You were tackled to the ground by three silver-armored Lunari.

"Get down, your majesty!" A streaking bolt of comet-fire sailed through the same space you'd been floating in.

You were surrounded quickly by a group of other Lunari - helped to your feet, apologies given.

The enemy were beasts of black fog that moved like cats. Another of them belched comet-fire, which the gather Lunari repelled with a curious chant and their shields, causing the comet-fire to be absorbed. On a count of three, they released the energy back at the beasts, who were stunned. The Lunari charged forward, driving their silvery blades into the beasts, slaying them.

It had all taken about fifteen seconds. In death, the beasts were skinny creatures with pebbly skin. Several of the Lunari hefted the corpses onto their shoulders.

One of the Lunari approached you, and removed their helmet. "I am Quartermoon Nián Qīng Qiáng Dà." She fell to one knee, offering you her sword. "I have committed the crime of lèse-majesté, by accosting your person. I offer you my life as compensation, Firstmoon. My subordinates were only acting on my orders, please spare them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:06, Thu 24 Jan 2019.

Argentum regarded them silently, and tolerated their being in his personal space. For now. They couldn't hurt him really even if they tried. Few things could.

He rolled his eyes though when Nian began to speak.

"And what good would it do to anyone if I killed you here, silly mortal. I did not allow you to bask in the radiance of my Moon-Core merely to kill you so casually. Live, and help defend your people." Argentum replied in a sort of neutral yet firm tone of voice.

"And tell me - what are these creatures that dare encroach so close to where I rest?"

She blushed deeply, her blueish cheeks becoming silvery.

"The Laoshu?" said Nian. "They are base vermin, common to these parts. Their meat is good for soup, and they often gather valuable meteoric ores in their nests and hide. They are unworthy of your consideration, and would surely pose no danger to the First Moon. We could not bare to see their base essence touch Your Majesty, is all."

The other Lunari whispered to themselves, commentary on her touching you without being slain on the spot. They concluded that Quartermoon Nian really was a true virgin, even at her age. How had she attained such a high position within the Lunari without the customary ritual sacrifice of her purity to a superior?

By your estimates, Nian was about 325 lunar cycles in age, or approximately 26 solar cycles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

"Laoshu? Hmmm...I may have to hunt some for later and see how their souls work." he replied casually.

Argentum looked at the assembled Lunarians curiously. He began to hover off the ground by several inches, defying physics, as he flitted around Nian. He touched her armor, her weapon, and also took hold of her chin and face and inspected her as well as touched her wings, like a veterinarian inspecting an animal.

He then flitted over to the other soldiers and handled them the same way, not really asking and just going ahead and inspecting.

"Interesting. I had no idea you had all evolved so far. And you used some sort of magic before too I think, but the quality of your gear. Your intelligence. Your humanoid form, and wings. Your clearly worded speech. Even the amusing patriarchal arrogance of your menfolk. I am very pleased with what I'm seeing. I did not make a mistake in sharing my radiance after all." he said, clearly pleased.

"Come - take me to your nearest settlement. I wish to see what a Lunarian town or city looks like. I want to see how your social structure works. How your architecture has developed. The foods you cook. Your culture, craft, and art. Show it all to me! We can walk or fly...actually, I'd rather fly."

The nearest settlement was a few hour's flight away, called Uratama.

It was a city of slim towers and circular high walls, with an internal square-walled fort. It was evident that this was a planned city, as the population had not yet filled the buildings, and some space was still left within the walls; several buildings were under construction, Lunarians flitting about and working to assemble more towers.

"The Tianlan se de Tongzhi Zhe decided it would be fitting to construct a new city near your radiance. Previous Azure Rulers deemed this area holy ground and were loathe to settle within a certain radius of the moon-core. She did not share this opinion, and her word is law. Lucky that my patrol came by when it did, or you might have been unduly troubled."

Quartermoon Nian bowed. "How may I be of further service to you, Lord of Rippling Mind? I am afraid that this is a milltiary settlement, not a center of high culture. The Imperial Capital in several days flight from here."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:18, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

"Don't worry about the settlement being this close to the moon-core. I don't mind." he replied.

Argentum considered.

"Hmmm...I suppose I will have to go visit the capital some time, although I think I'll explore around here a bit first. But tell me...why is this only a military settlement? What need is there of so much concentrated military force in the area?" he said.

"Pushing back the Stellan and Sola heretics like usual. This is sacred land, whoever controls it has the favor of the Moon. Building a city this close to the moon-core is an unprecendented step, but the Azure Ruler crushed a Stellan insurgency headquarters here; I guess that's why he decided it was fair game."

She took you to a canteen, exchanged a dark glass token for two glasses of a silvery fluid. "You partake of moonwater, right? It's said to be your blood when it's used for consecrating new temples in your name. Or perhaps it's your ambrosia of choice. Or perhaps it's horrid poison, like the Sola say. I just call it Lunahol. Only stiff drink you can get on military ration."

She was relaxing. "You're really not much like anybody's myths about you. You're male, for one thing. One thing everyone agreed on was you being a hermaphrodite."

He looked amused, and even chuckled when she mentioned speculation on his sex.

"Well I'm definitely not a hermaphrodite. You guys have gotten the lore all twisted up in a tangle, haven't you?" he replied with a chuckle.

"Well I'll set you straight. The moon is definitely a masculine symbol, although I can tell as the First Moon that many people on other worlds mistake it for a feminine one. I mean look at me...I'd know if I was a woman or a hermaphrodite. The Moon does have an ambiguous gender though in terms of symbolism. I myself am more masculine in gender but am bisexual in my orientation, but I also am prone to fits of passion and depth of thought and emotion (some like to call that brooding) more like a woman and the moon is accurately portrayed in those symbolism elements. But if anything, the sun and moon are both masculine while the earth is feminine. That I can tell you for a fact. I guess you could say I'm 75% masculine 25% feminine, and moons in general are too." he said.

"I came into being as a reflection to the first true sun, which is an extension of the Sun Dragon Tarek whom is male. Thus I am male too. but I don't wish to talk about him now. I find him...exasperating. I'm sure you've never experienced the feeling of hating someone while also not-hating them. Like anger and gratitude rolled up into one tight ball." he said as he took hold of the moonwater cup.

"Hmmm...it's definitely not my blood. But I'll be the judge on if it is a drink of choice or mere poison." he said as he took the cup and drank from it.

"And tell me about the Stellan and Sola. Who and/or what are they? And why the military and faction conflicts? Do you mortals really think you can gain my favor by merely controlling land? Like my favor is yours to take and not actually mine to give out as I please?"

OOC: Please in your next post give a description of how the moonwater tastes, any any special properties about it he is able to glean or on the contrary if it's just normal alcohol.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

The moonwater was thicker than water, with a sharp, spicy burn - like a cross between vodka and biting a pepper. After you got used to to the bite, it had a savory aftertaste. It was something like a gin.

"It's made from ether and a few sacred herbs. You get a taste for it eventually, the longer you're in the service."

She drained her glass, got another. "Good to know the moon's a sword-bearer. We've already got enough issues with men thinking they're favored children."

She drained her glass, got another. Her cheeks were gaining a silvery tint.

"It's  . . .  to do with a royal debacle a few generations ago. Twin heirs, a boy and a girl. Lunari said the girl should it get it; stellari wanted joint rule; Sola kidnapped the boy and said he should rule, now he's a whole other rebel state and Stellari are being persecuted and removed from power in both states, making hideouts where they can . . ."

She drained her glass, got another. This one she was sipping.

"All anyone cares about  . . .  is purity. But the same institutions meant to . . .  safeguard or sanctify it . . . also commodify it. I'd be a halfmoon overnight if I yielded myself to my superior officer . . . given that I'm Argenti . . ."

Img: Quartermoon Nian, Shield-Maiden

Argentum winced a bit as he initially tried the Moonwater, although subtle use of his illusions made his face appear as if he were unfazed. Nian was right though - it got easier to cope with over time, and would probably go great on the rocks. He wasn't sure how he knew it would taste better with ice given he never had a chilled beverage before, but some things he simply...knew.

"Hmmm...the initial bite is a bit rough, but I really enjoy the savory aftertaste. I think the herbs used in it really help offset the base alcohol taste." he said.

"I promised you my judgement so here it is: Moonwater is definitely not my blood, although I am enjoying it in small quantities. A little bit is ok, but too much..." he said as he quickly snatched the cup from Nian's hands with inhuman serpent-like speed and held it in his own.
"...is indeed poison. Like most things, moderation is key. And you, little lady, have had enough for now." he said, bluntly but kindly.

He then looked intrigued.

"Hmmm...these social dynamics you mention are interesting. Tell me more about them. I have some questions." he asked.

"Are the Lunari, Stellari, and Sola all Lunarians? And how does each faction feel about me?"

"Tell me about your social hierarchies. You've mentioned phases of the moon and implied they are social ranks. So what is a halfmoon to a quarter moon? Like what are the ranks from least to greatest, and how do you gain and lose rank?"

"You and your men said that giving sexual favors is a means of advancement. Is this true across all three factions? Can you only do it once, or can you sleep your way up the chain multiple times? And there must be someone at the top that themselves didn't sleep their way up. Who was that initial person?"

"And what is an argenti? You said you're an argenti...what is that?"

She gave you a glare, but you'd made the right choice - her bluish cheeks were bright silver by now, as the drink took her.

She took in your questions as she slid lower in her chair, resting her chin on her arms on the bartop.

"Argenti are the second highest ethnocaste, below only the Palladia. My lineage goes back to the first Raptorans to become Lunarian, those from this area nearest your radiance. The effects of the radiance grow stronger as generation after generation is exposed to it. My blood is silver. The blood of the Palladia is white-silver, holding some of your radiance with it. Only those few who survived the initial shockwave of the moonfall are Palladia.

Given that, my purity and desirability as a dame is high. If I wanted to spend my life in luxury, my only obligation producing more Argenti, I could easily do so."

She reached for her drink, only it wasn't there. She sighed in defeat. "You're an asshole, Mr. Moon."

"I have a noble rank, yes. The least nobles are the New Moons, who serve as officers, scholars, and other working elite. I am a Quartermoon owing to my prowess in battle and success in command. As such, I may own land and raise commoners to nobility by taking them into my house as servants, and may form, outfit, and command my own military force."

She motioned to the bar, and by extension the city. "Technically, this is my city. I prefer to stay in the field, so I delegate the running of the city to people who enjoy sifting through paperwork and deciding the fates of petty criminals."

She closed her eyes. "I didn't take up a sword to win glory. I just wanted to protect people. Killing other Lunarians because of a political blood feud doesn't seem like something that should be rewarded. But here I am."

You had jostle her awake and remind her of your questions. "Oh, purity stuff. Right. Yes, if I went to the capital and slept with the chief magistrate or the field marshal or any other Half-Moon with a member of the priesthood officiating, I'd automatically become a Half-Moon myself. After that, I'd be considered tarnished, which is weirdly a thing of esteem; something about purity belonging only to the moon, and by rite of madness yada yada yada. You can only do it once, you can do regardless of your sex, and I think it's only among the Lunari but I'm not sure."

Argentum smirked at her.

"I, Little Nian, am most definitely an asshole." he said with a smirk as he took the cup of her Moonwater that he was holding in his hand, and right in front of her he drank it down in one go.

"When your cheeks start turning silver, it's no longer a sacred drink or even a past time drink, but a poison. Turns out...all the factions are right about it on some level." he said as he put the cup down.

He then gave her a mock curtsy that was purposefully a bit comical.

"Well this is your city then? Well I see I'm in esteemed company, Quartermoon Nian. Only the very best tour guides for the First Moon." he said with a smile.

"And Nian? Don't give yourself away just for the sake of status. Have more self respect for yourself. I didn't share my radiance to see you all become brood mares. Every Lunarian family line has the potential over generations of radiance exposure to improve their bloodline purity, after all. You should be intimate with people because it's fun and on your own terms and no other reason."

He considered.

"I would like to do some mon hunting, and then I think I want to go check out these three factions and their main capital or headquarter areas. I'd like to offer you and a small group of your men the opportunity to do this, although if you don't want to just point me in the right direction and I'll explore myself."

She narrowed her eyes. "Are you making light of me? I would never sleep with anyone."

Her eyes shifted, looking you up and down. "Except maybe you." She grinned. "So soft . . . but dignified . .  and cocky." She pouted. "Oh, I bet the priesthood would be mad if I fucked the moon. Something something besmirching your purity something something blasphemy."

She sighed, sleepy. She was taking quietly to herself. "Why'd they go and make the moon a twunk, then? It's like making a really good sword, but ooooh it's too pretty to fuck . . "

She was sauced. "I'll hunt with you. But you have to carry me home first, mmkay?" She murmured before passing out.

Argentum smirked.

"I make light of everybody, little Nian." he said as he let her continue speaking. The alcohol was talking now as much as she was, but he was enjoying the show.

However, when she started swerving on her seat he caught hold of her with the same snake-like quickness with he had taken her cup from her, and made sure she didn't fall and hurt herself.

He stood up, and with no trouble threw her unconscious form over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

He turned to the nearest group of Lunarians.

"You all! Tell me where the little Quartermoon's home is." he said, intending to take her back to her place so she could sleep off the alcohol.

The two soldiers that had originally accompanied her sighed in unison. "You can't miss it - she's got the mayoral estate to herself, rarely as she goes there. Her servants will know how to take care of her . . . this isn't the first time. We can accompany you if you wish, Light of the Night." said the right one, a male Lunarian of lesser birth than Nian.

The mayoral palace was something to see; a grand, five-story affair that doubled as the center of the city's administration. Nian's quarters were on the fifth floor, and the servants you could find repeated a directive that for purposes of purity none of them could touch Nian as they were of inferior ethnocaste. Argentum had to carry the noble warrior himself to her bed.

She woke slightly as she dropped her into the almost new sleeping quarters. "There's a man in the moon . .  he's got . . .  " she faded back into unconsciousness.

Argentum graciously carried Nian to bed and settled her down, ever the gentleman about it with her being drunk, and let her drift off to sleep. He exited her sleeping chamber, and went to find the soldiers.

"Well while she is asleep, I am going to go mon hunting for a bit. I want you to relay to her that she is to prepare herself and a small group of any needed personnel for a delegation to go visit the centers of power for the three Lunarian factions. And I realize you all are Lunari faction members, but when you go with me you'll be temporarily neutral. Make sure she understands that too. And tell her she is not allowed to drink alcohol again until we arrive at one of the faction destinations. I need her wits sharp and about her, unless she expects me to carry her everywhere. If she protests, tell her that I am an asshole after all - according to her words." he said with a smirk.

"Soldiers? Where is the nearest area of mon activity to this city?"

Your use of divine speech translates your use of the term 'mons', conveying the idea of magical or extraordinary beasts that were useful when domesticated or harvested for their souls.

The notion of soul-harvesting was new to the soldiers, but they knew of many such beings. The Yu Bai took the image of beautiful Lunarians in distress and lured soldiers and travelers to their deaths; the Ke Ai Da were adorable critters that took the appearance of animals but retained humanoid characteristics, and would provide wisdom if captured in return for their release, but cursed any who brought them harm; and Dadan Sai Hu, who were a race of nimble ashen-skinned Lunarians that originated from a tribe that had been exiled to the world's cold, frozen dark side. They were more bestial and reptilian than the Lunarians and frequently raided Lunarian settlements.

All of them and others could be found if one decided to wander about outside of the safety of the city, although which you'd get first would be practically random.

Argentum thanked the soldiers, and left the mansion. Once outside, he gracefully took to the air and began flying in a random direction - WEST. He was looking for mons.

With the walls of the city still visible in the distance, you came across a curious scene - two dead soldiers, three dead dark-skinned lunarians - Dadan Sai Hu by the subtle scale patterns on their skin - and four more Dadan Sai Hu surrounding a beautiful Lunarian woman, with the dressings of a member of the merchant class. Her dress was torn, and she was keeping the Dadan Sai Hu just barely at bay with blasts of moonlight from her palms. She had yellow eyes that shone like a cat's.

She saw you. "Please, sir! Help!" she yelled, without taking her eyes off the Dadan Sai Hu.

At least, that's what an ordinary man would have seen. There was no fooling the moon - all of the corpses, the Dadan Sai Hu, the blasts of moonlight - all of it was elaborate illusion.

She was one of the Yu Bai you had been told about, in all likelihood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

Argentum saw the lady in trouble in the distance, and he immediately sped off through the air toward her. She was a damsel in distress, and obviously a poor victim of those savage mean Dadans. It was only the right thing for him to save her.

Of course...he was smirking the entire time as he made his way through the air. Because he had his own trick to play as the hunter became the hunted.

[Private to GM: OOC: So he is activating his illusion major power, and his appearance is now way out of phase. Although he still appears normal - he is not being obvious with his illusion as as a major power I intend to fuck mess with her lol.

The main crux of my plan is that he has his sword out now ready to go, but doesn't appear to be armed to onlookers. And also, his position isn't where it appears to be but it's a very strong illusion so he appears to be where he is and is apparent to the 5 senses. More on his plot to come based on how the mon responds. :)]

"I'll save you!" he shouted as he made his way to the "victimized" woman.

Two of the Dadan Sai Hu, their axes swinging out to cut you down -  but your illusion was as real as hers, and she was not alerted when your illusory self took a wound but slew the two adversaries without much trouble. Her eyes widened with shook at your white blood - evidence that you were of the highest breeding, somehow even higher than Palladia.

"NO, you fool! I was too selfish! Fly from here - leave me to my fate! I can stomach to die with a good man who would have lived if only he had known better discretion!"

Was that fear in her eyes for you, or for herself? Had she figured out that you had figured her out?

The illusionary version of Argentum winced a bit from the pain as his arm bled.

"No my lady! I will not leave you here alone! For I shall slay the evil monster!" the man said.

And suddenly, a silver sword emerged from the front of the woman's chest as she was stabbed from behind by some unseen assailant. She had come like a fly into the First Moon's Web as he did to her what she would have tried to otherwise do to him.

From behind, his real self whispered into her ear.

"Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself. And of course I'm of higher breeding than Palladia. No mere Lunarian could compare to the original thing, little mon."

And then he ripped his blade out of her ruthlessly as he tried to end her and harvest her, but he wanted to make sure the mon realized before it died exactly what had happened.

It was done, and the look of true fear, surprise, and agony was a potent cocktail that would remain within your memory for savoring for some time. Her form collapsed into a small opal, no larger than a button, but subtle shifting colors underneath the moonlight. She was only a Tier 0 mon, but still, her soul could be used to imbue an ordinary weapon with the traits of deception and beauty.

+1 0-Opal - useful for distraction and deception.

OOC: So I cannot find any of the old rules about mythcrafting with mon gems and such, but I'd like to apply this to argentum's silver sword for now. How can I do that?

Just press the opal to the sword with your intention in mind; simple as that. Keep in mind that a Tier 0 Silver soul is enough for the slightest magic effect; Dabbler level in Dust terms.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Tue 19 Feb 2019.