[Exalted] The Restoration of the Solar Deliberative IC

[emeraldstreak]

The Imperial City...standing proudly where the grayish waters of the Blessed Isle greatest river dissolve into the turquoise calm of the Inner Sea; considered by most the center of the world; and unconquered for millenia...until recently. Hundreds of ships, big and small, with sails colored in every hue known to man, enter and leave its busy port. The cries of seagulls, sailors, and dockhands merge into a hectic cacaphony as your own ship approaches, briefly passing under the shadow of a magnificent dragon-like lighthouse. Making a godspeed sign, you part with the captain and the crew and step on the thorntreewood dock.

Nearby, exotic-looking travellers from all over Creation get on or off the ships. A little further several docks end up in a small square. A group of soldiers wearing matching gray-green coats and hoods, a bit too thick for this warm and sunny day, stare blankly at the crowds. A few black-clad officials next to them are far more active, stopping every passenger for questioning. Beyond them dozens of large warehouses block the horizon, but aren't big enough to hide the glimmering spire of a distant palace. Narrow shadowy alleyways separate the warehouses. Some are often traversed by dockhands. Other look more desolate, with heaps of garbage and rag-tag people eyeing the travellers hungrily.



OOC thread

[Obscurejones]

Stepping off his boat and waving goodbye to the captain who had been kind enough to see him this far, Koyo is amazed by the sights of the city. The lighthouse had been beautiful, but even more then that the gentle hum of being in a metropolis. It felt good to be among a thriving hustle and bustle again. Starting towards what he can only assume would be the customs officers he stops for a moment. Looking to the alleyways he frowns. Beggars? Theives? Or mere common vagrants? In any case in a city about to lay host to a small army of miracle workers it seemed vaguely... Unseemly. Not that these men should be here, but that there should be any cause for poverty. Still, he supposed that he was as much responsible for their welfare as any other. Though he may have fewer gifts with which to help.

Doing his best to quiet Fokuf's chattering objections he sets out towards the men he can see loitering in the alleys.
"Good morning. I couldn't help but notice that you seem out of place. Can I ask why you are here?"
He pauses and laughs softly at his own blundering.
"Apologies if I am over direct. But it seemed odd to me that any should look hungry in this city, especially as the host is gathered. Am I correct in guessing that you are indeed hungry?"
As he speaks he sends a single grain of his power through his senses, aiming to make better sense of the cause of this motley bunch.

Spoiler: Lots of Dice. Dice for days. And a tiny little charm use.

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To ascertain the nature of the men in black who are questioning travelers, assuming they are officials as they seem to be, intelligence and bureaucracy. Not sure if legal minutiae specialty applies, so leaving it out for now. (9d10)[7][2][9][8][3][2][9][5][7](52)
To attempt to gauge the nature of the men he is talking to, and their place in the society of the city, Wits and socialize? Not sure if wits, but it seems fitting. (6d10)[9][7][5][8][10][8](47)
Also, firing Mastery of Small Manners for one mote of personal essence. Koyo's effective appearance is now 6 and he is aware of basic motivations of those around him.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin steps off the boat, squinting against the sun. His burlap poncho waves slightly in the wind, but a sharp eye can pick out the leather and steel wrapping his hands, and the quality of the fabric of his dark leggings. why he chooses to wear a crude and probably uncomfortable covering on top of that defies logic. A sharp eye can pick out the distinctive glint of white jade on his forearms. A very sharp eye might see a bit of starmetal mixed in. He stands a few inches over six feet, and is obviously well-muscled. His head is recently tonsured, but judging by his eyebrows he usually has very dark hair. His face looks at if he's spent a good portion of his life being punched in the face, and the way he carries himself, with grace and confidence, suggests he's done a fair bit of punching himself. He stands on the docks for a few moments, looking around, before walking towards the city. If there was no one on the docks to greet him after he received a personal invitation, then he'd simply walk to the Imperial Palace and present himself. And if this was all a ruse to lure Solars to the city, well, he knew how to deal with that too.

(8d10)[4][5][9][5][10][9][7][8](57) Perception+Awareness

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard steps from the boat taking in the sights with more then a little surprise. A lifetime ago, or so it felt, he had heard tales of the Imperial City's splendor. Face to face with it, it was all to easy to see the gaps. "And disappointments mount." Waving a fair-well to the crew that had brought him across the Inland Sea, Leopard hops from the ships deck to the jetty. His face was covered in a few weeks of stubble, and though his pace was firm and even, his posture was slightly stooped do to long days below decks on a small cargo vessel. His panoply was covered by an intensely travel-worn cloak of cheap fabric, but occasionally the tiniest flash of gold can be seen peeping though. Poor in the streets, officials and soldiers at the docks. Something was either very wrong here, or matters had been even worse in the Realm then rumors had indicated.

Regardless, standing around would accomplish nothing. Leopard advances towards the officials, keeping pace with the rest of the crowd. It was only proper to allow them first entrance, despite the inconvenience. After all, he had just arrived, and was only a simple traveler.

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception+Awareness: (7d10)[10][10][10][3][9][8][8](58) 9 Succ

[Phasm]

A sleek, fast-looking ship flying the Haslanti flag lowers its gangplank. Two women walk onto the pier, both tall and broad-shouldered in the typical Northern way. The first is pale-skinned and blue-eyed, perhaps in her late twenties, with a faintly glowing green tattoo high on her right cheek. To those who can read Old Realm, it's a highly stylized glyph reading 'Fella'. Her red-gold hair is bound into an intricate, waist-length braid. Sun gleams off of her golden breastplate, but her other clothing is a simple dark green tunic, dark gray trousers, and knee-length gray boots. "The Imperial City, at long last. Are you excited, Lily?"

The second, younger woman is obviously an Air Aspect, from her blue-tinged skin and pure white ponytail. She wears a white jade breastplate, and a blue jade chakram hangs from a strap on her belt. "Um... sort of? I mean, it's a place I never thought I'd see, but they're going to expect me to know all sorts of fancy etiquette things because I'm a Dragon-Blood!"

Shiori pats her assistant on the shoulder. "You'll do fine, Lily. I'm sure we can hire a tutor for both of us to learn these things. It's not as if I know any more about Realm etiquette." She smiles wryly. "High First Age etiquette, certainly, but not so much about the modern Realm." Strangely, they aren't carrying much luggage. Lily is carrying a backpack of the sort the Haslanti nomads use, but it's not big enough to have two people's worth of gear. "Let's find someone who can direct us to the Deliberative. Keep your eyes and ears open."

Spoiler: Ability rolls

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Not going to bother with Excellencies for the moment. If anyone else wants Teal, let me know and I'll find another color for Lily. PCs take priority!

Perception + Awareness: (5d10)[9][6][8][9][1](33)

Wits or Perception (both 3) + Investigation: (5d10)[5][5][9][5][8](32)

Perception + Medicine, what is the general state of public health? (8d10)[8][6][7][2][7][10][3][2](45)

Intelligence + Lore, what does Shiori know about current affairs in this area? (10d10)[5][8][8][5][9][1][4][10][3][10](63)

Intelligence + Occult, what does she know about current supernatural affairs in this area? (10d10)[3][6][7][2][2][5][10][3][9][4](51)

[emeraldstreak]

Few details avoid Koyo's eyes. A shifty, lean vagrant-girl notices his interest and darts to meet him halfway from the alley, extending an open hand. Most would dismiss her as a lowlife, but Koyo judges the girl a novice to begging. She's tanned...way too tanned for this city and her palms have recently seen hard work. A field hand, no doubt...

Her words are unintelligible. As Koyo looks around for help with her Low Realm, he is interrupted by the high-pitched Riverspeak of one of the officials "M'lord, everyone entering this domain is required to register...Essence-wielders doubly so". The black-clad clerk sounds determined to do his job. Behind him, several soldiers eye Koyo lazily like tigers under the midday sun.

Most of their unit, however, has turned attention to the warrior figure on the pier. Another clerk beckons Keldin "Welcome, sir. Please register your arrival. Also, declare any trading goods. Presently all port duties are off, courtesy of the One King, but that is sure to change the moment the Deliberative sets its mind on a budget."

While the soldiers on the square seem occupied with other recent arrivals, Leopard doesn't fail to notice the marksmen observing him from the lighthouse. They are appropriately camouflaged for the bright colors of the dragon-like structure and wield powerful longbows. The tips of their arrows reflect the light in a strange way...

Shiori and Glacier Lily certainly have the attention of the officials and their guard. Unfortunately, no useful rumors about the situation here had made their way North. As the two walk the pier, Shiori concludes the vagrants haven't been malnorished for too long, but their health would soon deteriorate if circumstances don't change for the better. A cold shiver runs her spine, the unwelcome memory of a grand temple filled with thin, frozen corpses to the brink...She snaps out of it just in time to register at one of the clerks, while a nearby soldier, a sergeant perhaps, assures her "You will be granted escort to the Deliberative, Chosen". Peculiarly, Shiori recognizes the subtle signs of a Bright Morning addiction in him...but perhaps that's not surprising as the soldier is clearly from the East. He also wears a small pendant of a dragon, made from a white metal. It's a faith symbol of a god...but one she doesn't know.

Spoiler

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Leopard needs 10+ successes on Per+Awareness roll to notice all details about the arrows' tips from this considerable distance. Up to Oracle to roll spending on an Excellency.

Shiori needs a Craft (Air or Fire) success for the metal and she could try rolling even more on Occult to either recognize the god of the pendant or be sure it's not a common god at all.

Overall, I'll always ask you for important rolls, however I want to let you explore the situation in the Imperial City on your own and make your own conclusions. You are welcome to roll for Abilities your characters are experts in whenever you feel more information they're interested in may be revealed.

This would be especially important in the opening chapter of the campaign. Don't forget: all information and impressions you get are from your characters ability to read the world and from the words of NPCs...none is ST-proof ultimate truth.

[Rhyvurg]

Keldin arches an eyebrow slowly, watching the official approach. He crosses his arms over his chest, his jade-and-starmetal bracers plainly visible now. "One King? Not for long. I an Keldin the Living Dragon, chosen of the Unconquered Sun, invited to this city to take part in the reordering of the world. I have no trade goods to declare. Tell me, is the city under such threat that armed guards are necessary?"

[Obscurejones]

"Be that as it may this women is clearly hungry. Her hands indicate a farmer, not a beggar. The blessed isle is renowned for the fertility of its fields, so I find it hard to believe that there is no work to be found for her for natural reasons."
Glancing out over the crowds approaching the registrar Koyo calls out in Old Realm. The language of spirits, and to hear his mother tell it, his best bet for finding his fellow Celestials.
"Pardon me, but are there any Solars about who speak lower realm? I'm having a slight problem with translation and would value assistance."

[OracleofSilence]

Leopard smiles slightly at the young... diplomat? Scholar? Something like that's, request, stepping out of his place in line to join him. "I'd be happy to. Low Realm does have a few peculiarities. It would be no trouble at all."

[Obscurejones]

Fixing Leopard with a bright smile Koyo gives a gentle bow of respect and continues speaking in Old Realm.
"My thanks Honored Lawgiver. I was attempting to ascertain why this women was in a position of needing to beg. She seems to be a farm hand or worker by vocation and still fit enough to ply her trade."

[OracleofSilence]

"It is worrisome. No need for all that "honored" stuff though." Leopard returns the smile and bow briefly before focusing on the woman and switching to Low Realm. Though his Old Realm had been slightly stilted and archaic, this language seemed far more natural, as indeed, it was to him. "My friend here is concerned. He heard stories about the wealth of the land here, and wonders what put you on the street. Perhaps, with some explanation, we can help."

[emeraldstreak]

More and more refugees gather as Leopard and the girl strike a conversation. Apparently, their home villages in the Jade Coast are raided by warbands. The attacks have began only recently, in the month or so since the fall of the Imperial City. The refugees describe the raiders as well armed and organized, wearing crests in red. Shiori overhears the conversation and instantly recognizes the description as forces of the great Dragon-Blooded House Cathak.

The sergeant next to her nods, "The Dragon-Blooded nobles herd the villagers of the coast in our direction as scared cattle, and have also cut all food supply from the interior. Between the armies, the city's population, and the refugees, that's millions upon millions of hungry mouths to feed. We have enough grain in the Riverlands and the Lap, but not enough ships..."He seems quite versed in strategic matters, more than it would have been expected from his rank.

The sergeant with the white pendant turns to Keldin, "We live to serve the One King. Our orders are to protect the port...danger is everywhere these days."

A unit of ten by ten more soldiers comes along the promenade. The square is getting very crowded. Keldin notices a man in a black coat: there is something off about this man, it is as if sight itself slides off him. As the conversation with the refugees is now dominated by a couple of village elders, the girl turns her attention back to Koyo and manages to utter in Riverspeak, "I...White Lilac."

Spoiler

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Wits+War diff. 4 would reveal more on the food question for those involved in the conversation (that's pretty much everyone at that point as even those of you not involved overhear it. Perception+socialize roll, diff 7, to learn a certain additional bit about the officials/soldiers.

The registration requires your names and Exalt status of Chosen of the Sun or the Dragons. Anyone not interesed in complying for either let me know; for the rest I assume you do and are to be escorted to the palace.

Keldin and anyone else could try to spot the man in the black coat, his supernatural stealth can be defeated by MDDV (so declare excellencies, etc) or should that fail by spending four Willpower.

@obscurejones - not sure if Koyo can tell Leopard is a Lawgiver yet

Spoiler: for Shiori and anyone else rolling 2 successes on Int+Lore

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You have heard of the king of the One Kingdom That Used To Be A Hundred. Rumor has it he is a Chosen of the Dawn, and his well-known deeds include the uniting of the Scavenger Lands' petty kingdoms and a brief occupation of all major cities in the South years ago, accompanied with the destruction of no less than two of the Realm's legions.

[Rhyvurg]

"Then the Isle has fallen farther than I suspected." Seeing other arrivals speaking to the guards about the refugees, he moves to join their group. He raises his hand slightly to attract Leopard and Koyo's attention. "If I may intrude, we know something must be done to help these people, but the problem is on a larger scale than we ourselves can address just standing here. Perhaps it would be best if we move on to the Palace, where we might marshal the forces and resources needed. The idea of raiders on the Isle itself is alarming. In the meantime, " he takes the vagrant girl's hand and places a small handful of jade bits in her palm. "This is all I have, for now. Please, buy food for everyone you can."

[Obscurejones]

Koyo smiles at the young lady and gives a slight bow. Indicates himself, then his familiar.
"Koyo, and Fokuf."
He nods his thanks to Keldin Digging into his pockets Koyo searches for the few obols he had brought from Ayannor. As he digs he does his best to put together the proper phrasing in Low Realm. He's certainly heard a fair amount of it in the past few moments.
"I... This is all we can give for now, but if you give me a way to contact you, I will try to help more. I need to go meet now."

Spoiler: Let's see if he can say this without being rather rude.

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Wits+Linguistics+1 Sux from the Second Excellency (3d10)[5][6][1](12)

[Zarthrax]

Yamah Saventis gave Mavis a slap on the rear, motivating the donkey to get down the gangplank, also pulling his rickety cart with him. He idly scratched at his forearms, not bothering to move his sleeves out of the way first as he takes the reins and hops into the driver seat of it. It was hell finding a big enough boat to take his cart/home across the ocean to the Blessed Isle in the first place.

Vile extortionate pricing is what it is.

Ever since his Visitation, Yamah Saventis kept to himself, doing as little as possible to be noticed. Why would he not? The Wyld Hunt everywhere, the Immaculate Order decrying his new circumstances as Abomination, and the commoners ground down under the Exalted everywhere he went. Staying quiet and keeping his ears open was usually the best tack, as well as not using his new abilities as much as possible.

Damn arrogant nobles made it hard sometimes, but Yamah knew that his expertise wasn't in combat. Now, repairing a Warstrider is easy. Piloting it was something he wasn't quite ready for.


Yet.


He drove the cart over to the clerk in black.

In Low Realm, he spoke up. "Yamah Saventis. Tinker by trade, some odds and ends mostly used for repairs."

He pauses for a moment, unsure of how to continue, before a surge of confidence overtakes him.

"Copper Spider."

Spoiler: OOC-

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Perception + Awareness(5d10)[2][9][2][4][9](26)

[emeraldstreak]

Suddenly, a golden circle with beams radiating out of it flares on the clerk's forehead. "Welcome, Copper Spider", he says, "Welcome, Sun-brethren. Let us not lose more time, join us at the former Imperial Palace! Your escort awaits." The bright sign on the clerk's forehead fades.

White Lilac reacts, "May I come with you? My mother died a long time ago, and my father was kidnapped by the warband." Her eyes dart from Koyo to Leopard and back, it is obvious she is counting on the latter's help in translating her request.

[Zarthrax]

Yamah nods and motions the clerk to lead the way. He is uncomfortable as always when thrust into new situations, and this is no exception. He quickly brushes a strand of dirty brown hair out of his eyes and gives his reins a quick giddap to start Mavis on her way.

"Very ostentatious. And slightly disturbing."

[OracleofSilence]

"She wants to come along. Her family is either dead or gone, and with the city like this, that could mean very bad things once some of the less pleasant inhabitants catch on." Leopard is sympathetic to be sure, but worthy or not, it was hard to tell how much of this was opportunism, and how much genuine need.

[Obscurejones]

"Well I can promise her little I could always use an assistant familiar with the area."
Turning directly to Lilac and nods, doing his best to convey his approval. Fokuf can be heard muttering something to himself, but as its in monkey it would be difficult to surmise what.
"Thank you again for your help, Lawgiver. I'm afraid I did not catch your name. I am Koyo Alphaeus Offendson, Exalted of the Eclipse. My shard is known colloquially as the Golden Dragon."

[Rhyvurg]

"I am moving on to the palace, I hope to see you all there. Miss." He nods to the vagrant girl and leaves the dock area, heading into the city proper.

[emeraldstreak]

Led by Keldin and surrounded by the escort, the newly arrived now revealed as mighty Chosen of the Sun pass along the promenade and then turn left on a major boulevard leading deep into the great city. Just as they are about to enter the Market district, the escort's leader takes a sharp turn right on a lesser street, but not before everyone notices another group of soldiers, in gold, purple and black coats and cowls more fitting for the deserts of the far South. After spending some time in maze-like narrow streets, Keldin and his fellow travelers found themselves on yet another boulevard, and the Palace is much closer.

High above in the sky, a fiery winged dot descends to the Palace from the West. As if not to be outdone, another, far more alien, dot descends from the East. It's hard to describe it, but there's certain dread about it felt even at great distance. Patrons of a nearby inn curse and spit wine that has suddenly gone sour.

[OracleofSilence]

"Lilac, he agrees. Come on then." This was probably a mistake. On some level if nothing else.

"Leopard. Chosen as a Zenith. And as I said, it's no trouble, but I'm happy to help. Shall we go?" Leopard nods to the soldiers and follows the party along towards the palace, stopping only momentarily when he notices the lights. "So. Trouble already? Or just some ridiculous effort to wow newcomers?"

[Phasm]

Shiori frowns slightly as her trained eye picks up the slightly unfocused gaze and tiny muscle tremors she's all too familiar with. Bright morning. Oh, you poor fool. The pendant is interesting, though, made of platinum. A metal much more difficult to refine and work than gold or silver. She inclines her head slightly to the clerk and soldier. "Thank you. Sergeant, a quick word with you?"

She beckons him a small distance away, far enough from the clerk that a whisper won't be easily overheard. "That bright morning will make your duties more difficult. It is easy to confuse illusion with reality; you might miss an enemy, or mistake a civilian for an infiltrator." She holds up a hand to forestall any protests. "I know how hard the withdrawal is. I am a doctor, I have seen it many times. If you were a civilian, I would leave you to your choices, but more than just your own safety depends on a soldier having a clear head and keen eyes."

[Obscurejones]

"Zenith! Wonderful. I remember my father always had a great respect for your caste. Had glowing things to say about their ability to resolve disputes through words rather then weapons."
Koyo frowns just slightly as the troops suddenly veer and leans up to whisper a question to his familiar. The tamarin shakes its head and points after their escort. The message is clear. Stay with your group for now. Time for exploration and inquisition later.
"Is it just me or does the ownership of this particular city seem... Still open to question?"

[emeraldstreak]

That's an omen! an old woman mutters, "Your doom is here!"

Relax, old mother, one of the soldier softly says, "You are safe. There is no victory against the forces of the One King."


As the group continues along the avenue, the buildings of the city fall behind, replaced by a magnificent park. To the right, a beautifully ornate arena of white stone rises. Occasionally, thuds rattle the area.

[OracleofSilence]

"One King, huh? More an more..." Leopards voice trails off slightly uncomfortably. It was a string of small issues to be sure, but doubts where piling up. "I'm afraid, Koyo, that my time in Thorns left me little time to develop those particular talents." He smiles quickly, at Koyo quip. "If nothing else, a city with this many Solars in it always has it's leadership open to questions. But yes, I think you might be on to something here."

[emeraldstreak]

@Leopard

A soldier answers with a hint of pride, "If it were a danger, Sohoron would have intercepted it already"



@Shiori

The sergeant says "M'lady, don't miss your escort. My state is not a secret, the service to the One King requires many sacrifices. Reality might be a mist, but the mists of the immaterial are clear to me. It is a deal well-thought through."

[emeraldstreak]

And then...it is as if the North tries to answer the challenges of West and East, with a dot rising above the arena after a thud more powerful than the ones before, and then rapidly falling in your direction. It is only the power of the Sun that gives your eyes the reaction to see the falling white ball for what it is: a grand half-boar with white mane and glowing silver tattooes.

Spoiler

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A giant Lunar is about to crash into you and the escort. What do you do?

[Phasm]

Shiori raises an eyebrow, but nods. "If you say so. Come, Lily." They have to walk more quickly than is strictly dignified, but the two women catch up to the procession of Exalts. So many! I wonder if Elias or Rune are here yet?

Suddenly, a Lunar! "Watch out!" Shiori and Lily both rely on finely honed dodging skills rather than heavy armor or parrying expertise to survive. As such, both of them run. Just far enough for the white boar to (hopefully) miss them, though. Their medical expertise will probably be needed shortly.

[Obscurejones]

"...****"
Interestingly, despite being a native river tongue speaker, Koyo still curses in Old Realm.