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by Malgrave » Sun Sep 02, 2018 1:29 pm
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Workers SFSR » Tue Sep 04, 2018 6:44 am
Malgrave wrote:"Comrades," Aurelia said bowing in greeting, "It is an honour to welcome delegates from the Soviet Republic. I hope that I can provide an insight into Malgravean history and our connection to the ancestors during this important national holiday."
by Malgrave » Tue Sep 04, 2018 12:45 pm
Upper Cantemir wrote:Hereditary Princess Nicoleta listened intently, nodding along as the defense minister explained some of the details of gender dynamics in Malgrave. Nicoleta thought of her sister Iouliana, internally noting how envious the strong-willed Princess would be of a nation where women could serve at all in the military. "Most interesting..." Nicoleta noted ponderously, "perhaps we have more to learn from the Malgravean nation than just your ancestors." After Nicoleta seemed satisfied, the rest of the group slowly massed at the elevator. All stared warily at the doors, except the Hereditary Princess who was able to contain her deep concern under a constant august presence.
Almost to distract himself from the frightening moving room before them, the Foreign Councillor cleared his throat. "You mentioned earlier, Defense Minister, there were historical events that impacted your catalogue?"
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Kouralia » Wed Sep 05, 2018 5:17 am
by Malgrave » Wed Sep 05, 2018 6:39 am
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by New Dornalia » Fri Sep 14, 2018 8:11 pm
Nadzieja nodded in confirmation as she waited for the elevator to arrive, the Minister wasn’t fully aware of what her colleague wanted to discuss with the Dornalian Secretary of State but she suspected that it had something to do with the recent nasty business involving NORINCO and the A-Class Battlecruisers.
“It is quite acceptable, Comrade President,” Nadzieja said with a gentle smile as the elevator arrived, “Ancestor Day was designed to allow citizens to fully connect with each other and honour their connection with the ancestors. I believe it fits in quite nicely with the principles of brotherhood and solidarity that is....embedded in other days of celebration across the year,” she said somewhat struggling to find the words to describe the principles that tended to flow throughout all of her homelands celebrations, the common language spoken throughout the world was quite popular in Malgrave but Malgravean Ancient was still the primary language and occasional translation difficulties still occurred, “I believe that you’d receive a considerable amount of attention if you entered one of the squares that are currently hosting large public celebrations, but in here I feel people are somewhat hesitant to approach in case they breach diplomatic decorum. It’s also a sport and entertainment spectacle that tends to be more popular in cities like Pakosc as they have more an industrial...and combat driven heritage,” she added as she stepped into the elevator, the Malgravean wasn’t personally a fan of the more entertainment driven brand of wrestling but she still understood why the Dornalian figure had become a celebrity figure.
Before Nadzieja could form a response to the President’s question the soft ding of the elevator indicated that it had arrived at its destination, the doors opening to reveal a room that seemingly covered all of the floor space available at the top of the central tower, with vast panoramic windows on all sides offering a wide view of the city below. If the Dornalians looked out in a southerly direction they’d be able to faintly see the criss-cross of mountains that marked the beginning of the Pakosc-Maldon-Tillingham region that lay near the border with the Rohanians, the area also notable for its long history with both anti-government radicals and the occasional smuggling movement that had to be forcibly crushed by the combined efforts of the TDF, Royal Marines and the SIS. In the North the Dornalian delegation would see a much gentler side of the Malgravean city, as the high-rise apartments and terraced houses of the main residential sector sat in this area, the gentle flow of the river guiding their eyes towards the location of Aurora, the first city that was settled by the Malgraveans after exodus. In the east the Dornalians would be able to recognise the Government and Cultural Sector, with the Cultural Sector renowned for its use of wide open streets and pedestrianised areas that were now visibly filled with hundreds of thousands of Malgravean citizens celebrating the day of the ancestors, meanwhile the rather paranoid security of the Government Sector was rather stark from this angle, with TDF checkpoints checking every vehicle and individual before they were granted access to the heart of the central government.
When the Dornalians stopped looking out of the window they’d be greeted with the main attraction of the room, and the reason that Nadzieja had claimed that it was an incredible privilege to be granted access to the top floor. In the middle of the room stood an incredibly ornate chair, with the ancient symbols dotted around possibly reminding the Dornalians of similar patterns they had seen in the ASG centre itself and all around Malgrave, but the real special aspect about the chair was the two gel-filled sacs situated on each armrest that apparently formed a type of control interface.
Nadzieja softly bowed towards the chair before lightly coughing and turning to face the Dornalians, the Malgravean had only been permitted to visit the room once in the build-up to Ancestor Day and she was still quite visibly pleased about being given the honour to conduct this section of the foreign tour, “We are currently standing inside the Ancestral Recognition and Control Centre. It’s used to confirm that the selected heir of the Malgravean throne has a strong enough connection to the Ancients to lead the Malgravean people, sadly it’s power requirements mean that it can only be activated for short bursts of time but it’s sheer presence is enough to bolster spirits during hard times,” Nadzieja said still beaming with pride, “In fact it was nearly lost to the Malgravean people during our forced exodus from our former homeland, but several thousand brave volunteers formed a defensive line against the foreign bar...soldiers until the artefact could be safely recovered by members of the ASG.”
by Malgrave » Tue Sep 18, 2018 6:37 am
Allanea wrote:She rode proudly. Here, among the Malgraveans, she chose not her silvery dress of the Queen of Allanea, but an outfit for which here she was better known – the working suit of a thaumaturgic-archaeologist, black and covered with dozens of pockets. A small, black leather bag hung at her right hip that would no doubt hold a variety of tools, such as a woman that was both archaeologist and Dark Wizard was expected to carry, and at her hip was a sword, in this case less a weapon than a badge of honor – not so much as Queen and Empress, but as Freewoman. Her mount, too, was a reminder not of her station as Queen, but that of an archmagi, for it was a Nightmare – a black, demonic steed, its hooves seeming to blaze fire, and flame emerging from its mouth as it breathed. An elegant gold circlet upon her brow was the sole reminder that Cassiopeia Blaken-Kazansky was not merely here as a scientist, but as a representative of the nation and the alliance that she lead.
The Malgraveans and the Allaneans – and, more importantly, the Malgraveans and Cassiopeia, specifically – have had a relationship lasting year. Sometimes there had been misunderstandings and deception, but othertimes there had also been genuine mutual assistance. Cassiopeia had met quite a few Malgraveans – some as talented students, others as less-than-talented students, yet others as diplomats. She was fond of the Malgravean people, in fact, even though there were quite a few differences of culture and politics that formed between them and the Allaneans and unbridgeable gap. Their passion for science and knowledge, and their capability to dedicate themselves to intellectual pursuits and work meticulously on them for years remained, to Cassiopeia, an admirable quality.
This, and the knowledge that the Dornalians would be here, made the event attractive for Cassiopeia, and of course she would have to attend. As ever, she had multiple plans for that visit… but of course such was her nature.
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Allanea » Wed Sep 19, 2018 3:41 am
by Malgrave » Tue Sep 25, 2018 5:47 am
Workers SFSR wrote:"Rot-Front comrade," Zarema responded casually, lowering her fist and instead extending her hand for a shake. Bowing was not in vogue among the Soviets, it seemed. "Please tell me all about your history. I admit I am not very learned on the Ancients."
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Workers SFSR » Wed Sep 26, 2018 10:31 am
by The Ctan » Mon Oct 01, 2018 4:19 pm
by Malgrave » Sat Oct 06, 2018 2:29 am
Workers SFSR wrote:Zarema shrugged as Aurelia refused the handshake, chalking it up to general Malgravean quirkiness. Besides, who knew if the Malgravean wasn't experimenting with some deadly chemicals and viruses beforehand. Minor breaches of etiquette was something only an aristocrat or a bourgeoisie would fuss about, anyway.
"That sounds very fascinating," the Soviet woman quickly shifted her attention to the topic at hand, "Is anything known about ze Ancient society? They must have achieved a very advanced stage of fully automated communism. I believe study of ze Ancients can greatly benefit our understanding of dialectical materialism."
She paused and coughed. Obviously she knew a thing or two about Malgrave from her tenure in the NKVD and was given a quick cultural briefing before the visit, but Aurelia seemed rather enthusiastic about the topic. Zarema scrambled for questions to ask, as she did not want to appear apathetic.
"Well, I would like to learn more about ze Malgravean migration. It always seemed like such an unusual event, an entire nation just up and moving elsewhere."
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Malgrave » Wed Oct 31, 2018 8:22 am
New Dornalia wrote:Mike acknowledged Nadzieja’s commentary on Pakosc and how pro wrestling might be more popular there with a nod. He could also get the feeling that Nadzieja wasn’t quite enamored with the world of sports entertainment. That was fine by Mike--it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea after all. Besides, Pakosc might be a nice place to visit for a state visit in the future, so hey, no skin off his back.
For their parts, Coach and Yogi noted the occasional bit of difficulty Nadzieja had also with translating the occasional abstract concept into Common/English. Coach himself knew that there were some things in Kobosh, for example, that didn’t quite translate into English and vice versa, like how many things were considered by kobolds to be sandwiches--even sushi.
But, those thoughts and others soon were interrupted by two major vistas within this rather expansive space.
The first vista was the panoramic view of both the distant mountains close to the Rohanian border and the visuals of Epping itself with the river and the residential areas and cultural center in the distance. Festivities were in full swing, as were the security checkpoints at the government center. It was a lot to take in, and if the panoramic windows were meant to impress visitors with the thriving nature of Epping and the surrounding areas, they succeeded with the Dornalians at least. The Dornalians came from big cities themselves, working within the urbanized environs of Southern California, but they weren’t going to deny a beautiful view when they saw one. Mike acknowledged the sight with an attentive stare, with Yogi nodding along and saying to Mike, quietly, “Yogi appreciates panoramic view of Malgravean city.”
Mike then nodded, making a mental note to check out the festivities proper along with the rest of the party when they had the time--well, assuming things went well. Coach merely nodded and added, “Finance Minister wasn’t kidding when she was talkin’ about large public celebrations. Those crowds are huge!”
Then, Coach turned around, and he then coughed and directed the party to look at the other vista, as he saw Nadzieja was preparing to continue the tour.
The item in question wasn’t a vista in the traditional sense. But here too, the Dornalians couldn’t help but pay attention when Nadzieja discussed the Ancestral Recognition and Control Centre’s main attraction--a chair with gel-sacs on it, with more of the patterns around ASG central. Any questions as to the potential artistic connection or rationale for using the designs on the chair were quickly answered, albeit indirectly, as Nadzieja discussed the purpose of the chair. The Dornalians looked at one another. Malgraveans could be eccentric, and many of the Dornalians had heard tales of objects which determined someone’s fitness for a task. Sorting hats, magical swords in stones, so on. But a technological--or maybe even magical?--wonder chair selecting monarchs indirectly through measuring ancestral connections? This was interesting.
The comment about foreign barbarians--the one which was quickly self-censored--certainly caught the attention of the Dornalians, although they were polite enough not to comment on the Freudian slip. In particular, Norton himself wasn’t offended--the last Foreign Minister, Tom Plume, had politely explained during their talks that the Malgraveans had spent a considerable time in isolation from the outside world, more focused on sorting out a civil war than pursuing foreign adventures. As such, even with an opening to the outside world, Norton figured some old habits would slip out once in a while.
Norton nodded at the Finance Minister’s story of the chair, and said, “A most impressive item. I can see how given its abilities and importance to the nation, it is worth protecting at all costs.”
As Norton stroked his chin, and Yogi and Coach nodded in acknowledgement at the majesty of the chair, President Haggar appeared curious and asked the Finance Minister, “Out of curiosity, Comrade Finance Minister, how did the Malgraveans first figure out this chair’s ability to measure one’s connection to the Ancestors?”
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Malgrave » Sat Jan 26, 2019 4:07 pm
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Legokiller » Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:57 pm
by The Ctan » Sat Jun 01, 2019 3:27 am
by Malgrave » Sat Jun 01, 2019 6:46 am
Allanea wrote:"My dear friend," – Cassiopeia said, "I have, you understand, inspected quite a few military facilities in my time, and indeed have planned quite a few. On the other hand, I am quite interested in discovering what I can about your Ancients, and of course as you know, thaumaturgical archaeology was one field in which I have made my mark, back in the day before I became somewhat of an adventurer. Indeed archaeologists often become adventurers, one touches the other you could say. But at any rate, please lead on, I would be most happy to see the exhibit."
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Malgrave » Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:15 am
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by Allanea » Fri Jun 07, 2019 3:10 am
by New Dornalia » Sat Jun 08, 2019 5:40 pm
by Dyste » Fri Jun 14, 2019 8:14 pm
by The Ctan » Wed Jul 10, 2019 4:30 pm
by Malgrave » Sun Jul 14, 2019 7:24 am
The Ctan wrote:She stepped up to the raised area around it, and stroked her hand along the armrest of the interface chair examining the structure, the chair itself was a mixture of materials, burnished metal with a mother of pearl sheen to it. She sat herself on it, leaning back, her hair framed by a headrest that glowed with a lantern-light seen through dark glass as crystalline interface elements set to work, and she set her hands onto the panels beside it, which flowed, memory gel seeming to become animated as it melded with her. She leaned back, and the chair responded, cradling her.
The interface chair was active, but there were no holo-projectors for her to share what was in her mind as she sat in it, though whatever she was doing was clearly something of significance; certainly, amongst the strongest initial responses one might have seen.
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
by The Ctan » Tue Jul 16, 2019 4:13 pm
by Malgrave » Sun Oct 06, 2019 7:28 am
Allanea wrote:"Fascinating indeed, " – Cassiopeia said, "And in a tangential way similar to the history of Allanea, which as you may know has been founded by people who left their homelands to establish a society where they could be freer. But tell me please, how proceeds your people's journey of exploration?"
Herself, Cassiopeia had been, at one point in her life, an arcano-archaeologist – that is to put it bluntly, an adventurer, and her own practice of archaeology was limited to seeking out valuable artefacts in elder tombs. Her adoptive mother, however, had been a real archaeologist, a researcher of ancient culture, the sort of scientist who carefully brushes the sand away from a millennia-old coin to uncover a phrase in a forgotten language. From her stepmother Professor Bellatrix Monfort, Cassiopeia learned some of the methods and principles of this science.
"In truth," – she said, "there are two questions. One is – how is the research organized, and the second, how much success have your people had with it?"
Frenequesta wrote:Well-dressed mad scientists with an edge.
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