City of IF

[Key]

The next chapter of the featured storygame "The Machine's Daughter" has been posted:

Chapter 10: Child of Taremto

Discussion and voting are complete for chapter 10.

For more about the storygame, see the New Players Start Here topic in this forum.

[D-Lotus]

Pilla is starting to assume leadership, and it seems she's uniting the scarpi at the same time that she's gathering many followers. If this is her intent, along with seeing the witch-serpents, then she should see this king. She must accept him to make the concept of a unified nation in which no one is excluded be true. Its a plus if we have his blessing to go through. He's inviting us, anyway, his intentions can't be bad; if he wanted to kill us, with his power he could have done it already.

Pilla's destiny seems clearer now.

[Shady Stoat]

Now we really seem to be getting somewhere! :cool:

It's difficult to know what King Rigiva's intentions might be. It seems the last child of Taremto didn't fare too well with him. However, some time has passed and he has been (presumably) on a war footing with the Zigots for some time now. That might have changed his outlook somewhat.

I tend to agree with D-Lotus here. It will be difficult and messy, trying to reach the witches with an enemy tribe of Scarpi between you and them. You must meet with him, but treat what he says and does with the utmost caution. Masakati was unready for his betrayal - you have the advantage over her.

And whatever he does, I doubt he will make an overt move. It would set him against every other Scarpi tribe in the desert. I doubt he wants their combined hostility directed at him.

[Chinaren]

Well, it's not as if you can't meet him with the 'followers' standing at your back, from a position of strength. Say you will meet him on neutral ground though. It's easier than fighting your way through.

An interesting change in the Pilla here, becoming more decisive. It's a welcome one in my eyes, though perhaps a little sudden!

One point. Is she translating the scroll or making a whole new one? I don't find it very likely that someone with years of logic training would set about adding parts to a story here and there when she was merely translating. No doubt that will become the basis for a new religion later on. Seems a bit, well not risky but. I don't know. 'Dodgy' maybe. :?

[Ravenwing]

I like how Pilla is taking charge, while at the same time building bridges between the torn Scarpi tribes. It is definitely a big change compared to what we have seen in the last chapters.

We should meet this king. Making that choice would garner a few dissents, so meet him on neutral ground. Like D, and Shady here mentioned, having an enemy on your back will only slow the journey.

I am a bit confused here. Should we take it as truth that the Zigots of Nugoz killed Masakati? I thought that happened more than a few years ago? :? Either way, I still think the King could help enlighten us on the truth of what may have happend that fateful day.

I was wondering the same thing about the scrolls like China. From reading the chapter, I thought she was translating the scrolls, and adding in what she knew that wasn't in the scrolls. I didn't think she was literally rewriting the whole tale because how can we take it for straight truth?

[LordoftheNight]

yes, i agree that she should meet with the king, the last thing she wants is another enemy

and F5 the points rave and cren are making about the scroll, like the speech she made up for the animal leader

[Ravenwing]

Thining about that scroll again. Perhaps as she is translating it she is trying to amuse herself by thinking up of the conversation the characters would have if they were to replay the events again....

The whole scroll thing I think needs some clarification thats all.

[D-Lotus]

By the way, Masakati came to the scarpis very long ago, right? So how do we know that the current king was the one that betrayed Masakati?

[Key]

Thanks for the comments. A couple of points of clarification:

- Masakati died recently, only a few years ago. She lived her life in the Outer Desert, so neither Nogola nor any of the other Scarpis from the city know much about her, just rumors about her life and the treachery of the Virivoi.
- The Watchmaker scroll is written in Syllogi, but it's based on an older legend of the animal races. Pilla is trying to recreate what the animal legend might have been. It involves some imagination and embellishment, since there are many things in the animal languages that can't be expressed in Syllogi, and so were likely lost in the original translation. And it may not be exactly accurate. But what she's trying to do is come up with a story that makes sense to her and that fits with the events of the scroll.

[Chinaren]

Quote: The Watchmaker scroll is written in Syllogi, but it's based on an older legend of the animal races.

Ah, I see. It would be interesting if she asked around to see if her current companions had any input into that then, they may have information she doesn't know about.

[Mother Goose]

If it's only a few years since Masakati's death, this king probably is the same one who caused that event, to gain the throne. That would add a guilty fear to his feelings about "children of Taremto". He might even think it possible that Pilla is Masakati come back to haunt him. I hope Pilla has learned enough about the untrustworthiness of the animal races not to be too rash this time, though I agree she should meet with him and try to negotiate safe passage through his lands.

[Aino]

Although it appears that Pilla has only two mutually exclusive options, perhaps, there is a third way.

[Key]

Don't keep us in suspense, Aino! Tell us what you're thnking :D

[Ravenwing]

Key wrote: Thanks for the comments. A couple of points of clarification:

- Masakati died recently, only a few years ago. She lived her life in the Outer Desert, so neither Nogola nor any of the other Scarpis from the city know much about her, just rumors about her life and the treachery of the Virivoi.



Ah, now I understand. The way the chapter was written, it seemed like Masakati died more than only a few years ago. Or maybe it was me just misreading the whole thing.

Quote:
- The Watchmaker scroll is written in Syllogi, but it's based on an older legend of the animal races. Pilla is trying to recreate what the animal legend might have been. It involves some imagination and embellishment, since there are many things in the animal languages that can't be expressed in Syllogi, and so were likely lost in the original translation. And it may not be exactly accurate. But what she's trying to do is come up with a story that makes sense to her and that fits with the events of the scroll.

[color=darkviolet]So what she is trying to do is find the truth from what she knows and what she is reading? I agree with China, we should ask the Scarpi about the legend. They maybe could give a clearer picture of what she is trying to find.

[Key]

Ravenwing wrote: we should ask the Scarpi about the legend. They maybe could give a clearer picture of what she is trying to find.
We can assume that she has asked. The Scarpi have never heard of the Watchmaker, nor do they have any legends of anyone being chained up and attacked by an eagle.

[Ravenwing]

Okay. So that answers china's and mine's options. The Zigots at Nugoz if we do deem them with a visit. The king is also Scarpi, so it is not likely he would know. The serpent-witches maybe well-informed of the tale also. I am just brainstorming ideas here.

Maybe nobody really knows, and Pilla would have to piece together the whole tale herself. A tough job.

[Shady Stoat]

In terms of 'a third option', as Aiko puts it, how about this?

Send a message back to the King, saying that, unfortunately, time is pressing and you must get to the Serpent-Witches without delay. However, you would be glad to accept an escort of his people, to join with the other tribes as they travel to the mountain with you?

That way, he'll get the same treatment as all the other tribes have, with no special favour and no singling him out as the traitor.

After all, it was only an invitation he sent you, not a summons. He would be hard-pressed to go to war with you and your companions, just because you suggested an alternative?

Of course, that would open up a whole new set of conflicts around you. Obviously the new Scarpi would need to be watched for hidden agendas and for creating dissention among the group. Some more of those new-found leadership skills would have to be put to good use, I think.

[Smee]

Sorry for the delay in replying - and missing the poll last chapter. It went as I wished anyway.

I liked her simple logical arguement that defused the situation.

One thing I was wondering is how they are identifying her as Zigot so easily? Is it purely because of things like her glasses that mark her so obviously? Or are the Zigots actually more like androids - human in appearance and therefore similar to Pilla save for her being flesh? I have pictured them so far as obviously metalic robotic beings.

So what to do about this latest greeting.

Quote: "Only to- to deliver a message of friendship," he says. "King Rigiva invites you to come to his camp and be honored among his people."

I don't like this greeting - far too much like diplomat language to me - the hesitation on the 'message of friendship' is pronounced.

I fear a trap.

How dangerous is passing through the shadow of Olympus? Do the Zigots actively defend it, or await attack before retaliation? If they only defend the mountains I see no issue in skirting the King's lands.

Otherwise I think they'll have to meet the King - but out in the open desert, rather than entering his palace or whatever he resides in.

The story is moving nicely, keep it coming and...

Happy Writing. :)

[LordoftheNight]

Quote: One thing I was wondering is how they are identifying her as Zigot so easily? Is it purely because of things like her glasses that mark her so obviously? Or are the Zigots actually more like androids - human in appearance and therefore similar to Pilla save for her being flesh? I have pictured them so far as obviously metalic robotic beings.

i was picturing an almost darlek like appearence

[ethereal_fauna]

Another great chapter, although I haven't much new to add to the conversation.

It might appear weak or cowardly to avoid the king or ignore his message altogether, but inviting him to join the escort in some fashion or agreeing to a meeting at your convenience should provide enough acknowledgement for now.

[D-Lotus]

Smee wrote: Sorry for the delay in replying - and missing the poll last chapter. It went as I wished anyway.

I liked her simple logical arguement that defused the situation.

One thing I was wondering is how they are identifying her as Zigot so easily? Is it purely because of things like her glasses that mark her so obviously? Or are the Zigots actually more like androids - human in appearance and therefore similar to Pilla save for her being flesh? I have pictured them so far as obviously metalic robotic beings.

So what to do about this latest greeting.

Quote: "Only to- to deliver a message of friendship," he says. "King Rigiva invites you to come to his camp and be honored among his people."

I don't like this greeting - far too much like diplomat language to me - the hesitation on the 'message of friendship' is pronounced.

I fear a trap.

How dangerous is passing through the shadow of Olympus? Do the Zigots actively defend it, or await attack before retaliation? If they only defend the mountains I see no issue in skirting the King's lands.

Otherwise I think they'll have to meet the King - but out in the open desert, rather than entering his palace or whatever he resides in.

The story is moving nicely, keep it coming and...

Happy Writing. :)

Smee, I think the "delay" in speech was only because the scarpi delivering the message was scared of the other scarpis who regard him as a traitor. It was more of a stutter. I think meeting the king in our own ground is a good idea, but it would suggest to him we don't fully trust him. If it appears so, he might be angered; if we don't accept him fully, the scarpis will never be unified. I think there is no evil intention, and we should just risk it. But either way, the third option is better than totally ignoring him.

[Key]

Smee wrote: One thing I was wondering is how they are identifying her as Zigot so easily? Is it purely because of things like her glasses that mark her so obviously? Or are the Zigots actually more like androids - human in appearance and therefore similar to Pilla save for her being flesh? I have pictured them so far as obviously metalic robotic beings.

Zigots are mostly made of wood, though with metal joints and other metal parts. Close up, one could easily tell the difference between a Zigot and a human, but from far off, you might mistake one for the other, especially if, like Pilla, the human had grown up in their culture and so had similar mannerisms and dress.

Smee wrote: How dangerous is passing through the shadow of Olympus? Do the Zigots actively defend it, or await attack before retaliation?

That's not something Pilla knows, nor would any of the Scarpi traveling with her. The Virivoi are the only ones now whose land borders on Mount Olympus.

[Chinaren]

Voted and winning.

Gosh, I am getting a lot of first hits today. :D

[Key]

Poll's up! Happy voting! :D

[Ravenwing]

Quote: I don't like this greeting - far too much like diplomat language to me - the hesitation on the 'message of friendship' is pronounced.

I fear a trap.


Smee, you're acting too suspicious. I agree with D here. The messenger is meeting with a possible Child of Teremto, who is being guarded by Scarpi that don't have a liking to his own tribe. I would be very scared if were in the messenger's position.

Voted, and winning!!

[Araex]

Is it too late to add to an option? I would say that time is an issue at the moment, but you would be happy to accept an escort and meet with a diplomat?

[Mother Goose]

As the Scarpi are known to be hot-headed and violent, it's best not to give the king anything that might be taken badly, like refusing to meet him. But do not put yourself in his power - meet him on your terms and keep in control!

Maybe Pilla isn't good at judging people, but possibly some of the other Scarpi, like the priest, can get a feeling about him.

[Ravenwing]

Quote: Maybe Pilla isn't good at judging people, but possibly some of the other Scarpi, like the priest, can get a feeling about him.

Good point, Mother Goose. I think Pilla here is probably still naive about the world she is in. It would be good that another more experienced with the Scarpi give an opinion. Of course we have to be careful that the opinion is not too bias.

[LordoftheNight]

voted, and not winning

[Sorrow_A]

I voted to meet the king outside in the open desert because it seems to me that that would be a lot safer than tramping into a huge encampment with a lot of hostile feelings between the groups, if the king is a traitor, which he may not be. Couldn't it have been an accident (Maskati's death)?

Pilla has been building bridges between many of the tribes and she should this king, because discrimination is bad. And stuff.

[KatieS]

Hey all! Glad you're enjoying the story so far. Keep the twists coming!

chinaren wrote: An interesting change in the Pilla here, becoming more decisive. It's a welcome one in my eyes, though perhaps a little sudden!

Well, her followers are still largely motivated by Nogola's oration, and I think many of those who follow believe in her, in part, because of her rather alien nature - I don't imagine most of them have met Zigots, and she's something like 3/4 Pure Logic (while they're 3/400ths logic) but in the body of a Maker. There's nobody else quite like her in their experience.

[Chinaren]

Hey Katie! You do exist! I was beginning to think maybe you were Key, but in a wig and a dress. :shock: ;)

Welcome to IF!!

[LordoftheNight]

lol

good to hear from you katie

[KatieS]

chinaren wrote: Hey Katie! You do exist! I was beginning to think maybe you were Key, but in a wig and a dress. :shock: ;)

Welcome to IF!!

No, no, of course I'm not. That's almost as silly as the idea of me wearing a dress in the first place.

Thanks for the welcomes. I registered two weeks ago but the confirmation link was screwy at the time so I went back to my other business for two weeks, and yes, hello.

[Smee]

Excellent to see you've made it Katie. :)

Now I get to say it to you more personally...

Happy Writing :D

[Mother Goose]

Hi Katie! Thanks for the great writing and for keeping this story going on schedule!

[Key]

Poll's closed. Decision was to meet the King, but not at his camp.

New chapter up on Saturday.

[Ravenwing]

Welcome Katie! It's nice to see the author herself her in the City! ;) You keep the chapters coming, and we will continue reading. Cheers. :cool:

[Key]

Chapter 11 posted. Locking this chapter.