The planet of Algol, from which the surrounding system takes its name, is most certainly an enigma. It is covered almost entirely in a huge ocean, teeming with all manner of sea-dwelling creatures, from which the peoples on the surface gather most of their necessities of life. Among this mass of water are multiple islands, island chains, and volcanic craters- quite a few of these turned into makeshift lands for settlement -upon which dwell the tribal folk of the planet.
Herein is the enigma...
Warfare is endemic on the Algol due to overpopulation. How it can be overpopulated is a fine question, yet, as the scraps of land on which the planets inhabitants dwell being bathed in blood tell us, there is no doubt that it is. If an outlander were to come to the planet, as they do regularly for commerce and mercenaries, then he would see a series of civilisations trapped in a technologically backward society, with savage beliefs and an even more barbaric style of dispatching your enemies. He, or she, would also find an intelligent and enterprising race of people more than capable of taking on the trappings of space-faring ways, and indeed there are any number that have already began this process- usually to the vast detriment of their blood-rivals and enemies.
What the planet has is threefold; a thriving black market trade in unregistered armaments, an abundance of fuel beneath the waves of the planet, and the solid bodies of her warriors. Each of these is made use of by those on the planet and off of it, those with 'modern' guns usually decimating those without, although there have been times when a tribe armed with traditional weapons has faced even those using bartered mech-suits and won.
Perhaps the largest mystery of all though is that Algol, and the Algol System, is actually one of wealth- if not opulence -and why with such wealth they would choose to continue to live such an earth-bound and primitive existence is well beyond the ken of most other Houses. That, and where do they hide it all? Some speculate that, deep, deep, below their wooden hill-forts there are series' of caves in which coin and modern resources go. Only they know though, and so far can't be made to tell.
So there it is. Algol, an oceanic planet awash with blood. A planet inhabited by those that deliberatly chose to remain how they are, to keep their culture and beliefs intact, but are not adverse to using modern technologies against those that would threaten them.
House Mōwaho
All rights go, of course, to the artist here.
House Mōwaho (meaning 'outsider') are known for being a rather unique House, made up of rather unique people, for records on both the House and the family within that claims nobility are sketchy at best and non-existent at worst.
Imperial historians have, over the years, postulated that- due to their differences in ethnicity, language, customs and overall bearing -the members of the House, as well as the current population of the planet and the majority of the system, are indigenous and were living on the oceanic world of Algol long before the Terran Empire (or more specifically Orion) ever claimed it and it's people. This would mean that the formerly (and still currently) tribal peoples of the planet were absorbed in the First Era of Warlordism, but were likely there long, long, before any 'official' recognition of the system was made.
Within that time, to the present day, it is possible that the leading confederation of tribes were granted rights of nobility, and in doing so the premier chief was converted from a mere war-leader and trader to a feudal overlord of the people and the planet.
According to Mōwaho oral tradition, the way in which most history is recorded there, their people set out from an unrecorded home planet in a dozen or so huge space-faring vessels. They left for various reasons, but knew that their ultimate aim was to find a new home. So, for many years they 'sailed' through space, until finally coming upon the world and system of Algol, a planet inhabited by a race of Aliens. After many wars, and many losses, the Humans ultimately drove them from the planet and then the system, leaving it in the hands of Humans from thereon in.
While the accounts differ somewhat, it is accepted by both that, at some time in the past, the paramount chief did agree to a treaty with the Empire wherein the people were recognised as a vassal of Terra Nova- and therefore the Empire as a whole -but allowed to keep their own native faith(s), their language and generally their aforementioned uniqueness.
In the year 1,000 IC, the House Mōwaho is headed by the rangatira (or Baron in common parlance) Rino Toa (Ree-no Toe-a), a veteran of multiple conflicts against both mankind and alien interlopers. With his House and his people being an almost purely warrior culture, it is little surprise that the Mōwaho are 'marchers' of redoubtable reputation and ferocious skill.
Ngāti Algol Culture, Customs and So Forth
WIP
Ngāti Algol Religion - The Sect of Ta Moko
WIP
Last edited by McScottish; February 08, 2015 at 03:24 PM.
Lord Darr Cogaíoch zipped down to the planet surface on a speeder bike, he had always liked Algol, its strange customs and culture made it interesting in ways the empire was not. In addition, he liked the Head of House Mowāho, and tried to visit occasionally...
Lord Darr Cogaíoch zipped down to the planet surface on a speeder bike, he had always liked Algol, its strange customs and culture made it interesting in ways the empire was not. In addition, he liked the Head of House Mowāho, and tried to visit occasionally...
When it had been made known that the head of House Cogaíoch was arriving to visit his vassal- for, no matter what Rino liked to tell himself, the people of Mowāho were still his vassals by the laws of 'feudalism'...whatever that was -the paramount chieftain, that being Rino Toa himself, had called together a veritable multitude of chiefs from across the planet. Using a fraction of what Imperial technology they possessed, most had sped across to the largest island of the oceanic planet- the capital and seat of House Mowāho -and entered the pā (fortified settlement) of their planetary overlord.
The pā was no more than a series of trenches, wooden palisades and gateways perched atop the headland of the islands peninsular, built specifically on the highest and steepest plateau of the headland to overlook all others. In the interior were the many wooden huts and storehouses of the settlement, the members of the tribe each carrying out their own occupations with great diligence; warriors trained together with traditional weapons, the women-folk wove baskets and other items from flax, the children were schooled in one of the largest structures, and the slaves taken from other tribes in war or trade were kept working in the fields of the settlement alongside the 'commoners'.
Rino saw the Lord Cogaíoch long before he neared the structures. Gathering the other chiefs about him- some fifty or so that had made the trip -he took his ancestral stick, a sign of more than mere old age, and moved down the hill so that he would meet Darr Cogaíoch not at his settlement but at the beginning of the path leading up to it.
They descended swiftly, born to it, Rino being actually far quicker than his wizened and gnarled old appearance let on; each dressed in their finest cloaks- garments covered in feathers of the native birds, or flax, or simply blankets taken from Empire traders -their hair tied up and dressed with feathers, clubs of carved bone or jade tucked into the waistlines of their kilt-like lower garments (their legs and feet remaining bare, for the heat was oppressive and they must move fast). Each went naked beneath their cloak and kilt, and only Rino carried a two-handed weapon which looked much like an axe but was carved from one piece of wood.
So, with patterned faces set hard, they waited for the arrival of Lord Darr Cogaíoch.
Darr Cogaíoch walk calmly towards the group, he was dressed in the dark blue uniform of the Ducal Navy of Terra Nova, and carried only a heavy saber, as well as a cane to help him walk, he was alone. While the planet of Algol was technically a vassal of his, he had never tried to assert such claims. These people were their own rulers, they just fell into his borders. As he reaches Rin Toa, he says:
"Greetings Chieftain, i should have probably informed you of my visit, i hope I am not intruding. Are you well? I have come to discuss some minor politics, but just so we are not wasting each others time, do you inter to take your seat in the Landsraad?"
There was some commotion as a number of the assembled chiefs had to translate for the others, some quite unfamiliar with anything that the Lord of House Cogaíoch was saying. Then there was also the fact that such concepts as a 'Landsraad' were different, but not entirely foreign, to the peoples of Algol; they too had their own form of governments, their own meetings and their own councils. A number of the lesser chiefs had also started taking an interest in the Terra Novan uniform, and especially the heavy saber at his side.
"Greetings to you Darr Cogaíoch," welcomed Rino as he stepped away from the larger crowd and approached, "welcome to my lands and my pa. You are welcome here, and there is no intrusion."
Reaching about with one hand, the other on his stick, Rino pressed forth his own head so that those of his and his own legitimate overlord were touching at the nose and forehead. This he did twice, pulling back and pressing forth. Only then did he take a step back and look Darr straight in the eye, as a fellow chief and an equal.
"My Ariki (paramount chief) asks me if I am going to take a seat on the council of the Great Mother Valeria?" Questioned Rino casually, looking back between himself and his subordinates from time-to-time, "ai, I shall take my seat among the other rangatira of the Empire."
With a gesture to the lesser chiefs, he went to stand beside Darr and pointed upward towards his settlement, "now we walk. You can explain things as we walk, yes?" Without another word, expecting Cogaíoch to do most of the talking, they began the ascent toward the pa.
It was all a test, of course! Most things were with the people of Algol, and taking a midday stroll up a steep hill in the blistering heat was just one of them. Many watched Darr Cogaíoch to see what he was made of, for they would never give so much as an inch to a weakling.
Darr Cogaíoch sighed, the Algoli set hard tests for a 76 year old man, who had all the bones in both legs shattered into several different pieces at the Battle of Durdane. This was going to be difficult. Steeling himself, he set off with Rino Toa, hoping to get to the top without making a fool of himself.
"I am glad to here you will take your seat, but we can discuss those politics later. Firstly, I have some advice for you. Keep any warships you have ready, I fought on the same side as our new empress in the rebellion. She is quite belligerent, and it is likely that there will be a war on the borderline. Secondly, I came to ask for your vote Chieftain. I intend to put forward an attempt to abolish slavery, and I'd like your help."
Darr Cogaíoch knew that would not go done well, so he quickly continued.
"This is an attempt to weaken the Custodian lords, who are getting ever above their station. It wouldn't actually effect Algol, this planet it so isolated none would know of the practice, and it wouldn't be enforced uoon Algol anyway. What would be the point? I can offer you an incentive of course. A shipload of the newest rifles, tanks and artillery, as well as several hundred thousand rounds of ammunition. That could speed your domination of Algol by ten years, or maybe even faster. There is also a new warship design, I could offer you a small fleet of these as well."
((I am offering sea ships, not space ships, just so you know.))
Darr Cogaíoch sighed, the Algoli set hard tests for a 76 year old man, who had all the bones in both legs shattered into several different pieces at the Battle of Durdane. This was going to be difficult. Steeling himself, he set off with Rino Toa, hoping to get to the top without making a fool of himself.
"I am glad to here you will take your seat, but we can discuss those politics later. Firstly, I have some advice for you. Keep any warships you have ready, I fought on the same side as our new empress in the rebellion. She is quite belligerent, and it is likely that there will be a war on the borderline. Secondly, I came to ask for your vote Chieftain. I intend to put forward an attempt to abolish slavery, and I'd like your help."
Darr Cogaíoch knew that would not go done well, so he quickly continued.
"This is an attempt to weaken the Custodian lords, who are getting ever above their station. It wouldn't actually effect Algol, this planet it so isolated none would know of the practice, and it wouldn't be enforced uoon Algol anyway. What would be the point? I can offer you an incentive of course. A shipload of the newest rifles, tanks and artillery, as well as several hundred thousand rounds of ammunition. That could speed your domination of Algol by ten years, or maybe even faster. There is also a new warship design, I could offer you a small fleet of these as well."
Rino walked the hill with barely a second thought, taking in the beautiful surrounding nature of the headland, observing the views as they got higher and higher, barely taking a second glance at his liege lord. On the other hand, the lesser chiefs were constantly looking back, wondering if they might be able to keep that uniform or trade something of their own for that sabre.
"My Father asks me to support him, and this I shall do. If Algol may keeps its customs, and Darr Cogaíoch delivers what it is that he promises...then I shall be to him like family in my firmness."
His people used slaves, it was well known, both Alien and human and there was no way that this would end. Not unless the entire planet was cleansed and its people completely quelled. Indeed, if any remained alive, then they would do everything in their power to massacre the attacker and exact a blood vengeance upon them.
"I will take your guns and your ships, if it will help against my enemies."
They were half-way up the hill by now, the rangatira not even breaking a sweat, his carved face as set as those wooden figures leering ghoulishly from the gateway into the settlement...those, and the many heads of enemies placed along the walls on either side.
(Feel free to take us up to the gate, discuss more if you wish, then we get onto the welcoming ceremony...)
Finally they reached the crest of the hill, Darr's legs ached, and the sweat on his face made all the old burns and scars from the rebellion stand out. He looks back down the hill and is very thankful that the walk was over. Turning back around, he notices the staring at the saber. He smiles slyly.
"Rino Toa, it seems your chiefs like my saber. Tell them the first to run down the hill, touch my speeder bike and run back up the hill can have it. I'll also throw in a saber for all of your chiefs in the shipload of arms."
He turns back to Rino Toa and states quite simply:
"So long as I rule this sector of space, Algol will never be forced to abandon any of its customs of culture."
((So am i giving you this stuff mechanically or rply? Rply would just be to rp the arrival of the shipload. Mechinically would be for me to pay for a unit of heavy armour, a unit of artillery and 3 units of line infantry, you would get the units but would have to pay the manpower cost.))
A small freighter from Kzin dropped out of jump-space within the vicinity of the Algol System. They attempt to transmit a message requesting permission to land.
Although the coding is unfamiliar, after all, visitors were rare within Algol System space, permission was granted for the freighter to land. The largest landing platform, and indeed one of the worlds only, being amidst a huge clearing- hacked into nature for that very purpose -of dense jungle some miles from the pa of Rino Toa. This meant that although Rino (or one of his subordinates) would be notified, it would take a little time for a messenger to reach them.
Originally Posted by Skylord_Conor21
Finally they reached the crest of the hill, Darr's legs ached, and the sweat on his face made all the old burns and scars from the rebellion stand out. He looks back down the hill and is very thankful that the walk was over. Turning back around, he notices the staring at the saber. He smiles slyly.
"Rino Toa, it seems your chiefs like my saber. Tell them the first to run down the hill, touch my speeder bike and run back up the hill can have it. I'll also throw in a saber for all of your chiefs in the shipload of arms."
He turns back to Rino Toa and states quite simply:
"So long as I rule this sector of space, Algol will never be forced to abandon any of its customs of culture."
((So am i giving you this stuff mechanically or rply? Rply would just be to rp the arrival of the shipload. Mechinically would be for me to pay for a unit of heavy armour, a unit of artillery and 3 units of line infantry, you would get the units but would have to pay the manpower cost.))
The rangatira shook his head sadly, looking into the sky as he spoke, "you...of all people...know that to make my chiefs do such a thing would insult their personal honour. I cannot make them do such trivial things!" This caused the old, but still younger, man to chuckle slightly.
"I fear for Algol...we are alone out here, and Terra Nova is far away. Should anyone attack, we would fight them to the tooth and the nail, Alien or human, but the future is one of mist and mirrors. Especially when dealing with Empires."
His thoughts were interrupted by the entrance ceremony; three warriors, all healthy men in the prime of their lives, running forth from the gateway to much wailing from various women atop the wall. Each man carried the traditional- that is non-modern -weapons of the Algol tribes, moving them in blurring motions and doing what to outsiders might have looked like a dance. It was no dance. To laugh at the flickering movements of the legs, the grotesque faces pulled by the warriors, or the noises as air was launched from their bellies in grunts and shrieks, was to invite certain death...
Eventually, cautious and never breaking eye-contact with the head of the Terra Novan House, a warrior approached and placed a leaf on the ground a few steps away from Darr and his host. He took this moment to point at the leaf before whipping his weapon, a long spear-like one carved from wood, mere centimetres past the bridge of Darr's nose before retreating a few steps back himself. Truly these warriors, with their bulging eyes, flickering tongues and bodies tattooed in the ritual swirls and interlinking ink of the Ta Moko Sect were just three representations of what Algol would bring to war if ever called upon.
((I think mechanically should do the trick; I've still got 75,000 manpower left from my total, should be enough for that amount. Feel free to do it both ways, if you like.))
Although the coding is unfamiliar, after all, visitors were rare within Algol System space, permission was granted for the freighter to land. The largest landing platform, and indeed one of the worlds only, being amidst a huge clearing- hacked into nature for that very purpose -of dense jungle some miles from the pa of Rino Toa. This meant that although Rino (or one of his subordinates) would be notified, it would take a little time for a messenger to reach them.
The rangatira shook his head sadly, looking into the sky as he spoke, "you...of all people...know that to make my chiefs do such a thing would insult their personal honour. I cannot make them do such trivial things!" This caused the old, but still younger, man to chuckle slightly.
"I fear for Algol...we are alone out here, and Terra Nova is far away. Should anyone attack, we would fight them to the tooth and the nail, Alien or human, but the future is one of mist and mirrors. Especially when dealing with Empires."
His thoughts were interrupted by the entrance ceremony; three warriors, all healthy men in the prime of their lives, running forth from the gateway to much wailing from various women atop the wall. Each man carried the traditional- that is non-modern -weapons of the Algol tribes, moving them in blurring motions and doing what to outsiders might have looked like a dance. It was no dance. To laugh at the flickering movements of the legs, the grotesque faces pulled by the warriors, or the noises as air was launched from their bellies in grunts and shrieks, was to invite certain death...
Eventually, cautious and never breaking eye-contact with the head of the Terra Novan House, a warrior approached and placed a leaf on the ground a few steps away from Darr and his host. He took this moment to point at the leaf before whipping his weapon, a long spear-like one carved from wood, mere centimetres past the bridge of Darr's nose before retreating a few steps back himself. Truly these warriors, with their bulging eyes, flickering tongues and bodies tattooed in the ritual swirls and interlinking ink of the Ta Moko Sect were just three representations of what Algol would bring to war if ever called upon.
((I think mechanically should do the trick; I've still got 75,000 manpower left from my total, should be enough for that amount. Feel free to do it both ways, if you like.))
Smiling, Darr continued his small joke;
"Well it would allow them to show their physical ability is stronger than each others, to win would give them pride! Faster than all their fellows!"
Darr Cogaíoch was unsure about what to do in this ceremony, but he knew one thing, he must remain unafraid and unflinching. Once the weapon had whipped past his nose he continued talking.
"Rino Toa, while Terra Nova is far, my fleets are not. We were tasked to patrol and defend this border by the Landsraad, and that is what we do. A fleet will always be within range to held you defend your planet. I doubt anyone can defeat you on land, but we will defend the Space of Algor, to the last."
((We can rp you getting the stuff, but actually getting it paid for will have to wait till Friday, I'm a little bit short atm.))
A small freighter from Kzin dropped out of jump-space within the vicinity of the Algol System. They attempt to transmit a message requesting permission to land.
A precession exited the freighter in ritualistic fashion. At the front a man dressed in a dark blue kimono draped over his shoulders, a red obis tied about his waist and a black hakama covering his lower body from his waist to his feet. His hair tied in a bun atop his head, and two swords slung at his waste. All the men exiting the ship behind him were dressed in a similar fashion, though in more muted colors.
The leader of the precession approached the "dock-keeper", if the strange (almost alien man) could be called such, and with a rigid bow requested an audience with the ruler of the system in the name of the Kumicho of Kzin. After making his request the man thanked his host and proceeded to form a circle with the other men whom exited the freighter. The men sat rigidly in seiza position, silently meditating on the day's events.
Last edited by Pericles of Athens; February 03, 2015 at 03:32 PM.
A precession exited the freighter in ritualistic fashion. At the front a man dressed in a dark blue kimono draped over his shoulders, a red obis tied about his waist and a black hakama covering his lower body from his waist to his feet. His hair tied in a bun atop his head, and two swords slung at his waste. All the men exiting the ship behind him were dressed in a similar fashion, though in more muted colors.
The leader of the precession approached the "dock-keeper", if the strange (almost alien man) could be called such, and with a rigid bow requested an audience with the ruler of the system in the name of the Kumicho of Kzin. After making his request the man thanked his host and proceeded to form a circle with the other men whom exited the freighter. The men sat rigidly in seiza position, silently meditating on the day's events.
Well, well. These newcomers were a matter of much curiosity, even to a people seen in much the same veign by everyone else. Especial comment was given to the way that they were dressed, the two swords they appeared to be carrying, but mostly to the motionless way that they sat in the scorching jungle head without so much as a twitching muscle.
With the mass of avian wildlife, something is abundance on Algol, chirping away in the surrounding trees, the watchers of the landing strip were more than happy just to recline in the sun and watch their 'guests'. One great mystery was exactly where the station needed to transmit back the authorisation actually was, something that was actually kept quite secret. One thing was obvious though, and that was that the warriors guarding the 'dock' were clad in modern if sleeveless and legless armour, as well as each toting around Imperial-issue firearms.
It was not long after a runner had been sent scurrying off that he returned, followed by a party of some twenty- more customarily dressed and armed -warriors, the personage leading them none other than the eldest son of Rino Toa, Umurangi.
He was different from his father, leaner and chorded with tightly wound muscle, only the lower part of his face tattooed in the traditional style, but his shoulder-length hair still tied up and containing feathers. Like all around him he went with his torso bared, as well as his legs and feet, but wore the customary flax-kilt about his waist.
Taking a step forward from the rest of the group, and a club of whale bone in one hand, he announced in his best impression of the common Imperial tongue, "I am Umurangi, son of the great rangatira Rino Toa, who wishes to speak with me?"
Originally Posted by Skylord_Conor21
Smiling, Darr continued his small joke;
"Well it would allow them to show their physical ability is stronger than each others, to win would give them pride! Faster than all their fellows!"
Darr Cogaíoch was unsure about what to do in this ceremony, but he knew one thing, he must remain unafraid and unflinching. Once the weapon had whipped past his nose he continued talking.
"Rino Toa, while Terra Nova is far, my fleets are not. We were tasked to patrol and defend this border by the Landsraad, and that is what we do. A fleet will always be within range to held you defend your planet. I doubt anyone can defeat you on land, but we will defend the Space of Algor, to the last."
((We can rp you getting the stuff, but actually getting it paid for will have to wait till Friday, I'm a little bit short atm.))
With a shrug and a smirk, and the offer of the Great Father's very own sabre, Rino turned to the lesser chiefs and explained what Darr wished for them to do. As expected, most spat on the floor or made faces at the head of House Cogaíoch, as they would not sully themselves with such things. Equally as unsurprisingly several of the younger and lessers of the lesser chiefs stepped forth, stripping their mantles and handing their long-weapons to others; each was, like the warriors, in the prime of his life and a fine example of both manhood and the shape in which all Ngati Algol were required to keep themselves. Helped along of course by the environment in which they lived.
The blowing into of a shell began the foot-race, the five or so youngsters sprinting down the hill with the ease of mountain goats, each eager to gain their prize and even more prized mana- something that could crudely be termed as 'personal worth' -to be able to stand taller among their peers and their own sub-tribes.
It took a quarter of the time it had taken to reach the top for them to reach the speeder bike, feet flapping and bodies sweating, hair flying in the wind, but took just over half that time to reach the top again. Two of the lesser chiefs floundered, slowing a walk or in the case of one falling and being trampled by his fellows. The other three carried on, the one that returned first to stand before his chief and his chief's chiefóne of the finest specimens of a warrior that Algol had to offer.
Rino asked his name, the warrior only barely able to speak, "his name is Horo Hau (Quick Wind)," he commented to Darr Cogaíoch, "he is a warrior of my own people," puffed the chief proudly, pointing a finger to the warriors face and the flesh-carved markings there, "there are the markings of my people and of his worth as a warrior. What say you, Father of Algol?"
As an afterthought, with an even wider grin, he glanced back over his shoulder and whispered into Darr's ear, "by the way...you are meant to lift that leaf off the floor and hold it up as a sign of peace, then we advance into my pa."
Well, well. These newcomers were a matter of much curiosity, even to a people seen in much the same veign by everyone else. Especial comment was given to the way that they were dressed, the two swords they appeared to be carrying, but mostly to the motionless way that they sat in the scorching jungle head without so much as a twitching muscle.
With the mass of avian wildlife, something is abundance on Algol, chirping away in the surrounding trees, the watchers of the landing strip were more than happy just to recline in the sun and watch their 'guests'. One great mystery was exactly where the station needed to transmit back the authorisation actually was, something that was actually kept quite secret. One thing was obvious though, and that was that the warriors guarding the 'dock' were clad in modern if sleeveless and legless armour, as well as each toting around Imperial-issue firearms.
It was not long after a runner had been sent scurrying off that he returned, followed by a party of some twenty- more customarily dressed and armed -warriors, the personage leading them none other than the eldest son of Rino Toa, Umurangi.
He was different from his father, leaner and chorded with tightly wound muscle, only the lower part of his face tattooed in the traditional style, but his shoulder-length hair still tied up and containing feathers. Like all around him he went with his torso bared, as well as his legs and feet, but wore the customary flax-kilt about his waist.
Taking a step forward from the rest of the group, and a club of whale bone in one hand, he announced in his best impression of the common Imperial tongue, "I am Umurangi, son of the great rangatira Rino Toa, who wishes to speak with me?"
With a shrug and a smirk, and the offer of the Great Father's very own sabre, Rino turned to the lesser chiefs and explained what Darr wished for them to do. As expected, most spat on the floor or made faces at the head of House Cogaíoch, as they would not sully themselves with such things. Equally as unsurprisingly several of the younger and lessers of the lesser chiefs stepped forth, stripping their mantles and handing their long-weapons to others; each was, like the warriors, in the prime of his life and a fine example of both manhood and the shape in which all Ngati Algol were required to keep themselves. Helped along of course by the environment in which they lived.
The blowing into of a shell began the foot-race, the five or so youngsters sprinting down the hill with the ease of mountain goats, each eager to gain their prize and even more prized mana- something that could crudely be termed as 'personal worth' -to be able to stand taller among their peers and their own sub-tribes.
It took a quarter of the time it had taken to reach the top for them to reach the speeder bike, feet flapping and bodies sweating, hair flying in the wind, but took just over half that time to reach the top again. Two of the lesser chiefs floundered, slowing a walk or in the case of one falling and being trampled by his fellows. The other three carried on, the one that returned first to stand before his chief and his chief's chiefóne of the finest specimens of a warrior that Algol had to offer.
Rino asked his name, the warrior only barely able to speak, "his name is Horo Hau (Quick Wind)," he commented to Darr Cogaíoch, "he is a warrior of my own people," puffed the chief proudly, pointing a finger to the warriors face and the flesh-carved markings there, "there are the markings of my people and of his worth as a warrior. What say you, Father of Algol?"
As an afterthought, with an even wider grin, he glanced back over his shoulder and whispered into Darr's ear, "by the way...you are meant to lift that leaf off the floor and hold it up as a sign of peace, then we advance into my pa."
Darr Cogaíoch shook his head in hopeless admiration, that was something he found incredibly impressive. Deftly unbuckling his entire equipment belt, he handed the entire thing to the young warrior, it held the promised heavy saber, as well as the newest handgun model, with 7 clips of ammunition and a binocular case, complete with powerful binoculars. He smiled and said:
" Keep the entire thing, lad. That was incredibly impressive. You are truly the best among your fellows."
The leader of the group curtly brought himself from his kneeling position to his feet, as the men in his posse turned to face the important new comer. He bowed deeply at the waste to his new host. "Before you stands Raijin of Kzin, blood of the Yamaguchi Clan, and second son of the Great Kumicho Akihiko." He spoke Imperial basic though his accent was thick, "I have come on behalf of my father to discuss certain dealings that may be of interest to both our system's." He paused giving time for Umurangi to speak.
**** This is a completely unrelated event.
Weeks later a single ship exits jump-space near Algol, it request permission to land with an official some rim-based Imperial code.. though a keen observer would find that the code is actually dated.
Last edited by Pericles of Athens; February 03, 2015 at 07:02 PM.
The leader of the group curtly brought himself from his kneeling position to his feet, as the men in his posse turned to face the important new comer. He bowed deeply at the waste to his new host. "Before you stands Raijin of Kzin, blood of the Yamaguchi Clan, and second son of the Great Kumicho Akihiko." He spoke Imperial basic though his accent was thick, "I have come on behalf of my father to discuss certain dealings that may be of interest to both our system's." He paused giving time for Umurangi to speak.
**** This is a completely unrelated event.
Weeks later a single ship exits jump-space near Algol, it request permission to land with an official some rim-based Imperial code.. though a keen observer would find that the code is actually dated.
"Then speak," stated Umurangi, his face as blank and impassive as his guests, "let Raijin of Kzin speak."
Originally Posted by Skylord_Conor21
Darr Cogaíoch shook his head in hopeless admiration, that was something he found incredibly impressive. Deftly unbuckling his entire equipment belt, he handed the entire thing to the young warrior, it held the promised heavy saber, as well as the newest handgun model, with 7 clips of ammunition and a binocular case, complete with powerful binoculars. He smiled and said:
" Keep the entire thing, lad. That was incredibly impressive. You are truly the best among your fellows."
Darr looks at Rino Toa with amusement and says:
"It would be bad if I stood on it, then?"
He then picks up the leaf as a sign of peace.
Walking into the pa, the leaf held high so as to avoid immediate death, hundreds of eyes turned to watch the procession of chiefs trailing behind the only white face present. Most of the said faces were tattooed, although here and there a plain face did not look up, in fact they determined not to; slaves they were, slaves and prisoners of intertribal raids. They would work here until they died- a sad facet of life on Algol, but one that had gone unchanged for a thousand lifetimes.
"Now, let us sit and speak more."
On the covered porch of a huge meeting house, one not even the Father of Algol was allowed to enter due to his race, gathered the chiefs in a semi-circle. At the centre of the circle Rino placed himself, gesturing for Darr to sit beside him. In one swift motion he wrapped his cloak about him, only his head visible above it, and waited for further discussion.
If there was one thing that the inhabitants of Algol enjoyed doing, it was talking.
"Then speak," stated Umurangi, his face as blank and impassive as his guests, "let Raijin of Kzin speak."
Raijin bows respectfully, "My Kumicho and father Akihiko seeks to establish trade between Kzin and Algol, our heavy machinery in exchange for your system's fuel."
Algol, System of House Mōwaho
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Skylord_Conor21
