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dragoncalled2016-11-14 08:09 pm
greatbeasts) wrote in 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. |
Dust | OTA, will match format
Skyship was eating like a pig again. This had its advantages, though -- after spending the day gulping down food like he'd never eaten before in his life, the young dragon fell into a slumber so deep Dust knew he wouldn't awaken till next morning. And thus, Dust felt no guilt in leaving him at home to sleep off the meal, as he drifted down to the docks to investigate the new arrivals.
Dust wasn't yet interested in going up and asking them question, not once he saw their boisterous attitudes and general rambunctiousness. That first night he was more worried about the other Scions -- some of whom were less worldly than he was, less able to defend themselves. So the Sen-Mithrarin kept to the side and watched, and listened. Just in case someone might be getting into trouble.
2.
Dust didn't approach the Hunters personally and directly until the next day... which proved to be a mistake. Because by then, he had Skyship with him once again.
The three Hunters he'd approached were keeping some poor wench busy running ale and mead out to them where they sat on the front porch of the inn, the better to call out mockery and denigration to the soft city residents that walked by. Maybe something in Dust's attitude or demeanor convinced them not to call him spineless or yellow-tailed, but the ambling dragon at his side caught their attention.
"I've seen bigger mountain lions," one commented, nudging his fellow in the side. "It's like a lizard that held its breath too long."
"Eh, whaddya think its hide would sell for?" the second said.
Dust went very still on his approach, though Sky -- who was worrying at a melon the way a dog might gnaw on a ball, except with more nutritional content -- paid no mind to the words. "We're here for answers. Not insults."
As calmly as he said it, Dust couldn't help but sounds intense and forceful; it was his nature. Three mugs hit the table at the same time as three Hunters got to their feet, chairs scraping on the wooden planks of the porch. "How about we take have your hide made into a ladies' coat, Scion?" the third sneered, drawling out the word to make it a mocking insult.
Dust slowly drew one foot back, lifting his hands slightly as he tightened his stance. "I'm not here to fight. And so long as you apologize to my dragon and answer my questions, this is going to end peacefully."
The three Hunters rounded their table and vaulted the porch railing, landing on its far side in slight crouches of their own. Apparently... they didn't want to apologize.
3.
A heavy thud, like some huge stone being dropped, shook the courtyard in Upper Nuren, followed by a frustrated snarl that was unlike any noise Skyship had made before now. The dragon stomped in place one or twice, then spread his wings wide and flapped them furiously, head straining for the sky as if he could push so hard with his neck muscles the rest of his body would have to follow.
The helpful griffling conjured up another blast of air to lift the dragon, and feeling it, Sky kicked off the ground. But all he managed was a leap of a few feet, unable to coordinate his wings and his legs, and back down he crashed with another heavy thud.
"Sky..." Dust stepped forward to put a hand on the dragon's shoulder as Sky keened in piteous frustration. "You'll get it. I promise. Somehow..."
2
They probably just need to get to know each other better. Threats and posturing are traditional, much deadly traps. Still, Papyrus can't help but think that he should return to Upper Nuren now, maybe they just aren't ready yet, he should let them think about it until tomorrow…
He's on his way back when the three hunters circled Dust and wow, that sure looks like a big misunderstanding. He should make things right before someone does something they regret!
"EXCUSE ME," he says helpfully, putting himself between Dust and the hunters, "I'M SURE YOU JUST WANTED TO MAKE YOUR APOLOGY EXTRA PERSONAL, BUT MIGHT I SUGGEST YOU SAY SOMETHING BEFORE YOU APPROACH?"
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The Hunters had a similar reaction, all of them taking a step back as this sudden, unexpected, completely-impossible-to-predict scenario took its turn. The trio glanced among themselves, trying to read each other's opinions without word, before the first one to speak lifted one fist. "Hey, I don't see what business it is of yours. How 'bout you get back in the boneyard where you belong and let men handle men business?"
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"If this is 'men business', then there shouldn't be a problem! From your wide eyes and dropped jaws, I assume you haven't met a skeleton before. Don't feel bad, most people here haven't! Anyway, I assure that I am a MAN SKELETON, and therefore extremely qualified to help you handle your business!"
That should clear things up, right?
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The three Hunters had apparently arrived at the obvious conclusions: (freaky) Scion stood with Scion. As the numbers shifted away from their outright favor, the Hunters quickly palmed daggers, or in the second one's case, a serrated short sword.
"Whatever you are, I wager steel'll cut you well enough"!
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"…I WOULD MUCH RATHER YOU DON'T WAGER THIS, OR ANY OTHER WAGER FOR THE MATTER. GAMBLING IS AN UNHEALTHY HABIT!"
Papyrus wasn't thrilled about taking his eye sockets off the hunters, but he glanced back at Dust. Maybe he would have a new insight about the situation…!
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"Eh, the bonehead's a saint, is he?"
"Yeah, gambling's not good for us!"
"How 'bout you go put on your habit and leave the brawling to the real men and not the ones tryin' to the title?"
sorry for the delay!
"If it's just a brawl you want, that can be arranged," he said, getting hopeful again. He was a bit worried when the hunters talked about making coats out of hides and cutting things, but a brawel was fine. Undyne was very keen on brawls. "Perhaps all you need is some workout to get the anger out of your system."
Undyne did that, too. Papyrus meant it sincerely, but that could easily sound mocking…
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The third Hunter might have had a comment about their failure to achieve, had Dust not tossed him about ten feet away.
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"I'm pretty sure that's physically impossible," he said. The man growled something in reply as he rose to his feet, but Papyrus didn't have time to wonder about THAT since one of the other hunters charged at him again and he had to prepare another attack.
"You might want to stand still for that - " It was a shame the human didn't listen. He was going to stumble either way when his body suddenly became heavier, but it didn't have to hurt.
"Hey," he called to Dust in something that was supposed to be a conspirative whisper but was actually a slightly quieter yell, "do you think they vented enough yet?"
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"Did we vent enough yet --?!" one Hunter began, at the top of his lungs, then promptly ground to a halt as Dust leveled his sword at him with a smoldering intensity that even they couldn't ignore.
The situation had changed. Three on one they might have figured they could take Dust, weapon or no. But with the skeleton and his freaky powers on the Scion's side, this wasn't a fun bar brawl any more. The three of them closed their ranks, retreating back a step.
"Get out of here," Dust said, barely louder than a whisper.
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"YES, PERHAPS IT'S BEST IF YOU LEAVE," he said in case the hunters didn't hear Dust, "WE DON'T ANYONE TO GET HURT, AFTER ALL."
One hunter spat on the ground before they all retreated, leaving some choice words as goodbye. If Papyrus had ears, they'd be ringing, but since he didn't he just watched and waved them goodbye.
"WELL. THAT COULD'VE GONE SMOOTHER, BUT I THINK IT WASN'T SO BAD, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED!"
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Still, satisfied that the Hunters had gone, Dust spun his sword into a reverse grip at his side. "Thanks for helping."
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He looked back. The hunters already disappeared down the street.
"It's a shame you didn't get your apology, but perhaps they'll seek you out when they cool off!" He could hope. "In any case, your dragon doesn't seem too upset."
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"I think he's fine," he said wryly.
2
"Three on one hardly seems fair," Sync comments, idly walking over and stopping a short distance away, his words directed at the Hunters. Gale peered around from her perch on his shoulder, a little unsure. "At least, not with how badly you lot seem to fight." He might not know Dust, but he knows someone in a combat stance like that probably knows what they're doing. Plus it's always kind of fun to goad people like the Hunters.
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The Hunters had no such qualms -- the leader spit a viscid glob onto the floor in contemptuous disdain. "We'll take you on with him, boy. Your pelt ain't valuable, but sometimes pleasure's the best coin."
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Her scion snickered at that. "I wouldn't argue that, but you'll be the ones finding out that you've picked the wrong place to have a brawl in." Sync is completely unarmed, and almost seems relaxed right now. But he's watching, in case one of the Hunters snapped and came at him.
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"Come on, you can do better than that, surely?" Sync was a shit of a child sometimes, especially when he's in a fight he knows he can win.
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"You can't win this fight," he said, quiet and fierce. "Just back away."