(The plot part was also run by Passes. 3 xp.)

 

 

<Insert generic information about Great Forks here, because PTF OOCly doesn't know anything about it.> Today is a beautiful, clear day in the city of Great Forks. It is just after noon, and the city is in full swing. A young southern woman enters the scene, walking sedately through the masses of busy people. Her purple armor and firey, flashing jewelery draw the eyes of everyone around her, and her stunning beauty holds those eyes. She seems to be alone and unarmed, and thus, many of those eyes are openly coveteous. Nothing will be tried, however, as there are far too many people and far too much light for any kind of attack to be successful, at least as long as she keeps to the more populous areas. However, should she stray from the beaten path, or stay out alone like this after dark... Well, she'll probably end the night a bit lighter on the possession side, at the least.

 She seems to be looking for something or someone, but not urgently.

Philokrates is, in fact, back home, visiting his family. For once, he eats a hot meal, under the roof he was raised in, drinking hot broth with rice and lentils. His younger sister sits beside him, as they casually gossip in their small home on the northern districts. The white clay and brick of the home keep out the summer heat, letting the air within stay reasonably cool - or it was, before they started making soup. It's not too hard to find this house, if you go looking for the Solar's family.

Passes Through Flames does indeed go looking for the house, having been unable to find the man himself. She arrives just after the family finishes dinner, and stops in front for a moment, just looking at the simple structure.

One house among many houses, low and squat, stacked lightly on each other like clams on clams. Eventually, the door opens, and out strides a pale-haired young girl, wandering towards the temple district.

Shortly there-after, coming behind her, is a much taller young man, just as pale haired, though both of them are the deep dark skin of any easterner.

 

 

 

 

Passes Through Flames watches them for a moment, noticing the family resemblence. Then she steps forward. "Excuse me. I was looking for the man named Philokrates. Would you happen to know if he lives around here?"

The young man turns and pauses. "I am he." The woman looks at you curiously, unused to strangers.

Passes Through Flames smiles, and bows. "Excellent. My name is Pamal Arbani, also known as Passes Through Flames. I am an acquaintance of Fudou the Mountain. I was wondering if I could have a few moments of your time to discuss a proposition."

Philokrates narrows his eyes at you, hesitant. He steps between you and his sister. "What is it that you propose?" he asks quietly, his eyes narrowed on you. His sister is fascinated by you, unable to look away, garbed in a priest's robes.

Passes Through Flames cocks her head in confusion. "Please, be at peace. I am not here to hurt you. I was informed that you are quite the speedster, and an excellent archer on top of that. I was wondering if someone as...Exalted as yourself would be interested in aiding a mixed group of people like us in toppling one of the evils that threaten Creation?"

She doesnt' seem to notice the other girl's eyes, or if she does, she doesn't care.

Philokrates looks over the lissome figure, armored. "You come armed. But you may be out of luck, though you come to the correct figure. My loyalty is to Great Forks, and to the people of it; I am no mercenary to be purchased, I desire no luxuries that you can provide me. But if this task is to the needs of the high walls of my beloved Great Forks, then perhaps I can be convinced."

"You have been on many journeys," murmurs Xanthippe, gazing at you with wide yellow eyes. "You have ranged far. You are not from here."

Passes Through Flames spreads her hands, showing them to be empty. "Merely armored. I carry no weapons, though, truthfully, I have no need for them. I wasn't planning on offering you money, and I have no luxuries that you would be able to enjoy. I merely request your aid. If we do not stop this threat, it will grow and become a direct threat to everyone, even Great Forks. So, yes, in a way, it does affect your city." She looks at the girl and smiles, wistfully. "You are correct, little one. I am not from here. I have been on more journeys than you could ever hope to know, and travelled farther than nearly anyone else. You are quite perceptive."

"My sister knows much of the way of Mercury," murmurs Philokrates. "What threat is this, you tidings-bearer? If you have news, let it spill from your lips to my ears, that I might hear the word of distant inauspicious forces."

Passes Through Flames raises a brow at this pronouncment. "Mercury? Interesting. Anyway, my tidings are thus: We are marshalling forces to destroy the might of the Deathlord named Mask of Winters, who's threat I should not have to enumerate to one such as yourself."

Philokrates 's brow furrows. "I am... unsure. This is a distant place. Though I know more than most how quickly the depths of distance can be swallowed up, I must first turn my attention to the closer world... But perhaps I can assist in a peripheral fashion, should the Dayshield set me loose."

Philokrates says, "Why, then, Mask of Winters, when the terrible Walker in Darkness is so near?"

Passes Through Flames cocks her head at this, blinking. "Actually, that is a very good question. The reason that we are attacking the Mask of Winters is that his fortress is closer to the home city of the person who proposed this idea, and he poses more of a threat to her and her city than the Walker in Darkness does. We will possbibly be going after him next, though, if this venture goes better than I can hope it will. I trust that, were we to ask again, you would help us against that threat. I understand that you cannot leave your city to go on such a risky venture, with such a threat a good deal closer. I appologise for not realizing that sooner."

Passes Through Flames smiles and nods. "Thank you very much. Any help we can get is that much more chance we have of winning. If she could lend us anything, whether it be personel, power, or weapons or armor, it would be a great help. If not, I thank you for trying." She pauses a moment, thinking. "Oh, yes, also, I had another question. I heard that you were searching for a monster goatman of somesort. Did you find him? I would like to speak to him about this proposal, too, because such a being would be a definate asset, even if only as a shield."

Philokrates raises an eyebrow. "You could try. You can find him to the east," he says, sketching a map on a dusty wall. "'ware, tho, for his loyalty is to the mighty lunar monster, Ma-Ha Suchi. I do not think he can be bought. There are legends spoken of the Ma-Ha Suchi's bell-tongue."

Passes Through Flames looks at the map for a moment. Then, she grins. "So, you have met with him. Excellent. Would you be able to guide me to him? I do not fear this 'lunar monster', as you call him." She thinks for a moment. "Actually, allow me to rephrase that. I do not fear him for being a monster. And, as I said to you, I have no interest or ability to buy anyone. I will merely state my case, and allow him to decide."

Philokrates pauses, glancing to his sister. "Do you think this is an auspicious journey for me to take?"

Xanthippe blushes. "I don't know enough to prophesize such things yet. But you are strong. I'm sure you will be safe."

Philokrates nods to Passes. "I will go there and speak with him. He may not still be there, however."

 

 

Philokrates finally enters the clearing where he found him last...

 

 

The camp is still here, though there seem to be a few more goatmen around. Also, there are only four of the smaller mimics, as opposed to the six that were here before.

 Seven Skulls Crushed is standing in the middle, waiting as if expecting you. He isn't teaching this time, just standing there, facing the area you are entering from.

Philokrates steps to the edge, his sandals a-glitter. "<Seven Skulls, I come bearing tidings from the mighty Dayshield in response to your offer of peace - your terms cannot be accepted, not if you are to freely forage for food that walks and breathes and talks.>"

 

 

Seven Skulls Crushed merely stands there for a moment, contemplating. Then, he shrugs. <Then what does Dayshield offer as a compromise? We need some way to acquire the flesh we crave.>"

Philokrates shakes his head. "<Dayshield cannot offer tribute to those who prey on the citizens of Great Forks. A peacable trade of livestock for labor at fair market values is the most we can offer.>"

Seven Skulls Crushed tilts his head. "<Livestock? That may be acceptable, though you would have to deliver a large amount of it to ensure that none of us prey on humans. You taste so much better, you see? Then again, it may be a better deal for the both of us, because we would eat the old among your herds, thus saving you the expense of maintaining them.>"

Philokrates pauses. "<There is only so much we can offer you before we must weigh the benefits of peace against the necessity of war and find peace wanting,>" warns Philokrates. "<Do you know why we object to you eating our kind? Firstly, it is murder. The lives of these who we love, cut short so unjustly and so soon. Secondly, it leaves angry ghosts - those who do not receive proper funerary services rise as hungry ghosts to bring terrible vengeance againgst their loved ones for abandoning them!>"

Seven Skulls Crushed snorts in thought. "<Well, if you would teach us the rites, we would be more than willing to perform them, were that your only objection. And, we would only eat the old among your kind. Surely it has not been too soon for them? They must have lived a long time, after all. And, you must've misunderstood me. I meant that we would eat the old among your herds of animals, were you to provide access to them.>"

Philokrates hrms. "<I do not think our funerary rites can be performed after the corpse is eaten, but I appreciate your generous offer in the spirit in which it is given.>" He thinks. He knows so little about the valuation of livestock. "<How much livestock? Monthly? And we would expect more from you in exchange for this than simply not eating people,>" he warns.

Seven Skulls Crushed ponders, counting on his fingers. "<We are quite able to hunt on our own, so...10 large animals per month should do it. Also, you do kill each other, do you not? Why not let us kill those you would kill for you, on condition that we get to eat the bodies?>"

Philokrates grins enormously. "<I think Dayshield may like this offer. Would not your master Ma-Ha Suchi be offended if you came in to our service, though? We would not wish to inspire his wrath.>"

Seven Skulls Crushed tilts his head in confusion. "<Master? I have no master. The creature of whom you speak has a deal with me, in that I will train his goatmen in exchange for using them against his enemies, with the same conditions that I have given you.>"

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "I think this is a decent-ish deal. If you really want, I could kill him and his, but honestly I think this could be more profitable for us /and/ the forest mimics if we take this deal. However, he recognizes that you know a lot more about this sort of thing than he does."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "He doesn't really have a concept of 'criminals' or execution, but he would offer to do that as well."

-= OOC =- Mela says, "I don't think Dayshield has a particular problem with this, but, he will insist that the livestock be dedicated to the Three before consumption."

-= OOC =- Mela says, "As a gesture of gratitude."

-= OOC =- Mela says, "Likewise, they reserve the right to refrain from supplying it, in hard times."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed thinks that that would work.

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Alright, I'll swear that oath."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "What about PTF's request, Phil?"

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Oh, I'll pass it along."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Can we UCRT it?"

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "I think a UCRT would be cool."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Means: My natural charm and wit."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Charisma+Presence ?"

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Goal: They accept the deal, Fail: It leads to violence?"

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Violence on the level of, "You're trying to goad us into this suicide mission? Fuck you!""

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Something like that?"

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Basically, yes."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Cool."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "I think that works for me."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Means: Guile and persuasiveness."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Manipulation + Presence."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Goal: eating as many humans as he wants."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Failure: Leaving the place in peace and going somewhere else."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "If you beat him by more than 2, he'll have all of the creatures under his command help. If you beat him by two or less or tie, just the ones in the clearing right now will help. If he wins by more than 2, then all of the ones that would've helped will attack the people of the area."

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "What do you say to that?”

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Hmm. Can I do a UCRT to estimate his Manip+Presence?"

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Sure."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Per+Socialize?"

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "Go for it."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Can I channel Temperance, cooly analyzing him over a long discussion of funerary practices?"

Philokrates sits aside from Seven Skulls, sharing his water. "<It has been a long time since one of my people and one of your people sat together and shared water in peace. Perhaps this can be a sign of things to come, yes?>" he says, one eye always on how Seven Skulls looks at the other mimics.

Seven Skulls Crushed nods. "<Indeed it could be. I hope that we can have peace. Your people and mine would only suffer from such a conflict.>" He only rarely looks at the other mimics, confident that he is the unquestioned leader, smarter and stronger than any of them or even all of them.

(Judge) Philokrates rolls Perception + Socialize + 2 + Temperance: [ -1- 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

 

-= OOC =- Seven Skulls Crushed says, "You think his pool is about 6."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "Okay, lessee."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "So, I'm about eight..."

-= OOC =- Philokrates says, "I'll take that risk."

Philokrates smiles to Seven Skulls over the gourds - his full of water, and Seven Skulls' full of human blood. "<I have a proposition from a woman that I think you may be interested in, related to the feasting of corpses. Whole seas of corpses, stretching from horizon to horizon, practically standing up and begging to be eaten.>"

Seven Skulls Crushed perks up at this, then frowns. "<Really? That seems awefully convienant all of a sudden. What is the 'catch', as you humans would say?>"

"<You might have to convince the corpses that they really ought to lay down first, before being eaten. And they are some distance away. But truly, for a creature of your puissance, the travel would be no hardship, yes?>"

Seven Skulls Crushed preens at the complement. "<Indeed, no travel would be too hard for me and my kin. But, if it is as you say, then are there enough for me and all of my kin? For, there are far more of us in this forest than there are in this clearing.>"

Philokrates says, "<Oh, truly, there is a nigh-limitless feast. Your host prides himself on the size of his walking dead.>"

Seven Skulls Crushed really perks up at this. "<Walking...Dead? That sounds quite appetizing. But, let me warn you,>" He holds up a finger and glares at you. "<If you are lying about this, we will sweep over your lands and claim your people instead, as payment. Do you still stand by what you have said?>"

Philokrates nods firmly. "<You may have to fight for your prize. But the feast will be worth it!>"

(Judge) Philokrates rolls Charisma + Presence + 3 + Temperance: [ -1- 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 7 7 8 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 8 successes.

 

 

(Judge) Seven Skulls Crushed rolls 6: [ -1- 2 2 3 4 6 ]

        Resulting in a Botch!

Seven Skulls Crushed thinks for a moment, but your persuasiveness utterly wins him over. He nods empathically. "<Very well. I will bring my clan to your aid, and we shall feast on all the flesh we can eat! Thank you for this chance, brother. You have proven yourself in my eyes. I will agree to your other terms, and, if there is as much flesh as you say, we will not even need the livestock. Now, please excuse me. I must prepare my clan for war. Send a messenger when you are ready to leave, and we will accompany you. All of us that I can find.>" He lumbers off to go rouse his people, possibly for the first time ever.