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Post by Mithias on Aug 9, 2016 19:45:36 GMT
Xiu snorted quietly at the woman's reaction to the others, he had been planning to jump, it was faster after all. Now that she was right there trying to get on board though, he decided against it. At this point, if he screwed up the jump it wouldn't just be him he embarrassed. So after waiting a moment, he followed down behind her, and presented his summons. He did however, throughout this whole process, note that he was the most plainly dressed of everyone here, and also (From what he could see) the one that seemed to have gotten roughed up the most. He attributed that second one to his style, but the first irked him a little, perhaps most temple representatives did not dress as plainly as he did, though he disliked this idea as all it did was draw attention when one wants it least.
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Post by Rhewlif_Dewdrop on Aug 9, 2016 22:17:09 GMT
Duck Feet gave another irritated sigh, he seem to really regret meeting Goutte again but before he can say anything else Maku and Shu An Wei jumped onto the boat causing Duck Feet to focus holding on to the boat instead. The taller man however seemed more amused by it all with a small smile playing on his stern lips. He nods politely to the first arrivals and then once more to Cuifen and Xiu at the stairs. The tall man made no motion to lend Cuifen a hand and Duck Feet busy himself by standing up and straightening the collar of his robe. Meanwhile, Duck Feet finished smoothing down his ruffled feathers with a look stating that he wasn't impressed, not one bit. Upon replacing his glasses, Duck Feet push them on to the bridge of his nose with a forefinger and face the five, deliberately ignoring Goutte's question. "Please be aware, it is considerably rude to jump into boats. I'd understand if it was for a case but this isn't your country-village or town. There are a lot more people here so a lot more consideration of others is needed for everyone to live peacefully ." Duck Feet paused in his mini lecture before introducing himself in a stiff tone of voice. "Also my name is Ya Jiao but I go by Ginkgo within the Taiji Temple, where I work, as Master Long Jing's student, and assistant... Master Long Jing saw a potential in me that no one else at the Water Temple did. Now your scrolls..." As Duck Fe- Ginkgo looks over everyone's scrolls the only distinct impression the five got was that the men were not what they appear to be but was overall open and willing to provide answers if asked. Cuifen, in particular, noticed that Ginkgo's answers to Goutte's question held a hint of past sadness under his stiffness. Cuifen also got a distinct impression that neither of the two men were going to treat her in the way that she was accustom to. Especially when she had look to the taller of the two and saw a sympathetic smile on the man's face. No, maybe they recognize that she is a lady but they seem to have made the distinct mental decision not to treat her as one. Roll a General Education roll DC10 You recognized that Ya Jiao was an old name for the gingko tree and it really does mean 'duck feet'.
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Feb 27, 2016 16:58:12 GMT
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Post by twilightkiwi on Aug 10, 2016 15:58:17 GMT
The well-dressed woman's disdain at the three who had opted to jump to the boat was obvious, but her reproaching looks didn't faze Maku. Even if she seemed to have lumped him in with the show-off acrobat, Maku had simply seen it as the shortest distance to his destination and had little interest in theatrics. He also had little concern about being rude, though he would never go out of his way to do so; even as a monk, those at the Earth Temple were known for being blunt, and anyone who was thin-skinned or easily offended didn't last long. In any case, with the show she was putting on, she hardly had room to judge.
Maku was relieved that he would never have to say the name Duck Feet out loud. 'Ginkgo' was much less of a tongue teaser.
"I am Kibato Maku," he announced, for the benefit of those who weren't currently holding the scroll that identified him. "Of the Earth Temple," he added after a moment, though from his hardened body, stony demeanor, and tattoos bearing numerous Earth-related motifs, there had probably been little question as to which Temple he hailed from. While the stereotypes of each Temple were defied more often than most people expected, Maku certainly seemed to adhere to them.
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May 14, 2017 14:42:22 GMT
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Post by Elyander on Aug 12, 2016 17:03:05 GMT
Goutte smiles widely, regardless of Ginkgo's tone. "Well, it could also be considered rude to set an appointment on a bridge then yell us from below it, right?" he says, jokingly, before bowing low "I am, however, truly sorry if my actions made anyone uncomfrotable. I intend not to do so again."
He then hands the scroll to Ginkgo, smile still in his face. "I see now why I though your name was Duck Feet," he says cheerfully, "Ya Jiao. Really, I should have imagined something was wrong. Anyway, I totally get where you're coming from," he says honestly, passing an arm behind the man's back, "As hard as it is to believe, people on the Water Temple were hard on me too. I'm glad to see you've moved on to a better place. And Ginkgo fits you better!" Goutte then takes a step back, sitting on the railing again and looking at the others.
"I imagine the Lady comes from the Fire Temple, am I right?" he says, winking at Cuifen.
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Post by haybalebarn on Aug 13, 2016 4:40:38 GMT
Cuifen quietly observes the situation with mild annoyance at the two men for not treating her like a lady, but at the same time there's a small part of her that appreciates it. It was refreshing, being treated the same as everyone else. She wasn't treated as exceptional, but she wasn't treated as inferior. It was a pleasant change, if not one she was used to. Now if only the others who were summoned were the same.
Speaking of those her were summoned, she took an appraising eye to Kibato Maku. So far, he hadn't treated her as different at all, and she appreciated. Unlike the other three... She turns to look at Goutte, an unamused expression on her face. He always had to get a word in. Far too many words. "The Lady can also speak for herself. Duan Cuifen, from the Fire Temple, although that has already been pointed out." She gives a small polite nod to the group, otherwise content to be silent and listen.
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Post by Boolprop on Aug 14, 2016 3:01:31 GMT
"I apologize for my actions. I hope you're not offended by it." An Wei bows and apologizes for his prior action of jumping onto the boat, although he agrees with what Goutte had said. Though he do believe jumping down is still the fastest and shortest way aboard. After all, it's something he's accustom to doing. "I'll try to refrain myself from doing so again."Stepping forward, An Wei hands over his sealed scroll to Ginkgo. "I am Shu An Wei of the Wood Temple."General Education Roll: f1SXmqF52d6
2d6
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Post by Rhewlif_Dewdrop on Aug 19, 2016 22:52:12 GMT
Ginkgo froze as Goutte wrapped an arm around Ginkgo, it was obvious to even the most oblivious soul that Ginkgo was not one use to being touched. Shrugging out of Goutte's grip as the water disciple moved away, Gingko gave Goutte a skeptic look before returning his attention back to the scrolls. "I'm afraid the matter concerning the meeting points falls on my master but it is of small consequence. I was told the new location will be a real treat for you all."
As everyone finished introduce themselves, Ginkgo rolled up the last of the scrolls and turn to look to his companion behind him. The giant smiles and nods at Ginkgo before looking to the five. "And my name is Bo. We'll set off now, please hold on till we've reach the Wuji Temple."
Bo then push boat away from the walkway and steered it under the Little Garados bridge through a series of canals. Ginkgo meanwhile had immediately sat down and handed back everyone's scrolls before beginning a lecture on the imperial city. Amongs the numerous dates and name references, Ginkgo describes to you all the layout of the city.
The city have gone through numerous expansion with walls encircling the entire city at every renovation. Even today the old city walls can be seen some portion of them now houses and home of businesses. The city's latest expansion had brought about the biggest and longest wall in the history of nation with wall reaching miles out into the near by river that feeds the city's aqueducts. Along the city's walls are five gates each corresponding to the five element's. Currently the emperor have begun constructing a pair of pagodas at the Water Gate. Goutte would recall the pagodas as he had entered the city by ship and the gate was the only way to enter the port. These pagodas are to be known as the Sun and Moon Pagodas and are being made for when the moon and sun are aligned. No one apart from the Emperor's closest advisors knows the purpose of the pagodas although Ginkgo have it on good authority that they were intended to bring about a new era.
Ginkgo continues on his lecture, pointing out objects and building of interest until the boat suddenly come into view of an aquatic courtyard. In the middle of which, was a tall pagoda with black roof tiles.
Bo steers the boat to the low steps located at the building's base and motioned for everyone to disembark. This time, Bo offers everyone a hand as they step off. Gingko was the first of which, grabbing onto Bo's hand without a second though and carefully hoping out of the boat.
Ginkgo then waited for everyone to disembark before leading them inside. On the main floor, people that looks like monks and pages seem to be in the middle of meditation. Ginkgo pause and gestured with a finger to his lips for everyone to be quiet before continuing to lead them, now up a series of stairs. Five flights of stairs later, Ginkgo stops and goes through a door that leads to room located in the center of the pagoda above the masses below.
Ginkgo immediately bows, "Master Long Jing, Master Pu Erh, I bring you those summoned from the temples."
Looking over Ginkgo's shoulder's two men can be seen seated before a large hanging scroll and with a large metal bowl place before them. The man on the left wore monk clothes the color of the pure snow while the man on the right wore clothes as black as a raven's feathers. The man dressed in white smiles at Ginkgo while the one in black continues to be in a focused meditation. "Thank you, Ginkgo. Let them in, please seat yourselves. I'm sure you all have questions about being summoned."
Ginkgo bows once more before taking a seat behind his master.
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Post by Elyander on Aug 20, 2016 21:38:10 GMT
Goutte spent most of the trip trying to control his yawns. He had little interest in the city's story, specially when told as a monologue by Gingko, who has definitely not a showman. He instead travelled lokoing at the river and its inhabitants, curiously watching any pokémon swimming alongside. He also looked at his companions, trying to evaluate what kind of people they were.
The woman was the first he analyzed, not out of interest but because she seemed to not like him. Goutte was used to it, however, so taunting the woman might be fun. Besides, she was a student of fire, which was definitely not a menace to his aquatic powers. She was indeed, beautiful, but her lean figure was not simply for decoration. Goutte could see she was not a stranger to combat, but her emotions were perhaps a bit too clear. He waited until their eyes cross to smile widely at her, winking. "Let's see how long she can keep her cool," he thinks.
The men were all... well, bland would be the word. One looked like a ruffian, tall and well built. His eyes were calm and peaceful, though. The other two were lean and handsome, something that Goutte approved, but their posture and behaviour indicate they were collected and controlled. "Boring. A pity, really," he concludes, just as the boat arrives at its destination.
The courtyard was beautiful, the use of water all around really bringing its best features. At least in Goutte's eyes. Following Gingko, Goutte maintains a jovial, yet respectful walk, curiously peaking at the surroundings. Once they reach the room with the Masters, Goutte immediately bows, bringing his head far down before taking his seat. "Thank you, Master. It has been a pleasant journey on its own, but I have to admit I'm quite intrigued myself," he says in a joyful manner.
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Post by twilightkiwi on Aug 22, 2016 4:18:42 GMT
Maku endured Ginkgo's running commentary on the city in dispassionate silence, unimpressed but unbothered. He'd seen most of it before, though he certainly hadn't been so intimately familiar with the details, and was willing to indulge their guide's harmless rambling without complaint or impatience. They would arrive at the Wuji Temple eventually.
The Temple itself, Maku had never had reason to visit at least, and it was certainly an impressive sight even from an objective point of view. When they were finally introduced to the Masters, Maku bowed exactly deep enough as was required to show respect to someone of their station, then seated himself beside Goutte.
While he could have waited, given invitation to ask Maku got straight to the point. "Why one monk of each Temple? Is there to be a competition?" He glanced at the other four; while he could only guess at their skills, he would not wager any of them were closer to mastery of their art than he was. He was confident in his training, but there were more skilled fighters among the Earth Temple's ranks.
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Post by Boolprop on Aug 25, 2016 2:16:30 GMT
An Wei found himself enjoying the morning weather, while Ginkgo's voice is audible in the background. He tries his best to remember Ginkgo's explanation about the layout of the city, though it dawn to him that he wouldn't be able to remember everything in a short matter of time. Nevertheless, An Wei decided to just relax and observe the city while he enjoys the weather.
Following Ginkgo as the scholar lead him and the others towards their destination, An Wei curiously peaks at the surroundings. Climbing the five flights of stars is a simple task, and when they arrived in the room of the two masters, An Wei bows deeply with respect. He curiously observes the hanging scroll and metal bowl, before performing another bow when he was offered a seat. Following suit, An Wei takes the next available seat.
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Post by Rhewlif_Dewdrop on Aug 25, 2016 8:57:32 GMT
Master Jing Long waited for the five to settle and then let out a mild chuckle at Maku's question. "Ah, yes that would be something, a competition between the five strongest of the temples..." Master Jing Long says as he smooths down the small black goatee on his chin. "However none of you are the strongest monks of your temple, is that not so?" Master Jing Long gave another chuckle while Master Pu Erh seems to continue his meditation.
Now within the room the five can see the scriptures on the large hanging scroll behind the masters and and the details surrounding the masters and the mysterious bowl before them. The scripture up one the scroll was more of a drawing with sparse characters. The drawing consist of a star wherein at each point of the star was characters of the Five Elements. Within the center of the star were four more characters aligned to form a diamond; Jing, Qi, Shen, Wu. Outside the star is a broad incomplete circle.
Master Jing Long was a man who looked less than a fighter and more of a scholar like his apprentice Gingko. He have long swept back black hair that fall to just below his shoulders and a black goatee. He was pale as if he spent most of his time indoors. Master Pu Erh seems almost as big and tall as the boatman Bo and most likely just as muscular. His head of shaved all but for the faintest hint of his black hair and his skin was deeply tanned brown in comparison to Jing Long's paleness. The large bowl that now lays between the masters and the fiver looked more like a large pot use in cooking except for the intricate smelted designs along it's brim and body.
"No, but each of you excel in areas appreciated by your temple and a... Special quality we deemed that others of your temple do not share. The Taiji and Wuji Temple have summoned you here as the Emperor's Xing Magistrates has fallen in numbers as of late. Oh, not that anyone have died but several have decided to retire and several of the senior Magistrates have left the capital on diplomatic visits and patrols among the Emperor's more distant people. Simply the Xing Magistrates need more and new blood. The five of you have been chosen to be the next enlisted Magistrate... So long as you've finish one little task."
Master Jing Long pause before giving the five a calculating smile. "Any questions before we set you on this task?"
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Post by Elyander on Aug 30, 2016 0:08:09 GMT
A Magistrate? That was something Goutte hadn't really considered coming here, but the simple sound of it was entrancing. The Emperor's Magistrates were renown across the land, a position of poise and respect. Anyone paying attention to Goutte's smile at the words would possible think it was way too wide. "Oh, what a pleasant surprise!" Goutte says honestly, "I didn't know what to expect coming here, but that wasn't it. I'm thankful for the opportunity, Master," he says, eyeing his companions with interest.
"So they're all qualified for such a work, huh? Interesting." he thinks to himself, paying special attention to the men with the sword, "I wonder what kind of style they practice..."
Without losing a beat, he continues his conversation with Master Jing Long "I have one simple question, though, Master," he speaks casually "Did I understand correctly that we are to work together then?" he asks, winking surreptitiously at Cuifen.
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Post by haybalebarn on Sept 1, 2016 6:57:27 GMT
Cuifen barely even blinks at the mention of becoming magistrates. Inside, she was burning with pride in herself, but she kept it off her face as best as she could. Finally, her talents were being recognized, rewarded. She had the chance to have real influence, real power with this, power and influence she had never had before. She couldn't be more delighted. The only thing that worried her was that the others chosen were... these four. She was impressed with none of them, yet they were supposed to be her peers. Surely she didn't appear to be the same as these fools? However, she didn't let the thought bother her.
A flicker of annoyance crosses her face as Goutte winks at her, but she tries to ignore it as best she can, instead focusing on the Masters. Fitting, that she would like the one from the water temple the least. "I personally have no questions. It would be an honor to complete this task, and if we succeed, become a Magistrate." Not that the possibility of failure crossed her mind, but humility was a trait old monks generally valued, so best to display it.
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Post by Boolprop on Sept 2, 2016 1:40:37 GMT
An Wei raises a single brow in surprise to the offered position. Besides the responsibilities that comes with being an enlisted Magistrate of the Emperor, he head heard it provided a comfortable lifestyle. Which is much better then his previous life, not that being a monk of the wood temple isn't bad. "It would be my honor to serve the emperor." He bows deeply with respect, as he was taught to do.
Not just him, but the other four have also been offered the position. In his mind, he echos Goutte's question. If they were to work together, he believes the five of them could work well together. It's just the matter of when they'll do so. As he had learn all things takes time.
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Post by twilightkiwi on Sept 2, 2016 3:11:04 GMT
So he was to work with these four, directly for the Emperor as a Magistrate? Quite an illustrious and important role, and Maku supposed in his previous life it would have been the highest position he could aspire to. These days he had moved past such desires, but he was still human. It would be a challenge to resist the temptations such a lofty office might allow, to keep himself from falling back into old habits and vices. A challenge he readily accepted. Being a Xing Magistrate would test the convictions he had solidified over the last couple years in ways he hadn't yet had the opportunity to temper them. The other four did not seem quite as suited for the role as he might assume, but he had long ago learned not to judge the worth of a stone by its outer appearance. This task would be not just a test of his own capabilities, but a means by which the five of them might measure each other's mettle.
"I am the Empire's servant," Maku said with head bowed in acceptance. "What is our task?"
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