Exalted 3e: What Falls at Greyfalls (DB game) [IC]

Greyfalls, the city that boasted a natural wonder of 500' tall waterfall, split around a giant stone head, where a War Manse sits. Just a few years ago House Cynis has taken control of this satrapy, and with it, control of the Golden Road. But despite that, the city isn't much to look at, in Dynastic eyes, and it is so far from the Realm, that it usually serves as a retirement place for those deemed incompetent, flawed, or dangerous. Cynis Verheen is the Satrap, and albeit she doesn't participate, she does throw out wonderful parties. Possibly one of the few times that liven the place up.

It is now the 28th of Descending Earth, the last day of Autumn, of Realm year 763. And today, Cynis Verheen has planned a grand festivity, to mark the beginning of the cold months of Air. As always, you are all invited, but this is just morning, and you have time to prepare yourself for the festivities.

Rykon
Sherwood
jaydude
D. Rex
Psychie

Tepet Zunoh is using the time left before he has to go and prepare for the festivity to carry out an inspection of the Greyfalls garrison as they go about their training drills. As he watches the soldiers, he allows himself a little smile of pride, for in his mind the armies of the Realm are the greatest armed forces not just in the East, but in all of Creation. Besides perhaps those splitters in Lookshy, of course.

As he always does while on duty, Zunoh currently wears his White Jade armour and carries his Grand Goremaul in one hand, resting the haft on his shoulder as he walks among the training troops.

After arriving late in the evening the night before, Mnemon Larissa rises early as she does every morning in the small chamber that she has claimed in the local temple to the Immaculate Order. As a scion of the great House Mnemon, she could have easily have demanded a much larger and more luxurious room, but from her days as a initiate in the Order, she was used to the spartan conditions. After dressing in her robes, Larissa heads downstairs to join in with the other monks for the morning devotionals to the Great Elemental Dragons.

Once her religious duties were done, she heads to the dining hall and enjoys her simple breakfast before heading out to the streets to do some exploring.

Cynis Manato lethargically rolled himself out of bed an hour or so past sunrise. Still in his pajamas, he rubbed the pain from his eyes adjusting to the stark rays of gold casting their hues upon the opulent chamber of the estate in which he was granted shelter for the duration of his visit. He padded down the staircase in fairly cushy sandals, ready to begin his morning ritual before the lateness of the hour began to don on him. Oh Dragons, no...

After a light jog to the rear of the elegant manor house, Manato tossed open the back door to look out into the modest gardens. There it was, a row of pigeons clustering around the birdbath and the trail of gently disturbed grass and soil. Just as the impatient mongrel settled into position, the glint of his slitted eyes alerted Manato. Rhogar lunged, jaws clamping onto two of the pigeons, then a third before the shock set in and they all scattered. Feathers exploded from his maw as he throttled his prey about then gulped them down contently. Whether the raucous noise that followed was a victory cry or belch, most couldn't tell. "You devious little armored bastard. I sleep in a little bit and you have to break out of the stable to chase birds? I coulda swore we were past this!" Rhogar's head sunk toward his shoulders, likely feigning guilt or restraining another rude gutteral outburst. Manato stomped back into the house grumbling until his shout rang out into the garden. "Get in here you incorrigible little git, I still have to feed you your actual food before it spoils."

Rhogar politely nibbled down the cured venison they had procured the week prior, throat rumbling in satisfaction. Manato's temper eased, having the chance to imbibe his usual half-pot of morning coffee. "Alright buddy, you know the drill. Bath time." The pair of rambunctious hunters made their way to a nearby bathhouse, most of the attendants now somewhat less intimidated by the scaled puppy that was fed-Rhogar with his tongue lolling about in lax contentment. Manato soaked for a good while, watching his familiar alternate between hyperactive bursts of running in circles to enjoy the heat and playfully thrashing an oversized rubber duck about the interior to amuse himself with the squeaks.

Eventually, the entirety of their morning ritual had concluded, both of them reasonably presentable, and Rhogar having made himself happy in his idle playtime. Now dressed for a morning on the town, Manato donned his buff jacket, saddled up Rhogar, and took him for a stroll down to the markets. There he'd look for anything he could use to liven up the night's feast at the Satrap's latest party.

Alys wakes up with a pounding in her head fit to kill her. Damn. By the Dragons, I must have really been drunk last night to have such a hangover this morning. Ouch. She starts to roll over, then suddenly realizes that she is not alone in bed. Looking over, she sees the sleeping form of some man that she met the night before. Who is this? Ah. That fellow, Roogan. He was a fun distraction for the ending of the night. But it is time for him to be on his way. Alys throws the covers off and rises, crossing the room to the dresser where there is a decanter of brandy waiting for her. After taking a stiff drink and feeling the burn going down her throat, she goes back to the bed.

Wrapping a robe about her naked form, she says, "Roogan, time to get up. Last night was fun, but I have duties to attend to. Come now, my sweet. Rise and greet the day."

The past week was more than enough excuse to be exceptionally lazy, as Lugara had been in bed recovering since he had arrived. And has spent most of that time sleeping. Today was his third day out of bed, and was beginning to feel the consequences of sleeping that long. His body ached and was stiff, and his movements sluggish. It was still the dark morning hours. He could either train or get a massage. Well, he wasn't about to train, and he wasn't about to let somebody run their hands all over him. There was at least one other alternative.

---

At the edge of the falls, about halfway down where the waterfall split. Lugara had found a rock upon which he could sit cross cross applesauce and let the weight of the water fall onto his shoulders.

His robes off, revealing a shirtless and bandaged upper torso. The bandages that wrapped his upper body, where the arm was supposed to be, were now stained a pale red from being wet.

In his lap rested the mysterious sword. His head also hang low, almost like he was dead. But no... he was just sleeping. The sounds and pounding of the waterfalls proved an effective lullaby.

However, as the hours passed, his eyes did open, and he just stared out into space. So much time sleeping... not enough time thinking. Perhaps he was avoiding the thought...

The white noise of the crashing water drowned out the distraction of the world as he meditated on his situation. He was able to narrow the feeling down. At least to why. He had suffered his first crushing defeat. It wasnt luck, Lugara had put his all into winning and still lost...

...but... was it really a loss? Victory or defeat, 'Phyrric' was its defining value. Ultimately, he had survived the unsurvivable. And something about that brought a smile to his face.

His eyes cast down to the sword in his lap. A curious thing. He couldn't open it, what strange magics it had, he had no idea. Yet another challenge from the Zenith... heh... might as well see how far he can get. Much less trouble than trying to find another sword. Or so that is how he reasoned it to himself. But what does reason matter at this point? He was curious.

At least another hour he sat there contemplating, before he got up and slowly walked the distance back to the room.

___

Back in his room, it was time to get ready. And with one arm, he didnt have a very easy time of it. Trying to tie a kimono with hand was the greater challenge, thankfully, now that he was alone, he had the aid of his tail. Something he had not expected to take advantage of in such a way. But hey! It helped, even if only a little.

Lugara finally seen that the mysterious sword was settled at his hip, and slipped a haori over his robes. Together they were colored a blue and green and white with elaborate patterns representing his aspect.

His tail, of course, was wrapped around his waist, where it would hide for the foreseeable future.

It was time to get to the know the place a bit before the party began.

Tepet Zunoh

While the soldiers here might not be the most elite of Realm troops, they are very disciplined, and you're certain that they will bring honor, should their services be needed.
From the gate of the compound, you can see a messenger carrying the mon of the Deliberative entering, and rushing towards the commanding officer's office.


Mnemmon Larissa

A simple breakfast of rice and a broiled egg is waiting for you, as well as a treat, a pudding. And while the meal is pleasant, few of the monks talk over breakfast, most busy with contemplation.
When you go outside, the people give you a wide berth, a show of respect for a Monk of the immaculate Order, but then ahead of you, you can see a fellow Dragon-Blood, a Wood aspect, to whom they give a wider berth, But maybe that's due to the Claw Strider he's riding on.


Cynis Manato

While the people here have grown accustomed tolerant, of seeing you riding Rhogar about town, they still, out of respect or fear, give you a wider berth, wider than they give the Immaculate monk strolling about towards you. One you haven't seen before in your stay here.


Cathak Alys

Roogan wakes up slowly, being a mortal the alcohol you both consumed last night has taken a greater toll on him. As he comes about, he sees you, and starts apologizing profusely "My.. My lady, i am so sorry... I didn't know... Please don't tell Ragara Fumiko" and he quickly gathers up his clothes, and dresses as fats as he can, seemingly to bolt out the door. And you recall that he was Ragara Fumiko's plaything, for now.


Peleps Lugara

The sword hums with power, and seems to reach out to him, but it feels like the force of it could well drown him. And as it does, he can see that the waterfall around him bends, ever so lightly towards it. As if even the water can sense it's power, and want to be close to it.

Where does he go to explore?

Mnemon Larissa

As the Exalt on the Claw Strider approaches, Larissa pauses in her walk to offer up a respectful bow. "Greetings, fellow Prince of the Earth! May the blessings of the Great Dragons shine upon your head this fine morning!" She smiles up at the man and his exotic mount, ready to take a quick step back if the reptile decides to take a bite out of her. One can never be too careful.

"Oh! Welcome friend!" Manato turns to face the newly arrived monk and stops to dismount. "Stroll." He whispered to Rhogar. It was a command he often used to tell Rhogar he should follow slowly, so sudden movements wouldn't scare the small folk. When stopped, the emerald steed preferred to lay down and bask in the warmth of whatever available sunlight was available.

Manato smiled warmly and bowed reverently to Larissa. "I didn't think monks could retain such youth and beauty after their time in the Cloister. I am Cynis Falen Manato, or just Manato if you wish. May I be of any assistance, fair lady?" As typical of Dynastic greetings, he spoke in High Realm, though the markets of the Threshold were often dominated by the chatter of Riverspeak.

Mnemon Larissa

With a bit of a blush, Larissa smiles. "You flatter me, good Manato. I am Mnemon Larissa, and I have just arrived in the city. Being new here, I am looking forward to getting to know the sights and people of this city. Perhaps you can suggest a place where I should start?"

Cathak Alys

Alys takes a moment to admire Roogan's backside as he gets dressed, then she briefly toys with the idea of stealing Roogan from Fumiko. He was quite the fun distraction last night. I wonder, just how upset Fumiko would be? An evil grin crosses her face as she ponders the catfight that would ensue. Mmmm, maybe. But first, a bath.

She calls for the attendants to prepare for her bath as she takes another drink from the flask on the dresser.

"My brutish mutterings could never do justice to the vision of elegance you have brought to such a humble corner of the earth, Larissa. I do have plenty of suggestions for you though. For a very simple start, there are maps for sale here to aid those visiting the falls. Past that, there is a very pleasant teahouse at the edge of this row by the river. Its brews, and most of all, its music are very soothing to the spirit, I've found." Manato gestured to a nearby kiosk for the maps, then pointed toward the direction of the teahouse. "Surely, the trip here has been long and tiring. Would you like to take a seat upon Rhogar here and let him bare you to your destination? He is quite friendly, I assure you."

Mnemon Larissa

The Air Immaculate looks at the stand that Manato points out for the map, and she nods. "A map sounds like a good start. And the tea house would be a wonderful way to relax and start to get a feel for the city." She walks over to the stand and pulls out some coin to make her transaction, then slips her purchase into a pocket and returns to her new associate. "Are you sure that you wish me to ride on your friend Rhogar? I am not used to making my way on anything other than my own two feet." She smiles at the other Exalt for his kind offer.

Red Shadow Claws said:

While the soldiers here might not be the most elite of Realm troops, they are very disciplined, and you're certain that they will bring honor, should their services be needed.
From the gate of the compound, you can see a messenger carrying the mon of the Deliberative entering, and rushing towards the commanding officer's office.

Click to expand...

Zunoh directs a nod of satisfaction towards the soldiers, and watches as the messenger heads towards the commanding officer's office. Though a little curious, he makes no attempt to enquire why the messenger has come here; if he needs to know the information, he'll hear it from the commander.

With that thought in mind, he turns his attention back to the training troops.

"Truly, it would be my pleasure to escort you, my lady. It is no trouble at all. However, if inexperience is your concern, perhaps I could teach you sometime if you'd like." Manato offered with a genuine smile.

Tepet Zunoh

The morning drills done, the soldiers are divided into their daily tasks, to relieve the night shift. Unless Tepet Zunoh loiters around, there is not much else to be done. After all, these might not be the Realm's best, but they are well versed in The thousand Correct Actions of the Upright Soldier, and will do their best to live up to its dogma.
On the edge of your sight, to your left, you can see Forest Call, a scion of House V'neef leading his troops outside. It was still a wonder to see him with his wolves. Sometimes it seemed as if these wolves were better trained than the soldiers in the garrison.


Cathak Alys

The servants, knowing your taste, have made the bath lukewarm, as you have made it clear that only you can heat the water just right to take your bath. As you do, you can imagine Fumiko's porcelain face when she finds out you had spent the night with Roogan. Oh, she is not likely to burst. That Earth Aspect seemed to have a heart of stone on the outside, but you knew that she would be furious inside. She had such a prudish view on what can and cannot be done, and would be stymied if others didn't follow her set of 'ethics'.

Lugara slipped on his sandals and as he moved to head out he instinctively tried to rest a hand on the hilt of his sword on his left side. Such a familiar motion that he could practically feel a phantom limb taking the position. He looked down to it, as if to remind himself it was really gone. Just an illusory sensation, he told himself. Perfectly normal.

Yet how familiar it felt to the aura of this sword. At least in the terms of the potency of its presence. A sort of pull that refused to be ignored. He felt the rhythm of the falls change to meet the sword. But was it for respect or hunger? Something about the sword reminded him of a maelstrom.

Lugara, did, however, refrain from pulling the sword from its loop to try to draw it again. He needed to learn more, amd he would In time.

With a smile, Lugara stepped from his room, and his robes billowed gently behind him. Strangely, more like through water than through air.

His gate was slow and methodical. He was in no hurry. Patience was a virtue. After all.

He would ask about for when the festivities were about to start. And if he had time, he might wander around towards a library amd see if there was a book on common artifact blades that were in use. Perhaps, also a book on the area's sea life. Oh yes, and maybe ask around if Greyfalls had any notable philosophers. It would certainly all make for some delightful reading over a cup of team.

Though something did nag at the back of his mind. That even if he learned what the sword was and how to work it... he would not be able to do so very well with only one arm... that would be something he would need to practice to get used to.

He pushed that thought out of his mind, as he decided it would be wiser to wait for his wounds to fully heal before training again.

With no other duties for the rest of the day now that morning training had been finished, Zunoh opted to start getting himself ready for the festival. Mounting Benali, he set off towards his home in the city, a small yet luxurious townhouse close to the satrap's palace. Servants were waiting there to take Benali to the stables, though Zunoh waved them off, informing them that he would be riding out again shortly. Removing Fist of Titans from where it was strapped onto his back, he pressed it against one of the walls of the townhouse, the heavy Grand Goremaul vanishing into the stone, to be recalled when Zunoh next needed it.

Inside, servants would remove Zunoh's armor, while another picked out a selection of formal cheongsams for him to wear afterwards, all of them tasteful to the point of bordering on austerity, yet clearly more expensive than the average Blessed Isle patrician could afford. After some dithering, he picked a white cheongsam edged with blue; the colours of House Tepet. Donning it, he would head back outside and mount Benali again, before setting off into the city.

The festivities are due to start after sundown, which gives the lot of you plenty of time to socialize and do your business, if you do wish.

Lugara

You can easily find a library. The Hall of Mela's Whispers sits close to the Immaculate Temple, and is a lavish tower with books on various subjects, but it seems that very few are about Artifacts. Most seem to deal with the weather, the rivers, and spirits.

Zunoh

Where in the city would he go?

Manato and Larissa

Where do the two of you head to?

Lugara didnt mind in the least, as a matter of fact he probably got a bit distracted from his original goal flipping through a couple completely unrelated books. When he did (eventually) regain focus, he would try to find a select few.

First and foremost, one regarding the river fish of the region. It would be nice to see if anything was unique or challenging enough to aim for. Preferably something really hard to lure so he had all the excuse to just lay on the bank and do nothing.

Secondly, he would see if he could find something that contained weather spirits. In that maybe he might find some link to the occult and the weather patterns he had witnessed. Maybe some inspiration the crafter used when making the artifact to help him narrow down what to look for.

But if such a book wasnt in the library, he would settle for one of local weather patterns. Maybe he could compare it to what happened during the duel for some sort of clue.

Lastly, he would see if he could find anything about Greyfalls itself. If it was a place of some power. Was it common for it to resonate with power. Maybe if there was a link it could help him find the answer. Or that if it wasnt the falls, then it was certainly the swords power alone.

Something in him felt a little giddy about the mystery. He would happily find the most comfortable spot in the tower to focus on his research.

Of course he new first hand(pun) that reading a book was not as smooth as it used to be. But it wasnt so laborsome that he minded, and he had all day to look into these things. Except for scrolls though... They kept rolling back up and quickly became more trouble than they were worth.

Manato's suggested itinerary for guiding Larissa's tour would start at the Teahouse he had mentioned. Ultimately the decision would be up to her, as her station is far above Manato's in his own eyes for various reasons. Aside from the Teahouse, other suggestions he would present as time passes include browsing the wares of a few select master artisans (Specifically more artistic trades like tailors, carpenters, and goldsmiths), a ride to the top of the falls, and seeing the palaces of the Nuri Prince Thay Small-Shadow and the Satrap.

Sherwood

Mnemon Larissa

Manato's company is a enjoyable complement to the pleasant day that they are having together. After a while, the presence of the Claw Strider seems to fade into the background, and she starts to allow herself to really enjoy her time with her fellow Dynast. At the tea house, she is happily surprised to see the selection of wares to be quite sufficient for her tastes; the one holdout of her station as a scion of House Mnemon is her fine tastes in tea.

Looking at Manato across the table, Larissa says, "Mmmm, you have found my one true weakness. I have a feeling that I shall be making frequent trips to this establishment during my stay here." She takes a careful sip of the piping hot tea with a blissful expression on her face, then sets the cup down. "This was the hardest thing for me to give up while at the Cloister, having a supply of quality tea to start my morning with. But in life, there will always be sacrifices to be made. It helps to forge you into the person you are destined to become. Oh, look at me. Preaching like this was a lesson for a bunch of school children. Forgive me. It is a hard habit to break, after studying the Ways of the Dragons for so long. Perhaps I can make it up to you with a tune?"

She reaches for the musical case that she has slung across her back, and with practiced ease, opens the case to reveal a well cared for sanxian. With a soft touch, Larissa begins to strum the instrument, and a delightful sound comes out, making the Air Immaculate smile. Faster and faster, her fingers dance over the strings, her head nodding as the music rises up, until she finishes the piece with a flourish. "I can sing, too. Care to make a request?"

With their arrival to the Teahouse, Manato paid a messenger to have a servant come to fetch Rhogar and return him to his overly posh domicile within the manor Manato had procured. Perhaps he could expound upon the virtues of his vision another day.

Manato frequented this shop on days he needed to relax after long hours of research. Now that he had a chance to enjoy the establishment with company, he had a new appreciation for its atmosphere. He sat patiently, savoring the taste of carefully steeped tea. His train of thought was quickly derailed when Larissa offered to play and sing. Manato felt his heart soar in joyful anticipation and the experience displayed clearly in his face. "Sweet Larissa... you can always offer a tune! I hope you don't mind if I play along! Let's see... do you know the Serenade of Luthe?" Manato fished what appeared to be a clay ornamental pendant from beneath his tunic. On closer inspection, there were four holes upon the front of its round face.

[Spending 4m for 2 bonus successes and entering Wood Aura]
[10 successes total]

Cathak Alys

Now out of her bath, Alys will dress in a fine outfit of a daughter of a Great House. Still, she takes a few minutes to debate if she should wear her armor or not. Its not like the Wyld Hunt is taking place here, but Anathema can hide anywhere. I'd best be prepared. She goes ahead and suits up with both armor and sword, then calls forth the flames of her Anima to banish them away until they were needed once more. There. Let some fool think I were some easy mark, helpless and unarmed. Time to stretch my legs and enjoy the outdoors at the market.

Setting a pleasant pace, Alys walks out of the manor home that she has been staying at since her arrival at the Falls, heading into the heart of the city, enjoying the sights and sounds of the world around her.

The good mood that she is feeling is dampened by the memory that there was a Wyld Hunt that was nearly wiped out to the last man not that long ago. With her own memories of how her father and uncle fell to one of the Moon Mad, she is now inspired to go and seek out the survivor of this attack and learn more about what happened. Perhaps it is time for her blade to taste Anathema blood once more.

D. Rex

Mnemon Larissa

"I am quite impressed! Your talents are many and wide ranging, I see. I only dabble, but I do love to play and sing. It started out as hymns in the Cloister, and the sisters kept on telling me that I have a real talent for it, so I started to expand my knowledge of songs, and have come up with a respectable list of songs that I love to play." Once again, her fingers dance across the strings, but this time, Larissa sings with a silver voice.