[three_fourth]
Murderdeathquin was finishing.
The Crowd, practically the entire extended guild and Quinharjar, massed the Island. The dull roar elevates to a deafening chorus and down to a dull roar again.
Pyromancers held their hands aloft and waved them to and fro.
The Order of the Stuff had to ferry money back to the warehouse due to space limitations.
A sea of Hoolefest Costumed Henchmen sang along whenever they knew the words.
Then the music stopped, and the crowd pressed in tighter.
Spike nodded back towards Crysania, and she started playing a basic beat.
Spike and Simon roared to the crowd, who instinctively roared back.
Then the battle of axes began. Simon playing some heavy riffs to Crysania’s constant beat behind him while Spike shreds the tiny strings.
Part of the crowd could be seen headbanging in unison.
Spike shifted to a rhythm role and Simon busted out some double-handed bass skills that made other Mesmers in the crowd scream with pride.
The strings stopped, and the partners stepped back. An entire island shifted their attention to one person.
Crysania triumphantly thrust a drumstick into the air, to wild screaming and cheering.
A couple henchmen drew back the stage curtain, to reveal several large drums, causing some in the crowd to gasp audibly.
Crysania stood and bowed her head. The crowd hushed, confused but eager.
In the quiet of moment, a familiar voice rose clearly: BLOOD IS MOTHER@#$%ING POWER!
Crysania, like many, burst out laughing.
Crysania composed herself a bit, and yelled out: Someone get that man crowdsurfing!
Half-a-heartbeat later, BiP is floating to the monk’s station in glee.
Crysania, still grinning, resumed her prayers.
A moment or two later, several spirits rose from the stage, and Crysania took her seat again.
Crysania hit her bass drum, and the spirits hit the large drums.
The crowd went wild.
Crysania’s spirit-assisted drum solo resonated well beyond the island they were on. Pets in Nyx’s Menagerie howled.
The spirits went away and the drum solo came to a close, but the crowd wanted more.
A chant started, slowly building in speed and volume.
“Super!” “Super!”
Word had spread of Crysania’s speed, but none had seen it.
“Super!” “Super!”
Spike looked at Crysania and shrugged.
Simon got out of the way.
Crysania un-did her hair and threw her drumsticks into the crowd, to cheers, and settled in mentally.
The pace started slowly, with the crowd almost willing the pedals to hit faster.
The pace quickened, and the anticipation of the crowd grew just as quickly.
The feeling in the air was changing. Those new to the guild showed signs of anxiety, while everyone else continued to cheer.
The crowd erupted in cheers when SuperSania made her appearance. Her floating glowing hair looked so calm compared to the focused effort on her face and the blazing speed of her feet.
The constant-sound technique washed over the island and was the only thing audible.
Spike, plugging his ears, mouthed to Simon: PULL!
Simon tossed up a tankard, and Crysania sent a bass pedal through it.
Somewhere in the back, a henchman caught a bass pedal to the head, while those in front were showered with tankard fragments.
The crowd, after a brief pause, roared back to full volume.
Crysania tied her hair again and joined Simon and Spike at the front of the stage.
Crysania looked upon the crowd and smiled. Hoolefest 006 was a success.
Simon and Spike left the stage, leaving Crysania to look upon the Guild. Her face saddened, as she realized she’ll likely never see everyone together like this again.
Casting such thoughts aside, she held her hands up and quieted the crowd.
Crysania shouted: I cannot shout to you all. This little frame does not produce a voice that loud. So I will need you to repeat my message to the back of the island. Wave flags when you get it.
There was much murmuring, but the echo chain began. Within moments flags waved.
Crysania: I want to thank you all for making Hoolefest 006 a success!
There was echoing, followed by cheering.
Crysania: However, our celebration isn’t yet over.
Crysania: When the Guild reached a certain size, you all began to separate into groups.
Henchman 1: FOR THE PARTY!!!
The Order of the Party roared into life.
Crysania held a hand up again, and the roars calmed to murmurs.
Crysania: This factioning was the death of Quinhalla and the home that we built together.
The echo chain was quiet, and many faces aimed downwards.
Crysania: However, in our new home – Here in the Mists of Quinland – the factions became Orders.
The crowd raised their gaze again, in cautious optimism.
Crysania: You all have done well to rebuild, and succeed-
Some cheering began, but Crysania wasn’t done.
Crysania: BUT! We can do it better.
The echo chain was rapid; the curiosity of the group was high.
Crysania: The Orders need Leadership, Guidance.
There were waves of nodding guild members, as the message carried.
Crysania grinned and yelled louder: AND I KNOW JUST THE QUIN FOR THE JOB!
The crowd’s energy was picking up, as tension changed to excitement.
Crysania yelled: I need my Officers up here.
The crowd roared and made way for the Officers of the Quin to join Crysania on stage.
Crysania: In some of Dandd’s books of the Inferno, there were Seven Layers of the Mists. So too shall we.
“For the Friend!”
“For the Arrow!”
Crysania quieted down the crowd again.
Crysania: As Guild Leader, I make the Following Decrees.
Spike and Simon came back with cloth covered cases.
Crysania: The 7th and Most Senior Layer of the Order of the Quin is the Beta Order. The Keepers of what was! This shall be commanded by a King. Hail King Dandd!
The crowd roared “Hail King Dandd!”
Dandd winced at the volume, but was given a custom made insignia from Crysania.
Crysania: The 6th and Least Senior Layer of the Order of the Quin is the Order of the Nameless. A Temporary Knight shall Command each mission.
There were faint pockets of noise in the crowd.
Crysania: The 5th Layer of the Quin, of 5th Seniority shall command the bulk of non-combat personnel-
The cheers had already begun.
Crysania: The Order of the Stuff shall be commanded by a Countess. Hail Grace, Countess of Stuff!
The Order of the Stuff was cheering wildly, chanting “Count-ess, Count-ess!”
Grace received her custom made insignia from Crysania.
Crysania: The 4th Layer, The Ground Floor, shall go everywhere and be a part of everything.
Again, the cheers had begun.
Crysania: All basic skills shall be learned here. The Order of the Party, of 6th Seniority, shall be commanded by a baroness.
Salah steps forward.
Crysania: Hail Lalandra, The Party Baroness!
Lalandra was in the crowd, not on stage.
Crysania spots her and yells: Get your Dead @$$ up here! Who better to teach basic skills then the one who does everything?
Balreth, and the Order of the Party roar in support.
Lalandra grins, and playfully shoves Salah off the stage – to much applause – and accepts the insignia.
Crysania: The 5th Layer of the Quin builds upon the Skills learned in the Order of the Party. The Order of the Friend-
Wild cheering erupts!
Crysania: Teaches teamwork, care for Animals, and persistence. The Order of the Friend, of Fourth Seniority, shall be commanded by a Marquise. Hail Nyx, the Friend Marquise!
Nyx tells Georgia to go accept her insignia, and Georgia just wags her tail in return.
When Nyx receives her Insignia, the crowd does not roar or cheer – but Howl and at amazing volume.
Crysania: The 6th Layer of the Quin builds upon the Skills learned in the Order of the Friend. This layer increases Discipline, Loyalty, Zeal, and Dedication to the elimination of all threats.
They know who they are, they’re just waiting…
Crysania: Being Third in Seniority, the Order of the Arrow-
The screaming began!
Crysania: shall be commanded by a Duke. Hail Balreth, Duke of Arrow!
“Hail Duke!” The salute was given with an impressively timed footstomp.
Crysania, playfully: Ok, You all can go home now.
However, the Blue Flags of the Order of Spirits and Ceremonies waved in anticipation.
Crysania nodded, more to herself: The 7th and Last Layer of the Quin introduces the strategic aspects of combat to those who should already be tactically proficient. This layer, as well as the Beta Order, is reserved for the select few. It will be commanded by the Vicerine of Spirits. Me.
Crysania pins on her own insignia.
The Officers on Stage, the Hoolequin Nobility, look upon their loyal followings for a moment.
Crysania quiets everyone down.
Crysania: One more thing you all should know.
The sudden silence was eerie.
Crysania: Each Order may demote followers to Orders of lesser Seniority.
Many of the Henchmen in the crowd look at each other nervously.
Crysania: -and The Party Baroness is well within her authority to treat you like @#$% for getting demoted.
Lalandra Flexes, for all to see.
Crysania: @#$% up too much, and it’s the Nameless for you.
There were no cheers for that one.
Crysania: Work hard, and don’t be afraid to ask admission into the Order of your Choice. We’re all Quin.
The Crowd roared!
Dandd waited for a moment, before he spoke: Wait. Wait!
The volume dropped again.
Dandd: Under your system, I outrank you.
The crowd shifted to Crysania.
Crysania: I agree, King Dandd! The Past helps guide the Future.
There were many nods throughout the island.
Dandd: But YOU – Vicerine – Are overseer of ALL seven layers. The full Order of the Quin!
The crowd was eating up every of Dandd’s words.
Grace: I agree. Vicerine just isn’t going to cut it.
Nyx: Yeah, really.
Lalandra grins widely.
Balreth is getting the crowd pumped up.
Dandd yells: Hail Empress Anchorwind, Leader of the Order of the Quin!
While the crowd cheers wildly, Crysania just shakes her head and smiles.
Crysania waits for the crowd: I didn’t make an insignia for that one.
That’s ok, Dandd thought, they know you are.
Crysania: Before you all go back, I have one last thing.
The crowd knew: everyone seemed to inhale simultaneously.
Everyone in unison: Quin or Quit!
The back of the island boarded White Base first, and gradually everyone started to return to their homes or duty stations.
Dandd: King, eh?
Balreth puts a hand on his shoulder: It fits.
Grace twirls: My emblem is pretty.
Nyx promises to make a new collar pendant for Georgia.
Lalandra cracks her knuckles with renewed purpose.
A meek henchman approaches Balreth.
Henchman 2: Excuse Me, Duke.
Balreth looks at Dandd: Better than “Old Man”
Dandd hrmms: I think I might like King, come to think of it.
Henchman 2: Sir, I would like to join the Order of the Arrow.
Balreth, Duke of Arrow, looks down at him: Where’s your battle buddy?
Henchman 2: What’s that?
Nyx grabs him by the hair: Come with me! It is time to teach you about teamwork.
Lalandra looks at Crysania: Wow! This is all just another of your strategies, isn’t it?
Henchman 3: Excuse me, Countess, The Hoolefest Sales reports are ready.
Grace: Excellent. Let’s see how many we sold.
They walk away together.
The officers were walking, slowly, towards White Base. They were going to go visit the Laundromat and Café.
A scuffle broke out between a Party Member and an Arrow Member. The Party Member was embarrassing the Arrow Member in one-on-one combat and Balreth put a stop to it quickly.
Balreth towered over the, now frightened, Arrow Member: You can’t hold your own against someone TWO Orders beneath you?
Henchman 4: but…uhh…he…you know…
Balreth booms: BEGONE! If you can’t beat him, JOIN him.
Lalandra leans in, grinning: Follow me. You’re my new B!*(H.
While some of the henchmen were laughing, others knew that they had to earn their place.
Much movement could be seen and heard.
Henchman 5: Countess. I don’t want to fight. Can I be part of the Stuff?
Grace: Fine. Report to the Warehouse, look for Alliyah and…
Henchman 6: I don’t know about Henchman 104, 76, and 54. They might not make it at this level.
Henchman 7: Come on; let’s help them practice before they screw up publicly.
Henchman 78: Nah, I’m sticking with the Party. We get to support everyone and go everywhere.
Henchman 169: What do I have to do to get promoted? Hmm…
Dandd: All you did was make the existing structure formal.
Crysania smiles: Sometimes, tangible things give people something to focus on.
Everyone instinctively touches their insignia.
Balreth nods approvingly: I like it.
Lalandra: F’n Newtypes.
Crysania grins: Let’s get something to eat.
The officers roar and head to the café. They are joined by Grace and Nyx.
Nyx and Grace agree that the threat of Demotion to ‘Ruthless’ Lalandra’s Order or worse – The Nameless – has put a bit more of a spark in their step.
Grace: In honor of your gracious ideas, dinner’s on me.
Crysania cheers, her glowing hands barely visible outside the group.
Nyx: Yeah…Empress.
Crysania: Oh no. I’m never going to escape that one, am I?
Lalandra: Nope.
Crysania: Well, at least I can send to you all the people I don’t like.
Balreth stretches: Yep, me too.
Grace: Pick me!
Nyx giggles.
Lalandra: Hey…wait, that’s @#$%ed up. Don’t do that to me! I’ve been here longer than all of you!
Grace: Who’s going to run the logistics?
Balreth: or the Legions?
Nyx: or the Menagerie?
Lalandra: You know what? @#$% you guys, you suck.
The Hoolequin Nobility all laugh together, and finally board White Base to go eat.
[/three_fourth]
[one_fourth_last]
Episode 57
10 Sep 2011
Notes: Full references to be added soon.
References: Guild History
[/one_fourth_last]