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 Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 4:55 am
Creation's smile widened Endiovar's, he was pleased to have helped...and of course, there was Harmodius' new haircut - very cute from the front, even if it was uneven and his finger itched to fix it. All in good time, he told himself.
Silence stepped back a bit, head inclined gracefully towards the Eldest - unlike Aris, he had no problems being at the fore with Harmodiusl then again, he hadn't just been bled out for the recreation of the sky. Who knows what he would have thought had their situations been reversed; it had been starkly obvious to Endiovar that Aris had not wanted to be there, to be poked and bled and then forced to stand present after...but he had and it meant the world.
One syllable spoken as mana flowed into the shorn queue, stretching each strand and changing the colors...filling the emptiness, the void above their heads, until it was a soft, inky black: waiting to be garlanded with Illumin's lights, dressed in them as jeweled accents on velvet.
Tian Yue's song softened and Silence looked over to the great Dragon King's location in soundless thanks; it was then and there that he read the depth and breadth of his loss - keener yet than his own faceless, aching loss. Quickly did he look away; it was a private thing, that grief - the only part that wasn't private was Tian Yue's pleasure at having something above their heads once more!
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Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 11:18 pm
Tien stayed silent, watching the ceremony with interest. Things felt a little more right again, having something overhead. Sure, it wasn't the sky of old but it did well to brighten the mood of many of those around her, mortal and immortal alike. Trickery brushed away the small tears that were forming at the corners of her eyes. Today is not the day for sad tears, with something so beautiful being born.
Green eyes wandered to Tian Yue again when his song faded off, her hand coming to rest over her heart. She smiled warmly, just for him. I can be your shoulder to cry on, if you need it. The words were to herself, but she hoped the smile would be enough to convey her thoughts, even thought she knew there was a good chance he wouldn't notice her at all with his focus being elsewhere.
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:19 am
“ Ying Long, now I would ride. ” Creation beckoned with a gesture while his concentration trailed to all of the star vessels that were yet becoming greater.
“Each one we must take up, you in flight and I in holding and finishing the star to hang in this new sky. It will be long work, needing all your speed and all my strength for a little while. We do a thing of Beginnings in the Middle, Fangbridle. Let us do it well. ”
Tian Yue did not need counseled further that it was of grave import to the mortals gathered that his shields and concentration not waver. Nor, he thought, did words after that need uttered to the Pillar that he would be unable to come down from saddle standing once it was finished. The Dragons would attend to what was needed- every faithful, ever glorious.
But what of after? It would be some days of human concept before he could easily lead, should need arise.
It would arise. If he knew aught of the unwelcome returned, he knew this they would mark. This they would take as portent. He paused before alighting to Zhijian, considering hard. A regent was needed as mediator.
He turned to the gathered, calling out over all "This task will not vanquish me, or put in danger all that has been accomplished since the bleeding days of the Trumpets and Chrysalis. But as a mortal may complete a great undertaking, and require rest, so it is patterned after myself. This world is finite, and all dwelling in it, even the True Gods, have some part of that law within them. While I rest, I would need regent. Long ago, this task would have fallen in a clear succession The Empress to the Gods and Mang to the Mortals. These also exhausted it fell to Universe and his scale, Shaiming...counseled by the Pillar and Knowledge among others with Aristogeiton to lead the mortal rulers. "
"There is no Empress, and Shuo Huang Zhe is yet too new to power to take up this mantle. Lucius is gone. Knowledge is missing. Tian Yue is at least by Our side, come again to full strength. "
Whether Aris would gladly take up mantle to guide others again, he did not know. The youth was uncertain of everything. Let alone that none knew him.
"Follow whom you will, be it council or chosen regent. But follow some greater will you must, some perspective that is vast enough to lead so many ideals. Consider it well this day, deciding before the stars are set in the sky at last. The old war ....it will rekindle. The Grigori are awake, and they see. "
He looked to the Emblem Pillar, Gather word and vote, whether will of those governed be council or single regent. Whomever they trust, so shall we trust. there are many gods gathered...many who were once considered lesser folk of little consequence in the debates of rule of old. Yet now they stand full born above others of more vast power locked to mortal form. Or even those still bridled by mortality...if they have shown leadership...."
"The regent or regents will need protection."
With that he mounted, looking again to the waiting lights. "Zhijian, let us go. The first star waits. The new sky bids us welcome and our work of jewels."
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:38 pm
Follow whom you will, be it council or chosen regent.
The community chooses who to follow and the system of leadership. This is round table discussion, carried out IC at [ORP] Hearken,..... You can discuss OOC, but please bracket.
This is meant to introduce politics, factions, and intrigue found in stories from polytheistic myth. It provides light 'conflict' to help jump start purpose and perspective reflections for characters stagnated without perceived goals in the overall plot.
Keep in mind:
- leadership isn't all! Advisers, informants..all have draw as roles. Watch HBO's adaptation of A Game of Thrones. Tyrion and Lord Varys are interesting.
- Characters are choosing who they follow. The underhanded and ruthless? Or the wise and righteous?
- Your character can step forward! They don't have to be nominated by someone
- Players of the nominated must agree to be part. If someone doesn't want the role, they can't be forced
- soft-capped Sept. 10 (two weeks).
- A Type Regency needs proposal and 3 declarations of confidence. If more than one manages, rp explain to others why they should vote this or that way. Buy, bribe, blackmail, and revote.
- A Regent Nominee needs proposal and 2 declarations.
- Triumvirates=3, Councils are capped at 7 maximum (but can be less)...etc
Post questions/concerns in the Main Event Thread.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 7:51 pm
Zhijian had waited with all the patience he could muster for the moment he'd assumed early in the ceremony would come. He would carry his Master into the sky, bearing with them the the new stars, one at a time. Not only would he finally serve his intended purpose for the first time in his new life, it was as an integral part of a great Task, part of what would become a new legend.
"My speed and all else that I have are yours, Lord," he all but purred, lying down so that Harmodius could mount when he was ready. But what was this? He required someone to stand in his stead while he recovered? Surely no one but a dragon would do - and even then, the choice was obvious. Tian Yue was fully returned to power, and had been instrumental in averting Gehenna. But he would not be voting. He had work to do while others deliberated.
At Harmodius' bidding, he launched into the air with a roar.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:10 pm
Tian Yue remained still as the Crown spoke of regencies and noble mantles; his ears tipped back at mention of Universe (oh galaxies, o stars, so silent above!) yet rose again at the sound of his own name. And then Zhijian was rising with a roar, and the Worldshield echoed the sound with a roar of his own, tail thumping once against the ground, making the earth tremble.
He looked down, then, over those gathered. "My name was spoken; I would take up this duty, were it offered me," the Dragon King rumbled, slowly. In truth, the idea was somewhat intimidating, but he felt honor-bound to speak, to do his duty should such be required.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:26 pm
Out in the crowd, another set of ears perked at the mention of regents... though the word brought not a faint stir of old honor but a wild leap of desire. Yes, yes, Phaedra wanted this. Oh yes - but she would not spring forward and be the first to claim. To appear too brash, too hungry would not do. There were many who would dismiss her out of turn for that alone, unknowing of all the marvelous... hah, good she could do them.
Naturally, the Dragon King spoke first; Phaedra rolled her eyes, internally. Of course he would, scaled paladin that he was - but he had left her an opening, a clear space to step into and fill with her own words.
So she did, fanning her feathers behind her, but very deliberately not bringing forth even the smallest amount of her power. "Honored divine, guests... I would speak for myself before you," she said, as loudly as she could. There was no way she could speak to the full multitude without amplification, but she could at least make an excellent impression on those near enough to hear her words directly.
"Yes, I am Lady Greed," she said, turning neatly on her toes. "Wicked creature some call me; I do not deny it. All know that I am what I am; I do not hide it. A creature of cleverness, sly words, and guile... yet will the Grigori come to us in honor and fairness? No! They come in treachery and darkness; who better to see them than one such as I? I sat the Throne during those dark weeks - yes, the Week of Greed, you all remember." She ended the word with a purr; oh, that Week had been so magnificent, so full of power, a glory she would never recapture again. Even this would be a pale reflection.
"Sat the Throne and mastered it, indeed," she continued. "Of all Destruction's Seven, I was the only one to use the power of my Week to our mutual benefit, using power and Sight to locate the Manacles that forestalled Gehenna's coming until a solution could be found. Even after that, I fought with all my power to gather legions to the Crown's name. Greed I am, yes - I hunger for life, for prosperity. I shall give ear to the good and the wicked alike, use them both for a greater purpose... yet, for those whose... morality would quail at honoring one of the Seven, I propose a council of advisors, that all might be satisfied. Checks and balances, my friends. Let those who are honorable treat with their kin; I shall treat with mine, and together all will unite under one banner. Greed, after all, no matter how hard it is denied, is ultimately felt by all. Are we all not greedy for our own salvation?"
As she spoke, her voice rose, exultantly; her arms spread, feathers flaring. "Make no mistake: those without honor cannot be defeated with it. But I, who brought low a sinful city and freed thousands from cruel slavery while yet encased in my jewel... I offer something different. And lest you think my words carry power, that the stirring you feel in your heart is born from Greed's mana and not your own true self... well, Lord Tian Yue, your shield covers us all. Have I used anything but words alone to speak to those gathered here?" she asked, pirouetting innocently and bowing to him.
The dragon swished his tail, once, then shook his head; she nodded to him magnanimously and turned to face the others once more. "Thus I make my humble plea, my brothers, my sisters... my children." She smiled brilliantly, her heart pounding so deliciously in her ears.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 11:17 pm
Enekpe had watched the precedings with no small amount of awe, but when Harmodius made his announcement, Kikechum wanted to do more than observe. In truth, what she most wanted was to submit herself for consideration. She was the Mother of Beasts, alpha and matriarch of packs and bands...and she was also, at the moment, able to do no more than borrow the body and voice of a creature no bigger than a housecat. No one would follow Kikechum-as-Enekpe, for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, it didn't feel right to remain entirely silent.
She gently overtook her host and bid the calico aoide, Galitzi, to lift her up. She wouldn't even try to speak to the mortals - her voice had no hope of carrying very far. "My fellows," she began, speaking as loudly as her host's small form allowed, "I am Kikechum, Goddess of Animals, and I will be brief. I do not know how long I can speak this way."
And asking Enekpe to speak for her...well, it was not a practical option. "I know very few of you now, and none of you well. As such, and perhaps even if I did, I could not place my confidence in a single regent. I second that there should be a council, and that it be balanced - even in our limited number, we are widely varied. Dragons, Destruction's children, gods of nature and reason, gods of bright and dark purpose, and gods born now for the first time. The interests of all should be represented, so far as is feasible."
Too many, of course, and nothing would ever happen, but it was early yet. How many more would come forward, and how many would be nominated?
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 1:35 am
There was one among those attending who would have not missed this, not for anything in the world – well, almost anything, save the embrace of his Beloved and their children. Nergal had not hindered his supplicants nor his family to join the festivities – encouraged them rather – but chosen to not partake himself.
Not out of ignorance or disrespect, far from it. But there was simply too much cheering going on for his somber mindset to take, not to mention it was almost impossible to go anywhere without stepping onto one of those accursed flooxes. Rainbow colored flooxes. If there was a thing such as “too much” for Underworld, this had certainly been it.
But he heeded the call, naturally, when it came, knowing from the core of his being what this would be about. A ‘gut feeling’, Aislin would have called it. Nergal brushed off that annoying notion as he went. There was a difference between primitive instinct and knowing.
So the Lord of the Nether had come, and – unlike Winter – not been bothered by the crowd. The cold that emanated from his figure was of a different nature than a mere change of temperature, and the mortals made haste to give him a wide berth wherever he tread.
So he attended, watched, listened. Quietly, as it was his nature. For a moment, his gaze lingered on Aristogeiton’s form – it had to be him – his gray eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly. Something about the mortal consort just rubbed him the wrong way, but … so did Creation himself.
Nergal’s wince was only barely noticeable when Silence – easily to be mistaken for his own kin these days, he looked as much as a brother as his actual brother did – cut Creation’s magnificent tresses. With baited breath the Lord of the Dead watched as they darkened, were spun into the fabric of a new sky, an expectant smile upon his lips. Reminiscent – for a moment – for the locks of cobalt and starlight he had at one time been allowed to touch.
And then Underworld’s smile, rare as it was in its occurrence, wilted.
The void no longer was a void, it was filled with something now.
But, it was not the same.
Would never be the same.
Ever again.
Eyes darkening and filled with disappointment, the Lord of the Dead turned his back onto the events to leave, not even waiting for the first star to be put up. He stopped dead in his tracks, however, upon Creation’s final words, slowly turning once more. He remembered full well the toll the remaking of his own domain had taken on him, how weak he had still felt afterward for the longest time, despite his Long Sleep.
Harmodius was right.
A regent would be needed to take his place during his absence, recovery.
Already, there were hushed whispers, excited glances exchanged as well as wary and suspicious ones, and he caught the eager gleam in Phaedra’s eyes way before she made her speech.
Tian Yue, of course, was the first to speak.
Greed, quite naturally, came second, putting her bid forth first would have appeared just too presumptuous. Strangely enough, he was not as put off by her speech as he possibly should have been, but rather felt some grudging respect for the flamboyant divinity. Just like his Love, she had a knack for winning over people’s hearts, though in an entirely different way. And she was one of Destruction’s Seven, the Throne had been her Right during that one the Final Weeks. She hadn’t done half bad at it, all things considered, though she certainly hadn’t seemed fond of the responsibility that came with it. ‘Lonely, isn’t it?’ For but a moment, something like a faint smirk lingered upon his dark lips. With no immediate threat, however, it would be perilous to let her rule. Not her alone, at least.
There was no way he could possibly leave now.
He was still making up his speech in his head, when Kikechum raised her voice unexpectedly (to him, at least), the yet tiny goddess voicing many his own concerns.
Nergal hesitated, but when it seemed no one else would speak up anytime soon, Underworld squared his broad shoulders and stepped forth, the bone ornaments adorning his long dreads clacking slightly as they hit against each other, his massive form demanding immediate attention.
He did not like being in the spotlight, not in front of his brethren at least. (Followers and worshipers were an entirely different thing altogether.) It had been Ages – literally, if ever – since he’d last dabbled in what might be referred to as ‘foreign affairs’. But he certainly had done plenty of feeling sorry about himself, how he’d felt lonely in the past, excluded, when it had mostly been self-imposed solitude.
If anything, the creation of the new skies posed to be a sharp reminder that things had changed, that nothing was to be as it once had been.
“If I may speak,” A deep, sepulchral voice said, tone just barely above a whisper, but seemingly arising from the deepest depths and heard by everyone. Pale hands clasped in front of his body, the Judge of the Dead made another step forward, feeling the eyes of many rest upon his majestic appearance. Too many, for his personal taste. Formal, almost ascetic in his appearance, the contrast to Greed – all gold and rich and luxurious – could not have been any more drastic.
Just go with the flow, you’ll wing it, his host’s mental voice seemed to say. Which was impossible. She was gone, entirely.
“I would not bid for sole leadership myself,” Nergal raised his voice (and tried to ignore the fact there seemed to be quite a few relieved faces upon his words), “not unless asked to do so. My Domain has always been a neutral one.”
“I too second there should no single regent, not only for the sake of Balance, but to make up for the lack of experience as well.” He spoke deliberately, choosing his words with care. Was he doing this right? He had no idea. Maybe he should have taken lessons from Julstecca, just as his Love had.
But he certainly seemed to have everybody’s attention now, something which made him very much feel like a deer caught in the headlights, and inwardly he just wanted to squirm and hide in some comfortable, cold, dark place. Like, underneath a Very Large Rock. “All of Us, I believe, are quite familiar with the amnesia that comes with Our Rebirth. Few, if any, have regained their memories since then.” His gaze lingered on the Worldshield for but a moment.
“No more than Five though, I say, for the sake of speeding up decision-making. Perhaps a triumvirate rather than a council.” In his eyes councils were the worst, and democracy much overrated. There was a reason as to why he’d delegate some of the sentencing of the dead to appointed judges, but not to juries. Never to juries. Those, quite frankly, took forever to agree on anything.
He raised his head, gaze hard, jaw set, confident as he spoke: “I would offer my experience as a Ruler of Many.” The ‘fog’ which had lingered at Nergal’s bare feet, the miasma of the Nether, swirled up to gather at his broad back, slowly shaping into a rather impressive wingspan. He did know how to make an impression, if he had to. “The Secrets of the Dead are Many. Architects, warlocks, wizards and generals of Ages past. While they may not make up entirely for Knowledge’s absence, I believe it is better than Nothing.”
“If not considered for Council, I would at least offer my services as an adviser to whomever everyone agrees upon.” His gaze lingered on Phaedra’s magnificent form once more. Even if it is to be you.
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:23 am
I would speak.
It was rare that Kyrjadis spoke at all, even to her host; it was a respectful silence, a keeping of distance, as much as such a thing was possible with god and host, but now the goddess felt the need to speak. But not without asking, and not without consulting, because what she would say and offer required not only Alice's consent, but her participation. They would need to work together, if their offer of help was accepted. It was, quite possibly, a big 'if,' - Alice was a host, and Kyri bound to her mortal form, but the sense of duty in both fairly demanded that they step forward.
And so they did. The goddess drew herself up to her host's full, unimpressive height, standing straight and confident. It was thrilling to control this body, to feel the sword resting on her back, to feel everything, but this was not the time. "I am Kyrjadis. Justice." She introduced herself first, as she was unknown to all but a few, but also because her domain carried with it some weight - not that it wasn't so for all gods, but in this situation, hers seemed fitting. "I am likely too young in this life, still contained within my host, to be considered for a council, but she and I would offer ourselves as a protector, if any of the chosen would have us, or I might serve as an advisor."
"We wish to help however we can."
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:38 am
Cosine was a goddess used to the shadows. She had been so very young during the weeks of Gehenna not much use for anything. Then, in the months that had followed everyone had been so busy, so wrapped up in gathering the pieces of the world back together that she had barely left her own small family, her bubble.
Now though, she was one step closer to regaining full control of her domain, she could feel the enhanced power coursing through her. A domain that was interwoven with so many others. She watched them all as they spoke and breathed deeply. She could not argue with Greed, nor could she confidently back her. Although it seemed that they should be sisters Number and Greed, she could not help but wonder if it was the greed of mortals that brought about the fading in the first place. She was not one with chaos.
Underworld’s suggestion made sense to her. Yes, he was family but she would not follow anyone blindly. Maybe before … but now. Now she had a confidence she felt had not been present before. She agreed too many cooks could spoil a broth, but so could three arrogant cooks.
She stepped forwards slowly, there would be many who did not know her and even more who would not recognise her. The only deity that had seen her since her change was Ankou.
“If I may.” Her voice rang out loud and strong. It almost surprised her. “You all make good points, I believe care is needed. We all have different strengths and skills, different faces and goals. Balance is key, it is essential.” Her green eyes swept over those that were present. “I too would not place my faith in one regent. A council must be balanced, domains beneficial. If we are to be at war with these monsters then we need someone experienced with battle. But not only that, we need light as much as darkness. Only faith and hope brings motivation and victory. I put forward my skills for council. Number is neutral, it binds all of us together. I may be a young god.” She smirked a little. “I may be small, but I can bring impartiality, organisation. Logic.”
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 3:20 pm
[[ a proposal and three supports for a council, though number indetermined are in place. Other forms of governance should put forward if they are supported by any characters to contest this before Sept. 10 ]]
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:22 pm
Glyph regarded Neva curiously, wondering why she looked at him with such a predatory gaze. She was Winter and he was Forest, he held no issues with the goddess... kinship, if anything, stirred in him. Was she perhaps one of the sharper deities? He blinked at the lights reflected in her eyes then looked up to Creation as the sky was made anew and the announcements put forth.
Gods of all sorts stepped forward, said their piece and Glyph hesitated a moment before murmuring a pardon to Neva and stepping forward as well. He drew himself up tall as he could, a warm smile playing across his lips as he cleared his throat then spoke, "I would speak as well. Good points have been made by all. I agree that balance should be maintained and that a council is a good idea. I also agree with Nergal in that it should not be too much larger then five.... too big and we run the risk of hopelessly tying ourselves up in bureaucracy and differing opinions." Forest nodded, swept his gaze around, "And I would offer my skills and resources for the Council. I am young, not yet fully returned, but I can offer food, shelter, and quick passage through the forested lands as well as the wisdom of the woods and their occupants."
He nodded to Cosine then, "And like Number, I am neutral as well. I offer the wisdom, resources, and resiliency of the Forest." His gaze came to rest on Greed then, watching her. He would not bow to Greed but she was correct in that her influence had it's place... possibly.... as did Nergal and Cosine and Justice.... "Underworld, Justice, Forest, Number, Worldshield, Greed... There is variation there, and a good start. I do not, however, think we should forget the mortals and it would round out the Council to seven. Who would represent them?" His gaze found its way to the mortal Xun had been working with. While Forest had not yet spoken to the man, that he had been involved in the recreation of the Sky lead Glyph to believe he was of importance and give him the opportunity to step forward if he so chose. "Do any have votes of confidence for those who have stepped forward, or for any who have no yet spoken?"
Glyph turned a little then, to regard those assembled, deity and mortal alike.
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:18 am
Most who spoke offered themselves as candidates for a Council, but Night would not be among them. Councils were...not his style, so to speak. Nevertheless, he had more than enough interest to offer his input. "If I may be blunt, I think we should not construct a council of six - or seven - only because that many volunteer. It is easiest, perhaps, but is it wisest? I agree that five should be the number - enough that all feel represented, but not so many that decision-making be weighed down unnecessarily."
"Three of you claim to be neutral." But how many who were 'neutral' were truly neutral? Most, even among gods, had leanings one way or the other. "I ask you this: how much neutrality do we need? We are already at war, our enemy is clear, and there will be no negotiations with Samyaza and her followers. What we need is decisiveness, confidence, and a will to do what must be done. Not an excess of supposed neutrality."
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 3:38 am
A smirk blossomed on Cosines lips at Night’s words.
“Neutral does not mean submissive. It means clarity. Confident decisions are all very well but they need to be made in the interests of the mortals, the Gods and the world we must protect. Not for personal gains. We are all united in our need to destroy Samyaza. True enough, but still some may feed from the chaos, add to it.” She breathed deeply and weighed the points up in her mind. Calculating.
“A Council should be made of those that possess the skills needed to bring down the Grigori. But I stress that attack is not the only thing that needs to be on our mind. There is protection, not all are able to fight. Decisions must be made with a clear head, not fired by a lust for action and fury.”
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