Shadows of the Setting Sun (Main)

[Sherwood]

Tyree used to be from Whitewall, but has not been in the city for over fifteen years, so this place is hardly home to her anymore. Its not like there is anything for her in this place. With a shrug, she says, "I will be here until it is time to leave. I have no desire to walk the streets of this place."

 

[WlfSamurai]

Scene 2

It is mid-morning by the time you all unceremoniously filter out of the city. Outside, Afureru and her troops are saddled up and ready. You all begin your trek east to Marama’s Fell.

The gray clouds above threaten rain as you trudge down the road in a column. The way is muddy with slush and run-off. Flecks or green-brown earth poke through the melting snows on either side. It’s not warm, by any means, but winters here make this look like summer. At first, it's slow going, but within an hour or so you find your pace. For a time, all of you head the column chit-chatting about this and that.

After a few hours, you can see trees on the horizon. Bordering this tundra, the forest edge looks like a wall ready to repel the siege of a season.

Aaki speaks up for the first time since you left Whitewall. “When we get into forest, we need to jog north. There’s a stop we need to make.” For the rest of the time, he’s unwilling to elaborate and keeps to himself.

When you break through the tree-line, Aaki gives you all a nod and wheels north. You travel in silence until you see a clearing ahead. Despite the clouded sky, a shaft of sunlight spears the clearing, illuminating it like an oasis amid a brown and green desert.

As Aaki leads you closer, you can see a single stone stands erect in the center of the clearing. Next to it, a cloaked figure dismounted holds the reins to a chestnut horse.

“She made it,” Aaki says out loud, breaking his silence. He leads you into the clearing and as soon as you step into the sunlight, you feel not only warmth but comfort. Ease. A sense of belonging. Even you Lunars feel welcomed by the Sun like never before. After a few moments, you can feel the Essence here flowing up into you, bolstering your own. Emboldening you.

The rider pulls back her hood and embraces Aaki. Her skin is a beautiful chocolate color and her dark braids spill out of her hood. She smiles as she pulls away from him. Then she slugs him in the shoulder.

“Everyone,” Aaki says rubbing his arm, “this is Haze. She’s a friend. I know this is all weird, but the Syndics sent her ahead of us. They have a message. And a gift.” Haze hands the reins of her horse to Aaki and pulls a small orichalcum orb from her satchel. You can see it has bands of black jade interspersed in the intricate designs. She places it on the ground in front of the stone and walks back to her horse. Aaki steps forward, places his hand on the orb, and feeds it Essence. It glows for a minute and then projects a bright light.

The image of three almost identical beings with flesh of clear ice over silver bones fills the clearing before you. When they speak, it is as three calming voices speaking as one. The Syndics. A stored message.

“Chosen of the Sun and Moon, we greet you with open arms and warm hearts. We apologize for the secrecy and the necessity of treatment during your stay in Whitewall. Not only was your congregation within Whitewall a surprise we hadn’t foreseen, but there has been corruption within the city walls. One we cannot find the origin for. We believe we are being watched always and did not wish to give away our intentions by seemingly throw in with you. We have our best working on so when you return you will have the resources and support of Whitewall at your disposal. We will do all we can to prepare for when you come back. We apologize for not being able to give you more details or meet you openly. All will be made clear in time. One last thing: Haze carries two orichalcum and soulsteel amulets." Haze pulls the amulets our of her satchel and holds them out. The Syndics continue as she does.

"They each will allow you, and a ten yard diameter around you, to walk out of a shadowland into Creation at any time of day or night if you attune to them. We hope they help and are a small show of good faith. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you inperson. Farewell."

Haze keeps the amulets out and waits for someone to take them.

Aaki nods. "Haze is going to join us for the trip. She's a great tracker, hunter, and even better scout."

"Plus, I wouldn't miss this for the world," Haze adds with a devilish smile.

[What do you guys do?]

Esbilon , Epiphany , Rykon , Sherwood , D. Rex , Random Word , Teh Frixz , jaydude

 

[Rykon]

Toun quietly followed along, in a near bouncing gallop savoring the feeling of the cold breeze against his bright vulpine fur. At Aaki's, mention of a northern detour, he merely tilted his head as if to pose a question. City-folk having errands in the wilderness was suspicious. He turned his head about in the direction they came, once again opening the eyes of his spirit to peer into the immaterial realm. As they traveled he'd keep his senses alert for a tail shadowing them, eavesdroppers, or the most immediately concerning ambush.

Upon reaching the site of the rendezvous point, the sense of alarm began to fade, now falling beneath a tide of sunlit warmth. Toun could only guess that this was a demesne of the Sun by the unmistakable magnitude of the area's presence. He listened to the exchange with a bystander's attitude. He wasn't in this for petty currency or needless displays of opulence. This was all part of a personal hunt for a specific interloper. Everything until then was merely a means to better adapt to his new abilities. Regardless, this corruption and apparent desire for secrecy only served to validate the small fox's paranoia. He'd have to stay attuned to the spirit world for nearly the full duration of the trip from the sound of it.

Aaki for one seemed satisfied to have gained yet another ally for this trip. Selling her skillset as a tracker, hunter, and scout only made the Lunar stifle a chuckle into what sounded like a sneeze. He glanced at Tyree, Makuro, Chalice, and then Sigrdrifa before returning his eyes to Haze. He shrugged as if to say, Join the club.

 

[jaydude]

"Not only was your congregation within Whitewall a surprise we hadn’t foreseen, but there has been corruption within the city walls. One we cannot find the origin for. We believe we are being watched always and did not wish to give away our intentions by seemingly throw in with you."

The Changing Moon regarded this news warily, wondering just what the Syndics could mean by "corruption". Knowing as little about this region as he did, his first thought was that the rulers of Whitewall were suspicious of infiltrators within the city. Was the Realm or some malevolent ghostly entity sending in agents as part of plans for a take-over of the city? Whatever the case, he made a mental note to start looking into the matter once this little adventure was over.

Aaki nods. "Haze is going to join us for the trip. She's a great tracker, hunter, and even better scout."

"Plus, I wouldn't miss this for the world," Haze adds with a devilish smile.

Selling her skillset as a tracker, hunter, and scout only made the Lunar stifle a chuckle into what sounded like a sneeze. He glanced at Tyree, Makuro, Chalice, and then Sigrdrifa before returning his eyes to Haze. He shrugged as if to say, Join the club

Makuro gave Aaki and Haze a minute shrug, as if to indicate that he wouldn't complain about her joining them. He too had to conceal a chuckle when he realized that Toun was nonverbally expressing the viewpoint that Haze might be redundant within the current group, though he didn't know if he'd have lumped himself in with Sigrdrifa and his fellow Lunars if he'd been the Full Moon. He knew enough to be able to handle himself in the untamed parts of the North, but he wouldn't call himself an expert. His talents had always leaned more towards stealth than survival.

 

[Random Word]

Sigrdrífa's eyes light up as Haze proffers the amulets, running forward to snatch one immediately. "Now this is a gift! These Syndics might be too weak to keep their tribe in order, but they're good at giving tribute. These are going to make the hunt so much easier!" She bites down on the orichalcum to be sure it's not just gold. Finding it reassuringly unyielding beneath her teeth, she stretches out on a nearby rock to luxuriate in the divine sunlight, holding the amulet up to the light to watch it shine.

 

[Sherwood]

Sigrdrífa's eyes light up as Haze proffers the amulets, running forward to snatch one immediately. "Now this is a gift! These Syndics might be too weak to keep their tribe in order, but they're good at giving tribute. These are going to make the hunt so much easier!" She bites down on the orichalcum to be sure it's not just gold. Finding it reassuringly unyielding beneath her teeth, she stretches out on a nearby rock to luxuriate in the divine sunlight, holding the amulet up to the light to watch it shine.

Tyree gives off a smile at Sigrdrifa's excited reaction. "I am satisfied with what I have, so I will pass on taking one of the two and let someone else benefit from them."

 

[jaydude]

Makuro would claim the second amulet for himself, before taking a moment to admire Sigrdrífa stretching upon the rock.

"You're a lucky man," he remarked dryly to Toun.

"You say the Syndics are weak, Sigrdrífa? How so?" he then asked the Night Caste, wondering if she was referring to the "corruption within the city walls" that had been mentioned earlier. "Or do you just have little love for us 'civilized' folk?"

 

[Rykon]

Makuro would claim the second amulet for himself, before taking a moment to admire Sigrdrífa stretching upon the rock.

"You're a lucky man." he remarked dryly to Toun.

"You say the Syndics are weak, Sigrdrífa? How so?" he then asked the Night Caste, wondering if she was referring to the "corruption within the city walls" that had been mentioned earlier.

[might seem a little awkward now, but here was the response to the original post]

The small fox resumes the form of the nomad warrior, now seated with his legs crossed. "That I am, among other things." Toun replied to Makuro, smiling as he admired the play of the sunlight upon Sigrdrifa's captivating features. When offered, Toun declined the amulets. He'd rather let the Solars have the first dibs at the sun-gold trinkets for now.

"You know... We tend to look down on you civilized folk because your civilization has spared its wards the tests that many of us nomads undergo every day. There is no expectation or motivation to even be strong. They simply couldn't survive if they were tossed out into the elements much less from the attentions of the fae or the dead. Meanwhile, they hide behind 'manners' and 'pleasantry' thinking that appearances and technicality will sufficiently deceive the victims of their selfishness. On top of it all, as the people grow soft from the shell of security's shadow they take pride in it, of all things."

Toun paused to try and let his words sink in. "At its core, it's that the very world you live in looks ridiculous to us. The notion that even three deities can't keep track of it all is merely the punchline to an elaborate jest. Wouldn't you agree? I for one prefer the simpler path. We revere and respect the strong and the wise. We embrace the challenge because the conquest makes us mighty. Through our might, we change the world. Just ask your Dynast buddies."

 

[jaydude]

[might seem a little awkward now, but here was the response to the original post]

The small fox resumes the form of the nomad warrior, now seated with his legs crossed. "That I am, among other things." Toun replied to Makuro, smiling as he admired the play of the sunlight upon Sigrdrifa's captivating features. When offered, Toun declined the amulets. He'd rather let the Solars have the first dibs at the sun-gold trinkets for now.

"You know... We tend to look down on you civilized folk because your civilization has spared its wards the tests that many of us nomads undergo every day. There is no expectation or motivation to even be strong. They simply couldn't survive if they were tossed out into the elements much less from the attentions of the fae or the dead. Meanwhile, they hide behind 'manners' and 'pleasantry' thinking that appearances and technicality will sufficiently deceive the victims of their selfishness. On top of it all, as the people grow soft from the shell of security's shadow they take pride in it, of all things."

Toun paused to try and let his words sink in. "At its core, it's that the very world you live in looks ridiculous to us. The notion that even three deities can't keep track of it all is merely the punchline to an elaborate jest. Wouldn't you agree? I for one prefer the simpler path. We revere and respect the strong and the wise. We embrace the challenge because the conquest makes us mighty. Through our might, we change the world. Just ask your Dynast buddies."

[Yeah, now that you mention it, I do recall having Makuro make a self-depreciative remark about "civilized" folk in the original post. I don't really remember much more than that though.]

"I wouldn't refer to the Dynasts I typically associate with as 'buddies', in any stretch of the word. To me they're pieces on a gameboard, to be moved or taken as I see fit for the sake of my goals." Makuro replied.

"As for us 'civilized' folk, it's true that a lack of danger in one's life can lead to complacency and indolence. Still, I would have thought that being able to keep your people safe from harm - and make it so that they don't have to fight just to survive - would be the mark of a good leader, provided of course that you don't coddle them," he remarked. "Besides, not every civilized man or woman is an effete weakling. My own parents are warriors of the Spider King, protecting his domain and their home from those who would see it sacked or conquered. As for the Realm and the Dynasts that you mock, while it's true that they have never been able to destroy the Silver Pact for centuries, the reverse is also true."

 

[D. Rex]

Afureru lazed atop the furred neck of her tyrant Rex, just looking down at these new dynasts, her arm hanging down as she ran her fingers through its fur. Her nose wrinkled up at the sight of the amulets. Soulsteel. Afureru had no objections to let the others use them, she didn't even want to touch them. Come to think of it... she was starting to get a feeling in the pit of her stomach thinking about entering a shadowland. It wasnt exactly clear to her why but it was a feeling she forced away with thoughts of her duty to the Unconquered Sun.

"It just goes to show how stagnant Creation has become." She added, speaking her viewpoints regarding dynasts and civilization, as well as the almost constant war between exalted factions. "They have run into a standstill. And I doubt either side will surpass the other unless some major changes happen. But that is what we are here for, isn't it. The Silver Pact and the Realm will either fall in line or be collateral damage was we change start bringing in the next age. Though as we begin, I doubt either will be very cooperative. It has been too long, and stubborn elders like to keep to the ways they know."

"As for the civilized and uncivilized, it doesn't really matter in the long run. The fruits of creation should be for all to enjoy. Though it is clear complacency has removed them as the last line of defense. But that will change. We have only just begun."

 

[jaydude]

Afureru lazed atop the furred neck of her tyrant Rex, just looking down at these new dynasts, her arm hanging down as she ran her fingers through its fur. Her nose wrinkled up at the sight of the amulets. Soulsteel. Afureru had no objections to let the others use them, she didn't even want to touch them. Come to think of it... she was starting to get a feeling in the pit of her stomach thinking about entering a shadowland. It wasnt exactly clear to her why but it was a feeling she forced away with thoughts of her duty to the Unconquered Sun.

"It just goes to show how stagnant Creation has become." She added, speaking her viewpoints regarding dynasts and civilization, as well as the almost constant war between exalted factions. "They have run into a standstill. And I doubt either side will surpass the other unless some major changes happen. But that is what we are here for, isn't it. The Silver Pact and the Realm will either fall in line or be collateral damage was we change start bringing in the next age. Though as we begin, I doubt either will be very cooperative. It has been too long, and stubborn elders like to keep to the ways they know."

"As for the civilized and uncivilized, it doesn't really matter in the long run. The fruits of creation should be for all to enjoy. Though it is clear complacency has removed them as the last line of defense. But that will change. We have only just begun."

"That last bit was good. But as for the one before...you do realise that there's a member of the Silver Pact walking alongside you, yes?" asked Makuro, directing a raised eyebrow up towards the Dawn. "Talking about us being collateral damage if we don't fall in line with your plans...this is exactly why our kind don't entirely trust you Solars right now."

 

[D. Rex]

"That last bit was good. But as for the one before...you do realise that there's a member of the Silver Pact walking alongside you, yes?" asked Makuro, directing a raised eyebrow up towards the Dawn. "Talking about us being collateral damage if we don't fall in line with your plans...this is exactly why our kind don't entirely trust you Solars right now."

Afureru shrugged, "I know we do. Do I offend? Then let me say that Solars are also included. Such as the Bull of The North. And that I said our plans, not my plans. I am not the bringer of the fourth, just a guardian of what is present and what will be." She explained.

"I will not say I don't understand it. If I were them, I would not trust me either. Especially me. Though even should we be our best, and do all the right things, we can not assume that the Silver Pact would be of unified mind in helping us. And there will be those whose mistrust in us will never change. But I have no doubt the change we will bring to creation will bring destruction. This is no small change we are bringing about. No minor ambition. Even what we just do in the North will sense ripples across the poles. It will not always be a pleasant change for some, but it is a necessary one all."

 

[Esbilon]

When they depart the city that has been her home all her life, Zoya is wearing militia uniform she has had to don once a month for the past several years - practical off-white clothes, a battered breastplate, and a well-worn sword strapped to her him. Like the first time the others saw her, she is carrying an oversized scabbard on her back - the blade within covered in white linen wrapping to hide its appearance. Her long, fiery hair is carefully braided and hangs down her back.

Her first reaction upon seeing the Syndics appear before them in the Sun-blessed clearing is relief. Since Exalting herself, she has been concerned that they have not answered her prayers directly. A concern that only heightened at seeing how the entire party of exalts was greeted. Hearing that there is a reason for this behaviour is a great comfort to the young woman. The revelation of a corruption in the city squashes that comfort almost immediately.

When Sigrdrífa begins expounding on her perception of the Syndics' strength and their gift as tribute, she mostly wants to let it pass by unremarked. This does not seem like the time or place to educate the opinionated woman on the difference between Whitewall and the Icewalker tribes and how the worldview built in one is not immediately applicable to the other's circumstances, but then others join in on the discussion and she feels compelled to speak up on behalf of her city, its gods, and indeed settled life itself.

She takes a step towards Tuon and says "is each of your limbs strong when apart from each other? Can your hands walk, your heart breathe, your legs wield a sword?" Her eyes catch his and with conviction, she continues, "the people like me who live their lives in cities are unable to live off the land because they have no need to, because by working together they can endure things they would not be able to on their own. By letting others take care of some of their needs, they can focus on their own passions, or on creating things that the ones who protect them from hunger or enemies need to better protect everyone. Why shouldn't we take pride in the fact that in a city, a child needs not know how to kill a beast or indeed a man? Why shouldn't we take pride in being able to spend a life creating and appreciating beauty?"

"You may consider our lives ridiculous. That is your prerogative, you may think whatever you want, but the city of Whitewall sustains seven hundred thousand lives. I do not know if all the tribes in all the north have such numbers, and certainly they do not have them in peace. That same size is precisely why even three great gods cannot always keep track of it all."

"You dismiss our lives and claim to embrace strength and wisdom and thus to change the world, but what impact has any of tribesman had on the world at large before the Bull of the North was Exalted by the Unconquered Sun? What legacy have your ancestors left that anyone not their own even knows about? As for those Dynasts, they ruled this world undisputed for more than seven centuries by working together, by specialising, by letting some be weak while the whole was strong."

 

[jaydude]

Afureru shrugged, "I know we do. Do I offend? Then let me say that Solars are also included. Such as the Bull of The North. And that I said our plans, not my plans. I am not the bringer of the fourth, just a guardian of what is present and what will be." She explained.

"I will not say I don't understand it. If I were them, I would not trust me either. Especially me. Though even should we be our best, and do all the right things, we can not assume that the Silver Pact would be of unified mind in helping us. And there will be those whose mistrust in us will never change. But I have no doubt the change we will bring to creation will bring destruction. This is no small change we are bringing about. No minor ambition. Even what we just do in the North will sense ripples across the poles. It will not always be a pleasant change for some, but it is a necessary one all."

Makuro scoffed. "I know that the entire Silver Pact won't be entirely unified on this matter. We're an alliance; we don't try to force our ways of thinking upon others. We just help each other out, along with those we consider worthy of it."

When they depart the city that has been her home all her life, Zoya is wearing militia uniform she has had to don once a month for the past several years - practical off-white clothes, a battered breastplate, and a well-worn sword strapped to her him. Like the first time the others saw her, she is carrying an oversized scabbard on her back - the blade within covered in white linen wrapping to hide its appearance. Her long, fiery hair is carefully braided and hangs down her back.

Her first reaction upon seeing the Syndics appear before them in the Sun-blessed clearing is relief. Since Exalting herself, she has been concerned that they have not answered her prayers directly. A concern that only heightened at seeing how the entire party of exalts was greeted. Hearing that there is a reason for this behaviour is a great comfort to the young woman. The revelation of a corruption in the city squashes that comfort almost immediately.

When Sigrdrífa begins expounding on her perception of the Syndics' strength and their gift as tribute, she mostly wants to let it pass by unremarked. This does not seem like the time or place to educate the opinionated woman on the difference between Whitewall and the Icewalker tribes and how the worldview built in one is not immediately applicable to the other's circumstances, but then others join in on the discussion and she feels compelled to speak up on behalf of her city, its gods, and indeed settled life itself.

She takes a step towards Tuon and says "is each of your limbs strong when apart from each other? Can your hands walk, your heart breathe, your legs wield a sword?" Her eyes catch his and with conviction, she continues, "the people like me who live their lives in cities are unable to live off the land because they have no need to, because by working together they can endure things they would not be able to on their own. By letting others take care of some of their needs, they can focus on their own passions, or on creating things that the ones who protect them from hunger or enemies need to better protect everyone. Why shouldn't we take pride in the fact that in a city, a child needs not know how to kill a beast or indeed a man? Why shouldn't we take pride in being able to spend a life creating and appreciating beauty?"

"You may consider our lives ridiculous. That is your prerogative, you may think whatever you want, but the city of Whitewall sustains seven hundred thousand lives. I do not know if all the tribes in all the north have such numbers, and certainly they do not have them in peace. That same size is precisely why even three great gods cannot always keep track of it all."

"You dismiss our lives and claim to embrace strength and wisdom and thus to change the world, but what impact has any of tribesman had on the world at large before the Bull of the North was Exalted by the Unconquered Sun? What legacy have your ancestors left that anyone not their own even knows about? As for those Dynasts, they ruled this world undisputed for more than seven centuries by working together, by specialising, by letting some be weak while the whole was strong."

Makuro smiled to himself. Zoya had countered Toun's argument far more effectively than he could ever have hoped to. He then looked at Toun and Sigrdrífa and gave them a little shrug, as if to say "she's got you there".

 

[Rykon]

"Oh, challenging our legacy are we?" Toun replied with a grinning chuckle. "Can you match the burden of your demand I wonder? Yes, other than absolutely and decisively embarrassing the 'undisputed rulers of the world' the first time they thought they had the stones to dispute our freedom and independence en masse. What did a single tribesman do for the whole world at large? Well, nothing, because neither he nor his tribe owes this world at large anything. He found meaning in his life surviving his way and died a warrior. Could you tell me what any one person of Whitewall did for the world at large when you omit the favor of the divine? Probably not. This world is a huge place for one man or woman to change alone after all. Now if you want to ask what the tribes did together for the world at large that's simple. We raised the generation that taught the rulers of this world a fucking lesson and that's plenty good enough for me." Toun gave a satisfied laugh of joy rather than mocking.

"I will say, I don't think your traditions or lives are without value or even worth any less. I am still curious to witness the merits of your way of life with my own eyes. I can only give an opinion of what I've seen so far. While rallying a large number of people to sustain them is commendable, I am still trying to determine if the price is worth the prize. Additionally I'd like to learn what I'd want to do when I rebuild my home." He gave a genuine smile. "So try not to take the word of a brute to heart just yet."

 

[jaydude]

"Can she match the burden of her demand I wonder? Yes, other than absolutely and decisively embarrassing the 'undisputed rulers of the world' the first time they thought they had the stones to dispute our freedom and independence en masse. What did a single tribesman do for the whole world at large? Nothing because neither he nor his tribe owes this world anything. He found meaning in his life surviving his way and died a warrior. Could you tell me what any one person of Whitewall did for the world at large when you omit the favor of the divine? Probably not. This world is a huge place for one man or woman to change alone after all. Now if you want to ask what the tribes did together for the world at large that's simple. We raised the generation that taught the rulers of this world a fucking lesson and that's plenty good enough for me." Toun gave a satisfied laugh of joy rather than mocking.

"I will say, I don't think your traditions or lives are without value or even worth any less. I am still curious to witness the merits of your way of life with my own eyes. I can only give an opinion of what I've seen so far. While rallying a large number of people to sustain them is commendable, I am still trying to determine if the price is worth the prize. Additionally I'd like to learn what I'd want to do when I rebuild my home." He gave a genuine smile. "So try not to take the word of a brute to heart just yet."

Makuro grinned. "You, Tyree and Sigrdrífa are always welcome to travel to the Mountain of the Spider King. I can lead you all there myself, should you wish it." he said to Toun. "As to your other words, which generation do you refer to? The Realm and the other Shogunate Successors have been fighting with the Silver Pact for over seven hundred years, and many a hard lesson would have been learned by the Scarlet Empress over so much time."

 

[Random Word]

Sigrdrífa laughs, retorting without taking her eyes off the amulet, "Luck has nothing to do with it, Moon-chosen. You think I roll dice to decide who I take into my bed? And you, Toun, think so little of yourself as to agree? It is skill. To see you is a thing of beauty, to see you fight is sublime. And that was before you were Chosen. If this were not holy ground..." she sighs reluctantly, "Perhaps tomorrow, if we find no suitable game."

She listens to the discussion of Settled weakness until she gets fed up and interjects, finally putting the amulet away and sitting up, "You all miss the point. The Syndics aren't weak because they're Settled spirits. They are weak because they fear to greet guests in their own grove. What would their enemies do? Strike against them? If they were strong they would laugh as their enemies revealed themselves and were crushed. Exile the survivors, and should they return mount their heads on spikes as a warning to others. Instead they cower like prey, bound and helpless, and call it bait in a snare."

"I've witnessed all I care to. Yes, your artisans make fine bronze behind your walls with no need to hunt, and it is strong, but we speak of the strength of the arm that wields it. When we take your bronze, we wield it better. You say we do not have a white mountain full of people, and this is true, but we also have no tomb where we bury our dead while they still breathe. Because your children do not learn to hunt you remove their fangs and claws, and they become as helpless as a goatherd's flock, so that when you no longer need them they go meekly down into that dark hole to die, tribeless and alone, where our people would simply walk away. You ask what we have done without the blessing of the Sun, while in the same breath singing the praises of the Dynasts! What have the Dynasts done without the blessing of their Dragons? And when they brought their finest warriors to meet us many great songs were written, for they were worthy foes, but our finest warriors broke them. They forge fine Jadesteel, and when we take it, we wield it better. Mighty are their divine blessings, but we wield ours better. Settled things are strong. Settled people are weak."

 

[WlfSamurai]

Aaki stands silent, unable to find the words, or courage, to enter the fray of debate.

Haze folds her arms over her chest and scoffs. “If you all are done seeing who can spit the farthest, I think we should get going. We have a long way to go over many days—maybe even weeks depending. It’s not getting any closer by us standing here yammering about nothing. Let’s move.” She stalks to her horse and saddles up.

Aaki shrugs and jumps on. Haze kicks her heels into her mount and trots east out of the lit clearing.

Esbilon , Epiphany , Rykon , Sherwood , D. Rex , Random Word , Teh Frixz , jaydude

 

[jaydude]

Makuro shrugged, and set off after Aaki and Haze. He could have transformed himself into an elk or owl, but for the time being he wanted his human tongue and throat.

[Moving the bit where Makuro questions Zoya here.]
Esbilon

"If I could have a word?" he asked quietly, approaching the Zenith of Whitewall. "You heard what Haze's recording of the Syndics said about corruption within the city, yes? What do you think that could mean? Because you're far more versed in this region than I am, and the only thing I can think of right now is a group of Realm agents that have infiltrated the city, as part of a planned conquest of the region."

He gave her an apologetic shrug, as if acknowledging that she might consider him narrow-minded for only thinking of the Realm, but also arguing that such a mindset couldn't be helped, given his present allegiances and lack of knowledge on the area.

 

[Random Word]

"I can spit the farthest..." mutterrs Sigrdrífa, but she certainly won't complain about saving the arguing for post-hunt drinking, and sets out happily.

 

[Esbilon]

As the party starts moving again, Zoya continues her conversation. Engaging this Haze seems like wasted effort if she considers their words 'yammering about nothing.' She addresses Toun first: "The Realm did not send a legion to challenge the the tribes' freedom. They sent a legion to try killing a Solar Exalt with a power base. And while I'm sure your fellows fought bravely, they would not in a million years have stood a ghost of a chance had it not been for several Solar Exalted among their number. I do not mean to gloss over the skill or sacrifice displayed by your people, but that would not have carried the day had it not been for the power of the Unconquered Sun."

"Whitewall and its surrounding lands produce a surplus of resources. More food, ores, and tools come out of the city than its citizens can use. Thanks to the city and the systems that allow people to live full and happy lives without knowing how to kill, more people get to live better lives than otherwise would. Is there a greater goal for human effort?"

To Sigrdrifa, she says "I admit that I am puzzled that the Syndics resort to schemes like this to greet us. I don't know what corruption they are watching, or which foes they want to keep their support for us hidden from. That said, being strong does not preclude the possibility that others are stronger. And if you have strong enemies, you do not owe them to act brazenly and give them information you don't need to give them. Surely, you are not opposed to sneaking up on your enemies or lying to them."

"What tomb are you speaking of?" She asks the other woman.

 

[D. Rex]

jaydude

Afureru slid down to the base of her mounts neck and sat up. "Then let us be cautiously optimistic that they see our cause as worthy." She said to Makuro, then with a grin added, "I for one would enjoy their cooperation. An army of terrestrials are dandy, but the heavens would tremble should the moon children charge across Creation with my banner. Worry not. I have no intention on picking fights save for those who are asking for it."

Aaki stands silent, unable to find the words, or courage, to enter the fray of debate.

Haze folds her arms over her chest and scoffs. “If you all are done seeing who can spit the farthest, I think we should get going. We have a long way to go over many days—maybe even weeks depending. It’s not getting any closer by us standing here yammering about nothing. Let’s move.” She stalks to her horse and saddles up.

Aaki shrugs and jumps on. Haze kicks her heels into her mount and trots east out of the lit clearing.

Esbilon , Epiphany , Rykon , Sherwood , D. Rex , Random Word , Teh Frixz , jaydude

Afureru laughs, "So eager are we? As if your haste can inspire an army to quicken their steps. Don't so quick to charge ahead, cheeky mortal." Without even getting into her saddle, she taps her nameless mount with her heel, spurring it into a walk to keep up with the trotting horses.


The solar raises her hand, signaling her soldiers forward, "You heard the woman, men! We are in too much of a hurry to give you a breather. Such a shame we will have to slow our pace so as not to tire you and our horses all out. But we wouldn't want to be uncooperative, would we?" She said with a mocking grin, followed by a round of chuckles and a few jeers directed at Haze.

"Three quarter time, move it." She directed and her orders were passed about and they began to shuffle forth at a bit slower march than they were before. Did they NEED a rest? No. Her men were a hardy bunch, but she wouldn't want to pass up a chance to mess with a bossy gal who thought she was in charge.

"I can spit the farthest..." mutterrs Sigrdrífa, but she certainly won't complain about saving the arguing for post-hunt drinking, and sets out happily.

"I'll bet you next bars drinks on it." She challenged.

 

[Esbilon]

Spoiler: ooc

Sorry, in all the excitement of debating philosophy, I missed your more concrete question.

"If I could have a word?" he asked quietly, approaching the Zenith of Whitewall. "You heard what Haze's recording of the Syndics said about corruption within the city, yes? What do you think that could mean? Because you're far more versed in this region than I am, and the only thing I can think of right now is a group of Realm agents that have infiltrated the city, as part of a planned conquest of the region."

He gave her an apologetic shrug, as if acknowledging that she might consider him narrow-minded for only thinking of the Realm, but also arguing that such a mindset couldn't be helped, given his present allegiances and lack of knowledge on the area.

To Maruko, she says "As I said, I don't know what exactly it might be. As for your specific suggestion, it's possible, but I think it unlikely. Whitewall enjoys a cordial relationship with the Realm. Infiltrators much more often mean the dead or the fae. It might also be the agents of this Bull of the North who might be an enemy of the Realm, but that does not necessarily mean a friend to Whitewall, the Silver Pact, or indeed us personally.

 

[jaydude]

Afureru slid down to the base of her mounts neck and sat up. "Then let us be cautiously optimistic that they see our cause as worthy." She said to Makuro, then with a grin added, "I for one would enjoy their cooperation. An army of terrestrials are dandy, but the heavens would tremble should the moon children charge across Creation with my banner. Worry not. I have no intention on picking fights save for those who are asking for it."

Makuro smiled and nodded. "The Silver Pact will always take an interest in those who wage war against the Shogunate successors." he assured her. "That said, they may be wary about immediately allying with a Solar. They know the Realm and how it operates, but with their sudden return, the same cannot be said for the Solars. And you know how cautious people can get around the unknown."

He exhaled grimly. "We have not survived as long as we have through blindly trusting others outside of our faction. You will certainly be able to find allies among us, but it may take a bit of work. For the time being though, you can certainly count on me."

He then smiled and looked up at her mount. "A most curious beast you have here. Could you perhaps tell me more?"

Spoiler: ooc

Sorry, in all the excitement of debating philosophy, I missed your more concrete question.

To Maruko, she says "As I said, I don't know what exactly it might be. As for your specific suggestion, it's possible, but I think it unlikely. Whitewall enjoys a cordial relationship with the Realm. Infiltrators much more often mean the dead or the fae. It might also be the agents of this Bull of the North who might be an enemy of the Realm, but that does not necessarily mean a friend to Whitewall, the Silver Pact, or indeed us personally.

Spoiler: OOC

No problemo.

Makuro nodded. "As I said, I know little of this region. Any information you can provide will be of much use to me." he said.

Even if she was doubtful about it, he was glad that she at least considered the possibility of the Realm being a threat. But at the same time, he now knew that there were other factions likely to be responsible.

He turned to Aaki and Haze. "This 'corruption' the Syndics mentioned. They said that they had been unable to find the origin of it, but was there anything that they were able to find out? What exactly are we talking about here, anyway?"
WlfSamurai

 

[Random Word]

Sigrdrífa nods as she walks, "Yes, if the Syndics took me by surprise in the night and and slit my throat that is not weakness. There is strength in cunning. If this truly proves a clever trap and they crush their enemies, I will admit I was wrong. Still, it is better to ambush your enemies in their camp than when they are already in yours, and to let things become so bad your Spirits must lay traps in their own holiest of places..."

She sighs, clearly frustrated, "Always you remember the blessing of the Sun, and never the Dragons! More ore, more tools, more things, always things. Yes, you have many things, and yes, we had blessings to match our enemies, but you do not speak of people. You dance around with words but avoid the point."

When Zoya asks her about the tomb Sigrdrífa gives her a suspicious look, as if she must be making fun of her, but sensing no deceit she is instead nonplussed. "It is huge, and full of people. I could hear it everywhere I went yesterday through the earth. Just this morning I heard a man beaten to death while his tribe looked on and did nothing. It was then that I realized some of your people have no tribe. Maybe all of them have no tribe. Another died last night of a breath stealing sickness, not alone but with no one by his side. It is a cursed place of death and suffering. My people would never go there, but your defanged children cannot leave. I saw one caught by warriors in the market and thrown back down that hole, and told to stay there where he belonged. Like the surface belonged to only one tribe, and the others were banished into that pit."

When Afureru challenges her she grins and declares, "You are brave, Afureru. I will drink your tavern dry. I accept."