Session Start: Sat Jun 14 19:23:55 2003 Session Ident: #pvpexaltedrp [19:23] * Now talking in #pvpexaltedrp [19:23] * Topic is 'Exalted: It seems to be crying, the moonlight. Since I cannot telephone past midnight. I do not know what to do with the love of you. My heart is a kaleidoscope. (May) Fighting soldiers from the sky, fearless men who jump and die.' [19:23] * Set by FiatVictrix on Sat Jun 07 21:12:08 [19:32] * GoldenH imagines you're going to mindfrell the regent? [19:34] * Mayumi changes topic to 'Exalted: The moon's light will guide me. So that I can once again meet you. Choreography of the stars can predict. All of the love which has come and gone. Together on the same earth, a miracle romance.' [19:34] Were we not just about done with that scene? [19:36] yea [19:36] we don't have to RP it if you don't want to [19:37] I just thought we has said what was to be said and that Cicada left. Likely with a promise to be back. [19:38] I was kinda planning to have her go back to the capital today. [19:38] ok, so you didn't try to get him to send you to your parent's house. [19:38] ah, I see [19:38] Actually... [19:38] Cicada could always shapechange and THEN go. :) [19:39] shapechange? :O [19:39] (wonder if that would count as them having their true daughter... probably would... damn..) [19:39] * GoldenH shrugs, if they don't know its you... [19:43] Hmmm... [19:44] Btw, I would like to get the spell Stormwind Rider to faciliate the trip back. Can I get that during the downtime we have already had on the boat? [19:45] hmm... ok i guess you're also going to use that downtime to buy a dot in sail? [19:45] That too... [19:45] Makes for some two weeks total, I suppose... [19:48] it's a bit longer than that [19:49] * FiatVictrix (Fiat@dialup-209.244.112.245.Dial1.Atlanta1.Level3.net) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [19:49] Gyah! I have been latchified into the channel! [19:49] * FiatVictrix is now known as Jynaru [19:49] ph33r m33 [19:49] * GoldenH is now known as Storybastard [19:50] * Mayumi is now known as Cicada [19:50] Keep that for the rest of the game. [19:50] eh [19:50] heh [19:50] I don't want the unsuspecting other players unaware of your true nature. [19:50] sorry I have to change it when the dice come out ^_^ [19:51] anyhow I have absolutely no idea what's going on, so you all have fun. [19:52] * Jynaru is boldly going where no sane person has gone before... [19:52] however I would like to warn you that I know everything and am a complete bastard so this only will bring you futher into my grasp. [19:52] ;) [19:52] * Cicada is standing in front of a painting in Jynaru's manse, looking at it intently as Jynaru walks by. [19:52] "Jynaru.. Can I ask you something?" [19:54] * Jynaru blinks, looking over at her. "Hunh? Yeah, sure." [19:54] * Cicada points at the face of a woman framed in flames. "Who is that?" [19:56] * Jynaru ambles over and looks. "Don't know. It's not listed, and I don't recognize her." [19:59] (You picked the wrong person to ask about anything that might mean something. I'm somewhere under the janitor on the list of secret Sidereal secrets. ^_^ ) [19:59] "Strange... I have seen her before. And it would mean a lot to meet her." [20:00] "Who is the artist?" [20:01] * Jynaru considers. "Any idea on who she was with when you saw her? I needed to check up on a couple of people anyway, and I guess I could back-track." [20:01] "She was with four other women, and the Empress..." [20:02] * Jynaru closes his eyes, checking mental notes. "Unfortunately, they found this picture in some ruins. Oddly complete for that sort of find... say what?" [20:02] "One of the women was myself. The other Tala. And then Ailset. And lastly Juniper." [20:02] "You guess where i am heading?" [20:03] "Yeah. We're missing someone..." [20:04] "The 'Fire' in the set, yes." [20:04] "And that is her." [20:04] * Cicada points at the face again. [20:05] "We were all in a painting in the Regent's possesion. Seems like we are all part of something important involving the Empress... and her standin." [20:05] "And that painting too was interestingly enpough found in a ruin." [20:05] * Jynaru considers. "I'd been meaning to try to find out who she was... but now it seems as if she's still around, or will be... That's even more disturbing. Multiple pictures?" [20:06] "Where was this painting exactly found?" [20:06] "No. A single painting." [20:06] "The painting was old. Can paintings foretell the future?" [20:08] do you want an int + lore for that, jynaru? [20:08] Dice Script Active [20:08] !ex 4 [20:08] Jynaru (4) 5, 5, 3, 9, Successes : 1 [20:09] sometimes? [20:10] "Paintings don't, whoever made them would have to." [20:10] "I see. That makes sense." [20:10] "As for multiple pictures, I have a variation. The Regent has a full version." [20:10] "Could you ask your... erhmm.. 'superiors' for more information?" [20:11] "It stands to reason there may be other pictures... heh." [20:11] "My superiors gave me precisely one and a half pieces of information. Bloom is my responsibility, not theirs, and I may or may not be fired." [20:12] "Fired?!" [20:12] "What do you mean?" [20:13] "No longer in the employ of the sneaky people. Apparently my tendancy to question their ineffable plan rubbed the wrong way." [20:13] "So... so they just kicked you out..?" [20:15] * Tabius (~web-Guest@ip68-108-128-145.lv.lv.cox.net) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [20:15] * Jynaru shrugs. "Well, first Sanyet came in and screamed at them and resigned. Then I was debriefed, got a single line about things that shouldn't happen, and they chucked that starmetal ring in the fireplace. Oh, and stared at me when I tried to get any sort of clue about what was going on." [20:15] "That's terrible. After all the work you have done for them." [20:16] * Cicada falls silent. [20:16] * Jynaru shrugs. "Halfway expected it." [20:16] * Cicada looks away, appearing embarressed. [20:16] "Sorry I brought it up." [20:16] "I know what you must feel." [20:17] "I felt the same when Tabius released me from my duties..." [20:17] "Ready to beat the ever-loving shit out of them for yanking me along? Or the annoyance that there has to be one of them who doesn't seem to be part of the world's greatest set of bastards?" [20:18] "What did I do wrong? Where did I fail? Am I really that useless? That kind of questions going through me head. After all, I thought I had served him well for many years." [20:18] "But think of it this way.." [20:19] "Maybe it is the same as when Tabius released me." [20:20] "Them giving you an opportunity to become more than you were before. A kind of free actor in the world. maybe they did it because they now know they can trust you to act on your own, and do so in places they cannot reach." [20:20] "I made my decision when I hooked up with Kylara again. If they're not happy about it, fine. Screw them. They didn't help when I was on the island, they didn't help before that, they aren't helping now. I don't need the damn bastards...... but I WILL get my answers." [20:21] * Cicada reaches over and gives Jynaru's hand a squeeze. [20:21] "I know you will." [20:21] * Jynaru laughs. "I hated that line of reasoning when I got it in seminary, and I hate it now. They might have cut me loose to do that, but then I'm still working for them, so I'm not cut loose in anything but name. Circles and loops." [20:22] * Cicada mutters to herself: "Yes, not loose, just like Ta..." [20:22] * Cicada cuts herself short. [20:23] "I have one more thing to ask you though." [20:23] "Hrm?" [20:24] "I'm happy Maris stayed on the island... He would have killed me for this..." [20:24] "Jynaru. I'm not going with you to Malkor's Guard." [20:24] "And I'm not going to do anything to kill the Blooded traitors - my parents." [20:25] "I simply cannot do it anymore. Not with what I know about them and the reasons for their actions." [20:25] "Reasons? It's going to take an excellent reason to explain it." [20:26] "They are not traitors... thery're hostages..." [20:26] "I am first going to the capital to join the Regent. Then I am going to their province." [20:27] * Jynaru raises an eyebrow. "Alone?" [20:27] "The Regent is assembling the five women in the picture.. So I actually should take Tala with me. But I'll leave that to her to decide." [20:28] "And I am bring Sanyet too.." [20:28] "You're still minus the fire. And how do you know having the 5 assembled is a good thing?" [20:29] "They make prophecies of warning too, you know." [20:29] "We don't. Just that it has something to do with the Empress' return." [20:29] "And then there is your mother..." [20:30] "My mother is neither the Empress, nor in the picture. What does she have to do with anything?" [20:31] "She has been fussing over me constantly the last few days... the way the boat made me sick... the way these mirror halls nauseate me... the way I am 'growing'... I certainly don't need any more grandmothers-to-be than her." [20:31] "She's doing the job of an entire army of grandmothers here." [20:31] * Jynaru laughs! [20:31] "eat this... drink this... rest here... I could go on." [20:32] "And she is telling me that I need peace and quiet the next few weeks until the birth. Not any action and fighting if there is any way to avoid it." [20:32] "Thus she wants me to go to the capital too." [20:33] "The best rest and the best physicians and widwives are all there." [20:33] (widwives..?) [20:33] [widowrs] [20:34] * Jynaru shrugs. "I don't really need convincing, Cicada. If you want to go, then go." [20:34] (I was talking about midwives. :) [20:34] "I know... You are a true friend..." [20:35] "But I need you to help convince the others." [20:35] "Vanal and Tabius in particular." [20:35] "Vanal might think treason... And Tabius..." [20:35] "... I *must* get away from Tabius..." [20:36] * Cicada holds herself as if suddenly cold. [20:36] * Jynaru nods. "Just tell when. It's not like I have much better to do." [20:36] "Well, beyond Cherak. I have a master ninja to find." [20:37] "As soon as I finish the research of the sorcery that will bring me back." [20:38] "And I wish one or more of you would learn to let your words be carried on the wind.." [20:39] "I can contact you... But right now I have to see Tabius in my dreams to hear from your side..." [20:39] * Cicada shakes her head slowly and suppresses another shudder. [20:40] "True. However, if we possessed true talent for that sort of thing, wouldn't we have already done it? Rather nice tactical advantage." [20:41] "I thought anyone could do it..? Just as I can do Martial Arts connected with Earth..." [20:41] "I said true talent. You CAN do it, it just takes more effort." [20:41] ""True." [20:42] "With everything that's been going on, our time has taken the path of least resistance." [20:42] "Okay, but I can count on you for help with the others?" [20:43] "I'll admit it's wise to do so, it'll just be some time, so I wouldn't rely on it." [20:43] "Yeah, you've got it. I don't think they're really going to argue much, but eh." [20:43] "Ah. And one more thing." [20:44] * Jynaru grins. "You're starting to sound like my grandfather." [20:44] "You should really get a steady flood of grandchildren thrown in the direction of your mother. I fear she is going to stalk me all the way to the Imperial manse..." [20:45] "Want advice on good prospective mothers?" [20:45] * Cicada smiles jestingly. [20:47] "Aiyaaaa. The last thing I need is someone younger than me giving advice on breeding partners..." [20:48] "Suuuure..?" [20:48] * Cicada stands on her toes veeeeery close to Jynaru, bringing her lips up to the height of his. [20:49] jynaru roll temperence [20:49] Sigh. Remind me to spend some of my 40 XP on temperance soon. [20:49] !ex 2 [20:49] Jynaru (2) 1, 5, Successes : 0 , Botch [20:49] (....) [20:49] * Jynaru fucking knew it. [20:50] ok jynaru! take her! [20:50] or something. [20:52] cicada, roll temperence. [20:52] !ex 2 [20:52] Cicada (2) 7, 7, Successes : 2 [20:52] You see? [20:52] You see? [20:52] I see. [20:52] YOU MUST KEEP STORYBASTARD! [20:52] well you can deny him if you want. But you'd feel really sad. [20:52] The dice are tainted by your presence. [20:53] Begone, foul demon. [20:53] never! [20:53] you should have had FRebecca roll the dice. [20:53] now you're coming onto cicada and you're going to take her advice when she denies you. [20:53] * Cicada is rather surprised by the sudden force behind Jynaru's kiss and stunned she is incapable of putting up resistance for a few brief seconds. [20:54] * Jynaru makes with the elaborate sweeping off feet and kiss, setting her back down and wagging a finger. "Bad Cicada. If that's the sort of advice you give, I'm going to have to enroll in classes." [20:54] * Cicada is deep glowing red and utterly speechless. [20:55] "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have places to be where the head with the eyes does the thinking... and nice lip-gloss. Quite tasty." [20:55] "Jynaru stop... wait... I'm not..." [20:55] * Cicada pushes herself out of Jynaru's arms and straighten her dress." [20:56] "Sorry about that... I just wanted to try..." [20:56] "And I so felt you deserved it.. " [20:57] * Jynaru sighs. "It's not your fault. I just have this odd lack of mental coherence around women so devestatingly beautiful as you." [20:57] * Cicada blushes. [20:57] "Tha.. thank you. And you are my best friend... so it's okay. I don't mind." [20:58] * Jynaru bows sweepingly, and turns, looking over his shoulder. "Now, I'm going to go find the coldest shower this side of the Northern pole. See you at dinner." [20:58] * Cicada nods - herself seriously considering a cold bath. [21:00] allright, since i'm the storybastard... [21:00] you both go to take cold baths. [21:00] But end up at the same bath. [21:00] (....) [21:01] * Cicada politely proposes washing Jynaru's back, half wanting him to decline, half hoping he'll accept. [21:02] * Jynaru considers. "Well, at least I'm facing the other way..." [21:03] "O.. okay." [21:04] * Jynaru begins the slow mental count for either Tabius, Sanyet, or ICS to enter like every other time this situation occurs. It's not my life if something doesn't get horribly misunderstood. [21:06] * Cicada rinses and soaps Junaru. And then gives him a massage after the soak, and is a little puzzled when he refuses to turn around fro mlying on his stomach after the last bit. [21:07] * Storybastard is now known as Storyteller [21:08] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Storyteller [21:08] * Jynaru considers another cold shower. "*cough* If you'll pardon my not getting up... I already am." [21:09] allright then.... jynaru you get to sit around and watch a bit. [21:10] Jynaru leaves after the mysterious woman who you remember from the ship, leaving you alone with your thoughts in the exotic greenhouse that houses so many strange plants. A china pitcher of hot water is on the table, obviously magically kept warm, and your china cups are filled with delicious tea that tastes somewhat of mint and raspberry. [21:11] A few moments later Sanyet excuses himself from the table; he has to use the bathroom. [21:12] (I suppose the talk between Cic and Jyn occurs a while after this?) [21:12] * Ressar (~ltermac@HSE-QuebecCity-ppp3498962.sympatico.ca) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [21:12] * Tabius enjoys the tea after the long march to get here. [21:12] yea, a whiles. [21:12] * Cicada 's smile is replaced with a frown the minute sanyet is out the door and she sits staring into her cup. [21:12] (Looks like the Northe rKnife will be filling in for Van today...let's see if the group noticed) [21:13] (KILL THE ANATHEMA!!) [21:13] * Ressar is now known as Vanal [21:13] nobody seems to notice the shifty-eyed assassin sitting where vanal usually sits... [21:13] (Tonight, we've replaced your regular DT character with an Anathema. Let the hilarity ensue...) [21:13] oh well never mind : [21:13] the woman who was pouring tea for you earlier walks back in. [21:13] (Hey it could be worse...could be Diethelm) [21:14] <*Servant*> "Is there anything I can do for you until Master returns?" [21:14] "I.... I would like something to eat." [21:14] "Do you have beef?" [21:14] * Kraken (The_Kraken@pc1023.wilm.man.ac.uk) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [21:14] "Eay something to eat would be great!" [21:14] "just some grape juice, please." [21:14] "Preferably red." [21:15] "And bloody." [21:15] <*Servant*> "Of course, I can bring that... anything else?" [21:15] * Tabius raises and eyebrown in Cicada's direction, then painfully remembers that she is pregnant and her hunger would normaly vary [21:16] *mutter* "Today we've replaced Cicada with a river plains Tiger...let's see if the circle notices..." [21:17] the servant smiles and bows and leaves the room to bring Cicada and Tabius some nice beefy food [21:18] so what do you talk about when they're gone? [21:21] "May i have some steamed rice please?" [21:21] "An amazing structure this, must be a remanent of the first age." [21:21] "The prefect and their escorts, are they going to Malkor's Guard as well?" [21:21] "Thats what I understood, well the ones that we know are." [21:21] The servant will also bring Tala some rice [21:22] "It is because I'm worried about Bentharr." [21:23] "He is utterly insane under the stable facade. And he is being sorcerorously controlled by somebody very powerful." [21:23] "A enigmatic individual to be sure." [21:23] "That is not good." [21:23] "It would take more than my meager healing skills to remove the control." [21:23] "I bet we all know who is behind this, but we need not mention any names." [21:23] "All I saw of the identity of his controller was a huge candlelit cathedral." [21:24] "So unless the person my lord is talking about became a priest recently..." [21:25] the servant returns, walking slowly in her elegant dress, a large jade platter magically balancing itself on one hand, with several plates of steaming food on it. Unlike most waitresses at common restruants, you find she actually has your orders right! [21:26] "The Deceivers are priest after a fashion, but it would be nice to get a good description of the Cathedral." [21:26] * Vanal arches an eyebrow "Impressive." [21:26] * Cicada bites into her juice dripping beef with a fervor that makes the servant jump back and count her fingers - twice. [21:27] Sanyet returns from the bathroom and takes his seat next to cicada, somewhat disturbed that he has a plate waiting for him that he likes, but just smiles gently at Cicada's ravenous appetite [21:28] * Vanal blinks [21:28] <*Servant*> "If you wish me to return, just tap the side of your spoon on the inside of the cup - I'll arrive shortly. Until then, enjoy your lunch!" she smiles and bows, gracefully leaving the room. [21:28] "Okay, now I'm disturbed." [21:28] "Thank you." [21:28] "Thank you as well." [21:28] * Tabius digs in. [21:28] * Tala pours herself a cup of tea, and eats her rice [21:28] * Cicada growls at Sanyet and pulls 'his' plate over to herself. It was *her* sidedisc. Sanyet can order his own food. [21:28] "Thanks." [21:28] * Tabius almost chokes on his food trying not to laugh at Cicada. [21:37] ok... you hear a click behind you.. and jynaru is standing there, his back to you, looking down the hallway he left through... [21:38] "Hello" [21:38] * Cicada glances up at Jynaru and out the corridor. [21:38] * Jynaru shakes himself a little. "Hello. Enjoying the food?" [21:39] "Yes, great." [21:39] "Yes... thank you. It is delicious." [21:39] * Jynaru nods, taking a seat and casting a quick look at Sanyet. [21:39] * Tabius keeps munching away, in a vein attempt to keep up with Cicada. [21:40] * *Sanyet* isn't quite looking at Jynaru but he rattles the ice in his wine glass conspiratorially. [21:40] "Not bad." [21:41] * Jynaru winces. Ice? In a WINE glass? Where did he... oh, yeah. [21:42] <*Sanyet*> "Why don't you tell us more about the manse, jynaru? When was it built?" [21:42] "Not very good juice, though." [21:43] * Cicada pauses from her eating at Sanyet's question and looks up, clearly curious herself. [21:45] * Tala eats quietly by herself, listening to the conversation [21:47] "It's actually rather old. Seems to be an experimental design by an apprentice manse designer, slowly improved over the years." [21:48] "That's part of the reason why it's so confusing. Also for the rather unique styling. I'm not sure if it's quite First Age, as I haven't really had the time to check the records. Besides, it's far more fun finding out yourself." [21:50] the servant returns, picking up the dishes, and time passes. [21:50] "The gardens were improved in my tenure here... Also the vault. If you look through the records, each owner leaves an imprint on the design." [21:50] (Yay! Time passes!) [21:51] "How long has it been in the family Jynaru?" [21:51] "Almost as long as the family has been around. It's a favorite, and I'm rather lucky to be in residence here." [21:52] "That is excellent."......and time passes. [21:53] You spend several days at Jynaru's manse. Every day is a rather interesting day; Jynaru's manse isn't quite the cesspool of the universe and there is more to do than wander around and get lost in the mirrored labyrinth. There are also pretty girls to chase and a whole lotta places to hone your combat skills. [21:53] Actually there isn't much to do in Jynaru's manse without Jynaru telling you what to do so you end up sticking around him a lot. [21:54] I gave them the tourists guides... [21:54] "Jyn...this place is fuckin' DULL." [21:54] They just don't get to wander around in the mirrored maze with the ninjas on staff randomly attacking without supervision. ^_^ [21:55] However, the floating nature of the manse seems to protect you from ninja raves and mysterious peleps massuse legions [21:55] "I take it you'd prefer running around in a mirrored maze in the dark with ninja chsing you?" [21:56] * Jynaru shrugs. "The manse doesn't seem to be designed for guests staying longer than a couple of days." [21:56] "Not particularly." [21:56] "So lets be off, we have been vacationing here for long enough." [21:57] One of Jynaru's old friends... Ledaal Mordinaw is here and is preparing Jynaru's bow for attunement. It takes about a week to do this, and on the eight day, it's time to get attuned. [21:57] * Cicada has had her talk with Jynaru at this time, I suppose. [21:57] indeed. [21:57] Do you guys want to watch Jynaru get his bow? [21:57] Why do I have visions of those bunkers near nuclear test sites? [21:58] ...abotu as much as watching paint dry ? [21:58] * Cicada will try not to be anywhere near the line of fire in case his eyes (and aim) wander. :) [21:58] * Storyteller shrugs and gives jynaru the bow. Make your wits + lore roll jynaru [21:58] it's diff 4 [21:58] ...HOLY... [21:59] <*Mordinaw*> "You ready Jynaru?" [21:59] Let's add up some stunty and a virtue. [21:59] Moment to compose. [21:59] * *Mordinaw* nods and sits back in the chair, pulling down the safety barrier between Jynaru and the bow [21:59] * Tala watches jynaru prepare his bow [22:00] <*Sanyet*> "So we're going back to the Imperial City, Cicada?" [22:00] * Cicada watches calmly (and activates Whirlwind Shield Form around herself and Sanyet) [22:01] "Yes we are. Unless you wat to go to Malkor's Guard and the likely fighting there." [22:01] <*Sanyet*> "Not especially. At least we'll be safe from the Anathema there." [22:02] * Cicada nods. "Yes. safe." [22:02] * Jynaru nods to Mordinaw, cracking his neck and looking at the results of the work. I am NOT afraid of wyld-zones-in-a-bottle. I am not afraid of giant super-artifacts of ultimate doom. He steps forward, grabbing onto it with both hands, channeling a little surplus of essence in his haste to get this over with, ignoring the strange winds and shifting colors that surround him, intent on getting the core of the bow to shut the hell up and let him use it. [22:02] * Cicada holds one hand gently against her belly. [22:02] +2 so far [22:03] Esscnce begins to float around Jynaru as Mordinaw pulls on a lever, staring to match the attunement between Jynaru's old bow and the new one [22:04] * Jynaru 's heaves the thing up, muscles straining as the thing begins to writhe in his hands, coiling around his fingers as it stretches, almost reaching out for him. [22:04] the bow is huge... easily longer than Jynaru is tall. [22:04] !ex 11 [22:04] Jynaru (11), 1, 7, 7, 8, 10, 2, 2, 6, 10, 10, 7, Successes : 10 [22:04] * *Jynaru (11)* 3, 8, 7, 9, 5, 7, 5, 3, 4, 3, 4, Successes : 4 [22:04] I WANT VANALS! [22:04] no :) [22:05] bad Vanal! [22:05] but... 10.... [22:05] Jynaru attunes to the bow with shining and glory! [22:05] Dice Script Deactivated [22:05] Now it's time to go... [22:05] (I never turned it ON) [22:05] [heh] [22:05] *whimpersob* you stole all my mojo, canal. Why, why?! [22:05] Everyone is bored of Jynaru's manse, but at least the women seem to enjoy the trip. [22:06] And indeed, it is time to get the hell out of here. I have master ninja to hunt. [22:06] so it's time to go...... and this is where I make a note. [22:07] Cicada is going back to Imperal City to visit the parents. Those of you intersted in exploring Red Bloom's city may do so by going with her and being assigned to an official search party by the Regent. [22:07] errr [22:07] Alternatively, you can continue to Malkors Guard and investigate Bentharr and Renig. [22:08] You can do both; and you don't all have to do the same thing. [22:09] who wants to do what? [22:09] Where is Van going? [22:10] Malkor [22:10] is going to Malkor [22:10] He is SO going to track down Renig [22:10] Tabius and Vanal for Malkor. Cicada for Bloom. [22:11] Where exactly is Cherak? [22:11] Far northeast, across the inner sea, it will take way too long to get there [22:11] if Cicada goes off on her own it's not a big problem but you're missing out on the bloom investigation if you don't do it eventually. [22:12] Urgh. So, basically, ninja dude and whether or not I'm fired isn't in the scope of the game? [22:12] [Malkor] [22:12] not right now. [22:12] it will happen in this game. [22:12] just not tonight.. [22:12] Three for malkor. [22:13] Malkor. I've had one lapse of sanity regarding Cicada already. [22:13] Awww... [22:13] I don't need another, especially in the environs of the imperial city. [22:13] After malkor, Tala will be going to see her mentor, since he isn't far... allright then. looks like Cicada is going off to imperial city. [22:13] [i will go w/ Cicada] [22:13] I don't think you REALLY want Jynaru slaughternating the Regent. [22:13] But the regent is nice! [22:14] He is just being polite to all those dozens of other women! I'm special! [22:14] I can go anywhere. I just fail to see where my skills are useful in the city path. [22:14] [hmm, i was thinking if i pick up Indisputable Physical Analysis to aid investigation, it would be good to go w/ Cicada] [22:14] how much have you told them at this point Cicada. [22:14] With Malkor, there are people to hit. [22:15] * Jynaru can hit people real good. [22:15] [but Going to Malkor has the benefit Jyn mentioned] [22:15] Tabs can go with Cicada........he has lots of investigation and perception [22:15] If thats whats needed. [22:15] Tabs will go were he is asked. [22:15] * Cicada has told them that she is going to help their support at the Regent's side. And go investigate the province that Bloom controls. [22:16] The difficult part of the firt is that one has to be able to stand the Reegnt is close promixity. The second that getting caught is death. [22:17] So Cicada will go off either way, but I have a sneaky way to get around that if nobody really wants to go with her. [22:17] (Regent in close) [22:18] I guess I'll go investigate Malkorville. [22:18] Er, wait. [22:18] Bloomville? [22:18] oh, sodding...is Van huntign down Renig and bentharr SOLO ?! [22:18] * Jynaru shrugs. Wherever the hell. If they're worried about Cicada going alone, she won't be. Also, I'm fired. [22:18] Therefore leaving the current hunt seems to be apropos. [22:19] You can always follow Cicada later. [22:19] It makes sense for Tabius and Tala to go to malkor's guard, due to Cathak army and Tala needing to deal with the abandoned temple. [22:19] * Cicada will stop in Imperial City for some time. Got a Regent to entertain. [22:19] Nika is a no show, Vanal has to lead the army. [22:19] she's unlikely to be harmed or found out on her own. [22:20] Tala will go to Malkor's Guard [22:20] Besides, it's also my only lead on Raziel and I can carry the mighty picture with me. [22:20] Maybe comparing my picture and the Regent's picture will help. [22:21] allright... so Jynaru and Cicada / Tala and Vanal. I imagine that Nika will go with whoever Tabius doesn't go with. [22:21] If this causes problems for anyones plans, I can just send the pic and ask Cicada to look out for Raziel. [22:22] * Jynaru 's sort of in a spot where it doesn't really matter, and there's nothing to recommend either option. [22:22] Where do people want me? [22:22] * Storyteller does not mind either way, you are good. [22:22] "My lord. Vanal will need socerous support. Remember that Bentharr is being controlled." [22:22] "Good idea." [22:23] Why don't we do Cathaks and monk and then the other peoples? [22:23] You can all go with Cathaks and monk and then other peopls if you want. [22:23] i'm just wondering what you want to do since Cicada is taking off. [22:24] Let me introduce something and see how that influences Jynaru's decision. [22:25] Cicada is standing on the precipice of the fall down into the valley below, preparing to cast her stormwind rider spell to take her away from the manse and back to the Imperial City. [22:25] It is a overcast day, and stormclouds are brooding; it is likely to rain, and you are all wearing coats over your armor, or have one nearby, so that you don't get wet when it starts. [22:27] Just as Cicada is about to cast her spell, however, a single lone traveller can be seen in the distance, making their way to the manse. They come with no warning, and no escort, not even riding a horse. Hidden in a dark cloak, and face turned downword, you can't tell who it is, but they are approaching surely and steadily, if not making any apparent effort to hide their travel. [22:28] * Vanal scratches his chin [22:29] * Jynaru peers down at them. THIS is new. [22:29] The mysterious traveller passes near you, and stops in the middle of the road, squiting up to the dark shapes on the precipice, the sky too dark to make out who you are. [22:29] "HoO traveller, what brings you this way?" [22:30] <*Girl*> "I'm looking for a friend!" you can bearly make out her voice through the roaring winds that suddenly arise as rain begins to fall from the dark clouds looming above [22:31] "Aren't we all? Who in particular?" [22:31] * Tala watches the traveler. [22:31] * Tabius smiles, its a girl. [22:31] <*Girl*> "Jynaru? Is that you?" she yells up, holding the cloak tighter to herself as shelooks up. [22:32] "Yeah. At least, the last time I checked!" [22:33] * *Girl* stumbles off the road, looking up and walking towards the group... her voice sounds oddly familiar... [22:34] * Cicada eyes Jynaru for his reaction on recognizing the girl. [22:34] * *Girl* climbs up the precipice onto the huge rocky ledge to where you are all gathered, looking worriedly at everyone around her, hunched inside her robes so that you cannot tell who she is." [22:34] * Jynaru 's reaction is hidden. [22:35] <*Girl*> "I got your letter, I came as soon as I could." [22:35] "... Letter?" [22:36] * *Girl* reaches into her robes and pulls out a crumpled sheet of yellowed paper, offering it to jynaru. The rain is falling harder now, and you can see the ink beginning to run, smearing the words. [22:36] * Jynaru grabs it, bending over it to shield it from the rain. [22:37] It's a letter from you, in your own hand, to her, asking her to come visit you, saying it's very important and you miss her, etc, love note stuff. [22:37] * *Girl* pulls her cloak tighter around her against the buffetting rain, hiding herself from everyone else. [22:38] * Jynaru curses vehemently. [22:38] "Perhaps we should seek some shelder ladies and gentlemen while we figure out whats next?" [22:38] * Tala nods [22:38] "Let us go inside." [22:38] the stormclouds rumble overhead ominously and the rains turn into waves of sleet [22:39] "Like FUCK I'm staying out in this shit." [22:39] * Jynaru nods. "You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up." [22:39] * Tabius hops to it and gets inside. [22:40] * Cicada mumbles about having to go, then makes one more glance at Jynaru and the girl in turn and goes inside. [22:40] The lot of you run across the field back to the manse for shelter, while jynaru and the mysterious girl talk it out in the roaring rain [22:40] * *Sanyet* runs alongside Cicada, holding her inside his raincoat so that she won't ruin her dress. [22:41] She really thought you sent her the letter, Jynaru. What are you going to do now? [22:42] I.... Errrrrr... die? [22:42] Hmmm.. .there IS a large cliff right there you can jump off. [22:42] "Sorry about the delay, Sanyet. But I suspect Jynaru might have problems. That letter is a very common ploy to locate somebody." [22:42] <*Sanyet*> "Hmm.. I don't know.. he seems to know her." [22:42] Jebus. Is there anything in the letter about plans? [22:42] * *Sanyet* squints through the rain at you currently shltered in some kind of ancient hangover. [22:43] "He does. But an eneemy of one or both of them likely sent that letter." [22:43] No, just vauge needing her to see you because you miss her [22:43] <*Sanyet*> "Hmm... possibly." [22:43] Because, quite honestly, my new main goal is to eradicate the personage who is trying to turn my brain into mush. [22:43] * *Sanyet* looks up from your shelter towards one of the manses large towers. Lightning cracks and thunder rumbles across the ground [22:44] <*Storybastard*> ... please don't kill me? [22:44] * Tabius is unhappy and thinks the storm is somehow magicly induced and starts using his mystic senses to see if his theory is correct. [22:44] roll per + occult tabius [22:44] You have until the campaign ends before my murderous rage comes out. [22:45] heh [22:45] !ex 18 [22:45] * *Tabius (18)* 2, 1, 8, 10, 7, 3, 4, 9, 2, 4, 3, 1, 10, 1, 7, 2, 5, 3, Successes : 8 [22:45] Was she doing anything important when the letter came? And does she have any advice to offer regarding my two paths beyond walk them and slaughter true letter-writer? [22:46] The storm is completely natural, Tabius, but you can't help but feel this whole thing is contrived. [22:47] She was just doing her job.. she abandoned it and didn't tell anybody where she was going, and doesn't know whats going on but seems hurt that you didn't want to see her and worried about what she's supposed to do now. [22:47] * Tabius walks out of the shelder and drows his enchanted blade charging it to glow blue and heads out ot Jynaru. [22:47] Basically her family is not happy and will be very unhappy if she finds out where she is right now. [22:48] * *Sanyet* gives a calming glance at Cicada and runs out into the storm after Tabius. [22:48] * Jynaru sighs. "I wanted to see you. But I wouldn't pull you away from your duties... someone... I did NOT write this letter. I did not know there was a letter. I was about to head back to the imperial city for a short while when you showed up..." [22:49] <*Girl*> she shudders. "If I go back to the imperial city... But why would they send me here if you were going to come to me?" [22:50] * Cicada gives a start and then follows Sanyet. [22:50] "Because someone is trying to take my life apart a piece at a time, it seems. And I am NOT happy about it." [22:50] * Tabius keeps a decent distance away from the two having the conversations, but keeps his senses about him looking for danager. [22:51] The woman in a white raindress [the one who summoned jynaru earlier] walks out of the manse near where everyone was hiding from the storm and watches the scene unfold before her. [22:51] "The other option is to go to Malkor's Guard..." [22:51] * *Sanyet* stops near Tabius, looking back and forth, breath steaming as he sticks his cold hands in his pockets [22:52] <*Girl*> "Whoever wrote this letter must want you to go there.. but if I go back to the imperial city..." [22:52] <*Sanyet*> "Seems odd, doesn't it Tabius?" he yells over the storm, Jynaru can't make out what he's saying [22:53] "What? What? If you go back, what? [22:53] * Vanal shoves his hands into his coat pocket [22:53] <*Girl*> "I just left! I couldn't tell anyone where I was going!" [22:54] "Yes, very. It seems so contrived." [22:54] the woman in a white raindress stands near Vanal, out of the rain, twirling her umbrealla gently back and forth while she watches the scene. [22:56] * Jynaru sighs. "If we go to Malkor's Guard, what then? The only thing I can think of is to head this off at the pass and try to fix it now, instead of trying to hide and it get found out." [22:56] "Do you ever feel like your just a piece on a game board being pushed around at the whim of some person playing the game? [22:56] "It's not like there's not going to be any scrutiny on the Malkor mission....." [22:57] She seems unhappy but is willing to let you decide.. [22:58] <*Sanyet*> "Yes, I think that is why we have to have our own plans for what we want to do." he smiles and pats Tabius on the back. "I'm sure you'll have fun soon." he shouts conspiratorially, his words lost in the wind to Cicada who arrives a moment later to the rest, staring at Jynaru andthe woman on the edge of the bluff. [22:59] * Jynaru leans down and smiles. "You've got time, right? A day? I can catch up to them later... nobody will know you're here..." [22:59] Do I see woman in white? [22:59] make per + awe [22:59] !ex 6 [22:59] * *Jynaru (6)* 3, 6, 5, 9, 8, 4, Successes : 2 [22:59] !ex 6 [22:59] * *Storyteller (6)* 3, 10, 6, 2, 5, 2, Successes : 2 [22:59] you see her but don't know her [22:59] * Tabius looks over at Senyet and raises and eyebrow wondering if Sanyet really knows that Tabius has fun in only two real ways. [23:00] * *Sanyet* looks at Cicada, frowning worriedly "You're runing your dress..." [23:00] "I promise, I will be RIGHT back." (Don't know someone and Kylara is here? AH-HA!) [23:01] * Jynaru backs away, gauging the distance, and then EXPLODES through the rain towards the person in white. SOMEBODY GOT SOME SPLAININ TO DO. [23:01] (Basically not to splash poor Kylara. She's had enough shit today.) [23:01] <*Kylara*> stands worriedly, holding the hem of her dress as a sudden gust of wind blows off her hood, revealing her identity to the rest... [23:02] The woman in white smiles to Vanal as she sees jynaru running towards them, and opens the door and walks through when Jynaru is just bursting past the throng gathered to watch him. [23:03] * Cicada sneezes lightly. [23:03] * Tabius lights his anima to keep Cicada warm. [23:04] * Cicada then walks over to Kylara, and taking her hand walks in under the roof with her. Not quite manageing to look like she is not running away from Tabius promixity. [23:04] Jynaru runs inside, leaving the rest of you alone. It's obvious he won't be here for a while. [23:04] * Vanal scowls [23:04] * Vanal sighs and fishes out a cigarette [23:04] * Jynaru 's words float back. "JUST GO ON! I'll CATCH UP!" [23:04] "what the Hell was that all about ?" [23:05] "Right. Okay, everyone who's headed to Malkor's Crossing. We are heading OUT." [23:05] * Tabius follows the woman back to the shelter as it were flaming on. [23:05] the tepet looks shyly at the rest of you as she is surrounded by potential people who know who she is and could give her up. [23:05] * Vanal looks at the Tepet and shrugs [23:05] "Don't look at me, I ain't sayign SHIT." [23:06] * *Kylara* seems a bit mollified and leans against the wall of the manse. [23:06] (They know I WILL slaughter them like animals. Goooooood brotherhood. ^_~ ) [23:06] * Tala nods and goes inside to collect her things and get ready to travel to MG [23:06] * Tabius looks around on the ground for a few seconds, "Shit, where?" [23:06] well you've all allready got your things.... [23:07] just were seeing Cicada off on your way to the docks. [23:07] * *Sanyet* looks at Cicada, catching her hand in his. "We should go... Jynaru's going to be a while. If we hurry we can outrun the storm." [23:07] "But Jynaru... he might need..." [23:07] "You're right..." [23:08] "Lets go.." [23:08] "Okay troops, we are LEAVING !" [23:08] * Tabius thinks to himself, good. [23:08] * *Sanyet* nods to Cicada and waves goodbye one last time to the rest of you before following Cicada back into the maelstorm, sheltering her from the worst of the destructiony [23:08] * Vanal hefts his bag [23:08] * Tabius doesn't bother to sheeth his sword. [23:09] * Vanal nods to them [23:09] * Vanal starts tromping off [23:09] * Tabius does a fencing style solute. [23:09] * Tabius then follows after Vanal wishing shit didn't happen to be in every spot they kept stepping. [23:10] (actually if it is only me and Jyn going to the capital, then I don't mind waiting. In game Jyn cannot possible take more than a few hours of arguing with various womanfolk.) [23:10] allright, I don't know which way he's going to chose. [23:10] (and it just seems so cold to leave him behind) [23:10] Either way lets move on, I have things to sic on the rest of them. [23:11] (ok, then hit the poor malkor crew ;) [23:12] * Cicada helps Kylara to some dry clothes and warm soup to drink while she waits. [23:12] (Bah. Leave the Jyn behind. He has about 5 SAN losses to roll and asylum time to make. ^_^ ) [23:13] The boat ride is rather uneventful, and you arrive at malkor's guard a month later to find the 3rd Legion supplementing the armies of Malkor's guard, though the most part of them are relaxing in the many barracks.. the city is much quieter than last time, and there is no one to announce you at the gate... nevertheless, the prefect Tatatshwan and Malena are there to greet you, though the kids are nowhere to be seen. [23:13] (but I want to witness your Sudden Inspiration for hints on how to defeat the Elder God) [23:14] (Answer: Hit it hard. VERY hard.) [23:14] * Tabius greets the two as friends. [23:14] * Vanal thanks Mela and Hesiesh once again when he walks off that boat in one piece [23:16] "I swear...I hate those things." [23:16] * Vanal recovers his compositure [23:17] "It is good to see you both again." [23:17] <*Tatatshwan*> "It is good to see you again as well!" he smiles broadly, "I trust you had a good journey, besides the rain?" the sweltering heat from the sun beating down from you as you wish for the rain. [23:17] "It was an interesting journy to say the least, but good none the less." [23:18] "I trust my men haven't been a problem ?" [23:20] <*Tatatshwan*> "No, they've been more than helpful. The bandit raids have been picking up again... I think they were quiet for the winter, trying to trick us into thinking they left." [23:20] * Vanal nods [23:21] <*Malena*> "However, we're very glad you could join us again. If there's anything we can do to help you, just let us know." [23:22] * Vanal nods...his gaze lingering on Malena a trifle longer than necessary... [23:23] * *Malena* is quite beautiful, but remebering her mother, you wonder if she'll really stay that way for long... [23:24] * Tabius just smiles and nods and tries to figure out what they are hiding if anything. [23:24] (True...this is more a relic of the collective dream on the ship, remember ?) [23:24] <*Tatatshwan*> "But, if you'll excuse us.. we have important buisness to attend to. This is not a festival, this is the every day work and grind of reality." he smiles apologetically. "If the barracks aren't good enough, I'm sure we can find you better accomidations, though outisde of the Manor, not much so." [23:25] damn, I don't remember the collective dream very well at all :P [23:25] * Vanal nods "Thank you, anyways." [23:25] oh, right.. wooo i am evil.... [23:25] err [23:25] "Thank you, they should do fine." [23:26] * *Tatatshwan* and Malena bow and take their leave. Just as they go, you realize that bentharr was watching you from the side. Carefully, he steps away from the building he blended in with so well a moment before and follows after the Prefect and his beautiful wife, and from there to there you see other members of the personal guard aslo shadowing the nobility of this small prefecture.. [23:28] * Tabius does a good solid look over of Bentharr looking for a trace of essence and magics. [23:28] "Ah, the common bodyguard, Spookus Realmus Domesticus..." [23:29] Bentharr is not having any artifacts or committed essence-charms so you do not dettect anything out of the ordinary from this disance. [23:30] * Tala (~Werlynn@ool-182dcd08.dyn.optonline.net) Quit (Quit: ) [23:30] In any case, the city is yours to explore once again. [23:31] The streets are not so crowded, but there is a decent amount of traffic, if rather boring peddlers selling mundane ware. [23:31] "Where to fearless General Vanal? [23:31] * Vanal arches an eyebrow "The barracks, got to confer with my XO." [23:32] * Tabius follows Vanal. [23:33] And off you go to the barracks.. but on the way, a shady street urchain catches your attention with a loud "Pssst" and a wave to a quiet alleyway, [i mean c'mon, every ST needs to use this sometimes] [23:33] * Vanal stops in mid-stride [23:33] * Tabius puts his hand on his sword hilts and walks over to the deadbeat. [23:33] * Vanal simply turns his head 90 degrees. "What?" [23:34] * *street_urchin* quickly retreats to his alley, but not before whispering "Lord Vanal... I have a message for you.." [23:34] * Tabius walks in behind the untouchable, "You can give that message to me, the general is a busy man." [23:35] "Tabius...you can save the bodyguard routine, I don't need one." [23:36] * Vanal sighs and walks into the alley [23:36] "Out with it." [23:36] <*Street_Urchin*> "I know somebody who wants to meet him! somebody he wants to meet!" he whispers to Tabius, and you are amazed that his high realm is so good. Either this street urchin learned high realm on the streets with a perfect eastern-isle accent [23:36] or he has simply fallen on bad times. [23:36] "Who is the person ?" [23:36] <*Street_Urchin*> "I can take you to him!" he says excitedly, and then his eyes narrows as he looks back and forth "You know who he is lord vanal, he's been looking for you for some time..." [23:37] "You're going to need to be more specific than that. [23:37] "I have many people looking for me." [23:38] <*Street_Urchain*> "Well then I will give you this..." he reaches into his robes and pulls out a rubbing on a piece of paper... somebody apparently took a cathak legion scalemaster's pin and made a rubbing of it and gave it to this street urchain. He smells really really bad, though, and the paper is splattered with some liquids that you don't really want to know the origins of. [23:39] * Vanal scowls [23:39] * Tabius looks in on the guys surface thoughts to eek out the answer to Vanals question. [23:39] "Who gave you this ?" [23:40] <*Street_Urchain*> "You know.. if you want to see him, you will follow me.. won't you?" he laughs, deliriously, hands clutching at his side as he starts to cough. [23:42] "If this is some trick, you will be dead before you have time to register the pain." [23:42] <*Street_Urchain*> "Come on, come on!" he laughs heartily, and wanders over to a sewer grating, "You've been down here once before, yes?" [23:42] he laughs at your threat and throws the grate aside. the man still has some startling strength for being as ragged. [23:42] * Vanal 's nose turns [23:42] "Yes." [23:43] "Tabius, come on." [23:43] * Tabius looks in on the guys surface thoughts to eek out the answer to Vanals [23:43] roll it [23:43] !ex 11 [23:43] * *Tabius (11)* 10, 8, 7, 3, 9, 9, 4, 9, 6, 10, 8, Successes : 10 [23:43] * *Street_Urchain* jumps down the sewer. [23:43] *mutters to shak* "Somehow, I doubt the aftermath of this trek will be a spleasant as the last one, eh love ?" [23:43] * Vanal slides down the ladder [23:44] down into the sewers you go.. [23:45] * Tabius follows Vanal down but pulls him to the side once down [23:46] "what is it, golenrod ?" [23:46] and you come across somebody, somebody waaaay to familiar, curled up in a corner of the sewers... [23:46] * Tabius whispers, "We are going to see Renig, haha." [23:47] "I figured as much. This was his pin." [23:47] * Vanal scowls [23:47] "Oh...." [23:47] the one legged amputee has had better days, clearly. but a one-legged amputee in the middle of a sewer isn't as crazy as whose face she wears. [23:47] "Thanks for warning a fellow." [23:47] * Vanal looks at the face [23:50] (and ?) [23:51] Well it's Cicada! [23:51] * Vanal blinks [23:51] "What...the...fuck ?!" [23:51] "Ge.. get away from me! Please..!" [23:52] * Vanal blinks...confused [23:52] * Cicada curls up in the dirty corner. [23:52] * Tabius jaw drops. [23:53] "Cicada ?!" [23:53] "........um....." [23:53] "Don't touch me! Please don't touch me any more... I beg you..." [23:53] * Cicada sobs loudly. [23:53] "Cicada ! It's Vanal !" [23:54] * Tabius looks at the rest of Cicada curled up wondering if it really could be Cicada or if some sorcerer has entanted this indivudal with Cicadas face. [23:54] * Vanal wades through the muck [23:54] it's cicada.. though, not as she looks now. She looks as she did when you left the island. [23:54] * Vanal scowls [23:55] * Vanal kneels down [23:55] "Sable Cicada !" [23:55] * Tabius approaches closer and stands guard as it were with worry written all across his face. [23:55] * Cicada whimpers feebly and tries to scamper further away from Vanal. [23:56] "Please go away..." [23:56] "What's wrong...how...I mean...what are you doing here ?" [23:56] * Cicada shakes her head even as she tries to shield herself with her arms. [23:56] * Vanal holds his hands up in the universal "Look ? see ? No danger." pose [23:57] "Tabius ! What the heck is going on ?" [23:57] "Where'd the urchin go ?" [23:57] "I do not know, it looks like we have a mystery on our hands." [23:57] * Tabius looks for the urchin. [23:57] the urchin tuns and blinks blankly at Tabius [23:58] "Is this who we are here to see?" [23:59] <*Street_Urchin*> "What? Who's there?" he shouts angrily at cicada. [00:00] <*Street_Urchin*> "Eh... just another sewer-ratty prostitute.. come on.. he's waaiting.. though you can bring him if you like. He might find some use for her..." [00:00] * Tabius raises his hand almost as if to hit the guy and then thinks better of it. [00:00] * Vanal grabs the Urchin by the throat and lifts him up [00:00] * *Urchin* gurgles! [00:01] * Tabius turns to Cicada and smiles lovingly at her, "You are hurt let me help you, please." [00:01] * *Urchin* kicks a little but is no match for Vanal's exalted might. [00:01] "You listen here, and you listen good. You will speak when I tell you to speak. And you will do what I tell you to do. Now help her up." [00:01] * Cicada screams loudly as Tabius touches her. [00:01] * *Urchin* 's eyes buldge out of his eyes as he nods acceptabbly [00:02] * Vanal lets go [00:02] "Stay away! Stay away! I won't do it again! Please don't hurt me any more..!" [00:02] "Do what ?! Cicada, we jsut GOT here." [00:02] * *Urchin* falls into the foul sewer water and pulls himself out, crawling over to Cicada and looking plantively at Vanal. [00:02] "Help her up." [00:02] * Tabius just looks at Cicada and pulls her surface thoughts although he is all but terrified of what he will find. [00:02] roll it [00:02] !ex 11 [00:02] * *Tabius (11)* 1, 1, 9, 7, 9, 1, 1, 3, 6, 1, 6, Successes : 3 [00:02] * Vanal pulls off his cloak [00:03] it's quite simple, tabius... she doesn't HAVE one anymore. Or whatever is left is too broken up for you to read. [00:03] "Cicada, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just going to give you this to wear." [00:03] * Vanal offers her the cloak gingerly [00:05] (Barbarian) "Cicada, please." [00:05] * Cicada shies away, staring at Vanal with wide-open panicked eyes glinting yellow and off-set sharply by her dirty skin and filth sodden hair. [00:06] (Barbarian) "It's Vanal. The guy who loves Shakel ? The guy who dislikes Tabius ? The big army guy ?" [00:06] (Barbarian) "I'm not going to hurt you, I swear ti upon all 5 dragons." [00:06] * Tabius takes on his tone of command and in Old Realm, "Sable Cicada, get ahold of yourself!" [00:06] "Ta...? Lo..? My lord..?" [00:07] * Cicada eyes dart around as if trying to fix on something somewhere in the murky darkness. [00:07] * Tabius still in Old, "Yes, accept the cloak and our help" [00:07] * Vanal scowls and spends a mote to light the place up [00:08] * Vanal is still holding the cloak out [00:08] * Cicada suddenly almost lunges forward and throws herself on Tabius. Leaning on him she begins wailing and crying. [00:09] "Mela...what happened ?" [00:09] * Tabius holds her close to him and just looks at Vanal with a face that could almost bring him to tears. [00:10] * Vanal drape the cloak over her shoulders. [00:10] "You...urchin...how long has she been here ?" [00:10] * *Urchin* has apparently prepared a speech. [00:11] "Out with it." [00:11] * Cicada starts and falls quiet the second she feels Tabius arms around her. She sits completely still, not even trying to push away, silently awaiting the thing she just knows will follow and which she cannot escape, meekly accepts that that is the way she gets treated now. [00:11] <*Urchin*> "My lords.. I might have an explanation.. I think, maybe I have seen her before... yes.. she's been around here a lot... She showed up about a week ago, I think, and rather bad circumstances have apparently... taken advantage of her. Legion men can be quite rough." [00:11] "...*MY MEN* ?!" [00:11] * *Urchin* shies away, his arm raised to defend himself. [00:12] * Vanal ROARS the shout across the sewers. [00:12] "Someone *will* pay for this. Take me to Renig, *now*." [00:12] there's a shout at the end of the sewers [00:12] and splashing. [00:12] the urchin smiles [00:12] <*Urchin*> "They'll take you to him." [00:13] Two well armored and trained men come at the end of the hall, you recognize them quickly as two of the men once assigned to Renig's scale [00:13] <*man_and_woman*> "Lord Vanal!" [00:13] * Tabius lifts the sobbing Cicada cradling her in his arms and follows Vanal. [00:14] * Vanal storms off after them "I want to speak to your commander." [00:14] * Cicada lies paralyzed with fear in Tabius' arms. [00:15] * Cicada is tense in every muscle, just wondering when the pain and hurting will begin. [00:15] <*troops*> "Yes my lord!" "Please, follow!" [00:15] "quickly." [00:15] * Vanal hustles after them [00:15] * *Troops* quickly lead Vanal further into the sewers [00:15] * Tabius walks after Vanal letting his anima guide him. [00:17] light shadows in the tunnels, and again you come into the strange, wooden section, and to the hole in the wall you once carved into it; however, steps have been arranged, and a padded steel door installed. Two more of your old troops stand guard here, quickly shouting out and saluting as you approach. [00:17] * Vanal makes his way through the sewers with massive stride,s looking like noting less than an angry god of war and fire [00:17] * Vanal salutes back, sharply [00:18] * Vanal enters the room...which he imagines is Renig's office [00:18] quickly the woman who guided you here walks up the steps and bangs quickly on the door, three times, and slowly, the door creaeks open, letting Vanal in.. there are several troops here, and Renig sitting on a chair at a table that once belonged to an anathema. [00:19] he seems altogether shocked to see you, and then smiles. "Vanal!" [00:19] "Scalemaster...I'm interested to hear your report." [00:21] <*Renig*> "Of course.. please, have a seat.." you see that a rather pretty, if scantily dressed woman is setting next to you, one of his favored fangleaders, you rememer, and a chair is brought for you. "It is a long story, and I don't wish to tire you." "I am glad you have returned, I have waitied a long time, though I must say," he smiles "I am surprised that it is now." [00:22] "Oh ?" [00:22] <*Renig*> "I heard you were coming, but you didn't come with your legion." he says the word, almost distastefully. "I expected you had gotten waylaid elsewhere, perhaps by bandits?" [00:23] "Yes, actually..." [00:23] "Some anathema decided to raid a ship en route." [00:24] "Their leader challeneged me to personal combat, and I slew him." [00:24] <*Renig*> "I am heartened by your show of bravery, but it is most unfortuante that you were so troubled... Indeed, there are more and more anathema these days. But you are wondering why I deserted, of course, and I assure you, it has nothing to do with divided loyalty." he licks his lips quickly. [00:24] <*Renig*> "My intersts are those of House Cathak in this." [00:25] "Of fcourse, as our mine." [00:25] Tabius and Cicada arrive as well, though they need not enter the room; if they do, they will be given chairs, or perhaps, Renig's bed. [00:25] "I do note you seem to have taken my parting orders to heart." [00:25] he smiles. [00:26] <*Renig*> "This is an excellent base for our purposes, Lord Vanal. It is a small wonder the anathema chose to make their lair here...." [00:26] * Tabius enters the rooms, lays Cicada on the bed without even a nod to anybody and takes off his Clensing pendant and puts it around CIcadea's neck. [00:26] * Tabius in Old Realm, "Attune this, please." [00:26] "And what *are* your purposes ?" [00:27] <*Renig*> "But that is not why I am still here. Why I am here, is simple. Orichaclum." [00:27] "The veins outside the city ?" [00:27] <*Renig*> "Exactly. And now your legion is in the perfect position to help me get it out." [00:28] "You do realize that forcibly extracting orichalcum will destablize and already tense situation in the Realm ?" [00:28] * Cicada winces in pain when put on the bed, and makes no effort to resist having the collar put on. [00:29] <*Renig*> shrugs. "It is to House Cathak's benefit. We need not sell it... and it is our right. Who discovered it? Who protected it? The immaculate order will never use it, and if we do... we can bring a benefit to house cathak that noone else can imagine!" [00:29] he stops suddenly as Tala walks in, unsure how much she has heard. [00:30] * *Tala* looks around the room impassively, then at Renig and Vanal. [00:30] * Vanal looks at Renig, sizing him up [00:30] * *Renig* glares at the sewer urchin. [00:31] Renig is wearing articulated plate, and probably a bit more. His grand daiklaive is nearby in it's sheath, but he has obviously been drinking, as has the fanglord. You are surrounded by about a dozen of your men, who may or may not attack you at his orders, and you do not know if he has some other advantage you do not.. you remember the lightning shocks on the desk, for instance, which you [00:31] are sitting periously near. [00:32] the urchin seems content in his reward, however, and stands happily in the corner, keeping to himself as much as possible. [00:32] * Cicada lies curled up on the bed feebly mumbling some words. [00:32] * Tabius looks to see if Cicada is attuning to the Clensing Light Necklace. [00:32] she is, it will be a few minutes however. [00:33] you know that renig _was_ your equal, at least in combat, but how much has he advanced in that time.... [00:33] "Renig...we have just been reunited after almost a year's absence..." [00:33] * Tabius becomes visibly less tense to anybody who is looking at him. [00:33] "This isn't the time to talk business." [00:33] * *Renig* smiles widely and reaches for his wine. [00:34] <*Renig*> "Of course. Shall I summon the rest of your men? they will be over joyed to hear of your return." [00:34] "Why not ?" [00:35] he smlies. [00:35] <*Renig*> "Then I shall do so my captain, and we may all celebrate our reunion, and great fortune, together." [00:36] "Just one thing...not in this room. One of my companions has had a...traumatic experience." [00:36] he claps his hands once, and the two guards that found you run out, and leave the place vacated, as they go to find your other troops. [00:36] "She needs some quiet." [00:36] "And some rest." [00:36] <*Renig*> "I understand, of course. I have some pull in this city.. I should, i've been here almost a year." [00:36] he smiles. [00:37] <*Renig*> "Do you remember the park where you first defeated the anathema?" [00:37] "Yes, I do." [00:37] <*Renig*> "I've had it rechristened in your name." [00:38] * Vanal rubs his temples [00:38] "Oh Mela..." [00:39] <*Renig*> "Would you like to see it?" [00:39] "Not right now, I'm afraid." [00:39] <*Renig*> "Well, we must celebrate somewhere, and I am not sure a common bar is to your liking." [00:40] "Bar ? I don't even *drink* anymore. The park will be fine." [00:40] * *Renig* stands, thinking, and calls another man to him, but then waves him away, smilng. [00:40] * Vanal keeps a careful eye on renig, nonetheless [00:40] <*Renig*> "very good, then." he offers Vanal a hand up. "Let us celebrate our good fortune, together." [00:41] "One question...how did you avoid being seen by Gehn or the other Sclaemasters ?" [00:41] "Or are they fully awar eof this." [00:41] <*Renig*> "They don't know I'm here, you see, I have made quite a few disguises. But now that you're here to vouch for my good faith, I don't need them anymore, do I?" he grins widely. [00:42] * Vanal nods...but says nothing [00:42] * Storyteller can end it there ;) [00:43] that would be perfect [00:43] 7 xp for everyoney [00:43] holy cow......... [00:43] * Storyteller is now known as GoldenH [00:43] So we continue next week? [00:43] yeap [00:43] * Jynaru 's brain hurts... soo much. [00:44] * Tabius is now known as Thanos_Infinity [00:44] Okay. Give me a little more time to prepare. [00:44] * Vanal is now known as DarthTom [00:44] arg......... [00:44] * Cicada is now known as Mayumi [00:44] hae to wait another week! [00:44] mwahahahahaha :) [00:45] You really are the SBasterd ;-) [00:45] thanks :) [00:45] yah [00:45] Well, now that I remembered Renig is Peleps... [00:46] * Jynaru is now known as FiatVictrix [01:09] * FiatVictrix is now known as Jynaru [01:44] It's that chick who is hot-looking and also a sidereal! she sees you running and realizes she cannot escape now! so she does what any innocent girl would do. She stares and stops, eyes drooping sadly and mouth turned downwards as you nearly run her over at speeds exceeding those safetly allowed for intra-manse travel [01:48] * Jynaru skids to a halt. [01:48] * Jynaru takes a moment to breathe, remembering that ripping heads off of sidereals is bad. [01:50] * Jynaru stands up, shaking what water remains off of him. "What. The. HELL. was. that." [01:51] * GoldenH is now known as Storyteller [01:52] <*Innocent_Cub_Sister*> "You know what happened better than I do, Jynaru. Fate tells me when to look out the window; not exactly how things will turn out." [01:52] "Ok. Not that. THIS." [01:53] * Jynaru holds up the remnants of the letter. [01:53] * *ICS* puts her hand out to take the letter. [01:53] * Jynaru hands it to her. [01:53] * *ICS* slowly reads the letter. [01:53] "That is not a letter that I wrote." [01:54] "Can you guess how many people even KNEW? Much less are able to duplicate my handwriting to that extent, OR time it so she shows up just as I'm about to leave." [01:55] <*ICS*> "I've never seen this letter before, Jynaru. But I think you know what it means just as much as I can try to explain." [01:57] "I think it happens to mean that one of your circle is involved. There is no one else who would bother, and there is no one else who could pull off that amazing set of co-incidences. [01:59] <*Sister*> "It could be that one of them wants her with you, but I don't think that's so bad. Besides, we don't work in circles, Jynaru. It's much more independant than that. If you want me to find out why this is, that's a breach of trust between me and the other dragon-sights." [02:02] * Jynaru shrugs. "What I want to know is why someone has decided that picking my life apart piece by piece and leaving me in the dark about it is a good idea." [02:03] "If you can't tell me, that's fine." [02:04] "But someone who is nominally on my side causing more problems than Bloom ever could? I worry about that sort of thing." [02:05] <*Sister*> smiles. "You don't know how much trouble I'm risking just telling you to go to Cherak. But I can tell you that it's for your own good. I'm not sure if I can tell you why, but I'm sure you're going to find out eventually." [02:07] "I guess I'll get nothing about Raziel, either... One last thing. What do you. Not you in your official capacity, but just YOU think I should do about this?" [02:07] * *ICS* takes a step back, and looks at you amusedly. [02:09] * Jynaru shrugs. "How easily they forget. I AM STILL ME. It is hard to make the proper decision when your utmost urge is to turn people into fine red mist." [02:10] <*ICS*> "I've already gave you a hint, Jynaru. That was outside my official capacity." she sighs good-naturedly smiling. "I think you've been away too long. All I know is what the dragons tell me, and I'm surely not going to trust any of them more than Sanyet. The question is, Jynaru, do you think they have your best interests at stake? They do, or at least, they have the same goal as you do." [02:11] them being the mysterious sidereals, not the dragons [02:11] * Jynaru shrugs. "With me is not the same as whether to try the audacious ploy or try to hide." [02:13] "Neither option really screams for my skills. Neither option seems to hold much of an out for Kylara. But I still have to support the brotherhood." [02:13] * *ICS* nods supportingly [02:14] "Hence, I can't decide. It's too important to flip a coin on. I can't do nothing." [02:15] <*ICS*> "Well, it's not like I can tell you what to do." [02:15] "I can't even go to cherak until this bit is over. This is not what I was trained for. The vagaries of politics and romance are so far outside my knowledge but in passing that they might as well not exist." [02:16] <*ICS*> "But you can do it. [02:16] <*ICS*> "Or at least, pretend you can do it." [02:16] "Pretending usually works for a while." [02:17] * Jynaru considers. [02:41] "Might as well go for the gusto. Never hurts to have too many allies." [02:42] * Jynaru shakes his head. "Or something... why does it always have to be women... Thanks. You probably know how much this means to me." [02:43] "It's allright. But do me a favor?" [02:46] "It's allright. But do me a favor?" [02:46] "Don't look too hard for me." [02:47] * L_Jynaru nods. [02:47] Innocent Cub Sister smiles and slips easily through the doorway, letting the wood-panel door shut quietly behind her. [02:48] * L_Jynaru shakes his head. "I will never, ever understand her." [02:51] * L_Jynaru makes with the preperating to convince Kylara that the best answer is to embrace the madness. [02:51] heh [02:51] combing your hair? [02:51] By which I mean find her and try not to botch things. [02:52] heh [02:52] She's talking with cicada. You suddenly feel very disturbed thanks to your earlier botch and start thinking about a threesome. [02:53] however sanyet is there so you realize you'd have to kill him first. [02:53] that kinda calms things down a little. [02:55] * L_Jynaru assumes that she's somewhere accessible. [02:56] yea, at the table, soaked, looking like shit but otherwise cheered up by the obviously trying cicada. [02:57] Whoa. Sudden lag from hell. [02:57] That you or me? [02:57] not me [02:59] * L_Jynaru shrugs. Was bizarre. everything showed up at once. [02:59] hmmm [03:00] * Disconnected Session Close: Sun Jun 15 03:00:24 2003