Author Topic: Chapter 1: Subversion  (Read 16908 times)

Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #20 on: February 05, 2013, 01:28:00 PM »
Upon seeing Glacia with her shadow friend Henk figured he'd bring his out.  It likewise rose from his shadow and flitted around a little in curiosity, but was reserved because of the number of different people around who were clearly not hostile.

"It would seem we have some similarities, Glacia," he said.  "Though I don't have an affinity for cold like you do."

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Henk corrected his posture and stood up properly as Singorn came in.  When asked what he knew he paused a moment to think, but having little knowledge of geography or royalty he only knew some basic information.

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"I apologize, Your Highness, but I believe I know little that others do not.  The Brotherhood of Night is rumored to come from Wrusk and seems to be content on merely gathering information.  The Shadow War seems to be a number of stories of people in the Obsidian Desert past the Tinbar Mountains being attacked by strange beasts at night that leave by daylight.  The children also seem to have nightmares that don't end come morning.  I have been wanting to travel there myself to look at it, but you have prevented me from doing so.  For the better it would seem, for if you believe a group such as ourselves is needed then the situation is certainly more dire than I know of."

At this Henk paused as he thought more.  "Given the name of the Brotherhood of Night and the fact that those attacks from the South have been coming at night, it is plausible they would have something to do with it."

Offline Prime32

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #21 on: February 05, 2013, 02:57:20 PM »
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Fumiko darts to the front of the group, performing something that resembles less a bow and more slamming her forehead into the floor.
"Your Highness. The oni's words of the Shadow War match what I have learned, though I fear he understates the Brotherhood. I have dealt with many of Wrusk's 'ambassadors' before, and never has one been anything but a Brotherhood agent; I think it would be safe to say that they control every level of Wrusk's government. Many powerful families in Suul are rumored to have formed ties with them, and I assume they have made efforts to expand into other countries as well."

She raises her head, clearly trying hard to meet his gaze without seeming intimidated.
« Last Edit: February 05, 2013, 02:58:58 PM by Prime32 »

Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #22 on: February 05, 2013, 03:22:00 PM »
Henk gritted his teeth in irritation at the pejorative, but also lowered his head in slight sadness.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't use that word to describe me.  Being lumped together with demons and devils is not to my liking.  In case you couldn't guess, the racism was one of the reasons I left Suul."

Offline Agita

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #23 on: February 05, 2013, 03:33:45 PM »
Sen nods and bows to Fumiko by way of recognition. "I know of the name. Teacher definitely remembers your hospitality." She bows in response to Chihiro's introduction as well, falling silent as Zeus and Glacia reunite, followed by Singorn coming into the room. "I know as much as I've just heard, God-King."

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Offline sirpercival

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #24 on: February 05, 2013, 05:34:58 PM »
Singorn nods at the information given by Henk and Fumiko. "You have summarized the situation quite well.  The Brotherhood of Night seeks to control the entire continent, creating an empire of its own behind thrones and in shadows.  The Suuldaran have thus far been shielded by my watchful eye, but as the War grows more disturbing, and more dangerous, I cannot protect them from the Brotherhood's subtle machinations as well as I would like.

I also cannot dismiss the possibility that the Brotherhood is connected to the War, possibly even the source of it.  They have long coveted my throne, and I cannot allow myself to be drawn out so easily again..."
His eyes travel slowly over the mural, then back to the group.

"Some of you are my subjects, and the rest are from Suul.  My intention is for the group of you to travel to the Suuldaran on my behalf, discover and turn back the influence of the Brotherhood, and attempt to determine if the Brotherhood is causing the War (or simply attempting to profit from it). 

By your actions, not only will I continue my protection of the Suuldaran, but we will turn back the tide of the Brotherhood's advance, and I will be able to focus my attention more fully on the War.

I will not force this upon you; I have called you here to propose this mission, but I do not intend coercion.  If you wish to leave, to go about your business, then I will not stop you.  However, I can promise you that this Shadow War is far more serious than it seems from rumor and public conjecture, and that concerted effort is required to overcome the troubled times that I have foreseen.  I hope you will agree to my leadership."
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Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #25 on: February 06, 2013, 11:17:51 AM »
Glacia considered the idea. While she had no practical knowledge of secret organizations, she was fairly confident at her negotiation skills, which would be of some help on this venture. Since others appeared to still be considering the statement, she decided to speak up first.

"This idea has merit, Your Lordship. Though while your continued benevolence towards Suul as well as your continued vigilance in safeguarding Amantanean lives strikes Oneself as a compelling reason to acquiesce to Your Lordship's request, given the vast number of unknowns, One has to consider the personal risks incurred in such a venture. As One is a Licensed Adventurer, One appoints Oneself as representative of 'The Adventuring Party' hereby formed on request of Your Lordship 'The Client' to undergo a task hereafter referred to as 'The Quest'. 'The Adventuring Party' requests from 'The Client' Fair and Appropriate Compensation as per the Mercenary Act, Section 2. 'The Adventuring Party' also asks that Reasonable Expenses including, but not limited to, transportation be reimbursed upon completion of 'The Quest'."
« Last Edit: February 06, 2013, 11:26:09 AM by skydragonknight »
Hmm.

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #26 on: February 06, 2013, 11:25:57 AM »
Ty/Zeus looks at Glacia with an odd expression, as if she'd just sprouted a second head, and says quietly "Did you become a barrister while I was gone?"

Then realizing he probably shouldn't be whispering with his "sister" while in a meeting with the God-King, he says "My Lord, I am happy to travel to Suul on your behalf, but my skills in subtle matters are... quite lacking. I guess I can keep quiet until someone needs a storm or lightning bolt, though..."
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Offline Prime32

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #27 on: February 06, 2013, 01:20:28 PM »
Fumiko thumps her chest proudly. "Your highness, I am honored by your request. I see now the reasons why I was summoned - for a mission in Suul it was indeed wise to choose persons such as Mira and myself, who possess such knowledge of the nation's power balance. Rest assured, I am fully prepared to accept the responsibility of leading this mission."

She then turns and bows to Sen. "Sen Mira, disciple of Qi Xing Luo. Doubtless you have gained much experience in politics yourself, and I would not dream of taking command without your approval. If you believe that your leadership would bring his Highness greater success, I will gladly defer to you."

Her face is frozen with seriousness.

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Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #28 on: February 06, 2013, 02:59:20 PM »
The formalities going around made Henk's head hurt.  Not because he couldn't understand them, but because he found them frivolous and counter to the mission they were tasked with.

"When you're done with the legal crap and formalities, let me know.  If you're starting off this request for help by kissing ass and needlessly complicating such simple matters as saying whether you want to accept then I worry about performing this mission in a timely manner.  Your Highness, I will gladly accept once these pedants have figured out what they want to do."

Henk returned to leaning against a pillar and crossed his arms.

Offline VennDygrem

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #29 on: February 06, 2013, 05:17:34 PM »
"I agree, it is not efficient to lock up our task in needless formalities. There was a time when I would have been able to present over 2,000 additional clauses and subclauses, but I have come to realize that not every detail can be planned for. Sometimes it is best to know how you will deal with a situation when it comes up."

Hadron drops to a knee before Singorn, gesturing with his hand over where a heart would be.

"Besides that, my liege, I am already bound to your service. It is quite literally why I am here in these realms. I am pledged to go where you command, do your will, and mete out your judgements, so long as such continues to serve the good of your people. I need no representative to direct me, unless it is your will that it be so. I can also provide any other informative services this group will require."

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Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #30 on: February 06, 2013, 06:33:31 PM »
There is literally a rumble of thunder as Zeus says to Henk "Watch how you talk to my sister...

She's just making sure she'll be paid for her services. Even a common soldier gets paid for performing his duty."
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Offline sirpercival

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #31 on: February 06, 2013, 07:13:44 PM »
"Enough.  I will not have discord before your quest even begins." Singorn's voice isn't loud, but it is stern and commanding enough to silence everyone.

Turning to Hadron, Henk, and Fumiko, he nods acknowledgement.  "Thank you, my children, for your pledges."  He then turns to include Glacia, Zeus, and the rest, his mouth quirking into a wry smile. 

"While it would be nice to rely solely on your goodwill towards the Empire, I'm far from naive.  Of course there will be compensation, if for no other reason than to ensure that you are adequately equipped for your mission.  I will arrange transportation to Suul as well, though if your journey takes you elsewhere, I cannot promise further arrangements.  I will also provide you with a means of contacting me with the progress of your mission."
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Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #32 on: February 06, 2013, 07:35:07 PM »
Henk stood at attention as Singorn chided them, though with his fist over his heart instead of the salute at the brow common among the military.

Offline Agita

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #33 on: February 06, 2013, 07:48:00 PM »
Sen frowns, remaining silent, with closed eyes, until Singorn calls for peace. She only opens her eyes and speaks again when the God-King is done. After looking to him for permission to speak, she says, "If the assignment is supposed to be on the record, I'd assume whatever necessary paperwork is already ready. I don't mind agreeing, God-King. More than material reward, I'm interested in knowing more about what you've done... for us."
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Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #34 on: February 06, 2013, 11:12:29 PM »
Ty/Zeus bows respectfully and says "Thank you, M'lord."

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Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #35 on: February 07, 2013, 01:32:32 AM »
Glacia bows. She had done jobs for nobles in the past and found that she ultimately got paid more when she was polite and respectful. More unpleasant methods were for clients trying to renege on the deal. She made sure they never tried that again.
"That will be acceptable, Your Lordship. I would expect nothing less from the wise ruler of this great nation."

Having grown up in an isolated mountain village that was claimed by the Empire, yet generally left alone to solve it's own problems, the words she spoke tasted bitter in her mouth. Indeed, for all her life he had seemed to be her King in name only. A man with the power to govern a nation, yet who rarely left his own capitol...

Well, regardless, there were people to be saved and money to be made. And an old friend she could chat with along the way!
« Last Edit: February 10, 2013, 01:04:23 AM by skydragonknight »
Hmm.

Offline Bozwevial

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #36 on: February 10, 2013, 08:10:38 AM »
After a few moments of silence, Chihiro colors slightly as she realizes that everyone in the room is waiting on her. Bowing to Singorn, she murmurs, "Of course, God-King. If I may, however...I am also curious about what you have done beyond your summons that ties us all together."
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Offline sirpercival

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #37 on: February 11, 2013, 03:19:44 PM »
Singorn smiles very slightly.  "You ask, and yet do we have the time, or the patience, for a lecture?" He shakes his head, and then chuckles, a warm, rich sound, the sadness melting from his face.  There are a surprising number of laugh lines on his face for one with so much responsibility.

"As I have said, I worry that the Shadow War, and the machinations of the Brotherhood, are merely a feint, a misdirection to turn my attention away from a more serious threat here in Borean.  My divinations have yet to determine the truth of this, which is why I have called to you (and others) for aid. 

Since I will not be moving directly against my enemies, the Titans will remain bound... for now.  However, I foresaw that simple adventurers would likely not have been sufficient for the tasks ahead of you.  And so, I sent out... a call.  A beacon for the ancient spirits, heroes of old, to return to this time and grant aid to their descendants, and through them to me.  In some cases there was a direct connection; others involve simply a resonance of the soul.

Does that answer your question? I will not explain my methods -- I hope you understand."
  Singorn gives a wry smile.
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Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #38 on: February 11, 2013, 03:38:13 PM »
Some memories of a giant long since passed came to Henk's mind.  He let them continue to the side of his attention as he listened to Singorn, though he did make note that the giant was in a similar situation where he knew of a great danger but didn't have as much information as he would have liked.

"The enemy is either very organized or very disorganized if they are eluding your divinations.  Both have their own dangers, and both would require that we ourselves be organized and swift.  Your Highness, is there anything else you feel we need to know before we depart?"

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: Chapter 1: Subversion
« Reply #39 on: February 11, 2013, 07:36:57 PM »
Zeus looks quietly introspective for a moment, then says "I assume you've had others try divinations on this matter, just in case whatever blockage there is isn't keyed specifically to you? I can sometimes catch glimpses of the future, but I assume your other servants or advisers have already tried."
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