Exalted:End of an Era

[Mistress of Whispers]

Mia smiled as Stick made short work of his breakfast. The kid must have been starving and she was happy that he was getting something to eat. Good start of the day indeed.

 

She opened the wine, poured each of them a glass and asked Stick several questions about the city (what sights to see, which wares to buy) a few about himself (not too many as not to scare him off) and several about recent events in the city (she specifically made sure to ask about last night's commotion and the rumours about an invading army from Lookshy that had been floating around her inn's common room).

 

The breadrolls were delicious and she ate them with gusto, though being a small eater she had an excuse to slide one of hers onto Stick's empty plate.

Edited July 28, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

Stick accepted the extra roll with gratitude. It was a good day when he decided to go to a different street than he usually would and spotted Mia before the others did.

 

He offered the sights of Nexus, judging Mia by her looks to be wealthy enough to travel. "You might want to see the Pulley Car System a First Age transport that still functions. If you are more adventurous, you could take a gondola through the canals, but it is a lot more hectic than the cars."

 

He drank his wine with care, savouring the taste of each draught. "The Nexus district is where the trade is, if you want the best there is in the East, you can find it there. The same is true for Cinnabar district, if you are looking for singers and painters and such people." It was clear Stick was envious of people who could make a rich living with - in Stick's eyes - useless skills. "There are also the park and library. I don't think we can get into Bastion, where the wealthy live and the school of philosophy is, but I know someone who can get you in if you want."

 

Stick's face turned serious and grave. "But whatever you do, stay out of Firewander. It is cursed with the Wyld since as long as anyone can remember. For that matter, you probably should also stay clear of the district next to it, Sentinel Hill."

 

"That leaves Nighthammer district where you can get anything made for the right price." Suddenly Stick seemed to remember something. "Do you know about the laws? They are important to know if you want to survive." And he listed the main laws and many odd and slightly insane bylaws of Nexus.

 

He nodded, proud of himself that he knew them all.

 

"As for the dictators of the East, I have heard of a group of Lookshyan soldiers being escorted to the Bronze Tiger compound last evening. They're probably waiting for their just punishment for trying to sneak into the city and do whatever they were going to do." Stick leaned in closer and added in a conspiratorial tone: "I heard they came from the cemetery and were quite dead when they were walking to the Bronze Tigers. Serves them right." Stick gave Mia a knowing look and leaned back, resting his arms behind his head and stretching his legs.

 

"So, where do you want to go next?"

Edited July 28, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

"Well," she says as she finishes the rest of her breakfast. "I would very much like to see some of the sights, such as ..." She lists several of the major buildings, including the River Council Halls (one of Nexus' most famous sights) and the Bronze Tiger Compound (they are Nexus' greatest mercenary company after all, as hearing about their encounter with the Lookshyan invaders reminder her). "I realize that not all of them accept visitors, but I would like to get a look at the outside at least."

 

Mia leaves a tip for the proprietress in addition to the pre-agreed price and is ready to continue her journey. She already knows that the Chumyo summoned the River Council and suspects that session is today, though she still doesn't know at what time. But at last now she knows where the Lookshyans are staying, which could serve as a back-up plan.

[Biologist]

Stick proved to be a reliable guide, making sure his charge wouldn't miss a thing of the shining Centre of the World. He took her on a car that was pulled by ever moving cables made of Jade. It was slow, but steady and he pointed out the sights of the Nexus district to Mia as they passed the Little Market and the Big Market, numerous shops and fountains where people rested to drink or cool off. Barges and gondolas sped past on the canals in an insanely choreographed dance of chaos, and Stick explained that the river pushed the water through the canals so fast, that travel by boat was quick, but often deadly.

 

When the car unhooked from the Jade cable to let off the passengers at a stop, Stick pointed to a large and majestic building, broad, with a columned facade and topped with a round dome. It held banners of all the member states of the River Province and he said: "This is our stop, if you want to see the Seat of the Council of Rivers." He waited for the car to stop at the designated area quite tenaciously, as did the other passengers. He explained: "It is forbidden to get off when the car is still moving or at any point that is not a proper stop."

 

The broad street in front of the building was busy with liveries and messengers, suppliers came and went to stock the building's kitchens with enough food to last several days - according to Stick that's how long the meetings usually lasted - and an small army of men in a certain uniform stood guard and made sure everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. And that no thieves would take advantage of the hustle and bustle around the premises. Stick pointed to them and explained that they belonged to one of Nexus' elite Mercenary companies that kept the citizens safe. This particular group called itself The Hooded Executioners and was generally used by the rulers of Nexus to police the city.

 

He knew someone who could get Mia a tour of the building, but with all the bustle and an upcoming Council meeting, he doubted that anyone was allowed in, if they hadn't official busyness with the Council.

 

Behind the building rose a hill that was crowded with appartment buildings and was topped with a watchtower. Steep streets that switched back rose up to the top, laundry waved in the morning breeze and gave the hill a festive look.

 

 

Edited July 29, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Mia spent some time watching the River Council Seat; pretending to study the building's architecture, but really taking the measure of the few people who were allowed inside. She knew that with her 'special skills', she would only have to emulate them a little to be let in. They all wore silk clothes in green, yellow and brown colours and had a very serious expression - that shouldn't be too hard to copy, Mia thought.

 

When Stick mentioned that there was a Council Meeting planned for today, she feigned surprise and excitement. "Really? How impressive! When do they usually start?"

 

When she had the information needed to enter the building later, she turned to Stick again. "How about we visit one of the markets? I'd like to pick up some cloth. Maybe some silks? I heard that the Eastern Caterpillars create good silk." That was true, mostly; Eastern silk was indeed good, though it substituted sturdiness for the shine and lustre of Southern silk. Most rich people preferred Southern silk for that reason, but most of the people she'd seen entering the Council Building had been wearing the Eastern variety.

[Biologist]

"Those river council meetings never start before noon. They are too lazy to get out of bed for something as important as a meeting." Stick did not think highly of the Council of Rivers.

 

His face lit up when Mia suggested shopping. "Silks? Sure, Lady." Stick answered. "Do you want it by the yard? Then we'd have to go to the big market. If you want a silken dress, we'd have to go to the little market. Or..." He leaned in closer and whispered. "If you have a lot of money to spend we can visit Cinnabar and the shops for the rich and famous."

 

As Stick explained all this, Mia became aware of a building somewhat off to the South. A small and dusty courtyard surrounded it and it was fenced off with a sturdy Iron fence and decorated... no, constructed entirely of human skulls. The building was at least three stories high and she estimated that a few thousand skulls had to have been used. People gave it a wide berth and almost ignored it, willing it out of existence. It had an eerie and menacing presence in the lively streets of Nexus.

Edited August 2, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

"The Little Market will be good," Mia replied. "I plan to buy a new tunic, sash and pants."

 

Then she noticed the skull building and stopped. Almost unbidden, her vision shifted until colours were muted and people moved past like luminescent spectres. "What is that place?" she heard herself ask Stick.

 

((Spirit-Detecting Glance is a go!))

[Biologist]

"That?" Mia heard Stick say, a shiver of fear in his voice. "That is a tomb of an ancient evil. Some even say an Anathema lies there. It is called The Tomb of Candle Eyed Skulls and it is death to anyone who approaches it beyond the border of the Iron Fence."

 

The world of grey ghosts and luminescent spirits was auspiciously quiet around the edifice. Mia saw that even the few ghosts and spirits she detected with her otherworldly sight, avoided going near the Fence and acted as if it did not exist at all.

 

Stick motioned for Mia to come close and step to the side, where they could talk without being easily overheard. In a fearful whisper, that had a twinge of excitement he recalled the stories of the dread tomb. "It is ancient, probably first age. At night the eye sockets of the skulls light up with flickering blue ghost candle lights. If you approach by day, you crumble to dust. It still clings to the stone courtyard and won't be moved by the most violent wind. At night it is said the fire comes to life when a trespasser comes near and incinerates any who would dare set foot within their domain."

 

Stick shivered again with excitement and fear. "Some gangs used it as a death sentence and to easily get rid of bodies. That's why there is a sentinel guard, day and night. I don't envy him."

[Mistress of Whispers]

Mia contemplated the scene around her. In the North, any First Age tomb, no matter how dangerous, would be beset by scavengers, scholars and adventurers alike. But here in Nexus, people went around it as if it was a normal - albeit potentially deadly - part of their day. Curious city this, indeed. If she had more time she might want to study the tomb herself, but as it was.... She closed her eyes and when she opened them again, her vision had returned to normal.

 

"Let us go to Little Market" she said to Stick.

[Biologist]

"Little Market it is." Stick said cheerfully, and he guided the two of them through the busy morning streets of Nexus, explaining the rules of conduct between the people with carts and the ones on foot. He pointed out places she should go and have lunch, and even brought a small, easily overlooked shop to her attention, where they sold tea from all over Creation with the possibility to taste it before you buy it. He kept the peddlers away, gave vicious warning looks to would be pick-pockets and gave Mia an overall sense of safety in this bustling metropolis.

 

When they arrived at the Little Market, Mia hadn't expected it to be this big. Hundreds of stalls filled an enormous square and voices of every timbre could be heard calling out to would be buyers about their wares. The smells were a fantastic mixture of food and spices, overpowering everything else, and the colours of the stalls were vibrant and inviting. Stick pointed out the corner where clothes could be bought and offered: "Do you want to wander around a bit, or shall we go straight to the silks?"

Edited August 4, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Being somewhat of a tea aficionada, Mia splurged in the tea shop - probably spending just a little more than was strictly wise, but she was counting on her negotiating skills to compensate by getting bargains on later purchases.

 

She took Stick up on his offer to show her around, as she was very curious what Nexus' market might have to offer, and bought them sweetspice buns* to eat while they walked. She had visited the markets of Gethsemane, Whitewall and Icehome in the North, so she she wasn't a complete stranger to the bustle, but Little Market was certainly a sight to behold.

 

((* Akin to cinnamon buns))

[Biologist]

Stick gratefully took the sweetspice bun and started towards the labyrinth of stalls. He deftly navigated through the lanes and showed Mia everything Nexus had to offer, which was... well everything.

 

Just like the markets in the other major cities Mia had visited, there were sections of the market devoted to certain goods. There was a pottery section, a jewellery section, a blacksmith section, and so on. But unlike the other cities where there were two or three rival salesmen, Nexus' market was bigger and had numerous stalls selling comparable wares, each trying to outshine the other with a few prize items that were unusual or expensive.

 

The wares on Little Market were finished goods only. To think there were a meat market, an animal market and a Big Market with base materials as well, all probably as big as this one, was staggering. It was clear that Nexus' life blood was trade.

 

They spent a good deal of the early morning walking and interacting with the vendors, each trying to reel in the Northern woman with promises of impeccable wares for the lowest possible price in Creation. It was certainly true for some items. Mia saw Southern sand pottery and the fabled glass works from Chiaruscuro, that would cost a fortune in the North, at an affordable price, or even less if she would haggle.

 

At last they ended up in the fashion section, where stalls had more space for fitting and adjustment. Tunics of Eastern linnen in all colours were on display, outfits made from Eastern and Southern silks shimmered in the morning sun. Stick pointed at them and said apologetically: "I don't have any fashion sense, so you are on your own here, lady."

[Mistress of Whispers]

Smiling at Stick's comment, Mia started to walk past the clothes stalls. She picked up some clothes in her favourite colours of midnight blue and dark purple, as well as a tunic, breeches and sash in a green, yellow and brown combination. It didn't look exactly like the uniforms of the servants working at the River Council Building, but it came close enough for her purpose. She took care to buy the items at different vendors lest Stick would notice that she was assembling a 'uniform'.

 

Looking at the sky (not that she needed to - she could feel her Patron's presence), she saw that the sun was steadily rising in the sky and she guessed that it was mid-morning. Only a few more hours until she had to get to 'work'.

 

"I plan to rest a bit in the afternoon," she said to Stick, "But I might have need for a guide again this evening. How can I reach you?"

[Biologist]

Stick replied: "I'll be at my aunt's house." And added: "You know it, it's where we had breakfast. If you come just after sunset, you'll be in time for dinner. It's going to be roasted lamb with a spicy crust, grilled vegetables and saffron spiced rice with ground nuts. You shouldn't miss out on it." His mouth started to water at the thought. "With what you've paid me, I'll be able to afford it with wine to boost. And if she is feeling generous maybe even a piece of her famous chocolate and pepper pie with slices of mango on the side." He was dreaming off, staring in the distance.

 

After the shopping spree was done, Stick asked: "So, do you want to visit some of Nexus' finest? The Barracks are close to the Markets. We can visit the Hooded Executioners' bureau. It is open to everyone with a problem. Or the Bronze Tiger compound you talked about. Although they might be closed up tight with them warcriminals from Lookshy."

Edited August 16, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Mia took another look at the sky; she had a few more hours before she needed to make her move and visiting the Bronze Tiger barracks might give her a chance to observe the Lookshyan Chumyo and his men.

 

"Let's go to the Bronze Tiger compound," she said with a deliberate twinkle in her eye. "I've never seen warcriminals before. Have you?"

[Biologist]

Stick shook his head. "No. But I imagine they must be ugly, and wounded from the fight with the Tigers, They're lucky they could walk back to the compound."

 

He went towards the North, avoiding the busy streets, but in stead taking narrow passages, where the people made way for him and his guest. They crossed bridges over canals and walked past magnificent houses, while Stick told Mia what he knew of everything they passed. Which was considerable, it turned out.

 

It did not take long for them to reach the Bronze Tiger compound, with its strong fortress-like wall and gate house. The gate was closed and the guard was doubled. A clear sign something was different.

 

Stick approached one of the guards. "Hi, I am a friend of Sing-Yu, a corporal. Is he in? I'd like to visit him." The guard simply ignored him. His insistence to be let in went on for another minute, when the guard he was talking with changed his posture from guarding to threatening, lowering his lance and giving Stick a warning look. Stick knew when he had lost and took Mia a little farther away from the gate. "Sorry." He said as he raised his hands in an apologetic gesture. "Not today, it seems. He was really tight lipped. He didn't even answer my questions. Something important is going on here."

[Takhesis]

((Eeep - my old laptop failed just after my exams and new laptop with Windows 8 confuses me..... but should be back to regular posting now...

 

I also have to laugh at the image of the Abyssal fluttering her eyelashes.

 

As for Charm use she's playing it by ear for now, - plus she has limited Essence regen ability while in Creation -, so all she's using is Second Excellency (Bureaucracy) that seems the closest to a diplomacy skill... ))

 

Pheonix was sipping at the khaf, while Web and Lenco seemed to be discussing terms for the Seventh's Resurrection. While no good at diplomacy, she was wise enough to remain silent so as not to foul up Web's negotiations.

 

She was paying attention however.

 

Web had just proposed a basic potential solution to Lenco's demand that he be in charge - while at the same time, appearing to outsiders that everything was above board.

 

The question in both Exalts mind was whether he'd agree to that - and Web expected the difficult task was just beginning.... She still had to try and get Lenco to lay-off Shaya - at least til the voting for new Chumyo had taken place.

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Yaaaaaay welcome back! *hugs*))

 

Satisfied that she was clean, Shaya stepped out of the shower and dried off. Wrapping the now-damp towel around her, she made her way back to the Officer's barracks, hoping that Hanzo would have had time to repair her clothes. By now the Sun was peeking over the horizon and she paused for a moment to enjoy the feel of the warm rays on her skin. As always, she felt the connection to her Patron the strongest during the moments of the rising dawn, as that was the time most closely tied to her Caste.

 

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

 

Mia looked over Stick's shoulder onto the compound. She might be able to get in, but there was a risk that she'd get caught and that would ruin her chances later. Best to remain patient then.

 

She shrugged. "Oh well, we gave it our best."

 

Giving Stick a few extra coins for the trouble, she told him "I'd best head back and rest a bit. I will try to catch you at your aunt's around dinner time."

 

 

[Takhesis]

((Hmmmm which NPC cut-scene shall I post next? The Day Caste's search for Griffon and the Deathlord's plot-bit/More musing from Silent Falling Tree on Web's odd thread/The Lunar that's hunting Pheonix or something completely different?))

[Biologist]

"That should be doable." Web replied to Lenco's demand to become the new Chumyo. "Although to convince the other sections of legitimacy, the gaining of the title would have to be done carefully..." Web paused as if thinking on how that could be achieved. "Perhaps by having all surviving section heads having a vote on Chumyo? With all nominations and candidates having equal consideration?"

Lenco thought on this. "Yes, a legitimate vote would leave no doubt who is the rightful Chumyo. It would mean I can assume command without any questions or objections. But to make sure they choose me, I assume you have a plan to rig the vote in my favour?"

 

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

 

Stick smiled. Not just in anticipation of more money, but also to the prospect of good company this evening. "Sure thing, Lady. Can you find your way back through the maze that is Nexus"?

 

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

 

Hanzo sat cross legged on the floor, a towel wrapped around his waist and a pristinely white shirt in his lap, holding up a pair of impeccably white pants. His caste mark was visible on his forehead, but he did not seem to notice.

 

The tunic was better than ever before, after he had repaired the tear, he noticed some imperfections in the weaving and corrected them as well. For good measure, he checked the silken pants too and corrected the weaver's mistakes. When he was finished, he held up the clothes for a last inspection. Then the Chumyo entered. He looked up and smiled. Getting to his feet to show respect. "Just finished, sir. It should hold."

[Mistress of Whispers]

((I'd love another bit on our Day Caste friend.))

 

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

 

 

Mia nodded at Stick and winked. "I'm new to Nexus, but the North has some pretty big cities too. I'll be fine." With that, she returned to the Inn and prepared the second part of her plan.

 

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

 

 

Shaya took the garment from Hanzo and marvelled at the work he had done. She didn't think the clothes had ever looked this good or been this white, even when they'd been brand new.

 

"Excellent work, Hanzo. Thank you."

[Takhesis]

((Okies - Day Caste it is. Small scene - just to set the tone for later ))

 

Web didn't take long to think about Lenco's question of vote-rigging - her ideas weren't elaborate, but they should at least provide the starting point.

 

"Only the basics of a plan. A few of the things the new Seventh would look for in a good Chumyo is organisation and strong leadership. The leadership aspect would be addressed with the initiative to call a vote on the matter, as well as being seen to be a strong supporter of the founding motion."

 

Web remembered her promise to the Spirit of the Grounds, and continued:

 

"The aspect of organisation, that will be shown in hosting the vote in your grounds. An appropriate display of power I should think, after all, being on home turf means a greater degree of control."

 

At that she paused to see how Lenco was taking her words as well as Pheonix. She hoped the Fire Aspect didn't think she was betraying Shaya.

 

Pheonix finished off her Khaf while Web and Lenco were discussing vote rigging. She knew enough of politics to understand backhand bribery - though she really didn't see the need for it. So she remained silent - and watchful. She'd report everything to Shaya - and let the Captain decide - after all she was only there to observe and not let Lenco play on potential mistrust.

 

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

 

Somewhere in the Underworld, an irritable Day Caste was just finishing off his 'fetch' mission. He didn't like being used as a go-between, but the actions of one 'Web' had necessitated it.

 

He was bringing home the Shadow's latest recruit - the replacement Daybreak -to undertake training, so the plan could resume. He wasn't just irritable due to the mundane task - he was irritable because his chosen quarry was elusive.

 

The corrupter of Web - that Griffin - could be nothing less than a Wyld-forsaken, shape-shifting Lunar to be so slippery. He couldn't wait to cross paths, just so he could have some fun....

[Biologist]

The commander thought on Web's words, obiously devising his own plan to rig the vote as well as a failsafe measure. "Very well. We'll do that. I will invite the surviving commanders and receive them in my abode with all the rites of Lookshyan hospitality. There I can work on them to warm up to me and disregard the usurper Chumyo." He thoughtfully emptied his cup of khaf.

 

"I will have to invite your captain as well, so you will be with her as her servant. You will make sure that *that woman* is regarded as negatively as possible by sabotaging her in small ways. Make sure she is late for meetings, let fall a remark about her hunger for power, get her drunk... you know what I mean."

 

As if making a command decision, he rose and slapped his hands on the table. "Now, you are dismissed. I have a lot of preparation to do. And send in the messenger, there has been a change in his assignment." He started to turn and then swiveled back. "Unless any of you know how to cast a messenger spell?"

[Takhesis]

[Heehee, well at least Web did speak the truth on the Qualities needed in a Leader, so she can't be faulted on that score...]

 

 

Both Web and Lieutenant Pheonix rose from their positions at Lenco's dismissal. They both paused as he did.

 

In reply to Lenco's question, Pheonix finally spoke up keeping her tone even and respectful:

 

"I'm afraid I have little knowledge of the mystic arts to aid in that endeavour." While Web gave her own answer, Pheonix started towards the door to complete the other part of his orders - letting the messenger in.

 

Though she paused by the door when Web mentioned her 'delicate condition'.

 

Probably not a good idea to tip the messenger off to Web's true nature - if he can't be trusted....

 

Web, on the hand, did know something of the 'mystic arts'.

 

"The only messengers I can summon and send are ghost-like in nature. I will be able to aid - assuming the recipients of mine are sympathetic to that issue."

 

She paused,

 

"My - shall we say - 'delicate condition' - would also limit the number I can send."

 

By this she was referring to her Abyssal Exaltation and the inability to regain Essence while in Creation. Though it could be inferred that she was uncertain whether Lenco's association with a Death Knight would be detrimental or not to his bid.

 

I'm not entirely sure a Solar can get drunk..... though Shaya does need to be told of Lenco's plans.... perhaps she can be convinced into a counter-plot?

 

[Web will have her work cut out if she thinks that Shaya will listen - and be subtle....]

[Mistress of Whispers]

[Web will have her work cut out if she thinks that Shaya will listen - and be subtle....]

((Indeed. Shaya's go-to 'plot' for servants of darkness is usually: "First, I hit them with my sword. Then, I hit them with my sword. And then, I keep hitting them with my sword until they die. Problem solved." LOL))