dragoncalled | Event Start: Renzu's Flock; Predator or Pray

Entry tags:

!event

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Unlike Papyrus, Fuyuhiko has never had magic until now, and he's not not excited to learn how to use it. Too much of a headache. So he's been doing his best to dodge the scholars as they move about through Upper Nuren in search of students. He has far better things to do.

Like gambling with the Beast Hunters. Which is where he was headed when he suddenly found himself assailed by an actual fucking skeleton before he even manages to make it halfway through Upper Nuren.

"Holy shit!" He takes a step backwards, clearly somewhat startled. Though whether that's because of Papyrus's appearance or his volume is hard to say. Talking skeletons. Now he's really seen it all. It takes a minute for Fuyuhiko to actually process the words themselves and, once he does, it only serves to bewilder him further.

"I-- what? No??"

Apparently this is actually happening. A skeleton is concerned with his skincare. A skeleton. As in a being that doesn't even HAVE skin. The irony of this will probably hit him fully later on, but right now he's too boggled to fully appreciate the hilarity of the situation.

Papyrus isn't the least bit bothered by Fuyuhiko's shocked reaction. He has realized by now that most humans, both of this world and others, have never seen a proper skeleton before, so it's only natural they'd be awestruck! He is, after all, a magnificent example of perfect skeleton-ness!

"No? Well, I'M GLAD!" He really is, even if it means he can't practice on Fuyuhiko. "You humans have soft, delicate exteriors, so it's good to know you take good care of yours!"

Really, he has beautiful skin! Papyrus wishes he had one too, smooth soft skin, he would draw really cool tattoos on it and rub it with the finest olive oil – what he was asking about again? Oh right, healing.

"Do you perhaps know of someone who isn't as careful?"

Oh thank god, he stopped yelling. That really wasn't making anything better. But it's true, Papyrus really is a pretty spectacular skeletal specimen. Fuyuhiko wishes he was that tall. Though...not if the trade-off is losing all his muscle and skin. He's kind of attached to though. He too, likes the idea of tattoos. Frankly, that's the best use of skin there is.

"Err...yeah, thanks?" What the heck is the proper response to 'it's good to know you take care of your soft, delicate exterior'? Fuyuhiko really isn't that sure. He kind of wants to object to being called delicate, but at the same time he knows it's true. Skin is notoriously flimsy.

"But uh...why do you want to know, exactly?"

He doesn't know anybody personally, but he does have a pretty good idea of where Papyrus might be able to find some injured people in general. Once he's sure that the skeleton isn't up to anything suspicious here.

"I've recently discovered that our new ability is 'healing light'", Papyrus explains proudly. To think he'll get to work with the sun merely a week after meeting it! How exciting! Our, he say, meaning him and the small blue dragon that climbed on his shoulder, where she looks at Fuyuhiko with open interest.

"I'd like to practice it, so I figured it'd be best to look for someone who needs help, so everyone wins!"

"Ah, right...magic." Fuyuhiko is unable to keep the slight look of distaste off his face when he says the word. It's been a little over a week since he arrived, and still he's having some issues accepting that particular reality of his situation. He's never been a fan of even fictional magic.

His gaze travels over to Papyrus's shoulder for a moment, resting on the little dragon perched there. This, at least, seems to cheer him somewhat. As much as he's not a fan of magic, he's always happy to see a dragon. Dragons are pretty much The Best. His own, unfortunately, is still a egg.

"Well, I can't say I know anybody particularly clumsy," not anyone here, at least. If his classmate Mikan was here, however... "But there are a lot of Beast Hunters hanging out at the port, and they're a pretty rowdy group. Granted, they don't like dragons, so they're probably not the best ones to practice on. But some of the townspeople get dragged into their fist fights, and they'd probably be more open to the idea of help from a dragon scion. Either way, you'll probably have better luck finding someone injured down there than you will up here."

The dragon's ears perk. The new person is looking at her! And he looks pleased!! She trills and puffs up, basking in what attention he gives her. When Fuyuhiko addresses her scion again, she starts flapping her budding, translucent wings to show them off.

Papyrus, meanwhile, looks just as pleased. "Ah, I've heard of those hunters, but I haven't met them yet! I'll be happy to assist anyone who got carried away with their fists – " the dragon keeps trilling, and Papyrus has to raise his voice again: "I'M SURE EVEN THE HUNTERS WILL GROW TO LIKE DRAGONS IF A SCION HELPED THEM – LOOK, CAN'T YOU SEE WE'RE TALKING?"

(She can, and she isn't pleased. They should keep giving HER attention instead!)

There's a stifled snerk of laughter from Fuyuhiko as Papyrus attempts to make himself heard over his his trilling dragon. Does he even realize that it's kind of his fault that she started making such a ruckus in the first place? Maybe. Does he care? No. Because this is genuinely entertaining to watch.

"Sure she can. Obviously, she's trying to join the conversation." More like trying to change the topic to herself but, you know, close enough. "I dunno about that, though. The hunters are pretty set in their ways. But you're not exactly wrong, either. They aren't gonna change their minds unless someone gives 'em a reason to."

"Exactly! Scions are a new thing here, so there's no better opportunity to change old ways – and I, the Great Papyrus, am willing to undertake this important mission! When I'm finished the hunters will surely say, "'oh, the dragons and their scions aren't as bad as we thought! In fact, they are amazing!'"

He touches a hand to his ribcage with pride – which the dragon promptly uses as a bridge, leaping from the boney elbow right at Fuyuhiko. Chuckling at her antics means he's ready to give her more attention! If he brought his dragon egg with him, Papyrus' dragon will find it and sniff it curiously.

"Well that's the ri-- woah!" Things Fuyuhiko was definitely not expecting: to have a dragon take a leap at him. Caught off-guard though he is, however, he manages to get his arms up just in time to catch her. Somewhat awkwardly, sure, but better than than a tragic fall to the ground.

"O-oi, give some warning before you go pullin' a move like that, huh?" But he gives the dragon an affectionate rub on the top of her head, almost like a little mini-noogie or hair tussle. So clearly that means he's not all that mad. "You might not get caught next time."

Unfortunately, his egg is safely back at home in its blanket nest. Because going to a bar where fights are liable to break out is not the safest environment for a dragon egg. Not when the only thing Fuyuhiko has to keep it in is his pocket. So, instead, the little dragon is just going to have to make do with sniffing Fuyuhiko for now.

The dragon's blue scales are surprisingly soft to touch. She leans into his hand with a happy squawk, then starts sniffing him, making confused little sounds when she traces the egg scent. It smells like another dragon, but they're nowhere to be found!

"She's not very good at warnings," Papyrus says, watching Helvetica's little display with mixed feelings. He's glad she's so confident and that she's met with friendly reactions, but she really needs to learn some discipline! "Or listening, for that matter."

He tries to pry her gently from Fuyuhiko's arm, with little success.

"…shoot. Human, are you by any chance heading to port? She seems… quite fond of you."

"So I see..." He guesses it can be excused...since she's a baby and all. She'll get better at the listening thing when she's a little older, right? That's how this works?

God, he hopes this is how it works. But it's not like he can really say one way or the other, considering he's still the proud parent of an unhatched egg. He gives her a confused look in response to the confused noises. Sorry, he doesn't speak dragon so he's not sure what your problem is, little lady! He even asks her 'what?' a few times, while gently brushing her soft scales with his fingertips. Though, obviously, he doesn't expect an answer.

"Heh, lucky for you, that's exactly where I was headed. And it's not 'human', it's Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko."

"It's very nice to meet you, Kuzuryu! I'm Papyrus, as you already know, and this is Helvetica." The dragon's finny ears perk at the mention of her name and she squawks as if to confirm it.

"Now, let us go to the port together and embark on this highly important delegation of interspecies, interdimensional bonding!"

"Alright then." Fuyuhiko nods, shoving his hands into his pockets as he starts walking in the direction of the docks. Though after walking only a few feet, he has to ask:

"What's your deal then, anyway? You're too small and too cheerful to be a gashadokuro." Plus, his ears aren't ringing. Or, well, they aren't now that Papyrus has stopped yelling, anyway. "You come from a world of skeletons or something?"

"I'm certainly not a gashadokuro, mostly because I don't know who they are." Big grumpy skeletons, perhaps?

"I'm a monster! There are a lot of us, and we vary. Skeleton monsters such as myself are rather uncommon - woefully so, I dare say! If only there was a WORLD full of them!" Sans is the only other one he knows, after all. For a moments Papyrus gets lost in thoughts about more skeletons, wearing matching outfits to show that they're BROS, rattling their bones as they go about their business… what were they talking about again? Oh, right.

"But, I'd say my world mostly belongs to humans. Us monsters have been trapped underground for a long time."

"It's a big ass skeleton youkai." He reaches up to scritch the top of Helvetica's head as they walk before continuing. "Err...which are types of spirits and supernatural creatures where I'm from. I guess you could call them monsters, but they don't actually exist in my world. They're just stories you tell to scare kids and the gullible. Anyway, a gashadokuro is a skeleton made up of the bones of people who starved to death. They wander around at night, biting off the heads of lone travelers and drinking their blood."

So...big, grumpy skeletons isn't too far off the mark, really. Though, hey, at least Fuyuhiko can tell that Papyrus isn't the kind of skeleton who would enjoy something like blood sucking or decapitation. He continues scratching the top of Helvetica's head, still making is way towards the docks.

"Or that's how the legends go, anyway. So humans are the ones that trapped you all underground, then?"

Helvetica rubs her head against Fuyuhiko's hand, trilling happily and coiling her tail around his arm.

"Those certainly sound like children's stories! I'd even say they're too unrealistic to properly scare anyone!" Papyrus scoffs a little, amused. Biting people's heads off? Bones that come from HUMANS? Ridiculous!

"Yes, there was a big war between monsters and humans, and the humans sealed us under a barrier. And only humans can break it."

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Event Start: Renzu's Flock; Predator or Pray

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sorry for the delay!

you're fine! i'm chill with backtags and i had family over the weekend anyway

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