Exalted - Mirage, a tale of things found in the desert
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							<h1 class="p-title-value">Exalted - Mirage, a tale of things found in the desert
	
	

	

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					<div class="bbWrapper">System:<br>
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Exalted Third Edition<br>
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Storyteller:<br>
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<br>
Zironic<br>
<br>
<br>
Players:<br>
<br>
<br>
Espilon / Ohan Achieng<br>
<br>
<br>
Ennui / Quiet Falling Rain<br>
<br>
<br>
Foolish / Hazim Nasir al'Din</div>
				
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			<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">It appears to be a nice day as Rain [Twilight], Achieng [Dawn] and Hazim [Zenith] travels the poorly maintained road that connects the Southern Harborhead Mountains to the lucrative Chiaroscuro trade route. Tribal raids have made this area unpopular among enterprising prospectors ever since the Realm Garrisons started to withdraw, leaving former trade hubs as ghost towns and the villages at the mercy of local warlords.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain tightens the wrap around his face, looking up at the sun for a moment until it is too bright to bear. He spares a glance for his traveling companions, a welcome if unlikely pair. Well, Hazim anyways. Rain couldn't help but looking in Achieng's direction. But whether it was for appraising the woman or the spear, it was hard to say.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng takes no notice of Rain's roaming eyes, instead keeping her own gaze on the horizon. This is not a safe place in the best of times, and though she heartily approves of the hardships that are afflicting the Realm since the disappearance of the Empress, they have also made banditry more rampant towards the native people of the Threshold.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim himself was busy whistling a jovial-sound tune, it sounded almost like a temple tune, but it was…odd, sounding like none of the Immaculate songs. He looked relaxed, his sleeveless protective jacket open, revealing his white undershirt, and was simply content with letting the world pass by. It seemed odd that he had no weapons, but as the pair of cestus he wore proved, he had need for a weapon, because his body was one.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain furrows his brow, before kicking a rock off to the side of the road. "I should know that sound," he says to Hazim. "But I do not." He glances at Achieng but not getting an immediate response continues, "It's nice though. I wish I could sing," he adds half-heartedly.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Anyone can sing," Achieng opens without taking her eyes off the road, "most people are just terrible at it. Many terrible singers singing together can still be good, though."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim simply smiles, "It is a half-remembered song, I do not even know the words.” He hums after a little pause, tapping his chin, “Though I wonder if many terrible singers can sing a song without words…it will be something to think on at least.”<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "They can hum," Achieng says doubtfully, "not sure if that is what you mean."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Exactly", Rain says, smiling behind his wrap. "That's even easier, no words to screw up. They probably weren't very good ones anyways."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: “Honestly, it made more sense as I thought about it…” came the somewhat embarrassed reply. "Before saying the words that is."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng shrugs, "it makes plenty of sense. Music is important."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Oh!" I didn't mean you, Rain says, a bit embarrassed himself. "No, I just meant that there's a lot of bad writers out there. I...nevermind that then. You see anything out there Achieng? Looks pretty quiet."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim stays quiet, thinking on Achieng's words with a thoughtful frown.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "I'm not, it is quiet for now."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain let his hands brush by the hammer at his side as he walks, "Good. So...." he begins slowly, "Was anyone else as caught off guard as I was? I mean, I really thought I was going to die and then BAM," he says loudly, the echo getting lost in the emptiness about them., "I'm glowing and more alive than I've ever felt."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "It is not something anyone is ready for."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim ‘s face shifts into a blank one for a brief moment and the moment passes, “I had no time to think on it, or feel, it was a…chaotic moment, to say the least.”<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "His voice though...it was something else."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Voice?" Achieng asks with some puzzlement.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "I'm sorry his what?" Rain says in unison with Achieng, eyeing Hazim more seriously.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim blinked at the two, stopping for a second before continuing, "The Sun's, did he not speak to the both of you?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain shakes his head, looking a little put out. "Not at all, it took me a good hour once I had calmed down to figure out what happened."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "No."<br>
<br>
<br>
As the group travels onward they come across what once was an imperial road marker, the proud banner of the Realm, emblazoned with the seal of Cathak having been torn to shreds. The top of the pole has been carved in the likeness of an eagle that Falling Rain recognises as belonging to one of the more powerful tribes in the region. More macabre, the nameplate intended to direct travellers to the nearest village is covered by one of those very tribesmen, his bare chest nailed to the road marker with a sword of dark glass.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng frowns heavily at this new sight.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "This was ill done."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim 's face was scrunched up in a frown, "...huh." Something to think on? He quickly shook his head, but his reply was quickly stopped by the sight, "What on Creation...?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain stops up short, and shakes his head. "Barbarism," he says sadly. "It's a shame, isn't it?" he asks the other two. "A hardscrabble existence in a difficult world. Some fall to manacle, others to the sword. Frankly I know which I'd prefer." He walks up and pulls the sword out of the signpost, albeit with a little difficulty. Turning back to the other two, "I don't know about you two, but I'm going to show the people who did this how to act like civilized adults."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "'Civilization' and 'barbarism' are words the Realm throws around like they means anything."<br>
<br>
<br>
No longer held up by the sword, the body falls to the ground with a soft thud and a small cloud of dust. The damaged marker reads 'Summers Home, 5km'<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "But you are right that we should stop whoever did this what proper respectful behavior is."<br>
<br>
<br>
"The sword troubles me, though, who can afford to waste a glass sword like this?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain shrugs, "Let's find who it belongs to and ask." He pointedly leaves the bit about the Realm for later.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim was simply looking at the post, his face a complicated mix of emotion. His left cestus creaked dangerously as he tightened it into a fist. He turned his attention to fallen body and then the others, “We are agreed then?”<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Yes." Achieng glances at the other two, "I concern myself rather more with the living than the dead, but leaving him lying on the ground like this is not the most respectful course of action."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim steps forward, "Allow me." Kneeling to the ground, he simply touched the corpse and exhaled, sending his essence into the body, "Be at peace."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain 's eyebrows go up a bit, but he is otherwise silent at the reverent moment.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: After a few moments Rain looks down the road, "Summers Home, he says to himself. "Sounds nice enough, I wonder what they've done with the place. Then again," he says glancing back "It's probably the same thing everyone else like this does."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: While Hazim pours Essence into the man's corpse, Achieng studies his features, trying to identify which of the Peoples he belonged to.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: The essence flowed into the cool body and in that instant it ignited the lingering spirit within it, bringing life back to the corpse and for but a moment, the body, suffused in a golden glow looked like as it was when it was alive. The glow have way to golden flames that slowly ate away at his body and in that sacred fire, Hazim saw images of that which the once living man treasured above all else, warriors of his tribe all smiling at him proudly, and soon it flashed by and all that was left was the spirit of the man, at peace and bowing respectfully as he vanished, with the flames.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim stands, breathing deeply to control his emotions, the face of the man's tribe and final flash of the young woman he loved in his mind, their bonds connecting to his being. "Let's...let's go." It still was not any easier than the first time he did it, to honour those two. At least he did not cry this time.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain puts his hand on Hazim's should, giving him a small smile, "Agreed." He takes one more look at the sword. "Hm" is all he says for now, sliding it in his waist, opposite his hammer.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Probably just another tribal raid," Achieng says, sounding as jaded as one who has been a part of such raid for more than half her life can be expected to be, "it's a sickness in this country, but not a sign that any of these were worse people than most."<br>
<br>
<br>
"But yes, let's go," she agrees and heads along the road towards the village.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks to the other two, "Just so you're aware, whoever did this left a piece of Chiaroscuro glass behind," he says, patting the sword at his side. "So I can't imagine we'll run into a handful of vagabonds up there."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods, "wastrels on the other hand..." she mutters with a shake of her head.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: A sigh as he started walking with purpose, "Wonderful."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "At least we won't run into any ragamuffins," he says to Achieng, a little mirth to his voice.<br>
<br>
<br>
As they come closer to the Village of Summers Home they can hear screams and the clashing of metal. A small group of Eagle Warriors lie strewn across the road, their bodies having been crushed by an object heavy enough to tear one of them apart. The village itself is located in a small valley, offering it protection against the sometimes harsh winds. Well-maintained orchards line the road, contrasting sharply against the carnage.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "This is no ordinary cattle raid," Achieng says and starts picking up speed, running towards the source of the sounds.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim ‘s eyes narrowed as he buckled up his jacket, “Excuse me if I’m wrong, but aren’t they supposed to be attacking?”<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Son of an ashen..." Rain starts to say before he takes off after Achieng, drawing his hammer, "That body was long dead, what could this be," he asks rhetorically.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim followed, keeping close to Falling Rain as his eyes became focused, deadly.<br>
<br>
<br>
"As a note," he started up as they sped past the bodies and he spared them a glance. "This might be something involving our kind...or worse."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "There goes my Totikari theory then," Rain says, a bit disappointed in himself. He keeps running.<br>
<br>
<br>
A bestial roar echoes through the valley as the group are finally able to see the source of the carnage. A group of vaguely human shaped giants tearing through the village, at least 8 feet tall and clad in shimmering scales they almost look like armored monks, wielding great staves out of solid sand in great sweeping blows, crushing any Eagle warrior foolish enough to parry. The remaining warriors appear to be desperately trying to harry the giants with thrown spears and arrows as the villagers run for the nearby hills.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng lifts her golden spear above her head and charges forward, screaming Ahlat's name.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "FOR THE PEOPLE!" Falling Rain screams, charging ahead though falling just behind Achieng,<br>
<br>
<br>
“Definitely worse,” Hazim just about snarls as he suddenly accelerates, focused on the young man’s feelings. They will not be wasted.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain "Draw them away from the townsfolk," Rain says in a quiet tone to the exalts around him, "The first blow of my score is settled today."<br>
<br>
<br>
One ogre, much closer then the rest turn in reaction to Achiengs scream and starts walking towards the group while swinging his great staff.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: As the Ogre looms before her, Achieng smiles grimly, the world falls away and the simple pleasure of a straightforward battle is all that remains for now. Setting off from the ground, she jumps to the roof of a hut, running along the edge of the roof before leaping towards the great beast, piercing one of its massive eyes with her golden spear. and landing on her feet behind it.<br>
<br>
<br>
((Withering Attack with Excellent Strike + 4 dice from Fire and Stones Strike))<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: As Achieng moved, as did Hazim with an urgency that was at once alien and natural as he saw the tribesmen fighting for the lives of the villagers, he sprinted forward cocking back a strangely hardening fist and eyes seemingly glowing with anger. The roar that came from his lips as he opted to end the…thing’s existence right there and then seemed to echo with two voices.<br>
<br>
<br>
[Fists of Iron Technique + Ferocious Jab]<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain dashes ahead, heading at the Ogre at what appears to be a breakneck speed, dust kicking up behind him. Just a few feet away he launches himself into the air, a twist in his frame that carries his hammer around in an arcing smash to crash against the giant's face.<br>
<br>
<br>
Having been knocked down by the flurry of attacks the Ogre tries to rise<br>
<br>
<br>
Failing to rise, the ogre makes a sweeping strike against everyone around him.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng easily somersaults over the lumbering, earth-bound strike.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain ducks next to the ogre's head (You know, the one he just got done bashing in with his hammer.) trying to avoid the blow or at least involve the Ogre in it more personally.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: As she returns to the ground after evading the Ogre's blow, Achieng leads with the Judge of Judges, moving with inhuman speed and elegance.<br>
<br>
<br>
((Iron Whirlwind Attack + Excellent Strike and Fire and Stones Strike))<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain is spattered with bits and chunks of Ogre.<br>
<br>
<br>
As the ogre falls to the ground its flesh appears to disolve into a sandlike crystaline substance, quickly caught in the wind and spread into the valley. The sound of a horn echoes through the village and the remaining ogres halt their brutal advance, turning towards one of the nearby hills where a lithe figure can be seen in the far distance. As one they raise their staves in the air and slam their butts into the ground once with a loud crack before casually jogging towards the mysterious figure as if they had nothing in the world to be concerned about.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim looks over at Achieng, putting the splattered ogre out of mind, nodding once respectfully and then looks ahead to the other attackers, "Ready for another bout?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Always," she says and turns her steely gaze towards the fae-like figure in the dunes.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Then we run," Rain says to the pair.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: Nodding grimly, Achieng steps up the pace, running with an easy grace and a blood-spatterd spear.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim pauses in his footsteps as he growls to himself, remembering the dead man, and sprints after Achieng, “We need to return after, there’s a message I need to pass!”<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "You say that as if we weren't planning on going back!" Rain yells to Hazim as is passes the man by.<br>
<br>
<br>
As the ogres come close to the mysterious figure a sudden sandstorm envelops the entire group, only instead of sand it's made out of dark crystals and flame. It only lasts for a few moments before it's gone and so are the ogres and the mystery man.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim 's eyes narrow as everything cleared, "Why do they always run!?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng slows down and looks around to take in the new situation<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain throws his hammer at the the sandstorm, unleashing an ancient swear word he know neither the origin nor true meaning of. As it passes through the fading sand he goes to his knees for a moment. "Next time you'll have no where to run."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Because they realized they were overmatched."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim growls as he stopped, "They'll most likely attack again when we have moved on...I'm heading back...that man had something he wanted to pass on to the warriors and another."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Let's talk to them, something might have caused this."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain stands, moving to retrieve his hammer. "If you really think they're going to attack again, then I'm not moving on. That /thing/," he says with a spit at the ground, "slew my mother's hunting party."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "That particular thing? Or some other Raksha?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "That thing."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "OK then," Achieng agrees with a nod.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "We'll need to at least give them some kind of defence, remember, we have something to do as well."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "We do," Rain says. "We've got some time though. The Fae are a threat too, and these people are actively being slaughtered. We can of course discuss it though."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "There is only so much they can do against beasts like that, and a leader who can move them around like he did."<br>
<br>
<br>
"But you are right, we can offer them some lasting help."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim simply nods, "Sounds fair."</div>
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			<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Once the ogres have vanished, the devastation left behind has become more obvious. Atleast a dozen people lie dead between the fields and the village center, about half appear to have been armed warriors while the others look like they were villagers working the orchard when the beasts appeared.<br>
<br>
<br>
In the village center the remaining warriors can be seen regrouping, ten men and women dressed in the style of the Eagle, finding places to sit and patch up the wounds of their comrades. The door to the largest building slowly opens and a middle-aged woman walks out, her eyes fill with horror as she watches the devastation while shaking her head.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks around for anyone in possession of mortal wounds they might want to have shed. He ignores for the moment anyone who looks healthy to walk except to ask if they've seen anyone in great need.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng regards the fallen grimly and moves towards whoever the apparent leader of the village is.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim has his head lowered, the alien attachments he had felt from the dead man from earlier stringing his heart along on a ride he wanted no part of. He growled to himself as he looked to Achieng for direction, she knew the natives best in this case.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain manages to find signs of life on two of the bodies on the ground, one of them a female warrior and the other a male villager. They both look like they'll die shortly even with the best medical treatments available. Of the people remaining most of them look like they'll be fine except for two of the warriors, one with a terribly fractured arm and the other with a broken leg.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain dashes over to the fallen, quickly eyeing them up. Dropping his pack beside him, he calls out, "Hazim! Help me over here," as he tosses the growling man a small bundle of cloth. Kneeling before the woman, 4 flowing steams of pure essence sprout from his bracers, picking through the pack for necessary supplies as he staunches the warrior's wounds with his hands.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim turns to Rain's voice and reflexively snatches the bundle out of the air, and walks up to Rain, his curiosity replacing his earlier anger...and something else at the sight of the warrior, a small measure of desperation.<br>
<br>
<br>
Meanwhile the middle aged woman has approached the tallest of the warriors, a bulky man with short raven hair and a scar across his cheek, and they've started talking. "You were supposed to protect us but instead you've brought the wrath of the Fae upon us! If they come back our village will get wiped out, what are we to do!? This is your fault, take responsibility!"<br>
<br>
<br>
The man towers over her as he replies with a deep rumbling voice. "Our blood was spilled today in your protection, show some respect to the fallen." He waves a thick arm over the devastated battlefield. "We will uphold our oaths or die trying. The Fae were beaten back this day and they'll be beaten back again."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "You will die trying," Achieng says. "You are not bad fighters by any stretch, but you cannot stand up to the Fae, they were only harmed once we arrived."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim 's head jerks up at the old woman's words and makes to stand and walk to the arguing pair, but he still could feel it, the need to help the warrior in whatever way he could.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain works quickly, yet delicately, stitching up the worst of the warrior's wounds, yes especially that nasty slashed intestine. Tightening everything up with his real hands,his essence arms mix mud with a poultice and spread it across the open wounds. In the process he says "That man over there," to Hazim, before nodding to the villager that looks about to be shuffling off this mortal coil.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: And just like that, Hazim's indecision had been broken, "I'm sorry, but there's something I need to do." He says this as he looks over at the old woman and warrior, "There's a message I need to pass."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "You do that and an innocent man dies," Falling Rain says with a voice half angry, looking a bit gobsmacked.<br>
<br>
<br>
As Achieng speaks up the towering man turns to lay his gaze upon her, his eyes wandering from her orichalcum spear to Hazims amulet and Rains glowing essence bracers. "We will do what we must. Clearly you are powerful warriors, will you help us?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim grits his teeth, "Then let's hurry, I do not know how I aid your efforts though."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "We will kill that Raksha," Achieng agrees, "why are they harrassing you?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Push the cloth against the most bleedy bits," Rain says to Hazim, a hint of joviality in his voice. He goes back to sewing up the woman.<br>
<br>
<br>
Elder: One of his foolish warriors offered a challenge to the Emerald Lady. Everyone knows you don't challenge the Emerald Lady, you never win, never win, never win...<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Is the warrior still alive?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Eagle Leader: She asked him for his hearts desire. He said he wanted to prove his valor so she impaled him on his own sword and told his friends that she'd come back today and offer them their own chance to prove their valor.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim nods as he follows Rain's instructions.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng shakes her head.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Where does she hold court?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim winces at the tale as he felt a pang in his heart.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "She holds court with the rest of the Blood and Sand, not a great distance from this land if I recall" Rain says to Achieng. "And actually...." he says to the Elder, holding up one bloody hand, "That's not entirely perfectly 100% accurate, though I can't fault you for believing so. Also, believe me when I say you owe us dearly for this bit of information as the Emerald Lady is known to frequent these parts you may pass it down to future generations. Upon the extremely, extremely rare occurrance when Sol is obscured from this world for a scant few hours during his normal time, I speak of course of a Solar Eclipse) the Emerald Lady is bound to grant desires true. An honest wishmaster, not the twisted one she must be at all other times."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng turns her head to Rain.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Can you find this Court?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: Again, conflicted what he should be feeling, he decided to simply focus on what was in front of him, he may be useless, but he was not going to let his inattention contribute to the patient's death.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks to Achieng, "I believe so, possibly with some help from the people here."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: She then turns back to the two mortal leaders, "we will help you with this threat, but we need to confer among ourselves first. And Quiet Falling Rain will want to finish seeing to your wounded."<br>
<br>
<br>
While the circle confers, other villagers come out from their hiding in the damaged houses and down from the nearby hills. With determined looks upon their faces they carefully gather the dead upon a nearby field.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: When they are no longer arms-deep in dying men, Achieng goes to join her fellow Solars<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: By now, he's gritting his teeth almost painfully, but he forces it all down and looks straight at the other two members of the circle, "That warrior who I sent off, it was he who challenged the Rakshasa, was it not?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain moves over to the other man that Hazim was tending, essence arms still glowing dimly, the colors intermingled with her thin pulsing aura. He gently moves Hazim's hands away, if allowed, and performs the same treatment upon the villager. He gently pushes one of the man's eyes back in its socket, then goes about stitching him up.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Quite possibly," Achieng agrees.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim shakes his head, angry at circumstances, "That fool..." Looking up, he briefly scanned the area for the girl who would trigger the other feelings he had inherited. "So, Rain, have you an idea for what we will be looking for out there?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Pale skin, emerald eyes," Rain says absentmindedly, working intently on the an before him.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "The more pertinent question is how we find their court. And how we get in there with our minds and bodies still our own."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: Standing, Emerald Rain looks at the elder Achieng had been addressing, "See that these two get nothing but bed rest today no matter how good they say they feel,tomorrow they may rise. Tell them that if they move any earlier I shall be quite cross with them."<br>
<br>
<br>
He turns back to Hazim, "Can you ask these people what they saw? I should tend to the other wounded." And to Achieng, "I do my best thinking when I'm working. I don't suppose you could take stock of their weapons and see if they're radically lacking in anything with which to defend themselves?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods. "Iron weapons to fight the fae," she responds immediately, having already observed this deficiency among the fallen. "And if we're going after the Raksha, so do we."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim takes a deep shuddering breath, "I will, however, there things I must do for the dead." He turns to the Elder, "I wish to preside over the burial, I can make sure that the dead will rest peacefully."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain snaps his fingers as and points his index finger to the sky, "Right!" He then looks around himself, "Iron...iron....you got any iron around here I can use?" he asks to no one in particular.<br>
<br>
<br>
The village elder gives Hazim a dubious look. "Who are you to preside over burial?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "I'll take a look around," Achieng tells Rain and sets out to find any old tools or weapons the villagers may have left in storage.<br>
<br>
<br>
The elder shakes her head at Falling Rain. "The realm collected all our iron, our tools are bronze and chiachuran glass. There used to be mines around here but they're all long abandoned, maybe you can find iron there?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim tilting his head, almost curiously, he nodded once before he spoke simply, "One who wishes to make sure that dead of these tribes rest peacefully. One who had been carrying the dying will of the young warrior who perished trying to defend this village." Crouching down to grab an discarded Eagle Spear, he exhaled, and fiery aura bathed the spear for but a moment before he held it out towards her and the leader of the warriors beside her, Solid Circle at his brow, "I am the Cleansing Fire of the Sun, Hazim Nasir al'Din."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng turns to regard the villagers as Hazim makes his proclamation.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain raises his eyebrows, looking at the exchange between Hazim and the others. He otherwise keeps silent.<br>
<br>
<br>
As Hazims brow blaze into the shining sigil of the Zenith, most of the villagers gasp and take a step back, some mutter 'Anathama' under their breath. The Elder stands firm. "The immaculates tell us you're demons, stealing the bodies of honest men and turning them towards evil."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng steps forward, "we were offering to help you because we thought you were free People of Harborhead. If you are willing servants of the Realm, you may find rather less assistance."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "The Immaculates also have taken away the freedoms of many of our people. They travel our lands, proclaiming of the truth of their Faith and deride our own. They speak of how your ways are shameful, dishonest, a curse on their order, and yet, they speak of their corrupt Realm as beacon of hope." He glanced at her curiously, then up at the hill, "We came here to deliver the final wishes of a lost warrior, when we arrived we helped repel Rakshasa, saved two lives on the brink, swore to end the Rakshasa's life, and offered to give your dead peace in their final rest. Now, I ask again, may I please see to the dead."<br>
<br>
<br>
The Elder listens silently as Hazim speaks before nodding. "I'll put my trust in you."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim smiles and bows, "Thank you."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain opens his mouth to speak, and promptly shuts it. He moves off to go assess the injuries of those not quite so life threatening while Hazim does his thing.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng stands back as well, letting Hazim take care of the dead while she keeps an eye on the people. The overly Realm-loyal people.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain asks around while he's helping get all the wounded in one place, "Might I get hold of a small handful of chiaroscuro glass from you. It's for a good cause, I swear."<br>
<br>
<br>
The tall warrior pulls a glass dagger out from his belt and holds it out for falling Rain. "Take this in gratitude for what you've done for my warriors."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: After the Elder gave him her blessing, he hands the spear to lead warrior beside him and walks to the hill of the dead, taking deep breaths as he does. When reaches their bodies, he keeps walking until he is at the centre and kneels, touching the ground, closing his eyes. “And thus, may you all,” his form began to burn as a halo of burning Essence formed behind him, “find peace.” The golden-white flames spread out over the hill, creating a bonfire in which spirits of the dead could be seen smiling peacefully before they burned away and the fire dimmed, leaving a large circle in the ground on which Hazim kneeled.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain graciously accepts the dagger with both hands, "Bowing his head. It shall be put to great use, dedicated this moment for....." he trails off, as he turns to look at the display Hazim is putting on.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods in stoic silence at Hazim's display.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim sighed as stood, much calmer than he was before, and walked back to the elder, "It is done."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Hey Achieng," Falling Rain says, walking over, "Can I borrow one of your gold bracelets?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng look at Rain for a moment with a slight frown, then shrugs and removes a thick golden ring from her arm. "Will this do?" She asks as she walks over to him.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Perfect," Falling Rain says. "I'll have it back to you later tonight, don't worry." He holds onto it for now.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods and hands it over.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "We should really get all the hurt people together," Rain says, "I can perform some minor healing for them, nothing too taxing, so they can get back in the fight a bit quicker. Then...I think we reach a well-deserved rest don't you?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "I no no need of further rest, but if you do, you should take it."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim nods, as he curiously glances at his hands, "I do not require much rest either, but it will some time before my essence is calm again. There is still a little more we can do here as well."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain walks off, laying the golden bracelet and the glass dagger in the same building as where the wounded were taken. He then trolls around and without really asking scoops up the first piece of bronze he can find before puttering over to the holy ground Hazim has just consecrated. His essence arms come out again once more a with his bare hands he begins punching the pot in his hands. Sparks fly, and wisps of red, orange, and purple energy mist away in every direction. It is a flurry of motion, lasting but a few breaths. When done, he takes out his hammer and knocks it into the ground, an a-frame on which is spun an image of the unconquered sun, stylized in the themes of other southern crafters with a subtle shift in the tone.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: While her fellows are working and resting, Achieng goes to find the leader of the Eagle clan warriors and offer to train his best warriors.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim meanwhile finds himself talking with the Elder, asking for stories of her people in a rare moment of selfishness.<br>
<br>
<br>
The elder tells Hazim how her elders told her that a hundred generations ago, powerful sorcerers came to this valley and made it lush and bountiful so that they could feed their servants as they hunted precious gems in the mountains. Ever since this village has lived well by supplying the local lands with foods and been left mostly alone since they've never had much cattle.<br>
<br>
<br>
Meanwhile the Eagle Warriors accept Achiengs offer, having seen for themselves her might in battle.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng drills them hard, if they are to be able to defend this village meaningfully against worse threats than raiders, they are a far cry from where they need to be. She makes sure they learn how to fight together effectively, rather than merely focusing on individual might.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain makes his way over to the house of the wounded. He picks up the dagger and the bracelet and heads inside. No one outside sees a thing of course, but those inside are treated to quite a a sight. Blowing gently on the the dagger and the bracelet he swirls them with his finger as one might 2 colors of pudding. Slowly they begin to meld and combine, bright glass shot through by veins and clouds of gold. A dozen tiny loops rest on the outside of the now-reforged bangle. Falling Rain, using another small piece of the glass, uses his essence arms to shape a tiny pictogram of a woman bedecked in jewelry slaying a fallen giant 4 times her size. He slides the charm on to the first loop, and for the first time in 3 minutes, exhales. The glass cools and firms, shimmering gently through the light of the window.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain slips the bangle in his backpack, not intending to interrupt Achieng's training session.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim strolls about after thanking the elder for her stories, and finds himself just looking over the village and the valley.<br>
<br>
<br>
Away from the devastation near the Fae attack, the rest of the village is pristine farmland somehow sheltered from the harsh climate the rest of the region suffers from with small houses spread out among the fields.<br>
<br>
<br>
It takes a couple of hours to reach the site of the abandoned mine, a series of deep mineshafts leading straight towards the heart of the mountain with what could be mistaken for a small village outside where the miners must have lived while the mine was in use. Outside what appears to be the main shaft there's a peculiar crystaline sculpture made out of rows of armsized prisms, three of them forming a tripod base.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "Any ideas Rain?" Hazim just asks, a little confused at the structure.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng leaves the structure to Rain and Hazim, and goes before them to take a look down the main shaft.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim had been telling them of the Elder's story before his thoughts were interrupted by the strange tripod thing.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain eyes the sculpture. Racking his brain for what that could possibly be for. He flicks one of the prisms gently.<br>
<br>
<br>
Esbilon: After finding nothing in the main shaft, Achieng turns back to the others and the crystalline statue. After a moment, her eyes widens in surprise as she recognises the Vaktri for what it is.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Rain, why are you poking the Vaktri?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "The what now?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Vaktri. An elemental."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim nods sagely, then turns to Rain, "Rain, why are you poking the Vaktri?"<br>
<br>
<br>
The crystals slowly rotate as a vaguely feminine voice speaks. "Lord Erzhal lets it be known that this mine is not safe and no mining activity will be authorized at this time. Unauthorized activity will be dealt with adequate force."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim blinks, then turns to Achieng, "On our way back, I wish to ask a few questions about elementals and the such from you."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Oh!", Rain says, having pulled his hand back an inch or 3, he reaches it forward once more to connect with the crystal and in a flash his anima roars up and crashes over the Vaktri like a wave, wrapping it in a cocoon of gold, red, and purple essence. Rain's spirit calls out the spirit, coaxing it to serve him as is his mandated right as chosen of Sol.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim face palms and looks at Achieng, "He continued to poke it."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks down at the Vaktri, furrowing his brows, "What else can you tell us about the mines and it's master?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Lord Erzhal, one of the lesser dragons of earth lives at the heart of this mountain. He was awoken by the miners and his rumbling caused many of the tunnels to collapse. Most of the miners escaped, some did not and now their spirits walk the tunnels. Lord Erzhal sent me here to ensure noone would add to their numbers.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks between Hazim and Achieng, "See guys, TOTALLY useful. My new friend here can lead us straight to Lord Erzhal AND point out weak tunnels along the way."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Will Lord Erzhal be willing to receive us?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng asks the Vaktri.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim frowns as he listens to the elemental, then sighs, "Spirits of the dead huh?"<br>
<br>
<br>
The Vaktri spins in place, it's impossible to tell which direction the faceless crystal is facing. "Lord Erzhal does not know you're coming. Do you wish for me to travel to his sanctum and ask?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: Trusting his companions, he stays quiet and watches.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks to Achieng. "You're the tactician."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "This isn't tactics, it's courtesy," she says with some discomfort.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng focuses on the Vaktri and says, "could we get to Lord Erzhal's sanctum through these tunnels?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Get there safely," she hastens to add. "The ghosts of the miners will not be a problem, but cave-ins would be."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim nodding to himself, he starts up, "We will need to ask, spirits do get prickly from uninvited visitors to their realms from what I hear."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Oh before I forget," he says, patting the Vaktri on what he might assume to be its head, "I made this for you, I hope you like it," he says to Achieng, pulling the freshly reforged bracelet from his over-large pockets. "It's a bit wee, but you should be able to make out your participation in the first battle we fought as allies. I hope to add more in the coming travels."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Thank you," Achieng replies, taking the reforged bracelet in her hand and holding it up to examine the excellent craftsmanship. "Was this why you wanted to borrow my ring?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain nods to Achieng, "I though it would be a good way to mark our travels together, and speaks to an outward story of power and glory that will grow as you do.... Do you like it?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "I thought you needed it for the villages' sake," she responds, neither answering, nor halting her study of the bracelet.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "That village has no use of gold," Falling Rain responds. "They have existed as they have for centuries it seems. What they need is iron, it seems."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng turns her gaze back on Falling Rain and considers the Twilight caste. It is clear enough that she is more than a little puzzled by his gesture. What is not clear is that behind her dark eyes, she is working rather hard to understand the full extent of his reasons.<br>
<br>
<br>
"It is odd," she says returning the bracelet to her arm, "to wear something decorated with oneself. But it is well done, thank you," she adds with a genuine smile.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Then think of it as a notice to those who would oppose you, a litany anda warning, if you will" Falling Rain responds, smiling in kind.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim looks on at the scene with a tiny smile as he gently touched the amulet his Captain gave him, remembering a similar moment with her.</div>
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			<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">Falling Rain moves with a sanguine bounce in his step. The is shining (of course) and a light breeze smelling of sea salt permeates the air as they draw closer to the manse still a bit away, hidden in the mountainous cliffs near the ocean.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim quietly follows, as he finds himself wondering how Falling Rain managed to talk him into this trip. The image of his mother-figure, the Captain, laughing herself silly made the whole thing worse since that's what she always did as well, just bully him and her crew into doing what she wanted. Sighing as he brought himself out of the depressing memory, he looked up at the cheerful Exalted, "How much further is it?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "To be totally honest," Rain rays as he looks around, "I'm not 100% certain. First time I was here I kinda of made it by pure luck, and I'm not very good with traveling distance. I know we're going the right way though," he adds, pulling a small fist-sized yellow stone out of his pack. It reflects the light of the sun in a sparking display of color. "It can't be too much further. Just maybe 5, 6, 8 ridges?" He adds with a hopeful tone in his voice.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim 's face was just blank, a twitch here and there, but just blank. He then face palmed, "Oh for the love of all that's holy...let's...let's just keep going."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain pats Hazim on the shoulder. "Every journey makes the man stronger, does it not?" He puts the jewel back in his pack. "The landmarks are starting to look familiar at least! Besides, you at least have me for a guide. The first time I came out here I was a mere mortal. It's a wonder I survived at all."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "I will teach you a few things about travelling," he states bluntly as they continue, the other's story of his trial before his exaltation reminding Hazim of his own. "I will admit that my situation seemed to be just as perilous, perhaps those who can power through them are chosen?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain purses his lips, thinking on it, "Perhaps? Achieng's story certainly bears similarities. I myself would have died otherwise, despite my extensive knowledge and training. I still can't believe he talked to you though, that doesn't seem very fair," he says a little petulantly.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim grinned a little at this, "I find it less than fair as well, it is something everyone needs to experience even once in their lives." He paused a little, looking up at sky to gauge the time, then continued, "He is a god and it seems he is linked to us somehow, perhaps a prayer for His audience would work? Though He sounded a little busy, so you might need a proper reason to speak with Him...I don't know."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain grins back at Hazim at the thought, "I suppose I'd be pretty busy too if ever-growing pockets of creation kept knocking on my door asking me for things. Though, I don't think he'll be overly wroth with us for pointing petitioners his way...even if we keep a few for ourselves," he says a little mischievously. "I'm sure we'll have a reason to ask something of him eventually, after all it's not every day a partial circle finds itself consolidating power under the distracted eye of the Empire."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "If ever," the friendly smile was back now. "Still, I want to do more, but I get that the first step is to make sure we can defend ourselves first." He let a breath, feeling truly relaxed then he turned to Rain, "So....are we there yet?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Just about!" Rain says excitedly, "It might be just over that way," he says pointing off towards the sea. "It's a bit hard to see during the way, but the air around that one ridge looks a little brighter, do you see?" He sets off at a light jog, "I'm sure that has to be it, let's go." He seems invigorated by the sight.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "Okay, okay, I am right behind you," Hazim grinned as he picked up his pace to follow the energetic crafter.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain slows down to a light jog as he crests the final hill. Falling away before him is a glittering crater, several natural pathways moving down towards the center. Rubble is strewn about as if this naturally bright crater once contained various structures long ago - apparently Rain hasn't gotten around to fixing them yet. From here it is difficult to see, but several passages wind into the side of the mountains, each encrusted with the same light-reflecting mica, though the whole effect is lent a surreal feeling as light seems to penetrate where it should not and an effusive brightness accented by flickers of light replaces the otherwise expected harsh glare.<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim raises his eyebrow at, well, everything, "Well, well, well, this is impressive."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "The geomancy is actually carved into the sides of land," Rain says, "You almost can't tell though, the aspected essence informs the shape as much as the manse construction so the whole thing appears perfectly harmonious... Not like those weird looking abyssal manses you read about," he adds at the end, as if this were coffee-table reading. "Anyways, let's go. It's been too long since I've seen Elum."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim simply nods, everything going in one ear and coming out another, the explanation was way above what he could understand. The name though, that caught his attention, "Elum?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain nods, "I decided to let him stay. He'd been here so long and I thought he might come in handy. Besides, we can always use more allies and the Orderly Flame are an affluent-enough organization for us to court."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "You have lost me," Hazim turns to Rain, almost tearing his eyes away from the view of the Manse. "Who is Elum? The Orderly Flame? I am still learning about all of this, remember I did not know much of the Earth Elementals either?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Elum? He's nice. Once you get to know him anyways. A bitch stuffy but what can you expect from an Ifrit," Rain says shrugging his shoulders apologetically. "Besides, I know you don't know much about this which is why I'm filling you in! Remember, once you end up done with your initiation you WILL change in some way. It's unavoidable, though I of course found it beneficial."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim sighed, "You do realize I was making an off-hand comment? Right?" He was perfectly willing to overlook the fact that he had always thinking about sorcery since he first found out that mortals could use it, something that could in someways put them on some level with the weaker Exalted. It was a mistake to talk about it with the Captain, she had ratted him out to Rain after all. "But regardless, I am here, and I will see if this path really is for me."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Oh, I'm just excited is all," Rain says, skittering down the last few feet of the path, loose stones rattling under his feet. He looks back "I love that part." Walking across the expanse of the floor level he looks around. "I don't doubt you'll excel at it," he says to Hazim. "You're one of the most competent people I know /and/ you have me around to answer all your questions." He peeks inside one of the passageways. "Elum is probably reading, he seems to like that. Of course, when you're an eternal spirit I suppose you get good at filling your time eh?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "The Exalted live for a long time as well from what the Captain tells me," Hazim points out. "We might need to start thinking about our time like the Spirits do."<br>
<br>
<br>
As Rain and Hazim enter Elums chamber, they find themselves before a tall, atleast 8 feet, handsome man with sable hair sitting at a desk with a quill in his hand. His skin is incandescent with an orange glow that lights up the chamber even in the absence of any other lightsource. Leaning against one of the walls is a short fit woman with green skin and flame red hair, Falling Rain would recognize her as a flame duck, a kind of elemental commonly in service of Ifrits.<br>
<br>
<br>
"Ah, our esteemed host." The Ifrit speaks with a deep respect commanding voice as he rises up from his chair and bows courteously, the woman at the wall mirrors his movement. "I see you've brought a guest. Would you like to introduce us?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain bows before Ifrit, though not quite as deeply as the Ifrit bowed to him. "As you may introduce your guest to me," he says with a smile for the green-skinned spirit. "This is Hazim, a friend of mine and one of....similar stature, if you catch my drift" he says a bit stiltedly. I have expounded upon your teaching prowess at great length and I fear I may have earned you a job, though that talk can wait I'm sure."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: Quite unsure of what to do, Hazim follows Rain's lead. "A pleasure to meet you," he spoke as he straightened himself.<br>
<br>
<br>
"This is Tanic, one of my aides. As I can't be in multiple places at once I find her and her sisters very helpful." Elums gaze wanders between the pair as if sizing them up against his own standards. "It would be my honor to impart my wisdom to you or any of your friends. What in particular do you consider yourself lacking?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "I myself permanently lacking that which I currently want most, but I doubt that's something I could ask you to help me with," Rain says with a chuckle. "This fella here wants to learn sorcery, but he doesn't know a pentagram from the Heptagram....yet." He pauses for a moment, holding one finger out, "But if you've been around a while and have ever heard of the Court of Blood and Sand...I doubt I could have learned everything reading it from a book."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: The look that Hazim gave Rain said a lot about revenge and shaming, but he quickly looked back at Elum, after giving Tanic a small bow for a greeting, "There is a lot I have been introduced to over the past year or so, the idea of sorcery and its uses was one of them. I accompanied my circlemate here to learn more of sorcery from you, I wish to know about your views on the art."<br>
<br>
<br>
The ifrit nods carefully as his ember eyes appear to look through Hazim. "Sorcery is the art of invoking the essence of the world itself to shape themselves according to your will. This requires a deep understanding achieved through dedicated training. How far would you be willing to go to achieve such understanding?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim 's eyes narrow thoughtfully, "From what I understand, sorcerers are changed by the art itself. Is this related to your question?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain nods to Hazim, but primarily seems concerned with checking out the Flame Duck now that the ifrit and Hazim have entered discussion.<br>
<br>
<br>
"It's not sorcery that changes the sorcerer, it's change that is neccesary to become in tune with sorcery. Everyone has to find their own way to understanding and the path they take will colour their sorcery once mastered."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: Frowning as he internalizes the lesson, he nods a few times, as if to help speed his understanding, "So there is more than one way to learn sorcery?" His voice sounded a little stunned.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "There is indeed," Rain interjects. "Though for the opening salvos of Sorcerous knowledge I wouldn't trust anyone but Elum. The way you learn magic greatly informs your interactions with spells, though Elum is at present more knowledgeable of the nuance than I."<br>
<br>
<br>
"I can show you the noble path of fire if you are willing and capable of walking it."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim stares at a patch of land in front of him as he goes over what he had learned, then has a brief thought come to mind. He looks up at the Ifrit, "I apologize, but not quite yet, as he says the words, he felt something click within him, "Thank you for answering my questions, however, there are a few things I still need to think on and truly understand, I am unfortunately, a little dull at times."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain shakes his head, "We can get you up to speed," he says. "It won't take long at all, you probably have a knack for it we just haven't discovered yet." He looks to Elum, "How goes the court?" he asks, a bit broadly.<br>
<br>
<br>
The Ifrit looks at Hazim with a dissapointed frown. "Whenever you consider yourself ready I'll be here." He says before turning towards Rain. "Our influence here in Harborhead is still as limited as always. Neither the Realm nor Ahlat appreciates what they call our 'interference' however we will continue to serve all those who ask for our help."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: The disappointed look does not bother Hazim as much as he thought it would, he simply believed that he was not quite ready yet, there was more to learn about first, the change in topic he appreciated though. "Who are they if I may ask?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "We may call upon your support sometime in the future to...partially rectify that situation," Falling says to the Ifrit, preferring to let him answer Hazim's question. "Though it will be quite some time until we're ready for such things."<br>
<br>
<br>
"Anyone who feels they're being treated unjustly or need an impartial mediator can ask for our services. Most recently I helped negotiate a truce between two of the nearby villages to give them time to prepare for the this years great market in Tiraktou, I was just about to give the report to Tanic for delivery when you entered."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim nods once more, this time, he understood the elemental's words. Perhaps prayers were more important than what he had first thought...then perhaps...would the Sun be willing to help?<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "It is nice to see that some still follow the celestial order," Falling Rain says to the Ifrit. "Though I would expect nothing less from you and yours. I would hate to delay you in your appointed tasks any further."<br>
<br>
<br>
The Ifrit nods politely to Falling Rain as he rolls up the document on his desc, using his hand to melt a seal over it before handing it over to the woman. "May the great garda keep you safe on your travel."<br>
<br>
<br>
Hazim: "Thank you for answering this one's questions, when next I visit, I will have made my decision," Hazim bowed respectfully to the Ifrit.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain nods to the Ifrit, mirroring Hazim's response. "Until the next time, stay safe."</div>
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			<div class="bbCodeBlock-content">After about an hour the Vaktri comes floating back out of the mine, spinning slowly as it speaks with no mouth. "Lord Erzhal is curious about you. However he warns that there hasn't been a physical path to his palace for hundreds of years. He has authorized me to show you the location but you'll have to find a way to get there. He also warns you that the ghosts will react to the smell of the living while expressing his confidence in your ability to deal with them."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng glances at Falling Rain. "I can deal with the ghosts, but making paths through the mine seems more like your line of work."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks around, pokes at the rock. "Hm, I can probably spin up a pair of picks but I don't have anything to specifically move a bunch of dirt around." He glances to the Vaktri, "Thankfully this fellow here should be able to tell us a relatively safe path."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Let's go then," Achieng says and the Caste Mark on her forehead lights up, bathing the path before them in the soft, golden glow of the Unconquered Sun itself.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks to Achieng, "Sounds good, I'll make the picks if we need them." He draws his hammer, taking up a position a few steps behind Achieng. "If I might ask, why are you glowing?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "The mine is dark."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain shrugs, "Fair enough."<br>
<br>
<br>
The cluster of crystaline pillars lead them into the mine, now illuminated by the golden glow of Achiengs anima. The first section of the mine looks almost pristine with solid oak supports holding up the roof at regular intervals. Once they're deep enough that they no longer can see the surface, they also see the first signs of damage as several of the supports have cracked and small piles of rubble line the path. "We're about to arrive in the dead section."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods and looks around with a keen eye.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain pokes around the pillars, pretending as if he had any idea of how to truly gauge their structural integrity. He glances further down the path, "That doesn't look good." He frowns looking down the path. "Any idea what's up ahead with that fancy earth sensing you do?" he asks the Vaktri, who should really get a name soon.<br>
<br>
<br>
"They've sensed you coming. I sense them stirring from their bodies beneath the rubble. You may wish to prepare yourselves." The Vaktri offers calmly as it slowly glides to a stop near a junction. Not long after the lawgivers also hear the rise in activity, as countless shuffling feet start stirring the pebbles of the mine floor. Just a few meters from where the Vaktri has stopped they can see a humanoid shape materializing, wearing a miners leather jacket and gloves, looking at them with hungry eyes.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng raises the shield Falling Rain has made for her and stands ready to defend herself and her fellow Solar.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain reflexively raises his hammer to shoulder height, "You could have told me sooner!" he says a bit exasperated. For it's part the Vaktri just spins around, crystalline body glimmering gently against Achieng and Rain's glows, and stays perfectly still, ready to strike.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain , possessing more valor than sense thus far in his life, dashes forward towards the cluster of materializing ghosts. He swings at the nearest miner, sweeping low with the attack to kick up dirt and rocks.<br>
<br>
<br>
Soon the cavern seems to fill with similar materialized miners, creatures that Rain and Achieng recognize as hungry ghosts. The trapped lower soul of someone not properly buried. There must be over a hundred of them down here.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng roars a warcry and flies into the midst of the undead horde, the Judge of Judges flashing around her like a golden whirlwind of death.<br>
<br>
<br>
The ghosts barely manage to become awake before more then half their number are gone from Rains and Achiengs ferocious attacks. With hunger in their eyes they throw themselves at the two lawgivers, clawing against them desperate hunger.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: The golden shield Rain has given Achieng seems to be everywhere, stopping the clawing attacks of the oncoming horde.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain backs against a nearby wall, bracing his golden shield in front of him, thinking for a moment it'd be nice to have something nicer than bronze between himself and angry ghosts. "Get down here," Falling Rain screams to the Vaktri, which obediently strides into the melee flailing at the ghosts with a crystalline arm.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng roars in defiance against the blood-dripping monstrosities surrounding her and Rain. She slams her golden spear into the ground, sending the undead tumbling left and right before boring down on them, flashing point leading the way.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achiengs last ferocious assault cause the last of the ghosts to dissipate into nothingness, leaving the lawgivers once again alone in the golden illuminated cavern with only themselves and the vaktri as company.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng rubs the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. "How many more of these can we expect?" She asks their companion elemental.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain breathes heavily, more from the intensity of the situation than anything. He glances back and forth between Achieng and the Vaktri. "Thumper?" he asks to Achieng. "I think Thumper would be a good name, after that."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng frowns slightly, "why are you asking me, it's a sentient creature, isn't it?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain shrugs rather noncommittally, "You might have a point. I'll think about it some more."<br>
<br>
<br>
It's hard to say what the Vaktri thinks about it's name as it silently floats onwards into the mine until finally there's too much rubble for anything man sized to pass through. "Lord Erzhals guest chambers is another 200 meters in that direction." It says as it raises one of its crystaline limbs to point towards the nearby wall.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain stares at the wall, thinking a moment. "I think I can do this, you'll have to cover me for a few minutes," he says, cracking his knuckles.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Of course," Achieng says and looks around for a good defensive position.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain cracks his knuckles, rubs his hands together. Tiny essence arms come out of his bracers, looking decidedly ill-suited to the task at hand. He glances at them, and back to the apparent wall in front of him. With an initial careful motion he gently carves at the rock and mud. It slides away easily, forming like putty in his hand. Moving faster, he carves out an impression and hardens the material he gathers into makeshift braces to keep structural integrity of the hallway. Shifting into a blur of hands and purple-golden essence he digs the 100 or so feet to the next passage in a matter of minutes.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng follows closely behind Falling Rain, keeping a keen eye out for any more ghosts.<br>
<br>
<br>
After digging through what at first looks like endless hard rock, Falling Rain eventually notices how the wall ahead of him grows thinner and thinner until it eventually collapses to reveal a beautiful underground cavern. A verdant lake illuminated by glowing rocks hanging from the ceiling dominates the view. After a while it becomes apparent that the walls of the cavern are covered in intricate murals depicting various events of creations history and in the center of the lake there's a small island dominated by what appears to be a large coiled structure.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain blinks, looking around him as his vision returns from pure fixation. A small gasp escapes his lips.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: As soon as the wall falls, Achieng takes a few quick steps to keep ahead of Falling Rain. And while her eyes do widen at the beautiful sight of the cavern, she stays alert of any new dangers it might present.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "I have read often of fantastical locations and ancients cities, that sort of thing," Falling Rain says to Achieng. "Many beauties I one day hope to behold, but never did I imagine to find such a thing in a place as this."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "It's... It's quite something," the taller warrior woman says as the soft glow of her fading Anima reflects itself in the water.<br>
<br>
<br>
Not long after the pair enter the cavern there's a rumbling in the cavern, small waves form on the water coming from the direction of the island as the coiled structure seems to move, slowly uncoiling itself to reveal a serpentine head with emerald eyes. "Welcome guests." it speaks in an impossibly deep voice that seems to resonate down in their very bones.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng gives a short bow. "Thank you for receiving us, Lord Erzhal."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain , in not-so-subtle motion, slides in front of the Vaktri before giving a similarly short bow. "It is a pleasure to meet one such stature as yourself, Lord Erzahl. I hope we are not overly disturbing you this fine day."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain glances to Achieng, then makes eyebrow motions towards Lord Erzahl.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng waits patiently for the dragon before them to respond, giving no heed to Rain's apparent impatience.<br>
<br>
<br>
"It's been a long time since one of the Lords of Creation decided to visit." Lord Erzhal rumbles as it rises up, its head almost at the level of the 30 foot ceiling of the cavern, scales gleaming of amber and bronze in the dunkle light. "I hope you were not too inconvenienced by the mess outside. I did send them a warning."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "It was hardly any trouble at all. Certainly a small price to pay to see the beauty of your hall."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain gives a bit of a smile at that, "Indeed, quite a home you've made for yourself here." He can't help looking up with a little bit of awe, "And that is a term I have not heard before, only read about. It's got a nice ring to it."<br>
<br>
<br>
"I decided to retire here after the fall of the deliberative. It was remote and secluded until the miners came." Erzhal looks past the Lawgivers to the tunnel they've dug before resting his gaze upon them once more. "What brought you here to my hall?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "The villagers nearby are being murdered by the Raksha," Achieng says with distaste, "and we wanted to seek cold forged iron before going to confront them. But since you woke up, they have not been able to mine for iron, and so we came with the hope of making the mine available once more. Would you allow the miners to return if we cleared out the last ghosts?"<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain puts up a finger, "We can also instruct them in proper respect for one so ancient and wise as yourself. As I'm sure you're aware, the common folk are short lived and lacking in knowledge. We can give them the knowledge they need to respect your boundaries and show proper deference."<br>
<br>
<br>
The head of the serpentine dragon sways back and forth as it listens to Achieng. "The pests from beyond the world. I can help you find the iron you need however." Lord Erzhal takes a short pause as the eyes of the dragon appear to stray towards the ceiling. "I can't have you digging holes through the mountain in this direction, this cavern will eventually collapse and ruin my work. Have them mine somewhere else and they won't be disturbed by me.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Your aid will be greatly appreciated, Lord Erzhal," Achieng says with a deferential nod, "and your borders will be respected."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng studies the serpentine head before her, trying to decipher its alien movements and instincts.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: "Simple enough," Falling Rain says to Achieng and the Dragon. "We can easily draw up plans that should in no way disturb you. Would you like me to remove the tunnel I made here when we leave, or keep it in case we wish to treat with you again??"<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "I am glad we can aid eachother in this manner, Lord Erzhal, and I hope this is only the start of our cooperation," Achieng says, the light of her Anima reflecting in the water and again in the golden shield on her arm. "Creation has been through harsh times, its enemies allowed too free a reign to harm it and its people. The Raksha are a foe to us all, and one we shall defeat together."<br>
<br>
<br>
"Hmm." The dragon rumbles as it fully uncoils and starts swimming towards the entrence made by Falling Rain. "An appropriate entrence would make it easier for my servants to come and go. But this simple tunnel won't do. Why don't we make a deal copper spider." Erzhal rises up next to Falling Rain as he speaks, dripping with water. "Make me an entrence worthy of a dragon and I'll help you with your pest."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng smiles slightly and turns to regard Falling Rain, clearly not carrying any doubt about the other solar's ability to live up to the dragon's expectations.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain eye's the tunnel, "A more fair bargain I could never ask for, I may need a few hours to rest, but I can have your entrance done by nightfall." He moves nearer the tunnel, sitting down and pulling out some paper to start drawing up sketches of something more appropriate.<br>
<br>
<br>
"Good, just let me know what materials you would like to work with." The dragon replies as it turns to swim back to the island.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "My lord," Achieng says as the Dragon turns to leave, "if you have the time, I would greatly appreciate a chance to hear the stories behind the scenes that cover your hall."<br>
<br>
<br>
"Rather then get involved with the struggles of men, I decided to chronicle them. My servants tell me stories of the world above and I carve them into these walls." The dragon speaks as it swims towards some of the murals depicting the early shogunate. "In the early days, the Princes of Earth tried to maintain the realm of the deliberative through their shogunate, a millitary empire using everything they could still get to work."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "It didn't last, though," Achieng says with obviously mixed emotions.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain looks up from his drawing for a moment, "We'll get it back...." He pauses a moment, "No, we'll do better. Through challenge we are strengthened, and I dare say there are enough challenges here to bring us higher than any who have come before...if we survive the damn thing."<br>
<br>
<br>
"They did as well as could be expected until the contagion and the resulting collapse." The dragon continues. "You have a lot of work infront of you if you wish to restore all that was lost then."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain dawdles over to the dragon, still counting in his head. "Let's get started then!" With a fairly bad attempt at humble deference he lists off a request for various quantities of gold, bronze, marble, iron, turquoise, and something burnable like phosphene.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Trying to restore it will be an exercise in futility. We will draw inspiration from it, surely, but we will build a new order for a new time."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain: Working again with the speed of an ancient god returned to re-forge the world, Falling Rain's speed-blurred hands carve beauty from crudeness and draw inspiration from dullness. Scenes of humanity, gods, and the exalted working together to overcome foes, especially the Raksha but also the undead, in dynamic battle scenes line the corridor. Stalwart, heavily armored individuals with great goremauls smash against the scenerey, with spider-thin cracks in the wall for effect. The reinforced steel struts are camouflaged by marble facades with gold inlaid abstract patterns in techniques drawn from the murals in the room. Marble tile floors are etched with first age pictograms, telling of the exploits of Lord Erzahl. The whole corridor is large and wide, dwarfing those who walks its length and acoustically constructed to echo and maximize any sound within. Worked subtlely into the murals, in a way that one would not notice if they didn't look closely, are several exaltations to the Unconquered Sun. There is nothing overt, but those who walks its tiled floor are left a subconscious message of his goodness and rightness. Pillared arches of gold and blue-streaked marble, with turquoise accents, flank either end of the hallway.<br>
<br>
<br>
"Magnificient work." Erzhal exclaims as he inspects the finished work, visibly impressed with the craftmanship, as the dragon speaks it appears to shrink into a humanoid shape. "It's time for me to fullfill my part of the bargain. Let me show you where you can find the treasures of the earth you'll need to get rid of those who come from outside." Now appearing to be a human clad in a brown robe, Erzhal uses the newly enchanced tunnel to lead the lawgivers into the mine, the rubble appearing to roll out of his way as he walks through junction and junction until finally stopping near an otherwise inconspicuous wall. He puts his hand against it and it's as if the earth and stone simply flows out of his way to reveal a massive vein of magnetite. "I'll leave it to you to form it into something useful."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "You have our thanks, Lord Erzhal," Achieng offers, "and if you need our skills for your own purposes, please do not hesitate to let us know."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain blinks, "Thank you Lord Erzhal, you are indeed a most gracious host. We will make great use of these supplies in bringing to heel the Raksha menacing these lands."<br>
<br>
<br>
"That was fine work, Quiet Falling Rain," Achieng says once the dragon has departed. "I look forward to seeing what you can do when given proper time and greater motivation."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain beams, and it's not just the Essence aura. "Okay, I admit I was showing off a little bit. I wanted to do something really nice. Besides, it seems like he likes us a lot better which we have to thank you for. I can't wait until we have somewhere we can sit down and....work. I have great things in mind for us."<br>
<br>
<br>
"Let me know if you need any further assistance." Erzhal replies with a polite nod before turning to dissapear into the tunnels from where they came.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods, "I have no doubt. For now, we have the Raksha to contend with."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain stares at the vein. "I'm pretty tired. I can carve this out by hand later but if you want to knock a bunch of it free with your indestructible spear I wouldn't complain."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng regards the Judge of Judges with a slight frown, "hardly the foe it was made to defeat, but all tools must serve, even if not in the way their makers intended." She the draws back the great, golden spear and after a moment's meditative concentration, strikes the exact center of the vein, causing it to vibrate and tear the surrounding, lesser rocks to pieces.<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain picks up the largest of the pieces, or at least tries to. Struggling with it, he sighs and looks at Achieng. "Can I...get a hand here? We can always get more if we need to come back,but I think this will do," he says, accentuating it with a grunt.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng bends to pick up the piece, cradling it carefully in her arms. "Let's get this wherever you need to work on it. Or wherever you can build a cart for it."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain nods. Lets get it outside at least, I'll knock together a little drag...y thing...with a rope and ... stuff." His words seem to have escaped him for the moment, he must be getting tired.<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng nods. "It's not a problem, but it'll slow me down if we get attacked again."<br>
<br>
<br>
Falling Rain nods to Achieng, "I doubt anyone is going to steal it, I just think we should get back to town."<br>
<br>
<br>
Achieng: "Indeed."</div>
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				<a href="/threads/exalted-3e-ic-zhakara-the-land-of-enlightenment.551800/" class="" data-tp-primary="on" data-xf-init="preview-tooltip" data-preview-url="/threads/exalted-3e-ic-zhakara-the-land-of-enlightenment.551800/preview">[Exalted 3e] [IC] Zhakara, the land of Enlightenment</a>
	

	

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	<div class="structItem structItem--thread js-inlineModContainer js-threadListItem-551093" data-author="Tiresias the sage">

	
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			<span itemprop="name">Dice</span>
		</a>
		<meta itemprop="position" content="2">
	</li>

			

		
		</ul>
		
		</div>