Exalted Essence: The Young Exalts and the Sea IC

[Rykon]

"As far as major officials? Not entirely sure. There are definitely civilians and some palace staff still alive. Soon as the first bombardment landed, I called for the palace guard to lead the evacuation and chose to draw the beast's attention away from the folks trying to evacuate and regroup. Rather satisfied with the hiding it caught too before it fled if I do say so myself." The shikari brushed the dust and grime of battle off his garb as best he could as he began to walk toward the palace. "That said, we'll need to be better prepared for when it decides to get payback for that hit. I don't suppose you're hiding too many secret weapons in that fort you've been stationed to?"

 

[jaydude]

"We've got a pair of Implosion Bows there," Lirone answers. "They each took a pretty bad knock when that thing let off its initial salvo, otherwise we'd have used them. We should be able to get them fixed up soon enough though. Besides them, I'm not sure. The garrison commander might know of something else."

He then looks back over at Garret, who by now will have had more than enough time to finish off the remaining Aigaionites. "Will you be bringing all of your company to Castle Vasong?" he asks.

Spoiler: Stats

Garret: 5 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 3 Committed Motes
Most Assurant: 3 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 1 Committed Motes
Tuyak: 2 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Sojiro: 9 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 2 Committed Motes
Ijara: 1 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes, 4 Will

 

[Rykon]

"That depends on them. They don't seem to be our biggest fans as a nation, and given your reaction I think you'll agree we should tread very carefully." Sojiro sighs. "In spite of that whole posturing shitstorm, I'm still more worried about the actual battle plan to be put forward once this thing shows up again. We need a means of approach and locking it down from escaping... and possibly from reviving since according to a staff member, this isn't the first time this beast has reared its feathered carcass 'round these parts."

 

[Sherwood]

Most Assurant gives a nod of satisfaction as she watches the smaller monsters wither away and die from the fiery blast from the newcomers. Once she confirms that there are no more Aigaionotes that need to be eliminated, she allows her arm cannon to reconfigure itself back to a hand and she lightly jumps down from her position of cover before resuming her disguise. With all of these Dragon Blooded and troops here, there is no need to advertise her own foreign nature to them any more than she already has.

She walks over to where she can see the various other Exalted gathered and perks her ears up to listen to what they are planning.

 

[Random Word]

"Fuck!" she bites off the word. Her mouth tastes like ash. She notices her hands start to shake and shoves the proffered spool of thread back into her pocket to conceal them. Maybe if you hadn't run away it wouldn't have escaped.

She turns reluctantly back to Tulak, "You took the thread," she says with grudging respect, "I won't forget that the next time Creation is coming apart. I owe you." She rustles around in her pockets for a moment before pulling out a charm of crimson tassels hanging from a rough bronze ring filled with with criss-crossing knots. She holds it out in her palm, concentrating on keeping it steady, "Here. Good luck charm. Favoured of the Gods. If you, or Creation, are ever really in danger, call on it. Saved my life more than once on campaign. Fortune will find you." I'll find you. Don't waste my time. These things aren't cheap to make.

She looks at the honour guard, cautious grins breaking through their looks of grim determination as the realization the monster might really be gone sets in. "Yes, you did well. Now don't stand around patting yourselves on the back! Go find the wounded and bring them here. Yes, all of you! Groups of four! Now!" she yells, sending them off in different directions to search the ruins with violent hand gestures. "The rest of you, find supplies! We'll need an intact hall for the surgery..."

 

[Psychie]

Garret takes a few deep breaths to help recover from the exertion of the fight. He slowly turns to look at the Dynast soldiers and their leadership and makes the deliberate decision to sheath Singlestroke on his back before walking over.

Looking around, he starts to take in the destruction, searching for somewhere that they can move the wounded to, to get them out of the open. He points at a semi intact building and says, "Over there. That place can house at least some of the injured. Help me gather up those that need assistance in walking."

 

[jaydude]

Lirone rides his Simhata down onto the streets, he and his cavalry all keeping their distance from Garret. The Fire Aspect looks at the building indicated by the Lunar, and gives a reluctant nod of agreement.

"Perhaps wait until your Anima cools off a little?" he suggests in a polite, if deadpan voice. "Even if you make yourself look human, I imagine the sight of a man glowing bright Anathema silver will only cause further panic."

He then barks out orders to his men to help look for survivors and move them to the building, before dispatching one of them to ride to Castle Vasong and inform Cathak Ranei about what they've found. With Most Assurant approaching, it doesn't take him long to spot her.

"So you're one of the people who fought alongside Sojiro, are you?" he asks, a little more amicable towards her than he was towards Garret. At the same time though, he tilts his head as if trying to figure out exactly what she is, but thankfully doesn't seem to notice the faint golden glow about her. "If you wish to help us out, you're more than welcome."

Spoiler: Stats

Garret: 5 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 3 Committed Motes
Most Assurant: 4 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 1 Committed Motes
Tuyak: 2 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Sojiro: 9 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 2 Committed Motes
Ijara: 1 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes, 4 Will

 

[Psychie]

Garret eyes Lirone for a moment, obviously wondering if he was about to start a fight. Then, with a shrug of his shoulders, he returns to his human form. He looks up at the mounted Dragon Blooded officer and says, "I trust that we won't have any . . . misunderstandings here? That monster is likely to be back, and now that its been hurt it will be looking for revenge. You'll need every able bodied man and woman to defend against it, and getting into a fight among us won't help."

 

[jaydude]

Lirone inhales through his nose. "I don't intend to make trouble," he replies to the Lunar. "Just remember though; the only thing staying my blade right now is the fact that Sojiro has vouched for you."

[Ending scene. Scene-length Charms end, and all committed motes return to being uncommitted. All of you reduce your Anima by your choice of either one or two points.]
EbonChevalier Psychie Random Word Rykon Sherwood

The building picked out by Garret is a large townhouse with a big patio. The owner of the building - or rather, the lifeless head of such - is discovered within the ruined part of it. As those with the Lunar get to work on locating any wounded and bringing them to the townhouse, they're soon joined in this by members of both the city watch and the local Immaculate contingent, who had been dealing with the Aigonites earlier, and started up their own searches for survivors following the battle. If anyone notices the faint silver and golden glows coming respectively from Garret and Most Assurant, they don't make a fuss over them.

Among the Immaculates is a young Wood Aspect monk known as Twig, who quickly demonstrates himself to be a capable physician, attending to the needs of the injured with a combination of knowledge, experience, and Essence. By the time Ijara, Tuyak, Misja and the accompanying mortals arrive at the townhouse, he's unofficially taken charge of all matters of treatment, giving out wise instructions and advice to his fellow monks and anyone else willing to assist him. All of you - even those less than fond of the Immaculate Order and the Realm - are confident he can handle things.

As the Sidereal and Water Aspect step through the gates of the townhouse grounds, they see and hear Lirone bringing Sojiro up to speed on matters nearby.

"Twig and his people have the situation with the wounded under control," he tells the Air Aspect, who's keeping a short distance away from the others lest his blazing anima zap any of them. "My men and the city watch have reported no further sightings of those smaller monsters, and Commander Ranei should be here very shortly."

Garret and Most Assurant, what are the two of you up to right now?

Spoiler: Stats

Garret: 5 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Most Assurant: 4 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 1 Committed Motes
Tuyak: 2 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Sojiro: 9 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 2 Committed Motes
Ijara: 1 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes, 4 Will

 

[EbonChevalier]

"Fuck!" she bites off the word. Her mouth tastes like ash. She notices her hands start to shake and shoves the proffered spool of thread back into her pocket to conceal them. Maybe if you hadn't run away it wouldn't have escaped.

She turns reluctantly back to Tulak, "You took the thread," she says with grudging respect, "I won't forget that the next time Creation is coming apart. I owe you." She rustles around in her pockets for a moment before pulling out a charm of crimson tassels hanging from a rough bronze ring filled with with criss-crossing knots. She holds it out in her palm, concentrating on keeping it steady, "Here. Good luck charm. Favoured of the Gods. If you, or Creation, are ever really in danger, call on it. Saved my life more than once on campaign. Fortune will find you." I'll find you. Don't waste my time. These things aren't cheap to make.

“The monster is great threat to the west that will be dealt with. But I doubt it’s going to bring the sky falling on our heads. Nevertheless I accept this, fortune find you as well. Tulak then spends the next few hours assisting with the cleanup and porting the injured to medical beds.

As the Sidereal and Water Aspect step through the gates of the townhouse grounds, they see and hear Lirone bringing Sojiro up to speed on matters nearby.

"Twig and his people have the situation with the wounded under control," he tells the Air Aspect, who's keeping a short distance away from the others lest his blazing anima zap any of them. "My men and the city watch have reported no further sightings of those smaller monsters, and Commander Ranei should be here very shortly."

“And from there we’ll be discussing where we’ll go next concerning the beast yes?”

 

[jaydude]

At Tuyak's words, Lirone turns away from Sojiro to look at the Water Aspect, his eyes widening a little as they take in both Ishmael and Tuyak's distinctly inhuman appearance.

"Indeed we will," he replies stiffly, and Tuyak can tell right away that he's been recognized. "I must say, I wasn't expecting the grandson of Baoto to show up here tonight."

From the Fire Aspect's tone, it's clear that this is an unwelcome surprise. Indeed, a number of the Immaculate monks briefly turn away from their activities to give Tuyak dirty looks. Which is somewhat to be expected, considering how often the Water Aspect has stymied their attempts to spread the Immaculate Philosophy in the past.

Spoiler: Stats

Garret: 4 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Most Assurant: 3 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 1 Committed Motes
Tuyak: 1 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Sojiro: 8 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 2 Committed Motes
Ijara: 0 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes, 4 Will

 

[EbonChevalier]

At Tuyak's words, Lirone turns away from Sojiro to look at the Water Aspect, his eyes widening a little as they take in both Ishmael and Tuyak's distinctly inhuman appearance.

"Indeed we will," he replies stiffly, and Tuyak can tell right away that he's been recognized. "I must say, I wasn't expecting the grandson of Baoto to show up here tonight."

From the Fire Aspect's tone, it's clear that this is an unwelcome surprise. Indeed, a number of the Immaculate monks briefly turn away from their activities to give Tuyak dirty looks. Which is somewhat to be expected, considering how often the Water Aspect has stymied their attempts to spread the Immaculate Philosophy in the past.

Spoiler: Stats

Garret: 4 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Most Assurant: 3 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 1 Committed Motes
Tuyak: 1 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Sojiro: 8 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 2 Committed Motes
Ijara: 0 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes, 4 Will

“Well I was in the area.” Tulak said flexing his fins. “While I’m no fan of the empire I wouldn’t turn away a good stiff drink at party. And before the arrival of the monster the city was practically flooded with wine.” He paid no mind to the annoying monks as good bit of the spreading of their Philosophy was by force or subversion. How many islands and villages were held hostage with wildfires and floods? How many lives were ruined because of some stubborn monks wanted his people to spiritually bend the knee?

 

[Random Word]

As the honour guard returns bearing as many wounded civilians as they can bear, Ijara leads them to the impromptu infirmary. "Three shifts, two hours on, one off. Those of you off will guard the infirmary. Those on are on search and rescue duty. Move! There's still daylight!"

As she enters she nods approvingly and kneels to light a stick of incense at each of the shrines set up by the entrance: one to ward off disease spirits, one for the health of the patients, and one to ease the passing of the deceased. Someone knows what they're doing. She casts one heavensward glance at the Gauntlet before stepping forward, sharing a nod of mutual recognition of competence with the monk in charge, taking the worst unattended case in the triage queue who is not beyond saving, and repeating this for hours until she drowns her shame in the blood of innocents spared.

"Find me spells on flying," she mutters to Fabian under her breath over muffled screams as she pitilessly works the bonesaw to amputate a limb mangled beyond recognition. "Sweat and tears save blood. Each dawn better prepared." Once her bloody work is complete a sleepless night of studying sacred geometries by candlelight awaits.

 

[jaydude]

Tuyak and Sojiro​

Lirone lets out a little 'hmmph' sound at Tuyak's story. "I don't know why the Elemental Dragons thought to grace someone like you with their power, but hey, better the son of a heretic than that Anathema," he admits, keeping his voice low lest Garret overhear him.

Ijara​

Fabian gives a little nod. "The most common flight spells are of course Cirrus Skiff and Conjuring the Azure Chariot. Both of these are available to learn for those initiated into the First Circle of Sorcery, and will grant a sorcerer a means of transporting themselves, a small group and a degree of cargo through the skies."

Spoiler: Stats

Garret: 4 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Most Assurant: 3 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 1 Committed Motes
Tuyak: 1 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Sojiro: 8 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 2 Committed Motes
Ijara: 1 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes, 4 Will

 

[Rykon]

Sojiro shrugs and finds a seat on a nearby pile of fallen rubble. From his belongings, he sets out a cloth and a small box beside him and begins to wipe Aramitama clean as the war of banter begins. Once he could sense the blade's inner spirit was satisfied with the grime removal he sheathed the blade once more and turned to the small box. He opened it with a quick flick of his thumb revealing a medley of fried and dried seafood he began to pick at with a toothpick as his fellow soldier picked a fight with the godling's supposedly apparently heretical child. He thought for a moment then held out another tiny skewer with a couple of shrimp on it to Maya and Garret. "Want it? I reckon we might be here awhile."

 

[Sherwood]

Most Assurant looks to Sojiro and offers up a smile and nod. "Yes, please, and thank you. First order of business is survival, for all of us." She finds a relatively rubble-free space to sit and lowers herself down next to Sojiro, then takes a bite of the offered food. As she chews, she offers up, "I'm not from around here, but I have to admit, the food has always impressed me. Compared to home, the choice of food is quite remarkable."

 

[EbonChevalier]

irone lets out a little 'hmmph' sound at Tuyak's story. "I don't know why the Elemental Dragons thought to grace someone like you with their power, but hey, better the son of a heretic than that Anathema," he admits, keeping his voice low lest Garret overhear him.

Tulak shrugged the insult having no sting. "Well, the dragon will bless whom they will. Personally, though I think it was a gift to my mother. She had to courage to break away from such a forceful philosophy and forge her own path. Why not reward her with a son of god AND Dragonblood." He gave a wry smile to the priests. "Besides my father always said she looked more beautiful with a full head of hair."

 

[Rykon]

"If you enjoy travel food this much, you'd really like fresh food then. Shame it'll be awhile til most folks around here get proper meals." Sojiro replied with a brief sigh. Looking over toward Tulak and Lirone he sensed what might lead to a de-escalation of hostilities and this was entirely unacceptable. How can one celebrate rightly with a meal on a field of victory without proper entertainment?

"I see I see. I've run across a lot of folks like that in my travels. I believe out in the sticks they call it preacher's daughter syndrome. Young woman buckles under the weight of expectation and duty and breaks into wanton shameless rebellion. As if the mere thought of restraint was anathe-..." The shikari cleared his throat. "...antithetical to the very nature of the self-absorbed hedonist." Sojiro paused for effect for a few seconds before he continued to pump the bellows of bad ideas from the depths of Lirone's sweltering furnace of self-righteous ego and unquestionable moral authority before the ranks of his troops. Should he tilt one to violence or at least an emotional exit before the dust settled he'd end the day on a strong two for two.

"We have words for such things back home too, but I'd like to think the Tepets don't raise no quitters," Sojiro ended with a theatrically embellished accent while stoically picking through his box of fish for another bite. "How bout you Lirone? The Cathaks have a term for that or is it by the book on that one too?"

 

[jaydude]

Lirone glances at Sojiro as he listens to the Air Aspect speak, but it's unclear whether or not his fellow Dragon-blooded's words are what goads him into his next course of action.

The Fire Aspect turns back to Tuyak with a glare. "You call it courage, but I call it weakness and greed, your mother abandoning the vows she chose to take," he says. "And for what purpose? To sate her licentiousness? To consort with crooked gods who would extort their dependents for prayer if given the chance?"

By now, most of the people in the area are watching the scene with interest. As Sojiro might expect, some of them appear eager to see a brawl break out - particularly the younger Immaculate Monks hoping to see Lirone put the disrespectful outcaste back in his place - but others look unnerved at the prospect of yet more violence happening. Twig stands up from the patient he's just finished bandaging and opens his mouth, but before he can speak, one of the members of the town guard comes running up to where you're all gathered.

"The garrison commander's approaching!" he calls out. "She and her retinue are on the street leading to this house!"

What do you all do?

Spoiler: Stats

Garret: 4 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Most Assurant: 3 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 1 Committed Motes
Tuyak: 1 Anima, 5/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes
Sojiro: 8 Anima, 2/5 Motes, 2 Committed Motes
Ijara: 1 Anima, 4/5 Motes, 0 Committed Motes, 4 Will

 

[Rykon]

The pot-stirring shikari would have clapped were the entire stand off not interrupted by the announcement of the commander. Lirone made good points best made from his perspective than Sojiro attempting to proselytize for a philosophy whose oaths he didn't take himself. Even then, as far as he was aware, Exalted monks weren't really censured for taking an official retirement from duties to rear a family. Passing on the blood to the next generation was as critical a duty as any other one a Dragon-Blooded could inherit. Then there was the matter of other far more transgressive forces upon the earth than enthusiastic evangelists to worry about, but that was a topic best tread another time.

Still, the commander's approach demanded some decorum from the Dynastic shikari even though he was not under her authority by any stretch. It was nice that the constant reminders of his stifled military ambitions stopped stinging so often, otherwise, resentment might disturb the meticulously practiced look of unphased disinterest that frequented his facial features of late. So the Tepet shikari, picking through his lunch beside a smoking heap, stood up as he continued his meal with his box and skewer still in hand. Out of the utmost respect for the commander, of course. Hopefully, the makings of the best brawl this side of Mount Meru would distract her from Garret and whatever Maya was.

 

[Psychie]

Garret watches the back and forth between Tulak and Lirone and silently enjoys the anger from the Dynast. They are so full of their own selves, it is almost funny to see. He proffers up a "Thank you" to the offer of the food, once more looking at the Exalt-woman calling herself Maya as she comments on the quality of the meal. Where are you from, I wonder? Clearly you are not a local. Finally, he hears the shouted call about the Garrison Commander and his entourage coming. He stands from the spot he had taken his seat at, brushing off the dirt and dust from the seat of his pants. No need to show the Commander enough disrespect to lead to a fight. That wouldn't be good.

 

[EbonChevalier]

The Fire Aspect turns back to Tuyak with a glare. "You call it courage, but I call it weakness and greed, your mother abandoning the vows she chose to take," he says. "And for what purpose? To sate her licentiousness? To consort with crooked gods who would extort their dependents for prayer if given the chance?"

Tulak shrugs and grabs some food for himself all this fighting a arguing has made him hunger. "Eh what's wrong with a little licentiousness? Isn't it the mandate of heaven that the Dragonblood spread themselves far and wide? Until ten thousand Dragons walk upon the earth. Or something like that?" He took another bite. "And sure my mother went back on her vow but to be honest....."

He wiggled his hand dismissively.

"Where they even worth following in the first place? Shave your head and wear robes so you can be a bother to other people. And at least we get something for our prayers and sacrifices to the gods. My lover is the head priestess of her people and they give the best of the first harvest of kelp for a more prosperous season next year."

He spins his fingers in circles.

"See our relationship with gods work best in cycles. Mortals give to show appreciation, the gods give back and the mortals do it again. See?" He gives the assembled Dynasts a cheeky smile. "Much better than a monk telling you women you've never met is now your ruler and you must give up the bounty of your land to support her empire."

 

[Rykon]

Did he just snatch my lunch without asking? Sojiro blinked in unbelief at the audacity. He'd thought to wait before reminding this whelping of the dangers of a world without proper heroes but his temper finally began to get the better of him, nearly initiating the brawl himself.

"If that's how you feel then very well. Next time I'll let that whale do to your god what you claim he did for your mother." He retaliated before he could stop the words from leaving his mouth. One day I should really rein in my social reflexes.

 

[EbonChevalier]

That got in Tulak’s craw. In a low audibly frustrated voice he replied. “Grandmother you fucking pampered princeling. My father was godblooded my grandfather is Baoto. And if you could wound the whale, my grandfather and the court of the Western Sea could do more.”

 

[Random Word]

Ijara, without looking up from the incision she's suturing, weaving a charm in with the thread, takes a deep breath and in her best Fanglord bellow commands, "OUT! All of you! This is an infirmary, not a two bit sailor's bar. Fight outside, for the entertainment of the garrison commander." So much for the fucking perfected hierarchy. It never lasts. You always regret being a mortal soon enough, and doesn't that say everything you need to know about the sorry state of the world?