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abraxaslogs2022-02-09 03:39 pm
fourarmedandangerous) wrote in abraxaslogs2022-02-09 03:39 pm
FRIENDSHIP...FRIENDSHIP?
Who: Goro, Cloud & various fine people of Solvunn
What: The Free Cities sends its delegation to Solvunn's Primary settlement to confirm the story about what happened on Eifstide. Goro attends in an observatory role to learn and not at all to further his plans for war, but as a personal request has a certain troubled guard disliked by the rest of his unit attached to the delegation as well, surely for no ulterior motive whatsoever.
Where: The delegation departs from Cadens, portaling to just outside the Primary Settlement before being invited into the Settlement itself.
When: Beginning to the early middle-ish of February
Warnings: Will add as necessary!
Departure
Due to the distance involved, it's decided that when the delegation departs, it will be via teleportation magic to send Cadens' representatives to half a day's ride out from Solvunn's Primary Settlement. The group, consisting of Goro, General Othra Stevrens, four other military representatives and one surly-looking blonde summoned guardsman on a punishment detail, assembles at one of Portham Hall's training yards to be sent off by a waiting mage. Prime Minister Marlo is on hand along with a few other officials to see them off, and a chest of desert jewels has been assembled as a diplomatic gift for their hosts.
Goro, as always cuts an imposing figure, especially with the addition of a blood red cloak draped over his massive shoulders, ornamented with gold inlay. Further bits of jewelry, bracelets, and a gold belt over his skirt armour generously provided by his followers give him a more regal air, even though his role is to be that of a learner and observer. It's made abundantly clear General Stevrens is the one in charge.
As preparations are made to leave, naturally a crowd is drawn, due in no small part to Goro making sure his followers know when the departure date is. He's seen conversing with a few of the more prominent members of the anti-Solvunn protestors, including his chief lieutenant, an ex-military man named Sterne, who is remaining behind. Goro's instructions are clear; he expects Solvunn to be deceptive, so their job is to keep the fires burning while he's gone. Keep the people's anger hot. On Solvunn soil, who knows what the sorcerers may do?
When all is ready to go, the portal is opened, and the delegation, Shokan included step through, leaving Cadens and the Free Cities behind...
Outside the Primary Settlement
When the delegation emerges from the portal, it's inside Solvunn's territory where a similar group from the Primary Settlement is waiting to greet them. While the head of the council isn't there to meet them, Rowan Marsh and several other important members of the community are, along with a scribe to record the meeting. Goro's presence attracts a lot of nervous stares, but the Free Cities are treated with all due hospitality. Solvunn's own peace offering is a prize goat and a basket of handmade gifts and foodstuffs from Solvunn's farms to return. The meeting is cordial, and once the peace offerings have been exchanged, both groups proceed back to the Primary Settlement.
The Shokan Among You
Goro's mission is simple; ask questions, be polite, break no laws on Solvunn's soil. Although there are those here Goro has grudges against (and more he is certain have been warned about him by elements within the Free Cities), he has no intention of breaking into any fights. Instead, he is given leave to explore, which he takes to with the same intense focus that he always brings. Solvunn and the Free Cities may be pretending this is a cordial check-up, but not Goro.
It's easy to pick the Shokan out, but more likely if he spies someone intriguing he will approach them. It might be you.
"I am Prince Goro of Kuatan. I am here with the delegation of the Free Cities. Would you permit me the honour of asking some questions, in the interests of peace and cooperation between our nations?"
He says it sincerely enough, at least.
What: The Free Cities sends its delegation to Solvunn's Primary settlement to confirm the story about what happened on Eifstide. Goro attends in an observatory role to learn and not at all to further his plans for war, but as a personal request has a certain troubled guard disliked by the rest of his unit attached to the delegation as well, surely for no ulterior motive whatsoever.
Where: The delegation departs from Cadens, portaling to just outside the Primary Settlement before being invited into the Settlement itself.
When: Beginning to the early middle-ish of February
Warnings: Will add as necessary!
Departure
Due to the distance involved, it's decided that when the delegation departs, it will be via teleportation magic to send Cadens' representatives to half a day's ride out from Solvunn's Primary Settlement. The group, consisting of Goro, General Othra Stevrens, four other military representatives and one surly-looking blonde summoned guardsman on a punishment detail, assembles at one of Portham Hall's training yards to be sent off by a waiting mage. Prime Minister Marlo is on hand along with a few other officials to see them off, and a chest of desert jewels has been assembled as a diplomatic gift for their hosts.
Goro, as always cuts an imposing figure, especially with the addition of a blood red cloak draped over his massive shoulders, ornamented with gold inlay. Further bits of jewelry, bracelets, and a gold belt over his skirt armour generously provided by his followers give him a more regal air, even though his role is to be that of a learner and observer. It's made abundantly clear General Stevrens is the one in charge.
As preparations are made to leave, naturally a crowd is drawn, due in no small part to Goro making sure his followers know when the departure date is. He's seen conversing with a few of the more prominent members of the anti-Solvunn protestors, including his chief lieutenant, an ex-military man named Sterne, who is remaining behind. Goro's instructions are clear; he expects Solvunn to be deceptive, so their job is to keep the fires burning while he's gone. Keep the people's anger hot. On Solvunn soil, who knows what the sorcerers may do?
When all is ready to go, the portal is opened, and the delegation, Shokan included step through, leaving Cadens and the Free Cities behind...
Outside the Primary Settlement
When the delegation emerges from the portal, it's inside Solvunn's territory where a similar group from the Primary Settlement is waiting to greet them. While the head of the council isn't there to meet them, Rowan Marsh and several other important members of the community are, along with a scribe to record the meeting. Goro's presence attracts a lot of nervous stares, but the Free Cities are treated with all due hospitality. Solvunn's own peace offering is a prize goat and a basket of handmade gifts and foodstuffs from Solvunn's farms to return. The meeting is cordial, and once the peace offerings have been exchanged, both groups proceed back to the Primary Settlement.
The Shokan Among You
Goro's mission is simple; ask questions, be polite, break no laws on Solvunn's soil. Although there are those here Goro has grudges against (and more he is certain have been warned about him by elements within the Free Cities), he has no intention of breaking into any fights. Instead, he is given leave to explore, which he takes to with the same intense focus that he always brings. Solvunn and the Free Cities may be pretending this is a cordial check-up, but not Goro.
It's easy to pick the Shokan out, but more likely if he spies someone intriguing he will approach them. It might be you.
"I am Prince Goro of Kuatan. I am here with the delegation of the Free Cities. Would you permit me the honour of asking some questions, in the interests of peace and cooperation between our nations?"
He says it sincerely enough, at least.
no subject
[There's most certainly a surly-looking blonde trudging along at the very back of the line of otherwise important-looking people awaiting their teleportation. Only his eyes are not on either the other members of the military in attendance. Nor are they on the mage that, honestly, they're all putting their lives in the hands of for the sake of getting to their destination quickly.
They're on Goro's followers. To his credit, at least, he's quiet. Dimly-glowing eyes are narrowed, trained upon each of these people's faces, trying to pick out any he might recognize from... well, anything.
Except it doesn't work. Cloud's hardly the most sociable of people to begin with, and each of these individuals... wouldn't ring any bells anyway. Goro, after all, is this little hategroup's figurehead. It's him that takes the podium every time to bellow bullshit about Solvunn, and...
Yeah.
Examining each of them as hard as he can comes up with nothing. And worse, it's now his turn to be teleported.]
Wait-
[Too late. The second he's out of the teleportation field and in the remarkably cooler air of Solvunn, he closes his eyes. He feels all around him- green, mostly. This area is farmland? Feel close, way too close, feels it shudder, and spin.
....Motion sickness.
He closes his eyes. And he just breathes.]
...
[Don't look weak, don't look weak.]
no subject
"Keep going." Goro says from behind Cloud sternly. The rest of the delegation is still porting in and the available area is small, which isn't helped by the Shokan's bulk. "You are not here to take in the sights."
no subject
"You're not my boss." It's a low snarl more than a whisper- and it comes with his eyes flicking, immediately, to General Stevrens. Who, as it happens, is out of the portal! ...But hasn't noticed any of this exchange.
Great.
Another breath. Another battle of his will against nausea. And he continues moving, trying- at least- to put some distance between himself and Goro. ...While trying not to stand out. For other reasons.
Reasons which might involve his eyes flicking to and from practically every one of the faces of those gathered to greet them.
no subject
He stops for a moment to regard Cloud, then follows his gaze to the crowd of Solvunn dignitaries across the field. "What is it?" He asks suddenly. He seems to looking rather closely at the crowd for what was supposed to be a "peaceful" mission.
no subject
Instead, it'd be something else entirely. So he remains silent, taking a breath- a deep breath- (At least the air here was clear. Faint smell of animals and shit from the nearby farms, sure. But it was better than the muggy, too-warm desert air of Cadens) and... yeah. With each breath, he's feeling slightly better.
Better enough to move his gaze to Goro as the Shokan turns his attentions to the small crowd. And it strikes him immediately.
"...They're just like anyone in Cadens."
Poor? Yes. Dirty? Yes. Looking at them with a mixture of concern, apprehension, and vague hope? Absolutely. He stares- then- his brows furrowing slightly. From all of the talk in the Free Cities, he expected something more...
...Weird.
"... Funny-looking evil sorcerers." A brief curl of his lip. The fresh air was working, making him feel better. But Goro's displeasure would work even better. His eyes trail to an ... unfortunate-looking boy- probably 10 years old, with an unruly mane of grown-out red hair, and freckles- which would be staring at them, slackjawed. "'specially that one."
no subject
"They were particular about who they sent to greet us. This is the first experience with the people of Solvunn in person for many of us, ourselves included. They are setting an image of what they wish us to expect. What they want us to see. This is a calculated move on their part, to appear as non-threatening and conciliatory as possible."
He looks back down at Cloud. "I was under the impression guards were supposed to be observant, knew how to read people." Goro grins wolfishly at the man. "Small wonder the rest of your unit hates you, if such surface deceptions are all it takes to fool you."
no subject
That grin, by itself, is enough to send the child darting behind his mother. His eyes move from the kid peeking from his mother's legs to look off before him- into the distance where some people dressed a little better are standing solemnly, their arms crossed in front of them.
Those must be the leaders, he guesses. It's unclear, he's unsure-
But for what he does know (and oh, he knows):
"Bullshit. An enemy force comes by, you don't send out the women, old people, and the kids. You lock 'em away and make a show of force with all of your able-bodied, and all of your weapons. You tell the other side, even at something like this, you ain't to be fucked with."
A shake of his head follows.
"How long d'you think it's gonna be before the assholes you've riled up in Cadens realize, you think? That a bunch of farmers' wives're the enemy you're so scared of?"
He continues to move forward, coming to a halt a (respectful enough, he guesses.) way away from the dignitaries. And as Goro passes, his voice is low.
"You're on borrowed time till you're laughed out of the city, and you know it."
no subject
"This is not war, not yet. This is politics. This is the dance before the war." He explains quietly, but sternly. "The Free Cities did not come as an invading force and Solvunn would be idiots to treat them as such. It would only serve to confirm the Cities' biases against them, and escalate the war, before Solvunn is ready to do so. Their trick at Eifstide failed, and so they are buying for time by playing along and playing at politeness so that they can strike again on their terms." He sneers at Cloud's certainty about his fate.
"You stumble about like a drunken Zaterran and think you understand the politics of nations. Do not forget your place, guardsman."
Shokan Among You
So he's very easy for Goro to spot while he watches the delegates from a distance.
His gaze follows Goro as he's approached. That has to be one of the other Summoned, right? So his question makes Syrlya raise his brows. Their nations, huh.
"I cannot really speak for the people of Solvunn, but I can try to answer any questions you have for me."
no subject
"That will be sufficient." He says briskly to Syrlya's acknowledgement. "We have questions concerning the events surrounding Eifstide, some few months back. How long have you been part of Solvunn?"
no subject
no subject
He looks around at the settlment beyond them. "There are many in the Free Cities who are...concerned about how recklessly Solvunn delves into death magic of this sort. Assuming Solvunn's claim that it merely was a mistake is true, of course." If it wasn't a mistake, Goro has more ammunition to push for war. If it was a mistake, then he can use it to illustrate the dangers of unrestrained magic and sorcerers being free to do as they please. Either suits his interest and, in his mind, will lead to the same end, if by a slightly longer path. And perhaps he can use this to sow some distrust amongst Solvunn's newest summoned.
Outside the primary settlement; (Goro & Emet-Selch)
Yet, he was prone to spend quite a good deal of his time in the company of someone who perhaps was. Or at the very least had interest enough to warrant a personal visit. So! It is for that reason he is here, at the side of the aforementioned.
He is silent.
But oh- he is watching.
Keenly does his gaze move from figure to figure. And ever so slightly, he is smiling.
no subject
(That he is curious as to what has brought his former opponent here - and why - is something he is even less likely to mention.)
Still, if his soul sight grants him anything it is this: though he is surprised that Goro might approach him, he is not surprised at his presence, and there's only the briefest moment of pause before he steps seamlessly into one of the many roles he plays.
This time, however, it is not that of the Emperor he is and was. No, this time it is the politician's mask he slides into, one of careful neutrality and polite words, and an easy sort of casualness to how he holds himself. He is not here to pick fights, it says, though the memory of it may yet linger still. Hiding carefully away under the softer edges of politeness, claws to be used when and if he needs them.
(It, and the words that follow them are likely wholly unfamiliar to Hythlodaeus. Though this side of him may have some of its roots in the position he had once held on the Convocation, he had rarely been anything other than blunt and straightforward even when at his most polite, two things that he is not now.)
"Of course. Far be it for me to deny you that much, when you have come all this way."
no subject
"You have my thanks." His tone is formal, and polite, a far cry from the brutal brusqueness that he demonstrated during the Dimming. "There are citizens among the Free Cities who are...concerned with what happened during the events of Eifstide. As a citizen of the commune, what was your impression of that night's unfortunate events?" It would be interesting, if Solvunn had had an easier time of things during that long night. A sign that maybe the sorcerers were able to effect more control over the dead they'd unleashed than they claimed.
no subject
There is interest within it, of course. It might be easy to think that interest would focus upon his physical form- as no doubt Goro likely had experienced, in both Cadens and here- and yes. It most certainly is noteworthy, but instead, he finds himself looking beyond.
The soul. That's always the first thing to behold, with any new encounter.
If Hythlodaeus likes what he sees or if he does not, he gives precious little indication of it in body language or expression. He simply looks, and then shifts his gaze away, focusing upon the other members of the entourage.
...Oh, but he does listen.
no subject
On the other hand, it does spare him the need to call on his magics yet again, and he's hardly about to complain about that.
"I cannot speak to the spells that were in use." And which had so catastrophically failed to have their desired effect. "That said, the idea of a sufficiently complex spell going wrong over even a slight misstep is not unfamiliar. And go awry it did. The natural order was overturned; those long-dead rising in what I can only call anger"
He has wondered, too, what the state of the Underworld must be like here, for the dead to wake to anger. That they - or the gods that hold say over whatever similar concept those of Solvunn believe to be present - must needs by placated by gifts of offerings, and soothed gently to sleep by the careful spellwork of the mages in question. But that is something he does not mean to mention. Not here, not yet.
shokan amongst
The arms are weird enough to give him pause, and really, that's probably what has Goro heading in his direction. You make prolonged eye contact on the street, chances are it's gonna lead to something.
Sam had warned him plenty about Goro already. He's a warmonger. He's going to try to provoke him. So Amos is composed enough as Goro makes his little speech, his expression blank the entire time. Idly scratches at an itch behind his ear as he looks up at him, waits for it to be over.
"Didn't know peace and cooperation were your m.o.," he remarks, conversational enough. They're doing this, apparently. He thinks it over for a moment, then shrugs. "Yeah, sure, fuck it. Shoot."
He probably doesn't have a whole lot of answers to give, but Amos is pretty sure that isn't what this is about, so it doesn't exactly matter.
no subject
As Goro approaches after making his intentions clear, he cocks his head to the side in curiosity. Not his "m.o.", was it? "I beg your pardon?" He asks, deciding to play dumb. "I admit humans tend to run together for me after awhile, but I do not believe you and I have met."
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After the initial shock of seeing 1. a dude with four arms and 2. realizing that it's the specific dude Sam had told him about, Amos is pretty at ease, considering how he'd never even conceived of the idea of Shokans before. Suddenly being face-to-face with one? It's weird, but he's always been good at rolling with whatever curveballs life throws at him, and this isn't much different.
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"No doubt Captain Wilson spoke at length about me." Goro carries on. "A lengthy moralistic speech on my supposed failings, no doubt. I hope you do not take his word blindly." Having said that, he does nod. "But you are correct, it is not common for delegations of this matter to occur. I assume you know what it is that brought this one here, if the good Captain has been spreading rumours. Do you think it wrong of us to not simply take Solvunn at its word, given the scope of its supposed "accident" on the night of Eifstide? Would you?"
no subject
"Wings knows what he's talking about," he says. Yeah — he trusts him, maybe more than he trusts anyone else in this realm. He's got nothing else to elaborate on: not that Sam had done a pretty good job in getting to the point; not that Amos' first suggestion had been to just kill Goro and be done with it; not that it was Sam who said no, we don't kill people. Just that he trusts him very much, and that it's his trust that is going to prevent this from blowing up into something bigger.
For all his zen, though, the idea of Wings spreading rumours earns a frown. The question immediately posed afterwards earns a deeper one. He hadn't been expecting to have something to think over; the last time he'd been in a situation like this, back home, it had never so much as approached philosophical.
And then the frown lets up, and Amos shrugs, having reached his conclusion. "Yeah, sure. They said sorry, right? That shit with the ghosts happened here too. Not like they're gonna attack themselves. They fucked up, they fixed it, it's over. Dunno what else there's really left to do."
no subject
An eyebrow raises at Amos' assertion that Solvunn must be innocent. "An apology is all it takes to convince you?" He asks. "Yes, they were attacked. But what if that was the real mistake? What if Solvunn's necromancers attempted to control the dead to rise up and attack the other nations, but could not properly control them, and fell victim to the very dead they sought to use as a weapon?" He gestures with a lower arm. "After all, were you there at the ritual they claimed went awry? Was anyone? We have nothing but their word for what went wrong and while that may be enough to satisfy you, there are many in the Cities who are not so easily convinced."
no subject
He'd suggest they just skip to the end part, but that's almost certainly gonna end up with a fight — and Goro is obviously someone who knows his way around one of those. That, and the part where Amos has yet to use his ability to control gravity — thanks, jailbreak, or Horizon, or whatever — in a fight, and the part where they're in the middle of the town, and it feels like a bad fucking idea.
He really doesn't know how else this ends. Shit. Because Amos knows if they reach that stage, he's got no qualms about letting loose, and he'd basically been told to not do that. So. This is a problem.
It might actually be easier if he just sidesteps the whole issue for now. Let Goro take control of the conversation. Amos shakes his head at the assertions — about the ritual, about Solvunn's true plans, all of it, any of it.
"The Cities can get over themselves then," he says, simply enough. As long as Goro isn't talking shit about Wings, then Amos really will just carry on conversationally. "If Solvunn did it on purpose but still ended up attacking themselves then they'll probably fuck themselves up before you get the chance. If it was an accident, then it was an accident and there's nothing for anyone to do. Either way, it's over and done with. Really don't see what your role here is supposed to be."
no subject
"Really?" An eyebrow arches at Amos' assertions. "They can...get over themselves." He mulls that over for a moment before nodding. "Thank you. I will be certain to remember that bit of sage advice makes it back to them." His lips curl in a sneer. "I'm sure they will be touched by your sympathy." Yes, he'll definitely make sure "The Free Cities can get over themselves." from a Solvunn reprsentative makes its way back to the Cadens rumour-mill. Is it entirely truthful? No. Will that matter? Not in the slightest.
He snorts, ignoring the rest of Amos' jab. "Truly sir, you must be one of the Captain's inner circle. What need has he of me when he has such able lackeys as yourself? Been together since the good old days in Thorne, have you?"
no subject
There's a sharp exhale of something almost like amusement from him at being called one of Wings' little soldiers. Sure; that kind of is what he sees himself as, actually. What would probably be a good relationship for him. Funny how this guy nailed it so easily.
Goro doesn't answer to him, though. Yeah. Obviously. "Kinda wish you did. Then we wouldn't be doing whatever this is right now."
Still, he nods, not at all seeing the way his words could possibly be twisted. It's just what you kinda do. Either you kill the asshole responsible or you get over it, and Sam had made clear that murder was not on the table, so that just leaves the one option. "Yeah. Far as I can tell, nobody really got hurt. Nobody died. Nobody lost anything. It was just one shitty night, so, you get over it. Otherwise you're just creating a whole lot more shitty nights for yourself."
And that's not so much a threat as it is a promise. If they want to go to war — Amos isn't going to fight for Solvunn, but he really does not like this guy. If he can get away with fighting Goro alone, he will. He stares up at him, eyes narrowed. "Don't think Wings needs you so much as he needs you to shut the fuck up. So you should probably just do that."
He doesn't need to correct Goro. He never saw Sam when they were in Thorne. They've never so much as met in person. But all that really needs to be established here has been — yeah, Amos is firmly on his side. Isn't gonna be dissuaded from that. Now they're just left with drawn battle lines, and Amos is under strict orders to not throw the first punch, so he's not gonna. Whatever Goro does after, well, he'll tackle that as soon as it happens. But not before.
no subject
An eyebrow slowly raises. "Should I?" He chuckles throatily and then leans down, towards Amos. "And are you going to make me, little man?"