[OL - FB] Needs More Cowbell (The End is Nigh)

[Khorne]

Not really a new MOC, just some story telling. Long text incoming.

"The end is nigh!", the lead friar bellowed as a warning to his compatriots, who mostly ignored his call and continued their way through the bustling main street of Jiangkai.

"The end is nigh!", he repeated once more and kept on repeating the phrase as it were some sort of chant, accompanied by the tolling of the mendicant's bell. The black procession made its way through the crowd, ringing their bells and holding its circular symbolism aloft.

"Repent all ye sinners! The Apocalypse is coming! The Lord of Time will return from his chthonic prison and reset the Sands of Time, for all of us have lived in sin and tainted the world with our corrupt behavior. Greed! Violence! War! The clock will be reset and a New Dawn will come. Repent and untether from this world and ye shall be spared by the returning Titans! They shall shape this world anew! Hail Kronos!"

Like many things in the New World, the mendicant Order of the Wheel (of Time) were a product of a cultural synthesis, catalyzed by the recent string of strange events.  Taking inspiration from Monomontachi and Lotii Emmetist beggar monks, which often pass through Jiangkai and the surrounding areas, the brothers of Time have denounced their possessions and have taking vows of poverty, relying on alms to survive while traveling El Oleonda to spread their message - which is actually borderline heretic as per the teachings of the Aplynician Faith. Luckily for them, the agents of the True Faith have little say in Jiangkai and are often outright refused entry. Their attire also attests to Lotii influence, with loose garments dyed in black similar to those sometimes worn by those of southern Halos. Their typical hats, chapeaux de campagne, are a Western version of the classic Lotii conical hat and offers great protection from the sun.

The friars themselves left little impression on the passersby, despite their shouting, chanting and bell tolling. What did draw attention - or at least raised more than a couple of eyebrows - were the flagellants that followed in the wake of the friars. Many of these poor souls had lost their homes, property or relatives during one of the heavy storms or bad weather events that plagued the island. Utmost desperate, they took up the message of the Order of the Wheel and resorted to mortification of the flesh to show their penitence.

The defeatism of the flagellants could hardly be in greater contrast to the optimism of Oléonese entrepreneurs who have come to Jiangkai to expand their businesses and invest in the region, following the discovery of silver and gold. The business man frowned at the religious display that was unfolding in the street.

Peddled around in an ubiquitous Jiangkai rickshaw and protected by a group of mercenary yojimbo, the entrepreneur was the classic image of a Western investor coming to profit from Jiangkai's special position in the Empire. As a partially autonomous part of the Empire, not all of Oléon strict laws applied in Jiangkai and the area was a grey zone as legislation was still being ironed out. The fact that the city was home to different splinter cells and cultural communities didn't make it any easier to share political power and come to legislative consensus.  Which ironically made it easier for the wealthy to invest in the region, as the government either looked away or was content with a bribe to their own political cause: the Lotii supremacists, Monomontachi minority - which in itself was also divided between traditionalists and modernists, or the Oléon backed Western faction that sought to make Jiangkai a proper fully-integrated colony with full citizenship to the inhabitants. While the city is officially called Jiangkai, many of the inhabitants use colloquial cultural alternatives with the Monomontachi calling it Okinakawa and some Oléonese calling it Géants Quai, unable (or not caring) to pronounce the actual name.

The peculiar status of Jiangkai and the abundance of unemployed soldiers following the relative detente in the Lotii War, led to the rise of mercenary yojimbo: Monomontachi stragglers, or sometimes Lotii - soldiers and ronin - who did not evacuate to the homeland or who deserted the army and now offered their swords to the highest bidder. With the Oléonese army and auxiliaries occupied in more important regions and cities of El Oleonda, the local government tries to take care of security, but sometimes falters. Which has led to rich people raising their own private guard cadres, similar to a samurai's retinue. Supply follows demand and several Monomontachi with a nose for business have started to set up protection services for those who need it.

Lysandre gazed at the spectacle of colors and sounds beneath him, as he enjoyed a short leave after his latest mission. Haji stood stoically beside him.

"What an utmost interesting display of behavior by these proles," Lysandre stated as he continued to survey the street. "A bit concerning message though. Could use more cowbell", he smirked.

"Perhaps we should word to lieutenant-colonel Andromeda? Even though Section XIII is mostly involved in political unrest and religious unrest is handled by other instances, they might still be interested. Let's not let this fester into civil unrest."

He jerked his head towards the crowd as he eyed Haji. "Best to keep your eyes on those folk, Haji."

"Hai", the swordsman merely grunted, made a short bow and left the premise.

-----

I've had the figures for the friars laying around since the First Transitional Challenge. I wanted to build a series of MOCs showing an obvious Oléonese response to the disasters: dial the religious crazy up to eleven. Sadly, I didn't have the time to work out my ideas. Still, I like their story and I wanted to share these guys before Era II is over.

The business man and his retinue is a continuation of the phenomenon I set up in my original post that debuted the MOC. I just saw it fitting to take it up once again.

You can see the full scene in the spoiler below. Like I said, these aren't new MOCs. Both have been presented in the past. I've some ideas to expand the market street, but not the time I need.

It was a long read, but I hope it was enjoyable! 

Spoiler

 

[Jeff of Clubs]

A great read! Nice use of some older builds. Really fills out Geants Quai!

[NOD]

A great story with matching Jiangkai buildings! It's quite noticeable, the bell of the lead friar is simple and well built.

[Kai NRG]

I really like that bell!  Simple but effective design.  Intriguing story too.

[Khorne]

Thanks guys!

 

3 hours ago, NOD said:

A great story with matching Jiangkai buildings! It's quite noticeable, the bell of the lead friar is simple and well built.

2 hours ago, Kai NRG said:

I really like that bell!  Simple but effective design.  Intriguing story too.

In hindsight, the 1x1 round plate is maybe a tad bit too big. Perhaps I should've used a lever for the clapper.

[Fraunces]

Just took the time to read it, great story once again. Also quickly rechecked your previous builds from Lysandre's last mission. This one ties in perfecty. You are really a very good storyteller with a grand imagination! Keep it up!

[Khorne]

On 5/30/2024 at 10:09 PM, Fraunces said:

Just took the time to read it, great story once again. Also quickly rechecked your previous builds from Lysandre's last mission. This one ties in perfecty. You are really a very good storyteller with a grand imagination! Keep it up!

That's a very nice compliment! I always like reading that people actually take their time to read the stories.

I didn't originally intend this to feature Lysandre, but it was a nice tie-in and a handy hook for some exposition. I'd love to expand upon the ideas and city further, but sadly time and bricks are limited.

[Keymonus]

I love this build! It further expands the lore about the settlement, but also gives a nice apocalyptic feel. Good job with the cowbell too!

Just to keep track, you may post a link in Jiangkai settlement page too

[Khorne]

On 6/8/2024 at 12:12 PM, Keymonus said:

I love this build! It further expands the lore about the settlement, but also gives a nice apocalyptic feel. Good job with the cowbell too!

Just to keep track, you may post a link in Jiangkai settlement page too

Thanks!

You're right, maybe I should link to it in the main settlement page. Even if it's just for storyline purposes, since there are no actual new builds here.