War of Dragons 2: Break The World I

Stepping through the caves, coming from the eastern side of the Kingdom of Rosenheim, the Adventurers have had to enduring long winding roads. Were it not for their Uncrowned guide - Tian - there is no way they would be able to endure these caves so easily.

There are traps they manage to avoid. And there are lairs of highly dangerous and high level monsters that they manage to circumvent as they head deeper into the mountain.

Eventually, something strange happens though. Everyone can feel their 'awareness' of the world rise. Their strength rises. Almost as if they stats all just got a major boost.

Then, Tian disappears /through/ a rock formation. And as they follow her, they step into a large cave mound filled with small sidecaves. This looks like the fallen remnants of a former gnome town - with lots of people mulling about. There's glances being thrown their way, but the moment they see Tian, they carry on with their lives.

There's multiple statues that look like they depict various species and Landers within the cave. There's large piles of ruble of destroyed statues as well. But notably, many of the statues here are... /peerless/. Even the ones made out of simple materials are just absolutely gorgeous.

Tian had been asked by the Rebels to bring the Yamato Adventurers here by a rather particular person, who is approaching them right now. A young man who looks... unremarkable in every way. A simple human with brown hair, a white tunic, dark pants, and a red belt holding just a simple single sword. No fancy armor. Definitely no headgear.

Stepping over to Tian in order to put both hands on their shoulders and grinning at them. "You've brought them!"> Before stepping back and looking at the group that is gathering.

Though Tian may lack the same raw stats and levels that the Yamato Adventurers may claim to fame, they make up for much of that with sheer knowledge of the Palace Lands. The Cait Sith moves through the territory with a familiarity that could only come from someone who has spent a great deal of time traversing the vast expanses.

The guide takes time to make sure everyone is keeping up, ensuring that no one gets left behind in the caves. Even upon reaching the entrance, the crafter pauses a moment, making sure everyone is together before stepping thorugh what seems to be some kind of illusion and into the hidden locale.

As seems customary around the Uncrowned rebels, Tian removes their headgear, revealing their painted features as they step forward. It is a sign to the others that they are not under the control of a Crown. The messenger gives a grin in return, nodding their head before beginning to sign. "<Yes. I have brought them, as you asked.>" The Cait Sith motions to the Yamato Adventurers.  

Over and under and around and around... Even Shiruba was having difficulty keeping up with the twists and turns they take to avoid pitfalls and dangerous creatures. And she's the one with Cartography trained. "Tian that looks like a dead en--" And the Uncrowned walks right through the stone. "--Nevermind." She shrugs, and follows.

And is overtaken by the view, the location, the bolstering presence it has. Her attention almost immeadiately falls upon the statues, to the point that she almost misses the approaching form until he speaks up to great Tian. Her tail flicks as her attention snaps back to him. "Yes, yes he did."

Goldenblade has been brought. She's no stranger to long hikes, and is pretty hardy in any event. For her age, anyhow. But it's been a long and circuitous route getting here, and she's bad at navigation at the best of times. She'll rely on our guide to avoid the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, disappearing through a rock at one point. This must be how they keep themselves hidden?

In the dark, she'll squint as best she can, she can feel the stronger power source, and she'd probably spoil the mood if she set the ceiling on fire by accident. Anyhow, the Mothers aren't playing. She remains silent, presumably we'll be told what's going on.

Haru had heard that the resistance was in need of crafters to push an initiative forward. The details of what the initiative was did not get parsed. It is important. He got on a boat and made his way to the expeditionary force and Rosenheim to hear it out. The silver haired enchanter does not have a lot to say on the way in across the many-day travels. He keeps a log and a chimlink open to conduct his business over the waters.

The sharp increase in awareness/attributes has Haru looking for a passive enchantment in the area, the source. Appraise here. Enchant there. Pet his black catte. The 'going through solid rock' doesnt evoke a reaction beyond testing the illusion. Then onwards. Inward. The statues get a good look. The advantage of a large party is he can slip away and do his own thing, starting by checking the statues out as his eyes are not needed to listen to the exchange.

    The road was long and winding and sometimes it felt like it was the road that would never end. At some point even Rizadoman absolutely ended up innocently taking a wrong turn and having to double back to find the group (with the help of the group finding him). It is a process though, and the weariness is absolutely present in the scales of the lizardman. That is until a sudden boost in strength and stamina, with the world feeling brighter and such. Who knew those rocks had such color.

     It is when the lizardma lays eyes on the statues and particularly of a werefang, evident by the tattoo does it seem Rizadoman breaks off from the group, gravitating towards it. Stopping in front of it for a moment he raises his hand to touch it, "Marvelous." Then the speaking starts and Rizadoman looks up before moving back towards Tian and their friend. "Greetings, I am Rizadoman of the Moon Tree. I hope today finds you well."

Prophylaxis isn't about to just let Tian meander off into the Palace Lands alone. Though he's not exactly going unaccompanied, it felt distinctly unleaderlike of him to not join in the journey. The doctor makes idle note of the strange wave of bolstering force that washes over the party as they make their way deeper into the territory of the mysterious 'Weed.'

It is... well, honestly, Prophylaxis is surprised they /haven't/ found someone hiding out in the middle of an old gnomish settlement yet. The doctor is silent as Tian leads the way, apparently recognized by the myriad peoples gathered here. And soon, the one named Weed shows himself amidst a gallery of peerless statues--

"Prophylaxis," the doctor introduces himself with a bow, "Acting Coordinator of the Scale Emblem Alliance. It's a pleasure."

Stepping through the wall is weird, but so is the sudden increase as soon as Kaydon is through. The gnoll growls faintly at the feeling, but isn't sure how to react. It feels good though. You'd hear no complaints from him.

These statues look...Well life-like is about the best description Kaydon could make. It isn't until Weed calls out to Tian that his attention turns to that guy.

"You must be the guy who wanted to talk to us. My name's Kaydon." He does run a quick Inspect on Weed once he gets the chance to, though.

Throughout the years, the Yamatoans have had to deal with Nobles, strategists, and people who refuse to let them feel the full picture. But here, they stand before a young man who by all means seems incredibly normal and even excited to share something with them.

"He?" Weed asks in confusion, looking from Shiruba to Tian, then back to Shiruba again.

A pause, before he finally shifts his attention to the now unmasked 'folf'. "Thank you." Weed nods his head to Tian, and puts his hands to his hips, looking to the other Adventurers as they slowly file on in. "I'll keep this simple. I am going to aid Camp Wrath take back Kallamore, and I need your help to do it."

He glances aside to Rizadoman, marveling at a Were Fang Dire Owlbear statue, before turning to Prophylaxis. "Ah, the great 'Doctor'. One of the people who helped elevate... ehmm... Tolbana, right?" Weed remarks. "Which means you will understand exactly what I intend to do."

Weed moves one hand from his hip and lays it to his blade, and then begins to... carve the ground. Quick rapid sweeps and strikes against the ground, creating etchmarks that quickly turn into a drawing upon the ground of the layout of land around Kallamore. Then marking a circle on it.

"I am going to create a great statue to the Blind Goddess here to interfere with the Crowns of Kallamore." He announces with a big wicked grin.

There is a small salute offered up to Weed before Tian pulls their mask back down over their features, golden eyes peeking out through the eye holes. A hand runs through their hair and there is a slight shake to get the two-toned hair back in place.

Tian casts a glance towards Haru, motioning with his head towards Weed and then indicating to the other crafter: "<His work is mazing. You'll see.>"

Shifting into a crouch to get a better look, the fox-wolf watches the drawing take shape, head tilted in a curious, canine sort of way. "<Yamato has skilled hands.>" Waggling their fingers, the deaf Cait Sith balances in the that crouch, then pats their own set of crafter's tools.

Goldenblade listens as introductions are made. When the others of Yamato introduce themselves, she does as well, simply as "Goldenblade, builder." They're all craftspeople of one sort or another, that's her sort.

She listens as the fellow tells Proph that he understands what the plan is before explaining the plan. She's not clear on how that works, but when the man explains about making a statue to interfere with the crowns, she will have to press the 'I believe' button. "That sounds like it will have a pretty serious impact," she agrees. "What can we do to help?"

    Rizadoman tilts his head at the one known as Weed, " You will have to excuse me, but how exactly will a statue disrupt the crowns?" Rizadoman moves away from the Were Fang statue towards the others, "I do apologize, as Tian says we have many skilled hands but I am not one of them, so I don't mean to ask stupid questions." As he approaches he looks at the design on the ground and tilts his head, "Also, is that really what the blind goddess looks like?"

Haru finishes looking at one of the statues, one a human noble. "It really is. Kita's work is impressive and this makes plain how high the craft can yet soar," he tells Tian. It is a quiet admiration. The readout is interesting in that it provides a benefit to Negotiations, something the race is known for. A glance over at the other statues and he puts two and two together for why there is such a strong zone-wide buff going on. The man with a monocle walks over to the group at large to tag into the end of the introductions, "Haru Nox. Silver Sword Commander, New World Alliance," and his eyes are already looking to the ground for the whiteboarding of the plan. He owes Weed for the knowledge required to figure out Crown Breaking, so its a chance to settle the account. Also less Crown influence. "If it is assistance you need, then you will have it." Crafter life.

"You're trying to..." Prophylaxis' eyes narrow in recognition, "Ahh, now I see. The statues around us are the sources of the status buffs, aren't they? If a skillfully made statue is able to radiate such things, then I suppose that they could be made to do other things as well." He rubs his chin slowly, then adds: "I won't ask how you know about Tolbana, but I do wonder-- the crowns are relics wrought by Helba the Dark Queen. Are you sure a single statue, no matter how massive or masterfully crafted, will be able to suppress their effects?"

"Also, how are you going to keep it safe while you work on it?" He asks, adding with a curious cant of his head. "Tolbana's cathedral was one thing, we built that and the statue within in friendly territory... Unless you mean to construct it in here?"

Kaydon quickly moves out of the way as the guy moves past and starts to draw, tilting his head as his ears move to look down at the drawing. He has no idea what any of it means. Or what the Blind Goddess is. But he doesn't need to know that. Because he does know the most important part of Weed's plan.

"If it's going to screw with the Crowned's plans, I'm in."

By the time Weed has finished mentioning creating a statue Shiruba is already grinning as she's pulled the Blades of Zahab out of her inventory. "Now this sounds like a venture I would love to get behind." Even if the statue itself is made of stone or whatnot, she can produce several other useful things to the process with Woodworking. Braces, scaffolding, frames, so on and so forth. "Plus," she gives a nod of her head in Haru's direction. "We have advanced Enchanters."

Gwen had come to guard Haru for this but she also got experiance in crafting so it's a bonus right? She's in her plate armor today nothing silly nothing insane. If only Curt could see her wearing something he'd deem sensiable. she is listening and pauses.

"Gwen Pendragon Crescent Moon Olyumpus Alliance. Tailor and minor accessory forger."

Weed turns to look to Haru, and then nods. "The other one who helped further develop the sculpting technique that took off the crowns, right?" He asks of Tian. "I have a lot to thank you for as well. Some of my allies were freed thanks to that technique making its way back here." He remarks warmly.

There's a nod from him when Haru mentions the creator 'Kita'. "And I do, so I am glad to have it." His attention drifting to Kaydon at the mention of screwing with the crown. That smirk of his growing for a moment.

His attention drifts back to Prophylaxis. "You have built a place that earned the attention and Blessing of one of the Goddesses." He isn't explaining how he knows. But some Uncrowned have joined the Scale Emblem Alliance. It makes sense they talk.

"The Blind Goddess, I believe, would oppose the control of the Crowns. But we would need to construct it close to the city. I don't mean for the influence to push over the city. I doubt we could even remotely get that close. But it would create a location that would permit an assault on Kallamore's shining city of Lumina Cloth." Weed proposes. "But it would need to be constructed fast. And that means powerful warriors and extremely skilled sculptors and other crafters to help me. Before they figure out what we are doing and storm us."

There's a glint in Weed's eyes that some might recognize as far too similar to that of the Villain in Glasses'.

"Keeping it safe is part of why I need your help."

    Rizadoman takes a deep breath and nods his head as he looks at the drawing below and think for a moment. " We should make the parts here if possible and assemble on site. It would allow us to do less work on sight. I am picturing something collassal in comparison to the statues here." There is a few more thoughts before he adds, "If you can point us to the site we can plan to create some quick deployable defenses there to help support." Taking another look over at Weed, he swore he saw the man with a gleam in his eye that made him think of the honorable and noble Shiroe, so perhaps this man wasn't to bad either.

Tian lifts a hand, bobbing the fist foward in a sign of affirmation. There is clearly a lot of trust borne from the weeks underneath the strange mood which eventually lead to the technique to eliminate the Crowns. There is a slight toothy smirk given to Haru.

As Weed begins to explain further, however, the Crafter's expression seems to grow more serious, possibly taking stock of what sort of contributions they might be able to offer. "<Materials, planning, detail work, sculpting.>" Each sign is made close to the chest as if they were considering the weight of it. "<There is much work to do.>"

Tian rocks back onto their heels and then pushes up to their feet. "<Good plan.>" This is aimed at Rizadoman, as the crafter seems to agree with his idea. There were likely some things they could create and move into place rather than building it all at once.

Prophylaxis fixes Weed with a long stare, before shrugging. "It's as good a plan as any. And if we can fortify a position near Kallamore without being noticed, then even if it doesn't work out as you hope, we'll still be in a better position than we were." He shrugs, then, "...When we built the cathedral, it was not specifically to worship the Burning One. We wished to give people there a place to address the need for faith, community and belonging. I don't know whether an earnest wish is needed, or if tribute is enough, but it may be worth keeping in mind. Nevertheless, I will leverage what resources I can. You'll find that the Scale Emblem can be quite..."

His mind turns towards ALL OF KARLUIN. And the massive effort that it took to get the place turned around and transformed into a bustling city.

"Efficient?"

"At getting things like these done?"

Gwen grins at Weed for a moment.

"Glad to hear some of your allies go free..." Gwen knows Shiroe she stares and takes a step back. Oh goddesses she knows that look. She takes a deep breath and she nods.

"I'm going to throw everything I can i'll even put some of my own plans on hold if it comes to it." She elbows Haru lightly.

"You excited to work on something like this?! Same for you Shiruba?!" She also spots Kaydon and grins at him as well.

Goldenblade joins in the hubbub of planning and shouting and is mostly lost in the noise. She's got some solid plans for materials and skills to contribute, though, and a lot of organizational know-how in regards to contruction projects. But given what these guys have done already, that part of her expertise isn't needed. Well, she will contribute where she can.

The last line that the master scultor says gets a bit of a grin out of Kaydon, "That's one way to make a hell of a statement. Right in their back yard, too." Defenses. They'll need to scout out the site, clear any hostiles that are around, local wildlife or Palace Land forces.

Kaydon hmms a little bit to himself as he thinks about possibilities, "We'll need to secure the route between here and there too, then." He says, "To ensure that none of the parts get attacked enroute. Last thing we'd want to do is lose part of the statue mid transit."

Shiruba is already back on her comm link to call in some assistance from other parts of the Guild. She's notorious for stockpiling useful supplies, but she's going to need to get people to bring stuff from her caches to where Weed wants it. "This is the kind of project I took up a crafting profession for!" she answers Gwen. Then waggles a finger from around one of her tools at Kaydon. "And also that. We'll have to get our hunters and scouts on that." That was the sort of mission much of the Silver Swords lived for. "Maybe convince a certain warpony to help."

Weed explains, "Oh, I believe attribution is important. As such, the statue I plan to make is one /of/ The Blind Goddess." There's something there. A look in Weed's eyes. This tell that Prophylaxis has seen with Naobi when he's not saying everything.

He knows something that they don't.

"I believe in your efficiency. Just be careful. All of this is for nothing if we lose our lives doing this."

The youth then steps back and motions into the cave. "For now, you plan. Use your chimlinks as you will. But please. Come in, have yourselves a feast. We have a Moonlight Cook here today who can turn even rat into Wagyu Rat Meat!"

Prophylaxis squints slowly. He knows that look. BOTH of those looks. There's a scheme afoot here. But also--

"...Do you know what she really looks like, or something...?"

Weed grins back at Prophylaxis and answers; "Haven't you seen all those beautiful statues in the churches?"

    Rizadoman nods his head and then at the mention of the food Rizadoman gives a smile, " We appreciate the hospitality, truly you did not need to go to such efforts. If anything we are the ones who should brought the feast. Still it would be rude as the guest to past up what is offered by the host." Rizadoman would follow after others toward the feast but stops when he hears the doctors question, "I had almost forgot I had asked that." The lizardman peers from Weed to Prophylaxis back to Weed, "Oh, obviously that makes total sense."

Haru looks to Shiruba, "There is more than enough lined up in the crafting logistics to help with processing materials. We will need the expeditionary forces to do raw materials and set up camp sites for gatherers." Seekers Landing and Shibuya had less complex requirements. The man with a monocle sees no problem with this. "Giving everyone the chance to put their hands on an initiative that will strike a blow against the mental oppression," the human taps his head, "will do good for the Spirit, as well." People like feeling involved and useful, even the aloof Artificer knows that.

Short version is: "Achievable."

"Okay sure but for some reason /those/ aren't radiating crown-killing beams," Prophylaxis says with a squint, because he has been through this FAR TOO MANY TIMES by now. "And you seem very confident that yours will. Don't think I didn't hear the emphasis on that 'of!'"

Gwen looks at Weed "Are you saying we make one where the Palace Land Adventures so the Palace Landers can't pull their bullshit they do at the churches?" She's grinning. "Oh that's awesome!"

Shiruba nods to Haru with a smile. "Just doing my part as Guild Leader to start getting the word out~" It will spread on it's own from there. "I know I'm not the only one that's been hoping to resume exploring this region."

Goldenblade is intrigued by Weed's words. She's had cause to investigate churches lately, with an eye to seeing what it might take to build one. This fellow seems like he might know. "So, sir, what does it take to make a church a Church?"

"Hmm? A Church?" Weed asks. A pause, looking for a moment. Furrowing his brow. Then, he shrugs and raises his hands. "Don't know! Never tried to find out. Most of us refuse to even go to Root Towns." He explains to Goldenblade.

As for Prophylaxis, Weed adds; "I am certain you've met the Blind Goddess by now. I know that she likes to... mingle. Observe the Adventurers. She's a person of many faces."

"Oh she'll definitely love helping out on the clearing the way part." Kaydon says, in response to Shiruba, "Despite her weird superstition about being over here." He hmms faintly, "I'll get to work as soon as we get back to Seeker's Landing on putting some weapons together. Once we know where we're setting up, let me know and I'll come help scout it out and plan defenses." He grins over at Shiruba for a sec, "I'll even give you a friends and family discount."

    Rizadoman tilts his head at Weed, "Do you mean to imply that the goddesses walk among us even today? All three of them? You are sure? " THere is confusion in his voice, he had been so sure that one of them had been sealed away in the barrier of Ezzo. A sacrifice as the old man had once said. Still if all three are present and walking among adventurers and landers...who would they have been. Sometimes the answers one recieves only seem to lead ot more answers.

Goldenblade hrms to Weed, nods slowly. "That makes sense," she agrees. But that leaves her back with her original research plan, which is to find out. "I will continue to work on that," she tells him. "Haru," she calls out. "I may need your help on a separate project in the future." She expects a church will need Accessory Forging. She'll have to track down Kita and Proteus, she expects they will also be needed.

Haru isn't about to dampen the spirit with his Haruness, "Just remember you are not alone in doing that stuff anymore. Go galvanize some hearts and minds. I'll handle back end logistics," he tells Shiruba. When the glam and glitter wears off, he will be there to make sure it finishes up.

His head turns to Weed upon the concept of gods-walk-among-us. "How are you planning to make a statue of a person with many faces?" Haru inquires. The image of one of those statues that has three+ faces on it comes to mind. Horror. Avoided by a turn to Goldenblade, "Understood. Enchanted Glass stuff?" he ventures a guess.

Goldenblade can only shrug to Haru. "Probably not. More like binding souls and magical nonsense. You're good at that." And Goldenblade doesn't have to like it to know what tools are best for which task. "I'm thinking about making a church for Uruk," she explains. "They're the new country, their people probably respawn at someone else's Temple. But if I can figure out how it's built, and you can work out what holy objects are needed to make it work, it will be a good thing for those people. I might need Proteus, too. Not sure what all will be needed, still working on the research."

He's met the Blind Goddess before? Really? She's someone who likes to... watch Adventurers? Observe them in person? Prophylaxis' brow furrows, his hand goes to stroke at his chin. Across his mind, a flurry of faces fly. /Has/ he met her before? It could have been anyone, couldn't it? But... "...Hestia? No, that kind of person wouldn't give a name, would they...?"

Damnit Weed, now you've got him /worried and distracted./

...But that's probably the point.

"...Do you know what kinds of guises the other goddesses prefer to wear? The Burning One and the Beautiful One-- do they walk among us too?"

Tian reaches into a bag at their side, pulling out what looks to be a set of parchment papers. Most of them look to be written on, but the already used pages are rolled back up and tucked away again as the Cait Sith begins to take some notes on the sort of materials that the group may need.

At the same time, their eyes continue to pass from person to person, likely trying to pick up what is being said. Despite many people voicing questions and comments, their ears barely twitch, quite unlike a normal person.

"I don't know." Weed answers Prophylaxis. "The Burning one and Beautiful one that is. I don't know if they care about us Adventurer types." Before he sits down in order to have food. "For now, how about we eat." He presses. "All this thinking is making me hungry." Weed suggests, and digs in.

"The Beautiful One accepted the dedication of my cultural museum in her name, so I don't think she doesn't -not- have some interest in us," Shiruba chimes in. Before getting absolutely distracted by the feast. Because food. Good food. No one should be surprised by this by now.

Gwen grins at Haru and withou warning picks him up and hugs him.

"Isn't this great? This is the sort of soulation you hope for right!?" It's clear Gwen is just happy an excited and is forgetting the size, mass and strength difference between them she may be hugging a bit too hard unintionally...well if she manages to get ahole of Haru for said hug.

Haru gurks. Did Haru's clothing get cool reinforced fibers that crack like sticks when compressed or are those his bones? Snap Crackle Pop. "It," he breathes out, "is a great. Opportunity." Oxygen bar appears. Phoenix Drown, thy name is Gwen.

Kaydon actually glances over at Gwen as her and Haru talk, "It's a better option than just throwing our armies against their's over and over. That just hurts everyone except the people we need to hurt."

Plus, he'll admit that he loves the idea of setting up a major strike like this right in their backyard without them knowing. It'll be payback. Glorious payback.

Gwen urks after half a second as she'll set Haru down and looks embrassed she'll also quitely mutter a healing spell. She's looking really embrassed at this. Sometimes she forgets that she's supernatuirally strong compared to her life back on Earth.