The Awen Moot

[get_off_my_lawn]

Who: Taryn Shadow-Walker, any members of Awen and visiting fellows
What: The Moot aka Awen Court
When: Backdated to the night of June 27th because I suck (half moon)
Where: Alilany
Warnings: there will be some combat and bloodshed

Notes: Here is a reference for how Moots are done in the Werewolf: the Apocalypse canon that Taryn is based off of. There are some differences, like being held on the half moon instead of full moon and the structure is a lot looser. Anyone that ICly looked into what a 'moot' is will find some very old tales mentioning wolf 'beastmen' and how they would gather every month to reaffirm themselves. And that's about it.


Alilany was always a rustic, peaceful city in Lerrian, full of beastmen, fae and some humans. Very tribal with little technology, more magic, and sense of home to any that were able to relax in the forests that surrounded the capital of Awen. Even the Warders, the special beastmen guard the capital were rarely seen, blending into the environment easily. But with the Moot, it was different.

Now, the spiritual center that Alilany was became more pronounced as the shamans went about cleansing the city and preparing it, as if the receive Gaia herself. Who knew, perhaps Mother Earth would grace the Moot with her presence. Earthy music filtered through the air - drums and pipes, but mostly drums - and the large clearing in the center of the city was ready for those who wished to participate in the Moot - be it spiritual communication, airing of grievances, petitions to the Ar-Righ, or simply the Revel at the end. The Warders were far more visible, meeting and greeting any foreign dignitaries that chose to attend. Weaponry was allowed at the Moot, for only a fool would draw their weapon at a Moot outside of formal challenge, so there was no need to ban them. Awen was, after all, a strong nation if small.

There was no throne in the clearing for the Ar-Righ to sit upon. No, that wasn't how Taryn or her lineage did things. Instead, there was a large boulder containing some of the gemstones from Arird to the southern end of the clearing, big enough to serve a similar function as a throne, with torches on either side and trophies from the battle with the Raiders on display. In the very center of the clearing was an impressive bonfire, easily controlled by the shamans nearby. Musicians to one side, others were seated on the ground or standing around and there was no specific place for the foreign dignitaries. If they were expecting special seating, they wouldn't find any favor, though if they moved to position themselves close to the rock, Taryn would have room made for them.

With a loud howl that carried and echoed off the trees, Taryn called the Moot with the ceremonial tribute. Beastmen of all sorts raised their voices to join her, howling, growling, warbling and even some of the humans mimicked the wolf's howl. The drums and other music faded so all that could be heard was the beautiful chorus of the people of Awen calling out to the land. After a few seconds, the Opening Howl ended and there was silence save for the crackling of the bonfire and any quiet muttering from those visiting that didn't know what to expect.

Comments

Inner Sky

[get_off_my_lawn]

Taryn walked to the fire in the center, the shamans tending it backed off, and the flames died down some. Flickering light illuminated the Ar-Righ as she held her arms out to her side and turned her head up toward the night sky. This is the religious, most ceremonial part of the Moot.

"We have gathered in this sacred place of Gaia, having called our brothers and sisters of Gaia, and we now call our brothers and sisters of Luna."

Taryn turned to the east. "East Wind! Bringer of the dawn of clear air! East Wind! You who showed us the mirror side, the other side of the Velvet Curtain, come to us! We thank you for your clear thought and bright light."

As she spoke those words, a cat beastman wearing a mask of the East Wind steps from that side as starts to dance about the bonfire. Taryn then turns to the south. "South Wind! Bringer of the eternal fire! South Wind! You who gave us the fire of rage within, that we may strike swiftly against our enemies, come to us! We thank you for your fiery anger and your guardian protection!"

Jumping out from behind the Ar-Righ's rock, a lizard beastman wearing a mask of the South Wind appears with a ferocious hiss and joins the other dancing about the bonfire. Taryn then turned to the west. "West Wind! Bringer of the rain! West Wind! You who gave us the Changing Ways, come to us! We thank you for the many shapes you've shared with us!"

Dropping down from the trees at the western edge of the clearing was a hawk beastman wearing the mask of the West Wind. He spread his wings out and bowed to the Ar-Righ in a flourish then joined the other two in dancing about the fire. Turning the to the north, Taryn continued.

"North Wind! Bringer of cold from the mountain! North Wind! You who brought us the Gifts and the Sacred Ways, come to us! We thank you for your great wisdom and great strength!" And with those words, from the northern part of the clearing came a white wolf beastman wearing a mask of the North Wind. With an icy howl, he, too, joins in the dancing.

Taryn then raised her hands above her and looked up to the sky. "Inner Wind! Bringer of blessings from Gaia, from within us! You who hold our Mother's power within us, come to us all! We thank you for your spirit, and your inner peace."

All four dancers stopped then at their respective cardinal point as all present felt a swelling of power, of a connection to the land around them. They could feel the hum of the earth beneath their feet, the whistle of the wind in their ears, and if any present had never felt like the land itself was alive... there was a first for everything.

"Now is the time to offer your own personal prayers to Gaia. Perhaps she will answer, but know we are never alone. Take a few moments to speak from your heart with her. And then I will hear matters of business as we crack the bone."

The bonfire roared back to full life as the shamans returned to tending it. The silence of the drums and flutes would remain for now. All four beastmen wearing the masks were in deep prayer until the Inner Sky was over, then they would put the masks away.

[ooc: Anyone who wishes to offer prayers or question them during this time may. Any gods that wish to stop by may. Any visitors that want to talk to each other over the strangeness of the Awen Moot can do so. Taryn will be available to talk as needed.]

Inner Sky

[greyerrant]

Garviel watched the display, shifting a few times, obviously ill at ease amongst the very wild nature of the Moot. His own struggle with his Beast has taken up enough of his time, and appearing here as anything other than a raging Berserker took an act of control. He stands, in a gray cloak over white demi-armor, something akin to the lorica segmentata of the few men from Rome he has brought with him, warriors, veterans of the fights against Avshar and the Raiders. They are not in crusade company colors our bearing their iconography at the monent, this is clearly a Roman affair.

As the sounds of the earth, wind, and the other effects of the moot play over him, he is reminded forcibly of the Vlka Fenryka his long-lost brothers, the sons of Russ. Their Gothi would put on similar shows, sometimes dramatic and powerful, sometimes to no effect that he could discern.

He keeps his mood as phlegmatic as he can, and his stony face shows little, as all around him, the others turn a little more energised.

[nibelungvalesti]

[There is a watcher amongst them -- a small human woman, dressed demurely, her only standout feature the plait of silver-purple hair that reaches the ground.]

[She is not used to those with keener senses or greater perceptions than normal, and that is why on the spiritual plane she is a beacon of divine energy.]

[get_off_my_lawn]

[After a few quiet moments, Taryn's head comes up and she sniffs the air. Being Garou, a werewolf of half-human, half-spirit, she has a strong connection to the Other Side. And that was a new scent.

...she's not a crescent moon, though, so she can't pinpoint exactly what the scent is telling her about this woman. But Taryn walks toward her.]

...not sure why I swapped to action tags, what was I thinking?

[nibelungvalesti]

[She looks up -- the woman is TINY, really -- without any hint of worry or fear, then inclines her head slightly in respect.]

[greyerrant]

The watcher is watched by the dictator of Rome. A being who never died... and has surpassed mortality by means of a deal with a magical force known as the Holy Grail. A hero spun out at the time that was needed, to fight for a humanity he barely understands anymore. To him, since he is possessed of no divine sense, and, indeed, is rather blunt in matters sorcerous and spiritual, she seems strangely out of place because she appears human, and delicate. He wonders what she is doing here, and moreoever, if she needs protection. That is his purpose, after all. To stand as an armored bulwark for all of humanity.

[nibelungvalesti]

Make no mistake, Tyrant of Rome; the goddess was aware of you. If the moot were a proper place to speak of such things, she would have words with you on the instant.

But that was not proper. Uncertain that she should even be visible at all, she offered no sign of her thoughts save for a look. The flash in her eyes ought to say volumes about her need for protections.

[path_to_the_world]

Tyrnen had tried to dress accordingly, but he had not been sure what was appropriate so instead defaulted to what he had grown up with, fine clothes with ribbons and lace, elaborate embroidery, gloves and jewels. It was one of the few 'court' outfits he had taken with him and he seemed a bit out of place in them, especially since he was sitting on the ground.

Trynen had his back to a tree, the Book of Words, otherwise known as Ira. He was writing in her, all that he observed of the ceremony. He was a scholar at heart after all and this was a rare opportunity.

[forceofnature]

[The first bomb had been dropped. The earth had at last displayed the true extent of its fury, long pent up for the countless crimes it had borne in silence for so many years. Gaia had spoken. She had demanded change. Not just for her own sake, but for the sake of every single form of life that claimed Dagaria as its home, plants, animals, beastmen, and yes, even humans alike. The will of the earth had never made itself known more plainly than during this time, not since the beginning of creation itself when the gods had first breathed life into their children.

Of course, perhaps there might have been a more diplomatic means of announcing it.

Regardless, the deed was done. And as Viridi had promised to her most faithful child, she would not stop until the humans learned to revere nature like they ought. In times long past, all of creation had lived in harmony, coexisting, no one species dominating over the others. Harmony was not peace, but even so, the delicate balance of nature had been flawlessly observed. And she had been pleased.

The sole desire of the goddess was to see things restored. To the way they were. The way they were meant to be. And on this sacred day, under the light of the half-moon, with the respect and reverence for the earth hanging nearly tangibly in the air...

The trees shiver as a cool wind makes its way through the woods. The breeze is refreshing. It carries with it a certain scent... Of blossoms in spring, of rich earth and morning dew, of rain newly fallen and wood freshly cut.

The goddess of nature is present. And with the destruction of the raiders and the honor being paid unto her... she is satisfied.]

Cracking of the Bone

[get_off_my_lawn]

After proper time for spirituality was given, Taryn moved back to the rock and clapped her hands together. A thunder-like sound rippled through the air, grabbing everyone's attention.

"For those joining us that have no idea what is going on, worried about ceremony and social mistakes, this is the time in which I will hear my people's concerns, requests and grievances may be aired," Taryn explained. "I will hear one at a time and if discussion is needed, those involved may add to it, but keep in mind, the decision I make is final. Luna hides half her face tonight, so tempers will stay calm."

Her lips curl then, flashing a bit of fang. "This is also the time for formal challenges can be issued should more... human means of settling disputes fails. Formal challenges are things of honor and are to be treated as such to those visiting us from other kingdoms. While within Awen borders, only a coward turns down an honorable challenge. These are not merely means to get rid of rivals. Dishonorable acts within the Challenge Circle will be dealt with by me personally."

Relaxing, Taryn then gestures to the gathering. "Speak now."

[ooc: Start a new thread for each thing to be brought to Taryn. It is possible to threadjack if it is something of discussion. Any challenges, must be brought before Taryn and then issued to the one in question. i.e. "Ar-Righ, I wish to issue a challenge." Then the character turns to whoever they are challenging, calls them out and states exactly why they are challenging that character.]

Cracking of the Bone

[greyerrant]

Loken will wait for all the local challenges and requests to be dealt with. A leader must see to the home first. Once foreigners are addressed, he'll wait his turn until Taryn signals him to approach, or there is a silence indicating she has time to speak with him. Once again, there is a sense of strained tension about him, less than fully comfortable in the wild abandon of the Moot, which plays on his nerves and the for the moment chained dynamo of rage and dutiful destruction which powers him of late. When the time comes, he'll speak, in a deep voice, one that carries without shouting,

"I have come as Dictator of Rome, the named Successor of the Rose Empress to request a formal Alliance with Awen." His cloak shifts a bit, exposing more of the white demi-armor, and the massive warrior beneath. Few here outside of Taryn outmass or tower over him, but he seems to be trying to keep his threatening presence on a tight leash. Garviel is consciously biting any arrogance or sting out of his words with effort. His face is pale in the half-moon, and a keen observer might catch the presence of a few sigils of the New Moon on him, a nod to his ancient role in the Mournival of Horus Lupercal.

[get_off_my_lawn]

Taryn's eyes narrow slightly when Garviel first steps forward, but only because of the rage words from another stirred not too long before the Moot. But she maintained her calm and listened.

"For what reason other than a shared border do you wish such?"

[greyerrant]

"Several reasons: My Empress, Nero Augustus Germanicus, had good relations with the Beastmen previously. I would not wish to turn my back on her will in this matter. The second is shared blood. I remember well that your beastmen stood with us when I brought what blades of Rome I could against Avshar, and I sent warriors and suboordinated myself to your command during the recent rout of the Raiders. We are different in how we fight, certainly, but I would prefer to fight by the side of Awen's brave warriors against the storms that are breaking in Dagaria, rather than stand by and let them fight alone, or worse, to be pitted against them." Garviel pauses a moment, his tone fairly even, though there is an undertone of tension in it. When he speaks of being pitted against Awen, even in theory, there is a sense of great regret in his voice, the very idea almost anathema to him. After the pause, he continues,

"There are also mercantile considerations as well. An open and friendly border benefits us both with safe trade routes, and there are many that would welcome what Awen can provide in Rome, and it is my hope that perhaps the citizens of Awen would welcome Roman goods as well."

Another brief pause.

"Cultural exchange would also be a welcome byproduct of such an alliance. Rome has much to learn from you all about.... nature and the world that surrounds them, as concerned as we are with building cities and researching the crystals. And in return, the university of Onylith offers much in way of knowledge about the crystals, and other matters of research various and sundry. It is the center of a research project to defeat the plague that has beset us all, even now, and we would welcome any who wished to contribute from your lands. We'll share the results of what we find regardless of the decision made today, for such research is done for the good of all, but this is simply an example of the sort of valuable information and culture we are willing to share with you."

He finishes with this, "The last reason is personal. I believe I can trust you. We rarely agree, and often anger each other, but in the end, you are a being of blood and honor. I can deal with such." Far more easily than he can deal with Aznable, Mitsunari, or the damnable Fuhrer, he thinks to himself.

At the end of this, Garviel goes very silent. Outside of inspiring his men in battle, or making a plea to the noble heart of a fellow warrior, he rarely likes to speak this much. Better to contemplate for a long time, and do what must be done when the time comes. The moment clearly weighs on him, his light skin growing a bit paler as he talks, though his grey eyes show little, either in warmth, or anger.

[not_the_ship]

Even reclining in a compact leonine posture as he was, Temeraire's head still towered well above the gathered crowd. Despite the breastplate on his chest newly polished of its battlescars and decorated with his Destiny Stone, his boyish curiosity was quick to reveal itself. Glancing about, at this and that and some other thing, flicking his tongue at these new smells and prickling his ruff at the strange sounds. He even wiggled his talons slightly, lifting them away for a surprised moment from an earth suddenly alive.

Some of the braver beastmen had clambered onto the dragon's back in lieu of finding alternate seating. First the hawk beastmen like some manner of roosting bird, then, one at a time, a varied bundle of beastmen and a precious few humans, some dragged aboard by their comrades. Temeraire, used to crewmen scrabbling about on his back, didn't seem to mind in the slightest; only flicking his ruff once.

He did have a reason for being here, besides mere curiosity. When a silence had fallen between the voices, Temeraire's own rumbled out to fill the void.

"Ar-Righ," and here he paused, briefly. Was this the place to ask...? "Could you teach me, to roar as you did during the battle?"

[get_off_my_lawn]

It had been odd to see the young dragon, apparently incapable of a human form like Lleld, arrive for the Moot, but his presence was welcomed. Having been instrumental in their victory over the Raiders and in Britain successfully capturing the drakes they did, she would allot him a place with her people until the time his actions made her change her mind, or he chose to go elsewhere.

"I can try, Temeraire," she replied. "Gaia's gifts are hard to learn for one who doesn't hold rage deep within their hearts. If it is possible, we will accomplish it, but understand it won't be easy and you will most likely discover a part of yourself you don't like during the course."

A pause. "And learning such secrets requires compensation, young dragon. What can you offer in exchange?" She smiled. "And as I'm not sure if we can even accomplish the task, it need not be much."

can I have my short term memory back brain that would be nice

[not_the_ship]

"Ah, well..." the dragon rumbled, and then trailed off.

He hadn't given much thought to what being a dragon meant, besides most of the world being quite wrong. He was most certainly not a mere beast, and only savage when he wished, or there was fighting to be had, or...well.

...and he did so like those shiny gems that Bradley had given him, even though they were safely ensconced in a bank now, he dreaded to be parted from them.

"I can offer my service once more; not forever, should Kushana return, I must go to her side at once, but in the interim..."

[revanisms]

"I have a challenge I wish to issue."

Revan steps forward while saying this, his cloak wrapped around him as he drew himself to a halt. He had waited until last for a reason. After a moment, he bent slightly at the waist in deference to Taryn.

"Shall I?"

[get_off_my_lawn]

Taryn had been waiting for this. She knew it was coming. The Ar-Righ nodded her head.

"Make your challenge, Revan."

[revanisms]

Revan wasn't one prone to speeches but he was a very good public speaker. His charisma had always taken him places that he wouldn't normally have been able to go to.

With one more sweep of his cloak, he turned to face everyone.

"People. Since the beginning of time, one rule has always held true. The victor is always right. He sets the rules, he makes the history. That is the purpose of these challenges.

And today, I challenge one who stands in the audience now. The current ruler of Rome! I decree that this man is too addled and weak to even be fit to lead a company of soldiers, much less a nation. While the outcome of this challenge will have no effect on his position, it will give me the satisfaction of knowing the correct answer.

If that ruler disagrees with my statement, then he is free to accept my challenge."

He had waited until last for the very reason of garnering more attention. His reasons for this challenge were obvious. If Revan won, he just might cause trouble enough in Rome to make it ripe for the picking. Whether or not he actually believed what he said was irrelevant in the larger picture.

[imperial_mods]

The creak of armor echoes throughout the forest as a man clad in armor strides confidently into view, the shriek of an Elder Red Wyrm echoing overhead.

"I am Dakren Khan of the Dragons of the Sands!" he announces in a booming, somewhat hollow voice. "I would treat with she who claims rulership of this tribe."

[get_off_my_lawn]

Immediately, Taryn stands and steps into the clearing, her hand raised to still the Warders already moving to draw weapons. The stop, but many eyes are on the man that lead the raiders.

"I am the Ar-Righ, Taryn Shadow-Walker." She meets his eyes, head held high, as confident in her position as ever. "What business do you have with me?"

Songs and Stories

[get_off_my_lawn]

The drums and the flutes kicked up as the Cracking of the Bone ended. Now was the time to tell tales of glory and honor, to boast and impress. These stories can be of anything, as the skalds and human bards will be listening.

And this started out with a young beastmen jumping into the center of the clearing and telling his tale of the battle against the raiders, about how he and his group pulled a firedrake out of the sky with their bare hands, using ropes launched onto the beast. Tales of how his battle-brother survived the drake's fire to drive his spear right into its eye. Yes, this is a bloody tale, but one of battle. And one of Victory!

Taryn howls her enjoyment in the tale when it's done. Who's next?

[ooc: Anyone who wants to tell a tale or a story is free to. They need not be of battle, they can be of silly things. Tales teach as well as entertain.]

[path_to_the_world]

This was the realm of Ira, Tyrnen had no need to tell of stories to a group, in fact it made him just a little uncomfortable at the thought. Books where for retelling stories, reading and writing was the best way to share, no way to forget or mis-remember. But he did enjoy hearing stories told by others, and to record them, all within the Book of Words. However, Ira herself loved to tell tales, and for the first time in public reveled she had a spiritual form other than a voice attached to a book.

She appeared to be a young woman with long shimmering red hair and bright green eyes. Her features were distinctively fae and long pointed ears peaked out from her hair. Though any relation to the fae was up for debate, it could just as easily simply be a look she liked. Her form faded slightly in and out, never quite fully there, but enough to make her seem like an actual being of flesh and blood if you weren't paying much attention. She had a voice of bells and a captivating smile, her dress was simple and was something appropriate to the region.

"There are many stories I can tell, those of great kings and those of great sorcerers. Warriors, scholars, dragons and fae, I have known them all. But I will tell you of a story long lost, of the great Magus Archeron, this was a time long ago when the Fae were not so hard to find, when they had great cities within the forest of the like no man could even fathom. Their magic and technology was Superior to all, and Acheron was their brightest and most talented mage. He created many spells that few could reproduce, and was heralded across the land for his great knowledge and ability," she paused to look around her audience, slightly floating off the ground. Tyrnen himself tried to keep up with her words as he wrote them down.

"But, of course, things were not perfect in this time. There were those who were jealous and did not like the prosperity of Acheron's kingdom and did not like the fae. A war broke out and for the first time in a long time the fae were outmatched. Acheron's king asked for his aid. 'Please, you must do something or else our people and kingdom will fall'. And it seemed as if it would inevitably do so.

"However!" her eyes widened slightly in excitement and she made little fists. "Acheron had a plan, a great spell that would save them, but he was reluctant, as the devastation it would cause would be unimaginable. But he could not think of any other way, it was the death of his people or the annihilation of the enemy's vast army. It took him nine days to decide on whether his soul could bare such a burden, nine hours to set up the spell, and within nine minutes the entire enemy line was destroyed with a power never seen since. It was the first and last time such a devastating spell was used. Immediately after the great Acheron sealed his spell away so none could ever use it again and then seemed to vanish over night. Some say he traveled far and wide becoming a vagabond unable to cope with what he had to do, others say he tried to spread the word of peace, others say he secluded himself high in the mountains where he studied alone perfecting his magic to the point where he became a god.

"Of course there is only one truth to what happened, and only one person left in today's time who knows, but you won't hear the answer from me, at least not this night," she finished her story, that almost seemed more like a tease, with a smile. It didn't look like she was going to fade away any time soon though, she was ready to have fun and not be stuffed in a bag or written in all day. Let Tyrnen play scribe, she would enjoy the festivities.

The Revel

[get_off_my_lawn]

With the tales told, it was time to bring the Moot to a close.

"Let us finish this night with what many of Dagaria do best - revel. In the woods to the north, there is a great stag of twelve points. He bears a scar along his left flank from claws. This stag has escaped many hunts before. Tonight, he offers himself as a sacrifice to Awen... should we manage to catch him."

Taryn moves about the clearing, looking at each that she knew was a warrior. "This hunt is to be lead by a great warrior - the Wyrm Foe. Let me see who among us will have the honor of leading us on the hunt."

[ooc: Any character interested in being the Wyrm Foe, post a blank comment under this and Taryn will assess each potential Wyrm Foe. If no one is interested (or she doesn't think the PC is suited), she'll choose an npc. Basically, this is the ceremonial hunt and party at the end of the Moot. There will be ample alcohol and food for a feast. Go ahead and start your own threads for the hunt/party aspect.]

Wyrm Foe Candidate

[canhazcookie]