Beyond the Wall IC

[General Deth Glitch]

Departure
You have arrived in the westernmost port of the Empire. Some of the supplies you have brought with you here from your home and the rest are given to you by the Empire on arrival. Those that arrived by ship found their crew rosters being scrutinised by the Imperial soldiers marching left and right checking for names, counting heads and giving a swift look through your hold. Those that came by foot found themselves being searched as they crossed city lines and counted once more. You eventually heard word that the empire had gotten wind of a plot to infiltrate and otherwise undermind imperial authority. Some of you were used to this, life on the edges of the empire was often just like this as a multitude of nations waged a hidden war on the empire, hoping to secure their freedom while avoiding its wrath. Despite this, the empire sees no reason to stop anyone, including a small and suspicious group marching through protecting two crates in a very defensive manner. Every time they were stopped by soldiers they had immaculate papers, almost too immaculate, but no one was willing to question them for fear of retribution. This normally quiet town was suddenly a hotbed of activity as all the various factions that were to take part in this journey arrived to fill the small town and eat them out of house and home. Some factions camped just outside city limits and others on their ships. In a few days, you would depart and suddenly a large naval ship arrives and the regional governor, accompanied by the Second Vice-Admiral of the Matrizian Navy steps off. Many of you are present to see this and some of you are told by members of your faction completing business in town or asking around but regardless all of you are approached by a low ranking naval officer flanked by two soldiers and each invited to come to an address in town, that happens to be the local tailors which has been commandeered by the governor and admiral, so he may meet with you and get 'the measure of you each so you may be considered for an imperial post in the new world'

Much as beck did in his magnanimous RP which is my inspiration, this RP will start a short time before you depart. Partially this is an opportunity to meet each other and get to know one another, as it was in Becks case, to respond to a couple of situations before we leave, as beck also did, but also so I can achieve a few interactions I need to do with the Empire before you leave. You are leaving in four days and soldiers are everywhere.
Trektek Pat Locklaklazarii Spacekitty Heyitsjiwon​

 

[Pat]

​

Sysyje Chiore passed the ship manifest around the rickety oak table on board the galleon Providence for his crew's officers to read in full. Retrieving the paper document after they were finished, he tucked it inside a jacket pocket before starting to speak. "Now I'm not claiming to be a captain, but with the noted exception of Mr. Hayes and, if we're being generous, Mr. Sutton..." He gestured with a good natured laugh over to the resident sailor and fisherman, respectively, "I think none of us can truly claim we're ready to embark on a ten week voyage."

Sysyje looked behind him out of the window at the ocean beyond the harbor of the port as he went on. "We're not only going to begin an inspection of the cargo hold inventory, but we're checking the exterior and the interior of the Providence so that we can be sure we have what they said we'd have." He couldn't help but add a singsong lilt to his speech as he spoke the name of their new galleon, his idea ended up being the most popular. She wasn't much, but already he had taken quite a liking to her. "Other concerns are sanitation, nutrition, and competency. Effective immediately, we need to clean the ship top to bottom, acquire more fruit rations if possible, and start daily maritime drills in the harbor. If there's no objections, I'm going to answer the summons of the governor and admiral. I'll be back soon from the little tailor shop they commandeered to handle any problems that arise." With that said, he waved goodbye to the men he had been speaking to and walked outside, down the gangplank, and towards the temporary residence of the powers that be. He didn't expect much to come of it, not really, but at least he could reassure them of his loyalties by being punctual.

Spoiler: Orders

1. Inspect the interior and exterior of the ship and it's cargo to make sure everything is in order, cleaning as they go (100 unskilled laborers, physician, cook).

2. Establish a rotation of guards to keep an eye on the ship and it's surroundings at all times of the day and night (10 soldiers, constable).

3. Create comfortable pens for the sheep below decks (ten skilled laborers).

4. Play songs to keep spirits up (entertainer).

5. Have the fisherman see what he can catch in the harbor (fisherman).

6. Once a day, the sailor leads the crew of the ship in practicing naval maneuvers in the port's harbor (sailor).

7. Go to the former tailor shop (faction leader).

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

​

On a gently swaying wooden platform, Odo found himself on the crew's ships, making sure that the supplies were correct and stowed away safely. All around him was activity. People were busy preparing for where ever it was that they were headed to, yet among them. Odo knew were other colonists heading to the west. Some of these opportunists certainly did not have much love for the Empire and indeed would love to see it burn. Yet, Odo was not too concerned. His job was simple. To make sure that his family came out ahead and profited from this venture. It took a lot of money and connections to put together this elite crew and charter who would support him in establishing a proper colony and trade route. It was up to these few brave men to guide the future of this soon to be future territory of the Empire even if it meant to do so with fire and sword.

It wasn't much longer before Odo heard the sound of jackboots, marching then stopping right behind him. Odo turned to a junior officer saluting him. "The Governor requests your presence, Commodore." He curtly said as he handed a letter to Odo. Odo thanked the junior officer and dismissed him. Bringing along the crew's Diplomat and two soldiers to escort them to this impromptu meeting with the Governor, Odo set off to the meeting, leaving his advisors and junior officers to over look the preparation process.

---

Summary:

Odo heads to the meeting with his diplomat and two soldiers escorting him

The rest of the crew continue on preparing for the journey

 

[General Deth Glitch]

Pat Heyitsjiwon

​

You each arrive at the tailor shop with little time between. Outside you see on either side of every door and window on the ground floor a soldier stood to attention and inside on either side of the door are two more and another stood in front of a door that likely leads to where the governor has taken as an office of sorts. Its clear the governer has security on his mind and even out here in the fringe of the empire the number of soldiers is a little over the top. As you each arrive a well-dressed man steps through the guarded door and speaks to someone before asking you wait a short moment. In the corner sits a young woman playing the violin to herself, ignoring you and all the soldiers, and looking out to the distance through a window to the ocean beyond. Despite the fact Odo arrives shortly after Sysyje, he is quickly called in first, likely due to his status and title. At the far end of the room, just before the office is a desk where the well-dressed individual that invited you in and asked you to wait now sits reading and writing stacks of documents.

Spoiler: Outcomes

Sysyje can wait until he is called in quietly or attempt to talk to others in the room, though they all seem preoccupied
Odo, you and your diplomat have been invited to speak with the governor while your soldiers have been asked to wait outside until the meeting is concluded.
Can we organise the dialogue in PMs/DMs or however you cool kids do that sort of stuff? Especially for the meetings

 

[Trektek]

Grem Firebrand was knee deep in gears, well, considering the size of goblins and that of the equipment that he was working with, it was more actually waist deep for him. He was working on a new modification for farming equipment, and if all went well, it could ease production of foodstuffs thereby giving an easier time of the farming itself. He was pretty proud of himself as he watched the water percolate and the steam begin to rise out of the tubing. Just the way it was supposed to. Although that hissing would have to go. There might be a crack somewhere in the copper support. Darn.

A throat was cleared and there in the doorway was his cousin and second in command, Zek. He was a goblin of impeccable taste and dressed in fine suits with a top hat, monocle and pocketwatch. "Grem, you have received a summons by the Governor and Admiral to a commandeered tailor shop. Probably for some last minute briefing or some such."

Grem looked a bit flabbergasted as he wiped off some grease from working with the gears. "When did we make dock?"

"Oh, about a few hours ago. You were so busy and involved with your latest project that I figured it would be best to let you work while I sent some of the crew out to start gathering supplies and gossip for your perusal of course." He smiled a wicked grin with his sharp teeth. Grem may be in charge, but everyone needed someone that could keep things moving smoothly.

"Ah crap. Prepare Zoka to go out with me to that location while I actually get ready. Geez. A little warning would have been nice." Grem rushed off to get cleaned up and presentable before he would meet up with some powerful people. If there was one thing that he learned after taking control of Windsor Island from his uncle, it was that you needed to put on a good first impression with people in power.

"Yes, of course Grem. It shall be done." He bowed as Grem rushed out of the room and went to the storage bay. While there were other goblins moving about, getting things prepped and ready, it was the clockwork machines that would be doing most of the heavy lifting. But what he needed to do was get a special one ready. Zoka was Grem's pride and joy. A clockwork machine that was 7 feet tall with reinforced armor and gears to make an intimating impression. All the better to keep his leadership protected in this dangerous world that we live in.

He began turning and starting up the gears so that the clockwork could begin. The machine came to life and spoke up, "Hello Zek, I am guessing that we have arrived at our new colony?"

"Not yet, I'm afraid." He began to fiddle with some papers. "We are still at the docks at the port town. You are to accompany Grem to a meeting with some important people. Please, do keep him safe."

"You know that I will, Zek." Her voice seemed almost annoyed at the suggestion that she would not perform her duty in protecting her creator.

"Yes. Well go to the main deck and Grem will meet you there." Zek walked off to go order about some of the others.

----------------------

It was some time later that Grem had gotten himself all cleaned up, in fine clothes. A dark suit with top hat, cummerbund, spectacles and a pocket-watch. First impressions were everything. He smiled a wide toothy grin as he saw Zoka waiting for him. "Zoka!! I hope that your storage was comfortable."

'It was comfortable enough. Now, what is this I hear about a meeting?" The concern could be heard dripping from her words.

"Yes, I have been summoned by the Admiral and Governor. Hopefully it will all be well."

They began walking towards the shop and before long, had arrived. Grem notices all the security around them as he walks in with Zoka. "Glad to see that they are just as security minded as myself." He held the edges of his suit coat and walked over to a nearby seat to wait for getting called in while Zoka stood guard nearby.

 

[ClayDoc]

He was an officer. An officer. Such a title wasn't given to just anyone. He had worked hard to be in the position he was in. Problem was, where he found himself wasn't as glamorous as he had expected. Instead of sipping wine among renowned colleagues, he was standing at the docks waiting for the Fellish ship to arrive. The ship should have arrived days ago, yet there he was, the reserved space standing empty before him, and having to endure the salty winds hatefully scratching at his delicate features. Even the soldiers who accompanied him had been reassigned, but apparently his time wasn't considered as valuable. When finally he saw a ship bearing Felland's flag approach, it seemed to taunt him with its slow and gentle journey to the port. Eventually it made it, and the plank was lowered. The officer breathed a sigh of relief as he realized that his ordeal was over. After a moment three large grey men descended onto the docks. He had almost dismissed them as beasts, but their well-tailored clothes and the certainty of their step had revealed their true nature to him. A man of his education had of course heard of imps before, but their descriptions had certainly not done them justice. Lacking even an ounce of symmetry, and covered in lumps of various sizes, there was something inherently wrong about them as they towered heads above him and it made his stomach turn. He swallowed loudly before he dared bring attention to himself.

"Hello? Marcell Lund?" he called out to the leading imp, which was by far the largest and sporting an enlarged right arm with claws as long and thick as the officer's fingers.

The group stopped in their tracks and looked at him. It seemed as if they were looking straight into his soul, and the naked feeling of the experience sent shivers down his spine.

"Yes? Who's asking?" a deep voice replied, but he couldn't see who it came from.

It hadn't seemed like any of them had opened their mouths. He wondered if it could be that imps were telepaths, but try as he may, he wasn't able to recall anything on the matter. Perturbed, he cautiously continued.

"I have orders to inform you that the Governor requests your presence," the officer takes a cautious step forward and presents the largest imp with a letter he fished out of the inside of his jacket. "I have been told that this letter should contain all the information you'll need."

To his dismay, none of the imps accepted the letter, and he was starting to feel foolish with his arm outstretched as it was, but with nobody who would accept his gesture. After a long while, during which the officer was feeling increasingly awkward, the imps separated and he heard the voice once more, but way clearer.

"A little lower please."

Now he was sure that it hadn't come from the imps, but rather below him, and cautiously he allowed his gaze to wander downwards. There, having been obscured until just recently by the much larger men standing around him was Marcell Lund, standing no taller than a small child. He was dressed in a uniform much like the officer's own, but green with intricate gold detailing, and a feather cap firmly pressed down on his head. That's when he realized. Felland was a kingdom of gnomes. His face turned red in embarrassment, and he stumbled over the words as he apologized profusely for his behaviour. Marcell's reply was brief but understanding.

"It happens all the time."

------------------

Knowing that he was late, Marcell had hurried as much he could to get to the tailor shop and had to leave Gran and Ellin to deal with the various bureaucrats of the empire, while he and the largest imp, Jemmin, made their way to their destination. When they arrived Marcell was sweating profusely and had to dab himself with his handkerchief to not look completely indecent. For his small legs the trip had been twice, if not four times, as long than for the normal-sized, and he had spent most of it running. Jemmin had offered to carry him, of course, but there are few reasons in the world that he would endure such an embarrassing display.

"This looks shady. Why would the Governor have a meeting in a shop, when he no doubt has a fancy palace or some such?" Jemmin whispered to Marcell and bared his teeth at a guard as if in a snarl.

"I don't know," responded Marcell. "But the letter bore his seal, and these soldiers look real enough. Let us not give in to paranoia, friend. All will be well, I assure you..."

Spoiler: Actions

Marcell goes to the meeting a bit late.

 

[Spacekitty]

"The Descendents"

A figure draped in fine robes of red silk and golden embroiderments, similar in style to what a Greek Philosopher or more aptly Roman Senator would have worn, ascends from the deck of a modest-sized, but beautifully constructed and meticulously maintained airship. The ship is absolutely magnificent, clearly designed to catch one's eyes and keep it. In the metal and wood of its hull is etched murals depicting stories of the Forerunners, the creation of the discs and other tales. The etchings almost have a religious tone and style to them, portraying the Forerunners in an almost god-like fashion. It is a marvel of the modern world, with obvious steam technology built into, made to shine brilliantly in the sun. A sharp contest to dirty smog that rises from the ventilation.

The figure is mostly humanoid in form, though it stands a fair few inches taller than the average man and its skin is a light purple in tone and atop its head is a pair of pale-white deer antlers. Thin ribbons of bone protruding from the skin wrap around the side and back of its face and his exposed arms. Thin, but modestly long translucent red tentacles peak out from the folds in his robes, waving softly in the port-side breeze. One would be forgiven for mistaking the figure for some sort of priest or religious authority- and in a way they were right. The man was Lucious Drak'maen, the Prime-Martyr of the expedition; their leader and Shepherd in essence. He was flanked by two soldiers, their forms somewhat shorter and more slender with charcoal covered skin and horns akin to devils, clad in soldiers uniforms and bearing rifles. The trio received the Governor's men, and Lucious accepted the invitation unceremoniously. He knew an order when he received one. He was not keen on being ordered by the unchosen, but it was a reality his people, for the time being, had to live with.

On his way to the commandeered meeting spot, he was careful to take note of the other challengers that would accompany his expidition to the God Wall. He was intrigued by the assortment of groups he was met with, but unsurprised; for the most part. The Goblins, however, were a different tale. They had some sort of gear powered automaton to aid their struggles. How fascinating! And admittedly, intimidating. He would have to investigate further, such technology was quite advanced and just a fragment of the secrets the Forerunners had laid for them to discover. He would arrive at the Tailor, leaving his soldiers outside. Lucious would respond if questioned but was far more interested in speaking with the Goblins. In fact, he would approach them and question them about the automaton they had, discerning as to who had created such an amazing piece of technology. Trektek

 

[Locklaklazarii]

The Esraj, a Hermaphrodite Brig made of cedar with semi-elegant bronze detailing gently dived and ascended with the mild waves of the docks. The visage of a gorgon as it's figurehead with spots of gold seemed to be the least worn part of the ship. The two crates had passed all security the dock could provide and landed with a thud upon the ship with that Alezentra came out of the Captain's quarters strode over to one of the men who was larger than she was and firmly gave him a slack up the back of his head and whispered something in his ear that made him turn pale. She then looked at the others gave a smile while adjusting her cap and Moving to the port side of the boat and helping a few more people up unto the boat until she spied a Naval officer moving towards her ship with a few Lackeys she leaned against the rim to look down upon the man. "Madam the Governor beseeches the presence of the captain of this vessel, could you give me an audience with him perchance?"
Unamused Alezantra gave him a scowl and replied, "You are speaking with the captain of this vessel, for which what need have you... sir?"
The man had become flush with both embarrassment and what one could only assume was a bit of unspoken anger, "The Governor wishes an assessment with you promptly upon this address." after he finished his assignment he handed a note and walked off with great haste.
Alezantra looked to the rest of her crew to giving a nod and pointing out a few motioning them towards her side, and without speaking they all seemed to be on the same page and headed off to see the governor. In her mind Alezantra had already guessed this to be some sort of arbitrary political posturing of some sort towards those were were to voyage onward into this new frontier.

 

[Sylvio]

The airship had just arrived at their destination, Sun Yusen was busy going over the ship manifest and the orders that were to be delegated to the crew. He took the clipboard that had the orders written paper out of the cabin to the deck where the XO officer, Yong Shu was overlooking the ship and her crew though he stopped what she was doing once she saw Yusen. “Ah Master Sun.” she said running up to him. “We’ve just docked and I’m aware you have business with the Empire. Do you need security?”

“I’ll be fine Yong Shu. I just need you to carry out my orders while I’m gone. Basically work and sentry shifts. Also make sure there’s no clutter below deck. You can send one or two traders out to get any supplies whether it be food, toiletries, or bedding. Anything to keep morale up. And of course make sure the ships in order before we depart. Any questions?”

“Nope I’ll be ok.”

“You sure?”

“Master I promise. I’ll do as you say and ensure everything is done before you get back.”

Yusen rubbed Yong Shu’s head. “Alright I trust you. I’ll be off now.”

Yusen had exited the airship and walked through the port city. It was clear that he drew attention, Longbaoese people were a rarity in the Empire. But he didn’t mind the stares, he did a few hat tips to passerby’s as he walked through the city. Interesting that the governor would want to meet him and the other candidates in a tailor shop. Reminded him of back home with the drug mafias and the many fronts they used to do business. Armed men in an innocent shop? Yeah this was just business as usual.

Sun Yusen came across other standoffish characters who were also here to see the governor. Made sense since they didn’t appear like the Imperials. What an interesting cast. Yusen thought to himself.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Odo and his diplomat were quickly ushered into the "office" that the governor had borrowed for the time as his men waited outside. Upon arrival, Odo gave a quick salute and stood at attention. "You have requested to speak with me, Governor?" Odo curtly said, getting straight to the topic at hand.

The govenor looked up from his work and gestured to a seat "Please, sit. Be comfortable. At least... as comfortable as you can in this tiny... shop? Regardless, welcome. You're the Meriadoc lad yes? Tell me, why are you going on this expedition? Do you seek fame? Glory, Wealth? Or is it Power... many seek that one, from all over." just as it seemed he was finished he added "Oh, excuse me, a drink perhaps?"

Odo thanked the Governor for his hospitality as he took a seat. "Thank you for your hospitality, Governor Catan. A drink would be excellent. I am indeed Odo Meriadoc. The eldest son of my father, Alan Meriadoc IV. As for my reason for being here, it is of course for the sake of my name, family and for the Empire. I imagine that all who are going to the New World are seeking the same. It is a matter of why and for what purpose they seek power that differs among all the colonists."

The governor motions to a man who you hadn't seen that was stood in the corner and muttered as he wrote something on a sheet in front of him "A measured response" before looking up at you as the man provides you with a drink. "You say 'for the Empire' and yet you volunteered, all of you did. Had you not done that I would be amassing a navy but I have been saved that arduous and expensive task as you all extended an offer. So what does that mean, to you I mean, 'for the Empire'?"

"His Excellency must know that the goals and desires of myself, my family and of the Empire are quite frequently aligned on all matters. For example, my service to the Empire as a Commodore benefited all, myself, the Meriadoc family, and the Empire. I see no reason why this expedition is any different from that. If his excellency is curious about my character and abilities, then the Admiralty would surely provide you with my record and performance in the years I spent in the Imperial Navy. There must be something more pressing that you wish to discuss rather than getting a general sense of who I am and to have a drink, especially for you to have come all the way here." Odo said as he let his drink cool a little bit.

"Yes, yes I have read all that. But when you say your service to the Empire benefited you and your family what do you mean and how, if I may ask, did your service benefit the empire? I suppose what I am asking is why is your service any different from anyone else's? And to refer to our prior point, how will your future service assist the empire"

"The answer is straight forward and rather boring for it is never changing, trade. I, and the Meriadoc family have always ensured that the goods, the gold, and the spice flowed. Something that this time, I am sure that you personally, and your lands will handsomely profit from given the nature of where you governorship lies. I am certain that your governorship was rather ecstatic when you heard of the Hole and the potential that it brings. The trade and wealth that will come, how does that not benefit the Meriadoc family, you, and the Empire?"

Uther wrote something on another sheet and then gave a diplomatic smile "Trade is the wheel that turns and propels everyones lives, from the bottom of the society to the top. Empires not only rely on it but they thrive." He then looks at some papers on his Desk " I could ask you many more questions, the sort to check loyalty and the like but I will simply ask if you have noticed anything suspicious as we fear that dissidents are attempting to infiltrate this expedition."

"I imagine many... unsavory figures are attempting to head to the west, and indeed some may succeed in joining this expedition. I personally have not seen anything unusual, but the city is filled with excitement, people, wagons, and goods. It would be rather easy to blend in with the city. Not to mention there have been widespread rumors that some sort of plot is afoot. Regardless, everyone has their price. Like the native allies we have made in the other colonies of the Empire who at one point were also potential threats, I am certain that these dissidents will eventually come into the fold, one way or another. If your Excellency is very concerned of the potential threat, then I would recommend random, thorough searches of all the ships leaving to go to the New World. Perhaps, under the guise of an audit to ensure that every ship has its proper supplies and haven't been conned by local merchants and porters. Frankly, I would treat them all like potential smugglers and inspect all the ships just before they disembark. Assume the worst, and hope for the best. That is what I personally abide to. It isn't unimaginable that some dissidents have the backing of a jealous house or two."

He writes some more down and places the sheet in a drawer. "That should be all. I look forward to interacting in the future when trade from this new world flows free and full. Oh yes, and apologies once more for where we are meeting, they insisted I conduct business from within the town. I am sure we shall talk again." With that he waves you out of the room, awaiting his next interview.

Odo gave a quick salute and took his leave. "Until next time, Governor Catan."

 

[General Deth Glitch]

Trektek Sylvio Locklaklazarii Spacekitty ClayDoc
Entering the Taylor shop in a similar time to many others you notice a well-dressed member of the Matrizian Ruling class leaves a room just as another member of the Matrizian people, though not of the same caste, entered the same room. A man sat at a desk asks you all to take a seat and wait until the Governor calls for you. In the corner, a young woman with a sly smile looks at the man and nods knowingly at which point he asks if you would like a drink. You see at the far side a large shelving unit filled with bolts of fabric and in the corner, under a gas lamp, the woman picks up her violin and once more begins playing her haunting music. Her eyes closed. The soldiers are watching you carefully but don't seem to be too worried. There is seating for you all but only just enough.

You are welcome to interact with each other if you want, if you are going to have a conversation, do so in PMs and then copy into the IC once done to save on clutter. You can interact with anyone in the room and I can PM you to deal with that. And we can have group PMs and such for larger conversation, all of you could have a conversation for all it matters, or you can simply wait until you are called up.

Trektek Sylvio Locklaklazarii Spacekitty ClayDoc Pat Heyitsjiwon
Unbenownst to the party at the Taylorshop a small army is marching toward the town, not large enough to prove a threat to the increased forces marshalled into the town but enough to cause concern. Your leaders are distracted and unaware of this development but others in your faction may have noticed and wish to respond. The White moon is low to the sky behind them lighting the small force from behind.