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A Dream of Quiet (IC)
In the distant south, lying in a crater nestled amid volcanic peaks, Beyond The Dreams Of Avarice, is the City of Gem.
Although the world is a harsh place, things here have been peaceful. There is little fighting amongst the nobles, fees are not harsh, and even the conflict with Paragon is lessened slightly. Everything is calm. Too calm.
Although a sidereal agent has been dispatched to investigate the strangeness, Yozi cultists preach on the corners in the glare of daylight, and plots to seize Gem's wealth continue unabated, everything is proceeding as usual. As the day draws to a close, the rich lounge in underground mansions, and the poor give thanks that the withering glare of the sun is finally retreating. The Sun Market is closing down as their shielding light fades away, while the legitimate place of business are just starting to open their doors. Crime lords scheme, slaves draw gems forth from the depths of the mountains, and children play with marbles.
Night is falling across the Jewel of the South, and the city is coming alive. In their manses and houses and discarded strawberry crates, our heroes are stirring. This is a vast, shining city. It is the last bastion of order in a world falling even further into chaos. What will the Chosen make of it?
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Pyrus lovingly polishes his construct mount, talking to it in low tones, as if to a lover. His house servants have learned to stay away when he does this, it's just better for everyone. When he's finished, he mounts up and revs the engine. "Oh yeah, purr for daddy. What's that? You want to go play in the desert? But I just polished you...Oh, you're such a dirty girl. I can never say no to you, come on!" He pops a wheelie and heads out, darting through the rooms of his rented townhouse and scaring his servants, before bursting through the door and heading out onto the surface.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Onyx Wing
A figure in worn Delzahn robes exits a small alley, leaping back momentarily as some crazy guy on a magic motorcycle barrel's past.
Really? What kind of messed up place is this that they have horse-drawn carts and magical motorcycles in the same place?
Walking down the street, Wing slowly makes his way to the market. Always a good place to hear the latest gossip, and he just might find some work there.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
In the meantime, in a nearby park, a homeless musician plays his little makeshift mandolin. Good enough to get some money, not good enough that people find it odd that a wandering bard is so good. It's hard for a master to play below his ability, but Drake - or, rather, under this guise, Sparrow, the Haslanti bard, one of his favorite characters to perform - is certainly good enough to do so.
He raises one eye as the motorcycle goes by with its engine noise, noting it to himself - that one Dragonblood was a pretty odd one. Worth keeping an eye on. But now, his main objective were the Yozi cults. He'd been able to find out a lot, from chatting with the odd groups of hobos under the bridges. There were apparently some come prophets to the town or something, that had the cults in a bit of an uproar, and a lot more bold-faced than usual. Well, well... tonight we're going to have to make some questions.
In the meantime, he lets himself have some fun playing, and performing the charismatic fool act with complete naturality. Heh, well, I am a bit of a fool myself, eh? he thinks to himself, with a mental chuckle, as he changes the song to an improvised string rendition of a fragment of Mozart's The Magic Flute, to cheer up the crowd...
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
As Pyrus speeds through the streets, he sings Guns n' Roses' Welcome to the Jungle. In English.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Up until an hour ago, the Green Sun Prince Perfected Crystal Orchid had been having a normal day of plotting the perfect route to ingratiate himself with House Arbani, wrapping up with the customary cackling laughter, quiet enough to pass unheard by the neighbors - though what they thought of him, he didn't particularly care anyway. After that end to a day's scheming, until a few minutes ago, the unassuming smith Harmonious Sapphire Orchid had simply been preparing for the night, and its potential customers.
A few minutes ago, however, a man rode by on a motorcycle singing in English, and so now an odd white-coated man is striding through the streets, occasionally accosting random passers-by and asking them if they saw a two-wheeled artifact driven by. His mind bubbling with possibilities, the most likely is that Raziel has snapped somehow, except that whoever this English-speaking man is, it doesn't sound like Raziel. Orchid pauses, thinking to himself, Now what am I still missing that could explain this?...
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Rejoice!"
On a busy street corner near Pyrus' home-and for the moment, a certain Malefactor's lodging arrangements-a wild-haired man, eyes wide with the madness of faith, stands at a portable soapbox, one of his only posessions in the world. A pretty sad arrangement-one that his mistress Cecelyne is somewhat embarrassed over-but one he plans to transcend very soon.
"Yes, rejoice my brothers, my friends. For the true gods of this blasted world are returning, and they are pleased. For they see in us, in you, the suffering they have endured, usurped by their very children and imprisoned within their own souls! They have seen your suffering, and they bring an end to it. They shall bring an end to slavery, an end to poverty, and begin a new social order-one not defined by accident of birth and wealth, but of merit and wisdom! Through them, you shall no longer be the dregs of society, looked upon as nothing more than trash, but each and every shall rise to their true caste, what each and every one of us wishes to be! And all they ask from us-all they have ever wanted-is loyalty.
One may wonder why he was pretty blatantly preaching Yozi worship, let alone a version that spat in the very face of the Guild and to be frank, both his inner demon and his confidant familiar initially did the same thing. Yet Raziel had noticed something about alleyway prophets back on Earth-namely, you didn't actually listen to what they were saying unless you wanted to hear it. While Raziel was notoriously hard of perception, his general assessment of human nature in regards to evangelists was perfectly accurate-the only people that seemed to actually be paying attention to him were a group of people who looked like they had seen better days, assuming they ever had a better day to begin with.
If you wish to know more, please, take my pamphlets. If you find what lies within pleasing, please come to our meeting tomorrow at Noon, in the Sunken Bazaar. There, my friends will take your to our meeting location, where we shall reflect on the Imprisoned Saviors' teachings and their goals.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Amelia walks through the streets of Gem in a fairly random fashion, looking for anyone she recognizes from the Lap. Mainly those she tried to free, though she wouldn't complain at finding that others had gotten out on their own, either in the confusion or afterward.
It again occurs to her that she might have been faster than the people she tried to free, though that train of thought gets less likely with each passing day.
The language washes over her, and she hears...singing. Getting progressively closer. Amelia recognizes the tune, which is odd; she doesn't know many songs from this life. She tries to place it, starting to sing along under her breath to see if that helps.
"<You can taste the bright lights, But you won't get them for free, In the jungle, Welcome to the jungle>--ah, that's it!" Amelia realizes a few people started looking at her curiously and stops as she notices she just used English.
<Okay,seriously, did we all end up in Gem? Has someone done such a good job with a conspiracy that even people who are part of it don't know? It there any rhyme or reason here?>
Amelia tries to get a good look at the man singing, but only manages to see hair and a motorcycle. The motorcycle might be a help in and of itself, really.
She goes off to find Orchid.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
[Streets, near Pyrus's house on the east side of Gem]
The early risers out on the streets draw to the side as the motorcycle roars past. One man who had to jump out of the way shakes his head as he dusts off his coat. "Lunatic. Honestly, someone with a valuable machine like that screaming gibberish at the top of his lungs. Disgraceful." Another man, in long robes, nods sagely. That was certainly no mortal tongue.
[Same street, near an alleyway]
"The nobles can afford all kinds of crazy toys," comments a passerby, headed in the same direction. A woman in plain clothes leading a pack mule laden with goods of some sort. "Good evening, sir. I admit, it seems a bit unfair that some travel in such luxury while we trod along on our own feet, but that is the way of life."
[Same street, outside a smithy]
A woman is loitering. Pacing, really. In front of the shop. Well, more to the side, out of any line-of-sight from inside. Just in case Orchid sneaks back inside. Dressed in flowy white silks, and frowning slightly to herself as she plans.
Then she catches sight of something (someone) along the street and stops, staring off into space for a good few minutes as thoughts and essence flows reorient themselves in her.
[Nearby Park]
The crowd...isn't sure what to make of this music, sounding like nothing they've heard before. A couple laugh and drift away, while a couple cheer and through a few more coins Sparrow's way. This sounds pretty cool.
A young boy steps up as the song comes to an end. "Excuse me, but whadda ya call that song there? Funny style o music, that. Is that music from way up north, o summat?"
A Frisbee Rainbowed Air-Catching Fun Disc goes sailing overhead, far left of its original course, and a child rushes to catch it.
[Two blocks north, one block west from Pyrus's House]
For a city where Yozi-worship is not just an odd habit but a crime punishable by gruesome death, Raziel is surprisingly correct in his estimations. His words seem to slip off of those who would be best without hearing them, and the disenchanted gather close around. Someone could point out that he was here, and they would have to come execute him, but he's not making trouble, is he?
They do not all listen long, or even all take his pamphlets. Today, he is doing a little worse than usual with the crowd-attraction, but still fairly well. Gem has its fair share of the broken and the lost, and some are desperate enough to hear his words.
This place, it might be noted, is not far from the park.
[Exit to the Surface at the end of Landdin Street]
The sun has just dipped below the horizon, and in the twilight people are beginning to emerge into the open air before and after Pyrus. One block along, a left turn and straight on to the edge of the city, the gates to the desert beckon...
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
[Streets, near Pyrus's house on the east side of Gem]
The early risers out on the streets draw to the side as the motorcycle roars past. One man who had to jump out of the way shakes his head as he dusts off his coat. "Lunatic. Honestly, someone with a valuable machine like that screaming gibberish at the top of his lungs. Disgraceful." Another man, in long robes, nods sagely. That was certainly no mortal tongue.
The bike skids to a halt and Pyrus gets off, walking back to the lippy mortal. The bike followed at his heels on it's own. "Excuse me neighbor, I don't think I heard you correctly."
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Onyx Wing
Ah, I don't envy them much. Going that fast, you'd miss the journey, and the lessons it brings. Though I wouldn't say no to a cart or the like. I'm T..Wing, by the way.
He winces at using his Earth name. But still, it's nice to talk to someone, after so long in the desert.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
[Pyrus - Landdin Street]
The man in the robes smirks and turns, taking a few steps away. The 'lippy mortal' just looks at Pyrus. "I'm sure not. I can't think of anything I said that might have given you reason to stop." His expression practically dares Pyrus to correct him, the fool.
[Onyx Wing - Further down Landdin Street]
"Ah, pretty philosophical, that. But carts are nearly natural things. I wouldn't say 'no' to one myself, if I had one at hand." She chuckles and shakes her head.
"Pleased to meet you, Twing. Are you headed along to the sunken market too?"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
[Nearby Park]
The crowd...isn't sure what to make of this music, sounding like nothing they've heard before. A couple laugh and drift away, while a couple cheer and through a few more coins Sparrow's way. This sounds pretty cool.
A young boy steps up as the song comes to an end. "Excuse me, but whadda ya call that song there? Funny style o music, that. Is that music from way up north, o summat?"
A Frisbee Rainbowed Air-Catching Fun Disc goes sailing overhead, far left of its original course, and a child rushes to catch it.
"Indeed!" Sparrow answers happily, when he finishes the verse. "I come from far, far away, beyond the great Realm, and I know a lot of songs that aren't known around these parts. I'm hoping the novelty will bring some nice amount of silver on my hands - I do need to eat and such, you know!" he laughs, winking at the young man, before looking at his instrument in a bit of dislike. "Only problem is, this piece was supposed to be played by four instruments - couple winds, a string, and one percussion - so it loses a bit of its strength when I play it alone with this old thing. But, it's beautiful nonetheless, ain't it, my dearest patron?" he asks, doing a little riff on the strings.
Then, however, his ears pick up some words on the wind from a nearby street - words claimed about in magnificent tones and great volume, about Yozis and demons.
Well, time to work.
He looks back at the man, with a smile, picking up the little bowl he's used to ask for the coins and emptying it into his pocket. "But now, my dear audience, I must go for a while! The life of a fool isn't easy, you see, and it is one's calling to be there whenever something that should be mocked is happening!" he adds, doing an elaborate, flowery theater salute with his extremely attention-grabbing hat (as a decent prestidigitator, Drascin knew the trick to disguise isn't to look like someone else, but to look so attention-calling that nobody remembers your actual face and instead fixates on your trappings, and so when you change clothes nobody can associate you with your previous you. As Drake, he makes use of the knowledge greatly), and heading to the source of the declaration with a practiced happy step. Truth be told, he's all but happy right now, but he's a good actor. Thank whatever god isn't an irresponsible ass that I actually dressed the part instead of just trusting the Resplendent. Bet you a dollar there are demons afoot, and they could see through it he thinks to himself, sourly.
And so, he arrives, and listens for a bit. He takes a pamphlet, and reads it.
And then, still in his fool role, raises a hand from under his huge hat. "Now, excuse my daring, sir, but, you know, I'm just a wandering bard, and all I know are the folktales and stories, but" he starts defusing the situation with a bit of bumbling, "but aren't these great gods you mention in these pamphlets - good printing, by the way - the ones who create demons? You know, the things that escape every now and then and go around eating people? It's just, sir, I like my flesh - it's been with me for so long I don't know what I'd do if it was gone! Well, actually, I think I'd scream, on second thought, but you get what I mean" he says, joking and acting a bit afraid.
Indeed, to all appearances this man is just a passing fool, one of the many, many idiots in the city of Gem. But, as it's well know, it's always been the role of fools in every court to say in jest the truths that nobody dared tell the king, and it does make the people around a bit less enthusiastic - nobody likes the prospect of demons eating their face, after all!
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Raziel chuckles. He had encountered hecklers before, and, he often found their arguments easily demolished, by the simple fact that there were more demons then erymanthoi.
"Ah, I see you believe the lies of the Usurpers. Well, I hardly blame you...but..."
Suddenly, Raziel's "grandiose" voice dies out, replaced by a note of puzzlement. He tilts his head and raises an eyebrow in confusion at the oddly-dressed man before him. Besides the strange clothing-it looked more like well-kept stage props (he should have known, being an actor in a different life) then actual clothing-he also seems to have been a bit oblivious to the climate, what with the hat and all.
"Excuse me, sir, but if you don't pardon my asking, your hat appears to be rather hot. If you don't mind my asking, why do you wear that thing in the desert?"
This wasn't actually suspicion-Raziel tended to be rather blunt if he didn't catch himself. He honestly was wondering what was up with the hat.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Well, this also works Drake thinks, a bit surprised. Point is defusing the speech first thing, and then seeing about the guy himself.
This was really such a useful hat. The Jägermonsters would be proud.
"Well, you see, these are but the tool of my trade! I am a musician, a storyteller, and a jester by profession, my good spokesman. Since I left the service of my noble Dynast patrons years ago to walk the roads instead, the very bread I eat each day depends on my ability to be obvious and bring merriment, be it with my word or my appearance!" he says, doing a small hop and saluting elaborately with said hat, with a smirk. "And I have found that there is nothing that will predispose an audience to sympathy as well as a merry performer with a truly, wonderfully outrageous Nice Hat" he winks, his obvious mischievous demeanour causing some stifled laughter around the audience.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
If it wasn't Raziel who was a victim of the sudden topic change, he'd probably be laughing too.
Instead, he briefly curses in English, muttering something about TV Tropes and the members thereof, just before he goes back to the debate.
"Yes, yes, tools of the trade, amateur acting, and all that. Getting back to the point...
...Why are you staring at me? Is it that odd to hear someone curse in a native tongue? <Not that I would be suprised, what with that hat being a one-person heatwave to the brain...>
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
[Onyx Wing - Further down Landdin Street]
"Ah, pretty philosophical, that. But carts are nearly natural things. I wouldn't say 'no' to one myself, if I had one at hand." She chuckles and shakes her head.
"Pleased to meet you, Twing. Are you headed along to the sunken market too?"
Ah, just Wing. And yeah, I'm going that way. Always found the markets are the best place to hear the local rumors. Plus, well, I find my self somewhat bereft of funds at the moment, so I was hoping to find some employment.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
[Pyrus - Landdin Street]
The man in the robes smirks and turns, taking a few steps away. The 'lippy mortal' just looks at Pyrus. "I'm sure not. I can't think of anything I said that might have given you reason to stop." His expression practically dares Pyrus to correct him, the fool.
Pyrus grabs his collar and casually lifts him off the ground with one hand. "You're quite the disrespectful mortal aren't you?"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
[Drascin - Park]
The man nods. "Yeah, beautiful. It truly is." When the flourish comes, he tosses a few extra coins to the man, before continuing on his way. That was a pleasant diversion to start the day, but there are things to be done.
[Preacher's Corner]
A few people draw away. Some part of them knew the same stories, yes, but to hear someone outright say, 'demons' changes things. It is not a thing to say out loud here, and they really shouldn't be seen by this madman anyway. There were other ways. They are not that desperate, are they? And he - hat...? At least one passerby stops to admire the ridiculous garment. It is quite something, no?
"Justwing? That's a nice name. What sort of work are you looking for? Maybe the mercenary market would be a better place for you?" She winks, Wing is his name clearly enough. "As for rumors, maybe. I find somewhere that people are more relaxed tends to give you more to hear. Markets are for business, after all." Not for talking.
[Pyrus - Landdin Street]
He struggles for a moment before he realizes it's hopeless. He's only got so much strength, and even a mere Terrestrial can easily quash that.
"Only to those of you demons who don't deserve my regard." He manages a short laugh.
The robed man heads off at a quick walk. Most people give the two a wide radius, although one or two stand to watch the confrontation.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
He struggles for a moment before he realizes it's hopeless. He's only got so much strength, and even a mere Terrestrial can easily quash that.
"Only to those of you demons who don't deserve my regard." He manages a short laugh.
The robed man heads off at a quick walk. Most people give the two a wide radius, although one or two stand to watch the confrontation.
As the white-coated man catches up with the halted rider, he reaches out to catch hold of a not-quite-fleeing mortal for a moment, and asks if the rider here is the same one who was singing strangely earlier. Releasing the mortal without particularly caring about the answer, he continues to watch the progressing scene dispassionately, eyes flashing green as Orchid scrutinizes the more-important dragon-blooded, adding more data to his observations.
Spoiler
Show
Just a basic Perception+Awareness roll to notice things about the mortal and Pyrus. Pyrus also gets the Insignificant Embers Intuition treatment, so I know that he's a dragonblood, what aspect, and his Essence... And, if he notices the green flash, he knows that something is up with me, too. 2 personal motes, if it matters, leaving me 14 more.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"As Bill Pardy would put it, my easygoing nature is being sorely f***ing tested. Were you born this stupid, or did you have to study up?"
Spoiler
Show
That's a Slither reference, BTW.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
[Pyrus and Orchid - Landdin Street]
He shakes his head slightly. "Nah. Being right just comes naturally to me." The mortal is mortal, somewhat strong-looking, with darkly tanned skin and short hair, light grey and red clothing, and looks by now totally calm. Pyrus...looks and is how Pyrus is.
The robed man nods and mumbles something affirmative as he leaves the scene.
One of the folk watching the dragonblood notices a green flash and looks curiously at Orchid.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"You do know it's legal for me to kill you, right? But, I'm not going to. Death is to easy. When you're dead, you can no longer be made to suffer. So how about I tie you to my bike and road-haul you till you're nothing but a pelvis wearing a belt?"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
[Pyrus and Orchid - Landdin Street]
"Yeah. I know. Enjoy it while you can; your people won't be around long, and then we'll see." He shrugs. "You better have a strong rope."
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Orchid glances at the man who looks curiously at him, but it doesn't matter much whether he saw or not; no mortal could recognize him anyway if he wished to be disguised instead. Turning back to Pyrus, however, it sounds like this particular twice-Usuper is quite nasty enough, and yet... He was singing in English, so he can't be allowed to simply leave like that. Perhaps something that he can use to bring Pyrus back later... And the Defiler has an interesting idea.
"Hey, friend, no need to do that to one of my slaves." He turns to the mortal, and adds at more length, "And as for you... I'm offering to buy you as a slave, and I think it'd be in your best interests to accept if you value your life. Some hard labor might even knock sense into you, if your utter lack of it hasn't already killed your chances." He turns back to Pyrus, and smiles with overconfidence, lest the next part not work... "That acceptable punishment, sir? Of course, I wouldn't blame your wanting to still use the motorcycle either... Or did I get the name of your wonderful artifact wrong?" He says motorcycle in English - Flametongue lacks the appropriate word, after all. Hopefully, Pyrus will understand... and everyone will add two and two together and think he's just a stupid stranger trying to show off magical knowledge to the Dynast like a proper sycophant.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
\
[Preacher's Corner]
A few people draw away. Some part of them knew the same stories, yes, but to hear someone outright say, 'demons' changes things. It is not a thing to say out loud here, and they really shouldn't be seen by this madman anyway. There were other ways. They are not that desperate, are they? And he - hat...? At least one passerby stops to admire the ridiculous garment. It is quite something, no?
Raziel scoffs and starts picking up his soapbox.
"All right, I can tell when I've lost. I don't know who you are, but don't think you'll be able to find my brothers-I've been here a lot longer than you, and I have some powerful friends."
"...And you still haven't stopped staring at me. Stop it. You're starting to spook me."
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Pyrus opens his mouth to reply to the mortal, then does a double take at the newcomer. "Wait...motor what?" He switches to English. "Watchoo talkin' about Willis?"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Amelia notes some commotion as she wanders around, looking for Orchid. Hm. Show-off singing in English on motorcycle, now a commotion. Two and two is... Ah. And I don't have to worry about finding Orchid.
She stands slightly off to one side, no closer than the circle, but close enough to see what's going on
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rhyvurg
Pyrus opens his mouth to reply to the mortal, then does a double take at the newcomer. "Wait...motor what?" He switches to English. "Watchoo talkin' about Willis?"
...Well. This should draw some attention. If another of us is here, anyway. Amelia looks around at anyone else paying attention to the English-speaker and memorizes faces. Being seen at one such occasion is nothing much, but seeing any repeats could be useful. And this fellow doesn't seem like the subtle type. Ah, patterns.
Amelia waits for the commotion to die down so she can talk to Orchid. And hopefully, the stranger. Interesting, to meet someone who speaks English but isn't related. A nice story-piece to add to her repertoire.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Leliel
If it wasn't Raziel who was a victim of the sudden topic change, he'd probably be laughing too.
Instead, he briefly curses in English, muttering something about TV Tropes and the members thereof, just before he goes back to the debate.
"Yes, yes, tools of the trade, amateur acting, and all that. Getting back to the point...
...Why are you staring at me? Is it that odd to hear someone curse in a native tongue? <Not that I would be suprised, what with that hat being a one-person heatwave to the brain...>
Now, you have to give to Drake - he recovers quickly. He'd stood still for a second as he heard the TVTropes reference under the other man's breath, utterly dumbfounded - but he recovers quickly, his mind racing now.
"Oh, no, my good man. It is, however, to hear you using such language. I have to say, I consider myself quite the cunning linguist, and I can speak several language families easily - comes with the job, you see" he smiles, playful. "But that is quite an odd one. And one that I have heard before - though the person who spoke it refused to reveal where it is from. It seems to be quite the mystery! And given that I gain my sustenance with stories, I am sure you'll understand my curiosity. Could I be so bold as to ask if you could tell me where it hails from?"
Twisty words, yet not a single lie. That was really goddamn circuitous, me Drake thinks to himself. Should have just gone with a standard lie. Why do I keep trying to be witty when I'm anything but?
Well, at least people seem to be dispersing. Good. That at least is a minor success. But now he has a bigger mystery on his hands...
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rhyvurg
Pyrus opens his mouth to reply to the mortal, then does a double take at the newcomer. "Wait...motor what?" He switches to English. "Watchoo talkin' about Willis?"
Orchid makes a slight strangling noise, which is several steps less obvious than bursting out laughing in the middle of the street. He coughs and manages to reclaim a little dignity, before repeating, "Am I incorrect sir? I only know a few of the technical names, from serving a Dynast once before..." More misleading kissing-up. He's not looking for a job, however... "<Motorcycle, and shall we ditch the crowd?> If I'm wrong, perhaps I could ask you to correct me while we negotiate?..." He glances at the mortal, who has proven more useful than expected already, and more suspicious. Honestly, he has no use or desire for slavery, but it's a great excuse to separate Pyrus from the observers and discourage anyone from drawing too much attention.
Melodies Within Fog 'tugs' gently at Orchid's mind, and simply conveys Amelia is here, receiving a mental nod in return. Neither knows what to do with that yet... But it's comforting to Orchid to know that his sister is at his back. Hopefully she'll understand that the slavery thing is a trick, since he doesn't want to have to try and explain that to a former Laplander.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
[Pyrus, Orchid, Amelia - Landdin Steet]
The caught mortal laughs uproariously, shaking his head in amazement at Orchid. "Does it look to you like I value my life very highly? I'll take it if you insist, but I'd really prefer if you could get this head case to let go of me." A flick of the eyes back to Pyrus. "But I think he enjoys trying to put 'proper respect' in me far too much."
As for faces to memorize, there's the tough guy Pyrus is holding up and threatening. There's a pair of thin scars down the left side of his face, and has bright brown eyes.
There's a kid watching from a 'safe' distance towards the edge of the tunnel. Maybe ten years old, a boy holding a plush toy tyrant lizard and smiling.
There's an old woman who looks faintly sad and disapproving, wearing a tattered dress and carrying a cloth bag in one hand.
There's also a woman in white silk hiding behind a pushcart where fruit is sold, creeping along with it and looking between Amelia and Pyrus, and then ducking totally under cover when Amelia spots her.
[Preacher's Corner]
The crowds disperse wholly. Only a single withered old man who had been here to hear Raziel before remains to listen to the conversation.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Wing
It's said that a soldiers life is 9 parts boredom, one part pants-wetting terror. Mercenaries are much the same, except they raise the ratio in favor of terror. Personally, I've had enough of that as it is, though if it comes to it I'll look into joining up with some company.
Wing pauses, looking at the truly outrageous hat for a moment before continuing.
Was that English? And TvTropes at that? Can't very well go and ask them, though. Just remember the hat, and try and find later.
He does stop to pick up a discarded pamphlet. After all, it seems like the preacher might know something about this whole situation as well.
And you can pick up a surprising amount in a market. Maybe it's different here in Gem, but up near Chiaroscuro the markets are at most half concerned with selling actual goods. The other half is selling information, or just trading news.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Oh, hi Kendik. Sorry, bard trouble seems to have cut the sermon short.
Speaking of bards..."
Raziel turns to the troublemaker in question.
"Interesting response, there. I may not be the best at telling when I am lied too, but I consider myself an expert when it comes to logic-something you seem to either fail forever, or are too flabbergasted to respond."
"So, just out of curiosity: <Who the hell are you, really?>, saying those last words in English with emphasis.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
aetherialDawn
Orchid makes a slight strangling noise, which is several steps less obvious than bursting out laughing in the middle of the street. He coughs and manages to reclaim a little dignity, before repeating, "Am I incorrect sir? I only know a few of the technical names, from serving a Dynast once before..." More misleading kissing-up. He's not looking for a job, however... "<Motorcycle, and shall we ditch the crowd?> If I'm wrong, perhaps I could ask you to correct me while we negotiate?..." He glances at the mortal, who has proven more useful than expected already, and more suspicious. Honestly, he has no use or desire for slavery, but it's a great excuse to separate Pyrus from the observers and discourage anyone from drawing too much attention.
Melodies Within Fog 'tugs' gently at Orchid's mind, and simply conveys Amelia is here, receiving a mental nod in return. Neither knows what to do with that yet... But it's comforting to Orchid to know that his sister is at his back. Hopefully she'll understand that the slavery thing is a trick, since he doesn't want to have to try and explain that to a former Laplander.
"<Yeah...let's go. I figured English and something from TV would weed out a fake.>" He drops the fool and grabs his spear (just in case) off his ever-present bike, still following at his heels.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rhyvurg
"<Yeah...let's go. I figured English and something from TV would weed out a fake.>" He drops the fool and grabs his spear (just in case) off his ever-present bike, still following at his heels.
"Ah, thank you sir." He follows after Pyrus... While he might prefer to pick a meeting place himself, that wouldn't fit the 'scene' he's trying to project, and it's never a good idea to go directly against a Fire-aspected Terrestrial anyway. He doesn't particularly pay attention to the mortal, though, except to ask Melodies to check if the man is a Yozi-cultist; he can't do much else except to try and memorize the face of the suspicious - or just suicidal - man.
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Perception + Socialize against his attempts to hide it to spot a potential cultist. Or non-attempts, as it may be. I love Melodies and his 'paying attention for me' thing.
[roll0] 1 success... Well, at least I'll spot him if he's not very tricky, but a little too likely for me to get a false negative. Oh well!
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
[Wing - Preacher's Corner]
"I see." The woman shrugs, "Well, this is Gem. A bit more than half, I'd say, in concession. You may well be right, though. Perhaps I don't talk to the right people."
The hat, like the city it is contained in, is truly outrageous.
[Preacher Man - Preacher's Corner]
The newly named mortal smiles. "It's no trouble to me. I'll hear you speak again another day. Good luck, sir." He bows slightly and turns away.
[Pyrus, Orchid, and Amelia - Landdin Street]
Melodies will detect no hint that the man might be a Yozi cultist. In fact, he seems vehemently anti-Yozi.
"Where are we going, master?" he inquires sarcastically, following after Orchid.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Pyrus spins around, smoke coming from his mouth and his eyes glowing like coals. "Unless you want to see how much pain a man can feel before he dies, leave now."
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
There's also a woman in white silk hiding behind a pushcart where fruit is sold, creeping along with it and looking between Amelia and Pyrus, and then ducking totally under cover when Amelia spots her.
Amelia weighs her options and decides that it's worth seeing who that is. Orchid seems to be getting along with the other guy okay, and even if he doesn't, someone who thinks it's a fine idea to ride a motorcycle through the streets probably isn't going to be that hard to find once you know his face.
She moves through the crowd, trying to blend in to keep out of sight, and seeing if she can get a better angle of sight on the woman. Or on her tracks, at the least.
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Perception+Awareness to locate the woman in white and see her clearly.
Dexterity+Stealth to hide from the woman in the crowd.
Forgot to roll and can't edit in, they'll be in the OoC thread.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
The man bows to Pyrus. "I would relish the opportunity to learn such a thing. But I fear my master might take exception to your attempt." He shows no fear.
By the time Amelia gets a line of sight to the cart again, there is no sign of the woman. On the other hand, no one seems to be paying attention to Amelia either.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
The man bows to Pyrus. "I would relish the opportunity to learn such a thing. But I fear my master might take exception to your attempt." He shows no fear.
"I suspect strongly that I may have been wrong to even try... Follow or don't, I'll know where to find you when this is over if I still need to." His words are somewhat more clipped; hopefully, if even Pyrus's abilities of intimidation don't work, just leaving the mortal will do. Orchid is starting to get extremely tired of the mortal, as he manages to be as annoying as the most crass of demons. Vehemently anti-Yozi in addition to anti-Dynast explains why such a man is willing to live in Gem, at any rate, if he has such convictions...
He's lying, of course, about knowing where to find the man, but if he truly needs to, he could give a description, so nobody needs to know that.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
The man nods and bows again to Orchid. "As you wish. I shall attend to mine own business and meet you again later, master. Farewell, citizens." He turns and attempts to leave.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<I sense a great disturbance in the force. Also, I hate that guy. So, a fellow Earthling eh? Can you throw fire at stuff to? Because I can totally do that. Also, apparently I'm rich as hell here, which is awesome.>"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Recaiden
[Wing - Preacher's Corner]
"I see." The woman shrugs, "Well, this is Gem. A bit more than half, I'd say, in concession. You may well be right, though. Perhaps I don't talk to the right people."
The hat, like the city it is contained in, is truly outrageous.
Forgive me for asking, but what's your name? And, if you are a merchant, what do you sell?
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Leliel
"Oh, hi Kendik. Sorry, bard trouble seems to have cut the sermon short.
Speaking of bards..."
Raziel turns to the troublemaker in question.
"Interesting response, there. I may not be the best at telling when I am lied too, but I consider myself an expert when it comes to logic-something you seem to either fail forever, or are too flabbergasted to respond."
"So, just out of curiosity: <Who the hell are you, really?>, saying those last words in English with emphasis.
((Ah, inter-PC telepathy))
At first, Drake laughs, and waits for the group to go away, simply keeping his eyes on the man. But when people finally disperse and the corner is no longer being watched, Drake's expression turns into a sarcastic smirk. After all, knowledge of English, knowledge of TVTropes, and now getting this - this proves it well enough. "My, truly? <Because I would think an Earthling with such a "mastery of logic" and who seems to be acquainted with TVTropes would know why it's probably not the best of ideas to work for goddamn Cthulhu, man>" he says, frowning heavily. He's happy to have found out that he was not, in fact, hallucinating it all - unless he's also imagining this, of course, can't rule that out - but the fact that the only other person around with Earth knowledge is a Yozi cultist is enough to put him on edge. I mean, hell, the demon armies are already dangerous enough without someone giving them ideas about rifles and squad tactics he thinks.
He only hopes this won't have to come to calling down a hit squad on this man. Right now, he's the only link Drake has to Earth... but what should be done always comes first.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rhyvurg
"<I sense a great disturbance in the force. Also, I hate that guy. So, a fellow Earthling eh? Can you throw fire at stuff to? Because I can totally do that. Also, apparently I'm rich as hell here, which is awesome.>"
Walking down the street, Orchid continues to discuss with the dragonblood whose name he doesn't yet know. He can fix that later, first things first. Besides, he'll ask by the time they get where they're going.
"<Heh, he does grate, doesn't he? No idea who he is, though. And yeah, California... It's been a while...>" He pauses and tries to think of a safe answer - telling the truth would be off-putting at this point, demons tend to be, but lying is out of the question. "<My powers are mostly intellectual right now. I'm not sure how much I can tell you without getting int, uh, trouble, but I'll let you know if I can. I'm still working on the material-wealth thing, of course. So you're a Dynast, then? Or Lookshy?>"
Telekinetic force is intellectual, right?
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"I'm Jana. I sell clayworks and pottery." The cart is indicated. Presumably, it would be full of pottery if opened and inspected.
((You can delete posts by opening the edit menu, Dawn.))
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Dynast. So, you got a place to stay? Because I have a mansion.>"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Amelia shrugs and goes off to catch up with Orchid and Mr. Ostentatious, not quite catching the dialogue.
"<Howdy,> Orchid."
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Pyrus turns around. "<Hey....Oh, hello. Name's Pyrus. Care to take a ride on my hog?>"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Yeah, I'm fine. Bit of a secret - for now - since I don't want any thugs thinking I'm rich because I was talking with a Dynast.>"
Well, finding out his name was simple. He supposes he ought to introduce his sister, too, however.
"<This is my sister, Amelia. Well, sister from Earth. We're not actually related... Uh, here, in Creation, I mean.>"
In the back of his mind, he's trying to keep track of what Pyrus knows so far. Telling him too much might be inconvenient if he's pious about the Immaculate Order, but the chance to talk to another Earthling is too much to refuse... Right now, though, it sounds like Pyrus has taken well to the life of a Dynast, which can be fixed - especially if that motorcycle means that he misses Earth, since it's simple enough to make a few amenities as a bribe - maybe even a business.
Hopefully, walking out of the main crowd and not riding down the street singing means that nobody is paying too much attention to the odd language; they're just discussing in High Realm, obviously, to the average man.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<No, thanks. I like walking.>" You never know when one of the kids may recognize me.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<So, perhaps we should go somewhere more secluded and figure out what's going on. Because I've been worrying someone here is going to figure out I'm not...this guy I'm inside of.>"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Drascin
((Ah, inter-PC telepathy))
At first, Drake laughs, and waits for the group to go away, simply keeping his eyes on the man. But when people finally disperse and the corner is no longer being watched, Drake's expression turns into a sarcastic smirk. After all, knowledge of English, knowledge of TVTropes, and now getting this - this proves it well enough. "My, truly? <Because I would think an Earthling with such a "mastery of logic" and who seems to be acquainted with TVTropes would know why it's probably not the best of ideas to work for goddamn Cthulhu, man>" he says, frowning heavily. He's happy to have found out that he was not, in fact, hallucinating it all - unless he's also imagining this, of course, can't rule that out - but the fact that the only other person around with Earth knowledge is a Yozi cultist is enough to put him on edge. I mean, hell, the demon armies are already dangerous enough without someone giving them ideas about rifles and squad tactics he thinks.
He only hopes this won't have to come to calling down a hit squad on this man. Right now, he's the only link Drake has to Earth... but what should be done always comes first.
(Sorry if that was metagaming. In real life, I can detect poor logic from a mile away)
Thankfully for Drake, none of the horrible things he's imagining occur to Raziel. For all of his unreadable expressions-a symptom of what Earth would diagnose as Asperger's Syndrome-he was actually panicking a bit that the a strange man would reveal himself to be an assassin, or somesuch.
And now, he discovers a man who also possesses memories of Earth! One with absolutely no link to the Yozis!
A wheezing laugh escapes from Raziel, which slowly mutates into hysterics. "Aha...and you said my mind was broken. You said that I was being used. You said that my memories couldn't possibly be true. Well, who's been wrong now, Corona? Who's been proven wrong now?!
"YOU HEAR THAT, BRILLIANT UMBRAL CORONA?, he screams at the sky in Old Realm. "DID YOU JUST HEAR THAT CONVERSATION? WELL, GUESS WHAT? I. AM NOT. INSANE!!!
Slowly but surely, he calms down from his victory speech...and suddenly becomes aware of his audience.
"<Oh. Umm, s-sorry a-about that. My, ah, memories of th-this life have a b-b-bit of a, shall we say, a l-life of their o-own.>
"<If you've, ah, heard of A-Abyssals, I-I'm kind of like that, o-only the p-previous, um, incarnation of mine uh, still, ah, exists. In my head. Sort of.>"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
...okay, that was worrying. Seems like the guys is rather insane. This does not bode well for my chances of being sane myself, Drake thinks inwardly, managing to not sigh. At least-
...wait.
What in the infinite layers of the Abyss did the man just say?
Oh, ****. Did he really say that? "Like abyssals", but working for the Yozis?
Infernal. Mother****ing. Deathknights. Unclassified, unknown, Infernal goddamn Deathknights! Right on his face! Danger, Will Robinson!
Oh come on. This was supposed to be my first field mission! ...man, I'd wonder if someone up there hates me except I work "up there" Drake thinks, a bit despaired. Well, he could be lying... no. He's too euphoric right now to lie convincingly, I'd say. And it makes sense with the face disruptions that've been around. Still... this man doesn't seem entirely evilcrazy. Perhaps he can be convinced to get away from infernal intrigues.
Worth a try, even if it's a longshot, Drake thinks, idealistic but pessimistic as usual. You never attack anyone until every other option has been exhausted. Drake's Earth version grew up on Kenshin and Spiderman, after all.
"<That... is not exactly something you probably want to go around talking about, if by Abyssals you mean Deathknights. It's not going to make you many friends, being like them. Going around being an Omnicidal Maniac isn't what you'd call a great ice breaker. Really, if you hadn't said it in English I'd have started running already befor the lynch mob arrived>" Drake says, serious, but a tad sardonic, keeping a poker frown to not let all the train of thought he's had during the past second reflect on his face.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Can't say I can argue with you there,> Raziel admits, his rational mind returning somewhat. <And really, I'm not supposed to be telling you this-if it wasn't in English, my other mental passenger would probably be screaming at me right now.>"
Thankfully, Raziel was taught about the so-called "supernatural lottery", and it takes about two seconds for him to realize that the other man has no idea what a Coadjutor is, Exalted or not.
"<Oh, um yeah: A Green Sun Prince's Exaltation doesn't fly free like a Solar's does-it's actually carried to us by demons, who merge-not posses-us in the process. Some of us gain more of the demon's personality in the process, and the resulting demi-personality is called an Unwoven Coadjutor.>
"<To tell you the truth...mine is kind of a bitch.>"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
There are enough languages that even the people who speak High Realm will assume it's something else.
...
...
Raziel will just away every secret he can lay his hands on, won't he?
It's a very good thing no one can understand what they overhear.
Well, except for the shouting at the top of one's lungs, which is quite comprehensible.
Kendik turns back around, and decides he should just keep walking away. He knew Raziel was a bit cracked but this is a bit much to stay around for. Later, at the market, he may be more reasonable.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
Wing barely made it to the corner before the street-preacher began yelling, but more importantly there was definite English being thrown around, and mentions of Earth. Okay, this was definitely something to look into.
Well, Jana, good luck on your prospects. I think I just got something better than news. Goodbye.
Heading back up the street, Wing tries to remain unobserved as he gets closer to the two others from earth. Better to listen, then try and join in.
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Stealth:[roll0]
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"Green Sun Prince"? That's what they're called? So, they're under Malfeas, then...?
No, making Exalts is not something that the Malfeas he's read about would think. And that title isn't something he'd think on his own. It sounds like something someone would name something to appease Malfeas - "no, sir, they're just Princes to your kingly magnificence, ohgodpleasedon'tblowmyfaceup" kind of deal. So Malfeas is probably in on it, but the mastermind has to be someone else. Mmmmhh...
"<So... they sew a demon on your frontal lobe kind of deal? Um, ew>" Drake says. "<So, let me get this straight: you're serving what if the stories I've learned are correct are horrible Lovecraftian beings, they sewed a demon into your skull... you haven't given them the finger why, exactly? Do they have some control over you?>" Drake asks, straight on. "<I mean, I'm no sorcerer or anything - which is actually kind of annoying, I would have made a goddamn good sorcerer, I think - but my incarnation in this place was a servant to one years ago before he ran, and what I got was that demons are tricky bastards and the less you work with them, the better>"
Indeed, Drake is still keeping his "I got reincarnated into a normal mortal bard" story, for now. No reason to reveal he's Exalted too until the man shows he's, well not an insane demon-worshipper.
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
(OOC: You're going to see a reference to the Great Curse here. It should be noted that Raziel was told it's an inherent part of Celestial Exalted, a counterbalance against mental influence by inciting the Limit Breaker into an emotional frenzy unable to be controlled by anyone, especially himself. Which is why you should never take "Creation 101" from the Ebon Dragon.)
Drake's question is an interesting one, in that it has an answer of both yes and no.
Unfortunately, this interesting semantic debate is cut off by the fact that the question sounded an awful lot like a slight against the Silver Forest.
Suddenly, Raziel grows rather quiet, and his expression goes unreadable again.
After about five seconds, he comes back, more than a little irritated.
"<'Horrible, Lovecraftian monsters', huh?>"
"<Well, I hate to burst your comforting view of the world in terms of good and evil, but the Yozis I serve are kind, giving masters who forgave us for our ultimate failure and cowardice, because they saw potential for heroism within us. They specifically programmed fifty shards to seek out people who could have been Solars, but failed because they were mortal or because they understood that they would face insurmountable odds. Through their servants, they created a perfect aide and confidant, providing words of comfort and succor to us in out times of emotional distress. Through their Second Breath, they rescued us from a dystopic and miserable existence as just another mortal to be used and crushed like some plaything of the gods and the Dragon-Blooded. And finally, they gave us the ability to control the inherent madness of the Exalted by acting in accordance to their wishes, staving off the all-devouring dragon that lurks within each of us, and so allowing us to be better rulers then the Anathema of the First Age could ever be.>"
"<So, if you wouldn't mind, I would enjoy it if you took your half-witted arguments and->"
Thankfully his rant is cut off by a newly-awakened Corona, who can tell even without speaking the language that someone seems to have hit a nerve.
Raziel rubs his temple a bit, and takes a few deep breaths.
"<All right, sorry about that. It's just that Lord Szoreny took me in at my darkest moment, and I have a duty to defend and serve him.>"
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Re: A Dream of Quiet (IC)
"<Ah. So they just lied to you out of their ass, then>" Drake answers flatly. "<But while I'm just a little bard here, and a little psych/education student back there... I don't think I'm the one making half-arguments, here. Surprising to see such illogic in someone who just berated me for forgoing logic for a bit of a poetic misdirection before>" Drake sighs. He doesn't really expect it to sink in, but he has to say it. "<Because to me, as an outside looker, that stuff you're telling me? Sure as hell sounds much less like forgiveness than like near-stereotypical cult recruiting. Find someone in their moment of weakness, promise them safety and certainty, give them something to make them feel empowered under you, convince them that everyone else is lying so their trust in you forms an exclusive and closed feedback loop... psych 201, really>" he says, locking eyes with Raziel, not giving an inch.
God dammit. Yozi deathknights. And manipulated into fanatical soldiers. Yeah, this sounds downright Ebon Dragon - the twisting of words is evident. The demon spy is "a friendly advisor", the fueling of hatred is "forgiveness", and the shoveling around their heads is "to remove the madness of Exaltation". God damn. These guys have got Scientology beat.
Well, at least it does all but confirm the mastermind behind the thing. No Yozi save the Dragon would be able to come up with something like that, much less manage it to go through. And if what he's read about the Ebon Bastard is correct, this guy would then get inevitably backstabbed in the future.
Not if I can help it, he thinks. Poor bastard got ****ed around plenty enough. If Drake has any say in this, he's not going to get ****ed more.
He then closes his eyes, and sighs. "<But I don't think we're going to convince each other. Not until you actually see for yourself - you don't have any reason to believe me right now, after all. But if you're really going to help the Yozis, I can't help you. I'm not going to help kill the world. So we should probably cut this conversation now>" he finishes, serious, his voice gaining a certain sharpness.