• Open • Dawn of a New Order

[Oram Mednix]

Proof that Foof isn’t Aloof, Forsoof!

Oram wasn’t regretting his decision to attend this function nearly as much as he had expected. The formalities had been short and sweet, the food was good, and the company bearable. People were asking him just enough about the Rangers to give him something to talk about without prying or falling into shop-talk. When Woe mentioned taking his dog out hunting or fishing, Oram smiled, in spite of not really being a dog person himself. ”Chances are, if you enjoy it, your dog will, too,” he offered, not really knowing if that was actually true. Then it was time for a bit more food.

The hunter was not about to overstay his welcome, however, and soon after congratulating Jann, he was thinking about making his exit.

Faith greeted him warmly and then moved on, and Oram thought that that was that. That she came back and asked him about his work with the Rangers surprised him. He fumbled a bit for a reply to her question. ”Oh, erm, yes, I’ve been quite involved with the Rangers lately,” he mumbled, ”much more so than I would ever have expected at the beginning of the arc.” When she mentioned her idea of the Rangers and the Order healers working together, the traveler looked at her as if struck by something. He looked off thoughtfully for a trill or two, then back at Faith.

”You know, that’s actually a great idea,” he responded quietly. He thought another trill. ”I don’t know how many people we could put up in the compound right now; we’re still hot-cotting visiting Rangers as it is. Refed would be the man with the plan for billets. But…hmm, yes. Rangers need herbalists and the Order, I guess, would need to know where to forage safely, and…” he trailed off, the thoughts about the possibilities outracing his ability to put them into words. ”It’s a great idea,” he repeated, somewhat lamely. ”I’ll talk to everyone and see what I can get started. Contact us directly, I guess, or through Jann.” The hunter shrugged, not quite sure how to wrap up the conversation.

Eventually, he had eaten what he could eat, and said what he could say. And Faith had unexpectedly given him a lot to think about and inquire into. With a last nod to the people he knew in the company, Oram slipped outside to head home, with as little fanfare as with which he had entered.

[Faith Augustin]

Dawn of a New Order

There was a time to be here, and a time to exit. Faith knew that it was fast approaching the latter. Her role, as head of the Order, was to show up and be there and to make people recognise that what they did was important. She added gravitas to the situation, she knew. It was her pleasure to do that, but it left Faith with very much a feeling that people were largely concerned for themselves, their own things and their own lives. That was an anathema to the young Famula-worshipper and she found it tiring.

But, nonetheless, it was how the world was largely and Faith knew enough to know that she had to work within it.

Thankfully, there were interesting conversations to be had and she smiled in pleasure at Oram's thoughts on her idea. He liked it and she nodded. "I think it might just be one of those simple but very useful things which we'll be glad about." As he gave her people to talk to, in order to make the idea become a reality, Faith shook her head. "I'll be in touch with you, if that's acceptable?" She had no interest in playing politics and she was sure that Oram felt much the same way. Therefore, she wanted to talk it through with the person she knew and had dealt with.

Besides, Faith thought, Elliot was always a little odd with her since she'd interrupted his judgement by Pier & Pre to determinedly resurrect him. It had been unnerving for him, and she fully understood why.

When Woe referred to her as one of Scalvoris' greatest heroes, Faith smiled. "Steady," she said gently. "I'll develop a dreadful ego, and where will we be then?" Natalia apologised for having mixed up the Order and Isonomia - something easily done if one focused on the person running them, rather than the organisations themselves, but it was not something Faith was used to experiencing, people not being aware of who the Order of the Adunih actually were. Natalia then explained that she was going to set up a business to do with horses and asked Faith if she rode. Faith shook her head. "I have a pegasus and a pony," she said, genuinely, "But I must admit to rarely riding for pleasure." She was, as a rule, rather too busy to do so. Natalia's business sounded like it would cater to the wealthy; Faith was very used to running high-end businesses, both Cally's Restaurant and Augustin's Boutique had been owned by her - but both of them were used to fund charitable projects, rather than garner personal funds.

"Well," Faith said with a smile to them both - Oram had already exited. "If you'll excuse me, I think I might need to go and speak to a few people before making my excuses." She nodded to them, individually, "A pleasure to see you again, Woe, and thank you so much for the help you've given the Order." She turned to Natalia. "A pleasure to meet you. Good luck with the business." That said, she made the rounds of the few other people she knew she needed to talk to and then she got herself out of there and on - as always - to the next thing.

Life, Death

&

The In-Between

1st Ymiden, 721

[Woe]

Oram’s statement about dogs was more true than perhaps even he knew. Botany was always up for just about anything, as long as it involved his favorite people, Woe, Iago, and to an extent Gloom even. Botany enjoyed chasing Gloom around, and had even began to look forward to their morning conflict, much to Gloom’s chagrin.

Once Oram had excused himself, Woe turned his attention back to the conversation that Natalia was having with Faith. It didn’t take an Empath to know that Faith was finding a preoccupation with personal matters a bit tiring. Woe was a little bit mortified that he’d described Faith in such terms as ‘one of Scalvoris’ greatest heroes’. But then she deflected that compliment handily enough.

Soon enough though, the Famulite made her exit as well as Oram, having done what she came there to do. To make sure the Order members were all shown acknowledgment and appreciation. It was a surprise to find her there, in truth, and Woe hadn’t expected in his wildest expectations that she would come to visit their Order hall.

Even so, he thanked her, ”We really appreciate your coming to this opening. I’m sure it’ll serve as a good point of morale for the healers working here. Jann seemed very pleased to see you.”

So saying, things were beginning to wind down. And so as Faith left after Oram, Woe turned to Natalia. ”Yes, it’s beginning to wind down now. I think I’ll leave these healers to enjoy what’s left of the food, and leave them to it. I will be going to Soraia’s house to check up on my son and Gloom. We’ll talk later?”

Having said that, Woe departed the event as well, making his way back to his former home.

[Natalia Gregorios]

Ymiden 1, Arc 721

Natalia inclined her head gently at the man left, curious about him but leaving it be for the time being. Curiosity was something she often felt the need to curb, knowing that it could get her into trouble if left to run rampant. It appeared he was associated with the local Rangers, as the conversation illustrated. Details were tucked away in the back of her mind for a later moment. She didn't know much of the Rangers but that was something that could be easily remedied. Perhaps she could even find a riding instructor amongst them so her skills could continue to progress, although she assumed that such training from Rangers was available only to Rangers. Then again, perhaps they would know of someone reputable local or in Scalvoristown.

Faith spoke of her pegasus and pony, and that she rarely rode for pleasure. Nodding her head as she answered the question, she simply smiled, allowing the woman and Woe to resume the natural course of their conversation while she considered her words. Not everyone rode for pleasure, but then again, a woman as busy as Faith certainly didn't have much spare time for such things. Perhaps one trial, Natalia would extend an invitation to her for a ride. It sounded like a lovely idea.

Soon enough, Faith said her goodbyes and Natalia smiled. “The pleasure was mine, Faith. And thank you.”

It did appear that things were winding down, which Woe noticed as well, stating his desire to check in on things, including his son. Nodding, Natalia smiled, “Of course. I hope you have a pleasant rest of your trial. Thank you for the invitation to attend.” Watching him walk away, the young woman considered the various aspects of Woe Morandi that she knew. He certainly was interesting.

Heading back towards the Lodge, she considered what she would do with the rest of the time she was in Egilrun. Maybe a quick meal and quiet evening reading. Maybe a ride with Renaissance. There was still much of the trial ahead and she didn’t want to waste any of it.

[Doran]

Woe:

Knowledge:
Cosmetology: Choosing more humble but flattering attire for a somewhat formal affair.
Leadership: Being present for your organization, and solidifying your resolve to support them.
Leadership: Show up as a person of importance at a Order dedication.
Logistics: Arranging for delivery of high quality foods to a function.
Politics: Patronage: hosting a function to accentuate an organization's positive profile.
Politics: Patronage: Offering to pay for the food of a celebration.
Politics: Patronage: Sucking up to the leader of a faction.
Socialization: Introducing acquaintances to each other.

Loot: -
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: 10, for being celebrated at a function.
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

Oram:

Knowledge:
[Etiquette] Pick clothes for public appearances that are appropriately fashionable, not just presentable or sufficiently formal.
[Leadership] Being a good public representative of one’s organization is important.
[Leadership] Don’t let a logistical challenge get in the way of a good idea.
[Logistics] Synergies may exist between very different activities and entities.
[Politics] People tend to assume ambition.
[Psychology] Reading a room is an art.
[Psychology] Forming good relationships can make a person happy.
[Socialization] Networking is a thing.

Loot: -
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: 5, for attending a function.
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

Natalia:

Knowledge:
Etiquette - Being aware of local customs/traditions is proper
Etiquette - Asking before adjusting someone else's clothing
Etiquette - Apologizing when you've made an error
Etiquette - Sometimes people wish to shake hands, sometimes not
Etiquette - Thanking someone for an invitation to an event
Detection - Spotting whom you are looking for in a crowd
Detection - Noting a conversation happening nearby
Socialization - Keeping comments short and succinct in conversation
Socialization - Shifting focus from oneself to others in conversation

Loot: -
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: 5, for attending a function.
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

Faith:

Knowledge: -
Loot: -
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: 10, for showing up to your organization's function to dedicate a new order hall.
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

- - -

Comments: I thought that it was interesting that Woe wasn’t sure whether he should attend the ceremony where people thanked him and that he was wondering if he was becoming too soft. I appreciate that you mentioned how he justified the Outpost and his attending the ceremony.

Those people calling for “Morandi for Egg” made me wonder if Woe will eventually give it a try, even though he seems to be embarrassed in this thread and wants to downplay the aforementioned calls.

Natalia’s thoughts about Woe were interesting to read. I think I reviewed the thread where he asked her what she thought of the Council. Did he think about becoming the Egg back then?

Woe and Natalia seem to have grown quite close since their first meeting. I wonder if they will stay friends, or if there will eventually be more. Either way, I found it interesting how comfortable they seem to be in each other’s presence. You described that well in my opinion!

While Natalia wanted to attend the ceremony, Oram didn’t seem to be particularly happy to be there, and that was described well in my opinion. I’m glad that he didn’t regret his decision to attend nearly as much as he had expected though. I don’t think I’ve ever read a thread where he was wearing formal clothes before – and such fashionable clothes at that!

That is something that I enjoyed about this thread – that you described your PC’s clothes in so much detail. Such things can really add something to a thread in my opinion!

I forgot that Faith and Woe had met before. I enjoyed reading about her connection to Scalvoris and how it had been the first place where she had been seen as just like everyone else. I wonder if she ever minds that everybody knows who she is now, or if she’s okay with it. I can imagine that she finds people that are largely concerned for themselves tiring. I found her thoughts about her role in this and her views of the people around her interesting to read.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable social thread. I hope that the new Outpost will flourish!

Enjoy your rewards!