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

Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu | will match format

[impheired]

a. Roll them Bones (11/14-11/16)

[For the first time since he arrived, Fuyuhiko is actually feeling pretty okay about the fact that his egg is taking forever to hatch. He feels right at home with the Beast Hunters, having grown up in similar company, and he's not sure he'd enjoy it as much if they disliked him because of his dragon. Or worse, tried to hurt it.]

[So for the first few days after their arrival, the former heir spends a great deal of his time in the taverns, listening to the tales of the Hunters and asking with keen interest about the world beyond Nuren's walls. Occasionally, he might even be talked into sharing a story of his own, though they're pretty mundane in comparison. It's really hard to compete with slaying magical creatures when you're a normal human from a normal human world.]

[He also spends plenty of time taking part in their dice games. For someone who doesn't even look old enough to be in a bar in the first place, he's surprisingly good. But not all of the gold he wins actually leaves with him. Some of it is occasionally spent on drinks for his gambling companions (beast hunters and other scions alike), though he never once buys a drink for himself. It's clearly some sort of gesture of sportsmanship, meant to keep moods high and tempers low. Who knows, even you might find yourself on the receiving end of this gesture, if you've found yourself losing to Fuyuhiko a few times.]

[Or, you might catch him playing the part of the dealer, instead of the player. Because you know what game should definitely be on the gambling agenda? Cho-han. If that's not a game that already existed in Osaaru, it absolutely needs to and Fuyuhiko will teach anyone who's willing to learn.]

b. A Griffin of a Tale (11/14 or 11/15)

b-1: [While Fuyuhiko held little interest in the teachings of the scholars (or magic itself, for that matter), the lorekeepers are a different story entirely. As he's making his way back home after a day spent in the company of the Beast Hunters, he can't help but notice a small knot of people in one of Upper Nuren's squares. Curious, he makes a detour and hovers awkwardly near the edge of the crowd.]

[Unfortunately, the Lorekeeper is already more than halfway through his current tale of Renzu so Fuyuhiko is more than a little bit lost. Talk about shitty timing. He nudges the nearest Scion and leans in to whisper, so as not to cause too much of a disturbance:]

Oi, mind filling me in? The hell's goin' on here?

b-2: [Early the next evening, Fuyuhiko can be found sitting on a low stone wall in that very same square. Resting in his lap, beneath both hands, is a small, balled-up jet black blanket. It's impossible to tell what's inside the blanket for sure, but if you assume he's a scion, then it's probably not too hard to guess what it is. It would seem that today he aims to catch the storytelling session from the beginning, instead of catching it halfway through. And maybe he wanted a better seat, too.]

c. About Damn Time (11/17) CLOSED to housemates

c-1. (for Natsumi & Peko) [So, normally Fuyuhiko doesn't come home until late in the evening, but today is an exception. Because a certain SOMEONE decided it would be a great idea to start a bar brawl. Thanks, Natsumi. Thanks. While those aren't exactly uncommon with the Beast Hunters, this one had gotten pretty nasty and Fuyuhiko figured it was probably best to get out of dodge for a while till tempers cooled.]

[That, and he got a little scraped up in the process of protecting his sister. Again: thank you, Natsumi. So the two are back home before noon, Fuyuhiko grumbling all the way to his bedroom.]

Hope you enjoyed that, because that's definitely the last time you're going to a tavern. I knew I shouldn't have brought you...

[How did she even talk him into taking her, an underage girl, in the first pla-- oh right, he can't resist her sisterly charms. That's how.]

c-2. [Once Fuyuhiko's newly-hatched companion has been cleaned of all egg goop, the yakuza heads into the living area with his dragon wrapped up in a towel. Once there, he sets the little bundle down gently on the ground, where it promptly falls open to reveal a the wriggling white hatchling. Help help, he's fallen and he's too uncoordinated to get back up. Luckily, his scion is at least nice enough to help him get turned the right way. The two will stay there for a while, the dragon mostly flopping around on the towel and trying to get the hang of using his legs while Fuyuhiko watches (and occasionally laughs and gives the dragon a helpful nudge.)]

[Later on in the evening, the pair can be found in the kitchen. Fuyuhiko has arranged some fruit, vegetables, and meat on the counter and is attempting to determine exactly what his dragon eats. By...lifting up said dragon and setting him down on the counter in front of the food. This is definitely the best way to find the answer to this question. Definitely.]

d. wildcard

[If you have something else in mind, hit me with it. Fuyuhiko will be out and about for most of the event, save for on the 18th when his egg hatches. He'll stick mostly to Outer Nuren before then, and strictly to Upper Nuren afterwards.]

c-1 of course

[tookforgranite]

Aw come on...don't tell me you didn't have fun!

[Natsumi's grinning broadly as she follows, clearly having enjoyed the fight. Even if he's saying he's never taking her back (because she's sure if she plays her cards right, she could totally get him to change her mind on that.)]

It was just like home! Plus you were so cool back there, oniichan, protecting me like that.

[impheired]

[No way, he's putting his foot down this time! No more taverns for you, missy. Not till you're old enough.]

I'd be having more fun if I was still back at the tavern. [Grump grump. He's just going to head into his cavern so that he can get to his bathroom and wash up. Because that's all he needs. Just a little water over the grime and scrapes. He definitely doesn't need actual tending to over something like this.] I mean, shit, what am I gonna do for the rest of the day now? Go stare at my egg till it does a trick?

[WHY HAS IT STILL NOT HATCHED YET?]

[tookforgranite]

[And she still follows right after him, hands moving to one of his arms halfway to the bathroom.]

You say that like it'd be impossible to find something to do. Aren't we the best at killing boredom?

[Well it's...probably more like Natsumi decides on what to do and just drags Fuyuhiko along with her but you know. Same thing.]

[impheired]

[Going right for the kill there with that arm cling, isn't she? Lil shit...don't think acting cute is going to get you out of trouble!]

Tch...dunno if I'd say best but I guess we don't suck at it. [You really need to meet some of his rowdier classmates, Natsumi.]

[He shakes her off his arm once they're in the bathroom, rolling up his sleeves and reaching for a washcloth. Just gonna wet this sucker down and clean up these scrapes, yup. No biggie.]

[tookforgranite]

[Of course she is. And just you wait, she'll totally get herself out of trouble.]

Hmph! I think we're absolutely the best! Between the two of us, boredom doesn't stand a chance!

[Okay so maybe he has rowdier classmates, but is anything they do nearly as fun as the stuff you and your sister do together, Fuyuhiko?]

If you're really worried about it, I'll start writing up a schedule for the rest of our day. There's lots of things to check out in Lower Nuren that I haven't seen yet, and lots around in Upper Nuren too. It'd be fun to go see it together with you oniichan. We could go get something to eat too.

[While he starts washing those scrapes off, she'll start glancing around for some bandages or antiseptic or anything like that. Do they even have that kind of stuff nowadays? Or is that another thing they just use magic for...]

I'll even pay, if you want! You're my hero after all, it'll be the least I can do~

[impheired]

[There's probably bandages somewhere around here, but Fuyuhiko definitely doesn't keep any in his bathroom. Because he is a Big, Tough Man who don't need no band-aids.]

[Sorry, Natsumi, you're going to have to look elsewhere if you rally want to bandage your brother up.]

Hey, shouldn't we be doing the stuff I want to do? Paying for lunch is a start, but you're the one who's gotta make up for their mistake here, not me.

[tookforgranite]

We can do the stuff you want to do, but you were just saying "what am I gonna do now"! I figured if I asked, you'd just be stubborn and tell me nothing.

[Dammit oniichan! You need band-aids once in a while!! Ugh she'll have to go find some...]

But okay oniichan, what do you wanna do?

[impheired]

[...shit. She's right, that basically would have been his answer. He only complained because it's the principle of the thing.]

Uh... [Crap crap crap, think of something! Quick! ] Well, if those storytellers are out again, I want to go listen to them for a bit. You know, those ones I told you about the other night.

[tookforgranite]

[Ugh, the storytellers...but that's all boring stuff! But she already said she'd do stuff with him and she really does want to make it up to him (so he'll take her there again).]

Okaayy...but...they're usually just out later in the day right? What about until then?

[Please pick something fun Fuyuhiko.]

[impheired]

Uh...

[Crap.]

I-I'll figure something out. Just let me finish cleaning up, then we can go walk around till we find something.

[Yeah, Natsumi's gonna end up picking.]

b-2

[petrifiedshadow]

[Starflight had been enthralled by the scholars and lore keepers since they first showed up, and had been frequenting their lessons as often as he could. He had even memorized the way from the dens to one of the main courtyards so he wouldn't have to ask for directions every time.

He walked into the courtyard, dark gray bandages covering his eyes and a strip of bright white scales around his neck. His own hatchling dragon had made a habit of looping her long body around his neck like a living necklace. Sniffing the air, he frowned, tongue flicking out like a snake. It didn't smell like there were many scavengers here.]

I didn't miss the lesson, did I?

[impheired]

[The voice pulls Fuyuhiko's attention away from the egg in his lap, though he's a little surprised to see that the owner is a dragon when he looks up. But not as surprised as he could be. This must be one of Glory's friends. Or, at least, a dragon from the same world.]

Nah, the opposite. You're early. [A beat, as it suddenly dawns on him that he doesn't actually KNOW what the regular time for these little story sessions are. Or if they're even having another one today.] Err...I think you are, anyway. Now that I think about it, I'm actually not sure if there's a schedule for these things or not. I caught one yesterday partway through so I just came out earlier today, figuring I'd catch it from the start that way.

I am SO Sorry for the delay.

[petrifiedshadow]

[Starflight nodded in understanding, taking a seat nearby. He reached up and gently pried his dragonet from around his neck. She protested with a lot of squirming and chirping before finally settling into place between his claws.]

I actually asked about the schedule the other day, but it hasn't really helped much. It's a little difficult for me to tell the time...I haven't really...figured out how to do it yet.

[He looked away awkwardly. He wasn't very comfortable talking about the numerous shortcomings that had come with losing his sight. ]

it's all good! i'm fine with backtags

[impheired]

[Fuyuhiko watches the smaller dragon curiously as she squirms and eventually settles herself. Cute. Why are all these baby dragons so cute this place is illegal.]

Ah... [Fuyuhiko was a little bit curious as to why he was wearing bandages, but that pretty much confirms his suspicions right there. If he can't tell time, he must be blind. Perhaps recently, if he needs to wrap a bandage around his eyes like that. But he's not about to ask.] Yeah, I can imagine it'd be hard to tell if you can't see. They need something like a clock tower up here. That'd help everybody out. You can't always see the sky in those caves either.

[petrifiedshadow]

That's true about the caves. The cave I grew up in only had one place where you could see the sky, so other than the schedule the Talon's of Peace set for us, you wouldn't know unless you were in that one section.

[ He tilted his head towards the other scion, clearly interested in his suggestion. ]

But what's a clock tower? How would that help.

a

[fifthreplacement]

[Sync's been around the taverns a lot himself, mostly listening to the stories or telling a few tales of Auldrant when prompted. He's also been in a few fights by now, resulting a few of the Hunters giving him a respectful look when he passes and not bothering him.

The dicing is all luck rather than skill, so for the most part he's not really interested in it. But seeing the other Scion almost teaching a game, he watches idly. A simple game, but still one that was dependent on luck. Sync never really trusted his luck that much. Gale, his dragon, is much more interested, mostly because of the rattling cups. She climbs down from his shoulder and goes to sit next to the strange Scion, watching what he was doing with curiosity, making her Scion sigh]

Gale, leave him alone...

[impheired]

[Fuyuhiko is so focused on the game that he doesn't notice the scaly newcomer at first. The same cannot be said of the Beast Hunters he's playing with, who very quickly excuse themselves from the table to go elsewhere because ew, dragons.]

Hm? [And that's when Fuyuhiko finally looks down to his side. Oh. Well, hello, how long have you been there, huh? Noticing her curious expression, he holds the cup up in front of her and rattles it experimentally. Is this what you were looking at, huh? His attention is only pulled away from Gale when her scion speaks up, and Fuyuhiko can't help but chuckle a little, waving a hand dismissively.]

It's alright, he's not causing any trouble.

[As much as the Beast Hunters remind him of his yakuza family, he actually LIKES dragons. And he could use a little break from dealing, anyway.]

[fifthreplacement]

[Gale was very much looking at that, and makes an excited sound at the rattling cup, flapping her wings a little]

For now. [Sync half expects it to change, though Gale is usually pretty good about things. With the Hunters gone, he approaches a little, attempting to coax the dragon back over to him (Gale is having none of it)] She's too curious about everything for her own good.

[impheired]

[Fuyuhiko continues to gently rattle the cup at the dragon, just loudly enough for her to hear to clinking dice, but not so loudly that Sync needs to raise his voice to be heard over it. As much as he wants to entertain the dragon, he IS trying to have a conversation.]

Heh, can't really blame her for being curious though, I mean...what kid isn't? How else is she gonna learn if she doesn't investigate shit? [Rattle, rattle, ratt-- wait. Fuyuhiko suddenly stops shaking the cup, looking up at Sync and quirking a brow.] Oi...what'd you say her name was?

[He'd only been halfway listening at the time, but now that he thinks about it...he's pretty sure he's heard the name "Gale" before. Assuming that's actually what Sync said. Maybe Fuyuhiko had misheard. Maybe he said "Hail".]

[fifthreplacement]

I suppose so, but it wouldn't hurt her to learn a little bit of discipline and restraint.

[Sync doesn't really seem all that bothered by her lack of it, despite his words. He's fairly sure that if it was really needed due to a truly bad situation, Gale would listen to him.

When the cup stops rattling, Gale head-tilts at it, making a curious sound, before trying to stretch herself up to peer inside it. She hadn't quite connected that the dice was what was making it rattle and wanted to find out]

Her name's Gale. Figured it'd be an alright name for a wind element dragon. [A little awkward, but he was still content with the name he'd come up with]

[impheired]

[He tilts the cup down a little so that Gale will have an easier time looking inside, giving it another soft rattle as he does so.]

I see, I guess that's pretty fitting. [Predictable, sure, but simple and straight to the point. The dragon's name isn't what he was most curious about, however.] Your name wouldn't happen to be Sync then, would it?

[fifthreplacement]

[So that's what's making it rattle! Gale lets out a happy croon at figuring it out, bopping her head like a happy bird at the rattling]

Yeah, that'd be me. [He gives Fuyuhiko a curious look] Who told you?

[impheired]

[Fuyuhiko can't help but chuckle a little, reaching over to scratch the dragon's head. You did it. Way to go! You solved the mystery of the rattling cup.]

Nanami Chiaki. She's a former classmate of mine from back home. [He sets the cup down on the table, turning to face Sync more head-on and inclining his head in a short, stiff bow.] I'd like to thank you for helping her out while she was here alone that first month.

[fifthreplacement]

[Gale approves of head scratches, all the pleased with herself]

Ah, Chiaki... [The bow is strange, but the thanks is probably what throws him off the most. Sync is not used to people actually thanking him, looking surprised] You don't have to thank me. Pretty sure she tried to help me more than I did her.