To Stand Against the Crimson Tide

[Equusheart]

Sayuri & Conrad

The guard bows, and eagerly takes the provided opportunity to escape.

Sabah appears to be paying no mind to your conversation, but suddenly she pauses in her pawing, she rolls onto her feet, her ears perk up, and her head swivels back towards the direction she came bounding in from.

"My thoughts exactly, my lady. These are dark times. I fear for our plantations. We packed up what we could, but we could hardly bring the slaves with us, and who knows what those barbarians might do to them!" He shakes his head, distraught, images of burned fields and razed buildings doubtless flashing through his mind.

Conrad nodded along to the conversation, smiling at the mention of graditude for his prior actions. He was glad their discussion was moving in a more positive direction. Silently he wished a prayer to the Sun, asking that Sabah continue to behave so as not to disturb the meeting further. He listened to Lord Paolo broach the subject of slaves and other property left behind in their haste to escape, and shared in the sadness of imagining their unbearable position as hostages to be vicitmized at the whim of the mauraders.

Oh greatest of the gods, surely you did not call me here with an expectation that I single-mindedly pursue a circlemate at the exclusion of defying villainy? If I am to take a further role in the defense of these people, please give me a sign of affirmation as to that effect.

Though he did not personally know these people Lord Paolo spoke so passionately of, he felt a kinship with the older man over his despair at their plight. Listening to a lord who professed to actually care about his people, even down to the wellbeing of his slaves, tugged at the Solar's heart and his desire to defend the undefended. He could not leave them wanting in their time of need. Not when the enemy still camped so near. Not when there was still evil to be vanquished.

I am one of your Chosen. It is my duty to use your gifts to defend the weak and cast out the wicked. Your silence on the subject doesn't change that; I have an obligation to these people, as one who can help.

"Lady Akechi," the Solar addressed his host directly, "moments ago you mentioned a willingness for your household to take on another warrior. Into what station would such a warrior be placed?"

From the corner of his eye, Conrad noticed Sabah's change in body language. In an effort to avoid further feline antics, he stooped to pick her up in his arms and gently pet her as he continued speaking with Sayuri. "More to the point, would such a warrior be granted authority to lead?"

The charismatic prince looked briefly to Lord Paolo, the determination in his eyes meeting the sadness reflected in the other man. "If given a small force of soldiers willing to serve under the command of an outsider, I believe I can damage your enemies enough that they retreat to their encampment and quit the raiding of outlying settlements."

He turned back to Sayuri, "with your support, of course, mi'lady."

OOC

Conrad attempts a Persuasion roll (based on assumption she has an intimacy related to caring for her household/vassals, if not I guess the roll fails?) to convince Lady Akechi Sayuri that he could be a useful military asset for her household in rescuing the rest of their outlying vassals and serfs. Rolls Charisma (5) + Presence (4) + 1 Pt Stunt (2) = 11 dice. He also spends 5m (personal) on Harmonious Presence Meditation to reduce social charm costs for the scene and gain 3 social dice, and spends 2m (personal) on Impassioned Discourse Technique to channel his major intimacy of defending the undefended to add 3 dice and 1 auto success. In total he rolls 17 dice, adds 1 success, and nets 11 successes.

Spoiler

Active Scene Charms:
- Harmonious Presence Meditation

HEALTH LVLS
-0 [ ]
-1 [ ][ ]
-2 [ ][ ]
-4 [ ]
Incapacitated [ ]

ESSENCE
Essence: 1
Personal: 13 / 13
Peripheral: 32 / (32) 33
Committed: 1

WILLPOWER: ●●●●● ○○ / ●●●●● ●●
LIMIT: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] - [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

COMBAT STATS
Join Battle: 6 +3i

DVs
Dodge DV: 4* (3 w/ armor penalty)
Parry DV: 6
Resolve: 3* (4 against persuade)
Guile: 3

Sayuri nodded her head in agreement as Lord Paolo spoke, his words causing her smile to fade into a frown. Her heart twisted in her chest as she imagined the fate of the slaves that had been left behind, the fields of crops that would be burned, and buildings razed to the ground. More death and ruin to add to what had already been lost.

Conrad's words cut through her thoughts as he spoke. The determination in his voice as he offered to take command of a group of soldiers to combat the barbarians kindled some hope in Sayuri. Yet she was hesitant. Conrad was a stranger to her, an outsider. She knew Ryu likely wouldn't be fond of the idea of an outsider taking control of Akechi forces without proving himself. But Sayuri's own words echoed in her mind along with Conrad's, every skilled warrior would be an asset. Sayuri sighed in indecision.

"Lord Paolo, do you trust this man?" Sayuri asked, hoping the Lord's answer might help.

 

[Random Word]

Sayuri & Conrad

Lord Paolo looks quite pleased with himself as Conrad delivers his impassioned oration. "Yes my lady. I do not think I would stand here before you now if not for the heroic intervention of this man. I would shame my ancestors with my ingratitude if I did not place my trust in him. He is sharp of wit and has a heart of cold steel in the heat of battle. He will serve you well."

 

[Random Word]

Droplets - Ombrelune - Outside the Akechi Compound

The large elaborately carved wooden gates depicting the terraced steps of a tea plantation in vibrant greens and yellows bar your entrance to where you have been told Sjet retired last night to rest and recuperate from her injuries. The early morning light struggles to cut through the haze of yesterday's fires, hanging low in the humid morning air, but what you saw on your walk through the city heartened you. The ancestors have done good work getting the fires under control with the cold entropic elements of the Underworld, and their labour's have made miraculous progress in clearing rubble and tending to the souls of those who passed. The city would be in far worse shape without their intervention - and yours.

There's a smaller person sized door with a small square sliding window set into the larger door. Doubtless you have been seen by the sentries, but as yet there has been no call to identify yourself. How do you approach?

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Droplet's journey back from the Underworld was easy enough. The Arch-Factor has provided her a way to get to Omberlune quite fast. She didn't delve too much whether that was to appease her, or to be rid of her immediate presence, but for now, she didn't care. The ancestors are pulling more weight to help the city, and that's a good thing.

Knowing that there would be stares, she has pulled her hood back up as she walked around the city, but now, standing before the gates of the Akechi Compound for too long, she pulled back the hood, and called out in a deep voice "Hear me, oh House of Akechi! It is Droplets of Blood in the Chilly Wind standing at the gate! Open these gates, or fetch Sjet or Sayuri here!"

 

[Random Word]

Droplets

The window in the small door briefly opens. The sentry pales at the sight of you, and it snaps shut.

Sjet & Garret

One of the house guard approach, looking slightly wan, "M'lady, a black cloaked woman calling herself..." he looks rather at a loss, "Droplets of- Droplets of Blood in the Chilly Wind, is calling for you from outside the gates. Shall I send her away?" To say he looks unenthusiastic about this prospect would be an understatement.

 

[Sherwood]

Sjet smiles, then says, "No, please, let her in. That is my mother and one of the reasons that this city still stands. I would like it if you escorted us to her, and thank you."

 

[Random Word]

Sjet, Garret & Droplets

The guard looks unenthusiastic at the prospect of escorting the unnerving woman anywhere, but nods glumly and sees to his duty. Droplets, as you pass the beautiful gardens at the centre of the compound you catch a brief glimpse of the young man you saw during your journey to the Underworld last night. Sjet, for her part, is looking considerably better than when you last saw her. If you didn't know better, you wouldn't believe just yesterday she had stood on death's door.

[We need to figure out where everyone is going before we can move on. If you have nothing IC you want to discuss and already know where you want to go, just let me know and we can jump there. It sounds like Conrad is going to the Beach. Sjet and Garret are going to the Manse. That leaves Droplets and Sayuri to decide.]

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Droplets snatches a glance of the young man she saw, and turns to look intently on him, before returning to face Sjet and Garret. She greets Sjet "Hello Sjet, I see that you've recovered well from last night's ordeal. And good to see you too Garret." Droplets herself seems very well rested, and is in a good mood, though her features might make it seem more like a scowl, but her daughter is sure to see through it, knowing her much better. If Garret is carrying any of his Artifacts, Droplets will sneak an envious look at them, but will say nothing. "We need to talk to Sayuri, and decide about what to do next. I have some news from the Underworld that we need to discuss as well."

 

[MasterDAF]

Conrad nodded in appreciation at the lord's response, and clapped the older man on his back in a friendly gesture. "Thank you, Lord Paolo. Your words are too kind."

The young Solar visualized leading a group of House Akechi soldiers, passing commands to Palm and Lord Paolo's other guards as they relayed orders down the line. The grimmacing faces of the stubborn enemy, entrenched upon the beach, as they fell beneath his forces like sandcastles toppling beneath the roaring tide.

"It will be my honor to ensure your trust is not misplaced."

Conrad smiled at both Lord Paolo and Lady Sayuri, hoping he could effectively provide what he promised and serve House Akechi well in this effort to repel the invaders.

"So, if that has been settled, then I do wonder where I might bunk for-"

The words caught in his throat mid-sentence. His face grew pale, and at the edge of his peripheral vision, Conrad saw a ghost. Or, perhaps more accurately, he saw what at first appeared to be the ghost he had previously glimpsed in the woods. Though now, as she stared at him purposefully for a moment, he could make out features that seemed more corporeal. He was unsure of exactly what this woman — this creature — was, but in his gut he felt this particular undead still kept one foot amongst the living.

Before he could say or do anything, the undead thing had moved on and he lost sight of her past the gardens.

Why do I feel like this accursed creature is following me?

"What was that thing?" he choked out quickly, before remembering he was in a city that revered their ancestoral dead. "Pardon me, what i meant to say was, who is that wounded old woman? I have certainly seen her before, out amongst the dark woods not a night ago while routing the invaders."

 

[Sherwood]

Droplets snatches a glance of the young man she saw, and turns to look intently on him, before returning to face Sjet and Garret. She greets Sjet "Hello Sjet, I see that you've recovered well from last night's ordeal. And good to see you too Garret." Droplets herself seems very well rested, and is in a good mood, though her features might make it seem more like a scowl, but her daughter is sure to see through it, knowing her much better. If Garret is carrying any of his Artifacts, Droplets will sneak an envious look at them, but will say nothing. "We need to talk to Sayuri, and decide about what to do next. I have some news from the Underworld that we need to discuss as well."

"Good morning, mother." Sjet smiles warmly at her, and goes to give her a hug. "I am feeling much better, thank you. I have some news of my own, but it can wait until we speak with our host."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Droplets turns once more towards the garden, where she saw Sayuri chatting with some man, and the young man she saw outside the city on her way to the Underworld, and walks towards them paying the guards little mind, while Thousandfold Wings follows close behind her. "Forgive me for interrupting your conversation, Sayuri, but we have some discussions we need to have once you're free." She looks closely at the young man, to see his reaction.

You see an old woman, with ghastly wounds, and a hideous visage approach. And flying behind her is an Ichneumon Hunter. The woman seems to be aware of its presence, as it alights on her shoulder when she stops to speak to Sayuri.

 

[Psychie]

While the mischievous cat-Lunar watches, Garret sits down on a chair in his room and begins the laborious process of putting on his armor. He has only seen paintings of men in armor along with the occasional guard going on by, but he’s never really paid attention to them. But with the Bronze Tide still out there, ready to attack again, this is something that the big man figures he needs.

Despite his lack of familiarity with the get up, Garret finds that the whole suit goes on rather easily, fitting to his body as of it were made for him. Something in the back of his mind tells him it is the nature of moonsilver, but it is all so new to him he just is amazed.

Finally clad in his armor and carrying the spear, Garret heads out to look for Droplets. She’s his charge, made clear to him by Luna Herself, so he’s going to do what it takes to make his goddess happy.

 

[Equusheart]

Sayuri smiled at Lord Paolo's words of praise for Conrad and his abilities. Just as she was hoping, the words helped put her mind to ease. Nodding her head in response, Sayuri turned her smile on Conrad.

"Very well," Sayuri said. "I give you permission to take charge of a small group of Akechi soldiers. Ryu likely won't like it, but he'll get over it. Hopefully, this will help turn the tide against these barbarians." The little glimmer of hope she had felt earlier fanned brighter at the thought.

When Conrad's expression changed and he grew pale, Sayuri's brow furrowed in worry. And when she followed his gaze, Sayuri was almost startled to find the dark figure that had joined them in the garden. That fear quickly disappeared, however, as she recognized the figure.

"Droplets," Sayuri said with a sigh of relief, her smile returning. "I am glad you were able to find your way here. I do hope it wasn't too difficult." Her eyes swept over Droplets in the assessing gaze of a healer. Concern welled up in her, though she forced herself to hold her tongue.

Playing the part of a good hostess, Sayuri turned back to Conard.

"Conrad, this is Droplets of Blood in the Chilly Wind. Droplets, this is Lord Conrad. He will be joining us."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Droplets gives a respectable curtsy to Lord Conrad. It was good to have a name attached to that face, "Pleased to meet you Lord Conrad. I hope my appearance doesn't disturb you, too much. Such things happen when one dies." She seems to be delighted in making him uncomfortable.

She turns back to Sayuri "It wasn't difficult, your family is well known and appreciated in the city, so finding my way here was no trouble at all. After all, few would dare to stop me." And she gives a smile. "I have some news from the Underworld that we need to discuss."

 

[MasterDAF]

Though Conrad had been briefly shaken at the unexpected sight of Droplets of Blood in the Chilly Wind, he now displayed a regained composure and carefully disguised his disgust at her undead presence. The creature standing before him might find enjoyment in his discomfort, but he refused to provide her with any additional fodder.

He responded with a shallow bow, taking care to keep his gaze focused upwards as he bent over so as not to lose sight of her in the process. "The pleasure is all mine -" he paused for a single heartbeat, recognizing the oddly polite formality implicit in his phrasing to the unnerving undead, "- my lady."

"I am not sure it is appropriate, however, to label this as our first meeting." Conrad crossed his arms over his chest, and continued in a calm voice. "Beneath the scars you sport upon your face, I sense a familiarity with another. One I spotted during an overnight in the nearby forest."

He furrowed his brow in feined curiosity. "Tell me, Lady Droplets, is there a reason I might find your visage so familiar?"

OOC

Feeling worriedly sure that Droplets has been following him and is up to no good, Conrad attempts a Read Intentions roll to better understand how she feels about him. Rolls Wits (4) + Socialize (3) + 1 Pt Stunt (2) = 9 dice. The charm Harmonious Presence Meditation is still active (reduces social charm costs for the scene and gain 3 social dice), and he spends 2m (personal) on Motive Discerning Technique (double 9s and substitute Wits for Perception). In total he rolls 12 dice, and nets 7 successes.

Spoiler

Active Scene Charms:
- Harmonious Presence Meditation

HEALTH LVLS
-0 [ ]
-1 [ ][ ]
-2 [ ][ ]
-4 [ ]
Incapacitated [ ]

ESSENCE
Essence: 1
Personal: 4 / 13
Peripheral: 32 / (32) 33
Committed: 1

WILLPOWER: ●●●●● ○○ / ●●●●● ●●
LIMIT: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] - [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

COMBAT STATS

Join Battle: 6 +3i

DVs
Dodge DV: 4* (3 w/ armor penalty)
Parry DV: 6
Resolve: 3* (4 against persuade)
Guile: 3

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Noting his appraising gaze, Droplets lets him see through her visage, and glimpse the horrid truth lain bare.

"Simple my dear, I passed you by, from a distance, last night, as I was making my way down to the Underworld. I must say that you were quite efficient in taking out the invaders' guard." She speaks about it as one might praise a child on making a drawing or accomplishing an every day task.

Spoiler: Read Intentions

She has a respect for his ruthlessness

 

[MasterDAF]

Unsure of her patronizing response, Conrad forced a smile to his face and accepted the answer and her questionable compliment. "Yes, I suppose that accounting does mesh if my memory serves proper. Thank you for the supportive words."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Droplets nods at him and replies in a voice loud enough to carry to the other nearby guards "My pleasure, we need more ruthlessness when dealing with these invaders. More soldiers like you would be welcome." And she turns back to Sayuri "Do you want to conduct our business here in the garden, or somewhere more private?"

 

[Sherwood]

Once Sjet is done helping Garret with putting on his armor and showing him how to strap it all on, she motions for the big Lunar to follow her out to where her mother is talking to Sayuri and the soldier. "Mother, I have a feeling that my dream about the manse was trying to communicate something of import, but I don't know what. There are many secrets still undiscovered in there, and I feel that it would be remiss of me to not investigate further." She looks between her mother and Sayuri and says, "I plan on heading there soon unless there is something pressing that would keep me from doing so right away."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Once they've all settled in the nice room Sayuri has led them to, Droplets starts "I have updates from the Underworld. The city's equivalent in the Underworld is led by a rather less than cooperative ghost. It took some threatening and cajoling to have him agree to send more help. It also seems that there's someone or something called Lion, that has Deathknights, Exalts like myself, that is interested in our Underworld equivalent. So far, they've been rebuffed, but I promised my aid in keeping them away. We have at least two fronts then, both in Creation, and the Underworld. Also, on my strange travel to the Underworld, I have acquired this. With this, I can help better in combat." And she takes a package from the back of her cloak, seemingly wrapped in rags, and reveals a strange bow, made of a metal as dark as the deepest night, but some faces can be seen fading in and out of it's surface, and if one gets close, one can hear faint whispers.

There was a darker reason to show off the bow though, and that was to perhaps throw them off the fact that if this Lion has Deathknights, Exalts serving him, and that she is like them, then who might she be serving...

Spoiler: OOC

If anyone tries to read intentions on Droplets, she will up her Guile from 4 to 8 with Excellency

 

[Equusheart]

Sayuri gave a nod in reply to Droplets words.

"I do think somewhere private would be best," she said. Sayuri lead the group to a small sitting room where they would be able to discuss matters without unsolicited ears listening in. She turned her attention to Droplets as she spoke of her time in the Underworld, her eyes widening as Droplets revealed the bow.

"That is quite the weapon."

 

[Psychie]

Once Garret is fully strapped into his armor, the big Lunar looks down at his armored form and marvels at the workmanship of the armor with a smile. Reaching out to heft the spear, he smiles wider. When the Bronze Tide comes again, these artifacts will help me make a real impact on the fight! He then strides out to see what is going on with Sjet, Sayuri and Droplets.

 

[MasterDAF]

Conrad continued to softly pet his Lunar companion and favored her with a warm smile, then followed the others to the meeting place chosen by his newly established local benefactor, Lady Akechi. He listened quietly as the undead woman revealed a debrief on her journey through the Underworld. He found what she said interesting, assuming it could be believed, but also somewhat worrisome. The notion that there might be more undead monstrosities like her residing elsewhere in the dark places of the world was a disturbing implication the Solar had no interest in entertaining.

"That is quite the tale, Lady Droplets." The muscular exalt pulled absentmindedly at the short stubble upon his chin. "I don't suppose you might have any information linking the invaders here to any of the...less benevolent forces present from your world?" He shrugged his shoulders and scratched gently behind Sabah's ears, "it would be useful to know if the invaders can call upon aid from any of your deathly-aspected fellows."

OOC

Keeping his tone even and cordial, but still unsure about trusting any intel provided by Droplets, Conrad attempts a Read Intentions roll to see if there is anything she is attempting to hide or redirect attention from within her debrief. Rolls Wits (4) + Socialize (3) + 1 Pt Stunt (2) = 9 dice. The charm Harmonious Presence Meditation is still active (reduces social charm costs for the scene and gain 3 social dice), and he spends 2m (personal) on Motive Discerning Technique (double 9s and substitute Wits for Perception). In total he rolls 12 dice, and nets 7 successes.

Spoiler

Active Scene Charms:
- Harmonious Presence Meditation

HEALTH LVLS
-0 [ ]
-1 [ ][ ]
-2 [ ][ ]
-4 [ ]
Incapacitated [ ]

ESSENCE
Essence: 1
Personal: 2 / 13
Peripheral: 32 / (32) 33
Committed: 1

WILLPOWER: ●●●●● ○○ / ●●●●● ●●
LIMIT: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] - [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

COMBAT STATS

Join Battle: 6 +3i

DVs
Dodge DV: 4* (3 w/ armor penalty)
Parry DV: 6
Resolve: 3* (4 against persuade)
Guile: 3

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Droplets does a double take when the young man speaks. This was to be a meeting of Exalts only, and this young man and his cat had no business being a part of it. This made her scream, and lash out with her Essence, as her Caste Mark appeared on her forehead and began to drip black blood.
"YOU have no business being here! This meeting is for Exalts only, and if I see your face nosing in places it doesn't belong, I will personally make sure to flay you alive!"

Spoiler: OOC

She spends 8 motes on her Guile to increase it to 8 against his Read Intentions. Activating Elegant Tyrant's Majesty for 7m, indefinitely, and spending 2m on Excellency, discounted from Elegant Tyrant's Majesty, to Instill Fear.

Elegant Tyrant's Majesty adds 3 dice, and so does the excellency and Death's Unholy Visage. Charisma 3, Presence 4. Add one die because her Appearance (4) in higher than his base Resolve of 3.

So that's 17 dice. 6 successes.

 

[MasterDAF]

Conrad's eyes widened in morbid recognition as a bloody disc revealed itself upon the elderly Exalt's brow. He had seen the bright holy sigils and flashing golden animas of the Solar castes numerous times in cryptic dreams of days long gone. He had also been taught their names and First Age associations by Sabah's pact-mates. What he saw bloom before him now, however, was neither glorious nor comforting as the mark of the Zenith ought to be. Rather, it appeared more revolting in design. Perhaps something carved to induce fear or horror in those forced to gaze upon the unholy sigil. Even so, the young Solar's intuition told him that it was somehow related to that of the Zeniths.

That awful weeping mark...she is no petty exalt of the air or soil. Whatever dread power she commands, it may pose an equal challenge to my own. I shall have to exercise caution, lest my own Celestial benefactor be discovered.

"You are right, of course, Lady Droplets that my status as a mere mortal falls well beneath your own. Yet, it was my understanding that Lady Akechi's respect for my aptitude in warfare led to an expectation of my presence at the meeting to provide experienced observations."

Conrad's heart rate increased marginally as he looked on at the bleeding wound of a castemark gouged into her brow. "If I am mistaken, then I apologize for the unintended intrusion." His brow furrowed, and his eyes tightened at the corners as his vision dropped back down to meet the Underworld Exalt's gaze. The Prince's voice rang confident with an edge of sharpened steel. "Though I might advise you. Mortal or not, it is unwise to make threats you are unable to keep."

OOC

Conrad is currently losing the defense of his Resolve (3) against Droplet's Inspire action (6). He spends 6m (2 personal, 4 peripheral) to increase his Resolve to 6, and his 1-point stunt increases his Resolve to 7. In total his Resolve is now set to 7, defending against the Inspire action, and he avoided spending 5+ peripheral motes so none of his essence leaks into his anima.

Spoiler

Active Scene Charms:
- Harmonious Presence Meditation

HEALTH LVLS
-0 [ ]
-1 [ ][ ]
-2 [ ][ ]
-4 [ ]
Incapacitated [ ]

ESSENCE
Essence: 1
Personal: 0 / 13
Peripheral: 28 / (32) 33
Committed: 1

WILLPOWER: ●●●●● ○○ / ●●●●● ●●
LIMIT: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] - [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

COMBAT STATS

Join Battle: 6 +3i

DVs
Dodge DV: 4* (3 w/ armor penalty)
Parry DV: 6
Resolve: 3* (4 against persuade)
Guile: 3