06[18:32] * Soul is attempting to track down this Violet character based on the map he was given [18:34] <@Clarence_ST> Violet is also having little luck with maps, stumbling around Mo Ha like an aimless puppy, followed by her slave girl whom gives re-assuring words at every corner. [18:34] <@Clarence_ST> This odd little town is very odd indeed. [18:35] <@Clarence_ST> The people are so quiet, the houses so... Small, and rectangular. 06[18:35] * Violet sighs, "You know, Lilly, you aren't helping any..." [18:35] <@Clarence_ST> They really don't look like Easterners, white-to-purple hair, light skin, and seemingly just staring. Just. Staring. [18:36] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: "Sorry, Violet, M'am." 06[18:36] * Violet 's "normal" colored blond hair makes her stick out in a strange way. 06[18:37] * Soul JUST HAPPENS to run smack into Violet as both of them are holding their maps up and not looking where they're going 06[18:37] * Violet groans, "This is worthless..." [18:37] <@Clarence_ST> SLAM [18:37] <@Clarence_ST> Soul & Violet fall down. [18:37] "Er... Hello... sorry." 01[18:38] "Ow...damnit...sorry, I...you new here too?" [18:38] "Yes I'm just trying to find my way around right now..." [18:38] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly helps Violet stand up, brushing dust off as she helps her regain balance. [18:38] "Thank you Lilly." 06[18:39] * Soul can't help but notice that the two maps seem to lead to the same place [18:39] "I'm looking for someone in the guild, so..." 01[18:40] "Ah, I am as well...sort of. Maybe I can help, I think we're headed to the same place..." 06[18:40] * Soul shows her his map, which is apparently the same as hers [18:40] "I think he was one of those..." She trails off [18:40] "He had one of those longer names... Silent... something?" 01[18:41] "...did you say Silent?" [18:41] "Yes." [18:41] "I was investigating the plague, and I was told he could help." 01[18:41] "...I see. In that case..." 06[18:42] * Soul extends his hand. "Flawless Silent Soul. And you are Violet Spoglini, I take it." 06[18:42] * Violet returns the handshake "Charmed." 01[18:43] "I apologize, I was only informed that you were to be helping us a little while ago. Regardless, good to have someone else on board. I should get you to the rest of the group, we can talk there." [18:44] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly continues to make sure Violet's clothes are all spick, spam, shiny, and presentable. [18:44] "Alright... Come on Lilly, don't worry about it, I'll wash them later." 06[18:45] * Violet is dressed very... impractically, for adventuring 06[18:46] * Soul is dressed in robes you'd expect of a merchant, not a doctor [18:46] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: "Sorry, m'am, gotta make you presentable. You know how easy it is to tarnish such fine clothing..." [18:46] "Ah, it doesn't matter, father will buy new ones if worst comes to worst." [18:47] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: "Of course, m'am." [18:49] <@Clarence_ST> Violet & Soul make first contact, and don't find reason to hate eachother. Good, good. Soul leads her back to the caravan where the rest of the gang is recovering from a party. Shi still seems to be sucking on a shisha pipe, while Kris & Relain are in the back, sleeping off their ailments respectively. [18:49] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy is playing with some flowers. 01[18:49] "...shit, Chei's still not back, is he. That drunk-ass fool..." [18:51] "So, about the Plague..." [18:51] <@Clarence_ST> Gandr what are you doing 06[18:52] * Gandr practices. 01[18:53] "Shi, this is Violet, err...Scarlimonge, was it?" 06[18:53] * Gandr The range of movements necessary for proper combat - not the wimpy, unchained BS you wimps call wimpy fighting - is extraordinary. [18:53] "Spoglini" 01[18:53] "Spoglini, right. She's investigating the plague, and the Guild sent her to work for us, apparently." [18:53] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy perks up with mention of the plague, and starts paying attention to Violet. 01[18:54] "...err...I didn't think to ask, who's...?" 06[18:54] * Soul jerks his thumb back to Lilly [18:54] "She's my friend. My Father hired her as a 'slave' back when I was a young girl" 06[18:54] * Gandr In order to strike a target with the force necessary to injure or kill, the momentum needs to be built up and kept going; this can be achieved by just swinging the chain overhead, but such is below even the most basic maneuvrers; the real chainfighter uses his entire body, every single motion, to control, adjust and enhance the force of his chain. 06[18:55] * Gandr It's great wake-up practice, because if you fuck up, you hit yourself with a chain. 01[18:55] "Fair enough. Anyway, this is Doctor Shi, fellow Apothecarian who's been offering his patronage to us throughout all this." 01[18:55] "That is Lemy, his apprentice." 01[18:55] "Unfortunately our official Guild sponsor is still off drunking, as is his habit." [18:56] <@Clarence_ST> Shi takes effort to unglue his eyes. "Oh. Good morning, Soul." It's around 2 PM. "About time my request for more staff came through. Pleased to meet you, Violet." He reaches his hand out to Violet. 06[18:56] * Violet reciprocates [18:57] <@Clarence_ST> Shi has to struggle to keep from bursting out into laughter as he retracts his hand after the successful shake. He puffs out more smoke from the shisha pipe. 06[18:58] * Violet makes a strange face at the man, she doesn't seem to like his habits too much [18:58] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "I think you've had enough, Shi." He takes the pipe from Shi who barely reaches to grab it before deciding it's too much effort. "Hi, Violet. Nice to meet you." He shakes her hand too. 01[18:58] "You already met me, but I should probably more formally introduce myself. I am Flawless Silent Soul, and I am an Apothecarian hailing from Nexus. I am also a merchant of the goods I create, and some I don't." [18:59] "Oh, hello." 'who are all these people?...' 01[18:59] "There are other people in our group too, just not present at the moment. Actually, one of them's training outside..." [19:00] "So are you all... those types with the..." Is reluctant to say "Solar" 01[19:00] "With Guild affiliation? Not all of us, no." 01[19:00] "I am, the rest are all under Guild contract for this project." [19:00] "I see..." [19:01] "My father works with the guild you know." She says proudly. "He's an important businessman" 06[19:01] * Violet comes off as a bit haughty 06[19:01] * Soul nods. "Good to see other Guildsmen training their children in the ways of our Order." [19:02] "So, do you all have the uh... thing on your foreheads?" 01[19:02] "...OH." 06[19:02] * Soul smacks his forehead, then realizes how stupid that looks in context. [19:02] "yes, those" 01[19:03] "Yes, uhh...I am, Gandr, Kris, Shim, Lemy are..." 01[19:03] "...we have a mortal in our group, too, he's a handful..." [19:03] "Well, we have two now I guess." 01[19:04] "I didn't even think to realize you might not be." [19:04] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "So, what's the news, Soul?" 01[19:04] "Well don't worry, exaltation has not diminished my capacity for healing mortals one iota." [19:04] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "What's been going on while you were gone, and Kris, Gandr, and Shi were partying?" [19:04] "err... I'm not a mortal either, I meant Lilly..." 01[19:05] "...oh. Right. Stupid, stupid...sorry." 01[19:05] "The news is-Lemy, you look like hell. You all right?" [19:06] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy starts straightening out his hair and applying his headband. It still looks messy as fuck, bags as black as ever under his eyes. "I'm fine. Just recovering after one too many drinks..." [19:06] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Wasn't even my idea..." [19:06] "You shouldn't drink you know... Father says that it's bad for your mind..." 06[19:07] * Soul shakes his head. "People need to learn to watch how much they-well, enver mind. The news is I just came back from a meeting with the Guild members in this area, and I explained to them our situation." [19:07] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "But we're off-topic. Anything new happen?" 06[19:07] * Soul looks around a little to make sure no one is listening in that shouldn't be, and huddles in a little [19:07] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Oh, Okay. Good." [19:07] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy awkwardly huddles in too. [19:07] <@Clarence_ST> Shi huddles in. 01[19:08] "I informed them of the Deathknight that attacked us. They put two and two together - the second two being the death cult, I mean - and they're worried. Worried enough to attempt to root out the cult AND fortify Chaya from an attack from the underworld they feel this means is imminent." [19:09] "Is that good?" Has been 'eavesdropping' 01[19:10] (eavesdropping? you're part of this huddle, this is relevant to you) 01[19:10] "Good in that it means they're helping us. But it means we may be detained here a while helping them." [19:10] "Oh, well" 01[19:10] "And obviously an attack from the underworld is always bad." [19:11] "Well, yes." [19:12] "Well, we can't just leave with the city in such dire straits anyway right?" [19:12] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Right. So what are we gonna do?" 01[19:12] "Well, I told them I intend to stay and at LEAST help them root out the death cults and extract any relevant information from them, and perhaps dig in for the long haul. My duty is to the Guild, after all." [19:14] <@Clarence_ST> Shi nods and nods and nods and nods. [19:15] "So, we're going to be stuck here for a while?" 01[19:16] "Unless we want to bail on our organization, yes." 01[19:16] "Which I have no intention of doing." [19:16] "I would never!" [19:18] "So, is it decided?" 06[19:18] * Soul is mulling this over for a bit. "Yes, we HAVE to help...of course, defending territory isn't any of our specialty..." 01[19:18] "...well, except that bumbling fool..." 06[19:18] * Soul looks up to Shi. "Your thoughts? I'm considering modifying our plans regarding my workshop..." [19:19] "What are these death cultists like?" [19:20] <@Clarence_ST> Shi: "...Huh? Oh, what are you modifying and how?" [19:20] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy faces Violet [19:20] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Pervasive, annoying, and frankly wasting their time." [19:20] "So they aren't dangerous?" 06[19:21] * Violet sighs in relief [19:21] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "...You're pretty..." [19:21] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "...But not too attentive, are you?" [19:21] "That's... nice..." [19:21] 'stupid drug addict filth...' 06[19:21] * Soul clears his throat, as he is between Violet and lemy and is trying to discuss less VAPID matters [19:22] "Sir?" [19:22] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Soul explained that the cultist attack means that deathknights are about to close in." [19:22] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "I... I was talking to you!" >:I 06[19:22] * Violet says "sir" purely out of politeness, and somehow maintains a tone of authority 01[19:22] "if you two don't mind?" [19:22] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Oh, alright, Soul." 01[19:23] "Yes, well, I was thinking. We're at LEAST a couple weeks away from Nexus by caravan, so we can't get back to my place of business. We may need to set up shop here. That could afford us some advantages." 06[19:23] * Soul repositions himself and continues [19:23] "Hmm..." [19:23] <@Clarence_ST> Shi's eyes widen. "Oh..." 06[19:23] * Gandr A series of loud metallic clangs are heard; if one knows about it, it is easy to identify as Gandr's last practice repetitions, those meant to focus as much force on a single, precise point as possible; the clangs are the sound it makes when Gandr strikes one end of his warchain into the other end, like a huge, angry razor clapping device. 06[19:24] * Violet shivers at a thought [19:24] "A fighter." 01[19:24] "If I can convince the Guild leaders here to help us commandeer a building large enough for our purposes-in the interests of public safety as part of fortifying the area of course-we could set up a triage and workshop there. We could work on our cure for the plague, naturally, and create any medicines that this area may need in the coming weeks. Also, if we DO get wounded, we can treat some of them." [19:24] "That sounds good." 06[19:24] * Gandr The clangs cease, then, and Gandr makes to enter the abode, not being one to let a perfectly good Shi go to waste. [19:25] 'Hulking simpleton...' [19:25] "Good morning !" 01[19:25] "I think we should all go see the guild leaders I talked to, discuss our plans. I want to know if they plan on sending out a message to Nexus. If they do...that could work to my advantage as well." [19:25] <@Clarence_ST> Shi: "I... like the way you think, Soul." 06[19:26] * Gandr did not expect to see two new persons ! [19:26] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy waves to Gandr: "Afternoon, Gandr !" [19:26] "And ... very good morning to you, girl !" [19:26] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "This is Violet & Lilly. They're new today. Sent by the Guild." [19:26] "Hey Lemy. YOu look like a brekall shat all over you. Did you sleep at all ?" [19:27] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "SLEEP?" Lemy puts his hands on his hips and tries to look impressive. "SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK! HA! HAHAHA! Ha." [19:27] "Violet and Lilly... pleased to meet you !" 06[19:27] * Soul shakes his head at Lemy, clearly not impressed 06[19:27] * Gandr extends a hand to both girls, not really aware of the slave-mistress relationship. [19:28] "Lemy, sleep is for the warrior, sound of mind. You can't fight on an empty stomach, and you can't think on a dead mind." 06[19:28] * Gandr tsks and smiles. [19:28] "Hello." 01[19:28] "Gandr, let me get you up to speed." 01[19:28] "I talked with the guild leaders in this town. They're worried an attack's imminent from those deathknights. We're digging in." [19:28] "On whose orders ?" 06[19:29] * Gandr is genuinely interested now. Good morning, good practice, and now a good little war ? This keeps gettinge better and better. 01[19:29] "It's a Guild thing. Y'know, the group you contracted in? Well, this furthers our goal in terms of searching for a cure to the plague, if in a roundabout way." [19:30] "But didn't we pretty much start the 'kick the death cultists out of Chaya' movement already ?" [19:31] "Oh, right, attack." [19:31] "Hm. Doesn't seem like a good idea at the moment; without solid information on what to expect, we'll wear ourselves thin on anticipation." 01[19:31] "They're worried that cultists here means an attack from more able forces is incoming." 01[19:31] "I guess they think they can fortify the city." [19:32] "Bad idea. It's like this whole deal all over again." [19:32] "You can't just cure the plague and expect it to go away; youneed to get rid of the plague source as well." 01[19:32] "...which, in your extended analogy means...?" [19:32] "Well, with a sufficient cure..." [19:32] "Same, you can't just dig in and expect everything to be dandy. If there's an attack force out there, we need to know for sure." [19:33] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy moves slightly away from Gandr. [19:33] "A sufficient cure wouldn't mean anything once the next big thing comes along. It's happened once" 01[19:33] "Well, they're just guessing, I'll give you that. But if they DON'T fortify the area and it's overrun...that could be very bad..." 06[19:33] * Gandr eyes Lemy once, twice. [19:33] "Well what can we do if there is an attack?" [19:33] "It can happen again." 01[19:33] "...if that stupid mortal were awake he could probably shed some light on what they're thinking..." [19:33] "If there is an attack, they will strike us as the raindrops strike the trees; they will be broken in manifold." 06[19:34] * Violet 's eye twitches slightly 01[19:34] "ANYWAY, my hope was that the Guild leaders in Nexus might send reinforcements if we send them word." [19:34] "I'd rather not..." 01[19:34] "That way, we could defend the city AND perhaps dislodge an attack before it comes, with enough manpower." [19:34] "Too bad. You're in it." [19:34] <@Clarence_ST> Shi snaps his fingers! "I have friends!" [19:34] "Can't we find some way to stop the attack?" [19:35] 'Suprisingly' [19:35] "If their supply lines are cut, they'd be ill-prepared for an attack." [19:35] "Stop the attack ? Kill the attackers." [19:35] "Listen, my point is twofold: [19:36] <@Clarence_ST> Shi: "No, I mean. I have friends, who can help us fight." [19:36] "I hate fighting." 06[19:36] * Soul holds up his hands in an attempt to get everyone to stop talking over each other [19:36] "First, we are dealing with unknowns. This is a Bad Thing, and needs immediate remedy." [19:36] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Their supply lines are links to the underworld itself." [19:36] "Second, if we dig in now, we'll be sitting ducks, and that is the last thing we want." [19:36] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "That would only be feasible if we..." [19:36] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy stops. [19:36] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "...Cure the land of Shadowlands." 06[19:36] * Gandr defers to Soul. [19:37] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy starts thinking [19:37] "But if there is an attack, some mortals will get hurt..." [19:37] "Unfortunately, I don't deal with *curing* as much as I deal with *killing*." [19:37] "Why would we kill them if we had an alternative?" 06[19:37] * Gandr looks blank-faced at Violet. [19:37] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "...Fair Folk." 01[19:37] "MAYBE, we should all go see the Guildmembers in this town that I talked to. Let them explain their case further. Maybe you could persuade them to rethink their strategy, Gandr." [19:38] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Soul, Soul, something for you to consider." 01[19:38] "In any event we ARE going to see them, becau-" [19:38] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "You know of the Great Contagion, yes?" 01[19:38] "...of COURSE?" [19:38] "Yes." 06[19:38] * Gandr doesn't know much about the Great Contagion. 06[19:39] * Violet knows almost nothing about it [19:39] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "After that swept through creation, legend says the Fair Folk attacked quickly after." [19:39] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "But afterwards, the great contagion was never to be seen or heard from again." [19:39] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "I don't think this is a coincidence." 01[19:39] "Explain." [19:39] "When HAVEN'T the faeries been oppertunistic pickers ?" [19:40] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "I mean to imply that the Fae had something to do with curing the Great Contagion, for whatever reason they ahve." 06[19:40] * Gandr clearly doesn't put much stock into anything that deals with Fair Folk [19:40] "Oh COME ON. They wouldn't cure anything." [19:41] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Fickle as they may be, I think they have powerful magic that could, in theory... get rid of Shadowlands" 06[19:44] * Soul blinks a few times. "...o...k...let's assume for a moment that you're right." 01[19:44] "Let's assume the Fae have the ability to remove shadowlands and cure deathborne diseases." 01[19:45] "They're still FAIR FOLK. That doesn't help US." [19:45] "I'm sure that the Fey-Folk would have a reason to help us." 01[19:45] "Why would they?" [19:45] "Everyone wants something." 01[19:45] "...touche,..." [19:45] "Here's what the faeries want: [19:46] "They want your tears as you cry bitterly over the ashes of your father and mother; [19:46] "Don't call them that... It's derogatory." [19:46] "They want your rage how you charge them on the field of battle." 01[19:46] "I've never dealt with the Fair Folk before, but I've heard...mixed stories." [19:46] "They want nothing but for you to be so utterly pissed at them that nothing else gives you life and breath." 01[19:46] "They CAN, apparently be negogtiated with...but it's a tricky proposition." [19:47] "No." [19:47] "No living being could possibly be so cruel." 01[19:47] "And I'd rather not step foot in the bordermarchers." [19:47] "No fairy negotiation." [19:47] "Good thing they aren't living nor being, Violet." 01[19:47] "He's got a point, there, Violet." [19:47] "Are they not connected to the Essence?" [19:47] " ...." 06[19:47] * Gandr stares at Violet. 01[19:48] "...and SHE'S got a point there...I guess." [19:48] "You're just intent on putting a nice little pink coat on everything, aren't you ?" [19:48] "You just want to kill everything." [19:48] "You could ask the same question about everything." 01[19:48] "OK, OK, BOTH of you. Please." [19:48] "Not true. I haven't tried to kill anyone here; you're all still alive, that's proof of that." [19:48] 'Like he could even touch me...' 06[19:49] * Soul holds up his hands, again [19:49] "Are you trying to threaten me?" 06[19:49] * Soul facepalms [19:49] "I'm not making threats. I'm stating facts." [19:49] <@Clarence_ST> Shi: "Everyone just needs to calm down." [19:49] "Can't negotiate with faeries. Fact." [19:49] "You're wrong, and I'll prove it." [19:49] "Fine. March off into the Wyld. See how long you last." 01[19:50] "GANDR, IF THE TWO OF YOU DON'T STOP FIGHTING THIS INSTANT, I WILL STRANGLE YOU WITH YOUR OWN CHAIN AND THEN USE YOU AS A WEAPON TO BEAT HER TO DEATH. [19:50] "I'll be glad to put you down once you come thrashing back, mutated beyond any vestige of humanity." 06[19:50] * Soul IS FURY [19:50] "..." [19:50] "We aren't fighting, Soul. 06[19:50] * Violet is fuming [19:50] "We are talking. Like adults." 06[19:50] * Soul then resumes his compsure and clears his throat a little 06[19:50] * Gandr is focused to a pinpoint. 01[19:50] "So as I was saying..." 01[19:51] "We go see the guildmembers, as I proposed. Gandr, you can give them your...critique...Lemy and Violet, you can propose dealing with the Fae to them as well, and Shi and I can tell them our respective plans." 01[19:51] "That way, we get EVERYTHING off the table." [19:52] "But what if the Guild refuses?" 01[19:52] "Leave that to us." [19:54] <@Clarence_ST> -= TIMESKIP =- [19:59] <@Clarence_ST> Shi, Lemy, Gandr, Violet, Chei and Soul are brought before a tribunal of three upperguildsmen in a rented courtroom of Mo Ha. The Guild be damned if they don't like their sense of drama. "So Flawless Silent Soul." The one in the center, Judith Morian, reknown hardass, starts shuffling papers. "You bring this tribunal together for what reason?" [19:59] <@Clarence_ST> "State your business." [20:00] "We are here proposing several options for the... situation." 06[20:00] * Soul holds up his arm in front of Violet. "Please, let me handle this." [20:00] "You don't trust me?" She asks trying to incite guilt. [20:00] <@Clarence_ST> "We'd be asking Chei, but he is, as is obvious, living up to his reputation." Judith frowns as Violet interrupts. 06[20:01] * Soul looks a little annoyed. "They addressed ME." 06[20:01] * Soul is sorta doing the 'angry whisper to the side' thing [20:01] "..." 01[20:01] "you will have your TURN" [20:01] <@Clarence_ST> "Violet, despite your father's position in The Guild, we do not appreciate interruption. Learn some restraint." [20:01] "I'm sorry miss." 06[20:02] * Soul clears his throat and attempts to re-acquire the floor [20:03] <@Clarence_ST> "Flawless Shining Soul, without further interruption, please make your case." 01[20:06] "Yes. Thank you. As your colleague Decieving Rixon has no doubt informed you of, this region is in grave danger." [20:07] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "He has." 01[20:07] "I informed him, and many of his colleagues who were present at the meeting I attended, of our mission, and the troubles we have encountered. He and the others felt that it is neccessary to fortify this region against a possible, and imminent, attack from forces of the underworld intent on letting the plague run rampant." 01[20:08] "First, I wish to inquire as to any decision that has been made in that regard?" [20:08] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "We are without concrete decision yet." 06[20:09] * Gandr hopes that means we'll be given free reign to search and destroy. 06[20:09] * Gandr as much as anyone can give Solars "free reign". 01[20:10] "Hmm...well, my group-those of us that are assembled-have been discussing the decision. I fully intend for all of us to assist the Guild in WHATEVER its decision may be. That said, there is some disagreement in what should be done. First, I think my associates should weigh in on what they feel should be done; afterwards, the doctor and I have a special request to make." 01[20:11] "Gandr...perhaps you should take the floor and express your opinions." 06[20:11] * Soul steps back a little and holds his hand out forward as if to gesture Gandr ahead [20:11] 'Oh God no...' 06[20:12] * Gandr seem taken aback at this. [20:12] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "The tribunal recognises Gandr Jormen." [20:12] "Uh ..." [20:12] "How do I ... ?" 06[20:12] * Gandr hesitates a little, then straightens up and steps forward. [20:13] "Uh ... as I understand this whole situation, the Guild intends to dig in in this town and defend against any attackers." 06[20:13] * Gandr licks his lips, but seems to warm to his subject. [20:14] "This being caused by the presence of the death cultists in the town, which is thought to indicate that a larger, more martial force will attack in the near future." [20:15] "This in turn being tied into the current plague; it seems apparent that the cultists want to further the plague, probably because it has been caused by these unknown attackers." [20:15] "uh .." 06[20:15] * Gandr turns to Soul briefly. [20:15] "Did you tell them about who we met in the swamp ?" 06[20:16] * Soul nods [20:16] <@Clarence_ST> Judith calmly holds her hands together and stares from behind her shining spectacles. 06[20:17] * Gandr steps more into the "battle" at hand. [20:17] "As we understand it, the plague was engineered by the person we met in the swamp, or whoever he belonged to. [20:18] This same person is also responsible for the presence of the cultists here." [20:18] "That being said, it seems foolish to me to stay here in the town and await the fall of the executioner's blade." [20:19] "We have no knowledge of their abilities or their plans; simply staying here not only wastes time, it also gives this enemy all the time he needs." [20:19] "He could be moving toward us right now, or he may never; I know that if we stay here, we will not have these questions answered in time." [20:20] "..." 06[20:20] * Gandr seems to gather his thoughts. [20:20] "I'm done." 06[20:20] * Gandr steps back. 06[20:20] * Soul steps forward again [20:21] <@Clarence_ST> "The tribunal hears Gandr's concerns, and will take them into deliberation." 01[20:21] "I believe that Gandr has a point, in that simply digging in may prove to be fatal. Still, I believe defense of Chaya is paramount." 01[20:21] "I wish for others to address the tribunal as well..." 06[20:22] * Soul motions to Lemy and Violet to step forward as he steps back 06[20:22] * Violet walks forward proudly. This seems to be her forte [20:22] "As my Friend has mentioned. We have no idea what the enemy's plans are... However." [20:23] "Unknown time is just as good as no time, so, I propose we do something constructive to end the conflict, with no combat at all." [20:24] "I propose, that we send a message of diplomacy to the Fair-Folk." [20:24] <@Clarence_ST> The tribunal starts whispering. [20:25] "This may appear strange, but it is a valid possibility." 06[20:25] * Soul clears his throat in Lemy's direction [20:25] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "I'm sorry, I could've sworn we heard you say 'Message of Diplomacy to the Fair Folk'." [20:25] "Yes." 06[20:25] * Gandr tenses very visibly. 06[20:25] * Soul whispers to Lemy, "give her context..." 06[20:25] * Gandr Then triumphiantly calms down when he hears Judith. [20:25] "Long ago, they might have been linked to the great contagion." [20:25] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy almost steps forward. He whispers to Soul "She seems to be doing my job for me..." [20:26] "With such powerful magic, they could cure the shadowlands." 01[20:26] "all the same..." [20:26] "And by doing so, we could cut off the enemy's supply lines, and thus end their hopes of conflict." [20:27] "Even greater, we could possibly cure the plague altogether, forcing them into an inferior tactic." [20:28] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "Might? The Fair Folk are exceptionally finicky and the only successful trade agreement with them was lucky at best." [20:28] "But not impossible." [20:28] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "What do you propose we give the Fair Folk what we are not already giving them?" [20:29] "Peace?" [20:30] "Nothing can possibly intend to cause suffering." [20:30] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "..." [20:30] <@Clarence_ST> Judith takes off her glasses. [20:30] "All cruelty and death is caused by a lack of understanding, be it social or, mental (in the case of medicine)." [20:31] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "The Fair Folk do not abide by the same rules as we do." [20:31] "They merely believe that all form has no purpose and merit." [20:31] "We just have to convince them otherwise." [20:31] *neither purpose nor merit [20:32] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "...So you intend to convince the Fair Folk out of their fundamental beliefs they've held for thousands of years?" [20:32] "At very least, the most we could lose if I fail, is my life, and I willingly accept this cost." [20:33] "Please consider my suggestion Miss." 06[20:33] * Soul steps forward again and beckons Violet to step back [20:33] "Wait a moment please." 06[20:33] * Soul sighs a little in his throat [20:33] "In an open conflict, there will be collateral damage." [20:34] "If this can be avoided in any way, I will take the most desperate measures." [20:34] "That is all I have to say." 06[20:34] * Violet steps back 06[20:35] * Soul clears his throat, looking a little embaressed 06[20:35] * Violet wipes her eyes with a handkerchief 01[20:36] "I...agree with the Tribunal's opinion that such a deal is, unlikely, at best. I merely wanted Violet to be able to offer her thoughts on the matter. That SAID..." 01[20:38] "...as the Tribunal pointed out, a successful deal HAS been struck before. It is not impossible that such a deal might be struck again, most likely along similar lines. The Fae will no doubt want to be compensated greatly, but their assistance in this conflict may be worth it. Also, we can convince them of their own personal stake in this. They may stand to lose their existance as well, if these...Deathlords...succeed." 01[20:38] "It may be an option worth exploring." [20:40] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "...You may have a point." 01[20:41] "If I may further expound on the point?" [20:41] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "By all means." 01[20:42] "While it is only a theory, one of our colleagues proposed to us that the Fair Folk's magical properties may give them healing powers sufficient to cure this plague that we have been attempting to cure. It has even been suggested that their powers were what ended the Great Contagion." 01[20:42] "If THAT is the case, then in addition to fouling the attack from the underworld, help from the Fae would ALSO give the Guild what it wanted in this whole endeavour: a cure for this disease." [20:43] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy COUGHS. 06[20:43] * Soul turns to Lemy. "You wish to expand upon this, Lemy?" [20:44] <@Clarence_ST> "Uh... P-Previous observed cases have shown Wyld and Shaping resistance to this n-new disease." [20:45] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy looks rather apologetic. [20:45] <@Clarence_ST> "It's... a problem." [20:47] <@Clarence_ST> "er, I mean." [20:47] <@Clarence_ST> "The disease..." [20:47] <@Clarence_ST> "The disease is resistant." [20:47] <@Clarence_ST> "To wyld and shaping effects. Sorry." 06[20:47] * Soul smiles at first until Lemy correct himself. "Ah. Hmm." 01[20:48] "...still...this may accent my earlier point. If the disease can foul even those of the Wyld, then the Fair Folk have a stake in ending this disease, yes?" [20:48] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "That is a Fair point." 06[20:49] * Soul could have sworn he heard some bard yell very loudly outside 01[20:50] "Then let it be established that a potential alliance with the Fae could both help us stave off and rout an attack from the forces of the Underworld AND possibly help us find a cure for the Disease..." 01[20:51] "...and that the Fae have a personal stake in finding a cure and stopping this attack..." 01[20:51] "...and that the Guild has the potential to bring about such a deal." [20:51] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "Potential noted." 01[20:51] "We are the Guild, after all, are we not?" [20:51] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "Is that all?" 06[20:51] * Soul pumps his fist a little in pride 01[20:52] "All on the subject of the Wyld. There was one other matter, unless my colleagues wished to interject anything else..." 06[20:52] * Soul looks around at everyone else here [20:52] "Yes." [20:52] <@Clarence_ST> Shi is too busy staring with a bit of a smile, sitting back in the most comfortable chair he could find. 01[20:52] (no one said we could sit!) [20:52] "I have a point to make." [20:52] <@Clarence_ST> (No-one did!) 06[20:52] * Violet is quietly discussing with Lilly 06[20:52] * Soul steps back and lets Gandr have the floor 06[20:53] * Gandr steps forward and stands solidly, arms on the small of his back. [20:53] "The fair folk are treachery. They should not be dealt with in any way except at bladepoint. That is all." 06[20:53] * Gandr steps back. [20:54] 'Murderer' 01[20:55] "If that is all..." 06[20:55] * Soul looks back at Violet just to make sure [20:55] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "We are well aware of the dangers speaking with the fair folk." 06[20:57] * Soul steps back forward, slightly more casual this time 01[20:57] "There was one other major proposition I had for the Tribunal, then." [20:58] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "Make your case, Soul." 01[20:58] "As I have mentioned before, our group is contracted under the Guild with the express task of finding a cure for this plague. They have entrusted me, in particular, with determining the cure and synthesizing it, and I have many around me to help in this task." 01[20:59] "Unfortunately, my residence and place of business is in the outskirts of Nexus, of course, too far away to be of any use to me here. If I were to remain here and assist the Guild in its efforts here - and I intend to - it would hinder such efforts." 01[21:00] "I wish to request of the Guild use of some facility in this area. Large enough to serve as both a base of operations for our group, a laboratory, and a triage facility, in case an attack DOES come." [21:01] <@Clarence_ST> Shi raises his hand: "I have a lab packed up in a caravan!" 01[21:01] "This way, we can continue our research on this problem AND provide needed support for the Guild and the region." [21:02] <@Clarence_ST> Judith nods. 01[21:03] "Yes, Doctor Shi has most generously offered his assistance towards this, but our plans originally were to head back to my workshop and expand it. If we are to remain here, I think it would be best to simply settle down here for the time being, unpack our belongings, and get ready to do what needs to be done. Also..." 01[21:03] "...I think it is safe to assume that, whatever the Tribunal's decision is, a message MUST be sent back to Nexus to inform the Guild of the changing situation here, correct?" [21:04] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "Correct. " 01[21:05] "Of course, as Rixon will attest to," He nods to Rixon at this point, "I offered to put in my message of commendation and recommendation in such a message if it gets sent. I intend to give a good word to my superiors as to the work being done here. I also have a favour to ask." [21:05] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "A favor?" 01[21:06] "There are many things in my workshop that would benefit me greatly if they were brought here. I don't know how long we will be here for, how long we will be waiting for an attack, but I suspect we'll be here for at least a few weeks. In which case, I was hoping to add a rider to the message." [21:06] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "A Rider to the message? Very doable." 01[21:06] "I would ask that my superiors would assist in sending my apprentices, and all the neccessary ingredients and equipment from my workshop, here." 01[21:07] "That way we will have more manpower AND resources at our disposal." [21:08] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "Draft your message and have it with us by tommorow morning." 06[21:08] * Soul bows slightly. "Much appreciated, madam. Also, I have one last thought for you..." 01[21:09] "...one of our companions, who is not here. Name of Relain. He is a genius strategist, if a bit of an oddball. He is versed in the ways of war. I would humbly suggest that the Tribunal consult him before making its decision...his input may prove to be of value." [21:11] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "We will try make contact with him as soon as possible. If we cannot, I'm afraid we will be forced to not take his input into consideration." 06[21:12] * Soul bows again. "Then, my business with you is concluded. Is there anything the Tribunal wished to ask of me?" [21:12] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "What is the progress on the cure?" 01[21:14] "We know that it is of abyssal origin." Abyssal just meaning of the underworld, not... "And we suspect we know the key ingredients in curing this disease. Also, we have several specimens that we have been examining." [21:14] <@Clarence_ST> Judith: "...Faster than we expected." 01[21:16] "It helped that we actually encountered one of these "Deathknights" who brazenly admitted that he and his lord were behind the disease." [21:17] <@Clarence_ST> Judge Judith: "We will confer our final decision with you in three days. In the meantime, we will make efforts to safeguard chaya, and allocate you an appropriate establishment for your work." 06[21:18] * Soul bows most respectfully and turns to his companions, a smile of satisfaction on his face 06[21:19] * Gandr nods. [21:21] <@Clarence_ST> Two guildsguards open the GIANT DOOR that leads outside [21:22] "So Gandr?" 06[21:22] * Violet she smiles at him sweetly... TOO SWEETLY 06[21:22] * Soul cringes a little, worried about what's going to come next [21:22] "I was thinking that we could have a little sparring match... between friends." [21:22] "We're friends ?" 06[21:23] * Gandr deadpans it. [21:23] "Of course." [21:23] "You're a little quick to judge that." 06[21:23] * Violet if she is angry she hides it well... TOO WELL 06[21:23] * Soul coughs and hacks a little. "Violet, dear...umm..." 01[21:23] "...perhaps you should tell us WHAT, it is, you do, exactly." [21:23] "Well, I haven't practiced in so long... a bit might do me some good." [21:23] "Me?" 01[21:23] "Yes. I know of your father, of course, but..." [21:24] "Oh, my father made me take martial arts lessons for self defense 01[21:24] "I see. Are you handy with a blade? A bow?" [21:24] "He was always worried about my safety..." [21:24] "Weapons are brutish things." [21:24] "A hand to hand duel will suffice." [21:24] "So you're a fistfightere." [21:25] "Alright, if it makes you feel better." 01[21:25] "Weapons...brutish...you have obviously never seen a doctor use a blade before..." 06[21:25] * Soul sorta muses to himself [21:25] "Well, I wouldn't say it so... foolishly..." this attack is inconspicuous 06[21:25] * Violet TOO INCONSPICUOUS 06[21:25] * Soul steps over to Shi and whispers to him [21:25] "But, I am technically a 'fist-fighter' as you say." [21:26] "Well then. A practice match." [21:26] "Lilly, could you be a dear and help me change out of these restricting clothes, and into my training gear?" [21:26] "Very good." [21:27] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly takes off her backpack, and starts changing Violet out of her fine clothing and into her training gear. 06[21:27] * Gandr seems a bit off about the entire thing. 06[21:27] * Soul looks to the two preparing to fight and sighs. "Looks like my services will be in demand yet again," he remarks to Shi. [21:27] "I'm sure that a big man such as yourself, is competent in the ways of pugilism?" [21:28] <@Clarence_ST> Shi: "I'm only disappointed that I couldn't advertise this." 01[21:28] "Maybe we could for the rematch." 06[21:28] * Violet every word she says is dripping with sarcasm in all the places it would cause the most damage [21:28] "Not really. I know my strenghts and my weaknesses; barefisted fighting is neither." 06[21:29] * Gandr doesn't seem like he's about to get into a fight, he lacks the concentration he usually displays. [21:29] "Well, I am just a little, girl, I'm sure there is some way that we are on even ground." 06[21:29] * Gandr doesn't even seem like he's getting ready for training or anything of the sort. [21:29] "Thank you Lilly..." [21:29] "We could discuss manners. We're on even ground there." 06[21:30] * Violet laughs [21:30] "You're so sweet." [21:30] "Quite." [21:30] "So what are the rules to this engagement?" 06[21:31] * Gandr takes out a little pouch and starts picking little red berries out of it, eating them one at a time, chewing slowly. [21:31] "You tell me." 06[21:31] * Gandr chews his berries. [21:31] "I hope those aren't performance enhancing..." [21:31] "That would be a little, unfair, don't you think?" [21:31] "Not at all. They're redglan berries, from my homeland. They're quite tasty." 01[21:31] "They're not, trust me." [21:32] "Well, I'm sure you have no problems with... performance, anyway." [21:32] "Any time you're ready, girl." 06[21:32] * Gandr chews his berries slowly. [21:32] "Well, here are the rules." [21:32] "Please, don't hesitate to change them if you wish..." 06[21:32] * Gandr chews his berries. [21:33] "No weapons, first one down on the ground for more than ten seconds (incapacitated or however it goes) loses. [21:33] "And one caveat" [21:33] "To prove my point, I will not cause any damage to you." [21:33] "Does this sound fair?" [21:34] "Certainly." 06[21:34] * Gandr chews his berries. [21:34] "Anything you wish to add?" [21:34] "Nothing." [21:34] "None at all?" 06[21:34] * Gandr takes out another berry, considering it between forefinger and thumb for a moment, held up against the sun, before eating it. [21:34] "You're not even going to challenge yourself as I have?" [21:35] "No." [21:35] "Why would I ? We are, as you say, equals." [21:35] "Obviously." [21:35] "I've already given myself a major handicap, so I think it would only be fair for you to take one." [21:35] "Alright." [21:35] "I won't use any weapons." [21:35] "I won't cause you any harm." [21:36] (any lethal damage results in a loss) 06[21:36] * Gandr chews a berry slowly between his teeth. 01[21:37] "Do try to abide by those rules, I don't want to waste time healing you two from this frivolity when I could be spending that time working on what needs to be done." 06[21:37] * Violet notices a small crowd gathering around. 06[21:37] * Gandr continues his berry-eating. Slowly, slowly, each berry is ground carefully between teeth, each a memento of good times. [21:37] "Well ?" 01[21:38] "...looks like no advertisement was needed." [21:39] "Let's set up a boundary, we don't want anyone getting hurt right?" 03[21:40] * Shyft|Party is now known as Shyft 03[21:41] * Shyft is now known as Kris [21:41] "Urrgle..." 06[21:41] * Kris shambles in. [21:41] "That's your call to make. I'm confident that noone will be hurt accidentally today." [21:42] "well, carelessness never helped anyone..." 06[21:42] * Soul turns around and see Kris walking down the street behind them. "Followed the crowd, did you?" 06[21:42] * Kris winces. "Why is the rum gone? Oh, because I drank half of it." She rubs her eyes and tries to avoid looking anywhere bright. 06[21:43] * Gandr continues chewing his berries slowly, as quiet as ever. [21:43] "Ah, Hello Soul, Gandr." 01[21:43] "...what the hell did you DO? You look even more like hell then Lemy did." [21:43] "I danced, a lot. And was offered a lot of drinks. A lot." [21:44] "Hey Kris. Berries ?" 06[21:44] * Gandr offers a small cloth pouch with red berries in it to Kris. 06[21:44] * Kris looks green for a moment but stabilizes. "No, Thank you." 01[21:44] "Your name came up in conversation with the Guild. Whatever you did, you impressed them." [21:44] "Suit y'self." 06[21:44] * Gandr chews another berry. [21:44] "The berries are fascinating! They seem to give whomever eats them a false sense of being imposing!" [21:45] "I nearly caused a riot. But we managed to stop that. Gandr proved capable yet again of being able to throw me long distances." [21:45] "It worked out much better that time." [21:45] "If you're peeved at being berryless, you can have some. It's no biggie." [21:45] "I also have some nuts, if you'd like. I bet you'd like to eat my nuts." [21:45] No thank you." [21:46] "What's the matter ? Food too dirtfarmer for you ?" 06[21:46] * Gandr eats another berry. 06[21:46] * Kris turns to Soul. "Who's the new person?" [21:46] "No, no, I'm just not very hungry." [21:47] "Not for me to tell ... but unless you hurry it up, we're going to be standing here until you DO get hungry." [21:47] "I brought a snack." 01[21:47] "The Guild sent her to work with us. Son of an influential Guildsman. She's a bit..." 01[21:48] "...well, she and Gandr didn't get along at all, and now she's decided that the solution is to fight him." [21:48] "You don't seem to understand Mr. Soul" 01[21:48] "A reserved fair fight, but the animosity between the two is palpable...palpable enough to draw a crowd. They know shit's going down..." [21:48] "Hmm, Is she an Exalt?" 06[21:48] * Soul nods [21:48] "I want to demonstrate that there is a non-violent solution to everything [21:49] "Even combat" 06[21:49] * Soul and Kris are of course speaking quietly enough that Violet and Gandr can't hear them [21:49] "So far she's done so by talking at me." [21:49] "Well, if i weren't ridiculously hung over, I'd say something like "This will be an enjoyable experience for us all..." 06[21:49] * Soul would not be foolish enough to address such matters by YELLING [21:49] :I [21:49] "But even /thinking/ about two exalts fighting... What with all the glowy..." 06[21:49] * Kris winces more severely. 01[21:49] "it looks like they're going to stick to bare-knuckle brawling." [21:50] "Small blessings, i suppose. I'll just have to suffer through meaty thwacking noises and the like." 06[21:50] * Violet takes in a few deep breaths and pushes her palms together. 01[21:50] "On an unrelated note, I could have used your help just now. We summoned a Guild tribunal to make our case. The situation...has changed." [21:51] "I apologize, I was totally spent after the party, i only woke up twenty minutes ago." 06[21:51] * Violet smiles. "An Instruction in Good Will Part one: Written by Violet Spoglini" [21:51] "Introduction..." She bows 01[21:52] "Well, here's the gist: the Guild is probably going to hunker down here, we MAY attempt to summon the help of the Fair Folk, and we're definitely setting up shop here instead of continuing on to Nexus." [21:53] "Wow." [21:53] "I managed to get pretty much the local leadership of this town to be devoutly 'anti deathcult' and 'Pro-Solar, Pro-Unconquered Sun.' Blame Gandr for that one." [21:53] "Aren't you going to bow? This is a friendly sparring match after all?..." 01[21:53] "Good, good. That will come in handy when the Guild makes its decision." 06[21:54] * Kris shrugs. "I have no idea how that's going to help us in the future if at all. Anathema and all that." [21:54] "I'm sorry. Obviously my coarse manners do not permit me such civilized niceties." 06[21:54] * Gandr chews his berries. 06[21:54] * Kris glowers. "Stupid word, stupid immaculates." [21:54] "Now, now, do not belittle yourself so..." That one seemed genuine [21:55] "I bowed to you, we are equals." 01[21:55] "I almost wanna take up bets from the crowd..." [21:55] "No, no, there's no need to take yourself down to my degenerate level." [21:55] "I would never fight in an unfair match" 06[21:55] * Gandr pops anothe berry. 01[21:55] "Any other thoughts, Shi?" [21:55] "You may attack at any time you wish." [21:56] "Thank you." 06[21:56] * Kris calls out. "Whatever your name is, Gandr's not the type to get hung up on formalities. Just fight and hope you don't get your head torn off!" [21:56] <@Clarence_ST> Shi: "I think this fight is going to be awesome." 06[21:56] * Gandr stands relaxed, holding his cloth pouch with one hand, eating berries one by one with the other hand. [21:56] "Chapter one: Respecting the opponent" [21:57] "The opponent is a difficult creature to comprehend, you must simultaneously fight, and respect them, which, at first glance, are diametrically opposed ideas" 06[21:58] * Gandr stops chewing for a short moment, looking askance at Violet. 01[21:58] "So she's clueless when it comes to Fairies, but she's well versed in the art of war." [21:58] "However..." [21:58] "That ... is the most obnoxious thing I've ever heard." 06[21:58] * Kris puts her palm to her face in the most epic manner possible. [21:58] "Even under the worst of circumstances... All life must be respected equally." [21:59] "She must /really/ not be from around here. I've had extensive martial arts training, and I've never had to do any of that crap." 06[21:59] * Gandr stops chewing for another moment, sighs a little, and flicks a berry high arc into the air, catching it with his open mouth. 06[21:59] * Gandr chews it. [21:59] "To respect and to like, are in fact, not mutually exclusive..." [22:00] "Okay, okay." [22:00] "Where I'm from, the challenger attacks first." [22:00] "My standing here isn't being rude. It's being polite." [22:01] "An opponent, must attack first, to attack first, is to surrender respect for your opponent, and life itself..." [22:02] "But you're the one who challenged me to a practice match." [22:02] "In that sense, you attacked me first." [22:02] "To disrespect life, is to disrespect oneself." [22:02] "I would never attack my friend." [22:02] <@Clarence_ST> Lemy: "Yaknow, back when I was in my group of friends, when the rivals in my group wanted to fight, I just hit a bell and charged at eachother." [22:03] "In essence, you must treat your opponent as though he were a child in need of correction. A gentle hand will turn the harshest of ways..." 06[22:04] * Soul looks a little shocked at something Shi said, then laughs hard enough for Violet and Gandr to hear [22:04] <@Clarence_ST> Shi smiles. [22:04] "You do me too much honor. I am certain that even the merest babe of your culture far surpasses even the mightiest of my brethren in battle." [22:04] "Don't flatter yourself." 06[22:04] * Gandr chews another berry. 06[22:04] * Gandr Slow 06[22:04] * Gandr Ly. 01[22:05] "AHAHAHAHA...oh wow...yeah..." [22:05] "If you don't wish to fight, I won't make you." [22:05] "But you already did. You called me in challenge, remember ?" [22:06] "Well, there's no shame in backing out now, I understand." 06[22:06] * Kris shouts out "Stop talking and GET A ROOM!" [22:06] <@Clarence_ST> If Chaya were a normal country, the crowd would be dispersing. [22:06] "If you'll notice ... I haven't moved since I started eating these berries." 01[22:06] "Don't tell them to get a room, we want to see them fight!" [22:06] <@Clarence_ST> The crowd is instead getting larger. 06[22:06] * Gandr swallows his berry. 06[22:07] * Gandr begins chewing another one. 06[22:07] * Kris turns to Soul. "The sexual tension here is so thick it's nearly opaque." 01[22:07] "All right, that does it." [22:07] "However.. in a rare case... a child will be more stubborn than the oldest mule." 06[22:07] * Soul pushes his way through the crowd and stands between Violet and Gandr 01[22:07] "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IF I MAY HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!" [22:07] "Soul, you're ruining the view." 06[22:07] * Violet tilts her head to the side. 01[22:07] "shut up kid, I'm doing my thing here" 06[22:08] * Gandr wat.jpg 01[22:08] "YOU ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS A TRUE SPECTACLE OF THE AGES, TWO OF THE GUILD'S BEST TRAINED WARRIORS ARE ABOUT TO SPAR IN A BARE-KNUCKLE SHOWDOWN!" 01[22:08] "THE REASONS ARE UNIMPORTANT! WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!" 06[22:08] * Violet is more or less chanting to herself at this point. "If no action is taken in such a case the child must be corrected, or his views will remain unchanged." 01[22:09] "ON THIS SIDE, THE REIGNING CHAMPION OF OUR LITTLE GROUP, THE MASTER OF CHAINS, GANDR JORMGN!" 01[22:09] "AND ON THIS SIDE, THE WOMAN WHO DARES CHALLENGE HIM, THE SOLILOQUIST WHO SPEAKS WITH HER FISTS...VIOLET SPIGONI!" 01[22:10] "I PROMISE YOU THAT NOW YOU WILL SEE THE MOST CAPABLE FIGHTERS FROM HERE TO NEXUS! AND THEY WILL PROVE IT TO YOU!" 01[22:10] "NOW!!!" 06[22:10] * Soul steps back a bit. "All right you too, enough talk, I wanna see a clean but hard hitting fight. Ready?" 06[22:10] * Kris takes a deep breath and pulls out her inner legend, her dark eyes clear up, she sweeps her hair into place and slinks into the ring. She wanders around, punctuating Soul's statemetns and claims with an artful pose or flirtatious smile. 06[22:10] * Violet walks forward 06[22:11] * Soul puts his hand between the two fighters as if a gate about to be opened [22:11] "I'll attack first, if it is your wish." 01[22:11] "On the count of three, ready?" [22:11] "You're the challenger." Chew, swallow, another berry. 06[22:11] * Soul looks to Violet [22:11] "Ready." 06[22:11] * Soul yells again. "FIGHTER READY!!!" 06[22:12] * Gandr walks forward to mirror Violet. 06[22:12] * Soul turns to Gandr. "FIGHTER READY!!!" [22:12] "Ready." 06[22:12] * Kris works on the crowd. 01[22:12] "One...two...THREE!" and lifts up his hands and backs away immediately 06[22:12] * Violet walks forward and hits Gandr in the middle of the chest with an open palm 06[22:21] * Gandr The force of the blow hammers straight into Gandr, who goes sailing backwards. He lands on his back, sliding twoard the edge of the ring. As his momentum fades and he comes to a halt, it becomes apparent that he's still chewing his berries, and is, in fact, unharmed and relaxed. [22:21] "Hmm?" She raised an eyebrow [22:21] "Your turn" [22:22] "Okay." 03[22:22] * Clarence_ST changes topic to '[Tick 1: Gandr],[Tick 5: Violet]' 06[22:22] * Gandr stands up at a pace that only can be described as comfortable, and walks toward Violet again. 06[22:23] * Gandr He approaches to arm's reach of Violet, and stops, still chewing. 01[22:23] "NOT EVEN A FLINCH, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" [22:23] <@Clarence_ST> Shi whispers to lemy "I'm pretty sure that was more than a flinch." [22:23] "If you aren't going to play, this won't be very fun." [22:24] "Oh, I'm playing. I'm just not playing your game." 06[22:24] * Gandr chews a little, thoughtfully. [22:24] "Still, not very fun." 06[22:24] * Gandr offers her the pouch. [22:24] "Berries ?" [22:24] "No thanks." [22:24] "Suit yourself." [22:24] "Are you going to punch me again ?" 01[22:24] "would you attack already" 06[22:25] * Violet pushes her hand at him again this time with feeling... less feeling that is. 03[22:28] * Clarence_ST changes topic to '[Tick 5: Gandr], [Tick 10: Violet]' 06[22:33] * Violet walks over to Gandr, and tries to grapple him 06[22:40] * Gandr Violets searching and grappling hands roam over Gandr, trying to gain a handhold. At first it seems easy, a practical given - the large man is almost like an oak, knorty and easy to hold onto; But then an imperceptible shift occurs and where once where free handholds were offered, Gandr's body seems to slide and ripple slightly, becoming as much sand in the wind under Violet's roaming hands. 06[22:44] * Violet sighs and taps three points with the very tips of her fingers, the more observant observers can almost swear that they see little flashes of light exiting Gandr's body directly opposite to the attack. 06[22:52] * Gandr In a display of his usual swinging style, only without the chain he so dearly relies on, Gandr improvises the energy and momentum needed; Violet's barely-real but nonetheless highly lethal attack is the perfect source. Gandr catches the force of her blows in his finely-tuned fingers and spins with it, clasping his hands together in a cannonball that turns the energy of her attack around half-circle and hammers them into herself. 03[23:04] * Clarence_ST changes topic to '[tick 16: violet] [Tick 21: Gandr]' 06[23:15] * Violet lands on her back neatly [23:15] "Good flip. You're on your feet." 01[23:15] "AN INCREDIBLE COUNTERATTACK!" 06[23:15] * Violet sighs, and sits forward 06[23:16] * Violet stands up and dusts herself off. [23:16] "Well, this debate has really turning into mindless violence hasn't it..." [23:17] "Violence, yes." [23:17] "I let my... temper... get the best of me." [23:17] "I'm sorry." [23:17] <@Clarence_ST> The crowd watches on. Silently contemplating what's going on. [23:17] <@Clarence_ST> Crowds for fights shouldn't be silent [23:17] <@Clarence_ST> . [23:17] <@Clarence_ST> Chaya is weird. 06[23:17] * Gandr is surprised. 06[23:18] * Gandr stops chewing. 06[23:18] * Soul looks like he's ABOUT TO EXPLODE 06[23:18] * Violet she smiles again, and says "I hope I didn't say anything too impolite I let my... temper... get the best of me sometimes." 06[23:18] * Soul walks up to Violet and picks her up by the arm 06[23:18] * Soul whispers in her ear. "Get out and go to Shi. Let me take care of this. NOW." 06[23:18] * Soul is VERY unhappy atm [23:18] "It's ..." 06[23:19] * Violet stands lazily 06[23:19] * Gandr looks like he was about to say something really deep [23:19] n shit 01[23:19] "You can talk later. Now GO." 06[23:19] * Gandr but he was RUDELY INTERRUPTED. 06[23:19] * Gandr puts on his best shitface. [23:19] "Follow the smart one." 06[23:19] * Soul beckons to Kris to escort her out 06[23:20] * Violet looks around bewildered [23:20] "Are we fighting?" 01[23:20] "No. GO." 06[23:20] * Soul points out [23:20] "Well, it would be rude to disappoint the crowd..." 01[23:20] "I AM ATTEMPTING TO SAVE FACE. GET OUT." 06[23:21] * Soul turns around and addresses the crowd [23:21] "Well, lets show off for a bit, for the crowd ok Gandr?" 06[23:21] * Soul smacks Violet. "YOU ARE NOT FIGHTING. I am." 01[23:21] "Now get out." 01[23:22] *ahem* "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN." [23:22] "Oh, alright... (you can see that Lilly doesn't like Soul very much at this point) 01[23:22] "I PROMISED YOU A FIGHT BETWEEN TWO OF THE GUILD'S BEST WARRIORS, AND I WAS UNABLE TO DELIVER. I SHALL RECTIFY THAT NOW." [23:22] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: >:I 06[23:22] * Kris pulls Violet aside. "Trust me, this is not something you wan't to be between." 06[23:22] * Gandr looks pretty damn offended about that smack. Fighting in a ring is one thing. 06[23:22] * Soul sorta smacked her on the arm, not bitchslapped her >.> 06[23:23] * Soul is taking off his armour and removes his sword 06[23:23] * Gandr oh, okay then, Gandr is much happier. 06[23:23] * Violet leans back on the grass and stares up at the sky [23:23] "Can you come over here Lilly?" 06[23:23] * Soul gets Kris to remove them if she can [23:23] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly moves over 01[23:23] "I APOLOGIZE TO YOU ALL GREATLY. NOW WE SHALL HAVE A REAL FIGHT!" 06[23:24] * Violet whispers to Lilly, "Did it happen again?" 06[23:24] * Soul waits for everyone to clear the ring 06[23:24] * Gandr sits down on his feet, picks up some dust from the ground and stands up again, rubbing the sand into his palms as he does so. [23:24] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: "Pardon, Mistress?" 06[23:24] * Soul thumps his chest a couple times to make sure his heart's still working [23:24] "You know... The thing..." 01[23:24] "Nothing personal, Gandr, I promised them a fight is all. Same rules as before?" [23:25] "You're on, soulja-boy." 06[23:25] * Soul raises his eyebrows at that unfamiliar term but readies himself nonetheless [23:25] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: "Oh. No, no, you were completely fine." 06[23:25] * Violet sighs in relief 01[23:25] "I may be the challenger, but I'll let you have the first attack if you wish." 03[23:26] * Clarence_ST changes topic to '[Tick 0: Soul], [Tick 1: Gandr]' [23:27] "I like that. I was getting tired of standing still and eating these fucking berries anyway; speaking of which, d'ya want any ? they're delicious." 01[23:27] "Maybe later." 06[23:29] * Gandr crouches low, fists gliding over the dusty ground of the improvised ring. In a motion smooth like the side of a silver talent, Gandr tumbles head over heels across the floor of the arena, changing his beloved momentum just as he nears Soul, hoping to use the full force of his entire body like a coil in a single devastating (and very showy, for Gandr) uppercut. 06[23:32] * Soul sees what Gandr is trying to do, but rather than dodge it, he crosses his hefty arms in front of his chest and holds them out, and attempts to use them to take the full force of the uppercut, stopping Gandr and robbing him of his momentum [23:34] "Did I start rambling again Lilly?" [23:35] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: "...A little..." [23:35] "Oh well..." [23:35] "I'm sure they'll forgive me." [23:35] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly: "I'm sure." [23:35] "Not likely." [23:36] <@Clarence_ST> Lilly >:I at Kris 06[23:36] * Violet and Lilly simultaneously >:I 06[23:36] * Gandr adjusts his outstretched fist a bit before knuckle would have met bone, and what would have been a boneshaker instead becomes a sort of grappled launch, Gandr's arms tied into Soul's still-crossed arms; the pair is carried skyward by Gandr's momentum (god I love that word), where they hover a short moment before ... [23:36] "Gandr's pretty easy going, Soul's got very little patience for... Lots of things, but he's not a bad person. Just... Prickly." [23:36] "I wasn't mean to him was I?" [23:36] "You just don't mess around with Gandr though, for all of his easy-going natures, he's... Well." [23:37] "Mean? No. Long-winded? Painfully naive? Very." [23:37] "I can remember up until we left the guild meeting..." 06[23:38] * Kris turns to Violet and offers her an apologetic smile. "You'll get better as we get to know eachother." 06[23:38] * Soul sees what Gandr did, AGAIN, and decides the only way to remedy the situation is to kick some sense into him, so he draws in his leg, leans back, and kicks him in the chest hard enough that if he wasn't a solar he'd explode in a shower of pyrotechnics after screaming a lot 06[23:38] * Gandr In the air, Gandr locks eyes with Soul for a moment, grinning viciously. 06[23:39] * Gandr Before recieving a kick in the stomach that would crumble lesser granite statues. Gandr flies up and arcs away, before rolling around with the flow of the blow and landing - not catlike on the ground, but with a solid THUMPF like an oak hitting the ground, saying "I'm here to stay, motherfuckers." 06[23:41] * Soul did NOT anticipate, however, Gandr's evasion tactic, and ends up landing his kick on the mark-except the mark moved out from under it. He ends up kicking the ground - hard - and goes tumbling a bit before landing with an oomph. [23:44] <@Clarence_ST> The crowd has no idea what's going on, BUT THEY'RE LIKING IT. 06[23:44] * Gandr takes out a berry, and is about to plop it in his mouth when he thinks the better of it, and instead flicks it into the crowd. [23:45] <@Clarence_ST> One guy in the crowd extends his hand and catches the berry with grace & ease, and retracts. Everyone around him nods, and they continue watching the fight [23:46] <@Clarence_ST> SOUL'S KICK... [23:46] <@Clarence_ST> Was so strong yet such a failure, it dug itself half a foot into the soil. 03[23:48] * Clarence_ST changes topic to '[Tick ???: Soul] [Ticklessthan???: Gandr]' [23:49] "Hm." 06[23:49] * Gandr walks nearer to the stuck Soul. [23:49] "Can't have that." 06[23:50] * Soul is too busy attempting to jar himself from the earth to see what Gandr's about to do, but he braces for the hurt 06[23:50] * Violet starts to nod off "Boys and their fights right Lilly?" She says lazily 06[23:51] * Gandr turns around, steps away once, then twice, then thrice and THEN TURNS AND CHARGES AT SOUL, RUNNING AT FULL TILT, ARM POISED FOR THE BLOW THAT WILL PIERCE THE SKIES, EACH LEG POUNDING SPEED AND DRIVE INTO THE GROUND TO FUEL THE STAMPEDE UNTIL GANDR COLLIDES WITH SOUL AND for a moment there's nothing. 06[23:52] * Gandr Then there's the realization that Gandr's not in front of Soul, punching. He's behind him, scissor-vaulting Soul into the air before twisting him over himself, blasting Soul into the ground with the fury of an oak in a hurricane,. 06[23:58] * Soul goes fucking FLYING as a result of the brutal attack...but those that can see him in the air could SWEAR he doesn't have a look of pain on his face. Then everyone can see it when he lands neatly on his feet, brushing himself off. [23:58] <@Clarence_ST> The crowd "Hmm"s with interest. 06[23:58] * Gandr is lying on his back after having vaulted 250 kilogrammes of Soul into the air with nothing but a wire and a foot. 06[23:59] * Gandr rolls to his feet and chews a berry. 06[23:59] * Gandr Slowly. 01[23:59] "Heh he...all right, All Right!" 06[00:00] * Soul grins almost evilly, then lets his right arm go limp...then snaps his wrist quickly to shake his hand out, right before throwing his entire weight into punching Gandr in the chest 06[00:06] * Gandr Soul's fist nearly hits Gandr in the plexus, were it not for Gandr bending backwards and curving along the path of the fist ... resulting in it hitting him in the jaw instead. The blow snaps his head around, and as he turns back to refocus on Soul, a thin line of a red something streams down his chin. [00:06] "Hmm." 06[00:06] * Gandr Dabs his chin with his fingers, and licks his finger. [00:06] "Berry sauce. Shaken, not stirred." 01[00:06] "Your favourite." [00:07] "You know me too well." 06[00:07] * Gandr smiles again, that happy-vicious smile. 01[00:07] "Too well for this fight to go anywhere, it seems..." 06[00:07] * Soul smirks some more 06[00:07] * Gandr smirks even more ! 06[00:08] * Soul starts to laugh 06[00:08] * Gandr And snakes out his head, delivering a headbutt of tremendous force directly to Soul's head. 06[00:14] * Soul takes the full force of the hit to his forehead and staggers back a bit...but snaps back to attention more or less unfazed. 06[00:18] * Gandr each hit hammered home is another counter, another blow that goes into Gandr's own gut. He's limping, but so's Soul. 06[00:19] * Gandr They're both breathing hard; anyone can see that they're titans equally matched in ferocity, skill and sheer power. 06[00:19] * Gandr None of the two can lose; neither posssesses the godlike strength needed to put down the other 01[00:20] "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm starting to grow bored. I can't think of any new ways to kick your ass." 06[00:20] * Soul sort of shrugs and plays to the audience a bit 06[00:22] * Gandr steps back and has another berry. [00:22] "Hm." [00:22] <@Clarence_ST> The audience nods, and golf claps. 06[00:22] * Gandr examines his pouch a little more deeply. [00:22] "'M almost out of berries." [00:22] "Can't fight on an empty stomach." 01[00:23] "I think I've made my point." [00:23] "One last punch ? [00:23] " [00:23] "Fist to fist." 01[00:23] "You're on." [00:23] "A ... sort of ... a brother-fist ?" [00:24] <@Clarence_ST> Shi: "I am a fan of this." 01[00:24] "A...bro...ther...fist? A brofist?" 06[00:24] * Gandr steps into it. The muscles play under his skin, readying that last explosive discharge. [00:24] "Bro. Fist." [00:24] "Brofist." 06[00:24] * Soul lets his arm go limp and shakes out his hand again [00:24] "I like it." 01[00:25] "Well, come on then." 06[00:26] * Soul clenches his hand as hard as possible 06[00:26] * Soul uses the other hand to beckon Gandr to run to him as fast as possible 06[00:26] * Gandr R-R-R-RAMS HIS FIST THROUGH THE AIR, the rush of air tearing hats off of people. 06[00:26] * Soul waits to the last second, then punches as hard as he can at the designated moment, yelling as hard as he can [00:27] <@Clarence_ST> AN EXPLOSION OF ESSENCE SO AWESOME RESOUNDS THROUGHOUT MO-HA [00:27] <@Clarence_ST> ITS JUST [00:27] <@Clarence_ST> MY GOD [00:27] <@Clarence_ST> THE BIRTH OF BRO-FIST [00:42] <@Clarence_ST> BASICALLY [00:42] <@Clarence_ST> THE GOD OF BROFIST HAS JUST BEEN CREATED IN HEAVEN 06[00:43] * Gandr mumbles quietly ... Soul is the only one who can hear him. [00:43] "Told ya I could do non-lethal." 06[00:44] * Soul just nods knowingly [00:49] <@Clarence_ST> AND THIS SESSION COMES TO AN END [00:50] <@Clarence_ST> Holy shit nothing happened but that nothing was AWESOME [00:50] <@Clarence_ST> Tune in next time when shit hopefully gets done!