War of Dragons: Uncrowned

After a mysterious meeting, it was left to Shiruba to reach out to various parties within the Alliances and arrange a meeting place. The Hostess of Fertility seemed the most likely location, so the location has been all but cleared out, reserved for this encounter. Either through Shiruba directly, or word of mouth from their own Alliances, those attending are brought by the prospect of meeting with the so-called 'Uncrowned' and finding out more of what they might know about the war.

Tian had been the one to make that first contact, making sure that things were relatively safe for the others. The individual is wearing the same wolf mask and facial makeup as the previous day, gathered along with some others near one of the back exits out of the bar. It's a back-up plan just in case these Yamato Adventurers are not what they seem. It seems the 'Uncrowned' are always prepared with an escape path.

The Cait Sith's tail sways slowly, their posture tense and watchful. They turn towards the others gathered near them, gesturing with quick motions of their hands: "<If any aggression or sign of the Crowned. We run.>" They make the sign-language symbol for crowned, motioning their hands as if wearing something atop their head. "<Uncertain if these can be trusted.>" Tian adds, closing both hands into fists in front of their chest.

For those who had not previously encountered this strange Adventurer from the Land of Dragons, it is notable that Tian does not speak aloud, only gesturing with what is obviously sign language. And yet, those who are nearby, still somehow understand the meaning of those gestures.

"Miki would be obsessed if she learned this." Cyrus remarks to himself rather quietly, taking note of the one who is signing. He knows for a fact that he doesn't understand the standard American Sign Language, so it's amazing that he can just follow the motions. It's not like he can sign back at this woman. But he's catching everything clearly.

The Cait Sith is seated in one of the booths, while Mikage is making other preparations. He wanted to at least do something useful for her and the alliance, other than just being in the back playing support and running triage after encounters. So he's gone out of his way to make time for this. Seeing the ones talking amongst eachother, he is taking some time to figure out what they are talking about. Crowned.

He remembers that a while ago, Yeowang came with a piece of paper that claimed they had to look for the Uncrowned. It would make sense then, that if these people are worried about crowned, that they'd be as such the opposite. But he doesn't know yet what that even means. After a bit of waiting, he gets up. The somewhat-tall Snow Leopard taking his time to approach, then touches his chest and makes for a half-curtsy.

"Cyrus, of the New World Alliance. I'm part of one of the prominent Raiding Guilds." He introduces himself, turning to all three of them. "We've heard the term 'Uncrowned' before, but until now, we've had no real context behind this. Could I bother you to explain?"

One of these 'Uncrowned' is the kasa hat wearing individual in a long robe. Not that it means much, but he's unarmed from the looks, too. And sipping at a drink that he's purchased. Looking at Tian as she gives the orders, he nods his head before making a motion back to Tian to show that he understood.

The... different style is a bit understated on him, but he definitely is at least slightly less tense than the others perhaps. Bars are nice, after all!

He finally glances at Tian, making sure to speak slow and keep it a bit low so she can read his lips if needed. "I hope we are not wrong." He says towards the Cait Sith.

For all intents and purposes, the man looks to be human. And his voice is at least not that boisterous.

Finishing the drink, he orders another with his gaze on the front entrance. He does glance a bit to Tian. Then he looks to Cyrus at the question. He seems to be considering since Raid was mentioned before he looks over Cyrus, then to Tian and Shenmi. A small nod is given before he answers.

"I am called Gao. I see one of you. Are more coming or is it just this... New World that is going to listen to our tale?"

Sworn enemies? A tale of two houses? A bar? You know what this means.

Yep, Robert is LARPing today. He's managed to dredge up a pair of dusty boots, a well-worn leather trenchcoat, and an intimidating black leather hat. His thick heels sound firmly against the floor as he pushes his way indoors, each motion languid and deliberate, each step creaking menacingly enough that there can only be one implication:

Leather pants. And judging by the tense-jawed expression on Robert's face, leather pants that are a mite on the small side. Six-shooters are mercifully absent--probably because they don't exist--and Robert settles for hooking his thumbs through his belt as he leans against the wall. At which point he just stares at the Palace folk in silence, features twitching ever so often into something resembling a resentful grimace. Perhaps he's trying to intimidate them.

Perhaps he's just trying to find a comfortable way to stand in those darned pants.

Of course with the constant pressure of the war going on not everyone that Shiruba would of liked to get into a meeting with the 'Uncrowned' was available. But she did the best she could. Of course she herself was going as well. She already went over the reminders to be on good behavoir and avoid any confrontational actions unless this somehow turns out to be a trap. Otherwise, it was an oppritunity to finally get some information on what happened in the Palace Lands to fan these flames and maybe some allies that know their opposition better, so she's not passing the chance up.

The wolfgirl gives Cyrus a brief nod with his observations. "That is the one I previously met, that wanted to set a meeting up. Was understandably wary but non-aggressive, so I have hopes this will be beneficial."

Well, time to get this underway. With a brief deep breath to compose herself Shiruba stepped closer to the gathering, and bowed as well. "Shiruba, leader of the New World Alliance's Silver Swords guild. Thank you for giving us this oppritunity to meet," she finishes, with a nod to Tian as she stands back up. "Good to see you again, too." Then shakes her head at the other question. "I tried to get members of all three Alliances. But with the looming threats not all of the lead members I wished to reach out to were available on the shorter notice."

    The bell on the door of the bar rings as the large Lizardman enters slowly and looks a bit anxious. The last time Rizadoman went to meet up with strangers he took an arrow to the head, twice, and then after that he got attacked just trying to get his Peko back. A look around the room he eyes the trio and then steps up, " I am the guild representative of the Moon Tree guild, a part of the New World Alliance." His eyes look toward Tian, " I believe we have possibly met before and if one of my fellow Alliance mates is to be believe we have you to thank for that retreat." Looking over at Gao and then the one known as Robert answers Gao's question, "New World is not the only one here. That person is a part of the Scale Emblem Alliance. "

    Having heard of the so-called 'uncrowned' from Shiruba, and having been warned both to show up for the meeting and to be on her best behaviour, Fukaziroh enters a bar. The little Sylph certainly doesn't seem threatening, though she's definitely an adventurer and in this particular environment she's not going completely defenseless. She's been known to show up to purely social events in flowery dresses and the like. Now she's in her normal heavy-blade armor, though with no actual blade in sight. No helmet or anything like that... just someone obviously an adventurer, and not-quite-obviously not letting her hair entirely down.

    Fuka's not entirely sure she can trust any palace lander, right now, but she's willing to at least extend a hand. Even if she's careful to see nothing gets stuck in that hand she doesn't approve of. When she comes in, she sees Cyrus and Shiruba and makes her way over, noting the strangers at the same time. "Hihi~" she chimes cheerily, and perhaps slightly nervously. "New friends of yours?" she asks brightly, choosing to focus attention mostly on Shiruba for the moment. "Hi!" she repeats. "Call me Fuka..." she says, not extending a hand. Not just yet.

Yeowang has shown up for the meeting, because of course she has, she's been one of the more active in many of the social circles, and understands well the necessity of connections. She has been alerted by Shiruba, but she's been alert for these uncrowned since she was given that odd warning several months ago, as Cyrus recalls. Wearing her normal adventurer clothing rather than something socially appropriate because she understands that this meeting is sub rosa, and Tian's attttude and tense stance seems to support that.

"I am Yeowang, also of the New World Alliance," she introduces herself, and will fall silent as the introductions go around.

    The whole thing with Haru is he does not understand the conflict enough to get involved. Not beyond the base level aggression which he feels is rarely the full story. History has shown that it is more complex than that. So when he hears that there is going to be a meeting going on, the jacket-and-slacks wearing crafter makes his way in not too far behind Fuka. It is a good contrast, as having what appears to be cosmetic cloth-wear gear doesnt come off as threatening. Nor does it come off as defensive. Joys of being a caster type.

    "Haru, of the New World Alliance," he introduces himself rather readily, as if members of different companies in a merger were filing in. He gives a little bit of a bow in greeting, settling into a place to sit afterwards.

"Life is a gamble, my friends," a man in a top hat and a tie-less, 'casually unbuttoned' tuxedo jacket mentions to Gao and Tian, as he sips a glass of some local beverage, likely beer if available. He has a sort of 'studied careless' appearance, as if every wrinkle of his shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, was crafted for looking good. Somehow, he also seemed to be one of the first to have gotten his hands on a beverage after arrival. "We have to be careful with the pot, agreed, but a calculated risk is in order." Despite his keeping his voice low, the histrionic flair in his voice and the flourish in his hand motions is probably not lost on those who can experience them.

When the Yamato Adventurers introduce themselves, he doffs his hat, and offers, "Shinmei Jinreng. At your service." Nothing wrong in giving away your name. They can inspect you, they know it already.?

Shiruba had in no uncertain terms told Kaydon he was not to outright attack any of these so-called Uncrowned. So he wasn't going to do that. But that didn't mean he wouldn't continue to be extremely pissed off about everything that's played out regarding the Palace Lands so far.

He's late, intentionally. So he can make an entrance, slamming the door open, in full gear with multiple weapons visible and in his transformed were fang form. He trusted anybody from the Palace Lands about as much as he trusted the enemies you'd run into in any dungeon on the map. They can talk too, after all. Won't stop them from slipping a knife into your back.

He strides towards the group, stopping when he's close by.

"This had better be real fuckin' good."

    Wake received the invite, considered it carefully, and has arrived. The promise of learning something of value is enough to draw her away. For now. She has come dressed to either meet royalty, or be viewed as it.

    The Right Clothes have outdone themselves again, spinning into an elegent gown of teal silk, worked with threads of silver and crystal forming a pattern made of dozens of roses along the bodice. Slit on both sides for ease of movement reveals that there is a measure of practicality in the choice. The Baroness isn't about to give up her mobility when meeting with a potential threat.

    She makes a point of allowing Kaydon to.. do /that/, whilst waiting just outside. She hears the greeting offered and takes her sweet time entering. She fires off a swift chim to her fiancee just before she opens the door, 'Going in right now. Looks like diplomatic skill was not a requirement for an invite, though!' A pause. 'I'm glad you are getting out for a bit. Yamato is lovely this time of year, isn't it? Anyway.. more later..'

    And with that, she enters. Her expression is carefully maintained, a calm, slight smile. When attention shifts her way, she will glide a curtsey. "I am Baroness Wake of Eas and a Sleeping Knight of the Olympus Alliance. It is my pleasure to meet you."

Turning towards the Yamato Adventurers as they arrive, Tian seems to be keeping an eye out, looking from face to face. It is unlikely that a Crowned could sneak in among those invited, but there is a need for caution none the less.

The wolf-mashed Cait Sith makes a motion with one hand above their head. "<I am Tian.>" Their fingers motion as if writing on one hand. "<Messenger.>" Their hands move two fingers to point around the room, "<Watcher.>" For the moment, it seems that Tian is trying to keep concepts simple, perhaps uncertain how well the translation system might work with people not from their own server.

Tian takes note of those who had introduced themselves: Cyrus, Shiruba, Fuka, Yeowang, Haru. And others who did not offer their names which are given a nod in turn. Yet, their eyes settle on Rizadoman for a moment, blinking gold behind the mask. They raise their hand in a fist and motion it forward in affirmation. "<Yes.>" That seems confirmation enough.

Flipping one hand over as if something were turning belly up, Tian adds, "<Best not to die. Lose yourself. Lose who you are to the Crowned.>" There is a shake of the head from the Cait Sith as they look to their companions before taking in the others.

Then, as if in answer, Tian motions to the other two. "<We are Uncrowned. Some among many, but still few. Survivors.>" Again, the Cait Sith keeps their communication simple, then motions a hand to the to Shenmi and Gao, allowing them to speak. They, afterall, may be able to more clearly articulate answers.

However, when Kaydon comes slamming his way in, there is no real reaction from the Cait Sith's ears, though their golden eyes are drawn to the motion. There is a tense look of alarm, followed by a hand reaching back towards the daggers strapped to their back. They do not draw the weapons, however, giving a glance, instead, to Shiruba.

Unfortunately, due to the timing, Wake is met with a more wary expression, the lupine features of Tian more uncertain in the wake of such an aggressive entrance.

     Some sort of important meeting, something important happening. And there was a group of people gathering for it. Wether she had an invite or not, this wasn't something that Fukasa Yuri was going to miss. And so, she steps into the Hostess of Fertility, arms crossed over her chest and trident held in the crook of her arm. Much like Kaydon, she trusts... really everyone gathered beyond maybe other members of Olympus as far as she can throw them.
     Which is pretty far in some of their cases, to be honest. "'Sup. I'm Fukasa Yuri, from Olympus Alliance and Crescent Moon guild." She is wearing her usual outfit, regardless of if it's fitting or not, she didn't care much about whatever decorum there was here.
     "I heard something about some sort of valuable information? I rather love such things, though a part of me does wonder the cost of said information." She adds, her gaze flicking between the ones she doesn't recognize. Finally settling on Tian as they 'speak', watching their movements intently, including that tense look of alarm. She's probably not helping the tense situation at all, to be honest. Though she doesn't /seem/ particularly threatening in her stance or tone.

Cyrus glances behind himself. "I do not know. I imagine there's a variety of people who will show up. But with the amount of people preparing for war, there is a limited audience." He admits to Gao as he steps back a bit and to the side to get a better look at others who may have gathered.

"I think that guy." He motions towards SpritesHero. "Is part of Scale Emblem Alliance. The people that are climbing the tower to leave this world." He chimes in, after Shiruba introduces herself. To Fukaziroh's remark, Cyrus suggests; "Friends is always the hope."

And then Kaydon has to make a big deal of his entry, and he looks back to the Uncrowned. "Don't worry about him. He just loves to posture." Making a dismissive hand motion. "And has no sense of social decorum what-so-ever."

At the end of peoples' introductions, he has more questions. But he tries to offer them to the trio - Tian, Shemi and Gao - together. Moving his gaze from one to the next.

"So if the Crowned are the threat, and you are the Uncrowned, then I assume that means the people who have been attacking us are the Crowned. So what does it mean for someone to 'be' crowned? You said they lost 'themselves'?"

You can almost see the desire to want to facepalm in Shiruba's expression. She invited Kaydon mainly because he's her main source of actual military practice, so he needs to better know what they were up against. She's maybe starting to regret it a bit. But she maintains composure, turning to give Kaydon a very sharp 'don't make me regret this' look, then turns back to those gathered opposite of them. "I'm sorry. Some have already had bad encounters with the .. Crowned as you call them." Soft sigh. Moving on. "I have not had any direct interactions myself, so I brought people who have experienced what we've been dealing with." Because that's what leaders do. She almost snickers a bit as Cyrus 'explains' Kaydon's mannerism, but manages to keep her decorum in order.

Thank the Goddesses other more sensible people showed up.

Shiruba tilts her head, but Cyrus already asked the question that's been on everyone's mind since they first found that note after the visitors to Shibuya. "They have not been very forthcoming in why they are invading."

SpritesHero's expression narrows by a trifle as Rizadoman blows his cover. Not that he was trying to maintain cover. But it's the principle of the thing. 'Nobody likes a snitch' says the faint curl of Robert's lip. Never mind that Cyrus does the exact same thing as Rizadoman. Robert lets that pass easily enough without any reaction.

But no, Robert still doesn't introduce himself. He simply touches his thumb and fingers to the brim of his hat, offering a dip of his chin by way of greeting to the assembled Palace folk. His gaze does flick once towards Wake, but he knows enough to not interfere with her diplomacy-ing.

As for Kaydon? The man gets an appreciative nod and a briefly acknowledging lifting of his eyebrows. Robert approves of the entrance it would seem.

    Rizadoman looks at Kaydon with the same look he gives to Merek, often. "Hatchlings don't always have the best of manners, however at some point they must be invited to the table of warriors to learn manner," These words are said as Rizadoman rubs the bridge of his nose while he says this more to the air then to anyone particular. Taking another moment he looks at Tian and seems to relax towards the Cait Sith, "Thank you for that help." Finally the Lizardman moves to find a seat and does his best to find a place to be at ease as he listens to the conversations that are about to happen.

    There's a tense moment or two when Kaydon bursts in. Fuka does not, tellingly, go for a weapon. Her lips draw tense for a moment and she does consider what artes she could throw to interrupt any attack, but she doesn't begin to chant. She has options among the discreet spells if absolutely necessary, but it seems there is only defensiveness, not violent aggression.

    Her pressed lips relax into a smile as she sees Wake in Kaydon's, er, wake. She waves cheerfully, recognizing someone who is both a welcome friend and someone who might serve to be a calming and diplomatic presence.

    Fuka studies Tian, trying hard to interpret what the masked one is 'saying'. She gets the meaning easily enough, but the simplified words cause some trouble of their own. It's not that she has any trouble with the translation, just with the simplified communication being a little vague. Wiser heads than hers can no doubt summarize at some point, so she just shrugs and follows along. Only to laugh softly as Fukasa introduces herself. "Maybe you'd better call me Fukaziroh." she offers with a smile, hoping this breaks the tension somewhat. "If someone calls me Fuka there's going to be confusion! And that would be *terrible*!" she adds in a mock-ominous stage whisper.

The reaction from Gao to the entrance of Kaydon is his actually standing up from the bar and moving to where he can cover Tian and Shenmi. One hand actually reaches for an odd dagger hidden by his robes normally and the air is filled with a brief sound. A quick melody of four notes that definitely don't sound like Lander made notes at all.

After a moment, and a glance given to Tian and Shenmi, Gao relaxes from his stance. "I would suggest he learn some before you let him off of his leash again." He says towards Shiruba and Cyrus.

"As far as who and what they are... well... they are... or rather were people who some of us were acquainted with." He says. "We know a bit of the situation, but not all of it. We can tell you what happened in the Palace Lands to a degree, but it is also something you should be wary of happening here."

A frown is given at the antics. Then he looks to Tian and Shenmi, "We should go. They are not taking this seriously. Perhaps whenever they run into the real trouble with the Crowned, they will listen."

Yeowang remains quiet through the exchanges, mainly watching and listening, judging and weighing the various statements. These uncrowned have come with something to say, so she will wait until it is said. The rest seems like a bit of posturing and it seems like both sides are going to puff up like cats facing off before we can settle things out. She's got nothing to prove, for her own part, she came here to listen, so listening is what she does.

Haru settles in to listen as his primary mode of 'being' here. Not to talk and contribute to a situation he is ignorant to. Not make a scene and distract from that outcome. Not posture. A bit like Yeowang in that regard. The positive angle is that of getting the most out of what these strangers are willing to share so that they may not be strangers any longer. No different to Haru than how he has seen many of the Yamato and that has turned out for the best. Mostly. Good memories in a short period of time.

There is a bit of a poker face on the Artificer. He is not wearing his usual artificed smile, but instead a void of expression that favors neutrality letting the accent colors of the situation rise to the fore. Eyes flick to Kaydon and SpritesHero for their method and approval. A mental note. Just as they flick to Cyrus and the clean diplomacy on display. Another.

"Terrible," echoes Haru to Fuka's mention of multi-Fuka times. Its so dry that Haru needs a spot of tea to really sell the tone. The man with a monocle looks to Fukasa and tries to place her on the thought of Fukas multiplying like Slimes.

    "Some of us take this seriously."

    There's a way that Wake projects that isn't a shout, but makes it incredibly difficult to ignore her. She rises from her curtsey with the same practice grace as she entered it. She settles her eyes on the guests, meeting each for a moment. No matter the situation, she maintains the same calm expression.

    "And while I, too, consider a change in venues merited, I believe time is pressing. The enemy moves. Are they your enemy as well? Their expressed intention has indicated a desire to kill adventurers. Or perhaps worse. I know the enemy must be defeated, but their true purpose is not yet clear."

"Bad encounters? They took over our goddamned home city. Make a mockery of our defenses. They're probably burning the place to the fucking ground as we speak. Everything we've done in Shibuya."

He turns to glare at Cyrus for a second, but then his attention focuses on Gao, "By all means, stay. Maybe you can shine some light on why your buddies are wrecking our shit without any rhyme or reason. Just keep in mind if you draw whatever you're reaching for it'll be the last thing you do."

"Kaydon, cool it." Shiruba finally pitchs into the exchange. "We're all frustrated over what happened, but puffing up your attitude right now is -not- helping do something about it. Stop trying to intimidate the people looking for help, for goodness sake."

SpritesHero's response to all this is somewhere between a snort and a bark of laughter, though the sound cuts off after the first syllable. His hand lifts to his hat, pulling it just a touch lower over his eyes. His left leg bends, planting its booted sole against the wall of the tavern, and he interlaces his arms over his chest.

Shenmi was almost done with his glass of beer, when Kaydon unleashed his entrance on the place.

It would be natural to assume that the ruckus has caused everyone to look at Kaydon. If this is the case, and if Kaydon's eyes themselves have not been firmly centered on Shenmi the whole time, even leaving a window of a split second, the moment people turn to look at Shenmi they will notice he has -two- glasses of beer now. Both full.

But people rarely pay attention to such details.

"Gentlemen, I suggest patience," Shenmi offers again.

Nudging his head towards Baroness Wake, he continues, "The Baroness pretty much sums it up. We are not playing a board game where we have all our time to consider our next move. Our opponents will move, regardless of whether we have or not. And they will secure more land, more power, and more hearts to their cause. If they run into real trouble with the Crowned, and by real trouble I mean -real- trouble..." He gives Gao a knowing look of concern. He doesn't go further, but in a far lower volume, almost whispering, he says, "We've lost enough. This might be, nay, I would say, -is- our last chance."

He chugs down some more of his drink, clears his throat, and continues "I think we should start with the basics, if you will allow me. First of all, we call them the Crowned because, well, they all wear a crown of some sort. I will give you three guesses as to why we call ourselves the Uncrowned."

He doffs his hat, to reveal neatly greased hair underneath, and nothing more. "I'll give you a hint..."

    Fukaziroh frowns as she hears the comment they're not taking this seriously. As a semi-pro joker, she takes it somewhat personally. She gestures to Kaydon, a gentle lift of an upraised palm, not to signal a stop but actually somewhat supportive. "I'm kind of with the hatchling on that." she says, somewhat weakly. Rizadoman's comment was too damn funny to escape Fuka's notice without additional comment though. "My home too, while I was out protecting refugees here." She frowns, not happy at the thought or the memories. "But I'm even more with my friends." she gestures to Wake, who expresses Fuka's own concerns nicely.

    "And I'm 100 percent with Shiruba." Fukaziroh adds, her expression firming. Shiruba invited her, is definitely a friend, and someone the little sylph looks up to. And who has arranged this meeting, it seems. "I'm taking this very seriously. All of it. I hope you don't blame me for a little joke here or there. Or maybe a big joke or two. It keeps me sane." Fukaziroh murmurs. Then, deadpan, "Mostly."

    Fuka has no reason to trust these three 'Uncrowned', but they're here presumably on Shiruba's invitation. That means a great deal to her. "You're here under truce. I will fight to defend you against aggression, if it's needed. I hope it's not needed though. I hope we can be friends, like Cyrus says." she adds. "Uh... Shiba, they *are* under truce right?"

    Rizadoman stands up and stares Kaydon in the eyes , "If you so wish to fight someone Kaydon then you may step out and fight with me. You have more reason to be mad at me then anyone else in this room. If you don't want to drop your sword against me then sit down and shut up. The people here didn't have to come here, they didn't have to talk to someone." Looking over at Shenmi and then the Baronness before the eyes fall on Gao, " If anyone on this side of the table does anything they will have to go through me before they reach any of you three. " It is the only guarantee he can give but he would do what needs to do.

     Fuka's response to her introduction actually gets a lazy wave from Yuri. "Just call me Yuri, it's my first name anyway because my name follows japanese naming schemes. If I recall correctly I chose the name because it roughly meant deep sea lily or something like that and it sounded nice." Yuri gives a small nod following that, before stepping over towards Fukaziroh. Because having the two Fukas next to each other totally won't further the confusion, nope, not at all. And Yuri is /definitely/ not going to intentionally amuse herself with that.
     The frown. The comments of them not taking things seriously. Mm. Annoying. Yuri crosses her arms over her chest at that, listening to the comments. Hmm. "So, basically, at a guess, the Crowned are some sort of enslaved adventurers or something if I'm following so far?" Yuri comments, her gaze flickering towards Wake as she talks, listening intently. Kaydon is... glanced at, then promptly disregarded. "So anyway, what's their objective? Turning us into more Crowned?" She asks towards the Palace Landers. "Or just simple domination?" She asks. As Shenmi talks, she falls completely silent, listening intently. Okay, so domination and possibly also turning more adventurers into Crowned. Hmmm. "Honestly, Fuka? ... They haven't initiated aggression, so if they're attacked out of turn, regardless of truce, I'm sure we'd all turn and defend them to varying degrees."

And there it is. Zip go Robert's eyes as they zero in on Shenmi. His head cants a fraction of an inch to the side, his torso leans forward a couple degrees off the wall. There's a momentary tensing of his lips as he listens, though the expression never descends into a full frown. He still does not speak, and while his gaze occasionally flickers to the floor in thought it generally remains directed Shenmiwards.

Gwen was curious about where this was going. There could be more information on what going on so she's been here quiet and listening watching for the moment. She sees to be curious about the Crowned more as people speak up about it. She looks to Gao for a moment "I'd love to know what the heck the Palace Land's deal is. When I went on some trading runs in Lumnia thing were really strange...save when I was fighting in the arenas there."

The posture held by both Tian and Gao seems to be protective in nature, with both Cait Sith and Were Fang ready to go on the defensive. However, there are enough individuals trying to diffuse the situation that Tian's hands settle back to their sides where they can be used for communication, rather than fighting. In the end, they seem to relax enough to respond to Rizadoman by touching their chin and extending the hand outward. "<You're welcome.>"

The wolf-fox offers a motion, holding a fist before their face and running the thumb down from nose to chin. "<Patience.>" The gesture offers to Gao, echoing the audible words from Shenmi, but the Cait Sith keeps their eyes narrowed towards Kaydon. "<No more threats.>" Tian advises, drawing a hand to their throat. It seems to be a demand. Afterall, these Uncrowned had come here of their own free will to offer communication. They did not have to be here offering to help.

Lips press into a thin line. In that moment, it might be easy to understand why the Palace Landers might see those from Yamato as a threat to them. Even here, when terms of peaceful meeting are offered up, things turn towards aggression and intimidation. Still, Tian at least attempts to retain that sense of diplomacy, seeming thankful for the interventions offered.

As Shenmi reveals the simple truth of the Crowned vs the Uncrowned, Tian follows suit and removes their mask. Beneath it are somewhat androgenous features, the area around the eyes painted black. Strands of dark hair which turn bright red at the tips hang down, and yet there is no sign of a Crown. With this revealed, the Cait Sith returns the mask to their features, settling it back.

The Cait Sith seems to consider what to add from there. The individual seems to tap their fingers together in a gesture that suggests searching for the right words. Then, they offer this, hands moving more quickly than before. "<Some were Crowned willingly, most were not.>" This seems to answer one question, before offering up more, motions seeming to increase in intensity. "<Landers turned against us. Some Adventurers joined them. Some gave up. We were killed. Captured. Controlled. Many did not survive. So many less than before.>" This alone is enough to raise an alarm. For most, the idea that an Adventurer could be killed in any sort of permanent fashion... that is new news.

The signs slow a little as Tian offers up more. "<Fear us. Our influence and power in the world. Our ability to change things. Better to control what is feared. Control, or kill.>"

Haru's eyes slide to Fukaziroh. The one that isn't behind the monocle lowers its lids just enough to be disapproving. In a blink it is gone and returns to Shenmi where an explaination is being given to the socio political climate over with the Palace Landers. He had assumed a while back that they were not one unified front. That there were factions, that any group of people that large couldn't agree completely on big things. Like pizza toppings. Like to rage or diplo in front of an enemy. Its all too human to be varied like that.

The man could have sworn he heard 'We lost enough' in the whispers. We. As in the Uncrowned. And Them. Being the Crowned. He doesn't ask about the Crown vs Uncrowned for physical part. He assumed it had more to do with a caste system. Me and We. Us and Them. Psychological reference points Haru considers as he listens. He takes a deep breath when he considers Crowning as a form of tempering. A possibility, sure. He has questions. Questions others may ask, and if not, he will in turn. Patience was asked, patience delivered.

Cyrus makes a bit of an annoyed sound at some of the rowdier folk who have shown up. These people took time out of their lives to try and make a good showing of this, to explain what is going on. And what he can see from the corner of his eyes, and hear, is people making childish laughing noises and people throwing petulant little tantrums. Especially amongst a largely Japanese populace -- where that kind of boisterousness is extremely out of place.

The youth turns a bit further, glaring at SpritesHero and Kaydon. He's not a guild leader, so he's not going to tell them off right now. Glad to see Rizadoman and Shiruba handling their part, and hoping that his own glare at SpritesHero will do enough. After all, drawing too much attention to the people causing a ruckus would only derail this whole meeting further. And he wants to keep things on-track.

He gives Shenmi, Gao and Tian an apologetic look, as if to say 'apologies for the children', before bowing his head in respect. It's Shenmi that gets the main brunt of his attention for a bit. "I never really thought to look at whether or not they were wearing headgear. I mean, it's rediculously common for Adventurers to wear headgear just for the statistical benefits it provides." The young man points out.

"Enslaved?" He then asks, concerned at Fukasa's theory. "I mean, the ones we saw all over the Palace Lands seemed to be enjoying their time. And none of them had those 'slave markers' from the old days of Elder Tale - which punish on disobedience." He touches a spot under his neck.

But Tian goes further into it, confirming what Fukasa theorized. But what comes after makes the young man go pale. Some of the gray in his fur near his face even seems to go a bit pale in reaction to what Tian says. Not just the idea of Landers being able to control Adventurers to such an extent, en-masse like they have. But more-so... the fact that people have permanently disappeared like that.

He doesn't say anything. Instead, he steps back a bit and takes a chair, scooting it back and just... sitting down as he feels ill. Like his blood is running cold.

Shiruba briefly rubs her temples and offers a solemn, "I'm sorry for the .. interruptions." She's still not use to these big meetings that come with being a leader, she didn't think farther that 'it's a war maybe our actual military people should know this' when it came to looking for people to come. Curse her lack of experience in such matters. The girl needs to learn to not invite people just because they're friends and she thinks they might be useful to know, though. Thankfully people are stepping in to calm the situation back down.

Okay, lets try to get this matter back on track. Fortunately their counterparts are still willing to try and explain. Shiruba leans forward a bit, ears perked at attention. Okay, so for some reason the Landers turned on the Adventurers there, and... wait...

Shiruba's expression furrowed more, tail bristling a bit at the thought that comes to mind as it curls around the back of her seat. "Wait, are we talking 'killed and respawn' like usual or someone -killed- killed people, because that's pretty important context we should be clear on."

Gwen eyes narrow. "I have always been for protecting the people of the Land. This changes a lot wait killed as in don't get back up? They have a means to make Adventurers stay dead?" This has Gwen's attention and there's a look on her face that no one has really scene before. It's a rather killer look not towards their guests, but someone's thinking of what her old man would do when he would play Crusader Kings. "So either those who sold people out to save their own hides or have been enslaved? Still if they can make us ... dead for good? "

Yeowang is trying to follow the thread of what's being discussed, but it's hard with all the bristling and crosstalk and the explantions are vague and confusing enough as it is, delivered piecemeal from various people. She will have to get the digest version from someone after. But she blinks in alarm as the subject of adventurers actually permanently dying. She was led to believe that adventurers respawn, so this is big news, and she attempts to follow the discussion, as much as she can.

     'Some weere crowned willingly, most were not.' That is enough to confirm Yuri's theory about that. Alright then. That's something to unpack right there. "So some were controlled willingly, others were not, interesting... I'm sure I'm oversimplifying things, but..." Her tone shifts to a more serious one, her trident lowering. "...Of all the crimes one could do, that is the worst. If we die, we just revive... but capturing us? Controlling us? That's the worst thing you can do... and you can rely on the fact that myself, and likely many other yamato adventurers will share that sentiment in attempting to break these bonds." Her trident is set back on the shoulder, her tone lightening back to normal.
     "Yeah, but that's /our/ elder tale, Cyrus." She responds to him. "Their server was, clearly, significantly different from us. I mean, among other things, the fight between Adventurers and Landers, the lack of the speech when the Apocalypse hit. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if they function on a completely different combat system with different classes and skills. And, regardless... well. Now we know something important. They're capable of killing adventurers. This isn't outside of the realm of what we've already encountered. That poison that gives us full damage instead of the dulled damage, so..." She looks between the Baroness, Shiruba, Cyrus, and Rizadoman. "The question is, how do we fight this? They clearly have an edge to be able to take over an adventurer city and make a laughingstock of its defenses. So how do we take that edge away? Geurilla tactics to wear them down? Going into hiding until we can get stronger? Striking at /their/ homeland and figuring out a way to undo the crowning? I assume it's not so easy as to just knock their crowns off, after all."

As utterly tempting as Rizadoman's offer is with the way he's feeling, Kaydon also knows it would accomplish absolutely nothing. Especially when the Uncrowned seem to finally be getting to the good part. Actual intel, maybe something he can work with.

He doesn't break eye contact with Rizadoman, but he does relax his stance a little bit. Even if he doesn't take a seat, he's at least not posturing anymore.

Plus Shiruba is yelling at him, and that usually gets him to back down. Tian gets a look, and then finally a faint nod. Alright, he'll play along for now.

    Rizadoman listens to the explanation and then his expression changes at the mention of adventurers not surviving. It a look of confusion that devolves into a look of horror as his brain connects the dots and then back to confusion as he looks at Shiruba and maybe hopes for it to be something lost in translation. Adventurers died in Yamato and no one had ever stayed dead, it's why adventurer on adventurer conflicts have always seemed so outragous as death was pointless. He looks from Tian to Gao and Shenmi, "Have people really not came back from the cathedrals who have died?"

"In short..."

Gao relaxes a bit at his companion's influence. He looks evenly at the others there. Each and every one, as if scanning for those crowns that were mentioned.

He reaches up to push his hat off of his head, letting it hang by the cloth over his back. He's got nothing but hair showing on his.

Then he blinks a few times before he looks to Shenmi and Tian. "They do not know."

He looks to the Yamato Adventurers. "Our lives are not infinite. We have seen it before. Again and again. Eventually, you become a Lander. And you do not respawn, or if you do, they do not care either way."

His eyes look carefully around the room, then he eyes SpritesHero. "Remove the hat."

Once thing of note is that Gao still has his hand on the dagger at his hip. And the fact that he can see most of the heads of others is apparent. But now his eyes are singling out those that he can't tell. His eyes even go to Rizadoman and his headdress.

"The cathedrals? The churches? That was the worse fates, I have been told. Some worse than others and why we took the chance to come here." He says.

His eyes go back to SpritesHero.

    Fukaziroh, or rather the player behind Fukaziroh, has always suffered from that societal expectation of conformity and discretion. She's always been boisterous and aggressive to a fault, and largely managed just fine among a highly permissive family, so long as she conformed to other norms. Study hard, do your work, respect others. Her nature may be endearing to some, but among a Japanese culture especially a part rather isolated from foreign influence, most tended to look at Fukaziroh's player as something to be politely ignored, not accepted. Which of course only served to exaggerate her tendencies, and make her all the fiercer in support of those who *do* accept her despite her boisterousness.

    She blinks though, trying to parse what Tian is saying. It's not a translation difficulty, no. She just has to think hard about whether she understood it correctly. Killed, she understands. Captured, controlled. But ... so many less? Many did not survive? The seeming repetition slowly manages to hammer home something of the true meaning, and Fukaziroh's face slowly blanches. "Gone... permanently?" she asks, apparently in disbelief, even as her pale features make it rather clear she understands all too well. Still she invites clarification, even after Shiruba does so, because she desperately would prefer to be wrong.

    Fuka also considers asking about the crowns, about whether or not they're related to these Adventurers being the enemy. She's pretty sure she knows, but this isn't something to speculate on. Not when they can get actual answers from those directly involved. Besides, Yuri already says as much as needs be said on the topic. If there needs to be clarification, surely someone else can deal with it. Fuka's normally multi-track mind is rather firmly derailed right now.

Well, that wariness certainly makes a bit more sense now. Robert obligingly raises both his hands, showing that both are empty, then carefully removes his hat. How thoughtful. No sudden movements. "In good faith," he opines, setting the hat aside on a nearby table.

But other than that he keeps his mouth shut. His eyebrows do lift, however, until such time as Gao confirms he's passed inspection.

    Wake tilts her head down and away, murmuring something under her breath. No doubt a chim of some sort. Her patience is being tested, but not by the guests.

    She listens to the explanation and suddenly things make sense. She of course has questions. Many of them. They are not voiced.

    "So that is the way of it, then. It simplifies matters greatly." The tone, like the Baroness' expression, reveals nothing of her thoughts.

    "I would have a deeper discussion and seek to work with you, but I will share no more of it here. I have lives in my hands and it would be reckless to share their secrets here."

    She considers the uncrowned for a time and says, "Seek me out or send for me. I appreciate your position and see that we might do much to help each other. You already have given us an advantage. We know the stakes."

    With that, she glides already into another curtsey. "My apologies for leaving so soon. I look forward to our next meeting."

And there they were. Questions on control and slavery. Death and permanance. Haru had a hunch that the people in this room were smart and intuitive and that didn't lead him astray. He follows along with the server criteria being different as a new line of thought. A few old questions still linger and its a good time to pull away from the abyss that is a complete and total death. "Have there been cases where a Crowned has become Uncrowned once more," he asks in terms of breaking the servitude. "And," he considers this next one in a careful pause before he continues, "what resources are required to make Crowning occur. As minor as a command or more..." he thinks about why some wars are waged, "...resource intensive?"

That is a sombering revelation. If you get killed too many times you become like a Lander? Landers don't respawn... and they purposely did this to people to be able to dominate them.

It also makes something else from a while back make sense now, but that is unimportant to the current matter so she just notes it away for later. That problem hopefully won't be a problem again for a long time.

There's a visible shudder, tail bristling even more. "Is that why they've had people out trying to pick fights with us? To try to kill and... wear our Adventurers down, to put it lightly." For a moment she considers the people she knows have died and respawned. Several times for a few. It makes her grimace any more.

She looks to the trio of Uncrowned. "The question is... why? Do you know why the Landers of your region turned on the Adventurers in such a way? There has to be some reason for the behavoir..." Quickly she holds her hands up in a nonthreatening manner. "I don't mean you did something to provoke it. I mean, just... there has to be some reason they started acting like that."

Gwen look to Fukasa. "IF we can we may want to go after the noblity and other leaders pushing this." She looks to Kaydon for a moment if almost to say wait for now. She then pauses looking to Gao. "We need to find a way to get you to sign up with one of the local nations here. So your not respawning in the Palace Lands."

Become a lander eventually? Geeze Gwen being cautious about getting killed may have beren a very good idea. She also gives Wake a look for a moment.

Cyrus' ears are ringing, and he can hear the people talking around him. Haru asking him some of the questions he'd ask, but his mind is thoroughly on the risk this has on him and his friends. This is the kind of news is exactly what legitimizes Scale Emblem and their actions. Trying to leave, before it is 'too late', whatever 'too late' is.

He takes in deep breaths, as he feels an anxiety attack coming over him. For the longest time, he'd considered resurrection to be... while not 100% reliable maybe, to be reliable enough that he doesn't need to worry _too_ much. But now...

What memories is he willing to lose? What will this do to the morale within the Alliances?

Yeowang shivers at the news revealed. That's a big piece of news, and it'll take a bit to digest it. Clearly, they'll have to fight back against these Crowned Palace Landers. She had expected to meet a potential Fifth Column, not what's been revealed! So, there is now a new significance to not dying. She'd been avoiding it before simply as a matter of convenience. But now it seems like dying is much more inconvenient than had been advertised.

Shenmi's eyebrows shoot up in a sort of distinguished shock. The kind one would associate with the words "Good Heavens!" rathern than "Oh $@!#@".

"Seriously? None of you ever died? None of you has ever felt a sense of loss after it? None of your people have gone all the way to behaving, believing themselves, and even inspecting as a Lander?"

His expression has escalated to a solid "Goodness Gracious" by now. Frozen in disbelief, still holding his drink, he finally blinks and shakes his head. He finishes one glass, puts it down, and shakes his head. "Oh goodness. Where to begin... so, one thing at a time."

Shiruba's words elicit an expression of pain. He looks between Gao and Tian. "I... I am not aware of anyone having ever been de-crowned." He gives the slightest of shrugs. "To be fair, I'm not even aware of a crown having been bumped off, either."

He sighs and pinches the bridge of his head. "We don't know the limits of what their cruelty towards Adventurers can reach." His posture was already dignified, and now he stiffens further, raising himself as a teacher commanding attention from his class. "Back home we heard you have met Filimos Harrifenas." Silence. Let that name sink in. "Has any of you inspected her?"

    Rizadoman suddenly regrets his words to Kaydon having just tried to take the man outside to fight to what he considered may have been to the death. Then he thinks back to his fight with Merek too and then to his own death he has experienced. "I've died, I didn't notice..." He trails off and takes a few deep breaths as he focuses on what Shenmi said. " I met with her, the king's daughter. She was a lander as was her father. She also has incredible aim, able to hit the same spot twice with that bow. I speak from experience on that."

Tian forms two fists, thumbs touching, moving the gesture away from their chest, the system giving the understanding. "<Permanently.>" Despite the mask hiding much of their features, the Cait Sith's expression seems almost... haunted in that regard. It is the expression of someone who has lost people they may have cared about.

For a moment, Tian's eyes meet with Gao's. It's clear to them that the Adventurers from Yamato have never had to meet that fate. Not in the same way that those from the Palace Lands have been subject to. Then, the Cait Sith looks to Shiruba. They hold two fists horizontally above each other, then forms one hand into a 'C' shape, tapping it on the flat back of the other hand. "<Protect your churches.>"

They continue to add additional signs, "<Do not die.>" This seems obvious. Another glance is offered from Tian to their comrades as they shake their heads. Two fists are offered up, lifted up and down in opposite pattrens. "<Uncertain.>" Then, with a pause, Tian offers, "<Some Adventurers in Kallamore tried to gain power. Banks. Loans. Cheating. Economic control. Landers fought back.>"

Tian looks to Gao, then. Clearly, Tian only knows of what happened in Kallamore. The specifics of the other Kingdoms are only rumors to them. Instead, Tian turns to Haru. There is a slight press of the Cait Sith's lips as they nod once, "<Any Noble of significant power can force a Crown.>" Then, after a pause, tail tucking slightly, they make that same affirmative motion as used before, a fist bobbed forward, "<Yes. It has been done. Difficult."> There seems to be hesitation to explain further. Apparently Tian knows a bit more about this than Shenmi.

    "Some have died, yes." Fuka answers Shenmi almost on auto-pilot. "And some have died a few times and are a little weird. But I don't think anyone here has died so often that they inspect as a Lander." she observes, still kind of shell-shocked. Helpful, but shell-shocked.

    "Oh I recognize that name!" she adds to Shenmi. She seemed nice enough, but that was back when Fuka was exploring the Thor kingdom with other Yamato adventurers. She frowns. "I never thought to inspect her." she adds, looking around for others she knows who might have done so.

Gwen looks to Shenmi for a moment "No I have not fallen once. I have a friend who could be close he's getting a bit odd but he's died a hell of a lot. Also I ... was on a boss fight where the boss fight used something called datadrain it took something but I can't recall what. However I have not fallen no and I ahte to say this."

She look to Shenmi for a moment.

"It's likely vast and I fear I can't recall if I have run into a Filimos Harrifenas. Wait I was at a party where she was I think."

She thinks for a moment. "We should protect them yes Tian, and we need to make sure we stay in good with the people who /own/ those cities too.

    Despite the swirl that fills the room, Wake is as good as her word, making her way out. The questions she has will be answered. Besides, she has other ears in this room, known already to pick up things she might miss.

    As she draws the door closed behind her, she is already speaking into her chimlink, spreading the word. The panic needs to be started now, so that her friends have time to recover and come up with effective responses to this.

Shiruba squints a bit when Shenmi brings up Filimos. "I spent some time with her, she gave some of us a tour of the Thor Kingdom capital. But she said she was the King's daughter, and she inspected as a..." Shiruba stops as it clicks together. "... You're saying someone became so much akin to a Lander they started acting the role?"

After the moment of farther revelation she lets out a sigh and rests her head in her hands. "This has gotten a lot more troubling than anticipated. But at least we finally have some proper information, thank you."

Then she looks back up as she slumps back in her chair with a sigh. "I have managed to not die yet, but I know people that have.... Let me guess, they also closed off access to your Churches so they're not safe to respawn in."

     "We've been ... cautious, for the most part. Some of us have died, others have not. I've avoided dying, myself." Yuri responds calmly. "I did, however, experience something like that when we were fighting a floor boss, a glitched whale monster. It ate several adventurers, and we briefly forgot them. I managed to remember them, but it was more like remembering that something was /missing/." Yuri continues.
     And then she falls silent, listening to the explanation. The talk of people being decrowned. Nothing seemed that far off. Hm. "I did not go to your lands, myself. I was more interested in other things until your land came to our doorstep."
     She falls silent, focusing on Tian as they 'speak'. Protect their churches. Do not die. Banks, loans, cheating. "Hmmm. We also have been gaining power, but it's been more in harmony with landers. Sharing our discoveries, or at the very least employing them in our growing powers. At least to my knowledge." Shiruba's explanation gets a small frown. Enough deaths, and she might become a mere lander, filling a role? That thought finally gets to Yuri, a pit growing in her stomach. Just becoming something that could die is just back to how she was in the real world. Completely losing herself? "... A fate worse than death..." She grips her trident. There's no more comments after that, just... listening.

    Fuka blinks at Shiruba. "Of course she's a Lander. She's a princess! The daughter of the king!" the little Sylph says, incredulous. Incredulous because, well, anything else is unthinkable. But you can always count on Fuka to think of the unthinkable, and usually to open her mouth and say something about it before she thinks better. "Wait, how would that even work if she WAS an Adventurer? Is she adopted? Or is the King fooling everyone by claiming her? Or... it can't just be playing a role right, and then becoming the princess? How could that just happen without anyone noticing and commenting?"

CYrus, finally managing to calm down, picked up on something. Looking to Tian, he motions his hands. "You said it has been done, but it was difficult to remove a Crown?" He asks. "So... it /is/ possible to remove a crown." Looking to bring in some hope on all of this.

Haru nods his head to both Shenmi and Tian in turn. There is a sort of empathy behind the difficulty in drudging up the memory of Uncrowning. One he does not want to draw attention to and gives a softer 'Thank you' with his face, his eyes. Non-verbals. Even this information is important. The seed of hope starts with the possible. He is in sync with Cyrus here. "Life is precious," is all he has to say on the topic of death. The words lack passion. They come off like a cold laser embellishing hot steel. Since the conflict all he has done is tried to reduce losses. He was at Seeker's Landing during the evac. Helped Wake move people to their new homes. Evacuated people at the beach. Even without warmth in his voice, it reflect in his actions. Then there is that 'what about' that comes from Haru's one visible eye going over to Fukasa. What about the fate worse than death? Living death with your memories gone. "Yes, chilling to consider," is what he adds to the Undine's thought. By transitative, Memories are also precious.

For the time being Kaydon has not said anything, but his expression has changed from one of anger to one of somewhere between confusion and anger. Now he's still mad, but he's mad about something different.

"There have been deaths. A few folks have died multiple times." Merek, though that's left unsaid. Everyone here probably knows who he means, "I haven't done it myself, though god knows I've come close enough a bunch of times, even when we were fighting the Crowned in Shibuya."

"Does the crown give them enhanced abilities beyond a normal Adventurer? These guys were fighting with skills I've never seen before, and they were taking us on without even breaking a sweat. I figured maybe the black wave hadn't affected them the way it did us, and we were still behind them in levels and gear, but now I'm not sure."

For a moment Robert's lips part, as though a question were threatening. But it's abruptly bitten off as Tian mentions the possibility of de-Crowning. And so Robert keeps his silence once more, gaze shifting from Shenmi to Tian now. Evidently he expects some elaboration on the point.

Gao looks at the more obvious one. Shiruba no less. "That is not the King's daughter."

Gao sighs, then looks frustrated a moment before he looks at the others, "Tell me something. You consider yourselves friends. Some of you might even be family to one another."

The man's eyes go cold, almost haunted look. "I have had to fight those I once considered friends because they were Crowned and wanted to do the same to me. You are asking us to explain why we have had family, friends, loved ones, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. You are asking us why they would turn against their own kind because of some fancy head piece and do their best to make sure every single one of us has the same."

"To that end, we do not know for sure why it does it. We just know that if someone has one, then they are not what they were to you. They have complete loyalty and love to their Kingdom then. If you don't believe what they have said, know that I have had those types turned on me and friends of mine. Some even gave in to simply stop living the way we have been."

Gao takes a breath, then sighs and sits down. "And it's all because people were power hungry and one idiot decided to murder Potimas's daughter If you want to know more about what the crowns do, you will need one. The most we can say is do not put one on, and do not let yourself be forced to."

An eye is given towards Shenmi and Tian, then he looks to the Yamato Adventurers, "That's pretty much the story of those of us from Thor. I've had to walk around in disguise to avoid people I knew from Thor when in Kallamore before we came here."

Gwen looks to Gao and nods. "Shiruba is my sister in all but blood." She notes with a bit of a grin there. Then she frowns for a bit and bites her tongue given her online experiance pre Pluto's kiss but she has some ideas of where that goes.

"hummm This is a hell of a mess we have now."

    Rizadoman shakes his head, "It has to be her. I sat with her I talked with her. She...wasn't the child ..." He trails off as he seems to realize why she never felt like a child in their conversations. "Ok so to simply reiterate. Death is still death but slower. The crowned are adventurers who were somehow turned due to the head pieces they are made to wear and this all started because the adventurers treated people as if they were just made up." Taking a few more deep breaths he considers it all even more before he asks, "Did I miss anything?"

Kaydon makes eye contact with Wake and nods, and then hears the mention of needing a crown in order to find out what all they do. That, he thinks, he might be able to do. He has a couple of irons in the fire already with a few people. Maybe he needs to bring them all together.

"Do you have any idea how many of you Uncrowned there are?" He asks, "Or maybe some idea of how many Crowned we're up against. We've had to face off against both Lander military and the Crowned so far and we have been on the back foot for weeks now and frankly I don't know if we've got enough military power to face off against both groups with just Adventurers."

Shiruba was just trying to get more information. But as Gao explains his matters her expression shifts, becoming something more concerned with the implications, as well as more sympathetic. Along with a remorseful sigh. "I, to a degree, understand how you feel. As someone who became close friends with a Lander, only to have to fight them as a monster and... end their suffering, I can at least somewhat relate. But it's nowhere near the degree of what you've had to go through."

There's more than a few people here that she considers very much a family, so that impression is not lost to her either. Though, with the two incidents given, she's starting to form a bigger picture. "A few people making terrible choices and brash destructive actions, and regicide is never a good start. I.. can see why they would just blame all Adventurers after being hurt in such ways. Having their way of life disrupted so harshly."

Then she tightens one hand, leather of her archer gloves can be heard crinking. "That does not excuse them from deciding to invade and do the same to our own land. Our people. Who other than being 'Adventurers' have no connection to the wrong struck against them."

Her ears perk up at Kaydon's remark. "That's a good idea." She turns in her seat to look at the various Yamato Adventurers. "Some of you have fought directly against the 'Crowned'. Can you reaccount any of the identities? Maybe if they know who we've dealt with already our visitors can give some mor insight on who we're dealing with."

There is a thoughtful expression that passes behind the mask that Tian wears. The lupine Cait Sith seems to consider Kaydon's question for a moment, then they put two fists out in a gesture reminiscent of a boxing stance. The system translates: "<Stronger.>" Then, a few more signs follow. "<A little.>" Then, they shrug. Apparently it isn't anything super significant.

As for the questions about how someone might remove a crown, Tian seems hesitant. Rather than going into details, they simply give that bob of a fist in affirmation that it is possible.

Rather than trying to focus on this, tough, Tian adds something else that seems to be important. Their hands move quickly, flittering through signs. "<Not all Landers in the Palace Lands support what happened.>" It seems important for them to convey this. "<Many of those in power do.>"

The Cait Sith's hands still, listening to Gao's own story of their time in Thor. As for Rizadoman's summary, the response that Tian adds is simply: "<Some Crowned chose their fate.>" The masked individual raises their shoulders in a shrug, then looks over towards Kaydon.

Tian touches their head with fingers and then move their hand away while shaking their head. "<Unknown. Fewer of us. More of them. Many have died.>" Exact numbers don't seem to be the sort of thing that resistance groups keep on hand. Afterall, it is just the sort of thing that could be used against them.

Gwen gets quieter she's got a lot to think about ansd she's now listening and thinking she gives Shiruba an odd look.

"Two questions." Robert, it seems, has finally decided to stop staying in his dark little corner, and directs the questions in the general direction of Tian and Shenmi. "First: how substantial would you estimate the threat is from our own noble Yamato Landers? And second: what happens to the Crowned if the crowning Lander is removed from their position?"

    Rizadoman has to ask another question that is waying on his mind, "If we kill a crowned, do they die?" If all this information was going to be put out there then those fighting had to realize that if they killed a crowned what it could mean and be ready for it. Taking another few minutes he is letting this all weigh on him and then looks at Tian, "Also I guess the only other question to ask is how can we help you ?"

So many questions, so much to catch up on. "As Gao pointed out, it's complicated. People become absolutely loyal to the Landers. But at the same time, they still retain all the memories they haven't lost to death. It is -them-. But a version of them that is absolutely loyal to the Landers."

"To answer your question about granting enhanced powers- again, -probably- not in the way you think." His eyes dart to Tian, the genuine surprise tinged with just the bare amount of amusement the situation warrants. "But maybe there's more. Some people are full of surprises, it seems."

"The situation of the crowning is different in different kingdoms. One thing that is common is- people with crowns are welcome with open arms into the Elite. They get access to the best resources. Take Kallamore, for instance. I know you have been around the place. I do not know how many of you know that there is a glass ceiling. Landers pretty much own the place. Adventurers are clearly below them. But!" Both of his index fingers turn to point down. "There also is a glass floor. We Uncrowned are... -technically- allowed to roam more free than in other Kingdoms, but are strictly, closely monitored. The Crowned are allowed to roam free. They get to enter the games in the Arena. They have more chances at monetary gain." He sighs, and for once, his aloof act betrays a bit of genuine disheartening. "It is not really a choice between freedom or subjugation. It is merely a matter of choosing in which way you want to be constrained." He looks down, and there is some tension in his lips. "It should be no wonder that people end up choosing to be Crowned by their own will..." he trails off, and for the first time since the whole meeting started, his attention seems to have wandered elsewhere.

He snaps out of it seconds later, and resumes, "The combatants of the arena in Kallamore are among the toughest and most brutal warriors in the whole Palace Lands. A Crown makes you part of the elite. With elite resources. I would guess that this what justifies their superior fighting prowess." Once again, he hlances back to Tian, in case the Cait Sith knows more. "In any case, this is not to say that life is easy for us. There have been forced crownings on respawn. And later, the Church has been walled and boarded up, in case anyone dares get the idea to risk fighting outside the official circuit. There are..." A pause. "...-ways- to live in Kallamore and be left alone. One of them is to pretend to stay out of any political game and spend all of your time and money to pump the hedonistic lifestyle industry." He chugs down his second (ok, technically third) glass of beer and- wait, how did he get -yet another full one- in his hands? Any way he did, he raises it. "Secure your churches, my friends. That's where they get you."

As SpritesHero speaks up, Tian looks over at them for what may be the first time during the conversation. The wolfish canine repeats the same gesture they had just used, touching fingertips to their forehead and away again with a shake of the head. "<Unknown.>" Apparently, they don't have answers to either of the questions offered up.

As for Rizadoman, they do get one more of those affirmative gestures. "<Kill any Adventurer, they die.>" As for what would help, Tian's mouth quirks in an obvious smirk. They begin making individual signs. "<Rest. Supplies. Support.>" This is followed up by: "<Aid those working against the Crowned.>"

Tian seems to appreciate both Gao and Shenmi and their ability to better communicate in a more straight-forward way. The Cait Sith's hands still, seeming almost tired after all of this back and forth. "<We have traveled far. Room. Sleep. Food. Talk more later.>"

SpritesHero frowns. It's not a pleasant expression by any means, being full of thunderclouds. But at least it doesn't look homicidal, and the nod he offers to Tian is grateful enough. "Much obliged," he comments. Pushing fully away from the wall he heads over to the bar counter. He holds up three fingers, indicates Shenmi with a jerk of his thumb, then executes a quick coin transfer.

Shiruba nods her head. "We appreciate the effort to coordinate together. Sorry it got off to a rough start. As for rest, this Inn is probably one of the best places right now... The other would be the town the Scale Emblem have up in the Tower. Your countrymen haven't show much interest in the tower or it's contents... yet." She scoots back her chair to get to her feet. "We're still recouping from losing our own stronghold, but we'll help in whatever way possible. You've given us the first real information we have on what's going on here."

Shenmi's tense smile melts into a gigantic, open mouthed one. "Ah, I think I might have made a new friend!", he exclaims. "Excuse me, I need to see an Adventurer about a few mugs of beer," is what he offers Gao and Tian while he doffs his top hat with a little bow, before he turns and heads for SpritesHero.

SpritesHero plops in at the table across from Shenmi with a dip of his chin--even if those pants do somewhat restrict his movements. "Cheers," he announces, lifting his own glass to the other man. He's happily settled in for an evening of drinking and discussing nothing in particular. Well, nothing decent, anyhow.

    With all the revelations, Fukaziroh seems to be forgetting her suspicion of the Palace Landers. Maybe it's something she'll remember later, when she's had time to absorb all this. Or maybe, to probably no one's surprise, she'll just follow her heart rather than her head. Not that her heart's a light place right now. This whole thing weighs heavily on her slender shoulders, but then she's always been quick to recover from the brush of darkness.

    "How much... how much are you actually hunted right now?" Fuka asks quietly. "They're after you, that much I understand from talk of them wanting you Crowned. But they also let you go freely in Kallamore. If they learn you're here... what's going to happen?"

Gwen looks to Shiruba "I can take you and a few others in at my home for what it's worth also. I will stress we need to get those of you from the Palace Lands? Changed to other kingdoms here so your not at as much risk here."

Gao looks to the others, then to Fukaziroh and Gwen. "Swapping to another Kingdom is not as easy as it sounds, I believe. And to tell the trtuh? We will have a very, very large target on our backs. IF you win, perhaps we might be more valuable in that regards."

He sighs, then moves to stand and looks to Tian, "I will stand watch if we need it." He looks over to Shenmi, "Do not be overly long."

Then he turns to go.