A message was delivered to the desk of "Kane". No one saw the messenger, nor how the scroll was delivered. It was just there.

To the one who would call themselves 'Kane'

The Council of Entities has come into a dilemma which concerns the prosperity of the city and the welfare of those who live within the walls of Nexus. As this would also concern such 'enlightened' individuals such as yourself and others you associate, it would be in your interests to be present this night at the crossroads of the Tombs of Night and Ice in Nighthammer. Bring your associates, and do not keep the Emissary waiting.

"Well, it is a good thing we hadn't discussed anything the council may have taken offense to, we seem to have been overly confident in the privacy of our locale. Nevermind that, we received a direct request. We will wait here for Ester to return with or without the unknown, she is an associate afterall, but we will not expect you two to do likewise and risk annoying the Emissary."

This letter was a great annoyance to Weaver, just more proof that Nexus is possibly the worst place to operate for the Brotherhood save for the fact that it's the best place to do business. If they were confident in their ability to do so, they would've attempted to... modify the city's leadership, but it seemed nigh impossible. Letting out a sigh, they'd massage the bridge of their nose.

"If you are listening, Nexus, you will understand the slight delay, afterall it is to better comply with the directive. Sod it all, Nighthammer is our least favorite part of this dump."

When Weaver read the letter, Reveler gave them some privacy.  Whatever was written upon the parchment seemed to irk her friend.  But until Weaver shared the contents, she could only speculate at what the matter was about.  A tax audit... or maybe one of these edicts?

“Perhaps calling Nexus a cesspool garnered you some special attention.  Are ‘they’ asking something arduous  of you?  Whatever this Nighthammer thing is, you can count on my aid.”

Malcrus glanced at Thrush and sighed softly in disappointment before bowing his head, "Of course. She will be quite honored to meet you." With a glance at Thrush, Malcrus leads Righteous Palm through the dojo glancing left and right as they moved. "May I ask what brings you to see her?"

Righteous Palm merely nodded in assent before following the student. As they walked, her eyes took in the sites of the dojo, though her features remained unmoved. "I wish to speak to the masters of Nexus," she said without turning to face him. "The world is crumbling. The old order is gone. It should be rebuilt . . . or replaced with something better." Pausing in her stride, Righteous Palm turned to face the student, taking in his measure. She had missed his bout, so had not yet read his stance. "How long have you studied under your sifu?"

Malcrus waves at the dojo around them, "Not long, I just arrived in Nexus not that long ago and sought out what I was told was the most knowledgeable of sifus in this city." Malcrus frowns and slows thoughtfully at Palm, "And do you have a plan for either rebuilding the old or something better to replace it?"

Righteous Palm's eyes closed slowly, a slight smile gracing her lips. "Then perhaps I have come to the right place after all . . . After a deep breath, she turned to set her gaze on the young man. "What do you know of the Immaculate Order?"

Malcrus pauses and stares quite closely at the woman, "More them some, less then most. They did not have a good reputation where I came from." Malcrus tilts his head to one side and frowns before straightening his head and nodding, "Then again most things associated with the Realm didn't."

"So...is this the temple in question?" Bob wonders out loud. Surely the person who called him here must be waiting!

As such, he decides to traipse aimlessly through the place.

The Southern Battlemaiden would glance up from the letter in their hand to see Ester and the Unknown enter the building, some relief showing at the timely arrival.

"Excellent, Ester, apologies but we need to leave as soon as possible, The Emissary desires to meet in Nighthammer, and by 'we' we mean everyone here but the local temple staff. Pardon the rudeness, sir, you may call us 'Kane', and we suppose that you actually have a choice in whether to join our posse or not since you technically aren't yet associated with us."

They would bring their cloak up and around them again and tie a cloth around their face in preparation for the filthy air of Nighthammer. Offering a similar cloth to the others, they'd continue on.

"We lead The Brotherhood, and have been seeking to forge professional relationships with other individuals of interest, a network of contacts and compatriots one could say, mutual aid and trading of favours. Unfortunately, the Council is in the way at the moment."

When Weaver’s group met Bob and Ester, the Reveler nodded politely to the man.  He seemed an interesting sort, given the weird things he carried.  She very much got a Scavenger Lord vibe about the man.

“Hello, call me Reveler.  It seems an important meeting, so I do hope you’ll come.”

As for Kanaria, the Reveler had respected her silence.  If and when she spoke, the two of them could get better acquainted.

Bob nods, accepting the cloth and tying it around his face.

"Greetings, 'Kane'. My name is Bob. First, please accept my thanks at helping me out of a sticky situation; it seems things in Creation have been drastically different since I was last here. Secondly, it would appear I have been enlisted into a faction, one way or another; I have been seen going to you, so outsiders will assume I am aligned to you and frankly speaking, I see no reason not to be. So I will go with you to Nighthammer... I believe that is the forge district? Yes. WOuld you mind filling me  in on the recent state of events as we walk?"

In reply to Gyrvin Malcrus (msg # 24):

Glancing around the dojo once more, Righteous Palms crossed her arms behind her back. With a sigh, she replied, "Your people were not wrong." She took in the sparring of the students, watching their movements and losing herself in the rhythm of their strikes and blocks. "At its heart, the Order was a righteous cause . . . bringing order to creation by insuring all those in the celestial hierarchy fulfilled their purpose. Too often, though, it was corrupted, becoming a tool of pride and tyranny." Casting her gaze skyward, she imagined the ruined heavens, the sun that still hung broken above them. "But this is a dark time. The world is out of balance. Dark spirits creep into our world through the cracks, and even those holy divinities abuse their stations and extort prayer from the vulnerable people. The Immaculate order has been crippled, and with no monks, there is no justice."

Righteous Palm returned her focus to the students of the dojo, her lips painted with a somber smile. "But in schools like this, there is hope. Through discipline and training, the people might rise up. The folly of the order was in the way they placed themselves above the common people, but the lotus's roots lie in the muck. Without that muddy water, the flower withers."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:51, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

"Huh"  Kanaria chimed in.  "That does put me in a bit of a spot I guess...  But it would be nice talking to the higher ups I think if we're looking at this kind of arrangement."

She tapped her chin.  "Still, would have liked to know this kind of meeting was happening before an invitation was sent out, it's just being neighbourly, you know?"

Malcrus sighs softly, "A noble purpose though one that it seems would be destined to fail. The Immaculate Order used force and fear to coerce compliance. Now you would seek the same in more desparate times, but use a weaker tool. Still, I can see where you might be able to bring about change and foster hope in Creation. Humble Prospect is perhaps the most knowledgeable if not the most powerful sifu in Nexus. If she agrees to help, that would make for a good beginning. She could help train many in a variety of styles best suited to each."

Malcrus finishes leading Palm to Humble Prospect - a woman with long black hair threaded through with white strands that are tied back in a severe braid. Her form is long and lean as she stands intently watching two of her students spar. Her skin is a dark brown from both heritage and being out in the sun and she wears a simple sparring outfit in brown and black.
Before Malcrus can gain her attention she turns her head to stare at the two - her gaze is  golden brown with pupils that are vertical slits as she studies Malcrus and then Palm. "Malcrus you bring a newcomer to me, yes? Not a pupil I think, no."

"Apologies, Ms. Northbow, we are just a surprised at this as you are. This was supposed to be a simple exchange of words to set the foundation for future collaboration. We have no allegiance to the Council of Entities, but they hold absolute dominion over this city, so we must deal with certain... inconveniences in order to continue operations. Disobeying a direct order whilst within their walls is not conducive to one's health."

"As for you, Mr. Bob, you haven't been conscripted, we run a religious organization not a mafia/military. Recent events really depend on the meaning of 'recent', but things in general have been rough and gradually improving, we have assisted in reconstruction/reeducation efforts since the Battle of Meru and subsequent demonic incursions. The opportunity to guide communities in the desired direction is quite nice to be perfectly honest."

The council had better have a damn good reason to be interfering with this meetup, the first impressions here had likely been soured. If they couldn't take advantage of the city's economic infrastructure and constant traffic for opportunity sifting, they'd likely be better off looking elsewhere. Things had been going well, but with additional attention directed their way, the pros had been drastically reduced.

"You, like many, underestimate the strength of a gentle hand that guides. Given the chance, people can be shown a better path."

Righteous Palm tread lightly, as if her feat barely touched the ground. Her studied eyes took Humble Prospect in, plumbing the depths of her hidden skills. She was a master, certainly, but her unassuming demeanor likely hid untold depths. "No, but perhaps a student. I seek your wisdom . . ." Righteous Palm offered her warrior's salute. "The world is broken, Master Humber Prospect. I would have your school aid me in rectifying that."

Humble Prospect bowed slightly to Palm in return gaze flicking to Malcrus who bowed to her and took a step back and away forming a rough triangle between the three, "The world has been broken for a very long time, yes. Still, it is more so then it once was." Her gaze drifts across the dojo for a moment before stopping and then swinging back to Palm, "What form would this aid take?"

"I want your school." There was no hint of humor or jest in Righteous Palm's face or voice. Her gaze was level and unflinching. "I have come to seeking three things. I want the lost techniques of the fractured Immaculate Order. I want students ready to learn to defend themselves and their people, to learn virtue, patience, and compassion. Last, I seek a style to train them in . . . one that is well suited to those just learning to harness their essence. I believe you can help me with the last two."

Closing her eyes, Righteous Palm turns, stepping away as she inhales deeply. "I know the gravity of what I ask, but I also know how necessary it is. For all its faults, the Immaculate Order maintained a fragile balance. The gods of creation could no longer be trusted to fulfill their duties, and dark spirits crept into our world. Now, with the empire splitting at the seems, either the old order must reformed, or something new and better must be built in its place. I will stop at nothing to accomplish this task."

For a moment, the light of the sun gleamed in Righteous Palm's eyes, the room almost growing dimmer beyond her radiant stare. In a blink, however, the effect was gone. "I have heard stories of the sagacious masters of Nexus . . . and I have heard stories of their schools as well. Some, such as yours, have history and wisdom to guide them. Others are built on brutality. All might be useful, given the proper instruction." Stepping closer once more, Palm looked down at the Humble Prospect. "All fingers are useful to the closed fist or the intercepting palm."

Humble Prospect's eyes go blank and her long fingered hands twitch - or perhaps flow through a dozen complex patterns before her eyes sharpen again. "The school is not mine to give, no. It belongs to the Humble Prospects that came before this one, and to all who come after, yes. Should you simply seek my help with your goals though.....we have sought out the Roots for centuries, yes. Over the centuries Humble Prospects have learned from masters throughout Creation. If a style is what you seek then that I can provide, yes. Many of my students are already what you desire and if asked might provide what you desire." Tilting her head to one side, "Few Humble Prospects climb above the Root. Fewer still would have been acceptable to learn what else you seek. Still, we seek to learn all we can and so I take tea with one you would seek out, yes."

On the way to the Nighthammer district, the Reveler popped her Underworld senses as soon as she crossed into the area.  The chances of her finding anything untoward was slim, but she felt it prudent and the Essence requirement was pretty minimal.  She'd rather know if there were ghosts, grave goods, or other Deathknights around.

And upon reflection (and the odor), she took the offered cloth from Weaver to wear as a face mask.

How do people live and work here?

The Reveler didn't fear treachery on the Emissary's part, but under the Silver Prince she had seen her share of dirty tricks.  If someone wanted to attack the Emissary, who better to pin it on than some exalts (especially when there was a Deathknight among them).  She peered down every alley and street they passed.

"Kane...Can we take the scenic route to the tomb?  I'd like to rest easy knowing that we aren't being watched by other parties and potential gatecrashers."

[Private to GM: Just in case the Reveler happens to pass within range of that serial killer basement, she can sense Shadowlands for 1m out to 300yards, in addition to other necrotic creatures/objects.  Since the location isn't heavily detailed, its your call whether she stumbles upon it yet :)]

"We should do our best to make sure the perimeter is secure, yes?"

The prophet would lead the group on a circuitous route around the meeting site, making sure to glance at every hiding spot they remembered from their initial explorations of the city.

"In case we are forced to completely discard our meeting, we shall offer to arrange a future one if you all still retain interest. We are sure that some business can be had, varied talents and mutual aid are always nice for shoring up weaknesses."

The place ascribed as the meeting location was quiet and barren as the appointed time approached. To one side, those present could see the wafting frost from the Tomb of Ice, the shattered remains of those who had been foolish enough to attempt circumventing the curses and spells of the anathamic mausoleum scattered about as evidence of the folly. Across from it, at a prodigious distance, was a squat building constructed of smoked black jade, surrounded by spots of deepest black shadows that did not wane to surrounding light, and oddly preserved corpses littering the entrance of the building.


[Private to The Reveler of Night's Glamor: Sadly, no basement Shadowland for you at the moment...but that black jade building is...not something that seems right. It *feels* almost like a Shadowland...but not quite...]

Nothing sinister seemed to materialize, but the Reveler was glad to have some peace of mind.  When the group arrived at the tombs, she looked on with mild interest.  This was her first visit.  The Tomb of Ice was majestic, but clearly not well disposed to having guests.  The black Jade structure... it set off the Reveler's senses immediately.  Since Weaver had been in Nexus for a while, he was the one she asked about it.

"Kane.  That black building... what is it?  It feels very similar to a Shadowlands, but there's a fine distinction I cannot quite determine.  At any rate, this is an interesting place for a meeting..."

The Reveler made sure to keep a healthy distance from the two structures.

"That is the Tomb of Endless Night, don't step beyond the event horizon, nothing, not even light, escapes once it's gone all the way through."

Glancing over to it though, Weaver would do a double-take, why hadn't the scouts mentioned anything?... Nighthammer was even worse than the rest of the city though, so they couldn't exactly blame them for avoiding the area unless specifically directed to check it.

"That shouldn't be there, perhaps it is the reason for our summoning, we doubt that's all though. Recommend staying away, out of the perimeter of dark splotches, regardless."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:46, Sat 17 Oct 2020.