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Fudou the Mountain	Just where doed A Mountain hang his feet up? Apparently anywhere he wants. Fudou's actual place of respite is an unknown enigma. He's never actually revealed it to his allies, certainly not his fandom and certainly not those that ight mean him harm. If he's found 'relaxing' in the city it's usually been in a bar, tea house, resturant or one of the many, many dens of drugs and brothels in search of satisfaction of various sorts. HIs home? Does he even have one? Apparently he does. Or at least a saefhouse. A large warehouse within the cities western quarters. It blends in quite nicely given the other places of storage and commerce and the tradings of goods so it doesn't really tand out and would never e found if the lunar did not want it found. Such is entirely the point. Tiziri, however, is told how to find it and where to find it and once she does, the finds the exterior rather mundane and rather dull and the behemoth ofa man standing outside of it, leaning against a large crate of goods while he awaits her.
Tiziri	Tiziri has passed along a message to wherever Fudou prepares in the Arena. A letter left that she wants to meet, and will be present at a certain time. All the real little pleasantries out of the way, the appointed time comes and at the door is the young woman, in full desert robes and with her spear (admittedly the spear blade is sheathed in leather and peaceknotted). All the same, while her veil may be lowered, she looks pretty serious as she awaits. How she found this place? Well, a mystery. Or probably a Tiziri followed Fudou. Either way, the point is she is here. "Greetings." She calls out while entering.
Fudou the Mountain	It would have been possible to find it without his permission but very difficult. Such is the magic at work. Fortunantely, given the reception of the message...he does will it and so Tiziri soon finds herslf at his place of refuge. "Greetings!" he rumbles, voice loud and cheerful in contrast to her serious expression. "Come on now." WIth that he turns to lead her in through doors wide enough to easily support his dimensions. Within she finds a....actually surprisingly opulent den! He's been busy it seems. Furniture sized for him as well as for guests. Food on large trays and other convienences that might suggest he's hired help to keep the place clean and suitable for long term living. A true 'bachelors pad' for lack of any other description. Large windows allow for great lighting and where those are not viable, lamplight does the rest. "You are the first I've ever allowed here." he says to her. "My own little personal escape from everything. Well hidden. Impossible to find if I don't want it found... Hiding in plain sight you could say."
Tiziri	"Useful." Tiziri notes, along with a nod as she leans her spear against the wall. Then she makes her way over towards one of the chairs and sits down on it, shifting a bit to drape her legs over the arm of it as she looks towards Fudou with a weird little look. "I really should look into making my tower permanent. But it's too nice to be able to move." That little comment seems to have been pretty offhanded. As she starts to look at Fudou quite directly, a weird look on her face before she suddenly asks a very direct and simple question. "Infiltration or Piracy?" No explanation for why. Merely that question stated.
Fudou the Mountain	"Rishi figured out how to do something. She showed me her mansion. Said it was based on the same spell you did as well. She's got hers in a forest owned by another mutual friend and fellow lunar but...." He pauses as she looks at him and then poses that question. He just stares at her and then considers the question. "What are you askin' me luv? What -I- would do between the two?" He takes a seat upon a large couch, draping his huge body over it as he raises both arms up. "Piracy probably. I am afraid that I don't do subterfuge well beyond the most basic gifts The Silver Lady has given us. I suppose a fat cat can be a spy..."
Tiziri	Tiziri giggles in her musically lilting sort of way. "I had guessed so." She notes. "And besides, Piracy just sounds more fun!" She keeps grinning widely. "I've been spying on the ones who are spying on the Tournament, and hit a couple options. One will be easy enough for me. I just need to sneak in as myself, not one of my other mes, and then I can steal any interesting info I want." She says. "But the other? They're sending a cabinet of documents on a ship down the river, I don't know where. But I do know the documents are full of interesting things that even if it won't tell us who they are, will be of immense value to the Pact. Thus? Piracy. Of course if we wanted we could stow away as cats, bugs, whatever. But even I lack patience sometimes. Especially having to sacrifice a lot of my works here to do it."
Fudou the Mountain	"Ooooh. So your efforts paid off." Fudou rubs his jaw in thought, "But you don't know for sure what the documents are? You are not certain if they identified who are celestials and who aren't? I no doubt suspect they likely see Raullaur as one given he wore his golden armor to his battle in the arena and there are others who do not always hide themselves..but we have no proof yet?" He spreads his arms wide, "We can steal the documents easy enough love. I can take on the form of a great sea beast and bring the ship down perhaps. Or force the ship to land using, dismissing my charms to disguise myself and be in my full bestial war form. Is that what you'd like to do? Between us both it should not be a challenge unless you fear there may be Dynats involved?"
Tiziri	"Well, we can't be sure there aren't." Tiziri notes matter of factly. "Indeed, we can't be sure there aren't other forces too. For all we know it is the Dynasts, or perhaps it is the forces of the Mask of Winters or Heaven. We can't know for sure. That's the reason this is so... worrying. Whatever we do needs to be absolute." Tiziri says firmly. "There can be no question and hopefully no sign of what it was. Or if there is, an obfuscating sign that makes them think it was others." Suddenly she gets a weird look on her face. Then starts giggling darkly. "Oh, I may have just thought of another plan. A way to use our indiscrete friend to do just that. If Makara can use his Necromancy... then maybe the forces involved will not expect us!" She keeps grinning. "Of course, we'll need to be there to insure it is successful. Yet..."
Fudou the Mountain	"You know - that -is- a very good idea. For all his lack of guile in other ways - he's managed to do a fantastic job of keeping Makara distinct from his true self. It's actually rather intimidating when he finally opts to stand up and be bold and draw upon his powers." Fudou pauses and then adds, "Well, not to me. I imagine mortals might find it so but he -is- a full moon and one that has quite the visage when in his hybrid and war form. He could very easily play the role of a terrifying necromantic force.. He's quite capable of raising an army of the dead but... we'd still need to make sure the deed was done in full.." He considers matters and then asks, "have you told the others yet?"
Tiziri	"I can be sure of it too." Tiziri says. "Honestly, I'm pretty sure I could finish it with no survivors too." She admits, shrugging. "But I'm still paranoid enough to worry there might be a force of Dynasts or worse onboard. If that were the case things get ugly and I've blown my cover and plenty of trump cards as well. As such, we prepare with layers of plans to be sure we can do it." She coveres her mouth as she giggles more. "Though it might be worth bringing in someone like Misa or Rishi just in case it ends up even more messy than we expect." She hmmms. "Though we'd best move quickly too, so there's that as well."
Fudou the Mountain	"Well who exactly is sending this ship? Is it The Consortium with escorts?" asks Fudou, leaning in a little, "You are right, we still don't know enough about who is behind it all but....I would imagine that if there are Dragonblood on board guarding the documents that alone says quite abit." He leans back and gestures, "I don't think Rishi will be much good in a fight. If it's not a demon or a spirit she is...more pacfistic in nature. She can heal and offer some support but her involvement is less likely to be beneficial..."
Tiziri	"Yes. The Consortium." Tiziri says with a nod. "Though you're equally right that we don't know, I'm hoping the letters in this sealed box will tell us. Or those in a sealed room. The problem with the room is it may take some time to gain entrance, and I'll need to be close. The ship? Also takes some time." She pauses. "Admittedly, we could let the current slate of letters go and hope for another. Potentially letting me get into a secret room first." She notes, pursing her lips thoughtfully. "It may be what happens by default, but still." She nods. "And it is fine, Rishi would not be my first choice anyways, our Solar friends may be more useful anyways. Besides, I have some surprises of my own where sorcery is concerned." She merely grins again.
Fudou the Mountain	"Funny. I mentioned that to her as well, that you had studied under Rakshi." notes Fudou with a smirk. He makes a few random gestures, "So what is it you are wanting to do exactly then. Do you want to simply sink the boat and make it look like an attack from the undead and then seize the content? Or do you want to just drag the boat to the shoreline and do it that way? What? You decide. You found the information."
Tiziri	Tiziri simply nods and stretches her hands out over her head before saying. "I think we see if the Undead can make an appearence, and from there I can discover what the documents say. After that? That's when I'll make my move on the archive here in the city. I don't know where they're spying on us from yet, but hopefully between the two we'll be able to narrow things down."
Fudou the Mountain	"So we get Makara involved and what then? How do they get to the boat? What do you want him to do? Distract them long enough for you to get into the room to get the device? Have me waiting nearby in case things go wrong? Worst case scenario should we simply sink the ship?" asks Fudou, leaning forward to rest his hands onto his knees.
Tiziri	"We should probably work with him to decide just how." Tiziri says. "But the point is we need to get a cabinet full of documents from a trading boat. It's going a lot of documents I was not able to read in it, hard when you're hiding out as a fly after all, and from there we can worry about what to do next. But hopefully we can let the undead do it and then any survivors (and we should make sure there are some!) can spread the word."
Fudou the Mountain	I suppose it's harder to figure this out without knowing exactly what Makara can do." notes Fudou, "In my mind, I see a scenario where his dead are defeated or perhaps we have to intervene in other ways. At the end of the day you just need to get tehse documents it seems but it sounds like there is a concern that if it's obvious that we anathema sunk the ship that's essentially some form of confirmation that we have an interest in what is going on...and no doubt basically confirms our presence here." FUdou sighs and shakes his head, frowning, "I'm tired of this fear of the wyld hunt and subterfuge. It almost makes me wish I was more reckless and newly exalted.. but I can understand the concern .. However we should be prepared to simply take what we want."
Tiziri	"Honestly, it is not the Wyld Hunt I fear the most in this." Tiziri notes after listening to Fudou for a while. "It's more what else might be doing this. A Wyld Hunt? I'll happily send them to their next lives and not worry that much. I've done it before, and I am far more capable now than I was then." "No, it is the unknowns. The servants of Death, or Malfeas, or Heaven than I fear more. Or even those of the Wyld itself. Like you say, we simply don't know who this is! Hopefully we are not messing with a potential ally, but even that is a risk. What if it is another chosen of the Moon? Or Sun? This could still end badly. But the fact is at the moment our interests seem to be in opposition, so it is up to us to stop it."
Fudou the Mountain	"Some of that I hadn't considered.." muses Fudou, "I always assumed that if others of our kind found their way to Great Forks we'd simply make connections but I have expressed in the past to others that simply because everyone here has chosene to get along doesn't mean all Chosen across Creation are on the same page. This is one of Bright Journey's callings. She feels it is her destiny to unite everyone as part of her ....journey. But I think that she underestimates the individual goals and passions of us all. You're right.. WHat if it -is- a powerful Solar that i sseeking to exert influence in Great Forks or is testing us somehow. Or one of Hell's Chosen." Fudou rubs his jaw in thought, "Perhaps we've been focusing -too- much on The Wyld Hunt. I think we started that thinking because of how Amethyst first discovered what she did and brought the information forth. we do know there's someone on the Isle that is inovlved but maybe even that is a misdirection..."
Tiziri	"I don't think it is likely one of ours. But one of the Sun? It is not impossible. Perhaps it is the Bull of the North's people trying to enhance their circle of influence? It would not be impossible..." She notes. "But there's just too many what ifs here. That's why we need to know more. If it is a potential friend? Then we can move from a position of strength. If not? We can move knowing more of whom we need to deal with. Either way, it is necessary." "We are the new incarnations of the Kings and Queens of the past. Why would we get along? Even the first age seems to have had its share of conflicts. So yes, there are a myriad options. None of them pleasant. All of them with their own challenges. And that's just counting the things we understand. There may be other powers we've yet to learn of."
Fudou the Mountain	"Because the things of the ancient world are no more and the troubles that plauge the world now were not matters then. Chosen of Hell? The Deathknights? The encrouach of the wyld? Hn..." Fudou shrugs and leans back once again, "The Realm?" he concludes, "It's a noble desire to want to bring us all together even if it seems impossible. I do not believe one single individual will change Creation but if change is to happen it will take a collective effort..." He finally nods his head with some approval, "I will reach out to Makara then. If you see him before I do then explain matters. I'm not sure we else we should involve. Misa, I suppose. Perhaps the swordsman I've heard of, Ignis. But one of them as a back up isn't a bad idea."
Tiziri	"Well, the encroaching of the Wyld has been an issue. I think. At least from what my Shahan-ya says. Not that it's quite the same thing that we expect. But, irrelevant." She adds. Then shrugs. "I do think we need to move fast. Relatively. I'll say when I know the next ship so we can prepare, but I do know the direction it will sail. We should start setting up our ambush either way. And if the dead are not amenable?" She shrugs. "I'll play my trump card. Hopefully we won't needto do much."
Fudou the Mountain	"What is your trump card?" FUdou frowns and leans in, "I think you should clue me in so that I don't accidentally cause any issues with it, don't you? Also...I can take on the form of a great creature like I said. A River Dragon the size of a building would do the job well enough and then you could swim and recover what you needed once the ship was lost. Either way just say when."
Tiziri	"Let's just say if I play it? I'll make sure you know. And you won't likely interfere with it without me being able to inform you." Tiziri responds. "I'd prefer we don't sink the ship though. Paper and ink tends to not deal with water well after all. That's why I'd prefer to avoid your solution. No, if we get to the point we must interfere more directly? It will be as ourselves, and we'll have to accept there can be no survivors." She sounds unhappy at this. Though still resolved.
Fudou the Mountain	"I don't think it necessarily need come to that." notes Fudou. "Simply put, they don't know what my hybrid form looks like. I keep my tell and my tattoos and visible elements hidden and even then I could still disguise my anima as something else. If we did decide to attack the ship as raiders and hunters simply looking for goods then who is to say we don't take the paperwork as well. Maybe we're just nosey." Fudou grins a little bit, "But let's use Makara first and set the dead upon them. Let them abandon ship or otherwise leave it for you to get what you need and go from there. I will talk to him."
Tiziri	"Aye." Tiziri says. "Honestly, I don't think it will come to that either. It's a last resort. the sort of thing if we come against the agents of Heaven or another power we might be more worried about." She says with a little nod. "It's merely coming up with contingencies." She stretches out again. "So, I hope you've been well?"
Fudou the Mountain	"Well enough...considering." says Fudou with a light hand wave of a gesture as if indicating 'so so'. "I believe that this tournament is on the verge of a breaking point. Misa has fought, Raullaur has fought. I don't know what else lies ahead but it is likely I may fight one of them if things continue on as they are. The chosen of hell seem to be returning ot the area once more so that is also interesting..." He quiets and folds his massive hands against his belly. "I'm uncertain how much longer this 'status quo' will remain as it is. I think, one way or another, many will have to make some hard choices. When it happens....it will be interesting to see what comes of it."
Tiziri	%R "Well," Tiziri notes, "It's the tournament that was designed to learn about us and help push things to a head. So in that respect, it has dones its job." She continues to smile impishly. "Fortunately, they still don't know what I can do. So worst case, they have learned something, but in hte process missed a key piece that is about to cause some problems for them."
Fudou the Mountain	"Assuming we know what they've learned. As far as anyone should be aware, Rishi and I are just Exigents.. Though 'just' is perhaps an underestatement." Fudou smirks a little bit, "Though that's by choice. In truth, it's not as if we are not allowed to be ourselves in Great Forks it's just been to our advantage to apply some subterfuge and that's become the status quo. I admire Raullaurs willingness to simply be himself in full armor. Perhaps we could all learn a thing or two from that and get past all of this dancing around the matter. Let people be willing to form alliances with us or not as we see fit....and deal with threats as appropriate." He laughs abit, deep voice far from impish though there is a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, "Could be fun.."
Tiziri	"I like that people don't know what I can do." Tiziri says. "That to most, I am just an itinerant spearwoman. To a few, a martial artist worthy of note. To others? A Sorceress. It's fun to me." She giggles in an uplilt. "I still would prefer not to reveal myself to one and all. Part of me always wanted to do that in the Caul when I go against my Shahan-ya's ideas and try to end the conflict there. Yet if it comes up? I'll do what needed now."
Fudou the Mountain	THe Mountain shrugs almost helplessly at first but then Fudou notes, "There is certainly an advantage to the subterfuge. If it wasn't for my gifts and disguising my essence and appearence then I wouldn't have been able to use my full attributes in this tournament..and people would treat with me differently. I can agree with what you're saying I'm just...noting that a time will come, must come, when that has to stop. We can't be hiding under covers and blankets from the Wyld Hunt and Realm forever."
Tiziri	"I think the more impressive element is not using your full skills in the tournament." Tiziri says honestly. "I probably should have considered entering to take a dive, to be honest. Without using any of my true gifts, just my skill without. I just don't think I could have stopped myself." She giggles a bit. "But yes, it's as you say. And I fear the moment is closer than any of us would like, yet that's always the case. It's why we were chose, because we are able to rise up to the challenges before us."
Fudou the Mountain	"I'm afraid that wasn't possible." says Fudou, drapping his arm over his couch and leaning back. "The fighters in the tournament -are- supernatural warriors and not mortals. Immaculate monks and others sucha s Exigents. To not use my full capabilities puts me at a disadvantage. Amethyst, for example, has managed great skill. She's as good of a fighter as a Dragonblooded can be and has her fae abilities to lean on as well. If I did not get serious with my skills then I would have been at a serious disadvantage and for what? To prove nothing really."
Tiziri	"Oh, I don't mean never using it. Just doing the best not to ever use them." She explains. Then shrugs. "Oh well. It's been a great chance for me to look into things, and others. So many interesting sorts around!" She grins. "Not to mention the other... issues. But we're close to a breakthrough there now too, so it all works out."
Fudou the Mountain	"Doing your best to not use what makes you 'you'...is not something I can understand." remarks Fudou as he rubs his jaw. "Oh I get the need for holding back for reasons of subterfuge but..I suppose that's why I am hiding my mutations and anima effects.. because of subterfuge. So it's both." He grins, "You are welcome to stay as long as you'd like and come any time. This place is a safehouse. None can find it without having to outwit me."
Tiziri	"Thank you." Tiziri says as she stretches out once more and looks up. "Of course, don't be confused if more than one of me shows up. We do need to sleep." A pause and now she adds, "Oh, or worry which is really me. I've learned more. What one knows, all know. We are all Tiziri." She giggles mirthfully. "Though worry not, this is the real me. The other mes are... currently resting now. Aside from the one trying to learn the Guqin. I am loving that."
Fudou the Mountain	"Heh. I won't say that I don't find that odd while also compelling. I don't think I could ever learn to do what you've done." notes Fudou with a grin, "But yes you are all welcome here. All of you. In the meantime don't get too comfortable since I imagine we'll have to make our move soon. If you get to Makara first, so be it, but if not I will be sure to pass on our need for him. Perhaps the two of us together can. He can be a handful but I've come to believe he means well."
Tiziri	"He would not be chosen if her were not." Tiziri says. "That he is a bit... naive is irrelevant. Not to mention even with his family he would unlikely be in command such as he is without some skill. His social graces may be lacking, yet I think he'll a valuable aid in battle if nothing else."