Shadows of the Setting Sun (Main)

[jaydude]

"Rest assured that I will." the Changing Moon replied. Zoya seemed sincere enough with regards to her goals, and try as he might, Makuro couldn't entirely resist her.

Spoiler: OOC

With 7 successes, Makuro's Resolve of 4 isn't enough to resist, even if he brings in his Minor Tie of Apprehension towards Solars. Upgrading his existing Minor Tie towards Zoya to full-blown Respect.

 

[Random Word]

Sigrdrífa is taken aback, uncomfortable with the powerful display of emotion. She nods slowly at Zoya, seemingly satisfied with this not-quite-oath. Zoya's pain tugs at her heartstrings, tears threatening to form in her eyes, "I hurt you. I'm... um... sorry." Did she just apologize to a Sorcerer? This day could scarcely get any stranger. Wait, was that Sorcery? With an effort of will she tears her eyes away from Zoya's before she risks being ensorcelled any further, rubbing them with the back of her hand. Certainly not because she's crying.

She latches on to Makuro's question as a distraction, pressing her fist into her palm and bowing her head slightly, "Yeah, I'm fine, Moon-Chosen. You speak for the Spirit my people venerate above all others. If you ever need anything, and it's within my power, I'll see it done. An awful lot is within my power, so it can't hurt to ask," she says with a grin. "I would already do anything for you, Toun, so you don't get anything special," she waves dismissively.

 

[Esbilon]

Zoya smiles sadly at Sigrdrífa and says "you brought up a bad memory. You couldn't have known, and it is somewhat private. Sorcery does not in general deal with the binding of souls, but rather the manipulation of Creation itself and the summoning of spirits."

 

[jaydude]

Sigrdrífa is taken aback, uncomfortable with the powerful display of emotion. She nods slowly at Zoya, seemingly satisfied with this not-quite-oath. Zoya's pain tugs at her heartstrings, tears threatening to form in her eyes, "I hurt you. I'm... um... sorry." Did she just apologize to a Sorcerer? This day could scarcely get any stranger. Wait, was that Sorcery? With an effort of will she tears her eyes away from Zoya's before she risks being ensorcelled any further, rubbing them with the back of her hand. Certainly not because she's crying.

She latches on to Makuro's question as a distraction, pressing her fist into her palm and bowing her head slightly, "Yeah, I'm fine, Moon-Chosen. You speak for the Spirit my people venerate above all others. If you ever need anything, and it's within my power, I'll see it done. An awful lot is within my power, so it can't hurt to ask," she says with a grin. "I would already do anything for you, Toun, so you don't get anything special," she waves dismissively.

Makuro's wry smile returned once Sigrdrífa had finished addressing him and Toun. She too seemed sincere, and the fact that her tribe apparently worshiped Luna was a nice bonus. And if there was some attraction felt towards her by the other male Lunar, at least it went both ways.

"A most generous offer, and one that I will certainly keep in mind." he replied, returning her gesture as he considered her words. He would certainly keep that offer in mind, if Sigrdrífa could be of use to the Silver Pact. All that remained was to try and figure out how much she meant what she said.

Spoiler: OOC

Gonna attempt a Read Intentions here, asking the question of "What does Sigrdrífa like?" Because let's face it, Makuro's going to to assume that, whatever she might have said, he'll still have to talk her into certain things. Rolling Perception + Socialize, and claiming one-point stunt for 7 dice.

3 successes. Wow, I'm making a lot of Social rolls for this game so far.

And yes, I know I could just look up Sigrdrífa's intimacies on her character sheet, but that's a bit too metagamey for me, considering that this is the first time our characters have ever really met.

 

[D. Rex]

"And I am Afureru, of Fortitude. Exalted by the grace of the Unconquered Sun, and General of an army of which I lead in his glory and will. And I am here to purify these lands of whatever threatens it, be they man or monsters."

Afureru wasn't a particularly tall woman, but with the mammoth hide coat and gamberson underneath, she still seemed bigger than she actually was. Her halberd, she like a staff. Though it seemed plain and unadorned at first glance, the simplicity of its craftsmanship gave off the air of humble mastery.



The woman looked over to Zoya ( Esbilon and smiled, "For the betterment of Creation. That is an idea I can get behind. So long as you move to your goal, you can trust me to be behind you keeping your work safe."

 

[Esbilon]

"I am glad to hear it, Afureru," Zoya answers. "I only pray that we agree on the meaning of that phrase.

Turning her attention to Aaki, she asks "is that the extent of your mission? To 'help' us? Did the Syndics send you with anything other than their apologies?"

 

[Rykon]

Makuro did another eyebrow raise, first at Aeliana's display, and then at Toun's statement. Unlike with Tyree, though, this one was more to convey polite surprise, rather than feelings of offense.

"I must confess, I'm surprised to see a Chosen of Luna being so open about what he is." he said to Toun. "Then again, I've spent a lot of time in lands under the sway of the Realm and the Immaculate Philosophy. Is Whitewall really so different for those considered 'Anathema'?"

On the subject of his openness, Toun crosses his arms and scoffs at the thought. "Hah! If they want my death they'll have to get in line. If the Realm wants me to finish Yurgen's work for him then that's their funeral. The nomads of the north do not cower before the weak, broken, and defeated."

Sigrdrífa goes briefly still at the revelation, then her face contorts with rage, "THEY DID WHAT?" she roars, loud enough to shake the foundations of the house, "I WILL FUCKING KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM AND MOUNT THEIR HEADS ON SPIKES." She realizes her mistake and apologizes, "No, sorry, you want to do that, this is your vengeance, not mine. So you came here to find me so we could go slaughter them all? I'm ready, just give the word."

[Presumably Toun has some reason not to want to immediately go seek vengeance?]

[Given the current scene interrupting the conversation. I think it will make more sense to give a direct response in a follow-up, after the current scene. No doubt Sigrdrifa has more questions. Just wanted to clarify I do have an answer to address Toun returning to Whitewall for the time being.]

Sigrdrífa is taken aback, uncomfortable with the powerful display of emotion. She nods slowly at Zoya, seemingly satisfied with this not-quite-oath. Zoya's pain tugs at her heartstrings, tears threatening to form in her eyes, "I hurt you. I'm... um... sorry." Did she just apologize to a Sorcerer? This day could scarcely get any stranger. Wait, was that Sorcery? With an effort of will she tears her eyes away from Zoya's before she risks being ensorcelled any further, rubbing them with the back of her hand. Certainly not because she's crying.

She latches on to Makuro's question as a distraction, pressing her fist into her palm and bowing her head slightly, "Yeah, I'm fine, Moon-Chosen. You speak for the Spirit my people venerate above all others. If you ever need anything, and it's within my power, I'll see it done. An awful lot is within my power, so it can't hurt to ask," she says with a grin. "I would already do anything for you, Toun, so you don't get anything special," she waves dismissively.

Toun laughed, content to move past the somber topics with something more entertaining. "Oh? That's not special, huh?" He replied with a playful smirk. "I'll be the judge of that. Don't you hesitate to speak up if you need anything either, Sigrdrifa."

"I am a priest, a scholar, and a sorcerer, and I aim to leave Creation a better place than I found it. I hope that you all will share that goal, and I hope that we may today begin working together despite our varied natures and lives before coming here."

"And I am Afureru, of Fortitude. Exalted by the grace of the Unconquered Sun, and General of an army of which I lead in his glory and will. And I am here to purify these lands of whatever threatens it, be they man or monsters."

Afureru wasn't a particularly tall woman, but with the mammoth hide coat and gamberson underneath, she still seemed bigger than she actually was. Her halberd, she like a staff. Though it seemed plain and unadorned at first glance, the simplicity of its craftsmanship gave off the air of humble mastery.



The woman looked over to Zoya ( Esbilon and smiled, "For the betterment of Creation. That is an idea I can get behind. So long as you move to your goal, you can trust me to be behind you keeping your work safe."

To his ears, Zoya's words rang like a practiced emissary's. A supplication by implication. The polite and gentle call not just for aid but unity did not fall on deaf ears by any means. However, Toun couldn't help but want to see more strength and conviction from her. Perhaps this pattern he saw behind those that often spoke for the divine was merely a habit born of conveying another's words more often than one's own. Perhaps with time, they'd all grow close enough to hear the strength behind each other's true voices.

The pain she revealed later reinforced his assessment. Something had left her deeply uncomfortable, unsettled. Something fairly recent. The struggle of moving on after a decisive upheaval in one's life was one he suspected the whole group could empathize with. He joined with Afureru's assurance. "Likewise, I've no cause to be at odds with anyone's purpose here. I'm not part of any grand faction or some such, but I'm content to have fun taking down vermin with some friends."

 

[jaydude]

On the subject of his openness, Toun crosses his arms and scoffs at the thought. "Hah! If they want my death they'll have to get in line. If the Realm wants me to finish Yurgen's work for him then that's their funeral. The nomads of the north do not cower before the weak, broken, and defeated."

Makuro gave a little chuckle. "Well, I'll hardly complain about your bravery with regards to the Realm." he said.

 

[WlfSamurai]

Makuro (and Zoya), as Aaki moves and speaks, you keep an eye on his subtle cues: eye movement, slight body language, muscles tension, etc. As more of your group introduces themselves, you study his reactions and focus. Through all this, you can tell, he just wants to make it out of this room alive and accepted. There are eight of you who are giants in terms of power to him. Despite his confident outer shell, he just wants to get away from all this.

Aaki isn’t doing a great job of masking his fear. After Sigrdrífa’s slap on the back—that would have face-planted him if not for her catching and righting him—and Aeliana’s borderline insane, yet incredibly impressive behavior, it’s clear Aaki isn’t expecting to make it out of whatever expedition alive.

Zoya, when you introduce yourself, Aaki gives you a look of desperation. As if you’re some kind of heavenly lifeline amongst demons.

Aaki runs a hand through his hair. “Okay… Yeah. Good to uh…good to meet you. So, what’s the plan? Where can I take you? Guide you? I don’t know. Where are we going?” He looks to Vigo and pantomimes drinking something. Vigo takes his meaning and steps out to find some suitable alcohol.

Esbilon , Epiphany , Rykon , Sherwood , D. Rex , Random Word , Teh Frixz , jaydude

 

[jaydude]

Makuro did his best to not smirk at the sight of Aaki's visible distress. Even if the Dragon-blooded in question wasn't affiliated with the Realm, the Changing Moon always found it refreshing to see their reactions when they realized they weren't the biggest dogs around.

"As far as I understand it, our plan is to travel to Marama's Fell. We've heard tell of groups of ghosts leaving the area in the east, and an icewalker tribe doing the same in the north." he said, leaning back in his seat and looking at his fellow Celestials, wanting to make sure he'd gotten things right.

 

[Sherwood]

Tyree nods. "They will both be dealt with, but I have my preference on which is first."

 

[jaydude]

Tyree nods. "They will both be dealt with, but I have my preference on which is first."

"May I ask which you would prefer to deal with first?" Makuro asked politely, turning to look at his fellow Lunar with a hint of curiosity.

 

[Sherwood]

Tyree's expression gets dangerous as she grips the haft of her spear. "The Icewalkers. I have a personal score to settle. Before I came to my own power, I was a prisoner of Icewalkers for many years. I still have nightmares from what happened to me in their hands."

 

[jaydude]

Tyree's expression gets dangerous as she grips the haft of her spear. "The Icewalkers. I have a personal score to settle. Before I came to my own power, I was a prisoner of Icewalkers for many years. I still have nightmares from what happened to me in their hands."

Makuro's mouth became a grim line. "I understand. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry for whatever you had to go through." he said, truly meaning it. He could hardly fail to emphasize with her to some degree, given what had happened to his own hometown all those years ago. Even if he and his parents had been able to move on from that and start new chapters in their lives.

He glanced towards the other people at the table in turn, focusing on Toun and Sigrdrífa in particular, waiting to see how they all reacted before throwing his hat into any debate on the matter.

 

[Rykon]

"I can't say I blame her for her resentment. I may have had no part in Tyree's struggles, but I was raised as a warrior of the tribes. I hunted, raided, and warred much the same as the rest of them. That said the Arctic Fox tribe didn't take prisoners. Food is a scarce and precious resource. One we couldn't afford to spare much of." Toun replied with a sigh, his arms folded. "Unless you know this particular tribe outside, I have to ask though. Are you going to also extend this vendetta to me? To Sigrdrifa? To every corner of the North?"

In light of his statements, Toun stood up from leading against a doorframe. "My objective is destroying foul creatures surrounding us. Ghosts, Fae, Demons, whatever... If we think this tribe has information that can help us, I can take it from them. Otherwise, I don't see us gaining much from butchering them without cause. Nor would I see it bringing you closure. That is unless these people are your captors. If they are, by all means, we could cut them down by noon easily enough."

 

[Sherwood]

Tyree looks over at Toun and asks, "Did you kidnap me as a youngster and turn me into your slave? Did you beat me when I would make the mistake of talking back to you? Did you ever torture my surviving family members as a punishment to me when I would try to escape? If not, then you have little to fear for me. My ire is set for one that particular tribe, and the walking dead that prey on the living."

 

[Rykon]

There comes a time in one's life where one accepts that words can't always convey the intent of one's heart. Toun's eyes shut and breathing slowed. His mind took Tyree's words and painted a cognitive canvas of a dark corridor. The smell of stagnant ice melting along wrought-iron cages pressed in. A cold draft passed by a flickering torch and settled into the bones. The sounds of a lash striking flesh fled from around a dimly lit corner. Screams... Cries... Whimpers. Everything grew still, muffled, and cloaked in the depths of growing darkness while the Sun's light departed from the gruesome vision.

His eyes opened and his attention returned to the present. He inhaled deeply and took a step forward. There was no fear, only determination. What he saw. What his conscious thought fabricated. It wasn't close to the fullness of misery in the place Tyree came back from. Yet the sight, the smell, the sound of it all was enough for the man to respect the molten rage in the woman before him. Toun regarded Tyree with an expression of understanding. He reached for her shoulder and drew her forward to hug his chosen sister.

His message was clear through the silence. I am with you. We will find them and they will pay. There are no enemies here.

[Just a display to de-escalate tension. Especially with Aaki on edge.]

 

[jaydude]

Tyree looks over at Toun and asks, "Did you kidnap me as a youngster and turn me into your slave? Did you beat me when I would make the mistake of talking back to you? Did you ever torture my surviving family members as a punishment to me when I would try to escape? If not, then you have little to fear for me. My ire is set for one that particular tribe, and the walking dead that prey on the living."

Listening to those words, Makuro could certainly understand why Tyree had issues with the tribe who had enslaved her. And if she had managed to endure all of that before escaping it, it was no wonder Luna had chosen her. It made his own hardships seem like nothing.

He also couldn't help but be impressed by the fact that, despite enduring what had undoubtedly been a highly traumatic experience, Tyree was not only sane, but willing to confine her vengeance to those icewalkers who deserved it.

His eyes opened and his attention returned to the present. He inhaled deeply and took a step forward. There was no fear, only determination. What he saw. What his conscious thought fabricated. It wasn't close to the fullness of misery in the place Tyree came back from. Yet the sight, the smell, the sound of it all was enough for the man to respect the molten rage in the woman before him. Toun regarded Tyree with an expression of understanding. He reached for her shoulder and drew her forward to hug his chosen sister.

The Changing Moon gave a little smile at the affectionate gesture between the two, though at the same time, he couldn't help but be a tad jealous of Toun right now. Then again, in the eyes of Tyree, he probably didn't qualify for that kind of close contact at this point. So he tried the next best thing.

"You said members of your family were captured alongside you, yes?" he asked Tyree in a gentle voice. "Do you have any idea what happened to them?"

The implication would be clear to both Lunars. If any members of Tyree's family were still alive, Makuro would happily join any efforts to find and save them. Anything to help out a fellow Lunar.

 

[Random Word]

Zoya's assertion that Sorcery is not in fact about stealing souls is a bridge too far for Sigrdrífa, eliciting only a disbelieving glance.

All these overt displays of emotion are making her uncomfortable, but at Makuro's questioning glance she shrugs, "I don't need to tell you the Moon is not kind. They find strength by culling weakness. You were found." There's no polite way to tell a divine emissary, 'Your people were weak, and you were strong. They died, and you lived.' There's no thriving market for slaves in the far North that ends in a fate better than death, and many that end in worse. Few have food to spare on useless mouths, and only the Settled people have use for unskilled labour. Souls, though, can fetch a handsome price from inhuman buyers. Enough to survive a hard winter. Her people are of the Moon: they are not kind, but they survive.

 

[Teh Frixz]

Aeliana, The Evervictor

While her companions spoke and debated about their present situation and future goals, Aeliana continued to stalk around Aaki, delighting in how uncomfortable he appeared to be.

“Do we know when we are going to the Fell then?” She pipes up, asking nobody in particular. Her voice carrying off the stark walls. “If we aren’t leaving this instant, I wouldn’t mind an opportunity for whistling Death here to show me around this beautiful city, all welcome to join us of course. I’m still uncertain which way is which and I fear even with a map I’d be unable to navigate myself to the markets, let alone the Fell.”

Aeliana steps back up and over the table, settling into her seat before bolting back upright. “Are we just to travel East on our own?! We should bring with us a host of bards and record keepers. Our actions should be recorded first hand. I don’t wan’t any of our deeds to be forgotten. This must be the largest gathering of our kind in how many years? I demand witnesses to our clearing of the Fell.”

She sits back down, leaning back and balancing on the heel of the chair, already wondering how many scribes she could pressgang into documenting their journey east.

 

[Random Word]

Sigrdrífa brightens up immediately. Now here was a woman who thought ahead. Poor Whistling Death was looking for a way to help, and difficult as it was to come up with some way to make him feel useful Aeliana had done it. Surely even he was capable of finding lorekeepers amongst this mountain of people and intimidating them into accompanying him. "Oh! Yes! Good idea. It would be a complete waste if we destroy so many fearsome ghosts we can't remember them all, or forget the best details in the retelling. The lorekeepers likely won't all survive, but that will just impress upon those who do the peril of the undertaking. The stories and songs will be better for it. Whispering Death, you can help by bringing us a number of suitable lorekeepers. Surely you have many you can spare amongst all these people."

 

[D. Rex]

Afureru barked a derisive laugh at the notion if bringing who Sigfrieda and Aileana thought to bring along.

"You can't be serious. Do you plan for your deeds to be so meager that you need to bribe a poet to write flowery words about you? Bards speak of fantasies, you don't want to be associated with fantasy. If you want a name for yourself, let it be known as reality. I needed no bards or lorekeepers to spread my tales. My actions spoke a tale more clear than any storytrller could make alive. Just mention of my name made people piss their boots, and it was spread by common folk and soldiers. Not by friends, but by my enemies."

The woman crossed arms and snorted,"Let Creation be your lorekeeper. We are exalted of the highest class, everything we do will be etched into history one way or the other. Besides, bringing them along will most likely just get them killed. I have soldiers, an army, they will spread your tales. And much more believably than any bard."



"Now, if I understand the situation well enough, we can pass by this icewalker tribe before encountering the ghosts. We can assess if they are trouble before moving onto the bigger issues."

She then gestured at the air aspect, this liason. WlfSamurai "Surely you have more information of the going ons of Marama Fell. More than just those groups existing. How big are we talking about? Hundreds? Thousands? Dozens?" She asked. "And if you want to help, how about you help me help you and you see about getting my army supplied and fed. Them on full bellies will help them clear your lands of your enemies much quicker. Arrows and horses if you have any to spare, and maybe a few smiths and fletchers if any feel like volunteering."

 

[Random Word]

Sigrdrífa scoffs, "Trees make poor tale-tellers, and your soldiers already told tall tales about us in drinking halls from here to your Fortitude. If anyone believed them and that were enough I'd already be home. You carved your legend into the flesh of your enemies, and their screams were your song. How will Snow Leopard hear the screams of ghosts I've destroyed all the way south in Marama's Fell? See their grievous wounds? He is not omniscient. I want to go home before the trees learn to sing this history you're etching into the stones."

 

[WlfSamurai]

Aaki takes the shot Vigo delivers and downs it in one gulp. He points at you, Afureru, with the shot glass in his hand.

“I got nothing,” he says. “Zilch. Nada.” He takes a deep breath and faces you, Aeliana. “Yes, ‘m’lady’, I’d love to show you around, if you wish.” His emphasis on ‘m’lady’ has a joking tone as he assumes you probably don’t wish to be called such. “But no. I don’t have a parade for you. No minstrels or bards. No storytellers or chanters. Just us.” He looks back at Afureru. “Well, and, uh, a small army. Apparently. I guess.”

With breakfast concluded and Aaki sufficiently dumb-founded, you all move to preparing for your journey to Marama’s Fell. To get to the edge of the Fell, it’ll take three to four days travel walking, not to mention whatever time it’ll take to move through it to investigate.

Aaki stays true to his word and shows Aeliana and whomever wishes to go with around town. The tour, though short and only a few of the Districts, still takes an hour-and-a-half.

End Scene 1

A new scene will be opened soon.

Esbilon , Epiphany , Rykon , Sherwood , D. Rex , Random Word , Teh Frixz , jaydude

 

[jaydude]

Aaki stays true to his word and shows Aeliana and whomever wishes to go with around town. The tour, though short and only a few of the Districts, still takes an hour-and-a-half.

After a bit of consideration, Makuro chose to join Aaki and Aeliana on their tour of the city. If this place was a good safe spot for the region, it only made sense to try and learn more about it.