FrivYeti/DragonsSessionEleven

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You have just entered room "chat36104244292865988402."
Moonsword134 has entered the room.
Wakoid2 has entered the room.
FrivYeti: Allo.
Moonsword134: Okay, that's three of us.
Moonsword134: WC is afk, he'll be right back.
willcoon has entered the room.
Moonsword134: See, told you!
FrivYeti: Very good. Any word from Ambi?
Moonsword134: Not here.
Moonsword134: There's nothing on the Wiki or at TFS, either.
FrivYeti: Hrm. I sent an email, but didn't get a response.
Wakoid2 has left the room.
Moonsword134: ...okay, that's not a good sign.
Wakoid2 has entered the room.
FrivYeti: All good.
Moonsword134: Evening, Dakura.
Wakoid2: eyo
FrivYeti: I am concerned about the lack of anything from Ambi, though.
willcoon: hii
FrivYeti: Hahah!
willcoon: aa!
DonovanTz has entered the room.
willcoon: o-o
Moonsword134: Evening.
Wakoid2: dear lord!
Moonsword134: What?
Wakoid2: we... we're all here!
DonovanTz: Evening
Moonsword134: And...?
Wakoid2: just that
Moonsword134: Ah.
Wakoid2: it's been so long since it was the case
Moonsword134: I can leave if it'll make you feel better, Dakura.  :P
FrivYeti: *throws salt over one shoulder*
FrivYeti: Alright, we are all present for the first time in a while.
willcoon: \o/
Moonsword134: And thus, we are to determine the future of our group?
FrivYeti: I was just going to say that we can finally get to the point where you guys meet Yukong.
Wakoid2: whee
Moonsword134: Yay!
Wakoid2: -sends the diplomat ahead while he has a smoke back with the soldiers-
FrivYeti: Anyone need remembering from last session?
Moonsword134: *raises hand sheepishly*
willcoon: good idea
DonovanTz: It's probably for the best
FrivYeti: Alright, the party is currently escorting Winglord Darting Lynx to Yukong's Bounty in order to meet officially with the Daimyo.
Moonsword134: Right.
Moonsword134: Who were we sending on ahead, again?
Wakoid2: sending ahead?
DonovanTz: Just us, I think. I believe we established that a small group would be best
DonovanTz: Plus some scouts to act as relays
Wakoid2: we're pretty much taking my scale, and that's it
FrivYeti: The PCs, along with Tepet Sarasa and her scouts, are heading to meet with the Daimyo and inform him that Darting Lynx is here.
Wakoid2: oh, forgot about her
FrivYeti: Darting Lynx wasn't too thrilled with you guys going alone,so Sarasa got added.
Moonsword134: I'm just here to hit people who deserve it.
FrivYeti: Having informed the Arbiters where you're setting up shop, the group was enroute to Mela's Bounty itself.
Moonsword134: Remember, Manipulation 1?
Moonsword134: I'm not the one you want negotiating.  :P
willcoon: of course the negotiation ability is Charisma!
Moonsword134: Charisma 3, Presence 2.
willcoon: Us diplomats are always trustworthy
Wakoid2: yeah, that's why we have Skein to lie for us
FrivYeti: Also, Valeria is creepy.
FrivYeti: ;)
willcoon: hehe
FrivYeti: Alright, shall we mosey IC and get this session rolling?
willcoon: off we go!
Moonsword134: brb
willcoon: ((he will never return))
FrivYeti: ((*smacks willcoon upside the forehead*))
Wakoid2: ((that's supposed to be my shtick!))
FrivYeti: ((Were you guys sticking to woods, or taking roads?))
DonovanTz: ((roads I believe, we have nothing to hide))
Wakoid2: ((pretty much. if anything we'd use shortcuts through woods to keep the travel time down))
Moonsword134: ((I'm here but I need to leave again for two minutes.))
Wakoid2: ((permanently, or...?))
Wakoid2: ((n/m))
Wakoid2: ((-goes off to get something to wake him up a bit more-))
willcoon: mhm
FrivYeti: The party begins travelling through light woodlands, alongside Tepet Sarasi. The first day passes uneventfully, as does the first night. Early in the second day...
FrivYeti: The group is heading down the road when Hailey, scouting ahead as usual, spots what appears to be a patrol of soliders on horseback heading down the road towards you.
Wakoid2: ((well, we were wondering when the welcome wagon would show up))
DonovanTz: ::Hailey jogs back to the main column and heads in Tiger's direction:: Sir, a mounted patrol is heading our way.
Moonsword134: ((Back.))
Moonsword134: Valeria blinks and focuses on Hailey.
Wakoid2: "Numbers and demeanor?" Tiger responded, as he held up a hand to halt the troop procession.
DonovanTz: Fifteen men, traveling westwards on the same road we are using. They are riding in formation and do not appear to be aggressive at this time, although it is hard to tell from this distance.
willcoon: Skein looks to Tiger for cues as to his intent.
Moonsword134: Valeria does the same.
DonovanTz: They are flying white and blue pennants... If the Arbiter's information is correct, that matches with the colors of Mela's Bounty.
Moonsword134: "A routine patrol, you think?" Valeria asks in her normal whisper.
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger nodded as he considered the information. "We continue on, and halt when we encounter them. If we stop and wait it might be taken as either an ambush or forcing
DonovanTz: :: Hailey salutes:: Yes sir. Returning to my position.
Wakoid2: an encounter. Hailey, conceal yourself just in case, but have the scouts use normal proceedure."
DonovanTz: ((just assume I sad yes sir after that second line))
willcoon: "This could smooth our arrival at Mela's Bounty itself" muses Skein.
Wakoid2: ((heh... always look for the period and end-quotes. otherwise it's just the stupid world-limit))
Wakoid2: ((word-limit, that is...))
willcoon: ((hehe))
DonovanTz: ::as Hailey returns to the van, she slips off of the road, shifting her armor to a muted wash of pale color and drawing upon the flowing essence around her to become as present yet unnoticed as the air around her::
DonovanTz: ((what was the roll prompt here?))
Moonsword134: (( //roll-sides#-dice# ))
Wakoid2: "Which is why you get to be near the front of the scale," the Wood-blooded says to Skein. "Head off any accusations and such they might make when we encounter them, and so forth."
DonovanTz: ((spending 1 mote on the first stealth for 2 dice))
OnlineHost: DonovanTz rolled 10 10-sided dice: 8 6 4 3 4 1 4 9 9 7
DonovanTz: ((4))
FrivYeti: ((Righto.))
OnlineHost: FrivYeti rolled 7 6-sided dice: 6 4 5 1 5 1 5
Moonsword134: ((They're nigh oblivious, I'm guessing.))
Wakoid2: ((heh))
FrivYeti: ((No, I am. That triggered d6s.))
OnlineHost: FrivYeti rolled 7 10-sided dice: 10 4 3 5 1 9 9
willcoon: Skein nods, taking his place at the forefront. He walks backwards for a few paces, then adjusts those immediately behind him into an appropriately aesthetic formation.
Wakoid2: ((oog... you do get bonusses from your armor, right?))
DonovanTz: ((added them))
Wakoid2: ((bugger...))
DonovanTz: ((they might not be exalted))
Moonsword134: ((...maybe now would be a good time for Valeria to go forward and be obviously menacing so they ignore the Air Aspect?))
DonovanTz: ((I didn't roll any stunt dice, but I'm not worried))
Wakoid2: ((doesn't matter. I still would have prefferred them to not to notice. and I don't think so, Moon. at least not for this))
FrivYeti: ((Right, Ambi - you should have a 1-die stunt.))
FrivYeti: ((Roll that up.))
Moonsword134: ((That's because you're not a sadistic SOB ST. I am and, hence, am a raving paranoid as a player.  :P))
OnlineHost: DonovanTz rolled 1 10-sided die: 4
willcoon: ((the crux of the matter!))
willcoon: ((dag))
FrivYeti: As the two patrols approach, the other group pauses and forms up. One soldier rides forwards, his banner flapping in the wind behind him. "In the name of Mela's Bounty, announce yourselves!"
willcoon: ((Are we too far behind to announce ourselves...?))
DonovanTz: ((I would guess the van would halt, you would catch up, and the announcements would occur))
FrivYeti: ((I don't think so - at least, you can ride forwards when they start to.))
willcoon: ((Right, well we'll try to catch up as soon as we can...))
Moonsword134: ((I'm moving into a flanking position to whoever our lead is, either Skein or Tiger.))
Moonsword134: ((Very clearly not the speaker, very clearly will beat you to death if you cause trouble, very clearly not moving to cause any.))
Wakoid2: ((Skein is up there. I'm in the middle-front of the scale))
Moonsword134: ((I'm trying to make it clear that we are Not To Be Messed With, basically.))
FrivYeti: ((Very good.))
Moonsword134: ((Got it, moving to Skein.))
willcoon: Skein checks once more that all is arranged auspiciously, then puts on his most diplomatic smile as the group moves forward to avert potential disaster.
Moonsword134: Valeria moves beside him, her stance clearly saying she is ready to respond to the slightest hint of treachery.
willcoon: "Well met. We are the embassy of the Scarlet Haven, en route to Mela's Bounty itself.
FrivYeti: ((Oh, yes. Rider speaking High Realm.))
Wakoid2: Keeping a decent pacing behind the other two Dragon-bloods, Errant Tiger examines the the mounted soldiers. Seeing what their armaments are, but also their stances and provisions... Would they
willcoon: I am Sesus Skein, and I speak for the Haven. This is Captain Errant Tiger, and this is Ragara Valeria. I believe you have already met our forward scout, Hailey Brightdawn.
Wakoid2: have been heading somewhere, or returning to their own home base? Also, their disposition towards strangers would be a good indication of how they would be recieved in Mela's Bounty proper...
willcoon: We are quite pleased to have come upon you. The Dragons' blessings upon you all."
willcoon: ((I am not sure what is going on with this sometimes-blue text... ))
Moonsword134: ((brb)
FrivYeti: The rider raises both eyebrows, looking over Skein. "Uh... " He gathers himself after a moment of confusion. "Terribly sorry, milord, but I don't think I know a Scarlet Haven."
FrivYeti: "Are you expected?"
OnlineHost: Wakoid2 rolled 2 6-sided dice: 6 4
OnlineHost: Wakoid2 rolled 6 10-sided dice: 8 2 6 6 2 3
Moonsword134: ((Back.))
willcoon: "Unfortunately not. These few you see arrayed before you represent only a small part of our entire embassy. We are here to announce ourselves before arriving in full, you understand."
DonovanTz: ((I don't know if they did see me...))
willcoon: ((well... cut that part if they didn't))
FrivYeti: ((They may or may not have; they haven't actively reacted to her yet.))
FrivYeti: The forward rider nods after a moment. "Very well. If you will come with us, we will take you to Lord Halvir."
willcoon: "We'd be delighted."
Moonsword134: Valeria touches Skein's shoulder to get his attention.
willcoon: "Yes, Valeria?"
Moonsword134: "Isn't this Halvir the wrong person?" she asks quietly.
willcoon: "He is perhaps their commanding officer. Even if not, it would likely be best to maintain our composure upon meeting him."
Moonsword134: Valeria sighs silently and nods, stepping back to her position just behind his right shoulder,
FrivYeti: The other party forms up ahead of you, beginning to ride, although you note that they have a few of their own outriders keeping an eye on you/
Moonsword134: Valeria returns the favor.
Wakoid2: "What do you think of them, Katsuro?" Tiger asks his second-in-command as the scale follows the riders.
DonovanTz: ::Haily continues to move beside the patrol, unless they give an indication that they know she's there::
FrivYeti: "Seem very standoffish, sir."
Wakoid2: "True, but considering we outnumber and outarm them, not all that unreasonable."
FrivYeti: Katsuro's voice is lowered to keep the escort from overhearing. "There is that, sir. Just was hoping for a more friendly reception for once."
Wakoid2: Tiger nodded. "With luck, yes. Though we do have the advantage on that in how no one has drawn weapons yet."
Moonsword134: ((...well, technically. But then, mine was never actually sheathed to begin with.))
Wakoid2: ((I'd like to know how you CAN sheath a staff, aside from strapping it to your back or something))
Moonsword134: ((Point, especially considering that this one's longer than Valeria is tall.  :P))
FrivYeti: Katsuro nods thoughtfully, then smiles lopsidedly. "Sure it'll be fine, sir. Just not much like home."
FrivYeti: ((Stupid AOL and its colors.))
Wakoid2: ((yes... seems to keep changing...))
Moonsword134: ((Welcome to my world. :P))
FrivYeti: ((It's based on cutting text. If I do that, it often switches back.))
willcoon: ((Do they appear to be leading us somewhere nearby, or setting in for the long haul?))
FrivYeti: ((They're not settling in too much, and there is farmland around. You'd guess not too far.))
FrivYeti: The patrol travels for about a half-hour, turning south at the first crossroads that you reach. You now see the occasional peasant in the fields, working at tilling soil.
Moonsword134: Valeria is looking around curiously but is making sure not to ignore their escorts.
FrivYeti: The patrol heads towards what appears to be a small, walled settlement. Given the farms that surround it, you'd guess it has a population of around one or two thousand.
FrivYeti: The centre of the settlement is a military-looking building, with its own set of walls that are about ten feet higher than those of the town itself. The man who spoke to you before falls back to speak again.
FrivYeti: He bows in the saddle to Skein. "You may tell the Captain that we have reached Jaden's Rest, the southernmost fort of Mela's Bounty."
willcoon: "Thank you. Lord Halvir holds command here?"
FrivYeti: The other soldier nods. "That is correct. He is the Daimyo's eyes in the region."
DonovanTz: ::Once they reach the city, Hailey slips into the ranks of her party and does her best to blend in as if she had always been there.::
willcoon: "Excellent. We shall meet with him as soon as possible."
FrivYeti: The soldier nods. "We have sent a scout ahead to notify him. He should be prepared to meet you shortly." He pauses. "Only the Dragon-Blooded and Speakers, of course."
Wakoid2: (("speakers"? is that a term we've heard before?))
FrivYeti: ((Nope, not yet.))
Moonsword134: ((Representatives, diplomats, envoys...))
FrivYeti: ((You would guess that it might be similar to Interpreters, which is what that one peasant who spoke High Realm said he was.))
Wakoid2: ((so that would mean Sarasa gets to come in too))
FrivYeti: ((If you announce her as such, yep.))
FrivYeti: ((brb)
Moonsword134: ((Probably not a good idea, since we don't really know what the term means.))
DonovanTz: ((we'll be fine, we have Skein, what could possibly go wrong?))
Wakoid2: ((...))
Moonsword134: ((...you didn't actually say that, did you?))
willcoon: ((let's go for it!!))
Wakoid2: ((I'll be keeping my hand on my sword hilt now...))
FrivYeti: ((Are you announcing her?))
DonovanTz: ((see? everyone doubts us. Onward and upwards will, i'm behind ya 500%))
Wakoid2: ((we will be, yes))
willcoon: ((yep))
willcoon: "Naturally. Tepet Sarasa, come with us. The rest will remain behind until we return."
FrivYeti: "Very good, sir."
Wakoid2: "You're in command, Katsuro. The men can relax, but none are to go sightseeing."
FrivYeti: Katsuro salutes cheerfully. "Very good, sir. I'll keep an eye on them."
willcoon: ((now's the time to activate Auspicious First Meeting))
FrivYeti: The soldiers dismount as they approach the fort, leading their horses through the gates.
FrivYeti: ((Doing that?))
willcoon: ((yep))
FrivYeti: ((Very good.)) As the group enters, the soldiers break off to stand at formation, and the one who was speaking steps forwards.
FrivYeti: *brb*
Moonsword134: ((D'you think if I hit one of the riders with an overhead strike I could do enough damage to kill the horse?))
FrivYeti: ((OOC: Sorry about that. Parents on phone with all sorts of info.))
Wakoid2: ((-smacks moon upside the head-))
Moonsword134: ((...it's a serious question! That sort of downward strike should exert enough pressure, even through the cushion of a (dead) human body, to snap the horse's back!))
FrivYeti: The soldier in question bows to the group, his voice taking on the candence of ritual. "The Dragonlord of Jaden's Rest bids welcome to the Dragonlords and Speakers of..."
willcoon: ((o-o))
FrivYeti: " Scarlet Haven, under the eyes of the Dragons. Please, enter with good will"
FrivYeti: ((Well, that's what stunts are for, Moon.))
Wakoid2: ((this is not the sort of conversation that should be made when the tone of things are for hopefully peaceful introductions and negotiations))
DonovanTz: ::Hailey re-colors her armor to its 'dress' configuration before entering::
Moonsword134: ((It was an idle question.))
willcoon: Skein enters with what he hopes is an appropriate level of ceremonial solemnity.
Moonsword134: ((Trust me, when I ask that sort of thing in character, it's time to start worrying.))
Moonsword134: Valeria is polite and silent, looking around soberly.
Wakoid2: Tiger enters with purposeful strides, not marching but hardly casual walking. He may not be the one who will take the front of the meeting, but he is the highest-ranked member of the group, and would act accordingly.
FrivYeti: Inside the fort is a wide courtyard, with a few training dummies set up and sparring areas marked off, although no one is currently present in them. Instead, there are about forty soldiers drawn up in ranks of ten.
FrivYeti: It looks like they were assembled in some haste, since a few are still getting weapons into at-rest positions.
FrivYeti: Stepping forwards from the far doorway is, presumably, Lord Halvir. A middle-aged man with dark brown hair and pale skin, he has clear Breeding-marks in the blue tint to his skin and nails, and the faint smell of ocean spray
willcoon: ((Is Halvir present?))
willcoon: ((ah))
Wakoid2: (("Sorry. Should we have called ahead?"))
FrivYeti: that surrounds him. He inclines his head gracefully. "Greetings, emissaries of Scarlet Haven."
Moonsword134: Valeria remains an obvious but unobtrusive guardian.
willcoon: "Greetings. Lord Halvir, I presume?"
FrivYeti: The lord inclines his head. "Indeed, I am the Dragonlord of Jaden's Rest. Who do I have the honour of conversing with?"
willcoon: "I am Sesus Skein, envoy of Scarlet Haven." He nods to the others to allow them to introduce themselves.
Moonsword134: ((Introduce Valeria, WC. She can't speak above a whisper, remember?))
willcoon: ((Right right.))
Moonsword134: ((Thank you.))
willcoon: "This is Ragara Valeria, emissary of our Haven."
Moonsword134: Valeria sketches a small bow.
DonovanTz: ((technically, he should probably introduce all of us))
willcoon: ((..probably.))
Moonsword134: ((Maybe but I really can't introduce myself properly, at least without going totemic and stunting.))
willcoon: "This is emissary Hailey Brightdawn, and this Captain Errant Tiger."
DonovanTz: ((I'm a lieutenant, i think))
willcoon: "We thank you for welcoming us to Jaden's Rest."
Moonsword134: ((So am I, for that matter.))
FrivYeti: ((That you both are, technically. Skein may have decided that as you aren't leading troops at the moment, he'd stick with other designations.))
FrivYeti: ((Or may not have known. Will?))
willcoon: ((... right, I go back in time a bit, correct myself, buy a winning lottery ticket, and then go back to where i left from))
willcoon: ((though I do refer to them all as emissaries as well))
Moonsword134: ((...I'm a bodyguard, not an emissary. Valeria is the absolutel last person you want as a putative diplomatic representative.))
willcoon: ((oh I think we're all technically emissaries))
willcoon: ((okay, how does everyone want to be referred to?))
DonovanTz: ((Lieutenant, unless you have a politcal reaso for not doing it))
Moonsword134: ((Lieutenant.))
willcoon: ((do you have specific scale assignments?))
FrivYeti: ((Valeria and Hailey don't, since they're on detached assignments usually.))
FrivYeti: ((I had Tiger's a moment ago, but I closed the window instead of minimizing it. He may still have it.))
willcoon: ((then the "We thank you for welcoming us to Jaden's Rest." bit))
Wakoid2: ((I gave it to Will, unless he closed the IM too))
FrivYeti: ((Ah, very good.))
FrivYeti: Skein delivers his speech, after which Lord Halvir nods. He does not ask who Sarasa is. Instead, he turns with a flourish, gestured inside. "Very good, my fellows. Please, enter. I'm sure you have ridden quite some way."
Moonsword134: Valeria trots along as usual, quietly absorbing the events around her.
willcoon: Skein enters graciously, taking in the interior rapidly.
DonovanTz: ::Hailey moves with a brisk efficiency::
DonovanTz: ((I've left amaranth with the troops so I can keep an eye on them::
FrivYeti: Lord Halvir, with four guards that were standing just inside accompanying him, leads you through a few hallways and into a private study. The hallways are dark stone, but have...
FrivYeti: ...many thin windows, providing decent lighting, and which appear to have small mirrors in them to reflect the light across the ceiling, simulating a cloudy day. There is little ornamentation, mainly a few statues or tapestries...
FrivYeti: ...depicting the Five Immaculate Dragons. The study itself has five chairs arranged around a small wooden table, upon which sits a teapot and five cups. Halvir sits in one of the chairs, and gestures for the rest of you to do
FrivYeti: the same. His guards stand at the doors, at parade rest, looking watchful but not particularly concerned.
Moonsword134: Valeria waits for the rest of her party to seat themselves and then does the same.
willcoon: Skein sits across from Halvir.
DonovanTz: ::Hailey sits second to last, removing her helm before doing so::
FrivYeti: Sarasa, glancing over the chairs, takes up a parade rest position behind Skein's seat.
Wakoid2: Tiger sits himself to Skein's left, after removing his bow and setting it against the chair.
FrivYeti: One of the guards steps forwards to pour tea into cups, glancing at each of you to see if anyone does not want any.
willcoon: Skein accepts the tea and inhales appreciatively.
Wakoid2: Accepting a cup, Tiger waits for it to cool, and for the impending conversation to begin, before taking a sip from it.
DonovanTz: ::Hailey also accepts a cup and nods in thanks::
Moonsword134: Valeria accepts a cup and nods to the guard who poured it absently as she focuses her attention on the proceedings.
FrivYeti: Halvir takes the last cup chosen, and takes a sip from it immediately. "I must confess, I was surprised to hear of your coming. Your party is... well... there are many Dragon-Blooded among you."
willcoon: Skein nods. "As emissaries of Scarlet Haven, we represent the descendants of the 46th Legion. Our settlement thus has somewhat of a larger population of the Exalted than these lands."
willcoon: "According to our limited knowledge of the region, that is."
willcoon: "In fact, that is why we have come. We have arrived in these lands only recently, and we wish to open diplomatic negotiations with Mela's Bounty on behalf of the Haven."
FrivYeti: Leaning back, Halvir steeples his fingers thoughtfully. "I see... the 46th disappeared hundreds of years ago. It has the quality of myth to it."
FrivYeti: "If you do not mind my asking, what is your situation?"
willcoon: Skein sips his tea. "As you say, the 46th legion disappeared many hundreds of years ago, led into the wyld by the fae and the anathema.
willcoon: Our predecessors were trapped there, but by the favor of the Dragons found a reality engine that allowed them to fight off their harriers.
willcoon: They founded Scarlet Haven in the surrounding stable lands.
FrivYeti: "A true story of the lost scion returning." Halvir smiles for a moment, but it then fades. "And at an oppurtune time. How much do you know of the current political climate?"
Wakoid2: ((What is "Absolutely none"?))
Moonsword134: Valeria frowns very faintly for a moment before her expression returns to its normal neutrality.
willcoon: "Unfortunately, we know very little. We would be grateful for any such knowledge you could impart to us."
FrivYeti: Halvir nods after a moment. "I presume, given your knowledge of Mela's Bounty and the Daimyo, that you encountered someone who could give you the basics of our history -"
FrivYeti: "the rising of the Anathema, the Wall, and the years of tumult that have followed it."
FrivYeti: He pauses a moment to verify this.
Moonsword134: ((...very, very rough outline.))
willcoon: "Indeed."
FrivYeti: "At present, the North is divided." Halvir leans forwards. "The Emperor is weak and ineffectual, from a long line of weak and ineffectual lords over the centuries."
Moonsword134: Valeria raises an eyebrow, intrigued.
FrivYeti: "He cannot even control the Blessed Isle, let alone rebuild the glories of the Realm. Here in the North, we are beset by enemies. Glorified thugs profane the name of the Dragons."
willcoon: Skein frowns into his tea at this.
FrivYeti: "We try to restore order, but we cannot start wars with these would-be 'daimyos'." Halvir sighs. "All told, there are over fifty such lords in the North alone."
FrivYeti: "And then there are the Arbiters."
Wakoid2: ((Wait... a long line of them? Either a number of them got killed off, or some of them weren't Dragon-blooded. It's only been less than 300 years since the 46th got lost))
FrivYeti: ((Good catch, Wakoid. *grins*))
Moonsword134: ((If there was a long line of weak and ineffectual rulers in the middle of Realm politics, there could be a high turnover rate.))
willcoon: ((not impossible, given the excellent murder charms available))
FrivYeti: ((It's actually been 144 years since the Wall went up and the Empress died.))
FrivYeti: ((So a long line implies short-lived rulers. *evil grin*))
Moonsword134: ((Not to mention that Realm politics was nest of snakes at the best of times.))
Moonsword134: ((The Empress was the main stablizing force, with some help from the Sidereals.))
Wakoid2: (("He was a weak man" "How do you know?" "Well, he died easily enough, didn't he?"))
Moonsword134: ((Bingo.))
Moonsword134: ((Hasn't there been some speculation in canon that it's surprising Fokuf hasn't been eliminated yet?))
FrivYeti: ((He's only alive because he does whatever anyone tells him to. ;) *back IC*)) Halvir sighs again. "Have you had any interaction with these so-called "Sky Dragons"?"
Moonsword134: ((Also, in political environments like that, if a monarch did try to exert his authority, there's a good chance they'd get executed because they were likely to do something productive with the position.))
willcoon: "You could say so. They wanted to kill us."
Moonsword134: Valeria blinks. That wasn't the impression she'd gotten.
FrivYeti: ((*grins* Everyone roll Manipulation + Socialize to try and cover surprise at that one. If Skein rolls well enough, he can help cover for other people's reactions.))
Wakoid2: ((Stunting...))
willcoon: ((well, they did! at least at first...))
OnlineHost: Moonsword134 rolled 1 10-sided die: 3
Moonsword134: ((*rude gesture at Friv for calling that roll*))
willcoon: (( - _ - ))
FrivYeti: ((Hey, it wasn't a botch.))
FrivYeti: ((Will: This is why you don't always bring groups along without advance coaching. ;-) ))
Moonsword134: ((Friv, I had a dice pool of one. I can make a rude gesture at you for doing it in the first place, let alone botching.))
OnlineHost: DonovanTz rolled 2 10-sided dice: 5 6
Moonsword134: ((*hangs head*))
willcoon: ((pah! everything is fine))
Wakoid2: Errant Tiger delves into his years of military training, having had to answer back to shouting drill masters with a straight face or face punishment before. He takes a careful, deliberate drink from his cup of tea
Wakoid2: to hide any possible unwanted reaction to Skein's sudden statement.
Moonsword134: ((WC, diplomacy has been accurately defined as the art of saying "good doggy" until you can find a rock to throw.))
FrivYeti: ((2-die stunt, Wakoid.))
OnlineHost: Wakoid2 rolled 8 10-sided dice: 4 9 3 6 10 4 1 8
FrivYeti: ((Very nice.))
Wakoid2: ((4 suxx))
Moonsword134: ((Can I have one?))
Moonsword134: ((I'll love it and hug it and call it George. :P))
Wakoid2: ((this is what I get for stunting and channelling Temperance. you must find your own Way of the Roll))
FrivYeti: ((Willcoon, would you like to roll to cover for Valeria and Hailey?))
Moonsword134: ((Yes, yes he would, because he is a very nice man and he loves his concubines very much.  :P))
willcoon: ((I'm trying to pass their reactions off as incredulity at the idea of fighting us - that is, dragon-blooded))
FrivYeti: ((I'll give you 1-die for a plan. :) ))
OnlineHost: willcoon rolled 9 10-sided dice: 4 6 9 1 8 7 2 1 6
OnlineHost: willcoon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 4 4
willcoon: ((??!))
Moonsword134: (( //roll-sides#-dice# ))
OnlineHost: willcoon rolled 9 10-sided dice: 2 5 9 4 7 1 7 5 4
willcoon: ((it's not working
FrivYeti: ((I'm reading it.))
Wakoid2: ((so am I))
FrivYeti: ((Two sets of 9-die rolls. Both of which scored three successes, actually.))
willcoon: ((did the dice roll?! okay weird. I'm not seeing that. bad version of aim I guess...))
Moonsword134: ((*gleefully siezes one of his very own*))
Moonsword134: ((Yes, they rolled.))
FrivYeti: ((Weird.)) Halvir doesn't seem to notice the reactions of Skein's companions. ((Although people can roll Perception + Investigation to be sure.)) He simply nods thoughtfully.
OnlineHost: Moonsword134 rolled 4 10-sided dice: 1 2 6 8
Moonsword134: ((One success.))
willcoon: ((friv, would you mind rolling my 6 dice for me?))
OnlineHost: Wakoid2 rolled 6 10-sided dice: 9 8 9 4 5 4
Wakoid2: ((3 for me))
OnlineHost: FrivYeti rolled 6 10-sided dice: 4 8 5 9 6 9
FrivYeti: ((3 for Skein.))
willcoon: "Naturally, we're glad to have a somewhat more... trustworthy source."
FrivYeti: "I find myself unsurprised. Their true purpose remains a mystery to us, although I do not trust it. They are not of the Immaculate Dragons, yet they claim blood with us."
FrivYeti: "And in watching the Wyld, they encourage other daimyos to ignore it, which could prove deadly if their purpose is less than honest."
FrivYeti: Halvir shrugs. "Still. It remains to be seen what their purpose is, and it is not truly for this discussion." He returns his attention to his tea, finally taking a second sip.
FrivYeti: "I presume that your party is qualified to negotiate any needed treaties on behalf of your Haven?"
Wakoid2: ((we may not, but gods help us Lynx is))
Moonsword134: ((Are you still sure you don't want to help me kill her?))
willcoon: "At this point we intend to open diplomatic ties and situate ourselves in the region, in order to prepare for our relocation."
Wakoid2: ((Not unless she starts doing something really TFU. that or falls into the Great Curse for a while))
Moonsword134: ((She's either Valor or Conviction-driven, probably the latter.))
Moonsword134: ((She goes bonkers on us like that and Valeria will, ahem, relieve her of command.))
FrivYeti: "Excellent." Halvir smiles broadly, now. "If you will enjoy our hospitality for today and tonight, I will send word back to Mela's Bounty."
FrivYeti: "Although I could negotiate certain basics, a proper emissary is likely best. I am only one member of Yukong's Council."
willcoon: "Yes, it would probably be best to begin true negotiations after we and the rest of our emissary ha arrived
willcoon: *have arrived at Mela's Bounty."
FrivYeti: "Very good, very good." Halvir stands, nodding. "If you'll give all the information about how large a party to expect to my Speaker, he will ensure that everything is ready for their arrival."
Moonsword134: Valeria clears her throat.
willcoon: Skein turns to her expectantly.
Moonsword134: "Ask him what a Speaker actually is, Skein," she whispers to him. "It seems this is an important position but I've never heard of it."
willcoon: "Certainly." He turns to Halvir once more. "Might we ask for some clarification? What exactly does the position of Speaker entail?"
FrivYeti: Halvir pauses a moment, and then smiles again. "Ah, of course. It did not exist when you entered the Wyld. A Speaker is a mortal entitled to speak on behalf of the Dragon-Blooded."
FrivYeti: "They are an extension of their commander's eyes, and are thus permitted to command others as though they were their commander. It is one of the two ranks, along with the Interpreters, who..."
FrivYeti: "...may speak with the Dragon-Blooded."
willcoon: Skein nods. "I see."
FrivYeti: Halvir frowns slightly, gesturing to Sarasa. "I had assumed that she was your Speaker, master Skein."
willcoon: "Tepet Sarasa holds a similar position in the Haven's military."
FrivYeti: Sarasa bows, having finally been acknowledged, but does not actually speak.
Wakoid2: ((bad Will, leaving her out like that))
willcoon: (( I'll apologize later, it's uncharted political territory! ))
FrivYeti: Halvir's expression clears, and he nods. "Ah, very good. My apologies for any confusion." He smiles. "I should go and make my report to General Yukong, but I will rejoin you shortly. In the mean time..."
FrivYeti: "... please accept our hospitality."
willcoon: ((She doesn't even get a chair -_- ))
Moonsword134: Valeria frowns thoughtfully. Something doesn't quite seem right to her but she can't quite put her finger on it.
willcoon: ((oh, I hope that break was just due to word limits.... ))
Moonsword134: ((Judging from the placing, probably.))
FrivYeti: ((Actually, it was just due to placing.))
FrivYeti: ((Nicely ominous, though.))
FrivYeti: ((And on that lovely note, why don't we break for the night?))
Wakoid2: ((that his statement seems to mean he's reporting to Yukong directly rather than sending a report?))
Wakoid2: ((and damn but I type slow...))
FrivYeti: ((I think Moonsword just means the pause between "mean time" and "enjoy our hospitality.".))
Moonsword134: ((Yes.))
FrivYeti: ((For maximum ominous, I would have had to put the break after 'our'.))
Wakoid2: ((heh))
willcoon: ((and maybe some additional quotes or italicization... but then you couldn't write it off as easily, eh?))
FrivYeti: ((Alright, 5 XP for everyone. We made a session! Yay!))
FrivYeti: ((Everyone good for next week, far as you know?))
Moonsword134: ((Shouldn't we all have 1 XP for actually showing up, then?))
Moonsword134: ((And yes, I'm fine.))
willcoon: ((yaaay! yeah I don't forsee any problems))
DonovanTz: ((bring it on Friv!))
FrivYeti: ((Awesome. I'll spend the week writing up stuff that you guys can now easily learn, like surrounding political systems and a timeline of the region.))
Wakoid2: ((-nods-))
Moonsword134: ((Thanks.))
Wakoid2: ((plus other notable persons?))
willcoon: ((brilliant. next step: massive military assault ! I mean negotiation))
FrivYeti: ((*nods*))
FrivYeti: ((Watch for it on the Wiki, coming up bit by bit.))
FrivYeti: Hang on, we're done. Why am I still using brackets?
FrivYeti: Silly me.
Moonsword134: Habit?
FrivYeti: Yeah, that's probably it.
FrivYeti: Anyway, I'm going to head off bedwards. See you all around / next week. :D
Moonsword134: See you.
willcoon: see ya!
willcoon: bye guys!
DonovanTz: nighters, I too will be departing
willcoon: high fives all around first
DonovanTz has left the room.
willcoon: *high fives everyone who hasn't left, glares at door*