Rea Family/Darren/Incident in Demyansk

Letter from Leander Keswick Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Tol Goldora (31 recipients) - 9 days, 6 hours, 5 minutes ago It rather seems we have company.

Leander Keswick Viscount of Elets Roleplaying Event Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure Message sent to everyone in the vicinity of Demyansk (12 recipients) - 9 days, 3 hours, 33 minutes ago The giant beast of a rabbit raises its head and sniffs. Her voice then softly speaks to Solomon, “It is very near. I can smell it. You say it has already been punished by the human realms, how?” Its fur bristles, and the colors flicker through the rainbow.

Kettle Letter from Flavia Schwarzherzig Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to all nobles of Tol Goldora (31 recipients) - 9 days, 1 hour, 13 minutes ago Is that... Thing here to tell the pot that it is black?

Flavia Schwarzherzig Dame of Demyansk

Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (5 recipients) - 8 days, 19 hours, 50 minutes ago Darren's shoulder itched something fierce, and he scratched at it as his small group walked into Solomon's camp. Several eyes watched him, and a royal guard quickly blocked the path. Darren didn't wait for pleasantries.

"Where is the Navarch?"

Letter from Leander Keswick Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (5 recipients) - 8 days, 19 hours, 31 minutes ago I see we've visitors, my liege. I would have tea made, but all I've brought with me is a pot, which isn't fit for the task at all.

Leander Keswick Viscount of Elets

Letter from Jonsu Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (5 recipients) - 8 days, 19 hours, 11 minutes ago My Lord, what you require is a kettle. But where would one be located?

Jonsu Commoner of Luria Nova

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (6 recipients) - 8 days, 3 minutes ago Hervis cautious approached Demyansk, he slew a few monsters alongside the Navarch's soldiers, what was he doing here?

He cautiously watched the tree-line as his retainers set up a camp and began to tend to their injuries and equipment. Hervis left the camp and entered the forest, he was curious, he knew something was out here, somewhere in the area.

He sat down on a rock near a small pond, he began to clean and sharpen his blade, he would wait until summoned by the Navarch or until the screaming starts.

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (8 recipients) - 7 days, 17 hours, 58 minutes ago Dartholomew was traipsing through his new estate, when he came upon Kettle resting upon a hill.

Walking up to Kettle, Dartholomew exclaimed, "Oh, a little bunny wabbit!" Pausing to reflect, Dartholomew corrected himself, "Well, big bunny."

He reached out to pet Kettle, caressing the soft fur, crooning, "Oh, you're a soft little, big, bunny, aren't you?"

Dartholomew reached up behind Kettle's ears and gave a good scratch.

Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 7 days, 16 hours, 17 minutes ago The Gylden Royal Guard quickly escorted Darren to the Navarch whom simply did not say a word. After looking at the man up and down he indicated they were going back into the field where the Daimon awaited.

When they arrived with Darren in tow, Solomon was not too sure how to reply when a young noble he did not recognise appeared to be giving the rabbit a petting...

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 7 days, 15 hours, 17 minutes ago Hervis was resting near the rock, his armour and blade clean and combat ready, he heard footsteps behind him and turned his head to see who it was, he saw one of his retainers waiting "Sir, its time"

Hervis nodded and followed the retainer until he could make out the daimon and two, maybe more figures nearby. He put up his hand to halt the retainers, two were wounded and waited back at camp the other eight stood ready "Captain, stay here, swords ready if anything goes wrong, protect the Navarch" With that Hervis made sure his sword was properly sheet and strode over to the field, he silently came to stand beside the Navarch, he cast a reassuring nod to his ruler and then stood silent and unmoving, like a statue.

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 7 days, 1 hour, 31 minutes ago Still scratching behind Kettle's ears and petting the giant bunny's neck, murmuring sweet words to it, Dartholomew nuzzled his head against Kettle's soft, furry cheeks. His hair got a little blood on it that was dripping from Kettle's mouth, but he didn't notice.

"Gosh, you have the most adorable wittle claw-arms, dont you, bunny?" Dartholomew whispered.

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 17 hours, 6 minutes ago Dartholomew, still nuzzling Kettle, requested, "Bunny, will you be my friend? Would you stay at my estate forever, for cuddles?"

Roleplaying Event Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure Message sent to everyone in the vicinity of Demyansk (12 recipients) - 6 days, 10 hours, 38 minutes ago The rabbit sat back on its legs, raising its forefeet to the air, well above the height of any man. It looked down at the human that had fallen when it stood and spoke in its captivating female voice, “You, wait there.” Her colors shimmered darkly as she looked at the one called Darren, “And what are we to do with you?”

Kettle Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 10 hours, 38 minutes ago Dartholomew admired Kettle's fine coat, "my your fur has the prettiest colours."

Fully entranced by the Zuma daimon, Dartholomew wrapped his arms around as much neck as he could to give the giant bunny a big hug.

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 10 hours, 36 minutes ago Just as Dartholomew was beginning to squeeze, Kettle reared and Dartholomew fell to the ground.

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 9 hours, 35 minutes ago Hervis was dumbfounded by the strangely captivating voice of the Daimon, not to mention its size, he instinctively moved his hand to his sword hilt, he also stepped slightly closer to the Navarch as he cast a protective glance towards Sir Darren, whatever this beast had was planning on doing to Darren, she, it? It sounds good.

It will be disappointed as Hervis had no intention on letting it harm Darren.

Not on his watch.

Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 9 hours, 19 minutes ago Solomon held his arm across Hervis and gave a glaring look before resuming to a neutral pose observing the event unfolding. He did not wish to even reason why a young woman would act in such a way with the Zuma, perhaps she didn't know. Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 8 hours, 46 minutes ago Hervis understood the unspoken order and stood down, removing his hand from his sword’s hilt, he resumed his impassive and neutral position beside the Navarch, quietly he asked Solomon “What in the Tidemother’s name is that man doing, is he trying to get himself killed?”

Hervis again cast a glance towards Sir Darren, what did he do to gain the attention of such a being as the one that stood naught but a few feet away.

Hervis didn’t care, he would defer to the Navarch’s judgment, for now.

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 26 minutes ago Dartholomew had been lifted into the air when Kettle had reared up. Being furry, and the neck so wide on account of being a giant bunny, Dartholomew could not establish a firm grip, briefly hanging on clumps of fur, but then fell.

And fell.

And fell.

Landing upon the ground far below with a CRACK, the medically-astute Dartholomew screamed, "My coccyx!"

His tutor had insisted upon anatomy lessons.

"Help! Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" Dartholomew wailed.

Then the bunny spoke, "You, wait there.”

Dartholomew was stunned. The giant rainbow bunny with claw-arms spoke. SPOKE?!? Who knew?!

And in such a captivatingly attractive feminine voice his agony drained away; a pleasure akin to the emptying of a very full bladder. He passed out.

Roleplay from Jonsu Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 days, 4 minutes ago Jonsu, watching events unfold from the woodline shook her head.

"Nope. I'm out." She muttered, walking off further into the trees.

Roleplay from Aidan MacArbin Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 4 days, 19 hours, 51 minutes ago Aidan checked in at Caelfall Manor, and as a thank-you to Earl Emyhr, oversaw a few improvements in the arrangements and organization of an irrigation project for the farmers in the vicinity as he troops made their preparations. When they were ready, he made his way to the blue and gold amarok banners with his escort, and his portable writing desk.

This was his first time seeing a Daimon. He would need extensive notes.

Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 4 days, 16 hours, 47 minutes ago If it wasn't for the hell-spawn sitting on its hunches on a small hillock, it would have even been a nice day. Morning dew still saturated the grass in some places, even though it was nearly lunchtime. White petaled daisies grew heavily here, with clumps of growth surrounding the small hill. Navarch Solomon Greybrook and Lord Hervis Daubany both stood to Darren's left, all three nobles several feet away from the hill and that thing. A great many of the monster's followers were milling about behind it, occasionally crawling up to it to rake it with large, fork like objects. Goldoran retainers, including both of Darren's, stood silent in the treeline behind the nobles, watching. Darren blinked, looking it the thing's feet, where a human with Goldoran colors on their tunic was petting the beast. Before Darren could ask the Navarch what was going on, the petting human leapt up on the rabbit, and began to scratch it behind the ears, before leaning in for a hug, narrowly missing the monster's face-claws. After a half second of working to keep his mouth from dropping open, Darren figured the human must be a bit touched in the head.

Watching the beast eye him, Darren thanked every divine being that he could think of that he had been wearing his leathers, and that his sword, mace, sharpened buckler, and daggers were all on his person. Not that they would be a great help against that monster, but it certainly made him feel better. He swallowed, fear eating away at his stomach; he certainly didn't fancy his chances against the beast. It had only been a matter of time before it would come for its revenge. Darren knew that. He'd known it the moment he'd made the choice to attack the abomination, many months ago. It had been silent since then, and Darren had secretly hoped it had had its fill of violence, until the order from Solomon came. Deep down, he'd known, but until he had reached the field where the monster sat, he hadn't really believed it. The Navarch hadn't spoke a word to him, not to greet him when he arrived, nor on the short walk to the field. Darren didn't blame him; one stray noble putting the whole realm it risk would put anyone in a bad mood. The butterflies increased in his stomach. No doubt Solomon would sooner feed him to that monster then risk his realm's destruction.

Before the human could get a good grip on the thing for a proper hug, it sat back, and lifted itself high in the air, dropping the human in the process. Darren fought the urge to vomit as waves of wrongness washed out from the monster. He couldn't fight the urge to scratch his shoulderblade, however, and he furiously scratched his leather armor, hoping to get some relief from the sudden itching.

“And what are we to do with you?”

Its voice sounded like glass shards to Darren, and he couldn't help but watch the bloodied fur around its muzzle wave as it spoke. He swallowed, and stared at the monster. He wanted to turn tail and run as fast as he could, as far as he could. A quick glance at Solomon, and Darren discarded that idea. The man had saved his life, and the least Darren could do was clean up the mess he had made in the first place. The silent exchange between Solomon and Hervis wasn't lost on him either, the younger man clearly ready for a fight. They were going to get hurt, because of him. Darren looked back to the beast, at a loss. How were they going to get out of this?

What would Dominic do?

After a heartbeat, Darren's internal argument quieted, even if the butterflies in his stomach wouldn't. He knew what he needed to do. Darren stepped forward several steps from his fellows, moving to place himself between the monster and the Navarch. His head screamed to run, fly into the countryside and never look back. Slowly, he placed his uninjured hand on his sword handle, and put on the bravest face he could.

"Monster, I don't pretend to know what you want, or why you have demanded to see me, but let me clear something up for you: this is between you and me. You will leave the Goldorans out of this. State your business, beast, so we can get this settled, and you return from where you came from."

Roleplaying Event Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure Message sent to everyone in the vicinity of Demyansk (13 recipients) - 4 days, 2 hours, 45 minutes ago Kettle watched keenly as Darren spoke, no emotion showing on the furry face. Once Darren had finished, the most beautiful feminine laughter came forth from the Rabbit. “You think you can make demands on me about anything?” She asked with clear amusement in her voice, “You came into my lands, you stole my gold, you cast scrolls to try to harm me, you try to attack me, and you think you can dictate to me? No. We must be very clear of your place in this world, and of humans to us. “You will come and stand before me, now.” Kettle then turned her head to the human fallen on the ground beside her, “and you, you can go and clean up then come back and continue your work, but away from my face for a while.” She says as she turns her head back to Darren, waiting to see if he is yet moving. Her colors flickering slowly, her cheek claws well out to the side of her face, clicking and clicking and clicking.

Kettle Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 4 days, 1 hour, 25 minutes ago Part 1

Hervis stood and listened as the Daimon spoke, he couldn’t keep the hateful scowl off his face as he regarded the creature, its colours flickered and claws flexed, horrifying.

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 4 days, 1 hour, 24 minutes ago Part 2

What made Hervis boil was it’s notion of being superior to humanity, such blasphemous thoughts from such a horrid creature and it had the audacity to command his brother nobles?

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 4 days, 1 hour, 24 minutes ago Part 3

Hervis didn’t want Darren any closer to this creature then he already was, he cast a glance to Solomon his look apologetic, Hervis slowly inhaled and stepped forward, eyeing the beast he spoke.

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 4 days, 1 hour, 23 minutes ago Part 4

“Surely you can say whatever it you intend to say to Sir Rea from there, on your hill, outside the range of your disgustingly grotesque claws.”

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 4 days, 1 hour, 22 minutes ago Part Whatever I was up to

Hervis realised what he said but knew backing down would only prove its point of ‘humans place beneath’ he put on his most stalwart appearance he could and waited.

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 3 days, 56 minutes ago Kettle spoke, but having passed out Dartholomew just continue to lay there. However...

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 3 days, 55 minutes ago ...Kettle's words entered his unconscious mind, giving him the most colourful dream he'd ever had about rainbows, bathtime, and rubber bunny bathtoys.

Which, if he were conscious, he would question the dream, particularly considering how rarely one bathes.

Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 6 hours, 58 minutes ago A light breeze rustled the grass following the Monster's and Lord Hervis's declarations. Lead sat in Darren's stomach, facing the beast down. There was no way he was going to walk any closer to that thing, not when it clearly wanted his head. Darren clenched his teeth. Someone had been feeding this beast information, and adding a few lies on top of it. No one had seen him cast magic at the beast, and he'd never walked the Zuma lands, let alone steal from the abused population there. As much as it hurt, he thought back to the torture he'd been handed in D'Hara, and what he had finally babbled to make the pain stop. He was pretty sure he hadn't told them he'd attacked the monster, as they had planned to resume the next day. How he was supposed to "confess" after they had burned his throat, he wasn't sure, but they certainly hadn't planned on stopping. His knuckles began to turn white, he was gripping his sword handle so hard. He turned his head to the side, and glared at Hervis, who had moved forward, away from the Navarch.

"Lord Hervis, this is between me and that monster over there. Stay out of it. Go back to the Navarch's side."

Slowly, he took a breath, and looked the beast in the eyes. His brother would have at least tried to talk it down.

"I'm not walking any closer to you then this, beast. If you get closer to me, or the Goldorans, I will draw on you, and I assure you, I will not go down easily. As for your list of gripes, I have stayed as far away from your pox-ridden lands as I've been able to, and I've certainly never taken anything from them. Secondly, I don't know what you mean by attacked you, as I've never seen you in my life. I saw that girl with the dragon tail once, but that's it."

Darren's eyes grew hard, as he stared down the monster.

"Finally, if you think my place is at your feet, monster, you are more deranged then I'd thought."

Family Investment message to all nobles of Tol Goldora - 1 day, 6 hours, 15 minutes ago Medrawt Camlann, Stratarch of Tol Goldora, Royal of Tol Goldora, Margrave of Farrowfield has initiated an investment of 410 gold in the region of Farrowfield. Production soars to 148 %.

Roleplay from Flavia Schwarzherzig Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 5 hours, 32 minutes ago Flavia had ridden hard, leaving her escort behind as they had crossed into Demyansk. The dust of the road still clung to her as she rode onward to where the Navarch could be found. She dismounted, and handed the reigns to her squire, in time for her to hear,

"Finally, if you think my place is at your feet, monster, you are more deranged then I'd thought."

Flavia flinched, and then sighed as she approached the Navarch, leaning in to whisper in his ear.

Roleplay from Flavia Schwarzherzig Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 3 hours, 56 minutes ago Flavia nodded at the Navarch's words, and stepped forward, towards Darren and Kettle. If Kettle's alien appearance disturbed her, she did not show it. As Flavia stepped forward, she lowered her hood, revealing five mouths inked across her forehead, the temporary tattoo a nod to the Zuma markings designating proffession and their mastery, as well as marking her own status as the Navarch's voice.

"Sir Darren, that is enough. That is by no means how an honored guest is to be treated in Tol Goldura, especially one with a grievance. Go have a word with the Navarch."

Flavia turned, and bowed deeply to Kettle.

"Gracious one, we are honored by your presence. I have ridden ahead of my retinue, but when they arrive I have acquired a gift of scented oils for your lavish fur."

Flavia looked up.

"I understand you have a grievance with this one," she said gesturing to Sir Darren. "I think we can quite calmly and effeciently get to the truth of the matter, so that it may be settled to our mutual satisfacfion."

Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 3 hours, 27 minutes ago "What do you think you are doing, Flavia? And what is inked all over your face?"

Darren hissed quietly to the new arrival. He'd noted the horse approaching, but he hadn't turned away from the monster to watch its rider.

"Honored guest? Lay off the wine, and get out of here before that thing tries anything."

Roleplaying Event Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure Message sent to everyone in the vicinity of Demyansk (19 recipients) - 1 day, 3 hours, 23 minutes ago Kettle went very, very still. The eyelid on each eye closing slowly one after the other. Her breathing slowed. All her hairs quivered and the colors of her coat flickered darkly. After a few moments, she snarled, and all her eyes opened at once, as her voice, still beautiful and melodic, rang forth, “I know most humans have limited capacity but it seems like many of them are intent on demonstrating their inadequacies at this moment. I have not asked for opinions or discussions, I do not care what most of you think on this matter. I have said what needs to happen and even that clear, direct, instruction has someone been misunderstood by this fool.” She casts her gaze at Darren, “how, exactly, did you think my words said to be at my feet? You’ve already shown your incompetence and idiocy by your actions against me both those I saw directly, or from scouts I sent out, or from very detailed reports from others that were passed on and clearly bearing the truth. Do not make me repeat my instructions!” The colorful humans with the rabbit had all spread out, surrounding those in attendance, though at a distance for now.

Kettle Roleplay from Flavia Schwarzherzig Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 3 hours, 1 minute ago Flavia glared at Darren, then turned her gaze back to Kettle.

"Would you have me eviscerate this one here and now? You have made demands, but Sir Darren is not subject to your ways, and although he may have a talent for putting his foot in his mouth, and keeping his Navarch waiting, this very second I might add, he is still Goldoran.

At no point has Tol Goldora attempted to force its ways on the Zuma. If one of yours committed a crime against us, we would leave it to you to ensure adequate punishment is meted out. We likewise, insist this courtesy is met. Sir Darren will be punished for his crimes against you and yours, but in Goldaran fashion, and not at the demands of one breaking custom and attempting to dictate outside one's own sphere of control. Even a limited being such as myself can understand the natural order. Fish do not demand birds adhere to their ways, and so Tol Goldora will, in our own fashion, see justice done. I trust you will find this satisfying?"

Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 2 hours, 58 minutes ago Darren scowled. Flavia was putting the entire realm in danger with her declaration, but, maybe......

Roleplaying Event Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure Message sent to everyone in the vicinity of Demyansk (19 recipients) - 1 day, 2 hours, 24 minutes ago Dark colors again ripple across the fur of the beast. “I don’t think you quite understand how this will proceed. Let me make it even more simple than I thought I already had made it, as the levels of ineptitude of some of these humans leaves me wondering. Would you not be better keeping some of these things chained away in dungeons so they don’t shame you?” Kettle turns her head to Solomon at that question. She then issues a screech, and a number of her human followers go running off into the distance. “Perhaps words are too difficult to understand.”

Kettle Looting Reported message to all nobles of Tol Goldora - 1 day, 2 hours, 23 minutes ago Zuma Coalition forces are slaughtering peasants and burning their homes in Demyansk!

Roleplay from Flavia Schwarzherzig Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 2 hours, 6 minutes ago Flavia watches, an expression of disinterest.

"Finished? Feel better?" She remarked.

"At the Navarch's request, I speak on his behalf. Now, you have perpetrated crimes the same as Sir Darren. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, we are even. If you insist on further punishment, we will likewise insist you suffer the same. Or are we quite finished here?" Flavia took a step towards the overgrown rabbit.

"By all accounts Vates was far more reasonable. You do not deal with Zuma slaves here that kowtow to your kind. Respect for your borders has been maintained by Tol Goldura, with a single exception. That will be dealt with, but not under threat of force. You claim us limited creatures, then act no different than the untamed beasts that roam these lands. You claim your words are not being understood, while not understanding words returned in kind. We do not grovel. We will treat you respectfully as equals, but not as masters."

Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 28 minutes ago Solomon recieved word that Zuma Coalition forces had looting the region, therefore rather bluntly, Solomon gave Flavia the looting reports to conduct her business with Kettle.

He was not amused.

Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 25 minutes ago Darren had covered his ears at the screech, and grimaced in pain. His head was pounding, and his shoulderblade was on fire. The nausea he'd experienced when he'd first entered the field redoubled, and he struggled to keep his breakfast down. What was this thing? A handful of its followers scattered, and after only a moment the screaming started. Darren stared in horror at the direction the followers had gone, the realization that the nearby village was in that direction making him sicker to his stomach then the monster did.

It was killing innocent peasants, the people he was supposed to protect, and lead. He glanced around the field, noting how more of the horde of colorful people had spread across the area. Darren had spent a long time scouting regions, and he felt terror spike through him at his quick estimate of the potential fight. A hundred or so, for both sides, the Goldaran troops in the forest edge, and the rodent's troops scattered across the field. However, Darren noted the Zuma troops between the nobles and the forest edge. How did they get there? It didn't matter, if a fight broke out, all of the nobles present would be slaughtered before their troops could get to them.

Darren knew what Dominic would do, but he certainly didn't want to do it. The deaths of the peasants, the people they were supposed to protect from nightmares like these, weighed heavily on his mind. He swallowed, and set his hand on Flavia's shoulder.

Quietly, he whispered in her ear. "Go to the Navarch, and get him and Hervis out of here. They are all around us now, and between us and the troops. Get them to safety, Flavia."

He swallowed for what felt like the hundredth time that day, and walked past Flavia, past the followers around the hill, past the strange person with the Goldoran colors, to stand before the beast.

"Enough, monster. Tell me what gets you to leave the Goldarans in peace."

No one else would die today, not because of him. He would never again fail to protect people, like he'd failed his brother.

Roleplay from Flavia Schwarzherzig Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 14 minutes ago Flavia shook her head at Darren and hissed in his ear.

"They won't be doing anything more. Its a challenge, like a wild animal. Its waiting for you to flinch, which congratulations, you just did."

Flavia did however, move several feet laterally away from Darren, having a sense of self preservation.

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 day, 12 minutes ago Hervis felt and looked he had been slapped when Darren spoke harshly, he stepped back beside Solomon and remained silent, until he heard that the beast was looting this region.

It dared to strike the people of Tol Goldora? He whispered tit he Navarch “Sire, we are surrounded, on your word, I will fight and buy you time, my men are nearby in hiding and they will get you out of here.”

Hervis realised he must sound a fool, no matter, he made a oath to serve the Navarch and he made a promise to Beryl.

He walked away from the Navarch and to the pair of nobles, he came and stood beside Darren, he turned his head slightly and offered a smile, softly he spoke “I have your back, Darren”

Battle in Demyansk message to all realms participating in the battle in Demyansk - 20 hours ago Zuma Coalition vs. Tol Goldora Estimated strengths: 90 men vs. 70 men Navarch Solomon Greybrook is spotted wielding the Royal Blade. Navarch Solomon Greybrook is spotted reading from the Twice-Blessed Canon. Navarch Solomon Greybrook is spotted wearing the Cruel Breastplate.

Attacker Victory!

Roleplay from Dartholomew Nifelleisca Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 19 hours, 24 minutes ago As his unit died trying to rescue him, Dartholomew had a nightmare of drowning in the bathtub, as he laid passed out upon the hill.

Roleplay from Aidan MacArbin Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 18 hours, 30 minutes ago Aidan was horrified. He had read of the terrible ferocity of the Daimonic forces, of course, but this...

It wasn't even close.

His wounds were not bad, not compared to the slain around him, and he rode, hard for one of the pillars of rising smoke as soon as the healers bandaged him up.

The village was burning, he did not know how it started, but the people were panicked. He had no soldiers, no support...But he knew how to organize. He got a bucket brigade together, and put out the flames. He organized a burial team, and said a few words he half-remembered from some of the Stormsingers.

It was little enough. It solved little. But it brought a little reassurance, a little hope.

He hoped there wouldn't be need for more, that this would be solved.

He was afraid that he was very wrong.

Roleplay from Hervis Daubeny Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 18 hours, 2 minutes ago Hervis heard shouting nearby and turned to see his men rush towards the assembled nobles only to be stacked and forced back by Daimons, Hervis drew his sword and slashed at a Daimon that got too close to him and the Navarch "SIRE, LET'S GO" he shouted and tugged on the Navarch's arm, Hervis shouted in pain as a Daimon struck out and cut Hervis across his leg. He sung his sword and took off it's head "FALL BACK" he shouted.

Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 17 hours, 53 minutes ago Solomon was disgusted to call it a battle, there was no battle to be had. One by one, all nobles of Tol Goldora put their lives on the line simply to be massacred by the Zuma Coalition forces.

As the dust settled, Solomon raised his voice to shout over the screaming peasantry and dead soldiers to Kettle:

"Sir Darren has submitted himself to you, yet you still assault us... Do what must be done and be swift, this has gone on for long enough. No more shall be injured, no more interjections, just come here to do what you need to do, ruler Kettle."

Roleplaying Event Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure Message sent to everyone in the vicinity of Demyansk (19 recipients) - 13 hours, 25 minutes ago “That,” called the beautiful voice through the blood and carnage all around, “is what happens when something dares behave in the way that one did.” She motions with her face claws as the beaten body of Flavia is carried by a couple of her human followers and dumped, hard, on the ground in front of Solomon. “All of this could have been avoided if that one had just stayed silent, instead, it talks about equality whilst showing an attitude of superiority. How dare you! You are nothing to us! Your homes here exist because we allow them to. Insult us, or dare to get ideas above your place and you will find what we can really do. We have destroyed cities in the past for lesser transgressions than this one made. Take it away and, for your own good, don’t let it talk to any of us again. “Now, Darren, a little slow, but you followed instructions in the end, this is a good thing.” Kettle reached out towards Darren with her face claws, surprising everyone with just how long they could be. As one got close, Darren pulled a dagger and sliced at one. The claw swiftly moved and grabbed the wrist of the hand holding the dagger, lifting him into the air. “Our issue is a personal one, and so we shall deal with this between us.” Keeping him held aloft with one clawed arm, the other one came in slowly and, little by little, starting peeling thin strips of skin off, from finger tip to shoulder until the entire arm was flayed.

Kettle

Roleplay from Solomon Greybrook Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat Message sent to all nobles in Demyansk (9 recipients) - 6 hours, 34 minutes ago Ushering healers to Darren to seek medical attention, Solomon wished to say more to Kettle but now was not the time, so simply said this:

"Until we meet again, perhaps under better circumstances ruler Kettle."

With a nod and bow, Tol Goldorans withdrew from the field of which they dwelt.

Roleplaying Event Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure Message sent to everyone in the vicinity of Demyansk (17 recipients) - 6 hours, 7 minutes ago Still holding the body of Darren high in the air, the other claw tossing the last few strips of skin into the Rabbit’s mouth, Kettle’s humans keep the healers at a distance. She takes his other arm in her free claw and brings him close to her mouth. There is a loud rumble, then the Rabbit appears to vomit over Darren, holding him still for a short while as he trembles some more before gently placing him on the ground to be attended by her own humans. “Now I am done with him. Be grateful he did as asked and did not behave as that other one did. Perhaps you should visit me, Solomon, in different circumstances.” The large Rabbit, still chewing a little, then turned and started to walk away. Looking at the humans cleaning Darren, the flayed arm appears to be shining, bright colors flashing from it as they then lift him and gently carry him and place him at the ground near his ruler.

Kettle Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 6 hours, 4 minutes ago Gore Warning, Second Paragraph

The world was a blur. Darren blinked slowly as he swung in the air. He blinked again, trying to clear his vision. Blood filled his mouth, and a mixture of slobber and blood slowly dripped down his armor. He blinked again, noticing his armor hanging at an angle below him. Oh, there was his long damaged hand too, the arm swinging limply, his leathers caught around his small buckler. Again he blinked. Why was his armor sideways? He was certain it was still around his neck. Why was he so high off the ground? Why was there so much blood all over the daisies below? Moving his head felt like there was a massive weight around it, but he followed his armor up, and up and up....

Pain exploded across his vision as he beheld what used to be his functioning arm. Cords of muscle wrapped down his arm, and veins stood starkly, exposed to the air for the first time. Sinew peeked from between the muscles, the white in stark contrast to Blood weeped down, rivulets dripping down his body before staining the daisies below. If he'd been not the one experiencing it, he might have slightly admired how cleanly the flesh had been peeled, doing little to no damage to the inside of his arm. As it was, however, he was too busy trying not to scream. The pain came in waves, searing hot, and burning cold, alternating several times per second.

Kettle.

Bits of thought came through the pain, and his mind rushed back to the situation. It had attacked the Goldorans, and he'd seen at least two nobles fall under the onslaught. More dead, all because of him. It was his fault, in the end, wasn't it? He had to do something, had to...

Pain blurred his vision again, nearly knocking him back unconscious. An iron tasting breath, and he began to try to move. He shook his leathers off completely, leaving his torso bare, displaying the dozens of wounds he'd gotten over the years. The new lash lines across his front, and the older rod cuts across his stomach stood white against his feverish skin. Blood dripped from the small rabbit's foot scar on his shoulderblade, adding more blood dripping done his back.

"I've been attacked for this already, monster. Whipped, and boiling water poured down my throat." His voice was quiet and raspy from screaming as his arm was flayed. "When is it enough? How much bloodshed do you need to be satisfied?" Darren tried to point at the beast with his shield arm, but that did nothing but send ever increasingly painful waves through him. His eyes crossed, and his breath caught as he tried to make his point.

Darren slurred as he tried to think through the redoubled pain, "Yu ha'v whot yu wan beest," Darren slurred harder, as darkness crept at the edges of his vision, "jus leev dem aloon."

Roleplay from Darren Rea Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: inactive Message sent to everyone in Demyansk (10 recipients) - 1 hour, 42 minutes ago From the feet of the monster, to the feet of his King, to the healing tent, and to a small cart, Darren didn't wake. Alera and Bernard had been with him from the treeline, Alera trying to get the Navarch's healers to tend to wounded soldiers instead, but to no avail. Both of Darren's retainers put up a small argument as Darren was loaded into a cart, but they were shut down quickly with short commands of "Navarch's orders." Bernard and Alera could only follow as the Navarch's column moved out in a slow march to Farrowfield.

“Before I knew you, I thought brave was not being afraid. You've taught me that bravery is being terrified and doing it anyway.” ― Laurell K. Hamilton, Blood Noir