LOG START
[18:42:53] Master of Games
All Creation, Beneath the Sword
Session 19
When last we turned our eyes to Creation, the Circle had ventured into the broken city of Nathir to exterminate the band of unbound demons rampaging through the inner districts at the Sword Prince’s command—and out of simple human sentiment for the people of Nathir.
The present of four blood ape skulls, mere hours after dawn, pleased and impressed Gensuji, and made the Iachi commander attending the Prince commensurately less happy at the prestige won for Datei. Not one to pass up an opportunity to take advantage of old feuds, Gensuji quickly had new marching orders ready: form a small delegation of equal numbers of Datei and Iachi retainers and take the heads to the harbor and business district as a show of force and offer of peace, to convince the de facto remaining leaders of the city to open the harbor to the Maon flotilla peacefully, at which point the city would be effectively taken over.
To tell the truth, it’s likely an easy task at this point: the Nathirians are exhausted and clearly losing, and the dead demons are a powerful argument. Indeed, your first impression of the representatives—headed by a tall, lanky man who strikes you as a nervous fellow even in calm times and positively awash in sweat now, and a somber snake-headed lady with a far eastern accent—is that they are, if anything, glad for an excuse. If political machinations are needed, it would be to mislead the Iachi part of the delegation if you wish to negotiate a lopsided deal.
Have you brought anyone besides you three, and will you try to pull a fast one on the Iachi?
[18:53:28] Master of Games
The Iachi delegation seems sincerely invested in above-board dealings and benefit for Vaneha as a whole. Almost to a suspicious degree, until their motivations begin shining through: one part of it is old stereotypes coming to the fore, for if the Datei are the shady outsiders, Iachi must be proud and above-board. Another is most certainly the simple calculus that a rising tide lifts all boats, but the largest boats benefit the most—and as a clan in the inner circle of trust, the Iachi have a large boat indeed.
[18:57:44] Datei ma Kagemori
Kagemori faces the Nathirian negotiators and takes center stage. “Your bravery has been recognized. It is unfortunate it had to come at such great cost to us all, but I am glad to find your spirit strong and unbroken.” As he speaks, he watches the reactions from the Iachi delogation. He does not try to hide this gesture. If anything, he wants it to be seen by the Nathirians. “Now it is time to determine the details of our little reunification. The city must be rebuilt, the road to the capital reinforced, and our bonds reestablished.”
[19:00:57] Raizo
Raizo, for his part, has come simply bearing one of the blood ape heads. As a show of good faith, he’s left his helmet off in case someone with a crossbow wants at him, and for outwardly visible weapons, he has his short sword but not his main arm.
[19:04:19] River Snake
Snake too, has come bearing a giant ape head. The sling he’s carrying it in probably in intresting contrast to the fact he is still, as always dressed like wealthy merchant or lesser noble, depending on who’s looking.
[19:15:52] Master of Games
The Nathirians nod along politely, keeping up the pretense that they have much of a say at this point. For all that they’re defeated, they’re not dull, and Kagemori can tell that they pick up on his look towards the Iachi immediately. Though independent for a century, Nathir shares much history with Vaneha, and there isn’t a child on the street who wouldn’t recognize the feuding clans. The snakefolk woman whispers a question to her colleague, which is answered with a few short sentences, and nods.
The Iachi reaction, meanwhile, consists of cooly polite nods. They’re hardly able to disagree with anything said so far. The Maon, represented by the woman Kagemori saw during dinner with Gensuji at camp and a few bodyguards, regards his speech with calm interest.
[19:20:19] Master of Games
The sweaty man agrees broadly and seizes on the topic of rebuilding the city. “I don’t need to waste everyone’s time explaining the state of the city to you. You’ve surely seen it with your own eyes.” It’s something of a feat that he keeps any accusatory tone out of his voice and confines it purely to the things not said. “But the siege has emptied our coffers, and the Guild is likely to be skittish with its silver for some time.” At the last, he gives a glance to his colleague, or perhaps liaison.
[19:27:28] Datei ma Kagemori
”Of course. Nathir is a conduit. Trade flows down the river, connecting it to the cities in the west, and it flows along the roads, connecting it to the capital and the rest of the empire. It will be to all of our benefits to ensure that disruptions to both halves of this network are minimal and brief. Bluntly, I think all the clans should be wise enough to see that a talent spent today can be worth several in the future. In the Sword’s shade, we can all benefit.” Kagemori turns to the representative for Maon. “Given Maon’s ancient ties to Nathir, I am sure they will be more than happy to help with getting the city back on its feet?”
[19:37:00] Master of Games
Maon meets his gaze. “That’s the plan. A family’s land is as the family itself, after all. We intend to spare no expense, and my gods have already been reconnecting with their old friends on the river.” By this she means the many water elementals that call the confluence of the Yellow and Maruto rivers their home. Kamo and Moka of the Stony Banks are said to consider them playmates and favorite subjects, almost honorary clan members.
[19:38:14] Master of Games
The Maon are firmly average in the Sword’s graces, at least prior to this campaign. Rebuilding Nathir by themselves would almost certainly involve debt, but perhaps they figure the return on investment will make it worthwhile.
[19:42:18] Datei ma Kagemori
”True, true. Nothing so important as land, and a clan that does not care for its land is no clan at all. Though, I suppose what do I know there? I am landless, knowing only the road and some compounds. In any case, it would be cruel for it to all fall on house Maon’s shoulders. What do you think, house Iachi? Should the Throne and all houses also contribute?”
[19:55:16] Master of Games
”We couldn’t possibly accept handouts on our own—” “Maon, a century without Nathir must have been a drain on your clan. I don’t know what Datei’s game is, but he speaks sense.” The Iachi delegate who speaks is a large man with hair and beard that remind of a lion’s mane, and a voice to match. The look Maon’s representative gives him says she has a good guess of ‘what Datei’s game is’, and also that his readiness to share his own clan’s bounty is hardly altruistic.
[20:02:38] Datei ma Kagemori
”Let’s get that down in writing.” He takes out a brush and a bit of parchment. “‘In recognition of our unfortunate role in the cause of some of Nathir’s current state, the Throne and the Great Clans of Vaneha will pledge to assist in the reconstruction of Nathir. Each House will donate an amount’…hmm, I suppose …‘based on our contribution to his majesty’s force in the field today.” He plays this off as he just thought about it. “House Maon, as governor of the city, will cover anything remaining.‘” He finishes writing. “Excellent. In fact, I already have something in mind for my generous donation to the city.”
[20:07:12] Datei ma Kagemori
”If we do not keep our word, let the Imperial Daiklave fall upon our necks.”
[20:07:54] Master of Games
”It’ll have to be ratified by the Prince, of course.” The Iachi delegation asks for the text and takes their time looking over it, while the Maon envoy looks like someone whose simple plan just got more complicated. “What do you have in mind, Lord Datei?”
[20:10:35] Datei ma Kagemori
”I will cover the reconstruction of the House of Thirty Seals. I have spoken with the sorcerers remaining there, and seeing their plight and the state of the House moved me greatly.”
[20:13:18] Master of Games
Reactions vary. The Iachi representative looks confused. Maon looks skeptical. The nervous Nathirian looks at Kagemori like he’s insane.
[20:18:41] Datei ma Kagemori
He studies the Nathirians. Why are they the ones put off by this? Is it because of Hoarhound’s betrayal? Did they not know Old Garnet and Morn still lived (or ‘lived’ in Garnet’s case)
[20:22:43] Datei ma Kagemori
”Sorcerers are a rare commodity and must be cultivated where able. Unfortunately the recent events likely mean that Hoarhound and Morn will never be able to work together for as long as they live. But no matter. They both belong to the empire now and can both do their researches in opposite ends of it.”
[20:26:57] Master of Games
The House was long Nathir’s trump card, so they’re surely not unhappy about keeping it. It’s likely the exact state of affairs at the House is a mystery to much of the city, given the chaos. If anything, they seem confused why Vaneha would allow the academy to continue existing. Kagemori’s explanation seems to clear some of that up, but the tall gentleman especially seems to know Morn well enough to understand that his presence is liable to cause trouble for Maon down the road.
[20:32:52] Datei ma Kagemori
”I am not sure what deal Hoarhound made with our Prince, but I intend to make sure Morn and Old Garnet get back on their feet. Which means reconstruction of the compound, more funding for research, and assistance in finding new students.”
[20:40:59] Master of Games
Now the Nathirian negotiator has the air of someone deciding to quietly allow another to leave their front door unlocked. Maon, meanwhile, is savvy enough to cut in, “My gods know the spirits of the river well. You needn’t shoulder the burden of financing the sorcerers all by yourselves.”
[20:41:40] Master of Games
”It won’t hurt the demonologists to learn a thing or two about elementals.”
[20:44:03] Raizo
Raizo sets his blood ape head on the ground and takes a drink from his bottle gourd. Perhaps not the most professional or dignified motion from a supposed house guard or commander, but Raizo’s a bandit, not a soldier. Plus standing here while people politic is not exactly his strong suit.
[20:44:54] Datei ma Kagemori
”I will not have my generosity refused. I am sure they will be interested in any new material you can offer them though, of course.”
[20:49:17] Datei ma Kagemori
”Are there any other matters to cover? Lord Maon will be reinstated as military governor of Nathir and its territories. The Throne and Clans will assist in its reconstruction. Amnesty for those who surrender immediately and swear an oath to the Sword and its laws.”
[20:56:56] Master of Games
”There are details to work out, but it was a productive meeting. What’s important is that we’ve agreed to agree. Such matters aren’t usually decided in a single day,” the Iachi delegate says with a certain tone of talking down to a newcomer in the field. Maon, though she’s not uttered a word of complaint, certainly realizes that she’s not walking away with all she wanted. The Nathirians, for their part, look surprised at having gotten a better deal than they expected, and at least somewhat confused about Kagemori’s intentions.
[21:02:09] Datei ma Kagemori
”Of course, of course. I’m just glad we’ve started off on a good footing.”
[21:05:05] Master of Games
As talks wind down, the demon heads begin to rot, if it can be called such, pieces of skin and muscle sloughing off. Now that they know at least some of the sorcerers still live, more or less, the Nathirians send someone to the House of Thirty Seals for advice on how to deal with the remains while the Vanehan delegation makes to report their success.
[21:05:19] Raizo
”I got what I wanted. Not that anyone asked.”
[21:06:28] Master of Games
Iachi raises an eyebrow at Raizo. “That being?”
[21:07:27] Raizo
”I was going to ensure that the defenders could surrender with full honors if that happened to be in dispute.”
[21:15:46] Master of Games
”A fine goal, if unexpected. Curious that you’d be with the Datei.”
[21:17:27] Raizo
”We’re in an equal partnership on this expedition. I am not anyone’s sworn servant.”
[21:18:05] Raizo
”Which means I can assert myself a little if I want to.”
[21:21:22] Master of Games
”What clan do you represent, then? I don’t see your own mon.” As you speak, the delegation makes its way back towards the Sword Prince’s base in the field to deliver the news. Gensuji looks pleased to see you again, and more pleased still when you update him. Curiously, he doesn’t have his sword on him, otherwise inseparable.
[21:26:30] Raizo
”At one point, I served the Kakani.”
[21:26:55] Raizo
”Now, my loyalty is to my sworn brothers.”
[21:30:37] Datei ma Kagemori
Kagemori kneels before the Sword Prince. “My Prince. Earlier, I said I had a request to make, which I put off until thy will was done. I think I have adequately served the Throne in these last few matters. May I return to that request?”
[21:32:46] Master of Games
”That would do it.” The Iachi envoy scratches his chin. “A strange career, I admit.” Gensuji turns to Kagemori and grins. “You may. What is it?”
[21:33:26] Datei ma Kagemori
”I wish to patronize the House of Thirty Seals. For Old Garnet and Morn to be allowed to enter into my service.”
[21:36:11] Master of Games
”Hm.” He puts a thumb to his chin. “What would you do with Hoarhound? I won’t have another witches’ war so soon, not now that Nathir is Vaneha again.”
[21:38:22] Datei ma Kagemori
”No. I imagine they cannot work together for as long as each other live. If she wishes to accept my patronage, I would of course accept, and ensure she works somewhere far away from her former colleagues. I had assumed she had some deal with you, my Prince, to receive a place of prominece as court-witch or some such.”
[21:44:05] Master of Games
”That was the idea, but I’ve been reconsidering… No matter. I’ll figure her out myself. Your request is acceptable, Datei.” The Sword Prince gestures. It’s somewhat awkward, given he normally does so with sword in hand, even if he’s not gesturing with the sword itself, but he doesn’t seem to give it a second thought. Where is the Imperial Daiklave, anyway? None of the Circle can see it anywhere, but the Prince is acting normally, and it’s hard to imagine him just setting it down for polishing in what was until just now the middle of a battlefield. Even Iachi seems to find something off.
[21:46:20] River Snake
Snake eyes the prince who seems to have just gestured with his currently absent sword. He initially thought maybe it was left behind as a show of faith for negotiations, but does he think he still has it?
[21:47:45] Datei ma Kagemori
”If things change and you feel the need to send her to me, I will ensure she is well placed and her talents well used. Thank you, my prince.” Kagemori raises to his feet. His eyes narrow somewhat. There is more to this than the sword simply being sharpened by a servant somewhere.
[21:50:24] River Snake
As he studies the prince’s mannerisms, he wonders if he’s been beaten to the punch about ‘borrowing’ the sword
[21:52:33] Master of Games
Gensuji doesn’t seem to be under the impression he still has the sword. Rather, it doesn’t seem to be in his mind at all; he’s acting completely natural, like he’s forgotten he should have it. But his body hasn’t, his usual gesture of generosity was muscle memory, made awkward by having an empty hand that should be full. Same thing when he faced Kagemori earlier: normally, he would have rested his hands on his sword in front of him, instead he fidgeted briefly and rested them on his hips.
[21:53:51] River Snake
Having noticed this, Snake makes like the reliable advisor and basically gestures to Kagemori for a second before whispering the observation to him.
[21:55:45] Datei ma Kagemori
Kagemori listens, nodding along. He had picked up on the strangeness, but Snake had noticed several details that he had missed. At least partially from kneeling bowed before. “My Prince, it is rare to see you unarmed. Do you mean it as a show of peace - to enter as a ruler, not as a conqueror?”
[22:01:14] Master of Games
The Prince gives Kagemori a mildly puzzled smile. “Unarmed—?” He interrupts himself, hesitates with visible confusion on his face, then whirls about with eyes wide open. “What was I just—” Clearly, he realizes at last that he doesn’t have what he should have, casts about for it, fails to find it. “Where in the sun’s shining cock is it? What just happened!?”
[22:02:53] Raizo
”I think someone yanked your pizzle.”
[22:04:33] River Snake
”I’m no expert but…magic?”
[22:05:04] Datei ma Kagemori
”Time to find a thief.”
[22:06:51] Datei ma Kagemori
”My prince, I will not let them escape.”
[22:08:00] Master of Games
”Not a word of this to anyone. Forget the sorcerers, forget the city. We find the Daiklave. Now.” One thing must be said for Gensuji: it is not the sword alone that makes the man. His tone brooks no refusal or delay, from mortal or demon.
[22:08:16] Datei ma Kagemori
”Done.”