It does not take you much time to quit Yu Shan after the warning you received. Fortunately, you are not without a series of comfortable safe houses in Creation where you can await further communication from Unity.
Or, at least, you thought you did. As you enter the room of your chosen hideout you notice a scroll waiting on your bureau. Next to the scroll lies a slightly faded poster of a certain playhouse, advertising the fantastic martial skills of a man who once wore a disguise that he might find you and train you. It seems Unity has gotten word to you faster than you expected.
Opening the scroll, you first notice is the feel of it; like silk, but somehow much stronger. Looking closer you could swear you can see the faintest threads of sparkling purple, silver, and gold, but every time you focus on one it seems to disappear. As you draw your eye away from the scroll they vanish entirely, allowing you to take in the image the scroll displays. Although you have never seen it before, this is undoubtedly Creation. Gently drawing your finger over the map alters the image, zooming in on the area you’re pointing at, but never covering less than hundreds of miles. Always though, the same writing at the top, written in Old Realm by a master calligrapher:
‘Blessings Foretold, thank you for your help and guidance. I know that you have gone beyond your station in offering it. I hope this scroll will aid in any future guidance you feel you can give us’.
Dotted around the map are silhouettes in various poises. Most of them are recognisably adopting the katas of some martial art or other, but some are bent in ways that appear painful. That’s if they’re even possible. It’s fairly obvious that these glyphs are marking locations on the map, though you feel this with a certainty that you wouldn’t ordinarily expect.
Beneath the map there is a series of further glyphs. Touching each of those causes the map to disappear to be replaced by writing in the same beautiful script. Each glyph appears to be linked to a report, which, although in Old Realm, is made up largely of a series of abbreviations and numbers, which mean very little. Fortunately, the conclusion to each is very straightforward: Malfeas, The Underworld; The Eastern Wyld. It would seem that these glyphs are pointing you to locations outside of creation.
You roll the scroll back up and sit down in your chair. Unity has sent his message, but what must you now do?
A Decision of Wood
Nascent sighed; a long, slow exhalation designed to encapsulate both frustration and wonderment, no mean feat. Casting his gaze over the playbill once again, the eyes of the disguise worn by Unity seemed to staring back at him, but somewhat downcast... towards his belt? Glancing down to his own belt, the candle light caught the green jade of Poison Ivy causing the graven symbol on its end to twinkle...
Grabbing the scroll once again, he unfurled it hurredly and scoured the map... There! A glyph on the map matching that on his weapon. Unconsciously his slender fingers caressed the baton, tracing the symbol. Another sigh, this time of consternation. The glyph was deep within the eastern forests - the hunting grounds of the Ten Tribes - not an area he was particularly familiar with. But it seemed the logical place to start.
A wince. If he recalled his Celestial teachings, the easiest way to get there would have been to head through the Arjuf gate, sail down a silver canal and stroll out of the Maruto River Gate. But having fled Yu-Shan on the strength of a note, it would be churlish to return now.
Oh well, it couldn't be helped. Gathering his wits and a cloak, the young Vizier concentrated, letting his mind slip into the familiar patterns of his favourite disguise. To anyone except another Chosen of the Maidens, he was now a somewhat androgynous figure, handsome and pretty at the same time, his long flowing cornsilk-coloured hair tied with silver and jade rings in the current style. He was no longer Nascent Blossom, Heaven's Servant, but Whisper of Summer Rain, a performer of many talents (named in honour of his mentor).
Pausing only to fasten the mantle with an ornate brooch - a present from Coronal - he stepped out of his lodgings and into the night of Arjuf, wending his way to the docks, hoping to catch a ship to Nexus. Now... which dashing sea captain would like the pleasure of his company?
[by the way, you have limit 9
[by the way, you have limit 9 - sorry]
[Intelligence + Investigation to explore the dockyards]
You're able to find 4 ships that are heading to Nexus within the next week or so. The first to leave is a private cargo ship, though you're not sure what it's carrying nor whether it will stop en route, which will leave tomorrow at dawn. The second carries a group of mercenaries that leaves the day after tomorrow, and will head directly to Nexus. The third leaves at almost the same time; it is a Peleps-owned cargo ship that appears to have a fairly heavy guard detail. It's public knowledge that it will be carrying granite to Chiaroscuro, then glass and firedust to Nexus. The final ship leaves in four days. It is a smaller vessel, and you overhear some crew members saying that it has been hired by a family of dragon bloods to convey them quickly to Nexus.
The only thing left to do is talk your way on to one of them/
Eeny, meeny, miney, mo...
[ouch :( ]
[also, can you roll 2 Paradox dice for me or shall i do that?]
Whisper pondered his options. Of the four, the sensible option would be to take the mercenary ship and bored soldiers were always fun to while away a long journey with. Slightly less fun than toying with an Immaculate's control but sadly he couldn't indulge that whim just now. But the small private-hire vessel, now that piqued his curiosity. If he could find out who was going on that, it might play better to his talents.
Adopting his best slightly-puzzled, 'innocent boy confused by the busy docks' looks, staring about the harbour with a perplexed but searching gaze, he made his way to the administrative office, knocking slightly to announce himself to the clerk within. At this time of night, the harbourmaster was unlikely to be about but that was better for what he had in mind.
Softly spoken and with a slight tremble in his voice, "Umm, I was wondering if you could help me... I seem to be a bit lost." As he spoke, he carried on moving forward before perching on the edge of the desk and leaning slightly into the bureaucrat sat working there - the quill in his hand now stayed. Whisper let his eyes slide down the line of the finger, down towards the nib where a burgeoning drop of ink swelled, threatening to spill... before returning to look at the clerk.
"Um, I hope you can help. My... master sent me down here to deliver a message to one of the captains, only... I've forgotten where it's supposed to be docked. I know it's taking a group of Blooded to Nexus but that's about it. Can you tell me which ship that's going to be. Please?" He sighed, for added effect.
"I... I think my... master is going to send me along with them for... company," and at this Whisper injected a practiced degree of tremulous quaver into his tone, "but I don't even know *which* family it is. If I knew, then I could prepare myself." He trailed off, almost unconsciously rubbing his forearm, as if in memory of some slight not yet forgotten. Trying to firm his resolve, he turned back to the clerk, "Can your records tell me which berth I need? Not that I expect you to tell me *who* is travelling... but I'd be very grateful..." He trailed off again, expectantly...
[Manipulation + Socialise + hearthstone + 2s from 2nd Soc Ex = 10d + 2s + stunt to try and gather the info?]
New friend!
[no paradox accrued]
The clerk holds you gaze for some time. He reaches, without looking to the shelves behind him for a ledger and, tearing his eyes from yours, looks down at it. 'You probably mean Ledaal Catala Garam's ship. It's on Berth 18. Go out the door and turn left'
When he looks up he appears a little nervous. 'But you didn't hear it from me'
Paragon
[This scroll is not in Farhold - it's in Paragon. It always has been. Fortunately, the boats which you are currently deciding between all are headed to Paragon.. Sorry]
Firm friends?
[Are you going to adjust the list in the map locations post on the SotM Campaign page for this retcon? Also, having had a look at BR's thread, the Paragon style seems to be Falling Blossom rather than Ill Lily which should be the symbol on Poison Ivy's 'hilt'...]
Whisper leaned further across the desk, closing the gap between himself and the clerk. The flickering flame from the lamp, coupled with practice, seemed to make his eyes twinkle with gratitude. His voice dropped to a breathy murmur, as his lips moved closer to the fellow’s ear, “Of course, if it just so happened that it fell off the desk, opening, say, to the page with the passenger manifest, then that wouldn’t be anything more than a slight fumble, now, wouldn’t it?”
Whisper’s hand inched slowly over the paper-strewn desk, though whether towards his hand or the ledger, the clerk was too mesmerised to notice. Or care. “Though if there’s… anything a simple man like I could do for you… you only have to ask…” his exhalation redolent with promises even as there was the merest hint of a fleeting touch across his cheek as Whisper pulled back to look demurely at the flustered man.
[Same roll as before, but just buying 1s with 2nd Soc Ex]
I guess you're going to Nexus after all...
[Sorry - I always get those confused. Ill Lily remains in Farhold. I've updated the campaign page].
Still literally speechless, the young man passes you the manifest, his other hand reaching up to stroke your cheek. The look in his eyes tells you everything you need to know about what he expects, or at least hopes, to receive in recompense.
The ship has indeed been chartered in Ledaal Catalal Gamam's name. With her are 3 more dynasts; Ledaal Catala Meera; Peleps Antara and Cathak Cainan Cariasik, each with a handful of followers, none of whom have dynastic names. The crew looks to be a mere skeleton crew.
Night manoeuvres
A Peleps on board… now that made things interesting, explained the skeleton crew for a start. Obviously they would be using their natural talents to speed its journey to Nexus. Definitely quicker than the mercenary ship it looked like. So now the choice between simple but slow or risky and quick…
Whisper looked into the young man’s eager face. The Blooded’s ship wasn’t due to leave for a few days, more than enough time to figure out a way to get on board. And the clerk had been so helpful, he deserved… something for his troubles. Moving with a sinuous, feline grace, he twisted his position on the desk, the thin material of his tunic slipping slightly off one shoulder inadvertently as he did so. The hand on the desk moved from the papers to dance lightly down the man’s shirt, unlacing the fastenings and teasingly drifting over the revealed skin.
Whisper leaned in ever-so slowly, causing the clerk to tilt his lips in anticipation… as he bypassed those, a soft moan issuing forth at the prize denied, to murmur in his ear, “I should go deliver that message. My master has other plans tonight so… I don’t suppose I could trouble you further for maybe some lodging tonight? I don’t need anything fancy, just some floor space…” But everything about his stance and manner suggested that he did not intend to spend the night on any floor.
Springing up from the desk, Whisper made for the door, pausing with one hand on the latch. “I’ll be back in 15 minutes. I trust you’ll have finished up here…” And with a wink, he was gone.
* * * *
True to his word, he strolled back in fifteen minutes, having ducked behind some crates to wait out his judicious delay to maintain the pretence he had woven. Whisper smiled inwardly at the still flustered clerk waiting around outside the office, who had obviously locked up in a hurry and was trying to appear nonchalant but failing miserably. He was just lucky that no-one was really around to pay attention to him having got lucky this night.
Softly moving up beside his playmate for the night, the master performer dropped a light kiss on the nape of the young man’s neck as he whispered, “Lead on…”
* * * *
Descending from the young man’s lodgings into another sparkling morning in Arjuf, Nascent added another name to his internal list, having covertly espied it on some letters in the apartment. A pleasant night’s diversion now had to be turned into some more concerted work…
Heading back to his own quarters, devoid of resplendent destiny to avoid drawing attention to himself, Nascent pondered the names he had seen on the manifest, wondering which one was best suited for what he had in mind.
[Can I have the name of the harbour clerk please?]
[Int + Investigation to see if I know anything about any of the named Blooded? 4 dice + 3s from 2nd Inv Ex, using Cynis connections if helpful]
Gamam
[The clerk is called Billias Orble; his boss is called Hyacinth Gant]
[I'd say an int+ soc roll for instant recall; investigation to go out asking people, which will take more time. I'll assume you use the same excellency spend. You should have been accruing successful stunts before. Apologies]
Wracking your brains you are able to recall hearing some gossip concerning the leader of the party at a Cynis party. Gamam is a renowned expert on anathema. Apparently the sorceress predicted something similar to Thorns many years ago and is now claiming that Thorns is only the tip of iceberg. The guests at the party seemed to think she was all bluster, and was trying to garner fame from the sacking of Thorns, though they didn't seem to think this was in any way a character flaw.
Walking the streets
Gamam's fame and expertise on the so-called 'anathema' were well-known, somewhat of a darling to the more occult-leaning members of the Capital Convention if he recalled correctly. However, she was probably not the best person to be focussing on.
Slipping out, Nascent decided it was time to make some enquiries the old-fashioned way. Visiting some contacts, dropping in at favoured tea-houses, pausing at libraries, Nascent spent most of the morning and afternoon checking up on the other names on the manifest, returning in the early evening to pore over his findings.
[Int + Inv as before, now please? :)]
The Dynastic Party
Here is what you find within the day:
Antara is well known in the port town. He's famous for being forever on the verge of being formally disowned by his family, for being something of a cad, a braggart and a drunk and, above all, for being very, very good at getting people where they're going and back again with all of their limbs more or less intact. His prices are correspondingly high.
Cariasik is less famous, but in some ways more prestigious. As the grandson of Cainan, Cariasik is the great-great-great-great grandson of the Empress. Beyond this little mention is made of him in the various peerge books you happen to find mention of his in some of the modern histories of the wyld hunt, where he has served as a talon leader.
Unfortunately, beyond a family tree that indicates Meera is the second cousin of Gamam you find no mention of her, beyond a registration of her attendance at The Heptagram.
Burning Intrigue
It was late afternoon when Nascent sat down and considered the party. It was an interesting group to be travelling together. Antara was well known for his carousing and debauched lifestyle; he remembered seeing him at some of the Cynis ‘festivities’. Cariasik was a bit of a mystery, a military man like most of his House and a Hunter to boot. The fact that there was not much on Meera was the troubling bit. Had he access to the libraries of Yu-Shan it would have been the work of a moment to obtain the knowledge and he didn’t have time now to go to the Ancient Academy of Meru and the Capital Convention records there.
So the choice came down to Antara or Cariasik. Catala Gamam was too canny for what he had in mind, likely to be more mentally resolute plus he wasn’t quite sure what kind of angle to work on her. He could always try to pass himself off as a bastard of Antara’s – he did have Dynastic blood in him after all. And then he smiled… no, Cariasik was the key here. Staunch military men were often known for their single-minded determination to the job but it often left them susceptible to temptations of mystery and intrigue. Yes, Cariasik would be eminently suitable for this.
The Vizier stared out of the window, watching the shimmering reflection of the sun reflect off the still water of the harbour, as he waited for the kettle to boil, and wondered what in Creation had happened to his sifu. It did seem somewhat whimsical that he was heading off in search of mysteries, in dereliction of his Heavenly duties, but if it was no longer safe for him in the Shining Metropolis, what choice did he have?
Sipping deeply of a steaming cup of jasmine and cinnamon tea to clear his mind, Nascent went over what had to be done to advance his cause. This was going to take a fair amount of power, so he made sure the shutters were well-fastened. The last thing he needed now was a Wyld Hunt beating down his door.
Serene and determined, he stood in front of the mirror, his lilac eyes staring deep into those of his reflection and, as he opened his chakra to the flow of Essence, yet beyond them, to the room beyond… wherein metal arachnids scuttled and weaved on the Loom of Fate with its dizzying vista across the Tapestry of Existence. As the power built, on his brow the symbol of Venus sparkled and flared before being subsumed by a blazing cerulean corona as his anima unfurled in a burst of iridescently indistinct rose petals and thorns. He reached forth with his mind and arms, one hand to grasp the strands of fate around himself, the other those of Cathak Cainan Cariasik’s own emotions.
Working deftly and swiftly, he bound the two fates together, creating a dominion where none previously existed. Lips moved as he silently bound the terms of the hold into the weave – that Cariasik would find himself intrigued beyond normal sense when he next set eyes upon this mysterious performer with the long blond hair and a bearing both martial and elegant. The Cathak would be drawn to him, out of a desire not sexual but of interest, that this artiste held a key, a secret to improving the fortitude and morale of those he commanded. And the Blooded would argue for his needs to be met whilst he pondered the enigma of this man, making sure he stayed by his side so that he could better study what he had to offer. And if in return, Nascent found the opportunity to bring him low, so much the better.
With a short, sharp tug, Nascent set the strands of fate vibrating to bring about this conclusion, before dropping to his knees. “Our wills be done Coronal,” he whispered solemnly. He took a few deep draughts of breath as he stood up and looked towards the shuttered window, still bathed in the lambent blue of his Maiden’s power. “Well then, noble Cathak, I’ll be waiting for you…”
[I hope you can see what I hope to achieve by activating the Ties That Bind Forever combo along with the resplendency power of Sweet Flirtation Smile. 1 endurance, 20m, 3wp to get me 20 successes – plus any from stunt – against his DMDV to establish a dominion of maddening intrigue]
The next day...
Unfortunately, there is no way to know whether or not your manipulation of the fates has been successful until you see Cariasik. Still, you are confident in the power of your combined charms and so you are not particularly concerned as you prepare for tomorrow's performance.
It's no secret that Cariasik is staying in a Cathak household, on the third floor, in a room overlooking the beach, comprising the third and fourth windows from the left. Or, more accurately, it's not a secret that's kept from somebody as persuasive as you; certainly not by the charming young lady with whom you happen to strike up a conversation in the market. It's a simple enough matter to set up a pitch where you can see -and be seen from- the window of your prey. Indeed, it is not long before a curtain twitching reveals that somebody in the room is looking out. Moments later, the curtain is pulled back and you are certain you can see the red dots of the fire aspect's eyes fixed on you.
The dynast's attempt to find more informatation on you are not very subtle. The landlords at the pubs you went in for the first time yesterday are already fond enough of you to tip you off. The men who follow you back to your lodgings are not masters of the arts of stealth.
The next day brings rain; the first break from the pleasant, breezy weather you have enjoyed thus far. The mood of the town is noticably worse for it, and everywhere you look sailors are looking upwards and then huddling into whispered groups. It is whilst you take shelter from the rain in a comfortable chai house that a short, heavy set man who looks a little like a barrel with a bright red beard approaches you, dripping from the rain. He introduces himself as Captain Coral and, speaking with the disinterested voice of one reading from a script, offers you a job as his second-mate on The Joy of Daana'd.
New fates, new mates
You could always rely on a Cathak to be heavy-handed in his approach to most things – members of the House with finesse were few and far between. At least, the few that he had ‘entertained’ when performing at Cynis parties had rarely shown themselves to deviate from standard. But this was not the time for reminiscences; the rotund gentleman in front of him was offering him a job. Not a glamorous one but it would suffice. And it would allow him to toy with a Dynast on a long sea journey, always an amusing way to spend a trip. Plus it would give him a chance to see what that Ledaal woman was up to… and then find some way to get a message back to Yu-Shan, though his eventual destination wasn’t far from the Temple of Anisatsis, seat of the Convention of Wood and where those with certain… sympathies could find a receptive ear.
Whisper extended his hand to Captain Coral in agreement to the proposal and thanking him for the opportunity to serve in such a capacity. He promised to gather his belongings and meet him at the docks that very evening so he could get familiar with the vessel. Giving him the requisite details, the captain grunted his acknowledgement and headed off, watched by a wryly smiling young man. He finished off his chai, tipped the waitress both a coin and a wink, pulled up the hood on his finely woven cloak (another present from Coronal) and tripped off lightly through the heavy drizzle back to his lodgings.
It was scant time before he was packed and ready to go, having swapped his usual finery for more down-to-earth attire, though still artfully styled to show off his talents. The jade and silver hair rings were swapped for more serviceable polished brass, with the blond tresses bound tightly and cinched at his waist, concealing the easy access route to Poison Ivy, nestled reassuringly against his thigh. Slipping on a waterproofed grey linen cloak, he stepped out into the fading light and headed down to Berth 18, to board the ship bound for Nexus in the morning, to meet his ‘benefactor’ and start what would probably prove to be a rather interesting journey…
On the matter of sailing ships
Whisper’s familiarity with all things nautical only stretched as far as being entertained on them or travelling by them – both usually in some manner of comfort. However, he’d watched the deckhands at work often enough to at least pick up some of the lingo and mannerisms, and he judged himself a proficient enough actor to feign competence by mimicry. This shouldn’t be a problem. If he recalled correctly, second mate was supposed to be in charge of navigation as well as a general deck watch officer. However, with a Peleps at the helm and a Ledaal loremistress at hand, he reckoned any navigation and astronomy would be well taken care of.
Captain Coral was civil enough, if somewhat brusque in showing him round the sleek vessel and where he would be bunking; the manifest was right (he smiled recalling Billias' enthusiasm), it really was just a skeleton crew to handle those tasks too menial for a ‘noble child of the Realm’. So he would probably best serve the ship’s interest by ensuring that the Dynasts were appropriately catered for and suggested as much. “Whatever,” was the Captain’s response.
The following day dawned drearily, a tarpaulin of grey cloud covering the sky, drifting along on a fresh breeze, carrying the moist threat of rain to come. The crew were making final preparations for departure as the carriages of the Dynasts rolled into the harbour and to the quayside. Ensuring that his tunic was carefully arranged and hair just right, he stood at the top of the gangway as the party boarded the Joy of Danaa’d. Peleps Antara was the first on, bounding on with bluster and a bottle of rum clutched firmly in his hand. Following at a more sedate pace were the two Ledaal women, Gamam with a distinctly disdainful look upon her features. Cathak Cainan Cariasik was the last to board, discounting the retinue of servants with luggage that is, and Whisper made sure to catch his eye yet outwardly remained blithely ignorant of his roaming gaze of inspection.
Introductions were cursory but Whisper made a point of bowing in respectful fashion to each of the Dynasts, remembering the courtly etiquette beaten into him as a child, and emphasising that he would see to any requests they might have. With the voyage getting under way, he blended into the work being done but always seeming to be just where Cariasik could see him. It was mid-afternoon before he put the next part of his plan into action. He waited for both the Ledaal women to be occupied below decks, it having started to rain lightly. Antara was lounging about at the wheel, ignorant of the spattering droplets.
At this point, Whisper chose to break into song, singing the spirited shanty “What Shall We Do To The Stalwart Sailor?” designed to raise the crew’s morale, to instil a fervour of knowing they were doing what they were *supposed* to be doing… and tantalise the senses of Cariasik’s intrigue even further… for the military application of improved determination could be incalculable… The picture was further enhanced as the drizzle moulded the thin linen tunic and breeches to his lithe form, as he stood on the deck, leaning against the gunwhales (in what some of baser thought might consider a somewhat provocatively licentious manner) overseeing the workers go about their duties. He flicked one eye over to an awning under which Cariasik stood sheltering, watching…
[Activating Perfection in Life to try and bolster the work ethic shown by the deckhands, 10 dice + stunt pool against highest DMDV present to grant +1 temp wp to all present. Just a show of abilities – unless anything happens will skip to day 2 of voyage]
The first 5 days
Thanks to the various powers of the dynasts the ship cuts through the waves in excellent time. Storms on the horizon are mere drizzles by the time you come to them, and friendly air elementals surround the ship. And so, the fornight-long journey to Noble -where there will be a day's shore leave- lats a mere 5 days.
Five days in which you gradually win the crew around through your undeniable charm, although they still manage to give you a wide berth whilst respecting you and, more noticably, manage to win Adrana round. The Peleps spends an awful lot of time showing off by prancing around, walking vertiacally up the mast, jumping from sail to sail, all in various states of undress. Cariasik now spends about as much time watching his rival as he spends watching you, barely bothering to conceal the rage this new development engenders in him.
Gamam for her part spends her time glowering at you, and Meera barely leaves her cabin.
[you have a day and night in Noble, if you want]
The next leg of the voyage
The ship arrives at Noble at dusk, and the crew were asked to spend the night on board, whilst various papers were filed. The shore leave will start in the morning.
It is therefore with some degree of surprise that you wake the next morning on a moving ship. A pity as you had so many plans for a day in Noble but not, all things considered, a huge drawback. Why, then, the strange feeling in the pit of your stomach? It takes a few minutes lying in your hammock, listening to the sounds of the spray and the creaking of wood before you realise that for the first time since leaving Arjuf you cannot hear a single human voice.
Odd.
You decide that it may be time to investigate further and head out on the deck, where you are greeeted by a warm rays of the morning sun and absolutely nothing else. Sighing, you look over the port side (it's possible that it is in fact the starboard side - you've never been sure) and see the oars moving themselves. You've heard of a spell that can do that. The dynasts must have decided that their mortal crew would no longer be necessary.
The sound of boots striding across wood brings you out of your reverie. It is Cariasik. 'I wasn't entirely honest with you about the purpose of our voyage, young man, but it's time we filled you in. Follow me to the captain's quarters'.
[Do you want to do anything, or shall I hit you with the exposition?]
These are the voyages...
Sometimes you just had to hand it to the Blooded, they could be remarkably efficient when they wanted to. Pity that such efficiency was usually put to entirely misguided purposes. And it was a shame that he hadn't been able to stop off in Noble and get some Juche province plums... so succulent, so sweet... oh how he had been looking forward to biting into one, letting the juice just run... down... his chin...
Antara probably would have been interested... and it would have been a useful display of manipulation to spin to his advantage with Cariasik. But alas it was not to be. At least, not today.
But back to today. The daydream would have to wait.
Whisper took stock of the approach of the Cainan, appraising his gait and manner...
[Can I have a generic PER+Soc to see if being straightforward or trying to conceal something - i.e. is this going to be okay for me or is it that I'm gonna run into trouble? I'm guessing I reliase by now Cariasik isn't that subtle so I should be able to have some kind of inkling of what's going on before it happens]
Cariasik is on the level, as
Cariasik is on the level, as far as you can tell. That is, once you exclude the permanent haze of awe and suspicion which surround him when he is in your presence.
In the event, the explanation of your new journey does not take long. Gamam clearly would rather not have to deal with you, and she insists on seeing you alone. After you're dismissed, Cariasik is summoned in your stead, leaving you to wander back up to the deck. And so we find you leaning of the front of the ship, with the noonday sun stinging your right cheek, reviewing your current situation.
Destination: The Bayou of Endless Regret
Purpose for journey: An investigation into the anathema that conquered Thorns.
Reason you're on the journey: Because, as Gamam put it, 'Lord Cariasik seems to believe you are inexplicably but essentially linked to the success of our endeavour. I do not. But I need the soldier, and if we must have you tagging along with us in order to gain his presence then I shall tolerate you. Do not distract me from my work. Do not become a drain on our time or resources. Should you do so I would become... displeased. Oh, and try not to die straight away, will you? I should hate to Cariasik distracted.'
You have 4 days until you reach the coast of The Bayou. You know nothing of your destination and, despite your heavenly connections, next to nothing about the foes who you seek - other than the fact that they are dark reflections of solars. Four days to come up with a strategy and decide what you will do when you get there. Of course, Antara is still on board so it needn't be all work and no play...
Whisper stared over the side,
Whisper stared over the side, listening to the lapping of the waves as the ship cut through the water swiftly. With next to no crew left the ship was riding lighter and making very good time thanks to the Water-aspect. The Terrestrial Host had their uses in their own limited way. It was just a shame that they had been led so far down the wrong path by somewhat misguided advisers. But it was very intriguing that Adara had become enmeshed in this weaving of fates. He could sense a degree of rivalry between the two… and when Fire met Water, things could get… steamy. He smiled the knowing smirk of an ingénue.
However, all he had originally intended was to secure passage. And that to Nexus. Not to the Threshold coast. Plus he couldn’t afford to risk his place here by offending either one. Or Ledaal Gamam either it seemed. He bridled a bit at the imperious disdain she had displayed towards him - yet another reason to dislike these jumped-up servants – though of course, it put a ‘lowly commoner’ such as himself below their general notice, able to plot and scheme right under their noses. Plus his upbringing as a Cynis bastard had more or less inured him to such treatment.
Oh how it would surprise her to know that she had a Child of Venus standing right before her! And House Ledaal with their vaunted Sidereal patrons. There was the matter of Meera though. She had barely been seen so far. But at least his original suspicion that she was another member of the Five-Score Fellowship appeared to be unfounded. It probably wasn’t any of his business what she was up to here but still…
Nevertheless, his original plan to slip quietly into the woodlands seemed to be falling by the wayside. He briefly considered the notion of striking some kind of deal with Gamam to conveniently ‘disappear’ when they reached the Bayou but that might prove too problematic at this stage. Taking a surreptitious look around to ensure he wasn’t being observed – precaution though they were all still in a meeting - Whisper moved over into the shadow of some crates and slipped the scroll out from the concealed pocket in his jacket. Quickly scanning the symbols and the geography it seemed like he might be able to turn this to his advantage.
Rolling the map back up and secreting it away, he let his head rest on the shady bulwark. Far from any gate and far from the convention house, he was effectively on extended sabbatical. So he might as well put this time to reasonable use, hone his skills and maybe see a bit more of the world, experience more of the joys it had to offer. According to the map, there were two glyphs showing up in Thorns and another in Mishaka to the north-east. He could take a tour of the Scavenger Lands, investigating whatever was marked on the map, maybe they would be valuable artefacts he could use to fund his plans… if he ever got back into Yu-Shan that is.
His mind made up, he stood up, stretching in the afternoon sun. That would work – investigate Thorns, move to Mishaka, up to Lookshy, sail down the river to Nexus, Great Forks, then into the jungles for his original destination before circling round to Larjyn. Simple.
Just a case of waiting now until they got to the Bayou then and seeing what the Blooded were up to. If they could get him into Thorns then all well and good. He smiled at Gamam’s words – dying quickly was not on his agenda any time soon. Ah well, time to get dinner ready.
…
Making sure the wine bottle was in prominent position; Whisper stood before Peleps Antara’s cabin door and knocked smartly on the wood calling out “Dinner, sir,” as he did so. As the door opened, he watched Antara’s eyes drift from the dinner tray to the wine bottle to the bucket of soapy water to one side and Whisper standing shirtless and barefoot before him. Catching his eye before demurely averting his gaze in front of the powerful Water-aspect, he softly spoke. “I’ve brought your dinner sir. With the lack of other crew, I was wondering if you’d also like me to clean your cabin while you ate?” He trailed off with coy hesitation hanging in his voice…
[More teasing than any real intent to seduce – so that he can play the wounded ingénu if anything does happen although will use the opportunity either whilst cleaning or… afterwards… to see if there are any interesting looking papers or similar lying around. If nothing else occurs, will spend the next few days generally trying to be helpful to everyone and spending time listening to Cariasik talk if possible]
The search isn't terribly
The search isn't terribly productive, although the prelude to it is fun enough to mitigate your disappointment. Nevertheless, over the next few days you are able to gleam a battle plan, mainly from Adrana and Cariasik, neither of whom seem to see the point of keeping you in the dark, despite the former's curiosity as to your purpose on the trip.
The ship will sail into the mouth of The Cocytus, and head a few score miles into The Bayou. There, you will rendezvous with some local ghosts some of whom will remain with the ship. The rest will guide you further inland through the maze of rivers, streams and swamps.
Once you get to your destination, which appears to be a large village that thinks its a town (Adrana's words) you will... well Cariasik doesn't seem sure. He seems to think that you will ambush some anathema with a view to bringing them back to The Isle. It never seems to have crossed his mind to ask how he can be sure the anathema will be waiting for them.
[you want to do anything before the rendezvous?]
[When I get a chance, I’d
[When I get a chance, I’d like to study the two glyphs in Thorns a bit more – does touching them bring up more information?]
Stood alone at the prow of the ship, as had been his occasional wont the last day or so, Whisper alternated his gaze between the vessel’s bow wave and the rapidly approaching dark shoreline. The Bayou sprawled out from the banks of the dark and turgid waters of the Cocytus and its swampy tributaries, the usual southern jungle miasma made all the more unpleasant by it being a large shadowland. Unsurprisingly, his education had not touched overlong on ghosts and other dark matters, those being more suited to students at the Forbidding Manse or the Violet Bier. He did know enough of the general theory of rituals and prayer for appeasement though.
However, the more he pondered what Antara and Cariasik had told him, the more uncomfortable he felt. Ghosts were bad enough when they were just being venerated but what with being so close to the Underworld, he had a bad feeling about all of this. And the reclusive isolation of the other Ledaal, who was probably their ‘secret weapon’ in all of this, was not reassuring either.
The fact that there were supposedly ‘anathema’ at the end of this journey – which had the distinct air of a trap about it – wasn’t the issue. Heaven knew he wasn’t going to mourn if a few lowly Terrestrials ended their days face-down in a murky grave. His own ability to get away was far more important but the questions of when and how raised their heads. Plus it looked like there might be an opportunity for data gathering. He might even be able to gain some advantage if he could make a valuable report to the field outpost in Celeren that he knew was monitoring Thorns.
If things went badly, he had enough getaway plans he could use, whereupon he let his fingertips brush gently against the handle of the folded and concealed Poison Ivy. Nevertheless, it never hurt to make sure that there was someone else who could be watching over you...
Sinking down into a graceful kneeling posture, the young man dwelled on the reminiscences of the past two weeks as they pertained to the simmering tensions between Cariasik and Antara, Gamam’s displeasure and his part in all of these, whilst reverently caressing the jewel stud in his left ear that, to all cursory glance looked like silver and quartz but was actually platinum set with the crystallised tear of a Cynis noble who had been particularly cruel to him as a child. Such thoughtfulness and consideration marked the item as a fond gift from Coronal. Concentrating on it as the personal link to his patron, he slipped into a transcendental meditative reverie with a smile on his face. “Greetings My Sweet Lord of Unspoken Changes, your starborn princeling calls to you. I hope this message reaches you safely since I will be away from the Heavenly City for a long while and there are strange forces at work. Your faithful student is hale but I am bound for the Bayou of Endless Regret in the company of some notables of the Dragonblooded Host. We are due to rendezvous with some undead spirits and I do not have much confidence in their plans, so I’m letting you know in case things don’t exactly turn out for the best and I’m out of touch for a while. Don’t worry about me though, I’m sure I’ll be fine. Until next time.”
Opening his eyes and standing up, he made his way to the galley. The meeting had gone on for an hour now and someone was bound to be hungry for something...
[Prayer to Coronal, dice pool of 10 + anything you care to give, buying 3sux for 8m through 2nd Soc Ex and HBPS. Other than that, can cut to the rendezvous, with Nascent ready to use Defence of Shining Joy if anything goes amiss.]
[your regular service is now resumed]
[successful 2d stunt]
It doesn't take too long for boredom to set in on your travels. After all, your Blooded playthings aren't available to amuse you around the clock. So its' not too long before you turn to the scroll and examine the glyphs in Thorns. Which is when you notice that neither of them is there any more. Fortunately, after a few seconds of worry you locate them in your list at the bottom. Touching them brings up a string of (very similar) numbers and letters culminating in the word 'Underworld'. Over the next few days one of them fluctuates between Thorns and The Underworld but the other stays firmly entrenched in the Underworld. Sadly, neither glyph yields more information than the fact that they belong to celestial martial arts.
[tbc in 'Down in the Bayou'. Today.]