Kastanika City

Kastanika City is the city of safety. Or at least, that's what it was founded on.

The city has been built in a circular fashion around a geyser. It was once claimed that the geyser had magical qualities, ones that would continue to protect the shapeshifters as they evolved. Their predator, the Daywalkers (otherwise known as human beings) have since learned to live at peace with the presence of shapeshifters in Kastanika, the city quietly policing itself through mutual trade. Whilst the Daywalkers rule in the sunshine hours, the shapeshifters take pride in their nocturnal features, the night just as bustling as any morning hour. 

Kastanika is a beacon of isolation, the only previous breaches in its bubble being the internal quarrels from within. The outside of the city is protected through detection of race; only the blood of Shifters and Daywalkers could freely notice and cross the walls of Kastanika. 

That was, until evolution played its card.

Not all Kastanikans responded well to the geyser's influence; the steam corrupted their bodies, mutating them into a species that was not quite its own, one that required the blood of their previous bretheren to sustain themselves. These people were labelled Dhampirs, simply because their bloodlust would either consume them, or grant them power beyond any Kastanikan's perception. Kastanika had to accommodate its new residents, splitting the city boundaries further. The Daywalkers now form a bridge between the two groups, running errands for both Shifters and Dhampirs, acting as diplomats.

Kastanika knows it can no longer contain the power of the geyser, finally relaxing the border restrictions on the sheltered city. But the rules remain the same for its residents; the Daywalkers rule in the sunshine, the Shifters and Dhampirs rule the night. If any groups crosses into another's territory, the perpetrator would be executed on sight. 

Tensions are uneasy between Shifters and Dhampirs, the borders between the two areas of Kastanika heavily guarded on each side by the groups themselves. However, Daywalkers are free to roam between these zones. The Shifters strive for the displacement of the Dhampirs, desperately seeking the peace and isolation they'd felt before their arrival.

Whilst many Dhampirs want to leave Kastanika, their lust constrains them to the walls of Kastanika, depending on the Shifters for survival. The Dhampir Guard moderate the transfusions of blood, but more often than not, there are... accidents.

Kastanika is open for business, but some residents may never be ready to see the world outside its walls.

The light-skinned gypsy approached the thin veil that surrounded the city, lost in thought. What if the barrier reduced him to dust? Killed him? ... not that it would matter, he was just a wanderer, his life as valuable as a fly. 

Maybe Kastanika could provide a new beginning.

He reaches forwards, pressing a finger against the veil, the suction of the barrier pulling his whole arm through. Fuck it, there was no going back now!

Craning his neck, he observed the solitary city, wondering what he should do first.

He was patrolling the border when he spotted the intruder's arm poking through the barrier. He latched onto it, baring his teeth. "State your business here." That was all he had to ask, knowing he didn't want to completely scare the man off. 

Have to be a bit more careful since i saw that vampire lady... 

"I-I-uh.... i'm not sure?" He shuffled his feet, cowering in front of the strange animal. "I came here, an' i ain't got nowhere else to go." He spoke with honesty, the only tool he had.

"A wanderer." He nodded to himself, dropping his defensive stance and relinquishing his tight grip on the daywalker. "Are you human, or dhampir? Or maybe... You're like me?" Fierre could not see any features akin to his, but he had to ask.

Ooc sorry, forgot :c

Ic His arm jerked, free from Fierre's hold. Damn, the guy was a lot stronger than him. However, he wouldve been more frightened, but brute force was not the solution to every problem. 

"Let me show you. I am nothing like your kind."

There was a low hissing sound, as his light tanned features morphed into the image of a younger girl, her blonde plait just touching the floor. She was incredibly pe, bearing a mischievous smile. However, she generally looked harmless.

Ooc let's get this rolling again! My boy Fierre

Ic his lips drew back in a snarl, taken aback. Fear coursed through his veins, his claws aching to surge forward and shatter the image of the flawless girl.
"Deceivers are not welcome here. You cannot be trusted to strain the little peace we have between the dhampirs and us." The shifter moved into an aggressive stance.

It was unlikely that Andawarudo would let the recapture at Fryk go without retribution. By all outward appearances it looked to the world like Fryk simply fought off the invaders by themselves, just as Polidus wished. However he was a cautious man and didn't wish to risk Diarmids already fragile political standing with the other realms nor its wellbeing in case his ploy was discovered.

With this in mind, he travelled with a small entourage of soldiers. Led by his bodyguard Ajolta, the high priest wished the gifts he brought with him would sufficiently sweep under the rug the attack by Ra Division...

Ajolta however would relish the chance to face one of Diarmids most legendary adversaries. To have beaten what some of the greatest warriors of their old empire couldn't would be a guarantee to enter Alagor...

The young shapeshifter currently guarded the sole visitor entrance to Kastanika, the dense veil of the city shifting with the strong wind. Upon seeing the convoy, he submerged himself back into the heavy trees surrounding the area, resisting the urge to bare his teeth. For some reason, their scent was familiar...

"Who goes there? Identify yourself." His voice remained neutral, having being scolded for being too aggressive with the gypsy. Not that he cared too much, for the protection of Kastanika and maintaining his freedom had morphed into his priority. 

He spoke from the forest, adopting a defensive stance and curling his ears back in case he could be seen. His auburn locks remained a wild mess atop his guard uniform.

Ajolta licked his lips as he went to draw his kamas but Polidus held up a hand to stop him and spoke diplomatically, "We are emissaries of Diarmid, here to bare gifts upon your people..."

"Please grant us access." While the fragile looking man didn't at all fit the stereotype of his homeland, there was still commendable power that lay hidden beneath his frail physique.

The shapeshifter came forward, seeming to appear from nowhere as heavy fog engulfed the mountainside. His long eaes were tucked backwards, attempting to look as human as possible. With his curiosity piqued, his cat-like tail shifted from side to side.

"Diarmid, huh?" He pondered on the name. "You came here to help my people once. Before we truly shrouded our city. I thank you on their behalf."

Fierre reached into the thick veil, the air becoming more dense as he lifted the barrier to the city. 

"Come in, I'm sure you have many stories to tell." He eyes the man with the kamas, aware that he would have to escort them for now. Yet he was not afraid of the weaker looking man; his strength of voice reminded him of Annelise.

The frailer man smiled politically, "thank you my friend. It is a great honor to be of service once more." He bowed graciously as he walked inside, signaling to his entourage to join him.

Ajolta eyed Fierre as though sizing up how hungry he'd be after a meal. However his master had ordered him to not attack a soul inside and he'd be foolish to disobey again.

As they entered the sheltered city, it was apparent that the large divide within the city still existed, even to outsiders. On Fierre's side, thatched rooves had been weaved together to form a long, spiralling and shanty-like community where no house was separate. Some rooves simply covered up ladders, with the occasional citizen ducking in and out. Scuffing of shoes could be heard as children daintily darted across these low-lying buildings.

On the other side, mansions and sprawling estates could be seen as made from a variety of materials. There were houses that appeared to be made of substances with a charcoal complexion, whilst many others were simple red-brick homes. The key feature was the metal castle in the distance, seeming to overlook the whole city, silver walls almost reflecting the sunlight across the rest of the city. This mansion bordered the areas where the daywalkers resided.

"If you are here for political ventures then I'm sure the dhampir council would be pleased to see you, and will allow me to escort you there. The shapeshifters will always welcome you too; I am the leader." He admitted this with a deep sense of humbleness, seeing it more as a duty rather than a privilege.

"That is appreciated." Polidus smiled graciously. "I have long desired to visit this place, as those honored men and women of Ra division did centuries ago. I am thankful for this opportunity and welcome."

"Much have I to discuss with the council and you, and with your wisdom I'm certain new prosperity can be found for us both."

Ajolta looked at the not very subtle divide between the city. One side was rugged, the homes of survivors and scrapers. The other was the lavish and decadent homes of those provided everything in life. Of them, Ajolta had little pity or respect. As he saw it, the more rustic home people were the ones who knew struggle and strength and were the true rulers of this land if they had the gumption to fight...

He nodded courteously, crossing the boundary between the two halves of the city. It was this simple stone wall which acted as the partition. 

"The council will be alerted once you cross this line - their emissiary should be with us shortly, since I don't often enter Dhampir territory unless I am obliged to."

Fierre did not mention how often he crossed this line, usually rescuing the daywalkers he knew were kidnapped. Although they tracked him, as a diplomat it would be political suicide to try and kill him, if they even could. 

"Your people helped reclaim peace here. Which is why Kastanika will offer you sanctuary, and nobody on our side of the city will harm you." Fierre was sure the bodyguard could handle the dhampirs anyway.

"Thank you for your insights.." Polidus extended his hand to him, "Death befall your enemies."

Ajolta crossed the line first and scanned the initial area to make sure it was safe for his master to pass. He had his kamas ready in case the answer was no.

Fierre bared his talons, sensing the presence of the nearby Dhampir.

The air seemed to still, the initial chirping of birds and wind falling deathly silent. Then the figure drew nearer, appearing to glide above the ground, but this was mere illusion.

The Dhampir stopped, eyeing Fierre. "Bunny boy." He said, curling his lip into a sneer as greeting. 

"You brought company." He now turned his attention to the entourage , curiosity otherwise lighting his dull features. 

"I am Ramos, servant to only the Dhampir congregation. Welcome to Kastanika." The haughty man was far taller in height than Fierre, yet leaner and gaunt in facial aspect. However, both parties carried themselves in the same manner, their mixed heritage becoming more apparant when inspected closely.

"Do you request the presence of our council? " Ramos would not impose, but was inherently inquisitive.

Fierre scowled at the man's back.

Ajolta stood by his master, ready and willing to chop down this servant should he try anything.

Even the high priest himself couldn't help but feel intimidation in the midst of this ghastly figure, obvious from the tremor in his voice, "y..you assume correctly. We of Diarmid wish to bestow our blessings upon Kastanka..." He gestured behind him to the entourage whom carried crude metal chest. 

"And we'd like it done quickly." The bodyguard added, "we have much to do." He let his weapons metal flash light into his Ramos's eyes. Ajolta stared at Ramos like a tiger ready to pounce, ever primed for attack.

"You have no reason to be afraid." Fierre told the older man, hearing him stutter at the appearance of Ramos. "Ramos here is just a filthy mutant."

At his words the dhampir's shoulders tensed, clenching his fists but otherwise remaining silent. "That's fine, I'll bring you to the council now." His eyes were drawn to the flash of metal, only staring at the object before snorting. "That wouldn't hurt very much." His tone was bland as he turned away, leading the entourage to the silver castle that overlooked the dhampir's side of the city.

Fierre backed away, knowing his presence was not welcome at the council. "Scream if you need me." He wibked and skulked back over the line.

"You'll be the one screaming if you underestimate me. I've slaughter hundreds of enemies to get to my place. You will show me respect or you'll be more carved up than my last meal..." Ajolta spoke hoarsely as Polidus put a hand on his shoulder. 

"Enough Ajolta. This is a diplomatic mission, no killing is authorized." The high priest scowled.

"oh, I'm not underestimating you per se, It's more of an... analysis of that weapon." His tone somehow sounded even more bored than before. "Your people seemed to have forgotten that mere metal has a far less effect on us Dhampir than it does on the Shifter. After all, we are notoriously not akin to our distant human ancestors." 

"I am sure you are incredibly skilled, to be protecting such a high profile Priest." His lips twitched into a ghost of a smile at Polidus. "I've read about your diplomatic abilities; I was hoping you'd come." 

With that compliment, Ramos began to guide them to the castle. Whilst the Dhampir side of the city was more affluent, it was clear the citizens kept a wide berth from Ramos. The younger Dhampir was only notorious because of the council he served, rather than personal intimidation. However, he still seemed to radiate an aura of.. indifference, like one would if they found no amusement in living. 

"Where you two will be going has never been seen to 95% of citizens in these walls, let alone outsiders."

Polidus smiled back to him friendly, "Your praise is most kind sir. I shall try to live up to expectations." While most Diarmidians were overtly blunt with their assertions of power, Polidus knew better. Most of his people had broad physiques to justify their threats but the high priest had no such luxury. So instead he focussed on his brain and speech, becoming without question the most intelligent and well spoken man in Diarmid. 

People responded to humility. It made them ingratiated, more likely to serve. They began to crave his humility, like an addict to Watcher's Root, and would bend over backwards to get it. Few in Diarmid understood this simple political weapon that had aided him he knew not how oft. But Polidus did, and he was a master in it's use.

"We're greatly honored to experience this privilege." He bowed to Ramos, "I do hope we can do business with your people."

Ajolta kept his eyes focussed on Ramos. Being used to high-strung power houses, this apathetic man who didn't squirm from his threats put him on high alert. Usually the mere mention of his heritage and drawing his weapon would make a man weep but not him. Ramos was made of sterner spine, and it made him want to strike him down all the more. 

However he couldn't. To do so would incur the wrath of the Watcher, and even Ajolta realized he dare not face that.

He could almost feel Ajolta's anger in the air, a tangible emotion he could practically tap into. But he did not comment, because although he would've been afraid, Ramos was a man with nothing to lose. 

"I'm sure you will not disappoint." Ramos also felt the older man's charm, curiosity piqued at encountering the great diplomat himself. 

The young Dhampir guided them up a simple gravel path, one that extended for about a mile before reaching the silver-encrusted gate of the grand castle. Of course, it was a long trek, but the Dhampir council was not usually seen by ordinary citizens, whether foreign or not. Upon reaching the gate, Ramos pressed his hand against a knob that stuck out from the rest of the spikes, hissing as a small slurping sound could be heard.

After a few seconds he pulled his hand away, clutching it to his chest as small droplets of blood dribbled down his palm. "The Council will see us now." Ramos moved at a far quicker pace now, bringing them into the foyer.

The air seemed to waver, as if they had passed a barrier. Oddly enough, inside the grandiose castle which gleamed of metal for the whole city to see, it was... empty on the inside. In fact, Ramos had taken them to a bare room with only two leather chairs for the guests to sit on. 

"They want to know what you want to discuss with them before they appear." His eyes had taken on a whiter hue, body stiffening and jerking at the request.

"We had long been allies of your people, however our business transactions had been sadly minimal. I feel we would have a lot to offer you, and you us." Polidus smiled at him as he waited to take a seat until so asked. It created the illusion of command over them and gave them the boldness to think they could fulfill the poor small high priest Polidus's wishes and his politeness made them more inclined to do so.

'Everything sends a message', Polidus mused in his mind. 

"As a token of generosity, we wish to bestow a gift from our homeland upon you..." Polidus waved his hand to his entourage and they came forward with their crude metal chests.

With a veritable cold war upon them with Andawarudo, both lands stood on the precipice of open conflict. While the Watcher smiled upon war and many honors were granted on the battlefield, to fight without a plan or allies was the axiom of foolishness. And Polidus was no such fool, and his emperor's knew it.

The Dhampir hesitated before he spoke, a drop of blood escaping his lips."Sit down" he rasped, before his beady eyes were cast upon the chest. "What lies within them?" The council were suspicious of the contents, wary of a trap before they manifested and stopped using Ramos as a mouthpiece.

"We remember your kind." Ramos declared in a deeper voice. "We have hidden our existence from external threats whilst we prospered. Now it seems, the threats are upon us."

The young dhampir was visibly shaking now, but he didn't not complain.

"A shifter encountered someone like us, but this entity had never been human. We can feel her influence." The council did not seem afraid, just curious.
"If you came on behalf of her, we have no interest."