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Fudou the Mountain	The Congregation of Victory doesn't have much longer before it is finally settled. There are not that many matches left to go through and the final combatants' identities are quickly being revealed as the last of the matches wind down. A certain level of anticipation is being deliberately built up by The Consortium. A management of the crowds expectation and a building of excitement towards what are surely to be a spectacular series of final bouts if the sights and sounds of what have led to these moments is any indication of things. But though only a few matches yet remain, there are indeed matches under way and ones that don't lack for visual excitement...and potential great pain for those yet participating. Indeed a loud *BOOM* resounds over a portion of the arena. Those nearest to the arena floor literally feel a shockwave roll over them, whipping their hair back, stirring their clothes and even tripping some up who are standing. The earth shakes and plumes of dust billow upwards, engulfing one of the mats where a match had been taking palce with many eyes on it. From the cloud, the body of a fighter emerges...hurtling straight upwards as iif launched into the air by a trebuchet. His body limp and unconscious as eyes track his flight up and up and up and then down and down and down back towards the debris cloud caused by whatever sent him flying. That source is soon revealed as the dust cloud parts, blased away by another shockwave, this one caused simply by the rolling physique and monstrous flex of the gargantuan behemoth of a man standing in the middle of the mat with one fist clenched in the afrermath of a violent upper cut. His rope belts and torn garments fflap wildly about him but he's largely naked save for wrestler briefs and light armor on his shins and wrists. The unfortunante victim of the behemoth plummets down towards the arena floor below only to be snatched from a devestating impact at the last second to land roughly in the giants upraised hand. There is silence and then the crowd breaks into cheers as a voice calls out. "THE MOUNTAIN, WINS!"
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut is having the time of his life watching the matches. He's no stranger to bloodsport, usually a participant, but the novel chance to observe this city full of Exalted allow them to tear into one another is a delight. In Yu-Shan, under the auspices of the Sun and Moon and Mars, there's no lack of opportunities to watch the gods, including very puissant ones, battle but other humans are often limited to observing formal duels between fellow Sidereals and sometimes members of the Heaven's Dragons. This is a distinct pleasure and he's roaring with the crowd as the huge man rockets that fighter halfway to the stars and has the panache for that catch at the end. He absolutely has to meet this man, and is already charting the course to the fighter exits in his mind.
Fudou the Mountain	"Here you go. A simple matter for the healers. Apologize to him on my behalf later, but he did ask me to not hold back." The so called 'Mountain's rumbly voice vibrates through the air, easily audible by those who draw nearer to him as he brings the body of the unfortunante gladiator who had been matched against him either by choice or deliberate effort to gain some clout by facing the behemoth. The healers gathered by The Consortium for the tournament take the poor fellow from the giant and lay him upon a cot to take him towards tents set aside for these matters. and the goliath turns from them to give a wave towards the crowds that still observe him even though other matches are already being primed to occupy the spot he once stood in. He lifts an arm up, bringing it down into a flex that causes the muscles of the arm to bulge up hugely, as a boulder hurtled lby Isidoros had been sewn under his skin. It's...unsettling to many how enormous he is but there seems to be an affable charm about him despite the overwhelming immensity that is present and more obvious the closer one draws to him. He turns away, now seeking the exit of the arena and, as of yet, does not notice the one making a straight line to intercept him...
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut is perched atop the great stone arch of the exit as the Mountain passes under (thanks, Forgotten Earth!) and he brings his hands together in a clap as the giant emerges. "That, good sir, was the coolest thing I've seen in a good bit! I mean by the gods, the uppercut into the clouds is one thing but that catch? You have the heart of a showman, and foresight to not let someone die just because!"
Fudou the Mountain	Now The Mountain is no stranger to praise, particularly these days. He's come to take it all with a big cheery grin, a wave of his hands or a bow and a quick glance and crinkling of his eyes in a merry fashion. Hardly the actions of some barbaric brute the size of a beast of burden ...or bigger...but indeed that of a performer and a charmer despite the brutality of his appearence. The words uttered by this new stranger does cause him to pause and he purses his lips in surprise and then turns to look up towards the perching figure. His interest is immediately captured by both the place chosen to address him from and the words spoken as well. "Ooooh? You have my gratitude!" he offers in return. His deep voice is thick with the heavy accent of the southeast. The Dreaming Sea. It's such a heavy bass rumble that it's just shy of being unintelligible. Like listening to an earthquake try and converse but the accent is easily placed. He takes a moment to look the speaker over, noting the roughness of his appearence and the casual aptitutde for such a dangerous spot to rest upon, so high from the ground. "Hmm...are you a fighter?"
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut nods. "Not here to fight. I arrived to town late in the cycle for this tournament, but I'm enjoying watching. I tend to get my ass handed to me in these things anyway, but I like to think that losses are the kind of things we learn the most from." He hops down from the apex of the arch to the ground, descending down to where the big man is probably used to looking. "I pity whoever has to go up against you in the finale, but maybe the Exigent of some war god or another might give you a run for your money." He bows deeply to the Mountain. "I know who I'm betting on, though." He gives a smile as he rises back up. "You also look like someone who can hold their drink or literally eat an ox. You willing to let a fan buy you either in return for answering a few questions?"
Fudou the Mountain	"Questions, you say?" The behemoth inclines his head in thought and levels his gaze in full upon the other man, seemingly attempting to study him thoughtfully. His gaze isn't exactly suspicious but he does seem surprised at both the forwardness and willingness to offer food and drink so quickly and casually. But he seems to yield to it all after that brief pause and his smile returns. His gaze flickers over the man a few more times from behind the rim of his silver rimmed glasses and then his smile grows even larger. "I fear you may regret the offer of food but very well. You have my attention!" He lifts one of those swamp tree thick arms up and hten gestures with a sweep of his arms for him to lead on, "After you, then! But you also must give me your name, stranger."
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut leads on, following the smell of cooking. There's restaurants, they feed dozens of people all day long. The big guy can't eat enough to completely empty one out, can he? And if he's wrong, there's always another. AS he goes, he turns to look up at the man to talk. It seems polite to look for vocal projection at least. "Pyrope Ranut. I'm new to Great Forks, I was planning to just pass through but am feeling an increasing desire to stick around for as long as I can swing it. The place is overflowing with interesting people. And yeah, questions. For one, where in Creation do they produce men like you and can they all fight so damn well? Because if so, I should point my feet that way. I live and presumably one day will die by fighting, and I think it's good to learn about the world through the end of my fists sometimes." He pauses. "Not that the martial art I practice really favors fist strikes, but the thought is there.
Fudou the Mountain	Well let's see...he's somwhere on the magnitude of at least eleven feet tall. Five wide. Muscles such that he'd make a roided out Yeddim look malnourished. Large belly even though it's stacked with hardened flesh. It's safe to say he maybe -could- empty the reserves of a restaurant. And that'e excluding some..trickery.... But it's not the offer of food and drink that has his attention as much as the questions being posed and a curiously building interest in this man who questions him so. In the end, he seems satisfied with whatever he believes he's perceived and the giants deep voice rolls forth in answer: "I am a Yennin of Volivat but more besides that. In Volivat you could say that we..breed..a certain cadre of people. The Yennin. From them, powerful warriors might emerge but I am....probably the largest and strongest such being. I say that not to brag just that...it was meant to be that way. As to the rest? Welll..I obtained the favor of a god of strength and mountains of Volivat's lands..." he grins a little bit, "So..you could say I have some additional advantages.. More then that, I cannot say but know that an Exigent of War would suit me just fine.... If you were to journey to THe Dreaming Sea...you would find many challenges. But it is a long journey."
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut raises an eyebrow. "And here I'd been betting on unique wyld mutant. Chosen of a god of strength however seems perfectly sane to me." He laughs. "So, one stranger to this city to another: What do you find most interesting here? I've met a woman who appears to be at least half a fruit bat and the rest a doctor and picked up a temporary Guild security contract." He leads the duo to a restaurant that has enough outside seating to not force the big man to duck to fit inside, and places a small pile of coin in the hands of the staff. Whatever that roasting smell is, for the big guy. Until it runs out. And also noodles and whatever that fish cooking smell is for himself. It smells absolutely divine.
Fudou the Mountain	The goliath begins to offer a slowly broadening grin as he looks upon Ranut. He seems to be warming up abit more now, growing more open and comfortable the longer he speaks though he inclines his head curiously once more as he studies the man. When he speaks again, he is cheerful and affable enough, deep voice rolling forth with its heavy vibrating thrumming through the air as he intones, "You will find Great Forks is quite fascinating! It's surname is called Decadence and for good reason. There are many things to be swallowed up by here so be wary. Drugs and festivals abound. As do the mysteries of desperate gods and more besides. Keep your eyes and ears open else you be swept up by the going ons here and find it difficult to escape. I know the one you speak of. A healer of great power and an exigent herself.." As he takes a seat upon the ground, looming over the chosen table like a leaning sequioa, he rumbles once again with that big grin: "I am no wyld mutant, no. But..I will say that the Yennin are born through certain means that enable great talents to occur. A Yennin is a match even for the warriors of Prasad and the Sorcerers of Ysur."
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut waits for whatever his pile of coin gets him to drink and sips it when it arrives. "The Dragon-Blooded command great power, especially in groups. I'm not here to steal your people's secrets, but still an impressive feat to make the rising power that is Prasad halt. I know of Volivat, by name at least. I'm not exactly the most well read person in the world, but have seen a map or three before." Ranut leans back in his seat and glances the Mountain over. "So what brings you so far from home? Me, I'm on a..." He coughs awkwardly. "Somewhat enforced departure from my usual. So I've been seeing what the East has to offer. I myself am out of Gem initially, probably more than halfway across Creation from here."
Fudou the Mountain	"It would be difficult for me to explain said secrets." notes Fudou as he rests one massive arm against an upraised knee and leans in. His grin becomes almost conspiratorial as he rumbles, "Quite complicated the matter is. More then you may guess at first. A tall tale maybe. One tht involves 'Ten Fathers'." His arcs an eyebrow at that, looking full of mischief as he speaks. He then leans back once more, resting on a large pillow as he makes an absent gesture with an enormous roughened hand. "Upon being chosen, I had cause to leave. that is all I can say on that. However, I have the support of my homeland and will return when the time is right or if they need my aid. Creation is vast. I know of Gem. You've come quite the distance to arrive here in Great Forks. There will be other tournaments though and if you seek danger. and excitement... You need only wait long enough and it will happen." He waits a few seconds and then asks a question of his own, "How is it you came to meet the healer? Rishi?"
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut gives a small laugh. "I ran into someone I knew here, and they insisted I should meet this priestess before all others. She was certainly an experience, and if I ever get stabbed, beaten to the brink of death, or whatever else might ruin the body I know where to go in this city. And honestly, the odds of a stabbing or attempted disemboweling are pretty high. I walk through the world with absolutely unearned confidence and probably an excess of opinions." He packs away food as he talks, glancing up at the big man. "I assume you don't live on charity. I usually live by my hands, as much smaller than yours as they might be. You know anyone else in town I should absolutely meet? Rishi was certainly an experience, but not a bad one. Though I think she doesn't like me much." He pauses in the noodle feast for more...wine? Yes, wine.
Fudou the Mountain	"Doesn't like you much? Reaalllly.. Now why is that...?" Fudou's curiousity is indeed raised that much more now. It seems he's slowly wheeling his way into turning this interview around the other way and his deep voice gently prods the uncouth fighter before him for more information. "I understand she can be....intense...in her own way but she's rather lovely. Her accent and command of River Tongue is a bit...in need of work so perhaps you misundrstood any signals you may have gotten." A large chunk of meat is taken up by the goliath as he studies the other man. He then offers, "Depending on the type of work you'd like to do...there is much work to be done. You'll have to narrow it down a bit more for me. What do you -want- for yourself while you are here? Just.....money? Regardless of where it comes from?"
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut shrugs. "I think I accidentally insulted her, but not really sure how. I'm attuned to moods, but not sure exactly what I said that turned it. I'll apologize to her later if we cross paths." And then he pauses to think "I don't need money. I have more at hand than many will see in their entire lives. But my usual life is one of focused purpose, and I'm presently...on vacation. And while seeing Creation is nice, it's driving me mad to not have something to do." He takes a moment to think then rises to his feet, bowing again to the Mountain. "I suppose my full introduction should be thus: Pyrope Ranut, Chosen of Mars."
Fudou the Mountain	"Chosen of -Mars-...?" Fudou's surprise isn't feigned here. though perhaps it's less the fact that he -is- Exalted and more the fact that he so readily and easily revealed that to him. A number of thoughs race through the giants head as he stops from taking hold of another chunk of meat and inclines his head in curious confusion at the man before him. "Well.." he considrs, "Now that is a surprise. Perhaps, as an exigent herself, Rishi sensed something about you that you were hiding from her that put her off.... Strange..that you'd reveal yourself to me like this." He points the meat at him, shaking it slightly as he rumbles, "With such an introduction, that you find yourself lacking purpose is odd to hear. Nor do I see how one 'vacations' from being what you are. If it's battle you seek then there is much of that to be had. Perhaps too much...depending on your point of view.." He then ahhs, as if realizing something else and then considres, "...That would make sense. Rishi is rather adverse to violence... Perhaps that's what put her off. How interesting!"
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut laughs again. "Oh, you can't vacation from what you are. But I have a job, and that job can take breaks." He glances up at the giant. "If you remember this conversation in the future, I'm pretty certain you're someone who it'd be a waste of time to lie to." Ranut reaches up and pulls a chunk off the meat stick that Fudou is using to gesticulate at him with. "It's a curse, honestly. Alienating. Forces me to do stupid shit to retain continuity with people. But those who can just tough through it are worth knowing, you know?"
Fudou the Mountain	"Perhaps.." considers Fudou....frowning ever so slightly now as he considers him. He holds the hunk of meat for a few seconds longer after the other has taken a chunk from it, and then leans it back towards his mouth and claims a sizable portion of his own. Upon setting it down he muses, "Some might wonder how wise that is. After all...the ability to be like..shadows..that others can't recall would seem to be a benefit to your....work, no? If I remember you and know you for who and what you are...then...that could prove a probelm for us both down the road, no?" He looks the man over in thoguht and then says, "Certainly just looking for 'interesting people' isn't good enough to want to reveal that. Some might consider that....not very smart." he grins slowly, "Daring at least. But...still..not smart!"
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut says, "Smart is barely part of my vocabulary." Ranut pops the stolen meat into his mouth. "Bored, though? Seeking interesting results? Sure. We're a conspiracy of silence not by choise but by hubris." He looks up at the man. "What, do you think I'm someone born to be a spy? I ran into you entirely because of how amazing it was to see you fight.""
Fudou the Mountain	"Rather different from what I'd expected, that is for sure. " considers Fudou, growing more cheerful once again though still confused, "Still, the lack of subterfuge...deliberately so...is confusing and perhaps concerning. But I grant you this, you -are- interesting to me and worth my time as much as I seem to be worth yours." fudou gestures with the meat once again, looking more pleased now, "Assuming you don't decide to end your vacation abruptly that is. As far as finding reasons to fight? Plenty of that persists. Why, I might even entertain you with that notion myself now that I know more about you. Since you've revelaed so much about yourself to me, it might only be fair after all!"
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut says, "The world is full of struggle. It feels like a fool's move to make life harder than it need be, and it isn't like the Five Score Fellowship really is meant to be secret from origin. Maybe some individual operations, but I'm not about to pretend the arcane fate which I live under was planned." Ranut flops back on his cushion. "I strive to act with purpose. If you feel like feeding clues for that my way, I'd appreciate it. Anything you want to know in return? I'm close enough to an open book. If you remember it, you could stand to know in the first place.""
Fudou the Mountain	"I appreciate your honesty." remarks Fudou with a grin that is once more shark like as he looks over the other man, "And your willingness to be bold and take risks if you see someone interesting but you should learn to take care as well, lest you reveal your secrets to the wrong one. Even so, what I am hearing is -most- intriguing and it gives me much to mull over . As to clues? Well..." He shrugs to that and grins once more, "It is not my nature to give away the secrets of others but -I- think that if you continue as you are you will encounter more who, like myself, may prove interesting to you but have a care as well that you don't stumble into matters best left un disturbed, even by a Chosen of Battles.... Still, there's much I could reveal to you but I think it best to let these things happen organically. It's only our first meeting after all.."
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut laughs. And laughs, and laughs a bit more. "My man, I court death with each new person I meet but don't bother to hide from. I am not on a mission from Heaven, so I have no need to hide. At this point, I'm almost doing things for the simple sake of finding out what happens by fucking around. Do you know of the factionalism withing Heaven?" He glances up at Fudou and lifts a bottle of wine his way. A swallow or two for one of that size, at least.
Fudou the Mountain	"I do not and wonder if I care to know the details." remarks Fudou with a smirk as he leans back once again though he claims the bottle as he does so. He uses it to make a few more idle gestures as he speaks, "But life has its spice to it when lived on the edge. If this is the path you've chosen and you are who you say you are then you well know the risks involved and I will not attempt to say more on that front." He takes said drink from the bottle, indeed claiming much of it in one go and then he moves to set it back to the table for him to take back as he sees fit. "I will simply say this, it would be in your best interests to make ammends with one such as Rishi if you do think you've offended her but, perhaps, let me go ahead of you and inquire. I believe that we are....close...so I may glean more from her after we speak. Then, you will have to show me some of the fabled battle arts of the Chosen of Battles. Your words earlier are intersting to me. I'd be curious to know what they actually mean, in regards to your skill as a fighter.."
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut nods. "I made jest of the fallability of the gods. I think she did not appreciate that." He looks up at the Mountain. "She knows me under the false name Tamzi, if you speak to her about that. If you want to fight, I can tell you I'm not half bad as a Snake stylist but I don't think I am especially better at it than some others might be." He sips his drink a little. "Honestly, I could stand to train more myself. If you don't mind trading blows sometime, it has been a minute since I've really pushed myself. I told you, losing is a way of learning. I could lose a few times against one like yourself, I think."
Fudou the Mountain	"Hmm.." Fudou considres the explanation and then muses thoughtfully, "Strange, on the one hand, she'd take offense to that...." But he opts to not delve any further then that statement. "If you wish to fight and test your limts there are many here that may have the skill to oblige. I know of a few, some who might be rather eager actually. There is a swordsmistress and a swordsman of considerable note who wander about and others beyond that. I will oblige you then, as I am curious about your styles." he grins once again, "Being willing to accept loss is a great thing. There are many who do not handle such matters easily. Perhaps you may surprise yourself, though. Either way...I look forward to the attempt."
Pyrope Ranut	Pyrope Ranut raises a fist to the bigger man. "I learned martial arts as a way to escape a bad home. In the end, fighting is how I have defined my life, even if it is as a loser and thug inspiring others to stand against me." He gently pushes his fist onto the Mountain's arm. "And with that in mind, do I have any concerns for you?"
Fudou the Mountain	"I think we are past the point of mere concerns." Fudou allows the fist against his massive frame and then simply grins and pushes to his feet. "I thank you for the meal and for this enticing and intriguing revelation1 I believe we will meet again and soon...and perhaps then I may have pondered matters abit further and so in doing so come up with something to assist you in your search for purpose and direction during your..vacation." He presses a massive hand to his chest, and bows slightly - leaning over towards the other man with that sharkish grin still on his face. "For now, I must go, for I have a journey ahead of me. We will encounter each other again soon. Of that..I am certain.."