William says, "You're currently gathered in Central within Radz, the 
efforts to clear the mutation-inducing radiation out of the Domain having 
only been partially successful.  This is enough to cheer people up 
considerably, though, and there's spirit to try again in about a week, 
when folks have regenerated Essence completely."

Neil welcomes Ekur and Thais back to Radz.

Arc 2: The Natives are Restless

(cont.)

Jack addresses the crowd, telling folks they've done a good job.  He 
schedules a time to try again in a week, thanks everyone for their 
contributions, and dismisses the gathering.  A number of folks leave for 
their own towns, while several hang around Central's main square.  Bloom 
is with you.

Neil says, "How'd the report go?"

Ekur says, "it went fairly well.  There's concern that Radz has a 
population, since it might get in the way of urban planning."

Thais nods. "And a few issues were clarified."

Jack slowly makes his way over to you, followed by Yazz, and inserts 
himself into your conversational circle.  "Speaking of the population, I 
wasn't sure what sort of announcement would best suit your needs," he 
says.  "The gathering next week would be a good time to take a vote; I 
can send people to announce that individually to each population center.  
Give people some time to chew it over."

Jack says, "And, of course, giving you time to inform people, answer any 
questions, that sort of thing."

Neil nods. "Unfortunately, I'm not sure we're ready to go ahead. I was 
hoping we could clear the Discord entirely."

Thais says, "Do you think we should wait on that announcement until the 
Discord is gone?"

Neil says, "Yes. What we might do instead is investigate at least one 
other possible site and return in a week to help with the second attempt 
at canceling the taint."

Jack blinks.  "If you like.  I certainly have no objection to that."

Jack "We'll work on studying the problem in the meantime.  We might even 
be able to finish it early."

Neil . o O ( OOC: Does anyone have an opinion here? I don't /mean/ to 
steamroll anyone... )

Ekur blinks.  "Er, Neil, I got the impression from our superiors in the 
report that we should try to resolve thing here in Radz first before we 
investigate other places."

Bloom murmurs, "Strike while the iron is hot, politically speaking..."

Neil says, "Hmm. That's good too, I just didn't think Matthias would -- 
certainly, we'll do that, then."

Thais says, "I would, perhaps, personally prefer to investigate 
settlements with more, um, action? But I agree that we ought to do what 
we can here as long as we're already about."

Jack says, "As you will, then.  I will send the messengers.  Feel free to 
move about; we don't exactly have any laws on campaigning."  He turns 
away, saying, "Haven't had a lot of referendums, really..." as he heads 
off.

Neil says, "Alright. We can't do much about the taint, unless someone 
knows how to get an expert from Dreams here on short notice. So we should 
concentrate on building acceptance of Civis."

Neil says, "But. If we can't clear the Discord any farther than we have 
now -- a solution that may not be permanent -- how happy is Matthias 
going to be with this candidate?"

Ekur says, "He won't be happy at all."

Thais nods. "Do you think we'll have trouble clearing the taint, at the 
next attempt? I don't know how difficult that usually is."

Neil says, "Neither do I. They seemed happy with the progress they've 
made, so their hearts may not be in finishing the job. Certainly Jack 
would not be displeased if the Domain was liveable for their purposes but 
not good for ours."

Thais says, "Enough so that he'd discourage attempts to further solve the 
problem? Because if so, it may be time to cut our losses and move on 
after all."

Bloom says, "You're the Malakite.  Did he strike you as the kind of 
Ethereal who would weasl out of the spirit of a deal?"

Neil says, "Well, he said he'll be making one more attempt a week from 
now, which was why I proposed we return then. If /that/ attempt doesn't 
pan out either... well, he might not lead a Domain-wide effort for some 
time to come."

Ekur . o O ( OOC: Do you guys want to move on instead of politicking in 
Radz?  I'm willing, though that's not what I expected today. )

Neil . o O ( OOC: I suppose it depends on how urgent our orders are. 
Which "isn't very". )

William  <ooc> Currently your orders are open-ended; Stone tends to take 
a long-term view and wants slow, careful quality work.

Thais frowns. "I...don't know that about his honor. I could try reading 
him again and see what I get. But it probably wouldn't hurt to wait that 
week before moving on. Our other prospects didn't sound urgent, after 
all."

Neil . o O ( OOC: Okay. I was interested in getting this done quickly, 
since I picked this character to work with a /finished/ city. Tell you 
what, I just don't want to expend lots of effort and sessions on a dead 
candidate. Are you willing to assure us we /could/ make this selection 
work? )

William  <ooc> Ah, I see.  Taint-wise, yes, Jack seems relatively 
confident the process will eventually work.

William  <ooc> Also, I can say that I anticipate at least one opportunity 
today to play the policeman.  However, you as a player have expressed 
before that you expected a different setting to play in.  Would you like 
to replace your character?

Neil . o O ( OOC: No. Or not yet.  )

William  <ooc> Okay.  Why don't we continue with the political game 
today.

Neil says, "Alright. So let's tour the cities and see how we can help."

Ekur nods.

Thais smiles. "Helping people. I can /work/ with that. What do you 
suggest?"

Neil says, "Nothing specific. Total domain population is around 200, I 
think."

William says, "You're currently in Central's main square, with an empty 
dais in the middle; it's just after dawn.  There are buildings for 
various services along the sides and the three projecting streets in a 
post-WW3 corrugated-iron sort of decor.  Perhaps twenty people are 
milling about in singletons and small groups."

Neil says, "Hit each population center, make friends, influence people."

Neil . o O ( 'Cause we are living in an ethereal world / and I am a 
celestial girl... )

fadethecat [to Jesdyn]: o_O

[snip connection problems]

William says, "Well, let's stride boldly forward.  Latest proposal, 
making the rounds, meeting and greeting, making friends, influencing 
people."

Thais is ready to do some striding.

Thais is also ready to do some smiting, but that's inappropriate, so 
instead she'll be practicing tactful silence.

Ekur nods.

Neil says, "So. Group of twenty people thatway-ish. I'll resonante them 
indiscriminately."

Neil says, "Looking for social center, persons of influence, clues to 
what they want or need from who they know and what they like."

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 7.

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 15.

Ekur applies his auto-resonance to people indiscriminately, too, with the 
question always being, "How would they react if I suggested Radz become 
the site of the Civis project now?"

Ekur . o O ( Super-Elohite Powers, Activate! )

fadethecat [to StevenE]: You're a rezzing maniac, man!

William [to Neil]: You get a series of Anglophone names with Aussie 
flavoring, a general sense of people being a bit cocky about their 
abilities, and the person most commonly considered an important relation 
is a gal by the name of Jane who sits in an open booth with a prominent 
spot on the northeast side of the square, near the taller wooden building 
Jack entered earlier.

Neil nudges Ekur and indicates Jane as a Person of Interest.

William [to Ekur]: People are in a general state of fading cheerfulness 
with personal concerns starting to reassert themselves.  There is some 
curiosity about you personally.  Your insta-poll returns 2 votes for, 3 
against, and 15 'would request a great deal more information.'

William [to Ekur]: You might want to start keeping a running count of the 
latter.  Oh, and Jane is a 'more info.'

William  <ooc> Gallup eat yer heart out...

Bloom says quietly, "What would you like me to do, given that I'm not an 
envoy from Heaven?"

Ekur nods to the others.  "Well.  A few would like the idea of Civis, a 
few would be dead set against it, and most of them will need quite a bit 
of information about the Civis project before they make up their minds.  
So, it's not going to be as hard as it could have been, but it won't be 
easy."

Neil murmurs, "Looks like the most important player here is Jane, in that 
booth over there. Dr. Bloom, she's in a booth -- what's she selling?

Neil answers himself, "Wait, someone mentioned notaries -- I'll bet she's 
one."

Bloom shrugs.  "I don't know.  Could be."

Neil says, "Well, we could just walk over and sell her on the glories of 
Heaven."

Neil says, "Anyone have a different plan?"

Ekur says, "She's one of the ones that will want more information about 
Civis before committing.  You have an approach in mind, Neil?"

Thais says, "I'm not sure if the glories of Heaven would work, 
considering none of these people can get there. Unless you mean in the 
sense of what Heaven can bring here?"

Bloom gets a thoughtful look on his face.

Neil says, "Yeah, walk over and tell her about it. Her opinion may 
influence others... Yes, exactly, Thais. Simply tell her we plan to do it 
and that they'll be a vote in a week -- is there anything she'd like to 
know about it?"

Ekur nods.  "Thais, could you get us an honor-reading first?"

Neil says, "Play up the benefits. I know that they won't recieve anything 
but -- what was it -- the 'passive benefits accruing to them as a result 
of Heavenly presence' -- but that's still an awful lot of trade and 
commerce."

Thais takes a moment to resonate Jane, now that the focus is on her. 
"Certainly."

Thais rolled 11 versus 17 and succeeded by 6.

roll 1d2

On 1d2, the GM rolled 1.

William [to Thais]: Honor is important to her, both personally and as her 
stock in trade.  She feels that her most honorable recent achievement was 
to preserve her portion of the service-debt system uncorrupted through 
White Smoke's rule.

Ekur [to William]: And what are Janes's current emotional state and two 
strongest emotions?

Thais says, "She seems a very reliable sort, and her business demands it. 
If she decides to trust us, it seems likely others will follow her lead."


William [to Ekur]: Pleased overall, shades of relief and achievement.

Ekur says, "Right now she's feeling pleased overall, with shades of 
relief and achievement.  Neil, you're the people person, you want to take 
the lead?"

Thais says, "I suspect I should keep quiet unless I'm needed; some of the 
residents are likely to disapprove of me."

Neil wanders to the booth and introduces himself to Jane. "'Evening. I'm 
Neil, angel of Judgement. Have a few minutes to spare?"

Ekur smiles at Thais.  "What, a Malakite in service to the angel who was 
leading Malakite of Purity?  What possible reason would any Ethereal have 
for prejudice against you?"

Jane looks up.  "Welcome.  I am the inves... " she pauses, and her eyes 
go wide.  "Did you say angel of Judgment?"

Neil smiles. "I did."

Ekur follows Neil fairly closely.

Thais looks a bit sheepish. "When you put it that way... Well. Yes." And 
shuts up as she gets closer to Jane.

She looks over the four of you, and understanding dawns.  "You were the 
ones who took out White Smoke.  The specialists, or whatever."

Neil says, "Yes."

Neil says, "We removed him because Heaven's looking for a young domain 
with a stable ruler."

Neil says, "We're planning on building a city here. Jack plans to hold a 
vote on it within the week. I thought you might wish to ask a few 
questions."

Ekur smiles, and adds, "Well, also, because he was the author of a 
nightmare.  My boss doesn't like those."

Jane tucks a strand of hair back behind her ear and thinks.

Thais stands about trying to look helpful and mostly harmless.

Ekur continues to rez Jane, to watch for mood changes.  Doesn't have a 
specific action in mind to get a reaction for.

Jane whispers, "I hereby witness this debt..." and speaks in a normal 
tone.  "If you're already planning on building it, what does the vote 
decide, exactly?"

Neil says, "If we will."

Neil says, "We'd like to build here, but we won't take a domain from 
peaceful beings by force."

Ekur says, "The people of this domain get to decide if they want to go 
along or not.  If not, we look for somewhere else."

Jane says, "So no one would have to leave the Domain if they don't want 
to?"

Neil says, "No."

Ekur hmms.  "Well, when White Smoke is up and around again, we might make 
him leave, if he can't get along with the new order."

William [to Ekur]: She's pleased with that answer, though still hesitant 
and curious.

Neil nods to Ekur. "Except in a criminal justice sense of leaving, I 
suppose."

She leans back.  "Now that brings up a very good question.  What laws 
would be in place?  Would the debts I've witnessed still be legally 
valid?"

Neil says, "Hmm. Simple contracts for goods or services, probably. 
Anything not offensive to Heaven. I can see how you'd want a better 
answer than that -- I'll promise you one before the vote."

Neil says, "The vote, I understand, will only open negotiations, 
however."

Neil says, "Permitting Jack to deal with us in your name."

Neil says, "As for what laws, they would be Heaven's laws."

Jane says, "Do you have a codex of those I could... we could examine?"

Jane hastily adds, "Or at least an overview.  I doubt anyone around here 
could master them within the week."

Neil . o O ( Err. How tricky will that be to Dreamshape? It's all 
information I know... )

William [to Neil]: Very tricky.  Probably almost as long as it would take 
to write it.  A summary of the basic legal theories of Heavenly law, with 
a few example cases and an emphasis on Marches and Ethereal law, of a few 
pages... perhaps a few hours' work.  It could then be reproduced by 
anyone who had a copy.

Neil . o O ( You should know, you /did/ write it. )

Neil says, "Not on me. I can write a copy from memory and have you one 
tomorrow."

Jane says, "I'd like to see that."

William [to Ekur]: Further pleased.  Still in the 'more info' stage, but 
adding an intrigued component to her mood.

Neil says, "It would help if you could give me examples of the debts you 
witness, commonplace ones and extreme ones. The limits of our tolerance 
may not match yours; some negotiation may be required."

Jane turns to some papers in her booth.  "Typically the information is 
regarded as private, although the Master of the Domain usually has 
access.  Commonplace debts are for large purchases like a talisman or 
transferring ownership of a Factory car.  Unusual ones..." She digs 
through the stack.

Neil . o O ( I just asked for the equivalent of the Malakite resonance on 
her filing system. Heh. )

Jane picks up a couple.  "Gambling debts of promised service.  
Indenturing for fixed periods.  I have one here from a dreamshade..."  
She eyes Ekur.  "...I know The White Lady has, mm, issues with 
dreamshades.  Several from servants of a few pantheons."

Jane puts the papers down.  "We're not a heavily trafficked Domain, so we 
don't have the enormous variety you'd see in Faerie or Olympus."

Neil says, "Fixed indentures and promised service wouldn't get our 
hackles up. Dreamshades, though. Hmm."

Neil turns to Ekur. "I'm sorry, but I'm just not familiar with them. What 
are they, exactly?"

Ekur says, "General policy is that dreamshades are supposed to move on 
and get reincarnated, or go to Heaven or Hell as appropriate."

Neil is trying to figure how how cheesed Dominic, Yves, and Blandine are 
going to be if dreamshades are what he remembers they are and he lets 
them in Civis anyways.

Neil says, "How do you become a dreamshade? Conscious choice, or just 
luck?"

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 12.

Ekur says, "Well, one can 'let go' at any time, so it's conscious choice 
to hang on as one."

William [to Neil]: The three of them would have varying reactions.  
Dominic wants them pushed on, quickly.  Blandine is willing to give them 
some time to accept it and move on themselves.  Yves... almost doesn't 
care unless they're dealing with other humans.  That soul's Destiny or 
Fate is decided, and it's only delaying the inevitable.  Rather like his 
attitude toward Ethereals.

Jane listens to to the conversation with the air of one studying 
foreigners.

Neil reaches a decision. "I... suspect dreamshades would not be warmly 
welcomed in the city, although that could be a point to discuss with Jack 
before or after the vote."

Jane seems to accept this with equanimity, both outwardly and to Ekur's 
reasonance.

Jane says, "Well.  At the moment I'd like to see the laws that would be 
governing trade.  That's my main worry right now."  She pauses.  "...if 
my position were secure, and the debts I hold recognized as valid, I 
think I would be inclined... I think I would not mind a Heavenly presence 
in Radz."

Ekur says, "Trade is the Word of a major Archangel of Heaven, of course."


Neil says, "I'm happy to hear that. We'll be here all week. I'd 
appreciate it if you'd direct anyone who seems concerned about our 
respect for their safety or property to speak with us."

Jane perks up.  "Yes, that's true, I'd forgotten that.   ...  I imagine 
they'd be very concerned with ensuring the stability of the local 
economy, wouldn't they?"

Ekur says, "One of the hopes for Civis is for it to become a hub of 
Ethereal trade and commerce."

William [to Ekur]: Jane is now on the 'yes' side.

Jane says to Neil, "Yes, I'll certainly do that."

Neil says, "Any other concerns, before we take our leave? We've got some 
ground to cover over the next few days."

Neil says, "I'll make sure you get that overview."

Jane says brightly to Neil, "No, I think that overview will be 
sufficient, thank you."

Ekur smiles to Jane, and says, "Good day, then."  He steps away.

Thais smiles, nods, and says noooothing as she follows her companions 
away.

Neil leaves as well.

Neil says, "Alright, that went well. Dreamshades were a complication I 
hadn't thought of. Dr. Bloom, any other complications you can think of 
that we aren't?"

Ekur says, "My reading on her is that's she's convinced to support Civis.  
Any suggestions on who we should hit next?"

Bloom says, "I suppose we're lucky no demons have taken residence.  Other 
than that, nothing off the top of my head."

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 9.

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 11.

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 14.

Thais says, "It seems reasonable to check with community leaders in each 
of the settlements, and then do another round to see how things are 
progressing once they've had more time to think about our proposals. See 
if there are any major points of resistance or confusion we want to 
address early on."

Neil says, "Nice and comprehensive. Sounds good."

Neil . o O ( How much time is left today? )

William says, "The three of you notice, in perhaps an absent way, that 
there are more people about than there were earlier."

Ekur says, "Well, I know there are a few don't-need-to-be-convinced 
people around here.  I suggest we mention Civis to them first, so that 
there's more than just Jane talking about it here.  Worthwhile to have a 
broad base of support, and they should go quickly."

William [to Neil]: In-game, it's just about an hour past dawn.  Out of 
game, I've got, oh, another couple of hours.

Neil says, "Sounds good. Nice that there's so many more people here to 
talk to than there were a while ago."

Thais runs one hand through her hair, twisting ribbons around her 
fingers. "It seems like a good idea to check out as many people as 
possible early on, so that we can identify anyone unusually hostile to 
the idea while we still have time to convince them otherwise. Or 
counteract any moves they'd be making."

Ekur rez-scans the crowd.

William [to Ekur]: 5 against, 3 for, plus Jane, and the remaining... you 
estimate thirty... in the 'more info' stage.  They appear to be coming 
down the road from Easterly.

William [to Ekur]: The new folks, that is.

William [to Ekur]: They are generally slightly worried and purposeful.

Neil wonders aloud, "Shift change?"

William says, "There are definitely more of them than the current 
residences you can see would house."

Neil scans-scans-scans. Anyone new showing up or moving in their social 
network?

William [to Neil]: Same kind of names for the most part; a couple are 
Indian subcontinent.  The new folks consider Easterly their home.  None 
seems particularly important within the new group.

William says, "As you guys spend some time scanning the crowd, a couple 
of the new people make a handshaking deal with the owner of one of the 
buildings.  Near the square.  They enter the place, and a new story is 
dreamshaped into existence atop the building."

Ekur heads over to the nearest of the "for" people.

Thais watches the building expansion with interest. The Marches are just 
so /different/ from Heaven. Fascinating.

Neil follows Ekur.

William [to Ekur]: For the wholesale politicking, I think we can safely 
generalize results.  Make a Savoir-Faire (Marches) and a Diplomacy roll.

Ekur rolled 12 versus 18 and succeeded by 6.

Ekur rolled 11 versus 17 and succeeded by 6.

Thais . o O ( Hurrah! They're unlikely to try to kill us all in a fit of 
rage! )

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 11.

William says, "You politely introduce yourself and your business in 
one-on-one conversations.  As you would expect, you're received generally 
well.  Several of the folks you speak to thank you for your aid in 
ridding the Domain of White Smoke."

William  <ooc> All politics is retail.  But lots of similar retail 
politicking is better rolled than repeatedly gamed...

William says, "It takes you perhaps another hour to contact 4 of the 5 
'for' people; the fifth seems to have moved on in the meantime."

Neil says, "Shall we take on the nay-sayers, now?"

William says, "A couple more building expansions take place.  Those new 
people remaining in the streets become somewhat more worried on average."


Thais goes looking for someone who looks reasonably knowledgable, to ask 
about the buildings.

Neil . o O ( In the Marches, a real estate bubble popping could kill six 
and maim twenty. )

Ekur hmms.  "Not sure.  Alternatively, we could go from town to town, hit 
the most important person and the people who are easiest to convince, and 
then move on to the taks of convincing more generally with a solid core 
established.  But you're the Mercurian."

William [to Thais]: The guy who runs the local dojo says it looks like 
people are moving in.  "Heard they weren't able to clean out Easterly.  
Looks like refugees to me."

Neil says, "Hey, the badge says 'Friend of Man'. I dunno about these 
guys."

Neil perks his ears.

Neil says, "Problems in Easterly? We might go do some politicking over 
there."

Thais nods. "Permanently, or just until that area can be cleaned up?"

William [to Thais]: The guy says, "I hear they're gonna try again next 
week when people have gotten some get-up-and-go back."

Neil realises what they mean -- rad problems, not White Smoke's goons.

William [to Thais]: The guy scans the crowd.  "Hmm.  Doesn't look like 
Priest came... oh well."

Thais glances around. "Priest? Who's that?"

Ekur says, "Hmm.  Well, these are the products of human imagination.  
Third option I see is working on the undecideds, wait for the againsts to 
notice and confront us."

William [to Thais]: Priest.  There's a temple over there.  For the makers 
mostly, though just about everybody in the Domain figures it's a good 
thing to donate a little something every now and then.

Thais says, "I see. What does he usually do?"

William [to Thais]: The guy says, "Priest?  Takes care of the Temple.  
Decorations get a little fuzzy if they're not maintained, I think.  Spent 
enough of his donations to keep the place defended up until the war 
ended, too."

Ekur <OOC> Politics defaults to Diplomacy-5.  Ekur is going to make a 
Politics roll to decide what strategy is the best -- talk to the 
unconvinced, talk to those against Civis, or move to the next town and 
hit the important and yes votes.

William  <ooc> Go for it.

Ekur rolled 4 versus 12 and critically succeeded by 8.

: !  :^)

William  !  :^)

Thais smiles, and gives the man a quick half-bow. "Thank you for the 
information."

Neil was just staying quiet until Thais was done.

William [to Ekur]: In this early stage, hit the important people.

William [to Ekur]: From what you can hear, Priest sounds like he'd be 
such a guy.  And Jack, now that you think of it, hasn't really endorsed 
the notion himself yet.

Ekur says, "I think we should concentrate on the important people at this 
point in the process.  This Priest sounds like an important guy.  And, 
hmm, Jack probably could use some convincing, too."

Neil says, "Sounds good. Priest first?"

Ekur nods.

As you head to the side of Central, Bloom stops at the edge of the safe 
zone.  "Um."

Neil says, "Right."

Bloom says, "If you wouldn't mind... I think I'd prefer to stay in 
Central for the duration."

Ekur stops.  "Yeah."  Ekur points to a few people, the Yes votes he's 
already talked to.  "It would be quite useful if you'd work with those 
people to promote Civis.  That is, if you're in favor of the project."

Bloom says, "Why sir.  Of course I am.  I'll do my best to promote the 
Project's interests around here."

Ekur says, "Good.  I realized I'd never actually asked you, which was an 
oversight on my part.  It's a good thing you're aboard."

Bloom nods and heads back in to the city.

Neil works on dreamshaping Jane's book (Jane's All The World's Laws) 
while they walk.

Ekur resumes heading for Priest.

William [to Neil]: First Law (Heavenly) to remember it right, then Lucid 
Dreaming to get it down firmly.

Neil rolled 13 versus 15 and succeeded by 2.

Neil rolled 9 versus 19 and succeeded by 10.

Neil winces. Low degree of success. He's better with American law.

William [to Neil]: It'll take you a few hours, but you're confidently 
progressing on it.

William says, "Easterly is about two miles east of Central.  The town is 
much smaller, with perhaps ten low buildings around a cul-de-sac.  The 
town appears uninhabited at the moment."

William says, "The primary feature of the town, though, is the stairway 
that leads prominently up the side of the low mountain range that forms 
the border of Radz.  Climbing this stairway leads you to a depression 
just beyond a ridge, in which Temple sits, as if carved out of the living 
rock: it looks much like 
http://www.here-now4u.de/eng/ellora-Felstempel.gif ."

Thais admires the architecture, and then twitches when she realizes just 
how /pagan/ this all is. Though perhaps it's not very religious, among 
other ethereals with no illusions as to what their own kind might be.

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 7.

William [to Ekur]: You recognize Hindu imagery.

Ekur hmms.  "Hindu imagery.  Well, Heaven's on pretty good terms with 
them."

William says, "A pair of figures in orange robes exit a door in one part 
of the complex and head to another.  They look up at you briefly, and 
continue on their way."

Thais nods, a touch doubtfully, and decides this is another one of those 
times to be quiet and smile a lot.

Ekur looks over at Thais.  "There are Hindu temples in the Halls of 
Worship, remember."

Neil starts auto-rezzing and looking for someone either receptive or in 
charge.

Neil . o O ( I'm not sure why. "Dude, you're all getting poisoned" has to 
be old news. Probably just make our pitch... to the... why is this only 
making sense to me now? )

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 10.

Thais shrugs to Ekur, and endeavors to look Politely Inoffensive.

William [to Neil]: Only the two people below you crossing the open space 
are visible from the ridge.  Both seem to focus their lives on service at 
the temple, and occasionally aiding enchanters in the town below.

William  <ooc> How much longer can people go?  An hour and a half, until 
10 ET?

Neil . o O ( Sure. )

fadethecat [to William]: Can manage that long, sure.

StevenE [to William]: Sure.

William  <ooc> Yokai.

William says, "Another figure -- this one in a more normal outfit, if 
bandoliers and overly-buckled leather pants and vest with an enormous 
nailbat can be considered normal -- exits a door nearer the front of the 
complex, and sights you.  He starts heading up the ridge to your 
location."

Neil resonates him.

Thais resonates right along.

Thais rolled 12 versus 17 and succeeded by 5.

roll 3d6

On 3d6, the GM rolled 11.

William [to Neil]: Name Chuck, home Easterly, current job protecting the 
Temple from White Smoke's goons.  Major interests, hitting people with 
the nailbat.

Ekur auto-rezzes, too.

fadethecat [to William]: It's good to have hobbies.

William [to Thais]: Typical primitive warrior ethos.  Most dishonorable 
act recently, nipping off from his watch post for a few minutes to 
indulge in a bit of image service with a dreamshaped (albeit impotent) 
opponent.

William [to Ekur]: Embarassed he didn't spot you until now, ready to be a 
bit belligerent to make up for it.

Chuck waves the nailbat.  "You there!  This is 'oly ground, y'hear?  Keep 
the war down there!"

Ekur says, "War's over.  Jack's in charge."

Chuck says, "'zat so, now?  How do I know ye're telling me the truth?"

StevenE [to William]: How would he react to a repeat in Angelic?

Neil says, "Send someone to find out. Meantime, we need to talk to 
Priest. We'll stay here."

William [to Ekur]: Fearful respect.

Chuck says, "I ain't sending any of my men nowhere.  I'll wait for news 
from guys I trust."

Ekur hmms, and says in Angelic, "Jack's in charge now.  We took out White 
Smoke while he led the army."

Chuck pales and says, "Soddin' 'ell."

Ekur says, "So, may we speak with Priest?  We're peaceable."

Chuck says, "Well... all right then."  He gestures with the nailbat, 
says, "This way," and heads down.

Ekur looks over at Thais.  "Well, doesn't look like anybody wants to 
fight with angels around here."

Thais nods. "This is reasonable," she says. And is resolutely trying not 
to be disappointed.

Neil heads down.

Ekur continues along.

Chuck leads you to a cave in the back of the complex that has been 
expanded and refined.  The approach leads to an altar -- 
http://www.india-picture.com/elura/images/caitya10.jpg -- before which is 
what appears to be a pile of saffron robes on the floor.

After a moment, a quiet chanting that has been echoing in the cave stops, 
and the robe turns around.  You are regarded by a man-sized, albeit 
horizontal, insect with long antennae.  Probably a roach.

Ekur resonates the roach.

Chuck says to the creature, "Priest, these are angels.  They said the 
war's over.  And that Jack's won.  And they wanted to talk to you."

Thais resonates the creature under the robe.

Thais rolled 9 versus 17 and succeeded by 8.

William [to Ekur]: Surpassing calmness with a mild undertone of 
nervousness and curiosity.  It *is* intelligent, as ethereals go.

Ekur bows to Priest.

Thais follows Ekur's lead, though she doesn't bow very low.

Neil bows minimally.

William [to Thais]: His pattern of honor derives from his beliefs in 
dhamma and his responsibilities as curator of the temple.

Priest's mandibles work for a moment, and a New-Delhi-accented English 
emanates.  "Thank you, Chuck.  I believe we can probably demobilize the 
watch now.  Please see to it."

Neil pings him as well.

Chuck says, "Yes sir," and leaves.

William [to Neil]: Name is a string of hisses and clicks you would 
probably have to take insect form to vocalize; most people call him 
"Priest."  He was previously  invested as curator of the Temple of 
Vishvakarma by the Master of the Domain that preceded White Smoke, and 
most people around here still respect that.

William [to Neil]: Though born in Radz, he spent some time in a foreign 
domain, long enough to develop some contacts there.

Priest regards you all.  "Well now.  What brings angels to take sides in 
our local war?"

Neil . o O ( "Vot are you doing vit dat vishing rod?" "Boss said to go to 
vish vor karma." -- Jagers )

William  <ooc> Vishvakarma's a real Hindu god, of craftsmen (particularly 
blacksmiths).

Neil says, "Heaven wants to build a city in the Marches, and we're 
looking at this domain. Jack's arranging for a domain-wide vote in a 
week."

William  <ooc> Also, real to Heaven's knowledge of the HIndu pantheon.

Priest's antennae wave briefly.  Physically, none of you have any idea 
what this means, although Ekur's resonance picks up surprise.

Priest remains quiet for the moment.

Priest then says, "White Smoke was less than accommodating, I gather?"

Neil says, "Truthfully, we didn't get around to asking. We didn't plan on 
conquering anybody, so White Smoke's approach wasn't what we had in 
mind."

Ekur says, "Nor was twisting the nature of the inhabitants of the 
domain."

Priest says, "If I know Jack, he will be trying to alter that.  I hope he 
succeeds soon... I do not think the Domain will retain its malleability 
much longer."

Ekur says, "He has succeeded in a few places, but not everywhere.  He's 
going to make another effort in about a week."

Neil says, "We'll be assisting in that effort."

Priest says, "Your aid is appreciated."  After a pause, he says, "Why did 
you wish to speak to me?"

Neil says, "Well, the refugees from Easterly were worried about you and 
thought you were important. Both good reasons for us to come talk to 
you."

Neil says, "We'd like your support for the Civis project, and we'd like 
to address any concerns you might have."

Priest's antennae wave alternately up and down, and Ekur's resonance 
picks up a bit of amusement.  "It's flattering to be worried about...."  
He hmms.  "You desire my support.  To build a city here.  An ambitious 
undertaking."  He turns and regards the altar.  "And what of gods that 
angels do not serve?"

Neil says, "There's already a giant pile of them living here. That's sort 
of the point."

Priest turns to Neil.  "I beg your pardon?"

Neil says, "We're building a city for celestials and ethereals alike."

Priest says, "And the place of this temple in that city?  Of our 
believers and pilgrims?"

Neil says, "The gates wouldn't be closed to you or yours, no."

Priest says, "Would the temple stay intact?  Many skilled dream-crafters 
put great efforts into its creation and many of its details."

Neil says, "That does depend on what areas of the domain are granted to 
Heaven. I see no reason to damage it and no pressing need to request the 
space it stands on."

Ekur says, "Hmm.  I hope we could work around it, but part of the plan 
for Civis is as an exercise in city planning."

Thais says, quietly, "I imagine any proper city plan would involve taking 
into account the terrain and pre-existing features."

Priest hmms.  "I appreciate your honesty in the matter," he says, "And 
other temples would be raised too, yes?  Synagogues and cathedrals and 
mosques."

Neil turns to Ekur. "Sure, but we don't need the whole Domain. I imagine 
we'll probably consume one to three city-sized regions as Matthias tries 
new ideas. He's /Urban/ Development, that's frankly high-density."

Neil says, "Probably. We have no reason to object to activities that do 
not harm ethereals and celestials or affect humans."

Ekur says, "Yes, places of monotheistic worship would likely be 
constructed."

Priest regards the altar silently.

Priest finally says, "White Smoke was a threat to this Domain.  I regard 
his removal as a considerable improvement.  I am not certain the 
developments attending the growth of a city would be the same, or 
positively affect the spiritual well-being of my temple's worshipers."

Ekur says, "I understand.  The Brahman, the Lord God, keep you safe."

Neil says, "Fair points. However, we removed White Smoke. As we will 
remove other threats to the Domain we build our city in. And... if we 
build it here, you can influence it -- and us -- through your 
worshippers."

Priest looks at the three of you, and sighs.  "I will meditate on my own 
vote on this matter.  I may abstain -- politics is not a place for a 
priest.  I will promise not to raise my voice against you."

Neil says, "That alone is worth much to us. Thank you. Before we leave, 
though -- will you be safe from the induced Discord if you remain here? 
And do you have any messages for us to take back with us?"

Priest's antenna wave in that alternating up-down amusement pattern 
again.  "Apparently, a sufficient number of humans believe cockroaches 
immune to the baneful effects of radiation that I have not suffered any 
ill effects from the pollution.  And no, I have no messages."

fadethecat [to William]: ...hee.

Priest says, "May you speak truly and the people of Radz see clearly the 
path that is before them."

Neil bows and departs.

Ekur follows.

Thais bows briefly, and follows Neil and Ekur out.

William says, "When you get back to Central, it's around noon.  There's a 
bit of a ruckus across the square from Jack's place, with about half a 
dozen people in a shouting match.  Bloom appears to be in the middle of 
it.  Jack, leaning on his cane, is watching it from his front steps but 
making no move at the moment."

Neil quickens his pace and pings Bloom.

Thais frowns, and moves more briskly. So long as they're only 
/shouting/...

William [to Neil]: The relation currently defining the situation is how 
most Ethereals view Subsumers.

One guy shouts, "These guys are crazy!  We can't let them go around 
preaching this suicidal nonsense."

Neil says, "Uh-oh. This could get tricky. They know he's a Subsumer. On 
the other hand, he's probably less annoyed at them than he is at me about 
it."

Bloom, with his hands up, pleads.  "I was just asked, that's all."

Ekur sweeps the crowd with his resonance.

William [to Ekur]: Several of the 'No' guys are among the most assertive 
in the crowd, and several listeners are confused or worried.

skill 17 Psychology

the GM rolled 8 and Psychology - succeeded by 9.

William [to Ekur]: The potential for physical aggression is nonzero but 
low.

Neil . o O ( My plan is to distract them by telling them about Civis... 
completely in Angelic. Better plans, move now. )

Ekur moves over to Dr. Bloom's side.

fadethecat [to Jesdyn]: Thais's plans are better for combat than talking. 
Go, go, gadget-Mercurian!

Bloom sights you, and is visibly relieved.  "Sorry about this," he says 
contritely.

The guy who shouted earlier looks at Ekur.  "Are you one of those 
cultists too?"

Ekur says, "(to Bloom) It's all right."

Neil [in Angelic]: "Well, we think being angels is a good idea..."

The crowd murmurs in surprise.

Neil [in Angelic]: "But we won't insist on it. I'm Neil, Mercurian of 
Judgement. We beat up White Smoke yesterday, just for the chance to talk 
to the citizens of Radz. You have a moment?"

William [to Neil]: <ooc> *pondering whether you can really say that in 
Angelic...*

Neil . o O ( OOC I'm being careful. The chance to lay groundwork for a 
vote was the primary reason we knocked White Smoke into trauma. )

William [to Neil]: It can come out as '...for (among other things) the 
chance to talk... etc.'  That work?

Neil [to William]: Yes. I assume that if I'm not actually being deceptive 
or deceitful, I won't mind the ways Angelic will shade my words.

William  <ooc> Good, good.

Neil coughs as his Angelic goes briefly ineffable, then continues.

William eyes the clock.  There's a scene I wanted to run, but 5 hours of 
gaming causes my tushie to demand a break.

Jesdyn [to William]: Stopping here?

William says, "So let's pick it up in the middle of the tension two weeks 
from now, shall we?"

fadethecat [to William]: Good dramatic point to pick up from next week!

fadethecat [to William]: Er, two weeks from now. Right!

Ekur nods.

William says, "Excellent.  See you all then."