Exalted:End of an Era

[Biologist]

((I'll edit my post about when Hanzo is finished, so he can arrive around the same time Shaya'll be finished with talking to Dace.. that way I can contribute again ))

[Takhesis]

[ooops - we did get kinda sidetracked there - by plot hiccup.

 

Also either of you want a hellhorse descended from Cecelyne - like This one? Or perhaps something descended from my Cavern Lurker DeathLords? /random]

[Mistress of Whispers]

With Pheonix and Web on their way to Lenco's house, Shaya knocked on Captain Dace's door. A soft light shone out from the window, so she knew he was still awake. The night air was cool and crisp; a stark contrast to herself and for the first time since starting their journey, the Solar longed for a shower.

 

Dace was already out of uniform and getting ready for bed - not surprising given the time. Stripped down to his breeches, he cut a powerful, muscular vision sure to turn the head of any woman. Well, most women. As it was, Shaya might have been more impressed if Risa had opened the door in her underwear.

 

"Captain, I apologize for calling at such a late hour, but things have changed."

 

 

((Takhesis, do you want to RP Dace again? If not, I'm also fine with time-skipping the conversation so Biologist can join again. And DC related: I'd love a Yozi Hellhorse! I'll check your scroll for Deathlords too.))

 

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

 

Mia had finally managed to find an inn. For a city that supposedly never slept, it sure was hard to find lodgings after hours. Good lodging at least; there were flea-ridden over-priced rooms for rent everywhere, but she hadn't found a halfway decent inn until she had visited nearly a dozen. She had booked a room with breakfast included, though she'd have to pay extra for the bowl of hot water that she'd washed herself with. Now the Eclipse sat on the bed, brushing her long white hair while she looked out of the window onto the starry sky.

Edited June 11, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

((I don't mind enjoying the conversation, so by all means, play it out although I don't think it'll be a long conversation ))

[Takhesis]

[Happy to timeskip - and will get the Yozi Hellhorse. I thought the naming would be funny - Okies lol... short conversation it is.]

 

 

Dace blinked,

 

"What has changed?"

Edited June 11, 2013 by Takhesis

[Mistress of Whispers]

Taking a seat at the same table as before, Shaya eyed the khaf still sitting there. It was cold by now, but even then it looked tempting. Still, she ignored its lure and just got right to it.

 

"I had a meeting with the Lookshyan ambassador to Nexus and the one valid point he made, was that we still have Field Legions out there and that those Commanders should elect the next Chumyo. So I'll be resigning in a week. I still believe you're the right man to lead the new army and I will tell my successor this, but the decision will no longer be mine."

[Takhesis]

Dace considered this new info.

 

"How many of those Field Commanders have taken the same initiative you have?" He asked, "From my experience - any leader that does take that kind of initiative after a large tragedy deserves that position."

 

Of course, he may be biased - but he was stating his support for her remaining Chumyo.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya was quiet for a moment as she processed what Dace just said, then smiled at the compliment. "Perhaps the Field Commanders will feel the same. But if they don't, I won't start a coup against my own people. Whatever decision they reach, I'll abide by." Well, she'd abide by any decision regarding the position of Chumyo. If they decided to court-martial her, as Lenco seemed to want, she'd have to take action; she was willing to let the Soulbreakers wait a week to make sure the Riverlands were defended, but not so some slick-mannered diplomat could question her loyalty.

 

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

 

((I redid Shaya's character sheet, since I forgot to give her Lore and Occult, which means she couldn't write or recognize a creature of darkness . I also created a sheet for Mia, while I was at it.

Since this is turning out to be a high-powered game, I gave each 50 starting xp and then another 100 per year of Exaltation, bringing Shaya's total up to 550 xp and Mia's 200 xp. Note that the listed age is their true age; their apparent age is younger since Exaltation slows down ageing (Shaya was 24 when she exalted and Mia 18).

Shaya

Mia <-- Note: I decided to make Mia Essence 3 after all, since one of the key Ride Charms (Flashing Thunderbolt Steed) requires it, so that will have to be changed in the description of Mia in the OP.

 

Takhesis, could you add these to my characters in the OP?

 

Sidenote: I made them using the Anathema Exalted Manager, which is a really good tool for doing stats. You just make a starting character and the program keeps tracks of dots and freebies, and then you convert to experienced and it keeps track of spent xp for you too. While you can't remove starting dots once you've converted to experienced, you can take away dots you've added under experience, so you can change your mind on how to spend xp. All in all it's so much easier than doing it by hand - said the lazy ST .))

Edited June 12, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

((I have a characterhsheet as well! This is Hanzo after the Labyrinth... Could you add it to the OP, Takhesis? Thanks!)) Edited June 13, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

((@ Takhesis - To be clear, just because Biologist and I had some fun statting our characters, doesn't mean you have to stat yours too. And even if you do, there's no need to stick to my arbitrary '50 starting xp plus 100 per year since exaltation'. That ratio made sense to me and gave some confines within which to build my characters, but it might not work for everyone.)) Edited June 13, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[Added the sheets - I put them next to the Essence value of the characters since it seemed to make the most sense there. I'll get around to statting mine eventually - just lazy on that front.... though I think I've already got Pheonix on paper somewhere...]

 

While Shaya was speaking with Dace, Web and Pheonix were making their preparations to travel to Lenco's.

 

In Web's case, she was gathering an ink pot, a quill and some paper. After all she had to look the part of a mortal Thaumaturge/Diplomat.

 

Although most of a Thaumaturge's trinkets weren't necessary for her - they were only Essence-focusing aids for non-Exalts, but she had to carry some.... which presented a small problem..

 

"Think Mouse will mind lending me some of her paraphernalia?" she asked Pheonix.

 

Pheonix didn't really need anything extra - so she was bored and cleaning her uniform. That way she could look like a Military Advisor - rather than something the house-cat dragged in.

 

Until Web spoke up,

 

"Only one way to find out, ask her." Then Pheonix remembered Mouse was scared of Web - actually Mouse was probably scared of her too, but at least Mouse knew her..

 

"Scratch that - I'll ask..." Pheonix got up, replaced her uniform and went to find Mouse.

 

--

 

Dace nodded,

 

"I understand. Red tape and that. Should I wait til the new Chumyo has made his/her decision before presenting the officer recommendations?"

 

The paperwork was neatly stacked on his desk, since he was expecting the morning would have been spent discussing them with Shaya.

Edited June 13, 2013 by Takhesis

[Mistress of Whispers]

Mouse was fast asleep when Pheonix found her, but she woke quickly - after a week in the Underworld, all of them were ready to wake at a light touch or even sound. At first the Thaumaturge seemed rather indignant at the suggestion that she parted with some of her hard-found and carefully-collected possessions, but finally she relented to 'donate' a few to the cause: two crystal vials (empty), a handful of feathers, a silken bag containing dirt, three identical leaves and a short, thin rope made of woven grass.

 

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

 

Shaya looked at the stack of papers and then back at the other Solar. "Since I plan on recommending you to the new Chumyo and I have pretty good insight in what the Seventh looks for in Officers, we can still go over those together. That way you'll know which of your choices would be supported and which possibly not. But I do suggest we wait until morning - you looked like you were ready for bed and I have a speech to memorize. So I will see you in the morning." And an armour to clean, not to mention a shower to take.

 

Wishing her fellow Dawn a pleasant night's sleep - whatever night was left anyway - Shaya headed back to her assigned barrack.

 

 

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

 

((I had to change the link for Mia's sheet. Here is the new one: linkie.))

Edited June 14, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[ Indignant better than scared frozen And Mia's link changed - though it seems new link needs permission to view...]

 

Pheonix knew it probably wouldn't go smoothly - she had known a few Thaumaturge's to be practically territorial with their items. Mouse did have a similar view, but wasn't so stubborn as to not be convinced of the need.

 

Pheonix was certain that Web wouldn't be actually using them - it was more for appearance sake than anything. Thanking Mouse, Pheonix took the items to Web.

 

That should be all they needed - hopefully they'd beat the messenger-casters there. If only due to the fact, they were already awake and the casters needed to be roused by servants and then dressed for travel.

 

With the simple illusion in place, a Thaumaturge 'ingredient' pouch completing the look - Web was ready for the task of being Melissa, mortal Thaumaturge-diplmomat to Captain Shaya - Acting Chumyo of Lookshy.

 

Hopefully any slips in rank could be attributed to being in shock at the whole ghastly business of Lookshy's destruction. Plus the death of so many Essence users would have distrupted sensitive mortal minds like Thaumaturge's within a certain radius.

Edited June 14, 2013 by Takhesis

[Mistress of Whispers]

((I changed the privacy settings on Mia's sheet, thanks for pointing that out.))

 

 

Now that Dace and she had rescheduled for morning, Shaya was free for the rest of the night. Well, free after she had taken a shower, polished her armor and sword and memorized her speech. But still, she might get an hour or two of sleep and she certainly looked forward to that.

 

Taking a moment before heading back in, she again savoured the quiet of the night air. She felt confident in her chosen path, even if she might not be the Chumyo leading the new army; by resurrecting the Seventh Legion into the Army of the Confederacy, she simultaneously ensured Lookshy's legacy and protected the River Province, which left her free to pursue the Soulbreaker Orbs and, after that, revenge against the Scarlet Empress.

 

 

((I think we're ready for Hanzo to return? And Web and Pheonix are ready to arrive at Lenco's manor?))

[Biologist]

Hanzo entered the Bronze Tiger compound in a hurry, sweating slightly. He ventured towards the officer's quarters to look for the Chumyo, when he spotted her exiting another building. He headed straight towards her, carrying a rather heavy bundle, wrapped in oiled leather.

 

He bowed slightly when he met her, unable to salute due to him carrying the bundle with both his hands. "Chumyo. I have finished making the additions for your armour. And I have found a smith who might be willing to oversee the forging of your army's equipment." In a whisper he added: "He is also a child of the Sun." He raised his eyebrows conspiratorially, hoping she understood his innuendo.

 

"If you could give me your armour and your sword, I can add the required pieces to make it worthy of the Chumyo. I'll clean it at the same time as well, if you like." Hanzo sounded as if he was proud of his work and couldn't wait to see it on the armour... and for the Chumyo to admire his work. It was also clear from the shadows under his eyes, that he had had no rest this night either.

[Takhesis]

[ Okies, will assume my duo has just arrived at Lenco's gate - now to see what really goes on...]

 

Melissa and Pheonix had arrived at the gate to Lenco's manor - closed as one would expect at this time.

 

However they were expected - if not quite so soon, so Pheonix knocked on the gate to summon the gate keeper. Perhaps they'd be mistaken for one of the messenger-casters... at least til it was opened.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya took a good look at Hanzo. He looked as tired as she felt. H*ll, he probably was as tired as she felt. Steely resolve welled up in her; they had all come so far, worked so hard and endured so much, to get her where she was now. No matter what else, even if next week she had to hand in the position of Chumyo and her Captain's pips to boot, she would raise the new Army of the Confederacy, she all owed them that much.

 

 

"Good work on finding a Chosen smith. He will be a great asset." Assuming the next Chumyo stuck to her plan. "I'm afraid I'm not fully aware of additions and alterations made to my sword and armor. Enlighten me?" She made no move to head back inside, as she was rather enjoying the cool air, though she inclined her chin to indicate that they could go inside if Hanzo preferred.

[Biologist]

The gatekeeper looked reasonably sleepy, but was polite enough to let the two women inside and escort them to the mansion. It was an impressive, large and luxurious looking building: very unlike Lookshyan architecture, which focussed on necessity and functionality. It wasn't well defendable and Pheonix guessed that the security of this compound was largely due to the Lookshyan guards who paced the premises.

 

They were led into the warm and opulent hall, where a marble staircase dominated the space and carpets of stylish colours were draped on the floor and walls. They were led past large sculptures and vases with plants reaching the ceiling, into a room that was furnished with lounge chairs and a small table on which stood a decanter with wine and a few delicate looking refreshments. As soon as the servant left the room, however, a set of dubble doors swung open to reveal a man, clad in silken robes of the finest quality, shaven cleanly, immaculately manicured and perfumed, with the rank insignia of a commander of the Liaison Directorate of Lookshy, looking annoyed and unpleasantly surprised for a microsecond. Then his face flowed into a pleasant smile and he coughed. "Welcome, Lieutenant." He gave a polite nod at Web to acknowledge her presence. "You must be the aides the Captain mentioned. Please have a seat in this room, while I take care of business. I won't be long." Web guessed the commander was expecting to see someone else...

 

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

 

Hanzo seemed unperturbed by Shaya's ignorance of protocol. "Well, sir, to make it clear to the Legion that you are the Chumyo, certain... regalia are added to your attire, so you will be recognizable at a glance. For instance, you are the only one who is allowed to wear the crimson tassled cord with seven knots on the hilt of your sword. All commanders may wear a tassled cord, but only you may have seven crimson knots, see? The same goes for regalia on your armour. Do not worry, sir, they will not impede your battle prowess, that would defeat the purpose." He hesitated a moment. "And I made sure they would look good on armour of... a different colour, should you ever opt to wear one." Again, he lifted his eyebrows to signal he was being cleverly innuendous.

Edited June 15, 2013 by Biologist

[Takhesis]

Pheonix wasn't overly impressed by the decadence of the Commander's mansion - blatant displays of wealth weren't marks of Lookshy.

 

Granted there were mansions within Lookshy, but all of them had the defense of a Keep, not multiple points of entry that only relied on the observance of guards.

 

To Lenco's assumption of their identity, though internally she told him off for giving away information that would have aided true intruders.

 

"We are those aides. I'm to be your Military Advisor in the matter and Melissa is our resident Thaumaturge and Diplomatic Attache." She made the introductions.

 

Melissa/Web was more at ease than Pheonix was around the grounds - perhaps due to the fact she'd dealt with people in higher positions before in her Moonshadow persona. Which she'll have to put aside - it wouldn't do for a mortal to show more confidence than a Dragonblood.

 

She could read the Commander's mood as he walked in - even though he schooled his expression quickly. The pair had obviously arrived before he was ready.

 

After Pheonix had made the introductions, Melissa smiled sweetly at Lenco.

 

"I do hope we aren't interrupting anything important." Hopefully the smile, in addition to her youthful appearance in the oversized green dress would lull him into a false sense of innocent naiveity. And perhaps he'd let slip something too...

 

She could guess not only was the Commander waiting for others, but perhaps the nature of those others too. Messenger-Casters that he could bribe into 'forgetting' certain outposts from the receipt of summons.

[Biologist]

Commander Lenco's attitude was pleasant and polite, though stern enough for a commander adressing his lesser officers. "Have a seat and help yourself to some food and wine. I'll have a servant attend to your needs." He gestured towards the comfortable chairs and the small table with refreshments, then he retreated into the room and started to pull the doors closed again.

 

Edited June 16, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya looked at Hanzo; she was impressed by his work, although she did wish she had better news than 'I hope my successor will enjoy wearing them too', especially since he had gone through the trouble - she thought - of making Orichalcum tassels as well.

 

"Let's go inside," she said as she walked to their assigned barracks.

 

Once inside, the took the bundle from Hanzo and placed it on the table before carefully unwrapping it. Inside were carefully crafted rank insignia and beautifully chorded tassels in both Orichalcum and Jade. Shaya's hand hovered over the Orichalcum before picking up the Jade insignia and tassels. Turning them over in her hands, she admired the craftsmanship; she was no engineer herself, but she recognized good work when she saw it.

 

"These are excellently made," she complimented Hanzo before turning to face him. "There has been a change in our situation, however. I spoke to the Lookshyan Ambassador to Nexus and he rightly pointed out that there are still Field Commanders out there who outrank me and it is they who get to choose the new Chumyo. The Field Commanders will meet in Nexus within the week, at which time I will relinquish the position to the candidate of their choice."

 

 

((@ Takhesis: Biologist and I have an impromptu beach-vacation coming up this Tuesday to Thursday and will not have internet during that time. We can both surf on our mobile phones, so we'll try to post from there, but if we do it will be rather short (clumsy navigation and whatnot).))

[Takhesis]

[Okies - no worries, I'll keep topic bumped with a cut-scene or 2 if needed. After all - the villains and spectators need to do stuff too. ]

 

Pheonix eyed the side refreshments. She was hungry, since the trail rations had tasted so bland during the Underworld journey that she hadn't wanted to eat more than the minimum necessary. Though she'd take the bland food over some of the fancy hors d'ouveres served in extravagant places.

 

Wine did have its appeal - but since she was on duty, Pheonix decided to ask for some Khaf from the servant.

 

 

It looked like Melissa's first attempt to get Lenco to slip up had failed - not that she'd expected to succeed that quickly or easily.

 

From observation, she'd guess that this room was an ante-chamber - and that other guests would have to pass through to reach the Commander's study/office. Which meant that she'd have some time before needing to sneak about - although there was one thing she could do.

 

See if the manor had a resident Small God/Spirit - it may not, but if it did then perhaps she could bargain with it.

 

Seeing Lenco was going to close the doors - he wouldn't see her do it. Addressing Pheonix, Lenco had withdrawn enough it not to be disrespectful of her, Melissa tentatively said:

 

"I believe I shall use the small respite to meditate and center myself for my duties ahead."

 

She knew Lenco would hear it, and hoped that it would create an illusion that she was inexperienced and not confident in herself - what skilled diplomat would need time to still their thoughts?

 

Taking up a meditation position in the corner, Melissa slowed her breathing and waited til Lenco had closed the doors fully. Then using personal stores - so as not to flare her Caste Mark - Web extended her senses into the incorporeal realm where the Spirit of the Household - if one existed - would reside. Mentally sending a request to talk to the Guardian of the Residence along the seeking strands.

[Biologist]

The servant bowed to Pheonix when she had made her request and left through the side door. Lenco's tactic had been to ignore Web outright, which did not bode well for the rest of the day. He would probably keep them out of his office, if Pheonix and Web would let him. It asked for an active approach, so much was clear.

 

Web centred herself in the corner and carefully felt her way around the spirit world of this palatial estate. There was a spirit residing in this mansion....

 

It was a gaudy, flamboyant spirit, who came looking to check who had the gall to address him... although a change from the dreary hours of night seemed welcome to him. He strode majestically through the ornate stately doors of the office of the commander, stopping in the middle of the room. His colourful robes in crimson, blue and gold settled around him, giving the impression he grew a few inches taller. Azure eyes surveyed the room like a king standing on a balcony, overlooking his subjects, and finally came to rest on Web. His face a mix of distaste and curiosity, he raised his eyebrows, gesturing to Web she could sing his praise.

 

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

 

Hanzo was momentarily taken aback. "What? But you should..." Then he fell silent. "It is the Lookshyan way. We will honour it. For we are Lookshyans." He sounded proud of that.

He took out the centre piece, his pièce de résistance. It was a thin and delicately detailed symbol of the Lookshyan firebird in Orichalcum on a White Jade background. It was the personal symbol of the Chumyo of Lookshy. He gingerly handled it and solemly offered it to Shaya. "Until they choose whom they want to be their Chumyo, you should wear this on your armour. You are the one who will let the Seventh Legion rise out of the ashes of destruction."

 

There was still one piece left in the cloth. It shone with the brilliant golden light of Orichalcum. The shape was a sunburst, as thin as the symbol of the firebird. Hanzo looked at it thoughtfully. "And if... when you will wear it, we should add your personal touch behind it." He took out the sunburst and showed it to Shaya. It was as delicate as the firebird and as detailed: the rays consisted of thinner relief rays, breaking the light and making the sun shimmer...

 

Hanzo was silent, suddenly overcome with the enormity of the moment. As an afterthought he added a respectful "Sir."

Edited June 25, 2013 by Biologist

[Takhesis]

[Yay - there is a Small God/Spirit being. At least Web can try to flatter him enough to ask a small favor.... I suspect Pheonix will be thinking Web's mad now.]

 

"Honor and greetings to you, esteemed Guardian." Web began when the well-dressed apparition bid her to speak/sing praises. "I am humbled by your graciousness in answering my simple request for an audience so readily. I ask forgiveness for being so forward in my approach towards one such as yourself; one who must have so many supplicants for your consideration."

 

She bowed her head in respect towards the being, before getting to the point of her request, hoping that the spirit would at least consider aiding her.

 

"I wouldn't wish to waste your valuable time with small matters, but I beg your wise council and assistance on an errand that will have repercussions across Creation depending on the result obtained within the boundaries of your glorious domain."

 

 

Pheonix glanced over at Web when she began to speak, but didn't say anything - guessing from the words that she was talking with one of the incorporeal denizens of Creation.

 

Whether it was a wise idea or not, Pheonix couldn't be sure. Although considering Lenco's actions already in ignoring Web and bare tolerance of her - they could use any advantage.

 

She was willing to let Web have her shot at gaining an ally, since her usual approach would certainly not make a favorable impression. If all else failed though - Pheonix would burn the doors to the office, if Lenco tried to lock them out.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya carefully took the firebird symbol in her hands, studied it before replacing it on the cloth and picked up the sunburst. The Orichalcum, despite being paper-thin, was heavy. It also radiated with its own warmth, like metal exposed to the sun, which was true in a way: incredibly rare, Orichalcum was made by reflecting sunlight onto the purest gold through a series of intricate mirrors, until the metal became so hot that it literally vaporised. It was this vapour, once caught and cooled back to solid state, that became Orichalcum. She couldn't begin to fathom where the Twilight had found even as little as this.

 

"I shall be proud to wear these, for however short a time."

 

Setting the sunburst back next to the firebird, she began to unbuckle her sword belt and armour. Both hadn't come off since Hanzo repaired them, before entering the Underworld, and the normally supple leather straps were thick with sweat, grave-dust and blood. Under normal circumstances, Shaya would have preferred to clean them herself. Being made from magical Jade, neither needed more than a good polish to keep them in shape - provided she didn't let any Day Castes stab right through them - but maintaining them gave her a sense of peace and quiet; after all, time taken to remove and polish armour was a clear sign that the worse danger had passed. She has dealt with engineers before though, and she knew Hanzo would consider it a slight if she told him to attach the new insignia and then give them back. So she would let him tend to her sword and armour - this once.

 

"Thank you. And once that is done, your new orders are to sleep. Though if you are a light sleeper, I might recommend the unit's quarters; I have a speech to rehearse."

 

Unarmed and unarmoured for the first time since a long time, Shaya felt oddly vulnerable. It didn't help that the white silk tunic and slacks she wore underneath were coated in dried blood, most of it, unlike the blood on her armour, her own from when the Day Caste had stabbed her through the side. Regardless of how long it took her to memorize Web's speech, she avowed she would take a shower before dawn.

Edited June 24, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers