|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:52 pm
Kumori, City of Shadow
Streets kept scrupulously clean characterize the city shrouded eternally in night, serving as a sign of either fastidious citizenry or the power of the Dark priesthood’s current regime. Most buildings are formed of alabaster stone in defiance of the black gloom in the sky that never ceases or changes. Arcane lamps placed at precise intervals along all major thoroughfares lend the city light, given their power by the particular brand of lazy fire elemental that cherishes coal and languor above all other things. Everywhere signs of magic may be seen, in the runes that protect inns from interlopers, the flying carts that ferry goods about the polis, and even in the nocturnal birds that frequent the rooftops of the city, who disappear when pursued and whose eyes glow with a strange, violet light regardless of breed. Because Kumori is designed to be defensible, there is no clear pathway to the center of the city, where the Temple of Darkness lies. Cobbled roads spiral out from the temple like the delicate threads of a spider’s web, connected by tiny alleyways and intersecting so frequently that a newcomer or an enemy will quickly find himself lost. The city is anything but delicate, however. A wall fifty feet high surrounds the inner city, reinforced by magic and built of enchanted stone. The only way into the central sector comes by one of five gates named for the dark goddess’ children; Shadow, Silence, Sacrifice, Sorrow, and Solitude, each of which is heavily guarded at all times by armsmen loyal to the priesthood.
The city is divided into five sectors, each based around one of the gates named for the younger deities of darkness, with the exception of the temple sector, which surrounds the Temple of Darkness. Each sector has an entrance to the ones that it borders, with walls dividing them, and more guards patrol the inner city's defenses.
Trade Sector
Shops of every sort imaginable, from cheap lampsellers to purveyors of the rarest jewels lie in the market sector of Kumori. The city has a reputation of being able to cater to every need within the bounds of human comprehension, for a price. Though thieves are punished severely (often with lost limbs or outright execution), petty thieves tend to be rare, but the naive visitor is not unlikely to have his purse pinched from his person a few moments after passing into the great Shadow Bazaar. Despite its name, the Bazaar is actually the best lit place in the entire city, with illusion troupes putting on radiant perfomances nearly every evening. The only time that the Shadow Bazaar closes is on Wednesdays, the holy day of the dark goddess, and even then, business is conducted behind closed doors and in dark alleyways.
Southeast Residential District
Only buildings in the southeast of Kumori even come close to rivaling the vast Temple of Darkness that dominates the center of the city. In fact, the merchant Dazuil's vast palace in this elite quarter rises six stories high and boasts three basements, as well as a miniature army of guards to protect the merchant king's great wealth. There are many figures like Dazuil in the southeast district of Kumori, most of them merchants, some of them clergymen.
Southwest Residential District
The poorer sector of the city, containing the lower middle class and the lower class itself. Buildings are still made from the same white stone as the rest of the city, but here there are signs of wear. Whitewash turned cream marks many of the older buildings, and there are more apartments than individual houses. Thieves have their best chance of surviving here, for the Black Guard rarely bothers to patrol. Outside of occasional witch hunts and purgings, the southwest is mostly safe from incursions by the temple and its hordes of liveried guards. There are many inns in this district, as well as smalltime shopkeepers who cannot or choose not to hold their own in the trade sector.
Old Kumori
Not much is known about this part of the city. Some believe that a long ago High Priest died and made Old Kumori his final resting place. Regardless of the cause, however, the area is totally polluted with malign dark energy. The temple is apparently trying to cleanse it, but none of the mages who enter the district in recent years have returned.
Temple District
This section of the city is dominated by the huge Temple of Darkness that looms over all the other buildings like a dark mountain. Other than the temple itself, the buildings are composed of the same white rock used elsewhere, and most are the homes of the clergy that does not live inside the temple's walls. It is also where visiting delegations and mages are housed.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:54 pm
post reserved for future use
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 7:20 am
Kyle Inoue walked through the sullen streets of Kumori, wondering two things.
One, would his teacher of 17 years be able to teach him anything new? It had been a while, and the most recent things he had been taught were more flash than function.
And two, his agreement with his friend Theodore. Did the crazy fool even remember him? His agreement? It was hard to guess. He chuckled when he remembered how absent-minded and clumsy his alchemist friend was. He had sent a letter to his home, perhaps he was dead? Maybe one of his clockwork creations splintered and shook itself into deadly shrapnel?
It was too hard to guess without any data. His teacher would look down on his making assumptions without any information to back them up. Wild theories were all well and good, but he wouldn't dwell on them. That was never his style.
Crossing a street that led to the imposing Temple of Darkness, he stopped for a moment and looked at it. He always loved it's angles and sharp, evil presence. He could feel the blessing of the Dark Elemental on it. A small gift from his parents. He smirked to himself and continued walking down the street to his sensei's dojo. Today, he was going to finally challenge his master, and complete his training.
Look out Chen Shing, here comes your student.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:06 pm
Kyle passed through the city with his traditional ease, his eyes gliding over the cobblestone road to follow where he was headed.
As he neared the dojo, Chen's dark spirit guardian was nodding off in front of the dojo. Kyle chuckled and decided to shake him up a bit.
Maki! Wake up!
He clapped loudly once when he said the spirit's name. Maki shifted and slowly opened his eyes to look at Kyle.
Hmmmm... yes? Ah, Inoue, sorry i must've dozed off.
You shouldn't be doing that, you ought to be guarding the front of the dojo.
Maki glared at Kyle
Do you think that i'm not aware of that? Even spirits need their sleep.
Kyle shook his head, and patting Maki on the "back," he walked inside.
The dojo was rather spartan. There was the matted fighting area, a small rack of traditional weapons, a rack of somewhat exotic weapons, and a long corridor which led to his and his teacher's rooms. There were some other rooms but these were exercise rooms and general storage areas. As he walked into the dojo, his eyes snapped quickly across the room looking for his sensei.
Moving quickly, he crossed the room and gathered his claw and scythe. He slid the scythe blade into the large, crescent-shaped scabbard against his back, and fastened the claw (which was not in an active position but rather folded back, ready to snap into place) over his left wrist and hand.
So, I take it that you've finally gotten up the confidence to challenge me?
It was never a question of confidence, just a judgment call.
Let's not quibble over semantics. If you wish to challenge me, then say it.
Kyle turned from the weapon rack and faced his teacher, a confident gleam was shining in his eyes. His teacher was six foot five and muscular. His weathered face and grey hair showed betrayed his age, even though his alacrity of movement would not. He was dressed in a tight black training outfit and had wrapped his queue around his neck.
Chen Shing, I intend to complete my training.
Good boy, now let's begin.
It was Chen who first moved, eager to fight with his best and only student. The two exchanged a perfunctory bow, and then were at each other. Kyle moved with great agility to block the blows of his sensei. He had a plan. During all of his training he'd always been on the offensive, bearing into his opponent and overwhelming him with attacks. This time, he had his weight on his back leg as he defended each attack never breaking eye contact with his teacher.
Chen's style radically changed, dropping into a low stance. Kyle wasn't wholly prepared, but he managed to compensate for the shift in position. He kept moving. That was his edge, he felt.
Chen moved at him like a Sumo, letting his low stance change his center of gravity. Kyle wasn't prepared for his next attack at all, however. Chen had produced a small firecracker and launched it at Kyle's feet. The explosion suprised Kyle and sent him reeling.
Ha! A simple child's toy breaks your concentration? Maybe you aren't ready for this?
Kyle didn't answer with words. Rotationally swinging himself up (a move that Chen hadn't taught him) he snapped his claw into an attack position and charged his teacher swiftly. Chen, momentarily caught off-guard when he saw Kyle move in that manner, felt the sting and slash of that claw. Losing his temper at being distracted, he lunged at Kyle.
Chen was still very low, so Kyle took the high road. He jumped up and used the back of his sensei's neck as a step up. He rolled and pivoted to see his sensei stumble and fall. Kyle smiled and dashed over to his teacher, holding his claw against his neck. He lowered his face to whisper in his sensei's ear.
"Ippon..."
Ah. Good one Kyle. Can I ask you something before you let me up?
Sure.
Where on Gaia did you learn that spinning recovery move?
Watching a troupe of dancers and practicing the move while you were sleeping. I knew it would come in handy some day.
Oh, so you're getting all your techniques from dancing now? I thought you were more manly than that.
Kyle laughed with his teacher and helped him to stand. A look of gladness was in his sensei's features and eyes. Kyle reciprocated with his expression of both pride and relief.
Well, this is good. Now I don't have to waste days and nights training you. Now I can follow my true goal in life.
Kyle laughed again, his sharp toned amusement rebounding off of the dojo walls. He slowed his laughter and looked at his sensei quizzically.
And what would that be Chen, getting yourself a girl?
I would never limit myself to just one. Only one girl couldn't handle me. I'd have to spread myself out to at least four or five.
Chen grinned like a well-fed cat and walked back to his room to bathe and make himself presentable when he went on the prowl for some lady friends.
Kyle shook his head and returned to his own room to bathe and dress. Perhaps sometime soon he'd see his old friend.
In any case, his sensei would be getting him at least a little plastered tonight in celebration. Celebration of Kyle's graduation, and of Chen's emancipation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 10:49 pm
((for a one person RP this sure is entertaining ^_^))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:17 pm
Dark Magus ((for a one person RP this sure is entertaining ^_^)) ((I try. ^_^))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 6:06 pm
((Ok. Here's my first two-character post in a very long time. Here goes nothing...))
Kyle took a very short time to bathe and dress. He chose a tight, black shirt and black training pants. He wasn't out to impress like his sensei. His sensei was dressed in a red and black yukata with gold embroidery. His long black-and-grey queue was wrapped around and partially tucked under his red hat.
Sensei, you look like some kind of clown.
And you look like your going to a funeral.
Kyle chuckled and the two of them walked out. They walked past a large building as a carriage was arriving. Inside the carriage, Kyle saw something that made him pause.
*************
Yeah, that's it.
He yawned as he sat up. The carriage slowly lowered and drove itself into a building when Kyle started knocking on the roof
Spirit, STOP!
The carriage came to an abrupt stop, and Theodore opened the door, nearly falling out.
Holy crap, KYLE!
**************
Kyle smiled and his vicious eyes flashed with recognition and glee. He wasn't as vocal or hyper as Theodore, but he was just as happy to see his old friend.
Good to see you again Thee'd.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 4:51 pm
There was one room in the city of darkness where he would be able to find peace, and at last do something that was not a meaningless duty or a favor. Following his annointment as High Priest, he had been swept up in temple politics; struggling simply to keep his head above the churning partisan waters and his rear on the Ebony Seat. High Priests apparently had little time for anything outside of eating, sleeping, and dealing with sycophantic idiots who had too much time. I've signed forty petitions today, and rejected at least fivescore more. How many inventors are there in this city wanting more funding for their cracked out devices that probably won't even work, and could be better replaced by magic? Imbeciles.
Sighing, the mantled High Priest shook his head and quickened his step. Soft, dark silk shushed against the floor where the hem of his robes met cool stone. The courtyards were blessedly empty this time of day, precisely in the center of the hour between dinner and vespers. That was, of course, why Gensou had chosen to emerge from the audience chamber, and why he was going to make it to his haven before yet another "adviser" flagged him down and dragged him back. As the kinks and aches from sitting in a vaguely uncomfortable chair for hours on end slowly left his limbs, Gensou considered his current position. I haven't actually done anything other than entertain idiots and sign papers since I took the Seat, isn't it time I take up a project of my own? The more he thought about it, the more a small "vacation" appealed to him, which was good, since the place he was headed would help him decide exactly what sort of "vacation" it would be.
A few more minutes of distracted walking brought him to his destination; a place cleverly disguised as a tomb by whatever incredible High Priest or Priestess had devised it. Illusions that were nearly as old as the city itself shrouded the place to every eye but that of the person who held the key, which took the form of the tiny crystal hanging from Gensou's ear currently. It felt...welcoming, as though all of his predecessors were ushering him inside. As he passed through the stone entrance (which appeared as a sheer wall to any eye aside from his own, and woudl remain so unless he let the seeker inside), Darkness wrapped itself all around him and flowed up and down his body.
"Yes, dears, I love you too." he told the thousands of minor elementals that inhabited the place and cared for his needs while he was here. "Now, leave Papa alone, he has work to do."
Darkness sighed and receded, letting him walk down the hallway and into a room he had not seen since first coming to this place. Most often, he came here to catch snatches of sleep so he did not yawn in the midst of audiences, so he had not been able to return...As in all other parts of the haven, darkness ruled here, but then, Gensou was at home with the darkness. As a large, stone door closed behind him, he removed the strip of cloth from around his eyes and set it upon a side table. His fingers lingered upon it, and the intricately painted vase that sat on the table as well was suddenly lit by a seething violet glow. Gensou raised his eyes to the ceiling, and the purple light spread up and expanded, forming a map of all Gaia, with tiny winking lights interspersed with names written in beautiful, looping calligraphy.
"Let's see now..." murmured the priest, and he squinted his eyes a bit. "Where's trouble to be had, then? Laburnum? Ah, yes. The Shogun's daughter? How delightful! Excellent. It's decided."
Darkness quivered with anticipation. Ignoring It, Gensou went to sit down in a comfortable lounging chair, leaned into it, and gazed up at the map of the ceiling, weaving his webs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 8:25 pm
VTMarik ((Ok. Here's my first two-character post in a very long time. Here goes nothing...)) Kyle took a very short time to bathe and dress. He chose a tight, black shirt and black training pants. He wasn't out to impress like his sensei. His sensei was dressed in a red and black yukata with gold embroidery. His long black-and-grey queue was wrapped around and partially tucked under his red hat.
Sensei, you look like some kind of clown.And you look like your going to a funeral.Kyle chuckled and the two of them walked out. They walked past a large building as a carriage was arriving. Inside the carriage, Kyle saw something that made him pause.************* Yeah, that's it.
He yawned as he sat up. The carriage slowly lowered and drove itself into a building when Kyle started knocking on the roof
Spirit, STOP!
The carriage came to an abrupt stop, and Theodore opened the door, nearly falling out.
Holy crap, KYLE!************** Kyle smiled and his vicious eyes flashed with recognition and glee. He wasn't as vocal or hyper as Theodore, but he was just as happy to see his old friend.
Good to see you again Thee'd.*Ippi stood behind Theodore, and as she peered around to see Kyle, her jaw dropped. She knew she had found her hero. She promptly shoved Theo out of the way, and embraced with Kyle. She drew back, and thrust out her hand* Ippi Elliston, I have heard soooo much about you, Kyle. *she shot a nasty glance at Theo, should he say anything* So, how are you today? *she fluttered her eyes*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 3:57 am
Nicholai Maxwell *Ippi stood behind Theodore, and as she peered around to see Kyle, her jaw dropped. She knew she had found her hero. She promptly shoved Theo out of the way, and embraced with Kyle. She drew back, and thrust out her hand* Ippi Elliston, I have heard soooo much about you, Kyle. *she shot a nasty glance at Theo, should he say anything* So, how are you today? *she fluttered her eyes*
Kyle Inoue. I'm fine.
He glanced at Theodore with eyes that seemed to say "Thee'd, she's hugging me."Chen smiled and cleared his throat.
And I'm Chen Shing, I just happen to be Kyle's teacher.
He walked over to Ippi, took, and kissed her hand.Theodore stumbled to the side, and had a profoundly confused look on his face. His expression turned to concern when he saw Kyle's eyes send that message. He stepped up, desperate to change the subject.
Ummm, you guys heading somewhere?We were heading to a local bar. Today is my official graduation.Ah, congratulations Ky. Good work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 7:42 pm
VTMarik Nicholai Maxwell *Ippi stood behind Theodore, and as she peered around to see Kyle, her jaw dropped. She knew she had found her hero. She promptly shoved Theo out of the way, and embraced with Kyle. She drew back, and thrust out her hand* Ippi Elliston, I have heard soooo much about you, Kyle. *she shot a nasty glance at Theo, should he say anything* So, how are you today? *she fluttered her eyes*
Kyle Inoue. I'm fine.
He glanced at Theodore with eyes that seemed to say "Thee'd, she's hugging me."Chen smiled and cleared his throat.
And I'm Chen Shing, I just happen to be Kyle's teacher.
He walked over to Ippi, took, and kissed her hand.Theodore stumbled to the side, and had a profoundly confused look on his face. His expression turned to concern when he saw Kyle's eyes send that message. He stepped up, desperate to change the subject.
Ummm, you guys heading somewhere?We were heading to a local bar. Today is my official graduation.Ah, congratulations Ky. Good work.*She promptly smiled at Chen, but took Kyle's arm quite forcefully, and snuggled close to him* Would you care to give a lady a tour, Kyle? *she smiled flirtatiously at him, hoping he would respond in a similar manner.* Oh, and, Chen, it is very nice to meet the teacher of someone who is definitely a WONDERFUL student.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 4:40 am
Nicholai Maxwell *She promptly smiled at Chen, but took Kyle's arm quite forcefully, and snuggled close to him* Would you care to give a lady a tour, Kyle? *she smiled flirtatiously at him, hoping he would respond in a similar manner.* Oh, and, Chen, it is very nice to meet the teacher of someone who is definitely a WONDERFUL student.
A... tour? Of what?Chen bowed.
A pleasure to meet you. If I may be so bold, Kyle here has had a rough day. With your permission, i'd gladly give you a tour.
He smiled and offered his hand to Ippi.Theodore cringed when Ippi started to glom onto Kyle, and hoped that Kyle had gotten over his personal space thing.
He relaxed somewhat when he saw Kyle's reaction.
Yeah, Ippi. Why don't you go with Chen? Kyle looks like he's a bit tired.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 7:59 pm
VTMarik Nicholai Maxwell *She promptly smiled at Chen, but took Kyle's arm quite forcefully, and snuggled close to him* Would you care to give a lady a tour, Kyle? *she smiled flirtatiously at him, hoping he would respond in a similar manner.* Oh, and, Chen, it is very nice to meet the teacher of someone who is definitely a WONDERFUL student.
A... tour? Of what?Chen bowed.
A pleasure to meet you. If I may be so bold, Kyle here has had a rough day. With your permission, i'd gladly give you a tour.
He smiled and offered his hand to Ippi.Theodore cringed when Ippi started to glom onto Kyle, and hoped that Kyle had gotten over his personal space thing.
He relaxed somewhat when he saw Kyle's reaction.
Yeah, Ippi. Why don't you go with Chen? Kyle looks like he's a bit tired.*She sighs* Hmmmm. Well, alright. I would love for you to give me a tour, Chen. *she smiled* I guess I will see you later, Kyle. *she strolled off with Chen, and her amorous attentions shifted. She saw the inner beauty of the older man, and suddenly she was, once again, in love* Oh Chen, where will you take me?? This place must be fascinating, considering you live here. *her eyelashes fluttered*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 5:12 am
Nicholai Maxwell *She sighs* Hmmmm. Well, alright. I would love for you to give me a tour, Chen. *she smiled* I guess I will see you later, Kyle. *she strolled off with Chen, and her amorous attentions shifted. She saw the inner beauty of the older man, and suddenly she was, once again, in love* Oh Chen, where will you take me?? This place must be fascinating, considering you live here. *her eyelashes fluttered*
Well is there anything you'd like to do? You must be hungry considering your journey.*************** Once Ippi and Chen were out of earshot and almost out of sight, Theodore finally exhaled. He looked at Kyle and had only one thing to say.
I'm so-Who the hell was that?Sorr- Huh? Oh, that's Ippi. I sort of ran into her when she ran across my encounter with a particularly belligerent imp.Kyle chuckled.
They're all belligerent Thee'd. So you met this imp, and this Ippi girl just happened to be walking by. What drew her attention, you or the Imp?The imp. She didn't seem as romantic with me.That's because I'm tall, dark, and mysterious.Yes, but I'm adorable. Plus I'm awkward around the fairer sex. That usually drives girls crazy.Ippi's not the kind of girl who goes for that. She goes for mystery. Trust me, I know the type. Chen usually tries to...
Kyle started laughing, his eyes shutting from the intensity.What's with all the laughing?It just occurred to me that we left a sweet, innocent girl with the second most lecherous man in all of Gaia.Oh. Who's the first?Some "Ascardel", in the Light Temple. Though that just might be a construction by my Dark mage parents.I don't know. I've never even heard of the guy.So, do you think she needs saving?Nah, Chen's a good guy at heart. He just has somewhat skewed ideas on monogamy is all.Ah, I get it.
Theodore laughed for a bit, then stopped when he realized he was the only one.
Sorry.Kyle patted his friend on the back.
It's alright. Come on, let's go get something to eat. That way we can also keep an eye on Chen.Mmmmm, food. That sounds good Ky.
Theodore and Kyle then started walking toward the restaurant that Chen and Ippi were headed to. Kyle knew the place; it was Chen's favorite.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 11:55 am
Oh, Chen, I would actually really like a tour of the darkness temple. But, that can wait til after we eat. I am rather famished. I am sure the food in this town is so DARK. Tee hee! *She snuggled close to him, as she waited for him to lead her wherever he pleased.*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
