[To Throw a Spanner in the Loom of Fate] The Dawning of Hope

"Oh? Ogoun will be happy to hear that too." It was weird. She'd started training the troops, but now a dragon-blooded from Lookshy was doing a lot of that work. At least, he was doing a much better job of group tactics. Well enough Jacquelyn joined in when she could. "Want to see what he and our Lookshy representative are up to this day?"
 
'Ogoun' and Raileyan were discussing the matter of cannons, as Gabe was explaining the crux of their uses as siege weaponry and dramatic effectiveness against massed formations with grapeshot, case shot and other such anti-personnel munitions. Of course, Raileyan was musing about how to get them light enough to move faster.


George Washington had used bronze cannons, Gabe remembered, but were they light and comparable enough in accuracy to make it work? Possibly, he decided to shelve it for later thought. "So, dear Erzulie, what brings you here?"
 
"Ppffffh, no one here is just 'simply' anything. Being unassuming is somewhat contrary to what we're teaching, you know." Everything they were doing was based on systematic exploration, guided by questions. Sitting an accepting the lessons they handed down would only go so far, and Jacquelyn aimed for a society that went beyond, and continued to discover and grow. However, Jacquelyn wouldn't make a fuss over it and held the door open for the dragon blooded with a grin. Nezza voiced her opinions many other times, so she hadn't spoken as a mindless follower.


The other 'godblood' wasn't too difficult to find since all recognized him and could point her and Nezza in the proper direction."Ah, Ogoun, I thought I could find you here. And Raileyan too! Excellent. Nezza says she received missive from Delwin offering to trade the coal for protection."
 
Raileyan leans over a map frowning. "Well you can likely move the militia there as they've been receiving threats for a while now. The people are not the most gracious to those they consider savages."
 
She raised a brow and then looked between the dragon blooded, "What are the chances that we can calm the situation down? I don't want to get saddled with a town which'll keep causing its own problems because they look down on others."


In addition to providing protection, teaching Delwin how to place nice with others might be necessary. Standing strong against hostile forces was one thing, but Jacquelyn refused to commit their soldiers to protecting those who called down aggression on their own. There would be no dying for others' arrogance.
 
Gabe listened, but was less than pleased about the whole issue of Delwin's troubles. They certainly needed coal, and the coke products for extra steel improvements... "I'll go talk to them, if they won't listen to us, then we'll find some other place with coal."
 
"You, or me, Ogoun?" When it came to social clout, Jacquelyn just eeked out ahead and was close to mastering her very first social charm. She would just need to address people in groups, not too difficult when aiming to win over the masses.
 
"I would suggest you, Erzulie, since you are a bit more likely to succeed. The dam is at a critical stage and needs much of my attention." Gabe explained.
 
She nodded her agreement. Having the mastermind and keeper of their ambitious project remain in the area was a good idea, and she was the one who could recoup lost crafting time. "Then we can have some of the militia come when I go, so if Delwin is agreeable we can enact our side of the bargain immediately."
 
"Perhaps we should have a detachment go with you, then wait at a halfway point - until you ascertain whether to commit or not?"
 
"Hmm," Jacquelyn curled a finger over her chin as she thought, and then began pacing as she thought, "I'd rather not show up alone. It'd be rather... presumptuous? of me to show up alone and start making demands. A bit strange too. If some soldiers are there, it shows that we are willing to work with them, they can see the benefit they'd receive for cooperation. It'd also cut down on the chances of them deciding my particular impudence needed fixing and therefor the diplomatic incident that would result.


"Nor would putting them at a halfway point ease any possible ideas about us threatening them. In fact, it would look more suspicious because we could just be holding back for an attack. We'd also have to figure out logistics for keeping everyone fed and prepared," Jacquelyn shrugged, "Which we could do, but no point in doing the work if we aren't going to get anything out of it."
 
"Heh, if you see anything wrong with my thinking, do make more suggestions," She opened her arms, "I always have ideas, but they aren't always the best."
 
Raileyan looks at the map. "Well we could move a force here." Pointing at a spot. "If your rifles, weird name that it is, work properly then they can move to intercept forces easily without seeming a direct threat. Take a fang in with you, the color guard to be specific and that should show what you want. Personally I think it might be that they are mining and not giving proper tribute for such act. That is likely do to bad knowledge or someone misleading them to do so."


A nod from Nezza. "That would make sense. To be honest if you can get the tribesmen to not attack they likely would be willing to listen to what you tell them to do. Most of the villages out this way have a bad habit of disappearing suddenly."
 
"Not paying tribute? To the elementals and gods?" Jacquelyn put a hand on her forehead, "Delwin really is going to be a lot of trouble, isn't it?"
 
A twitch of the lips. "No, not paying enough. Slight difference but still a difference."
 
"So, not hopeless, but still trouble." Jacquelyn looked at Ogoun. What was his take on this new potential development? She also wondered what people outside of Cauldron were going to start calling her when she insisted on putting minitemples to gods and sanctuaries for elementals everywhere.
 
"We'll have to keep an eye on the gods and their behaviors from now on. And make clear there are limits. Such as the difference between requesting worship and extortion. I'm not a people person really, so I don't know what else to say."
 
Jacquelyn blinked. Raileyan had failed to mention gods using extortion, so much as the village failing to properly pay. "I guess we'll see what the situation is when I get there and if there's trouble, I'll let you know."
 
Our way is the way of peace,


A robed women speaking to a town troubled and afraid. Seeking answers where none were known. Ordering the men she's with to look over the town for purposes of defense.


Our way is the way of learning,


The same women talking to a larger man that looks like a miner. Resting calmly on a throne of wood and gold. A sheepish look on the mans face as he shrugs. A slightly frustrated look on Erzulie's face. After a brief talk to the villiage elders she heads out to the woods leaving her men behind.


We walk the path before us with an open mind,


A brief swirl of combat has the robed Erzule standing over a group of tribesmen. From hostility to begrudging respect they answer her question. A brief debate before they escort her deeper.


To seek to better humanity,


Sitting in a glade drinking mead with a god she talks to him in depth. After almost an hour the god laughs and shakes his head with a smile. Fair Erzulie inclines her head and leaves the clearing. Only to return an hour later with the village headsmen.


So that humanity can stand tall.


The god and headsmen speak of respect. They speak of fairness. They speak of peace and how they can better each other and the tribesmen. Shortly after that the leader of the local tribe joins them. Erzulie allowing them to work only speaking to clear the air and keep them thinking.


Yet our path is not always peaceful,


Men marching in rank. Muskets perched on their shoulders as they move. Stony Ogoun rides speaking to the Lookshy attache and a man who wears red and has mutton chops.


We do not delight in war,


A messenger runs up speaks rapidly to the three of them. With whistles and cries they change direction and start marching faster. Not to head the barbarians off but to blockade the road to said barbarians.


Yet when war comes we battle,


The men quickly breaking from column to an extended line. Nervous, sweating, all wondering if the gods truly favor them. On a hill nearby another god, this one known as Bob assists the cannons as they set up.


For we war to allow people peace.


As an army marches in the open at it's head a dragonblood. He turns and starts talking to his troops getting them prepared.


At a clearing in the forest three men, two mortal the other divine speak and plan. Erzulie smiles as peace takes root.


With the soldiers stone faced Ogoun talks to his men. Letting them know that they not only fight to protect their neighbor but the fight so that they can create a decent kingdom in a land torn by war.


The would be conqueror points and his army roars as it moves to attack. The results are bloody. As the smoke clears the would be conquerors lie dead not even having reached the militia's line.


Within gold and crystal spires a women smiles sadly. “It has begun. Now it is our turn to come into existence.” She turns and looks at Ammy. “Is that not right Honored Ammy.”


So that humanity can stand tall.
 
It has been three long months since the world first heard the sound of gunpowder used in war. The towns prosper. In the first village the place is well on it's way to becoming a city. People flock to join it. Food is plentiful, luxuries abound for even the poorest of member. The gods in the area rejoice at the increase in worship even as your prestige starts to grow.


You have recently received emisarries from both Lookshy and Nexus. They are more then simple diplomats or traders. They are here to talk with you about the Confederation of Rivers. There are doubtless spies and political intriguers already arrived.


Even as you work at establishing your self in creation within Yu-Shan waves are starting to form. A new eastern war god was born. As was a major goddess of a substance no one knew of before. More gods are starting to form and together they are creating a political league within the snake pit of the heavens.
 
"Hey, Ogoun-n, Gabe." It felt strange to call him by his real name, and even speaking English, "I wanted to thank you before any other strange things happen."
 
Gabe nodded, looking at Jackie as well, and he was very worn out it seemed - whatever outward appearances he'd put up. Change was not something he handled easily. "Likewise. I'm amazed at all... this. Though I suspect the ripple effect is already beginning. Anyway.. yeah. More work, never done."


He wanted to say more, but right now - it didn't feel right. Besides, he was worn out and not sure if Jackie still would have any concerns over... age differences.
 
The ripple effects were exactly the strange things she meant. Almost a year, or maybe it was just over one now, at she knew their work'd've given birth to at least two new gods. Bob the builder and their patron war god clearly were influenced by them, seeing she knew of no British Victorian military in Creation. Well, perhaps until now, but they hadn't chosen the right cut of jacket until after the god arrived. If there wasn't a Sidereal creeping around in Cauldron as a result... well, they weren't doing their job worth crap.


"Heh, yah. We chose a most ambitious project. Well, I'll let you get back to work, though," She regarded him carefully and switched back into RiverSpeak, "Don't overdo it. You need to take care of yourself too."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 4 (members: 0, guests: 4)
Back
Top