Zephyr watches the former mage bounding down towards the city ...
That man is in no way lessened for not having magic, wow.
"Master Zell, my instincts say that you might prefer a spell that will get you to the ground at your own direction." Zeph smiles
"Will you let me know when you are ready?"
"I will also volunteer to be last ... because that means I get to pick lunch also!"
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Shouting at at Lazarus' slip-leap-fall over the railing "You damn fool! STONE IS HARDER THAN YOUR FACE" with an exasperated tone as he settles up his gear.
"Lunch would be good.. but I'm not going to "fly" thats not a thing I intend to do unless I have to." Pulling cordage from his baggage, fine woven cordage, oddly enough purple in hugh with a few accessory plating at each end. Peaking over the side of the ship, Malik ties off his end, tosses the rope over before repelling down the side of the ship to the floor.
Giving a wave at those on the ship that remain "Waste not magic when you can put in some effort! (in a lower voice) Or so says the one who can't use magic. With a shrug.
Allowing for anyone else who wishes to use it, Malik whispers to the rope and it unbindes itself from the railing and falls into a heap that coils itself. Quietly putting it back into his baggage. Readjusting his gear to be in his front-closed off and opening towards him. One can never be too careful concerning thievery in such places.
"I'll leave the lunches to you all. I'd love something exotic to me-but common to this land. Maybe spicy? If you have a favorite let me know. I can learn it and we can bring supplies to cook on the island. I love camp cookery. Other than food. I should pick up some scrolls for the island..."
"I'll leave the lunches to you all. I'd love something exotic to me-but common to this land. Maybe spicy? If you have a favorite let me know. I can learn it and we can bring supplies to cook on the island. I love camp cookery. Other than food. I should pick up some scrolls for the island..."
Zephyr beams at Malik: this guy knows who he is! THAT is the guy you want to be fighting on your team.
"Brilliant thinking sir, as per usual. Let Zathra & I look for a kitchen that will teach a bit: knowing the way you are, in an afternoon, you will be able to make more local dishes than any team on the Island. This is smart. Let's meet directly below the ship in 3 or 4 hours. We will inform Master Lazarus."
Zathra steps up to Zephyr's side. "Shall we, good sir? I have heard tell of a fanciful dish they served here made of raw fish, rice, and seaweed. 'Sushi,' I believe it is called. I am excited to try it!"
"Hm. I've eaten raw fish at a river side before. I'm curious the difference."
"Hm. I've eaten raw fish at a river side before. I'm curious the difference."
Zathra steps up to Zephyr's side. "Shall we, good sir? I have heard tell of a fanciful dish they served here made of raw fish, rice, and seaweed. 'Sushi,' I believe it is called. I am excited to try it!"
That glow begins to brighten in Zephyr's eyes as he prepares to cast Fly spells on Zathra & himself; even brighter as he smiles quite broadly
"You are SO right! AND - I recall hearing there was a signature venue in Goka where the chefs frequently seasoned the sushi with magic! Let's find it! Imagine if Master Zell could learn to make it ... and we could learn to season it!"
"Let us meet just before noon directly beneath the airship. We will have found the place to eat, we will have caught up with Lazarus, and we will arrange completely mundane transportation!"
Zephyr takes Zathra's hand, and they ascend towards the stern of the ship to take in the view of Goka, before banking starboard and descending towards the mercantile area closest to the port itself."
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**On the approach**
As they approach Xu Hong Bay upon which the city sits. Ryushi stares out at the city searching for something... and then finds it, magnificent and visible from many miles away.
Look there... Those statues of Tsukiyo, and Shizuru, the Prince of the Moon and my Lady, the Empress of Heaven! he says with genuine excitement and wonder. Endless Sky is an apt name indeed for me. Even Minkai does not have monuments of such splendor though those two are of Minkai... Hundreds of feet high! Look, Look, the armaments of the Empress... the first Samurai.. I carry similar weapons though... Ryushi's face falls a little My armour is poor by comparison...
Taking a deep breath he exhales I consider the trip already a success for me, everything else is to the glory of Shizuru. To strive upwards in healthy competition in times of peace... there is nothing finer. Except the embrace of a lover of course.. ahah.
**Day off**
There are many of Minkai making their home in Goka, so I would imagine the sushi, would be adequate at the very least. If you wish to see true art though, it is sashimi that you wish to try. Ryushi notes as he jumps onto the rail of the ship. It comes with a green seasoning called Wasabi, please remember that it there to be used, and an insult to the chef if you do not eat your first bite with a *healthy* amount.
So saying, Ryushi leaps off the edge, casting Air Walk as he does, landing and rolling he starts to sprint down at a 45 degree angle to the bottom occasionally leaping with his fine boots quite a ways to allow gravity to help his speed. Closely following the free falling marital artist.
Whispering to himself at the extravagance of his cohorts' disembarkation " These folks and using magic wanton. I hope they're ready to poop in the woods and get bug bitten." . then quickly shuffles with the group towards food.
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Springing freely from Tower spire to Statue Arm to Statue knee to the ground; Lazarus smiles at those natives that he may have surprised by his method of approach.
The Warrior-Monk then approaches a fruit vendor cart. He inspects the goods, before picking an apple, a pear, a peach, a pear and an orange. Paying the good merchant, Lazarus begins juggling the fruit, while waiting for his companions to land. As they land, the smiling Monk lets fly a fruit at each of them!
Pick your poison, as they say!
Releasing Zathra's hand as they land in the square ...
Zephyrs eyes ignite!
A thrown handful of copper, instantly polished to its brightest, began to dance above the crowd, as Zeph's daggers flew from his leg, split each of the fruits, and began their own dance; in, out, and through the fruit slices. Pieces of silver slithered forward, connected, flattened, the daggers returned, the sliced fruit coalesced, and the five silver plates finally came to hover in front of each of the companions.
(behind Zephyr, a piece of platinum flew to the fruit dealer - as peaches & plums & pears flew to all the children watching)
the copper fell to the street as the crowd roared ... and Zephyr bowed deeply to the Monk
Smiling, the young man reached for his plate and inhaled the rich aroma of the fruit
"So did you date my mother ...?"
Having been entirely preoccupied in his own mind, and minding his gear. Malik was ill prepared for a flying orange. Flinching and then noting the strange plate. "Uh.. Thanks... You lot are rather...energetic fast with coin, and quick to magic huh?"
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Malik shrugs "While it isn't my area of expertise. I would call inner magic the same as outer magic. Magic of the body, and the magic of the universe... From my persepective-having no abilty with either. I truly don't see a functional difference. I only see a difference in what the output is. Whether its Alchemy, Chemestry or cooking. The steps are the same, the only difference are the source of ingredients and the output.
Falling out of archive lecture mode, and realizing the courtesty bow the younger archivist returns the bown with a small late one. "Granted, I suppose you've lived enough to have studied the differences in detail.''
"and this Master Zell, may explain quite a bit about my parents love for each other: you seem to have a great deal of insight about the things you claim not to know. Venture far, but keep good friends close. This make more sense now ..."
"Friends, we will be off. I believe I am good with spell components, but I will check. We will find somewhere amazing for lunch, and I would like to go to at least one casino, early this evening if you would join. They're said to be the heart of Goka."
Ryushi snags a pear, he doesn't have to do much as it lands right in his hands anyway. For me, all my magic comes from the Empress herself deigning to grant an unworthy servant some of her power. I will visit her shrine and then let us meet at a place of drink. Perhaps we can learn something of our competition and what trials avait us
"Let us meet back here beneath the airship at around noon, sushi & sashimi for lunch, and then find a casino. It would be good to meet some of the competition for sure!"
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Taking a bite of delicious pear, Lazarus nods in accent to Zell.
As a former practitioner of the arcane; your magic is abundantly clear for us to see; your Intelligence, my good Archivist! We have been blessed by Irori Himself for your participation in our competition!
Lazarus then finishes his pear.
We have an edge; gratitude to you.
The Warrior-Monk then saddles up next to Ryushi.
May I join you, my friend? I would be remiss if I missed a visit to the Temple of Irori, myself.
"Hmm.. Well fair enough. Though I've read many a book trying to get to where I am. My effort, though I'm certainly fine with being helped if dieties so wished or found amusing."
Tossing his fruit to any urchin or children around, he continues forward. "So break and mingle, then meet up for tasty bits-and I can steal some recipes. In the mean time, I'll go shop a bit. Does our resturant goal have a name?"
Ryushi nods at Lazarus. Then let us find our way... it should not be difficult. I believe all the temples are close to the Grand Bank of Abadar which is that ziggurat we can see from even here. Ryushi looks around at the hustle and bustle This is very much a city of his, yes? Worst comes to worse I do not forsee any difficult in hiring a local guide.
Having shuffled around the city, looking at and buying knick nacks. Zell ultimately ended up requiring the services of a street urchin to help him navigate. "The woods I can do... cities, they always have so few landmarks, and no consistency in the sun or the sky. Shesh." uttering a complaint as he buys the urchin lunch from a shop.
"Where was it again we were meeting? I hope the resturant has an open kitchen. I want to observe and borrow some techniques"
Malik Zell arrives at the resturant in question.
Having shuffled around the city, looking at and buying knick nacks. Zell ultimately ended up requiring the services of a street urchin to help him navigate. "The woods I can do... cities, they always have so few landmarks, and no consistency in the sun or the sky. Shesh." uttering a complaint as he buys the urchin lunch from a shop.
"Where was it again we were meeting? I hope the resturant has an open kitchen. I want to observe and borrow some techniques"Malik Zell arrives at the resturant in question.
It's by far the biggest city Ryushi has been in and despite his obvious adventuring prowess, he can't help but feel a little overwhelmed.
True to their word, Zathra & Zephyr came back “fully loaded” as it were. They found a goldmine, Ichicarunaya, a Tien culinary oasis for them to immerse themselves in for the afternoon; food it seemed was a somewhat more spiritual journey here if you were open to it, and there was a lot to be open to.
The culinary team also opened themselves to their new acolyte, and adored the attention Malik gave to every detail of crafting the intricate combinations of seaweed, rice, meat, and fish. Nothing prepared them for the complexity of the flavors, and while the chef on the airship was exceptional, her focus was broad to the point of being planar, where the Ichi team had focused on their cultural creations for generations.
Their hosts, more than likely at Zeph’s behest, also take care of the legwork arranging their evening plans. Kumiko Miyagi, majordomo of Ichicarunaya and niece of its founder, suggests that she might accompany them, asking Lazarus, “Please, my uncle has said your magic is the greatest; he bade me ask for you hand … he meant for the evening, of course (she blushes). I think he thinks I am not happy enough here and would be happier to go out with you, all of you of course.” The Cloud Dragon is an extraordinary casino, and Miyagi gives you his Founder’s Rest as tribute … it seems his is a touch competitive: he told Kumiko no other team has secured a Founder’s Rest, and Endless Sky will be seen as quite prominent.
Kumiko turns to Ryushi: she half-bows, half-kneels, and says, “Again, I am at a loss. Rather profound really. Ichicarunaya means, “Blessed by the Stars” – it refers to the starmetal ring my Uncle has worn since his adventuring days in Avistan.” She proffers an exquisite ring to Ryushi: “I never saw it leave his hand until it was in mine, to give to you, with his honor that you would be the Champion of Miyagi for him. Please accept this.”
“The Champions of Love need no gift of course, they are the gift. Calming the rage of a warrior spirit, bereft of yet bound to the adoration of an absent family, they will continue to guide you as they found and will guide each other. She laughs, and something tells me we have not yet seen the last of the Champion of the Hearth either. I imagine you will eat well wherever your travels take you.”
“I should go prepare for our evening; likewise, be beautiful but be ready. In all ways, be ready. The competition can begin even socially, and that will be tonight. I will be on the bow of your airship at 10pm.”
Ah, I am unworthy of this gift. Ryushi says, surprised, but accepts the gift with a bow of his own. I will pray to Shizuru that I will live up to this generosity and do well in the competition to honour both him and the FIrst Samurai. Tell me, is there some magic to it?
Kumiko smiles at the question, "most assuredly there is magic to its creation and magic to its legacy; what more, my uncle has never truly said. But. My instincts say that he entrusted THAT to you and your companions as well."
Ryushi shifts from being cross legged to kneeling as well to mirror Kumiko and slips the ring onto his finger.
Ryushi shifts from being cross legged to kneeling as well to mirror Kumiko and slips the ring onto his finger.
Endless Sky returns to their 'palace' above Goka, needing a touch of rest, but full of the most delicious food and excited for the evening.
Rest comes easily, as does 10pm.
When the team emerges from their rest, Kumiko is there, with several attendants and a wardrobe for the team to pick from. ”These are examples for you: we need to at least look like we are not out for the evening to start a fight, even if we are ready for one. Find something you like, and we can glamour whatever you are wearing to make you look Tien-appropriate. Rainbow is one of Goka’s lesser known, higher end establishments: it’s perfect for you.”
She smiles at all of them, but seems especially happy to see Ryushi
”We have learned that another team of challengers will be present tonight as well, and it would be good if there were an opportunity to meet, if not befriend at least one team before the end of the tournament: Bonmu is dangerous, and there is nothing that says you cannot be supportive of each other outside of official challenges. Tino’s Toughest are each fairly well known in Goka, I think this is auspicious.”
”Obviously we can eat, drink, gamble, and have some fun as well: it will be a while before you do that again. Let me know when you are ready, one of my team will transport us to Rainbow when you are."
Previously on Endless Sky ...
Zephyr goes to Ryushi and says, 'Hey! Could I look at your ring for a moment? It seems like an amazing gift, and you are right, it is absolutely enchanted. I thought maybe we could broaden its aura a little before you decide to invest energy into it"
Previously
Ah yes, Ryushi says. It seemed impolite to refuse the gift. I am sure it is nothing, but if you could tell me what it is that would be much appreciated, Zephyr.
Casino night
Ryushi already looks Tien-Min appropriate but being a country boy probably doesn't look ready for a night on the town.
I suppose I am overdue for a new kimono he says, But are we not allowed to carry weapons tonight?
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The lean, blonde woman arrived at Zephyr's home in Katheer to meet her fellow teammates. Stories of her futuristic suit of armor had reached far and wide, and seeing it in person, it did not disappoint. The power suit was accented in orange and yellow, steel plates reinforced with runic tracings and alloys of skymetals taken from Numerian ruins. Despite its bulk, its wearer moved effortlessly within the armor, demonstrating its power. Once she had made a suitable impression, she pressed a symbol on the breastplate, causing the armor to whir and click as it morphed into a halfling-sized sphere. The inventor held the sphere under her arm as she bowed. "Aaryn Samus, at your service!"
***
Aaryn had enjoyed the journey in the airship, as well as the sights and sounds of Goka. When the time comes to pick out an outfit for the night at the casino, the inventor happily rustles through the racks of clothing, finally settling on a cute kimono in red, orange, and green.
She emerges from the changing room clad in her new clothes, happily snacking on some mochi she got from the markets earlier in the day. "Ready! Let's hit the town, boys!"
Puffing on a long fancy-looking pipe, wearing a long leather trench coat, and proudly proving the potentially potent past performances of his ancestry false, there stands a goblin. His blue eyes restlessly roam the faces of the crowd. He easily converses with those around him, immediately eliminating any preconceived notions as to his mettle. With a smile, a bow, and a professional ballad, Strong Jaw finally views those that he has been waiting.
Strutting up to the group of protentional tournament allies, the goblin performs a professional bow.
Greetings my newest allies. I am Strong Jaw; Maestro and Warrior, at your service.
The lean, blonde woman arrived at Zephyr's home in Katheer to meet her fellow teammates. Stories of her futuristic suit of armor had reached far and wide, and seeing it in person, it did not disappoint. The power suit was accented in orange and yellow, steel plates reinforced with runic tracings and alloys of skymetals taken from Numerian ruins. Despite its bulk, its wearer moved effortlessly within the armor, demonstrating its power. Once she had made a suitable impression, she pressed a symbol on the breastplate, causing the armor to whir and click as it morphed into a halfling-sized sphere. The inventor held the sphere under her arm as she bowed. "Aaryn Samus, at your service!"
***
Aaryn had enjoyed the journey in the airship, as well as the sights and sounds of Goka. When the time comes to pick out an outfit for the night at the casino, the inventor happily rustles through the racks of clothing, finally settling on a cute kimono in red, orange, and green.
She emerges from the changing room clad in her new clothes, happily snacking on some mochi she got from the markets earlier in the day. "Ready! Let's hit the town, boys!"
Cowboy BeeBopp meets Skull Belt & Mochi Pops!!!
#LOVE
Puffing on a long fancy-looking pipe, wearing a long leather trench coat, and proudly proving the potentially potent past performances of his ancestry false, there stands a goblin. His blue eyes restlessly roam the faces of the crowd. He easily converses with those around him, immediately eliminating any preconceived notions as to his mettle. With a smile, a bow, and a professional ballad, Strong Jaw finally views those that he has been waiting.
Strutting up to the group of protentional tournament allies, the goblin performs a professional bow.
Greetings my newest allies. I am Strong Jaw; Maestro and Warrior, at your service.
#LOVE
Previously
Ah yes, Ryushi says. It seemed impolite to refuse the gift. I am sure it is nothing, but if you could tell me what it is that would be much appreciated, Zephyr.
Zephyr's eyes glaze over with a glowing silver blue sheen as he examines the exquisite ring … ”let’s maybe go back to one of the workshops for a minute? This is really something.”
The pair walks aft to one of the crafting workshops the team had practiced and used for most of their journey. Zeph puts the ring on a crystal examination rod and whispers,”cantiress”
”Outside, I knew there was a Transmutation enchantment here: the easy to see superstructure of this energy. However, look here … what I could not make out is the additional embedded enchantment. See? Also Transmutation, but embedded in both the initial enchantment matrix AND in the starmetal. This really IS something. My guess is this is what Kumiko was inferring.”
"Take a moment before you rest. Invest the ring. Maybe in the morning, let's take part of our preparation time together? I think a secondary investiture would be appropriate."
Previously
Ah yes, Ryushi says. It seemed impolite to refuse the gift. I am sure it is nothing, but if you could tell me what it is that would be much appreciated, Zephyr.Casino night
Ryushi already looks Tien-Min appropriate but being a country boy probably doesn't look ready for a night on the town.I suppose I am overdue for a new kimono he says, But are we not allowed to carry weapons tonight?
Kumiko's laugh is disarming as she turns back to Ryushi ...
"of all of us Chosen, you know our people; Shizuru does not chose wrongly. It is simply in the upper echelons of the city, all of our society really, one cannot arrive as if expecting a siege unless one has brought word that one is impending. We cannot dishonor Rainbow by implying we are not safe there, your reputations would be ruined before you even set foot on Bonmu. That is why this foray into our land is so important to your teammates; they throw their arms around all our culture in this."
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Greetings my newest allies. I am Strong Jaw; Maestro and Warrior, at your service.
"Strong Jaw! Nice to meet ya!" Aaryn says, greeting the goblin with a traditional Tien bow. "So, you're the one who's gonna be providing the soundtrack to our battles! I like music with a thumping beat, something like unce, unce, unce, unce, unce, unce, unce, unce, y'know?"
Strong Jaw smiles at Aaryn. The bard does not blink. After a full minute of silence, the goblin bursts out laughing!
Aaryn, this may be the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.
Previously
Very well, I shall attune to the ring in the morning, and we shall see what will happen.
He whistles at Aaryn's display. It puts my shield to shame I feel. Nevertheless, we could very much trap some of our opponents between us perhaps.
He returns Strong Jaw's bow. Perhaps something to strike fear and uncertainty in those who compete against us, yes?
Casino night
Ah well, It is a bit different when there are less defenses as in the smaller villages that I am used to. I will take your direction on this however and put my faith in Shizuru to keep us safe tonight.
Strong Jaw smiles at Ryushi.
My repertoire is quite extensive, my good man. I have ample songs at my disposal. If you would allow me to demonstrate.
The goblin begins to sing!
Day dream believer and a...
Strong Jaw smiles at Ryushi.
My repertoire is quite extensive, my good man. I have ample songs at my disposal. If you would allow me to demonstrate.The goblin begins to sing!
Day dream believer and a...
Zephyr winks at Ryushi ... and snaps his fingers.
The alabaster knight appeared on his equally pale steed, directly before StrongJaw & Aaryn, tipping his lance at the bard, and gracing the lady with a saddle-bow none of them could have mustered ... disappearing as his verse came to pass.
"Neat!" Aaryn says, applauding the illusory accompaniment.
Once the song is finished, she stretches and cracks her neck. "So, we ready to head out?"
"I believe we are" - Zephyr turns to Kumiko
Kumiko comes over to join them
"Preserve your magics, please, my uncle's team will send us, and at the end of the evening, we will have several options to complete our day."
The seemingly quite young wizard begins the process of teleporting them ...
... to what appears to be a very very dingy back alley of some sort. Which smells.
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"We got all dressed up for this?" Aaryn remarks quietly, wrinkling her nose at the fishy smell.
Strong Jaw looks about the dirty alley with a smile.
Reminds me of a rave we went to back in Isger.
"It is important that you undersand some very very simple rules before you enter; you will come to know these rules MUCH better in the days ahead. Many of us in the casino community laugh: it is not to be spoken to disparage the Great Sorcerer ... but those who created the Ruby Pheonix tournament 'borrowed' greatly from our culture." she smiles wistfully before continuing
"What you want, what you need, is provided. It is why you are here. You may speak to Kumiko, you may speak to your assigned agent: you should not seek anything outside of your hosts. You are a guest, not an aggressor. You may defend yourself in all ways, except, your honor. If your honor needs defense, you tell your host: the Compact is this; if there is a need to settle a dispute, the platform and manner of doing so will be provided. You will NOT take matters upon yourself, you will NOT take from the experience of any other guest. Is this understood?" she smiles again, less wistfully, before continuing "Our team has read your minds and confirmed, thank you for that ... please, allow Kumiko to lead you to the balustrade before taking you to the skybox."
Kumiko smiles, perhaps sheepishly ... watching a group of individuals ascending the stairs; midstride, it seems like several polymorph into goblinoids, "Understand, your minds were read, skimmed really, yet, it would seem, at least one of you might want to be companionated this evening, which is being prepared. Follow me.
You should clearly follow Kumiko.
Please roll (all of you):
Lore: Tien Culture
Performance
Perception
Aracana
Occult
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Aaryn looks around in wide-eyed wonder, trying to take in as much of the razzle dazzle as she can!