Reign Before Seven; Flyin' by Eleven

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*as she was turning to leave with the others she heard the newest in the group address her and turned to Sayana with a smile*

Why thank you, kitten, it really is a wonderful place to live. Imperveress treats its guests with the due hospitality

*Arachnia winked at Sayana, her eyes crinkling just a little with the expression*

It won't be but twenty minutes until I'm back. The others are perfectly harmless and Dargo is simply excitable, no need to worry about them. You can use Lirimana or Dal'Lumen as a shield if need be

*a giggle was in her eyes and slipped out her mouth when she looked at their bald Zenith while offering him as a wall against Dargo. A quick wink was sent his way as well, knowing that things should be fine. Her hand went to the small of Sayana's back as she gave a gentle push in the direction of the others before walking toward the Manse to show the two where they would be lodging*

Thank you for your patience, it's through the courtyard and into the front hall. Is it really so odd to show one where they will sleep? I suppose I could have Sentinel do it, but he does so much already and I'm free

*at the moment her expression had become a brighter experience, though the natural sensuality that ran through her features held strong in the sway of her hips and the sidelong glances she would partner with a smile to the two she walked with. It wasn't long until they were in the Imperial Manse and she was guiding them towards two doors. When they opened Arachnia gestured for them to look inside and choose which they wanted to stay in. For the most part they were identical, having all of the same furniture and windows, though the layout was slightly different. One bed was facing the window and the other room's bed was under the window with the furnishings arranged accordingly. On each bed stand was a glass of water and a plate of freshly-made food that Sentinel had prepared*

If you need anything, please call for Sentinel and he should be able to help you. He can also serve as a contact to me if you need anything of me or the others. Is there anything you want to ask or would you like to rest?

*one of the bed stands had a small portable lunch (bento style) left for Sayana and the Empress took it to give to the little one later*

[Lirimana]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*As soon as they were gone, Lirimana looked to the others*

So basically this is a conversation where two people, probably men by the handwriting and speech patterns, are discussing something that could destroy all of the East. One seems to be cautioning the other while the other doesn't care. He says that he will destroy the East if that's what it takes to do his job. Does anybody recognize the guy in this picture?...

*the Twilight showed the picture to the others while she spoke, hoping that they could find something from this*

To be honest I don't know if this has anything to do with the Ress situation or if it's something completely different. It would help if we could figure out who is writing this... Maybe we could use Arachnia's idea of handwriting samples? All Gods and Elementals know Old Realm and while it can be pretty uncommon for mortals to know that language, Exalts probably have a higher ratio.. Does anything else come to anybody's mind?

*she heard Arachnia's comment from before about being a shield but it didn't really bother her, especially since their Empress was being uncharacteristically caring about the new girl. She looked over at Sayana and beckoned for her to come forward. If this one was going to be a part of them then she needed to put in effort, too*

Don't be afraid to interject with anything you think of. Help is help

*Lirimana flashed Sayana a smile, trying to be welcoming and appear un-intimidating. She honestly didn't know much about Lunars and how they read into body language or even too much about what body language to use to calm someone down, but she figured she'd try anyway. She made her movements a little slower and used her lips more in her smile than her teeth, hoping that something good would come of it*

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* Quar knelt down, remembering something and getting excited as he held the large, jagged piece of rock in his left hand*

" Oh! And as I was leaving, I saw Oce-Earin show Mongoose something! A strange first age device that looks like this."

* And with that, Quar brought his fist down on the rock for a split second, only to being it up, leaving a flawless replica of what he saw*

" I am not quite sure what it is... It is about 2 inches wide, one inch thick, made from crystal and inlaid with magical materials... I am afraid it could mean no good for your case."

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent Wood, 3

He shook his head and grinned at Arachnias comment about being a living wall. This new girl did seem a bit timid, compared of course to the stories Dal had heard about Lunars. Wild Beast men, monsters living deep in the wilderness for years in isolation. Perhaps this nature had served her in some way during those times.

*He looked over at Quar creation*

"That's a handy trick Quar... If it's something he plans to use in the case, I would think that we have rights to cross examine any evidence he may present before the trial date. For all we know it could be nothing though."

*Dals eyes fell upon Lirimana as she awkwardly shifted her attitude and seemed to be projecting it in the direction of the newcomer. He looked up at Sayana and Dargo and jerked his head for them to come closer.*

"If you both would come closer, I can fill you in on our little situation. Perhaps we can even find some way for you to help us if you like? It will make the time pass more quickly until it comes time for your tattoos and whatever else Arachnia has in store for you..."

*He aimed that last comment at Dargo, trying to put a somewhat ominous emphasis on the last words he had said, Hoping to make use of Dargos anxious energy. His eyes twinkled and he shot them both an impossibly friendly smile, his arm came up and with an open hand, traced an area in front of him for the others to stand.*


"You see... This empire is in a time of crisis and needs your help..."

*He searched both of their eyes for signs of deception, and found none. He flinched as if a whisper of a memory had come to him just long enough for him to notice it before it vanished from his mind as quickly as it had come leaving nothing but a taste of a name that drifted just at the tip of his tongue.*


(Wits + Lore Dif 5: 4 sxs)

[sayana]

Resplendent Wood 3,

*Sayana turns to Arachnia with another small bow, finally starting to settle into the situation*

"Thank you once again for your hospitality your grace, I have too many questions to figure out what is worth asking as of yet, but I am sure that I will have time in the future."

*as she was finishing her thanks to Arachnia, Lirimana turned her attention to the young lunar and, rather unexpectedly, asks if she has any input, as one of the newest additions to the group, the one they called Quar creates a symbol on a rock*

I uh, I've never seen anything quite like that before...

*at a summons from Dal'Lumen and an offering of information, her attention was instantly captured*

Anything that you can let me know will be appreciated, and anything that that I can do to help, I will do with pleasure.




(Wits+Lore difficulty 5.... 2 suxx)

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* Black asp bowed to Arachnia as she was shown her quarters* " Thank you, Arachnia of the Hour... you are very generous... I will be sure to mention this at the meetings."

" And I as well.... thank you."

*back in the courtyard*

* Quar looked down at what he made, then tossed it over his shoulder, slouching his shoulders and heaving a sigh in exasperation. He shook his head and closed his eyes, before standing back up straight*

" Well, I guess we should just hold onto this for now... there has to be a reason you have this, Tari... but I think we should hold onto it for now... and maybe we should look after you too. At any rate.... you all should do anything you need to get ready.... the trial is very soon after all... is there anything still left undone?"

[Dargo]

Resplendent wood, 3

*Dargo went over to listen to what Dal had to say. Dargo walked over to the area Dal traced.*

"Yes, what can you tell me about our little situation?"

*This was it!* Thought Dargo. *Now I'm gonna see some action and help out my new allies!*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*Arachnia continued to smile at the two, noting that Chaste Obsidian had been quiet up until now. He didn't seem to be much of a conversationalist*

You're most welcome. I wasn't aware that there was a meeting, I hope that it goes well for you. I don't mean to be rude, but if you would excuse me, I have other business in the courtyard that requires my attention

*the Empress turned to walk away, pausing for a moment to look over her shoulder and wink at them*

They can't finish without me

*within a couple of minutes she was making her way almost silently into the group of Exalts in the courtyard. The sound of her dress swaying against itself was the only announcement of her arrival. She looked over the others' faces, attempting a quick gauge of their personal states. It was the strange shape of the thing that Quar threw that caught her eye and the Empress bent down at the waist to pick it up, her body rippling slowly upward while she pulled herself into an upright position, showing every curve of muscle that was smoothed against the material she wore. Long fingers moved the stone image around in her hand. She was a bit disappointed that it was only a rendition of the real thing, this artifact was useful...*

Was this on the ground for a reason, darlings?







{{Wits+Lore difficulty 5.... 6 successes}}

[Lirimana]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*Lirimana looked over as Arachnia was bending over, caught in the image that was the amazing view of their Empress's ass. She could feel the color coming to her dark face, glad that she had the pigment to hide some of it. She felt like she was leaning towards Arachnia but realized after she forced herself back into her self that she was just focusing intently. Her gaze traveled up Arachnia's body and along her arm to her hand that held the item Quar had tossed over his shoulder*

Oh, that? Well Quar put it there so I guess it was. I suppose we should keep it, though. Just to prove that we knew, right? Besides, the real one might have some sort of incriminating evidence on it

*she turned slightly so that everyone was being addressed, deciding to explain about the artifact mostly so that the younger two could know and anyone else who might not know... in other words, Dal'Lumen. If Arachnia didn't know she would hold this over her*

This is an artifact that was common in the First Age called the Recorder of Everlasting Glories. It has the ability to record anything that the wearer sees or hears and automatically saves what was recorded for approximately two days and then it erases any scenes not specifically saved by the user. Since it also has the ability to replay what is currently saved this could be a problem if the person who has the evidence came into a situation with Ress at the wrong time..




(Wits+Lore difficulty 5.... 7 successes)

[Dal'Lumen]

Resplendent Wood, 3

Hearing the Pendant like artifact described in such a way conjured up memories of stories about such things for Dal.

"Ahh... yes I've heard tales about such devices in my travels, all the more reason we should try to get our hands on it. I will speak to Zealous Mongoose about getting a chance to cross examine his evidence."

*He looked over at Arachnia, knowing she probably had some qualms with him talking about the situation Ress was in, but there was no sense in keeping in a secret from the people that could help.*

"I'm glad you're already back to hear this Arachnia, I was just about to tell these two about the goings on in Imperveress, and what they can do to help."

*He nodded at Dargo*

" A few days ago, During the twenty-sixth day the wood was ascending, the cities of this Empire came under attack."

*He spread his arms over his head and moved his fingers, signifying a rain like motion*

" Countless arrows rained down from the sky, turning all they struck into mounds of refined wheat grain.

*His fist met his palm causing a loud clap sound, then his hands fell apart as if he were letting sand from between his fingers. He took a breath and watched his audiences expressions. His voice lowered and continued.*

The survivors blame Ress, and his bows unique power to turn it's victims into living food bearing plants.

*His hands came up, fingers stretched upword to symbolize a growing tree or bush.*

What we know is this... The Emperor was believed to be practicing with his bow the day this happened, witnesses heard him say 'Got em.' which suggests he may have been targeting something or someone.

At the same time Quar here was ordered to run to each city kicking up dust clouds.

A few inconsistancies come up which cast further doubt on Ress being the culprit. Such as the type of arrows used, and their behavior... the attack on Beziar that had come a day earlier than the rest, and the mysterious Essence, which was unlike a Solar's or a lunars Roaring Wave felt during the attack.


There are a number of unidentified individuals with command over their essence, or simply involved in suspicious activities at the time. Or in the case of what we had dealt with earlier, sabotage, someone seems intent on bringing this Empire down upon itself."

*He glanced around the room in silence for a time, searching the expressions, and allowing that lump of information sink in.*

"There is more to it, but that is the gist of it, that is what we are trying to get a handle on. If you are willing to help, the empire has need of you both.

Dargo, If you have any skill at tracking people down in relation to your past as a bounty hunter, we could use that now."

*He glanced over at Arachnia*

"Did I get that bit about his bow right?"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Resplendent Wood 3,


*she knew it was going to have to be said sooner or later, she supposed now was a good a time as any. The young ones were going to be bound to her now, having been told of a personal Imperial matter. Whether they liked it or not they were hers now...*

If that needs proven, I have the Reign of Ress on my person and can demonstrate at any time

[Dargo]

Resplendent Wood, 3

*Dargo listened to Dal with intense focus. Dargo then mulled it over in his mind of what needed to be done.*

"Yes, I do have the skills needed to infiltrate those multiple paths and track down our targets. I'll do it!"

*But how am i going to prevent becoming a chimera? Dargo thought.*

"But I'll need to be able to shift forms with less risk first."

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* Quar looked puzzled a moment, scratched his chin, then spoke up to Dargo*

" Dargo, right?... whats wrong with shifting? I do it almost every hour with no problem. Maybe I can help you?

I Have not been shifting for long, but I am doing pretty well myself!.... what happens to be your problem?"

[Dargo]

Resplendent wood, 3

*Dargo turned to Quar. Dargo looked like a serious student awaiting knowledge from his mentor.*

"Well, allegedly, if I take on different forms too much I'll get stuck between them and stay that way. Indefinitely. But if I change forms too much I'll get stuck between them. What should I do?"

[Ress]

Resplendent wood, 3

* Quar blinked a few times, turned to Arachnia, then back to Dargo.*

"Are you infected with the Wyld? If so.... I think I can help... its not permanent... but it can help you... maybe for a weeks time

* He reached out and placed his marble colored hand to the top of Dargo's head, and in a wisp of cloudy earth essence, Dargo would feel something inside himself recede, like the tide on a new moon*

( 5 suxx on Intelligence+occult roll diff:5

charm nullifies 2 of Dargo's mutation dice and preemptively stops 1 future dice)