LunarTotems/Rat

Introduction

The elegant, and pale woman in gowns of black and red silk, eyed up the fellow across from her, as she sipped her 'wine'.

'Hardly the idea choice for a diplomat for the great Lunar nation', she thought wryly. The fellow was scraggly, he had shifty eyes and a crooked smile that spoke of a cagey personality. Slight of frame, and dressed down in the standard clothing of a peasant, Mikael Hornblower didn't come across as a particularily trustworthy diplomat. 'Not that diplomats are known to be all that trustworthy.'

"Well, Hornblower, have you come to a decision?"

Smiling twistedly, Mikael spoke in his peculiar rasping voice, "the people I represent aren't very happy with the terms. A couple of the more vociferous are calling for us to plunge down on your territory, and the Fae be damned."

A knot of fear closed up in the Lady of Bloody Grace and Peaces belly, "that...would be hazardous to both of our interests." She spoke cautiously, for fear of slipping and drawing the unpredictable little mans ire.

"I agree, as does Loti of the Wings, Oshan the One-eyed and Thorn Thunderfist. Which is why we will offer a counter bargain." Leaning forward, his sharp lavender eyes took on a dark glimmer, "keep out of the valley, and we will stay away from your lands, but the Pass and the river are to be neutral ground, safe passage for all but the Fae and WyldTwisted." Leaning back he smiled slightly and steepled his fingers, "and to cement the relationship, we offer you the head of Passa Khan, the Fae General who has so far eluded you and your oh so capable Abyssal comrades." Reaching down, he placed the bag he had brought with him onto the table and uncovered the head of the Fae General.

And the Lady of Bloody Grace and Peace knew she had been played like a child at gambling. "In the name of Despair Frozen Through Hate, I the Lady of Bloody Grace and Peace accept your offer. Before the Spirits of the Ancestors, I swear that the agreement shall be upheld."

As she stood to leave, she gazed upon the slight figure of Mikael Hornblower and smiled wryly, "and I thank you personally, Rat-King, for the lesson."

Winking, Mikael chuckled dryly, "I look forward to playing Gateway with you m'Lady."

She responded with a genuine laugh, "I as well Rat-King."

Mikael Hornblower, Rat King

Symbology : Rats are generally thought of as creatures of disease and filth, carrion eaters of the lowest order. But they can also be compassionate and friendly creatures, as well as sly thieves and tricky little bastards. And mind you, a rat backed into a corner becomes very dangerous, and agressive. Mikael, is the representation of the social and sneaky side of the Rats, charming in a sly, rogueish kinda way, intelligent, tricky and cunning.

Charms :
Finding the Spirit's Form (Rat)
Deadly Beastman Transformation
Humble Mouse Shape
Shaping the Ideal Form
Bowing Reed Technique
Sense-Sharpening Change
Tale-Spinning Mastery
Emotion-Shaping Technique
Foe-Taunting Utterance

Rat Form : Str: 1, Stam: 2, Teeth, Night Vision, Remarkably Dextrous Paws, Excellent Sense of Smell

Beastman Form : Dex+2, Stam+1, Per+ 2, Gift of Hands (Prehensile Tail), Enhanced Senses.

Tell : Slender Rat's Tail.