Fantasy The Devil's Meridian (Closed)

[Emperor Sagan]

An apology? How unexpected. Kortova turned fully to face the woman as she spoke, and when she offered up the sketch she took it carefully and looked it over. It certainly was well drawn. No painting or professional portrait, but a pencil sketch of this magnitude was no notebook doodle. Gently, she folded it in a way to preserve the best of the drawing, and tucked it away into her jacket. She'd probably smooth it out and frame it later, another item of recognition for her beauty to be placed on display on her shelf.

"Well... how very kind of you, lieutenant. That is your rank, yes? I'm happy to know that there is at least one person of sense left on the Jackal," she said with a smile. A shame you'd go down with the ship if anything happens. "Mister Warren is... well, under immense stress, I suppose, and it has all probably gone right to his head. Perhaps it has been exacerbated by certain... persons outside the purview of the fleet. I don't think he'll be recovering from his mindset any time soon at this rate."

"Still, thank you for the portrait. Artistry is one of the supreme skills, after all, something to be cherished. I'm quite the singer and dancer myself. Even acting, you know. I've also had a hand at watercolor and I must admit that my own works are not bad at all. I even have some onboard the Archangel in my cabin. I do wish I could continue some of my hobbies but I keep to reading, mostly, these past days. There is always much work to be done for a captain, as I'm sure you know, being on the bridge and all that."

 

[Infab]

Slater nodded. "Usually I'm tasked with overseeing operations unless Commander Warren is personally involved. I do take time to sketch things when I can, thought. When I'm not documenting everything in the logbook." As she tucked her sketchbook away, she smiled. "You dance and sing? I took dancing classes growing up. My mother loved Ballet, as did I among other styles. Not much use for dance in the military however. And I don't have the voice for proper singing."

"I picked up drawing as a hobby during my academy years. I've sort of maintained the skill since then, but I haven't quite made the leap to illustrations or genuine art..." she said, glancing down at the ground. She went quiet for a few moments before looking back up to Kortova. "I'd love to witness your dancing sometime, though! And maybe hear you sing a tune or so! I'm sure you have a beautiful singing voice, and are probably lighter on your feet than I ever was."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova beamed, grinning wide. "Well, yes, I am rather good I suppose. It has been too long since I last had a chance to put on a show or join in on a play. Being with the fleet and all. A ship isn't the place for that, even if there was the time for it. I can also play the violin and piano. I once thought about composing my own works but I don't think it would be nice to overshadow those already out there right now. Maybe once I'm settled into my political career I can give time to such gentle pursuits."

"I wouldn't put yourself down, darling, I'm sure you are fine on your feet. Perhaps not as experienced as one such as myself given my extensive efforts, but it's only a matter of pursuit and focus."

 

[Infab]

"Indeed." said Slater with a nod. She then looked back to the others. "It's been a pleasure talking with you, Lady Kortova. Hopefully we will get the chance to speak more. I don't get to talk about the arts much with people that genuinely understand. And no one aboard the Jackal really bothers with stuff like that."

She then looked back to the Grand Captain and smiled. "[Have a wonderful, hopefully peaceful day, Lady Kortova.]" she said finally, opting to speak in Kortova's native language before giving her a gentle bow. She then turned about and started to walk away. Back towards the crew of the Jackal.

 

[Radley]

Flint studied Warren as the latter replied. "There's no reason for you to apologize to me, Bishop." Flint answered, "You're a grown man who can take responsibility for his own actions."
He looked around at the fleet as it was strewn out over the beach, forming a sort of cautious beachhead against the unfamiliar natives. "Although..." he continued, turning his focus back to Warren, "I'm glad to see there's still a pressure valve somewhere in that head of yours. Right now we should focus on keeping our collective shit and this fleet together."

Flint noted that his compatriot was looking towards his lieutenant, whom was conversing with Kortova. "So long as my name is Nathaniel James Flint, we need every eye we can get on that brat and her ilk." he concluded, turning his gaze towards his own lieutenant. Rourke had ordered the marines to take up a rough line behind the commodore as he walked over to talk to Kuromaki.
There was a brief silence as both mariners studied the whole ensemble, before Warren spoke up again.

"We're going to bring some of our rations out to give to the natives. You got anything in mind that we could do?". Flint grunted slightly at the suggestion. "I won't give these people a single morsel of food before I know where they stand. But, should they be in any way related to the ones who bult that tower on the abyss island, I suppose I could show them this" he concluded, taking out the astrolabe from the inner pocket of his jacket.

---

Rourke had ordered the Terror's armed sailors to remain at ease, as the native didn't appear too agitated. Rather, they seemed more fascinated than unnerved by the new arrivals. Kuromaki had put her new abilities to use by conversing with the ones at the front, and the lieutenant found himself somewhat intrigued as well by the commissar. As he approached, he holstered his pistol and cautiously scanned the armed natives. A few of them looked back at him, and Kuromaki could tell from their gazes that someone was approaching. "Commissar, Ma'am..." he said somewhat hesitantly as he saluted the now noticeably anthropomorphic woman. "I couldn't help my curiosity regarding... what ever it is you have been discussing. I hope I am not being too intrusive with my interest."

 

[K0mori]

Kuromaki gestured at the group of natives to pause the conversation before turning back to the men and women of the fleet. "Ah, well, I'm sure you find out for yourselves soon enough, but the short of the matter is that these people are culturally detached from what we consider 'Altanis.' In fact, they say that this land is called Altanis and that they aren't aware of any others with the same name, so what we believed were "Greater and Lesser Altanis" before this voyage began were either poorly-named, or else this land had some other ancient name that has since been forgotten. They call this city 'Rika' and say that there are other cities elsewhere on the landmass."

The Commodore was intrigued by the assertions and kept an eye on the reactions of the natives, to see if they would react with confusion to anything Kuromaki said, as they, too, could understand her and would presumably object to any intentional misinformation. They didn't- instead they seemed to be studying Meinhardt and the other gathered officers in turn. "And what about the gods? Did you ask them-"

Kuromaki nodded impatiently. "That's what I was about to say, Commodore: They have no gods. They say that there was a great war between the gods many ages ago which destroyed all civilization. They destroyed the temples and monuments and cut themselves off from the rest of the sea in an effort to preserve themselves, and strictly forbid religion and most forms of sorcery to this very day. They've asked us to speak with their leaders before divulging any secrets of their ancestors."

This came as a shock to the gathered scientists. Having experienced the surreal extent of Altanic sorcery already, witnessing such diverse and unnatural creatures united in pursuit of a mundane life was almost comical.

"They asked me about the hostilities in the harbor, and I told them that there was an extreme misunderstanding, resulting from our origins in different nations. They're very curious about the outside world," Kuromaki explained.

"I see," Meinhardt replied. "I hope they don't judge us from our apparent lack of unity."

Kuromaki shook her head. "They realize that we are just as shocked as they are to be encountering other life out here. By the way, Commodore, you were going to ask me something earlier..."

Meinhardt thought for a moment, before shaking his head. "I'm afraid I've forgotten. I'll let you know if I remember, later."

Before they could discuss the matter further, a group of five demons arrived and were escorted to the front of the crowd by the Altanic soldiers. Each had a mixture of the same sorts of features which now graced Kortova and Kuromaki, but in different mixtures- the only common factor between them were mouths full of fangs and split tongues. One, a young man with large, thick glaces placed on an upturned nose, stepped forward and looked over the officers with vibrant, emerald-green eyes before bowing.

"Hello, ocean-travelers. My name is Envini; I'm a demonblood all-talker, like my friends, here," he said in a warped voice.

Meinhardt nodded and cautiously returned the bow, unsure of how the Altanics greeted each other. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Envini. My name is Commodore Werner Meinhardt, and these are my associates." The Commodore proceeded to name off the gathered officers and scientists, briefly explaining the role of each. "There's five of you, and five officers," he observed. "Ensign Kuromaki can translate for me, and leaves an extra to assist our scientists."

"Actually," Kuromaki interrupted, "I would prefer to stay with the Grand Captain, sir. Besides, it would be quite useful for you to have only one language barrier between you and any answers you need, instead of two."

Meinhardt nodded. "That's fine by me."

"In that case," Envini replied, "I would like to go with your scientists, as I'm something of an inventor myself..."

The all-talkers soon paired up with the remaining officers. A pale and lithe female demon named Silara volunteered to work with Meinhardt. She had silvery hair which draped loosely over her flowing, aqua-colored dress, and introduced herself as a tailor. A tall, brutish fellow named Ardekkan, with a heavy, cannon-like shotgun gripped in his massive, red-tinged hands greeted Captain Flint with a huge grin. He was dressed in the uniform of one of the Altanic soldiers. A very well-dressed, androgenous demon with grey skin and slicked-back black hair introduced himself to Commander Warren. His name was Malkon, and he was a "property owner," apparently a landlord of sorts. Lastly, a mutant named Urna sheepishly introduced herself to Dobbs. Her skin, partially covered in a shining exoskeleton, gave her the appearance of a beetle. She was a fisherwoman in simple clothes.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Slater was a pleasant escape from the most taxing elements of the shore party meeting, and as the woman drifted off, Kuromaki turned back to them and started speaking. She listened carefully to each word and nodded along, though she found herself surprised when it was mentioned that these people had no gods. That they had cut themselves away from them. Her initial assumption had been a weary one, that these people were likely divided in factions of their own patron deities, but if they had managed to fully divorce themselves from that connection to the gods, then that was... safe. Kortova didn't really care much for them, despite their power. The demons of the Great Family and their 'parlor tricks' promised a lot without threat. She was only nominally connected to Wulfera by duress, nearly.

Kortova eyed the demon-like people as the all-talkers assembled around their charges. Each one was as fascinating as the next, and she felt almost a little... underdeveloped compared to some of their features. Her horns should have been bigger, she should have been taller, with fangs and long legs. She hated having to look up at the others in every conversation because it should have been them looking up to her.

"Shouldn't we ask for a guide?" Kortova said quietly to Kuromaki. "The others... they have natives to speak with. We're at a disadvantage without one, I fear."

 

[K0mori]

"I think we're all going to meet with their leaders, before anything else can happen," Kuromaki said. "The all-talkers they sent- they're just commoners. I'm sure if anyone is going to guide us or the the other officers, we'll meet them after our formal introduction."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"I hope so," Kortova nods, still speaking quietly to the woman. "The others will undoubtedly try to poison this well. They'll tell the others to be weary of us, to not trust us. We have to prove them wrong. I already ordered a clinic to be brought to shore, some orderlies to lend a hand to the crowd."

 

[Radley]

Flint inspected Ardekkan closely. Although he was quite the tall and well built man himself, standing next to the demonblood made him look quite small. Out of all the mutants that had arrived, Flint was more than happy to be bestowed with a soldier. Looking over the uniform and the armament, Flint finally met the grinning face with a somewhat stern expression, "Whats your rank, soldier?" He asked rather commandingly, deciding to see if these soldiers were a professional unit or more akin to some sort of people militia.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

There was not much else to say. Warren had made his choice, and decided to remain loyal to Meinhardt despite the terrible situation they were brought down to. It was sad to know the Correntino was indeed alone, but alas, there was nothing she could do. The views of the Platines clashed hard with that of the Northeners, and those from the Old Continent. But Meinhardt wasn't going to get rid of her easily. The Correntino might no longer be part of the fleet, but she still represented not only the Platine Republic, but also the University of San Marino. And she wasn't going to sit on her ship and do nothing.

Luckily for her, Dr. Lonstray of the Albion crew offered for her to accompany him as he studied the Native speech. Something Dos Santos would love to do. So she tagged along, knowing she still had scientific minds to relly upon. Even if they were as quirky as Lonstray. Once at the little meeting spot, Kuromaki began to drop massive loads of important information. At least important to a sociobiologist like Dos Santos, who quickly scrambled to get her notepad and pen from her blouse. She began writing everything down, while looking at Kuromaki and the natives behind her.

"...Altanis, Rika... other settlements. Oh Gosh! I want to cry!" she said, while batting her eyes and struggling to write everything down. As Kuromaki continued explaining, Meinhardt posed a good question about the religious practices of the natives. But the answer shocked Dos Santos. "...T-they are atheists? Or not-religious... that's fascinating! But... seeing how different they are."

Dos Santos looked a bit confused for a moment. The majority of the natives were mutated. Changed. And some had unique abilities, from what she could see. She attributed these things to be common with Halja, but if they were not religious, then what caused all these transformations? Was it a common practice among the ancestors, and they are just the descendants of it all? This only spawned more questions than answers, and the news that strictly forbid religion and most forms of sorcery concerned her a bit. As she had originally planned to show her abilities to the natives. Perhaps... she should look for a better opportunity to do so.

Eventually a group of natives approached them, with the same features Kuromaki and Kortova shared. 'Demon' features as some of the crew member called them. One introduced themselves as Envini, a young man who described himself as an inventor. Before any other scientist of the Albion crew could even ask the man anything, Dos Santos pretty much jumped to front and gave the man a very strange and wide smile. "It is an honor to speak with you, Envini. I truly mean that! My name is Ana Maria Dos Santos, I am a biologist... and I have so many questions! I don't want to talk your ears off, but... let's start wi-" Dos Santos stopped herself for a moment, as she remembered her situation. She glanced over her shoulder to look at Lonstray. "Oh... uhm... actually, it might be better for Dr. Lonstray to ask the first questions. Since I'm a humble guest in this crew." she said while giving Envini a friendly smile.

 

[joshuadim]

Lonstray wasn't quite sure what to say at first when Envini approached both him and Dos Santos, but fortunately was bought some time as Dos Santos made her introductions. This gave time for the man to look over this newcomer and to observe how strange he truly was. Once Dos Santos had finished, Dobbs quite his gawking and nodded his head: "Greetings. I am Dr. Lonstray of the Albionian Royal Institute of Science, natural philosopher by profession." he stated, keeping himself more reserved than his peer in science was at the moment. "Behind me are my assistants who help me in my research in these waters." he then said as he motioned to the assistants that stood nearby, all of whom immediately nodded and waved at Envini. "Indeed, we have many questions. One such includes the Altanic language... can you help us with deciphering it? We have started work on a cipher for translation, but have made slow progress thus far."

Approached by one of the mutants who introduced herself as Urna, Dobbs gave a respecful bow towards her as he spoke: "Hello there, I am Captain Dobbs of the HMS Prophet. This here is Leftenant Reid, and these are my men." As he introduced his crew members to the mutated woman, Reid and a few others gave a wave to her while others gawked in both fear and fascination. "Our expedition is one of knowledge seeking, and we hope to learn as much as we can about these lands and seas."

 

[Infab]

The crew of the Jackal appeared a bit off-put by the appearances of all the translators, whom all shared features like that of Kortova and Kuromaki. 'Demonblood all-talkers', as they heard the inventor describe them. So they're literally demons, or the offspring of them. Warren immediately cut a look to both Kortova and Kuromaki, before looking back to the group of translators. He already felt uncomfortable whenever Kuromaki spoke that demonic tongue, so this wasn't going to help things.

He gently shook his head. Well, time to force myself to get used to things. He bowed to Malkon, and most of the others did the same. Riddle remained upright, along with a few of the sailors whom had come with him. "An honor to meet you, Malkon." he stated, as he straightened back up. Certainly a well dressed...fellow. Rather androgynous, really. It was honestly difficult to tell if they were a male or female.

Sergeant Julia Stark, one of the Alleghenian scouts standing behind Riddle, tipped her helmet up a little as she eyeballed the demon. She glanced over to her comrades, as she let her rifle rest at her side. We're straight up working with demons now?

 

[K0mori]

While messengers were sent back to the ships at harbor, the Altanic soldiers began to urge the crowd to move away and allow the visitors to proceed. The Commodore sent a messenger up the gangplank to retrieve Captain Walkenhorst. "You can tell him that the situation down here is completely civil. We will not be proceeding with any court martial at this time, and I will explain when he gets here." He then turned to a lieutenant among the marines and ordered her to guard the landing zone along the harbor wall, and give menial assistance to the other crews upon request, aside from the Correntino. "They're welcome to accompany us, but they're declining our protection henceforth," Meinhardt explained. The lieutenant nodded.

Silara then approached the Commodore with shy curiosity. "We'll lead you to the Elders. They are the wisest of our people, and will be able to answer your questions."

"My colleague, Kuromaki," Meinhardt started to explain, before Silara finished his sentence.

"...mentioned this plan to you, yes," she said in a somewhat ghostly way.

Meanwhile, Ardekkan seemed mildly deflated as Captain Flint addressed him as a commander would a soldier. His smile disappeared, replaced by a more level expression, and he stood stiffly, but not quite at attention. "Sir, we are addressed as such: Reservist, Patrol, Attache, Attendant, Bulwark, Brigadier, Levier, and Warlord, in order of increasing authority. My rank is that of Bulwark, meaning I command a unit no larger than 200." There was a bit of pride in that final statement, as Ardekkan realized that he and Captain Flint were of similar rank immediately after speaking.

Envini seemed flattered when Dos Santos stepped forward, and would have patiently answered her question had she posed it. Instead, she stepped back and allowed Lonstray to take the lead instead. Envini gave a bit of an uncertain grimace when he heard the doctor's request. "It is a great honor to meet you both- scholars from faraway lands! If you mean the language the others speak here, then yes, I could help a great deal. They could read aloud, and I can repeat what I hear, and you would hear the language you understand. But I fear you may be referring to the language of the sea. There are ruins all about this land which contain inscriptions that we do not understand in the slightest, and while I am an all-talker, I am not an all-reader; If such a thing only existed. There is also the language of the Ashes, the written form of my own tongue, but that, too, is lost. I was born with this ability as it runs through my bloodline."

Envini then perked up."...But you say you've made progress? That is certainly exciting news! If you can read the sounds, then I should hear the meaning and I could repeat back to you what I hear-" his excitement rose as he spoke, "-and then we could all learn at once what the ancient inscriptions mean!" But then, his smile gave way to an expression of dread and disappointment. "Unless... We will need to speak to the elders first. I cannot help you until then."

Nearby, Dobbs introduced himself to Urna, who seemed to be smiling, although it was difficult to tell. They felt an uncanny sensation when they looked her in the eyes. "Ah, a captain of the sea, from faraway," she spoke in a melodic voice. "I feel I have as many questions for you as you do for me, but that would be improper... I am a simple woman, and you are an important leader."

"Ah, and I can say the same, surely," Malkon replied to Commander Warren. Having noticed the officer's glance to Kortova and Kuromaki, he spoke in a voice which was uncomfortably smooth, "you seem uneasy with my kind. Are there no demonblood from whence you came? Or have those two proved themselves untrustworthy?" he asked.

The huge assemblage of people began to move into the city. The brightly painted and decorated edifices were almost too-colorful, to the point of clashing, but regardless, the people here seemed to value the diversity of their strange existence. There was no evidence of electricity, but many instances of practical machines that the fleet would recognize from home. Here and there, they recognized water pumps, carts and wagons pulled by beasts of burden that vaguely resembled cattle and work horses, and vendors stood at counters along the roadway with their goods on display to the world.

As it soon became clear, the city was actually teeming with life, but almost all of it was based at ground level and had been invisible from afar. Those few buildings which rose above three stories or so were obviously-crumbling relics from a nearly-forgotten age. The roadways had been patched and re-patched many times, and thus had the appearance of any venerable roadway from the old world, and had probably been traveled since the oldest days of ancient civilization. But still, they also encountered reminders that this place had suffered from the horrors of Altanis' shattered history. A young boy, badly mutated with an ill-fitting jaw and sickly-looking with a distended stomach, sat at the side of the road picking and eating grass which grew on a small, unpaved stretch of land. He didn't even lift his head when the procession passed him by.

They turned a corner, and found themselves looking upon an incredible structure. While rotting from centuries of inadequate care, the palace which greeted them was undoubtedly a place of incredible achievement, luxury, and pride to the local population. Its high pillars were in-laid with gold and silver leaf, and other semiprecious materials glittered from every angle of the tower's five tiers, graced by the swooping lines of pagoda-like roof tiles chiseled from white porcelain. It was unlike anything they had ever seen.

 

[Infab]

Warren shook his head as Malkon posed his question. "No, there's no demonbloods where we come from." he replied, "...Those two were altered to look as they do now by someone named Ishra. Its been a shock to us all to see them changing over the past few days." He glanced over to Kortova and Kuromaki yet again, before looking back to Malkon. "Anyway, you're a property owner here? What buildings do you own?"

Meanwhile, Slater and Julia simply listened as Malkon spoke. Good god, his voice is like velvet. Both were sort of surprised by his smoothness. Riddle, meanwhile, kept a tight grip on his Annihilator as they walked. He was more focused on everyone around them. Especially those that weren't of the fleet. He took note of the lack of electricity, which gave things a real 'old world' feel. Everything done by manual labor. What bothered him a bit was the boy that they passed. Malformed and eating grass. He paused for a moment, gazing down at him, before continuing after Warren and the others. Nobody should be forced to live like that.

As they reached the palace, they all took a moment to gaze up at the structure. Old, and falling apart, it still somehow managed to maintain a luster to it. They could only imagine how it must have looked back during the height of the Altanic civilization.

 

[Radley]

As he caught on to Ardekkans prideful realization to the similarities of their ranks, even the usually dour cracked a small smile. "Seems we can by-pass formalities then."
Before the entire party were ushered to go meet the elders, Flint pointed out the terror to Ardekkan, explaining to the demonblood that he was the bulwark of a floating fortress that moves under its own power.

As they walked through the city, Flint noted the lack of technology. A passing thought came to him about accounts he had read, written by explorers who encountered the natives of the ancient Platinia. The contrast of their technological advancements were quite clear, and he could tell by the looks of the people they passed that the natives felt the same way. Furthermore, walking next to what they considered a captain, by proxy also gave him the same respect in their eyes. As they passed the deformed and malnourished child, he cast only a partial glance at it. In the remote regions of the Alleghenian Federation, such impoverishment existed to this day, and he had seen it with his own eyes. Ardekkan seemed not to be bothered by it at all.

As they turned a corner and arrived before what could only be assumed to be some sort of palace, Flint became awestruck. Although he had never been particularly interested in foreign cultures, the structure resonated to something within him. It seemed like it was a the combination of several ancient cultures from the old world. For the first time, he began to understand how truly old Altanis was.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova walked beside Kuromaki with the others, advancing through the streets. The city certainly had that old feel to it, as if she had stepped back a century and was looking at life before the necessary modern luxuries and amenities. She certainly wouldn't have wanted to live like this. Without electrical heating and cooling, no proper plumbing, no refrigeration... truly, that was a dreadful thing. On one hand, there was no smell of industry and automobiles, that faint smokey taste when a locomotive goes past, but it was replaced with a more... earthy smell. She wasn't a fan.

She caught Warren's occasional looks and huffed to herself. Even the others had their guides to converse with and she was in the dark. It made her a little twitchy, and her hands tightened around her parasol. "We know nothing. All the others, they have their little friends to tell them whatever they want. We're just outsiders. Guests. We'll never make it at this rate," she said quickly, agitated, as she walked through the streets with Kuromaki. "I already know Warren is plotting. We can't even meet his attacks with a counter."

She was momentarily brought to silence as they approached the palace, a grand and extravagant structure in a style quite unique. There was no doubt that it was ancient, and had seen much better days, but it still stood, proud as those who inhabited it. She rather enjoyed the porcelain touches and the glittering, precious stones that caught the day's light. When she became queen, she'd ensure Sokrovy had a palace that surpassed all others. Including this one.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Dos Santos listened to Envini carefully, interested in everything he said as he spoke with Dr. Lonstray. "But of course, Envini! We wouldn't want to harm relations. We'll make sure to ask all the necessary questions." Soon the group began moving deeper into the town, and Dos Santos couldn't contain her emotions any longer. Looking at this ancient remnant civilization filled her with joy.

"O-Oh my sweet lord... t-this..." She took note of every single detail, writing down everything she saw. Trying her best to hold back her tears. She probably looked like a weirdo, gawking at people and making sketches of their unique physiology. Sometimes waving her hand, like a vain Alleghenian tourists waving their stubby little fingers at the Platine passerbys.

But then, her smile washed away and replaced with a look of shock and sadness when she saw the mishapen child. Eating grass, and sitting away from the others. "H-huh..." She stopped for a moment, wondering if she should approach the poor little thing. In the back of her mind, she thought of her newly found abilities. Maybe... just maybe she could help this poor child. But she remembered what Kuromaki mentioned, and feared that using Halja's knowledge might endanger their mission on the island.

That's when an idea crossed her mind. "...O-okay, s-sit tight little buddy! I'll be back!" she said while running back to Envini. She took a quick breath, while trying to poke the demon's shoulder. "Envini..." she said, with a half-smile on her face. "...C-can I ask you a quick question? D-do you think the elders might be... offended if I offer a question regarding the use of... magic? I... am just wondering." She tried to be as cautious as possible, trying to not offend any natives passing by.

 

[K0mori]

As they walked along, the officers spoke freely with their translators. Malkon's eyes widened when he heard Warren describe Kortova and Kuromaki as having recently become demonic, and at first ignored the question he had been asked. "Wait... you mean to tell me that they... they've been in contact with the demons of the Ashes?" Warren realized as the all-talker asked this question, that Malkon had previously assumed that demons were known in the faraway lands, just not in those from whence the Jackal sailed. It was possible that he assumed the rest of the world was somewhat similar to Altanis. "I see. Best not to discuss how that was achieved," he declared, shooting the two women a suspicious look of his own.

"Now, you asked about my business, and that's something I'll happily speak about. The old city, you see, belongs to everyone. It was built mostly by our distant ancestors, so how can one person claim to own any of it to the exclusion of all others? But outside the city there is open land to farm and work on, and the land belongs to those who labor on it. The city adjudicates any disagreements that arise when it comes time to harvest, and will strip a man or woman of their ownership if they don't contribute enough to the laboring. So, how can one gather wealth as I have?" he asked, rhetorically.

"The answer is to expand the city. These old buildings are tall and spacious, but they are old and rotting. Some have sat empty for generations, and some, we fear will collapse at any moment. The city elders occasionally organize our engineers to save the old structures, but it is expensive and risky work. While we value tradition, even the elders agree that building new structures at the edge of town is preferred. I did away with the plow a long time ago, and built dwellings on my land instead..."

Malkon talked at length about his business model, which he seemed to believe was a novel and ingenious method of making money that the officers were unfamiliar with. But in truth, he was simply describing a common tenement building. At around this time, Captain Walkenhorst finally caught up to Meinhardt and the latter informed the former as to what was happening.

As Ardekkan walked with Captain Flint, it was the demonblood who did most of the questioning. Having been told that the Terror moved under its own power, Ardekkan asked cautiously if it was magic which powered the ship, like the war vessels of the ancient world. When Flint explained that it was actually a mechanical engine, Ardekkan was overjoyed. "...And you say it can travel how fast? ...And how far can you travel before the fuel is exhausted?" Soon, he was bellowing with laughter. "I beg you, traveler, teach me how to build one of these engines so that I can become the richest man in Altanis!" he joked. In time, he suggested Flint share the technology with the city elders, so it can belong to the people instead.

Kortova felt pangs of suspicion, and her sixth sense, the one she had begun to detect on the collapsed island, told her it was well-founded. Kuromaki agreed with Kortova's lament. "As soon as it becomes possible, ma'am, I will ask for a guide. I didn't expect us to be walking such a distance. For what it's worth," she added, her ears twitching, "I can hear much more clearly as of late, and if anything was said about us before, it was brief. No one is talking about us."

Near the rear of the procession, lagging due to Dos Santos' overflowing curiosity and desire to record everything she encountered, the doctor asked Envini an important question. The inventor became serious, but did not appear offended as he gave his answer. "Are you suggesting that you are a sorceress? ...No... I don't believe they would be offended, per se," he replied, cautiously. "Discussing magic is not forbidden, or else we couldn't have this conversation. They say that, in the ancient past, sorcerers could rain fire and lightning from above, conjure monsters from the deep, drag the dead from their graves, and twist life and space to their will. They keep just enough knowledge alive as a warning to us all, and remind us that the invalids, like that boy you tried to speak to, exist because of the evils of the past.

"...But that's not all," Envini continued. "They can't hide everything. It is difficult to get metals and gems, not because there are no mines, but because the mines are closely guarded by the soldiers. And doctors who use magic to purify and restore the body, one of the very few permitted uses of sorcery, all wear strange trinkets with blue minerals in them. We aren't fools. We know that the secret to sorcery must come from underground, in the form of that mineral. But I digress. It should be perfectly safe to ask them about it, but depending on what you are capable of, you may frighten them. They may ask you to leave, or to keep your abilities hidden."

The group approached the palace grounds, having walked along the main roadway for nearly half an hour. Its structure loomed over them imposingly, and they could sense the power which once radiated from its halls. A number of Altanic soldiers were gathered up near the grand entrance, along with a trio of robed beings- one human, one mutant, and one demonic, each looking quite old and gray. The human held up her hand, and each of the all-talkers motioned for the group to stop. She addressed them in a rasping, well-traveled voice tinged with motherly goodwill. The all-talkers translated her words:

"This is a true surprise. In all my years, I thought I would have lived through every possible thing,
but then, if I understand correctly, six ships flying all sorts of strange banners, sailing without
the help of wind and yet, without the help of foul sorcery, has come to this place to meet with
our people and share knowledge. I have also been informed that you come in peace.
My name is Ocsian, and we are honored for your visit."
​

The entire crowd of people, including the all-talkers, bent slightly and slapped the fronts of their legs with their palms in three rhythmic blasts- applause. The mutant elder, an ursine creature hunched under the weight of his overly muscled-physique, and yet apparently very fragile and blind, spoke next, and once again the all-talkers translated.

"I wish to provide you a welcome as well. My name is Rolk. We have sent for food and drink.
After we have spoken, you are free to return here in the evening if you so choose,
to eat a meal, use our bathhouses, or sleep, if you prefer to do so on land, away from your
mighty ships."
​

Another blast of their strange applause followed. Finally, the demon elder spoke, and did not need translation, as he, too, was an all-talker:

"And I am Balth, the elder of the demonbloods. You have already been welcomed twice, and
so I'll use this opportunity to address our people. You are to treat these travelers well,
give them any reasonable accommodation they request. They are to be safe in this city
so long as we are able to see to it."
​

Balth began to cough, tucking his fanged mouth into his silken sleeve, and the sound of his wheezing was drowned out by the applause. The three elders bowed, and then turned to walk through the grand entrance. The all-talkers now motioned for the officers to follow, and they proceeded through the large gates at the front of the courtyard. All at once the chattering, curious Altanic crowd peeled away, and their surroundings became eerily quiet as they mounted the old stone steps into the structure ahead of them. Inside, the first room was a wide open square, with dozens of huge pillars holding up the high ceiling. The walls were covered in delicately-painted tapestries and murals, and crumbling relief statues as well.

In the middle of this wide room was a large, square rug, covered in floor pillows. The smell of incense and possibly tobacco hung in the air, and numerous servants sat at rudimentary desks at stations surrounding the central rug. It took only a moment for the officers to realize that, despite the gargantuan stature of the building it was housed in, the government of the city was contained entirely within this room. They were guided in silence to the plush and luxurious rug in the middle of the sconce-lit room, and took their seats among the pillows with the elders and the all-talkers.

"Travelers," Balth began, "please introduce yourselves." After the officers and scientists had done so, Balth nodded, giving a strange look to Kortova and Kuromaki, but saying nothing. "As we said before, our island is open to you. But we have a few questions we must ask, that our people are unable to ask. First: do you know what this is?" he asked, pulling a small chunk of aetherite rock out of his robe and placing it on the ground, followed by a dull piece of aetherine glass.

"...Yes, we do," Meinhardt replied after some hesitation. "That's aetherite, and aetherine glass, next to it. It's stored life energy, and can be used for sorcery. We are the first people from the outside world to understand these facts since the majority of Altanis fell."

Balth stiffened up, but remained calm, and simply said "he knows." Ocsian and Rolk reacted, with the former drawing in a slight gasp. "Travelers, you needn't worry. Even if you were powerful mages yourselves, we would not attack you. But we must make clear, the failure of the ancients is exactly why we keep this a secret from our own people. Are any of you capable of using this knowledge?"

The elders' anticipation was palpable. The all-talkers looked at the officers but would not speak for them.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

While relieved that her question did not offend the inventor, Dos Santos began feeling more uncomfortable by the minute. The idea that she could be kicked off of the island scared her immensly, as she had so much to write down and record. But the thought of that child, the little 'invalid' as Envini called him, pushed her forward with her plans to talk with the elders. The group continued travelling through the city, and she continued to write and sketch everything dow in her sketchpad. Specially Envini since he was the closest to the group.

Eventually, they arrived at the palace. An imposing building that emanated a tremendous power. The group was then welcomed by the elders. Dos Santos continued drawing, using Lonstray as a shield to hide her sketchbook as she didn't want to offend the elders by appearing distracted.

Once they were done with their speech, the elders and the all-talkers directed the group into the palace and down into a grandiose room with several servants. Once they were done with the introductions, the demonic elder began asking questions. The first were easy to answer and the Commodore did it without any trouble. But then Balth asked a question that made Dos Santos look down for a moment, trying to muster up the courage to speak.

"I do, Elder Balth." Dos Santos slowly raised her head and raised her hand. "...I know how to use some of these powers, I... call it transmutation. I know how to use Aetherine to remove certain ailments and mutations... I... also have so other abilities that I have not mastered yet, but I have no intention in doing so for the moment. All I care is about... healing people and removing malicious mutations." Dos Santos tried to sound as humble as possible, trying her best to not offend the elders.

 

[Radley]

As Flint and Ardekkan sat down comfortable pillows, the former took of his coat and set it aside and took out a pipe and a pouch of tobacco. He had kept it on him as merely a second thought, but when he smelt what he assumed to be tobacco or something similar he was gripped by the urge to smoke.

Puffing away at the pipe, Flint listened as the elders questioned them about the aetherite and the glass, as well as explaining their disdain for magic. This disdain was somewhat undermined when they asked curious questions about the fleets magical abilities directly afterwards. Perhaps they only tolerated magic as long as it could be useful, akin to the native Alleghenians when the newcomers from the east gave them firearms. Or perhaps they were genuinely afraid of magic, and only wished to have knowledge of it so that they could shield themselves and their people against it.

As Dos Santos finished explaining her ability, Flint decided to go next. "Elders. I too possess these abilities you ask of. Perhaps you can call my magic..." There was brief paus as he searched for the right word, "Siphoning. I am able to drain power from magical objects, store them in me in the form of life energy and transfer it to other objects." Realizing that his explanation painted him as some sort of warlock that could suck the souls out of people using only his hands, as described in the old world myths. In a attempt to patch this up, he took out the astrolabe. "I am somewhat weakened for the time being, as I used my own life energy to power this device. It was how we were able to find you." He concluded, placing the artifact on the floor in front of him so that all could see.

 

[Infab]

Warren was a little surprised by Malkon's explanation of his business. Rather interesting to see the concept of rented homes and apartments out here in the Meridian. He didn't want to dampen the demon's mood by informing him that the outside world already had concepts such as that, so he kept his mouth shut on the matter. Soon, they arrived and were introduced to the elders. Three of them. A human, mutant, and demon. Surprising to see them living together in harmony, but there were plenty of things to be surprised about in the Meridian.

After the speeches, they were lead into a smaller room, where they sat and spoke to the elders in a more private situation. And the topic at hand: magic. Specifically magic of the fleet. Dos Santos spoke first, explaining her powers to heal and transmutate using aetherine. Interesting, and quite useful on this expedition. Then Flint spoke up and revealed his power. He was able to channel energy from things into himself as life force, and could place that life energy into other things. Warren and the rest of his group looked shocked. When the hell did Flint gain this power? Back on the collapsing island?

He gave Flint a look, before speaking up himself. "I may have acquired some sort of ability, but I have yet to discover what it actually is." he said simply. "I haven't had the time to properly experiment to see what I gained...if anything."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Once indoors, Kortova closed up her parasol and walked as if it were a cane, her head held high and her gait somewhere between casual and formal. The stride of someone who had no doubt that they belonged in a palace. These elders were a curious lot. She had anticipated more... limber beings. Perhaps a strong, radiant monarch, or at least a council somewhere, like a parliament. She figured there could still be something like that somewhere, tucked away indoors, but that came later. These people weren't exactly tribal yet they weren't entirely similar to what she knew of history back home. Outside of work, it would be a pleasure to learn about this place.

She took her seat on one of the nicer pillows she could find, and discreetly moved another two over to her so that she could lounge on them more appropriately. The introductions had been simple, though she did note even one of the elders giving her a strange look. Too many people seemed to be doing that these days. It should have been looks of admiration, not gawking wide eyes.

The situation with sorcery and the aetherine was an interesting little point, and Kortova listened carefully, mulling over her thoughts. She was aware of Flint's newfound ability, and Dos Santos, as earnest as she always seemed, had the ability to do some powerful things. Transmutation and healing. The latter was certainly useful, though she wondered how safe it was in an amateur's hands. Naturally, there were the 'other abilities' she mentioned. And I'm the danger to the fleet? she wondered wryly. The last person she wanted having any sort of sorcerous power was Warren. That ill-mannered possum.

"I've no particular experience with the aetherine stones, or minerals," Kortova said when it was her turn. "We've recovered some and have them in safe and secure storage outside anyone's grasp, awaiting further study."

It wasn't a lie. She hadn't had the time to experiment with the aetherine recovered on Ishra's Isle, but perhaps it was high time she did so. Even those books had been passed around her scholars on board, but those damn professors hadn't turned up anything useful yet. She'd need to appraise her loot more closely while she was here.

 

[joshuadim]

Dobbs and Lonstray had each taken a seat of their own as the group of officers and leaders spoke to what was seen to be as the leadership of the city themselves, and both listened intently as they explained the situation as well as their stance towards the use of magic. As both Dos Santos and Flint revealed what they had gained, Dobbs was more shocked with the latter as there had been no indication that he had been in contact with such powers in the first place. Lonstray on the other hand was more intrigued and fascinating with such concepts from both Dos Santos and Flint being revealed. Then came Warren, which further surprised Dobbs as he gave a glance over to the Commander and looked at him for a moment. He had not been aware at just how many of the leadeers of this expedition had been exposed to entities that had given them such abilities.

This put Dobbs in a particularly tricky position, as he had not revealed practically anything to anyone, not even to his own crew. He hadn't been particularly keen on sharing such sensitive information with anyone, least of all with people he had no trust in whatsoever like Kortova. Yet if he did not share such information it was quite possible that it could bite him on the arse at some point during his stay on the isle. But even if he did lie, there was no way to tell if these inhabitants had any way of seeing through such a lie. When attention was turned to him, he had a split second to make a decision as he opened his mouth to speak: "I have been exposed to the ability to control... I'm not sure exactly to be honest. At one moment, I ripped out the core of a water construct and the next I'm able to throw lightning in my chambers. I'm not exactly sure what to think of all this." he stated, telling the truth.

Lonstray looked at Dobbs with both confusion and shock as the researcher had not ever been exposed to such information from the captain. Truthfully, he was speechless at the moment as he didn't know how to process such as revelation in the moment. But his thoughts ran wild as he stared at Dobbs: Why hide such things from me? he thought to himself in a concerned manner.

 

[K0mori]

As the captains divulged their strange abilities, Balth grew deathly serious in his expression, but waited patiently until everyone had spoken before communicating what he had learned to the other two elders. Meinhardt, meanwhile, was amazed to learn that some on the expedition had not been forthcoming with their acquisition of abilities, but he held his tongue. It was unlikely that whatever power Flint had gained could be considered a threat to the fleet, and even if it were, Flint showed no signs of hostility toward any vessel earlier in the day. Dobbs, on the other hand, claimed he had the ability to conjure and throw lightning. Despite the man's equally level-headed conduct, such an ability seemed dangerous enough that the Commodore felt it was his business to know.

With the elders having been informed, Balth ran his claws through his silvery hair before giving a thoughtful hum. He eventually reached into his robe and pulled out a pipe, following Flint's lead to have a smoke of his own. "...I have a question. We allow for healing and purification here, but the young lady, Dr. Dos Santos spoke of removing 'mutations.' Care to explain what that means?"

There was a pause as the officers looked at each other, mentally deciding who would answer. Kuromaki spoke up. "She is referring to people like me, and Elder Rolk."

Rolk turned his head and asked a question. Balth echoed it. "In what manner?"

"I was human when our expedition began," Kuromaki replied. "I unwittingly touched an enchanted aetherine stone and began to change... I've not stopped changing, since," she added, before giving a sly smile to the officers, some of whom looked mildly disgusted, "...nor do I want to. I see nothing wrong with what I'm becoming."

Balth took a long draw off his pipe, perplexed at the explanation. "So, if I am understanding correctly, you no longer consider yourself 'human?' I see you are a demonblood, like me-"

"Excuse me, sir," Malkon interrupted. He quickly looked at Warren as if to seek permission to speak, but ultimately looked away, as if he had decided in a split moment that he did not need the Captain's consent. "Captain Warren has told me that there are no demonbloods in the lands where these people live. When she says she was human-"

"-she means that she was like the rest of you, and Ocsian," Balth replied. He coughed into the sleeve of his robe. "I see now. There are none like us in their world," he said to Rolk, "and so they consider us 'mutants."

Rolk gave a singular laugh under his breath and shook his head. He was offended, despite Dos Santos' intentions. Oscian spoke to Balth hastily, and her earlier warmth was still present. It sounded as if she wanted to quickly smooth over the tension in the room. Balth translated, "Oscian is interested in your device, Captain Flint. You said it guided you to this place?" Flint affirmed. Oscian spoke again, and Balth echoed, "she has expressed - and I agree - that whatever that thing is should be destroyed once you have safely departed our land. You see, travelers, our isolation here is very intentional. We welcome you here with open arms, but we don't wish others to come here the same way, bringing sorcery and ancient knowledge better left forgotten."