NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Take one incredibly rich modern to post modern tech nation.

Add an internal power struggle which is subtle, yet vicious.

Add to this that one of the first moves by the main troublemaker is to "attempt to restock the harem" as a means of destabilizing...

In short, backdoor politics and backstabbing (both literally and figuratively) in a "quiet little" morass as forces try to take over a country from the inside - and those suddenly involved end up having to choose sides. Or do they?

***

Anyway, I'm looking into the non-violent, subtle, and potentially volatile politicking which could (might?) destabilize my nation. Would anyone be interested in taking part in this RP?

IC THREAD LOCATED HERE (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8650629#post8650629)

Details'd be needed, such as what exactly you're trying to achieve, but otherwise I'm interested.

Short form - the nation is icily stable; the forward thinking leader has taken a fourth-rate power and made it a first world nation, on the edge of achieving spaceflight.

The traditionalists are not that happy - they want "the old ways preserved".
Then we have the Capitalists, who are... "less then interested" in the status quo, and want the balance of power changed.

The Progressives are holding fast with the power that is, as it is keeping things going.

Outside of that, I'm rather sure some... foreign powers would be more the a little interested in instability in the nation. And this gives a hell of a backdoor into what has been a rather "closed at the top" nation so far.

Here's the thread so far (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=406324), which alludes to some of the goings on.

The only thing I am not interested in is assassination. Death of the Leader wouldn't do anything but solidify his position at this point, to the heir. And it's very passe just to kill off someone.

Interesting. And I've been looking for an excuse to RP with you anyway. What role would you like me (FT, interested in strong relations with Vastiva) to play?

Interesting. And I've been looking for an excuse to RP with you anyway. What role would you like me (FT, interested in strong relations with Vastiva) to play?

How you get in is up to you - OOC I'll play with most anyone, and IC, Raahmid is about to "force it to the world" to prevent his angle from being boxed. That will give enough reason for any nation to get involved - Vastiva is a prime oil producing nation, a major banker, and has been moving forward in bounds on the Information Technology front (due to other events).

Which side you take is also up to you - things should be somewhat balanced overall, but there's time enough to worry about that later. First, I'm interested in who is interested.

Considering that Brazil's war is burning oil crazy-like, Vastiva, because of the trade contract, is the largest oil supply to Brazil. A little instability wouldn't help. I'm interested, and will enquire further in the thread.

Well, this is a good beginning. :)

A slight update in the thread - still waiting to see if there is more interest, as the pot has started boiling, but hasn't yet boiled over into a true morass.

Oh yeah, I'm interested. It took me all of a minute to think of a way of giving you a back door to the Empress and her circle.

EDIT: You said you weren't interested in assassination, but I took that to mean you didn't want the Sultin taken out... *wills Vastiva to follow train of thought*

Can't kill Sinjin. IF you decide to kill off characters, please have a good reason, as once the Palace Guard is involved, things will likely devolve quickly. Same goes for killing off other players characters.

However, other such actions, such as nausea agents and the like - well, be creative.

Okay, been look'n for a thread to RP in, and this one looks like a good one.
My nation's pretty small (I intend to RP the population as being fairly small pretty much continuously, even when the NS stats show it growing bigger...), has a rotten climate (Cold, wet, nasty almost year 'round), and a fairly strong interest in "Stability" where politics is concerned. (Moderntech, a little behind the neighbours in most areas due to small population, relative isolation...)
and few entangling alliances. If it's acceptable to yourself, I would like to RP a national from this cold, nasty, but ultimately polite and 'vanilla' nation of 26 million (stable, supportable).

Stats:
Name: Engred Stalhaver
Age: 21
Height: 5'11 1/2
Weight: 145 Lbs
Hair: Strawberry Blonde
Background:
Nationality: Cadillac Gage
City of Birth: Todos Santos (Pop. 50k)
Education: Currently a graduate student in the Geophysics department (Masters, going for PhD.), Fields of study include Foreign Languages and Cultures, Classical Literature, Geology, Geochemistry, and Paleogeology.
Hobbies/Interests: Engred is a "Hobby Mechanic" and Science-Fiction fan, has strong interests in Cultural studies (though her main focus has been "Practical" studies, due to the University's rather small curriculum-which is mostly technology and scientific, rather than Liberal Arts...)



Notes: The Stalhaver family is one of the wealthiest local families in Cadillac Gage, Stalhaver Minerals Processing being the third-largest Uranium Ore Processing company in the country (they also own approximately 15% of the National Electrical Grid's power-plants). Engred is the fourth child, and attends the University of Todos Santos, where, in spite of "classical" good looks (Think: "Valkyrie"), she hasn't had a date in four years (all four years...).

Engred flunked the Physical For Enlistment (Female, too tall to fly jets, wrong educational background for Medical, too valuable intellectually to be in Military Police, improper educational background for Military Intelligence... there are only four branches of service that will take a female Officer Candidate, and discrimination in the Military is pretty strong everywhere but Aviation, where Females outnumber Males four-to-one... it's a culture thing), and was refused a place on the Campus Volunteer Fire Department and Campus Police Reserves (wrong Gender to be put at risk in a burning building or quelling rioters.)

She earns spending-money working at the Campus Chemical Library. (her father gives her just-enough to live on, and pay her tuition... not one centime more. It's culture again) And is active in several on-campus groups as well as volunteering at the local Battered-Women's Shelter (She's the gal with the nightstick and pistol, guarding the entry foyer five nights a week. She's sent seven men to the hospital and one to the morgue-the Judge ruled it "For the good of Society", and she recieved a small award for Outstanding Civil-service.)


Okay, that's stats, and a bit of background...is she accptable, or do I need to make changes?

Works just fine - I'll be making the public announcement in a day or so, link will be in this thread.

Hmmm...This seems interesting. ("May I join?") I've been scouring the forums for a good RP that is just starting up. The ones that are out there haven't caught my interest. More insight on what you want would be helpful...

My Idea: Attempt by the Corporations (Vastiva's Corporate Elite) to manipulate and eventually take control of the Federal Government. While (possibly) at the same time, the "Traditionalists" or "Conservatives" attempting to stop the Corporations while taking political power away from the "Progressives." And last but not least, all involving Global Warming.

Hmmm...This seems interesting. ("May I join?") I've been scouring the forums for a good RP that is just starting up. The ones that are out there haven't caught my interest. More insight on what you want would be helpful...

My Idea: Attempt by the Corporations (Vastiva's Corporate Elite) to manipulate and eventually take control of the Federal Government. While (possibly) at the same time, the "Traditionalists" or "Conservatives" attempting to stop the Corporations while taking political power away from the "Progressives." And last but not least, all involving Global Warming.

The announcement opening the RP was made here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=406324) It also contains all the initial set up.

And you're pretty close, though not the "global warming" part. Have a read through the thread, I'll be on later to answer more questions OOC. Glad to have you onboard. :)

If you want...I can still throw in the global warming part. The "Traditionalists" will use the theory of "global warming" in their plot to overpower the Oil-Controling Corporations.

I just want to experiment this plot. It's based off of a book I am reading now:
Michael Crichton's State of Fear

Some discussion is in order - particularly that you could control the entire government of Vastiva, and your reign would last, oh about a week. If that.

The government of Vastiva has no treasury, is not allowed to collect taxes or in any form create money. It also cannot invest or otherwise create additional funds for itself, save for that which is used in the budgetary year. Excess is returned to the Sultan.

Yep, that's right, the Sultan. As in "The Sultan owns everything". The Treasury (and the national bank) is completely owned by the Sultan. The Sultan collects all taxes of any sort, and decides what to give or deny the government where funding is concerned.

Or to put it another way - the Sultan does not work for the government. The government works for the Sultan.

That, by the way, is the impetus of action - there are those in the government who want far more power then they have.

so the sultan and the government are two separate entities...so what do you want to do with the government and/or the sultan?

1. Will this have any effect on the iceberg delivery contract? If so, count me in!

2. I don't know about the politics angle, but I think the Grand Duchess has a niece of the Paris Hilton variety who might be eager to join a harem.

so the sultan and the government are two separate entities...so what do you want to do with the government and/or the sultan?

Very separate entities. This is part of a power play by elements of the government to change from a "Monarchy with limited Constitutional Elements" to a "Constitutional Monarchy" or possibly some other form of government. If you'll review the thread, you'll see at least one of these particular elements doing a bitch.

1. Will this have any effect on the iceberg delivery contract? If so, count me in!

Uhm, ok, yes. ;)



2. I don't know about the politics angle, but I think the Grand Duchess has a niece of the Paris Hilton variety who might be eager to join a harem.

*reviews the Sultan's vaccination records carefully* ;)

Here's the thread so far (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=406324), which has actually been somewhat lively - still room in the pool if anyone wants to jump in.

Here's the thread so far (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=406324), which has actually been somewhat lively - still room in the pool if anyone wants to jump in.

im still not completely sure how to join the thread...i thought you were going to create a new thread just solely for your coup

AH - you're missing the storyline. The coup is already underway - the insertion of the members of the harem is part of the plot. And its those selfsame members of the harem who will be pivotal to the action.

In short - the balance of power in the country hasn't moved in a very long time. These additions are not part of that structure, though they have power within it - and their actions create or neutralize the imbalances.

More answers with more questions. ;)

(still waiting on YGSM....)

OOC: Hey, just introducing myself and my possible role. This looks like and interesting RP and I'm interested in joining. I was thinking about going from the capitalist angle, Gran Cienaga is a very capitalist nation so many of our citizens are familiar with money matters. I'm thinking getting involved in oil production or IT, but I'm not sure where to begin, Any ideas on how to approach this?

Are there still vacant rooms in the harem? If so, a possible occupant is currently at a loose end in my non-magic nation, Findhorn. The opportunity to RP with you and Krioval and YGSM -- not to mention -Noir-, whose manga-style heroines leave me gasping -- is not to be sneezed at. Give me the nod in this thread and I'll have a word with the powers-that-be at Findhorn Abbey.

All you need to do is:

1) Review the thread so far
2) "send" a letter to the Grand Vizier of your intended candidate
3) go from there.

That's it.

OOC: Hey, just introducing myself and my possible role. This looks like and interesting RP and I'm interested in joining. I was thinking about going from the capitalist angle, Gran Cienaga is a very capitalist nation so many of our citizens are familiar with money matters. I'm thinking getting involved in oil production or IT, but I'm not sure where to begin, Any ideas on how to approach this?

The characters are all to be members of the Sultan's harem - for various political and social reasons, some of which have been revealed, some of which have not.

Vastiva's oil production "company" is VALOREC - actually a conglomeration of several dozen smaller companies, under one banner, created as a monopoly. This is also one of the fifteen largest "companies" in Vastiva.

IT is spread out among many "competing" companies, and here there is no monopoly - a rather cutthroat competition is the norm.

Mentioning a skill set would bring you to the attention of the Vizier of that area of commerce, which would in turn lead to that area.

why do we need a candidate for the harem...i think that's redundant concerning the plan on initiating an internal power struggle within the government...

why do we need a candidate for the harem...i think that's redundant concerning the plan on initiating an internal power struggle within the government...

That's exactly why you have candidates. For a conspiracy to be successful, it can't look like a conspiracy. So, if you're using a pre-existing vehicle to do the destabilizing, you have to make everything look legit so as to not arrouse suspicion.

Are there still vacant rooms in the harem? If so, a possible occupant is currently at a loose end in my non-magic nation, Findhorn. The opportunity to RP with you and Krioval and YGSM -- not to mention -Noir-, whose manga-style heroines leave me gasping -- is not to be sneezed at. Give me the nod in this thread and I'll have a word with the powers-that-be at Findhorn Abbey.

*nod* Though we should mention, magic nations are just fine if that's the direction you want to work from. It's up to you.

...and if anyone wants to remark about the terrorist attack, that's just fine as well...

*bump*

Do individual nations know about the terrorist attack? I mean, obviously the harem girls should be "in the dark", but am I right that other governments have seen the news broadcasts?

Do individual nations know about the terrorist attack? I mean, obviously the harem girls should be "in the dark", but am I right that other governments have seen the news broadcasts?

If they monitor VNN, yes, they've heard about it. They would have seen exactly what was broadcast.

Mother Mirrim of Findhorn Abbey will write to you tomorrow -- she's a little distrait right now, owing to representations by the Lost Colony that's been lost for 400 years, but apparently wasn't lost at all.

She's currently discussing the harem application with the candidate, whose name is Myfanwy ap Hwyl. Myfanwy is 23, what's known on Findhorn as a Child of the Goddess (means she was born nine months after a Solstice celebration), but doesn't give herself airs about it. The daughter of the Abbey's choirmistress, she's a folksinger, herbalist and writer of game-stories for Findhorn's flourishing IT industry. She's small (abt 5'2"), brown hair, brown eyes, darts about like a sparrow, sings like a lark, eats like a bird, soars like an eagle (hang-glider).

If she wins the argument with Mother Mirrim (people do, occasionally), she'll be taken in the Abbey's helicopter to the airport at Triilier, the capital of Telidia, main nation of the region of Lavinium. (Findhorn, being a tiny, mountainous island, doesn't have one.)

Mother Mirrim of Findhorn Abbey will write to you tomorrow -- she's a little distrait right now, owing to representations by the Lost Colony that's been lost for 400 years, but apparently wasn't lost at all.

She's currently discussing the harem application with the candidate, whose name is Myfanwy ap Hwyl. Myfanwy is 23, what's known on Findhorn as a Child of the Goddess (means she was born nine months after a Solstice celebration), but doesn't give herself airs about it. The daughter of the Abbey's choirmistress, she's a folksinger, herbalist and writer of game-stories for Findhorn's flourishing IT industry. She's small (abt 5'2"), brown hair, brown eyes, darts about like a sparrow, sings like a lark, eats like a bird, soars like an eagle (hang-glider).

If she wins the argument with Mother Mirrim (people do, occasionally), she'll be taken in the Abbey's helicopter to the airport at Triilier, the capital of Telidia, main nation of the region of Lavinium. (Findhorn, being a tiny, mountainous island, doesn't have one.)

*nods* sounds good. Shall have to take a 74SL or suborbital to Vastiva, as the local winter has begun. Considering its only the beginning, there are currently 40mph (64kmh) winds, and the temperature is down to -60C. So it's rather balmy for winter at the moment.

We would like to join, though with benefits to the negative side.

We would like to join, though with benefits to the negative side.

Please explain "benefits to the negative side"? I do not understand what you are saying.

Summary of the Story So Far

Note: Italicized notes were alluded to in the thread, or are given for relevant timeline. Numbers refer to the individual posts of events, where relevant (and I had time to look them up). Underlined names are characters, places, or groups which have shown up in the RP, and may be of significance. Significant plot points are bolded, except where I forgot to do so. Most likely, I’ll catch it in the next update.

All of this information can be considered OOC and is presented for the players knowledge and reference.

***

Sultan Sinjin Lefkowitz al-Din agrees to the “retirement” of Badria Nazanin al-Dalal to private life. This is the last member of the Harem of Vastiva, which he inherited from his predecessor, Sultan Vaada Kivaa al-Din.

On an invitation, the Sultan departs Vastiva with his Vizier of International Affairs (and former member of the harem), Francesca Berenstein al-Dalal, to attend a masquerade in Htrae Miseria - with orders not to be disturbed except in dire emergency. (10)

Grand Vizier Raahmid Javani, the “number two” in Vastiva, has decided to repopulate the harem of the Sultan of Vastiva. He claims, in a private conversation with Vastiva’s General of the Vastivan Armed Forces (Riva Sola al-Din), that he does this for the purposes of continuing that nations traditions. Riva is not convinced, but does not say as much, merely stating she will not oppose him. (1)

Raahmid proceeds by reminding the nation of Tree Hugging Lesbians of their treaty obligations – this being to send a member of their nation into the Harem. (2) After a discussion, the Queen sends Belle Madello as THL’s treaty obligatory candidate for the Harem. (19)

Voyate Shumash ben Allen, the Vizier of Commerce, mulls over his dissatisfaction with the current order of things in Vastiva. As he does so, his connection to Vastiva’s “gatekeeper” connection to the world Internet (called VSERV) tags a message from Raahmid to the Queen of the Tree Hugging Lesbians. This, he finds interesting, and states (to himself) he is “working on something rather… special for our Sultan”. (11)

A series of memos is passed to the Palace Staff, the Palace Guard, and Airport Security about how to handle the large number of candidates for the harem soon to be arriving. (13)

The Tower of Law and Justice, which houses the Council of Kjik and Council of Kjak, decides to inform the Heralds to make an announcement opening applications for candidacy to the Harem to the international community. This announcement is made by Nivia Alix von Cohen, the Chief Herald of Vastiva. She appears less then pleased with having to make this announcement. We are given the number of harem positions available as 51. (20)

The nation of Byzantinia sends their candidate, Princess Claudia. (22, 24)

This is soon followed by the Duchess Asiya Saleh of Scandavian States notifying the Grand Vizier her neice, Sadira Saleh, is interested in a position in the Harem, with a few conditions on her visit and stay. (26, 31, 35, 41)

Cadillac-Gage informs the sending of Engred Stalhaver after a terse and “politely hostile” exchange between the Grand Vizier and Director Suse Randall and a revelation that Engred might be a pawn in a political game in Cadillac-Gage (27,33, 43, 57)

A citizen of Krioval, Lady Medea Lakat also applies and is accepted, apparently charming the Grand Vizier during their exchanges. (28, 36, 54, 61) It is also shown the government of Krioval is reading her mail.(63)

The Noviets, one of Vastiva’s earliest allies, decide on a particular member of one of their special groups to send, Shizuka Kamigawa (32, 62)

Tocrowkia nominates Josephine Wyklansia (38, 48). As an aide to their campaign against Guffingford, Vastiva’s plane drops off significant cargo intended for Tocrowkia’s military before picking up Josephine. (55)

Sharina shows some interest (52, 59)

More surprising, Gowa Industries of Krowemoh sends Zukie Irawata and her handmaiden, Kera Light as potential candidates. After some discussion (29, 37, 40, 49, 53, 60) the FT nation sends a shuttle past Vastiva’s Tudrussel orbital platform to land at Nassanuella Air Base. (64)

Belle Madello of THL arrives at Gardemeister Aeroport,(39) where she is met by Drayaa Kiilgalen, deputy to the Grand Vizier(42), who is rather overwhelmed to meet a candidate.

Engred Stalhaver departs Cadillac-Gage. (50, 58)

Vastiva shows how deeply it feels this particular “declaration” with a day of holiday, a conditional pardon of those under death sentence, and many demonstrations. A set of trading cards with the visages and some information on the candidates shows up. It is also noted the Grand Vizier’s office has processed over a quarter million applications, with more to come. (56)

Shizuka Kamigawa departs for Vastiva.(62)

Sadira Saleh departs Scandavian States for Vastiva with her Sensei. (65,68) She is met aboard the plane by Sirdar Catrina Follette, Vastivan attaché to NATO.

An attempt is made to kill a candidate by two suicide bombers. This fails. An attempt is also made to use a SAM to shoot down the plane of Shikuza Kamigawa. This also fails. A group calling itself Janus bin Toto claims responsibility. (69,70, 71)

The citizenry of Vastiva is up in arms about the attempted attack. All planes in and out now have an escort of fighters, and a submarine fleet (W-3) is set to defend the coastline. Military vehicles line the roads, reservists are called up, and the citizenry is just short of vigilantism over the attack. (83)

All candidates enroute are rerouted to Nassanuella Air Base(69) where they are placed in protective custody in a military barracks (69,75)

While there, the “girls” have a nice long conversation with each other. Engred makes a slight fool of herself in front of Zukie(87,88,90,91,92), Shizuka serves tea to calm her nerves – and those of the other girls (77,93).

Shizuka offers tea with rich cream to Zukie(93) who mistakes it for creamer and makes a snide comment.(94), for which she is given a polite smackdown (99) which Zukie apparently misses. Shizuka offers tea to Kara, who looks to Zukie for permission before accepting it. This permission is given.(100)

Medea makes a comment she could kill Shizuka(95) and there is a short discussion of power and strength (107, 110, 111, 120, 122, 127)

We learn that Krowemoh has several levels of citizenship.(96)

Tea is served to several (102,103,104, 106)

Engred apologizes to Zukie(112) who accepts (114).


(Krowemoh, see TG before responding about the following!!!)


Meanwhile, Krowemoh’s Lawyer, Frank Harrigen, is lead elsewhere in the complex to meet Vizier Conrad Jessup, deputy Vizier of Domestic Activies.(97)
He is offered coffee, takes warmed milk (98,101). Conrad continues the legal wrangling, making a few offhandedly rude remarks, which are missed by the lawyer. (101) who hands over a sheave of papers to sign. Conrad notices the forms are made to the nation of VESTIVA(105), which does not exist. He signs them, and in return gives the lawyer a single sheet transferring Zukie’s citizenship to Vastiva, making note for the room’s recorders that Frank has full power of attorney over Zukie.(108) This effectively gives Zukie no protection at all - under Vastivan Law, once a harem member, they have no right of property, unless previously agreed upon.

There is a short discussion between Conrad and Frank about Kara Light’s position(113); an offer is made to buy her, with no seriousness from Conrad, and it is predictably turned down(115, 116). Conrad underhandedly tells Frank things are ‘not all they seemed to be’(117), but it is couched so the lawyer misses it entirely.

Duchess Asiya Saleh writes Raahmid, concerned about the attack and her niece’s safety. After a short back and forth, Raahmid agrees to allow Scandavian troops into Vastiva. (118, 119, 121, 144)

Engred has a psychic flash about the terrorist attack that happened earlier.(124, 130, 134, 137) She collapses and is tended to. (125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 131, 132).

Medea makes an offhand comment about the cold, (133)referring to the burns Engred received from her visions. Medea sidesteps knowledge of psychic ability (135) and asks what time period of vision it was (143).

Frank signs away Zukie’s citizenship. (145)

Zukie and Kera wonder about why they were diverted to Nassanuella (145)

Giap Risaldar Barr Seif al-Siraj enters their barracks, with a woman in white who does not speak, and a large repast for the candidates, along with a few explanations. (147)

Engred takes little food first, as her hand is injured.(148) The woman in white quickly assists her,(149) and Engred starts wolfing down food.(154)

The candidates eat and ask some questions (152, 163, 164). Barr confirms the terrorist attack.(155)

Commander Raijin Dekker writes Raahmid, asking what went on. (152) He receives a handwritten response from Raahmid(153), which irks him somewhat. His message back includes a removal of tarrifs between Krioval and Vastiva(157).

Engred asks about going outside in response to an offhand comment by Barr (156) who comments on the climate outside(159, 162) and offers military gear to Engred when the woman in white determines her gear is less then “Vastivan Standard” (165) This is also their first look at a Vastivan M-TCOD (the device he speaks into).

Never mind, we doing things diffenetly...

We're MT/PMT capitalists.

And you'd have to contact the terrorists, not land troops on me.

As you will, though we will remind you - you can't go indiscriminantly killing off my characters.

Vastivan Rank Structure:
Napa
Nasho
Tabu Nasho
Corporal
Lance Corporal (commands a Lance, Squad, or Battery)
Naqqua
Tabu Naqqua
Daffidar (commands a platoon)
Napa Havildar
Havildar
Tabu Havildar

Fahrang
Tabu Fahrang
Risaldar(company commander)
Giap Risaldar
Tabu Risaldar
Aldar (regimental/battalion commander)
Giap Aldar
Tabu Aldar(brigade commander)
Sirdar (divisional commander)
Colonel
Giap Colonel (corps commander)
Tabu Colonel (army commander)
General
Field Marshall

The larger rank structure became necessary as Vastiva's military numbers grew - and it was decided to maintain the current "automatic conscription at age 18" laws.

The Navy fought hard against the restructure, and retains some rank names in usage. “Captain” being the one in charge of the vessel, usually of Sirdar rank. A “Fleet Admiral” is equivalent to a Tabu Colonel. “Commander” refers to the XO, TO, or like officers, usually of Aldar rank at least. Either is considered “proper” and it is not uncommon to see officers glance at each others rank insignia.

Note – onboard a ship, the commander of the vessel outranks everyone on his ship with the exception of the Fleet Admiral that ship is assigned to, the General, and the Sultan.

*blinks* I'm somewhat confused with your last IC post, would you care to clarify what is going on?

... You know, it took me a LONG time to figure out what you meant by that TG, but now seeing the OOC thread, I see what you mean. lol >_> Ah well... Guess a simple typo on my part screws Zukie over... Heehee. It'll be interesting, to say the least. :D I'm not upset about it.

*blinks* I'm somewhat confused with your last IC post, would you care to clarify what is going on?

*flips pages*

Sadira is in a barracks - as in "wide open area" with the several characters in it. Barr - the Giap Risaldar assigned to see to their needs - noted your soldiers coming into the room, but ignored them.

When they vanished, the technician monitoring the room went "WTF?", embarrasing herself to her co-workers.

Barr asked earlier if anyone wanted to see outside - and if so, they would be given Vastivan military gear to do so in. He hooks anyone who wants out to him by cords so they won't get lost. Those who didn't want out, go into the bus. Those who did, get to see what things look like with absolutely no light, then with low-light vision.

In short, they're being loaded aboard a transport, from there to the maglev (which you called for), and to the Palace.

Cae International offers Vastiva a defense contract.

Military presence is a large part of politics. The people want protection and need protection, especially in a case of temporary absent leadership, but I doubt most people would want to see Vastivian National Guard armed with their latest rifle on ever street corner.

Sure, it'll get the job done, but if you were an average citizen, going about your business, and you're questioned on every other street because you "look suspicious", would that make a good day? No, citizens want hidden defense, heroes on television, showcases of latest military weaponry on the history channel. They don't want to feel like they're being watched.

Cae International offers unseen, efficient defense programs. Be it a rally you need to go smoothly, or the candidates homes and work buildings, Cae works for your needs.


Official Ad (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8650758#post8650758)

I hope you will consider.

Wow. I've been spammed.

All Vastivan's are called to military duty at 18, and it is not uncommon for them to keep their weapon - and buy more. With our nation under threat of polar bear invasion, this propensity has grown somewhat by leaps and bounds.

Thank you, but no thank you.

...wow. I thought I was desperate for RP opportunities :eek: !

I basically mistook lack-of-input for a hunting license with Engred's little walk, sorry about that guys, I'll try and restrain my enthusiasm for a bit.

Posted in IC thread Vastiva. Please let me know if that is oK, or if you need to me to change anything. Hopefully it made sense, I typed it kinda rushed.

Here is full biography if you need it:

Lady Neira Vektori
Age: 12
Height: 4' 11"
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
<>While calling a 12 yr old beautiful is not the best, one could definitely tell that she will be very nice looking when she grows up. On the thin side, long hair.
<> As you got from the IC post, she is a noble, and although only 12 has the maturity of a born leader. She has never been outside of The Voltarum before.

Nice summary...

Would it be fine if I send in a delegate to talk about oil resources and other personal entertainment issues?

(heh...strike the "personal entertainment" part...thought it would be funny since this is a harem)

This delegate would be from -Noir-'s corporate sector, and would have no direct connections with the Miltian (-Noir-'s Government) government.

My candidate is now sitting in a hotel waiting to be collected. While she's there she'll be visited by Ardchoille's UN delegate and Co-President, Dicey Riley. The only relevance of this to In Harem's Way is that Dicey will (I hope) prove to Myfanwy that magic exists, which should make her more open-minded abt some of the other candidates. I'll get that attitude into subsequent IC posts without going into detail.

The relationship between Ardchoille and Findhorn is part of a long back-story/history thing I had planned to do in Findhorn's region, Lavinium. I'll probably now do it in the thread I started to explain why Myfanwy applied for the harem. However, it's not going to be relevant to this RP unless something happens at home that affects Myfanwy's behaviour in Vastiva, or vice-versa. If it does, I'll put up a single-post reference to click.

Spammed? Nah, I just was trying to make some money with that whole thing, and being able to kill people. Apparently I'm not allowed to assassinate in said Roleplay, so I decided to try to loophole it. I failed. I'll play, if you're short of people, but I don't think you are.

Nice summary...

Would it be fine if I send in a delegate to talk about oil resources and other personal entertainment issues?

(heh...strike the "personal entertainment" part...thought it would be funny since this is a harem)

This delegate would be from -Noir-'s corporate sector, and would have no direct connections with the Miltian (-Noir-'s Government) government.

You are free to make an overture to Voyate Shumash ben Allen, the Vizier of Commerce.

...wow. I thought I was desperate for RP opportunities :eek: !

I basically mistook lack-of-input for a hunting license with Engred's little walk, sorry about that guys, I'll try and restrain my enthusiasm for a bit.

Wasn't bad - and it set a tone, no worries there.

Just note - there's alot of players here, and I'd rather everyone get a chance to post rather then dogpiles. The mix gets thicker, soon... anyone had a glance at the latest?

My candidate is now sitting in a hotel waiting to be collected. While she's there she'll be visited by Ardchoille's UN delegate and Co-President, Dicey Riley. The only relevance of this to In Harem's Way is that Dicey will (I hope) prove to Myfanwy that magic exists, which should make her more open-minded abt some of the other candidates. I'll get that attitude into subsequent IC posts without going into detail.

The relationship between Ardchoille and Findhorn is part of a long back-story/history thing I had planned to do in Findhorn's region, Lavinium. I'll probably now do it in the thread I started to explain why Myfanwy applied for the harem. However, it's not going to be relevant to this RP unless something happens at home that affects Myfanwy's behaviour in Vastiva, or vice-versa. If it does, I'll put up a single-post reference to click.

No problems there, but the plane is enroute, so her time is somewhat limited. Say, five hours or so before it reaches where it can contact the tower.

(I'm quoting the first summary, and adding the second. This shall be my habit to maintain continuity)


Summary of the Story So Far

Note: Italicized notes were alluded to in the thread, or are given for relevant timeline. Numbers refer to the individual posts of events, where relevant (and I had time to look them up). Underlined names are characters, places, or groups which have shown up in the RP, and may be of significance. Significant plot points are bolded, except where I forgot to do so. Most likely, I’ll catch it in the next update.

All of this information can be considered OOC and is presented for the players knowledge and reference.

***

Sultan Sinjin Lefkowitz al-Din agrees to the “retirement” of Badria Nazanin al-Dalal to private life. This is the last member of the Harem of Vastiva, which he inherited from his predecessor, Sultan Vaada Kivaa al-Din.

On an invitation, the Sultan departs Vastiva with his Vizier of International Affairs (and former member of the harem), Francesca Berenstein al-Dalal, to attend a masquerade in Htrae Miseria - with orders not to be disturbed except in dire emergency. (10)

Grand Vizier Raahmid Javani, the “number two” in Vastiva, has decided to repopulate the harem of the Sultan of Vastiva. He claims, in a private conversation with Vastiva’s General of the Vastivan Armed Forces (Riva Sola al-Din), that he does this for the purposes of continuing that nations traditions. Riva is not convinced, but does not say as much, merely stating she will not oppose him. (1)

Raahmid proceeds by reminding the nation of Tree Hugging Lesbians of their treaty obligations – this being to send a member of their nation into the Harem. (2) After a discussion, the Queen sends Belle Madello as THL’s treaty obligatory candidate for the Harem. (19)

Voyate Shumash ben Allen, the Vizier of Commerce, mulls over his dissatisfaction with the current order of things in Vastiva. As he does so, his connection to Vastiva’s “gatekeeper” connection to the world Internet (called VSERV) tags a message from Raahmid to the Queen of the Tree Hugging Lesbians. This, he finds interesting, and states (to himself) he is “working on something rather… special for our Sultan”. (11)

A series of memos is passed to the Palace Staff, the Palace Guard, and Airport Security about how to handle the large number of candidates for the harem soon to be arriving. (13)

The Tower of Law and Justice, which houses the Council of Kjik and Council of Kjak, decides to inform the Heralds to make an announcement opening applications for candidacy to the Harem to the international community. This announcement is made by Nivia Alix von Cohen, the Chief Herald of Vastiva. She appears less then pleased with having to make this announcement. We are given the number of harem positions available as 51. (20)

The nation of Byzantinia sends their candidate, Princess Claudia. (22, 24)

This is soon followed by the Duchess Asiya Saleh of Scandavian States notifying the Grand Vizier her neice, Sadira Saleh, is interested in a position in the Harem, with a few conditions on her visit and stay. (26, 31, 35, 41)

Cadillac-Gage informs the sending of Engred Stalhaver after a terse and “politely hostile” exchange between the Grand Vizier and Director Suse Randall and a revelation that Engred might be a pawn in a political game in Cadillac-Gage (27,33, 43, 57)

A citizen of Krioval, Lady Medea Lakat also applies and is accepted, apparently charming the Grand Vizier during their exchanges. (28, 36, 54, 61) It is also shown the government of Krioval is reading her mail.(63)

The Noviets, one of Vastiva’s earliest allies, decide on a particular member of one of their special groups to send, Shizuka Kamigawa (32, 62)

Tocrowkia nominates Josephine Wyklansia (38, 48). As an aide to their campaign against Guffingford, Vastiva’s plane drops off significant cargo intended for Tocrowkia’s military before picking up Josephine. (55)

Sharina shows some interest (52, 59)

More surprising, Gowa Industries of Krowemoh sends Zukie Irawata and her handmaiden, Kera Light as potential candidates. After some discussion (29, 37, 40, 49, 53, 60) the FT nation sends a shuttle past Vastiva’s Tudrussel orbital platform to land at Nassanuella Air Base. (64)

Belle Madello of THL arrives at Gardemeister Aeroport,(39) where she is met by Drayaa Kiilgalen, deputy to the Grand Vizier(42), who is rather overwhelmed to meet a candidate.

Engred Stalhaver departs Cadillac-Gage. (50, 58)

Vastiva shows how deeply it feels this particular “declaration” with a day of holiday, a conditional pardon of those under death sentence, and many demonstrations. A set of trading cards with the visages and some information on the candidates shows up. It is also noted the Grand Vizier’s office has processed over a quarter million applications, with more to come. (56)

Shizuka Kamigawa departs for Vastiva.(62)

Sadira Saleh departs Scandavian States for Vastiva with her Sensei. (65,68) She is met aboard the plane by Sirdar Catrina Follette, Vastivan attaché to NATO.

An attempt is made to kill a candidate by two suicide bombers. This fails. An attempt is also made to use a SAM to shoot down the plane of Shikuza Kamigawa. This also fails. A group calling itself Janus bin Toto claims responsibility. (69,70, 71)

The citizenry of Vastiva is up in arms about the attempted attack. All planes in and out now have an escort of fighters, and a submarine fleet (W-3) is set to defend the coastline. Military vehicles line the roads, reservists are called up, and the citizenry is just short of vigilantism over the attack. (83)

All candidates enroute are rerouted to Nassanuella Air Base(69) where they are placed in protective custody in a military barracks (69,75)

While there, the “girls” have a nice long conversation with each other. Engred makes a slight fool of herself in front of Zukie(87,88,90,91,92), Shizuka serves tea to calm her nerves – and those of the other girls (77,93).

Shizuka offers tea with rich cream to Zukie(93) who mistakes it for creamer and makes a snide comment.(94), for which she is given a polite smackdown (99) which Zukie apparently misses. Shizuka offers tea to Kara, who looks to Zukie for permission before accepting it. This permission is given.(100)

Medea makes a comment she could kill Shizuka(95) and there is a short discussion of power and strength (107, 110, 111, 120, 122, 127)

We learn that Krowemoh has several levels of citizenship.(96)

Tea is served to several (102,103,104, 106)

Engred apologizes to Zukie(112) who accepts (114).




Meanwhile, Krowemoh’s Lawyer, Frank Harrigen, is lead elsewhere in the complex to meet Vizier Conrad Jessup, deputy Vizier of Domestic Activies.(97)
He is offered coffee, takes warmed milk (98,101). Conrad continues the legal wrangling, making a few offhandedly rude remarks, which are missed by the lawyer. (101) who hands over a sheave of papers to sign. Conrad notices the forms are made to the nation of VESTIVA(105), which does not exist. He signs them, and in return gives the lawyer a single sheet transferring Zukie’s citizenship to Vastiva, making note for the room’s recorders that Frank has full power of attorney over Zukie.(108) This effectively gives Zukie no protection at all - under Vastivan Law, once a harem member, they have no right of property, unless previously agreed upon.

There is a short discussion between Conrad and Frank about Kara Light’s position(113); an offer is made to buy her, with no seriousness from Conrad, and it is predictably turned down(115, 116). Conrad underhandedly tells Frank things are ‘not all they seemed to be’(117), but it is couched so the lawyer misses it entirely.

Duchess Asiya Saleh writes Raahmid, concerned about the attack and her niece’s safety. After a short back and forth, Raahmid agrees to allow Scandavian troops into Vastiva. (118, 119, 121, 144)

Engred has a psychic flash about the terrorist attack that happened earlier.(124, 130, 134, 137) She collapses and is tended to. (125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 131, 132).

Medea makes an offhand comment about the cold, (133)referring to the burns Engred received from her visions. Medea sidesteps knowledge of psychic ability (135) and asks what time period of vision it was (143).

Frank signs away Zukie’s citizenship. (145)

Zukie and Kera wonder about why they were diverted to Nassanuella (145)

Giap Risaldar Barr Seif al-Siraj enters their barracks, with a woman in white who does not speak, and a large repast for the candidates, along with a few explanations. (147)

Engred takes little food first, as her hand is injured.(148) The woman in white quickly assists her,(149) and Engred starts wolfing down food.(154)

The candidates eat and ask some questions (152, 163, 164). Barr confirms the terrorist attack.(155)

Commander Raijin Dekker writes Raahmid, asking what went on. (152) He receives a handwritten response from Raahmid(153), which irks him somewhat. His message back includes a removal of tarrifs between Krioval and Vastiva(157).

Engred asks about going outside in response to an offhand comment by Barr (156) who comments on the climate outside(159, 162) and offers military gear to Engred when the woman in white determines her gear is less then “Vastivan Standard” (165) This is also their first look at a Vastivan M-TCOD (the device he speaks into).

Zukie offers the use of her shuttle (167) which Barr – politely – refuses (169), and states they will be going by monorail. Zukie petulantly accepts, and makes a remark to Kera in her native tongue.

A squad of soldiers arrives from Scandavian States to protect their candidate (171, 174) which does not make the Nassanuellan Base Commander, Tabu Colonel Wafik very happy, though he concurs with his superiors orders. (176)

The SS soldiers enter the barracks, inform Sadira of her choices – and vanish in plain sight (178) just before the Vastivan bus arrives.

Engred (166, 180) and Medea (185) have a look outside – the rest of the candidates get into the Vastivan’s transport – a military bus, with polar bear skin covered seats which, their porter states, Vastiva uses as much as possible.(182)

The nation of Zatarack adds a candidate of their own (172) and an attempt to land forces on Vastiva. This is politely but firmly rebuffed, (175) though Vastiva accepts the candidate and lands her at Breathed Cargo Base in the nation of Militant Pingweeners (179), Vastiva’s “next door neighbor” regionally.

(I have absolutely no idea what Zatarack is doing with his emails, so can’t comment on them at this point)

The Ardchoillian candidate, Myfanwy Mhairi ap Hughes is announced by the Abbess of Findhorn to Raahmid. She too is accepted (181) as a potential candidate, during which Raahmid mentions Vastiva’s hedonism cruises, and that the Sultancy is not passed by inheritance.

Meanwhile, in the Voltarum, Vastiva’s other neighbor – and a longstanding ally with close economic ties – the head of House of Vektori, Lady Neira Vektori, announces she is allowing her House to dissolve, and applying for candidacy.(190) Premier Xerco Longbottom of the Voltarum puts a nice “guilty conscience” arm-twist on Vastiva to accept (190) which is followed up by another – in the form of affecting the price of Vastiva’s cheese imports (193) in return for an acceptance of their candidate.

In what can only be called a queer twist of fate, Raahmid receives neither the applicator, nor the imploring letter from Premier Xerco Longbottom, nor the “mixed message” from Xanaphia Jassan(193). These are instead read by Raahmid’s deputy, Drayaa Kiilgalen. She attempts to warn Raahmid of what is going on – but, for what ever reason, he bulls over her protest and demands she write an acceptance, never quite hearing he has just accepted a 12 year old's petition to join the Harem.

We also see Sultan Sinjin Lefkowitz al-Din returning from his time in Htrae Miseria – and learn he is completely clueless about the goings on.

Never mind, we doing things diffenetly...

If you would explain to some extent what you are attempting to do?

Will reply in the morning more fully, when something else has happened (~9-10 hours). Nice work!

Alright, all candidates who were already in Vastiva should now be within the Harem itself. If you haven't arrived yet, you're not there yet.

Anyone need it listed who is where?

It might not be glaringly obvious from the text, but accepting a hotel room at the Burj Singinkatu is akin to slapping the Sultan in the face, and most likely going to result in an outright rejection for rudeness.

I've advanced as far as I'm going to tonight, and shall wait for responses.

Would you mind updating the summary?

Also, telling you what we're up to would ruin everything.

Would you mind updating the summary?

Also, telling you what we're up to would ruin everything.

Zatarack, this is an OOC thread, and so far your candidate is at a cargo airport, which isn't even in my country.

If the hotel thing were any more obvious, I think you would have had to say "you can accept a hotel room, which comes with a boot to the ass in terms of your future stay in Vastiva." That would definitely get the point across. :D

Subtle as a sledgehammer....

Zatarack, this is an OOC thread, and so far your candidate is at a cargo airport, which isn't even in my country.

No, it's that I'm terrible at RPing.

No, it's that I'm terrible at RPing.

Well, relax - here I'm available to give you advice on how to proceed, or you can test how things might sound beforehand. We're friends creating a story - this is not a "win-lose" situation. Its most fun if everyone has fun.

RP NOTE: No communication device of any sort will penetrate the walls of the Palace, particularly the outer ones. This includes most FT devices, due to the construction and density of these walls, and MT abilities - Including Telepathy.

Communication with the "outside world" is only possible from the outermost rooms - near a window - or from the communications rooms in the Palace itself.

Glad I'm not using a telepath, then! And the question about male harem members? Priceless. Though if the Sultan of Vastiva were so inclined during Krioval's Festival of the Fighters, I'm sure the Commander could arrange something... :p

Pbbbbbtttthhhhh! Had to fit in my responses to some issues there somehow.

I'll be updating the summary tonight.

Yeah, I figured as much, though the Festival RP is something I've been planning for about two weeks, following a few setup RPs. There's just something about a party where rank and marital status don't matter - it does wonders for popular support (and pisses off the hypermoralists too!). Anyway... [/hijack]

Well, our candidate has arrived...

Well, our candidate has arrived...

I'll post the greeting and such in a bit.

Note: This does NOT mean no one else can join, or if you haven't arrived, you can't arrive. Worry not!

I haven't got any MT planned for this one, either. However, do even the thickest walls keep out teleports, telekinetics, far-seers, etc? They don't in my magic nation, and I doubt they would in several others on NS, as I've seen quite a few using a generic Shadowland, Overland, Otherland, Greyland, Between, or whatever, in which people can "travel" in thought and sometimes (depending on the author) emerge, in body, at a different physical place or time.

I mention this because I'm sure I'm not the only bush lawyer around (US idiom barrack-room lawyer?). I don't want to be half-way through when somebody suddenly pulls the "but you only said communication device" or "but you only said telepathy" trick. (Also, of course, I don't want some other sneaky RP-er crawling in under your fence and doing what my poor, limited character can't.)

I know, I know, you already said 'MT abilities including telepathy'. It's just that I'm a born nit-picker (and rule-sneaker-underer).

So, we all accept for the purposes of this RP that the walls actually are impenetrable to anything? Maybe someone can "see" them as smooth, seamless, intangible, pick an adjective, to the psychic senses? Maybe someone can refer to a folktale in which a Djinn protected the palace forever? Actually, doesn't really have to be mentioned IC at all, provided we all know.

BTW, candidates are allowed to use the communications rooms, yes? Or do they write letters and give them to the butler to post? Not a prob, just a detail.

Gets out large rubber mallet....

I haven't got any MT planned for this one, either. However, do even the thickest walls keep out teleports, telekinetics, far-seers, etc? They don't in my magic nation, and I doubt they would in several others on NS, as I've seen quite a few using a generic Shadowland, Overland, Otherland, Greyland, Between, or whatever, in which people can "travel" in thought and sometimes (depending on the author) emerge, in body, at a different physical place or time.

Well, entirely on an OOC basis, because the entire palace is built to ground such energies. Teleports find themselves teleporting into the walls themselves - and that is 100% fatal. Telekinetics can work inside the walls, and outside the walls, but not through the walls. Nor does any sort of clairaudience or clairvoyance work.

Now, something of a "futureseer" or "pastseer" would still function - to an extent. But the general area isn't friendly to non-friendlies. Consider it akin to a FengShui site.



I mention this because I'm sure I'm not the only bush lawyer around (US idiom barrack-room lawyer?). I don't want to be half-way through when somebody suddenly pulls the "but you only said communication device" or "but you only said telepathy" trick. (Also, of course, I don't want some other sneaky RP-er crawling in under your fence and doing what my poor, limited character can't.)

Teleports just die - flat out and simple. Mechanical or otherwise, it doesn't work. Materializing inside a wall means you're dead, and the outer walls are up to fourteen meters thick, depending where you are. And someone pulling something out of their shorts will swiftly find their post nuked if it doesn't correspond to reality in Vastiva.



I know, I know, you already said 'MT abilities including telepathy'. It's just that I'm a born nit-picker (and rule-sneaker-underer).

Go for it. I've got decades of GMing... er, STing under my belt. :p



So, we all accept for the purposes of this RP that the walls actually are impenetrable to anything? Maybe someone can "see" them as smooth, seamless, intangible, pick an adjective, to the psychic senses? Maybe someone can refer to a folktale in which a Djinn protected the palace forever? Actually, doesn't really have to be mentioned IC at all, provided we all know.

"Smooth as eggshell" would be apt. And we'll see about working it in.



BTW, candidates are allowed to use the communications rooms, yes? Or do they write letters and give them to the butler to post? Not a prob, just a detail.

There's no communication room in the Harem itself, there are many in the Palace. Being allowed out of the Harem to use one... well, that depends... ;)

[i] And someone pulling something out of their shorts will swiftly find their post nuked if it doesn't correspond to reality in Vastiva.
Attagirl/boy! Couldn't be clearer. You're a pearl among thread-spinners.

There's no communication room in the Harem itself, there are many in the Palace. Being allowed out of the Harem to use one... well, that depends... ;)

What, not even a Palace postcard to send home with an X on a window and a scribbled "My Room" on the back? C'mon, my candidate's a real home-body of an adventurer.

Or are you leading up to a chaotic scene in which Vastiva is over-run by strange people from many nations saying, "There must be something wrong, we haven't heard from her in six months, let's send someone to investigate ..."?

Could be fun ...

This is what Zukie said, in English. This information is OOC only. Just, so that people know what she's saying, to a degree. :D Gnufasurian is a very limited langauge, spoken only on the Krowemohian Colony World Gnufasur and it's Earth bound counterpart, the Seperatist Nation of Gnufasur.

Zukie: "Next chance you get, contact my father. Give him the girl's description. He'll know what to do." *Pause* "Oh, point and laugh at her."


... I get the feeling that Zukie and Kera may be in a bit of danger. It's really too bad Zukie only knows the very basics of hand-to-hand combat, and Kera knows even less. (Realians being much stronger, faster, and all around better fighters then humans or Nekos, its not uncommon for self defense to be considered having a Realian bodyguard or two around.)


Hmmm... Just for thought, what about people who can immateralize themselves? Erm, immateralization allows someone the ability to pass through solid objects, such as walls and doors and such. Not that I plan to bring such a character in, but to clearify for anyone else who happens to take a look and plans to bring in someone with that ability.

Given the warding and construction V's described, I'd be willing to bet that a phase-shifter (ala Shadowcat from the mid-'80s X-Men comics) would find him or herself unable to get to the other side-or back out. i.e. i'll almost bet it's a great way to trap someone who's moved 'out of phase' with normal matter-esp. if they're using either technology, or Magick to achieve the effect.

Attagirl/boy! Couldn't be clearer. You're a pearl among thread-spinners.

Thank you, Thank you...



What, not even a Palace postcard to send home with an X on a window and a scribbled "My Room" on the back? C'mon, my candidate's a real home-body of an adventurer.

Or are you leading up to a chaotic scene in which Vastiva is over-run by strange people from many nations saying, "There must be something wrong, we haven't heard from her in six months, let's send someone to investigate ..."?

Could be fun ...

Ssssshhhh, you're giving away plotline. ;) On a more locational note, the Harem is located near the center of the Palace - which is carved out of a mountain, literally. There aren't any true windows, though the pillars can be set to give off "sunlight".

Given the warding and construction V's described, I'd be willing to bet that a phase-shifter (ala Shadowcat from the mid-'80s X-Men comics) would find him or herself unable to get to the other side-or back out. i.e. i'll almost bet it's a great way to trap someone who's moved 'out of phase' with normal matter-esp. if they're using either technology, or Magick to achieve the effect.

I'll give you a hint - there are no ghosts in the Palace either.

This is what Zukie said, in English. This information is OOC only. Just, so that people know what she's saying, to a degree. :D Gnufasurian is a very limited langauge, spoken only on the Krowemohian Colony World Gnufasur and it's Earth bound counterpart, the Seperatist Nation of Gnufasur.

Zukie: "Next chance you get, contact my father. Give him the girl's description. He'll know what to do." *Pause* "Oh, point and laugh at her."


And here I was going to ask you to translate... :)

I'll give you a hint - there are no ghosts in the Palace either.


... Oh... But... Can ghosts happen? Like, if one of the girls in the Harem died a violent death for reasons she didn't know, (That's usually the cause of most ghosts) could her soul like... I dunno, haunt the room in which she died in, but nowhere else?

If nothing else, it could just be a disembodied voice crying at night, or maybe whining about not being able to find her arms... >____> "My arms... Where are my arms?" Er... Yeah. Something like that.

Don't mind me. I'm rattling again... I'll shut up now...

I bet that "there are no ghosts in the Palace either" sentence was meant to end. "-- yet, but I'd be happy to arrange some (significant glare at Findhorn, Krowemoh, CG et al)."

This is a real tartar of a Threadmaster we've got here. Remember the 'rubber mallet' threat? *Considers retiring to the Strangers' Bar for a restorative.*

Cadillac-Gage, et al: Do be careful mixing OOC and IC knowledge, and how quickly your characters sort things out. I don't mind clever - and nobody has overstepped lines yet - but do be careful.

My view on IC "cleverness":

Anything that's blindingly obvious (like the hotel) can be pretty much assured as IC knowledge to all involved. "Cultural" IC-related stuff should probably be at least alluded to before RPing it. Now is as good a time to give a useful example, I suppose. Medea is, as I revealed, a trained assassin from a nation overrun with psionics. It's not a stretch, then, to say that she's essentially immune to psychic attack, and most ordinary "mind games" are going to be resisted due to the combination of environment and training. However, a counterbalancing point is that said environment and training have left her practically devoid of diplomacy, unless she's in the mood. That could be interesting with Vastivan authorities later. But I digress.

From the OOC general knowledge stuff, "cleverness" can account for IC knowledge, in my view, if the character would otherwise pick up on it. A diplomat, for example, can typically tell when a phrase is likely BS or when it's actually backed up by something. A soldier can ususally determine whether another's threats are realistic. And so on. Different types of characters combined may be able to puzzle out a convolution, but that takes *time*, by which point the solution may arrive too late.

In short, don't rush the RP (generally, and I include myself in this warning). This one especially has the potential to be one of those great ones I read but never get to play in.

....what he said. ;)

Zatarack, is there anything I should know beforehand about Lady Vivian Vagqu, of the Tqu ethnic group - such as skin coloration, hair, species, or such? I've tried to keep the post of her escort as generic as possible to give you a chance to respond.

And Findhorn - you are going to find the airplane, right? ;)

Cadillac-Gage (Engred Stalhaver, 21)
Krioval (Lady Medea Lakat, ?)
Krowemoh (Zukie Irawata, 20, and Kera Von Light, 16)
Voltarum (Lady Neira Vektori, 12)
Scandavian States (Sadira Saleh, 16)
Nova Hope (Shizuka Kamigawa, ?)
Findhorn (Myfanwy Mhairi ap Hwyl, 23)
Tocrowkia (Josephine Wyklansia, ?)
Tree Hugging Lesbians (Belle Madello, 24)
Zatarack (Lady Vivian Vagqu, of the Tqu ethnic group, ?)

There's a basic character layout of your characters, I'll have a full one tomorrow, along with an updated Summary.

*Whew!* - yep, it's work, but its worth it! :)

If I missed you, fret not, just leave word.

And Findhorn - you are going to find the airplane, right? ;)
Sorry, I thought you already had:
The pilot and copilot considered their course and speed settings. Still two hours from reasonable screen distance, they continued to watch the weather for a sign of change. (etc)
My bad. I got things confused by creating that other thread to explain the Findhorn/Ardchoille history (which I'll continue, but which remains irrelevant to this one). So I'll do an IC post in which:

Myfanwy sits in hotel room musing over her two odd visitors and their revelations abt magic; hotel manager knocks on door to let her know Vastivan transport has arrived; Myfanwy goes to airport, boards plane, settles in for long flight.

I'm afraid I can't do all the techy detail of flying, guards, etc, as I don't know enough of your military/tech. Could we take it as read that Myfanwy expects nothing more than the usual airline treatment, ie, passenger = inconvenient parcel, and doesn't notice/understand?

If you want to get her up to speed fairly quickly, she could have been shown tapes of Vastivan news in flight. That wd let her know abt the googly at the press conference, the earlier terrorist attack, and a bit abt other candidates. Do you want her to know these things? If so, perhaps you would do a quick dialogue between flight attendants re entertaining her?

If not, ignorance is bliss; she can arrive and put her foot straight into her mouth. (They say it's always better to base your writing on your own experience, and foot-in-mouth is certainly one of my areas of expertise.)

Findhorn, I sit in awe of your chops. Your background work is just gorgeous. "So, I'm supposed to believe in magic now??"

Just-lovely.

As for foot-in-mouth disease, that makes two 'gifteds' who suffer from it...
I wonder if there's a connection between awkwardness socially, and Eldritch talents?

Vastiva: I take it the Harem-room's a pretty decent 'containment vessel' for all these eldritch types. :D

Depending on who survives (and how) the Sultanate might just pick up an active community of psychics and mages out of this...lol.

sorry no time tonight to post... will do tomorrow =)

Also, Vastiva, I assume you are allowing the "nursemaid" to come along? How far may she go (and does my character know this from your customs?)

let me know, thanks =)

Voltarum

Sorry, I thought you already had:

My bad. I got things confused by creating that other thread to explain the Findhorn/Ardchoille history (which I'll continue, but which remains irrelevant to this one). So I'll do an IC post in which:

Myfanwy sits in hotel room musing over her two odd visitors and their revelations abt magic; hotel manager knocks on door to let her know Vastivan transport has arrived; Myfanwy goes to airport, boards plane, settles in for long flight.

I'm afraid I can't do all the techy detail of flying, guards, etc, as I don't know enough of your military/tech. Could we take it as read that Myfanwy expects nothing more than the usual airline treatment, ie, passenger = inconvenient parcel, and doesn't notice/understand?


Not a problem. There's nothing spectacularly strange about a 74SL except it's a box-wing plane. And if you weren't paying attention - or looking out the window - you wouldn't notice.



If you want to get her up to speed fairly quickly, she could have been shown tapes of Vastivan news in flight. That wd let her know abt the googly at the press conference, the earlier terrorist attack, and a bit abt other candidates. Do you want her to know these things? If so, perhaps you would do a quick dialogue between flight attendants re entertaining her?

If not, ignorance is bliss; she can arrive and put her foot straight into her mouth. (They say it's always better to base your writing on your own experience, and foot-in-mouth is certainly one of my areas of expertise.)

Let's see where foot in mouth gets her, as no one is likely to talk about "possible terrorist attack" to a candidate.

Findhorn, I sit in awe of your chops. Your background work is just gorgeous.

Just-lovely.

As for foot-in-mouth disease, that makes two 'gifteds' who suffer from it...
I wonder if there's a connection between awkwardness socially, and Eldritch talents?

Vastiva: I take it the Harem-room's a pretty decent 'containment vessel' for all these eldritch types. :D

Depending on who survives (and how) the Sultanate might just pick up an active community of psychics and mages out of this...lol.

Exceptional.

sorry no time tonight to post... will do tomorrow =)

Also, Vastiva, I assume you are allowing the "nursemaid" to come along? How far may she go (and does my character know this from your customs?)

let me know, thanks =)

Voltarum

Female protector of a "Odalai" is allowed free reign with their charge - though she's currently a candidate, the same rule applies. You may choose to be confined to the Sultan's Apartments (not his per se, but the ones kept for guests) or added to the Harem. Currently, wandering about isn't allowed - though this does change.

I would assume from our countries years near each other, you've a fair education of Vastivan customs.

I've got AIM and MSN if any need to talk about things beforehand - TG them if that's your preferred method, though I warn you I might post what is talked about if it pertains.

And no, it's not the worlds' longest post in the IC thread, nor the most moving, but for tonight it will have to do.

:D

I get the feeling 'Ariel' and her little coterie are the distraction. I've decided that with the 'event' at Nassanuela, and news of the other attempt, combined with Engred's lucky guess about the situation, and the weird coincidence with the cards, she's about jumping at shadows right now. It doesn't help that she can't 'sense' anything where she's at-which means she's falling back on family-relations habit-patterns... (and those are quite dysfunctional, thankyewverymuch) so... I figure Ariel (Referred to in Engred's mind and speech as 'Red' right now) is probably the "Watch this hand, watch this hand-pow! hit by the hand you weren't looking at!"

Engred will, of course, be watching the hand that isn't doing the hitting-she's had an 'advantage' reading people her whole adult life (She knew, for instance, that the Late Barney Guilderhoffen wasn't there to reconcile with his estranged wife, he was there to drag her back home and put her heart in the deep-freeze for leaving him...sans body. The man had managed to fool a couple dozen other people, before Engred stopped him in the alley outside the women's shelter...)
Her 'edge' is gone, at least, for the moment-she's just as easy to fool as anyone else of comparable intelligence and experience.

Medea just thinks that something is wrong, and her training suggests avoidance of the problem for now, since she's not exactly empowered to do anything about it just yet. She'd personally like to see the Sultan kept alive, and I'm still trying to decide if she's a government plant (by Raijin) and doesn't know it yet, or whether she's running from a checkered past. Either way, she's a force to contend with, but in a foreign (and not altogether friendly) environment.

A Really Quick "Whose Who?"

Cadillac-Gage (Engred Stalhaver, 21)
Findhorn (Myfanwy Mhairi ap Hwyl, 23)
Krioval (Lady Medea Lakat, ?)
Krowemoh (Zukie Irawata, 20, and Kera Von Light, 16)
Nova Hope (Shizuka Kamigawa, ?)
Scandavian States (Sadira Saleh, 16)
Tocrowkia (Josephine Wyklansia, ?)
Tree Hugging Lesbians (Belle Madello, 24)
Voltarum (Lady Neira Vektori, 12)

At the moment, Engred and Medea are headed for the pink rooms; if no response soon, I'll be assuming Zukie and Kera follow along.

Where in the room Shizuka and Sadira are is yet to be shown.

Myfanwy has just arrived, and should be doing her entrance bit soon.

Neira will have a post to respond to in a bit.

Josephine and Belle... are being waited on. ;)

A quick notation about the Harem - it's fifty thousand square feet of space.

Most apartments are around 800 square feet. A normal house runs around 3000 square feet (2 story). A good sized mansion can run 6000 to 10,000 square feet.

This is much bigger... I guarantee, there's more then one shower. ;)

Would you mind giving us an idea of the layout of the harem. For example, do we all have our own rooms, where are the bathing facilities, just how much space is taken up by the commons room, and just about anything else that might be of some importance to everyday life for the girls.

A quick notation about the Harem - it's fifty thousand square feet of space.

Most apartments are around 800 square feet. A normal house runs around 3000 square feet (2 story). A good sized mansion can run 6000 to 10,000 square feet.

This is much bigger... I guarantee, there's more then one shower. ;)

Engred's flustered and not entirely reasonable-she picked the nearest bathroom, not necessarily the empty one... I'm sure Medea or Zukie can inject some common sense into her irritated and somewhat irrational mood by pointing out what must be painfully obvious! (C'mon guys, please??)

Vast, next chance you get, check your TGes, okay?

Engred's flustered and not entirely reasonable-she picked the nearest bathroom, not necessarily the empty one... I'm sure Medea or Zukie can inject some common sense into her irritated and somewhat irrational mood by pointing out what must be painfully obvious! (C'mon guys, please??)

:D Consider common sense injected. ^_^

Would you mind giving us an idea of the layout of the harem. For example, do we all have our own rooms, where are the bathing facilities, just how much space is taken up by the commons room, and just about anything else that might be of some importance to everyday life for the girls.

Main area is a huge circular area. At "north" would be the purple door. Five of the "special" gold rimmed rooms are on either side. Clockwise, blue doors are at two and seven, pinks at three and nine, greens at five and ten. The remainder of the circle are entryways to the silver rooms. This circular area is about seven thousand square feet - which means if you take out the area which is fountained, gaming tables, etc, it's tight but not uncomfortable for all these people to be here.

This is the main area, where everyone is being uncomfortably biovaced for the moment.

Blue doorways lead to swimming pools, "grottos", wading pools, saunas, steamrooms and the like.

Green doorways lead to some of the Palace gardens, though the opposite exit is not accessable. If you've been in an arborareum, that's what it looks like - pathways, gazebos, birds, fishponds and the like.

Pink doorways are... well, you figured that one out. "Primping" areas are also there, and baths, showers, and the like for hygene.

Gaming tables, fountains, and the like are also found in the main area, and can be added or removed as the Harem wishes (well, not the fountains, and the pool tables would be difficult...).

The private rooms themselves are 20x20, with their own bed, closet space - plush, nice, comfortable. Entering them is verboten for anyone not in the harem, and members do "get their own room".

Food and drink is delivered by the house staff - walk up to one of the two speakers, pull the cord, and order. You may also order just about anything else you can think up - and staff is available to bathe, feed, clothe, or perform just about any other service (though yes, they are all female here).

Vastiva and I already chatted through TGs, and he gave me permission in introduce another character who's already one of the one hundred ninety something already in the harem. Yay! Umh, basic info here, presented in my Factbook format.

Sae Kurosawa (http://premium1.uploadit.org/BetaVerisonX//zaku0300.jpg)
Birthplace: Alhaelc, Separatist Nation of Gnufasur
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Height: 5'6
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Ears and Tail Fur Color: Black
Occupation: Ex-EHAV Mercenary, Shinto Priestess
Religion: Cori-ist (Worship of the Goddess Cori)
Bio: Sae used to be an EHAV Mercenary, but on her first out-of-country assignment, she came to a Shinto shrine, and became facinated by the religion. So she sought out the master of the shrine, and begged to be trained to be a Preistess, and was accpected by the master. She has been in this training for a little over nine years, and has finally earned her Priestesshood.
She specializes in the use of 'Spirit Paper,' and is never without a small collection of blank prayer papers, an ink pen, and a few pre-written 'prayer' notes, used mainly to exorcise evil spirits, bring good luck and channel spirital energy for healing of physical and spirital wounds.
Personality: Sae is quiet and keeps mostly to herself, but isn't afraid to lend a helping hand in those in need.


... Hmmm... Yeah, I think that's the spot. Vasty, just say yay or nay, and if it's a yay, I'll sling an IC post at the Harem thread. :D

Oh... By the by, currently, within the Harem, she's dressed like a veiled priest. Clickith HERE (http://premium1.uploadit.org/BetaVerisonX//9.jpg) for her current outfit, sans facial and body markings. >_>

Oh goody.... :D

Aye.

I hope that's a yay. ^_^;;

Because a scorecard might be necessary in the understanding of "who is what" - and in understanding the long post just added to the main thread, here is a list of the current Council members and their offices:

Council:

(Sultan's Own)
Auditor General Isek ben Zvi
Guard-Captain Therassi
Chief Herald Nivia Alix von Cohen
Black Iman (“High Judge”) “Rashne”
Palace Seneschal Radimir Yursur
First of the Palace Servants Barba Svalbard
Bey Elect (representative of the Beys) Kuhlbert ben Tharwat
Pasha Elect (representative of the Pashas) Rameesha al-Petrovna
First Girl of the Hareem (empty)
“Nasiri Yassassin” (?)

(Council of Viziers)
Grand Vizier Raahmid Javani
Vizier of Domestic Activities Kareem ben Alovar
Vizier of Commerce Voyate Shumash ben Allen
Vizier of Civilian Resources Fedya (note – this is a male)
Vizier of Artistic Expression Goldie Ohana
Chief Architect Kava Noordi-al-Naaman

(Ministry of Science and Technology)
Minister of Science and Technology “Eminence” Heliat Macaula al-Dayyan
Minister of VSS Dr Genet Khawlah (female)
Minister of VSRA Dr Abu ben Venkmann
Minister of VAA Dr Nebiat Berhe
Minister of Health and Medicine Dr Kuzma Maksimivich (male)
Minister of the Environment Karen Christenson

(Department of Peace)
General Riva Sola al-Din
Sharif of Defense Samuel Jeresai al-Leonty
Sharif of Law and Order Nudbah Nusrullah bin Sayyidah
Sharif of Kjik Kalbi Maquil ben Zaeem
Sharif of Kjak Vera bin Naum
Vizier of International Activities Francesca Berenstein al-Dalal





Yes, Francesca is a Vizier, not a Sharif. The Vizier of International Affairs used to be part of the Council of Viziers, but was moved to the Department of Peace as its focus changed from Trade to War. Things changed back, but the office was never changed in title. The V-IA also has the privilege of sitting in on Council of Vizier gatherings, though she has no official vote there.

The name of the Black Iman is suppressed for the length of their term - they are instead referred to as "Rashne", supposedly to maintain their neutrality.

Those in the "Sultan's Own" belong to departments which are not under the aegis of the Government of Vastiva, for whatever reason, and as such are effectively "immune" to the government. This includes the Post Office, the Treasury, and the Justices - though the lawyers are under the Department of Peace (to oversimplify, Kjik are traditionalists who depend on precedent, Kjak are arguers who debate).

Beys and Pashas are not "officially" part of the Sultan's own - Beys are the equivalent of mayors or other "smaller" government officials, and are elected. Pashas are raised to their positions of authority by merit. The Beys elect one speaker to represent all of them, and the Pashas elect one speaker likewise.

Needless to say, these elections can get very... involved, as can Bey elections at all levels.

... Wow. Umh. Vasty, do you run your own country, in real life?

I've never seen such a detailed idea of the inner workings of a government before. Especially not on NationStates. Big thumbs up, my friend. :D

*blush*

Well, I've been gaming for... uh... "A Very Long Time". Way back in the dark ages when "Emperor of the Petal Throne" was out... and D&D was three books with leatherbound covers.

I've found the detail enriches the experience, so I go to lengths to attempt to make the trip enjoyable to the players. :)

(Besides, I bore easily, and it gives me something to do)

*blush*

Well, I've been gaming for... uh... "A Very Long Time". Way back in the dark ages when "Emperor of the Petal Throne" was out... and D&D was three books with leatherbound covers.

I've found the detail enriches the experience, so I go to lengths to attempt to make the trip enjoyable to the players. :)

(Besides, I bore easily, and it gives me something to do)


Leather? Wow... mine was in a cardboard box and included a module (that for the life of me I don't remember the name of ... "Caverns of Quasington" I think... Elf was a Class, and it came with the cheap plastic dice you had to fill in the numbers with a crayon-and the D20 had to be painted, because 11-20 was 1-0, just like the ten-sider.
I remember how exciting it was when "Expert Rules" appeared.

...as far as everyone's odds go, you'd have to find your card and look at it. Nyah! ;)

... Oh, you're a meanie-head. :P

... Oh, you're a meanie-head. :P

No, no, it's called "incentive". ;)

I think Medea's odds would be called Volatile: Check Gambling Center Every Three Hours.

I'll bet. :P Hmmm... Nothing yet for me to do with Sae. I'll make another IC post as soon as others make more posts.

Also, I was wondering... Would Sae's natural spirit powers be affected by your palace? Like, does it have some sort of barrier which it uses to halt the effects of this partiuclar type o' magic?

I get the feeling that if someone is attacked and injuried within the Harem (Fights happen. >_>), Sae will, of course, use her prayer papers to heal their wounds. Just preparing for something that might >not< happen, but just in case it does, I'll know how to react properly.

In case anybody's wondering what Sadira looks like, imagine a 16-year old Catherine Bell. Incidently, Bell really is Persian and it isn't something that's put on for JAG. I hadn't known that until recently and it surprised me somewhat, but irregardless she's still smoking hot ;)

I guess so. You don't mind if Sae responds, do you?

Or, if you're expecting one of the more active players to react. I don't mind... V_V;;

I'll bet. :P Hmmm... Nothing yet for me to do with Sae. I'll make another IC post as soon as others make more posts.

Also, I was wondering... Would Sae's natural spirit powers be affected by your palace? Like, does it have some sort of barrier which it uses to halt the effects of this partiuclar type o' magic?

I get the feeling that if someone is attacked and injuried within the Harem (Fights happen. >_>), Sae will, of course, use her prayer papers to heal their wounds. Just preparing for something that might >not< happen, but just in case it does, I'll know how to react properly.

They would work normally - if a bit fuzzily when directed at any particular individual - inside the room, but you would not be able to penetrate the walls, door, floor, or ceiling. The fountains and walls are "sinkholes"; avoiding them would be a good idea, as it is apparent they are energy sinks.

And to date no fight has happened. Lots of "passive aggressive" activity, but no one has actually come to blows.

In case anybody's wondering what Sadira looks like, imagine a 16-year old Catherine Bell. Incidently, Bell really is Persian and it isn't something that's put on for JAG. I hadn't known that until recently and it surprised me somewhat, but irregardless she's still smoking hot ;)

Rowr! :D

See your TGs, nothing major. And with the ability to breathe and move restricted, its unlikely you can do anything immediately to Ariel.

Okay. Thanks for explaining that, Vasty. :D Also, please check your TGs. I sent a not so important TG your way. >_>;;

I guess so. You don't mind if Sae responds, do you?

Or, if you're expecting one of the more active players to react. I don't mind... V_V;;

Act or react as you see fit. :)

And to date no fight has happened. Lots of "passive aggressive" activity, but no one has actually come to blows.

And that's just a matter of time. :D

lol Well, Sae is a non-aggressor by nature, but don't expect her EHAV training to just sit backseat if a fist or something comes flying her way. :D

Conversion rates (based on USD, by Thirdgeek)

1 Vastivan Polar Crown = 2.7183 USD.
1 Krioval Kerotar = 1.8192 USD.

1 PC = 1.4942 K

Our money pwns yours. Nyah! :p

1 Krowemohian Tiderc = $1.3244

1 PC = 2.0524 T

We pwn you too. Hee hee hee... :D

1 Krowemohian Tiderc = $1.3244

Hmmm... Yeah. >_> Not quite as powerful as I hoped it'd be...

Added one nation to the Trade Pack Holders.

Vastiva (Reasons: As the daughter of Hudson Irawata, the second most influencal member of Gowa Industries, is currently applying for a position within the Sultan's Harem, Vastiva has been added to the Trade Pact Holders as per their agreement. This is limited to only Gowa Industries, and will remain in affect only if Zukie Irawata remains in good standing within the Harem.) (Export: Gowa Industries, taking an annomyous 'insider' tip, has begun to ship large quantities of cheese and cheese products to Vastiva. The first shipment, quite large by any means of measurement, (A little over thirty hundred metric tons) is shipped free of cost, and all future shipments will be shipped at the current price to produce the dairy products minus 30%. The first shipment is slated to arrive just before the Sultan is to select his Harem.)


((OOC: Nudge nudge there, Vastiva. Umh, I hope 3,000 metric tons is quite enough? I'm no foreign commerence expert, so if that's too little, let me know and I'll up it to a more suitable figure.))

GAH! Now that's a bribe if I ever saw one...

Subtle as a sledgehammer.

Bribe is too dirty a word. Think of it as "Ecomonic Incentives." :D


I perfer the term "Subtle as a Rancor." >_> Yeah, I play too much KOTOR II. Hee hee...

Yes, I'm creating the plausibility for interaction between characters - and demonstrating exactly how "passive aggressive" Ariel is. It makes for a good undercurrent.

Uber cool! :D Yay for character interaction!

Ye gods! A person takes time out to meet one lousy little RL deadline (and a deadline's not a proper deadline unless you're still working five minutes before it's due, right?) and look what you lot get up to! Pages and pages!

Indignation aside, thanks for the praise, C-G and V; must confess, though, the Ardchoille/Findhorn thing has been worked and re-worked in my head for a long time.

I should make it clear that Myfanwy didn't learn to do magic from her visitors, she just learnt that it existed. She gets that funny feeling in the back of her head when people talk telepathically, but can't do it herself, and it would take an extremely strong sender to make her 'hear'.

Bast and Dicey did find out that she could still learn magic, though, despite her being over the age when the necessary brain linkages usually atrophy. It's because she's a musician. Ardchoillean scientists have determined that all creative artists unconsciously use a haphazard form of magic which keeps the links open. However, full magical power has to come from exposure to a Magical Creature or by the conscious act of a trained witch or wizard, and generally is possible only until (approx) 20. For 10% of the human population, it's never possible.

Myfanwy didn't take them up on the offer because they couldn't tell her how it would affect her musical ability. Dicey's reference to a 'block' relates merely to their overcoming her refusal to believe in magic.

Heh. Welcome. And this is fun, which usually means it starts moving at its own pace.

Oh, and about the hot water - Vastiva enjoys significant geothermal power. The hot water you're receiving is actually steam cooled into water which has passed through ventages and a power plant, and is on return as a fluid. So there is no way it could suddenly "run out", even if you leave the water running...

It is entirely clean, potable, and reasonably pure (absolutely pure water would begin to hurt after a short time, this has enough minerals in it to make it "normal").

Oh - and there's no official timetable to choosing. Though this should be completed soon.

If I might ask, why is this basket of Ariel's so covetted?

Okay, Myfanwy's at the airport. I was going to hurry her off to the Harem in a couple of sentences, but I thought you might have something planned for her entry. I suspect we're supposed to draw some conclusions from the way we're welcomed.

I'd also intended her to befriend the 12-year-old, on the basis of both being latecomers. (Not as a babysitter, tell your damned Sultan!) Any obs?

I go to work, and come back, and there's more than a page of new material! YAY!!

Conversion rates (based on USD, by Thirdgeek)

1 Vastivan Polar Crown = 2.7183 USD.
1 Krioval Kerotar = 1.8192 USD.

1 PC = 1.4942 K

Our money pwns yours. Nyah! :p

GDP per capita:

Krioval - $38,201.28
Vastiva - $38,085.46

Hah. :D

If I might ask, why is this basket of Ariel's so covetted?

It's not coveted.

They keep looking at Zukie, looking at the basket, and grinning.

Hint hint, wink wink, say no more, say no more?

Okay, Myfanwy's at the airport. I was going to hurry her off to the Harem in a couple of sentences, but I thought you might have something planned for her entry. I suspect we're supposed to draw some conclusions from the way we're welcomed.

I'd also intended her to befriend the 12-year-old, on the basis of both being latecomers. (Not as a babysitter, tell your damned Sultan!) Any obs?

Well, perhaps - and you've been met. Enjoy!

Go right ahead, though that would depend on Voltarum putting her in the Harem and not the Apartments

Yep, I'm subtle. :D

It's not coveted.

They keep looking at Zukie, looking at the basket, and grinning.

Hint hint, wink wink, say no more, say no more?


Sorry, perhaps I'm being dense, but I'm simply not getting it.

They've got a nasty surprise for Zukie in the basket. Maybe.

New material after the quote box.


Sultan Sinjin Lefkowitz al-Din agrees to the “retirement” of Badria Nazanin al-Dalal to private life. This is the last member of the Harem of Vastiva, which he inherited from his predecessor, Sultan Vaada Kivaa al-Din.

On an invitation, the Sultan departs Vastiva with his Vizier of International Affairs (and former member of the harem), Francesca Berenstein al-Dalal, to attend a masquerade in Htrae Miseria - with orders not to be disturbed except in dire emergency. (10)

Grand Vizier Raahmid Javani, the “number two” in Vastiva, has decided to repopulate the harem of the Sultan of Vastiva. He claims, in a private conversation with Vastiva’s General of the Vastivan Armed Forces (Riva Sola al-Din), that he does this for the purposes of continuing that nations traditions. Riva is not convinced, but does not say as much, merely stating she will not oppose him. (1)

Raahmid proceeds by reminding the nation of Tree Hugging Lesbians of their treaty obligations – this being to send a member of their nation into the Harem. (2) After a discussion, the Queen sends Belle Madello as THL’s treaty obligatory candidate for the Harem. (19)

Voyate Shumash ben Allen, the Vizier of Commerce, mulls over his dissatisfaction with the current order of things in Vastiva. As he does so, his connection to Vastiva’s “gatekeeper” connection to the world Internet (called VSERV) tags a message from Raahmid to the Queen of the Tree Hugging Lesbians. This, he finds interesting, and states (to himself) he is “working on something rather… special for our Sultan”. (11)

A series of memos is passed to the Palace Staff, the Palace Guard, and Airport Security about how to handle the large number of candidates for the harem soon to be arriving. (13)

The Tower of Law and Justice, which houses the Council of Kjik and Council of Kjak, decides to inform the Heralds to make an announcement opening applications for candidacy to the Harem to the international community. This announcement is made by Nivia Alix von Cohen, the Chief Herald of Vastiva. She appears less then pleased with having to make this announcement. We are given the number of harem positions available as 51. (20)

The nation of Byzantinia sends their candidate, Princess Claudia. (22, 24)

This is soon followed by the Duchess Asiya Saleh of Scandavian States notifying the Grand Vizier her neice, Sadira Saleh, is interested in a position in the Harem, with a few conditions on her visit and stay. (26, 31, 35, 41)

Cadillac-Gage informs the sending of Engred Stalhaver after a terse and “politely hostile” exchange between the Grand Vizier and Director Suse Randall and a revelation that Engred might be a pawn in a political game in Cadillac-Gage (27,33, 43, 57)

A citizen of Krioval, Lady Medea Lakat also applies and is accepted, apparently charming the Grand Vizier during their exchanges. (28, 36, 54, 61) It is also shown the government of Krioval is reading her mail.(63)

The Noviets, one of Vastiva’s earliest allies, decide on a particular member of one of their special groups to send, Shizuka Kamigawa (32, 62)

Tocrowkia nominates Josephine Wyklansia (38, 48). As an aide to their campaign against Guffingford, Vastiva’s plane drops off significant cargo intended for Tocrowkia’s military before picking up Josephine. (55)

Sharina shows some interest (52, 59)

More surprising, Gowa Industries of Krowemoh sends Zukie Irawata and her handmaiden, Kera Light as potential candidates. After some discussion (29, 37, 40, 49, 53, 60) the FT nation sends a shuttle past Vastiva’s Tudrussel orbital platform to land at Nassanuella Air Base. (64)

Belle Madello of THL arrives at Gardemeister Aeroport,(39) where she is met by Drayaa Kiilgalen, deputy to the Grand Vizier(42), who is rather overwhelmed to meet a candidate.

Engred Stalhaver departs Cadillac-Gage. (50, 58)

Vastiva shows how deeply it feels this particular “declaration” with a day of holiday, a conditional pardon of those under death sentence, and many demonstrations. A set of trading cards with the visages and some information on the candidates shows up. It is also noted the Grand Vizier’s office has processed over a quarter million applications, with more to come. (56)

Shizuka Kamigawa departs for Vastiva.(62)

Sadira Saleh departs Scandavian States for Vastiva with her Sensei. (65,68) She is met aboard the plane by Sirdar Catrina Follette, Vastivan attaché to NATO.

An attempt is made to kill a candidate by two suicide bombers. This fails. An attempt is also made to use a SAM to shoot down the plane of Shikuza Kamigawa. This also fails. A group calling itself Janus bin Toto claims responsibility. (69,70, 71)

The citizenry of Vastiva is up in arms about the attempted attack. All planes in and out now have an escort of fighters, and a submarine fleet (W-3) is set to defend the coastline. Military vehicles line the roads, reservists are called up, and the citizenry is just short of vigilantism over the attack. (83)

All candidates enroute are rerouted to Nassanuella Air Base(69) where they are placed in protective custody in a military barracks (69,75)

While there, the “girls” have a nice long conversation with each other. Engred makes a slight fool of herself in front of Zukie(87,88,90,91,92), Shizuka serves tea to calm her nerves – and those of the other girls (77,93).

Shizuka offers tea with rich cream to Zukie(93) who mistakes it for creamer and makes a snide comment.(94), for which she is given a polite smackdown (99) which Zukie apparently misses. Shizuka offers tea to Kara, who looks to Zukie for permission before accepting it. This permission is given.(100)

Medea makes a comment she could kill Shizuka(95) and there is a short discussion of power and strength (107, 110, 111, 120, 122, 127)

We learn that Krowemoh has several levels of citizenship.(96)

Tea is served to several (102,103,104, 106)

Engred apologizes to Zukie(112) who accepts (114).


(Krowemoh, see TG before responding about the following!!!)


Meanwhile, Krowemoh’s Lawyer, Frank Harrigen, is lead elsewhere in the complex to meet Vizier Conrad Jessup, deputy Vizier of Domestic Activies.(97)
He is offered coffee, takes warmed milk (98,101). Conrad continues the legal wrangling, making a few offhandedly rude remarks, which are missed by the lawyer. (101) who hands over a sheave of papers to sign. Conrad notices the forms are made to the nation of VESTIVA(105), which does not exist. He signs them, and in return gives the lawyer a single sheet transferring Zukie’s citizenship to Vastiva, making note for the room’s recorders that Frank has full power of attorney over Zukie.(108) This effectively gives Zukie no protection at all - under Vastivan Law, once a harem member, they have no right of property, unless previously agreed upon.

There is a short discussion between Conrad and Frank about Kara Light’s position(113); an offer is made to buy her, with no seriousness from Conrad, and it is predictably turned down(115, 116). Conrad underhandedly tells Frank things are ‘not all they seemed to be’(117), but it is couched so the lawyer misses it entirely.

Duchess Asiya Saleh writes Raahmid, concerned about the attack and her niece’s safety. After a short back and forth, Raahmid agrees to allow Scandavian troops into Vastiva. (118, 119, 121, 144)

Engred has a psychic flash about the terrorist attack that happened earlier.(124, 130, 134, 137) She collapses and is tended to. (125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 131, 132).

Medea makes an offhand comment about the cold, (133)referring to the burns Engred received from her visions. Medea sidesteps knowledge of psychic ability (135) and asks what time period of vision it was (143).

Frank signs away Zukie’s citizenship. (145)

Zukie and Kera wonder about why they were diverted to Nassanuella (145)

Giap Risaldar Barr Seif al-Siraj enters their barracks, with a woman in white who does not speak, and a large repast for the candidates, along with a few explanations. (147)

Engred takes little food first, as her hand is injured.(148) The woman in white quickly assists her,(149) and Engred starts wolfing down food.(154)

The candidates eat and ask some questions (152, 163, 164). Barr confirms the terrorist attack.(155)

Commander Raijin Dekker writes Raahmid, asking what went on. (152) He receives a handwritten response from Raahmid(153), which irks him somewhat. His message back includes a removal of tarrifs between Krioval and Vastiva(157).

Engred asks about going outside in response to an offhand comment by Barr (156) who comments on the climate outside(159, 162) and offers military gear to Engred when the woman in white determines her gear is less then “Vastivan Standard” (165) This is also their first look at a Vastivan M-TCOD (the device he speaks into).

Zukie offers the use of her shuttle (167) which Barr – politely – refuses (169), and states they will be going by monorail. Zukie petulantly accepts, and makes a remark to Kera in her native tongue.

A squad of soldiers arrives from Scandavian States to protect their candidate (171, 174) which does not make the Nassanuellan Base Commander, Tabu Colonel Wafik very happy, though he concurs with his superiors orders. (176)

The SS soldiers enter the barracks, inform Sadira of her choices – and vanish in plain sight (178) just before the Vastivan bus arrives.

Engred (166, 180) and Medea (185) have a look outside – the rest of the candidates get into the Vastivan’s transport – a military bus, with polar bear skin covered seats which, their porter states, Vastiva uses as much as possible.(182)

The nation of Zatarack adds a candidate of their own (172) and an attempt to land forces on Vastiva. This is politely but firmly rebuffed, (175) though Vastiva accepts the candidate and lands her at Breathed Cargo Base in the nation of Militant Pingweeners (179), Vastiva’s “next door neighbor” regionally.

(I have absolutely no idea what Zatarack is doing with his emails, so can’t comment on them at this point)

The Ardchoillian candidate, Myfanwy Mhairi ap Hughes is announced by the Abbess of Findhorn to Raahmid. She too is accepted (181) as a potential candidate, during which Raahmid mentions Vastiva’s hedonism cruises, and that the Sultancy is not passed by inheritance.

Meanwhile, in the Voltarum, Vastiva’s other neighbor – and a longstanding ally with close economic ties – the head of House of Vektori, Lady Neira Vektori, announces she is allowing her House to dissolve, and applying for candidacy.(190) Premier Xerco Longbottom of the Voltarum puts a nice “guilty conscience” arm-twist on Vastiva to accept (190) which is followed up by another – in the form of affecting the price of Vastiva’s cheese imports (193) in return for an acceptance of their candidate.

In what can only be called a queer twist of fate, Raahmid receives neither the applicator, nor the imploring letter from Premier Xerco Longbottom, nor the “mixed message” from Xanaphia Jassan(193). These are instead read by Raahmid’s deputy, Drayaa Kiilgalen. She attempts to warn Raahmid of what is going on – but, for what ever reason, he bulls over her protest and demands she write an acceptance, never quite hearing he has just accepted a 12 year olds petition to join the Harem.

We also see Sultan Sinjin Lefkowitz al-Din returning from his time in Htrae Miseria – and learn he is completely clueless about the goings on. (194)


The group is driven from the barracks to a maglev station, and from there taken to the Palace (194); the Grand Vizier orders Drayaa Kiilgalen to accept the application of Lady Neira Vektori, not quite realizing she’s only twelve. (194)

Drayaa Kiilgalen meets the candidates at the Red Entrance to the Palace, (195), and remarks that while Zukie may not find it an honor to use this entrance, the rest – and most Vastivans – do.

At the top of the stairs, Drayaa informs Sensei Ueshiba he can take any of the diplomatic rooms available – save those with brass plaques – and escorts the candidates to The Harem Proper. (196, 198) Engred appears a little shocky at being there (197), but all refuse the offer of being given a room at the Burj Singinkatu (200, 201) and begin to interrelate, to an extent. (202, 203, 207- 210)

Back on the plane back to Vastiva, Francesca Berenstein al-Dalal gives a rather impassioned speech to Sinjin, professing worry about him, as he is a ‘visionary’.(199) Sinjin brushes aside her fears as the plane enters Vastivan airspace.

Meanwhile, Lady Neira Vektori meets her Vastivan escort (205)

Back in the Harem, Zukie is beaned by a ball of yarn thrown by Ariel, a rather formidable redhead who has assembled a coterie of like mindedly mean candidates. (211) Medea quickly rallies to her defense (212), as does Engred (213), but there is obviously no love lost.

VAL 001, carrying the Sultan touches down at Gardemeister Aeroport(214) where a crowd of reporters is ready to meet the Sultan. (215) He believes it to be to ask questions about his trip – and is quickly proven wrong (216). Ambushed, he manages to pull out of the ersatz interview with a promise of a more in depth one later.

The Harem gets a full view of the interview on the “plasma screen pillars” that surround the room (217).

Zukie gets in the last word against Ariel and joins in the card game(218) where the candidates wonder about the meaning of what went on at the press conference – and the problem of Ariel(219-221, 223, 227, 228, 230, 233)

Meanwhile, Francesca learns she wasn’t informed because of the Sultan’s rather strict orders – and begins to plot towards the future of the Harem ”Or lack thereof”(222)

Things in the Voltarum may not have been as “planned” as might have seemed at first glance… (224, 225, 240)

While the candidates discuss the meanings and subtleties of the press conference, one of Ariel’s group orders something – it is delivered in a covered basket, which they are very careful not to open in the groups presence. (229)

On the other side of the capital, Vizier Voyate Shumash ben Allen meets with Vizier Conrad Jessup. They exchange pleasant conversation before being stunned by the sounding of the Council Bell. (231) Raahmid makes haste to make it to the Council Chamber quickly after noting the acceptance of Myfanwy Mhairi ap Hwyl.(234)

We are also treated to a few comments on the power of the Sultan (237)

Lady Vivian Vagqu, of the Tqu ethnic group and Lady Neira Vektori – and her handmaiden, Ka’tal – are picked up by their Vastivan escorts, and brought towards the Palace. (234, 240) Good timing, as a few of the candidates appear to be cracking up. (237) Ariel’s group begins looking at the basket… looking at Zukie…. And laughing (237) which the candidates begin to wonder about. (238, 239, 242) and vacate in favor of the baths in the belief that in the basket is a bomb.

The “Pink Rooms” are somewhat of an astonishment to Engred(243), running first into a lesbian couple “at play” in a toilet. Medea is mostly indifferent (247), and Zukie orders Kera to shoot her should she ever “does anything like that” – to which Kera agrees, perhaps too eagerly (245) Sadira, on the other hand, takes a nap (244)

A harem slave – Thana – “appears” in front of Medea as she wonders aloud about a shower, making an offer of bath soaps, towels, and the like. (248)

The Council Session – a really should read it post.(249) We are introduced to the full roster of Vastiva’s “highest” group, many of whom prove to be so terrified at Sinjin’s possible reaction, they bicker like idiots. Sinjin closes the meeting with a statement all the Council is to inform him whom they think should be inducted to the Harem and why. We also see Sinjin cut off Raahmid in mid-statement – and Kareem ben Alovar musing about it afterwards.
Kareem gave himself a moment beyond Raahmid’s departure to wonder at the sparkles in the walls. ”Indeed, it is truly written, sometimes in the darkest places, one can find diamonds of impressive value.”

We are introduced to Sae Kurosawa, another Neko, and candidate. (250)

Lady Neira Vektori learns about the trading cards on the candidates from her escort, and that there are odds on each candidate. (251, 257, 264) before arriving at the Palace – and being made the same offer (Palace or Hotel). She is also inadvertently told the candidates are in multiple locations (264)

Medea, not thinking herself “above common”, tries to talk herself “down” to Thana(252), which Thana responds to with absolute shock (254) and not a little embarrassment. Medea misinterprets her embarrassment as anger – or rejection – and moves away, all but prepared to give up (255). Engred tries to iron out the situation (256). Zukie – ever diplomatic – instead gives Thana a set of suggestions, which Thana jumps to obey, after explaining the meaning of Ayid (258,263, 265) Zukie gets to read a Vastivan Newspaper in the shower (263, 269) The others soon join her. (268)

Sadira, meantime, goes off to have herself a bath (259) and instead finds herself tightly tied into her own corset by Ariel (261, 267) until freed by Kera (269, 270, 271), when she goes to her own bath (273) and decides to demonstrate her status – to Ariel’s diminishment. Ariel’s riposte is a slew of insults (281), loudly enough for the room to hear. Sadira strikes back with a deadly accurate series of her own (282) which gets applause from the rest of the room, (283) leaving Ariel with no reaction available, save to back down… for now.

Very efficient, are the “harem ghosts”, as the slaves are referred to on occasion (272)

Myfanwy Mhairi ap Hwyl realizes she arrived on her plane drunk off her ass (274), but has slept it off. Though she may not be completely out of the woods, as her greeter, Chief Herald Nivia Alix von Cohen sniffs it on her. (277)

The Krioval papers jump the gun, declaring Medea to be a member of the Harem, long before Sinjin has decided the matter (275, 278)

Engred goes back to playing cards (279), while Sultan Sinjin Lefkowitz al-Din takes some time to talk with the mermaid who applied for candidacy (280)

(GAH!)

Having read all fifteen pages of that monster thread, I can say this; it looks really cool! (And not just because of the icy polar temperatures, ha!)

Would it be possible for me to send a candidate, or has the time for that passed, now that Sinjin knows all and is beginning to bust heads?

[edit] If, of course, Vastiva says it's OK, this is essentially what I'll be doing (nonsensical rambling to follow);

There is a thing in Ferris, which lives in a deep well underneath most of a mountain. It is known as The Nameless.

What it is, what it's goals are, and what exactly it wants are unknowns, but what passes for a government (read: wealthiest and most powerful despot) in Ferris does what it instructs, on the rare occasions that it issues instructions, as payment for an ancestral debt (and because Bad Things happen to people who do not please The Nameless).

What The Nameless instructs is that a candidate be sent to Vastiva. Why? Ours not to reason why. So a candidate is selected; Alexis McKenzie-Grey, an artist and amateur cultural geographer from the extended household of Autarch Grey, the absolute ruler ... hilarity, and late entry, ensues.

Wow, I'm an idiot. I forgot Engred's injury for the span of several posts and a number of in-character hours-I attribute this (For the "No-Prize") as being because the ointment Medea and Shizuka put on the burns was some really fantastically good stuff, and the wrap was equally fantastically good.
Engred's warshed it off (Clumsy Engred!) so, the blisters have burst, and she's in a bit of pain. (Second-degree burns hurt like a M*****F****R, and there's the bruising...)
The injuries were recorded as happening at Nassanuela-which probably means the Harem Staff has been waiting to see which way she jumps.
Engred's going to jump the way of "I need a doctor" now- (and she does-forgot to change the dressings, a wee bit of infection from that...)

Vastiva, I hope the minor moves and comments by your Chief Herald were not too encroaching? I figured that, whatever she's like, even the most volatile person can look "calm" and "implacable" when in uniform, performing a public duty.

What I'm up to is putting out a feeler to see if Myfanwy's frankness can score her a powerful mentor. Please note, that's me, not Myfanwy. I'm the schemer, she's (at this stage of her life) innocent of the most basic forethought, planning, insight into others' evil motives or even into the possibility that others might have evil motives.

For example, when she encounters the Ariels of this world she assumes that some minor action that they misinterpreted has annoyed them, but that if the situation is explained clearly enough everyone will understand everyone else and stop.

Fortunately, she is intelligent enough to realise eventually that the word "bitch" was not invented to describe a temporary, reversible condition.

I'm guessing that several people already assembled will play a major part in furthering her education ...

BTW, the Jolt servers are furthering mine. I am now totally convinced that a malign cybernetic intelligence exists.

Having read all fifteen pages of that monster thread, I can say this; it looks really cool! (And not just because of the icy polar temperatures, ha!)

Would it be possible for me to send a candidate, or has the time for that passed, now that Sinjin knows all and is beginning to bust heads?

[edit] If, of course, Vastiva says it's OK, this is essentially what I'll be doing (nonsensical rambling to follow);

There is a thing in Ferris, which lives in a deep well underneath most of a mountain. It is known as The Nameless.

What it is, what it's goals are, and what exactly it wants are unknowns, but what passes for a government (read: wealthiest and most powerful despot) in Ferris does what it instructs, on the rare occasions that it issues instructions, as payment for an ancestral debt (and because Bad Things happen to people who do not please The Nameless).

What The Nameless instructs is that a candidate be sent to Vastiva. Why? Ours not to reason why. So a candidate is selected; Alexis McKenzie-Grey, an artist and amateur cultural geographer from the extended household of Autarch Grey, the absolute ruler ... hilarity, and late entry, ensues.

C'mon in, the water's fine. :D

C'mon in, the water's fine. :D

Given that Ferris regards "anywhere there's not a crop field" as a good place to dump toxic waste, it may not be fine for long!

In other news, there are one trillion microgolems in a cubic meter.

*Runs off to post the thing he wrote*

You know, Sadira's going to have to react physically now that you took the easy path away from me. I hope the Sultan is an understanding fellow, especially after Ariel (and mayhap a cronie or two) is taken to the hospital.

*snickers* Physical violence? How droll...

As to magic and such - as a plot forward, it's fine. Do note, the area you are in is very "toxic" to most forms (as the sudden immolation of the paper shows), particularly the unfriendly.

In other words - yes, I allow it, but do note, the "Palace doesn't like that which could be used offensively and will react all by itself".

The Official Vastivan understanding of magic is "it exists" (we've dealt with Dyelli Beybi and elves before, to start). Vastiva doesn't dabble.

Wow, I'm an idiot. I forgot Engred's injury for the span of several posts and a number of in-character hours-I attribute this (For the "No-Prize") as being because the ointment Medea and Shizuka put on the burns was some really fantastically good stuff, and the wrap was equally fantastically good.
Engred's warshed it off (Clumsy Engred!) so, the blisters have burst, and she's in a bit of pain. (Second-degree burns hurt like a M*****F****R, and there's the bruising...)
The injuries were recorded as happening at Nassanuela-which probably means the Harem Staff has been waiting to see which way she jumps.
Engred's going to jump the way of "I need a doctor" now- (and she does-forgot to change the dressings, a wee bit of infection from that...)

Infection is unlikely, given the dressings, application of antibiotics, and general status of the Harem itself. However, the wounds themselves could be worsening. Will get to it.

*snickers* Physical violence? How droll...

As to magic and such - as a plot forward, it's fine. Do note, the area you are in is very "toxic" to most forms (as the sudden immolation of the paper shows), particularly the unfriendly.

In other words - yes, I allow it, but do note, the "Palace doesn't like that which could be used offensively and will react all by itself".

The Official Vastivan understanding of magic is "it exists" (we've dealt with Dyelli Beybi and elves before, to start). Vastiva doesn't dabble.

Perhaps, but remember that she's a master in Akijuitsu, a combat art that emphasizes taking out threats as quickly and efficiently as possible. Sadira isn't an empath, she doesn't know that Ariel is only (probably) planning a childish prank, her instincts are to assume the worst and deal with the aftermath once the situation is in hand. Paranoia is a survival trait, after all.

*snickers* Physical violence? How droll...

As to magic and such - as a plot forward, it's fine. Do note, the area you are in is very "toxic" to most forms (as the sudden immolation of the paper shows), particularly the unfriendly.

In other words - yes, I allow it, but do note, the "Palace doesn't like that which could be used offensively and will react all by itself".

The Official Vastivan understanding of magic is "it exists" (we've dealt with Dyelli Beybi and elves before, to start). Vastiva doesn't dabble.


Well, Paralyzing isn't really offensive. It itself just holds the person in place. It's commonly used to disarm would-be assailents, and have them properly arrested.

Sure, one could use it to kill someone, but the spell itself wouldn't be the killing device, the knife or gun or even hand would. It'd just make the prey unable to respond.

But, it's your RP. lol I did give you final say over the whole thing, so if that's how you want it, I'll not complain. :D

*Long* established reaction to things contacting the walls (and floors, and ceiling and...).

Probably a bit slow today, bear with me. Tons to respond to, movement to forward...

If you don't mind Vasty, I'm going to plug my own thread here, okay?

LINKY (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=413167). It's there. Click through and read, I guess. >_< If you don't want me to plug my thread, I'll remove it, okay Vasty?

You want to plug, just be sure they're in posts involved in this thread.

Cadillac-Gage - her hands are already gloved, and she's in a gazebo in the garden, unless she wanders back then has the attack. Yes, the doctor was incredibly quick - the device does the normal series (temp included) and something this bad would be spotted.

you can assume she's being whisked off to the infirmirary. Hallucinations?


Gnufasur - until this gets solved, let it lie.

I would also appreciate it if long OOC comments went into this thread instead of the IC thread - short notes, ok, but if it looks like a paragraph, put it in this thread instead.

Thank you.

Okay, I edited the post.

Well, time to hit the sack, least I very much resemble the walking undead tomorrow. Bye! :D

Removed from Post 288 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8699251&postcount=288) per Vastiva's request.

On Debt;

Ferris is tied together through an elaborate, almost feudal, network of inherited debts. While slavery is technically illegal, and while all citizens technically have certain rights, bankrupt citizens must waiver rather a lot of those; in particular, the work they assume to pay off those debts must be specified by the person to whom the debt is owed; it is essentially a form of indentured servitude.

Add to that the way that debt is inherited by one's children, and one has an underclass of almost-slaves who will, barring exceptional circumstances, be indentured for dozens of generations to come (and a massively high birthrate as people try to divide the debt inherited by their children into smaller portions, but that's another story). It is in fact so extreme that only fifteen percent of the populace are out of debt, and they have the lion's share of the wealth.

Now buying citizens is illegal - that would be slavery - but what is legal is buying debt; if you sell me ownership of the debt of several hundred indentured factory workers, or farmers, or whatever, then they a) now have to pay the debt off to me, and b) must work at the tasks I set.

I Can't Believe It's Not Slavery™!

On Environment;

Ferris is one of the most inhospitable landscapes it's possible to find that supports industrial civilisation (edit - it's actually more hospitable than Vastiva! Sort of). Most of it is desert or semidesert, subject to blistering temperatures, extreme aridity, sandstorms, gritstorms, and other unpleasantness.

Where it's not desert, it's salt flats; these occupy about a fifth of the land area, and are home to a spectacularly nasty local weather condition - saltstorms.

The entire area is substantially cratered through extensive meteor impacts every thousand years or so, and there are also many ravines.

That Ferris is home to any sort of civilisation at all is testament to two things; one, the presence of rich metal ores in the area, and the other, the ability of the Autarchs to mobilise the indentured into intensive labour drafts. Extensive aqueducts and canals link various craters, where irrigation agriculture manages to feed Ferris' population despite the environment and the numbers of that population.

This is part of the reason for the Iron Domain's survival; without water, you die, and the Autarchs have an absolute monopoly on the water supply, pumped from artesian reservoirs deep underground (another, of course, is the machinations of the Nameless).

On the Ironspire;

I thought I'd add something on the Ironspire, Ferris' capital city of sorts, starting with the geology of it.

Several dozen thousand years ago, before humanity had reached the Shatterlands, a rather large nickel-iron asteroid impacted the Earth, precipitating an ice age which covered the area with ice several kilometers thick. (The fact that it's heavily cratered is testament to just how hard the asteroid bombardment was in the following millenia).

Down in the depths of the crust, the nickel-iron core of the asteroid stayed molten for some time, until, buoyed upwards by volcanic gases, it pushed up through the crust. When it hit the ice it melted it, and this acted as a sort of mould - the iron rose up in a great iron spike, two kilometers high and five hundred meters across at it's base.

Some time after that, the ice receeded, the climate changed, and Ferris became the desolate wasteland we know and love today. With a giant spire of volcanic rock and meteoric iron sticking out of it.

When humanity reached the Ironspire, they were quick to appreciate it's value - not only was it an admirable source of raw materials for the Iron Age culture of the time, it was also a defensive position without compare; once they'd carved a road up around the Ironspire, the pinnacle was accessible in times of danger, and defensible by a few dozen men. It remained so until the invention of air power, several thousand years later.

At the other end of the Ironspire, the tunnels carved to extract the almost-pure meteoric nickel-iron became the labyrinth, after the Nameless was discovered in their depths, and the first Autarch Grey made common cause with it...

Today, the fortress and palace of the Ironspire extends most of the way down it's height, carved into the rock. Around the spire itself is a slew of industrial centers, and around that a massive sprawl of slums and shanty towns. Outside of that the farmland begins.

Due to it's geologic origins, there are several geothermal hot springs around the Ironspire, where water bubbles up from the deep aquifers. While it's contaminated with sulphur and other volcanic minerals, and thus unpotable, it's used for power generation, and purified somewhat before sale to the huddled masses of the indentured labour (yes, they sell the water).

The Ironspire's main airport is in a large rectangle cleared by knocking down the slums which used to be there, a few dozen kilometers from the spire itself. Occasionally the shanty towns creep back onto the airport grounds, and occasionally they're knocked back off so that House nobility don't have to see them.

You want to plug, just be sure they're in posts involved in this thread.

Cadillac-Gage - her hands are already gloved, and she's in a gazebo in the garden, unless she wanders back then has the attack. Yes, the doctor was incredibly quick - the device does the normal series (temp included) and something this bad would be spotted.

you can assume she's being whisked off to the infirmirary. Hallucinations?


Gnufasur - until this gets solved, let it lie.

I would also appreciate it if long OOC comments went into this thread instead of the IC thread - short notes, ok, but if it looks like a paragraph, put it in this thread instead.

Thank you.

Hallucinations would be very likely-very likely indeed. Engred's father has a number of enemies-and-such. It wouldnt' be hard for some of those enemies to try and hit her family through her. A batch of Vaccine that was supposed to have been thrown out as being 'tainted' doesn't seem like an unlikely method, given the general lack of investment in healthcare in her home country combined with its small and overworked National Health Agency.
(some of the Vaccines she had to get to make the trip are imported. Not all importers are ethical...) I'm off to edit-the-post now!

(Later) Edited. Vastiva: what's rampaging through Engred's system should be pretty much child's-play for the Vastivan doctors. I'll stick to the injury-weakened-her-system thing for now, though, and it will probably be a few in-game hours before Engred's lucid. She probably stumbled out of the gazebo into the garden while she was...wandering under fever's influence.

Disclaimer: Despite my most recent post, I am not a Librarian.

Findhorn respects librarians so deeply because its people are mostly Celtic. Except in places where it was forcibly merged into Christian stories, the Celts' culture is largely unknown. Some scholars have suggested that this was because much of it, particularly the religious aspect, was considered too holy to write down where outsiders might see it. Others hold that it was preserved orally by the Druids, surviving in occasional scattered fragments in the more inaccessible parts of Scotland, Wales and Cornwall. (Ireland is a whole other story.)

I'm making the purely fictional jump that Findhorn was never subjected to forcible conversion, continuing its Celtic ways and, in time, gently replacing oral scholarship with the written word. Brother (or Sister) Librarian is the only one in each generation who fully understands the maze of book-lined tunnels throughout the great Rock that the Abbey crowns (though, of course, each one trains his or her replacement).

Some disaffected spirits at the end of last century believed that the Internet, particularly through search engines such as Google, would undermine the importance of the Librarians and even replace them. "Now Adam blogs and Eve spams, we are all Librari-ans" was a popular cry, and visitors to the island were often puzzled by the sight of students wearing T-shirts bearing the second half of the slogan.

However, the Findhorn Librarian of the time engulfed IT knowledge, swallowing it whole in precisely the same way his predecessors had dealt with the New Learning, the Renaissance, the Scientific Method and other such intellectual milestones. On Findhorn, those who would travel the Information Superhighway still find that only Brother William can open the gates.

Engred's vaccine-reaction is so brutal in part because most vaccines have to be imported. Local medical practices are usually 'herbal' methods that are comparatively primitive, and a few 'modern' techniques that are some 20-30 years behind-the-times. The underfunded medical Authority's main areas of expertise are physical traumas and hypothermia, not infectious diseases, and the country's isolated nature means few 'hitchhiker' illnesses to improve things. Imagine someone who can die of chickenpox, the way the Native Americans did between the 1500's and the 1900's. Now, imagine that someone getting a live-virus vaccine for such an illness-only vaccine's tainted.
The Vastivan doctor can handle this one with half her lab tied behind her back-but the vulnerability is serious, and so was the reaction. (Note: Chickenpox was just an example. ANY childhood disease from a warmer or more trade-oriented society would work. I don't know the specific serum that went bad-that's for Vastiva to decide.)
Given the incubation time, it's a fast-acting bug, (Less than 72 hours), and since the 'bad' serum was just good enough she's not contagious. (GM's ruling here.)

There are three distinct possibilities I think happened:

1. The batch was bad and Engred was unlucky.

2. The batch was bad-because it was supposed to be destroyed, but it was shipped at a profit by an unethical vendor, and Engred was unlucky. This has the benefit of pointing out how vulnerable a small country that tends to be isolated is to clever manipulators used to dealing with more world-wise nations.

3. The Batch was bad-because it was a sabotage-job by someone. there are a few possibilities here:

a) Engred's father has enemies, the cultural differences being enough that some of those would read Engred as an attempted bribe to open Vastivan markets or increase Stahlhaver influence out of the country. a "Bum Product" would damage that possible relationship, and groups like the Magnussens would have the local influence and money to pull it off.

b) The Isolationists in Cadillac-Gage wanted to stage an incident, and deliberately obtained the bad serum and substituted it. Engred going to Vastiva, and dying of disease in the interview process would damage international relations and give the Isolators another scandal to use against the Federal Government to force a 'no confidence' vote in the Assembly.

c) someone on the other end (out of country) wanted to create an incident between the two nations-possibly a move to embarass Vastiva. This one is the most remote-but has the benefit of providing some kind of non-local handle for the other players to use.

Heya, this thread has motivated me enough to finally upload some of the updates for my Voltarum webpage.

http://www.angelfire.com/dragon/therealm0/voltarum.html

or click the link in my sig.

The reason I bring it up here, is that there is a bit about the 7 Houses of the Voltaru (nobles) that Neira is (was) a part of. Its in the people section.

And Vast, i hope you don't mind, I used some of your geographic numbers to estimate mine ;-)

Voltarum

Speaking as a biologist (specifically, an immunologist), there are plenty of reasons one could have an adverse reaction to a vaccine. It's possible, though unlikely, that one could actually have an immune response to the adjuvant used to stimulate immune recognition of the antigen presented. The other is that one may be hyperimmune to the antigen itself. Finally, a person could have a strong immune response against the animal proteins from which the vaccine is derived. These possibilities allow one to actually react to a perfectly good vaccine; of course, if the vaccine is imperfect or impure, more possibilities arise.

But back to Krioval's involvement. Raijin is about to pull a political stunt - nothing major, but he's very correct in assuming that Vastiva is not pleased with the reports in the Kriovalian papers about Medea.

BTW, Medea is 25, and will be 26 in a few weeks.

Wow, we have all kinds of experts participating in this thread.

(aint' it cool? Amazing who you meet around here)

On Duels - these are not always the "to the death" or "to first blood" sort in Vastiva; in fact, that type is not common.

More often, duels involve skills of the duellists.

The most common is the "Chef's Duel" in which their skills are pitted against each other; both kitchens will try very hard to outdo the other, for the sheer honor of flying a pennant showing a victory.

A "Sultan's Grace" duel takes a further turn. In this case, the Sultanate pays for everything - and the duel takes place in the Sultan's Hall (actually an arena). If you've seen "Iron Chef" or "Iron Chef America", you can get an idea of what this is like. If not - the "Sultan" (normally a representative, though he does occasionally preside) gives both sides access to a full larder; each can request any items be made available to them in addition.

At the time of the duel, a "theme" ingredient is announced. Both chefs have one hour to provide as best they can, all dishes to incorporate that ingredient.

Five Judges - normally chosen at random - taste all the dishes; a sixth portion is made available to the "Sultan". All then vote on the presentation, taste, and overall theme of the presentation on a simple rating scale.

In the case of a tie, the Sultan votes.

It then becomes a duel of (1) anticipating your needs and (2) being able to produce the "best" dishes, both individually and as a presented meal.

Winning a "Sultan's Grace" duel is seen as a major "feather in the cap" of a restaurant.

Notably, all duels (of any sort) must be registered beforehand - and it appears entirely random which will be named as "Sultan's Grace" challenges.

One of the duels concerned two "greasy spoons", fighting over a better plot of land - and the Sultan himself showed up to preside. It remains a major statement for the victor that he did win; photos are displayed visibly, along with the signed certificate of victory from the Sultan.

The loser committed suicide.

It's not that Constantine doesn't believe Sinjin could pay the debt, it's that he doesn't believe he would. The upper classes of Ferris are motivated in large amount by self-interest; altruism is somewhat foreign to them.

I'll also note that the cost of buying a debt is entirely unrelated to what the debt actually is, since what you're buying is the services of the indebted person. It can be as low as one centi-shard, if what you're doing is essentially a formality (as it would be, if Sinjin had purchased Alexis'), or far far higher than the debt itself (if, for example, Constantine was to purchase the debt of some famous movie-star).

And another note; bribery has very little social stigma whatsoever attached to it in Ferris - it's regarded as grease upon the wheels of commerce. You could technically bribe the Autarch to annull the debts of every debtor in the Iron Domain, but it would cost a heck of a lot (and then, of course, he'd up the price of water to drive them all back into debt again).

It's not that Constantine doesn't believe Sinjin could pay the debt, it's that he doesn't believe he would. The upper classes of Ferris are motivated in large amount by self-interest; altruism is somewhat foreign to them.

I'll also note that the cost of buying a debt is entirely unrelated to what the debt actually is, since what you're buying is the services of the indebted person. It can be as low as one centi-shard, if what you're doing is essentially a formality (as it would be, if Sinjin had purchased Alexis'), or far far higher than the debt itself (if, for example, Constantine was to purchase the debt of some famous movie-star).

And another note; bribery has very little social stigma whatsoever attached to it in Ferris - it's regarded as grease upon the wheels of commerce. You could technically bribe the Autarch to annull the debts of every debtor in the Iron Domain, but it would cost a heck of a lot (and then, of course, he'd up the price of water to drive them all back into debt again).

It's the clash of cultures, even as good at interculturalism as the Vastivans generally are.

Definite points for even knowing about Mehr - most don't do that much research. :)

I thought the term for "giving money to the family of someone who's going to marry you" might be "dowry", and to spare myself the embarrassment of getting it wrong I looked it up on Wikipedia. Turns out that the groom paying money to the bride's family is the opposite, and is a bride-price.

Anyway, down at the bottom of the article on dowry they had a little bit on Mehr - which is apparently from the groom specifically to the bride and not her family, so it doesn't exactly apply, but the harem is not exactly a marriage, and in any case Darian isn't Muslim and is entitled to be wrong about these things.

In short; I love Wikipedia. It knows (almost) everything.

At last! I've got my candidate into the Harem! Just 310 posts after it all began! Now, I wouldn't want you to think I'm making a threat or anything, perish the thought, but if the Sultan doesn't accept her it could well take another 310 interminable posts to get her out again ... :)

For reference:

Dan-karoten basically means "dishonored fighter", and is among the most mortally offensive insults that can be leveled against a soldier. It comes from danar, to oppose, karotar[i], to fight, and [i]-ten, with strength. It can also refer to a soldier of extreme physical, mental, or spiritual weakness. Bottom line - it's not nice!

Oh yeah, before I forget totally, Raijin will expect a response to his transmission soon (say, some time today) or he's going to assume something's gone terribly wrong. Given his capacity for imagination and his impulsive actions on behalf of just about any Kriovalian citizen, he'd probably get frantic rather quickly.

At last! I've got my candidate into the Harem! Just 310 posts after it all began! Now, I wouldn't want you to think I'm making a threat or anything, perish the thought, but if the Sultan doesn't accept her it could well take another 310 interminable posts to get her out again ... :)

Promise? :D

If everyone would please read posts 316 and 317 before responding, I've group responded to most everyone (I hope). I've an early appointment, so cannot be as complete as usual.

Yes, Myfanwy has been put up in Medea's bed - but Medea's luggage is still there, and Myfanwy's is nowhere to be found. Welcome to the blunders that savage the traveller.

Neira and Ka'tal have been placed at the edge of the little group, so everyone is close to each other. The trays have been removed.

In the morning, the "harem ghosts" will be around, requesting breakfast orders and allowing for routine. After breakfast, a "harem ghost" will occasionally wander in, find someone, bow and talk briefly to them, and they will be lead out of the Harem. Some come right back, some don't - or "not yet".

Ariel comes back, looking rather distinctly happy with herself. After that point, Engred should be released and returned, still gloved so her hands do not function well at all (think of wearing a stiff glove), but otherwise fine for the time being.

I've two posts that need polishing before posting, so will save them for tomorrow.

As far as Medea goes - Krioval, see TGs.

Asterisked things from the post (318, I think);

*My own brushes are for acrylics; I can't for the life of me recall what kind of hair you're supposed to use for oils. I think it may be sable.
** Rötring pencils are the fancy plastic ones with very fine, replaceable leads - they're useful for line work.
*** I'm afraid that this list would be horribly horribly short, but oils aren't what I'm used to. Consider it expanded as needed.

What do you want to do now - the Vastivan plane landing? The precise order of things following this is a bit up in the air.

Also, the bit between the (list) tags was meant to be in Times New Roman font; apparently that hasn't caught, so only the line following it is. Most odd.

Engred has people at home who care!

So Myfanwy's luggage is missing? So the Sultan will, obviously, have to buy her an entire new wardrobe ... close a Mall to everyone but the Harem and let us all browse ... what the hell, close the Champs Elysee to everyone but the Harem and let us all browse ... with unlimited credit ... Italy for the shoes, though ... ahhhh, shopping ...

As to this: “Who did say you were not being? And who can say you will not be when the time comes to be?” -- orright, I give up; I know when I'm out-Obi-Wanned.

And allow me to congratulate you on that piquant seduction scene (co-authors Jane Austen and Jackie Collins?). Particularly the slippers. Especially since I forgot about Vastiva's thrifty use of bear fur, and instead assumed he was wearing those ones that make you look as if you're walking around with upside-down teddy-bears cuddling your feet.

Dammit, C-G, I was just writing a querelous e-mail to the Sultan from Mother Mirrim! Stop having my ideas before I have 'em!

Dammit, C-G, I was just writing a querelous e-mail to the Sultan from Mother Mirrim! Stop having my ideas before I have 'em!

So... write another one? :eek:

Yes, Vastiva is suffering a Category 2 Hurricaine, as is the rest of the region.

(If you missed it, here is the weather report (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8720125&postcount=74) and the actual reason why. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8699256&postcount=16) And here's a link to what those wind numbers mean. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale) )

Most of Vastiva, however, won't even notice anything is going on. They're used to "horrible weather during the winter", and only real fools go outside in crap like this. The "coastline" moved out to sea several miles right after sunset, so the waves don't affect our ports - of course, nothing on the surface can move.

Now, under the surface is another story.

"So why isn't the entire nation destroyed?"

Two reasons.

First, Vastiva is in a mountainous area, so actual wind impact is lessened by Mother Nature's Firewalls.

Second, wind doesn't affect geodesic domes that well to begin with - and plenty of Vastiva is subterranian and/or buried in snow for the winter, so it's not a great problem.

This is submitted entirely for your enjoyment, as most likely the harem won't notice anything. Unless someone happens to catch the loophole I left for perceptions...

Reply! Reply, damn you! ;)

Oh dear - this puts me in a right spot and no mistake!

I suppose your plane is somewhere en route to Ferris, then. I hope this hurricane of yours doesn't drag on too long. :(

Oh dear - this puts me in a right spot and no mistake!

I suppose your plane is somewhere en route to Ferris, then. I hope this hurricane of yours doesn't drag on too long. :(

Would you believe "Doesn't matter much - Vastivan planes are designed to deal with soup. And if it's too bad, there are "alternative methods" we use regularly"?

Plane is enroute to Ferris and/or arrived, your choice. It's a 74SL, box-wing design for increased stability (means the wings extend from under and on top of the plane, and connect to make a "box" at the tips). Think "747 with neat wing design" and you're not far off.

Relax - you're not being left out, promise. Though I'll have to post light today, as it's an early tomorrow.

Reply! Reply, damn you! ;)

Relax, she-ninja. There's plans in the works, but tonight sleep takes precedence. ;)

Most excellent - I wasn't accusing you of neglecting me or anything! I'll write up something to post tonight, then.

So... write another one? :eek:

Nah. After a bit of re-reading, I've realised she doesn't have any reason to be querelous yet, and even if she did, it'd be at Myfanwy, not the Sultan. In fact, she has reason to be quite nice to the Sultan, given that she was offered a free holiday a while back and she didn't pick up the reference.

Re your 'weather': I just knew it. You're omnipotent. You're probably [violet].

Re your distraction abt the 'loophole for perceptions': picture us all -- post 192? No. Post 193? No. Post ... well, that should keep everyone busy till you get back.

Relax, she-ninja. There's plans in the works, but tonight sleep takes precedence. ;)

She-ninja?! Whatever gave you the impression that I'm female?

She-ninja?! Whatever gave you the impression that I'm female?

You I don't know. But your character in this RP is most definitely female - or she'd not pass the physical. ;)

Nah. After a bit of re-reading, I've realised she doesn't have any reason to be querelous yet, and even if she did, it'd be at Myfanwy, not the Sultan. In fact, she has reason to be quite nice to the Sultan, given that she was offered a free holiday a while back and she didn't pick up the reference.

Re your 'weather': I just knew it. You're omnipotent. You're probably [violet].

Re your distraction abt the 'loophole for perceptions': picture us all -- post 192? No. Post 193? No. Post ... well, that should keep everyone busy till you get back.

I'm omnipotent because of my weather???

Carnation Instant Points™ to Voltarum for figuring out the loophole. :)

In response to several telegrams -

Yes, the Vastivans are going to refer to particular cultural ideals and phrases every so often which nobody is likely to get up front. This is not by design, save it is another nation with it's own ideas and history.

In most cases, a question here or by TG can tell you (OOC) what is going on so you - the player - know.

For example, Fajr is plotting to ask Alexis to her home for dinner some night. Now, to most of us, this is not a big deal at all - however, in Vastiva, the ideas of "providing food" and "hospitality" have very big meanings, not to mention it would be something of a "social coup" for someone to have a candidate over for dinner. It would also be an embarrassment for her "minder" not to notice, or have informed Alexis about this.

So please do ask whatever you like - I do not want to "lose" players to outright confusion! Thank you.

*blinks* What do you have planned for Sadira, my clever friend?

*wonders if that should be "fiend"...*

Not yet, it shouldn't be. Of course, you just might make me change my mind.

I'm working on it, I'm working on it. :D

And to answer the burning question, yes, Medea would. In the hallway, gardens, museum, or bedroom, and in about five seconds flat. Such is the plight of a woman whose boyfriends have historically had their own. :D

And to answer the burning question, yes, Medea would. In the hallway, gardens, museum, or bedroom, and in about five seconds flat. Such is the plight of a woman whose boyfriends have historically had their own. :D

Verbal Judo lesson continues.... ;)

Its not like the doorway isn't open.

(Not omnipotent because of your weather. Omnipotent because of what you make your weather do. I'm alway over-awed by a good dose of tech.)

The post abt Myfanwy moving near Neira fits in somewhere after Neira has checked out the blue-ringed doorway.

Re robes: Everyone born on Findhorn has to make his or her robe from scratch. They mind the goats, they shear them, they spin the thread, they weave the robe. Children usually begin around 10. By the time they are 13, they are "robe-wearers"; they are proud of this development. As 10-year-olds often under-estimate how tall they'll be, at the same time friends and family begin weaving narrow strips that will be sewn onto the sleeves, hood and hem as the person grows. The trials of adolescence wear holes in the robe, so other friends supply hand-woven patches, appliques or embroidery. Thus, the robe of a 40-year-old Findhornian is often so scruffy and yet so treasured as a memento of times past that it is worn only on occasions of the highest ceremony. Most people make other robes throughout their lives, often better woven and better cut, but not so precious.

The robe has entered into Findhornian vocabulary, so the prediction, "She'll be robed by the time she's nine" means a child is precociously intelligent, while the sad phrase, "He'll never wear but one robe" means the subject of the comment is fragile, expected to die young. "Da's robe is wearing thin," while undoubtedly true of anyone much past 30, should never be said unless you mean the person is likely to die soon. "Take my robe for my pillow" means to go wandering.

Because the entire population wears the robe as national dress, making them all look like a colony of monks and nuns, it is often assumed Findhornians are exceptionally devout. Quite the reverse.

Myfanwy is a professed Sister, but this carries no implication of celibacy. The Abbey's order merely asks of its members that they live together in common. This rule was adopted because it allows the brethren to avoid the distracting intensity that one-to-one marriage brings, while still supporting the pleasures of family and children. However, there are no cultural bars to pair-bonding, either; it is simply regarded as the less spiritual choice (which is why the Abbey residents sometimes find themselves tempted to look down on the self-indulgent married folk who live outside the Abbey).


Myfanwy's ambition to try for admission to the Harem led to fierce, long, loud discussions that eventually agreed she could be considered, if successful, as "living in common" with the other candidates and the Sultan.

And to answer the burning question, yes, Medea would. In the hallway, gardens, museum, or bedroom, and in about five seconds flat. Such is the plight of a woman whose boyfriends have historically had their own. :D

LOL! At least Medea can remember how.

Note to Vastiva: The doctor knows Engred's hymen is unbroken.
Twenty-one year-old virgins are pretty rare, attractive ones are rarer, outside some extremist sects. It isn't lack of interest, or opportunity, as much as she's tended to have more important/immediate things to be occupied with...and she tends to intimidate most of the other college-guys (Except the ones that have already got a 'steady' or wife) which tends to make it a bit difficult when one wants more than a zipless (censored). (Yes, Engred has a 'romantic' soul...poor dear.) Engred's read about it, of course, and she's seen "Racy" movies (Sharon's incessant quest to get her roomie laid...) but beyond the theory, Engred's got no experience at all.

Harem area proper contains gaming tables, fountains, seating and such. And overmany beds at the moment.

"Blue" doorways lead to pools, fishing, a waterfall, a grotto, a wave pool, a pond and the like.

"Green" doorways lead to garden areas with gazebos, flowers, bushes, herb gardens, and the like.

"Pink" doorways are the baths - including sauna, steamrooms, showers, bathtubs, toilette facilities, makeup tables, dressing rooms, and the like. That there is a pronounced tendency for individuals to "use the pink area for trysts" is outside the original designers ideas, but not unheard of.

Findhorn - I just read up on Tesla and his ideas. Fascinating what he thought up, way ahead of his time.

Cadillac - I do wonder if you've noted, Vastiva's Intelligence community is asking for the arrest and "deportation" of her friend.

One wonders how Ariel is going to react to being looked at like a minor accident to be cleaned up.

One wonders how Ariel is going to react to being looked at like a minor accident to be cleaned up.

You're about to find out.

Just as a direction of action - Zukie's bed was impregnated with dozens of chilled flea eggs, done while everyone was in the pink rooms and/or not paying attention in that direction (yes, I know, contrived). The heat of her body over the night caused them all to hatch, which predictably results in a very mad catgirl who itches like there's no tomorrow.

Score one for the redhead.

This will predictably move to the Pink rooms (baths), where there will be a skirmish, though perhaps not as Sadira envisioned it seeing as Ariel isn't currently in the room. However, there's plenty of others there...

No "quick fixes" on the fleas, though you can protect the area - this moves characters into the next area. No, I don't plan on using techniques like this often, but its about time for heads to get busted.

Yes, I can give "stage cues" if you're lost on what to do, or you can post on this thread (or send TG) so we can work together a bit more efficiently.

I'd also like for Voltarum to notice there are people there who weren't on the cards - and counting those in and out, there have been more then 192 people in this room, excluding "ghosts". How you do that is up to you.

I should mention - at this time, the coup has achieved all of its ends so far, so their plan is going "according to plan". That should change shortly.

Findhorn - I just read up on Tesla and his ideas. Fascinating what he thought up, way ahead of his time.

Cadillac - I do wonder if you've noted, Vastiva's Intelligence community is asking for the arrest and "deportation" of her friend.

Would that be 'Deportation', or 'Extradition'?
Deportation would require Sharon to be somewhere other than Cadillac-Gage, or that she be a foreign national. 'Extradition' would be the appropriate term.

Dr. Randall would probably reply something to the effect that there is no Extradition treaty currently in force between the two nations, that the subject is a nineteen year-old with a long history of disciplinary issues caused mainly by a tendency to shoot her mouth off, and said nineteen-year-old probably just needs to be reminded she's not an adult yet, and quite less immune to a switch across the backside than most.
(Nineteen is two years shy of legal adulthood for those who are wondering.)

If the Vastivan Intel community does what most Intelligence Branches do, they'll insist, pointing at the vague threat in the (easily traced by looking at the sign-in-sheet and comparing send-times) student Computer Lab logs.

Whereupon the following should then happen in quick succession (relatively quick-remember, these people still use a lot of paper-filing instead of electronic bits!)

1. Engred's little-buddy is going to be suspended 'indefinitely' from the U.
2. Said little-buddy is going to take a trip to an airbase-under guard.
3. Dr. Randall will insist that the Vastivan agents interview the subject in Cadillac-Gage first, before Vastiva takes possession. Reasons are twofold: One, if the kid is serious, the Government wants to know who she's in with, and who's backing them.
Two: if the kid is not serious, didn't know what the results would be, etc. etc., she wants it on film and Videotape, a CYA move.
4. If Vastiva is agreeable, said mouthy brat is then:

a) sent, bound if necessary, up the ramp and into the gentle clutches of Vastivan Intelligence/justice.

b) switched by the redoubtable Dr. Randall for making an ass of herself and causing an international incident. Willow-switch, 1/2 inch wide, kind of like Rattan, but at this time of year, 'green' willow can take more punishment. Kid will have welts on her ass for weeks.

C) Both 'a' and 'b' apply.

Behind-the-scenes reasoning: Vastiva is huge, powerful, and influential. Comparative notes taken and run through logic says that even with the natural difficulties of CG's landscape, a Vastivan army can probably occupy by sheer weight of numbers-possibly even outnumbering native-born citizens. The major Military alliance CG has is in a state of disorder, and even with a successful call to those allies, it's unlikely that the country could hold-once Vastiva launched a ground assault.
Further, CG isn't well-established internationally as a trading partner with anyone of significance yet-pissing off the largest nation to grant diplomatic recognition currently on the books is taking the roughest road. simple calculus of value says turn the idiot kid over-with appropriate protests and a request for a mutual treaty of extradition and co-operation in Criminal cases to smooth things over in the future.

Deep-behind the scenes: With any sort of luck, Sharon will be 'safely' in Vastivan hands before something worse goes wrong.

I believe it was "wanted for questioning" not "wanted for trial". Difference.

It is. Witness:


Official Request to the Office of External Contact and Affairs, Rogue Nation of Cadillac Gage c/o Director Suze Randall, Undersecretary of External Contacts and Affairs from the State of Vastiva

In the course of normal operations and investigations, our office has found it to be currently necessary to request testimony from an individual from your nation on matters pertaining to the safety, security, and sanctity of the State of Vastiva.

We therefore request one of your citizens, Sharon Louise Henrik, be transferred to our custody, for an unnamed period of time as pertains to this investigation. We further do ask that she not be informed as to the nature of this investigation, if such is possible.

Our appreciation for your swift attention to this matter,

Nasiri Yassassin
Director, Office of State Security
Humble Servant of His Magnificence, the Sultan of Vastiva


Given the HSI - which, so far, has toppled four governments through the use of small teams of agents (among other things) - Nasiri's response will probably be along the lines of "How about you hand her over for a short time, at our expense, and we hand her back afterwards?"

The OOC Objective is "move brat to Vastiva, allow her to see friend and report back". Nasiri is slightly paranoid, but not stupid, nor does he honestly believe this 19 year old poses any sort of threat. He did not phrase for an arrest, just testimony to be given.

I believe it was "wanted for questioning" not "wanted for trial". Difference.

It is. Witness:



Given the HSI - which, so far, has toppled four governments through the use of small teams of agents (among other things) - Nasiri's response will probably be along the lines of "How about you hand her over for a short time, at our expense, and we hand her back afterwards?"

The OOC Objective is "move brat to Vastiva, allow her to see friend and report back". Nasiri is slightly paranoid, but not stupid, nor does he honestly believe this 19 year old poses any sort of threat. He did not phrase for an arrest, just testimony to be given.

Just remember (and Nasiri Yassassin might already know) the CG's are pretty jumpy right about now due to some difficulties at home.
The investigation into Engred's Father's business dealings by the Assembly's Competitive Economics Comittee has been getting nasty, and there have been public accusations that Stahlhaver and Halvorssen sold Engred in exchange for opening certain markets offshore. The harder the President and administration deny these charges, the more powerful they're becoming-and the deeper the Criminal investigation domestically is going.
Nasiri's letter came at a time that would trigger a more extreme emotional response-and a pessimistic suspicion that all is not well.
Sharon Henrik is a 'Scholarship kid'-her father's one of Stahlhaver's workers (Okay, 'Thugs', but hey...) Randall's assumption is that the investigation is either because of Sharon's little threat (Which is wholly understandable-the Sultan is, after all, a Head of State), or because of the white-collar-crime investigation (which has uncovered price-fixing, extortion, and a few other choice bits on the local markets.)

I'll tone the actual reaction down...

(oh, I hope I can get onto my Nation now-site was refusing connection earlier...)

I'd also like for Voltarum to notice there are people there who weren't on the cards - and counting those in and out, there have been more then 192 people in this room, excluding "ghosts". How you do that is up to you.


Yes, ok. Although, considering the fact that the guard who showed her the cards commented something to the fact that she "was sorry she didn't have the whole set" or something like that - she has not seen all the cards, nor does she remember all those she has seen =)

Putting that, the fact that she knows there to be only 192 candiates, plus she knows of the other group in the apartments would definitely tip her off that something is up here. Hopefully this will come out in the convo with Myfanwy. If you would like to give me a push in the right direction, send me a TG =)

I can't wait to see the reaction to what Medea just said and did. :D

I can't wait to see the reaction to what Medea just said and did. :D

*laughs* Well written. Kriovalians are rather direct, aren't they?

I would say "damn, I was too subtle" in the prior post, but I left it open to interpretation either way. So we'll go with your way.

327-350-353

Is it just me, or is Nasiri giving really subtle threats in each of these?

Is Myfanwy supposed to have seen the candidate cards? (She was totally zonked on the trip to Vastiva, but Nivia could have shown them to her, if necessary for plot development.)

She's soon going to realise just how greatly favoured she was by Nivia sharing food with her.

Reaction to Medea's move: And then? And then? Quick, turn the page, turn the page, I've already read this bit!

BTW, Vas, my Collins/Austen comment was a compliment; I was liking the way you walked the line between the two.

Vasty, I really dislike you... >_>

Sigh. Okay. Lemme figure out a post to reply to the situation you've presented me. It'll be up laterish.

Hmmm... Not many places for fleas to nest in, though. Nekos aren't furries. They don't have fur all over, just on the ears and tails. Not to mention she's 'shaved.' Last I checked, fleas don't nest on flesh... Then again,. I'm no expert...

Anyways, I'll be there real quick...

Might I step in to reply, as I am something of an expert. No they will not nest in hair/furless areas. Though they will go there to bite. They will nest in clothes, bedding, and carpet, the dirt in a garden area etc...

Oh and those must be cat fleas, dog fleas only bite canines, cat fleas will feed on any warm blooded creature.

An infestion in a bed is an infestion in the whole area, indeed - since they will hop rides on people ...not only the whole harem, but any where the harem 'ghosts' might go....

and the thought of fumigateing the whole of the complex has me clutching my sides with laughter....

Stepping back to lurkerdom and a thorough enjoyment of the RP.

Edited to add: flea eggs are about the size of a fine grain of sand and are white.

Is Myfanwy supposed to have seen the candidate cards? (She was totally zonked on the trip to Vastiva, but Nivia could have shown them to her, if necessary for plot development.)

Nope. Point of fact, Nivia is against the whole idea as "undignified".


She's soon going to realise just how greatly favoured she was by Nivia sharing food with her.

Quite possibly, yep.



Reaction to Medea's move: And then? And then? Quick, turn the page, turn the page, I've already read this bit!

*laughs*



BTW, Vas, my Collins/Austen comment was a compliment; I was liking the way you walked the line between the two.

Thank you :)

Might I step in to reply, as I am something of an expert. No they will not nest in hair/furless areas. Though they will go there to bite. They will nest in clothes, bedding, and carpet, the dirt in a garden area etc...

Oh and those must be cat fleas, dog fleas only bite canines, cat fleas will feed on any warm blooded creature.

An infestion in a bed is an infestion in the whole area, indeed - since they will hop rides on people ...not only the whole harem, but any where the harem 'ghosts' might go....

and the thought of fumigateing the whole of the complex has me clutching my sides with laughter....

Stepping back to lurkerdom and a thorough enjoyment of the RP.

Edited to add: flea eggs are about the size of a fine grain of sand and are white.

Yep, it's affected the area, to an extent - but ve haff vays of dealink vit such t'ings. Efficiently, too.

They'll ignore the "ghosts" entirely, due to the treatment on their clothing (there's a reason they don't get dirty or rumpled). Everyone else, however...

Vasty, I really dislike you... >_>

Sigh. Okay. Lemme figure out a post to reply to the situation you've presented me. It'll be up laterish.

Hmmm... Not many places for fleas to nest in, though. Nekos aren't furries. They don't have fur all over, just on the ears and tails. Not to mention she's 'shaved.' Last I checked, fleas don't nest on flesh... Then again,. I'm no expert...

Anyways, I'll be there real quick...

Have you ever had fleas in your ears and... well, tail would mean "buttocks"...

Umh... What are you trying to imply there, Vasty? That I'm dirty, or something?

Of course I've never had fleas, anywhere on me! I'm shocked you could even consider such a thing!

Now you've gone and hurt my feelings. http://premium1.uploadit.org/BetaVerisonX///bawling.gif

*Waves* Hey there! Just thought I'd say that I'm still about - just waiting on a post from Vastiva so that Alexis isn't stuck in perpetual limbo somewhere in the air forever. I don't want to pressure, though - just please don't forget about lil' old me? *puppy dawg eyes!*

*Waves* Hey there! Just thought I'd say that I'm still about - just waiting on a post from Vastiva so that Alexis isn't stuck in perpetual limbo somewhere in the air forever. I don't want to pressure, though - just please don't forget about lil' old me? *puppy dawg eyes!*

Relax - breathe. Just got back from a housewarming party. Give me a few to compose myself. :)

***

The Vastivan Intranet is completely isolated from the Internet. Please notice the difference in spellings. This is not just a physical difference, but a methodological one - the two systems are not designed to talk to each other at any level, due to the heirarchies and linguistical protocols used.

The Vastivan's use their intranet to bitch back and forth - and do themselves silly - to their hearts content. On the Internet they are far more formal.

Engred's system will work on the Intranet as it will be going through a local node, which provides translation. However, this doesn't connect anywhere outside Vastiva and will begin causing harm to the computer used due to the difference in command structure (think of it as a systemwide virus you keep getting because you're online). Any M-TCOD can access either the Intranet or Internet, they're designed as full suite communication devices, though they start getting glitchy if they translate "across the breech" as it were.

Think of an IBM platform communicating with a Macintosh platform. This is worse - akin to US based communicating with USSR based, only worse.

-Ferris-. could you post again how old Alexis is and her full name? I'm feeling lazy right now... :confused:

Regarding Medea's "position" (giggle), feel free to write it as you'd like, though I prefer the tasteful approach (lots of suggestive language, a few preliminary moves, and then fade to black). It's probably how I'm going to have to deal with my Festival of Fighters RP, or all the homophobes on NS would rip me into several pieces. Let me know what you'd like me to do if more setup is needed (though I think her last comment should suffice!).

Alexis McKenzie-Grey is twenty-six years of age.

With regards to the bare naked flesh and heaving bosoms and heavens know what else, the "tasteful" approach is probably safer - this thread being about what it is, that's somewhat unavoidable, but getting it locked for crossing some arbitrary boundary of indecency would be ungood.

Alexis McKenzie-Grey is twenty-six years of age.

With regards to the bare naked flesh and heaving bosoms and heavens know what else, the "tasteful" approach is probably safer - this thread being about what it is, that's somewhat unavoidable, but getting it locked for crossing some arbitrary boundary of indecency would be ungood.

I think post 358 did it "tastefully".

So do I - but one hears things about things being deleted, in the II forum. I'm having fun here, so of course I'd like to avoid that.

A reply will be coming shortly.

And at post 359, we have an "everyone in the pool" situation - as requested by SS.

Enjoy, there are twelve of the "gang" there to make trouble, feel free to play with them as you like. Please leave toys for everyone to play with.

One other of them has another Stinger in her pocket, FYI. The foam cannot be rinsed off, but can be removed with soap. There is ample antidote available in the Palace - but Zukie is coming out of this with a sunburn at the very least.

On the positive side, the fleas are burned out of existance... :D

Purely OOC: Yes, this is the coup moving again, attempting to remove those who are "unsuitable" to their purposes - as in "anyone who could actually cause trouble to them and their plans".

Reply posted. You'll find that Alexis is almost ascetic in her eating habits.

The Krismen as a concept are lifted from Martha Wells' book "City of Bones", although I haven't taken much more than the name and the concept of a humanoid species adapted to the desert.

Eek!

I figure right now the women are in a scramble, and looking for weapons of convenience. So someone else needs to deal with them, and hope that the one in the bath is still coherent enough to pull her self out via the rope.

The "pepper foam" is EXTREMELY irritating. It's supposed to burn the eyes and skin of a bear with a second eyelid and thick fur. A relatively unprotected human being would feel like they were dipped in fire.

It's also slippery, doesn't rinse off - but shampoo or soap is a counteragent as it is fat-soluble. (it will take it off, the burning subsides)

These eight have moved from "simple removal of a candidate" to "eliminate the opposition". They have training equivalent to Special Forces troops. Yes, this is odd and should stick out like a sore thumb.

Perhaps I misunderstood. Are not Zukie and the drowning victim in two separate bodies of water, separated by a walk between? I assumed since the curtain was drawn around the area where Zukie was, to contain the pepper. This determines my next action…

Well... Engred's probably going to get her arse well-and-truly kicked... but not before she's pounded a few like tent-stakes. Engred's not exactly untrained either-and she's killed a man with her bare hands before.

Perhaps I misunderstood. Are not Zukie and the drowning victim in two separate bodies of water, separated by a walk between? I assumed since the curtain was drawn around the area where Zukie was, to contain the pepper. This determines my next action…

That's not the way I read it. I presumed Zukie or Kera got Zukie out of the water, and Engred had to go play 'livesaver' in stinging firewater. (by the by, she'll start 'feeling' it as soon as she has a chance to catch her breath... Ancestors were Berserkers, you know.)

Perhaps I misunderstood. Are not Zukie and the drowning victim in two separate bodies of water, separated by a walk between? I assumed since the curtain was drawn around the area where Zukie was, to contain the pepper. This determines my next action…

Nova, they set off a second bomb. While the first was contained (and through sheer coincidence, Zukie is protected from the second by the shampoo, curtain, water, and dumb luck) the second splattered everyone and everything in that area.

Zukie is in a tub of water. The drowner is in the rooms central pool. Two different bodies of water.

That's not the way I read it. I presumed Zukie or Kera got Zukie out of the water, and Engred had to go play 'livesaver' in stinging firewater. (by the by, she'll start 'feeling' it as soon as she has a chance to catch her breath... Ancestors were Berserkers, you know.)

Nope - Zukie is in the (now very bubbly) bath, Kera is outside the area still, and Engred is... well, right now she's on the side of the center pool, beating up noncombatants. :p I"m assuming she dove into the center and got Aliandra to the rope, and out of immediate danger. Though now things got more complicated...

Nope - Zukie is in the (now very bubbly) bath, Kera is outside the area still, and Engred is... well, right now she's on the side of the center pool, beating up noncombatants. :p I"m assuming she dove into the center and got Aliandra to the rope, and out of immediate danger. Though now things got more complicated...

Okay, I seem to be confused about the layout, then- Shizuka did the rope thing with her left-hand, there's a finite distance she could manage to toss while keeping the blade up. Engred's view showed the blade pretty clearly, and she would come out the same way she went in (had to-once the pepper-fumes started working on her eyes, she'd have to use known-directions to get the drowner out.) That, afaik, puts her on the shore within about ten feet of Shizuka, and on the wrong side of the thrown objects and rushing bodies to be nailing noncombatants.

Action occurs on the "West" side of the room, as it's too big to take in everyone. "East side" of the room has pepper scent, but the foam didn't get that far (50' radius area of effect).

Compass points.
North - makeup tables and the like. Currently unoccupied, this is where Shi started.

East - half of the circle of the central pool. In here is Aliandra, holding a rope which Shizuki is holding. Shi is attached to statuary in the North part of the room, which puts them both in the NE part of the room, more or less.

South - entrances. One combatant down with foam on the face. This is one direction everyone is "fleeing" as best they can.

West - bath in which Zukie is getting an improptu pepper bubble bath.

"Central" we have Sadira being attacked by five combatants, three down with wounds.

The crowd of "others" is found all along, attempting to move out of the area, either south (out the doors) or NE (around the pool). Central pool is shallow to the south end, deep to the north - this puts Aliandra in the North part.

Action occurs on the "West" side of the room, as it's too big to take in everyone. "East side" of the room has pepper scent, but the foam didn't get that far (50' radius area of effect).

Compass points.
North - makeup tables and the like. Currently unoccupied, this is where Shi started.

East - half of the circle of the central pool. In here is Aliandra, holding a rope which Shizuki is holding. Shi is attached to statuary in the North part of the room, which puts them both in the NE part of the room, more or less.

South - entrances. One combatant down with foam on the face. This is one direction everyone is "fleeing" as best they can.

West - bath in which Zukie is getting an improptu pepper bubble bath.

"Central" we have Sadira being attacked by five combatants, three down with wounds.

The crowd of "others" is found all along, attempting to move out of the area, either south (out the doors) or NE (around the pool). Central pool is shallow to the south end, deep to the north - this puts Aliandra in the North part.


Engred's actions suitably edited-out for positioning. I'm going to put her coughing and wheezing-and pissed, but it's a fair walk around to where the fight is, and beating her way through the panicked mob isn't Engred's style-trying to keep them from trampling is.
Acceptable?

Engred's actions suitably edited-out for positioning. I'm going to put her coughing and wheezing-and pissed, but it's a fair walk around to where the fight is, and beating her way through the panicked mob isn't Engred's style-trying to keep them from trampling is.
Acceptable?

Works. :)

*applaudes Krioval's latest post*

Will have yet another summary up in a bit.

What have I got myself into? she asked herself. The answer was readily forthcoming. His pants

lol. Best line evah lol.

well done.

Works. :)


It's tough not to write Engred as a fighter, but I think playing sheepdog and getting the injured bystanders clear of the battle before they get hurt worse works better for the character's Nature... It's actually kind of funny-the 'gang' seems to consider her not-a-threat, but she's starting to get a real hate-on for Red and that pack...

To clarify the foam - if the foam itself does not contact you, you have no burning. There is a very minor effect of tearing from the propellant and gas given off, but this is not significant beyond tearing.

However, it will go through clothing, given enough time (its' designed to deal with fur coats). It has not been as effective as it could be as the device is designed to be aimed like a small shotgun at close range. Once it was used ala grenade and dumped into a tub, the second it was thrown into the air which scattered the foam agent everywhere, mostly in bits.

Myfanwy is overawed by Nivia (284) but seeks to learn more, which she does, though at least part of the information is “cryptically Vastivan” (292, 298, 306). She finally gets a partial history lesson (306, 310) and makes it to the Harem – though she has to be pulled in, so anxious is she to talk to the Herald.(310, 317)

Engred realizes her hands – washed of healing and antibiotic ointment – are hurting. (285). She gets the attention of a “harem ghost”, who brings a doctor. (292). Even after treatment, the wounds are much worse then first imagined – actually the effect of “bad vaccine” being reacted to – and Engred wanders in shock, first nearly drowning herself, then hallucinating (294). She is eventually treated and released, hands till in the Asmeri gloves used for hand injuries and frostbite cases. (299, 312, 317)

Neira arrives at the Harem (286) and passes the First Test (292). Meanwhile, Guy Smiley, aka Finneus Rootgear arrives to begin looking around Vastiva (286, 305), and the Voltarum “announces” that Neira is a “shoe in” for the Harem. (Strange, no one told Sinjin about that…) (286) Beds are made up for Neira and Ka’tal (292), and Neira makes several observations about the room – and the people in it (300) as food arrives so comes sleep (305, 313)

Sae attempts to give Sadira a piece of spirit paper with a Paralyze spell on it – and learns quickly about the Palace defenses vs magic. (287, 289, 291, 293) She decides to shed her robes and mingle… (301)

Alexis McKenzie-Grey applies for, and is given, candidacy. (288, 295, 297, 324) There is a minor “fencing match” between the diplomats of Vastiva and –Ferris-, to no great consequence… (297, 303, 308, 317, 318)

Commander Raijin Dekker tries to recover from the debacle the Kriovalian press managed to foist on Vastiva about their candidate – Medea – being accepted into the Harem, long before any official announcement.(302) Amazingly, he is answered directly by Sinjin (316) and a good conversation begins (322,331, 335)

Sadira plans for the ‘revenge’ of Ariel’s group (290) Aliandra slips up to Sadira’s bed, and is granted “sanctuary” from Ariel’s group. (307, 315, 317, 321, 332)

Meanwhile, Medea is rousted from her bed, and arrested for treason outside the Harem by Guard-Captain Therassi who takes her to a presentation room. (309) If he intended a summary execution or merely a questioning we do not know, as Fahima – one of the “harem ghosts” – fetches Sinjin from his bed before things can go too far. Medea answers about her shadowed and not so honorable past (311) Her answer includes something on the “mildly insult implied” level – which Sinjin discusses briefly with a lamp (316) before sending Therassi to Krioval – and proceeding to… well… he and Medea get to know each other very well on some levels. (316, 320, 329, 330 (the phrase that will haunt her), 337, 340-342, 347 (smootches in a hallway), 352)

Zukie goes to sleep – and Kera is covered by a “harem ghost” with a nice blanket (317)

Sharon Louise Henrik of Cadillac-Gage – a roommate of Engred – decides in the absence of hearing from her for two days, to send a threatening letter to Sinjin (319) This results in an official letter from Vastiva to Cadillac-Gage requesting her presence in Vastiva “for questioning”. (327, 349 – 351, 353, 355). She is picked up in a Vastivan suborbital (373) headed for Mosselbaai.(375)

Meanwhile, the conspirators plot… (323) and Neira notices the bad weather in the pillars (325) after a nightmare. She is met by a “harem ghost” near the pools (334, 346)

Alexis McKenzie-Grey boards the plane to Vastiva – by way of Mosselbaai in South Africa.(326) Her guide, Vizier of Artistic Expression Goldie Ohana manages to offend everyone on the plane’s crew, most of all the stewardess, Fajr, who plots revenge (328). No one, unfortunately, sees anything foreshadowing of the “perfect view of the sunset, myriad colors – turning softly into blood and darkness.”(356)

Shizuka begins her morning rituals (333, 339) and a new day begins (336). Sadira visually squares off with Ariel (338); Engred is fed, as her idea of food qualifies as “prison meal” in Vastiva (343, 345); and Myfanwy meets Neira (344, 346, 354), and Neira reveals what she’s figured out – there’s more people then candidates here.

And Zukie wakes up with a nasty case of fleas.(348) She tears into the bath to try and stop the plague in her ears and tail (357). Instead of relief, one of “Ariel’s bunch” drops a Polar Bear Stinger™ in her bath, filling it with an explosion of military strength pepper foam. (359) When Aliandra tries to help, she is tossed into the central pool – and still can’t swim. Shizuka (361) tosses one of the attackers into Zukie’s bath, then attempts to rescue Aliandra; Sadira clobbers two of their attackers (362) while Engred dives in and gets Aliandra to the rope. (363)

Then they set off the second foam bomb (364) and charge at Sadira and Shizuka (364); Shizuka continues to haul Aliandra out and puts another attacker out of commission (367). Ka’tal enters the pink baths, hears the Stinger go off, and trips one attacker. The second grabs her pole – and is beaten senseless for her trouble (368). Zukie, still burning but less on fire, huddles in her bath (370) while Kera runs for the guards and Engred tries to get the herd of people out safely (372)

After having an all-night two person party, Sinjin appears in his receiving room and lands – rather heavily – on two of his staff who had to be in on the ‘let’s have a harem’ plot (358) during which, Medea learns a bit more about how Vastiva works. She and Sinjin then return to his suites for more… *ahem* (369) (award for the best line yet)

Meanwhile, Frank (remember Frank the lawyer?) is informed his contract is mostly meaningless. (357)

Alexis requests food (360) from Fajr as the plane heads towards South Africa.

lol. Best line evah lol.

well done.

I'm glad it meets with your approval. :cool:

Not going to reply to the fight, Vastiva?

Vastiva: sharon was 'holding it back'-she doesn't get car-sick, not really... but she does do things to get attention.
(Note: the leather jacket with the punk-rock bands sewn on... she's about as wild as they get where she's from, which makes her a bit 'tame' in comparison with most of her peers from other nations...)

Physicals (so we can get it out of the way!)

Name: Sharon Louise Henrik
Age: 19
Height: 5'1 1/4"
Weight: 125 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: (Dyed: Black with green and blue streaks) Auburn (natural), shoulder-length, shaved both side to create a three-inch 'mane' along the length of her scalp.

Tatoos/distinguishing marks: None (Can't get her parents to sign the permission slip and she's smart enough not to go bootleg!)

Legal Status: Adolescent/semi-independent (In Cadillac-Gage, you're not an adult until you reach age 22, or test out of an Apprenticeship-Sharon's still in school, and did not take the Apprenticeship path.)

Status in relation to the Law: Frequently in some kind of trouble for shooting her mouth off or being obnoxious.

Profession: Student, Nuclear-Engineering Department, Todos Santos University (Second year technical programme, specialty is Nuclear Metallurgical testing and development)

Grade Status: 3.8 out of possible 4

Sexual Orientation: Polyamourous/Bi

Religious orientation: No Preference

File Notes:
Sharon is Engred's 'Wild Side', for want of a better description. Engred might drive sedately at the speed limit, even when she's late. Sharon speeds even when she's early. If Engred's afraid to do it, Sharon has probably already done it. Engred's nature is nurturing, Sharon's is... confrontational, but with just enough intelligence not to be confrontational when she can't find a way to wriggle out of it.

Sharon's not 'gifted' with Psi potential... she's more or less gifted with raw chutzpah and an almost blithe tendency to do or say whatever pops into her head at the moment.

A mach 3 takeoff... zero-g... and return, and she "holds it in".
I'm impressed.

What Vastiva's model is like:

Click here (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=509&ncid=509&e=8&u=/ap/20050424/ap_on_bi_ge/qatar_s_golden_egg)

If this is the correct thread,I'd like to send a girl to this Harem.

What info would you need?

OOC would be a basic overview of the character. You can page back a few in this thread, there are several.

IC - once ok'ed - you put a request in to Raahmid Javani, Grand Vizier, Vastiva in the OOC thread expressing interest (many examples in the first five pages). From there, the game starts.

Not going to reply to the fight, Vastiva?

*looks over glasses* I can type just so fast, SS...