Exalted:End of an Era

[Biologist]

The unit of a dozen men and women that had spotted the Lookshyans exiting one of the tombs of the plague victim cemetery was wary at first. Nothing had happened in this dark place for a long time. The wards worked reasonably well and only during Calibration there were some stirrings. People avoided this place and being stationed here became known as the end of your career.

 

As more and more people poured out of the small edifice, the Nexian captain became more worried. They are clearly wearing Lookshy armour. Was this an invasion force? Should I warn someone? The look on the intruders' faces was one of bewilderment and relief. Hardly the look of an invasion force he corrected himself.

 

As Pheonix exited the tomb in full flare, the leader knew something had to be done. A dragonblooded officer of Lookshy had just brought an army into Nexus. That was strictly forbidden. He estimated his chances of taking down the dragonblooded with his greater force and was reasonably confident they could handle her and her Gunshoza. He ordered his unit to surround the eight intruders, to level their crossbows at them and be ready to take them into custody as he gathered the courage to address them in his most impressive voice.

 

Then came the abomination with the aura of black veins and the Nexian captain hesitated, his troops stopping dead in their tracks.

 

When Shaya exited in full totemic anima flare with the image of the golden Unconquered Sun behind her, their faces drained of all blood. They were rooted to the spot in fear. The Anathema had come.

 

Most of the guards bolted and fled. As testament to his courage, the captain stood his ground. Although it could have been fear that stayed his flight.

 

The Anathema proclaimed herself the new Chumyo of Lookshy - Lookshy had fallen to the Anathema? - and demanded to see the river council. This was way beyond his pay grade. He barked an order at one of his few remaining men to get him the captain of the mercenary group. "Go to the Bronze Tigers, I know that captain. He'll help. Do it quickly before the Emissary shows up or we're all doomed."

 

Then he turned to the Anathema and finally found the courage to speak up. "Y-You. Stay there. Someone will come." It was the best he could manage. He felt very brave.

[Takhesis]

[lol Web scarier than Pheonix - not sure Fire Aspect would like that. Hmm.... wonder how fast the news will spread of this....?]

 

Pheonix narrowed her eyes at the units first action of lowering crossbows. That wasn't nice, and it certainly wasn't the Lookshyan way.

 

Though she wasn't sure whether to thank Web for scaring them into hesitation or to be miffed that her presence wasn't enough to cow them.

[Biologist]

((well, they *know* Dragonblooded. They can handle Dragonblooded. Or so they think. With enough men. And crossbows. Lots of crossbows... ))

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya made a contemptuous sound as she saw the Nexian unit fall apart at the seams. Undisciplined. Disorderly. Cowardly. And now they were fetching a mercenary captain to do their work. The militaristic people of Lookshy had a low opinion of Nexians in general, and this only reinforced Shaya's preconceptions.

 

Discarding the Nexian captain as beneath her notice, Shaya closed her eyes and raised her face towards the rising Sun in the East. She inhaled deeply as she felt her Essence trickle back. It was good to be in Creation once again.

 

This wasn't how she had wanted to make the nature of her Exaltation known, if at all. The Chumyo of Lookshy was traditionally a Dragonblooded and even in the tolerant River Province, most people hated and feared the Chosen of the Sun. Perhaps there could be some form of damage control, though she had little hope of that, given how unruly the Nexian unit had been. Still, for now she was patient and waited for someone more competent to arrive at the scene.

 

 

((Poor Nexian captain. Circumstances considered, I do think he was quite brave; graveyard shift, crazy amount of people, exalts and anathema coming out of a tomb, the guards probably all mortals. But empathy just isn't Shaya's strong point .))

[Takhesis]

[Well there is a Dragonblooded that Shaya can delegate to, besides that captain will have another shock - since Captain Dace of the Bronze Tigers is a Solar too. Though I'd imagine that Risa and Pheonix would be add slight odds given their Elements.]

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Is Dace openly Solar, or posing as a Dragonblood? I forgot. If the former, then Shaya might catch a break. If the latter, we might see the new Chumyo (Shaya) abdicate in favor of the new new Chumyo (Pheonix) unless she can smoothe over that whole Anathema thing .)) Edited May 21, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

((I don't know much about Dace, so I read up on him on the wiki. It turned out that he was exalted fighting Lookshy troops, getting angry at killing one of his beloved lieutenants... It'll go swimmingly))

[Takhesis]

((Dace is an open Solar - he doesn't hide that. But yep - his past will not help there... Though I'd say he'd find the Abyssal more of a threat... since the Death Lords did try to damn Nexus with the help of the Salmalin one Calibration.))

Edited May 21, 2013 by Takhesis

[Biologist]

((do you know Dace well enough to rp him? I don't know anything other than the wiki and that isn't much. I haven't read the novels, or can't remember much of them...))

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Well that certainly sets the stage for an enteresting encounter :s. So who wants to RP Dace? I think Shaya might have the most riding on the outcome, so it would be a bit awkward if I play Dace this scene.))

[Takhesis]

[ I can try to RP Dace - the novels are fun... Risa would be a pain to RP though - simply as I can forsee conflict between her and Pheonix....]

 

The messenger was glad for a reason to leave the area that the Exalts were in - the Bronze Tiger compound was well known. So he ran as fast as his feet would carry him, upon reaching the gate of the compound he was asked to identify himself.

 

"I must see Captain Dace - there's a breach of security in the Plagueyard." That was all the guard needed to hear - Dace was summoned as well as his Dragonblooded lieutenant - Risa.

 

"Risa - organize the company to move out. The gate guards will remain on watch." He turned and selected a few of the original team that had followed him into Exile from his former mercenary company.

 

"You lot will accompany me."

 

Dace cut an impressive figure in his armor and his own Orichalcum reaver daiklave was settled comfortably in a back scabbard. Orders given, Dace and his group moved out to the site in question.

Edited May 21, 2013 by Takhesis

[Mistress of Whispers]

((I can do Risa. She's a Wood, so with a little luck she'll be able to keep her temper - if Pheonix doesn't provoke her ))

 

Opening her eyes again, Shaya gathered the unit in formation. Nexus' mercenary back-up would arrive soon and she wanted them to be ready. She cast a glance at Web's Soulsteel dagger and briefly met the Abyssal's eye, but didn't ask for the weapon back; the Moonshadow had earned a measure of trust.

 

"We're here to speak to the River Counci, not to cause a war", she said, more as a reminder to herself than anything else, though she spoke loud enough for all to hear. "So keep your weapons sheathed."

[Takhesis]

[i think the fact Pheonix has her Fire Anima visible would be provocation to an Aspect that is attuned to Wood... simply due to wood in general not liking fire.... but there'll be some leeway since Risa was left organising the company to follow Dace.]

 

Web nodded at Shaya's words. The Dagger would stay sheathed. The doorway had been fully closed and sealed - so if no-one had seen them exiting there'd be no evidence of that passing. But they had been spotted, so all she could do was hope that her anima was hidden by the two brighter ones - Abyssals were hated and her presence may damage the group further.

 

The method of entering was suspect enough - without the shadow she represented. Used to represent - she corrected herself. Web was certain that all her bridges back had been burnt at this time. Literally.

 

There was little the Exalts could do about their anima, except limiting further Essence expenditure for a while.

 

----

 

Pheonix restrained her retort about sheathed weapons - being a martial artist she didn't need a weapon out. Though she could understand Shaya's caution - she still thought the welcome they had wasn't appropriate. Well - she had been brought up by the city of hospitality, so open hostility to newcomers was foreign to her.

 

------

 

Dace could see part of the problem before he even came into view - the Totemic Anima of another Solar wasn't hard to spot. Another anima only resolved itself into visibilty as he got closer - the Fire Anima had somehow got blended into the backround of the Solar one.

 

I hope its not a Wyld Hunt.... though the messenger said breach of security....Oh - not the Shadowland again.... I thought that was warded after last time.... Dace wouldn't be impressed if the Wards had been allowed to decay.

 

He took a moment to take in the scene before him - the effectively routed Nexus patrol and the group near the plague monument, where the Solar anima was coming from.

 

Normally he wouldn't mind seeing another Solar - but this one was wearing the armor of a Lookshyan Officer. Ignoring the rage that built up, for now, from his memories, Dace focused on the Patrol leader.

 

"Status report." He practically barked. He wanted to know exactly what was going on before he made any action.

[Mistress of Whispers]

"Yes sir", the Nexian Captain saluted Dace with a clear air of relief.

 

Then he continued to explain how the alarms surrounding the tomb had gone off and that, when he had taken his unit had gone to investigate, they had witnesses seven people, one Dragonblood, one shadow-monster and one Anath- uhm, one Solar, Sir - exit the tomb. The Solar claimed to be Lookshy's new Chumyo and was demanding to see a representative of the city. Also, she had confessed to coming from the Shadowland in the tomb.

 

The Captain did not trust Solar Exalted, but nevertheless was glad for Dace's arrival. If anyone could deal with this, it would be him.

 

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

 

Back at the compound, Risa was organizing the company to follow her Captain. The messenger sent by the Graveyard Guard had clearly been in a panic and she was eager to take her place by Dace's side.

 

Putting on her own green Jade armour, she gave clear and concise commands. "Gear up for combat, move it, move it, move it. The Captain might need us."

 

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

 

Shaya's eyes widened in surprise when she saw the mercenary's Golden Daiklave, then narrowed in anger. There was only one known Solar in Nexus's forces and he had butchered Lookshyan troops a few years ago. Clenching and unclenching her fist, she forced herself to remain calm. She wasn't here to start a fight. Well, she was actually, but it was a fight with the Realm and not with Nexus.

 

 

[Biologist]

Hanzo also spotted the golden glint of the daiklave that this mercenary captain was wearing. That is unmistakeably Orichalcum, he must be a Solar too? He leaned towards his Chumyo to notify her of this interesting but vital tidbit of information.

 

He looked around and saw Shaya flaring like the Sun himself, Pheonix was ablaze with red hot fire and Gun was geared up in his armoured suit looking imposing as always. He figured he himself was probably the least intimidating ranking officer, so he offered to greet the mercenary captain: "With all due respect, Chumyo, shall I make first contact with this mercenary captain?"

[Takhesis]

[Heehee - I see trouble brewing. At least to start with.]

 

Dace narrowed his eyes when the patrol mentioned a shadow-monster - that meant only one thing, the Death Lords had sent another probe attack at Nexus. Though what was a Solar doing assisting? That didn't add up, along with the claim of being Lookshy's Chumyo. Only a Dragonblood had held that title as far as anyone could remember in this Age.

 

Things were certainly not as they seemed, and for a Dawn Caste this wasn't good. Though he was one that did consider every angle before committing - well most of the time.

 

Dace had used a shadowland once before - while in the company of the Owl Woman Lillith. He didn't enjoy it, so things must be dire for a Solar to consent - and to work with an Abyssal. Assuming that was voluntary. And he had to assume it was since none of the other group seemed to be all that bothered by Web's presence - apart from the standard unnerving that could be expected. They weren't attacking the Abyssal anyway.

 

The Essence Animas also spoke of trouble, and of the effort expended. He nodded at the remainder of the patrol,

 

"Right I'll take it from here." Though he was still debating what cause of action would be needed.

[Mistress of Whispers]

The Nexian Guard Captain saluted and, obviously reliedved to leave the matter in Dace's hands, collected what was left of his unit and departed.

 

Meanwhile, Shaya considered Hanzo's suggestion. It was true that neither she nor Pheonix were very level-headed and, with both of them knowledgeable about Lookshy's military history, perhaps even predisposed against this Solar mercenary. Web had proven herself silver-tongued in her negotiations with the Ferry Man, but Shaya doubted her bleeding Caste Mark would go over well. And while she would normally look to Tinker to handle diplomatic situations, it might be good to let the new recruit test his wings.

 

She nodded to Hanzo. "Go ahead. Just remember why we are here: to speak to the River Council."

[Biologist]

"Yes, sir." Hanzo saluted and turned towards the mercenary captain. He knew the protocols for first contact between two leaders of opposing armies. At least, he had read the texts about it. How hard could it be?

 

He walked forward and stepped in front of the Unit of Lookshyans to signal he was the spokesperson. He drew his sword and held it at arms length, point down, to show he had no intentions of attacking, but at the same time would not part with his weapon, as that would be foolish. He recited the words that were supposed to signal that a friendly meeting between them was desirable: "Greetings and well met. We are a delegation from Lookshy on a diplomatic mission. We mean to come in peace and leave in peace. We are on a tight schedule and are on our way to meet with the Council of Rivers. I am Hanzo, Artificer of the brigade of Engineers of the Seventh Legion, speaking for the Chumyo of Lookshy and her unit." He gestured behind him at Shaya and the members of the unit. "Who do I have the honour of speaking to?"

[Takhesis]

Dace recognized the formality of Hanzo's greeting, at least it seemed that there was a chance to avoid conflict - since the words were those of parley. Though he had not so good dealings with Lookshy military in the past - Dace did wish to keep the peace within Nexus. So he'd give them a chance to say their piece.

 

He stepped forward, his own section needing no orders to keep formation - they knew the drill.

 

"I'm Dace, Captain of the Bronze Tigers Mercenary Company - currently in contract with the Emissary of Nexus to ensure Nexus's continued safety." Those words should at least establish what would happen if the group did cause trouble.

 

"The Council does indeed meet here - yet there has been no message about a Lookshyan delegation to attend the upcoming session." The Council may not always broadcast their intentions, but since Dace's job was the safety of the city - that did include those within, the Council of Rivers was no exception to that.

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Shaya is the one who summoned the River Council for this particular session, via Hanzo's Infallible Messenger. It's way back near the beginning so I'm not sure if you forgot ooc, or if Dace was not informed ic?))

[Takhesis]

((I remember - but really - do you think they'd tell a Merc Captain anything? Especially one that is an Anethema?))

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Just checking .))

[Biologist]

Hanzo raised an eyebrow. "No message about a Lookshyan delegation? It was the Chumyo who called the meeting in the first place. We are not only expected, we are the reason they convene, I can assure you, Captain Dace of the Bronze Tigers."

 

The Captain was not well informed, he thought. Hanzo did his best not to sound patronizing.

 

"Could you tell us the date and escort us to the place where the Council of Rivers convenes, please?"

 

He hoped he sounded polite enough. With Nexians one was never sure how they would react. Or so the stories went...

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya coughed discretely when Hanzo inquired about an escort. She nonchalantly crossed her arms and behind her, still blazing like the rising sun, the four-armed warrior did the same. Perhaps it was best to wait half an hour before they were escorted anywhere.

 

 

((Not only is Shaya an Anathema, she's an Anathema who's totemic anima looks like THE FREAKIN' UNCONQUERED SUN . I cannot begin to imagine the commotion if she walks down the streets of Nexus like this .

 

Also: How long after Dace would Risa arrive at the scene? She has to ready an entire company, but they are well trained. Five minutes? Ten minutes?))

Edited May 22, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

(I'd say closer to 10 mins - simply due to the numbers involved.)

 

"That may indeed be the case, Artificer Hanzo of the Seventh Legion." Dace replied - as even toned as he could, "However delegations don't normally trip alarms and associate with the shadow." He indicated Web at that point.

 

Dace provided the date, knowing that time can be very distorted by their chosen method of travel.

 

"As for an escort - I doubt the local populace would react well to such visible displays. If insistence is made on an immediate leaving, more troops would be needed to keep the peace." Dace pointedly looked at the Fire and Solar Animas and tried to ignore the dark threads that Web had on show.

 

The Fire Anima wasn't really the problem - Dragonbloods had more freedom of movement in the first place, but the other two would be cause for speculation and alarm. His status was known, but even his Anima caused trouble.