greatbeasts: (Default)
The Great Beastly Mods ([personal profile] greatbeasts) wrote in [community profile] dragoncalled2016-11-14 08:09 pm
Entry tags:

Event Start: Renzu's Flock; Predator or Pray


There's a commotion by the ocean.
At dusk, a strange and unsteadily honored tradition begins to cause unrest within the city. It's nearing the end of a trade season, and the approach of winter brings with it a tenuous and uncomfortable truce of necessity. A small trading group of Beast Hunters dock their ships at Outer Nuren's pier, just within Dragon Bay. They have brought with them hides, trinkets, meat, fish, rare plants, magical items and caged common creatures from the wildlands beyond the city's walls. In turn, they seek fabric, clothing, lumber, weaponry, armor and food from Nuren's harvests. Most of the Beast Hunters have come to trade their goods, while others are there to relax for a week in the seedier Outer Nuren, where the citizens are less likely to bother them and they can pick their fights and conversations with little concern for the preaching of the devout or the judgement of the sheltered citizens in the city proper.

Beast Hunters are fond of tavern brawls and games of chance, though their regard for a scion's dragon, or any magical creatures, is visibly and openly one of disgust and discomfort. Despite this, many of the traveling traders enjoy sharing stories and will pass on tales of the fearsome and dangerous creatures they proudly boast to have killed or survived encounters with. There is open distrust or curiosity toward the scions and their worlds, but in general the Beast Hunters are a far more survivalist group of Remnants with a scattering of Touched. They're grim, rough around the edges and quick to violence and anger, but a bit of gold, flattery, charm or gambling can soothe most tempers.

For a few gold, a scion skilled at games of dice, chance, or drinking competitions might find a profit in Outer Nuren throughout the week, and curious souls could learn more about the world beyond the city walls. Including its dangers and potential treasures, stories of the Wastewalkers or wild magical creatures and lands, and boastful accounts of survival against horrible odds.

The Beast Hunters have a low opinion of the city citizens, calling them soft and worthless creatures who lean too heavily on their faith and security. Likewise, the citizens of Nuren have low opinions of the Beast Hunter's, calling them dangerous cut-throats and warning that they will gladly stab you in the back or poison your drink for a single gold coin or to steal the young and vulnerable dragons from their scions. Open scorn from both sides is apparent while the Beast Hunters linger in Outer Nuren, with fights both physical and magical breaking out. While the citizens may not venture far beyond Nuren's walls, they are practiced magic users and skilled fighters, albeit a bit less prone to fighting dirty.

By the end of the week, the Beast Hunters will have sold their goods, and will pack up their ships and leave, refusing passage to scions and citizens alike. Only Beast Hunters may sail aboard their vessels, and any stowaways will be thrown to the sea serpents and sharks.
Strange magical feats in the streets.
In stark contrast to the rough and rowdy Beast Hunters, another group has grown active in Upper Nuren, becoming very visible during the week. A group of Scholars of Renzu have returned to the city from a trip to Renzu's temple, and bring back with them more of the great Griffin's teachings and knowledge.

Throughout the week, the scholars try to get involved with the Scions. They offer to help the Scions understand and learn what their elemental alignment is, and how to use the ability they and their dragon now share. Several of the scholars hold daily 'classes' in the squares of Upper Nuren. Displays of elemental ability occur in the squares, along with discussions on how the different elements relate to and interact with one another.

In the evenings, the Lorekeepers of the group tell tales to small gatherings of young citizens and any interested Scions, teaching them about Renzu and occasionally delving into tales of Chelba, Benra, Mouros, and Lysheu.

A few scholars with powerful shield and healing magic offer to help Scions practice their magic, so that they can learn how to use their new abilities, and learn what to expect if their dragon decides to use their magic as well.

At the end of the week, when the Beast Hunters have sailed away, the scholars will still be present, but less visibly active away from the smaller temple of Renzu within the city.
And a fine feathered friend around every bend.
Osaaru's sparsely filled streets have begun to fill in with the sounds of life. Excited citizens, exploring scions and intrepid young dragons have to learn to live with one another in the city. The adjustment is easier for some than it is for others. None understand this better than the Great Griffin.

Renzu, the Great Griffin and Guardian of Knowledge, is a prominent and active guardian, revered and respected by a large portion of Nuren's population. The wisdom of the Great Beast is spoken of by any Scholar, Mage or devout citizen who mentions either of the Great Griffin's names. Though largely viewed as a gentle guide and known to be the Observer who watches over the city, there are occasions where the Great Beast takes a more direct approach.

As evening descends, a distant chime begins to fill the air. The darker the sky grows, the more the melody seems to grow, always faint but with new melodies whispering and intertwining their way through the winds that sweep as gentle breezes through the city streets and alleyways. The distant sounds create a melody of wind chimes accompanied by a faint song that seems to resemble the soft music of wind instruments. It fills the air for a week, always faint but present, and all who hear it are likely to feel a calming, peaceful emotion settle over them, that comes and goes over time.

With the winds and music, a flock of Griffins and Grifflings have entered the city, taking perches on buildings and walls. They play with or assist the citizens of Nuren and any scions who do not attempt to attack them. Grifflings race across rooftops in playful games of tag and chase, or engage young dragons in tag or hide and seek to sharpen their hunting skills. Griffins, some larger than lions in size, stroll through the streets, lending their backs to the pulling of wagons, or their wings to the creation of helpful currents.

With some dragons nearing an age of testing their wings, and other young hatchlings beginning to fill the city, Renzu decided to take the young creatures and their scions under wing and give them a first lesson in their new lives. Renzu's flock are there to help the young dragons with their first steps toward flight. Throughout the week they can be seen acrobatically soaring through the skies above Nuren or creating small controlled winds and gusts to lift young dragons and their scions into the air.

Gently approaching a Griffin may even see the creature allowing citizens or scions to ride on their backs, provided the person in question is respectful. Their powerful wings and large forms allow them to carry scions and their young dragons, or up to two people, on their backs. While they may be unable to ferry about larger creatures, they will gladly assist others where possible.

The citizens of Nuren caution against injuring or threatening Renzu's flock. Most will insist they are gentle and harmless creatures as long as no harm is done to them. Injuring or killing a Griffin or Griffling is severely frowned upon by the citizens, though a Beast Hunter or two might be willing to pay a high price for one. Any harm or threat scatters the flock, making them distrustful and even aggressive toward the attacking or threatening party. From then on, the Griffins and Grifflings will not allow the scion in question to approach them or others of the flock.

At the end of the week, Renzu's flock take wing, returning to the mountains they came from and leaving only a few scattered Grifflings playing in buildings and on the streets. With them goes the music, fading away on the gentle winds.
Notes
Please direct all questions to the Q&A on the plotting post.

Additionally there is a post on the OOC community for talking about upcoming wishes in the Tide of Wishes Here.

You are welcome to use this post to toss out open or closed starters and tag around, or to make your own posts within the community. Another post will go up for the Tide of Wishes, soon. In the meantime, there is an OOC post for you to leave your character's wishes, if you so choose, or to discuss them with others.
mithrarin: (whoa hold on)

[personal profile] mithrarin 2016-11-29 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh? What did you use?" Of course Dust was curious. Battle and war were literally part of his being.
camoqueen: (spooked)

[personal profile] camoqueen 2016-11-29 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ Glory isn't quite as impatient as her friend Tsunami. Which is probably a good thing in this case. She makes a low rumbling noise at the back of her throat as she considers the suggestion. ]

As much as I'd like to, we probably shouldn't go around threatening people. At least not until we really know what we're doing with.

[ She casts a curious glance at the pair. ]

Just how experienced are you two at... "dragging" things out of people?
camoqueen: (pink)

[personal profile] camoqueen 2016-11-29 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, it was pretty funny," Glory allows with a little laugh, "Watching people realize that a dragon appeared out of thin air never gets old."

Although she should probably talk to him about that particular ability of hers. Her scales ripple an amused pink color as she casts another glance down the street. No one is bothering them. Right?

"Being able to blend in perfectly with your surroundings is a plus."
capital_asset: (The strangest things make you happy)

[personal profile] capital_asset 2016-11-29 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
"I'd offer myself for injury and healing, but I don't know that that would be any more comfortable for you than the scholars doing it."
anotheroldsoldier: (you don't say)

[personal profile] anotheroldsoldier 2016-11-29 06:13 am (UTC)(link)
He opens his mouth to probably give directions to his and Natasha's and Tony's corner of the mountain, but he goes very still when Sam mentions Steve and the other Bucky. Another version of him, the one from this Sam's timeline, no doubt, if they're all playing neighbors, which means... Steve is their Steve as well. He tries not to be disappointed. "Steve's here?" Trying to sound neutral is hard right now, but he thinks he manages. He'll leave the whole 'other Bucky' thing for in a little bit - there's no tactful thing to say, knowing himself like he does.

"Yeah, didn't think kids were ever in Nat's and my futures, let alone scaly ones." At least they can't fuck up a couple of lizards too badly, he thinks.

Becca trills again, shaking herself free of Bucky and scrambling down his pant leg to the ground, her tail swishing and eyes bright. Bucky is starting to figure out that that sound means 'play'. He keeps an eye on her, but doesn't stop talking.

"Maybe we should set up a playdate one of these days. All of us. Avengers are Avengers, right?"
cryogenics: (☣ Pluuuums.)

html gets us all sometimes

[personal profile] cryogenics 2016-11-29 02:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Shapka hasn't been growing that fast, yet. [Thankfully. But she'd only just hatched. He was glad she wasn't suddenly doubling in size or something; having a dragon in the first place was enough without her skyrocketing in size and getting into more trouble.]

Nah, it's alright. She hasn't been that much trouble. [And he didn't want Shapka to be unhappy. He had a feeling putting her on a leash would go over something like how cats on leashes did.]
highstandards: (your cool friend)

[personal profile] highstandards 2016-11-29 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
He shakes his head.

"Thank you, but I would much rather no one would have to injure themselves. I suppose I could pratice on myself if everything else fails."
highstandards: (Default)

[personal profile] highstandards 2016-11-29 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Well then! Tradition dictated letting the opponent land the first blow but since it's three against two, Papyrus decided he didn't need to follow protocol that closely. When the hunter grabbed for him, a barrage of bones burst from the ground.
tookforgranite: into this mess. I gotta get myself out. Plus, don't you only need one kidney? (And I just want you to know I got myself)

[personal profile] tookforgranite 2016-11-29 11:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[There's a sigh from Natsumi at the both of the, but at least it's more resigned rather than annoyed. They're right, the probably should wait.

She'll just focus on a different, better subject.]


Pretty experienced! I mean, when you're as high up in the ranks of a yakuza clan as we are, you kinda have to be. Of course, oniichan would be the best at it and I probably wouldn't even be needed, but I'm not too bad at it myself!
tookforgranite: I'm just vaguely wondering where I am. But not quite concerned enough to do anything about it. (This ceiling is unfamiliar to me...)

[personal profile] tookforgranite 2016-11-30 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
[At that comment she can't help but lift her hands up to her ears, touching the shells a little before looking over at Fuyuhiko's. Well of course they have similar ears - they really could be twins after all - but she's trying to imagine what it'd be like if they were different...]

...I like our ears. I think they're cute. It'd be too weird if they were different.
Edited 2016-11-30 00:24 (UTC)
impheired: not on me. just like...in a drawer (ponder ♚ sometimes i wish i had boobs.)

[personal profile] impheired 2016-11-30 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Fuyuhiko looks as though he's resisting the urge to put his face into his palm.]

There's better ways she could've put that. But...basically, in our line of work, you've gotta be real good at all different kinds of persuasion tactics. If a yakuza can't win someone over to his side of things or convince people to do what he wants, he's not gonna last very long.

But you're right, in this instance I'm not sure threatening is the best approach. The people here are too damn soft and don't really react well to even slight aggression.

[He scared off enough townspeople with his info gathering attempts on day one to know that much...]
capital_asset: (Solemn)

[personal profile] capital_asset 2016-11-30 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
"I've... been considering that, honestly." He pauses. "We could offer assistance to those who are practicing their combat skills, I suppose. Offer to be on standby in case something happens."
cryogenics: (☣ A frown of decades past.)

[personal profile] cryogenics 2016-11-30 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
Shapka trilled when Addie plowed into her, swaying a little before nudging her playfully. She seemed to understand how to play with a dragon that was much smaller than her, at least.

Sam was probably right, but Bucky felt guilty most of the time without having anyone in his head to know what he was thinking. Now he had a dragon and he kept worrying, even if he didn't admit it usually. "I hope so." That everything would be fine.

He frowned. "So what are you saying?" He knew, since coming here at least, that there were a lot of different worlds, but all of them had seemed a lot different.
wingedman: (40)

[personal profile] wingedman 2016-11-30 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah." Sam reaches out, places a reassuring hand on Bucky's flesh arm. Hell, he knows how he'd feel if another Steve was here instead of his. "Look, there's still plenty of people out there to be found, and I'm pretty sure Tony thinks he's gonna scour every corner of the planet till he finds them all." And since he's Tony Stark, there's a good chance he'll actually manage it.

Addie's still figuring out climbing - though Sam doubts it'll take her much longer, since she's been adept at figuring out every other way to get into trouble - so he has to stoop for a moment to set her down to play with Becca. She chirps excitedly, her still-stubby tail switching back and forth.

"Be a good idea," Sam agrees. "And if we end up working together later on, they need to get along. Right now - well, I guess dragons need to be socialized, just like kids, right?"
wingedman: (29)

[personal profile] wingedman 2016-11-30 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
Addie chirped at Shapka, ran in a circle around Sam and Bucky, went a little bit past her, then waited for her to get the hint. She hadn't done much real playing with other dragons, but chasing - or being chased - sounded fun.

"Some worlds have, uh, different versions of us. Like, actual Avengers and everything. Things don't quite line up, but they're still similar - apparently there's a version of me that can. Uh. Talk to birds." Which he thought was a pretty interesting power, but didn't exactly rank high on the cool and flashy scale. "And there are people from those other worlds here."
camoqueen: (feeling blue)

[personal profile] camoqueen 2016-11-30 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
I could definitely scare some humans. I've done it before - uh, not that I have to do much but walk by, really.

[ She examines her talons with a little 'hmm' sound. ]

Making everyone hate me isn't my idea of a good plan, though. So asking politely might be a better idea - if they even know anything.

[ Wait a sec. ]

What's "yakuza"?
wingedman: (64)

[personal profile] wingedman 2016-11-30 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
"I can fight with a knife or bare-handed, but I'm better with guns." Which, if he was from a world that commonly used swords, they probably didn't have. "They're kinda like crossbows, but with small projectiles."
tookforgranite: the best and to drink the wine. (My role at family functions is to look)

[personal profile] tookforgranite 2016-11-30 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sure people will warm up to you pretty quick around here if there's any left who're still scared.

[Glory's pretty nice, she can't imagine her being someone you'd need to be scared of outside of giving her a reason to scare you. Then again, that could just be her dragon bias talking...]

And the yakuza are clans. Criminal clans, specifically. Or organization if you prefer, but that's not my style. Though we don't do petty shit like thievery. What we do is a lot more legitimate and subtle than that. [For the most part.] But because it is, that's why we gotta know that kind of stuff. More than just persuasion tactics even, there's a lot a yakuza member needs to know. And especially if they're in positions like Fuyuhiko and I. Our old man's the head of the Kuzuryu clan, meaning he leads the entire family. We're not just sworn in members like a lot of people, we're blood related, and Fuyuhiko's gonna be the one to take over when he's dead.

[She pauses there, rubbing at her neck a little and giving it more thought.]

So it was more important for him to know it than it was for me, which is why I said he'd probably be better at it than me. But like he said, you're not gonna last long if you don't. Even though I'm blood related, I still have to be up to snuff.

[It's a tough environment, but she loves it. And she's very proud of it too. She's proud of all of it really, talking about it easily no matter what anyone overhearing might think. The younger sibling turns to her older sibling afterward, looking to him to see if there's anything he wants to add. After all, it'd probably be better hearing it from the heir than the heir's little sister in her opinion.]
Edited 2016-12-01 00:31 (UTC)
tookforgranite: Don't ask questions! (I said it's a motherfucking surprise!)

[personal profile] tookforgranite 2016-11-30 05:27 am (UTC)(link)
[Wow don't judge her you big chicken. But then again it's not like it isn't warranted.

But when no one steps out to admit to this - which she'd expect from the locals, with how encouraging they are about learning magic and how nice they are to the scions - Natsumi finds herself taking a step back, glancing at the skeleton as if she's only just now realized there's a walking, talking skeleton here.]


...h-holy shit.
lyrical_nightingale: (smileyyy)

some more than others herp de derp

[personal profile] lyrical_nightingale 2016-11-30 06:44 am (UTC)(link)
That's good to hear. They tend to be well-behaved for most part, thankfully. Isn't that right, partner? [Obsidian gives a cheery grin and hisses loudly, somehow voicing his contentment in a low and gravelly voice. Ruri gently bops his side with her boot and he noses it back]

Oh, forgive me. My name is Ruri Kurosaki. Nice to meet you, sir.
mithrarin: (whoa hold on)

[personal profile] mithrarin 2016-11-30 03:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's a bit difficult to spin." To put it mildly. "A knife would work better. Though around here, you might be better off learning something new..."

Dust couldn't imagine a gun being much more of a threat to him than a crossbow.
highstandards: (Default)

[personal profile] highstandards 2016-11-30 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[Another click with his beak, followed by a sharp caw. This griffin isn't only proud, he has delicate sensibilities.

Papyrus, on the other hand, seems pleased that the penny has dropped at last.]


Isn't it so much better that I'm me? I think talking to a magically controlled mascot would get boring eventually! Those things can only say so much.
mithrarin: (grr)

[personal profile] mithrarin 2016-11-30 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
The two Hunters swore and ducked back, lifting arms up to shield their faces. "Should have known a damned boneman would have tricks like that!"

The third Hunter might have had a comment about their failure to achieve, had Dust not tossed him about ten feet away.
hakanai: (Covered * Your fate)

[personal profile] hakanai 2016-11-30 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Tsubaki stops for a minute to watch the other dragons and squeaks, flapping her wing in excitement and encouragement. Isn't this an awesome game? Look at all the cool things dragons can do!]

Tōdō Takatora and Lady Oichi. [Yoshitsugu can feel Tsubaki's happiness, and it cannot help but affect him in its way. He hums, amused at her.] We are a family partially reunited, without our first Lord, Azai Nagamasa.

[There's no way of knowing if that's for the best or not. Not yet. Yoshitsugu does, however, has a fairly developed mental image of what kind of dragon would match with a soul as pure as Nagamasa's was.]

And we all come swept in by the flow from slightly different times ourselves, though both my Lady and myself knew death before we came here.
capital_asset: (Moeblob)

[personal profile] capital_asset 2016-11-30 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[Raidou can't help but look abashed.] It seemed to suit her.

[Toyotama-hime gives Obsidian a thoughtful look, then bobs her head and trills a friendly greeting. Raidou glances over at her.]

What do you think? Do you want to train as well?

[Again, she looks thoughtful, before trilling in a way Raidou has learned means 'yes.'] She does.

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