Episode 1: The Second Breath [The Lawgivers]

"And all those arguments you mentioned are precisely the reason for which i brought this matter before you and why i seek your own insight and wisdom, your own gut instinct on the matter. Because it transcends me and i do not wish to become one of the so-called demon anathema of the past.


I want to thank you for stating your opinion clearly and i am sure that all of us together can formulate a plan to get the most out of this situation for Creation's benefit".
 
Blossom thinks a bit, scratching the right corner of her lip.


"Hmmm...


You did mention that the one that came before you had strong ties to this place... I didn't mean to imply that we should not check out this site anyway.


It is important that we discover as much as possible about our past."
 
Amethyst finally emerges from her quarters. While she certainly appears cleaner, she, unlike the others, looks no more relaxed, nor less tired. In fact, her eyes look red and distant. Still, she's at least dressed in something nicer than her previous dirty traveling clothes.


She sits down at the table with the others, saying nothing, and only staring downwards.
 
Mahir


The titular leader of the Circle listens carefully as Takeno and Cyl speak. On the one hand, he doesn't like what he has heard of Paragon and the Perfect's powers over its inhabitants, presumably the result of the Scepter. On the other hand, such power was never meant for mortals to wield. With the memories of his previous incarnation, perhaps Takeno could use the artifact- artifacts, if they find the Orb- in a way that would give the city's inhabitants more freedom than they currently enjoy. And then there is the vision that Mahir himself received...


"Thank you for telling us this, Takeno." Mahir takes a deep breath, his dark eyes haunted. "My vision... was terrible, in the oldest sense of the word; something to inspire terror. The man that I once was proclaimed himself a god. He told a great gathering of people that they did not need the Unconquered Sun- and they believed him! They bowed down before him!"


He shivers, unconsciously wrapping his arms around himself."The greatest sin among the Solars of old was that of the Zenith Caste, my caste, for it was- is- our duty to act as a conduit between the Unconquered Sun and the rest of Creation, to guide our fellows back into the light when they begin to falter. And yet the Zeniths proclaimed themselves greater than He who Exalted us!"


Mahir clenches a fist. "I will not allow myself to become what my predecessor was! I would rather die than commit the hubris that turned the Sun's face away from Creation. I will strive to guide you in the way of the Light, my comrades... and I depend upon you to do the same for me." A pricking pain in his hand makes the Delzhan look down. He has clenched his fist so tightly that he has driven his nails into the palm of his hand; if he didn't keep them so short, he would probably have drawn blood. Feeling a bit foolish, he opens his hand and reaches for his water glass as Amethyst walks in.


"Ah, Shimmering Amethyst!" Mahir smiles at the purple-haired woman, filling another glass with water and pushing it toward her. It seems that whatever vision the Unconquered Sun granted her was even more disturbing than Mahir's own. Then again, the young shaman-priest is used to having visions; perhaps the experience was harder on his circlemates. "Here, have something to eat and drink." He fills a plate with a couple of the truly excellent figs, a round of flatbread, goat cheese, and grilled lamb and places the food before her. Perhaps the aroma of the fresh bread and spiced meat will entice her to eat. A good meal always makes one feel better.


"We were just debating the Perfect's offer." Quickly, he gives Amethyst the highlights of the discussion. "So, the three of us are tentatively agreed to go to Dari of the Mists. What say you?"
 
Amethyst doesn't touch any of the food or drink in front of her.


"Yes, we should go there, she responds in an even voice, without raising her eyes to look at the others. "That Orb's fate cannot be left out of our hands."
 
"Then i should probably start working on our deal with the Perfect?"


Takeno gets his satchel and pulls out his inks and papers. He was good in writing contracts and treaties in the past, but all these are nothing compared to the effortless dominance that the Sun's grace currently allows him to exert in that field. He listens to his companion's advice while writing the agreement between them and the Perfect changing and adding parts and clauses to the masterfully written text of the treaty.


OOC:


Takeno uses his charm "Whirling Brush Method" (spending 4m from his personal pool) allowing him to finish writing this "treaty" in a very short amount of time.
 
Amethyst provides "advice" for the treaty by slamming her hand down on the paper.


"No. No treaties, no agreements, no promises," she manages to say without stuttering, though she still hasn't looked up. "We're acting as we think best for Creation, and if the Perfect doesn't think that's enough, then it's because he's chosen to stand against the Incarnae, Creation, and all that is good. Perhaps there will be a day when we must entreaty our enemies, but it shall not be our first act as the Sun-Chosen. We have betrayed the people of Creation too many times in the past. Let us stand for a better future."


She stands up. "I have said all I can. Whatever choice you make, I will follow you all. I do not have the time to argue this. There is far too much work to be done."
 
Blossom seems to like what she hears.


Amethyst's right, we shall not let anyone dictate our conduct.


We will go to Dari of the Mists, because there is a possibility for our circle to learn something about our past.


But we will not be dogs fetching anything for anyone.
 
Takeno is startled as Amethyst's fist descends on the paper he's writing, barely restraining himself from reacting in a reflexively defensive way.


"As you like it. I merely wished for us to have a means to bind the Perfect, to hold him true to his promises of not disclosing information of our presence to the Wyld Hunt and to provide us with useful contacts around Creation, so we can at least establish a base of operations. But if you do not wish for any formal agreement i won't insist. Blame it on my previous diplomatic education, for wanting to do things that way. I'm fine by whatever you decide and i'd agree with Amethyst that there's much to be done".
 
Blossom frowns again, apparently Takeno has made plans that makes her quite uncomfortable.


I don't think we will be using this city or its surroundings as a "base of operations". We're just going to go to the site, learn whatever we can, deal with this orb situation, and we will decide where to go and what to do from there.


Most likely joining with Mahir's sept will be our next step.


I plan on telling the Perfect that we will go to this site, but that we won't work for him.


We have been chosen, and we will not let anyone dictate us our actions. Our mandate is to serve Creation and we must do so with our heart and conscience. We are free, and we shall lead others to freedom.


The Perfect can choose not to help us, or even to threaten us, but in the end he needs us more than we need him, and bullying His chosen sure won't help his chances at getting the attention of the Sun God.


This is our first action, our first decision as chosen and as a circle, we must show resolve and heart.
 
"Oh come on...I never said anything about establishing our base of operations here. I may be a diplomat with Scarlet Dynasty heritage but i am not that crazy. I meant that by securing the contacts and resources he promised us, we could then attempt to establish a base of operations somewhere in Creation, like in the East as you proposed earlier Blossom, or wherever else you find it prudent to do so. Please do not mistake my intentions of stability for intentions of restrain. I merely thought it could be better to have a place to gather together away from prying eyes and imminent danger so that we can begin to formulate our plan to bring Creation back from the regretable state it currently is and unto a new era of justice and glory".





And once more, Takeno realized that there simply was no chance to fully understand a lady, or what she had in her mind. Few minutes ago they were talking about binding the Perfect with an Eclipse oath, of all things, and now they frown upon a written treaty.


Without even mentioning that they should stay here, he is almost verbally accused of suggesting that very thing. Where diplomacy is advised Blossom instead speaks brazenly while on a foreign ruler's very palace. Sol Invictus, that is why we never let the military commanders do the talking back in the Realm...
 
Blossom laughs at the fact that she managed to get Takeno slightly upset.


You're right I was just making sure, you talk a lot, and rather fast.


The fact is, we don't want to end his rule as much as he doesn't want to end our lives.


So we can simply walk away in peace.


We don't need his resources or contacts, in time we will gather our own through our actions and the wise use of our powers.


Working with the Perfect is most likely a shortcut to getting there, but the price Creation would pay is too great.


This world has had its share of supernatural tyrants, and he already has enough power as it is now.


We will go to Dari of the Mist, but we most likely won't be bringing him back the Orb, that fact must be clear for him.
 
"There is wisdom in what you say Blossom and i apologise if my phrasing caused you to draw the wrong conclusion regarding my motives. After all if we manage to leave this place, supposedly under the mantle of carrying out a mision for the Perfect and perhaps reunite with Mahir's tribe, we could probably escape his notice and be on our way to fulfill our heavenly mandated tasks".
 
Mahir


Mahir represses the urge to sigh and rub his temples. Does no one else realize that there might well be spies listening to them? If he was the Perfect, he would certainly be listening in on a group of newly Chosen. This is one reason why Mahir prefers the open air; you can't always see who's within earshot in a building.


On the other hand, he isn't used to negotiating from a position of strength. Shamans almost always have to placate spirits and gods, being mortals who may or may not have enough skill in thaumaturgy to carry out a threat. Mahir certainly didn't know enough magic to do so. The shaman's way of dealing with powerful beings is in deals and promises, oaths that bind both sides equally- or to the spirit's advantage, if there is no other way to get what is needed for the sept.


"You have a point, Red Blossom. We are the Sun-Chosen, but when pressed I fear that I fell back into old ways of thinking." He smiles ruefully. "I am not accustomed to thinking of myself as a powerful being. Usually a shaman must negotiate with such oaths and promises as I spoke of earlier, for we do not stand on equal footing with the spirits and gods we deal with, and many of them have no honor to speak of."


Raising one finger in a gesture of caution, he continues. "But I suggest that we do not tell the Perfect of our intentions regarding the Orb. Rather, I think that we should tell him that we will go to Dari of the Mists and search, but nothing beyond that. Is this an acceptable compromise?"


Mahir glances at Takeno. "And I think it would be most wise to let Takeno do the talking."
 
Blossom nods, she does not need to speak anymore, her point has been understood.


She relaxes back on her seat and takes another glass of this crystal clear water.
 
Takeno nods approvingly as well.


"There is strength to be found in unity and we must all stand together if we are to succeed to our heavenly ordained destinies. For the glory of the Sun and the prosperity of all Creation".
 
Mahir


"Very well, then." Mahir takes one final bite of lamb. "Once we are all finished eating, let us go find Amaterasu." He picks up his veil from where it lies folded on the table and ties it back where it belongs. "If she agrees with this plan, then we may go and inform the Perfect of our decision."
 
14th Ascending Wood, Outside Palace-Manse


After much debate the circle finally agreed that the best course of action would be to at least investigate the ruins and figure out why Takeno had such a strong relationship with his past life. They all finished getting cleaned up and dressed appropriately. There were some basic traveling robes laid out for them that were clean and finely crafted. Though whatever the group chose to wore, they left their respective rooms and approached the Perfect, meeting in the same location and setting. After much conversation on the importance of the Orb, the group accepted the request to investigate the ruins. The Perfect mentions that he had been searching for it for a millenia, that he had indeed even sent Scarlet Whisper and she had found nothing. This, Scarlet scorned at it seemed, her attitude noticeably changed after its mention. In short time they were escorted out of the Palace-Manse in hopes that they would find the Orb.


Though Takeno was not entirely sure what was happening at the time, he knew the visions were his. The rage he felt was unmeasurable, though he keeps his cool under the pressures of getting his friends in trouble. The group is escorted out and they stood atop the palace-manse looking down at the city. From here it almost seemed like the way the colors turned into vibrancy as it approached them, gave the city a look as though the manse was sucking the life out of the lower commoner section. Off to the right the group could easily see a spattering of rocks far beyond the city but still in plain site. It seemed that a fog or mist was dripping off of the ledge of the incline from where they were peering.


As the group approached to leave the gates they heard a man whaling for help. At the floor of the palace-manse a noble stood there, looking rather smug and folding his arms. Below him a slave was grasping onto his robe for dear life begging and pleading to be forgiven "OH GOD!! I'M SORRY! PLEASE LET THE PAIN END!! FORGIVE ME!!" the man pleaded with tears dripping from his chin. The noble looked down, happy with what he saw "I... I don't feel your sincerity" he said with an evil grin.


Mahir Compassion Roll: 1 success


Amethyst Compassion Roll: 1 success
 
Mahir


What in Malfeas?! Whatever this poor man has done, it can't possibly be worth this torture. And the noble has the power to end it, but chooses not to? That is about to change. The petite Delzhan strides toward the gaudily dressed man. Before he can react, Mahir grabs his collar and yanks him down to look him in the eye.


"That slave is being quite sincere. And if you are not sincere in your forgiveness... I will not forgive you for your cruelty." Dark eyes narrow above the Solar's veil. "Do not anger me. You will not enjoy the results, I promise you that." He pauses, tightening his grip on the nobleman's clothing. "So. What will it be?"

Time for Social charms!


Manipulation 4 + Presence 4 + Irresistible Salesman Spirit (successes x2)


Spending 3 motes of Personal Essence for the charm.
 
Blossom steps right behind Mahir, smiling at the thought that her words from last night have provoked a change in her.


They will not rest in the face of tyranny !


She nods to Mahir and place a simple.


I'm with you.
 
This is not happening...it just isn't happening...It seems as if the gods themselves mock us. We try to pass unnoticed, escape quickly from the Perfect's domain and they now get involved in a conflict between a slave and a noble. And not in some odd place of the city but outside the Perfect's Palace.


Takeno regains his composure quickly, pushing away all these thoughts that better fitted his old self as a young diplomat of the Realm and mentally slaps himself, deciding that if they cannot help even a single soul suffering under the oppression of another man, then what hope do they have to make Creation a better place for everyone. Of course, being quite calmer and apparently far more temperate from his companions, he intervenes in a diplomatic way, attempting to dissolve the situation as quickly and harmlessly as possible.


"Noble sir. I am sure your nobility is only matched by your kindness and even though i understand that this man may have disobeyed or harmed you in some way, it is more than evident to us as third-party - and therefore impartial - observers that he expresses his repentance most vividly. Show your merciful generosity and allow his suffering to cease. Your point is taken and your authority over him has been fully re-established. Besides if you demonstrate mercy now, all of your servants will develop greater bonds of respect and loyalty to you, minimizing the chances of such an incident happening again, consequently".


At the same time, he gives a look to Blossom and Mahir, indicating that he's supporting them completely, in case his silver-tongue argument fails to convince the noble.
 
14th Ascending Wood, Paragon


The man gives a barely audible scoff at the group of would-be heroes "Pfft, you are but commoners in a sea of dull color. My kindness is not equal to my nobility, it is my strictness that keeps these slaves in check!" the man spouts out with a different redirect then Takeno had mentioned. With that the man kicks the slave down to get him off of his flowing red robes "This commoner will suffer for the bread he had stolen from the local deli, and I will see to it as such" With that noted, the man turns to his clipboard and starts to write on what looks to be a legal form nonchalantly.
 
Blossom cannot believe what the man is saying.


If he stole something, it was most likely because he was hungry, judging by his physical conditions. Even if you consider him a slave, he's still a person and so you cannot expect him to not act for his own sake, and it is the fault of the master if the servant starves.


So I'd be you, I'd stop writing this form, and be more concerned about my own situation, because we simply will not let this man be punished for trying to survive !
 
"Noble sir. Wait. How much did that stolen bread cost to you? I can pay for that in his stead. And something else. How much is this man worth to you? What is his value?"


Takeno feels the situation escalating rapidly and fears that he won't be able to diffuse it. He could not appeal to the nobleman's ego therefore he's now trying to appeal to his greed and his love for material wealth. At least, if he agrees, Takeno plans to buy the slave for himself, then set him on his way as a free man.
 
14th Ascending Wood, Paragon


A crowd starts to form as the conversation rages on. Nobles and commoners alike gather side by side to see what all the commotion is about. Roughly twenty people show by the time Takeno offers a handsome sum for the crying commoner, whom did in fact look malnourished as Blossom had pointed out. The man's eyebrow arks in response to the wealth that Takeno is offering for the man, but it quickly turns back into a sneer. "This man needs to be punished, I will set an example for him for the rest of the people in Paragon!" he shouts in anger at Takeno, hitting the money out of his hands. The coins fall on the ground and some roll across the ground, a few of them hit a couple of feet, some being commoners. Yet, no commoner or noble picks up this free wealth that had just hit them in the foot, so entrapped are they in the ensuing argument.


The man begging for his life shouts out in pain, his cry is the only sound in the air, as if Yu-Shan itself stood still to see what the Solars would do as their first acts of being ordained by the Unconquered Sun. A few more people started to gather, there was now at least twenty-five standing in awe. Perhaps not that there were five people whom looked like commoners berating a noble, but because perhaps deep inside themselves they knew they too were guilty of leading a life of greed and evil.
 
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