i'll just keep it in this one.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
You are greeted by the doorman, and ushered into the foyer. After only a brief wait you are then escorted by an attendant into one of the many sitting rooms in Mnemon's large estate. the attendant gestures at one of the chairs, pours you a hot cup of tea, then takes a place against one of the walls.
After only a few more minutes of waiting, Mnemon herself enters [escorted by many immaterial spirits if one can see such things]. She seats herself opposite you, and contemplates a moment before speaking.
"Hello grandchild. I trust your stay has been pleasant."
"Very," responds Aizan deciding how to word what he wants to say. "I had thought to inquire after your plans and to see if I might be able to make myself useful. We have been out of touch for a long time, after all, and it seems that many things have changed during our absence."
He leans forward a bit, his alabaster face gaining in gravitas, "Not the least of which is my effective graduation from the Cloister. As promised, I have no intention of living the life of a monk for the rest of my days. I find myself currently at loose ends, however. The enemies of Creation are multiplying in recent years, it seems. I mean to do my part in eliminating their collective threat."
Bold words, indeed, from someone who is believed to be merely 19 years of age.
He leans forward a bit, his alabaster face gaining in gravitas, "Not the least of which is my effective graduation from the Cloister. As promised, I have no intention of living the life of a monk for the rest of my days. I find myself currently at loose ends, however. The enemies of Creation are multiplying in recent years, it seems. I mean to do my part in eliminating their collective threat."
Bold words, indeed, from someone who is believed to be merely 19 years of age.
Mnemon waves her hand, a signal for her attendant to leave the room.
"well, grandchild, I had intended to be a bit more politic in this conversation, but since you wish to move to important business so quickly, I won't waste my time.
"Frankly, I'm not sure what kind of game you are playing at. You leave for years, and return, missing several companions, and filled with essence equaled only by the greatest of our people. Essence it is impossible for you to actually possess.
But... That is fine for now. You seem to have fooled some of my enemies, who are normally a bit more level headed. As long as you wish to work with me, I am happy to leave you to your games.
It is no secret that i not only desire my mother's throne, and that I am most fit to do so. However, my enemies wish otherwise. If you work with me, when I ascend to the throne you will be richly rewarded. And you need only sow dissent in my enemies, and forward my political position."
"well, grandchild, I had intended to be a bit more politic in this conversation, but since you wish to move to important business so quickly, I won't waste my time.
"Frankly, I'm not sure what kind of game you are playing at. You leave for years, and return, missing several companions, and filled with essence equaled only by the greatest of our people. Essence it is impossible for you to actually possess.
But... That is fine for now. You seem to have fooled some of my enemies, who are normally a bit more level headed. As long as you wish to work with me, I am happy to leave you to your games.
It is no secret that i not only desire my mother's throne, and that I am most fit to do so. However, my enemies wish otherwise. If you work with me, when I ascend to the throne you will be richly rewarded. And you need only sow dissent in my enemies, and forward my political position."
Threading the Gerbil since 1982
Aizan genuinely smiled. "I see very little escapes your notice. As one might expect. Very well, while we're being very frank: I have had a great deal of time to think and to consider our positions and relationship to Creation as a whole. Between the demons knocking at Hell's door, the Deathlords and their intrusion into Thorns and the Fae boiling out in the Wyld, Creation faces a number of grave threats."
"From a different angle, the Dragon-Blooded Host is also threatened. The Solars have returned to Creation in numbers not witnessed in an Age - I'm sure you've noticed. They marshal now in the North and the East, and possibly elsewhere as well." He leans back and gains a faraway look. "They have terrible power. Given the current state of the Realm, I have little doubt that a determine and concentrated force led by these returners could conquer it. We're too fractured, too divided. If the Realm is to survive, it will need one ruler. Someone aside from Fokuf must sit the Scarlet Throne." He pauses for a moment.
"If that person is you, that would certainly be favorable for me, politically. I have only one concern though: Creation itself. If you sit upon that throne, and you will do whatever is necessary to defend Creation from its external threats, I will help you."
He sips at his tea, "It is no secret that many of the returning Solars and their Lunar mates hold a grudge against the Realm. That is most unfortunate. I believe that their power is necessary for the defense of Creation. I know it makes me sound heretical to say so, but having witnessed their strength first hand, I cannot see Creation remaining whole without their help. Fighting between their kind and ours needs to - must - cease if we're to display a united front to our true enemies."
His words are spoken with the sort of steady consideration that only those of the Earth Aspect are truly able to muster. Many of the things he's just said sound outright heretical, especially given his attire, but his conviction is unmistakable - he truly believes all that he has just said.
(Slam slam slam Presence 7 :P I wouldn't use charms, I'm not that dumb, but I've got a pretty high natural pool, for what it matters)
"From a different angle, the Dragon-Blooded Host is also threatened. The Solars have returned to Creation in numbers not witnessed in an Age - I'm sure you've noticed. They marshal now in the North and the East, and possibly elsewhere as well." He leans back and gains a faraway look. "They have terrible power. Given the current state of the Realm, I have little doubt that a determine and concentrated force led by these returners could conquer it. We're too fractured, too divided. If the Realm is to survive, it will need one ruler. Someone aside from Fokuf must sit the Scarlet Throne." He pauses for a moment.
"If that person is you, that would certainly be favorable for me, politically. I have only one concern though: Creation itself. If you sit upon that throne, and you will do whatever is necessary to defend Creation from its external threats, I will help you."
He sips at his tea, "It is no secret that many of the returning Solars and their Lunar mates hold a grudge against the Realm. That is most unfortunate. I believe that their power is necessary for the defense of Creation. I know it makes me sound heretical to say so, but having witnessed their strength first hand, I cannot see Creation remaining whole without their help. Fighting between their kind and ours needs to - must - cease if we're to display a united front to our true enemies."
His words are spoken with the sort of steady consideration that only those of the Earth Aspect are truly able to muster. Many of the things he's just said sound outright heretical, especially given his attire, but his conviction is unmistakable - he truly believes all that he has just said.
(Slam slam slam Presence 7 :P I wouldn't use charms, I'm not that dumb, but I've got a pretty high natural pool, for what it matters)
Mnemon thinks for a few moments, her gaze inscrutable and almost menacing. Then, strangely, a slow smile meets her lips.
"whatever else you may be grandson, you have indeed been tempered by your experiences...
If we are to win the coming struggle, we must have anathema of our own, that is certain. The other fools think that the tide can and should be fought... I on the other hand believe that it should be harnessed to do our work for us.
And our work is grim; we are beset by so many things that wish us destroyed, things more powerful than we can hope to deal with alone. But you do not know everything grandson, we do have allies working to help us, and despite their treacherous natures, they wish to see creation preserved.
I think however that more is needed. And if we could harness these anathema to our yolk, then we would be able to defend creation... Which is of course of great interest to any sane person, especially any sane person that expects to sit on the scarlet throne.
So. It would seem we have similar goals... How shall you endeavor to implement them?"
"whatever else you may be grandson, you have indeed been tempered by your experiences...
If we are to win the coming struggle, we must have anathema of our own, that is certain. The other fools think that the tide can and should be fought... I on the other hand believe that it should be harnessed to do our work for us.
And our work is grim; we are beset by so many things that wish us destroyed, things more powerful than we can hope to deal with alone. But you do not know everything grandson, we do have allies working to help us, and despite their treacherous natures, they wish to see creation preserved.
I think however that more is needed. And if we could harness these anathema to our yolk, then we would be able to defend creation... Which is of course of great interest to any sane person, especially any sane person that expects to sit on the scarlet throne.
So. It would seem we have similar goals... How shall you endeavor to implement them?"
Threading the Gerbil since 1982
"An excellent question, and one I don't have much answer to. Aside from myself and my Sworn Brotherhood, I don't have much in the way of resources," he shrugged.
"Taking the broad view, we need to consolidate Realm military forces. Though I know many would object, that means putting a halt to the Wyld Hunt - at least in regard to other Exalts. The stronger the reborn Solars get, the more talented Dragonblooded we will lose to them via the Wyld Hunts.
"On our way back in we had the chance to observe a number of them. Many have already grown in power to the point that they are functionally unstoppable with anything less than a moderate to large army, and perhaps not even then.
"It would be best to court them instead, to try to negotiate. That alone is risky business, though. Many will undoubtedly attack on sight. Others will not stop until we, the Dragonblooded, are no longer the rulers of the Blessed Isle. These will be more difficult to deal with.
"Again, I have little temporal power or influence, though. These are merely my thoughts. I'm also no diplomat, so any sort of negotiations would probably be best handled by someone else. I can be a strong arm and little else." While not strictly true, it was close enough to the truth not to matter.
"Taking the broad view, we need to consolidate Realm military forces. Though I know many would object, that means putting a halt to the Wyld Hunt - at least in regard to other Exalts. The stronger the reborn Solars get, the more talented Dragonblooded we will lose to them via the Wyld Hunts.
"On our way back in we had the chance to observe a number of them. Many have already grown in power to the point that they are functionally unstoppable with anything less than a moderate to large army, and perhaps not even then.
"It would be best to court them instead, to try to negotiate. That alone is risky business, though. Many will undoubtedly attack on sight. Others will not stop until we, the Dragonblooded, are no longer the rulers of the Blessed Isle. These will be more difficult to deal with.
"Again, I have little temporal power or influence, though. These are merely my thoughts. I'm also no diplomat, so any sort of negotiations would probably be best handled by someone else. I can be a strong arm and little else." While not strictly true, it was close enough to the truth not to matter.
"I don't know about that... I hear that Cathak is courting you to be some sort of youth leader and motivator. You could have some influence in that regard.
Regarding the wyld hunts, it is possible that they could be... postponed, at least off of the blessed isle. There is enough evidence of their failure in culling the anathema that it is seeming more and more foolish to waste our resources. However, the hunts on the Isle itself have been rather successful, and convincing others to stop them would be, as you so accurately stated earlier, taken as heresy. Though it could perhaps be arranged for you and your brotherhood to form a hunt, and rather than killing these anathema, to perhaps imprison it, after which training and essence can bend it to our will."
Regarding the wyld hunts, it is possible that they could be... postponed, at least off of the blessed isle. There is enough evidence of their failure in culling the anathema that it is seeming more and more foolish to waste our resources. However, the hunts on the Isle itself have been rather successful, and convincing others to stop them would be, as you so accurately stated earlier, taken as heresy. Though it could perhaps be arranged for you and your brotherhood to form a hunt, and rather than killing these anathema, to perhaps imprison it, after which training and essence can bend it to our will."
Threading the Gerbil since 1982
Adin will go with Zaiva to Greyfalls when she goes. He wants to see the city, what the Exalts are doing with it, to study the former abyssal, will help in the creation of a Manse, and most importantly he wants to make sure that somebody hasn't ordered the news of the UC's arrival silenced. If it has been then he will have to disrupt that work
Just as a note, you don't know about an Abyssal being redeemed or the potential for manse construction (any of you). All you saw was a bright beam of light from the sun in that direction. You don't even necessarily know where it struck (though a little talking to people closer to the area would reveal it through triangulation). There's a lot of "East" from the Blessed Isle, after all. Also, you've already been to Grayfalls at lease once since returning to the modern era, as a reminder.
Steven, are you going to reply to that last statement, or end on that note?
______________
Paul and Jason, you guys go. You can find out fairly easily from spirits that the location of the beam was greyfalls. Heaven, if you visit on the way, is full of talk about what happened, and no one is exactly sure what is truth and what is hearsay. When you arrive you find the circle, which has many visitors admiring it, and gaurds protecting it.
______________
Paul and Jason, you guys go. You can find out fairly easily from spirits that the location of the beam was greyfalls. Heaven, if you visit on the way, is full of talk about what happened, and no one is exactly sure what is truth and what is hearsay. When you arrive you find the circle, which has many visitors admiring it, and gaurds protecting it.
Threading the Gerbil since 1982
What is the talk within the Realm about the beam of light coming out of the sun?
Uzura is interested in checking out the beam of light.
I am not to sure what to think about the youth league. It is something that has importance, but I believe that our skills would be put to use in other ways. Being a spokesman would be fine, but it is not something that I would want to do full time.
Uzura is interested in checking out the beam of light.
I am not to sure what to think about the youth league. It is something that has importance, but I believe that our skills would be put to use in other ways. Being a spokesman would be fine, but it is not something that I would want to do full time.
Out there somewhere there is a Tarrasque eating delicious epic corn waiting to start a journey...
OOC: Correct me if I'm wrong, but we have not actualy talked to Cathak about any of the details of that at this point, right?
In regards to the circle on the ground, it definately has some residual essence, but its going to take several weeks, at least, to resolve into anything like a demesne, as the dragon-lines realign and it has more time to absorb sunlight. For reference, it's about 500ish yards outside the city walls (ie: far enough away that there was room to conduct the ritual away from city distractions, but really not that far away at all). The circle itself is about 20 yards across with each of the individual caste-mark symbols being roughly 8 yards across.
IC: "I am not personally in favor of attempting to brainwash these returning Exalts, and I have no talents to aid in such things, besides. It is true that Cathak approached us during the return party, but we have not yet had the chance to hash out any details." He shrugs, "As I said before, my talents make me a strong arm and not much else."
He thinks for a moment, "A number of these Solars have wasted no time in making names for themselves. The Bull of the North and the self-proclaimed Anathema of Greyfalls being some of the most prominant. I would be interested in speaking with them to determine their intent. If they work towards the greater good, they might be convinced to be allies rather than enemies."
In regards to the circle on the ground, it definately has some residual essence, but its going to take several weeks, at least, to resolve into anything like a demesne, as the dragon-lines realign and it has more time to absorb sunlight. For reference, it's about 500ish yards outside the city walls (ie: far enough away that there was room to conduct the ritual away from city distractions, but really not that far away at all). The circle itself is about 20 yards across with each of the individual caste-mark symbols being roughly 8 yards across.
IC: "I am not personally in favor of attempting to brainwash these returning Exalts, and I have no talents to aid in such things, besides. It is true that Cathak approached us during the return party, but we have not yet had the chance to hash out any details." He shrugs, "As I said before, my talents make me a strong arm and not much else."
He thinks for a moment, "A number of these Solars have wasted no time in making names for themselves. The Bull of the North and the self-proclaimed Anathema of Greyfalls being some of the most prominant. I would be interested in speaking with them to determine their intent. If they work towards the greater good, they might be convinced to be allies rather than enemies."
you guys spoke to cathak about the idea, but not the exact details.
cathak doesn't exactly understand what you guys are, but he wants to make u useful. since you appear so young, he felt it would be best to put you where your age would be a benefit rather than a hindrance.
-----------
talk regarding the beam of light is basically a bunch of rumors. everything from the unconquered sun came down and destroyed grayfalls, to a tomb of a powerful solar being opened.
at the higher eschelons of power (those with sorcery and contacts in greyfalls), it is a bit more clear, something regarding the presence of the unconquered sun, but why he appeared is unclear.
also adam, you can hitch a ride with your siddie buddies if you want to go over there.
-----------------
Mnemon does not look pleased at having her budding plan quashed.
"Well then... I do hope that you aren't as naive as you sound grandson. These anathema can't just be allied with, they must be controlled. You've already seen what damage they have done... So, if you are unwilling to ride with a wyld hunt, what am i to use your "strong arm" for exactly? Would you be willing to eliminate my enemies? or is that not compatible with your virtuous nature?"
Mnemon seems to be losing patience, and changing her analysis of your usefullness...
which you may be indifferent to, as you have several others more than willing to support you. which may be part of why she views you as a liability actually. she likes her pets to be HER pets.
cathak doesn't exactly understand what you guys are, but he wants to make u useful. since you appear so young, he felt it would be best to put you where your age would be a benefit rather than a hindrance.
-----------
talk regarding the beam of light is basically a bunch of rumors. everything from the unconquered sun came down and destroyed grayfalls, to a tomb of a powerful solar being opened.
at the higher eschelons of power (those with sorcery and contacts in greyfalls), it is a bit more clear, something regarding the presence of the unconquered sun, but why he appeared is unclear.
also adam, you can hitch a ride with your siddie buddies if you want to go over there.
-----------------
Mnemon does not look pleased at having her budding plan quashed.
"Well then... I do hope that you aren't as naive as you sound grandson. These anathema can't just be allied with, they must be controlled. You've already seen what damage they have done... So, if you are unwilling to ride with a wyld hunt, what am i to use your "strong arm" for exactly? Would you be willing to eliminate my enemies? or is that not compatible with your virtuous nature?"
Mnemon seems to be losing patience, and changing her analysis of your usefullness...
which you may be indifferent to, as you have several others more than willing to support you. which may be part of why she views you as a liability actually. she likes her pets to be HER pets.
Threading the Gerbil since 1982
"I do not object to eliminating some enemies. It is true that there are some that you would like to see gone that I would have to refuse you on. There are certainly those on the other side of that equation, though.
"Having seen the Solars in action many times, I am not certain that they can be controlled, and almost certainly not by the Dragon-Blooded host, at any rate. As has been demonstrated in the past, we have the power to rise up against them, to eliminate them - but I doubt very much that we could control them. I also doubt that we could effectively eliminate them as before - there were many more Dragonblooded at that time, and they were well-organized. There was also the added benefit that, for whatever reason, the Solars did not re-Exalt until now.
"I fear that now, with their return, elimination is not an option any longer - co-existance, preferably on our terms, is required. That is why I council negotiation. I would be willing to go with my Sworn Brothers and Sisters to court them and try to make them see reason. Many will not, I feel sure, slighted as they have been by the Realm. Some may need to be put down so that their next incarnation might be more reasonable."
"Having seen the Solars in action many times, I am not certain that they can be controlled, and almost certainly not by the Dragon-Blooded host, at any rate. As has been demonstrated in the past, we have the power to rise up against them, to eliminate them - but I doubt very much that we could control them. I also doubt that we could effectively eliminate them as before - there were many more Dragonblooded at that time, and they were well-organized. There was also the added benefit that, for whatever reason, the Solars did not re-Exalt until now.
"I fear that now, with their return, elimination is not an option any longer - co-existance, preferably on our terms, is required. That is why I council negotiation. I would be willing to go with my Sworn Brothers and Sisters to court them and try to make them see reason. Many will not, I feel sure, slighted as they have been by the Realm. Some may need to be put down so that their next incarnation might be more reasonable."