Session Start: Sat Apr 26 17:42:43 2003 Session Ident: #pvpexaltedrp [17:42] * Now talking in #pvpexaltedrp [17:42] * ChanServ sets mode: +r [17:42] * ChanServ changes topic to 'Exalted: What you want, what you lost, what you had, what is gone is over. What you've got, what you love, what you need is real. If it's not enough, it's not enough, if it's not enough I'm sorry. (FiatVictrix)' [18:03] * Hikari (Hikari@62.79.86.95) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [18:07] * GoldenH is now known as Storyteller [18:10] * Hikari is now known as Cicada [18:14] Anyhow, it's after dinner. Mnemon Juniper has retired to her room aboard the now-flying boat, returning to the isle. The servants and everyone have spent much of the day reinfocing the boat so that nobody will be harmed when it passes through the wyld storms later the next day. [18:15] * SheWhoLoathesPhoneModems (Hikari@62.79.87.73) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [18:17] * Cicada (Hikari@62.79.86.95) Quit (Ping timeout) [18:17] * SheWhoLoathesPhoneModems is now known as Cicada [18:18] Anyhow, it's after dinner. Mnemon Juniper has retired to her room aboard the now-flying boat, returning to the isle. The servants and everyone have spent much of the day reinfocing the boat so that nobody will be harmed when it passes through the wyld storms later the next day. [18:19] * Cicada waits in her own cabin, resting in her bed, still weary about that 'shift' she had felt with the baby before. Sanyet has been sent out on an errand, leaving the girls to talk. [18:20] Juniper knocks at the door [18:21] "Come in. It is open." [18:22] She pushes against the creaking door, looking around as she comes in before she closes it again behind her. She is wearing a simpe white nightgown and carrying a oil lamp. [18:22] "Sorry about making you come here. I wanted to rest and my husband insisted." [18:23] * Cicada says the last bit with an attempted touch of humor. [18:23] Juniper nods understandingly. You notice that in her other hand she is carrying a large rectangularish bac [18:23] *bag [18:23] "Please sit down." [18:24] * Cicada pushes herself up to sit as well, being not critically ill. [18:24] "I'm sorry to see you like this. If I had only found a way past the guardstones sooner..." she shakes her head sadly and moves over to one of the nearby padded chairs, and pulls it closer. [18:25] "It is hardly a recent would. Do not blame yourself, lady Juniper." [18:25] (wound) [18:25] "And my limited sorcery has given me new limbs, I just have to get used to them again." [18:26] She nods apologetically and sits down, streightening her dress and putting the bag on her lap. [18:26] "What is it you want to talk about? Is it about the jade square you gave me?" [18:27] She smiles ,nodding. [18:27] "Do you still have it?" [18:27] "Yes. I was hoping you would be able to track us using that. So I kept wearing it." [18:28] * Cicada pulls it out of her garment. [18:28] She nods [18:28] The jade square now has a obvious engraving of the same pattern that was before only on your bracers. [18:29] (also the crane emblem, I suppose) [18:29] yea, I believe that's worked into there?" [18:29] [18:29] (ok) [18:30] "Odd... it should be more defined by now.... have you had problems sleeping lately?" [18:31] "Lady Juniper, what made you so interested in finding my parents? I apologize for the lack politeness. But what is your intrest?" [18:31] She folds her hands in her lap. [18:32] "I have recently been using sorcery to meet with Cathak Tabius in my dreams. Though not every night. Most I wanted completely with my husband." [18:32] She nods understandingly. "That would explain it." [18:32] "It's a personal interest, really. It started when a certain woman got ran over by a carrige." [18:33] "Since then I've been following the trail... a trail that lead to you." [18:33] * Cicada blinks and shudders slightly. [18:33] Juniper reaches out and puts her hand on your knee softly [18:33] "How do you know about that incident..?" [18:34] "I was there when it happened, at a tea house across the street." [18:34] "And you heard my mother tell me the name of the woman who gave birth to me?" [18:35] "What?" [18:35] "Or is this just altruism?" [18:35] she looks surprised. [18:35] "Personal interest, my dear. It is a mystery." [18:35] "You are talking about the day my mother died, right?" [18:35] She nods simply. [18:36] "I don't know you had another name..." [18:37] "I just wondered, would somebody run over a peasant? And then why, would the man who drove that carrige end up dead a few hours later." [18:37] * Cicada shrugs. "Sable Cicada was the name I got as a slave. Denominating my new status as a toy, I suppose." [18:38] "So the man was killed immideately afterwards... could it have been not so terribly accidental after all..?" [18:39] She shakes her head no. "That's one of the things that was so odd about it. He insisted it was accidental. Even his ghost did." [18:39] "But one cannot always trust a ghost." [18:39] "I see." [18:40] "Strange." [18:40] "The mere fact that he didn't move into reincarnation bothered me, since he wouldn't even say how he died." [18:40] "Are ghosts less reliable than men?" [18:41] "Did some powerful force kill him then? One that could make his spirit act so unnaturally?" [18:41] "Ghosts are often less reliable men." [18:42] "If it was an attempt at my life, then why were there no follow-up attempts?" [18:42] "He actually died with a knife in his back. Fell into a ditch." [18:42] "There was an attempt on your life?" surprised, she draws back. [18:42] "I suppose the coach driver's death will remain a mystery until the killer is made to confess." [18:43] She nods. [18:43] "No, but I suppose the coach accident could have been one. Though I had always thought of it as an accident that a Dynast just didn't want to acknowledge." [18:45] "It could have been. But it's more than that." [18:45] "So, what do you know? Can you tell me?" [18:46] "Is it bad that I did not make the jade square develop more?" [18:46] "A month after the murders, two dragon blooded showed up, and started investigating the death. One was an earth aspect, the other was a fire aspect." [18:47] "The Earth aspect was a man and the Fire aspect a womean?" [18:47] She nods. "You know them then?" [18:47] "I can guess at their identity." [18:48] "If you could tell me, I would be very greatful. Trying to find out who they are.. is very difficult." [18:48] "Before, I had been watching inconspicously, making quiet inquaries, but those two activately started cleaning up after it. Within a month, nobody talked about it anymore." [18:48] "They said it was an accident on both cases, and called it a closed case." [18:48] "It has been difficult for me too. If my suspicions are correct, then those two are the ones who concieved and gave birth to me." [18:49] * Cicada looks at the jade square again, as if to underline her point. [18:50] She nods. "It was supposed to help you remember your past. And your family." [18:51] "I don't know who they are, but I'm sure you're the key to it." [18:51] "I must dream more of myself..." [18:51] she shakes her head no. [18:51] "I can bring it all back, now. It's been with you long enough." [18:52] "You can? That would be great." [18:53] "Will you tell me everything you see? It probably won't answer all the questions, for me, but I think it will give me at least a few clues." [18:54] "I will do my best." [18:54] "Why don't you start with telling me what you've already dreamed? It should have told you what happened in your life." [18:55] * Cicada nods and begins to describe her dreams about being carried and one of her parents crying. [18:57] "Then you were their child! Well at least now I know that you were the right person to find." [18:57] "I suppose so..." [18:57] She reaches out into her bag, taking out a small book and a variety of instruments and bags. [18:58] "Are you tried? It's easier to release the memories if you're asleep." [18:58] "I feel a little spent, yes. I think I could sleep." [18:59] "Well then, try. I'll finish the ritual when you're asleep, ok?" [18:59] "As long as you do not make me sleep for a week and have dangerously good sex with my husband." [18:59] She laughs [18:59] * Cicada chuckles as if enjoying a private joke. [18:59] "You'll wake up in the morning, I promise." [19:00] * Cicada nods. "That will be acceptable. Just explain it all to Sanyet, my husband, when he comes back. He understands more than you would think." [19:01] * Fiat (Fiat@dialup-67.30.192.244.Dial1.Atlanta1.Level3.net) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [19:03] She nods understandingly, then sets to work surrounding your bed with small things toys, a circle of flour and grain, and paints a few things on the floor, leaving the book on her chair as she waits for you to go to sleep. [19:03] * Cicada lies back down and goes through the mental exercises that will make her relax and sleep. [19:05] roll something cool [19:05] Dice Script Active [19:05] !ex 7 (int + Occult) [19:05] Cicada (7) 10, 6, 5, 9, 3, 5, 5, Successes : 3 [19:05] Ok you fall asleep! [19:06] * Cicada was using her sorcerous training. [19:07] You wake up to music... your eyes closed, but you realize you are standing up. [19:08] * Cicada looks around slowly. [19:09] You're surrounded by hundreds of dancers, men and women, all naked, all dancing in synchrony. It takes a moment for you to realize they are all dragon blooded, and another moment to realize that they are dancing for a man on a golden throne at the head of the room. [19:10] * Cicada studies the man. [19:12] The man looks like any other man; his clothes are the most princely finery, and he has some papers in his hands that he is reading over at an incredible speed. Besides him and the blooded, nobody is in the room. [19:13] * Cicada looks around to see if anyone is noticing her. [19:13] A massive golden circle, with the bottom half replaced with black jade, hangs over his head. To either side are massive windows, each letting in sunlight [19:13] You seem to have a place among the dancers, Cicada, and are not wearing anything yourself. Oddly, you don't even recognize your body, though it's obvious, whoever you are, is an air aspect. [19:14] * Cicada is dancing along with the rest? [19:14] not right now, you're just standing there. You can feel the music inside your head, and find it compelling you in order to dance with the others. [19:15] you can feel the steps and motions of the dance reverberating inside your head, though you don't have to do them. [19:16] * Cicada takes her place dancing, her mindly and body remembering the steps as if she was taught them a decade ago and they were the test for an important exam while young. Moving with the dancers she tries to get closer to the man on the throne. [19:17] Your position in the dance is very clear, being mostly stationary it does not change. If you want to get much closer to the man on the throne you will have to abandon the dance entirely. [19:18] * Cicada will try to do so after the first few compelling steps. [19:19] It is not hard to ignore the dance; the others ignore you as you walk closer to the man on the throne. [19:20] He doesn't seem to notice, still working on his papers [19:21] * Cicada approaches politely, but tries to get a good look at him and the text he is reading. [19:22] He really does seem to be nothing more than a moral prince, besides the speed which he is reading and writing on the documents. Every so often, the pile of papers dissapears and a new one appears. He is writing with a golden quill, which never seems to run out of ink. [19:23] (a moral prince.? With dozens of nude dancers..? :) [19:23] :P [19:23] As you step onto the platform you feel your body drain of energy and your vision begins to blur [19:23] roll willpower to resist being forced into kneeling before the prince [19:24] !ex 7 [19:24] Cicada (7) 10, 7, 2, 10, 10, 8, 2, Successes : 8 [19:24] * Cicada clearly kneels only for her true lord. :) [19:24] Ok..... you are completely uneffected by the magic compelling everyone in the room [19:27] The texts are all in old realm, they seem to have to do with issues about this kingdom and his subjects. [19:28] * Cicada tries to get names or an idea of locations. [19:29] nothing that really makes sense to you. The kingdom seems to be called the [19:30] "Finaeous Pass" [19:30] but whatever that is you don't know [19:30] it IS however, some 3,000 years ago [19:32] He looks up to you, patiently. [19:32] "Is something wrong Moonlit Damsel?" [19:32] * Cicada bows deeply and respectfully. [19:33] "I was merely wondering if my master was in need of any refreshments." [19:33] He looks confused. [19:33] Then he puts down his papers. [19:33] "No. I would call if I wished." [19:33] he's talking in old realm, naturally. [19:35] "You may go back to the dance, now." [19:35] "Yes, my master. Is our dance found pleasing?" [19:35] "yes" he says, picking up the stack of papers again. [19:35] * Cicada bows respectfully again. [19:36] * Cicada then goes back to her place, marvelling at how easily she 'remembers' the steps and subtle movements. [19:36] slowly, you lose yourself in the dance [19:38] the next thing you know, you are in a cheering crowd outside, where a small group of solars - one from each caste - is giving some kind of proclimation. You are cheering right now with the crowd. [19:39] * Cicada looks at the solars and listening, trying to make out their names. [19:40] one of them is the twilight from before. Apparently his name was "Glory of the Twelve Kingdoms" [19:40] their castemarks are active but their anima banners are not. [19:41] (Was Bloom a Twillight?) [19:41] no, he's an eclipse. [19:41] He is not there. [19:42] "In order to better serve against the ravages of the Wyld and the fair folk, it has been decided that among the Terrestrial Exalted that they shall breed so as to form a more powerful force against the enemies of creation. As volunteers, you are the first of that force. The Solar Deliberative thanks you for your sacrifice." [19:43] everyone cheers in the square cheers. One man, a air aspect smiles broadly at you. You can't help but love him. Everyone is wearing elaborate dresses, and the sun is resplendant above you. [19:44] * Cicada cheers too, leaning on the shoulder of her fellow volunteer. [19:48] again, you feel somewhat lightheaded. The next thing you know you are kneeling in a quiet cathedral, the peak incredibly far above you. But you are different, and the man next to you is not the same. Somehow, you feel that many years have passed. On the wall in front of you, there is a symbol; a styalized one, that of a crane. you recognize it from your bracer, though it is very abstract, large pieces of each of the five colors of jade worked together in order to form the seal. [19:50] Quietly, you kneel next to the man, and recite your oaths; to love each other, to serve the solar deliberative, and to raise many children in the name of the realm. [19:50] (cut off at. five colors of) [19:51] The zenith preistess smiles and marks both of your foreheads with oil, before motioning for you to rise [19:51] large pieces of each of the five colors of jade worked together in order to form the seal. [19:51] * Cicada blushingly glance over at her bridegroom. [19:52] He takes your hand in his and smiles shyly. [19:53] * Cicada studies him as her eyes furtively darts around the hall looking if others are present. [19:53] Besides the zenith preistess nobody else is present in the enormous palace of the gods. [19:54] He is probably a southerner, though it is difficult to tell; his aspect markings are prevelent. [19:54] * Cicada looks deep into her groom's eyes as she accepts his kiss. (or whatever is standard procedure here :) [19:54] more like you'd have to kiss him. He's very shy :P [19:55] * Cicada is trying to make sure she can recall his features. [19:55] ok [19:55] * Cicada does indeed kiss the dear boy then. [19:57] lost in the kiss, you are quite forcefully ripped into the next dream. Holding a resplendant jade dire lance, you look down at yourself to see that you are armoed in superheavy jade plate, the icy white metald vibrating softly against your skin [19:58] You are here with others of your kind, and surrounded by countless mortal legions. A huge explosion rocks overhead, and you look in the distance to see a city's walls collapsing around it, a ghostly image of a maiden hoverinjg overhead [19:59] Farther back, you can see a dawn, lowering his arm as he finishes casting the spell. You can see his face; he is the one that was present earlier at the ceremony. [20:00] * Cicada grits her teeth, waiting for the order to advance. And noting colors and emblems of units and banners. [20:01] "Go," he commands. "And kill every traitor that you find!" his words echo out across the army, every one of them hearing it. The mortals cheer and run towards the city, swords raised high, countless banners raised, one for each unit... but your fellow dragon blooded give you weary looks before advancing towards the city. [20:02] * Cicada whispers back to them. "In good time, comrades. In good time..." [20:03] * Cicada tries to recognize any individual Dragon Bloods around her as well. [20:05] The look at you, worried, and back at the solar behind you before shaking off the feeling of doom as you watch the northern city begin to fall to the troops. You know that by the end of the day, every man, woman and child in that city will be dead. And there is nothing anyone can do. [20:08] As the battle is joined everything is lost in a blood-red haze; the next you know it is quiet and dark, though a large party is being held in a building not far away. You are surrounded by others of your kind, and a quiet man in dark robes is attaching some kind of twitching metal robot to your body. [20:08] * Cicada looks around nervously, a bit frightened. [20:09] He looks up to you with his star-filled eyes and you feel strangely comforted, feeling no pain as it's claws sink into your flesh. [20:10] Carefully, your companions wipe off the blood around it's claws and then cothe you with an ill-fitting dress that hides nothing except for the jade automaton hanging off your left side. [20:10] * Cicada is happy to do her duty - for the betterment of all. [20:10] He smiles and shakes your shoulder. [20:10] "Good luck." [20:11] * Cicada again tries to note and remember face, trying to remember that she is really sleeping on a ship ages after this happens, and make her body speak in its sleep to describe all these happenings. [20:11] * Cicada nods. "I shall not fail." [20:12] He nods at you, and to the others. The rest all go into the woods, except for one, who takes your arm, leading you towards the palace. [20:14] * Cicada goes along, smiling happily outwardly, inwardly forging her mind into a cold steel blade of determination. [20:14] "Is everything all right tonight, mistress?" asks one of the guards, as your guide gracefully lets go of your hand and moves on a path away from the palace. [20:15] "It is, soldier. Why? has anything outoward been reported?" [20:15] "No, nothing." he says quickly. "None would dare try to stop the celebration." [20:16] He then quickly drops to his knee as a woman comes up behind you, dressed in gold spun silk and followed by a small retune of blooded. [20:17] * Cicada kneels deeply for her Solar superior as well. [20:18] She smiles to the others. She is very young, and somehow, you know she is the reincarnation of the zenith that married you before. [20:18] Gracefully she walks by into the palace, and everyone applauds before she joins in the festivities. [20:18] * Cicada goes to join the festivities as well - to perform her duty. [20:21] The festivities are grand, it is a true joy. Except that every word of the solars is followed in fear. And every time one of them enters everyone bows to them. Everyone, except the other Solars, who say nothing and ignore as if they were ever there. [20:22] * Cicada somehow knows where to go, what to do in order to stop the tyrrany and free her kin. [20:23] Like a dance she was taught years ago for a test... [20:23] You feel a light hand tickle it's way across your belly and pull you backwards, and a nibbling at your ear. The automata stretches itself away, arching over the hand that playfully rubs into your skin. [20:25] * Cicada chuckles in disguised excitement. [20:26] "You're a very pretty girl," the woman's voice says slowly and enchantingly. "Why don't you come with me? I'll treat you much better than your current lord." [20:27] "Yes, mistress. I am your tool of pleasure. Do with me as you desire." [20:27] * Cicada laughs a cruel laugh on the inside - soon. [20:29] Slowly she dances you, playing you like a puppet on a string. Enjoying your body right there on the spot, until you cannot think of anything but serving her, and have sworn to yourself that as soon as you can speak, you will tell her everything, to save her life. [20:29] But then you are suddenly afirad, and opening your eyes, you see your master standing in front of the two of you, furious. [20:30] "What are you doing with my slave, Morning Sunlight?" [20:30] * Cicada whimpers in terror - and in denied pleasure. Yet knows that this saved her, saved her entire mission from failure. [20:31] "She's my slave now, you old fool. Why don't you go find someone else to do those disgusting things you like so much." [20:31] his eyes narrow in anger. "I've had enough of you! And everyone else, who thinks they can just take what's mine. Well no more!" [20:32] * Cicada whispers ever so quietly: "Yes... no more..." [20:33] A brilliant flash of light explodes over his left shoulder, drawing your attention just as you feel a burning sensation run through your abdomen, pinning you to the woman behind you [20:34] * Cicada knows that she gives her life justly. None of those will ever have their way with her body again. [20:34] He smiles sickly at the both of you, and then turns and starts to walk away, taking a girl from behind, one that you know was the mistress' favorite. [20:35] shreiking in anger she throws you down from her and launches herself at the maurading solar, a huge coil of essence wrapping around them both as her hand grips the solar's neck [20:35] * Cicada looks down towards her abdomen. [20:36] A glittering orichalcum sword has peirced through you, and is bleeding heavily. You can't feel anything where or below the sword hit you. [20:37] * Cicada cannot die here, like this. She has to fulfill the last part of her duty. [20:38] the others have moved around you and the brawling solars, but otherwise the party continues. Besides your fellow dragon blooded, none of the solars even bother glancing at you on the floor. [20:38] With a clomp, the mistress' favorite falls next to you, her neck broken, lifeless eyes gazing into yours. [20:39] * Cicada regrets another of her kin dead before she could become that which she deserved to be. A master of her own life and destiny. [20:40] Even now you can feel your strength begin to ebb; the pool of blood on the floor larger than your own body. [20:40] * Cicada feels so distant, so cold. But she cannot die here and now. She cannot. [20:42] what are you going to do about it? [20:43] * Cicada puts her hand down under the dress, to activate the automaton, the one placed there for this purpose. [20:43] The automaton flips over, knocking you on your back and leaps at the two brawling solars! [20:43] quickly it reduces them to shreds. [20:44] For a moment, everyone looks incredulously at it, then at you..... [20:44] * Cicada looks at the fight as long as she can, slowly slipping away. Hoping her compratiots well also achive their objectives. [20:45] and then the other blooded's clothes are ripped off as the automatons leap off their bodies and at the solars, some of them small enough to be thrown, some of them even ripping out of the bodies of the dragon blooded, they were so big. [20:45] * Cicada will at long, long last be *free*. [20:45] * Cicada slips slowly away into darkness. [20:46] * Fiat is now known as Jynaru [20:46] Swords of fire and armor of ice is summoned by the dragon blooded, and you watch for a long time, somehow keeping awake. But then you feel a cool hand on your back, and feel pain, horrible pain like which you have never felt before [20:47] * Vanal (~ltermac@HSE-QuebecCity-ppp3497360.sympatico.ca) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [20:47] Smiling, the wood aspect looks down at you; and you realize he has jyns face! [20:48] but i'll continue that another time. [20:48] * Tala (~Werlynn@ool-182dcd08.dyn.optonline.net) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [20:48] Cic/Jyn lemon fic ? [20:48] * Vanal ducks [20:49] * Jynaru winces. [20:49] At least I'm near the biggest rock ever to hide under. [20:50] heh [20:50] * Nika (manxcat@wv-mltn-ubr-c-024-159-089-167.charterwv.net) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [20:54] Ok everyone is on the boat! you've been adrift for a while, since the demon died and all. Tala's been missing all day, nobody knows where she is, and she isn't on the boat. [20:54] * Tabius (~web-Guest@ip68-108-129-116.lv.lv.cox.net) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [20:54] "Okay, refresh my memory...how the hell do we *lose* someone on a *BOAT* ?!" [20:54] Ok everyone is on the boat! you've been adrift for a while, since the demon died and all. Tala's been missing all day, nobody knows where she is, and she isn't on the boat. [20:55] Her robes were found laying on the deck! [20:55] (is this the morning after Juniper interviews Cicada?) [20:55] "They fall off? They hide in a box?" [20:55] a few mornings after [20:56] her robes were found in the morning, and the wake up call was given, but none of you feel tired, despite the lack of sleep. [20:56] "Up in the crows nest? Under the bed?" [20:56] "It was a monk, she was probably too busy contemplating her navel and accidentally paced overboard." [20:56] "Well, whereever she is...she's naked as a jaybird." [20:57] * Cicada inquires Juniper as to whatever there is some sort of spell on the ship that makes its passengers fresh, even with little sleep. [20:57] * Jynaru considers. "Well, that'll at least answer just how strict the whole shaving thing is." [20:57] Juniper supposes such a spell could be made but she doesn't know it. [20:58] * Cicada has begun to be able to walk normally again, only with a small lack of balance remaining. [20:58] "...wonderful, make obscene remarks about a Monk. When D'aanad kicks your ass, don't come crying to me." [21:00] There's a splash! [21:00] *skreeeeeeee [21:00] * Vanal draws his blade [21:00] it's a dolphin! [21:00] "What the Hell is that ?" [21:01] "A fish?" [21:01] * Tabius looks over the side to see the dolphin. [21:01] *skreeeeeeee [21:01] The dolphin plays happily in the water. [21:01] "Its a ship fish." [21:01] * Cicada looks for the rest of the flock. [21:01] "Besides, it's not obscene. Merely curiosity. Always wondered how good a job you'd do shaving yourself." [21:02] you don't see the rest of the dolphin's pod [21:02] "...I can't beleive you pondered that. Did you not get enough love as a child, or something ?" [21:02] "A solitary dolphin..? Srtange..." [21:02] "I think he never got invited to a Cynis part." [21:02] "Yes that is strange." [21:03] * Tabius leans over the boat a little bit and sees if the Gem of Thoughts works on animals. [21:03] lets find out! roll them dice [21:03] "There's only so many mathematical theorems and strategy problems you can run through in your spare time, you know." [21:03] !exa 11 [21:03] Tabius (11) 1, 6, 6, 7, 6, 5, 9, 6, 5, 7, 2, Successes : 3 [21:03] nope [21:03] it's happy though [21:04] "Squeeak squeeek." [21:04] *skreeeeeeee [21:04] the dolphin splashes tabius [21:04] "Anyone who can swim?" [21:05] "Hrmmmm do you think Tala went for a swim and this is the result?" [21:05] Another silouhett can be seen in the water [21:05] "I always figured that in this case shaving would be a sign of vanity, kinda backwards from the head-shaving thing." [21:05] indeed, there is a shadow underwater! [21:06] It moves through the water with the same ease as the dolphin, such that you almost mistake it as one, except it doesn't move quite the same way [21:06] it's a dolphin, yet not a dolphin... [21:06] "It might be." [21:07] "Anyone wanna try roping that funky one in ?" [21:07] "Err.. maybe we should save the hooks to until after we have made sure it is not Tala?" [21:07] "Erm..... it hasn't surface and unless they tought a class at the House of Bells in Underwater Roping......we ant going to be getting it. [21:07] A blue head and shoulders break the surface of the water [21:07] "See?" [21:08] "...this is why I hate the ocean." [21:08] * Tabius looks to see who it is with the blueness. [21:08] The dolphin swims over to the blue-head and nuzzles it [21:08] *skreeeeeeee [21:09] "Need to lower something down anyway. Easier than waiting for it to climb up." [21:09] * Cicada runs to fetch a rope to throw to Tala. [21:09] (or whatever it is. :) [21:10] there's a rope! [21:10] the woman you know from before hands you one before climbing back up into the sails [21:10] * Tala pets the dolphin [21:10] The dolphin swims happily around tala [21:11] "And the errant monk returns...can't we have one NORMAL leg of travel ?" [21:11] * Tala raises a hand and waves [21:11] * Cicada throws one end of the rope out to Tala. [21:11] Juniper comes on deck. [21:12] "No. That would break the rules." [21:12] "You found her?" [21:12] * Tabius waves back, "How was your jounry respected Monk?: [21:12] "There are rules to this ?" [21:13] * Tala accepts the rope and pulls her wet, lithe body up onto to the deck [21:13] The dolphin swims around the ship a few times [21:13] * Cicada slaps Sanyet over the back of his head if he stares. ;) [21:13] "I've gathered a couple by now. Going from place to place must be trouble, and the place has to be worse than the last." [21:14] Sanyet isn't staring but are you?? [21:14] everyone roll temperence [21:14] !ex 2 [21:14] Cicada (2) 3, 9, Successes : 1 [21:14] !ex 2 [21:14] Jynaru (2) 2, 4, Successes : 0 [21:14] ... [21:14] !exa 4 [21:14] Tabius (4) 2, 2, 2, 10, Successes : 2 [21:14] !ex 2 [21:14] Storyteller (2) 1, 6, Successes : 0 , Botch [21:14] Sanyet is very much staring. [21:14] This is what I get for my blasphemy. [21:14] * Cicada smacks Sanyet. [21:14] even though he got smacked twice now [21:14] * Tabius cringes after the SHWACKing sound. [21:14] !ex 4 [21:14] Nika (4) 8, 2, 4, 3, Successes : 1 [21:15] still you're not exactly seduced. [21:15] !ex 2 [21:15] Vanal (2) 4, 3, Successes : 0 [21:15] GYAH [21:15] Only the married guys stare. [21:15] * Tala 's body has the shimmering, deeper blue cast to it that it used to reach just before her anima flared to a full flowing aura, before her rescue mission to the mountain [21:15] * Jynaru is amused. [21:16] Also Tala's curse has been lifted! no longer is most of her body but her feet, head, and left hand covered with blackish oil and glowing spots. [21:16] (Also relieved, and answering his curiosity before someone thinks to chuck her the monkly robes.) [21:16] * Tabius ooohs and aaah as he moves to inspect her arm. [21:16] actually it's completely gone except for three dots on her right hand [21:16] three, black dots. [21:16] * Vanal raises an eyebrow...and hears Shkael mentally chewing him for staring.. [21:17] * Tabius unfastens his cloak and wraps it around Tala. [21:17] * Tala stands there, beads of water glistening on her body [she is app3 :) ] [21:18] "Thank you, but i'm not especially cold." [21:18] "What happened in the sea, Tala?" [21:18] "As you wish." [21:18] * Vanal tries to shakes it off [21:18] *mutter* "Sorry hon..." [21:19] roll again vanal [21:19] +1 stunt [21:19] "I take it you've solved that little residual problem from the island? [21:19] !exa 3 [21:19] Vanal (3) 3, 3, 8, Successes : 1 [21:20] * Vanal turns rather...red...and manages to tear his eyes away [21:20] "I saw many things." [21:21] "Including the great jade prison created to hold the Anathemae." [21:21] "Please tell us of your adventures." [21:22] Juniper nods and hands tala her robes. [21:22] * Vanal raises an eyebrow [21:22] "This should be interesting." [21:22] * Nika leans forward eagerly at the mention of Anathema [21:22] * Cicada pulls sanyet away from the 'Hand Tala Back Her Robe' queue by pulling his ear hard. [21:23] (three persons are trying to dress Tala by now :) [21:23] Sanyet gives a little peep but allows himself to be yanked away [21:23] * Vanal says...just loud enough for the group to hear "Whiiiiiiiiiiiiped." [21:23] * Tala hands the cloak back to Tabius, and puts on the robes, which cling to her wet body. [21:24] "brilliant that slightly better than her being naked." [21:24] Juniper gives a shout that tala has been found, and the people stop looking for tala [21:24] * Cicada glares at Sanyet. "What is it? Should I pour a bucket of water over my white silks to get you attention?" [21:24] * Vanal scowls at Shak's mental unloading at him...and adopts his 'henpecked' voice "Yes, dear...of course, dear...I understand, dear." [21:25] "I.. can't help it... er.. sorry." [21:25] he seems better now but he has only become better by looking down your blouse. [21:25] Puuhda waves at him [21:25] He shrugs and gives up. [21:25] * Cicada plays, more than being, insulted. (make it up to me, little man. Make it up to me. ;) [21:26] *pinch* [21:26] "That might be helpfull, at least then there would be a matched set, perhpas then we could use the two of you as some soggy bookends." [21:26] * Vanal withholds a guffaw [21:28] * Cicada can already see a matched set. Plenty of it in fact. But avoids commenting. [21:29] "I'm sure they'd be well suited at holding things up." [21:29] * Tabius wonders how he got hitched up with this crew anyways. [21:29] "Much of it, more than half, is ravaged. Some great, dark beast smashes it like a child's sandcastle." [21:29] * Vanal give sin, and cracks up [21:30] "Great beast, what kind? [21:30] "That would explain the recent rash of anathema the Hunt has been dealing with." [21:30] * Cicada turns her attention back to Tala's story. [21:30] "Depending on how long it's been smashing, that is." [21:31] "The waters were dark, it was dificult to see more than its shadow." [21:32] "Fairly recent I'd say, the rate of Anathema took a sharp jump not very long ago. We thought it was just the termoil of the realm allowing more to slip in un noticed, but it seems now that there are simply more of them loose now." [21:32] "If its big enough to smash towers ment to hold Solar in them, that are made of Jade, then its got to e damn big. [21:32] "Another Fallen Tongue situation?" [21:33] "My question is if it was big enough to smash the jade prison, why did it stop there." [21:34] "Its either a guardian of some sort, or somebody set it there to eventually destroy the place. [21:34] "It remains there, continuing its destructive rampage." [21:34] "Maybe it only COULD smash it. I dunno." [21:34] "The prision is like a palace." [21:35] "Who the Hell builds a prison like a palace ?" [21:35] "ah, could you tell if it was staying vluntarily, or if it wandered in and was just too stupid to find it's way out." [21:36] "No, it seemes to smash the surviving structures with purpose." [21:37] "Oh, lovely. Um...who put it there ?" [21:37] "Intiresting, sounds like this was no random occurance. Perhaps the Anathema were purposfully released?" [21:38] * Tala looks to Vanal [21:38] "I didn't stop to inquire." [21:38] "Tala, do you think you could describe that palace? Gues what it might look like whole?" [21:38] * Cicada is wondering if it might match a dream of hers. [21:38] "I mean, seriously...you don't put a prison for anathema where any big lug with a sledgehammer can smash it...you make it tough, you make it hard to find." [21:38] * Tala turns to Cicada [21:39] "Like at the bottom of the ocean were it doesn't look like a prison at all?" [21:39] * Nika is taking mental tally of all of the beings with the power to create or tame something of that magnitude [21:39] "It is at the bottom of the ocean. There is very little light that far down in the ocean." [21:39] it's a short list [21:39] indeed [21:39] * Cicada nods. "I understand." [21:39] "And how many big lugs with sledgehammers can break jade?" [21:39] "Translation...it's bloody unlikely that big fucker just SUMBLED on it." [21:40] "Indeed, the bottom of the ocean is a place few would ever search, it is huge and difficult to survey. [21:40] "I'm being colorful in my descriptions, Jyn." [21:40] "Swimming around in it, particularly while fleeing the beast when it spotted me, made it hard to get a view of its complete size or shape." [21:40] "I'm being monochrome in my answers. However, it's had a very long time to search." [21:42] * Nika ticks off things on his fingers "The Fair Folk ,unlikely, The Elemental Dragons, also unlikely considering they must have created it, The Deathlords, fairly possible but not easy to say since we know next to nothing about them, the Yozis or the malfeans, really who knows what they might do." [21:44] "Two of the last three aren't supposed to be kicking around." [21:44] * Cicada follows up on Nika's list. "A certain first age sorcerer wanting lots od Anathema running around in order to shield his activites closer to home from the Wyld Hunt. Likely." [21:44] "Perhaps it is something that the Solar of the First Age bound that has been freed due to a lack of maintaining whatever it is that ket it subdied [21:45] "further speculation is pointless with out facts, I suggest we deal with one problem at a time." [21:45] "Like, lets get home sooner than later." [21:46] "Agreed." [21:46] "About that," Juniper hands Tabius a scroll. "This is the route we should take home." [21:46] "Tala, do you think you could find the place again, if neccesary?" [21:47] * Tabius opens the scroll. [21:47] "I'm not sure. I sort of stumbled across it, or i guess was led there. There is a shortage of landmarks in the ocean's depths." [21:48] it's actually a map covered with elliptical lines and various calculations. It provides a long, winding route back to the realm, avoiding many shipping lanes and wyld areas, and dropping you in generally unused waters a few days north of the blessed isle. [21:48] "However i do not believe that that there is anything to be gained from returning to it." [21:49] * Cicada nods. [21:49] "I was afraid of that, i wish I could have seen it is all. I hate draawing conclusions from anything but direct observation is all." [21:49] "So we should just return directly to the Blessed Isle and deal with the problem there?" [21:49] * Vanal looks over Tab's shoulder at the map [21:50] "Quick question...I've been wondering this since we left...where the FUCKwas the rock we ditched on there ?" [21:50] * Tabius mentaly tries to figure out how many times he is going to have to cast the transportation spell. [21:50] three times, to avoid crossing shipping lanes. [21:51] * Tabius sighs with relief as he thought that it was going to be dozens. [21:51] "On that note I have a suggestion for all of you. All of *us* that is. If you would give me your attention for a moment." [21:51] The position of the island is rather easy to find, seeing as how you made a beeline from that to the blessed isle. [21:51] it's actually somewhere in the far northwest [21:52] well into the western sea [21:52] in the middle of nowhere. [21:52] "Oh? What?" [21:52] "I propose we make ourselves a Brotherhood sworn to defeat Red Bloom's schemes and restore the Realm from his attack." [21:52] * Vanal pivots to face Cic [21:53] "We already are this. But the ceremony would unite us deeper and include the new ones in our struggle." [21:53] "...I was afraid you'd say that." [21:53] "Don't feel we would be able to work at your pace, Vanal?" :) [21:53] * Jynaru shrugs and looks at her straight-faced. "Sorry, no can do. Somebody'd die, and I'm broke right now." [21:54] "I was never a big fan of that spell. Why do I need magic to make sure of who my freinds are?" [21:54] * Vanal glares at Cic [21:55] "Remind me to tell you the story about one of the people we left on the island sometime. That'll explain the need." [21:55] "We have no need for it as a means of loyalty. That I am sure of. But it is a great tadition of our people. And are we not right now fighting somebody who would lay low everything we have grown up to believe in?" [21:55] "A threat to our very culture?" [21:55] "Do you feel no pride in your heritage?" [21:56] * Jynaru raises an eyebrow, considering who's giving the heritage speech. [21:56] I have pride in myself, my heritage is another word for dead realatives." [21:57] * Tabius remains blank faced and has a distant look in his eyes as he thinks about them getting back to the realm. [21:57] "I agree with the suggestion." [21:57] * Nika turns in one heel and strides off endin the discussion for him [21:57] "Yes, those dead relatives who build all that you enjoy. Are their work not one that you should honor by following a great tradition of theirs?" [21:57] "Nika!" juniper says [21:57] "Isn't it just a wee bit early to be considering this? Do we have someone to actually do it?" [21:58] "You're under contract. Or would you like me to rip it up and send you home?" [21:58] * Tala shakes her head sadly, that some of us have no loyalty to any but themselves [21:58] "Well.. not that is a minor detail..." [21:58] (now that) [21:59] "I believe we should have undertaken this step long ago." [21:59] "Just a *slightl\* niggle." [21:59] * Cicada blushes. [21:59] "I'll be casting the spell as soon as you agree." she smiles at Cicada. "Something like Bloom cannot be allowed to go free... and everyone here knows about it. We cannot take a chance of being betrayed." [21:59] "The problem with this is that it's expected, I think. He strikes at our culture, so we cling to it. We're doing what he wants." [22:00] * Nika spins to lady Juniper "Yes, I am under contract, and that binds me enough as it is. The contract will end. this spell is for a lifetime." [22:00] (Lifetime? Uhh... no.) [22:00] "The spell is not for a lifetime, Nika. It will end when the threat is over." [22:00] "Yes, Jynaru. But have Sworn Brotherhoods not always been your greatest weapon, your greatest declaration of intent?" [22:01] As will my contract, why do you need two bindings, do you fear I will run off or something?" [22:01] "Maybe so. But for the strength, it also gives us weaknesses we may can not afford." [22:01] "Name those. Please." [22:02] "Weaknesses?" [22:02] "Maybe. I see how you treat the deliberative." [22:02] "Should we be relying on something that may be dispellable?" [22:02] "Should we be locking in these connections where subterfuge may demand we act as if we despise each other?" [22:03] "Friends, please consider how gruelly our circle will be tested in the future. Do we not need all the strength and bonding we can get?" [22:03] "The spell would not prevent us from pretending." [22:03] "No, but someone who can read the spell is going to be more suspicious." [22:03] "So we will *act* as if we despice each others. The ceremony is formed by its declaration of intent." [22:04] "I signed you're paper by choice, I will not stop untill this Anathema, and all like him are destroyed. But I will not place myself under compulsion for you. I beleive there is a clause stating just that. It's standard on all my contracts if you read the fine print." [22:04] * Vanal rubs his temples [22:05] "Sir Nikodamus, there is no compulsion. Merely the very center of the Blooded culture." [22:05] "I thought your grandmother was heavy on those things." [22:05] "You're...asking me...to enter a sworn brotherhood...with goldenrod ?!" [22:06] "I'm sure it is. But i'm not letting *anyone* off this boat without some kind of garuntee that I'm not going to have a an anathema on my tail. That includes you, AND everyone else on this ship. Including my servants." [22:06] "Yes, you will have all the reasons in the world to be able to punk him once you have a bond of loyalty sworn to each other like brothers." [22:07] * Tabius just smiles at poor Vanal. [22:07] "you have my garuntee, sighned and sealed. I've never reneged on a contract before, how would i make a living if i did." [22:08] "And if the anathema drops by and uses it's charming wit to change your mind? Unless you already have some defense against that..." [22:08] * Tala frowns and looks to Nika [22:08] * Jynaru winces. "That's happened twice to us already." [22:08] "This is all a plan to test me resolve for keeping away from alcohol, isn't it ?" [22:08] "Fine. Do not join our brotherhood." [22:09] * Cicada chuckles and gives vanal a smile. [22:09] "I never planned to m'dear." [22:09] "You are a stranger, you have not been through what we have. We have no reason to want you to join us." [22:09] Juniper looks at Tala, shaking her head. [22:09] "*Everyone* is taking this oath." [22:10] "And I have no reason to want to join you, save we share the same purpose." [22:10] * Tala looks at Juniper [22:10] "Good, we need another astrologer for my charts. Somebody i have know for more than a week and I can place the trust of my entire bloodline in." [22:10] "You have no say in that either." [22:10] "Nika, what would it take for you to take the oath?" [22:10] Juniper smiles. [22:10] "You want to go home, don't you?" [22:11] "Oh sweet Mela...I'm being forced into a sworn brotherhood...with Tabius and his little entourage. Hesiesh take me now...." [22:11] * Tala ignores Juniper [22:11] (Urge... to kick people... RISING!) [22:11] "This is MY ship. And anyone who doesn't like it can get off at the next island." [22:11] * Tala looks at Vanal [22:11] "Hey, it's not all bad, Vanal. You'll be stuck with me, too." [22:11] "Look at how many members of opposing houses are sworn together." [22:11] "and this is my Cloak, and it will fly me home just as easily as this boat will." [22:12] * Vanal quite pointedly lights up a cigarette." [22:12] "fuck it, I'll do it. But there will be many beatings once this is over." [22:12] "And break that contract, Nika?" [22:12] * Tabius laughts out loud at Nika's boasting of his cloak. [22:13] "Oh Vanal, we can even put in a condition that says you can beat me close to death in the damn thing if you so choose. [22:13] I'm not breaking anything, you are by adding conditions after the fact. I wrote that contract, I know what was on it." [22:14] Juniper smiles sweetly at Nika. [22:14] "wipe it cousin, we both know you're as much as snake as I am." [22:14] "I love it when I hear Mnemon say that to each other." [22:14] "You are free like the wind, Nika. I envy you. But have you considered how you are guarding yourself against contract breakers by taking the oath. It will end by it self when the objective is completed. And the contents will be the same as your present contract. Only you get an entire family to trust while doing it." [22:15] "Ah, Mnemon. The only house to have dissidence within itself." [22:15] Juniper looks at Tabius. "Why don't you do something about him?" nudge, nudge. [22:15] "Makes me glad I'm Cathak." [22:16] * Tabius looks and Jynaru and then at Vanal, "You and I the obvious exception?" [22:16] "Oh, that's personal, not political." [22:16] "Sometimes I wish I was out of this whole dragons be-damned Dynasty, but Family is the only thing one can't escape." [22:17] * Vanal looks at Nik "Need a smoke ?" [22:17] "No thanks I have my own." [22:17] "Then have a family, Nika. One you know you can trust. And one that will support you. Even though we are strangers right now, we will not always remain so." [22:18] "Nick are you a sorcerer?" [22:18] "i'm a Mnemon, what kind of fool question is that." [22:19] "Then you know you can counter the spell when you please damn it, get off your bitch session, lets get this show on the road so we can get home and kick some ass! [22:19] * Jynaru looks at Tabius. [22:19] "Who are you and what did you do with Tabius?" [22:19] "I have to cast that damned demon summoning flight spell 3 more times to get home and I am sick of sitting in the middle of the ocean away fr4om my home.! [22:19] "Though, sir Tabius use of language might not have the cultured level I prefer, he speaks well." [22:20] "Screw culture." [22:20] "That's what were trying to avoid, Van. Nika, do you gamble?" [22:20] "Juniper and I must renegotiate our contract first, so Why does'nt everyone but out of my labor negotiations." [22:21] "and people wonder why I joined the legions..." [22:21] * Jynaru shrugs. "Whatever, man." [22:22] Juniper smlies at Nika. [22:22] "Then negociate, so we can stop sitting around here !" [22:22] "I think we should all renegotiate your contract together. [22:22] Mnemon pulls out Nika's contract. [22:22] "Hmm lets see here...." [22:22] opposed int + beuracracy roll! [22:23] !ex 8 [22:23] Storyteller (8) 6, 9, 8, 7, 2, 8, 1, 9, Successes : 5 [22:23] !ex 8 [using temperance as well] [22:23] Nika (8) 1, 4, 6, 4, 9, 10, 1, 7, Successes : 4 [22:23] loophole! [22:23] * Jynaru smokes a cigarette and stretches. [22:23] * Tala returns to her quarters, tired of arguing about trying to get someone to join their brotherhood who doesn't even deserve to be a part of it [22:25] Nobody, ever, ever disagrees with the captain on her ship.. [22:25] the captain on a ship is the ultimate authority. Even with this contract. [22:25] * Cicada takes the time to go after Tala, talking with her for a few minutes if possible, agreeing with her, but reminding her of how many of the surviving group were fit to be members of a brotherhood back when we met. [22:25] "Yet another reason I didn't join the navy." [22:26] (or more to the point, how *few*) [22:27] "Beyond the whole fire aspect thing?" [22:27] "Or is it that you just don't look good in the outfit?" [22:28] * Tala nods to Cicada, "But even before we were defeated by Bloom, we were driven towards the same goal, and working together. That would have been a most appropriate time, and could have very well changed the course of events." [22:28] "...there *are* fire-aspected captains, you know." [22:28] "The Delibirative will hear of this as will Mnemon. I'm not so despised that I can't rally support against you, M'dear. Forcing a Dynast to be bonded against his will is a serius offence, even for the captain of the ship." [22:28] "The outfit. I should have known." [22:29] she smiles. [22:29] "...you're asking for a logn swim back home, buddy." [22:29] "And I believe this Nika can do the same. And we might have great use of him and his contacts. And we certainly need you, Tala." [22:29] "That is the choice you have." [22:29] "Hey, man. It's alright. You wouldn't look too much like a partly burnt marshmallow." [22:30] "I can fly, anyway I'll join this dragons be-damned brotherhood. you viper." [22:30] "...that isn't a tobacco cigarette, I'm guessing." [22:30] Juniper looks at Tabius again. [22:30] "Now I'm hurt. What makes you think I'd indulge on this historic occasion?" [22:30] "Thank you, Nika." [22:31] * Tabius looks back at Juniper as if to say he did his part. [22:31] "...because I know you." [22:31] Juniper lets Tabius know what's coming to him. [22:31] * Jynaru blows a smoke spiral up into the air. It is lightly tinged with purple. "Ok, so it's not exactly tobacco." [22:32] * Nika draws and lights a thin hand rolled cigarillo. The clods of smoke given off are so acrid as to make a dead horse choke. it's obvius this was not bought from the average apothecary [22:32] "Has the debate been settled ?" [22:32] Juniper nods. [22:33] "if you can call it that, I suppose." [22:33] "Then can we get on with matters ?" [22:33] "Thank you." [22:33] "Heck of Vanal will join in I guess anybody would." [22:34] "Just remember...I'm beating the hell out of you once we're done with this." [22:34] "Maybe we should invite Bloom to the party next time." [22:34] "Your welcome to try Lord Vanal." [22:34] !ex 4 [22:34] Tala (4) 5, 5, 4, 1, Successes : 0 , Botch [22:35] that was temperence, wasn't it. [22:35] "Ant then, Tala, there is Juniper. I think we need her in the Brotherhood as well. Even if just as an auxaliary. She did come out all this way for us, which says something. And I can gurantee for her intentions as far as Red Bloom and the Realm goes. Though I recall you have absolutely no reason to trust me either, Tala." [22:35] [no, conviction to get wp back] [22:35] ah [22:35] * Tala shakes her head. [22:36] "Why not? Something you cannot tell me about?" [22:36] "She is a stranger. We are already a brotherhood. The spell is a ritual formality." [22:37] "Agreed, and saving our lives counts pretty big in the friendship thing. She and Nika both worked to save us." [22:38] "For their own ulterior purposes maybe. But in this case our objectives are the same." [22:38] * Tala turns to face Cicada [22:39] * Tabius is wondering what Juniper thinks Tabius could have done more to get Nika to sign on with the idea. [22:40] "We have fought and bled and suffered together for a long time. We all know, that if we needed to pick an ally out of all the dragonblooded we know to aid us in anything, they would come from this group. Neither of them fits that description for me." [22:41] "I know. It is us the survivors who are the core. But are we enough to win? And it is final victory that is our goal, right?" [22:42] * Nika just wants off this thrice damned boat and the clouds in his face again [22:43] ok so do we want to cave to Tala's demands or not? Nika doesn't have to be bonded to everyone else. [22:43] * Tabius could certainly give Nika a cloud in his face should he so wish it. [22:44] Yeah, cave, whatever. *shrug* Let's just get moving. [22:44] ok lets see how many successes there are on this brotherhood thing, then tabius can cast his spell and we're outta here. [22:44] It's been two hours and our grand total of accomplishments is we found out what Tala looks like naked and argued about brotherhood. [22:44] !ex 13 [22:44] Storyteller (13) 10, 2, 6, 9, 8, 9, 9, 3, 4, 10, 4, 8, 6, Successes : 9 [22:45] Tabius, it's time to go! [22:45] Sorry, idiot me for expecting people to think brotherhood both proper and appropriate. [22:45] [Tala does think its a good idea.] [22:45] I think everyone just wanted to rp [22:45] * Jynaru shrugs. Tala's right in a way that new people aren't as appropriate. My problem was always that I didn't want a crutch. [22:46] at least there are no questions left about nika's morality [22:46] * Tabius prepairs to cast the spell for the first leg of their jump/ [22:46] Twas a good idea, just a bit early to include someone like Nika. [22:46] Juniper orders everyone except tabius downstairs [22:47] (I know, I almost wish there was no spell. Just a describtion of the way Dragon Bloods form sworn partnerships for specific purposes as just 'a part' of what they do) [22:47] [i like the spell alot] [22:47] [but maybe it would be better as a charm, like for lunars] [22:47] * Tabius gets some rope and ties himself down not knowing why the spell doesn't work like he learned it, but willing to take it anyways. [22:49] tabius roll int + lore to get the directions on the map right, three times. [22:49] !exa 9 [22:49] Tabius (9) 3, 2, 7, 9, 2, 1, 9, 2, 8, Successes : 4 [22:49] !exa 9 [22:49] Tabius (9) 9, 9, 10, 6, 1, 10, 1, 3, 4, Successes : 6 [22:49] !ex 6 [22:49] Storyteller (6) 6, 2, 6, 10, 4, 3, Successes : 2 [22:49] !ex 6 [22:49] Storyteller (6) 3, 9, 6, 9, 3, 5, Successes : 2 [22:49] !ex 6 [22:49] Storyteller (6) 6, 8, 6, 4, 6, 8, Successes : 2 [22:49] !exa 9 [22:49] Tabius (9) 4, 3, 9, 4, 8, 9, 1, 10, 7, Successes : 6 [22:50] You are undetected! [22:50] (*SWEET!) [22:51] (YAAAY!) [22:51] The ship comes to land two days north of Bright Obleisk... you can see the shining point of the Obleisk from the ship! [22:52] The demon dissipates overhead with a final cry, banished by the spell back to malfeas once more. [22:53] it's been 12 days since you first got on the ship. If your stamina is less than 12, roll the difference in damage dice. [22:53] !exm 9 [22:53] Jynaru (9) 8, 5, 6, 3, 7, 9, 7, 7, 5, Successes : 5 [22:53] Ow. [22:53] !exm 8 [22:53] Vanal (8) 5, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, 3, 3, Successes : 1 [22:54] bink [22:54] !ex 9 [22:54] Nika (9) 6, 5, 9, 4, 4, 1, 7, 5, 2, Successes : 2 [22:55] !exm 9 [22:55] Tabius (9) 9, 6, 5, 1, 9, 1, 4, 6, 7, Successes : 3 [22:55] why are we taking damage from riding on a ship pray tell [22:55] Clearly, I am like the finely bred racehorse. [22:55] I need room to move around in! [22:56] !exm 8 [22:56] Cicada (8) 5, 3, 10, 1, 4, 2, 1, 8, Successes : 2 [22:56] !ex 9 [22:56] Tala (9) 7, 1, 3, 7, 9, 7, 1, 4, 3, Successes : 4 [22:56] [what is this damage from?] [22:57] you don't know! it is a mystery [22:58] (Cursed ship! Run awaaaayyy!) [22:58] it will take two days to get to shore! [22:58] * Cicada has a few suspicions concerning their lack of need to sleep, but nevermind. ;) [22:58] (lethal of Bashing?) [22:58] fine, not only does juniper railroad me, her ship causes bodilly harm as well [22:58] (or) [22:59] heh [22:59] Nika? [22:59] L [22:59] Some free advice. [22:59] you can use the charm on it. [22:59] Stay away from working with Mnemons. [22:59] Jynaru: Nika IS a Mnemon [22:59] So? [22:59] :) [22:59] all the more reason to stay away [22:59] * Cicada is likely acting ships surgeon. All damage will be healed as it comes. [23:00] (how much WP will that cost me? All?) [23:00] The damage is all healed before you get to shore. [23:00] (nah, it's spread out enough) [23:00] (*By Tabius for some if need be) [23:01] * Jynaru spends a good part of the two days renumerating why he hates mnemons. [23:01] Got to move evil accursed ships up to the top 20. [23:02] * Vanal is spending the last 2 days trying to work off his pent-up anxiety and energy... [23:02] At dawn on the second day, you see another ship flying Realm colors. They are also heading to bright oblisk [23:02] !ex 4 [23:02] Tala (4) 6, 2, 1, 7, Successes : 1 [23:02] * Vanal tries to ID the ship, if possible [23:03] It's a merchant ship from house Peleps [23:03] "Fuckin' Peleps." [23:03] "Hail for news?" [23:03] "Might as well. Remember, Vanal. They're your allies now." [23:03] "They saddled me with Renig !" [23:03] (At least if I remember the house alliances correctly.) [23:03] "But not mine. We should keep our distance." [23:04] * Tabius leaves the decision making in the hands of Juniper as the Captian of the wessel. [23:04] "HE'S your ally now." [23:04] "We are flying Mnemon colors after all." [23:04] * Cicada defers to Juniper. [23:04] "*He* is a total asshole." [23:04] "Who went AWOL with my men !" [23:04] * Jynaru considers. "Maybe you should offer him a brotherhood..." [23:04] "fuck you." [23:04] "Renig will pay for his crimes." [23:04] "After he's mostly dead?" [23:05] "But we cannot alienate House Peleps." [23:05] "Perhaps we can do something... discreet." [23:05] "Then we go through proper channels. I've got contacts in the legions." [23:05] Yarna nods. [23:05] " [23:05] The house Peleps ship looms ominously several miles away for most of the trip back. [23:06] "Renig is the Least of our concerns at present and in the near future." [23:06] "Oh, by the way. How about we hold a private party when we geta ashore and have access to new food and drink? Celebrate our return, the brotherhood, and Red Bloom's not too distant demise?" [23:06] "Look what happened LAST "Getting off the ship party."..." [23:06] "And in some cases, get to know each other." [23:07] "Hey, not our fault you couldn't keep it in your trousers." [23:07] "Lets see.... two of you became proud fathers and we started a kingdom?" [23:07] "Um...that was later in my case, Cic." [23:07] "Remember ? Drunker than a skunk, took advantage ?" [23:08] "Exactly." [23:08] "Maris, then? I lost count being a midwife." [23:08] * Vanal rubs his temples [23:08] "I don't think that the Realm really needs us carving out a kingdom." [23:08] "Can't we do this quietly." [23:08] ?" [23:08] * Tabius looks at Jynaru and thinks exactly the opposite. [23:08] "Or, you know, yet more kids. I'm in enough trouble." [23:09] "That is why I said 'private'. No need to alarm our foes. But the Regent has to learn we have arrived." [23:09] (Shhhhh.... got to keep your ambitions private. ^_^ ) [23:09] A few hours after nightfall, the ship docks with a soft "thud" at Bright Oblisk, the sails are lowered, and the ship is tied down. You're home, with a strangely silent greeting, save for the late night sounds of revelers, guards and drunks. [23:09] "And not much danger of kids. I am already with child, and I don't think Tala wants any part of any motherhood." [23:10] * Vanal hops off the ship and inhales deeply [23:10] "You smell that ? You know what that smell is ?" [23:10] "That's REALM air !" [23:10] "At least it is quiet." [23:10] "Smells like... victory." [23:10] Juniper hands a bag to one of the dock workers after a quiet discussion, and then gives the rest of her men the night off, telling them to be ready to leave in the morning. [23:10] (Sorry, sorry.) [23:11] * Vanal is almost giddy to be home [23:11] "By the way...where the HELL are we going to store Eleanor ?" [23:11] Yarna takes a few, uneasy steps onto the pier after months at sea [23:11] "Not us. YOU." [23:11] everyone roll dex + sail to avoid becoming landsick [23:11] "Gee...thanks for the support." [23:11] !ex 2 [23:11] Vanal (2) 10, 1, Successes : 2 [23:11] * Jynaru looks around uneasily. [23:11] (yes !) [23:11] !ex 3 [23:11] Jynaru (3) 7, 8, 5, Successes : 2 [23:12] !ex 3 [23:12] Nika (3) 3, 3, 10, Successes : 2 [23:12] !exa 8 [23:12] Tabius (8) 9, 3, 3, 1, 6, 1, 6, 4, Successes : 1 [23:12] * Cicada goes down the plank with Sanyet hand in hand. Both a bit frightened about all that ahead. And Cicada wondering why she of all people had to invoke tradition and Blooded culture. [23:12] !ex 5 [23:12] Storyteller (5) 8, 10, 5, 1, 5, Successes : 3 [23:12] "My basement isn't nearly big enough. And it's kind of hard to move Eleanor in secret anyway. [23:13] "Doesn't matter, we'll figure something out." [23:13] Sanyet holds Cicada uneasily as they walk down the pier together towards land.... half wishing he had spent the time learning High Realm. [23:13] "I will stay on board as a guard for the evening, anybody who wants to get going can if they like. However I have a request, could I have some clay about 10 lbs upoin someones return? [23:13] !ex 7 [23:13] Cicada (7) 6, 9, 7, 2, 2, 9, 5, Successes : 3 [23:13] "That won't be necessary, Tabius. I've already made the arrangements for the ship to be watched." [23:14] "Any particular kind of clay?" [23:14] "None in particular, just sticky and clay like. [23:14] "Thank you Juniper, but I will be staying regardless." [23:14] * Tabius heads below ship to spend time with his concubine and son. [23:14] * Jynaru shrugs. "I'll see what I can do." [23:15] * Cicada likely taught Sanyet bits of High and Low Realm. It is about the time when they have to cool down in bed anyway. [23:15] (At least, while hunting out outrageous parties.) [23:15] heh [23:15] * Jynaru claps Vanal on the back. "So, legionairre, where are all the festivities at?" [23:16] "I have NO clue. I've never been here before." [23:16] Juniper nods and heads off to spend a night reveling back in the Realm. [23:16] * Tala walks down the plank, a bag with her few possessions over he shoulder [23:16] * Jynaru rolls his eyes. "Well, then I suppose we'll have to FIND some, won't we?" [23:16] "There's some really good parties here, but I suppose you'd have to be a northerner to appreciate that. [23:16] * Cicada mutters about wanting us all to go together to celebrate the occasion and looking back at Tanius. Then sends him an invitation by Wind-Carried Words. [23:16] "Thick ale? Bar fights?" [23:16] Juniper seems to think it's a good idea to stick around with the rest of you. [23:17] "Steam baths?" [23:17] * Nika bursts into the sky with a blast of wind and proceeds to buzz a few sheep herders outside the city to blow off steam [23:17] Meanwhile her men do whatever it is sailors do (often, inexpensively) [23:18] "Steam bath ? Dear GOD I'd kill for one." [23:18] "Ahh yes then follow me..." [23:18] Yarna leads you off towards what he seems to consider a prime location. [23:18] * Jynaru follows the Yarna! [23:19] "Something not demanding the consumption of too much alcohol, please.." [23:19] * Vanal follows suit [23:19] * Cicada goes along with Sanyet. [23:19] As for Nika, the sheep herders cry and run after their runaway sheep. For the next few months there are legends of some strange, winged beast terrorizing farmers and small boys. [23:20] You are walking through the quiet streets, the night life mostly consisting of men peddling their wares. You are walking under one of the cities' many oil lanterns when suddenly, Jynaru has the feeling that he is being watched. [23:21] (Ah-HA! The game is afoot!) [23:21] * Jynaru idly changes the topic of conversation from what to do to who is out at this time of night to do it with." [23:22] (AcK! So many lacking "s.) [23:22] * Tala seeks out the local temple of the immaculate order, for rest and meditation. She spends some time studying the Immaculate scrolls, etc [23:22] moments later, he is wracked with blinding pain! [23:22] * Jynaru trips and grabs onto a lantern. "Ow." [23:23] "Wait. No. BLOODY FUCKING OW! Better." [23:23] it's not better! [23:23] roll dex + athletics -5 [23:23] !ex 7 [23:23] Jynaru (7) 6, 7, 9, 6, 2, 4, 3, Successes : 2 [23:23] (Anima is go.) [23:23] you barely manage to stop falling down! [23:24] !exc essence -5 [23:24] !exc essence pers -5 [23:24] Something is clearly wrong with Jynaru [23:24] * Vanal zips up to Jyn [23:25] "Uhhh... guys? I'm not drunk yet... so why do I keep falling...?" [23:25] "Jyn...speak to me...you OK ?" [23:25] roll again jynaru! [23:25] !ex 7 [23:25] Jynaru (7) 9, 4, 8, 4, 10, 5, 8, Successes : 5 [23:25] * Cicada looks around to check for possibly ambushes (could be poison darts or worse) [23:25] * Vanal grabs him to make sure he doesn't fall [23:25] roll per + awareness cicada +1 stunt [23:26] Jynaru's pain has been going on for about 3 turns with no signs of stopping. [23:26] !ex 13 (spending WP for adding Compassion to guard her new sworn circlemates) [23:26] Cicada (13) 8, 9, 7, 8, 3, 4, 7, 5, 8, 3, 6, 7, 4, Successes : 7 [23:27] "Someone get a doc here...NOW !" [23:27] "No, I'm not ok! Apparently the world hates me, and I can't even stan still to kick it back!" [23:27] Another wave of pain hits jynaru! [23:27] "There *is* a physician here! Get him into a house and cover!" [23:28] * Jynaru rants croakingly at shadowperson and how when he's better I'm going to track them down and kick their asses. [23:28] Yarna places his massive frame between Jynaru and the empty street, watching carefully for any signs of ambush. [23:29] * Cicada kneels next to Jynaru and checks him over. [23:29] * Vanal hauls Jyn up [23:29] "Cover..." [23:29] Jynaru feels one more spasm of pain, and then its gone. [23:29] * Vanal blinks [23:29] Cicada roll med + per [23:29] !ex 9 [23:29] Cicada (9) 6, 6, 2, 7, 8, 5, 7, 4, 8, Successes : 4 [23:29] "Yarna? I'm buying you a drink... whatever that was seems to have stopped." [23:29] Yarna nods to Jynaru. [23:30] * Nika has tired of scaring the bejeezus out of peasants and is now overflying the city looking for the party, probably not hard to find as jyns anima is flaring [23:30] "That is good. The drinks at the Ice-Toed Yeddim are very expensive. [23:30] nah he used personal essence. but it's still not hard to find. [23:31] (turning into a nightlight when you're being attacked is a bad move.) [23:31] "Jynaru... Do you have enemies with sorcerous power?" [23:31] Juniper looks at Jynaru worringly [23:31] "Sorry, idiot question..." [23:31] * Jynaru stands up and runs a quick check over himself for darts or whatnot. "Beyond all the Anathema running around?" [23:32] you don't have any darts or anything, and there seems to be no current damage. [23:32] * Cicada points down at Jynaru's feet. [23:32] * Jynaru looks at his feet. [23:32] There is no shadow! [23:32] "look down there. In the light." [23:32] * Jynaru blinks and waves a hand around. [23:32] * Nika dips down and is now hovering close to the group. "Leave you alone for an hour and look what happens." [23:32] "Awwwww, SHIT.' [23:32] "What the HELL ?" [23:33] "Someone wanna explain what that means ?" [23:33] "Some sorcerer stole Jynaru's shadow - a mystic link to Jynaru himself - in order to do something with it. Send a message or torture him? I don't know." [23:34] "Some Sorcerer has likely stolen it, it could mean all kinds of things depending on what spell was used." [23:34] "Great. Just great." [23:34] "I'd figured the stolen part." [23:35] it could be anything from a warning to an assassanation attempt." [23:35] Yarna waves his hand around, seeing that he still has a shadow. [23:36] "Okay...so sudden pain pangs equals sotlen shadow, check." [23:36] "Does it hurt if they just want a message?" [23:37] * Jynaru shakes himself. "Whoever it is, they're not fucking up my party. Pain gone, shadow gone. I'll just borrow someone elses if it becomes a problem." [23:37] "I'm rather attached to my shadow, wyld hunter." [23:38] "they're are un-numberable spells centered on shadow stealing, Impossible to say what one this is unless I saw it being cast." [23:38] "Relax, he's joking." [23:38] Yarna seems to not understand the concept of "Joking" [23:38] "Just lead me to us to the Ice-Toed Yeddim so I can buy you a drink." [23:38] Yarna smiles. [23:39] "This way" [23:39] he walks off down the road. [23:39] (bleah. train of thought derailed.) [23:39] the pain does not return [23:39] (can I get a per+awe to see if somebody's watching me?) [23:39] roll it [23:39] !ex 6 [23:39] Jynaru (6) 10, 6, 2, 4, 7, 1, Successes : 3 [23:40] some people are watching you, from their houses and the streets. A few guys whistle your way, offering to take your mind off your troubles. But there doesn't seem to be anyone specifically tailing you [23:41] Cute. [23:42] Eventually you come to a large building which has most of the block to itself. Hanging over the door is a massive yeddim-paw, with white hair and nearly transluencnt claws. [23:42] I've been shadow-vandalized. [23:42] The yeddim-paw is easily two meters in length [23:42] "Nice place." [23:42] * Jynaru whistles at the Yeddim paw. [23:42] * Cicada helps supporting Jynaru if he needs it and waves cat-callers away, making it clear that the poor man already has everything he can handle. [23:43] "That had to have been a massive beast." [23:43] Cicada they come on to you as well, dynast girl want a little fun? [23:43] Sailor want a little death? [23:43] * Nika is still floating along an inch off the ground, ready to hit the altitude if anything else weird happens [23:43] "Very nice." Yarna remarks, pulling open one massive, iron-barred door, and walking into the 100+ degree room inside. [23:43] A little death is a beeeeeg death in their line of work ;) [23:44] * Jynaru 's eyes water at the sudden blast of heat. "Your kind of place, Van." [23:44] "Hell yeah." [23:44] * Vanal soaks up the heat [23:44] "too hot for me, i'll hang out here." [23:44] "Women, please." Yarna grumbles along with the rest of his order, then pauses, looking at Cicada and Juniper. [23:45] * Cicada already knows this is going to be a test of stamina. Even the loudest bar back in the town by Sanyet's farm was nothing like this. [23:45] * Vanal blinks, puzzled. [23:45] * Jynaru steps inside and looks around at the decor. Anyone really suspicious around? [23:45] The room is filled with people, who are all incredibly suspicious [23:45] Great. [23:45] also, unbathed [23:45] It's the Cantina at Mos Eisly. [23:45] and looking like they belong skinning a yeddim. [23:46] "Can we get a private room, at least..?" [23:46] Yarna nods, saying something in skytounge you don't catch. [23:46] * Vanal wrinkles his nose at the smell [23:46] It makes the guy on the other side of the table laugh heartily. [23:47] He takes off a yeddims paw from the wall and throws it at Yarna, who guides you along the edge of the large steam-pools into one of the side rooms. [23:47] (My new purpose is clear. Get drunk, tear a viking hat off the wall, and sing immigrant song.) [23:47] "anyone speak skytongue ?" [23:47] "I speak skytounge" he mumbles [23:47] (wait ! girlfriend in head does !) [23:48] (i've got a built-in-translator !) [23:48] * Vanal scowls [23:48] "What did they say ?" [23:48] "Why ?" [23:49] "Dammit...I'm not gonna do it unless you explain !" [23:49] "Look, who's got the physical form here, you or me ?" [23:49] "Hon...just TELL me, dammit." [23:50] * Jynaru dips his fingers in the pool. "Whoa. Cold drinks and very hot water." [23:50] * Vanal nods [23:50] Yarna looks at Vanal oddly, unsure if he's coming onto him or not. [23:50] * Vanal thwacks Yarna on the back of the head [23:50] "I wan't talking to you." [23:50] Yarna looks at Vanal humorously and opens the door to the private room [23:51] "By the way...I can understand skytongue." [23:51] "What? You couldn't speak it last time I talked about your mother." [23:51] "Didn't say I could speak it. I cna understand it." [23:52] [23:52] *mutter* "Translation?" [23:53] * Tala meditates and reads [23:53] * Tabius does what he is doing. [23:53] Inside a dozen cute girls await with towels and ale, sitting around a large, central pool that you can get into as far as you want. [23:54] "It's a long story, and frankly...it's none of your damn busines.s" [23:54] * Jynaru tries to figure out why people don't pick on the pregnant woman or the mortal or the crazy guy, no, it has to be me. [23:54] * Vanal smirks and tosses a coupla barbarian disses at him [23:54] * Nika floats outside the bar enjoying the night air [23:54] Yarna just laughs. [23:55] [gotta use the head, talk a bit i'll get to tala when i come back] [23:56] * Cicada sits down with Sanyet next to her. "I hope you don't feel too unsettled by my sudden demands on you." [23:56] * Jynaru takes a moment to scan all the girls and looks at Vanal. [23:56] "What ?" [23:56] "You know, if this is how every trip is going to end, I'm going to have to travel a lot more." [23:57] "You keep telling yourself that, loverboy. I don't have the smae perspective on romance as you." [23:58] "Oh, come on. Hot tub, man! Good for those nagging muscle aches from too much exertion." [23:58] * Cicada whispers to Sanyet that mostly naked girls are rather common in the Realm, and in the bathhouses of the North, and that she hopes he can cope and get used to it. [23:59] Sanyet smiles and strips down, before pulling you and puuhda down into the water with him [23:59] "Hut tub, cool. Potential massage, cool. Other connotations for guy with girlfriend in his head...not cool." [23:59] * Nika gets bored and eventually wanders in floating deftly between tables and asking the bartender for a very exotic drink that he does'nt have before settling on the vinnigar that passes for wine in these local taverns [23:59] * Vanal shrugs and starts stripping down anyways [23:59] * Cicada adds: "Or maybe I should undress too to have your full attention?" [00:00] * Vanal drapes an arm around Cic "Hey, you'd get mine." [00:00] Sanyet drapes his arm around cic [00:00] * Vanal smirks and pulls off his shirt...chuckling to himself [00:00] "What, you want to fight him for it?" [00:00] "I know, my dear circle brother. Will you father my next twelve kids?" [00:00] *me [00:01] "...keep dreaming, sis." [00:01] "I stick to my husband then. Thanks for the offer though." [00:01] * Vanal smiles "Besides, I'm a devoted lover..." and ignores Shak's mental chuckle of 'yeah, right. [00:02] * Cicada tries to get something non-alcoholic. [00:02] * L_Jynaru (Fiat@dialup-67.30.193.78.Dial1.Atlanta1.Level3.net) has joined #pvpexaltedrp [00:02] * Jynaru (Fiat@dialup-67.30.192.244.Dial1.Atlanta1.Level3.net) Quit (Ping timeout) [00:03] * L_Jynaru is now known as Jynaru [00:03] "So, Yarna, what's the specialty of the house? Beyond the women and the bath." [00:03] If by "non alcoholic" you mean maple syurp mixed with water and boiled with oak sticks than yes [00:04] * Cicada will sip a mug of *that stuff* then. [00:04] * Vanal climbs into the tub [00:04] "I'll have what she's having." [00:04] * Vanal points to Cic." [00:04] "Sorry, I keep Sanyet to myself." [00:05] The girl smiles and then pours half a cup into her mouth and then slowly bends his back over her knee [00:05] "I meant a drink." [00:05] "'da Hell ?" [00:05] Halfway through saying that she kisses you and gives you your drink [00:06] * Vanal blinks...and turns BRIGHT red [00:06] * Jynaru eases himself over the edge, letting out a breath at the heat. "Damn, if it does that to fire aspects, what's it gonna do to me..." [00:06] * Nika tries to ignor the stares at the floating winged dynast [00:07] * Jynaru looks at a foot to hide his great amusement at Vanal's predicament. [00:07] * Vanal is currently QUITE nervous [00:07] some of the girls grab at Nika's feet, trying to drag him into the pool [00:07] The foot in question has a piercing on the little toe [00:07] otherwise it is a very nice foot [00:08] * Jynaru blinks and follows the leg up to see who in the world would pierce their TOE, of all places. [00:08] * Nika causes a minor windstorm by aplying power to the cloak in an escaping move [00:09] * Vanal relaxes [00:09] There are a few more piercings in the leg as you look up, but clothes obscures whatever other piercings the brown-headed beauty has [00:10] "This is the first GOOD bath I've had since the ambush." [00:10] * Jynaru mentally shrugs, questioning the utility of metal piercings in such a cold climate. [00:10] Indeed it is very warm; the women take pitches of water and pour it over your heads at regular intervals, before rubbing each of you down with fresh towels [00:11] ad infinitum. [00:11] Anything that needs to be done here before getting back on the boat in the morning? [00:12] nope [00:12] (Doubt it. It's too late for me to hunt down shadowthief anyway.) [00:12] You'll be going all the way back to the imperial city. [00:12] * Cicada gets with the mood and suggests her dancing for the company. It has been a while since she last had the opportunity, and today is a festive occation. [00:16] "Maybe one of the other girls should do it..." [00:17] "Can't dance without music! There's, uh, no music. So... can't dance!" [00:17] "No music. Just relaxation." [00:17] "Some complete amateur? No way! And there is always music if you know it." [00:18] * Vanal inhales deeply [00:18] "Ahhh....bliss." [00:18] * Nika soon tires of the bar as well and takes off into the night, landing on the ship just before it shoves off, and sleeping most of the next day [00:18] "We can get music" says one of the women currently squeezing jynaru's head in between her legs [00:18] * Jynaru winces. "Don't use that word, Van." [00:19] "My apologies." [00:19] "and thank you ladies...but I'm spoken for..." [00:19] * Vanal kinda edges away from a woman who was gettign too cozy for comfort [00:19] "Music... and dancing. Yarna? Order the strongest drink th house makes. I think I'm gonna need it." [00:20] "Hm" yarna hoists up one of the girls and she goes off to mix something at the far end of the room [00:20] * Cicada gets up and snatches a light towel to use as a dancing veil. Then uses the ambient song and music of the bawdy tunes sung in the main room as her music as she begins. [00:20] Sanyet watches in confusion, since she never offered to do this for HIM [00:21] * Vanal orders the msot expensive cigar in the house [00:22] Now THAT is one cigar. It's about a foot long and four inches thick [00:22] * Cicada quickly finds a fast paced rythm and uses the surface of the large tub as her dancefloor, the tips of her toes making only little touches that break the surface into a million rings and obscure any reflection up her skirt, but still keeping the tantalizing suggetsion. [00:22] "aww yeah." [00:22] * Vanal lights it up [00:22] * Jynaru tries to keep the focus on safe, normal things. Like what the girl over there is mixing up. [00:23] dex + performance +2 stunt [00:23] Jynaru.. she isn't done with your drink and it's already smoking [00:24] * Jynaru reminds himself to never ask what they use to make what he's about to drink. [00:24] * Cicada uses the towel so hide choice turns of hips and shoulders, denying her audience the direct look of her shape which is as transformed, carried by the air itslef, trailing diamond like dust from her hair, the swirwling wind and steam both hiding and showing seemingly caressing her and shaping her. [00:24] ok +3 stunt [00:25] * Vanal puffs away merrily [00:25] Vanal roll stamina + resistance [00:25] * Cicada appears more beautiful than ever before. And The trained eye can spot one detail - there is only one in her audience who is allowed to see all, one whith whoom she keeps contact all the time - Sanyet. [00:25] * Jynaru 'd mouth how lucky Sanyet is to him, but he wouldn't be paying attention anyway. [00:26] Jyn is right [00:26] Poor cicada is going to get whats coming to her. [00:27] !ex 18 (2 motes for extra dice, 5 motes to activate Aspect ability, WP for autosux) [00:27] Cicada (18) 7, 1, 10, 1, 5, 9, 7, 4, 6, 4, 5, 8, 10, 9, 3, 6, 5, 2, Successes : 9 [00:27] (10 sux) [00:27] yaay [00:27] Vanal, roll sta + res [00:27] (2X legendary.... whoa.) [00:27] everyone roll temperence again [00:27] !ex 2 [00:27] Storyteller (2) 8, 9, Successes : 2 [00:27] !ex 2 [00:27] Jynaru (2) 7, 5, Successes : 1 [00:27] !ex 6 (sta + res) [00:27] Vanal (6) 3, 2, 9, 2, 5, 4, Successes : 1 [00:27] !ex 2 [00:27] Vanal (2) 10, 1, Successes : 2 [00:28] (*LMAO......good GOOD thing Tabius isn't there...... something about Helen of Troy comes to mind.*) [00:28] Cicada starts to shimmer with light as she dances.... [00:28] Even when you close your eyes, you can see her naked body dancing in your mind [00:28] * Jynaru chews on the end of his hair. Freaking embaressing. [00:29] unfortunately for you the difficulty for that roll was at least 3, 4 before she pulled a little behind the corner trick. [00:29] ... [00:29] now you are all seduced by cicada's dancing! [00:29] Err...wp to resist ! [00:29] There is nothing you can do.. ok fine WP to resist. [00:30] * Vanal mutters to himself "It's *CICADA* for Mela's sake..." [00:30] even the women stop everything they are doing to stare at cicada's dance [00:30] Sanyet is staring..... "oh... my... god...." [00:30] * Vanal closes his eyes and focuses his mind elsewhere [00:31] * Jynaru burns the wp and chews hair. It's just Cicada, right? Crazy evil ninja girl? Right... yeah. [00:31] Then with a sudden gust of wind cicada's towel is torn from her hands and the steam is blown away and all is revealed! [00:31] * Vanal 's eyes are blissfully closed...huzzah [00:32] The towel lands on Vanal's head [00:32] "...this had better not be the towel." [00:32] * Jynaru drags his eyes away and flails for that sex-change gem so he can stand up and escape. [00:32] * Vanal mutters to Shak "When we get you a body again, there had better be some MAJOR dividends for this." [00:33] Shak is without words [00:34] Only, Cicada looks different to you, somehow. It's difficult to say how, or why, but she's easily the most beautiful women you've ever seen... parts of her skin glow iridescently and entire ANGLES are there that weren't before. Alas there is no hope for any of you to look away, and towel or not, Cicada is lost in the song [00:35] * Cicada is borne up by her beloved air, lost in its music. [00:37] Unfortuantely, Vanal's efforts doesn't really help, because I said you could see her even with your eyes closed. But his WP was enough so that he keeps trying to distract himself with horrible, horrible memories. [00:38] * Jynaru is mildly sad that he's going to have to become a eunuch if he wants to keep the brotherhood oath intact. [00:39] * Vanal keeps muttering "psycho clingy girl...she boffed Tabs...psycho clingy girl." [00:39] And... the music stops, and so does cicada, chest heaving from exhaustion, rigid in the final pose, sweat slooooowly beading down the length of her body. [00:39] * Jynaru finally remembers to breathe. [00:39] * Jynaru manages to choke out "Never.... EVER!!! do that again..." [00:39] then another song starts! but i'll leave it to cicada to decide what happens. [00:39] "um...err...I'll be in my bunk." [00:39] Sanyet just has this look on his face that probably makes him the happiest man ever. [00:40] * Vanal wraps a towel around himhself and zips over to his clothes [00:40] Unfortunately Vanal was so distracted he took cicada's towel! And off he goes. [00:40] * Vanal gets dressed and hauls ass out of the room [00:40] * Cicada kneels exhausted before Sanyet. "So, do you still think there is no hope for the future? No joy in the present?" [00:40] * Vanal also prompty orders the strongest drink in the house [00:41] Sanyet doesn't think so anymore, and takes cicada right there. [00:42] And so whatver happens that night... [00:42] morning comes the next day, and finds you sailing east to the imperial city. [00:43] * Vanal is under-deck, funishing up a calisthenic routine [00:46] * Vanal is now known as DarthTom [00:46] * Nika is now known as Manxcat [00:47] * Cicada is mostly relaxing, and of course being ships surgeon. It is strabnge how - during the entire journey - the crew has had an uncommonly high number of accidents requiring treatment. [00:47] Including one girl who you recognize before. Odd that such an accomplished sailor would get rope burn. [00:48] Or did you forget her? or are you hiding from the doooooom? :) [00:48] .... [00:48] Anyhow I play with Jynaru now! [00:48] * Storyteller goes to get some water [00:49] * Jynaru sighs. Why that choice of words? [00:49] * Storyteller ties Jynaru to a bench and does chinese water torture [00:49] * Cicada is not too worried if the rope burn is *inside* a palm. [00:49] yea, that's where it is.... sure...... yea.... definately [00:50] * Tala (~Werlynn@ool-182dcd08.dyn.optonline.net) Quit (Quit: ) [00:50] * Tabius (~web-Guest@ip68-108-129-116.lv.lv.cox.net) Quit (Quit: Leaving) [00:50] * Manxcat (manxcat@wv-mltn-ubr-c-024-159-089-167.charterwv.net) Quit (Quit: ) [00:50] * Cicada is now known as Hikari [00:51] * Hikari (Hikari@62.79.87.73) Quit (Quit: ) [00:52] Ok. So, we doing this on the ship before or after the dance and the solemn resolution to buy about ten dots of temperance? [00:52] Lets say... after the dance [00:52] * Jynaru nods. Alrighty, then. [00:52] That lets me interrogate as to shadowstealy. [00:53] * Jynaru 's gonna hit the bathroom, let you set scene. [00:53] sure thing [00:53] ----- [00:53] ----- [00:53] ----- [00:53] ----- [00:53] ----- [00:53] ----- [00:53] * DarthTom (~ltermac@HSE-QuebecCity-ppp3497360.sympatico.ca) Quit (Quit: "I'm pissed so you don't have to be. I'm your Anger Shaman."- Henry Rollins) [00:53] Innocent Cub Sister sits high on the mast, jumping down a few levels every so often to shore up some more rope or let a little bit more loose, always keeping an eye on the other topsman working the second mast of the ship [00:54] BRB Session Start: Sun Apr 27 00:57:20 2003 Session Ident: #pvpexaltedrp [00:57] * Now talking in #pvpexaltedrp [00:57] * Topic is 'Exalted: What you want, what you lost, what you had, what is gone is over. What you've got, what you love, what you need is real. If it's not enough, it's not enough, if it's not enough I'm sorry.' [00:57] * Set by FiatVictrix on Fri Apr 25 18:47:19 [00:57] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Storyteller [01:00] * Jynaru makes with the flowing athletics and swarms up there, leaping lightly onto the rim of the crow's nest and balancing on the tip of a toe before stepping into the thing and sitting down. [01:01] roll dex + athletics [01:01] !ex 12 [01:01] Jynaru (12) 6, 3, 2, 8, 8, 8, 5, 1, 7, 1, 8, 10, Successes : 7 [01:02] * Jynaru takes a moment to look at the toe and twists it a little, a small pop being heard. "Nice view up here." [01:02] You succed! Innocent Cub Sister smiles happily up at you while she quickly fiddles with one of the ropes. After Cicada's dance, it's been hard to look at any women without wanton lust, and her tan-leather sailing suit doesn't make it much easier. [01:03] "Yes, yes it is." she looks to the south, where the shoreline of the Blessed Isle.. and the Imperial Mountain... is clearly visible [01:03] * Jynaru tries to ignore what his mind is transmuting the imperial mountain to. [01:04] "Enjoying the trip so far?" [01:04] You know it's a little known fact that one of the imperial mountain's peaks is taller than the other. [01:05] "It hasn't been that bad," she says innocently, tying the leather ropes together, every so often looking up at the woman sitting at the top of the other mast [01:05] (Like everest?) [01:05] heh, something like that. [01:05] (Like I said, trying to ignore mental transmutation.) [01:06] * Jynaru nods and leans back, trying to pick up on what she's doing as a method of clearing his thoughts. [01:07] Quickly she changes what she's doing and grabs one of the sails, yanking it up and decreasing the surface area of the sail a little more. Calmly she just holds on. [01:07] "So, how was your vacation? [01:08] "Terrific. I saw new places, learned new things, and put about a hundred new lines on my resume I likely can't quote." [01:08] "That's good to hear. Did you learn Tiger Style?" [01:08] "Yeah. Old dudes much like you, but, well, old dudes taught it to me." [01:09] She nods, then laughs. [01:09] "Much older than me" [01:10] * Jynaru itches at his foot. "Also glass crafting, what adamant is made of, the odds on a kid being male or female, and so forth." [01:10] "You don't look that old to..." *shuts up. Dammit, Jyn, BUSINESS!* [01:10] She nods quietly. [01:11] She smiles happily, rocking back on forth on the sail. [01:11] "Think you can take me now?" [01:12] * Jynaru coughs. "I should think not. I hit things hard. You people CHEAT." [01:12] Laughingly she nods. [01:12] "You can hit hard enough." [01:13] "Yeah. Got a lot of practice with it." [01:13] She nods happily. [01:13] "Have you found a wife yet?" she looks at you, a wistful expression on her face [01:14] "The mortal woman? Or the six others I ended up with?" [01:15] "No, I mean a wife. That you love, and everything." [01:15] * Jynaru stares out at the ocean. Stop imagining things and just talk. [01:15] "I've hardly had time enough for love." [01:15] "You'll have to find time. You can't fight without something to love." [01:15] * Jynaru shrugs and waves an arm at the mountain. "I love the Realm. Most of it." [01:16] "Doesn't that count?" [01:16] She tilts her head at the mountain and watches it for a while, then nods. [01:16] "Yea, it counts for something." [01:17] (... and a million billion songs go through my head. also, apparently I'm Ledaal Heinlein Jynaru.) [01:17] [heh] [01:17] (I mean, if Sidereals don't count for Lazarus Long and co., I don't know who does.) [01:17] (heh) [01:19] "Question mildly related to that. The old dudes wanted me to off Cicada so Sanyet would be a better whatever he's supposed to be. But he won't be that at all if she's not around. Were they just playing with my limits, or is there something I'm not getting?" [01:19] The topsman on the other mast slides down the rope. A bit too quickly, it seems, for she then promptly grabs both hands together and runs belowdecks. ICS frowns slightly. [01:19] "Cicada was supposed to die, but now we have other plans for her." [01:20] "If you can kill her, fine, but don't worry too much about it." [01:21] "It just seems odd Sanyet seems to think that he manifests as a result of her being around but she's supposed to die before that." [01:21] She smiles. [01:21] "It is odd.' [01:21] "This sort of thing was never my forte... *pulls the starmetal ring off his finger* Also, there's this. Do I need to get it fixed?" [01:22] She swings worrylessly on the giant pole for a minute before looking back at the ring, almost seeming surprised. [01:22] "Hm. Might as well have cicada put it back on." [01:22] (Wooo! Surprised the Sidereal.) [01:23] (or did you? ;) [01:23] * Jynaru blinks. "Again? Aren't I getting a little deep in debt to her?" [01:24] "Rings get pulled off, few theives will bother to take off a dead man's shirt." [01:24] (Again referring to it being Cicada. I'm supposed to kill her, but hey, have her do all this stuf for you first." [01:24] (yea) [01:24] (Bah. ) on that.) [01:25] "I remember the logic well, and what it got me." [01:25] "Don't worry about it. Cicada is a nice girl." [01:25] She smiles innocently at you. [01:25] "You like her, don't you?" [01:25] "She scares the hell out of me." [01:25] She laughs! [01:26] "Oh, what if I told you she was your sister?" [01:26] * Jynaru looks over the edge of the mast. [01:26] "I'd ask how far down it is from here..." [01:26] She chuckles. "79 feet." [01:27] * Jynaru nods. "But good joke, by the way." [01:27] "Always best to find a joke with a little truth. ;) [01:28] "True. She is my sister after the oath thing. No, she's nice. Too pretty for anyones good. And the biggest bundle of neuroses I've seen in a long time." [01:29] ICS nods happily and swings her legs back and forth in the wind, a new wind. A stiff wind from the north, one that you hadn't felt at all these last few days. [01:30] "I'll see if I can deal with that some time. When I can talk to her without stammering." [01:30] "Don't worry Jynaru. She can hear you through the stammering." [01:30] * Jynaru moves on to happier, far less confusing things. "Been gone a while. They finish up on that bow?" [01:31] "Almost. Still have your old one?" [01:31] "Yeah. Tough little bastard." [01:31] "Need to check the attunement on it. Probably be a bad idea to let somebody else use Mk 2." [01:31] * Jynaru pulls the lucky arrow out of it's slit along his right leg. "And Glorious Seed and most of those adamant arrows." [01:32] "Oh? What's that do?" [01:32] * Jynaru shrugs. "It's a very lucky arrow. Shot I guess Malkor a new one with it." [01:33] "Almost got Bloom with it before he busted out that damn super-parry." [01:33] "The second time. *frowns*" [01:33] She nods sagely. [01:33] "Anathema can be hard to kill." [01:34] "We hadn't expected Bloom to be there so soon." [01:34] "Funny you should mention that. There was this wierd demon-worshipping anathema that seemed to think I was one." [01:34] 'Hmm?" [01:34] *twirl, twirl, pass off to other hand.* "Crazy, right?" [01:35] "You're not an anathema. You're a Dragon Blood." [01:35] "Something about being some sort of cage around a Solar shard, and that being why I was so tough to deal with." [01:36] * Jynaru nods. "Yeah, I know. Silly. Wonder where he got that idea." [01:36] She looks at you suspiciously. [01:36] "You haven't been having any dreams lately, have you?" [01:36] "Beyond the ones about killing Bloom's wife? Nah. Haven't slept too much." [01:37] "And that was just after the ambush, which was way back." [01:38] "You should get more sleep. It's part of the necessary cycle of all life." [01:38] * Jynaru nods. "Something about this boat seems wierd with that. I'm sure I'll catch up once I'm on land again." [01:39] "You'll be fine, don't worry about it." [01:39] "So, why'd you guys do it?" [01:40] "Hm?" [01:40] *Doh! think before you speak! Think before you speak!* [01:41] "I learned an art fairly widely practiced by the Anathema, though it's rather useful. Considering the mojo guy was using, it seemed pretty hard." [01:41] She looks at you oddly, the glints in her eyes beginning to dance around. [01:41] (referring to the spell, and jumping around knowing she is following.) [01:41] (hm) [01:41] "She looked pretty nice, and mildly familiar, and there was Tala's whole essence trippery too." [01:42] "Bloom sure as hell didn't do it." [01:42] "Out of the people with major mojo, that leaves you guys, assuming it's not something I'm born with." [01:42] ??? she seems rather confused about what you are talking about. [01:43] "There was an Infernal. He started to cast this ritual that pulled essences out of bodies. [01:43] "I had two in me." [01:43] "I'm pretty sure that ain't usual." [01:43] "SJION BONA! [01:44] * Jynaru flinches. [01:44] "How far did he get?" [01:44] "Well, we were both kinda floating around. Tala came in and busted the spell, and it went crazy." [01:44] She winces. [01:45] "Goddamn Yozi.' [01:45] "Essence trippery being the bit where Tala lost most of her control of Essence." [01:46] "You should have Tala put that ring back on." [01:46] * Jynaru shrugs. "Hence the question. What was going on there?" [01:46] er, Cicada. [01:46] * Jynaru nods. "I will. But the question remains open. If you can't tell me, tell me that." [01:47] She sighs. [01:47] "You're NOT an anathema Jynaru. I want you to understand that." [01:47] "I'm not worried about the answer, but I need to know. I don't need nagging doubts tugging at me with this shit looming ahead of me." [01:47] * Jynaru settles back and watches her eyes and listens. [01:48] "He was trying to steal part of the essence of the dragons. Part of which is inside you." [01:48] "After an anathema is freed, the essence they steal doesn't just go back to the Dragons when they die, you know." [01:49] "Which is why they keep popping up." [01:49] She nods. [01:49] "We have to get it back to the dragons, somehow." [01:49] "Interesting idea. As opposed to putting it in a jade palace at the bottom of the ocean." [01:51] She nods. [01:51] "Can't expect to keep it there forever, anyhow." [01:51] "So. As a rough guess this particular chunk is the essence stolen by Bloom's wife?" [01:52] "Probably. Bloom is an enigma, so I honestly don't know. [01:52] "I mean, he seemed to especially dislike me, although taunting him probably wasn't wise..." [01:53] "Well, enough of that. On a happier note..." [01:53] * Jynaru suddenly breaks into laughter. [01:53] "Woooo! A happier note!" [01:54] Innocent Cub Sister somehow procures a thin bottle of whiskey form thin air [01:54] * Jynaru shakes his head. "Anyway." *waves the hand around and points down on the deck.* "Somebody decided my shadow wasn't necessary." [01:54] ICS takes a swig and offers it to you [01:55] "I noticed." [01:55] * Jynaru takes a sip. STILL feeling the the aftereffects of that Yeddim-drink. [01:55] * Jynaru hands it back to her with a smile. [01:55] "Got any idea if it's something important?" [01:55] "Or just a drunken Dynast poking big self-important Wyld Hunter?" [01:56] She shrugs unknowingly. [01:56] "Who knew you were there?" [01:56] "Good question. The Mnemon contingent, I suppose. But both Juniper and Nika were around." [01:57] "Hm. Were they both there?" [01:57] "Nika flew in momentarily afterward. Juniper was there." [01:57] "If flyboy has the balls to thwack me with that and THEN show up offering solicitations, I'll buy a hat and eat it." [01:58] "Hmm..." [01:58] "Maybe a Peleps off that ship? But no, the Peleps have no reason to thwack me in specific." [01:59] "Whole ally thing. Neither does Nika, really. I felt somebody watching me just before it started, but it was dark and it's hard to look around when you're trying not to fall over." [02:01] ICS consideres it, and looks up to the sky, then laughs quietly. [02:01] * Jynaru takes a look out over the ropes and ponders his exit. Something he rarely tends to do. [02:01] "It's hard to read the dragon's mind when the Sun is blotting it out." [02:02] "I would think so. At least that's what I gathered from those basic astronomy classes." [02:02] "Oh, and also how to pick horses for race day. I got that bit down." [02:02] She smiles. [02:02] "You have to be careful that they're not lying about the horoscopes." [02:03] * Jynaru nods. "They almost always are. But it lets me get close and see the horse better." [02:03] she smiles and looks down, shyly [02:04] "Ahhh... That's better. You seemed so happy I wouldn't have troubled you about any of this... hated to bring it all up. Nice to just talk about something silly like birthmarks on horses." [02:05] "I always liked the ones on the hoof the best." [02:07] "I always went with the ones who had the ones on the leg. See the musculatre around them better." [02:07] " [02:07] "Ah, but the ones on the hoof will tell you if it'll throw it's rider." [02:07] "Besides, I've got no intentions of examining the hooves closely. Those stable floors? Whoo!" [02:08] she shakes her head [02:08] "Besides, I don't want to completely know. Takes some of the fun out of it." [02:09] "If I want to know with assurance, I'd go enter fighting competitions and bet on myself." *wink* [02:10] "Oh you never know what those wacky immaculates will come up with next." ;) [02:10] "Usually something painful." [02:12] * Jynaru slides the bottle a little farther out of the way and stretches. [02:12] ICS sighs and listens to the wind, letting it flow carelessly through her hair [02:13] "As it is, I imagine you've got work to do. Much as I'd like to stay, I think I'll take my doomriddled self and try for a nap or something." [02:14] * Jynaru leans over and kisses her on the cheek before standing and testing a line of rope. 79 feet is a long way down. [02:15] She waves to you silently as you jump down [02:16] * Jynaru turns to her on the rim of the thing and salutes, knocking himself backwards off of it and falling as he catches the rope with his heel, sliding down a good bit of the way before making with the usual bit of climbing. Session Close: Sun Apr 27 02:22:38 2003