Event Start: Renzu's Flock; Predator or Pray

[greatbeasts]

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.

Comments

Sync the Tempest | Open, will match format

[fifthreplacement]

[A. Beast Hunter stories]

The sudden flurry of activity in the outer section of the city doesn't go unnoticed by him. Sync is drawn in by the newcomers, not caring for the scorn shown towards him or his dragon. Hearing the stories being told (and accepting that it was entirely likely that they weren't all true), he takes the time to engage a few of the hunters in their storytelling, curious about the outside world. He's planning to explore this world soon, after all. He'll take what he can get.

Inbetween talks, he keeps out of the way, watching the hunters with curiosity and letting Gale rest on his shoulder, the dragon attempting to hide against his neck. "I know you don't like them, but you're going to have to deal for awhile," he comments to her, not caring if anyone overhears. "It's the best chance we've got of learning what the lands outside the walls are like before going out there ourselves."

[B. Beast Hunter fights]

Of course, with the Hunters being so openly scornful of the Scions, it's only so long before one of them makes the mistake of directing his attention towards Gale, sneering and calling her a tiny weakling. Now, Sync could ignore them trying to rile him up, because he really didn't care what anyone thought of him. People having a go at Gale though, that kind of pissed him off. She was only young, and she was his. No one got to talk about her like that.

"Take that back, before I make you," the teen says softly, on his feet and shifting just enough to be better braced, hands curling into fists. Unarmed he may be, but by the look of it, he really doesn't care. The Hunter he's ticked at just grinned nastily at him. There was probably a few seconds until an all out brawl, unless someone else interferred.

[C. Scholars of Renzu]

Classes are not his thing. They involve people, and people are something he'd rather not have to deal with in large numbers. But when the scholars show up in Upper Nuren, Sync drifts among the magical displays, a little curious despite himself.

Gale herself is very curious, to the point the little green hatchling is galloping ahead of him, weaving around people and using her wings as forelegs to make herself run faster. Sync just sighs as she risks tripping people up. Apologies if you end up being one of them.

Eventually they stop near someone who is showing off Wind magic, and Gale pads over to sit near the man's feet to watch and try to copy him. Sync just rolls his eyes some at her enthusiasm, folding his arms across his chest as he watches from a short distance away. "Magic. Bad enough being in a new place, but now having to work out a new system like this?" he mutters to himself.

[D. Griffins and Griffinlings]

Being a little over a month old (or half a month, as Sync would say), Gale was beginning to get a feel for using her wings as more than make-shift forelegs. Seeing the magical creatures around, she's more than willing to run and play with the youngsters, chirping happily.

It's the adults though that she's most curious about, and currently having the most fun with. As the create wind gusts that lift her off the ground, she attempts to fly on them, clearly enjoying herself. Sync just watches with curiosity, staying a small distance away from the pair. He's seen some of the other griffins lifting people into the air, either on their backs or on the wind, and he's finding himself almost tempted...

[E. Wildcard]

Sync will be all around the place during this, so feel free to run into him wherever!

B

[thetenthstorm]

Honestly, a brawl wouldn't be so bad, and he hates fighting. But he's seen enough of these Beast Hunters tossing their unveiled comments of disgust at Scions and citizens alike, and frankly, he's tired of it, even though he escapes most of it directed at himself, his dragon still unhatched, and the egg hidden from view in a satchel strapped to his back.

(That egg and satchel have been handed off to a citizen he's done business with before and trusts. "Guard this with your life." He'd rather not let it go, but taking it into a potential scuffle is a Bad Idea. He keeps an occasion eye on the citizen.)

The Doctor's got nothing to help the teen out--no weapon, no dragon, and the thought of using magic still makes him wary. But he's got words, and he can provide a distraction if the teen really wants to go at it.

So he steps in, striding on the edge of the pair, hands casually in the pockets of his new vest.

"Better be careful," he says to the Hunter, then nods to Sync, "this one's awfully dangerous. Wouldn't want you to get yourself hurt before you finish all your trading, hm?" It's a lie, of course. He's never met the teen. Doesn't know anything about him. He hopes intimidation will be enough. "Why don't you run along, before you continue to attract other scions?"

[fifthreplacement]

The Doctor gets a glance from the corner of his eye, not wanting to fully take his attention off the Hunter he's fully planning to beat the stuffing out of. Sync doesn't recognise the man, but he does recognise what he's doing, and it makes him smirk a little. Ironic that it was so true.

The Hunter eyes the Doctor, then Sync, before snorting in disbelief. "I've fought more dangerous than a half-pint like him. One cocky kid isn't going to hurt me." He moves a little closer, sneering.

Sync doesn't really reply to the words, because he really doesn't care for the quip at his height. He may only be 5'3", but he was confident in his skills. The only thing he does do is lift a hand to his shoulder and coax his dragon onto it, putting her on the ground. Gale chitters her dislike of the whole situation, and skitters over to where the Doctor is. "Last chance. Take it back," the teen comments once he's sure Gale is out of harm's way.

[thetenthstorm]

Sounds like the cocky one in this is the Hunter, not the kid.

The Doctor crouches down to look at Gale with a small smile. "I don't like this either," he murmurs at it, "but we can't sit back right now." And all his usual tricks... won't work here. He sighs and looks back up at the tense situation, wondering who will break first, and hoping that Sync can actually hold his own. Unlike the Beast Hunter, the Doctor isn't one to judge by appearance.

He remains crouched down, guarding over Sync's dragon.

All he can hope now is that this won't get too messy, because he's probably going to be the one cleaning up for the citizens, given that he didn't discourage this fight.

[fifthreplacement]

The tension finally snaps as Sync's patience wears out, darting forwards and lashing out at the Hunter. It's almost an unfair fight; for all the Hunter is used to fist fighting in brawls, Sync is a master at this kind of fighting, and it shows. The Hunter is also not at all prepared for how damn fast he is, and is quickly on the defensive. At least he's not having to content with magic. A couple of chairs end up getting knocked about, but Sync at least is trying to avoid the obstacles.

Gale sighs unhappily and sits by the Doctor's feet, watching the fight with some interest for all she doesn't want Sync to be hurt. He takes a few hits, but even the unhanded fighting doesn't bother him too much. The fight ends almost abruptly as Sync abuses his smaller size to throw the Hunter right out the door of the tavern. "If you know what's good for you, you'll stay out there!" he yells, sneering some.

[thetenthstorm]

Impressive.

He disapproves, but it's impressive nonetheless. There's scorn in his eyes following the back of the Hunter until silence takes over from where there had been noise of the fight. He says nothing to Sync, carefully stepping around Gale as he moves to right the knocked around chairs. He retrieves his blue egg and returns it to the satchel on his back.

Only then, he faces the boy.

"I'd prefer not to condone fighting," he says, finally addressing Sync. "But they've been rude ever since they arrived. It's a wonder what they've been like to these people here before scions were around." It makes him queasy thinking about it.

[fifthreplacement]

Gale follows the Doctor around for the moment, keeping out of his way. It's only when he returns to talk to Sync, and Sync himself is sure the Hunter is not coming back for round two, that she goes to her Scion.

Sync kneels down for a second to pick her up, letting the dragon climb onto his shoulder and perch there as he stands back upright and looks to the Doctor. "Sometimes a person needs to be taught a lesson," he replies carelessly. He does love a good fight, but give him something challenging any day. That had hardly been a warm up. "People like them probably don't change though. The locals seem to stay out of their way for the most part, from what I've noticed."

[thetenthstorm]

"You're going to get yourself in a lot of trouble if you think that way about every situation," the Doctor tell him sternly. "The phrase 'fighting does solve everything' gets used all the time, but that doesn't make it wrong."

Probably not something Sync wants to hear, but it needs to be said.

"You have to be careful--for both your sake and your dragon's." He thinks that last part might be what matters most.

[fifthreplacement]

He laughs at that. The fact that someone was telling him that...it was funny.

"I don't think that way about every situation, you may be surprised to know," Sync replies, a small smirk on his face. "I watch a situation, I plan for it, and I react in whatever way will benefit me the most. That one, I knew I had no need to worry about it." He lifts a hand to stroke Gale's muzzle gently, making her croon happily. "But I know there's value in waiting, in retreating, even if I hate it. I'm not weak. I can take care of myself, and her. But that doesn't mean it's the best course of action to take."

While he's obviously a very competent fighter who enjoys it, Sync is also a master tactician. He was made to be the general he used to be. To fight, to retreat, to pick what to do - he knows. He hates it a lot, because he is not weak. But sometimes, the right thing to do was nothing at all. Just not this time.

[thetenthstorm]

"Oh. Well." He's used to people arguing with him about this sort of thing. It's weird to be in agreement. "That's good."

He looks around him. Everything seems tidied up again.

"I'm glad you were able to handle yourself," he says eventually. "That could've gotten messy."

B

[camoqueen]

Glory has made it a habit to avoid the Hunters. Mostly because most of them look at her like they're trying to figure out how much money her scales might be worth. Still, she's not going to let a bunch of scavengers keep her from moving around the city like she wants. So she's just within earshot when the erstwhile fight breaks out. She pauses for a moment, scales rippling with irritation and then settling into a pitch perfect imitation of the street around her. There's a faint ripple to show where she's moving - and then she fades 'back' into existence behind Sync. Glory bares her teeth in a growl - and considering her size, it's a large-ish growl.

"You heard him. Apologize."

[fifthreplacement]

While Sync doesn't flinch at the growl behind him, Gale does, squeaking her surprise and twisting around, before recognising Glory and letting out a happy trill.

The Hunter, having been prepared to take on the smaller teen, was not prepared for the much larger dragon suddenly appearing. He doesn't really want to back down and seem weak with the other Hunters around. "What, you're that weak that you have to rely on having a big dragon around to back you up?" he taunts, attention on Sync still.

The replica doesn't rise to the bait, still glaring at the Hunter and waiting. Either they'd apologise, or he'd beat the crap out of them. Simple. "I'm waiting."

[camoqueen]

"No, you're stupid for not realizing that he might have backup," Glory shoots back over Sync's head. She recognizes that tone - the tone of someone who doesn't want to admit they're in over their head. Someone who is happy to pick on someone they think they can hurt or push around, but is much less happy when the tables are turned.

"Now apologize. Or I'm going to eat you."

[fifthreplacement]

"Don't eat him, he'd probably upset your stomach," Sync comments over his shoulder.

The Hunter almost growls in anger at the taunt, but really isn't stupid enough to take on a full grown dragon. "Eh whatever. You're lucky you've got that beast with you. Next time..." He turns and stalks off, not at all pleased.

Sync is tempted to follow and pound the crap out of him anyway, especially since he hadn't apologised yet, but with Gale still clinging to him, he doesn't, changing his focus to calming the little dragon down. "It's alright, Gale..."

[camoqueen]

"Fuh, he wouldn't even make a decent snack," Glory retorts, glaring after the Hunter and his friends as they take off. Part of her is glad she can understand what they're saying about her - about dragons. Another part wishes they'd stayed indecipherable squeaking noises. She lowers her head to glance at Sync.

"You and Gale OK?"

Glimmer has puffed herself up on top of Glory's head and is making little growly noises at the retreating Hunters.

[fifthreplacement]

"I'm fine. I've dealt with worse than him before." Sync wasn't bothered by someone like the Hunters, really. He just wasn't about to let anyone insult his dragon and get away with it.

Gale is very determinedly attempting to climb onto his head in a similar fashion to Glimmer, something that doesn't work quite as well now she's grown bigger. "Gale, stop, you're pulling my hair." She doesn't really care though, chittering angrily about the whole thing.

[camoqueen]

"See, this is why I don't have any - too easy to get claws stuck in it," Glory jokes in a reply. It's meant to defuse a bit of the tension, especially as she shoots one last glare after the departing Hunters. It's a terrible joke, but she makes it anyway. Glimmer scurries down from her shoulder and twines herself around Sync's legs in a friendly gesture - apparently she's warming up to him!

[fifthreplacement]

Terrible it may be, but it makes Sync snicker all the same. "I wasn't expecting to ever have that problem," he replies with an almost good-natured sigh, finally extracting Gale from his hair and coaxing her into perching on his shoulder instead. Glimmer gets a curious look, having not expected that, careful to stay still so he doesn't accidentally hurt her.

[camoqueen]

Glimmer squawks at him and then slinks back over and settles between Glory's forelegs. Glory protectively slides a talon around the smaller dragon, still looking a bit ruffled, with streaks of orange and red running over her scales.

"People like that - whether dragons or humans - don't like being humiliated," Glory mutters, "Make sre they don't try to get back at you, later."

b

[lullabytes]

[ she was just passing by, but...that sure is sync. that sure is sync about to get into a fight. she's not exactly concerned for sync, because she knows enough about his abilities to know he'll win without issue, but even so she actually jogs forward to reach his side, moving more quickly than her usual pace. landia dogs her heels, cautious about the hunters and feather-wings ruffled, as chiaki reaches out to put her right hand over sync's left. ]

...They really aren't worth your trouble, Sync.

[fifthreplacement]

I don't need you telling me what is worth my time or not.

[The words are harsh, only sparing Chiaki a glance because he's not about to take his eyes off the Hunter. While he's grown used to Chiaki showing up and seemingly caring about him, he's not about to accept it when he's angry. The Hunter says nothing else, watching the two with some amusement, though why Sync can't work out.

Gale takes advantage of the contact though to crawl along Sync's arm and transfer herself over to Chiaki's shoulder, chittering unhappily]

[lullabytes]

Yeah, I know, but...Gale's upset, and those guys seem to want a fight. Isn't it letting them win if you let them get you mad? I know you'll win, but even so...

[ her free hand goes up to help steady gale on her shoulder, and she doesn't protest the change. if nothing else, at least she can keep gale out of the fight if sync ignores her request. ]

Let's go back to Upper Nuren for now.

[fifthreplacement]

[He's still unhappy about it, especially with the Hunter now jeering a little, but the mention of Gale finally gets him to back off]

Fine...

[Sync shoots the Hunter a glare, before he turns and walks away, still a little tense]

[lullabytes]

[ since she's still gale's perch, chiaki hurries after. not that she wouldn't anyway, but... ]

...I'll treat you guys to some frozen ice treats on the way home, okay?

[fifthreplacement]

[He slows once they're a short distance away, enough that Gale is confident leaping from Chiaki's shoulder back to Sync's. Her chittering almost sounds scolding, though Sync ignores it]

If you want. I don't need anything though.