The Far Shore Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
godsoffortune) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thenearshore2018-12-17 12:29 am
godsoffortune) wrote in thenearshore2018-12-17 12:29 am
Entry tags:
- !cultist arc,
- !cultist arc | char discussions,
- aymeric de borel | final fantasy xiv,
- chikusa kakimoto | katekyo hitman reborn,
- ebisu | noragami,
- ginia | original character,
- suzaku kururugi | code geass,
- ω archer [emiya] | fate stay night,
- ω emizel | disgaea 4,
- ω sora | kingdom hearts,
- ω zelda | loz: ocarina of time
Interlude: Meeting with Amaterasu
Who: Amaterasu and characters who have shared information with her, her advisers or her shinki
When: March 8, Evening
Where: The Meeting Hall
What: Amaterasu is bringing together newcomers of proven loyalty in order to share her own information and plans.
New gods and shinki who have offered their help to Amaterasu or her advisers, or who have given her information about any of the cult activities, will find a white-robed shinki knocking at their temple door or dropping by their table at the post-training meal on March 8th.
The invitations have the following text:
Lady Amaterasu invites you and your trusted allies to join her for an important announcement. The shinki who delivered this message will conduct you to the meeting.
The shinki carrying these invitations will wait until the invited person and their guests are ready, or will leave if the invitation is declined.
Guests are directed to an inner room in the Meeting Hall, where, on entry, they will discover that they seem to be floating in an endless dark void. Amaterasu stands at the center of the void, brilliantly illuminated; she's not wearing her usual mirror crown, and there is a short woman in old-fashioned white robes with the sleeves tied back standing beside her.
Amaterasu and the shinki accompanying her begin to speak once everyone has arrived. They have ink paintings of Votelli (although the features aren't very well rendered, as though it was painted from a description rather than by someone who'd seen her) and of Sotero (this painting is much more accurate and detailed.) These paintings are displayed on small stands behind Amaterasu.
"These two rogue gods have declared their enmity against myself and the Heavens through attacking and even imprisoning you, as well as attacking many of my shinki. They have even used humans as their agents to act in the mortal world." She holds out a hand to indicate the sketchier painting. "This one's name is Votelli. She is declared anathema. Should you see her, capture her, and bring her to me." The other, better-drawn painting is next. "This one's name is Sotero. He is declared anathema, and should you see him, capture him and bring him to me.
"We prefer them alive, but if they resist too fiercely to survive capture, we will still reward their captors highly."
The woman behind her takes the paintings down and folds the stands, disappearing into the dark with her armful of props, as Amaterasu continues speaking.
"We have located areas of the Near Shore that these gods have used as their sanctuaries in their invasions of the Heavens. The forest that Votelli used, many of you have visited. However, it seems that she can either hide there too well to be found unless she wills it, or she has gone elsewhere. We continue to search for her. My shinki have searched the volcano that Sotero used, as well, but with no greater success.
"It is possible that these gods have protected themselves somehow from the eyes of my shinki. I ask for your assistance searching for them both."
The woman reappears, without the easels and carrying two handfuls of charms instead; they are small, embroidered pouches that look like the charms found in the department store and around shrines at New Year's. Sabimei steps forward; he looks like he hasn't had enough sleep in weeks, and the harsh spotlight brings out the dark bags under his eyes.
"These things are using a magic I can't figure out," he says: his tone is almost petulant, but he moderates it at a reproving glare from the other shinki. "I suspect it's related to those two gods. I can tell you that they drain good fortune from anything nearby -- these are inert, don't worry, but I wouldn't keep one in my pocket if I were any of you. Burn them, or give them to me, because it's not as if I don't have enough to do--"
At another glare, he clears his throat. "In any case, placing these in our shrines at the New Year's represents a direct attack on our fortunes and our followers'. It seems that these gods consider us all enemies alike. Ask me later if you want to hear more about what I've been doing with these things." He bows, and steps back into the darkness. Amaterasu's formal demeanor softens for long enough to pat her other shinki's arm; the woman smiles down at her before tucking away the charms.
"Several humans have been implicated in assisting the enemy gods," she announces. "We do not act directly against mortals, but my shinki are watching their residences, in case our enemies should appear there. It is possible that there are more, and so, I ask that you help my shinki in that task, for if those two gods are no longer in the places that they once linked to the Heavens, then they must be concealed somewhere. My shinki will show you to these humans' residences if you are willing to assist.
"When we find them, we intend to ride to destroy them, and I invite you to join the hosts of Heaven when we do so, as well."
She folds her hands together, her long sleeves falling down to hide her fingers, and inclines her head in a small, regal bow.
As the presentation ends, the darkness begins to fade, and everyone invited will find themselves standing in an ordinary room with Amaterasu, and with guards at the door and along the walls. The female shinki who had been behind her has disappeared, and she is wearing her crown again, with Sabimei standing just behind her.
It looks like she's ready to take questions now.
When: March 8, Evening
Where: The Meeting Hall
What: Amaterasu is bringing together newcomers of proven loyalty in order to share her own information and plans.
New gods and shinki who have offered their help to Amaterasu or her advisers, or who have given her information about any of the cult activities, will find a white-robed shinki knocking at their temple door or dropping by their table at the post-training meal on March 8th.
The invitations have the following text:
Lady Amaterasu invites you and your trusted allies to join her for an important announcement. The shinki who delivered this message will conduct you to the meeting.
The shinki carrying these invitations will wait until the invited person and their guests are ready, or will leave if the invitation is declined.
Guests are directed to an inner room in the Meeting Hall, where, on entry, they will discover that they seem to be floating in an endless dark void. Amaterasu stands at the center of the void, brilliantly illuminated; she's not wearing her usual mirror crown, and there is a short woman in old-fashioned white robes with the sleeves tied back standing beside her.
Amaterasu and the shinki accompanying her begin to speak once everyone has arrived. They have ink paintings of Votelli (although the features aren't very well rendered, as though it was painted from a description rather than by someone who'd seen her) and of Sotero (this painting is much more accurate and detailed.) These paintings are displayed on small stands behind Amaterasu.
"These two rogue gods have declared their enmity against myself and the Heavens through attacking and even imprisoning you, as well as attacking many of my shinki. They have even used humans as their agents to act in the mortal world." She holds out a hand to indicate the sketchier painting. "This one's name is Votelli. She is declared anathema. Should you see her, capture her, and bring her to me." The other, better-drawn painting is next. "This one's name is Sotero. He is declared anathema, and should you see him, capture him and bring him to me.
"We prefer them alive, but if they resist too fiercely to survive capture, we will still reward their captors highly."
The woman behind her takes the paintings down and folds the stands, disappearing into the dark with her armful of props, as Amaterasu continues speaking.
"We have located areas of the Near Shore that these gods have used as their sanctuaries in their invasions of the Heavens. The forest that Votelli used, many of you have visited. However, it seems that she can either hide there too well to be found unless she wills it, or she has gone elsewhere. We continue to search for her. My shinki have searched the volcano that Sotero used, as well, but with no greater success.
"It is possible that these gods have protected themselves somehow from the eyes of my shinki. I ask for your assistance searching for them both."
The woman reappears, without the easels and carrying two handfuls of charms instead; they are small, embroidered pouches that look like the charms found in the department store and around shrines at New Year's. Sabimei steps forward; he looks like he hasn't had enough sleep in weeks, and the harsh spotlight brings out the dark bags under his eyes.
"These things are using a magic I can't figure out," he says: his tone is almost petulant, but he moderates it at a reproving glare from the other shinki. "I suspect it's related to those two gods. I can tell you that they drain good fortune from anything nearby -- these are inert, don't worry, but I wouldn't keep one in my pocket if I were any of you. Burn them, or give them to me, because it's not as if I don't have enough to do--"
At another glare, he clears his throat. "In any case, placing these in our shrines at the New Year's represents a direct attack on our fortunes and our followers'. It seems that these gods consider us all enemies alike. Ask me later if you want to hear more about what I've been doing with these things." He bows, and steps back into the darkness. Amaterasu's formal demeanor softens for long enough to pat her other shinki's arm; the woman smiles down at her before tucking away the charms.
"Several humans have been implicated in assisting the enemy gods," she announces. "We do not act directly against mortals, but my shinki are watching their residences, in case our enemies should appear there. It is possible that there are more, and so, I ask that you help my shinki in that task, for if those two gods are no longer in the places that they once linked to the Heavens, then they must be concealed somewhere. My shinki will show you to these humans' residences if you are willing to assist.
"When we find them, we intend to ride to destroy them, and I invite you to join the hosts of Heaven when we do so, as well."
She folds her hands together, her long sleeves falling down to hide her fingers, and inclines her head in a small, regal bow.
As the presentation ends, the darkness begins to fade, and everyone invited will find themselves standing in an ordinary room with Amaterasu, and with guards at the door and along the walls. The female shinki who had been behind her has disappeared, and she is wearing her crown again, with Sabimei standing just behind her.
It looks like she's ready to take questions now.
no subject
[She folds her hands, watching Archer with a frown.]
They don't have shinki at all? Then I don't understand how ayakashi haven't destroyed them. We know how to name a shinki instinctively, but it's not that easy to find a soul that can be named, so if they haven't gone looking, then...
[She trails off, and her frown deepens for a moment before she looks back up to meet his gaze.] Are you sure they weren't lying?
no subject
I'm well aware that they could be lying. While I can't say for sure, Sotero seemed like a simple kid, not knowing much about Heavens aside what he's been told, presumably by his guardian. [he's choosing his words carefully.] Votelli said that she's been hiding from ayakashi and everyone else entering the forest. Moreover, when you sent everyone there to investigate, I noticed that it's a very isolated place, perfect to hide something - or someone - that won't be noticed.
There is one more interesting coincidence, those human cultists had much harder time noticing us than regular humans do. Also there has been no reaction when some of them got killed, which seems rather unusual for the followers of a god. Especially when it's on the god's own land, and the said god doesn't have many followers.
[She's listening to him, and that's most important. Archer speaks with conviction, with a serious look in his eyes.]
It all speaks of much more cunning plan than any of those kids is capable of.
no subject
[It's a reasonable objection, and she hasn't personally encountered either of the young gods -- nor would she have let them go if she had. They seem to be less careful around the newcomers.
That's suspicious, but the ones who have come here and are willing to talk to her are ones she's willing to, conditionally, trust.]
Maybe you're right and there is someone else involved. If we can catch one of them, I'm sure we can get more information.
no subject
[After all, he's been investigating it for a long time, and gathering information.]
That's only one side of the coin. The human cultists are the ones appearing each and every time, no matter if it's during a ritual or distributing charms. The cult itself is a purely human organization, where lowest rank has no idea whose orders they follow or which god they pray to. According to them only the initiates know this. [Archer narrows his eyes.] It's the lowest rank of cultists that we've been dealing with. Their methods of communication ensure there's nothing to lead to higher rank, not to mention leader or leaders of this cult. The ofuda are the only tangible link, for the cultists do not make those themselves.
At the same time the cultists believe they have to create new gods that will listen to their prayers, and get rid of the old gods. Who can say that those two gods are the only ones, or aren't a bait to test the Heaven's reaction? In such case killing them means destroying the only possible lead to the real culprit, be it god or a human.
no subject
[Her tone is firm, and she offers him a slight nod.]
The humans we have seen are clearly tools in the hand of another. When we are ready to strike, I will order that the two gods are to be captured for interrogation.
[She may still think that the two gods who've tried to invade Heaven are behind this -- with such power, they almost have to be, don't they? But they could be tools of someone else, too. It's not a bad idea to find out what they know before striking them down.
They can always be executed after interrogation, after all.]
no subject
I'm honored that you acknowledge my opinion as worth consideration, lady Amaterasu. Thank you for listening to my concerns.
[She's as stubborn as they say, which isn't a bad thing. The future queen of Heavens is still a child. Seeing how she's willing to listen gives him some hope for Heavens.]
If I may offer one more advice. Try not to overlook the human mages. At least one of the humans involved is a powerful mage. [the hard to identify charms, the dolls possesing memories, the dreams- hell, just linking the forest to the heavens and so many humans too.] Mages long for power and knowledge - such a combination amassed in a wrong hands-- suffice to say, even if a powerful mage may not be a threat to a god, they can affect their environment in unknown ways. Their greed knows no bounds. Draining life off humans, or gods, is the simplest way to boost their own power. The amount of energy amassed from two of such rituals has been far greater than any of those gods displayed so far, and neither seems to have fed on it.
no subject
[She eyes him curiously.]
Why do you think that one of the humans is the one with that magical power, instead of one of the gods? Or even another god who may be working with them in secret?
no subject
You have said it yourself, that your shinki found signs of human ritual magic in the forest. Neither of the young gods has been using sorcery, as far as I can tell. Handwriting on the ofuda points to two people involved, that means there are at least two mages.
Ofuda and rituals, be it the forest or the blighted city, as well as the timing of events, seem to suggest someone with enough cunning to use others, be it gods or humans, as pawns on the chessboard. Yet they are used to human count of years rather than centuries. [That's the conclusion coming from all the gathered evidence. Archer doesn't consider it as final, though.]
I may be wrong, for I base my assumptions on the knowledge that doesn't necessarily apply to this world, moreover I am not aware of many facts regarding the gods. So far it's merely a working hypothesis, based on all the proof and facts gathered during the investigation.
no subject
[She still sounds stubbornly wedded to her own interpretation of the facts.]
... But perhaps the only way to find the answers is to capture and interrogate the gods. Or their shinki, if they have shinki.
[Apparently at least one of them said she didn't, but that could have been a lie.]
no subject
It's possible, but I have not heard - nor seen, in Sotero's case - any of them use sorcery, or borderlines. When you're attacked you use everything you have on your disposal, most often acting on instinct instead of thinking.
This is also the reason I think all of those humans and gods we've seen so far are merely scapegoats, and that the real perpetrator is still hidden. Judging from the reactions today I'm not the only one.
[Yet he considers it a success. The fact that she's willing to listen means that he can try again when he brings physical proof.]
Well, those answers you can find only from the ones using sorcery.
no subject
[She shakes her head.]
I do not agree that sorcery would be their first resort in a fight, whether they had those abilities or not. Gods have other powers, and sorcery requires preparation.
Regardless, we shall see.