Dawn of the Third Age/IC Logs/Session 32
Session Start (Anshu:#celestialdeliberative): Sun May 15 10:41:09 2011 -0600
[10:41] *** Anshu has joined #celestialdeliberative
[10:41] *** Topic on #celestialdeliberative is: Exalted 2nd: Dawn of the Third Age / IC Channel
[10:41] *** Topic set by dakkareth (1 hours ago at 9:38 AM)
[10:41] *** ChanServ sets mode +q Anshu
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[10:59] *** faustus21 has joined #celestialdeliberative
[11:00] *** faustus21 is now known as Wandering
[11:02] *** dakkareth is now known as Nomoe_Hideaki
[11:47] <Nomoe_Hideaki> One year has passed since the destruction of the apostate city of Magog. One of the more interesting pieces of political news - for those following these things anyway - has been the re-instatement of House Iselsi by the Celestial Deliberative.
[11:47] <Nomoe_Hideaki> And of course its subsequent 'alliance' with House Nomoe, an agreement the terms of which are kept a careful secret but have involved no less than half a dozen marriages between Dragonblooded scions of both houses.
[11:47] <Nomoe_Hideaki> But none of that matters right now as we turn our eye to the country of Sanken, more specifically Nomoe Hideaki's private residence.
[11:47] <Nomoe_Hideaki> The Palace Tranquiline sprawls over a broad hilltop, overlooking the countryside. A number of elegant single story buildings are arranged in an auspicious pattern interspersed with courtyards and surrounded by old, meticulously tended gardens.
[11:48] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Together they form a tiered complex around the center palace, with each part assured peace and quiet despite housing several hundred people in all. The open and light-flooded architecture resonates with the principles of excellence and Solar essences in particular.
[11:52] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Scribes, accountants, diplomats and senior politicians comprise a large part of the outer Palace's population, but the inner circles are peaceful and quiet at all times. Security at the Palace Tranquiline is almost as high as it is at the White Oak Redoubt, the main seat and center of power of the Nomoe family, but carefully unobstrusive.
[11:52] <Nomoe_Hideaki> The guards are well-trained and discreet and are reinforced by trusted Dragonblooded officers of House Nomoe's armies. A veritable army of servants stands ready to see to the needs of all residents and their guests.
[11:57] <Brazen> Brazen stood respectfully at the gate to Nomoe's redoubt, even though it actually came to his chest.
[11:57] <Nomoe_Hideaki> We zoom in on a small clearing among old trees where a table and pillows have been laid out and servants are serving tea. Accomodations have been made even for Brazen's size - he gets a cup the size of a large bucket, but made of the same fine porcelain as those of the others.
[11:59] <Brazen> Brazen looked like a being made out of shimmering hardened light, a living prism that constantly blazed through an entire spectrum of visible (and some invisible) light, coming from a round, blinding white sphere in his mid-section.
[11:59] <Brazen> He was no longer the Greenfire King, but the Blazing Light of Heroism
[12:00] <Brazen> And he was showing off his new daughter to Nomoe Hideaki, while looking visibly uncomfortable in a massive kimono specifically commissioned for his size.
[12:00] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe wears elaborate robes in deep hues of Serenity's color, and as always the subtle radiance of his Charms is upon him.
[12:02] <Wandering> Wandering relaxed on some cushions, her flowing dress was made of the finest spider silk and interwoven with traces of silver thread creating a shimmering effect. She had a joyful smile on her face as she watched Brazen show off their daughter
[12:02] <Brazen> Brazen's charms are anything but subtle, his Norm-Ignoring Stance visible as a thrumming orbitting line around his hands, eyes, and mouths
[12:02] <Brazen> *mouth
[12:03] <Brazen> representing the way in which his movements and speech constrained the eyes of others, making them disregard his social errors
[12:04] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "She is beautiful," Nomoe nods, smiling. "My congratulations once more."
[12:04] <Brazen> "So yes, Hideaki-San. It's too bad you weren't around for the birth. It went well...no explosions." Brazen added
[12:04] <Brazen> taking a sip of his tea with his pinkie-talon out
[12:04] <Brazen> The extensive training from Wanderer and Nomoe had lead up to all of this.
[12:05] <Brazen> Launjilla, Brazen's Agatae familiar, doted on the child, watching it with extreme interest and making sure that it stayed safe.
[12:05] <Brazen> *she
[12:06] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Ah," Nomoe says diplomatically. "That is good to hear."
[12:06] <Wandering> Wandering chuckled slightly "You missed quite a sight, I htink Brazen was more worried than I was about it" she shook her head "But it was worth it"
[12:06] <Brazen> "Thanks!" brazen said, grinning back. "Once again, I'd like to thank you for hosting us here. It wasn't too much of an inconvenience then?"
[12:07] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Not at all," Nomoe makes a small dismissive gesture.
[12:07] <Brazen> "Would you like to hold her?" Brazen inquired politely.
[12:07] <Nomoe_Hideaki> He inclines his head at Wandering's words. "Family always is."
[12:09] <Wandering> Wandering nodded at Nomoe words "That is very true, something to hold dear to your heart"
[12:09] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Ah, I couldn't possibly ..."
[12:10] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe gives his deadly hands a doubtful look.
[12:11] <Brazen> "Uh...okay then." Brazen said, and dropped the subject
[12:12] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "I have no children myself of course but I am blessed with a large family on all sides, still." Nomoe smiles.
[12:12] <Brazen> Brazen looked at his daughter, sleeping soundly against the winter chill, she didn't look like a regular mortal, but she was beautiful to him.
[12:13] <Wandering> "Perhaps in time" Wandering said gently "Has much happened since we saw each other last? I have been rarther too occupied to keep of things recently"
[12:16] <Brazen> Brazen scratched the back of his relatively long neck, noting the odd texture of his "skin". "I was in a Chrysalis for awhile."
[12:19] <Brazen> "It was weird coming back and suddenly it's Descending Air. Even I was a bit chilly."
[12:19] *** Bright_Snow has joined #celestialdeliberative
[12:42] *** Bright_Snow has quit IRC: Ping timeout
[12:57] <~Anshu> *pokes IC*
[12:57] <Brazen> *yo*
[12:58] * Nomoe_Hideaki takes a sip of his tea. "The Deliberative has sent a fleet into the Skullstone Archipelago recently."
[12:59] <Wandering> "Trouble?" Wandering asked attentively "The Silver Prince or something, was based out there?"
[12:59] <Brazen> Brazen shrugged. "I dunno, I didn't think much about water stuff. Isn't that place all one giant ocean?"
[13:00] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Yes, that's one of his names," Nomoe nods. "He seems to have amassed greater military force that was anticipated."
[13:02] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *than
[13:02] <Brazen> "So are they going to destroy the place now or something?"
[13:03] <Wandering> "That could be problematic" Wandering said as she reached up to getnly brush some Chiyaras hair out of the babies face. "We don't need another enemy at this point at least not till after we settle up with the Lion"
[13:04] <Brazen> "Nothing new has happened in Gem. Maybe we really fucked...hindered him when we were in Autocthonia." Brazen said, correcting himself midway through the sentence
[13:05] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Bright Snow has been in the West recently, she might know things that don't appear in the Deliberative reports." Nomoe turns his hand up in a somewhat sad gesture. "I had hoped that she might join us, but if so she has not arrived yet ..."
[13:06] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Anyway, officially the task force's mission is to 'investigate'. But of course, that doesn't mean much."
[13:06] <Brazen> Brazen huffed, light filtering through his organless nostrils. "I assume we'll be called in to save them at some point?"
[13:08] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "The fact of the matter is, like the Lion the Prince already *is* an enemy. But your point is taken, spreading our forces to thinly would not be wise."
[13:08] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Fortunately the Lion doesn't have any known forces - except perhaps for covert operatives - active in Creation."
[13:09] * Nomoe_Hideaki shrugs slightly. "Though of course that too could change quickly."
[13:10] <Wandering> "True enough that is an advantage for us at the moment" said Wandering and the sighed "It might be that a quick strike is in creations intrests then. Cut off the head before the snake can strike"
[13:10] <Brazen> "Wait wait, are we suddenly deciding to attack the Thousand?" brazen asked, surprised at this.
[13:11] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Not that I know of?" Nomoe raises an eyebrow.
[13:12] <Brazen> He wove a toy out of his shimmering essence and passed it to his daughter, shaking it over her idlely.
[13:14] *** Bright_Snow has joined #celestialdeliberative
[13:14] <Brazen> Chiyara made various baby noises, cooing and reaching at the strange shaky thing above her. She had her mother's eyes.
[13:15] *** Bright_Snow is now known as wanders
[13:15] * Nomoe_Hideaki watches with polite interest
[13:15] *** wanders is now known as Bright_Snow
[13:15] * Bright_Snow wanders into the room, a dress of Sanken style adorning her slight and colourless frame. The guards bear her no mind, used as they are now after several visits to the city.
[13:18] <Brazen> Brazen grinned at Snow coming, giving her frame an appreciative once-over while Wanderer wasn't watching.
[13:18] <Nomoe_Hideaki> In fact everyone within the Palace Tranquiline and outside is exceedingly respectful towards her whenever she wears this shape, addressing her only in the most polite of modes and bowing deeply.
[13:20] * Bright_Snow returns his glance with an icy glare and wordlessly settles down on a cushion close to Wandering and the babe.
[13:21] <Wandering> Wandering waved at her fellow Lunar as she arrived "Snow its good to see you again" she said to her smiling
[13:21] * Nomoe_Hideaki rises as Bright Snow joins them and bows to her with a smile. "Welcome, Bright Snow." */I was hoping you would join us./*
[13:25] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "We were just discussing the fleet sent into the West by the Deliberative to investigate the so-called Silver Prince."
[13:26] <Brazen> Brazen sipped his tea again.
[13:28] <Bright_Snow> "Interesitng."
[13:29] <Bright_Snow> */Well I can't explore your nation forever / Wry amusement / However much I suspect you would like me to./*
[13:32] <Bright_Snow> "It is an interesting place." Snow says quietly in the silence that has fallen." She keeps throughout glancing at Chiyara, a mixture of joy and sadness mixed upon her face.
[13:33] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "But I don't expect we will war against multiple deathlords at once any time soon." Nomoe sighs. "On the other hand, the Reclamation might well see this as an opportunity to engage in sabotage or worse. One of these years we'll have to deal with them with permanence."
[13:33] <Brazen> Brazen noticed that look. "Something wrong, Snow? Did she do something gross again?" He asked, looking at her. "I had Launjilla watching her like a hawk."
[13:33] <Wandering> "Learned anything intresting while you where in then west then Snow?" Wandering asked noting the slight chill between her and Brazen
[13:34] <Brazen> "I missed no such thing, master." launjilla answered in his head.
[13:34] <Brazen> Which left Brazen slightly worried about how many people were squatting in his brain.
[13:37] <Bright_Snow> She glances up at Brazen, unaware of her betrayal by her own features, "No, why?" Glancing back at the mother rather than the child. "The Deathlord's presence has spread throughout the west. His way of life and the protection he offers seductive to some people."
[13:38] <Brazen> "You looked sad." Brazen pointed out.
[13:39] <Bright_Snow> "And though Societies so thoroughly premated with death disgust me. I must say he provides protection to those people who have sworn to him." She sighs, "Worse still a thousand little shadowlands seem to have sprung up in his now vast domain. Were I to estimate I'd say left unchecked he will control the entire western direction before too long."
[13:39] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *understanding /Not when there are so many other places you still need to visit./ amused affection /And touché./
[13:39] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *
[13:39] <Brazen> "Aren't there any Deliberative guys in the West?"
[13:40] <Brazen> Brazen asked, surprised at this.
[13:40] * Nomoe_Hideaki takes note of Bright Snow's expression as well, but does not pry.
[13:42] <Wandering> Wandering notes Snow watching the baby and smiles "She is beautiful isn't she? Would you like to hold her?"
[13:43] <Bright_Snow> "It is the Deliberative's weakest direction. Partially from lack of population and party because of the power base of the Deliberative in the East furthest from the West." She turns to regard Wandering... pausing a moment before answering. "Can I?" She smiles broadly while doing so. "And yes, most beautiful."
[13:43] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Frowning at this news, more immediate than the intelligence reports he has read, Nomoe drinks more of his tea.
[13:44] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "This accursed Crusade might as well swallowed two thirds of Creation. Perhaps more than this one Deathlord it is time that we do something about it."
[13:45] <Brazen> Brazen sighed. "Well, I guess I need to break into the West then." He said casually
[13:46] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Or situations like this will multiply - if they haven't already. There might well be hundreds of islands in the Wyld like Sanken was - who knows what forces now rule the ones that have not been devoured by chaos?"
[13:46] <Brazen> "Where'd you get that amulet anyway, Hideaki-San?" He asked, pointing to the Necklace that he had presented to the pair on the birth of Chiyara. "It's very beautiful."
[13:49] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "My third uncle Nomoe Laos Ulian-san was so kind as to do me the favor to work on it," Nomoe inclines his head slightly to denote respect.
[13:49] <Brazen> "He does fine work. You should tell him that Brazen Sand thinks he's awesome." He paused for a moment..."If you wish."
[13:49] <Wandering> Wandering nods respectfuly "It was a princely gift and somethign that will prove useful to her"
[13:50] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "It was a small thing to me, but to my honored uncle I will convey your compliment," Nomoe nods.
[13:51] * Bright_Snow is making a variety of noises at the baby now, most of them various animal noises.
[13:52] <Wandering> Wandering looked on in the indulging way that parents do when others fawn over their children
[13:53] * Nomoe_Hideaki smiles slightly at the sight.
[13:53] <Brazen> Chiyara stared at Snow with that wide-eyed perplex look that babies have and laughed at the funny noises the tattooed lady kept making.
[13:53] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "So, as I said," he continues to Brazen. "Rather than the Silver Prince, whom the forces of the Deliberative are already dealing with, we must push back the Wyld to prevent more tragedies like that from occuring in the first place."
[13:54] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Better to prevent than to treat a disease, as I'm sure Lady Wandering would agree."
[13:55] <Wandering> "That is very true" Wandering said noding in agreement "Do you have any thoughts on how to do that?"
[13:56] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "I do have a few ideas in that regard," Nomoe nods.
[13:59] <Wandering> "Perhaps we should consider where to start then?" said Wandering "The west would put us close if the prince started trouble, but it would also put him in a postion to captialze best on such work, perhaps the south or east would be best?"
[14:00] <Brazen> Brazen shrugged. "I don't know anything about fixing the Wyld beyond messing up Raksha."
[14:00] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "The first being the simplest: I - or we - proceed at the head of an army, leading settlers into the Bordermarches. There I calcify the Wyld into solid reality to be settled and fortified."
[14:01] <Bright_Snow> "We could always try the North." Snow says quietly. "Her attention still on the baby, but a certain playfulness gone from her tone." She hands the baby back to it's mother gently.
[14:02] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "To facilitate that approach that would take rather long to implement on a large scale, I would also see about procuring Reality Engines and White Jade Pylons. In that I would, at this time, need to rely in large part on the production capabilities of Denandsor."
[14:03] * Nomoe_Hideaki nods. "East, North or South would seem to be the possibilities. Of course my armies would have to set out from Sanken ..."
[14:04] <Wandering> "Perhaps a combination of both? Reality engines to secure an area then move settlers in to solidfy it." Wandering said and then looked to Snow "Would sorcery be able to help us at all? The elders suggested that the most powerful spells could affect the wyld its self"
[14:05] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "There are such Protocols as they call them among the skills of Autochthon's champions," Nomoe nods.
[14:05] <Bright_Snow> */ An image tumbles through, Snow's mind troubled. broken towers hnaging in the sky./* To Wandering's question she shrugs, "I am no No Moon, Sorcery was never among my talents, though such spells are rumoured."
[14:06] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "I am already engaged in constructing such allies, but it will take more time, I'm afraid."
[14:06] <Brazen> Brazen raised a talon. "I know some sorcery!"
[14:07] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "However ... in that same vein I do have researched the legends of an item called 'the Eye of Autochthon'. It's nature, the history books are unclear about, but its powers are enormous even in the hands of mortals."
[14:07] <Brazen> "I know some people in Yu-Shan. Maybe they could help."
[14:10] <~Anshu> An Infallible Messenger descends from the sky, from the direction of the Blessed Isle; the peak of Mount Meru is dark in the distant west, matching the mass of Mount Metagalapa to the east.
[14:10] <~Anshu> The glowing cherub flits toward Nomoe.
[14:10] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *curiosity without an actual question*
[14:10] <Wandering> "The Eye of Autochton?" Wandering shook her head "I've not heard of it, but with a name like that I would assume it would be powerful. Perhaps we should look for it"
[14:10] * Bright_Snow gives Brazen a shocked and somewhat disbelieving look. "Really?"
[14:10] <Brazen> Brazen shrugged. "People like me. I'm likable."
[14:11] <Brazen> "I'm awesome. People respond to that." He said, then took a drink of tea.
[14:11] <Bright_Snow> "I was more stunned by the sorcery than people liking you Brazen." She sighs, "You never seemed the type inclinded to... well... study."
[14:12] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Indeed. I already possess what is, I understand, colloquially called a 'hand of the Great Maker' and it is an invaluable aid in shaping Chaos. Something like the Eye might well be capable of a similar feat - or at the least it could be leveraged into more than just the half-dozen reality engines at my disposal at present."
[14:14] * Nomoe_Hideaki rises and nods to the others. "My apologies." He gestures for the glowing cherub to attend him and steps outside.
[14:19] <Brazen> Brazen shrugged at Snow, ignoring the possible insult. "It just sort of came to me after awhile."
[14:20] <Wandering> "Would any of your spells work against the Wyld then Beloved?" Wandering asked Brazen
[14:21] <Brazen> Brazen shook his massive head. "No, sorry. If Viridian was still alive, he'd probably have been a big help."
[14:21] * Bright_Snow glances at the retreating figure of Nomoe and then turns to Brazen and shrugs, "Impressive."
[14:22] <Bright_Snow> "Ashame it doesn't help though." She looks grim, "As for the Eye, such an Artefact would best be returned to its maker, it is dangerous and us using it would likely only end in disaster."
[14:23] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *surprise and sudden, deep concern*
[14:23] <Brazen> "Why's that?" Brazen asked. "I'm sure one of us could do a ton of awesome and good stuff with it in our grasp."
[14:26] <Wandering> "Perhaps, but what we think is good. Will not be what others think is good" said Wandering "Besides perhaps the Maker would owe us a favor if we did return it"
[14:27] <Bright_Snow> "Everyone who has ever used it has had the device turn on them normally annihilating everything they accomplished and themeselves in the process." She shrugs, "The only one that didn't was only interested in slaughtering Rakshasa at any cost. Strangely enough she got her wish."
[14:28] <Brazen> "But I'm really awesome and cool and amazing." Brazen pointed out, as if that answered the debate
[14:28] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *after a moment fear superceded by adamant resolve*
[14:29] <Bright_Snow> "In the north we tells stories of the Empire that was made and broken with its power and whisper about the danger it brings." She glances at Brazen pityingly, "And so were many of the countless others that tried to use it. Each stolen away by its power be they Sol..." she pauses mid-sentence glancing at the door. "One moment."
[14:30] * Bright_Snow stands and glances out into the corridor the way Nomoe went.
[14:30] <Brazen> Brazen shrugged at Wanderer. "Brain thing?"
[14:32] <Wandering> "Perhaps" She had retrived Chiyara and held the baby close "Something appears to have happened, bad news perhaps?"
[14:34] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe stands at the end of the corridor with a sorcerer still surrounded by the fading glow of a spell just used. He is giving instructions in a quiet but forceful tone, while simultaneously speaking to someone else.
[14:35] <Bright_Snow> Leaning back into the room and closing the door. "It appears so. But we shall wait and see what he shares."
[14:36] <Bright_Snow> "Now the Eye. More powerful people than you or I have tried Brazen. Moreover I would think that you bearing the mark of the essence of his siblings, however changed would likely cause issues with the device. I think it best if we avoid it if at all possible."
[14:37] <Brazen> Brazen let the matter drop, somewhat sulkily
[14:40] * Nomoe_Hideaki makes a final gesture and returns to the others. He does not appear concerned, but Bright Snow knows better. "My friends and allies, I'm afraid there is a certain matter that I need to attend to. My apologies that I cannot be as good a host to you as I would like."
[14:40] <Brazen> "Can we help?" Brazen asked eagerly
[14:41] <Nomoe_Hideaki> He inclines his head slightly. "I would welcome such, but please do not feel obliged."
[14:41] * Bright_Snow tilts her head slightly studying Nomoe carefully, much more comfortable around her mate now than she was a year ago.
[14:43] <Wandering> "Launjilla will be able to look after Chiyara for awhile she is quite good at it" Wandering said "So please let us know how we can aid you if we can"
[14:43] <Brazen> "Then what're we waiting for?" Brazen said as he stood up to full height, and sent strange shadows flitting amongst the snow outside.
[14:45] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Information has just reached me," he explains, "of a likely Infernal plot to secure a device of enormous military power." */Nothing less than the Scattered Petals of the Thousand-Toothed Blossom/ awe, and faint memories* "The safety of Sanken may well be at stake." */My *family* may well be in danger./*
[14:45] <Wandering> "Then we must act fast" Wandering said thinking of how she'd feel if Chiyara was in danger
[14:48] <Bright_Snow> "Wait such a thing SURVIVED the Last Age?!? Amazing." She manages in stunned silence. "Why then do we continue to sit here. I am sure we can talk and move, should we have a destination."
[14:49] <Brazen> Brazen stretched his wings out. "Launjilla, take care of Chiyara and get far away from here!" He said. The Agatae suddenly materialized from up in the air and took the child carefully from Wanderer in one of it's many arms.
[14:50] <Nomoe_Hideaki> He relaxes his Charms slightly, letting his seriousness show. "I am mobilizing what military strength I can muster on short notice, but your help would be greatly appreciated." Nomoe bows deeply. */I need you now, Bright Snow. If this is Her I can't do it without you guarding my back./*
[14:50] <Wandering> "Goodbye Dear daughter till we next meet" Wandering said as she bent and kissed the baby before letting the Agatae take her away. "What thing?" she asked realizing that she was missing part of the conversaion"
[14:51] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *stinging memories of defeat at the hands of a red-haired woman, wielding a terrible spear in utter darkness*
[14:52] <Brazen> Launjilla buzzed in Old Realm to Wandering. "I will keep her safe, mistress." It promised, then winged into the sky like a jewelled comet.
[14:52] * Bright_Snow nods in response to the thoughts along the bond. /* She deserves her fate and I am happy to aid you in this. / Grim determination /*
[14:53] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "I have established a rendezvous point fifty kilometers from here. There we will meet with my emergency response forces and set out through the Middlemarches."
[14:54] <Brazen> "right!" Brazen said sharply, then almost flew off, but stopped at the last second.
[14:54] <Brazen> "Uh...what're we after anyway?"
[14:54] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Though serious he does not appear hurried. "We have half an hour, time enough, Brazen-san."
[14:54] <Brazen> "We can't all move as quickly as you can, Hideaki-San." Brazen noted
[14:54] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */Thank you./*
[14:56] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "We set out from here by air ship, naturally."
[14:56] <Wandering> "Time enough to get our things Beloved and then to travel" said Wandering approvingly
[14:57] <Brazen> "No need for me." Brazen pointed out.
[14:58] <Brazen> He took off his kimono, revealing an exact copy of his moonsilver-vitriol armour, but made out of shifting solidified light, underneath.
[14:58] <Brazen> "Jealous?" He asked anyone in particular
[14:59] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Faint noises can be heard from other parts of the palace, both mechanical and of quickly moving troops. Nomoe Hideaki's flowing robes shimmer and assume the appearance of a House Nomoe army uniform, with rank insignia marking him as a general.
[14:59] <Wandering> Wandering shook her head at the display before she went to collect her belongings, with the gifts of Lunar it was a quick trip.
[15:00] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "The ship is this way."
[15:00] <Brazen> Brazen followed in Nomoe's wake.
[15:00] <Brazen> Not particularily marching in sync with everyone else.
[15:01] <Brazen> The essence threads around his limbs and mouth dissipated as he released the Norm-Ignoring Stance.
[15:02] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Outside soldiers in similar uniforms, both mortal and Dragonblooded officers are waiting in formation for the airship to touch down. Rather than the usual deep and elaborate bows quick salutes are now the only tribute to rank.
[15:02] <Bright_Snow> Snow hovers behind Nomoe, not yet changed to something more martial.
[15:04] <Nomoe_Hideaki> An adjunct brings Nomoe his sword and the glove made of adamant and orichalcum, which he both dons.
[15:05] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Then the airship touches down and only a few minutes later everyone is in the air, racing toward Mt. Metagalapa at best speed.
[15:06] <Brazen> Brazen has insisted on standing in the front prow of the Airship, where he is visible by both friend and foe
[15:06] <Brazen> inspiring the former and spreading fear to the latter
[15:07] <Wandering> "Nomoe-san" Wandering asked formally "Do you know what it is they search for?"
[15:08] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe for his part is busy staring into the glowing depths of a hearthstone, seemingly listening to something and whispering a stream of instructions. After a moment he looks up. "The Scattered Petals of the Thousand-Toothed Blossom," he says quietly, after gesturing for his officers to leave them alone for a moment.
[15:10] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "At this very moment the High Council is debating over the disposition of Sanken's entire military forces."
[15:11] <Wandering> Wandering nods politlely and waits for Nomoe to elabarate further in his own time
[15:12] <Brazen> The sound of Brazen's voice loudly exhorting the troops to perform amazing feats of martialry for the good of their families and homeland can be heard from inside.
[15:13] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "But if the Infernals should succeed ..." He sighs, letting some of his concern show. "The only hope they have would be a full Deliberative intervention."
[15:16] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Noting Wandering's expression he explains: "It's one of the directional titans built at the height of the First Age. A flying fortress large as mountain, with weapons the likes of which I'm not sure even the Deliberative fleets could face."
[15:16] <Brazen> (back)
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[15:18] <Wandering> Wandering looked shocked "Such a thing existed?" she shook her head "Then we need to stop them for ever getting it, by destroying it if we must"
[15:18] <Brazen> Essence coruscated around his gestures and his words, making his every word and sweep of his claws a majestic lightshow.
[15:21] * Nomoe_Hideaki nods. "Even with all our strength I'm not sure we could destroy it. But if that is the only way, impossibility is not going to stop me."
[15:26] <~Anshu> The Sanken troops seem to take heart from Brazen's performance. They know he has fought great foes alongside their Prince, and his presence with them boosts their confidence.
[15:27] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Twenty minutes later the Wings of Mela's Blessing is joined by six additional airships, veritably crackling to Brazen's eyes with the power of the Exalted they carry. Assuming a V-formation the Sanken ships turn straight East toward Mount Metagalapa ...
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[15:28] <Bright_Snow> I miss much
[15:33] <Wandering> (not a huge amount, we are off in the skyships now to meet with the troops and head out
[15:36] * Nomoe_Hideaki returns to staring into his hearthstone and whispering instructions to the faceless apparatus at the other end.
[15:37] <Brazen> As they neared the massive floating landmass, Brazen stared down Mount Metagalapa, his open kimono that had been embroidered with his triumphs all along it's back flapping majestically in the wind as his third eye looked deep into their destination, the eye seeming to suck in light to get a better view.
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[15:40] <~Anshu> The formation approaches the floating mountain, which shows no more sign now than it did before of the massive weapon lying at its heart. Still, what was once "merely" an imposing curiosity has now assumed an air of menace.
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[15:41] <Brazen> Brazen sniffed disdainfully. Mountains were terrible at being menacing, even flying ones!
[15:42] <Brazen> "IF YOU ARE TRYING TO FRIGHTEN ME, YOU HAVE FAILED, STUPID MOUNTAIN!" He retorted
[15:43] <~Anshu> Looked upon with Essence Sight, Brazen still cannot see the Titan for the dirt and trees and stone and creatures now surrounding and living upon it.. He can see the cushion of essence holding the thing aloft, but what engine or device creates or powers it he cannot see.
[15:45] <Wandering> Wandering watched out of a window as they approched the moutains she tensed slightly as if expecting to be attack at any moment
[15:46] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */Once we get close enough, will you use your perception Charms to see if you can locate any traces of the Infernals or the way the used to get inside?/ Nomoe forces himself to think in an icily methodical manner*
[15:46] * Nomoe_Hideaki nods at the sight of the flying mountain. "Definitely our target."
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[15:48] <Wandering> "Do we try an sieze it first?" Wandering asked "Or look for the Infernals?"
[15:49] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Whichever we can do quicker. I suspect however that following them will be the quickest way to reach the vital parts."
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[15:54] <~Anshu> A cloud of hawk-riders rises from Metagalapa's slopes and move to intercept the airships.
[15:55] <~Anshu> However, otherwise they make no overtly hostile moves; they act more like scouts than attackers.
[15:55] <Wandering> "Seems we have company" Wandering said "I guess we should welcome them properly"
[15:55] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe steps close to the airship's captain. "Captain, please relay my orders: The ships are to spread out and circle around the mountain to cover as much surface as possible by sight. They are further to deploy search parties as well as elementals of air and earth to seek ingress into the fortress hidden within."
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[15:57] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Any traces of recent demonic activity, or Exalted-level destruction are to be investigated and reported. Our objective is to find the means by which the Enemy has gained entrance into the fortress."
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[15:58] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Nomoe looks up, his eyes narrowing as he sees the hawk-riders. "Furthermore, captain, please have those riders hailed, I want to speak to a sufficiently high officer of theirs.
[15:58] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "
[16:00] <Bright_Snow> */Most likely, though I will unlikely be able to spot the Infernal's unless they are doing something visible... or like many of them a walking a caricature of subtlty/*
[16:00] <Brazen> Brazen sees them too and stares at their essence
[16:02] <Nomoe_Hideaki> */I'm hoping they had to blast open an entrance, which would leave traces ... if they just phased through the rock we are in trouble./*
[16:02] <Bright_Snow> Snow scans the mountain, her pupils appearing to contract. Her gaze takes in the entirety of the mountain, floating in the sky the snow fresh at its highest points, anything that moves on it attracts her predatorial gaze.
[16:08] <Brazen> Satisfied with what he saw, Brazen dove off the slowing airship and began flying under his own wings in front of the arrow. "HEY, HAWK PEOPLE! WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?" He asked loudly
[16:09] <~Anshu> The captain hails the riders. There's a delay while the message is ferried up the loose chain of command, and then Brazen sees one of the Terrestrial hawk riders move to fly alongside Nomoe's vessel.
[16:10] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Also now that they are close enough that even if he is betrayed a warning will not reach the enemy ahead of him Nomoe composes a message which is to be relayed to several of the civilian and military leaders of Metagalapa.
[16:10] <Nomoe_Hideaki> It warns them of Infernal machinations to destroy them all, stresses the vital importance of locating and destroying them - which Nomoe, representing the Celestial Deliberative, will personally see to - and 'politely asks' for their full cooperation and assistance in this matter.
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[16:13] <~Anshu> "Princeps of Sanken. How may I help you?"
[16:13] <Nomoe_Hideaki> There's also an implicating - unspoken, of course - that impediments or delays might be seen as Metagalapa sheltering and giving aid to declared enemies of the Celestial Deliberative.
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[16:19] <Brazen> Brazen is a bit put-out by them ignoring him.
[16:20] <Brazen> He turned to another one of them and began speaking to them in Malfean-accent Old Realm, asking if they knew what was happening
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[16:22] * Nomoe_Hideaki steps outside on a platform to speak to the hawk-rider. His force of presence magnified to terrifying degrees surrounds him like a mantle of power. "Scale-Lord. You can help me by telling me of any incident of peace of intelligence that may help in locating the Infernals even now pentrating into the depths of Mt. Metagalapa, seeing to wreak untold devastation."
[16:22] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "You can help me by commanding all your forces to assist in locating those same Infernals and their demons. You can help me by making sure that everyone you, your peers or your superiors are capable of mobilizing will do the same." Nomoe tone makes it clear that he fully expects the Scale-Lord to comply.
[16:30] <~Anshu> The terrestrial lets out a breath. "Well, that's a mite awkward, Your Highness, seeing as they've contracted us as lookouts. Word of your arrival is already on the way back to them. But they didn't say we had to try and keep you away, so I guess I can show you where they went in, at least."
[16:33] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Interesting." Nomoe briefly looks into the hearthstone mounted in the palm of the magitech glove. /Metagalapa traitors to Creation. Prepare further forces for invasion./ he sends back to White Oak Redoubt.
[16:33] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Yes, that will be acceptable," he says out loud.
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[16:35] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Lead the way, Scale-Lord." Turning back he tells the captain. "Signal the fleet to follow, two ships outfliers for recon."
[16:37] <~Anshu> The Scale-Lord nods and turns his hawk away to lead the fleet to one of the tunnel openings. "This is the one they used, one of the old mines. It ran out a while ago, but they think they found something in there."
[16:38] * Nomoe_Hideaki examines the man's essence patterns, trying to discern traces of manipulation
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[16:41] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Turning to his friends and allies Nomoe speaks quietly. "It might well be a trap, or it might not. Either way I suggest we go in."
[16:42] <Wandering> "That would be best I think" said Wandering "If its a trap it will simply bring our foe closer to us"
[16:42] <Nomoe_Hideaki> To the hawk-rider he states in a more forceful voice: "You will lead us after them or give us someone who can."
[16:43] <Bright_Snow> "Shall we at least hurry after them whatever the case. I'd rather they make no further progress into the fortress."
[16:44] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Yes, let us."
[16:45] <~Anshu> Visibly unhappy, he nods. "I'll see who I can find in my scale and send you the best man. With your permission, Your Highness." He bows awkwardly in the saddle and turns to fly away.
[16:46] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Before that you will tell us how many of them there are, their appearance, and the disposition of their forces."
[16:49] * Bright_Snow slides onto the Mountain, her footing sure and disappears from sight amongst the growth and uneven ground.
[16:50] <~Anshu> He stops in mid-turn. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I do not know. There is a young boy with black hair and a slight build who brings messages to us, but I do not personally know who or what else might be with him."
[16:51] * Nomoe_Hideaki gestures, annoyed. "Be quick about it then."
[16:53] <Brazen> Brazen appeared near the Mining tunnel where everyone had congregated, visibly frustrated and irritated
[16:53] <Nomoe_Hideaki> After instructing the captain to have the fleet establish a secure perimeter around the tunnel entrance Nomoe crosses over to the mountain, following Bright Snow though of course he can't see her.
[16:53] <Brazen> "Stupid hawk-people couldn't even understand Old Realm." He grumbled
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[16:55] <Wandering> Wandering follows behind her friend her form already begining to shift as bony plates sprout from her skin to ward of any sudden attack.
[16:55] <Brazen> "So what's happening? What's so special about this big flying hunk of rock anyway?" Brazen asked
[16:55] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Ah, you don't understand Foresttongue?" Nomoe performs a quick kata, while a small elite squad of soldiers follows him across the gap between air ship and mountain. "The situation is this: The Infernals are here, they used this tunnel to get inside, and the Metagalapans are traitors to Creation. And of course this may well be a trap, but that's nothing new."
[16:57] <Wandering> Wandering smiled "Well I guess we press on and if it is a trap we smash it open" the smile became feral "It is the easist and quickest way no?"
[16:57] <Brazen> Brazen shrugged. "It's nothign new, and we'll just look better when we kill them."
[16:57] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Only one of the most powerful weapons ever built. No pressure."
[16:58] <Brazen> "What?!" Brazen said
[16:58] <~Anshu> The hawkrider returns with a guide, an uneasy-looking older man who worked in the mine once.
[17:02] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "You will show the way," Nomoe states in tone that allows no disobedience. He turns to the squad leader: "Lord Samay, if you would please designate a soldier to carry that man if he can't keep up. We will move at speed."
[17:03] <Brazen> "HI I'M BRAZEN!" He said to the old man.
[17:03] <Brazen> Showing a whole ton of teeth when he grinned in a friendly matter
