ᴄʜᴇʀʀʏᴡᴏᴏᴅ ʜᴇᴀʟᴇʀ ᴍɪʟʏɴ (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cherrywood) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
tushanshu_logs2015-09-09 12:35 am
cherrywood) wrote in tushanshu_logs2015-09-09 12:35 am
[EVENT; CHIHUELANS] Domestic Disturbances
Characters: Chihuelans + OPEN
Date: Starting Sept 8, ongoing through the month
Location: All over Keeliai
Situation: The Chihuelan contingent has arrived in Keeliai as previously announced, to begin their task of routing out the deserter Chihuelans on the turtle, and the Grand Justicar is not a patient woman.
Warnings/Rating: Non-descriptive mentions of execution.
OOC NOTE: Additional starters will be added to this post as the month progresses, based on what happens within the threads. Characters do not need to interact directly with the NPCs for every thread, the starters are just so there's an idea of what is happening with them at a given time and for general timekeeping. Please feel free to thread amongst yourselves anywhere on this post as well! Replies by Chihuelan NPCs will come from thecherrywood journal, just for Li's sanity of not needing a new journal.
Please direct any questions to the Itinerary questions comment, thank you!
A. ARRIVAL - SEPT 8th;
B. INTERVIEWS - SEPT 10th-13th;
C. SEARCH TEAMS - SEPT 10th-17th;
UPDATES
Several interesting developments have happened as a result of the Foreigners' interactions with the Chihuelans!
First of all, Klaus negotiated with the Justicar in regards to the executed deserters, to see that their bodies were properly disposed of, which did however come with a cost: the news of forfeited technology, which was intended to be delivered at the conclusion of their stay.
Secondly, an arrest warrant has been issued in response to Lapis' attack on a search team around mid-month. They have her name, courtesy of Deon shouting it -- but the warrant remains for her specifically, not for a group at large.
D. SEARCH TEAMS - SEPT 17th-24th;
E. OBSTRUCTION OF ‘JUSTICE’ - SEPT 20th;
F. NEW ORDERS - SEPT 27;
G. DEPARTURE - SEPT 29;
---
OOC: Players are welcome to NPC the interrogated kedan and have them react in any way they choose (some will be quietly resentful, some actively belligerent, some intimidated into talking, etc) as well as their characters' reactions to these incidents.
Please keep in mind that ICA=ICC!
Date: Starting Sept 8, ongoing through the month
Location: All over Keeliai
Situation: The Chihuelan contingent has arrived in Keeliai as previously announced, to begin their task of routing out the deserter Chihuelans on the turtle, and the Grand Justicar is not a patient woman.
Warnings/Rating: Non-descriptive mentions of execution.
OOC NOTE: Additional starters will be added to this post as the month progresses, based on what happens within the threads. Characters do not need to interact directly with the NPCs for every thread, the starters are just so there's an idea of what is happening with them at a given time and for general timekeeping. Please feel free to thread amongst yourselves anywhere on this post as well! Replies by Chihuelan NPCs will come from the
cherrywood journal, just for Li's sanity of not needing a new journal.Please direct any questions to the Itinerary questions comment, thank you!
A. ARRIVAL - SEPT 8th;
The Chihuelans arrive shortly after daybreak, on a small ship approximately the size and shape of a mid-length Coast Guard cutter. It bears only minimal armor, and some weaponry, but the configuration suggests defensive capability rather than offensive. Certainly, it's nothing with the ability to attack land-based targets, as if the Grand Justicar is very aware of the image they are presenting. They do not seem surprised to be met by the Woodsmen as they land, but they do not rush as they make berth with the ship, securing it to the beach, and approximately a dozen armed sailors take up guard positions around it. Any move by the kedan or Foreigners toward the ship will result in defensive fire.
The Grand Justicar herself is a tall woman, a touch over six feet, with inhumanly sharp features and a calculating gaze. She wears the same formal dress uniform in red and black, as she did in the console broadcast. It has little ornamentation, straight-cut lines, and those who visited Atamsichar will find it (and the rest of the outfits) in keeping with the militaristic, minimalist style of that city. Chosheni also wears a white and red sash across one shoulder, which seems to denote authority, and is armed with two blades, one long and one short. Her second in command, Eakoven, is a stocky, shorter man who wears a similar outfit in yellow and black, but no sash. There are two dozen soldiers who stand in rigid formation, and their outfits are simpler versions of the two commanders, in black with either red or yellow accents. Each is armed with a blade and a firearm, although what type is difficult to tell, as they all remain firmly sheathed and holstered respectively, at the barked command of Eakoven.
The soldiers will not speak to anyone even if addressed during the trek back to Keeliai, and Eakoven will inquire about the state of lodgings, but seem satisfied when the Woodsmen inform them of the area set aside on the College campus grounds.
The Grand Justicar herself is a tall woman, a touch over six feet, with inhumanly sharp features and a calculating gaze. She wears the same formal dress uniform in red and black, as she did in the console broadcast. It has little ornamentation, straight-cut lines, and those who visited Atamsichar will find it (and the rest of the outfits) in keeping with the militaristic, minimalist style of that city. Chosheni also wears a white and red sash across one shoulder, which seems to denote authority, and is armed with two blades, one long and one short. Her second in command, Eakoven, is a stocky, shorter man who wears a similar outfit in yellow and black, but no sash. There are two dozen soldiers who stand in rigid formation, and their outfits are simpler versions of the two commanders, in black with either red or yellow accents. Each is armed with a blade and a firearm, although what type is difficult to tell, as they all remain firmly sheathed and holstered respectively, at the barked command of Eakoven.
The soldiers will not speak to anyone even if addressed during the trek back to Keeliai, and Eakoven will inquire about the state of lodgings, but seem satisfied when the Woodsmen inform them of the area set aside on the College campus grounds.
B. INTERVIEWS - SEPT 10th-13th;
Once the Chihuelans have settled in, Chosheni will make a console announcement to the general populace (although she does, at least, get permission before making this one) regarding taking interviews from kedan and Foreigners who might be able to provide information on the missing Chihuelans. She will receive people one at a time in a sparsely furnished office, with two soldiers outside the doors, and another two stationed at the main entrance.
Even though the space is functionally an office, the Justicar's stern presence makes it seem more like an interrogation room, albeit one with much nicer furniture. Still, she will neutrally offer to have anything fetched that they might require to feel comfortable.
"Please have a seat," she says crisply. "What information are you offering?"
Even though the space is functionally an office, the Justicar's stern presence makes it seem more like an interrogation room, albeit one with much nicer furniture. Still, she will neutrally offer to have anything fetched that they might require to feel comfortable.
"Please have a seat," she says crisply. "What information are you offering?"
C. SEARCH TEAMS - SEPT 10th-17th;
Beginning in the days after their arrival, the Chihuelans separate into different groups to begin their search for the deserters. Sixteen of their number, accompanied by Eakoven rotating through the teams for the first few days, then both he and Chosheni once she's concluded taking interviews. The soldiers divide into groups of four, two groups taking the outskirts of the city and out to the Shell's wilds, and two groups remaining inside the city.
Sixteen Chihuelans in the search teams, and four guarding the College campus, however, does not equal the twenty-four who came to the city. Somewhere along the line, four of them have completely vanished. Inquiries as to their whereabouts will be met with practiced deferrals to speak with the Grand Justicar.
The city search teams will move through the various Sectors with a confidence that suggests the layout is not entirely unfamiliar with them, stopping people on the streets and asking questions. Although their methods are brusque, they're very careful not to use violence-- although they will defend themselves if attacked first.
Despite resistance, at least some of the searches and at least a few interviews have produced results. By the end of the week, 11 Chihuelans -- seven from within the city, and four from the outlying areas -- have been caught, dragged back to the College campus, and summarily executed. At least the Justicar had the consideration not to do it on the front lawn.
Sixteen Chihuelans in the search teams, and four guarding the College campus, however, does not equal the twenty-four who came to the city. Somewhere along the line, four of them have completely vanished. Inquiries as to their whereabouts will be met with practiced deferrals to speak with the Grand Justicar.
The city search teams will move through the various Sectors with a confidence that suggests the layout is not entirely unfamiliar with them, stopping people on the streets and asking questions. Although their methods are brusque, they're very careful not to use violence-- although they will defend themselves if attacked first.
Despite resistance, at least some of the searches and at least a few interviews have produced results. By the end of the week, 11 Chihuelans -- seven from within the city, and four from the outlying areas -- have been caught, dragged back to the College campus, and summarily executed. At least the Justicar had the consideration not to do it on the front lawn.
UPDATES
Several interesting developments have happened as a result of the Foreigners' interactions with the Chihuelans!
First of all, Klaus negotiated with the Justicar in regards to the executed deserters, to see that their bodies were properly disposed of, which did however come with a cost: the news of forfeited technology, which was intended to be delivered at the conclusion of their stay.
Secondly, an arrest warrant has been issued in response to Lapis' attack on a search team around mid-month. They have her name, courtesy of Deon shouting it -- but the warrant remains for her specifically, not for a group at large.
D. SEARCH TEAMS - SEPT 17th-24th;
The search for the next few days runs slow. Despite the thoroughness of the searchers, the Chihuelans from the turtle seem to have grown savvy and are more difficult to find. For all that, the search patterns have grown more directed; still led by Eakoven, the places searched are no longer on a systematic layout, but appear to be cherry-picked.
After the brusque treatment previously, many kedan eye the searchers with belligerence and most outright refuse to help -- in some cases, borderline obstructing the search. Though in public the Chihuelans are still careful not to use violence, there are some instances of breaking and entering, and unsolicited searches, which occur only when the residents are absent.
Exactly where those four Chihuelans are gone is still unknown, but in spite of their apparently diminished numbers five more Chihuelans have been captured and executed. Though this still isn’t done publicly, and the bodies are at least properly disposed of, there is a growing crowd of kedan present near that area of the College campus, and they never look happy.
After the brusque treatment previously, many kedan eye the searchers with belligerence and most outright refuse to help -- in some cases, borderline obstructing the search. Though in public the Chihuelans are still careful not to use violence, there are some instances of breaking and entering, and unsolicited searches, which occur only when the residents are absent.
Exactly where those four Chihuelans are gone is still unknown, but in spite of their apparently diminished numbers five more Chihuelans have been captured and executed. Though this still isn’t done publicly, and the bodies are at least properly disposed of, there is a growing crowd of kedan present near that area of the College campus, and they never look happy.
E. OBSTRUCTION OF ‘JUSTICE’ - SEPT 20th;
On the morning of the 20th a kedanese family refuses to let a group of Chihuelan searchers into their home, despite the fact that the Chihuelans claim they have good reason to believe clues can be located inside. The kedan object on the basis of Keeliai not being part of their empire, and therefore having no right to force their way into private dwellings, regardless of suspicion.
Another search-party will eventually arrive to back up the Chihuelan searchers, but kedanese supporters are generally either uninvolved or on the side of the kedanese family. Still, something dramatic is unlikely to happen without an instigation.
Another search-party will eventually arrive to back up the Chihuelan searchers, but kedanese supporters are generally either uninvolved or on the side of the kedanese family. Still, something dramatic is unlikely to happen without an instigation.
F. NEW ORDERS - SEPT 27;
On the 27th, two of the sailors which had been minding the Chihuelan ship come into the city, seeking the Justicar. It seems that they've received a transmission from Vesquesam. Those who are in the vicinity of the College to see the exchange will see Chosheni reacting with genuine frustration and anger at whatever the message contains.
Despite this, runners are shortly thereafter dispatched to the search teams, and they're recalled to the College campus. By the top of the hour, the campus is abuzz with Chihuelans who are readying things to depart. The word, should anyone ask the Chihuelan soldiers (the Justicar herself is a thundercloud, and therefore it is probably not wise to inquire with her directly) is that they're being recalled from Tu Vishan's shores.
Despite this, runners are shortly thereafter dispatched to the search teams, and they're recalled to the College campus. By the top of the hour, the campus is abuzz with Chihuelans who are readying things to depart. The word, should anyone ask the Chihuelan soldiers (the Justicar herself is a thundercloud, and therefore it is probably not wise to inquire with her directly) is that they're being recalled from Tu Vishan's shores.
G. DEPARTURE - SEPT 29;
Early on the morning of the 29th, the Chihuelans and their commander re-board their ship, and it casts off from Tu Vishan's shoreline.
---
OOC: Players are welcome to NPC the interrogated kedan and have them react in any way they choose (some will be quietly resentful, some actively belligerent, some intimidated into talking, etc) as well as their characters' reactions to these incidents.
Please keep in mind that ICA=ICC!
and then there's this asshole
"Mine either," he cheerfully agrees with Yuri, "And I was raised by one of the best lawyers on my planet, which I think makes me as much of an expert on justice as any of you shmucks. So do you guys want to back off and talk about this like a reasonable invading military force, or am I gonna have to start punching people?"
no subject
There were storm clouds that looked less furious.
"You will leave at once," Klaus said, his tone surprisingly soft. Though it was the softness of breezes heralding a gale. "The Kedan have been more than accommodating. You have no business searching their private residences. Leave now. I will not say it again."
and then there's THIS asshole
But they were being a great big bag of dicks right now.
So he opted to do what he didn't normally do in Keeliai: he got theatrical.
There was a great big ball of light and a zapping sound, and there appeared the Mandarin in all his ominous, Sauron-looking glory.
"The people of Keeliai are under our protection," he said icily, his voice modulated through the armor to sound deeper and more sinister, and quite unlike his real voice at all. "Your empire has no right to demand entry. We have tolerated your presence as a courtesy thus far. Do not test our goodwill."
no subject
Anton can't be mad at both of us, though. Right?
Still hidden on the fringes of the crowd, Erskine smiled under his hood at both the firepower and the sheer theatricality brought to bear on the situation. Clearly the intimidation angle was well in hand, and politician though he was, he simply didn't know the ins and outs of the present problem well enough to try to pull a "good cop" routine on the Chihuelans. That left the core of the Dead Men's tactics, stripped of the theater and the misdirection.
Strike from the shadows, disappear into darkness.
Unnoticed by the Chihuelans, silent and remarkably fast when he wanted to be, Erskine skirted the edge of the conflict, positioning himself behind the main force so that he could see nearly all of the Foreigners drawing the Chihuelans' attention. Though he didn't attack he would at least be in place, should something happen, and though he carried no physical weapon his hands came out of his pockets, palms outward, ready to use magic should it become necessary.
no subject
Yuri doesn't keep his eyes off the Chihuelans as the others arrive, though he can see them from the sides of his vision and/or hear them. The armored weirdos are definitely welcome, as is Klaus.
"Yep, the Mandarin's got a good point," Yuri said, intentionally not using Gene's real name.
The search party leader wasn't about to give up though. "We're here because we have specific information that leads us to believe they are harboring deserters. Preventing us entry only proves their guilt."
"Yeah about that. You're just killing these guys left and right because they're deserters? I wouldn't want to stick around with you guys either after I've seen how the Justicar treats her own men. Can't really blame them."
This drew a few glances between the soldiers.
"We have our orders. One of you can accompany us inside if that would suit you better."
no subject
She released a long, low growl, lifting her head so that she was at her full height. I do not like the Justicar, nor her methods, but it might be best if we accept their offer.
Only the other foreigners would be able to hear the words, but she hoped that they would see sense, because much as she wanted to sink her teeth into these invaders, it wouldn't help anyone in the long run.
no subject
Wouldn't be my Plan A, he tries to... think audibly? And then, out loud to the Chihuelans, says, "I have a better idea. How about you guys run along home, and get together with the Justicar and the Family heads, and get search warrants for the kedan houses you want to bust into?" Is there such a thing as search warrants in Keeliai? Not exactly. Do the Chihuelans know that? Probably not. Just roll with it, everybody.
"Preventing your entry doesn't prove anything except that people don't want you breaking into their houses. The kedan have been way more patient with you guys than I would have been, but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. You Chihuelans have your own laws, and we have ours. If you want cooperation, maybe you should think about respecting that while you're on our turf."
We've got to draw a line somewhere, he thinks again at Valdis. If we don't back the kedan up when they put their feet down, the Chihuelans will just trample all over them. This is going too far.
no subject
Sorry, but I don't agree with you this time, Valdis. I'm tired of these guys acting like they own the place. They will keep pushing us until we start pushing back. I've seen how they treat each other, and who's to say they won't treat us or the Kedan the same way? People have died, and for what? I'm ready to start fighting back.
no subject
Klaus moved between the soldiers and the entrance - he was like a walking brick wall. And then... he smiled.
It was an unfortunate smile. Klaus had probably been a very handsome man, once upon a time, but the fangs pulled down the corners of his mouth, and he wound up baring a lot more teeth and gum than he ever intended.
If anyone had ever looked into the maw of a hungry lion, that was about the closest approximation to what was on display.
"I would be happy to accompany you to Yunxu's estate and see what he has to say about your unauthorized break-ins in his territory," Klaus said calmly. "Until then, you will not set foot past this threshold."
If there are deserters in there, is there a way to get them out unseen?
no subject
Nonetheless, Valdis shifted her postion, allowing the red to seep into her eyes. If she could intimidate the Chihuelans, make them back off, then there wouldn't be a chance for a fight. She snarled and dropped her head back down, fixing the lead Chihuelan with a scarlet glare.
no subject
"Woah," he says padding up to the situation as if he didn't have a care in the world. "This seems tense. Does this seem tense to you?" he asks the person to his direct right...which could be anyone, really.
no subject
She'll just watch with a disapproving look for now, irritated by the entire situation.
no subject
There's a window on the side of the building. It's easy enough to slip inside, and before his feet have even fully touched down inside he's got a finger to his lips, warning the occupants of the dwelling to be quiet, not to bring any undue attention to him or themselves.
There's no one inside, or at least no one that isn't a kedan. That becomes obvious immediately. The problem is that they've left in a hurry and that's just as obvious. If the group out front lets the Chihuelans through, they're going to be able to tell in an instant that someone's made a quick getaway. Erskine spreads his hands and focuses and the air shimmers around himself and the kedan still in the house. The air becomes denser around them; sound won't travel as well, which means the Chihuelans won't be able to hear voices.
"Clean it up, quick as you can. Straighten everything. I'll help. I don't know if they're coming in or not."
Valdis. They're not here anymore. We're straightening the place up. Stall them a little longer.
no subject
"We can stand here all day," said the lead Chihuelan. "But we're not leaving until we investigate this residence." They weren't about to return to the Justicar with nothing to report other than being chased away by these... foreigners. That would not be acceptable.
Yuri had caught sight of Erskine slinking around the building, but remained focused on the Chihuelans and keeping them distracted.
"Yeah? Cause we can stand here all day too."
no subject
"Yep, I'm fine standing here all day. I can just lock the armor joints, relax, and watch movies until you guys get bored. I've got the entire Fast and Furious franchise on my hard drive." He knows that doesn't mean anything to them. He thinks they'll still get the point.
"If you really want to hang out here and stare at each other, you can send half of your men back, and keep the other half here for this thrilling Mexican standoff. See? Isn't that a nice compromise?"
Tony hasn't seen Erskine, but he has figured out that the best strategy right now is to stall. If there are Chihuelan fugitives in the house, it'll be better if they're long gone before this situation comes to a head.
no subject
"If your men can get permission from Yunxu to search the premises, I will move," Klaus said.
"Until then, it is a matter of how long you can endure."
no subject
"All day is like, nothing. Blink of an eye, really."
no subject
"I can be remarkably patient," Gene says...but he also stretches his arms and cracks his knuckles in the armor, letting the Chihuelans know that he's perfectly willing to fight if they are. It's like a lion yawning and showing entirely too many teeth.
no subject
Yuri, she directed the thought at him although all the foreigners would be able to hear, The Chihuelans inside are gone, Erskine just needs a few more minutes to help tidy up, we need to stall as long as possible.
no subject
Stall, huh? No problem.
At least the defectors already made it out. That was definitely a good thing. But with their reinforcement here, the search party had a bit more confidence and they didn't seem to be in the mood for waiting either. Thinking that they could call their bluff. So they started moving forward, planning to just walk or push past them.
But just as they started to do so, Yuri took a step forward with an all business look on his face. Taking up his sword, he swung it to the side. Letting the scabbard fly from the blade. The Chihuelans pausing as it whizzed past a few of their faces, their heads turning as they watched it go. Flipping the sword upright and catching it again, Yuri leveled his eyes on them, the light glinting off his blade.
"Look guys, I really don't want a fight." Lies. "And I'm pretty sure you don't either. But we're here to protect the Kedan, and if you force your way in, we're going to consider it an act of aggression."
no subject
Scabbards certainly don't get just...hucked across a crowd scene when things are good. That's the kind of careless behavior that'll earn a guy extra flips in the dojo after practice is supposed to be over.
Or at least that's how Mike metabolizes the situation.
And he's willing to wager the Dude-in-Front is going to see it that way as well.
Which is why Mike decides, right then and there, to give him something else entirely to focus on.
"Woah, woah....woah! What the heck, man?! Whipping that out like that, right here in front of god and everyone?! There are women and children present!"
For a little guy, Mike can certainly project when he needs to. He's also surprisingly strong for his size, which is made apparent by how easily he pushes the gathered out of his way in an effort to get himself between the sword and the Chihuelans.
"Seriously," to one of the rank-and-file as he passes. "Guy who goes around tossing his scabbard like that? What's he trying to prove..."
no subject
The front door is flung open and Erskine practically falls out of it--along with the kedanese woman he's currently tangled up with. His hair is mussed, his tie undone, shirt untucked and askew. There's lipstick on his collar. And his neck. And his cheek. And his lips, where the woman is still kissing him.
Erskine's still steadfastly clinging to her, trying to get another kiss in, until something glass comes flying toward the two of them and crashes just outside the door on the paving stones. Then he's disentangling himself and promising to call and backpedaling so hard he doesn't even see Klaus standing there. Until he backs right into him.
He whirls, startled, and then visibly relaxes when he realizes who it is. "Klaus, just in time. Would you believe-"
There's another round of yelling and cursing from inside, and another crash. A porcelain plate, shattered on the paving stones at Erskine's feet. He yelps and ducks around Klaus, using the bigger man as a shield. The woman peeks out from around the door, waving forlornly, and then the door slams shut.
"Saved the day there, Klaus my... friend...." He's trying to catch his breath, grinning, and it's about this time that he 'notices' the Chihuelan troops all around them and the thought trails off. The grin is quickly replaced by a look of confusion.
"All this for me? Shit, I... I can explain."
no subject
Yuri unsheathing his sword brought the tension to a boiling point. Klaus was ready.
And then there was muffled shouting, growing louder until the door swung open. A glass vase sailed over his head. A plate over his shoulder. And then with reflexes that should not be possible for a man who looked like he should be lumbering through life, Klaus caught a second plate that would have gotten him squarely in the back of his head. He hadn't even turned around. And then Erskine stumbled into his back and he finally turned his cold gaze from the guards.
He looked at Erskine slightly perplexed as he and the woman untangled, and then he realized what the ruse was. Clever man- it was the sort of thing Steven would have done. He was a terrible liar, but he could play along well enough.
"Is this what the Justicar is expending her resources on?" He asked, just a tinge of annoyance in his voice as he helped the Dead Man upright. "Mr Ravel, such behaviour is truly unbecoming," he chided.
no subject
Now she's just confused and wearing an absolutely incredulous look.
no subject
"Ugh, humans. Am I right?" he asks conversationally.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)