4-2: The Difference A Year Makes [For A Better Age]

Narrante


Too many words with no power to them. Narrante listened calmly, but her own thoughts were running at the same time. She was uneasy about giving away too much of her attachment to Icehold, but perhaps it was time to shed that unease. If word of her work in the North had come to this place, the tumult farther West would come eventually, as well. "I will tell you what I will tell the League if they get their smallclothes in a bunch," she said flatly, but trailed off with a distant look to her eyes. They narrowed a moment later, regarding Agithin in a different light as Narrante straightened up. "Raiding?" she wondered, the train of conversation completely derailed. "I have only a single ship, and I'd be mad to try and harry your people with it," she informed quite honestly. "What have you heard of this trouble in the League?"
 
Keikan


After the purge was completed, Keikan spent a few days with Maiden wondering as to what he was to do now. It appeared that everyone had things well in hand, so Keikan said his goodbyes to Maiden and the others for now, stating he would head off to Gethamane to check up on it, and spend some time doing some soul searching. Hopefully everything was OK there, and he could find some guidance from his patron.


This was about a week or so ago. Keikan really didn't bother keeping track. The trip was uneventful, and very quick under charm-assisted running. Gethamane awaits.
 
Chain


"Please do not bow, Champions are meant to serve. Your kind fascinate me, and would do anything to help. I will sway the Awakened to your cause, and then I will be at your service for this olchilili- olchilike excursion, although I do not understand to completeness."
 
Asyk


With a wry smile, he looks over at Chain. "You are the first Exalt of any kind that I have ever encountered that has called himself a servant, and perhaps even more amazing is the fact that I belive you. Perhaps if the Solars in ages past had a taste of your humility, they might not have been turned on by all. Perhaps by having someone with your sense of selflessness around will keep the other Exalts from getting their heads too swelled up. We can only hope."
 
Alfrun


“Oh I’m used to the whole favor trading things by this point,†says Maiden as she watches the ground pass by. “At least you don’t seem to be trying to screw me over in the deal. Happens with some of the pettier spirits. Also the occasional human who is too clever by half.â€


When Alfrun inquiries about the Lunars, Maiden looks back up at her, and nods and smiles brightly. “Yep, the Lunars definitely exist. I’ve worked with them on a number of occasions. Handy allies to have to say the least. I do know where a number of them are. At least the ones that are relatively sedentary. You have some that never stick to one place, and area always wondering around from place to place. I have a number of ways to contact them. Either through sorcery or other ways.â€


“In fact, the local Lunar Elder, the closest thing the Lunars have to a leader, is my aunt…or cousin. Familial relationships get complex when you grandfather is also technically you uncle. Her name is Admiral Relentless Tide,†Maiden says excitedly. “Her home is located in some ruins on the bed of the White Sea north and east of here. She was born during the Shogunate. As a god-blooded of Voharun she was able to rise up the ranks of some Warlord of other’s navy on the White Sea. Even coming to captain her own ship. She Exalted while fighting a behemoth, and managed to defeat it. The Dragon-Blooded in their usual thankful way, tried to kill her for being an Anathema. But she managed to battle her way out of the White Sea, and then up north to meet up with the Silver Pact. The Silver Pact being a loose organization that most Lunars are members of. No small feat back then mind you. The Terrestrials were a lot more numerous back then and much better organized. Most Lunars were just killed outright during the Shogunate unless they were born among the tribes along the edge of Creation.â€


Maiden shifts herself so that she is facing the north, and seems to be thinking to herself as she continues to speak. “Tide came back south, and established herself in the White Sea after the Contagion. As you can imagine, the Dragon-Blooded’s presence and power just weren’t as strong after that disaster. These days she mainly concerns herself with trying dealing with threats from the undead and Fair Folk, and also Stewarding people’s located all along the White Sea coast and beyond.â€


“I like to visit her from time to time. Being around a bunch of male war gods acting as though they are trying to compensate for something can grow irritating sometimes, and it can be good to hang out with another woman on your own level sometimes,†grumbles Maiden. “I expect at least one of them to show up soon to meet Volund Bearskin considering he Exalted as a Lunar just a bit ago. I would have thought they would have showed up sooner, but all the essence being throwing lately might be throwing off their astrology. I might want to throw a message their way to push them along.†She turns to smile at Alfrun. “I take it you are interested in meeting some of them?â€


Bjarn


Horizon folds his arms across his chest and frowns at Bjarn exaggeratively. “Yes, you are a big old spoiler Bjarn. I hope you are proud of yourself.â€


Maiden rubs the sides of her head as though in pain. “Ugh, and we didn’t even get the Skandir back after all of this. And from the sounds of it these deathknights are even worse than Auvir.†The goddess looks down at the prostrate Auvir and sighs. “Get up Auvir. The groveling depresses me.â€


“I certainly hope there is a payoff for all of this,†remarks Horizon as he looks over a gash he received from Auvir. “Though what are we supposed to do with him now,†asks Horizon as he watches Auvir stand up painfully.


Asyk & Chain


The Dragon King ghosts look at Chain solemnly as he flairs his anima for them. “That is all the proof we need at the moment to prove that you have the backing and support of the Exalted,†says the eldest Dragon King of the group. “You seem to be an unusual case among the Exalted. But Exalted are unusual in general.â€


He turns back to face Asyk. “We will aid you in whatever ways we can. We have a number of artifacts dating back from before the Contagion that we have managed to preserve, and others we have made since, in addition to the designs we have maintained since. It might also be best if we inoculate you against the Contagion. There are still occasional flair ups of that disease, but most beings in these days have gained some sort of resistance to it. But you have not in any way been exposed to it. We have heard about others among the Awakened that have fallen because they were infected by some offshoot of that disease. We can also show the village on the island that we have that marks the closest thing to civilization we have been able to collect on this forsaken place. After that we can discuss the particulars of the binding ritual, and what is required.â€


Narrante


Agithin stares at Narrante without emotion as Narrante speaks. After Narrante is done she leans back, and taps a finger on the table. “My contacts have been telling me that there has been quite a bit of trouble in the League. Mysterious airships attacking our airships. Usually leaving no survivors. Whole Emeralds attacked, slaughtered, and everything looted including the soil. Additionally the Tear Eaters out east have been becoming a greater problem. Launching more raids then they have in the past. Then there are the growing tensions between Shanariara and the League, and rumors of a possible alliance between them and Gradafes.†The old woman sighs. “It looks like we are going to be living in a time of war.â€


Keikan


Keikan is able to get to Gethamane without issue. He is able to get into the mountain city, though with greater trouble then he had been able to in the past. While still pale by the standards of most people. The days he had spent under the sun had darkened his skin enough to now mark him as an outsider. And thus an object of Gethamane’s traditional suspicions. Within the underground city Keikan doesn’t see anything on the surface to note anything is wrong. But there is something in the air among the people milling about their business in the underground city. A tension. The type of tension that builds up before a storm hits.


While exploring the markets of Gethamane Keikan manages to find his old mentor, Master Arando. Master Arando greets Keikan warmly, hugging him, and smiling. “Keikan, it is good to see you. Where have you been? One day you were here, and the next you were gone without a word. I was worried some the beasts under the city had snatched you up.â€


When inquired about the state of Gethamane, Arando sighs, and sags his shoulders. “Oh well enough. Been a bit rough for business considering there have been an increased number of raids on Guild caravans as of late. Just been more trouble in general. But that just seems to be par the course in the days since the Empress went missing. Though now it seems to be spreading even here. Things seem to be a lot of anxiety running in Gethamane as of late. You keep an eye for that type of thing considering you can never know when the officials will just go ahead and kick all the foreigners out of the city and then close the gates because they don’t like the look of something. Gets ugly if they do it in the middle of the winter.â€


“From what I am hearing from the authorities, it seem the people here are all wound up for some reason. Been having trouble sleeping, paranoia, increased numbers of assaults, suicides, and murders. Even had a perfectly normal business associate of mine up and kill his whole family and then himself before doing himself in before drawing gibberish all over his residence’s walls. In his kins blood mind you. Heard it is even worse among the more unstable of society. I’ve head that some of the nastier district of the city have been becoming even less so. Some say there has been some cult growing under the mountain. Hasn’t been helped by the fact that there is some sort of split among the priests of the Unknown Gods, and they refuse to speak about what it is even though a few of them have been found dead or just disappeared. On top of all that, though the guards aren’t really talking about it, it seems the shadow beasts have been getting active as of late. They haven’t really been spreading that ews around given that could set everyone in a panic as things stand. And all that isn’t even getting into all the trouble outside the Gethamane that I have been hearing about.â€
 
Alfrun


"I'll take that as a compliment." Alfrun answers in regards to the mention of clever humans, and then listens quietly to the explanation of Lunars. She had not interacted properly with Volund, given how busy they both had been; she had no way of knownig what he was. It was good to know she would have at least one Lunar to study that was apparently on their side...


"Yes, I would like to meet them." Alfrun agrees. "But not just yet. First, I think it's best I find out what I can from you and Volund, and anyone or anything else that might have something worth saying. I don't want to be at a disadvantage when I see them."
 
Asyk


After so many false starts, he is feeling very hopeful and excited to see what kinds of numbers of partailly awakened youngsters he has to work with, and what interesting tech that can be salavaged from here to help the people of Icehold. And finally, he has heard many great ledgends of what the Joined Ones were capable of... what will he be once the ceremony is complete? Asyk just hopes that he is truely worthy of such an honor, and if so, that he finds the most compatable spirit to bind with. "We will need to get a message back to the others that things are going well here. Elder, if I could borrow this youngster for a minute? Take this arrow-token back to the spot where you found me and present it to the others. Tell them that Chain and I are safe, and we will be joining them shortly with good news and new friends." Turning to the Elders, "I am ready to become olchilike and take the next step in helping my people. What must I do?"
 
Bjarn frowns and considers the matter. "Auvir, you hold authority with this new tribe? Then you can be our messenger to them. Just remember your place. I do not mean to impugn your honour, but remember Keyal Oathbreaker's folly- it is all too easy to feel that, when one has underlings, one need not have overlings."
 
Alfrun


“I doubt Volund will be able to tell you much,†says Maiden dismissively as she watches the ground go past. “Given he hasn’t been trained by his fellow Lunars yet. Though I can tell you quite a bit of what you might want to know. For instance…†Over the hours it takes to get back to Icehold, Alfrun discovers that Maiden is more than capable of talking, and talking, and talking…


Asyk & Chain


“Of course, if that is what you feel you need to do,†says the Diseased One. “As for the binding ritual…


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


Before the gathered Fifth Arm, Asyk finishes the ritual as instructed to him by the long dead Dragon Kings. As one, the gathered army does the required rituals and prayers. Then at the creshendo of the ritual, the air before Asyk shimmers, and a right foot tall claw strider with a crest of feathers along her forearms, back, and tail. She looks down at Asyk, and growls softly. “For what purpose have you summoned Leeayta, the Lizard Queen, young Dragon King? You have done much to attract my attention, so I suggest you do not waste it.â€


Bjarn


Auvir nods at Bjarn’s words. “I do have significant influence with the tribe. I was hoping to lead them peacefully into Valhal lands, and to you when I heard you had shown up in Icehold.â€


“Ugh-huh,†says Horizon unconvinced. “I’m sure you gathered a militant group of Icewalkers and marched them into Valhal lands only good intentions.â€


Auvir frowns at Horizon. “Unfortunately many of the chieftains did not wish to follow my advice of peaceful contact, but instead wanted to take advantage of the conflict between the Valhal and Varajtul and invade. Why I came out here to try and defuse the situation when you two attacked me without even trying to find out what I was doing.â€


“To be fair, we did warn you what would happen to you should you ever return to Valhal lands,†says Maiden with annoyance.


Auvir ignores Maiden to turns his attention to Bjarn. “What do you ish for me to tell the chieftains of the confederacy?â€
 
Narrante


Narrante listened closely, her expression serious as she heard of the news. She had been too busy with raiding farther South and moving back and forth from Icehold to catch wind of any of this. Both unease and excitement wanted to overtake her; her operation was in danger thanks to her less scrupulous competition, but the thought of a challenge against another plunderer stoked the fires that had been growing within her in the last few months. She decided not to let her eagerness show when Agithin surmised the news, but she leaned back casually in her chair once more. "I suppose I should be grateful; the opportunity to prove my good intentions towards the League has arrived. I will deal with these raiders," she announced simply. "Any information you have would be greatly appreciated; otherwise I will head off soon to find what news I can." Narrante put a hand on her hat, but didn't don it or get up yet. The Tear Eaters and the League's allegiances might occupy her in time, but her first order of business was to put down any rivals.
 
Bjarn


The frown slowly grows into Bjarn's deadly, feral smile. "You know our people, Auvir. You know how we think when our blood's up- you know how I am thinking now."


Cracking his knuckles to loosen his hands, he says, "Tell them they have a new enemy. Tell them they will retake what is theirs, rather than going begging at someone else's table."


"Tell them they go to war with the dawn."
 
Asyk


Composing himself for what may be one of the most important conversations of his life, the Dragon King bows deep in supplication to his goddess, and in his most formal High Holy Speech, "I greet you, noble goddess. I am Asyk Vaysel, a Sleeper that has reciently taken up the task of restoring our people. In the city of Icehold I have made many allies of the Exalted, and I have been accepted into the ranks of the city's defenders and have shed blood along side the residents of the city." Anxious to prove his worth but feeling like a wet-from-the-egg hatchling, he stumbles on. "Over the past months I have prepared a new home along side the people of Icehold, and I have come here to start bringing our people there to begin the process of Awakening. In order to give me the best chance of success, these elders have suggested that I take the next step and become ochlilike. I present myself to you in hopes of being found worthy of such an honor, so I can better lead our people back from the brink of extinction." He bows his head down low. "I do not ask for this for myself, but for the good of others. There are many great trials still in store for our kind here in the North, and having your blessing upon me as I strive to lead our people onwards would be of great benefit."
 
Narrante


Agithin considers Narrante for a moment before leaning forward in her chair to reply. “Very well, if you wish to prove yourself. Here is everything I know about the raiders attacks…â€


OOC
If you would please give me a Sail + Intelligence roll plus any other rolls or charms you might want to use. [OOC] [B]Bjarn[/B] Auvir nods slowly. “Very well. I will tell them what you have told me, and try to convince them what they should do.†The Skandir god chuckles before grunting in point, and holds onto his shoulder. “I certainly hope you are up to task to deal with Harbinger. Otherwise things are going to get very ugly.†[B]Asyk[/B] Looking down at Asyk, Leeayta huffs and growls softly. “And why should I throw my effort behind what you are doing here? What is it you are doing here that warrents my attention? I have others that request and require my attention, and you ask much of me if you want to become [I]ochlilike[/I].â€
 
Bjarn


Sobering a little, Bjarn looks him in the eyes, and says, "As do I- but I've yet to meet a foe that can match me in battle."
 
Asyk


"In the years since the Contagion, how many have come forward with the ability to bring our race back from the brink? In fact, what have you done in the centuries now past? Sit in your temple in Rathess and wish for the good ol' days?" He shakes his head. "I am far from the perfect choice, but I wager that you've not been contacted by any other possible candidate in centuries. I have already set up a new home for our people in the north, but it is not free from danger. There are roving bands of Varatjul that have been massing for attacks upon Icehold, not to mention the growing threat of the Underworld in the Skandir lands. We face threats daily; having your martial skill added to mine would give the people a clear leader to guide them."
 
Narrante


I'm not sure if her airship specialty should factor in on this, but I'm guessing not. Got a good roll anyway.


10 9 2 1 8 1 10 6 = 6 successes
 
Keikan was glad that Gethamane let him in at all, even if he was marked as an outsider now. After finding Master Arando, he listened to him speak with a mixture of sadness and hope. At least the city wasn't dead. The mention of this cult and crime rates rising dramatically troubled him, enough that he soon considered he had to act.


Expending some of his essence as he mingled amongst the various social groups of Gethamane, Keikan subtly introduces into the general culture the idea that sunlight was something to be worshipped and shipped inside the city somehow. Sunlight was to be cherished, people were supposed to go outside and mingle in it, and reflect it inside the city to illuminate their homes and city. And above all, the doors were not to be closed. Contact with the outside world was something to embrace, and not to be afraid of.


Over the next few months, Keikan would then leave Gethamane, content that this should hopefully help the city fend off the horrors in the dark. He would then wander the North, seeking enlightenment and guidance from the sun for the remainder of the year, checking in a few times with Bjarn and Maiden as they were out on the campaign trail.


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


Keikan is expending 10EXP to learn Taboo Inflicting Diatribe, and proceeding to use it repeatedly on various groups in Gethamane to promote sun-worshipping and cultural embracing. Given that Vodak and his minions cannot stand sunlight, creating a fad to import sunlight into the city via mirrors would go a surprisingly long way to keeping it at bay.


He'll be doing that for as long as he'd be allowed to stay in Gethamane, then he'd be going off to meditate for enlightenment to Essence 5 and generally wandering around searching for enlightenment for the rest of the year.
 
Asyk


“Watch your tone,†loudly growls Leeayta as she raises her claws near Asyk’s throat. “Remember who you are speaking to.†There is a long period of stress before the goddess slowly lowers her talons. “But you do bring up good points. Perhaps it is time I…branch out my efforts.†She stands up to her full height and points down at Asyk. “Swear to me that you will do everything in your power to expand the Dragon Kings. To bring them back to their former glory and beyond. Swear this and I will do as you ask. But be warned it is a promise I expect you to keep.â€


Narrante


Narrante manages to hunt down a number of the raiders attacking the League. From what she is able to gather from the airships she destroys and captures, and the prisoners she is able to capture. Many seem to be affiliated with the deathknights to the east and west of the League. A handful of others also seem to be professed Yozis cultists. After tracking them back to their bases within the League, Narrante is able to destroy them at their source and destroy their support infrastructure. The threat seems to be at least temporarily relieved, though Narrante suspects there might be more of the pirates in the sky operating from bases outside the League.


Keikan


By moving among the people within the city, Keikan is able to ingrain the ideas he wants into the populace. Though there is some resistence to his ideas. He is going against many long standing and culturally significant ideas within the city under the mountain. Plus there is a…presence now in the city that seems to work against what Keikan wants.


Still, the grumblings to close the city gates seems to lesson, and the chances of a panicky reaction to the events of the North cut down considerably. Also new, strange ideas about the sun start to surface among the people used to living without the sun.
 
Asyk


Still bowed down on his knees, Asyk feels his heart begin to swell with hope. "I have already made an oath to the High Lord that sent me down into the catacombs that I would do all that I could for our people, but I will make the same to you. I will restore our people, and I will stand between them and any threat to our kind. I will do all that can be done, and my friends and allies of the Exalted will aid us. The twilight of our people has come and now it is time for a new dawn. I will let nothing stop our work."
 
Narrante


The small-scale campaign saw Narrante getting more and more used to how air boat combat worked. Her own artifact ship easily outclassed any one vessel of the pirates in battle, though she learned that the smaller vessels she captured and produced were faster. She had dubbed the flagship of her tiny, but growing fleet The Nimbus, and with it she took great pleasure in scouring her competing raiders from the North as far as she could reasonably manage. The year was drawing to a close by the time she had gotten her campaign as close to completion as possible, and the end of winter saw her final return to Agithin's abode. She expected news of events had preceded her, carried on the lips of the now comparatively safe air boat crews ferrying supplies in their never-ending circuit around the League.
 
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