manner of Black Beaver testing materials for strength. Night Crow was found wanting, and his boundaries reek more of fear than restraint. He's not even hiding his hatred of Shining Peacock, despite his mental screening, and as I said I am not one to try to read others unless I absolutely have to. I daresay if he was more confident in his abilities he would have tried something by now on Shining Peacock."
Night Crow
NPC, 64 posts
Magnakai Primate
Age: 23, Male
Thu 13 Feb 2020
at 21:35
  • msg #254

Last Thread: the Endgame


Night Crow spoke up then, his tone as mild as his voice, almost relaxed as he said:

"See, that's the point. I could hide what I feel from you; you know I could, it wouldn't be hard. But I'm refusing to do it, on purpose. Because if you weren't constantly on your guard, constantly trying to see within the mind of others, you would not be able to know anyway. I have a deep dislike of Shining Peacock, but I ought not be judged because of that; and among most people, I wouldn't be. It should not be the duty of a person to hide their feeling - it should be the duty of the psychics to refrain, and even to avoid acting on what they discover."

Summer Wasp nodded at that, patting Night Crow on the shoulder as she added:

"That's a good way to put it, yeah. We should be free to be who we really are when around each other, not hide it. That's why I dislike psychics, because they create an environment of mistrust."

She then shrugged.

"I'm not sure that's too relevant right now anyway; the only point I wanted to make was that I do not dislike the Disciplines themselves nor the people who learn them, just the way most people tend to use them. I wouldn't stop people from learning, I would merely encourage them to limit themselves, to put checks on their own power rather than make others feel scrutinized."

Shining Peacock let out a long, pained sight at that, and he said, sounding extremely polite:

"I just want everyone to know that I disagree with any such position. Striving to be the best we can be is our duty as Kai, and if it creates some discomfort in others, that is just one more sacrifice every Kai should make. To limit us to be anything less than the best we could be is to deny the very thing that we are."

Crow and Wasp both glared at Peacock as he said that, but he seemed completely unfazed, as well as unwilling to yield at all on this one point, quite unlike is general more diplomatic and politic approach to things.
Swift Fox
player, 4281 posts
Primate, Darklord slayer
Ghost of Anskaven, Age 17
Tue 18 Feb 2020
at 02:11
  • msg #255

Last Thread: the Endgame

Swift had remained quiet, as if lost in thought.  Although her gaze still flitted back and forth to whoever was speaking, showing she was still taking in everything said.

"Seems we have something in common then" she remarked quietly at Night Crow's words.  Though she didn't elaborate on whether that meant his dislike of Shining Peacock, or his beliefs on psychics...


OOC: Still here and following things, just keeping quiet and watchful (and probably silently judging you all) for now :)
Rain Feather
player, 1171 posts
Resident Sorceress
She lives!
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 21:41
  • msg #256

Last Thread: the Endgame

"...everyone is entitled to secrets.  I ought to understand that most of all.  If people had known what I was, well... I doubt I'd have survived to adulthood.

But at the same time, I was able to survive.  Nobody else found out until I'd told them.  Nobody clawed at my head, trying to get at all the secrets within.  And I certainly didn't do it to anybody else.  I mean, Snake?  Sabre?  Anyone?  Did I ever try to just go digging into your minds, just for the fun of it?  Just to show off my skills, to go digging for your most dear secrets?  Make a show of skimming your surface thoughts, just because I was bored and looking for something to do or secrets to hold over you?

No.  Because despite of the fact we may disagree on things, their thoughts are private.  Because whatever I could do to someone else, someone else could end up doing to me.

I mean, I'd like to know why this all started.  I wish you would have told someone if someone was doing that for fun- that's not why we learn to do that.  I'd certainly want to give them something to think about.

But you're letting your fears and beliefs hurt your students, Wasp.  You can see it in Crow- if he's that strong, I imagine with enough practice and work he could give me a pretty good run for my money.  But the more you fill their minds with your fears, your beliefs... the more vulnerable they will be.

I don't much care for Weaponmastery- mostly because I'm still not all that great in physical combat.  I can hold my own with Breakwater, but... I'd never hold a student back just because I was afraid of something happening to them.  I mean, I even tried greel once, and I almost panicked and ran from the court because I lost a hunk of hair from the flying axe.  I didn't want to step foot in the training yard, I was so scared that learning how to fight with my spear would mean I was going to have to go play greel again, and that would mean I was going to get an axe to the head or lose a hand or any other number of possibilities.

But in the end, I faced my fear, and I gained my Weaponskill because I didn't let my fears define me.  I was going to start training for Weaponmastery when I got back thanks to the efforts of a particular swordsman.  But you... you let your fears, your doubts, your views affect your students, and it shows.

You hate the way they are used, but do not allow them to learn how to defend themselves against such a thing?  If they're afraid of Sixth Sense, then even basic rudimentary Psi-Screen or a decent Mindshield can stop that cold.  If it's Divination, or Nexus, or even Psi-Surge, I'd ask just why someone's using it on them in the first place.

Wasp, I think you're a great many things, but I know you never, ever run when things get difficult.  Why not face this instead of running from it?

Just... take it from me.  You can keep running from the things you don't know how to deal with and keep holding them in... or you can let them go and face them, and put them behind you.  Instead of letting them put you off?  Fight them.  Learn how to defend against them.  Negate the power they have over you, and suddenly... they aren't so much to be feared, are they?

Better they learn how to defend themselves now rather than end up finding they cannot defend themselves against a Vordak or Helghast or worse, and then you having to realize it was your views that lead to their deaths.  Having to do the training beats beating yourself up and feeling responsible for them dying because you let your own emotions color their development."

She'd gaze over Wasp's assembled companions.

"They obviously care for and trust you a great deal- and I imagine you do, for them.   But would you want them to suffer some of the fates we've seen because they don't have all the skills they could possibly have at their disposal?"
Summer Wasp
NPC, 43 posts
Magnakai Principalin
Age: 25
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 23:41
  • msg #257

Last Thread: the Endgame


Summer Wasp listened to Rain Feather's argument with a frown, then said:

"You might have some points, but all this is distracting us from the real point; I might have bias over some disciplines, but that's not a good enough reason to say I'm incapable of being a leader. I would be willing to accept somebody like you to teach psychic disciplines under me if that'd make you happier, but I'm not going to compromise on being in charge."
Sun Snake
player, 5486 posts
Kai Lord
Grand Guardian
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 18:15
  • msg #258

Last Thread: the Endgame


Sun Snake duly shook his head when Rain Feather mentioned the possibility of any psychic probes from herself during the inital mission.

Once Summer Wasp had spoken, Sun Snake spoke up. "I think we're being distracted from the fact we need to vote, and soon. I'd say that the threat that the Prince will instantly try to tie the order to himself has been diffused, for at least the time being. We can deal wit hit, if needed, another day. I would say there is only one more thing we need to agree on, right now."

Sun Snake turned to Summer Wasp. "Summer Wasp, if the vote does not go your way, have we at least said enough that you understand there will be more room for more debate, no matter who else might win instead? This is academic if you win, and no one is asking you not to run. All that I think we ask is that you not immediately quit the order if you do not get your way. That you at least, in principle, say that even if you lose, that you are willing to stay to fight for your case for some small amount of timer in whatever leadership develops? We need to vote, we need to deal with Valador. If we can vote without fearing the specrte of the Prinace, or the spectre of tearing apart the order instantly, then I believe that is all we could ask for. We can at least unite then to deal with Valador, and then strive to find common ground in good faith. Whether it works or not we can see, but for today, at least agreeing to try seems to be enough."
Summer Wasp
NPC, 44 posts
Magnakai Principalin
Age: 25
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 18:34
  • msg #259

Last Thread: the Endgame


Summer Wasp looked at Sun Snake for a long moment, then said:

"See, that's the thing. Valador thinks he's using me, but it's the other way around. I could give him to you, right here, right now. But I won't until I'm assured that after I do, thing will go my way; else, I would be losing all of my leverage."

She paused, then added, with a dark glare:

"And of course, if I wanted to, I could have used him against you, and forced you all to let me win. But I haven't, and would rather not, because, much as you think I'm unreasonable, I'm not, and I recognize he's a greater evil that we should deal with. But he's not so great an evil that I'd be willing to betray all those who count on me to take him down."

The Kai Lady crossed her arms and concluded:

"So, you see, maybe it's time for you to reconsider your position on this."
Sun Snake
player, 5487 posts
Kai Lord
Grand Guardian
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 18:56
  • msg #260

Last Thread: the Endgame


Sun Snake's eyes grew very, very cold. He looked through Summer Wasp as if she were some form of contemptible idiot. "Never," he said, with deadly calm, and turned his back on Summer Wasp. Without a further word, he walked away.
Rain Feather
player, 1172 posts
Resident Sorceress
She lives!
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 11:31
  • msg #261

Last Thread: the Endgame

"...as long as you don't have to pay the price, you mean."

She watched as Snake walked away, letting out the breath she'd been holding, before turning back to Wasp, no emotion showing on her face.

"Anything and everything is on the table as long as you get power, isn't that it?  Up to the point where we all fall in line behind you once everything is done and give you the power and adoration you crave.  No price too steep, as long as someone else is doing the paying.  No suffering too great, as long as it's someone else that does it.  As long as you get the glory, the praise, then nothing else matters."

Taking a step forward, she draws closer to Wasp, not caring about the others with her.

"Valador is a master at playing to emotions, you understand.  We understand that, first-hand- for if not, then I would not be standing here.  He's playing on the Prince's greed- for what could be more useful to a conqueror than an army of proto-Kai that answer to his beck and call alone?

He's played to Sabre's emotions, too- otherwise, we wouldn't be talking here.

And now, we find he's played to your vanity, your desire for glory.  A man who is guilty of conspiring with Nadziranim, playing about with dark magic, and weaving them all together into some semblance of life.

But there's always a price, Wasp. Always.  I should know.  Trust me, I know what it's capable of.

What did you give him?  Money?  Access?  Information, perhaps?

Was it samples of flesh, taken from your followers so he could devise the secrets of the Kai potential and the disciplines from them?  I mean, as long as it wasn't yours, who cares, right?  Surely Crow and the others who follow you didn't mind giving a man like Valador access to their bodies and minds, just so he could have access to more test subjects, right?  Because that's how he helped to create hybrids.  Men and women, their bodies and souls tortured until compliant, a mash of darkness and light combined into one, a mixture of animal and human.  I died because of one of them, Wasp.  A woman with the features of a dog.  I don't remember her Kai name, but considering we've brought one back, would you and yours perhaps like to meet him?  Maybe we can get him to show you what he looked like before he was all fixed up on the outside, but not the inside?"

Taking a breath, she'd cock her head to the others who followed Wasp.

"I mean, maybe Crow wants to go crazy and end up with a nice beak and feathers bursting through his skin, maybe some nice talons for feet.  Maybe Boar over there wants a nice snout, hooves, bristly hair and tusks to go with his name and skills, hm?  Maybe Star wants to be a terror of some kind, all colored red?  How's about that, huh?  Any of the lot of you willing to go that far for her?  To suffer through all that because hey, it's the price you have to pay for her to be leader!  Come on, don't chicken out, you want her to be Grandmaster, do you not?  Sacrificing your body, mind and soul is nothing, right?  It's not like you'd ever see Wasp suddenly sprouting wings, giant eyes, and a stinger out of her arrogant rump, right?  No, because that might get in the way of the praise and glory if she can't look the part!  Because that's the kind of price Valador asks of the people who want his help.  Because darkness always has a price, one for the bargain, one for the use of it, and then a harsher one for when you fail to meet the terms of the agreement.

Which one of them picks up the tab for that, Wasp?  Which of your little followers gets to pay the piper when it comes time?"

She takes another step towards Wasp, drawing closer to her, within arm's reach.

"To say nothing of just casually strolling in here and dropping secrets on everyone, too...

'Oh, I know what Rain really is, and since she's being all mean and won't let me have what I want, I'm going to become a spiteful little witch and stab her in the back while outing myself as an operative of the man who wishes to tear the Order, and then proceed to do the same damned thing because if I can't have it, then nobody should be able to have it.  Because who cares if everyone else in the world relies on said Order to keep everything safe from Darkness?  I didn't get what I want, so let the world burn and I'll start my own little group, the Cult of Wasp, where everyone praises me because I'm the bestest best Kai ever because Valador told me so!'

That is why you would not make a good leader, Wasp.  Because if you're willing to do that to me, to the Order, then what are you willing to do to your little herd, there, if they go against you?  Who will be stabbed in the back next, I wonder?

The rest of us, here, are trying to save something that the world relies on.  Something that is bigger than any of us, and we accept that's how it has to be- the Order is bigger than any single one of us.  Do I want to be Grandmaster?  Yes, I do.  But at the same time, I'm also wishing for others to have equal say in things, because I'm not so Kai-blasted arrogant to think I know everything, and to push my intolerances onto other people- or to think I should be the be-all end-all authority in anything in the Order.  And even if I don't end up elected, I'll support Snake or whoever is, because that's what we have to do.  Because the Order is bigger than any single Kai and their desires for personal power, glory, and favor.  Because this is more important than one person's lust for personal recognition.

You missed the one thing from Lone Wolf's history- the only reason he got so much fame and honor was because he had to fight to earn it.  He had to survive and hurt and feel so much pain, betrayal, loss, and strain because an entire world was on the line, and he pulled it off.  That's why.

And you want to smash apart the one group in the world capable of fighting back the darkness.  What Naar and the Darklords could break, one little spoiled brat thinks she can because that's what the darkness that's poisoned her mind keeps telling her.  Because Valador expects us to all fritter away like she would in the face of adversity, in the face of 'oh, deep, dark secrets being revealed because I'm so damned petty I'd rather doom the world than not get what I want!'"

She takes that final step, invading Wasp's personal space.

"That's why, Wasp.  Because this isn't about personal pride.  This isn't about glory, or being remembered.  It's about doing what's right no matter the cost to ourselves.

It's about making that choice, when you've been chained, spread-eagled, and burned with lava until you scream.  Sliced open and bled and stabbed, over and over, until you don't have a patch of skin that doesn't have a burn or a slash or a wound on it by a madman while you can't do anything but shriek and grit your teeth and hope against hope that your friends get there... while having to not break and beg for death from the young protege they were going to make kill you as a sacrifice to their dark god... hoping against hope that they won't leave you there... and then when you realize that they're not coming... to understand that you have to do what you have to do, because the world is more important than one single Kai... is to let yourself painfully bleed to death, because it's the only way you have to deny the darkness... and you have to let said brave young girl witness the whole damned thing.

And as you fade, you have to feel the psychic signature of the man you're defending- that you chose to ally with, and become the pawn of, that you assume is doing all of this out of the goodness of his heart- stall your friends at the entrance just long enough to keep them from reaching you in time... and then die with them less than a few hundred feet from you.  Because of the stalling of said man who you think is trying to help you get control of something you're not even qualified to lead because of your pride and arrogance.

And if you don't believe me, I'll let you experience it all too clearly.

Now, someone needs to go run to check on Moon Shadow, and make sure there's nothing wrong with her.  Make sure she's not under the influence of something psychic or mystical- and if she's able to talk, make sure she's all right, because right now, the word of the one who would claim to speak for her isn't worth a cup of flat ale."

Staring into Wasp's face, she finally finished... and let her face relax into a thin smile.

"...but despite all that... she's still got all the potential to be a leader.

You made a deal with someone who took advantage of you.  I'm a descendant of the Kirlundin Wytch, just as big of a screwup as you, if not bigger.  But I fought through my darkness, just like many others.  Maybe I'm not the same person, but if I can do it, then I know anybody can.  Maybe we all have things we don't want to admit to.  But that's what we need to realize- that despite everything, we're still all Kai.  None of us have lost our powers, been disowned, or anything.  And that's how we know we keep on going and we keep on fighting.

It's why you and yours should stay here, and keep on fighting with us.  Because no matter what, you're not my enemy.  You screwed up somewhat majorly, and yes, I've taken you to task for it, and that's that.  Now, the axe is in your hands, and the greel target's right over there, wide open.  Are you going to run off with your lot and get killed or taken advantage of, or are you all going to show you're a lot smarter than Valador thinks you are and stick around and support the Order and be someone who can at least keep us on our toes with a fresh viewpoint when we need it?"
Summer Wasp
NPC, 45 posts
Magnakai Principalin
Age: 25
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 13:02
  • msg #262

Last Thread: the Endgame


As Summer Wasp listened to Rain Feather's speech, a wealth of different emotions ran through her face, from coldness to surprise to horror to, finally, anger. At the end, she placed an hand on Rain Feather's shoulder, pushing her backwards, before saying, tone cold:

"I have given nothing to Valador, not would I ever do so, and that you think I would goes to show how little you understand of me. He showed up a few days ago to give us information and explain his plan, how he wanted to create a single organization out of Kai and Brotherhood both and use it to have Toran separate itself from Sommerlund; and much as Sun Snake might think me an idiot, I understand perfectly that Valador's real objective is to remove the Kai as an obstacle to his plans. I have no intention of letting that happen; I can and will stop him from achieving that. I told him that I would help him, but I never would, and have done nothing for him so far either."

Her eyes narrowed, cold, as she went on:

"However, how to get rid of him is up to me. If I call him here, as he wanted me to do when I had the situation in hand, we could ambush him and get rid of him at once. But if I don't, and one of you people becomes leader, then he will know, and take precautions, and be that much harder to beat. And again, while I won't, simply warning him of your intentions would be enough to make him change his approach."

Swift Fox's eyes focused on Sun Snake for a moment, then back to Rain Feather as she said:

"And of course, he can control you, Rain Feather, whenever he wants to. So you're starting at a disadvantage already. But you knew that."

She shook her head, then said:

"Whatever you think, I don't care at all about being leader for the sake of it - I care about us having the freedom to do what's right. Which taking Valador down would be, but if at the end of it, what happens is that nothing changes for us, then I'd rather do it on my own, then let you help just so you can then take the credit for doing it and use it to force me into doing what you want me to, rather than what I would think right. That's all there is to it: you want me to work with you, but only if I obey your wishes first. And I won't do that."
Rain Feather
player, 1173 posts
Resident Sorceress
She lives!
Mon 6 Jul 2020
at 07:26
  • msg #263

Last Thread: the Endgame

The push just sends her a step backwards, and Rain just looks down at her shoulder, but says nothing.

But at the mention of doing nothing to continue his plan, Rain just shakes her head.

"...and yet you're here, doing exactly what he wants you to do- come in, when we were close to a compromise, and turn everything head over tail, and here we are, bickering like children over who gets the last sweet, or who gets to poke the dead animal first.  We are, yet again, stuck in limbo, incapable of doing anything, while we bicker over the same things we have already, and you stand there looking like you think you deserve a pat on the head or a nice jelly cake for your efforts."

She almost went through with it- almost patted Wasp on the head, but instead, she would reach out to grip the younger woman's shoulder.

"But you don't understand... so maybe it's time we stop talking, because this is getting us nowhere."

And with that... her eyes would flash, and she'd unleash the power of her mind, square at Wasp.  It would be exactly as she'd learned it- striking with Psi-Surge and pressing deep with her Divination- striking deep with it.  This was no attack, though- this was a lesson- one she felt was sorely needed.  Because as much as she had disliked Peacock, well... she had respect for him- and his teaching methods.

Perhaps that had been the reason for so much mental struggling, back in the day- because what she was doing was trying to deliver a reality check.

She would press deeper, focusing on keeping her grip and her lesson going- until she felt she was deep enough, and would just sit there, letting her feel it, letting her defenses struggle against hers, pushing an idea into her mind: stay still and listen.

"...the forces of darkness do not play by rules, Wasp.  They aren't going to promise not to use psychic power, they're going to use every single trick and power in their arsenal to kill you- and if they detect your weakness in your psychic defenses, what do you think they are going to do, not try to kill you mentally or afflict your mind?  If I was a Nadziranim, you'd be dead- or I'd be commanding you to kill every one of your friends over there, and you'd be stuck there, in your own mind, watching your body move and kill with nothing you could do about it.

This is not about one single person wanting to lead- the reason I am trying to keep this organization together is to prevent anything like this from happening again, because we are the only bunch of people on Magnamund who can deal with these incursions, and I refuse to let the Brotherhood die or be lead by a man who has given up and consorted with the darkness itself, traded our secrets away, all so he can make everybody equal.  Everyone in the world would be a Kai, would have our powers, for good or for ill.  For every Sabre Fox, who would fight for the right things, there could be a hundred Valadors- or worse- who would then take their newfound, rudimentary skills and raise complete havoc in the world, or a thousand Drakkarim who would immediately set out on a rampage of killing and destruction with their powers.

Want to be leader?  Are you prepared to send your friends off to their deaths?  Can you look at each one of them, and accept that when you dispatch them off to somewhere to deal with rising darkness, that you may be sending them off to their deaths?  Are you comfortable getting the blame and hatred of their friends and family for doing so, even though we all know we're not going to die in our beds of old age?  Because that's what the Grandmaster- hell, all of the Kai he raised- have been having to deal with through all this.  Leadership means being able to take the slings and arrows when things go to hell and back because you messed up and get people killed.  Imagine how Lone Wolf felt when Kai didn't return from the field?  I imagine that's why Blue Snake was so damned emotionless- because people will always want to hold someone else responsible when things go wrong.

The only reason Lone Wolf was ever famous is because he saved the world.  How many Kai do you think the populace knew of before this happened?  How many other Kai did they know by name outside our walls?  None.  Because we don't fight for the glory.  We fight for the duty, because it's the right thing to do, when the darkness is encroaching on us from all sides, because if we give up, everyone is going to die- or worse.  They don't know who we are, beyond the green- they see that, and it's 'the Kai are here, they're going to save the day'.  They don't give two whits of an axe who you are or how stylish you look or anything- they just want the problems dealt with so they can go about their own lives again."

Finally, she pulls back, allowing the younger woman to gather her wits.

"...go ahead.  Hate me, attack me, do whatever you want to me.  Pull your sword and stick me with it a few times, if it will make you feel better.  I'm not doing this because I enjoy having to do this, but there was no other way to get through to you.

We need you here, Wasp.  Hate me with every bit of your being, curse my name and damn me to the foulest pits of the underworld if you have to- odds are I'll be going there, anyways, after all this.  But if you take yours and run off, you're going to get yourselves all killed- and that would be a waste of talented Kai.

Do not listen to a word that man says.  The only side he's on is his own.

Stay here, and we can show you how to keep this from happening."
Night Crow
NPC, 65 posts
Magnakai Primate
Age: 23, Male
Mon 6 Jul 2020
at 07:53
  • msg #264

Last Thread: the Endgame


As Rain Feather's eyes flashed with golden light, Night Crow seemed to sag, gritting his teeth as Crimson Star had to support him, but his glare was one filled with pure hatred as he growled:

"I'll never let you!"


OOC: Rain, before the second part of your post can take place, you need to get through Wasp's defenses; that's not automatic. Said defenses might not be her own, rather the result of Night Crow's keeping her safe, but that's immaterial to the fact that you can't simply ignore them; they're there.

If you want, you can retreat from the attack; Night Crow would rather die than let you past his Mindfort and into Summer Wasp's mind - and the fact that you're Peacock's student is just making him more determined to stop you no matter what. So, if you push through, it'll need to be by destroying Night Crow's mind first - you'll only get through once he dies.

If you want to force this, then we'll run it as a Combat - except using only mental stats (so, any CS bonus from things like Weaponskill or abilities like Huntmastery dodges won't be usable), and anybody who has mental Magnakai abilities (the basic mindshield and mindblast wouldn't help here) can join in on either person's side; I'll give more accurate stats once I know how everybody wants to go about this - assuming, that is, that you want to force it, Rain. It's your decision! :)

Swift Fox
player, 4291 posts
Primate, Darklord slayer
Ghost of Anskaven, Age 17
Mon 6 Jul 2020
at 14:29
  • msg #265

Last Thread: the Endgame

Swift had seemed quiet and deep in thought, but at the sudden psychic activity going on, she looked up, resting her hand on the hilt of the Jade Spike, but not drawing it.

She glanced between Rain Feather and Summer Wasp warily, seemingly waiting to see how everyone was going to react, although her tense stance hinted that she was prepared to jump to someone's aid if needed...


OOC: Depends whose side Swift is on here really...  ;)
Sun Snake
player, 5509 posts
Kai Lord
Grand Guardian
Mon 6 Jul 2020
at 17:04
  • msg #266

Last Thread: the Endgame


Sun Snake had stalked off lost in his own dark thoughts about Summer Wasp's foolish comments, feeling very tired. However, he had not dismissed the mind link, and the sudden spike in psychic activity and Swift Fox's own reaction brought him back from his mental fog with a jolt.


I'll be closeby if sudden psychic support is needed :p
Rain Feather
player, 1174 posts
Resident Sorceress
She lives!
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 19:46
  • msg #267

Last Thread: the Endgame

Feeling the barrier before her, Rain would give it a few rudimentary strikes- just testing it out, seeing how Crow would react- before granting the young man his wish, and unleashing a full-strength strike against his shielding, letting him feel the full brunt of her power- but, surprisingly... after a few seconds, or at the first sign of feeling it crumble... she'd pull back.

"...someone's been practicing, I see.  Wasp is a lucky girl, to have someone like you following her, Crow.  But who will you practice with?  Who do you have to practice against, to bombard your screens to keep pushing you to more and better heights?  I mean, it's how I learned- punishing, hard practice, day in and day out- mostly being the mental practice target of Red Dawn- and well... it's how I sharpened my mind- that and the constant, varied practice of having lots of practice partners.

But if you go, I imagine it'll only be a matter of time before I get strong enough or you get complacent enough to where I could break through your shields like old parchment..."

Just for a second, she gives the young man a fierce grin, and another quick, unexpected poke with her Psi-Surge-

"...because I'll have lots of people to practice against and I'll be able to sharpen my skills with better trainers, better supplies, better everything... and you'll still be there, sitting at the same level of skill, thinking that just because you managed to repel one person, that that makes you soooo much better than me, and you'll get complacent.

...and getting complacent... makes you dead... or worse."

Leaning on the butt of her spear, almost casually, Rain just shakes her head.

"Same way with the lot of you- you leave, that's kind of admitting you'd rather live in your own little Magnamund where you don't have to practice or anything, and you can all just bask in the glory you think everyone has for you.  Are you strong?  Yeah, I'll admit you're strong.  Not as strong as Lone Wolf, mind you, though...

But I was wanting to test Wasp, not you, Crow.  I mean, unless you have such little faith in her own abilities to let her defend herself?  ...I may not have the highest opinion of him, but... Peacock always let me realize my own strength.  When I was in a tough spot, getting my mind almost ripped apart in one of Dawn's little training sessions, do you think he ever stepped in to shield me?  I mean, he could have, of course- but that would have stunted my growth.

I mean, unless Wasp is scared of what might happen... maybe scared of being embarrassed, scared of how she might appear to the rest of you, or just plain scared to face me, one on one... maybe she needs to learn how to defend herself- or maybe she needs someone to beat on her shields to toughen them up.  You can't have a strong Psi-Screen if you don't have someone trying to beat it down on occasion...

Same with the lot of the rest of you- how are you going to grow when you couldn't even put a Supreme Master together from your collected experiences?  And what happens when you're forced to split up?  You won't be able to troop together all the time on a mission- I mean, what are you going to do- go tromp through the Darklands, all hoping to take down some of the fortress-cities to show us how bad you are?

You really want to end up like Fall Lobster?  How'd you think you'd look with a crow's beak, Night?  Maybe Summer over there would love to have a nice stinger coming out of her rump, some big eyes, another two pairs of arms, maybe some wings bursting out of her back?"

Taking a breath, she'd just look at the lot of them.

"Besides, if you run off, you're kind of admitting you're running because you're the weak ones, and you can't accept that, anyways..."
Night Crow
NPC, 66 posts
Magnakai Primate
Age: 23, Male
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 20:15
  • msg #268

Last Thread: the Endgame


When Rain Feather let up, Night Crow sagged, putting his hands on his knees as deep sweat fell from his brow; if not for Crimson Star at his side immediately supporting him while glaring with hatred at Rain Feather, he would have certainly fell to the ground.

There was more reaction among the group - Summer Wasp was bristling, and Fire Swan had drawn her sword - but before anybody could do more, Night Crow spoke, his tone mocking.

"What, you think I didn't have the best psychic training available? I'd mastered my Psy-Screen long before you were ever a Magnakai, and as for facing the harshest of training, why don't you ask your beloved master about how well I took to it?"

Shining Peacock let out a long, tired breath at this, and asked, exasperated:

"Must you always bring up the same argument every time?"

Night Crow chuckled at that, which quickly turned into a cough that left him bleeding a bit from the corner of his mouth; Crimson Star cleaned it for him before he could, at which point the man said, still in the same tone:

"Yeah, of course you would prefer to forget you weren't always considered the chosen one. Why so bothered by it, anyway? Black Beaver choose you in the end, didn't he? Or is it that maybe you still wonder some times if you really were the best one?"

He didn't wait for an answer, instead turning to Rain Feather and saying to her, the mockery slowly sliding into anger:

"I've been called a waste and reject, the one who couldn't measure up, for my whole life, by people whose opinion I cared a lot more than yours. But now I have people who believe in me, and for them, I'll die if I need to."

Night Crow nodded to Crimson Star, Summer Wasp and then his group at large. Summer Wasp smiled in support at him, then turned a cold glare to Rain Feather.

"That's what all of us are like; that's who I speak for, those who were told they weren't good enough. You're not telling me anything new when you say that we're weaker; my answer to that has always been to prove you wrong. Do you think that'd change now?"

She scoffed, then concluded:

"I'm only still here because I want to save you idiots too; you lot are the ones who don't want to be saved, because you think you don't need the help, you think you are always correct. It's not that I want to leave; it's that, by refusing to let me have the power to stop you from being idiots, you are refusing to let me stay."

OOC: I think Rain wasn't around due to a serious case of being temporarily deceased back when Peacock explained that he and Night Crow trained together under Black Beaver; I'm not sure if anybody told her at any point afterwards.

I know for sure that Sun Snake, Sabre Fox and Swift Fox knew it, however, so this shouldn't come as a surprise to them.

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