Unidentified Flying Objects

[Revan Blackhand]

121 Ashan 724

Curiouser and curiouser. Revan didn't know what to make of what he was watching. He didn't need to be an expert at reading faces to know that the strange man was disappointed by his answer. He began as if he'd do what was asked but quickly changed his tone. Revan's face remained flat and expressionless, almost as if it were just the crystal disguise- but it wasn't. He was waiting. Then the insults began and his brow furrowed slightly. He had enough self-control to make it seem as if the words didn't bother him.

A common safecracker? Common? The last safe he cracked had freed Umbral. What was common about that? Sometimes it hurt to not have your best feats known but it was often for the better. A famous thief was likely an imprisoned one.

Upjumped street rat? Now Tobias was just being mean.

Revan would remember the man. He wanted that yellow stone. He would take it if the opportunity presented itself. Tobias had invited the challenge in more ways than one. Tobias said he didn't dedicate where he ate... so did he live in the Glass Quarter? That was a start. It could have been a lie. This man didn't seem like the type to slip up. Revan could feel that they were in Skywatch Keep. In the Sky Quarter. Whatever linked his consciousness there had shown him that much.

Tobias's final words seemed like a threat but Revan wasn't concerned. Let him come in the night and be devoured by Achlys while Namira held him down. His home was well guarded by the spirit and dragonling. He wasn't sure that Eris, the dragonet, would fight but he didn't think it would have been necessary. Revan would just throw whatever was left into the magic bag and just like that all evidence of the insults would be gone forever. It was an oddly dark thought and not actually possible. Revan hadn't made the connection to the Shadow Quarter.

He hadn't put two and two together yet... but he'd get there.

Then Tobias expelled Revan from the meeting. His body fell backwards and Willow made no move to catch him as he crashed onto his backside. He blinked a few times as he adjusted to his surroundings again. Willow was standing over him, looking at him as if he'd just come back to life. Which, in her case, meant she looked a little disappointed.

"What was that" She asked as Revan slowly got up onto his feet. He had to pretend it was more difficult than it really was and ended up using his cane to rise fully. Willow didn't offer or try to help at any point. She was waiting for an answer. Revan took a heavy breath when he was finally upright and looked towards the sky, ignoring Willow for the moment. She slapped his shoulder with the back of her hand to get his attention. "Hey! What happened?"

Revan saw it then- the fire falling from the sky onto the Sky Quarter. Willow noticed a moment later and her jaw dropped slightly.

"I think I just talked to the man who did that." Revan said in a low voice as he pointed to the meteors falling on the Sky Quarter. Not one fell towards the Glass Quarter. Not one fell near the shop Revan said he wanted bombarded. That lent more credibility to the thought that the man from the vision was living in the Glass Quarter. But where? Revan hadn't explored that quarter very often. Too many guards. He was better now than he had been before though... maybe a trip was in order.

He realized Willow was now looking at him. She expected more information. "Looking into the light took me somewhere. I interrupted... something. I think I know more than they want me to." Revan looked around and then began limping quickly back towards his house and the protections offered by his dragonling. Willow hurried after him, grabbing the shoulder on the side with his 'bad' leg and pulled him to a stop.

"What are you talking about? What is that!" Willow gestured with both arms towards the fire raining down on the Sky Quarter.

"I don't know." Revan said. "I don't understand it." He looked towards the Sky Quarter and the smoke beginning to rise. "I think the Witch Doctor is escaping... or... who is Lord Vuda?"

"Who?"

"Willow, go home. This is a bad trial for us to work."

"Revan-"

"Go. Home." He could see that she wanted to protest but she had a good enough sense of when things turned bad. The medicine had been a bust, they hadn't looked into the airships, and the candle seemed to have set off missiles over the Sky Quarter. That was enough for her for one trial. She nodded defiantly.

"You better explain things tomorrow." With that, Willow departed.

Revan turned towards the direction of his house and took a few more limping steps towards it before stopping and turning back towards the smoke rising. Tobias Acothey, the warlock and the Witch Doctor. He took a moment to think about those names. What could he remember about them? What did he know? His eyes widened slightly. Oh... nuts. Now Tobias's final words seemed a lot more ominous. He needed to get on their good side or put a knife through it.

His hand tightened around the top of his cane.

Rather than retreat back towards his home as he had planned, Revan moved towards the chaos in the Sky Quarter.

When he was sure he wasn't being actively watched he turned down a quiet and well alley as Revan and emerged out the other side as Lyonel. The change to an already forged face was sudden and happened as he passed through a shadow. His duplicity suit changed as well to dim shades of lighter colors but his clock of hiding and that hidden within it remained the same. Most people didn't ever seem to notice but Revan was always careful not to be seen. It didn't stop the Shadow Quarter from finding out though.

The older appearance often kept others from noticing him but there were other advantages. Tobias hadn't seen Lyonel's face and being disguised as Lionel would allow the Yludih to move around and investigate without having to fake a limp.

Disguised as another man, the Yludih moved towards the Sky Quarter to see what he could take advantage of among the chaos.

Actions

[Netzach Embersoul]

My turn to be evil

Crack Thoom!

Netzach's head whipped up at the sound of thunder, just in time to see an arc of lightnjng streak across the sky. The clear sky.
Why was there lightning without a shred of dark clouds?

Crack! Thooom!

Again, another streak. This one began where the last one ended, arcing till one end was directly above Skywatch Keep.

It moved with purpose. Purposeful lightning? Illaren! Lightning kni-!

Crack! THOOOOOOOOOM!
"Syroa's bloody fuuuu-" Netzach began as he stumbled backwards. The bolt of lightning seemed to be hurtling straight towards him. The thunder rumbled towards him as though the lightning itself was angry. Which, considering the immortal it served, and the state Rharne was in, might be entirely true.

However as he stumbled backward, he found his foot caught on the lip of a portal, tripping him backwards, causing him to fall flat on his back.

"Oof. Ugh. Where...?" Netzach murmured, clutching his head.
His ears were the first to pick up on the sudden enclosure, the deafening relative silence. He was no longer in an open street, but inside of a room.

"So you see, this one has a nose for trouble."

Netzach recognized the voice and scrambled to his feet, rushing to hide his clumsiness.

"Who is he? You'd better have good reason for his presence, Tobias I swear... I've had my fill of compromised company."He heard the woman say.

Netzach winced at her harsh tone. He was surprised at her energy despite her disheveled appearance.

"Worry not." Tobias then said, "He owes his allegiance to power. He's, well, like one of us. Or may someday be."

'One of us' So she must be quite powerful too. Netzach felt a creeping shiver up his spine. That dried blood around her mouth... was that hers? Or someone else's.

There were very few people that could keep a necromancer company, and all of them dangerous. Netzach made a mental note to stay wary and watch his tongue around her. She already didn't seem too fond of him.

"In truth, I'm surprised you managed to sniff out my scheme to the site of its execution. Your grasp of ether and knack for finding trouble are positively inspired."

Netzach felt a slight swell of pride in his chest upon hearing those words, followed by the pat on the back.

But, 'finding trouble', yes indeed. He had a knack for that. Lately it seemed he could barely go a season without something almost killing him. Netzach smiled bitterly for a moment at this thought, then amicably at Tobias and the woman, with a slight bow.

"I'm only too pleased to demonstrate my meagre skills, to prove useful in your plans"
Netzach replied.

Fwoom!

Tobias opened a porthole, and Netzach peered through to see a face he recognized.
Vivian Shiryu, Commander of the Lightning Knights.
He had seen her skills in the All Tavern's Tournament, and that was with her bare fists.
Here, there was no rules against using powers or weapons.
Netzach would see the full extent of her abilities.

"Now, let's watch... You'll enjoy this, my dear."

Netzach could see Vivian approaching the Husks, weapons drawn.
Almost as soon as she did though, another volley of cannonballs struck the ground near her.
A cloud of sand and debris was kicked up that would make the Dust Quarter jealous, and Netzach's vision was plunged into a sandy screen.

Instinctively, he used Omnivision to peer through the cloud, not sure if it would work through a portal.

If it did, he would see Vivian making short work of the husks, despite the poor visibility.
Or perhaps at least hear her

Syroa's bloody fury... he thought. The woman's a living firefight!

Netzach could feel his thralls laying dormant at the other end of his necromantic link. He could use them, but for what? He'd hardly achieve much, not with two husks, when the other husks were falling by the dozen

Tobias's voice broke through his idle mental chatter.

"But where are my manners, Netzach... This is..."

"The last name he'll hear if you say another word, Tobias."

"Very well. She shall remain anonymous for now."

Yup. Netzach officially knew not one, not two but three powerful people who had the power to kill him almost instantly, and loose enough morals to do so.

At this rate Netzach would accrue a small army of psychopaths on a tenuous relationship with him before the Arc was over.

Just then, Netzach's attention was torn away as he felt a stirring over his necromantic link. One of his husks had caught scent of living flesh. A bystander perhaps?

Netzach's eyes flickered left and right over the porthole, regardless of if he saw anything. His thoughts churned. He was in a room with two of the most powerful people (mages? He was too scared to try and attune to the woman. Better not to snoop where its not neccessary).
He felt completely outmached, and that woman was clearly unimpressed with him.
Netzach felt the pressure to do something to show he belonged there. That despite his comparitively meagre powers he was worth attention.


He wouldn't charge his only two thralls into a fight against the Lightning Knight Commander. That would be foolish. She was holding her own against several thralls from a much more experienced necromancer. His husks would be mincemeat.

But this bystander... they might be a better target.
A plan clicked into place. A ramshackle, shoddy plan, but marginally better than marching his thralls into the lightning knight.
Would the lightning knight still be able to focus on her battle with the cries of the innocent nearby? With her mind torn between fighting the husks and saving this bystander, perhaps there would be an opening.

Netzach set out a mental order. Catch this bystander and sink teeth and claw into them.
He added a mental note to keep this victim alive, to avoid any grievous injury. Partly this was to make sure they served their role as distraction, but mainly Netzach was, on a deeper unconscious level, still a bit squeamish about... taking a life.

But still, Netzach felt powerful. He felt like a tyrant sitting on his throne. Commanding the screams of an innocent for his machinations. He felt a dull pang of empathy for them, but war always has casualties.

Actions this post

In summary Netzach will attempt to use the bystander, Seira Shiryu, as a distraction to try and confuse or lead away Vivian.

The commands are to attack her, but avoid any greivous injury leading to death.
Sorry Seira XD.

[Seira Shiryu]

When Seira reached the Sky Quarter, she paused to look around. Something had caused that loud sound she'd heard earlier, and judging by what she had heard, it was likely that someone needed help. From where she was standing, she could see a plume of fire and dust coming from where she knew Skywatch Keep was located. Without a moment's hesitation, she began moving in that direction. There could be survivors that were in need of help, and if so, Seira was determined to help them in any way that she could.

On her way there, she noticed the scent of something rotting, but she ignored it in favor of trying to help any survivors of whatever had happened at Skywatch Keep. But when she saw some movement out of the corner of her eye, she stopped to see what it was. It was a person...or at least it used to be. Whoever it was, they were dead. They had to be. No living person looked like that. And she realized with a sense of horror as her eyes widened in growing terror that the terrible stench had to be coming from the dead body that was slowly getting to its feet. It was impossible, but it was happening right in front of Seira's eyes, so she couldn't deny that it was in fact happening.

As it slowly began to move towards her, any thought of helping the possible survivors fled her mind. With them, all rational thoughts fled her mind, leaving just one. Run. No part of her was prepared to accept the dead coming back to life and attacking her so Seira did just that. Seira screamed in terror, stumbled back a few steps, then turned and fled.

In tha back of her mind, Seira heard her aunt's voice over her panic, telling her to run if there was a way out of a fight. The words helped her mind to rally enough to realize that the monster couldn't attack her if it couldn't catch her. She was faster than it was, at least for the moment, but it could put on a burst of speed at any moment. And there was no telling if she could outrun it. But she didn't know what else she could do. She was too panicked to even think to try and fight. All she could do was run and hope that the monster couldn't catch her.

ooc

Upon reaching the Sky Quarter, Seira started heading towards Skywatch. When she noticed the husk (having no knowledge of necromancy, she has no idea what it is), she panics and screams. Remembering something her aunt told her once rallied her enough to get her running, so she flees.

[Dandelion]

A warning whistle from one of the watchers caught Dan's attention, pulling it from what appeared to be cloth made of silver over to first the watcher in question, and then following the watcher's pointing finger to the rapidly approaching riders. He frowned. Coming from that direction at that speed in this late night gloom, the riders were both likely to hit the ring of defensive pit traps that encircled Rosebay if they weren't very careful, and probably Lightning Knights or soldiers from Storm's Edge, sent by the messenger. And if they were knights in that much of a hurry, they would not be best pleased to have to wait while they were fished out of a muddy pit trap. Besides, the horses didn't deserve to be hurt like that, they were only doing what their riders asked for. Even if their riders were stupid enough (or angry enough) to ride like that in the dark.

He gave his visitor a polite bow and a quick, “Please, excuse me,” and stepped away.

Signs so brisk that there was a snap to them sent one of the fastest youngsters running with a lantern to light the safe path into Rosebay and lined up a handful of other settlers to take the horses and tend to them after their hard ride. The horses would need to be walked cool, at the very least, if not brushed and rugged and fed and watered.

For himself, he took Agnes to translate, and walked forward to stand waiting just outside Rosebay's gate, hands held palm up and empty in a gesture of peace. His spear was resting on his shoulder, tilted back so as to be clear that he wasn't threatening the riders, but he could very quickly and easily sweep it down into an active defense if he was outright attacked. He didn't want to make anything worse, but he wasn't going to stand and watch someone who had done no harm be cut down for being 'different'. He had spent too much of his own life as the odd stranger for that.




"Signed words" Spoken words

[Tristan Venora]

Tristan didn’t think that what he had said about Vega, Vivian and the King of Quacia had been that confusing. The people on the flying ships might not know who those people were right now, but it was pretty easy to find out as they were really famous. He didn’t argue with Chester though, but simply thanked him for his suggestion instead. His friend was a Diri of Communication and thus perhaps even more knowledgeable in such matters then he was, and he acknowledged that he could have worded things slightly differently.

When the reptilian humanoid stated that they knew that there was an effigy bearer and a dragon-bearer residing in the city, if not close by, and that they expected their arrival at the chosen meeting place, Tristan raised an eyebrow in surprise. For a moment, he wondered how they knew and whether they had been in contact with other people apart from him before he asked Chester, “Please let them know that I will be at the meeting place as well in order to facilitate communication with the people of Rharne.”

As it seemed as if the reptilian humanoid had nothing more to say to Chester (or to him), Tristan bade them farewell before he asked Chester to join him at the Last Drink. They’d be utterly helpless without his superior communication skills, he told him. He had a chance of becoming a hero that trial (Of course, he added, he was already pretty heroic as is!).

Before he departed, accompanied by Professor Hallowswift and his grandmother, he sent one last message to Vivian (and another one to Ilaren), relaying what the reptilian humanoids had said about the prison. He was here, and we want to know why. He couldn’t help but wonder who “he” was.

A dragon, or someone else?

~~~

To Tristan’s relief, his death diri didn’t find out anything unusual that stood out. There had been death, and people had died on that crossroads, but so far, there didn’t seem to be anything that was of immediate concern. So, he told the death diri to sort through all the information while he prepared to talk to the Hyludin with the help of his great friend Chester.

He immediately noticed that the Qi’ora owner looked suspicious, or maybe concerned. He wondered if the man had been informed of the fact that a meeting with the Hyludin would take place at his establishment, and to which extent he had been informed. The meeting of the Hyludin had been organized in something of a hurry, and the situation in Rharne was a little chaotic right now.

It wouldn’t surprise him if the people in charge considered talking to a (from what he could tell) ordinary Qi’ora to be a low priority, compared to the other issues they were dealing with.

The meeting would take place in Bu-Spir-Aeil’s establishment though, and thus the man wasn’t entirely unimportant in his opinion. Besides, the location itself was of historic significance. Ilaren’s Stand was where Ilaren had repelled Faldrun from advancing to destroy Rharne.

“Duke Tristan Venora”, he said. ”We are meeting with a foreign delegation here. There is no reason to be worried, but I would appreciate it if you could provide people with food and drinks. As our visitors don’t speak our language, I will be translating”, he explained. He hoped that giving the Qi’ora a task would keep him from worrying too much and that the offer of food and drinks would lead to a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

With that thought in mind, he turned to the rest of the people who had gathered in the Last Drink and addressed them in a calm and confident tone of voice. “I have offered to translate what is being said during this meeting with the help of my Diri of Communication. With that being said, I leave the floor to the Council – the people in charge of Rharne”, he explained for the sake of the Hyludin. “As well as our esteemed guests.”

Having said that, he asked Chester to translate what he had said for the Hyludin who had probably not understood a thing before he stepped back, just as Doctor Bubbles entered. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in the woman’s appearance – the shadowy wings and the little horns - before he schooled his face into a calm expression once more.

Seeing how a lot of Hyludin knelt, he decided to show a similar gesture of respect. He bowed deeply before he came forward. “Tristan Venora. Our visitors are looking for dragon-touched people such as you”, he explained and gestured towards the Hyludin. “As they don’t speak Common, my diri and I will be translating”, he added before he stepped back again so that people could get acquainted with each other and discuss whatever they wanted to discuss.

While they did so, he quietly asked Professor Hallowswift what he made of the Hyludin and their language. In the meantime, Ebony watched everything closely, drawing her own conclusions.

[Gennadiya Arishina]

I am a damsel

locked in her tower,

but I am my own capture.

No one else has the

strength to lock me away.

You though have the key

to free me from myself

Genna was surprised to see Doctor Bubbles flying next to her. It has been a while since last they had talked, and while Genna hadn’t agreed with the woman’s method she had appreciated her work and where her heart was. Genna waved at her friend, something about that time had affected the healer. She smiled back at the woman but avoided waving at that moment as she wasn’t that good of a rider. She could feel the woman’s good will, and Genna believe

Once they had landed Genna came forward and greeted Doctor Bubbles with a hug if the other woman was willing. Genna listened as Batly explained her reason for coming and Genna nodded her head in understanding. She was there for a similar reason, though she had felt a prompting from Ziell instead of a dragon. Though Genna did catch that Bubbles mentioning that Shadow of Courage, one of the dragons that had awakened, actually the one whose awakening she had been around.. Before she could hear the rest they walked into the Inn together.

The sapphire eyes chosen of Ymiden was surprised by a few things though she kept her expression under control. The strangers, it was very clear who they were, were a completely new race that Genna had never seen before. While there were races Genna hadn’t worked with she at least had a passing knowledge of those on the world stage. A reptilian humanoid wasn’t something she had ever seen or even read about. She did notice that there wings weren’t constant though most of them seemed to be similar. She quickly also noticed that they had prehensile tails. Her observation was distracted by the fact that they bowed and approached Dr Bubbles. One her ears were beautiful piece of jewelry that were also an artifact which allowed her to understand all languages, though didn’t grant her the ability to speak it back.

Tristan Venora approached them and spoke to Dr Bubbles. Genna smiled at him but waited until he had spoken before speaking. “Hello Tristan. I am glad to see you here.” She extended a hand to him in greeting. She then added to both. “I also have a artifact that allows me to understand any language though I can’t speak it back. So I can help with translation at least.” She explained. “They specifically called you an Effigy bearer.” She said explaining but included Tristan in her explanation. “I wonder if their visit is somehow connected to the awaken of a few dragons.” She said to them. Genna had a thought and said to Dr Bubbles. “What is the Shadow of Courage’s name again? Make sure you say it loud enough for them to hear it.” She said and looked to see the response of the group. She also studied the group to see who was the leader of this group.

~NPC~

Pablo

Lilabell

Koyla

Michail

Nayeli

[Vivian Shiryu]

Husks weren't really difficult to deal with, and she'd had experience fighting them before, but the cannon ball wasn't really helping the situation at all. It wasn't enough to completely render her reliant on her hearing though, since once she was in a fight her Battle Foresight power kicked in. She didn't know where exactly people were, but she did know they were there. She considered her options for a moment, then shook her head and used her lightning to jump up out of the smoke, then come back down outside the smoke. "All surviving Lightning Knights, get clear of the dust!" she ordered. "We don't want to risk friendly fire. Any knights with wind powers, get this smoke cleared!" she said, taking stock of the situation. Even if she could fully distinguish friend from foe, there was no guarantee of any other knights being able to do the same.

Then she heard a scream and let out a growl. There were a number of places that could be coming from, but she did feel what felt like a chase around her. Vivian gathered lightning under her feet and jumped to get airborne, giving her a birds eye view of the area around Skywatch Keep. From there, she could see someone, quite possibly a thrall, chasing what looked entirely too much like Seira for her comfort. Letting out another growl, Vivian used her ability to move along lightning to get between Seira and her pursuer, then used Lightning's Fall to land between them, putting out a small wave of concussive force with her landing. "Stay away from the keep. We're dealing with an attack here." she called to Seira, not identifying her in case Acothely was still hiding nearby.

Once Seira had been warned, Vivian jumped forward and swung for the thrall's throat, while blade of Lovalus went to stab through the chest. Vivian was also channeling Capacitance, so she wasn't really anticipating any trouble with the Thrall. Once it was dealt with and Seira was away from Skywatch, Vivian jumped back into the air and used her lightning to rejoin the fight at the breakout sight, once again taking command of the fight there.

Off Topic

1: Got clear of the dust so as to avoid friendly fire.
2: Gave orders for the smoke to be cleared.
3: Went to go save Seira from a thrall. (Sorry, Netzach.)
4: Returned to the fight.

Battle Foresight: When Vivian enters a confrontation of any kind, this ability is naturally activated. "Confrontations" can be considered mental or physical in nature. As such this ability can easily activate in battle or even during a particularly heated argument or bar brawl. Within a fifty foot radius of her position Vivian can mentally feel and sense everything about the physical landscape of the battlefield. Within a building she will know where every exit is within her area of effect along with every single stick of furniture or living thing that is within the area. This is a very physical sense, allowing her to feel the physicality of everything surrounding her. Outdoors during a confrontation she might know exactly where the best spot for an ambush will be or the best place to hide civilians. Her ability to detect living things is not as precise as her ability to detect non-living objects and surfaces but she is aware when someone is within the area and which way they are moving in general. She would even be able to sense people moving behind a locked door, or know if a room is barricaded. If this ability is active for more than a trial, Vivian might begin to find herself plagued by headaches and nausea due to the added stress on her mind. "Battle Foresight" is far easier to control and manage if she invests in Discipline or Meditation.

[Pig Boy]

UFO

Winston:

Timur was emotional, that much was plain to see. The often cool-headed man of Etzos had taken years to build up his reputation and cover story in Rharne. And now it would seem he’d paid it all off, in a gambit to gain the almighty dark star in the Ferret’s possession. But according to Winston, he was already too late.

“Very well, perhaps you’re right. About power.” He listened with rapt attention, signalling the brigands around him to lower their weapons… for now.

“It cannot do harm? How can that be? Do you know what an Almighty Dark Star can do? Did you destroy it? No, I doubt you’d be standing here if you had…” He tapped his chin with a finger, and then brigthened up. “You’ve… created an abjuration?”

“Something that can shut down magic? With smog presumably or… something else?” He frowned. He ignored the voice from Genna so absorbed in the possibilities that Winston had presented to him.

When Winston admitted to working with Etzori diplomats, Timur’s easy demeanor only increased. “I think I know who you’re talking about. I helped them earlier, to investigate a deadly foe to Rharne.” His brow darkened. “Yes you may be right.”

“Stand down, people.” He told his foot soldiers. “We’re going home.” So saying, he shook his head at Winston, and called over his shoulder as he walked away. “Perhaps we’ll meet again. I hope then to see what this artifact you’ve made can do.”

The Crew:

Winston’s crew sure enough made it to the armory, but it wasn’t too late. They swiftly recognized the situation, and saw that a target had been painted on several points on the armory, specifically several people. These people were swiftly shot by their spider webbing, which muted the magic affecting them.

They would have time to relay their message, and make understood the reasons for their shooting guards, both dead and alive, with sticky webs.

The meteor crisis had been averted, for the time being.



Revan:

Revan parted ways with his accomplice, who made her way back home. He shifted his direction down a quiet and dark alley, and changed his illusion, which fitted the same clothes he wore. Emerging as the man Lyonel, he moved around and made his way swiftly to the Sky Quarter, even as people in the street gawked at the smoke coming from the top of the mountain.

The Pilgrim’s Ascent took some energy out of his step, as he moved up them. They were quite steep, afterall, and many many steps later he found himself on the landing that led into the Sky Quarter Proper. The gates were smashed, with a small opening in them, where the watch house built around them had been dismantled by the cannon fire.

He made his way through, and in the dust and fog of war was able to remain unnoticed by most, even Vivian who had a sharp eye, was too preoccupied with the fate of her child to notice the strange man slipping through the dusty mist.

Eventually, through the rubble and dust Revan found an opening into what appeared to be a militarized building. Perhaps an armory or barrack. Surely there were goodies in there.

So if he was compelled to enter, he’d see several caches of goods in there. He’d have time to grab three objects.

OOC

Please describe as best you can what you grab, just bare impressions. Don’t tell me what they do, I’ll decide that upon the threads ending.

Netzach:

The two powerful people having vacated the battlefield, now Netzach it appeared was on his own. He decided to try his husks against the mettle of the Lightning Knight Vivian, who made short work of nearly a dozen of the undead husks.

So he was given to caution, or else, another target. In the haze and fog of war, he found a target through his omnivision. It happened to be Seira. He found her, and told his thralls to make moves toward her, and avoid the Lightning Knight Vivian.

Thus, Seira felt the hands of death upon her, and very nearly the teeth as well…

To be continued in my response to Vivian and Seira…



Seira felt the hands upon her before she could see the thing. But not before she could smell it. Still, the obnoxious stench was all-encompassing, and she felt it all around her. There was no telling which direction it came from.

Yet as the hands fell upon her, she tried to disentangle herself. Her sleeves ripped, as she dislodged from one hand, only to be grappled by another. But that was enough to buy some time from getting the husk’s teeth sunk into her…

To be continued in my response to Vivian…



Dandelion:

The riders came up to the perimeter of Rosebay, stopping just out of reach of the spear that the leader of Rosebay propped against his shoulder. They looked around, snapping their necks this way and that. “You, Watchman.” He said, apparently speaking to Dandelion. “Where are the invaders? Where have they gone?”

Whether Dandelion asked them what they were talking about, they would continue to speak imperiously to him, “Word is the prison has been annexed. We’ve been sent to guard your settlement against any incursions from these winged beings. Do you have news of them?”

The runners had apparently not reached these outriders, or else gone another direction, having passed each other by entirely.

“We saw one of their strange vessels pass over this way, and were sure we’ve seen one or two land about here. We’re here to secure the area and make sure these invaders are dealt with.”

Dandelion was an observant fellow, however, and would note that these strange riders did not wear the same regalia as the Lightning Knights, or … well they did have some emblems on them, but as someone who may have seen a Lightning Knight or two in his day, as someone living in the territory his entire life, he’d note that these emblems weren’t quite worn

properly

.

He had moments to answer their demands, and make a decision.



Tristan & Genna & Bubbles:

Bubbles returned Gennadiya’s hug, and smiled at her, “It’s wonderful to see you again, in person this time!” She rubbed Gennadiya’s shoulders for a moment, before turning her attention to Tristan and the arriving Hyludin.

However, she was cautious. She wasn’t willing to give up information on Kuvarakh just yet to these people. There was no telling their reasons for seeking a dragon, or dragon-touched people. So she simply nodded affirmation when they saw that she bore the dragon’s effigy.

Meanwhile, Tristan and Gennadiya were engaging with the Hyludin, both able to understand what was about to be said. Chester was kind enough to open a channel to Bubbles as well, but only if Tristan allowed it, “Duke Tristan, shall I let the naer also know what they say?” He asked, and what he said would dictate whether the woman would also hear their exchange.

At any rate, the healer, Gennadiya, asked Bubbles for the dragon’s name. Trusting her friend, she leaned in to whisper to Genna, “Kuvarakh, but I’m not sure of these peoples intentions yet. Let’s not let the cat out of the bag just yet…”

She winked at Gennadiya.

Nevertheless, it appeared it was for the Hyludin delegates to open up communication, as they began speaking to Tristan and Gennadiya, while the Qi’ora owner of The Last Drink began doling out meals and drinks, whatever anyone wanted.

Several of the hyludin who entered seemed to enjoy the wines and liquor on offer, and partook of them most copiously.

The leader, or their representative anyway, spoke to the three, “We have felt the echo of Kuvarakh in this place.”

Bubbles rolled her eyes at the sound of her favorite Dragon’s name. She muttered to herself, “Well I guess that was all for naught, they know his name. Still, nothing lost on my part for being cautious….”

The hyludin looked at Bubbles curiously, but then shook his head, not understanding what she’d said. “We know he was around that fortress southwest of here, it is why we occupied it, thinking it might be his new den. But, on closer inspection, he has left.”

“So, tell us what you know of the Shadow of Courage’s movements? We very much wish to make contact with him, or with one who has been in contact with him…. What do you know of his return?”



Vivian’s sword pierced the husk’s flesh before It’s teeth could fall upon Seira, and it was destroyed utterly within moments. Then the next thrall was swiftly dispatched.

Seira was free to flee then, and was joined soon by another Lightning Knight, who offered to give her escort back to safety. “Come Miss Shiryu. The Commander has everything under control here…” So saying, the knight led her away, if she’d follow.

Vivian cleared the dust, and it began to slowly crawl away from the debris and rubble. Netzach would have mere moments to act, whether to flee or fight. But he’d only be under the cover of the dust and rubble for so long before his position was revaeled to Vivian.

!	Message from: Pig Boy
	Same deal as last time, working in real time here and no longer with hour-long stretches. Thanks for the replies all!!!

[Tristan Venora]

“Hello, Gennadiya“, Tristan greeted the chosen of Ymiden, smiled at her and shook her offered hand, firmly, but not too firmly. Since she had addressed him by his first name, he decided to do the same. “I’m glad that you are here, and I appreciate your helping with translation. I’m not sure if Chester and I would be able to handle every conversation in this place. I can only talk to so many people at the same time”, he admitted with a light grin.

“She can’t speak back”, he mentally reminded Chester. The diri was a proud individual, and it was entirely impossible that he would be offended by the mere suggestion that he wasn’t able to translate every conversation that took place in the Last Drink. He wanted to prevent that by making it clear that Chester was still way more capable and versatile than Gennadiya.

“They said that they are looking for dragons and dragon-touched people, so it’s highly likely that there’s a connection”, he remarked when Gennadiya wondered if those people’s visit was somehow connected to the awakening of a few dragons before he fell silent and simply listened. He was most interested in the Shadow of Courage as well, but it seemed as if Bubbles wasn’t willing to share the information, at least not with him.

She whispered something to Gennadiya.

Tristan didn’t lean closer in order to try and listen. Doing such would be impolite, and besides, he could understand what was being said anyway due to one of Chester’s abilities – Perfect Communication.

The dragon’s name was Kuvarakh.

“Chester, can you temporarily establish a telepathic link with Gennadiya and ask her if Bubbles is trustworthy and if I should let her know what our visitors are saying?” he asked when the diri wanted to know if he should let the near also know what they said. From what he had observed so far, Gennadiya and Bubbles were close acquaintances, but he wanted to be completely sure. Bubbles was still a bit of an unknown factor, but he trusted Gennadiya’s judgement.

She was Faith’s successor as the head of the Order of the Adunih.

“Please also apologize for contacting her that way”, he added, realizing that not everybody appreciated having someone talk to them inside their own head – even though he couldn’t read people’s thoughts. Telepathy and mind-reading were different things.

If Gennadiya replied that he should, he would share things with Bubbles.

His asking the Qi’ora to provide food and drinks for their visitors seemed to have the intended effect, he observed. The Hyludin enjoyed the wines and the liquors on offer. He just hoped that they wouldn’t enjoy them too much. Negotiating with drunks was challenging to say the least!

Tristan didn’t have anything useful to contribute as far as Kuvarakh and his movements were concerned, so he listened and helped translate.

He was not the main character here. He was not part of the Council and thus he decided that it would be better to hold back – for now.

He only raised his voice once, when the leader of the Hyludin stated that they wished to make contact with Kuvarakh. He asked, “Why do you wish to make contact with the Shadow of Courage, if you don’t mind me asking?”

His voice was very calm, almost gentle as he said that. He hoped to get an answer, but he didn’t want to give the impression of being too nosy, or rude. He was interested, that was all.

As he waited for the Hyludin’s answer, he cast a glance at his grandmother and the professor.

“Professor, grandmother, what do you make of all this?” he wanted to know. “Does anything about our esteemed visitors as well as their language seem familiar to you?”

He’d decided to speak rather than communicating telepathically again as he wanted to foster an atmosphere of openness and trust. He’d only make use of Chester’s ability when he really needed to.

For the same reason, he also gestured for the Qi’ora to come over and wanted to know, “Is everything alright? Do you need my help with anything?”

It was just then that he realized something. Vivian still hadn’t arrived even though she’d told him that she planned on attending the meeting. Where was she? What had caused the delay?

He decided to contact Gennadiya telepathically for the second time as he didn’t want anybody else to start worrying just yet but maintain a relaxed atmosphere as long as possible.

“I apologize for talking to you this way again, but this is potentially important. Vivian Shiryu told me that she planned on attending this meeting, but she isn’t here yet. Do you know what could have caused the delay? Do you think we should start being concerned?”

[Pig Boy]

UFO

Chester of course cooperated with his beloved former Duke, and did all that he asked and more if called for. Gennadiya received the messages from Tristan, but whether she chose to act on them and how were hers to determine. She hadn't done so yet.

The Envoy of the hyludin smiled darkly at Tristan, and nodded at his astute questions. "We seek Kuvarakh as one of our progenitors. Many in our Fleet here in... Rharne? are of his cult. We wish to seek him out to serve his interests, and protect his interests if need be." The hyludin said, quite frankly. Whether those interests ran contrary to those of Rharne were another matter, and one best understood by one in its government perhaps.

But they only had Tristan and Gennadiya here to represent the Rharnean side of the equation. As capable as they were, they would be rendered mere messengers, and weren't empowered to negotiate on Rharne's behalf beyond the directive Vivian had given to meet with them.

"We were hoping to find him here, but it appears he's moved on, or settled elsewhere. Do you know where Kuvarakh arose? His presence was here, it's undeniable, but we found no trace of him in the prison according to my scouts." The hyludin looked from Tristan to Gennadiya, somewhat bemused at the former's spiritual ability to speak and be understood.

"We mean no harm to any innocents, and we come in peace."

!

Message from: Pig Boy

Heya players. As interest seems to have cooled off considerably here, I'm looking to wrap up this plot so that what is occurring here can be considered done and dusted and canon. I'll give you all a month to reply, then sum up with the results in about a month of all the changes that occur here, and give you all your rewards/xp/etc. The state of all your turns remains as is, only Tristan's has inched forward a bit given he's the only one to have replied thus far. See you in a month hopefully!