Fontaine Family/Tonks
History
The Chase
For weeks, Lianna had been leading Tonks on a merry chase. Somehow he always knew where she was. She finally headed back to Luria, to rest and enjoy a bit of her bounty. She traded a few letters with Tonks.
| Letter from Tonks | |
| Lovely Lianna,
I convalesce in Giask, got bored of waiting for the Emperor and even the Knights he sent to pay me are nowhere to be seen. I've blown my cash and took a job going crypto to crypt but I took a rusty dagger to the side and now I must wait. At least the guildhouse will still admit me if the bordello will not. | |
| Tonks | |
| Letter from Lianna | |
| A rusty dagger? I do hope you have let the healers of the guild take a look. Such a wound can fester and worsen if not attended to properly. I am about a day away, if you would like for me to come check you out myself. You really should stay away from those bordellos anyways... They are painted and fake women that don't know the true meaning of the word pleasure. You really should deserve something better after all your hard work, plus you might just catch something worse.... | |
| Lianna | |
| Letter from Tonks | |
| I won't let the guildlings see me wounded, it would do terrible things to their morale. Check me out, hah! I am feeling better already, his little pigsticker caught me by surprise is all. Are you calling off the chase so soon? The girls here, not so bad, they are cheap, warm and uncomplicated. Still.. if you are on your way... I can rustle up 5 Silvers for a an appointed suite. | |
| Tonks | |
| Letter from Lianna | |
| Tending to a scratch wouldn't hurt their morale, they might think yer human after all. And here I thought you wanted me to check you out hah!
I wasn't calling off the chase, but merely trying to be concerned, the chase of course no where near worth your health. A dead man can't chase me now can he? I has plenty of gold to rustle us up both decent rooms if you need to rest longer, I even have enough to pay for a decent healer to be sure you up to continue the chase. But of course, that is up to you...Perhaps one day we can even compare scars.... | |
| Lianna | |
| Letter from Tonks | |
| I'm bored waiting for these damned bureaucrats to pay me for this warhammer. I'm chasing down a lead in the sewers, in the meantime, cultists or something I heard.
How about, you come to Giask, I'll tidy up and we can hit the theatre district. I'll have the girls arrange a shave and a haircut- one of their lesser services - and pick up my best jacket and boots from the cleaner. I'll even trade my working mace and buckler for my finest epee so we dont draw to much attention but can be ready for anything if you are up for mischief. Which I think you are. | |
| Tonks | |
| Letter from Lianna | |
| I am in Giask now, but I've traveled fifteen hours straight. I am in need of a bath and a bit of rest... Then I will find a modiste to procure a dress.... Something I haven't worn in quite some time. Mischief is always on the table.... | |
| Lianna | |
The Tavern
| Roleplay | |
| Tonks was having a great day.
He'd had grand success with Emtorkin the sage, the blessed warhammer was repaired and stronger than ever. The fierce warhammer was heavy and gleamed with power, but the Ranger hefted it effortlessly. He couldn't imagine taking it into combat against the rogues; this was the weapon of an Emperor – and he was not letting it out of his sight. He snapped it into the chestnut case with silvered fittings while he prepared for his hot date. The ladies of the Giask bordello were very accommodating – a cheap (if noisy) room, hot water laid on and a respectable breakfast, among their other services. They'd thrown in a shave and a haircut today. He whistled as he dressed in best jacket, crisp shirt and shiny boots. Although blunt weapons were normally his thing, no-one wanted a mace swinging on your hip while trying to entertain. A short, thin epee on an embroidered baldric would have to do, utilitarian and would go without notice in the finer parts of town. Good enough – he thought – and snatched up the warhammer case and went to dinnner. Lianna was waiting by the bar when he sauntered into the restaurant. It was middle classy, too good for dirty trademen but just right for merchants and minor nobility – just right for a Royal Ranger and his lovely friend. Silently he took her hand and kissed it, and she grinned. “This has been a long time coming”, she said, indicating the restaurant with her drink in hand. Indeed, she had led him a merry chase across two continents. Tonight, they would celebrate. “Which one is the salad fork?” whispered Tonks, as their first course was served. Lianna graciously schooled him in the table etiquette he was denied, having been raised by his brothers. All around were the sounds of entertainment from happy diners – until the doors clattered open and three armed men barged in. The first, a bully with a crossbow and a nasal helm, forced the maitre'd away from the door. The second, a scar-faced man secured the doors and pulled down blinds. The third, a hatchet wielding thug addressed the throng, “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!” The thugs were only to happy to go booth to booth, shaking down patrons for their jewelry, coin purses and billfolds. Nasal covered the shaking crowd from the door, panning slowly with his crossbow. Scar was in the managers office, no doubt working his way into the safe with or without the assistance of the proprietor. Hatchet worked his way down the booths with a sack, prompting people to deposit their wealth with the threat of immediate violence. Tonks was busy devouring some sort of salmon dish off a cedar plank. “This is really delicious”, he said, shredding the sticky meat with fine fork. Lianna shook her head with a grin and watched the brigand approach. Her dress was sheer, and slinky – hardly anywhere to have secured a weapon. Not that she needed one. Hatchet approached and shook his bag angrily. Tonks nonchalantly flipped his billfold into the bag and pushed his clean plate away with a content sigh. Lianna frowned and busied herself with the clasp on her beautiful pendant. Using his axe as a pointer, Hatchet points to the case. “Open it up”, he snarls. “'Fraid I can't do that”, says the Ranger. “I didn't hear you”, says Hatchet, narrowing his eyes with menace. “Yes, you did”, says Tonks, matching his gaze cooly. “You open up that case, or Princess here is gunna get my special attention”, he sneers, and Lianna recoils in disgust. “You win.”, says Tonks raising his hand off the case, “It's all yours.” Hatchet flips the locks and opens the case, revealing the gleaming contents which glows with silvery power, illuminating the wretched crook. “Is that what I think it is?”, he utters softly. "Yes.", agrees Tonks “It's beautiful.” "Yes." Hatchet SLAMS the case closed and grabs for the handle. | |
| Roleplay | |
| Lianna had finally given in. She had led Tonks on a merry chase, but a bet was a bet. Whilst she was waiting for the buyer of her shield in Smokey Hills, she searched for an item that was said was lost, to no avail. She had heard Tonks was in Giask, so she headed that way to give him his boon. Dinner was harmless enough wasn't it?
After fifteen long hours of traveling, Lia arrived in Giask, tired and filthy. She went to the best inn in Giask, and requested a room, and a bath. The innkeeper looked down his nose at her. "We don't serve your kind," with the word 'kind' said with disgust. Putting on an act she was good at, she took off her coin pouch and dropped it in front of her, the coins clinking away, the pounch heavily ladden with treasure. "My kind?" she said, jingling the pouch. "There are plenty of other inns that will take my coin, it's not like I cannot pay." Lianna was getting a bit irriatated. Even after buying all her equipment, she had more gold than she knew what to do with... the academy got boring after a time. At the promise of gold, the innkeeper changed his tune. After payment was arranged, she also said, "I also require a Modiste," she ordered. "I need to purchase.... a dress," she choked out. A dress.... what was I thinking... Lianna thought to herself. A few hours had past, the Modiste come and gone, and Lianna was suburging herself in a warm hipbath. Scrubbing the days worth of grime and travel, or was it weeks off her skin and hair, her body glowed a soft red when she emerged. She wrapped in a warm towel hanging by the fire and looked at the delivery in front of her. "A dress..." she muttered again, drying and stepping into the underthings and dressing herself. She then realized there was no way to lace the stays, so she rang the bell for assistance. A young girl came to the room, and made short work of lacing her up. "Why do women put themselves through such," she asked the young girl. The girl giggled. "Cause you look pretty..." then she scampered off. "Your no help...." Lianna finished dressing, lacing up her boots, she was wearing her own boots, tucking her favorite dagger along her calf. Running a brush through her hair, she pinned it back, fastening it with hair comb. Checking the looking glass once more, she sighed before heading down to meet Tonks. Either she was early as usual, or he was late, but it mattered not. She went to the bar and procured a drink, one or two couldn't hurt. With the shield tucked safely away in her rooms, she could relax and enjoy the evening. Siping her drink, she watched the door not wanting to let him get the jump on her. After a few minutes, she did a double take, cause she almost missed him. Clean shaven and dressed in minor finery, caused her to look than look again. Surly that's not him, she said, taking another sip of her drink. True to form he came up to her and kissed her hand. "This has been a long time coming," she said to him, with a soft chuckle. She nodded to the case. "The Emperor's?" she asked softly. At his nod, she didn't blame him for letting it out of his sight. They took their seats, and Lia gently helped him through the meal, one of the few things they had taught her growning up. How to blend with nobility. Lia played at it a time or two, but.... she wasn't ready to play full time. Meat was just being served, the mouth watering aroma made her anxious to try it. Knife in hand, she cut a piece of meat, brought it to her lips when there was a ruckas at the door. Turning in her seat, she paled slightly, and things happened in slow motion. “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!” "Bloody hell," Lianna said, a frown then anger crossing her face. Tonks of course was just being himself, and it almost brought a smile to her lips... Till the bag was thrust under her nose. Fingering the only thing she took everywhere with her, she stalled for time, till the case caught the man's attention. During the interchange between the pair, Tonks was as calm as could be, and the man's face just got redder. Suddenly the man's hand wrapped around her neck, pulling her to her feet roughly, and she heard him call her princess. "Princess?" she hissed, getting annoyed. Before she can say a word, Tonks gave over the case. "No...." she whispered. The man tossed her to the side, she landed on her hip and arm, she heard a rip and found herself in a very unladylike heap on the floor. Now she was ticked. She had paid good money for this dress, and by the stars someone would pay. While the man and Tonks exchanged pleasantries about the weapon, Lianna was gathering herself about. The man most likly though her a moll, not the Ranger she was. His mistake. Slding her hand into her boot she palmed her dagger, getting her feet under her and putting herself between the man and the door. The case was slammed closed, and the man turned to find her in the way, and he sneered at her. "Trollop get out of my way," he said. "Trollop?" Lianna snorted. "Hardly..." the man made to grab her around the neck again, and Lianna ducked beneath his hand, driving her elbow into his gut. A roar of anger came from him, and he lunged again. She moved quickly, though too quickly for the dress and she heard another rip. "Bloody hell!" she said, before ducking away from him again. "This is not the dancing I planned on doing tonight Tonks...." she called over the mans shoulder, careful to stay out of his reach. She was sure Tonks was enjoying the show, she just hoped the tears were decent enough. A heel to his instep caused him to drop the case, and though he scrambled to get his hands on her. A little breathless by now, she looked for Tonks. "Are you even going to join in the fun?" What had started out as dinner, was turning into a brawl. There were three men... and only two of them. And in a restuarant like this, she doubted any other Rangers would be here this night. "You did promise me a good time.... " Lia said, before ducking again. | |
| Roleplay | |
| Lianna ducked another angry, clumsy blow, mindful that their melee would draw the attentions of the other two thugs. This needed to end, fast.
And suddenly, there was Tonks. Moving like a snake, he took advantage of the distraction and leveraged the thug by the jaw, bearing him suddenly and violently to the ground. As if the impact were not enough to draw breath and consciousness away, Tonks knelt briefly and applied a fist to the face. Nasal Helm must have realised what was going down, and leveled his wicked crossbow at the Rangers. "Get down!", shouted Lianna as the bolt loosed, tackling Tonks to the ground. The quarrel whiffed overhead and Liannas hair came loose. Tonks found himself flat on his back with Lianna atop, looking down on him with concern. Her hair formed a tent around them and for a moment they might have been the only ones in the room. "I know this great pastry place", mused Tonks, "Stays open late, wonderful sticky wine..." "You're incorrigible!", she gasped, exasperated and pushed herself to standing with a hand on his chest. Nasal had rearmed his bow and raised it to fire. Suddenly, the door sprung open, catching Nasal by the elbow and sending his shot uselessly wide. There stood Benji, lately of Nifelheim, adventurer extraordinaire and elder member of The Arbitrators. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I offer for sale the most mystical trinket!', he proclaimed to the stunned onlookers. "The tremendous Flute of Pan....." Nasal tossed his crossbow and drew his dagger, the action finally catching the Arbitrators attention. He lunged for a terrible blow "Cakes", uttered Benji, putting the ostentatious artifact to his lips.A cacophonous noise sprung from the instrument, followed by a torrential spray of small pikelets. They struck the brigand violently about the face and neck, comically at first, then with terrible force as Benji blew with purpose. Nasal finally succumbed to the slippery confections, falling among the heap of buttered scones. "How rude", proposed Benji", jabbing the man finally in the throat with the priceless instrument. | |
| Roleplay | |
| Keratrin wanders in tired and soggy after long months of ranging up in the Swordfell mountains.
She takes in the sight of the violence... and her expression goes a little bit too blank, and her eyes go a little bit too wide. Then she jumps on one of the bandits still wiggling on the floor and hacks away with a hand-axe until the head and limbs are in different parts of the room. She puts a foot on the torso and spits. "Silly dead things think they're alive again... Only way to be sure is to separate the parts. Never seen an undead arm attacking on its own... yet." "By the way, has anyone seen Kass?" | |
| Roleplay | |
| The man spun around, away from Lianna as she saw Tonks dispatch the guy. She opened her mouth to protest, she was capable of taking care of things herself, when she saw the crossbow leveled at Tonks. She barely got the warning out before moving to push him out of the way, her foot tripping on the trailing hem of her dress, sending them crashing to the floor. One would think landing on a person would not be as rough, but they must never have landed on Tonks. She knew now why he was a formidable opponnet, he was build like a brick wall. He started rattling on about a pastry place, and Lianna shook her head, her hair falling around him.
"You're incorrigible!", she gasped, exasperated and pushed herself to standing with a hand on his chest. "I would never pass muster in this dress anywhere else now... " She looked down at her dress. The hem was trailing, a rip in the bodies, laces trailing. All her hair pins gone, she must look like a fright. A bang from the door brought another Ranger in, and this one was a little more blood thirsty than most. She started hacking away at one of the men, and splatters of blood grazed her gown. "And now... " a very unladylike barrage of words fell from her lips. "Kass ain't here," she said, starting to loot the bodies to return the goods. She found her pouch and Tonks, and then the man's own. "I'll take this for the dress," she said to the unconcious body, handing Tonks his. "You sure know how to show a girl a good time..." she chuckled, taking Tonks arm. She looked around the tavern, wincing at the damages around. "Well the good news is, it wasn't our fault?" | |
| Roleplay | |
| After the scuffle in the tavern had died down Benji surveyed the scene.
That wild haired woman, a Ranger surely, was like water, such grace, such speed, and those hips! (Many adventurers always claimed everything 'was in the hips', guess this was true.) He watched her pull two pouches from the satchel of the robber, which got him thinking. Waiting till she was done he crouched near the bag, stepping over a dismembered leg or two, and rummaged inside without looking, pulling out a flat wallet, the kind that held gold bonds. He rose to his feet, raised the wallet and gave it a good look. The leather appeared to be tooled, fancy lettering on the front. He held it higher to catch the light of the tavern torches and read a loud, 'Bad Motherf.. Oh dear, that, is rude!' At this point a heavy built man of dark skin with a modest afro and fancy clothing steps next to Benji, offering him a slight dip of the chin and gestures to the leather bonds holder. 'That'll be mine then. ' 'Eh.. The one that says..? 'Exactly, the one that says exactly that.' 'Bit.. Bit rude that innit?' The stranger shrugs and reaches over, Benji hands it over and watches the man go before releasing a long held breath. 'What a night..! ' | |
| Roleplay | |
| "You sure know how to show a girl a good time..." chuckled Lianna, taking Tonks arm. She looked around the tavern, wincing at the damages around. "Well the good news is, it wasn't our fault?"
"No", admits Ranger Tonks, "The lives of brigands and thieves are forfeit when they threaten the people of our realm. Two may live - that one", he motions to the wet, red blanket covering an arrangement of limbs, "That one may not. Keratrin is one of the Rangers Three, with Kass and I. Perhaps I shall speak to her privately, after all this, on maintaining the good perception of the Rangers in the public eye." Tonks slips his billfold back into his tunic and grabs the case containing the Emperors mighty hammer. The manager is busy redistributing valuables to his patrons, and it is difficult to tell whether he truly appreciates the efforts of the Rangers or not. With surety, he would have lost a lot of business, and prestige, and it's not like he was going to be able to go back to work had the Rangers intervened or not. Ranger Tonks winks to Benji as he throws his fine cloak over Liannas shoulders and slips his arm around her waist. He snatches up a bottle of sparkling wine and with a nod to the doorman, they excuse themselves for the rest of the night. | |
In Private
| Roleplay | |
| Tonks guides Lianna through the busy marketplace, talking with merchants and grocers as if old friends. He picks a slow but purposeful pace, taking choices fruits and produce, local cheese and delicacies. Surprisingly, he ducks into an apothecary at one corner and a florist at the other, contributing a flask of pills and a pungent cream to the basket along with two bunches of lovely local flowers.
"I picked up this place cheap after his Imperial Majesty managed to pay me for the last big job. It's clean, quiet, and the stairs keep me in shape", he jokes, though he is obviously still hurting from the latest monster incursion. Here on the streets, he wears simple tunic and breeches, though the knife at his side is finer than most and the boots were obviously meant for adventuring. The plain clothing do not disguise his fine figure, honed with years of constant battle. The tenement building is plain but creeped about with vines. A local urchin gives a hoy and runs ahead shouting as Tonks slips him a few base coins of copper and bronze; likely enough to pay for a simple supper for his family instead of treats for himself. The ranger alights at a door or two on the way up the stairs, visiting his tenants while Lianna waits by the stairs. At one door he leaves a box of preserves and condiments sufficient to spice up even the plainest of common fare. At another, an elderly lady grudgingly accepts the pharmacy goods, repaying him with a blessing in the local pagan faith. Finally, one of the bunches of flowers go to a young lady on the fourth floor who starts on him immediately until she sees Lianna - and the flowers. They exchange quiet words and a small purse. "My landlady", he admits sheepishly. They alight on the fifth floor - the building going several higher again - and Tonks pushes open the door - no locks. It is a simple room, but larger than the other apartments. Perhaps the previous owner had cannibalized several smaller holdings and tore out the inner walls, but even so it was very simple. The walls were a gentle stucco in surprisingly bright and cheerful hue, and the floors were a recycled hardwood smooth with character and age. "Excuse me love", he said as he shook awake a gentleman who slept unnoticed on a secondhand chaise and after a short conversation dismissed him with instructions and a handful of brass bits. As the man shuffled out the door, Tonks explained in a low voice, "Some folks don't have a place to go, either from bad luck or misfortune. I figure, I'm not using this place more'n half the time, so why let it go to waste if otherwise good folks would go wanting for a meal and a roof?" Tonks takes her coat and boots and hangs them in a little cloaking nook; the rest of the apartment is open plan, two large rooms comprising a living/lounge and a kitchen/dining area separated by a beaded curtain. A third area hidden by sliding door no doubt lead to a bedroom and amenities. The Ranger tastefully arranges the remaining bunch of flowers in a ceramic case on the dining table and serves the last of his charcuterie on a simple serving platter. A secret cellar reveals a pitcher of wine corked with wax (easily pierced!) and served in what appear to be the only two glasses in sight. "What do you think", he asks. | |
| Roleplay | |
| After word that Tonks was hurt, it was in Lianna's nature to make sure he was alive. She knew how some of these healers could be, and them being adventurers and all, they weren't always afforded the best. He assured her he was fine, and refused to let her look at his wound. More comfortable now in a tunic and breeches, dressed similar to him, she felt her most comfortable. Her hair was plaited and the long thick braid laid over her shoulder. Some days she tucked it in her belt to keep it out of her way. Some days she thought to lop the whole thing off, but it was the one thing that helped her 'act' like a lady when nessecary.
As they walked through the marketplace, this Tonks was different side of him. She smiled inwardly, picking up a few things of her own, a fine piece of silk she might never use, and a few pretty baubles that caught her eye. When they got to the building, she looked at it and tilted her head, and listened to Tonks prattle on. She followed him as he stopped here and there, only slightly surprised at his benevolent nature. Finally after what seemed like a whole lot of stairs, he pushed open a door into a set of rooms. Lianna watched him disturb another gentleman, and exchange a few words, and the man passed by her, giving her a glancing look. "You needn't bother someone on my account..." she told him honestly. She was one of those people at times, though not so much now as she worked for coin. . Watching him arrange the flowers and put out the charcuterie, she picked up a glass after he had poured it. Swirling the red liquid in the glass, she inhaled the aroma of the wine before bringing the glass to her lips. "You've done well for yourself love," she said, taking a seat in a nearby chair. She pulled a leg beneath her as she sipped the wine, and reached for a piece of smoked meat. "Tis nice to only work for coin once in awhile," Lianna said. "I do it more often now cause it beats getting beat up," she chuckled. They traded stories for awhile, finished at least one bottle of wine. Lianna stretched her arms over her head, and curled her toes against the hardwood floor. The sounds dinned outside, and the city began to sleep. "Where does the time go?" | |
Life and Death
| Roleplay | |
| Lianna was on the hunt for a sage or two, so she was traveling here and there. She made a stop in Askileon to rest, so she went to Tonks place, much cheaper than an inn. Trudging up the five flights of stairs, bone tired was a challenge. She ran into his landlady then, and the woman started grumbling at her. Something about not having seen him for days.... Lianna dismissed her without a second thought and continued on her way.
Arriving at his door, she rapped on it; and without a lock it swung open. The same man that was there before was asleep on the couch... and Lianna went to prod him with her foot. "Hey where's Tonks?" she asked the groggy man. "Gone," was the reply. "Gone where?" Without preamble or anything the man replied. "Dead." Lianna faltered a bit then figured she misheard. "That's not funny, where is he." The man looked up and realized twas the lass that had visited before. His face softened some. "Nay lass tis the truth. We was out a hunting, and he met his match." Lianna sunk to the floor in shock. It happened... it happened to her friend a few months ago. Now to another..... The man looked at her. "He said to be sure you got this place." The man then stood up, gathered his things and left Lianna there.... alone and wondering why the good ones always die. | |
| Roleplay | |
| Svetlana tipped her mug to pour a third of her ale on the ground, then raised the mug.
"To Tonks..." Svetlana took a long draw from the mug. | |
| Roleplay | |
| "Captain... Do we know a Tonks?" Nezar clasped the note as he walked along the road with his troops. His Captain looked around for a moment obviously confused by the words, "I don't know... Is a Tonk some form of tree? Maybe a monster?"
Nezar sighed and looked over at his long time military advisor... Still waddling like a penguin with his wooden stub. "Aye... He was one of'em dirty Freemen that tried offerin', you a discount-" "AHAH! That one... Well he's dead..." Said Nezar, he paused a moment and continue, "I wonder if he ever managed to get that lady he was stalking..." Nezar released the note and watched it flutter away in the wind... It shined brightly before it dropped out of sight with calmness that suddenly came. | |
| Roleplay | |
| Flint hearing the news of Tonks death while he traveling on the ship, he feels sorry.
Raising his mug of beer to the captain and the crew and make a gesture of respect, he salutes in the direction of Tonks last destination. "Words can't describe... sadness. Tonks, you are the valiant adventurer to cross this path. May you rest in peace." Intentionally spilling his beer across the ship deck, he nods solemnly. | |
| Letter | |
| What?! No, Ranger Lianna, you lie!
He can't be gone. My hunting partner is 'Sir-Tonks-alot', the 'Big Guy'! We traded messages just only 4 days ago about our current jobs... This guy was a pro, he always watched his back, he was my ranger mentor, and he had full 100% armour and weapons. It's gotta be a conspiracy. He's been taken hostage somewhere. I will find him. We stuck together through and through, and always found each other when separated on different missions. 'The Rangers Three' never forget! We always find each other out in the field. I will track him. Just you wait... Kass | |
| Roleplay | |
| Priest Ayn was looking at the SA member list when he realized Tonks was not there anymore.
Ayn: I think this list is wrong, scribe, can you recheck this? Were is that man I met just four days ago? His name was Tonks I think Scribe: Dead my Lord Ayn: Dead? We all know that death will come for all of us eventually, still this is surprising, this is a shame indeed, bring me paper and ink.
| |
| Letter | |
| Forgive the briefness of this letter, for other circumstances bid me elsewhere at this time.
There are several short pieces of news to bring to your attention; another death of a Royal Ranger is in the pending process of being confirmed, an offer from the Imperial Marshal of Luria Nova for the repairs of an Unique Item some may be familiar with by name, and then several coming promotions within the Guild for those noble patrons whom have joined our membership of late. This letter will be split into three parts accordingly to highlight your attention as needed: First, the rumours of Ranger Tonks being slain has awoken, and brought to light. Officials along with other servants tasked with investigating such matters on the Guild's behalf are still continuing to work on confirming this dire turn of events. Second, the Imperial Marshal himself of Luria Nova -- and Margrave of Shinnen City himself, has written for the repairs to a Unique Item you may have heard of before, the 'Tarajist's Sword of Battle'. A copied letter of his missive will follow after this letter. Third, upon my arrival to the nearest Guildhouse of the Royal Rangers, it is my understanding several more noble patrons and members have joined the Guild and have yet to be elevated to fitting status and rank as tradition has held. Thanks to those Master Rangers whom have assisted in taking care of a few of these already. The death of Rangers in the field is a sorrowful matter, especially those known well for their service and time spent among the Guild's ranks, and fellow Rangers both noble and not. At this time you are advised caution as ever when continuing your ventures into the lairs of monsters, the graveyards of undead, and other dangerous places. As with a soldier serving the armies of Realms across the great continents and landmasses of the known world -- those Rangers choosing to partake in hunting operations to curb the rogue threats of undead and monster spawns risk their life for the safety of others whom live in the scattered settlements, villages, and outlying hamlets within each regional sector. Even if it is the promise of coin, treasure, and adventure that drives much... of your kind's ambitions. The City of Shinnen shares a coast with the Euschean Sea -- and dwells in the western part of the Empire of Luria Nova; but has yet to possess a functioning Guildhouse of the Royal Rangers. There was a time if I recall where this was not so, but during the dark period in the last year where several prominent Master Rangers disappeared from public eye -- such as Master Rangers Seoras and Aldrakar, we suffered a catastrophic loss and closing of Guildhouses across all of Dwilight, and some have not been restored or rebuilt since. The Imperial Marshal of Luria Nova may yet be convinced to host a Guildhouse, or re-open the one lost in Shinnen if so, should one of you among the Guild ranks sway his perspective of the Royal Rangers to favorable impression. Those operating within would be more freely able to access Guild services within the walls of Shinnen itself instead of having to travel to the outlying Purlieus for the nearest Guildhouse. That shall end this lette-- A servant has just informed me moments ago, that we are now looking at a second disappearance within the Guild now under investigation; this time from Master Ranger Theon Whitehart, the very King of Earth Hall within the Lurian Empire. There is much to be done, and I must away. My office and representative will be unavailable for contact in these pending days to come yet again. Please travel safely, these are challenging times. Signed, Talt Willarc Steward of Outer Giask Master Ranger of Royal Rangers | |
| Roleplay | |
| Kass sat on the steps of some old temple in Aveston.
She sat in shocked silence with the gathered newsletters of the Royal Rangers guild now scattered and fluttering in the breeze at her feet. There was just no way her mentor and fellow ranging partner was ... just gone... without warning. She remembered the day when Tonks first took her under his wing in some chance encounter while on the hunt in Cadier, and they had each other's back from then on. He had introduced her to the Royal Rangers guild and persuaded her to join. Her whole world changed that day, -from some unknown, forgotten daughter of a prestigious family, down on her luck, a shipwreck victim from "Atamara" with nothing on her back but soggy rags, -to become a newly christened Ranger with a newfound duty and sense of purpose,a belonging, a new "home", and family of friends. Kass scanned the town of Aveston upon the hilltop of the temple Eccelssial Sanguia something-something. -All the religions sounded the same here on Dwilight. What was she doing here anyway? -Way out in the Lurian independent rogue lands with no support? -Well, she was trying to follow up on Master Ranger Talt's invitation of clues and a possible mission of a treasure hunt for ancient artifacts, of course. She even said so to Tonks when his messenger bird came a sing-songing just four days ago. The bird could track her anywhere, -into caves even-. Well, of course her bird was just as well trained. So much had changed for her. So much for the better. And now it was all crashing down for her in the mind. "What I am doing here in the middle of nowhere?", she mumbled. -There's that nagging question again. She'd found nothing in Aveston so far in her searches. She only just saved the town from a beating from an undead champion is all. Not much else. No treasures. Just happy rogue town folk going on with their lives. There were reports of Alpha monters all over the surrounding countryside. But they all looked to her with the knowing looks and said, "looking forward to the next beat down up in them thar hills good Lass Ranger...." "I can't do this alone", she whispered... "TOOONNKKSSS!" The gasping scream was impressive. Scared all the crows away in a sudden flight, all ka-kawing. At least for awhile. For some peace and quiet, of a small sniffle and a tear. | |
| Roleplay | |
| Rangers,
The loss of Tonks is indeed a bitter blow. As one of our foremost Rangers he was always in the frontlines of our constant war against horrors both living and dead. And while we nobles often face these dangers with dozens of men at our backs, and half a dozen nobles at our sides each with dozens of men of their own, Tonks and his fellow Rangers fight these creatures alone and outnumbered. Tonks' passing shall be mourned wherever the Rangers have made their mark. The realm owes him a great debt. If his remains can be recovered, let them be buried with all honors. As we shall honor him with our deeds in the field. Cador Andrasta | |
| Roleplay | |
| Good news travels like the wind. Bad news travels like lightning. The news of Tonks' death struck Janessa as she lounged in the Golden Maiden's bar, pride of Outer Giask. The bartender, Hugo, acted as a go-between for Rangers and the nobility when discreet communications were warranted. Suffice to say, the man knew a lot and was inclined to share anything he could. With unfeigned sadness, Hugo shared the worst news, the loss of an unsung hero, Tonks. Janessa knew Tonks mostly by reputation, but the news hit hard the same. A fellow Ranger. An adventurer to emulate and aspire to become. Her reply was quietly simple, "Fek." | |
| Roleplay | |
| Keratrin stares wild-eyed at the guild retainer. "WHATS YOU MEAN HE AIN"T COMING BACK!? HE ALWAYS COMES BACK!"
"UNDEAD CHAMPION!?" She gives the little man a litle shake. "I"LL SHOW THEM WHO"S THE MAN." "WHERE DID TONKS WENT AGAIN? NO UNDEAD IS GETTING OUR TONKS' BODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!" | |
