Setting
The Western ocean is the largest body of water in all of the known world, stretching for thousands of miles in all directions. The Great Island Chain in the furthest west is the last bastion of civilization before it all gives way to nothing but open seas.
The Wavecrest Archipelago is probably what about half the people in Creation think of when they think of living in the West. Itâs tropical, its people are generally peaceful, and it is a wealthy tourist nation on a verdant volcanic isle. However, the leader, the Feathered One, keeps his position by feeding criminals to the volcano god when he grows angry, and of course the archipelagoâs riches are not unenvied by others. While it appears idyllic, like all other directions, Wavecrest has its own problems.
The Neck is more provincial, a chain of islands loyal to the Realm where tribal inhabitants survive by fishingg and kelp gathering. They are relatively unspectacular, but they live on a treasure trove of ancient lore. Once, their islands were part of a larger continent called Okeanos. Though they do not realize it, they are living amidst the ruins of First Age glory.
The Coral Archipelago is what the other half of Creation imagines when they consider the West. They are a pirate nation, thinly disguised as merchants. While they bear nominal loyalty to the Realm, theirs is an economy based on thievery and nautical bullying. They believe in excellence winning out over weakness, and to them, the weak cannot protect their belongings.
The Denzik Merchants are actually merchants, a single floating city built by lashing the hulls of ships together, over and over, until it was large enough to support a culture. They sail around the West, taking on and budding off ships to spread their sails (and sales) to all the cultures of Creation. If you need some commodity in the West, the Denzik can find it.
The Skullstone Archipelago is a shadowland in the northwest, ruled by the Silver Prince. It is a necrocracy, where the dead rule and the living are second-class citizens. Unbeknownst to the people of Skullstone, their ruler is actually the Deathlord known as the Bodhissatva Anointed by Dark Water, and his âidyllicâ necropolis is actually covering up a darker secret.
The Lintha are less a nation and more a rapacious culture based in the southwest. Accurately decribed as âdemon-worshipping, cannibalistic, castration-happy slaver pirates,â they are the descendents of Kimbery, the Sea that Marched against the Flame, one of the Yozis. They raid and pillage in the southwest, led by the chosen of their demonic mother, seeking to regain the purity of their past.
Finally, Luthe was once a magnificent First Age city that floated atop the ocean, until the Usurpation came. The Solar in charge of Luthe chose to sink it, destroying herself, her subjects, and the assassins who came for her, dropping Luthe to the oceanâs floor. However, some of her people survived, and in time bred with beastmen to make a city of wondrous splendor. However, it is still guarded by Admiral Leviathan, the First Age Lunar who loved the queen of Luthe, and woe betide trespassers to his watery domain.
The region has been plagued for centuries by disorder. Pirates frequently patrol these waters, sometime even sponsored by powerful nations that vie for what scarce resources the islands can produce and making privatering a respected position among many in the west. Some, particularly the dredded Lintha Family Syndicate, even going so far as to defy the realm.
Local spirit courts are horribly mismanaged and fraught with infighting and corruption, likely the worst case in all of the five terrestrial regions. Special note must be made of the Storm Mothers in this case who dominate many the waterways. Known for their vanity and short tempers, they grow wrathful whenever they witness a woman more beautiful than they sailing their waters and unleash their fury on any boat carrying such pretties on their decks, which may well be all women for the Storm Mothers are universally hideously ugly. Subjected to this for so many centuries, many cultures here have adapted rigged gender roles to allay the Storm Mother' wrath.
The Wavecrest Archipelago is probably what about half the people in Creation think of when they think of living in the West. Itâs tropical, its people are generally peaceful, and it is a wealthy tourist nation on a verdant volcanic isle. However, the leader, the Feathered One, keeps his position by feeding criminals to the volcano god when he grows angry, and of course the archipelagoâs riches are not unenvied by others. While it appears idyllic, like all other directions, Wavecrest has its own problems.
The Neck is more provincial, a chain of islands loyal to the Realm where tribal inhabitants survive by fishingg and kelp gathering. They are relatively unspectacular, but they live on a treasure trove of ancient lore. Once, their islands were part of a larger continent called Okeanos. Though they do not realize it, they are living amidst the ruins of First Age glory.
The Coral Archipelago is what the other half of Creation imagines when they consider the West. They are a pirate nation, thinly disguised as merchants. While they bear nominal loyalty to the Realm, theirs is an economy based on thievery and nautical bullying. They believe in excellence winning out over weakness, and to them, the weak cannot protect their belongings.
The Denzik Merchants are actually merchants, a single floating city built by lashing the hulls of ships together, over and over, until it was large enough to support a culture. They sail around the West, taking on and budding off ships to spread their sails (and sales) to all the cultures of Creation. If you need some commodity in the West, the Denzik can find it.
The Skullstone Archipelago is a shadowland in the northwest, ruled by the Silver Prince. It is a necrocracy, where the dead rule and the living are second-class citizens. Unbeknownst to the people of Skullstone, their ruler is actually the Deathlord known as the Bodhissatva Anointed by Dark Water, and his âidyllicâ necropolis is actually covering up a darker secret.
The Lintha are less a nation and more a rapacious culture based in the southwest. Accurately decribed as âdemon-worshipping, cannibalistic, castration-happy slaver pirates,â they are the descendents of Kimbery, the Sea that Marched against the Flame, one of the Yozis. They raid and pillage in the southwest, led by the chosen of their demonic mother, seeking to regain the purity of their past.
Finally, Luthe was once a magnificent First Age city that floated atop the ocean, until the Usurpation came. The Solar in charge of Luthe chose to sink it, destroying herself, her subjects, and the assassins who came for her, dropping Luthe to the oceanâs floor. However, some of her people survived, and in time bred with beastmen to make a city of wondrous splendor. However, it is still guarded by Admiral Leviathan, the First Age Lunar who loved the queen of Luthe, and woe betide trespassers to his watery domain.
The region has been plagued for centuries by disorder. Pirates frequently patrol these waters, sometime even sponsored by powerful nations that vie for what scarce resources the islands can produce and making privatering a respected position among many in the west. Some, particularly the dredded Lintha Family Syndicate, even going so far as to defy the realm.
Local spirit courts are horribly mismanaged and fraught with infighting and corruption, likely the worst case in all of the five terrestrial regions. Special note must be made of the Storm Mothers in this case who dominate many the waterways. Known for their vanity and short tempers, they grow wrathful whenever they witness a woman more beautiful than they sailing their waters and unleash their fury on any boat carrying such pretties on their decks, which may well be all women for the Storm Mothers are universally hideously ugly. Subjected to this for so many centuries, many cultures here have adapted rigged gender roles to allay the Storm Mother' wrath.
The West
A vast expanse of Ocean that stretches into infinity, broken only by scattered islands that grow fewer the farther one goes. Many myths tell of what lies beyond it, but few that venture that far return.
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
The West is a part of 
Creation.
Setting
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Under a starlit night, a magnificent vessel cut the waves. It was a beautiful ship. Itâs planks were made of Ivory and birch woud. Itâs nails were wrought of silver. Itâs sails were woven of white silk. The water parted easily before it, a favorable current carrying it. A gentle wind blew in its sails, pushing it along at a steady pace. No tides buffered it. No storms harried it. No sea creatures stalked it. For all the spirits of the ocean in its path knew better than to impede itâs path. The Great Western Censor had demanded that the ship, and itâs crew, be given safe passage in itâs voyage, and the gods obeyed the dragon for fear of his wrath.
The ship had sailed on a strange course, for it had no crew, nor captain, nor helmsman, yet in the span of a single night it had visited many points of creation, and not all had been connected by sea. Heralded by mist, It had appeared before a coastline and gently beached itself upon the shore, where a single figure stood waiting for it. The boat would lower itâs ramp for the person on the shore, inviting them to come aboard. Once they had the tide would roll in with a sudden surge and take it out to sea once more. Mist would engulf it again and it would vanish from the world, only to appear minutes later before some new beach or dock somewhere else in the world where an entirely new figure would stand waiting for the gang plank to lower.
This process would repeat again, and again, and again. Appearing and disappearing in the mist and acquiring new passengers until all that had been invited by itâs master were now aboard. Those that were embarked upon the ship were no ordinary people though. For it was not just any simple person who had been selected for the voyage. At first glance it might seem as though those standing atop the deck had few similarities among them. Each from different places of the world, with different complexions and forms of dress. But a more spiritually aware individual might see them for what they were and feel the power that radiated from them invisibly like ripples of the ocean below.
Exalted. Demi-god. The half immortal chosen of the Celestines. Each one bore the spark of divinity in their breast, and the touch of magic pulsed through their veins as though it were blood. Though they knew not the reason for why they had been summoned, their gathering this night would eventually create ripples in the very fabric of creation. For rare it is for two or more Exaltâs to meet without destiny itself becoming reshaped by their actions.
After some time passed, it soon became apparent that no more passengers would be collected by the strange ship. As silence began to descend on the deck, one among them decided to break it. A man stepped forward, the ears and tail of a beast adorned him. His skin was dark and sun kissed, and was adorned with silvery tattoos. The hallmarks of a Lunar.
Loudly he cleared his throat to gather attention and spoke. âSo⊠no that all of we be here, I think introductions be in order.â He placed a hand over his chest and gave a short bow. âI be named Ashen Sky of Wavecreast. Might I have tha pleasure of knowing who might ye all be?â
The ship had sailed on a strange course, for it had no crew, nor captain, nor helmsman, yet in the span of a single night it had visited many points of creation, and not all had been connected by sea. Heralded by mist, It had appeared before a coastline and gently beached itself upon the shore, where a single figure stood waiting for it. The boat would lower itâs ramp for the person on the shore, inviting them to come aboard. Once they had the tide would roll in with a sudden surge and take it out to sea once more. Mist would engulf it again and it would vanish from the world, only to appear minutes later before some new beach or dock somewhere else in the world where an entirely new figure would stand waiting for the gang plank to lower.
This process would repeat again, and again, and again. Appearing and disappearing in the mist and acquiring new passengers until all that had been invited by itâs master were now aboard. Those that were embarked upon the ship were no ordinary people though. For it was not just any simple person who had been selected for the voyage. At first glance it might seem as though those standing atop the deck had few similarities among them. Each from different places of the world, with different complexions and forms of dress. But a more spiritually aware individual might see them for what they were and feel the power that radiated from them invisibly like ripples of the ocean below.
Exalted. Demi-god. The half immortal chosen of the Celestines. Each one bore the spark of divinity in their breast, and the touch of magic pulsed through their veins as though it were blood. Though they knew not the reason for why they had been summoned, their gathering this night would eventually create ripples in the very fabric of creation. For rare it is for two or more Exaltâs to meet without destiny itself becoming reshaped by their actions.
After some time passed, it soon became apparent that no more passengers would be collected by the strange ship. As silence began to descend on the deck, one among them decided to break it. A man stepped forward, the ears and tail of a beast adorned him. His skin was dark and sun kissed, and was adorned with silvery tattoos. The hallmarks of a Lunar.
Loudly he cleared his throat to gather attention and spoke. âSo⊠no that all of we be here, I think introductions be in order.â He placed a hand over his chest and gave a short bow. âI be named Ashen Sky of Wavecreast. Might I have tha pleasure of knowing who might ye all be?â
In all, she really wasnât entirely sure what to make of all...this. Though her life was rather dictated by strange ordeals and unusual phenomena, she knew enough to understand that sheâd committed herself to something that was on an entirely different level. Why she of all the Exalted in Creation had been chosenâŠ.
She, who wandered Creation aimless and without purpose. She, who was uncertain of her lot. She, whoâd become a black sheep among those other loyal Solars, who wholeheartedly supported what she found herself doubting.
There were many others, many who were stronger, and many who had achieved feats that marked them as heroes in the eyes of some. Yet, it was she that had received a summons and a plea from none other than a member of the Celestial Bureaucracyâa Dragon. She had the option to refuse the request...however, she could not in good conscious do so. Even if it was far beyond her understanding as to why she was sought out, she wasnât one to deny what seemed to be a legitimate appeal for aid. If there was something she could do to help absolve whatever sort of situation this was, sheâd oblige to the best of her capabilities, that was the right thing to do, after all.
Though doubt and questions plagued her, Lux boarded the ethereal ship thatâd awaited herâit had seemed sheâd been amidst the first of its pickups. The deck was empty, there was no one aboard as the ship sailed itself to and fro.
The salty sea air was cool against her skin. Heavy and damp, it settled upon her in a manner that felt almost weighted. Though perhaps contradictory, it was both comforting and unsettling. Such was how it always was when sheâd traveled upon the seas. It always felt as if the oceans and its spirits werenât entirely sure how to feel about her. The waters could be as smooth as glass, the winds as gentle as a sigh, and the skies as clear as crystal, and never could she find herself feeling completely at ease upon the ocean. This instance was no different.
As the ghostly ship made what Lux assumed to be its rounds, gathering up other willing individuals, Lux herself had decided that she would seat herself upon its deck and...wait. Sheâd wait and observe those who were apparently to form her traveling party. It wasnât often that she actually traveled with a groupâsince it was sheâd decided to try to find her own way, she really had been finding her own way. It was a rare day that she was ever in the company of another for more than a short while. Agreeing to whatever task this was also meant to agreeing to be in the company of whomever else had decided to at least hear out their summoner. It was worth her taking a bit of time to merely watch. Most definitely, they were an odd bunch. Lux continued her vigil, making no motion to greet or speak to anyone as they boarded the ship, instead she opted to nibble upon a small piece of chocolate that sheâd fished out of one of her many pockets.
âŠ.well, she kept silent, til another one of the few stray passengers decided to be the one who broke the ice. By the looks of him, he was a Lunarâan Exalt that was meant to be the shadow to the light of a Solar Exalt like herself. In her short life, sheâd met a few Lunars...and it seemed she was to meet yet more. Lux kept her green eyes trained upon him, as he cleared his throat and spoke, âSo...no that all of we be here, I think introductions be in order.â he bowed, placing a hand across his chest, âI be named Ashen Sky of Wavecrest. Might I have tha pleasure of knowing who might ye all be?â
WavecrestâŠ. So, this Lunar hailed from the Westâthough his accent wouldâve made Lux suspect as much, even if he hadnât openly announced it. She was familiar with the accent, after all, Vered had developed a mild one from her time there that bled into and dyed any of the other tongues she spoke.
Perhaps she might be better off still attempting to observe and muse over her apparent companions...Lux could not bring herself to ignore the LunarâsâAshenâsâattempt to instigate introductions. Itâd be a while since sheâd had to introduce herself to a groupâŠ. Itâd been a while since sheâd been in a group of people who would need to even know her name at all. It was an odd feeling, realizing that.
Well...no time like the present to get over thatâŠ! Is what some people might say. Lux was not one of those people, but she was one to make an honest attempt, at least. So, deciding to bite the arrow, she breathed in deep as she swallowed the bit of chocolate sheâd been savoring. She hoisted herself upward with a needless sound escaping her throat as she habitually brushed off her bottom before she herself returned the gesture of a shallow bow to him, the sea breeze tousling her short hair as she soâshe felt it brush against the scar upon her forehead. After a moment, Lux stood herself back upright, and clasped her hands together at her front, and smiled.
âIntroductions are always awkward, arenât they?â she awkwardly laughed before she half-snorted as she tried to clear her throatârealizing what sort of noise sheâd made, her cheeks reddened a bit, âAh...anyway, Iâm Lux...Fiala, I suppose you could say I hail from The Scavenger Lands?â Lux stopped herself there, that was enough for an introduction, wasnât it? âAs it stands, itâs nice to make your acquaintance, Ashen. And itâs nice to make everyone elseâs, as well.â
She, who wandered Creation aimless and without purpose. She, who was uncertain of her lot. She, whoâd become a black sheep among those other loyal Solars, who wholeheartedly supported what she found herself doubting.
There were many others, many who were stronger, and many who had achieved feats that marked them as heroes in the eyes of some. Yet, it was she that had received a summons and a plea from none other than a member of the Celestial Bureaucracyâa Dragon. She had the option to refuse the request...however, she could not in good conscious do so. Even if it was far beyond her understanding as to why she was sought out, she wasnât one to deny what seemed to be a legitimate appeal for aid. If there was something she could do to help absolve whatever sort of situation this was, sheâd oblige to the best of her capabilities, that was the right thing to do, after all.
Though doubt and questions plagued her, Lux boarded the ethereal ship thatâd awaited herâit had seemed sheâd been amidst the first of its pickups. The deck was empty, there was no one aboard as the ship sailed itself to and fro.
The salty sea air was cool against her skin. Heavy and damp, it settled upon her in a manner that felt almost weighted. Though perhaps contradictory, it was both comforting and unsettling. Such was how it always was when sheâd traveled upon the seas. It always felt as if the oceans and its spirits werenât entirely sure how to feel about her. The waters could be as smooth as glass, the winds as gentle as a sigh, and the skies as clear as crystal, and never could she find herself feeling completely at ease upon the ocean. This instance was no different.
As the ghostly ship made what Lux assumed to be its rounds, gathering up other willing individuals, Lux herself had decided that she would seat herself upon its deck and...wait. Sheâd wait and observe those who were apparently to form her traveling party. It wasnât often that she actually traveled with a groupâsince it was sheâd decided to try to find her own way, she really had been finding her own way. It was a rare day that she was ever in the company of another for more than a short while. Agreeing to whatever task this was also meant to agreeing to be in the company of whomever else had decided to at least hear out their summoner. It was worth her taking a bit of time to merely watch. Most definitely, they were an odd bunch. Lux continued her vigil, making no motion to greet or speak to anyone as they boarded the ship, instead she opted to nibble upon a small piece of chocolate that sheâd fished out of one of her many pockets.
âŠ.well, she kept silent, til another one of the few stray passengers decided to be the one who broke the ice. By the looks of him, he was a Lunarâan Exalt that was meant to be the shadow to the light of a Solar Exalt like herself. In her short life, sheâd met a few Lunars...and it seemed she was to meet yet more. Lux kept her green eyes trained upon him, as he cleared his throat and spoke, âSo...no that all of we be here, I think introductions be in order.â he bowed, placing a hand across his chest, âI be named Ashen Sky of Wavecrest. Might I have tha pleasure of knowing who might ye all be?â
WavecrestâŠ. So, this Lunar hailed from the Westâthough his accent wouldâve made Lux suspect as much, even if he hadnât openly announced it. She was familiar with the accent, after all, Vered had developed a mild one from her time there that bled into and dyed any of the other tongues she spoke.
Perhaps she might be better off still attempting to observe and muse over her apparent companions...Lux could not bring herself to ignore the LunarâsâAshenâsâattempt to instigate introductions. Itâd be a while since sheâd had to introduce herself to a groupâŠ. Itâd been a while since sheâd been in a group of people who would need to even know her name at all. It was an odd feeling, realizing that.
Well...no time like the present to get over thatâŠ! Is what some people might say. Lux was not one of those people, but she was one to make an honest attempt, at least. So, deciding to bite the arrow, she breathed in deep as she swallowed the bit of chocolate sheâd been savoring. She hoisted herself upward with a needless sound escaping her throat as she habitually brushed off her bottom before she herself returned the gesture of a shallow bow to him, the sea breeze tousling her short hair as she soâshe felt it brush against the scar upon her forehead. After a moment, Lux stood herself back upright, and clasped her hands together at her front, and smiled.
âIntroductions are always awkward, arenât they?â she awkwardly laughed before she half-snorted as she tried to clear her throatârealizing what sort of noise sheâd made, her cheeks reddened a bit, âAh...anyway, Iâm Lux...Fiala, I suppose you could say I hail from The Scavenger Lands?â Lux stopped herself there, that was enough for an introduction, wasnât it? âAs it stands, itâs nice to make your acquaintance, Ashen. And itâs nice to make everyone elseâs, as well.â
âChieftain, there was a messenger today.â
Astridâs skin fluttered ever so slightly as she practiced the Unfettering, her skin shifting and adjusting ever so slightly as the protean nature of her very existence made itself known. The gift from Luna did not cease to change her form, nor did her eyes open, âAnd?â
âThe Censor of the West requests your presence.â
Her left eye opened, a cat-eyed pupil staring back at the elk spirit that stood before her. Slowly the pupil returned to the shape of a humanâs, âVery well.â The Chieftain rose to her feet and with a lazy stretch, immediately beginning preparing for departure.
The vessel that met her was by no means shabby. Deciding that the West was incredibly misogynistic, Astrid opted to take on a male form for her initial contact with the shipâs crew and the Censor himself. With a whim, her hair was shortened to a bob cut, her chest smoothed out, and her hips slimmed down to that of a manâs. Without bluster, she walked onto the ship and waited.
She hadnât been the first person that the vessel had picked up. A small creature sat on the deck nearby, nibbling on cacao. Astridâs nose twitched slightly, cacao didnât grow well in the North. At least, not where she was from. The scent reminded her of delicate fruit that had been dipped in liquid cacao, it was quite a blissful memory. Sheâd only been lucky enough to try such a delicacy twice before. Sighing, she found herself a place on the deck and laid on her back to stare at the sky while she waited.
After some time, and picking up a few more âhonored guests,â someone began to speak. âI be Ashen Sky of Wavecrest.â Astrid became suddenly aware that the person speaking was a Lunar. Her war-form blurred into existence as she towered at her full height of two hundred and fifty-five centimeters.
Covered in white and black fur, Astrid silently walked towards Ashen Sky until she was able to clearly look him up and down. As a human, she was a bit lean and fairly tall, but not incredibly imposing in stature. However, in this form, she was a paragon of sinewy muscle, the fusion of tiger and human. She bared her teeth in a grin, âCascading Moonlight.â The runic tattoos that fixed her shape into something almost tangible flared into existence, telling a story of her time in the Silver Pact.
The Wandering Artisan Clad in Souls poured the last of his watering can onto the final poppy flower. It certainly could have been left up to his servants, but it brought about a certain level of catharsis in Artisan to do it himself. Smiling, he began to make his way back to the workshop that lies at the center of his field of plants.
âSir, a message.â
Stopping for a moment, Artisan picked a few flowering plants that were used to create Nepenthe. The flowers were beautiful this time of the year. âWhat does it say?â
One of the spirits bound to him answered, âWeâre needed.â
âAlways.â With a warm smile, the Deathknightâs delicate hands waved the spirit away. One of his employees was nearby watching over the indentured servants. âGentry. I will be out on business for a bit. Care for the shop while Iâm out?â
Artisan stood in front of a wagon as the boat pulled up before him. âLoad her up.â His servants carefully removed the box from the back of the wagon and took their time putting it onto the ship. He smiled to himself as he boarded the ship, it was about time the powers that be recognized his talents.
âI be Ashen Sky of Wavecrest.â One of the guests previous to him had begun to speak as the boat had started to sail away, which seemed to upset someone else who had arrived before him. The man who had spoken was approached by another man who had shifted into a mixture between human and animal. âLunarsâŠâ Artisan would never know why Lunaâs children always had to have a pissing contest with whoever they met. With a bored expression, the Abyssal watched the scene play out.
Astridâs skin fluttered ever so slightly as she practiced the Unfettering, her skin shifting and adjusting ever so slightly as the protean nature of her very existence made itself known. The gift from Luna did not cease to change her form, nor did her eyes open, âAnd?â
âThe Censor of the West requests your presence.â
Her left eye opened, a cat-eyed pupil staring back at the elk spirit that stood before her. Slowly the pupil returned to the shape of a humanâs, âVery well.â The Chieftain rose to her feet and with a lazy stretch, immediately beginning preparing for departure.
The vessel that met her was by no means shabby. Deciding that the West was incredibly misogynistic, Astrid opted to take on a male form for her initial contact with the shipâs crew and the Censor himself. With a whim, her hair was shortened to a bob cut, her chest smoothed out, and her hips slimmed down to that of a manâs. Without bluster, she walked onto the ship and waited.
She hadnât been the first person that the vessel had picked up. A small creature sat on the deck nearby, nibbling on cacao. Astridâs nose twitched slightly, cacao didnât grow well in the North. At least, not where she was from. The scent reminded her of delicate fruit that had been dipped in liquid cacao, it was quite a blissful memory. Sheâd only been lucky enough to try such a delicacy twice before. Sighing, she found herself a place on the deck and laid on her back to stare at the sky while she waited.
After some time, and picking up a few more âhonored guests,â someone began to speak. âI be Ashen Sky of Wavecrest.â Astrid became suddenly aware that the person speaking was a Lunar. Her war-form blurred into existence as she towered at her full height of two hundred and fifty-five centimeters.
Covered in white and black fur, Astrid silently walked towards Ashen Sky until she was able to clearly look him up and down. As a human, she was a bit lean and fairly tall, but not incredibly imposing in stature. However, in this form, she was a paragon of sinewy muscle, the fusion of tiger and human. She bared her teeth in a grin, âCascading Moonlight.â The runic tattoos that fixed her shape into something almost tangible flared into existence, telling a story of her time in the Silver Pact.
The Wandering Artisan Clad in Souls poured the last of his watering can onto the final poppy flower. It certainly could have been left up to his servants, but it brought about a certain level of catharsis in Artisan to do it himself. Smiling, he began to make his way back to the workshop that lies at the center of his field of plants.
âSir, a message.â
Stopping for a moment, Artisan picked a few flowering plants that were used to create Nepenthe. The flowers were beautiful this time of the year. âWhat does it say?â
One of the spirits bound to him answered, âWeâre needed.â
âAlways.â With a warm smile, the Deathknightâs delicate hands waved the spirit away. One of his employees was nearby watching over the indentured servants. âGentry. I will be out on business for a bit. Care for the shop while Iâm out?â
Artisan stood in front of a wagon as the boat pulled up before him. âLoad her up.â His servants carefully removed the box from the back of the wagon and took their time putting it onto the ship. He smiled to himself as he boarded the ship, it was about time the powers that be recognized his talents.
âI be Ashen Sky of Wavecrest.â One of the guests previous to him had begun to speak as the boat had started to sail away, which seemed to upset someone else who had arrived before him. The man who had spoken was approached by another man who had shifted into a mixture between human and animal. âLunarsâŠâ Artisan would never know why Lunaâs children always had to have a pissing contest with whoever they met. With a bored expression, the Abyssal watched the scene play out.
Ashen Sky smiled bemusedly at the shorter girl that was first to follow up on introductions. Somewhere in the back of his head his western sensibilities were slightly piqued with her presence onboard the ship at sea, but considering that it's voyage was made at the command of a dragon he bite his tongue on the matter for now. He put a hand over his chest and gave her a theatrical bow. "Tis no more awkwardness than tha' of voyage at is norm to make. But it be my pleasure to be making yer acquaintance as well, Miss Fiala."
Then the shadow of the other Lunar fell upon Ashen Sky. He turned his head to him and found his neck craning upwards. The creature before him was a towering thing, striped white and black in its fur. Powerful muscles rippled along its form and a gleaming fangs greeted him as the larger creature grinned down at him. "Cascading Moonlight." It wasn't a name, but a greeting. Silently Ashen Sky Cursed his mentor for not fully fleshing him up on the proper etiquette of the pact. This was the first time the shorter Lunar had met another of his kind that wasn't his flighty oaf of a mentor, and now he was being sized up by his fellow child of the Moon. The former privateer did not posses the same charm assume his warform as the other did, and thus didn't have any physical means to respond to the clear but subtle challenge. If he was nervous about this disparity between them though, he did a masterful job of hiding it. After all, it wasn't as if he couldn't meet the display with a show of his own.
He grinned back up at the man infront of him. "Guide your hunt." He put a hand on his hip and looked the other Lunar up and down. "Well, well. An impressive shape ta' take. Ya wear it as fashion big boyo or did ya put it on jus fer me?" As he talked his grin seemed to widen slightly, unnaturally so, while his eye took on a vaguely manic and predatory gaze. A magic of his own suffused his face, darkening it save for his own shimmering silver tattoos, and giving his form a faint air of menace. "What," He said with a smile full of teeth that appeared to take a sharper edge "were ya worried I'd bite?" It was a simple trick, of devious magic. While the Full Moon had presented himself to Ashen Sky with a show of Mettle, he responded with a show of Cunning, and wove a minor illusion around himself as a thing to be wary of. Not as a threat, but as something that could prove far, far from an easy prey if provoked. For this was not meant as an escalation, but rather as a form of return to the tiger skinned lunar's own greeting in custom.
Then the shadow of the other Lunar fell upon Ashen Sky. He turned his head to him and found his neck craning upwards. The creature before him was a towering thing, striped white and black in its fur. Powerful muscles rippled along its form and a gleaming fangs greeted him as the larger creature grinned down at him. "Cascading Moonlight." It wasn't a name, but a greeting. Silently Ashen Sky Cursed his mentor for not fully fleshing him up on the proper etiquette of the pact. This was the first time the shorter Lunar had met another of his kind that wasn't his flighty oaf of a mentor, and now he was being sized up by his fellow child of the Moon. The former privateer did not posses the same charm assume his warform as the other did, and thus didn't have any physical means to respond to the clear but subtle challenge. If he was nervous about this disparity between them though, he did a masterful job of hiding it. After all, it wasn't as if he couldn't meet the display with a show of his own.
He grinned back up at the man infront of him. "Guide your hunt." He put a hand on his hip and looked the other Lunar up and down. "Well, well. An impressive shape ta' take. Ya wear it as fashion big boyo or did ya put it on jus fer me?" As he talked his grin seemed to widen slightly, unnaturally so, while his eye took on a vaguely manic and predatory gaze. A magic of his own suffused his face, darkening it save for his own shimmering silver tattoos, and giving his form a faint air of menace. "What," He said with a smile full of teeth that appeared to take a sharper edge "were ya worried I'd bite?" It was a simple trick, of devious magic. While the Full Moon had presented himself to Ashen Sky with a show of Mettle, he responded with a show of Cunning, and wove a minor illusion around himself as a thing to be wary of. Not as a threat, but as something that could prove far, far from an easy prey if provoked. For this was not meant as an escalation, but rather as a form of return to the tiger skinned lunar's own greeting in custom.
Under the brilliance of a full moon the surface of a natural spring glistened, with silken robes hanging in a nearby tree. The peaceful beautiful of the scene was soon interrupted by the emergence of a golden haired man from the center of the spring. They pulled their long hair back and tied it, with a cord on their wrist, into a ponytail. Standing up the man exposed himself while walking to the silken robes, drying himself before adorning himself with the robes.
After dressing the man grabbed a small wine container and his intricately crafted staff hidden among the grass underneath the tree. Taking a long swig from the wine within they walked towards their lodging, a large inn room located near the spring. Inside their room a woman was laying down in their bed, their clothes discarded and their body shining from sweat from their earlier engagement. The man placed some sheets on her before taking another drink from their container.
The man was known as Baek Kwan and had operated in this coastal town for over a month. They are a wandering exalted, offering their services to those willing to pay. Their activities had gained them some renown among those with enough wealth to purchase their services while instilling fear on those who would act against them. This had gained Kwan an equal amount of allies and enemies as well as money and influence. The monetary gain however wasn't his main motivation, it was the influence and information he could gain through his activities.
This is because he was not just any exalted, he was a Solar exalted. Solar's are hunted down and executed by those currently in power and the fragile egos of the Dragon-blooded. Baek Kwan's goals aligned with the Gold Faction, a group of people who wanted to see the Solar exalted back in control, overthrowing the corrupt Realm. He didn't have any desire to rule, in fact he didn't even really believe that Solar's would rule any better, he just had a personal grudge against the Realm and the Great Houses that flourished within. He would align himself with them as long as he could use their influence and power to exact his revenge.
While drinking and watching the beautiful scene outside their room, Kwan saw a peculiar sight. A crystal winged Osprey was flying towards his room, landing about a foot away from him. Curious he approached the bird and obtained the scroll the bird was carrying. Unfurling and reading the message revealed that the sender was requesting their presence at the spire of Fakharu. Apparently their deeds had gained them enough renown or notoriety to rouse the interest of the Censor of the Celestial Bureaucracy and Dragon of Water for a matter of 'personal interest'. Intrigued by the proposal and the possible gains he could make by participating, Kwan drank a little more wine before a fox like smile adorned his face.
Baek Kwan awaited the arrival of the arrival of the ivory ship with a small number of bags carrying a few essentials needed while journeying. While waiting he looked among his supplies, among them hidden was a container housing opium, tobacco, and an assortment of herbs for smoking. Kwan had attempted to rid himself of his vices but his addiction to the sweet taste of opium was hard to overcome. He would attempt to stave it off with vices which held a smaller grasp on him but he would carry some with him just in case.
A mist had settled into the harbor before the ivory shipped arrived to welcome him aboard. After walking up the ramp Kwan noticed that there was already a number of occupants onboard. One was a man with that had a number of animalistic features visible and silver tattoos adorning their body, undoubtedly a Lunar exalt. A young looking woman was also nearby, she was eating chocolate, a delicacy but not entirely uncommon. He couldn't tell what exalted they were just from their appearance. The others onboard were also hard to distinguish just by appearance, although one was very pale a common trait of an Abyssal.
After some time the ship hadn't made any additional stops, meaning that those onboard were probably the entirety of the party asked to attend. It could be possible that there was another ship or that other members may be further a long but until such an event occur it was safe to assume that this was all of the passengers.
In an attempt to 'break the ice' the visible Lunar had chosen to address everyone and introduce themselves saying, âSo⊠no that all of we be here, I think introductions be in order. I be named Ashen Sky of Wavecreast. Might I have tha pleasure of knowing who might ye all be?â
In response the young lady said, âIntroductions are always awkward, arenât they?â She awkwardly laughed before she half-snorted as she tried to clear her throat. She seemed embarrassed by the action which elicited Baek Kwan's familiar fox like smile. âAh . . . anyway, Iâm Lux . . . Fiala, I suppose you could say I hail from The Scavenger Lands? As it stands, itâs nice to make your acquaintance, Ashen. And itâs nice to make everyone elseâs, as well.â Still smiling, Kwan gave her a slight nod.
A less friendlier exchange then occurred as a man of slight build approached the Lunar. The slight man then began to transform, revealing white and black fur as well as a more muscular build and tiger traits. The tiger Lunar then bared their teeth in a grin, responding with only two words, âCascading Moonlight.â Their greeting seemed like some sort of challenge but Kwan was unfamiliar with the customs of Lunar exalted.
The pale skinned man said something but was too far for Baek Kwan to pick up exactly. They seemed to be disinterested in introducing themselves as well as the Lunar's exchange. They did continue to observe the exchange with a bored expression.
Ashen Sky then responded to the Lunar's greeting. Activating a charm before replying, "Guide your hunt." He then placed his hands on his hip and gazed at the other Lunar. "Well, well. An impressive shape ta' take. Ya wear it as fashion big boyo or did ya put it on jus fer me?" His appearance darkened, making his shimmering silver tattoos become more pronounced before continuing, "What, were ya worried I'd bite?"
Kwan wasn't all too interested in their exchange so he chose instead to approach Lux, sitting a few feet away from her. Removing some tobacco and cloves from within his bag and the hidden pipe in his robes, Kwan prepared his pipe and lit it with a match. Taking a few drags before exhaling the smoke away from Lux. Kwan offered his hand in greeting to her before saying, "Nice to meet you as well, Lady Fiala." He then interrupted the Lunar's exchange by introducing himself with a fox like grin. "Name is Baek Kwan . . . Anyone know anything about what we got ourselves into or are we all just as in the dark as each other?"
After dressing the man grabbed a small wine container and his intricately crafted staff hidden among the grass underneath the tree. Taking a long swig from the wine within they walked towards their lodging, a large inn room located near the spring. Inside their room a woman was laying down in their bed, their clothes discarded and their body shining from sweat from their earlier engagement. The man placed some sheets on her before taking another drink from their container.
The man was known as Baek Kwan and had operated in this coastal town for over a month. They are a wandering exalted, offering their services to those willing to pay. Their activities had gained them some renown among those with enough wealth to purchase their services while instilling fear on those who would act against them. This had gained Kwan an equal amount of allies and enemies as well as money and influence. The monetary gain however wasn't his main motivation, it was the influence and information he could gain through his activities.
This is because he was not just any exalted, he was a Solar exalted. Solar's are hunted down and executed by those currently in power and the fragile egos of the Dragon-blooded. Baek Kwan's goals aligned with the Gold Faction, a group of people who wanted to see the Solar exalted back in control, overthrowing the corrupt Realm. He didn't have any desire to rule, in fact he didn't even really believe that Solar's would rule any better, he just had a personal grudge against the Realm and the Great Houses that flourished within. He would align himself with them as long as he could use their influence and power to exact his revenge.
While drinking and watching the beautiful scene outside their room, Kwan saw a peculiar sight. A crystal winged Osprey was flying towards his room, landing about a foot away from him. Curious he approached the bird and obtained the scroll the bird was carrying. Unfurling and reading the message revealed that the sender was requesting their presence at the spire of Fakharu. Apparently their deeds had gained them enough renown or notoriety to rouse the interest of the Censor of the Celestial Bureaucracy and Dragon of Water for a matter of 'personal interest'. Intrigued by the proposal and the possible gains he could make by participating, Kwan drank a little more wine before a fox like smile adorned his face.
Baek Kwan awaited the arrival of the arrival of the ivory ship with a small number of bags carrying a few essentials needed while journeying. While waiting he looked among his supplies, among them hidden was a container housing opium, tobacco, and an assortment of herbs for smoking. Kwan had attempted to rid himself of his vices but his addiction to the sweet taste of opium was hard to overcome. He would attempt to stave it off with vices which held a smaller grasp on him but he would carry some with him just in case.
A mist had settled into the harbor before the ivory shipped arrived to welcome him aboard. After walking up the ramp Kwan noticed that there was already a number of occupants onboard. One was a man with that had a number of animalistic features visible and silver tattoos adorning their body, undoubtedly a Lunar exalt. A young looking woman was also nearby, she was eating chocolate, a delicacy but not entirely uncommon. He couldn't tell what exalted they were just from their appearance. The others onboard were also hard to distinguish just by appearance, although one was very pale a common trait of an Abyssal.
After some time the ship hadn't made any additional stops, meaning that those onboard were probably the entirety of the party asked to attend. It could be possible that there was another ship or that other members may be further a long but until such an event occur it was safe to assume that this was all of the passengers.
In an attempt to 'break the ice' the visible Lunar had chosen to address everyone and introduce themselves saying, âSo⊠no that all of we be here, I think introductions be in order. I be named Ashen Sky of Wavecreast. Might I have tha pleasure of knowing who might ye all be?â
In response the young lady said, âIntroductions are always awkward, arenât they?â She awkwardly laughed before she half-snorted as she tried to clear her throat. She seemed embarrassed by the action which elicited Baek Kwan's familiar fox like smile. âAh . . . anyway, Iâm Lux . . . Fiala, I suppose you could say I hail from The Scavenger Lands? As it stands, itâs nice to make your acquaintance, Ashen. And itâs nice to make everyone elseâs, as well.â Still smiling, Kwan gave her a slight nod.
A less friendlier exchange then occurred as a man of slight build approached the Lunar. The slight man then began to transform, revealing white and black fur as well as a more muscular build and tiger traits. The tiger Lunar then bared their teeth in a grin, responding with only two words, âCascading Moonlight.â Their greeting seemed like some sort of challenge but Kwan was unfamiliar with the customs of Lunar exalted.
The pale skinned man said something but was too far for Baek Kwan to pick up exactly. They seemed to be disinterested in introducing themselves as well as the Lunar's exchange. They did continue to observe the exchange with a bored expression.
Ashen Sky then responded to the Lunar's greeting. Activating a charm before replying, "Guide your hunt." He then placed his hands on his hip and gazed at the other Lunar. "Well, well. An impressive shape ta' take. Ya wear it as fashion big boyo or did ya put it on jus fer me?" His appearance darkened, making his shimmering silver tattoos become more pronounced before continuing, "What, were ya worried I'd bite?"
Kwan wasn't all too interested in their exchange so he chose instead to approach Lux, sitting a few feet away from her. Removing some tobacco and cloves from within his bag and the hidden pipe in his robes, Kwan prepared his pipe and lit it with a match. Taking a few drags before exhaling the smoke away from Lux. Kwan offered his hand in greeting to her before saying, "Nice to meet you as well, Lady Fiala." He then interrupted the Lunar's exchange by introducing himself with a fox like grin. "Name is Baek Kwan . . . Anyone know anything about what we got ourselves into or are we all just as in the dark as each other?"
Astridâs eyes did not falter, her gaze locked firmly onto Ashen Sky, a critical look of assessment on her face. She barely paid attention to his words while examining the tattoos that adorned his body. Lunars from the West had the most dramatic Moonsilver Tattoos, a simple necessity of people who found themselves frequently in water. The story his tattoos told was one of Cunning and desperation, not that desperation was uncommon among the Lunars. She had experienced plenty of desperation herself...
âWere ya worried Iâd bite?â
She continued to stare him down for a few long seconds before replying. âIâm sure your bark is worse than your bite.â So this was one of the men that were to be her packmate for the time being. âYouâre from the West. I hope you donât ascribe to that patriarchal bullshit.â With a roll of her shoulders, Astrid turned away from the other Lunar and started prowling away. She called over her shoulder, âYouâre one of Lunaâs children, gender, form, and reality are mutable to you. Reconcile that with Western ideals.â
Raising a hand to her face to hide a yawn, Astridâs form shifted down into that of a small black cat. Her eyes scanned the remaining occupants of the boat before her padded feet carried her silently to the side of the only other woman on board, where she curled into a ball and promptly began to nap.
âWere ya worried Iâd bite?â
She continued to stare him down for a few long seconds before replying. âIâm sure your bark is worse than your bite.â So this was one of the men that were to be her packmate for the time being. âYouâre from the West. I hope you donât ascribe to that patriarchal bullshit.â With a roll of her shoulders, Astrid turned away from the other Lunar and started prowling away. She called over her shoulder, âYouâre one of Lunaâs children, gender, form, and reality are mutable to you. Reconcile that with Western ideals.â
Raising a hand to her face to hide a yawn, Astridâs form shifted down into that of a small black cat. Her eyes scanned the remaining occupants of the boat before her padded feet carried her silently to the side of the only other woman on board, where she curled into a ball and promptly began to nap.
âŠ.whatever attempts she wouldâve made to further the initiated introductions, they were otherwise interrupted by something of a show of...force? Capability? Between the Lunar known as Ashen Sky and yet another Lunar whoâd joined the frayâtheyâd called themselves âCascading Moonlight,â and assumed a form between human and tigerâone that was large and was meant to be intimidating. Yet, Lux actually found it fascinating, and perhaps it was childish, but she actually thought that it was really neat.
Lux had crossed paths with Lunars prior to this but, never more than one at a time. She didnât know if this interaction between Ashen and Moonlight was a completely expected occurrence. Did all Lunars attempt to assert themselves when they met another? Overall, she knew actually very little about Lunars and their ways. The only sources of information she had were ones she herself didnât quite feel were reliable. Those who mentored her, who taught her before she set out on her ownâŠ. Though they wouldâve probably liked for her to have accepted their words and âlessonsâ about Lunars at face value, but Lux had her doubts about the validity of their teachings. Theyâd always tried to make it seem like they were supposed to be lesser than herself because she was a SolarâŠthat wasnât something that had ever sat well with Lux, and it never would.
A nervous grin crept up over Luxâs face as the exchange between the two Lunars continuedâAshen activating some sort of Charm, mirroring the other Lunarâs form. She could make out a subtle silver glimmer from his form as it seemed to darken, a projected air of predation had overcome him. That was it, however. It was a sort of show. A way to confer that even if he might not win in fight, itâd take too much effort for it to be worthwhile. Even if Lux didnât know squat about Lunars and their customs, it was still easy enough to read an interaction for what it was...insofar as she was concerned, at least.
The presence of others attracted by the scene broke Lux from her own musings about it...and she silent craned her own head about to observe. âŠ.a Deathknight was evidently among their summoned party, how curious. She knew even less about they than she did about Lunars, though she knew one was under the service of the Gold Faction. âŠ.his name eluded her, as sheâd only had ever heard him spoken of in hushed tones. Lux knew of the wivesâ tales and dark whispered rumors that surrounded Deathknights, their very existences, and their overall everything. What was truth and what was hearsay, she couldnât say, nor did she she want to dye her expectations of them with falsities. Whoever and whatever sort of individual this Deathknight was, that was something to be judged based upon his actions, and Lux would come to her own conclusions in time.
Again, lost in her own thoughts, Lux found herself somewhat startled from them by the sound of a match being struck to life rather nearby her, and it took almost every bit of the little Eclipseâs composure to not squawk in a manner that would most certainly attract seagulls under normal sailing circumstances. Though, there was nothing she could do to stop the inevitable reddening of her cheeks as she turned to look at the source of the soundâonly to find that a hand was extended toward her. âNice to meet you, Lady Fiala.â
The overly formal way in which she was addressed made Lux freeze. Never in her whole short life had sheâd been called a âLady.â She wasnât of noble birth or high status. She really didnât quite know how to react to that. It might seem rude to rebuff the attempt at politeness, but it felt really weird to her to be addressed as âLadyâ anything. During Luxâs inner debate over how to handle this, the owner of the hand that was still extended toward her blundering self again spoke, this time making a point to address everyone else. âName is Baek KwanâŠ. Anyone know anything about what we got ourselves into or are we all just in the dark as each other?â
Shaking off her doubt and uncertainties, Lux wanted to smack herself for taking so long to respond to the manâKwan. She was never one who excelled in the realm of socializing, if she was to be traveling with these people for a somewhat significant timeframe, she needed to remedy that as much as possible, and the moments she spent getting lost in her own head needed to cease ASAP. Going forward with that line of thought, Lux made it a point to awkwardly shove her small hand into the manâs and try to shake it. Handshakes werenât something sheâd done a lot of either.
âUh, Mister Kwan, I canât say that I personally know much about whatâs going on either.â Lux answered him, pulling her hand back to her side as she clasped both together at chest level, and twiddled her thumbs. âI received a request for my presence, to help resolve some evidently dire situation, and I obliged. What that situation is, I do not know though....â she mumbled the last bit, and turned her eyes down toward her hands. Lux mustered a small shrug, however. The lack thereof knowledge really did not do much to actually bother her. âIn truth, Iâm more curious why I was summoned. I mean, if itâs believed I can be of help, then Iâll gladly do what I can, though it may not be much....â
As Lux had spoken, it seemed that she had missed the conclusion of the encounter between the Lunars. It was only when Lux caught sight of Moonlightâs form shifting once more, shrinking down into the shape of a cat that she even realized. Her gaze was instantly back upon the Lunar, whose feline eyes were scanning between them all...til they settled upon her. Luxâs eyes followed the Lunar as she trotted on over to her side, plopped herself down and began to...sleep. This was regarded with silence from the Eclipse Caste, she wasn't wholly sure what to think. The hybrid form that Moonlight had assumed before had been fascinating to Lux, but this one wasâŠ.
âCuteâŠ.â the thought slipped from Luxâs mouth before she could help herself.
Lux had crossed paths with Lunars prior to this but, never more than one at a time. She didnât know if this interaction between Ashen and Moonlight was a completely expected occurrence. Did all Lunars attempt to assert themselves when they met another? Overall, she knew actually very little about Lunars and their ways. The only sources of information she had were ones she herself didnât quite feel were reliable. Those who mentored her, who taught her before she set out on her ownâŠ. Though they wouldâve probably liked for her to have accepted their words and âlessonsâ about Lunars at face value, but Lux had her doubts about the validity of their teachings. Theyâd always tried to make it seem like they were supposed to be lesser than herself because she was a SolarâŠthat wasnât something that had ever sat well with Lux, and it never would.
A nervous grin crept up over Luxâs face as the exchange between the two Lunars continuedâAshen activating some sort of Charm, mirroring the other Lunarâs form. She could make out a subtle silver glimmer from his form as it seemed to darken, a projected air of predation had overcome him. That was it, however. It was a sort of show. A way to confer that even if he might not win in fight, itâd take too much effort for it to be worthwhile. Even if Lux didnât know squat about Lunars and their customs, it was still easy enough to read an interaction for what it was...insofar as she was concerned, at least.
The presence of others attracted by the scene broke Lux from her own musings about it...and she silent craned her own head about to observe. âŠ.a Deathknight was evidently among their summoned party, how curious. She knew even less about they than she did about Lunars, though she knew one was under the service of the Gold Faction. âŠ.his name eluded her, as sheâd only had ever heard him spoken of in hushed tones. Lux knew of the wivesâ tales and dark whispered rumors that surrounded Deathknights, their very existences, and their overall everything. What was truth and what was hearsay, she couldnât say, nor did she she want to dye her expectations of them with falsities. Whoever and whatever sort of individual this Deathknight was, that was something to be judged based upon his actions, and Lux would come to her own conclusions in time.
Again, lost in her own thoughts, Lux found herself somewhat startled from them by the sound of a match being struck to life rather nearby her, and it took almost every bit of the little Eclipseâs composure to not squawk in a manner that would most certainly attract seagulls under normal sailing circumstances. Though, there was nothing she could do to stop the inevitable reddening of her cheeks as she turned to look at the source of the soundâonly to find that a hand was extended toward her. âNice to meet you, Lady Fiala.â
The overly formal way in which she was addressed made Lux freeze. Never in her whole short life had sheâd been called a âLady.â She wasnât of noble birth or high status. She really didnât quite know how to react to that. It might seem rude to rebuff the attempt at politeness, but it felt really weird to her to be addressed as âLadyâ anything. During Luxâs inner debate over how to handle this, the owner of the hand that was still extended toward her blundering self again spoke, this time making a point to address everyone else. âName is Baek KwanâŠ. Anyone know anything about what we got ourselves into or are we all just in the dark as each other?â
Shaking off her doubt and uncertainties, Lux wanted to smack herself for taking so long to respond to the manâKwan. She was never one who excelled in the realm of socializing, if she was to be traveling with these people for a somewhat significant timeframe, she needed to remedy that as much as possible, and the moments she spent getting lost in her own head needed to cease ASAP. Going forward with that line of thought, Lux made it a point to awkwardly shove her small hand into the manâs and try to shake it. Handshakes werenât something sheâd done a lot of either.
âUh, Mister Kwan, I canât say that I personally know much about whatâs going on either.â Lux answered him, pulling her hand back to her side as she clasped both together at chest level, and twiddled her thumbs. âI received a request for my presence, to help resolve some evidently dire situation, and I obliged. What that situation is, I do not know though....â she mumbled the last bit, and turned her eyes down toward her hands. Lux mustered a small shrug, however. The lack thereof knowledge really did not do much to actually bother her. âIn truth, Iâm more curious why I was summoned. I mean, if itâs believed I can be of help, then Iâll gladly do what I can, though it may not be much....â
As Lux had spoken, it seemed that she had missed the conclusion of the encounter between the Lunars. It was only when Lux caught sight of Moonlightâs form shifting once more, shrinking down into the shape of a cat that she even realized. Her gaze was instantly back upon the Lunar, whose feline eyes were scanning between them all...til they settled upon her. Luxâs eyes followed the Lunar as she trotted on over to her side, plopped herself down and began to...sleep. This was regarded with silence from the Eclipse Caste, she wasn't wholly sure what to think. The hybrid form that Moonlight had assumed before had been fascinating to Lux, but this one wasâŠ.
âCuteâŠ.â the thought slipped from Luxâs mouth before she could help herself.
Artisan watched the display play out between the two Lunars with a bored expression, his mouth upturned slightly when the second Lunar changed appearance; it seemed the two had to establish some sort of pack hierarchy, just like the dogs he had grown up with. For a brief moment, he entertained the notion of training either Lunar using positive reinforcement, just as he had trained all his dogs, before dismissing it as entirely unnecessary.
The tall blonde-haired man who had boarded after Artisan meandered towards the blonde-haired girl who had introduced herself as Lux. For a split second, the moonlight framed the duo and the whispers of the Neverborn sounded senselessly in the Abyssalâs ears. Those two had to be Solars, probably. At the very least the Neverborn did not appreciate their being on the voyage. The man produced a pipe and tobacco which raised a question Artisan hadnât considered before. Can Exalted still feel the effects of various drugs and poisons? As far as he knew, only very strong poisons worked on them; by extension would very strong drugs be the only way for an Exalted to use?
âName is Baek Kwan . . . Anyone know anything about what we got ourselves into or are we all just as in the dark as each other?â
After a moment, the blonde girl answered the strangerâs query, though she seemed just as lost as he was. She seemed almost as eager to help as a puppy that was to one day be a sheepdog. Idly Artisan wondered if all Solars were this clueless, certainly the Bishop mentioned they were mostly without guidance these days.
The Lunars seemed to finish their exchange, as one of them shifted into a cat and joined the two Solars. It suddenly hit Artisan that this was the most Exalted, nay the only Exalted that Artisan had seen since joining their ranks. Putting on his most winning smile, the Deathknight slowly approached Baek and Lux, taking a seat on the side of the boat nearest to them. âIâm The Wandering Artisan Clad in Souls, and I suppose one could say Iâm from Ikh Bayan.â
Scrutinizing both of their faces, he couldnât help but wonder, did no one else know why they were here? Clearing his throat he continued thoughtfully, âWell letâs see if we canât work backward to find a way out of the dark. There are six individuals here, who I presume are Exalted like myself.â He pointed to each person on deck while counting with his fingers. âWe were summoned by the Western Censor, Lord Fakharu, who is also a Dragon of Water. Finally, the letter mentioned the matter at hand is most dire.â
He looked down at the black cat that had curled up by Lux, its breathing had evened out, apparently already napping. âSomehow I donât think the Tiger Lunar was summoned for their tactfulness.â Artisan looked Baek up and down, âYouâre no stranger to war either. If I had to hazard a guess?â He paused for dramatic effect while taking a quick look at everyone, âWeâre a strike team. Fakharu could raise Gods of his own court for most issues, so he intends to send us somewhere his jurisdiction doesnât reach." He grinned, "At least that's would be my bet, if I were a betting man.â
The tall blonde-haired man who had boarded after Artisan meandered towards the blonde-haired girl who had introduced herself as Lux. For a split second, the moonlight framed the duo and the whispers of the Neverborn sounded senselessly in the Abyssalâs ears. Those two had to be Solars, probably. At the very least the Neverborn did not appreciate their being on the voyage. The man produced a pipe and tobacco which raised a question Artisan hadnât considered before. Can Exalted still feel the effects of various drugs and poisons? As far as he knew, only very strong poisons worked on them; by extension would very strong drugs be the only way for an Exalted to use?
âName is Baek Kwan . . . Anyone know anything about what we got ourselves into or are we all just as in the dark as each other?â
After a moment, the blonde girl answered the strangerâs query, though she seemed just as lost as he was. She seemed almost as eager to help as a puppy that was to one day be a sheepdog. Idly Artisan wondered if all Solars were this clueless, certainly the Bishop mentioned they were mostly without guidance these days.
The Lunars seemed to finish their exchange, as one of them shifted into a cat and joined the two Solars. It suddenly hit Artisan that this was the most Exalted, nay the only Exalted that Artisan had seen since joining their ranks. Putting on his most winning smile, the Deathknight slowly approached Baek and Lux, taking a seat on the side of the boat nearest to them. âIâm The Wandering Artisan Clad in Souls, and I suppose one could say Iâm from Ikh Bayan.â
Scrutinizing both of their faces, he couldnât help but wonder, did no one else know why they were here? Clearing his throat he continued thoughtfully, âWell letâs see if we canât work backward to find a way out of the dark. There are six individuals here, who I presume are Exalted like myself.â He pointed to each person on deck while counting with his fingers. âWe were summoned by the Western Censor, Lord Fakharu, who is also a Dragon of Water. Finally, the letter mentioned the matter at hand is most dire.â
He looked down at the black cat that had curled up by Lux, its breathing had evened out, apparently already napping. âSomehow I donât think the Tiger Lunar was summoned for their tactfulness.â Artisan looked Baek up and down, âYouâre no stranger to war either. If I had to hazard a guess?â He paused for dramatic effect while taking a quick look at everyone, âWeâre a strike team. Fakharu could raise Gods of his own court for most issues, so he intends to send us somewhere his jurisdiction doesnât reach." He grinned, "At least that's would be my bet, if I were a betting man.â
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âYouâre one of Lunaâs children, gender, form, and reality are mutable to you. Reconcile that with Western ideals.â Ashen Sky blinked. Then balked, face flushing red briefly. The statement against his home culture apparently producing a subdued outrage in the changing moon. Ashen Sky bit back a retort and crossed his arms tightly over his chest. He fumed quietly for a moment while everyone else finished making their introductions, only managing to master himself once again just as the speculation of the intent behind their summons began.
âWell letâs see if we canât work backward to find a way out of the dark. There are six individuals here, who I presume are Exalted like myself.â Began the man who introduced himself with a rather long name. Ashen Sky leant against the ships mast as he listened to the Abyssal layout his reasoning. He presumed them to be about to be recruited as operatives for the water dragon. Agents sent beyond the censors reach to a placed he had no influence in. It would make sense to some degree and Ashen would be inclined to agree but... "But why bring all us together ta 'is own palace then? I confess I may nah know much 'bout tha politics' o' tha gods, but tha Censor's influence should extend cross the entire western ocean. Nah much reason ta bring us outsiders there fer a job." He Slid his hands into his pockets. "Nah ta say I doubt ya none. Fact is I think yer pretty spot on, but something feels a bit off about all this. If we are gettin' together to knock some 'eads in somewhere in the west, then it feels like he also doesn't want his name attached ta it when we do."
âWell letâs see if we canât work backward to find a way out of the dark. There are six individuals here, who I presume are Exalted like myself.â Began the man who introduced himself with a rather long name. Ashen Sky leant against the ships mast as he listened to the Abyssal layout his reasoning. He presumed them to be about to be recruited as operatives for the water dragon. Agents sent beyond the censors reach to a placed he had no influence in. It would make sense to some degree and Ashen would be inclined to agree but... "But why bring all us together ta 'is own palace then? I confess I may nah know much 'bout tha politics' o' tha gods, but tha Censor's influence should extend cross the entire western ocean. Nah much reason ta bring us outsiders there fer a job." He Slid his hands into his pockets. "Nah ta say I doubt ya none. Fact is I think yer pretty spot on, but something feels a bit off about all this. If we are gettin' together to knock some 'eads in somewhere in the west, then it feels like he also doesn't want his name attached ta it when we do."
She stood by quiet as the others spoke, her eyes still partly drawn to the Lunar whoâd taken to the form of a feline. The Deathknightâs introduction passed overtop her headâshe was only aware enough to really catch his name and little else. She heard him questioning why they were all gathered together...and making assumptions in regards to the matter. Again, why she of all Exalted had received a summons was beyond her. Why Fakharu had summoned them all, it didnât matter to her. Sheâd gotten a plea for help, that was all that she needed to know. Whether or not the others ended up agreeing to assist Fakharu in whatever matters he asked of them, that didnât matter either. Thereâd been more than one instance where Lux had ended up having to absolve things on her own when others deemed them not worth their time. Sheâd do it again...even if she wasnât the best suited to most tasks.
Folks had called her naĂŻve before, sheâd been called a lot of things before. She was, in a manner of speaking. If she was that, then that was fine.
Wanting to help others...and doing it, that was something that defined her life. She had no purpose, no goal, nothing to aim for. Lux took to traveling the world in order to find...something for herself, to gain perspective and to refine the views she held on many mattersâincluding those she had on the Cult of the Illuminated. In her travels, she still had yet to find many answers. The only answer sheâd reach thus far was that she felt compelled to help others, if only in the most minor of ways. From little things to the large, anything that makes things betterâŠ.
That was enough.
âTo be truthful with the lot of you, I donât much care why we were all summoned in this manner.â Lux responded in a quiet voice. âWhether weâre needed for reasons of discretion or otherwise, it doesnât matter to me. I only want to help however I can...if I can.â
Folks had called her naĂŻve before, sheâd been called a lot of things before. She was, in a manner of speaking. If she was that, then that was fine.
Wanting to help others...and doing it, that was something that defined her life. She had no purpose, no goal, nothing to aim for. Lux took to traveling the world in order to find...something for herself, to gain perspective and to refine the views she held on many mattersâincluding those she had on the Cult of the Illuminated. In her travels, she still had yet to find many answers. The only answer sheâd reach thus far was that she felt compelled to help others, if only in the most minor of ways. From little things to the large, anything that makes things betterâŠ.
That was enough.
âTo be truthful with the lot of you, I donât much care why we were all summoned in this manner.â Lux responded in a quiet voice. âWhether weâre needed for reasons of discretion or otherwise, it doesnât matter to me. I only want to help however I can...if I can.â
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