The Agora

Hiruma Tsukebe · Posted: Fri, January 11, 2008, 2:23:55pm Post subject: An Emmisarry

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EDIT: For the purposes of RP, this is assumed to occour just prior to December 18th - as the charecter may wind up traveling 2 turns worth of movement to the laconia capital before the thread ends __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dawn breaks upon the shores of the Town of Argos, beside the Bay of Moot.

A single masted fishing vessel (Wooden, Displacement of only a few hundred kilograms, Single masted, no weapons, length less then 6 meters), sails towards the the docks of the town of Argos.

Clearly displayed on it's fore are the pennants of the neighboring nation of Rokugan.

At its highest point of the mast it flies a banner, indicating it wishes to land, and parlay.

As the vessel pulls into berth, none of her crew move, awaiting permission from the local harbor to make landing.

Standing prominantly upon the bow is a well dressed man, (silk and cotton robed) he faintly simles.

Those who recognize him know him to be Kaiu the Momotaru, a mage of the Clan of the Crab, first cousin to Daimyo Hiruma Tsukebe of Rokugan. (186cm tall, round face, dark hair, dressd in blue and white)

In his arms are held a green scroll (Exotic reptile hide, ornate cord wraps it), a small box (Black laquer on substrate, small silver lock [inset], ornate hinges [internal workings, only hasps visible], silver sides and chasing, about 30cm long, 15cm deep, and 15cm tall) , and a handheld banner pole (Black metal [exotic]) flying the pennants of both parlay (fuller bleached cotton, white rectangle) and Rokugan (Green silk, cloth of gold, exotic knotwork).

He is obviously an emmisary, and bears no weapons (A search would confirm this).

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OOC-EDIT: Please respond, this is an introductory post, and I don't want to write the response/reaction of your citizens/denizens/helots/whatever

Dienekes · Posted: Mon, January 14, 2008, 11:21:59pm Post subject: Emisary

A lone ship in the harbor...... You have my attention mage, I Dienekes, High Preist bode you welcome and ask you state your intention. Of course this would requir you come ashore and join me for a meal and cup wine. The helots have brought forth a table for us to sit and converse.

Hiruma Tsukebe · Posted: Tue, January 15, 2008, 1:11:46am Post subject:

"Greetings Dienekes, Priest of Tharros! I am overjoyed by this reception of food and drink!"

*A plank is unlatched from the deck and slides out*

Kaiu steps down onto the plank and crosses onto the warf, he inhales deeply, and smiles.

"Never much of a seaman myself. Always preferred good solid earth beneath my feet."

Looking momentarily puzzeled, Kaiu snaps his fingers.

"Forgive me but a moment! I will retun in but a few short whiles!"

He turns and scurries back onto the ship, and dissappears through the doorway. After a few seconds he reemerges, holding a very large fish [sturgeon, white, adult male, 485Kg, 4.2meters].

"I became bored on the trip from my home! I fished up a small leviathan early this morning! My asscociate (Gestures at non-descript fisherfolk [Male, 155cm, dark complexion, dressed in drab brown woolen clothing] manning the boat. He tells me it is an excellent specimen, and the taste is uncomparible! Quite a fight this little one puts up! I one day whis to wrangle the father!"

Carrying the sturgeon casually slung over his shoulder Kaiu steps off the boat.

"Please, let me offer this to you as a thanks for your hospitality!"

A clouded look crosses over Kaiu's face.

"..."

He seems to be conflicted.

"..."

He looks as though he is listening to something unpleasant.

"!"

He looks suprised.

"... *Sigh*"

He sighs deeply.

"It seems we are being observed by the Central Bureaucracy, Dept of Foreign Affairs... I am afraid I must confess, I have not come merely to talk of my angling skills *feigned stage aside*regardless of how great they may be*/aside* but instead bearing a gift, and a message. I have come to speak with your triarchs. I have heard the unfortunate news that Eliphas went power-mad and you were forced to put him down. That leaves, to the best of my knowledge, Your emperor, Sir Bannor, and Absolom. May they live long."

He takes a deep breath, and his face seems to relay mixed feelings. Those seeing this realize he is conflicted in though, and the message will leave a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Kind Dienekes, I appreciate your hospitality. I will dine with you and learn of your customs, and decide if I must travel all the way to your capitol, or if I may turn home this evening."

The smile returns to his face, he seems ebulent, almost childlike in his joy, as thogh nothing can deeply trouble him.

You sense you cannot trust this man with deep secrets, and his face lies easily. He is obviously trained as a spy, as well as an emmisary and courtier.

"Let us go and eat. We will talk over the meal."

Dienekes · Posted: Tue, January 15, 2008, 6:16:53pm Post subject: Emisary

"Ahh, A fine fish, we shall dine" . "First , I must bless food and drink in the Name of Tharros". ( Dienekes begins to uter a blessing as he raises his hands high and goes into a trance, you notice a beastial look to the preist, hands more talons than the hands of a man, and as he speaks the blessings of his God you notice his teeth, knine in apearance.) " Shall we feast now ,my friend from the land of the rising sun". " Come tell me what message you have for the kings, I will dispatch a messenger and see if you will be granted a further auidence". Dienekes seats himself at the head of a large table and ushers you to take the chair opposite him at the far end of the table. (Although you see many delicasies upon the table, including your contribution you notice that the preist feasts upon what appears to be steak tar tar, and his goblet is filled from a pitcher of bllod red wine, which is placed on his end of the table along with other, very undercooked peices of something undeterminable. Other covered dishes are also aranged in front of the preist. )

Hiruma Tsukebe · Posted: Wed, January 16, 2008, 1:00:03am Post subject:

"..."

Kaiu stares at the eating utensiles, momentarily befuddled.

"!"

After observing Dienekes eat a bit Kaiu mimics the usage.

"Very... Tasty. Flavorful. Very... Native. I shall remember this meal."

Kaiu inhales deeply, and sets aside his fork.

"My lord Dienekes, priest of Tharros, I come bearing a triple entendre. I come with offer to set up a... 'Goran Igyou'... A kind of... Glass sphere... It would allow our rulers to speak with one another freely."

Kaiu delicatly lifts his [drinking vessel provided by Dienekes] of water, sips delicatly, stares intently at the [drinking vessel].

"It is of good quality. Your craftsmen must be at peace with their rulers to produce such wares. They must have the 'Dao'."

Kaiu sets down the [drinking vessel].

"The 'Goran Igyou' is a potent artifact. Very few exist outside of Rokugan. I will be happy to stay and train one of your own to maintain and care for it. Our spies tell us your Pathos is more then capable."

Kaiu leans foward with his elbows on the table, and interlaces his fingers. He looks directly into Dienekes' eyes.

"Come now, my good Dienekes, shurely you don't beleive that any nation does not employ spies. Every trader that enters port can be made a spy, unknowingly and unwillingly even."

...

Dienekes · Posted: Wed, January 16, 2008, 2:08:36am Post subject: Emisary

"Kaui, I must bring this before the council before I can allow any " relic" to be set up in our lands." " Further more past comunications between our nations have had less than acceptable results". " You have made clear that your lord wishes an audience with the triarch, yes i must inform you that after the demise of Eliaphas a elven king was put in his place, he is our most honorable King Xotokis". " The council will be the one's to decide if there will be an formal channel opened". " I must ask , what is your intention here, are you here to promise your nation will no longer medle in the War that is now being waged against our fine nation?" " I must say , we have all seen your mages helping the cowardly choas horde". " One of which has joined us at our fine feast." ( Dienekes uncovers one of the dishes before him and you notice the head of one of the horde finly prepared in a glaze of intrails. The Preist begins to feast upon the remains by first devouring the eyeballs shortly followed by the tounge.) " Sorry if my appitites offend humble emisary, but I no longer feed as you do my friend. The blood is the life and that of my enimies is so sweet." " Of course though you need not fear, for there has been no formal decralation by your country's part of open War against Sparta, but heed this warning my round faced friend, ther is no mercy for those who would alie themselves against Tharros." " I feel it weould be in the interst of all your countrymen to choose more wisely whom they offer there services to in the future." " Now tell me more of the reason The Rougukanians have need of my Kings".

Hiruma Tsukebe · Posted: Wed, January 16, 2008, 2:47:42am Post subject:

"Well, well... Most... Abrupt. I am sorry to hear our past communications have been 'less then acceptable'."

Kaiu unfulrs his hands and sits bck from the table, lacing his fingers beneath his jaw muscle, his eyes proclaim him to find the spectacle humorous.

"Of course, my good Dienekes, we would wish the Goran Igyou upon you carefully tended and accepted willingly and knowingly. There is no way we could hope to hide such a powerful force for long.

I'm sure every two-bit henge-druid, mageling and monkish type within twenty miles has felt it's pull by no. I'm certain that you have as well.

That feeling that there is someone watching you, a hand upon your shoulder, asking to be let in. But you have been wise and refused. The Goran Igyou, while powerful, cannot warp the minds of any sentient being, nor control for more then a few seconds a beast. Such powerful magics would strain the entire network and destroy all the Goran Igyou linked up at the time."

Kaiu inhales deeply, breathing in the evening air. He shifts casually, uncrossing his legs, and recrossing them the other way. The silk whispers softly as it is disturbed.

"I have heard of this Lord Xotticus, the elven king. I had not yet heard it confirmed officially. I am please at his ascencion. I do hope the council accepts our gift.

The Goran Igyou is precious to us, and allows any who posses one to not only speak with our rulers, but also with any who possess one, or is sensitive enough and close enough to one.

With a great number of these scatter throught the capital of our land, a less honorable people could carefully cultivate a rebellion, or plant seeds of dissent. By even offering this gift we show that we respect the soverign nation of Laconia, and her peoples."

Kaiu stares quizzitacly at the eating priest. He seems quite intrested.

"..."

Kaiu leans slightly closer to inspect the head.

"Oh, my. I do beleive that this is the head of... Indeed. Quite impressive."

Kaiu leans back again, delicatly he picks up his fork turns it between his fingers lightly, so it catches the light. He sets it down again.

"As for formal declarations of war, or open hostilities... I should hope it never comes to that. But... That is not for you, nor I, to decide by ourselves."

Kaiu looks curiously at Dienekes.

"Ummm... You have a little... Right there... On your face... It looks... Uhhh... Nevermind."

Kaiu seems genuinely intrested in something.

"How... How exactly.. No, never... Well... How does it taste? I have never feasted upon drowis flesh before. Only fish, and seafood, pork and beef. The occasional tiger and lion during hunts... Once dragon... But never drow... Do you mind if I take a small portion...?

Kaiu seems slightly sheepish at his admission.

"As for the reasons for my needing to speak with your kings... As I said, My Daimyo, Hiruma Tsukebe, would like to speak with them. However he is inclined to become terribly seasick, homesick and lustful.

I fear that if he were to come himeself... Well... Many of your virgins would not be... Virginal... come the next dawn.

Such a social faux pass could never be allowed of course... So we instead sent something better. The Goran Igyou."

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EDIT OOC: 24 Hours remain for reply before Kaiu stands up, excuses himeslf and sails 6 days to Hex#D16, and intersects Vessel LA-3 (Caravel), on his way towards the Laconia Capital.

Dienekes · Posted: Thu, January 17, 2008, 11:18:02pm Post subject: emisary

" Surley you may sample these dishes I have before me my friend, but first please taste the wine." ( Dienekes pous you a small portion from his goblet and eagerly awaits your tasting.) " As for this relic, I must say we do not see the purpose of training one of ours to handle these communications"........." Would you be willing to join me in a bit of sporting fun." " I do greatly enjoy the hunt and hoped to have you acompany me to the forrest that surround my keep." " This is where I do most of my hunting you see ,and I have arranged we hunt down so of those who would oppress the people of Tharros." " What say you? "

Iltztafein Derahel · Posted: Thu, January 17, 2008, 11:41:56pm Post subject:

A cloaked man stumbles around the docks. He is wearing a black scarf covering most of his face. Only his blue eyes, neatly-trimmed eyebrows, pinkish-white forehead and his head of moppy, grey hair are visible. Anyone carefully observing his behavior would assume that he was most-likely inebriated.

As he drunkenly stumbles around the docks, he closely watches the slimey, slant-eyed serf eating and speaking Dienekes. He follows them to the place where they eat and observes them some more all the while counting what appears to be gems. After counting them, he puts them back in his bag... Then takes them out and counts them again. He repeats this process several times before finally pulling a dagger from his belt, which he immediately drops. He mutters to himself "Dammit, buttery digits... Fingers... Buttery fingers... Fuck it."

He takes a seat with a few other people at nearby table and listens to the conversation between Dienekes and his new Rokugani "friend". After a few minutes, he abruptly excuses himself. As he walks by the table where Dienekes and his new Rokugani "friend" sit, he mutters to himself "Interesting... Most interesting..."

He takes only a few more steps before stumbling forward almost falling to the floor. He averts the fall by bracing himself on a table, spilling cups of beer. He shouts, "Fuck!"

He then leans his head slightly forward and mutters to himself, "Now if only I can remember where I left my boat?" before falling forward and passing out, probably from a bit too much drink.

Hiruma Tsukebe · Posted: Fri, January 18, 2008, 2:12:01am Post subject: Re: emisary

"Oh, I would greatly enjoy a hunt! Unfortunatly my good priest, I must decline. I am scheduled to depart at first light towards your grande capital to deliver my news and offers in person. I stopped here in Argos, with the hope that I may, perchance, intersect one of your Triarch, or your Emperor, Sir Bannor. I am afraid I am quite cranky if..."

A drunken man bumps the edge of the table, spilling beer, wine and Kaiu's Water amongst the unfisished food, and slopping a small amount onto Kaiu's lap.

"!"

Kaiu leaps onto his feet, sputtering wordlessly!

"Bup-get-theh-guh-wragh!"

It is difficult for onlookers to decide if Kaiu is more angry, upset by his facial contortions.

"Kuso!"

With a final epitath Kaiu turns and looks at the drunkard, and points a finger haughtily at him. Looking down imperiously Kaiu intones angrily;

"Filth! This attire is wotrth more then your whole family's miserible Hiemanan lives! A decade of your root-grubbing, fisherfolk scrabbling wouldn't cover the costs of the embroidery! Ruined!"

Seemingly realizing he is still in forign lands he seems immediatly composed.

"Dienekes, this man has offended me. I inquire, is he yours? If he is I will pay 18 pieces of newminted Rokugani silver for him. If he belongs to another I will gladly purchase his worthless life from them."

Seemingly building up a great head of steam, Kaiu becomes crimson in the face, closes his eyes, and opens his mouth in a wordless scream. Anyone sensitive to distortions in the warp and weft [All Clerics, Druids, Monks, Mages, Elves, Drow, Supernatural Creatures, Vermin-folk, and several other species] feel the pull of Kaiu's voice echoing across an invisible wire.

"..." It is clear Kaiu is screaming into the air, at full volume, however only those sensitive to Magic hear the faintest buzzing.

Seconds later two men manning Kaiu's fishing boat march up towards the fallen drunk.

"Dienekes, my men will take this one and deal with him, teach him respect for the boundries of his betters. He will learn to regret his stupidity. To whom shall I pay his bond-price?"

The two men begin reaching towars the fallen drunk.

Dienekes · Posted: Sat, January 19, 2008, 12:10:33pm Post subject: Emiasary

" HOLD!!..My friend you must not become so eaisly angered, this is Shapwin and he is a citizen of Laconia, to harm him would not be wise." " I appoligize for his druken state , but he is know for these stupers." " I shall have a helot attened to you garmets and any other needs you may have , but I must ask you to accompany me to my keep." " You have not been given leave to travel within our nation and must await the triarchs response." " I have dispatched a messenger to the capitol and await his return." " I must also add that the hunt is a time honored tradition in Laconia and it would be a great insult if you refuse." " Things take time to come to fruit, and if you were to pick an apple while it is still green it may sour your bellie and leave you with a bad taste in your mouth." " Come now we have filled our bellies and must be off to my keep." " Feel free to bring two servents with you , but the rest of your crew munst remain in the port." " They will be given any provisions they may requre in your leave." ( A group of preist approch leading a chariot itracatly worked in silver and gold. They also bring a second , less desript chariot for thre guest of the High preist to use for the trip to the Alter of Tharros. Dienekes gets up from the table and greats his preists with a brotherly demenior . He speaks in a hushed voice to two and they quickly pick Shapwin off the groung near the table and bear him away.)

Hiruma Tsukebe · Posted: Sat, January 19, 2008, 2:58:45pm Post subject: Travel arrangements

"..."

Kaiu looks unpreturbed.

"!" Grunts kaiu, with a curt hand motion.

The two fisherfolk drop to one knee place thir left hand onto that knee and their right fist onto the ground. Hanging their heads untill their chins touch their chests, eyes closed the await further command.

"Shapwin, you say? It certainly does look somewhat akin to him... It is possible I simply did not recognize him..."

Kaiu changes his facial expression to one of amused concern. Onlookers can tell this is a practiced expression.

"Oh, dear, you mustn't trouble yourselves with my garments. I shall send these back to the boat where a talented seamstress will releive the hem of it's staining, or cut away and repair it if needed."

Kaiu's face twists around the corners of his mouth.

"I suppose that it is best to await permission before continuing my voyage south-east... And perhaps one of your Triarchs themselves will come and receive my messages, saving me some time in transit. ... Time well spent at the hunt perhaps? I'm afraid that while my angling skills are far above average, my hunting skills are somewhat lax..."

Kaius face flickers between several quickly changing emotions. It stops on concern.

"Dienekes, my good man, perhaps it is amiss for me to ask this, but the fisherfolk have never been to your great lands before, and mention of fruits has reminded me. Some of them are lifelong sailors and seamen, and are often struck by nutrient defeciencies,like scurvy. Surely it would not be overmuch to ask that they be allowed ashore, to taste the local flavors, and waste the vastest portion of their pay? It would serve only to enrich your own lands, at the expense f our currencies...?" Hints Kaiu.

Changing subjects with the alarming swiftness for which he is known he continues with an airy wave of his hand.

"I need but a single attendant to do a share of the heavy lifting, and transfer a few of my personal belongings. May I enquire as to how long I should expect to wait?"

A casual flick of his wrist sinals the two, they stand fluidly, place thier right fist upon their breastbone, bow slightly and turn. They strid off back to the boat.

"I can linger but a few days... It is most urgent I relay my messages..."

Six fisherfolk come off the boat, devided into twos, caqrrying between each pair an identical wooden trunk [Simple silve lock, brass hinges, dark finished cherry wood [Sakura Jatoba-Expasitum], A plain handle on each side made of brass, 150cm long, 90cm deep, 60cm tall].

Kaiu looks smug. "Oh, dear, Dienekes! You shouldn't have summoned such a grand chariot for me! You must take the ornate one! I will use the simple one, anything less would be uncouth! I appreciate the offer though..."

One of the fisherfolk smiles faintly, it was the one seen on the deck coiling rope as the ship awaited berth. The one holding the other end of the trunk slaps him across the face savagly without looking. He mumbles something to the other (Those closest hear 'Behave yourself Inu, lest all of us suffer his displeasure!")

Iltztafein Derahel · Posted: Sat, January 19, 2008, 3:16:38pm Post subject: ...

The drunken man, face still covered, gets up after a few minutes. "Were those putrid servants going to touch me? I am offended! This must be dealt with another time, though." He then runs out of the tavern and down the street, into the crowds... Anyone bothering to watch quickly loses sight of him.
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~Iltztafein
~~Brother of the Empyrean

Dienekes · Posted: Sun, January 20, 2008, 12:13:21am Post subject: emisary

" Ah yes, I am glade to see that you have decided to join me in the hunt, I can promise you we will be after a quite extrodinary game." " As for the lengh of you stay, you should be delayed no more than a few days." " We will know the will of Tharros after the offering." " We must be off now and rest well tonight , for I fear our hunt will take a toll on us both." " As for you men they may leave the boat of course, but I ask they do not leave the warff area ." " They will find the " Salty Whench " a few blocks to the east and can sample many fine dishes and fruits there." " There is also the maidens to consider and I hear they have some of the cleanest whores in the warff." " Come . we shall go now my friend , I fear it will take us a few hours to reach my keep., but I have already sent word and we shall feast again efore we sleep.".......

Hiruma Tsukebe · Posted: Mon, January 21, 2008, 1:12:08am Post subject:

Kaiu smiles broadly. He gestures, as one the seamen smile and intone;

"Domo arigatou, Dienekes-kun"

And bow as one.

Kaiu turns, mounts the charriot and awaits Dienekes' pleasure. They depart.

Upon Kaiu's arrival he immediatly goes to bead and falls asleep.

[[END DAY OF DECEMBER 18TH, 2007]]
[[BEGIN DAY OF DECEMBER 19TH, 2007]]

Kaiu awakes feeling refreshed, he dresses in hunting garb from his chests and awaits Dienekes' signal to depart for the hunt. While waiting Kaiu avails himself of his host's hospitality and enjoys the well prepared local breakfast offered to him.

Kaiu is ready for the hunt, and awaits at Dienekes' pleasure.