In-Character Thread - Chapter 1, Vur Tepe

OOC:

You're fine by me jkl, I was just delaying to give acox some time to post again and if anything it seems in-character lol.

Depra sighed and his shoulders slumped a bit as Master Genlah described the duty the three Journeyers were being assigned, "Babysitting duty..." Suddenly the idea of just attending lectures and working on his blade seemed more appealing, but he knew there was no backing out of the assignment now and perhaps this would lead to some other, more exciting jobs.

"Excuse me, sir, but how exactly do we act as guardians? Do we need to project a shield in the Force around them? How closely do we need to follow them, and for how long?" Depra asked after the ithorian's musing, unsure if he was talking to anyone directly.

Nov 2, 2017 4:03 pm

ZoomIsland Inactive forever!

OOC:

You're good, jkl. I want to GM for players who want to be involved. And players who are involved will be rewarded by their involvement and actions shaping the plot and the game world. Let me worry about pacing.

Master Genlah furrows his brow a look of mild consternation crossing his face as he examines the trandoshan, "Journeyer Rossa, if you need further instruction on how you can apply your talents and powers to any given situation, I'm certain that transport back to Padawan Kesh can be arranged for you. The Great Journey is for aspiring Je'daii who are prepared to apply such knowledge, once they possess it, to the challenges and demands that the life of a Je'daii will place before them. And if stewardship of those without a connection to the Force is not something you wish to learn to apply your skills to, then perhaps you should examine your path and whether it intersects with the Je'daii Order at all?"

He turns his attention to the ithorian, gray hair draping over his eyes as he stares at the holo-projection, "Well, we know what they say they want. They say they wish to negotiate a direct trade relationship with Vur Tepe, as well as establish a direct technological and research partnership. These types of direct relationships are something the Je'daii and individual Temples have been here-to-fore forbidden, requiring all relationships to go through Kaleth and the Council. However with relations between Tython and the rest of the Settled Worlds strained as they are, it is something we must at least appear to consider."

Turning again, "Excellent question, Journeyer Cozbro. As diplomats in various capacities, the representatives which the Ryo Syndicate has sent have a wide latitude of access to the Temple when not serving in their official capacity. An access level that more or less overlaps with that of a Journeyer. Due to Vur Tepes limited capacity to entertain such diplomacy, there are only a few hours a day when any given diplomat will be engaged in talks and negotiations. Outside of that time, they are free to access those parts of the Temple which they are allowed access as they see fit, whether for peripheral duties - observing the facility, interviewing Je'daii - or simply for their leisure.

It is at these times - when the diplomats are away from their official duties - which you all will be engaged as guardians. Your duties are simple; stay with them bodily at all times until you are relieved, answer any questions they might have which are within your authority to answer, and in the event of any disturbances in the Force - see them safely to their ship. You are to protect these people with your lives, should it be necessary.

Within the walls of Vur Tepe, likely this protection will only extend to seeing them safely to their ship in the event of quakes or Force Storms... be aware though, if you've never experienced one, Force Storms - especially so close to the Abyss as we are - can cause people to see and hear things that are not there, even drain their very life from their bones... especially those with undisciplined minds. If you sense a disturbance, it is your duty to see them as quickly as you can to their ship."

He pauses again letting his words sink in.

Rossa

Nov 2, 2017 5:00 pm

All the anger in Rossa cools in an instant. This is exactly like joining a new crew. Slapped at the first moment, just to show who's in charge. It was a game he knew well.

"Sorry, Master Genlah," he keeps his voice level, his gaze at the Master's eyes. "It's just..."

He's not your old Master. Remember?.

"I have plenty of practice with, er, stewardship. Is this one of those 'keep ears out for anything suspicious, report back privately' sorta jobs? You all aren't just taking them at their word, right? Er, um." Rossa's green skin deepens minutely. A blush. "I mean, I'm trying to understand the, er, parameters of the situation. Master."

Last edited November 2, 2017 5:01 pm

Nov 2, 2017 5:12 pm

The Master's eyes brighten, "Ah, thank you Journeyer, there is the insight and foresight I hope this experience will liven in you all!

Indeed, we believe they are up to something else. Perhaps their diplomatic desires are genuine, but I can't imagine that it is the sum of their goals here. Your role here will also be as spies, of a sort. They are working toward an ends, so too must we work toward ours."

Nov 3, 2017 12:23 am

The small compliment the Je'daii Master gave Depra would have made him beam if not for the exchange between Master Genlah and the trandoshan, "Did he say his name was Rossa?" Not wanting to tangle himself up in their exchange, Depra pressed on with the matter at hand.

"So... When do we begin?"

Nov 3, 2017 1:14 am

The ithorian awkwardly squats and pumps up. Visibly giddy, his dull, beady eyes wide open, a big smile smeared on his face he utters "Super! With greater clarity on our quarry, we should be able to perform a better job. I'm now excited to meet these interlopers. Let's draft up a schedule!"

Nov 3, 2017 5:07 pm

Master Genlah nods and nods again, "This guard detail will constitute your Temple duties, you will still be expected to fulfill your studies curriculum. Accordingly you will be splitting watch time with another group of guardians while you are at your studies and during your leisure time. The other contingent is already on duty. You all will begin just after the noon hour tomorrow, following your course work.

I will find at least one more to join you three on your watch, they will be there on the morrow.

Any last questions, before I release you to settle into your quarters?"

Nov 4, 2017 2:47 am

Artes' form shrinks and his eyes quickly dart left and right. He tries to steady himself before blurting out "Maybe... maybe there could be... guidelines.... on what we can divulge or things we can discuss... or... maybe there are things we can borrow to aid us in enforcing our duty and tradition?"

He takes three deep breaths

His control falters and his face gives a twitch. He is visibly vexed by idea that he might be missing out, whatever the diplomats have to offer may be. "With all due respect sir, can't we at least scrutinize their offer? I suppose the Council could see some merit in it. It might do use some good to stretch our limbs once in a while."

OOC:

https://78.media.tumblr.com/1b2b3f03a1d661641525024b2cf00bed/tumblr_olkb2dMp1y1vnq1cro1_500.gif

Nov 5, 2017 2:14 pm

OOC:

Im not gonna run through a list of things you can/not talk to them about IC, it's not important. You guys aren't even full Je'daii yet, and you're not from this Temple. The Diplomats know that you likely don't know anything that would REALLY be of use to them. All you know is answers to questions like, "Where's the bathroom?"

If such a situation arises for some reason, where your PC is wondering if it's okay to talk about something, you'll be allowed a Discipline or Education check or something.

Master Genlah nods patiently, "The tenants and ways of the Je'daii which you have been taught until now are an open book to the universe. You may speak to them freely about such things. And you don't know anything yet about the Temple that isn't available on the holonet, so speak freely of that too.

As for aid from Vur Tepe, you were to embark upon your Journey with all the basic things you need. There is nothing of this task requiring more than that basic preparation. You have access to the facilities that we make available to Journeyers; the cookery, the library, the med-bay, the student lab, shop and classrooms... that is all still available to you.

As for their offers, you will not be engaging in any direct diplomacy. This is important. Do not ever presume that you are in a position to represent the Je'daii in any official negotiation capacity. You may sit in on the official negotiations if you wish. Much of those proceedings will likely take place during your leisure time, if that is how you wish to spend it. But you must attend your course work as normal, and of course never leave your assigned diplomat while on duty.

Anything else?"

Nov 6, 2017 4:40 am

ZoomIsland Inactive forever!

OOC:

Noted. So we're in post grad students and we're just starting the year.

The ithorian's face goes flush. "Master, I uh..." He catches himself "I made mistakes, I regret the error and I offer my deepest apologies. I have overestimated my position. Again, I apologize. That would be all for me."

He backs down and bows. Always facing the Master, he strides towards the portal off the room but stops just before the door.

Rossa

Nov 6, 2017 3:56 pm

The Trandoshan folds his green arms over one another. "We're grunts. Got it. He nods. "I guess we better get familiar with this place if we're going to be useful to them at all. Or, uh, useful to you, Master."

Nov 7, 2017 2:39 pm

Looking between his two young compatriots, and assuming they're done, Depra speaks up, "Thank you, for... the oppportunity. We will do our best, Master." Having mulled over what he thought his parents would have wanted him to say, Depra didn't it came across all that well. With a slight nod he turned toward the door to leave, glancing from Rossa to the ithorian to make sure he wasn't just walking out alone.

Nov 7, 2017 4:09 pm

Master Genlah nods and acknowledges each in turn, "No apologies necessary, Journeyer... eh, Artes... yes? Ambition is not a bad thing, when tempered with judgement. In this moment, I am your judgement. That is all.

And you are not grunts. Grunts are expected to be mindless fodder for the cannons. You, Journeyers, are expected to be circumspect observers, insightful guides, and diligent guardians. You are expected to be Je'daii.

Report to me, two mornings hence after your first shift as guardians. Until then, there is an ET-series droid awaiting you outside the room. It will show you to your quarters. You have the rest of the evening to get settled in and familiar with the Temple. I will have my personal comm frequency transmitted to your units, if you have one registered with the Temple."

OOC:

At this point the droid will do as promised, unless any of you have something else you want to do?

If so let me know and we can resolve that. If not, we'll do a little time skip, through the rest of this day and the following morning, where you will otherwise be assumed to have just used the time to settle in a familiarize yourself with the Temple, and then attend your first course in the morning. Unless there's anything specific/different you want to do in that time, we'll pick up just before your first shift as the diplomats guardians.

So, anyone have anything?

Nov 7, 2017 9:32 pm

OOC:

I'd like to do some IC introductions and such if people are up for it?

I'll start but if you guys want to move on I'm fine with that, and I'll just edit/delete to adjust.

After stepping through the door and logging his commlink in with the droid outside, Depra turned to the other two Journeyers with a short sigh, "Well, now that we're out... My name's Depra." He stuck his hand out towards the Trandoshan and smiled, "You're... Rossa, right?" and facing the young ithorian, "And Master Genlah called you Artes? I just want to say, that was either supremely crazy or supremely awesome the way you both talked to him back there. I was just looking forward to a special assignment, but I think working with you guys is gonna be very interesting."

Last edited November 7, 2017 9:33 pm

Nov 8, 2017 3:52 am

"Ah! Yes. Missotrav Artes." He is caught by surprise by the Zabrak. "Uh... I am the one the Mistress called out for the coy question. He cocks his head left and right and takes the corridor in.

A moment.

"Talking isn't my strong suit but it is one of the easier ways to get the feel of the Force. At least, for me. I look forward to working with you guys too. I hope our diplomat is cute."

OOC:

I am good with the fade to black. I just want to learn more about the terms the Cathar mentioned.

Nov 9, 2017 5:12 am

OOC:

Fair enough, we can do a Star Wars wipe transition to the next day lol.

Nov 9, 2017 3:13 pm

ZoomIsland Inactive forever!

OOC:

I'll give Zoom just a bit more to provide some self-description and introduction.

Rossa

Nov 10, 2017 3:23 am

OOC:

Sorry for the delay gang.

The Trandoshan holds a claw out to the other Journeyers, a smile forming. "Rossa, yeah. That's my name." The smile almost looks foreign against the backdrop of a haggard, scarred face. But the spines from his head are taller than they had been at Master Genlah's speeches. He shifts from large foot to large foot, his smile lowering just a bit as he waits. "You guys seem better at speaking than me. My old Master always accepted it. Understood it was me, y'know?" He pauses. "Maybe it'll get better."

Pulling his lips to one side, he asks, "Did you both come from more, ah, civilized planets? Or whatever the right word is."

Nov 10, 2017 10:23 pm

The droid begins it's slow shuffle down the hall and Depra waits a moment before following it down the hall, "I guess I never thought about being good at talking or not, just kinda let it happen. Though my mom did teach me not to let it happen as much around Masters." After a few beats he realizes that that doesn't answer Rossa's question at all, "Oh, I was born and raised on Tython. My parents are both Je'daii doing different things, so I'm trying to make good impression and all that." Smirking towards the ithorian Depra continues, "Though getting to spend some time each day with a cute diplomat would be nice haha!"

Nov 10, 2017 10:50 pm