Blue Hummingbird, Queen of Raktam and Empress of the Mountain

[Raan'dul]

Well isn't that depressing. If I knew how to get to Dalpok, I would pay the citadel a visit. An Undead being is a gift from the Demon Gods and a building erected around such a being must be magnificent and a great sight.

Ruh'sil

[Bobby the Hatchet]

OOC With the greatest respect there does not seem to be the positive will needed from natives within the game to accept the return of this character which is a shame I feel.

This is how I feel the Kingdom of Skulls went down with King Kuru dabbling around, and why there hasn't been a successful, straight-up pro-native headhunting group of badasses in-game during this entire year that I've been playing, with the exception of The Rakmogaki Collective. It really sucks if you ask me. With all of the lone wolf headhunters running around, no one seems want to come together with the proper war-whoops and xenophobia to present a true united front against outsiders. Native life has been dull as if you ask me ever since Skull Face left. Although I'm probably one of the few that still embraces old-school native superiority. I wait for the day when there's an actual native group that does more than drink mango juice and sit in a hut and defend against others that try to keep them from sitting in that hut and drinking mango juice. No offense to all of the other native groups that have been doing this for the entire time I've played the game, of course.

[Anthor]

Why don't you make a new xenophobic native group, Bobby? I'm sure there's a bunch that would love to join up.

[Dani]

We need to embrace the outsiders as temporary allies in order to drive out the kingly pestilence. afterwards there will be plenty of time to exterminate the outsiders, but for now we have to take care of the cancerous growth inside us.

[Anthor]

We need to embrace the outsiders as temporary allies in order to drive out the kingly pestilence. afterwards there will be plenty of time to exterminate the outsiders, but for now we have to take care of the cancerous growth inside us.

I can pay for your surgery if you like. In fact, I'll do it for free. Send me your coordinates and I'll bring my rusty knife.

[Dani]

I just might agree, if you did more than talk about it, O Over-Ripened King.

[Bobby the Hatchet]

Why don't you make a new xenophobic native group, Bobby? I'm sure there's a bunch that would love to join up.

Considered it. Waiting for the right time when there's a more solid interest in it. Also, I wasn't trying to knock groups that focus on more peaceful, defensive role-play. They're great and the interest is there, it's just never really been my thing. Anyhow, I'll start a new topic for this issue when the time comes. Hopefully these new settlements and groups in limbo can work things out without falling apart.

Also, Blue Hummingbird was really just a fluke and a trophy, I won't be deliberately terrorizing any new governments that try to form up right now, so carry on, carry on.

[FirstAmongstDaves]

OOC:

With all of the lone wolf headhunters running around, no one seems want to come together with the proper war-whoops and xenophobia to present a true united front against outsiders. Native life has been dull as  if you ask me ever since Skull Face left. Although I'm probably one of the few that still embraces old-school native superiority. I wait for the day when there's an actual native group that does more than drink mango juice and sit in a hut and defend against others that try to keep them from sitting in that hut and drinking mango juice. No offense to all of the other native groups that have been doing this for the entire time I've played the game, of course.

Muwahaha! I'll send you a PM in game.

IC:

Citadel

You enter through a gate, past the buzzing flies and the severed heads. Inside are eleven granite thrones. In the Dalpoki language, carved into the walls in letters as high as a man, are the words, "LIVE FREE OR DIE"

Carved on the wall is some writing. It reads “She lives." A line of priests stand in the shadows, whispering a mantra, "The Empress has returned and lives, the Empress has returned and lives, the Empress has returned and lives...”

Here you can see azuma, and Dunjk.

Blue Hummingbird says “Friends, We do not know if Our descendent the Queen of Raktam has returned from the sunless lands. We expect to see her soon. In the meantime, We asked Anthor of Wiksik to show his hand: support us or ignore us and our right to this throne, and refuse our friendship. We received no response. But the proper throne of Wiksik is not clear to me. There is a throne room, but there are two, or perhaps three competing kingdoms. I see King Flex Mentello has also returned from exile. It is all very confusing...”

Blue Hummingbird says “Azuma, old friend, if you intend to travel abroad, would you do so as Our envoy and determine with whom we should converse: the Kingdom of Wiksik, the Kingdom of Skulls, or the Kingdom of the Beach? And in Raktam, the king may or may not still be about, but We understand the Grand Vizier has taken up command in the absence of royal authority. Perhaps you could pass him this gift?”

Blue Hummingbird tries to give Azuma an ornate staff, but notices his hands and backpack are full.

You say “hmm. Oh well. Perhaps just our best regards, then.”

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Chapter 2: The Return of SofaKing, the Challenge of ClickClick, and Vercingetorix is Exiled

SofaKing says “Hello, Empress.” (2010-12-16 17:37)

ClickClick enters the echoing chamber, looking about distrustfully. He regards the so-called Empress with barely disguised contempt, before fixing his gaze upon SofaKing. (2010-12-16 18:33)
ClickClick gives the barest nod of his head. "The village of the Dalpoki appears to be awash with royalty, and none of it ours." He tilts his head enquiringly. "Do you also seek dominion, Raktami king?" (2010-12-16 18:35)
ClickClick says “Word of SofaKing - Bear Warrior, Shargle Rider, fierce as his totems in defence of his people - has reached over the great mountain and into the lands of the Dalpoki. I know of you.” (2010-12-16 18:37)
ClickClick says “I know of your fairness in times of peace, dispensing justice even-handedly. And I know of your fearlessness in times of war, bringing death to your enemies swiftly and without mercy.” (2010-12-16 18:39)
ClickClick says “All of this is known, and yet I say to you - the Dalpoki have no lord, however worthy. No master, save their honour and their duty. None above the rest, save in the gifts the spirits gave them.” (2010-12-16 18:42)
ClickClick tilts his head back slightly, to stare at the former king of Raktam through narrowed eyes. "So I ask you. What are your intentions in this place? I would honour you for your wisdom and strength... (2010-12-16 18:45)
ClickClick says “...but first I must know if you seek to follow in the footsteps of the arrogant fool Vercingetorix, who caused this monstrosity in which we stand to be raised, a monument to his blasphemous delusions.” (2010-12-16 18:47)
ClickClick folds his arms across his chest and waits. (2010-12-16 18:48)

SofaKing says “ClickClick! A pleasure to finally meet you.” (2010-12-16 23:38)
SofaKing says “You Dalpoki are a warrior people, borne with machete in hand, and first in battle against our people's hated pirate foes.” (2010-12-16 23:40)
SofaKing says “And from such a village of warriors, you have further distinguished yourself as a warrior without peer. Certainly, a finer warrior than I, at any rate. ” (2010-12-16 23:41)
SofaKing says “At some point, I would take you to the Mountain and teach you the ways of the Bear so that you may be further strengthened and come to the skygods' hearts.” (2010-12-16 23:42)
SofaKing says “But I know you are a busy man, for the pirates are many.” (2010-12-16 23:42)
SofaKing says “At any rate, in answer to your question...” (2010-12-16 23:42)
SofaKing says “I am king no more, merely an old warrior with perhaps a little wisdom to share.” (2010-12-16 23:42)
SofaKing says “I come to Dalpok with no ambition and no plans.” (2010-12-16 23:43)
SofaKing says “I had heard my adoptive mother had returned to life and I wished to see her again.” (2010-12-16 23:43)
SofaKing says “No more than that, and no less. I wonder why she is in Dalpok and not Raktam” (2010-12-16 23:43)
SofaKing says “I also wonder at this great tower that has been built.” (2010-12-16 23:44)
SofaKing says “As for Vercingetorix, he was a dandy and a fool. I have nothing to do with that man.” (2010-12-16 23:44)
SofaKing says “Come, my brother. Let us meet as friends and find out what brings my mother back from death together.” (2010-12-16 23:47)
SofaKing prepares a pipe with the sacred herb and passes it to ClickClick. (2010-12-16 23:47)

Blue Hummingbird smiles at SofaKing. "Hello old friend and adopted son. Welcome back from the sunless lands."
Blue Hummingbird says “The Clicking One shows no subtlety in his speech. It is the custom of ClickClick to be rude to strangers. Even peasants know hospitality, but some things cannot be learned.”
Blue Hummingbird says “374 tattoos shadow the skin of ClickClick, each one indicating the death of an interloper. He has conducted a fine defence of this land. But diplomacy is not his strength. Best to leave the machete to the one who would do the hacking, and the needle to the one who repairs and weaves.”
Blue Hummingbird says “As to why We are here.... the gods do as they will. There is a Queen of Raktam. We seek no restoration of our throne. The gods have ordained that Our granddaughter MonaLiza is Queen of the heart of the island. But We were always also Empress of the Mountain. We give the Queen her space to rule. In the meantime, We are situated ideally close to Our dominion. One day the Sacred Space might open, and We shall be restored to Our throne in the Green Tower. But this place is satisfactory in the interim.”
Blue Hummingbird says “As for Vercingetorix, there is a bounty on his head. One cannot be a lord of Dalpok and then resile from that responsibility for the pursuit of gold. He may be blood kin, but he has no home here. He may roam the island for all eternity, but he will find no rest in the place for which he once served. The gods will haunt him until his final descent. Assassins have no place in a kingdom with honour.”
Blue Hummingbird says “As for why We are here and not Raktam.... this place is now Our home. Raktam cannot hold two rulers as the sky has no place for two moons. See? My skin is now the shade of the western Dalpoki: the hues of Raktam were washed away by the gods. So much for Us. Why do you return to the land of the living?”

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Chapter 3: ClickClick Welcomes Sofaking, and A Spy Sets Forth

Leviathore glides in (2010-12-17 05:05)
Leviathore says “Made from 100% white man.” (2010-12-17 05:06)
Leviathore holds up his ornate staff proudly (2010-12-17 05:06)

You hear Shubar calling for assistance. (2010-12-18 06:55)
You hear Shubar calling for assistance. (2010-12-18 06:55)
You hear Shubar calling for assistance. (2010-12-18 06:55)
You hear Shubar calling for assistance. (2010-12-18 06:55)
You hear Shubar calling for assistance. (2010-12-18 06:55)
You hear Shubar calling for assistance. (2010-12-18 06:56)

SofaKing says “What is going on outside...?” (2010-12-18 08:36)
SofaKing says “Someone has killed Shubar. ” (2010-12-18 08:40)
SofaKing says “I suspect this man: http://www.shartak.com/profile.cgi?id=20480” (2010-12-18 08:40)
SofaKing says “Empress Hummingbird... as for what brings me back from the Mountain...” (2010-12-18 08:41)
SofaKing says “Even up on the heights, I hear whispers. The fallen returned. A court in shambles.” (2010-12-18 08:42)
SofaKing says “What place I have in it all, I have not yet decided. But I do know that strong spirits and strong minds are needed if Raktam is to be kept safe.” (2010-12-18 08:42)

ClickClick accepts the pipe from SofaKing with a bow, then smiles thinly at Blue Hummingbird. "You mistake 'rudeness' with plain speaking, Ancient One." (2010-12-18 20:54)
ClickClick says “Understandable, in one raised amongst soft cushions and rich furs. Such decadence and pampering breeds only weakness, of word as well as deed.” (2010-12-18 21:03)
ClickClick takes a lungful of sacred smoke, and returns his attention to SofaKing. "If my words were hard, Raktami, it is because the life of a Dalpoki is hard. Softness leads quickly to death." (2010-12-18 21:06)
ClickClick inhales deeply of the pungent smoke again, closing his eyes for a long moment. When he opens them, he offers the intricately-carved pipe back to the still-powerfully built warrior-king. (2010-12-18 21:08)
ClickClick says “And so, forgive me if I offend, Raktami. I have little time or patience for flowery speech. A warrior's blade should dance-" He glances dismissivelt at Blue Hummingbird, "-not his tongue."” (2010-12-18 21:12)
ClickClick steps forward to clasp arms briefly with SofaKing. Standing back, he bows, knife-hand clenched over his heart. "Be welcome amongst the Dalpoki, Honoured One. May the ancestors watch over you." (2010-12-18 21:16)
ClickClick turns to leave the Citadel, nodding solemnly at azuma as he passes, and flicking a final cold glance at Blue Hummingbird. The great doors swing slowly shut behind the old warrior. (2010-12-18 21:18)

SofaKing smiles wanly at Blue Hummingbird. (2010-12-19 04:05)
SofaKing says “I suppose you wouldn't be you if you didn't ruffle some feathers, Empress.” (2010-12-19 04:05)
SofaKing says “Tell me of your plans for the Mountain.” (2010-12-19 04:06)

Blue Hummingbird says “That one is trouble. We will watch him closely. The Dalpoki mostly remember: We lead a relief column to the Battle of Archer's Pool to save their dignity. Azuma was there and knows. We shed blood for Dalpok and for Dalpok's pride. But, as We know well, it is easier to find flaw in rule than to rule. Still... Leviathore, We would be obliged if you would watch ClickClick and report to Us on what he says and does. There is no sedition in criticism, but lets us all hope it goes no further than that.”
Blue Hummingbird stands from the middle throne. "You asked what I would do with the Mountain. The entrance to the Sacred Space is closed. The ancestors have rendered the portals inert. We are therefore in exile. We think We must appease the ancestors. Clearly certain elements of the outsiders are responsible for the ancestors' wrath. The Hanged Man in York is a wraith who despite being broken by the rope lives to kill. Abominations like this offend the ancestors. The seeping wound needs to be cauterised lest the infection spread. ”
Blue Hummingbird points in the direction of the mountain. "The ancestors disapprove of the unholy. And that is why the Sacred space is closed to us. And so, We gather those who might assist. Wheels are in motion."
Blue Hummingbird returns to sit on the throne. "As for Raktam.... Would you resume the throne should the Queen not return? Two kings in Raktam does not seem right. Yet Raktam needs a leader. The days of Armadox and the Scavangers, the Raktami razing their own huts in madness, are long gone but civilisations are a veneer: scratch them and be horrified by what lies beneath. Raktam does not need a return to the days of the Scavangers. It needs leadership. You have ruled before, old friend: you can rule again if the need arises.”

Leviathore sits down on a cold stone chair (2010-12-19 18:41)
Leviathore lays his wooden club on his lap (2010-12-19 18:42)
[Exit Leviathore]

Blue Hummingbird says “We shall see what he reports back.”