Arnickles Renodin/Maura/OS september

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Mariana stepped out from her tent, covering her eyes as the moon shone brightly this night. Her arm wrapped up in a bandage, she limped across the ground where camp had been set up. Most of her men were not up and active, a few prepping a fire, others setting up more tents for the night as more men recover from their injuries. The mood had recovered, seeing their commander recovering from her wounds and more importantly conscious. A pair returned just as Mariana stepped out from her tent, hung over their shoulders was a selection of hunted animals ready for the evening meal. Their smug attitudes got them a lot of attention from the men preparing the fire.

Mariana looked down at herself, she had most of her armour removed apart from her greaves and sabatons. Her mail undershirt remained mostly intact with only minor breakages, however her breastplate had been torn off and lost on the battlefield. Looking around she could see the scraps of armour that had been destroyed in the battle, it seemed the men had hired a local blacksmith to work on, as best as he could, the partially damaged sets. It pleased Mariana to see that the men had taken the initiative in her absence.

Stepping towards the campfire, the sat on a tree that had been felled to be used as a bench. Looking over her arm, she could still feel the pain where a claw had torn through most of the upper layers of muscle and skin. She looked around for a drink to soothe her pain, to which she could not find one. She looked towards the men that were setting up the fire.

"Cedric, grab me a drink. Something strong mind you, none of that swill you find in a peasants tavern.."

Before she could finish, a man came behind her holding out a mug.

"Ah Waldor, it seems you read my mind. I am glad to see you have recovered from your injury."

The cup she was offered was filled with a colourless liquid, which gave off a strong stench of alcohol, like the kind that would be used to disinfect wounds. Without a moments hesitation she downed the drink, the men that were neardby were stunned into silence, many of them had tried this but none had survived more than one cup. Mariana reached the bottle of the mug, letting out a sigh of relief she sunk into the comfort of the bench.

"It seems you never cease to surprise me, bringing my favourite drink, you must have hunted around for quite some time to find that."

The captain laughed, his thick black goatee bouncing up and down with his heavy laughter.

"Only the best, its the reason I signed up with you. Never met another who could handle this drink, to find someone who enjoys it as much as me is more than enough reason to carry a bottle round with me at all times."

Mariana followed this comment with a laugh, wiping the sweat from her brow as the hot summer evening was coming to a close. The fire was not lit, while only a small flame, the men were pleased and ready to begin roasting the meat that had been caught.

"You better bring the rest of that bottle, now is the time to enjoy this while we are given a bit of peace. Additionally, since you seem to know me so well, I imagine you wouldnt try to withhold this drink from me."

The captain smirked, he produced the bottle from behind his back. The blackened glazed glass gave off a mystery to the drink, a simple label with little to no decoration with bold lettering 'Black Death'. Before two long the pair of them was pouring out their second mugs, the smell of the roasting meat accompanied the drink. Men now gathered around the fire, their mouths watering as they awaited their food.

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

The Portal in Rines

It had been some hours since Ferdinand was left to his own devices. The expected meeting was never going to happen. He had held some restraint up until this point. However, even one's patience wavers thin.

Moving into the hallway that Ferdinand saw the Marshal vanish into, there was a large tremor and a unnatural light outside.

Shock was quickly replaced by zealous determination.

With one of the aides that stood beside him, Ferdinand demanded to know what was going on.

Without uttering a word, the aide pointed to the sky and then to a staircase passageway.

With his hand on his sword's hilt, Ferdinand darted towards the before-mentioned staircase and ascended the stairs. With the magic in the air, Ferdinand looked to the ceiling and confirmed the source of the magic was from the highest levels of the building.

Hence, Ferdinand sprinted, then ran, and finally paced as fast as he could with his armour on over the thousands of steps that wound around the Basillica's central spire - the marvel of Rines itself. The Grand Staircase was no mean feat.

Knowing that he was invited by the Marshal, or even a higher power, Ferdinand grew in his conviction.

Something had started - he was determined to discover what that was.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (26 recipients) - 27 days, 10 hours, 18 minutes ago Recap:

Prologue - Part 1: The Maiden, the Madman, and the Widow - Eva is off to command troops at the behest of her grandfather, Peterson. Peterson is a drunkard of unsound mind and has a fondness for a maroon colored fruit grown in the garden behind the Foote Manor. He gives Eva a dagger that he says was given to him long ago. Jessica, Eva's mother, is furious at Eva for going off to battle as opposed to life as a bureaucrat. Eva has an argument with her mother before leaving the manor. Eva has doubts about her future in the military but it is too late to turn back now.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (26 recipients) - 27 days, 10 hours, 15 minutes ago Prologue: Part 2 - The Dame and the Brute

Eva walked down the cobblestone road towards the barracks in the temple district of Rines. The city of Moonlight was covered in a thick blanket of clouds. Not a single beam of sunlight peared through the dense cover. The early morning rain dripped from the sky and onto the bustling streets. The air was stiff and a morose scent seemed to linger around the buildings. The cacophony of the peasants working their craft rang through the district, not a single distinct sound could be heard. Eva looked at the open field beside the wooden barracks. There was a group of archers taking shots at targets. The sound of the peasants faded into oblivion as the bowstrings were released and the arrows slammed into the wooden targets.

Eva entered the training grounds as the rain continued to fall onto her crimson hair. She approached the new captain of the Foote Guard for the first time. Her steps grew slower, sinking into the muddy ground ever so slightly. She looked at the tall man as he roared at the archers. The young dame's heart raced and with every step her pace slowed. As the captains broad figure grew larger, Eva felt a jolt running through every nerve in her body. A weight of a thousand stones were shackled upon her back. "Captain Erich," softly came from Eva's small rosey red lips. Her words fell upon no ears and her chest swelled as she drew in a deep breath. "Captain Erich," Eva spoke in a faux firmness as her words finally reached the man's ears standing before her. Erich turned around, revealing his scowling face. The immense amber beard helped cover a broad jaw. His large nose, disfigured by a fist or two from the past, sat between his dark chestnut eyes. The thick brown eyebrows moved up away from his eyes as they looked down the young dame's body. A look at the dark leather blouse baring the sigil of House Foote sewn into the arms. "Well," his voice boomed, "get on wit' it!" The deep thunderous voice jolted Eva before she cleared her throat. "I am," she started to look away from the looming figure, "Eva Foote. I am..." "Obeah's sake," Erich interrupted, "drop the formalities 'n' get on wit' it!" Eva's eyes peered up from the ground at the captain of the guard. "I am your commander." Erich smiled upon hearing the words. His hand rose and the backs of his fingers brushed her cheek. "Sucha pretty lass, the battlefiel' is no place fo' ya." Eva's jaw tightened and her eyebrows furled as her head moved away from the rough hand. "Do not touch me," she protested before a short pause, "and it is 'my lady' to you." Erich chucked, "as ya wish." Eva felt her blood boil, "your pay is to be docked, such is the price for disrespect." "Respect fo' what?" Erich roared as he took a step towards the young dame, "the only blood ya spilt has be'n from 'tween ya legs. Eva's heart and soul sank into the ground as Erich towered over her. She searched for words but could not find them and her hands shook slightly at her sides. Erich looked into the young dame's olive green eyes and his tone softed slightly, "ya have cammand of me and my men due to gold. Not respect." Erich took a step back and turned back towards the archers who were looking at the two. "Ya plan on shootin' us with arrows?" Erich barked, "Fo'ward face!" The archers turned back towards the target and Eva watched as the orders were given. Her thoughts raced and her doubts soared as the sound of the bowstrings rang out once again.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 days, 15 hours, 28 minutes ago

(OoC: This part of the story is from ~18 days ago.)

Recap:

Prologue - Part 1: The Maiden, the Madman, and the Widow - Eva is off to command troops at the behest of her grandfather, Peterson. Peterson is a drunkard of unsound mind and has a fondness for a maroon colored fruit grown in the garden behind the Foote Manor. He gives Eva a dagger that he says was given to him long ago. Jessica, Eva's mother, is furious at Eva for going off to battle as opposed to life as a bureaucrat. Eva has an argument with her mother before leaving the manor. Eva has doubts about her future in the military but it is too late to turn back now. Prologue - Part 2: The Dame and the Brute - Eva meets the captain of her soldiers, Erich. Erich is a large and brutish man with a blunt attitude and no interest in formalities. Eva is intimidated by Erich and her doubts of being able to lead men into battle grow.

Chapter 1 - Early Morning Rain

Eva looked up at the smoke rising from the campfire. The stars were shimmering like diamonds in the moonless sky. The sound of men shouting and laughing as they risk their weeks pay echoed through the camp outside of Rines. Eva looked down from the sky and at Captain Erich who sat on a log across the fire from her. Erich silently gnawed on a piece of roasted hare as he peered into the flames. Augustin, Eva's military advisor, sat to the right of the fire. He was an older man with short gray hair, clean shaven, and a wrinkled face. "Reports came earlier that we lost a battle to the Daimon in Rii," Eva spoke softly. Her eyes moved from Erich to Augustin. "It is only natural to be nervous m'lady," Augustin reassured Eva. "I'm not nervous," Eva exclaimed defensively. "Ya shou'd be," Erich spoke without looking up from the flames, "the Daimon will not care how much gold ya have. The Daimon will not care what ya family name is. They'll rip ya limb from limb if they get a hold of ya. If ya are lucky, lil dove, ya will not have to fight 'em wit' the sword. Either way, ya will get to see the reality of war. With the ground soaked in blood, arms unattached from the chest, organs exposed, and the eyes...the eyes that will stare into ya soul with a look of terror." Erich laughed before tipping his head back to finished his ale. His eyes returned to the fire as he continued to eat his dinner. Eva's eyes dropped from Erich's face to the fire. It was quiet once more around the fire. At dawn they will move towards Rii, Eva's first battle seemed to be just over the horizon.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 days, 13 hours, 42 minutes ago

Chapter 1 - Early Morning Rain (continued)

Eva looked down at the map laid out on the table in the small tent. Augustin stood across the table from her and started to explain the situation. "We are here near the hills along the coast in Rii," Augustin spoke plainly, "we will travel west through this valley to Rueffilo. Grand Inquisitor Maura Arnickles Renodin wants to expand and train the militia in Rueffilo. The local militia in Rueffilo is inadequate, they are not prepared for an attack from the Daimon. While The Enlightenment is capable of beating the Daimon, they can not be every where at once. Militia are important for the defense of our lands, m'lady." "Are there any reports of Daimon in the regions around Rueffilo?" "The scouts have not found any, m'lady, but we should always be on guard and ready for an attack." Eva looked up as Captain Erich walked into the tent. "You're late," she spoke firmly as Erich walked up next to Augustin. "Aren't we all late lil dove," Erich's voice was deep and a little raspy, "we missed the counter attack that killed all 'em foul creatures." "We made good time," Eva replied, "we couldn't get here any sooner." Erich smiled, "we could have marched through the night. Ya can't avoid the battle forever." Eva looked down at the map away from Erich's large grin. "We will be leaving soon for Rueffilo. There we will help organize the local militia." "Waste of time," Erich's voice boomed, "we shou'd be huntin' the bastards instead of standin' 'round." "Perhaps," Eva looked up from the map and to Erich, "but those are the orders. Go prepare the men." Erich chuckled "as ya wish lil dove." Eva watched Erich leave the tent, his broad frame barely made it through the opening. "Think I'll replace him once we get back to Rines," she spoke quietly so just Augustin could hear and looked at the advisor. Augustin looked into Eva's blueish green eyes, "I do not think this would be wise, m'lady. He is a good fighter and has the respect of the men. That respect will keep those men in line and following orders when things get tough. I know he is hard to handle, m'lady, but he is as good of a captain as you will find." Eva looked back down at the map, resting her hands on the table. "Maybe you're right," she sighed, "but I can't stand the insolence."

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 days, 12 hours, 9 minutes ago

Chapter 1 - Early Morning Rain (continued...)

Eva walked through the camp outside of the main town in the center of Rueffilo. The ground was moist from recent rain. The town has been subject to many attacks from the Daimon recently and productivity was at a crawl. Food was scarce but the peasants who remained were still faithful that Obia'Syela could protect them in the long run. The local administration was under great strain and control of the region seemed to be slipping. It is unclear if the realm will be able to hold onto the region. The population has been decimated and the local militia was almost nonexistent. Eva entered the main tent where Augustin was beside the map on the table. Augustin's brown eyes hung above some black rings and straddled a modest nose. The years have started to show and his clean shaven face was starting to wrinkle. He wasn't a tall man but Eva still only came to around his shoulders. He wore plate armor that bore the Foote sigil, a broad tree with a crescent moon beside it. "M'lady," Augustin spoke respectfully. Eva walked around the table and called for her squire, Gerard. Gerard, a short man almost the same height as Eva, walked into the tent and approached Eva. "Yes, m'lady?" "Help me with my armor," Eva commanded. "Yes, m'lady," Gerard acquiesced and started to help undo the straps of Eva's plate armor. The armor was finely polished and had no dents in it. "This is a dreary place," Eva looked at Augustin as Gerard unstrapped her armor. "I can't wait to leave here. There are better things to do then trying to organize and train these peasants." Augustin stood silently watching as Eva removed her plate. Gerard hung the armor in the corner of the tent and asked if the young dame needed anything else. Eva dismissed the squire and sighed as her eyes looked down at the map. "We have orders to return to Rines," Eva informed Augustin, "we will march with the main army to the main road in Ardmore and then onto Rines. Do we still have all the food we need?" "Yes, m'lady," Augustin answered, "I would suggest that we give the men the day off before we march." "Fine," Eva answered, "go find Erich and give him the order." "Yes, m'lady" Augustin left the tent. Eva looked at the map before taking a seat in the small wooden chair at her side. She rested her hand on the dagger her grandfather gave her. Eva hasn't taken the time to actually look at it and she became curious. The dagger smoothly slid out of the maroon sheath and Eva looked at the blade before her. The handle was engraved with some odd markings that appeared to be letters and was a gold color. The handle curved at the end and a red garnet was enshrined on the side near the butt of the handle. The blade was sharp and about the length of her forearm. The blade seemed to be expertly forged and the metal still looked new. Eva put the dagger back in it's sheath and stood up from the chair. It was midday but there seemed to be nothing to do. She decided to go to her tent and read the letters that have piled up. This morning a letter from her mother came in and she was eager to hear of what is happening back in the Temple District of Rines. Eva longed to be home and her first time leaving the city has been uneventful.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 19 days, 11 hours, 57 minutes ago

Recap:

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain -

Eva, Erich, and the military adviser Augustin camped outside of Rines. They prepare to move out to Rii and help clear out the undead there. News of a lost battle against undead in Rii arrived.

Eva and the men arrived in Rii after a successful counter attack cleared the undead in the region. They prepared to move out to Rueffilo to prepare the local militia. Eva contemplates replacing Erich, Augustin advises her to keep Erich as captain.

Eva and the men have been in Rueffilo for a day or two. The organization of the militia doesn't seem to be going well. Control of the region seemed to be slowly slipping. The order to return to Rines arrived and Eva gives the men the rest of the day off. In the morning they march to Ardmore on the way back to Rines. Eva inspected the dagger her grandfather, Peterson, gave her. She felt homesick and returned to her tent to read letters from home.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 19 days, 11 hours, 54 minutes ago

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain (continued...)

A strong wind ripped through the plains as Eva stood just behind the formation of archers under her command. The land was flat and covered with abandoned farms. In this field, just outside of the village Malangton in Ardmore, the troops lined up ready to march onto a small horde of undead. Malangton is the largest village in Ardmore and is the location of the traditional Seat of the Viscount. Ardmore has been ravaged as of late, the population falling, production plummeting, and the local administration fractured. Eva felt a chill come over her as the wind rushed against her sweat-soaked skin. There weren't many gaps in her plate armor but the wind seemed to find a way. The sun was setting to the right of the formation. The five commanders present in Ardmore met just a couple hours ago. They heard reports of a group of undead killing the few local farmers left in the area west of Malangton. The number of undead seemed to vary, some said fifty, some said 80, one even claimed three hundred. An exact number could not known but they knew that they needed to attack. Everything else seemed set in stone, they would approach the farm from the north. This would prevent the sun from being in their eyes. They would deploy the archers in the front. The infantry would move in front of the archers as the horde came in close. All that was left, was to move out. The army of the Enlightenment came to a halt as the undead appeared in the distance. Eva's heart felt like a battering ram against her chest. Her eyes gazed into the horde running towards her. It was a mix of rotting flesh and exposed bone. They carried broadswords and round shields. Some wore armor, others simple cloth. Those that did wear armor had on only leather or chain-mail. Eva spoke with Augustin just before the march out of Malangton. Augustin spoke of the undead and their origins. Eva heard the tale of how the dead were resurrected with black magic. The dead would then come back and do but one thing: destroy. They would roam the lands killing all they could find. A sword or arrow will fell an undead but such a thing is only temporary. The only way to prevent them from coming back is to burn them. The sound of Sir Tom Derik, Knight of Rines, giving his archers the order to ready their arrows came from Eva's left. Following along Eva let out the same order. "Archers!" her voice strainned under the yell, "Ready!" She looked on as the men in front of her placed an arrow against the bowstring. "Aim!" The soldiers pulled the string back and pointed the arrows towards the sky. Eva heard the sound of bowstrings snapping forward to her left. "Fire!" she yelled. A volley of arrows rained down upon the approaching horde. The horde continued to run towards them, leaving only a few behind on the ground. "Ready!" Eva commanded, "Aim!" The infantry from the rear started to go past the archers in the front. "Fire!" Eva screamed and another volley of arrows fell upon the undead. She watched as the undead clashed with the infantry in front of the archers. The sound of dull blades clashing against the shields of the living echoed through the plains. Eva watched as both the living and the undead fell by the sword. Some screams rose above the cacophony as soldiers felt the sting of steel. Her mind was entranced by the violent scene before her. "Aim carefully," the deep voice of Erich came from nearby, "'n' fire at will!" The sound of bowstrings snapping forward resumed at an irregular pace. Erich briefly looked back at the young dame, who was frozen behind the formation, before starting to fire a crossbow into the fray. The battle raged and some of the banners fell to the ground. Most of the soldiers in front of the archers seemed to have fallen and the line seemed to be on the verge of breaking. Eva's breathing became shallow and quick. Her mind was scattered and she struggled with what to do. The undead were going to be rushing towards her soon. She put her hand onto the handle of her sheathed sword and waited. A cheer began to break out from the soldiers on the front. Eva took a deep breath and the cool air ran through her. She let out the air with a sigh of relief as the battle seemed to be over.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 19 days, 11 hours, 53 minutes ago

After the battle the soldiers began gathering the wounded and piling up the dead. Both the fallen friends and foe were to be burned. The risk of this horde returning with the addition of soldiers from the Enlightenment could not be taken. Eva walked among the bodies, looking into the faces of the dead and the mix of blood and soil. A tightness gripped her chest and her mind was blank. The cry of a young man came from in front of Eva. She knelt down at his side, her eyes cast upon the man's mutilated torso. His fate seemed to be sealed and it was unlikely that he would survive long. "I don't want to die," his voice shook as he struggled to breath, "I don't want to die." Eva did not know what to say, what could she say? The young man with short blonde hair speckled with crimson blood was going to die. Even Eva knew that he could not be saved. She looked into his ocean blue eyes and witnessed the fear of a man lost in a sea of sorrow. Eva did not know his name, where he was from, his age, nothing. This was the first time that her eyes gazed at this face. She wondered how old he was, she thought he must be about seventeen, at most nineteen. "Lady," he spoke with pauses as his chest quickly expanded and contracted, "I have a wife in Delarium, a small village in Melegra." The young man's eyes became moist and didn't leave Eva's. "Tell her," his voice softened, "tell her..." Eva looked into the deep blue eyes of the now dead man. Her cheek became moist and her body felt heavy. The young dame gently pulled the dead man's eyelids down to cover those unflinching eyes. She stood up wiping a tear from her cheek and started to walk slowly back towards Malangton. Eva looked down to her right as she passed more dead. A young lady with a hefty gash at the joint of her neck and shoulder, a middle aged man with a sword still buried into his stomach, and a person who's face was disfigured by multiple blows with a blunt sword. Eva's throat was dry and she felt queasy as she started to look down to her left. She walked by more dead, the decaying flesh falling from the skull of a fallen undead, a twisted face covered with terror, the silent unblinking brown eyes of a young woman. A look of terror on this woman's face stuck in Eva's mind. Eva gazed forward and tried to not look down as she walked towards Malangton. Images of the dead flooded Eva's thoughts. Each one with a story, each one a daughter or son. Some fathers, some wives. They come from all walks of life, farmers, fishers, cobblers. Their homes are from all corners of the realm, the farms of Cjelegy, some small fishing village in Melegra, and even the city of Rines. There are only two things that they all share: they were poor and now they are dead.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 19 days, 1 hour, 58 minutes ago

Vahanian sat in the marbled chamber of the Grand Council listening to the proposals being thrown before this ruling body. When the time came for military proposals and leadership changes he kept his face impassive.

The Oracle's proposal made sense to him, it was a sound proposal, but something was off. As he listened with half his attention to the minor details, with the rest of his attention he was picking up each piece of the proposal with his mind, examining it, and placing it back down. His mind was whizzing through all the possibilities. He made mental notes on portions that he wanted to examine further in private. He rolled up the scroll on which the Proposal was written and placed it in a pocket beneath his cloak.

He would decide it's fate in the coming days.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 18 days, 20 hours, 24 minutes ago

Baldwin shuffled through the manor on Vahanian's estate, the house was quiet, most of the inhabitants were asleep. He approached a large thick oak door and knocked twice before opening the door. The room was dark, the curtains had been pulled tightly shut and only the embers of a fire crackled in the fireplace on the far wall. Baldwin didn't see Vahanian in the large four post bed, but he saw some blankets that had been cast onto the floor in between the bed and the fireplace. Baldwin moved further into the room and saw Vahanian laying on the floor under the blankets, his room slave lay next to him Vahanian's eyes looked like they were closed. Baldwin was about to clear his throat when Vahanian spoke softly.

"I'm awake." Baldwin shuffled closer a little embarrassed at the fact that he had walked in on his lord and master after the man had obviously shared his bed with his room slave. "What is it Baldwin?" Vahanian stood and the blankets dropped away revealing that he was entirely naked, just as Baldwin's eyes started to adjust to the dim light. Baldwin looked away and cleared his throat. Vahanian rolled his eyes and said "Robe." Baldwin handed the robe to his master and Vahanian turned away from him to put it on. Baldwin's eyes danced across Vahanian's back and chest and his voice caught in a gasp in his throat. He'd known his lord was a seasoned warrior and had been tortured more than once, to see the scars first hand was an all together different ordeal than hearing the stories.

Vahanian pulled the robe on quickly after hearing the gasp and turned. Baldwin still had a quizzical look on his face as his eyes flickered between the makeshift bed on the floor, Vahanian, and the four post bed that was unused. Vahanian threw another log on the dying fire and mumbled "Spend 16 months at the hands of daimon torturers and see if you can sleep on a mattress again.." Baldwin said nothing.

Vahanian walked over to him and said "What do you want, Baldwin?" irritation creeping into his voice, he obviously didn't care to be disturbed during the few hours of the day that he had to himself. "My Lord, a guest awaits in the parlor." Baldwin put an odd emphasis on the word 'guest'. Vahanian nodded and said "5 minutes, pour yourself a whiskey, do not offer him one. I want him off balance." Baldwin bowed and shuffled out. Vahanian dressed quickly and took one last look at his room slave who hadn't stirred during Baldwin's time in the room. He then left without saying anything.

5 minutes later Vahanian entered the parlor and Baldwin stood from his seat and immediately poured a cup of steaming tea for his master. Vahanian sat and lit his pipe, not addressing the man standing in the middle of the room. "Harrdun." Vahanian said, the man threw back his hood and knelt, saying "Father." Vahanian smiled briefly and then wiped the grin from his face. Vahanian gestured for the man to sit across from him and then said "Well?" Harrdun took a deep breath, shot a hateful glance at Baldwin and said "Uncle Leatho thinks me his son, he tested me in some way, forced me to play him in chess." Vahanian nodded and Harrdun continued "I only won once." Vahanian took a deep puff on his pipe and said "Liar."

Harrdun looked at his father, and Vahanian said "You played him, but you didn't win. Leatho is an exceptional chess player, it suits how his mind works. Even I've only ever beaten him once. He stared at the board for a week before congratulating me." Harrdun looked confused and asked 'Why?" Vahanian shrugged as if it didn't matter and said "He needed to know where and how he lost, and how he could have prevented it. He makes plenty of mistakes, but he rarely makes the same one twice, and never three times."

Harrdun nodded as if he understood but he didnt. "And that's how you knew I didn't win?" Vahanian chuckled and said "No, if you'd won you'd be dead." Harrdun couldn't tell if Vahanian was serious until Baldwin confirmed it. "You'd be dead young master."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 18 days, 20 hours, 20 minutes ago

- Cont -

"But why aren't you dead? If you won..?" Harrdun asked. Vahanian took a moment to answer but finally said "Two reasons. I beat him before he knew he was better than me, and secondly, he likes me more than you." Harrdun couldn't believe it at first. Vahanian chuckled and said "Don't take it personally there are maybe 5 people he actually likes. Only 2 of them are in the family."

Harrdun still couldn't believe it. Vahanian brushed past it and said "Does he think you're his son?" Harrdun nodded and said "yes, I think so, but I don't know why you wanted me to make him think that.."

Vahanian said "You don't need to know. All that matters is he keeps believing it.."

–

Roleplay from Augum conDoin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 18 days, 37 minutes ago

Sir Augum enters his command tent, scanning the latest missives and coming to Lord Jorvik's.

A small grin on his face, Sir Augum dictates a reply to the realm, "I will allow the lady to characterize the nature of the duel."

Sir Augum exits his tent to see to the training of his men, the small smile still on his face.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 17 days, 12 hours, 37 minutes ago

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain -

Eva, Erich, and the military adviser Augustin camped outside of Rines. They prepare to move out to Rii and help clear out the undead there. News of a lost battle against undead in Rii arrived.

Eva and the men arrived in Rii after a successful counter attack cleared the undead in the region. They prepared to move out to Rueffilo to prepare the local militia. Eva contemplates replacing Erich, Augustin advises her to keep Erich as captain.

Eva and the men have been in Rueffilo for a day or two. The organization of the militia doesn't seem to be going well. Control of the region seemed to be slowly slipping. The order to return to Rines arrived and Eva gives the men the rest of the day off. In the morning they march to Ardmore on the way back to Rines. Eva inspected the dagger her grandfather, Peterson, gave her. She felt homesick and returned to her tent to read letters from home.

It is explained that the realm is losing control of Ardmore after Undead/Monsters have been terrorizing the region. Augustin explains to Eva that the undead are summoned with black magic and that after killing them you must burn them or they will return. The army wins a small battle against undead in Ardmore, Eva is shaken after witnessing the dead and dying after the battle.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 17 days, 12 hours, 35 minutes ago

Chapter 1 - Early Morning Rain (continued...)

The fire crackled in the middle of the camp as a clear night sky loomed over the plains in Avengmil. Eva, Augustin, and Erich sat around the fire in silence. Augustin looks over at Eva as she stares at the fire. "M'lady," Augustin spoke gently, "if I may. I've seen that look on your face before. Oh it was a long time ago now. I remember my wife had the same expression once, silent and empty. I didn't even notice at the time." Augustin paused a moment as he glanced at the fire before his eyes returned to Eva. "I made her a promise," Augustin continued, "that I wouldn't be so focused on my own ambitions, ignoring the people around me. I'm a man of my word..." "Man of too many words," Erich interrupted as he drew Augustin's attention. "Maybe," Augustin chuckled, "maybe." The gray-haired man turned his eyes back towards the young dame, "M'lady, what's troubling you?" Eva's green eyes stayed fixed on the fire and she quietly cleared her throat. "The reports say that sixty-seven soldiers died on that farm. Sixty-seven lives ended, they will not have a wife to return to." Eva looked at the slightly wrinkled face of Augustin, "they will never have a chance at a wife or a family of their own." Eva looked back at the flames dancing in the center of the small gathering. "I can still see their faces, frozen in pain and terror. I can still hear the cries of the dying." Augustin's umber eyes moved away from Eva and towards the flames. "They made a great sacrifice, m'lady, no doubt," he said shaking his head before looking back towards Eva. "Such sacrifice is necessary, if we didn't risk our lives killing these beasts then they would kill hundred more. We fight to prevent the deaths of others." Erich let out a burly laugh, "no one fights for that sh**e." The robust captain looked into the eyes of the older man. "We fight for gold, glory, and the simple pleasure of killin'. Gold for a woman or child back home or a lay on the road. Glory for a name that gets ya a lay. That's why I fight, not that sh**e ya spewin'. The glorious field of battle leads to the lay we all long for," Erich laughed and gulped the last of his ale. Eva's face scrunched as she looked at Erich, "You're a barbarian. War is not a field of glory, it is a field of despair." The young dame let out a sigh as she looked away from Erich, "death doesn't care about your glory, it takes all of us. I heard Sir Jenas was wounded in that fight. He could have easily been killed. I could have been killed." Eva looked at the captain, "you could have been killed." The large captain looked at the much smaller lady, "had they made it through the lines, ya definitely would not have made it lil dove." "All of us run the risk of dying on the battlefield," Augustin spoke calmly, "that is why we train so hard, it is kill or be killed in war."

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 17 days, 25 minutes ago

The Foote manor house had not changed a bit in the six months* Eva had been gone. Eva was glad to be home and wanted to see her family. Their lives surely must have changed even if the estate hasn't. Eva walked into the library and the childhood memories of the place flooded her mind. The walls were covered with books and scrolls. This room wasn't very big but Eva wondered if it only seemed that way because of the bookshelves taking up so much room. On the right side of the room stood a desk with piles of papers and books sitting on the dark wood surface. Behind the desk sat an elderly man with a crown of long gray hair around a large bald spot. His beard looked unkempt and hung down his chest as his eyes stayed fixed on the papers in front of him. Eva smiled at the familiar sight, a welcomed certainty in uncertain times. "Grandfather," she said has the edges of her lips pushed her cheeks aside. "Yes, yes," Peterson spoke without looking up from the pages. Eva's brow scrunched into a perplexed express. "Grandfather," she spoke walked towards the desk, "it's me Eva." The old man looked up from the pages and at the young dame. "Yes, yes," his voice was monotone, "I know who you are, I'm not crazy." His chestnut eyes gazed at the servant bearing a pitcher of water walking towards his desk. "You've been off with John for the last six months," his expression and voice seemed to light up, "tell me everything!" Eva felt uneasy and wondered how her grandfather had been doing. She heard the name John a few times before from the elderly man but normally only late at night and after some wine. "Well," Eva began as she took a seat at the front of the desk, "we marched to Rii first, it was a wonderful land full of grassy hills. Not many people seem to live there, I only remember seeing one village as we marched out of Rii and to Rueffilo." Eva watched the servant leave the library as she continued with the story, "in Rueffilo we had to help prepare a the defenses of a local village...I can never remember the name, oh well, it's not important. That was a mess, I don't think they will last long. From there we got orders to return home and we started back. We stayed in a town called Malangton in Ardmore. The undead have been quite a nuisance there, so many farms abandoned." Eva paused as her mind drifted back to the battlefield, "the, uh, town was probably a nice place long ago. We only stayed the one night so I didn't get a chance to see the area. Then we marched along the road and here we are. Back in Rines."

• (OoC: in RL this time period is obviously not 6 weeks, it was about the span of 11 days. I converted the time for the game based on the seasons in game. A season is roughly 22 days in game and 3 months or 12 weeks in RL. Since the RL time of 11 days is roughly half an in-game season I made it half an RL season which would be 6 weeks.)

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 17 days, 25 minutes ago

Peterson took a long drink of water and put the goblet back onto the desk. "Sounds like quite an adventure for a young lady," his voice was dry, "tell me of your companions, you must have met some people." "I have met some interesting people. Let's see, there's Augustin, I don't know his family name. It was recommended that I hire a military advisor and his name was mentioned so I hired him. He is a gentle, caring man, so unlike most of the others I have met. I think he is probably as old as father would have been if he were still alive. Maybe a little older, I don't know. Augustin about average height, a pretty normal man physically. Unlike Erich, who is the captain of the guard. He is a massive, I've never seen such a large man before. He is a brute in all regards, body of a beast and mind of a troglodyte. Oh how tired I am have hearing him gnaw on his meat and spew vulgarities." Another servant entered the room without Eva noticing, "Sir," the young boy spoke nervously, "dinner is ready." "Yes, yes, we will begin shortly" Peterson said as he looked at the young boy. Peterson chuckled and looked back at Eva with a smile, "Thomas was always an uncultured man but a warrior like no other." Eva watched as the servant finally left the room before turning her attention back to her grandfather. "His name is Erich, grandfather, not Thomas." "Oh I know that," Peterson snarled and made a dismissive gesture with his hands as his focus seemed to turn towards the papers on the desk. "You should train with Erich, he could teach you a good deal about how to handle yourself in a fight." Eva scoffed, "the less time I spend with that beast the better." "You have to learn how to fight if you are going to live in this world. Erich will help you with the fight and Augustin will help you with the command. In time you will be a competent soldier fit to lead." Peterson looked towards the door and yelled, "more water!" A servant entered the room shortly after with a pitcher in hand and walked towards the empty goblet. "No, no, no," Peterson turned towards his right as the servant froze, "leave the damned book over there where it belongs Henry." Eva glanced over towards the bookshelf to Peterson's right and saw no one there. She took a deep breath. "Well the water doesn't poor itself," Peterson snapped at the servant who quickly began to pour the water. "Where were we my dear," he turned his attention back to Eva. "I must get going grandfather, I have a lot of work to do while in the city. I will see you soon." Eva waved slightly and started to leave the library with a half frown on her face. "Farewell child," Peterson spoke as Eva was walking out of the room. "Where are you going," he snapped, "leave the pitcher here!" Eva had left the room and started to think about how much worse her grandfather has gotten. He had fits before but nothing like this, he was barely coherent and had much more of a temper. Even though he was not all that well, perhaps, he was right. Maybe Augustin and Erich will help her grow into the role of a commander. Eva decided she would go to the barracks and get Erich to train with her. If she was going to survive in the future battles she had to be ready to defend herself.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 15 days, 19 hours, 48 minutes ago

"Grandmistress!" Bryant exclaimed as he opened the door of her mansion in Rines. Her entourage was busy unloading her effects in front of the large building, and Bryant ushered his Lady inside.

"The foreign expedition went well?" he asked, "We weren't expecting to see you for another week or so..."

Jessica nodded. Unfortunately, she had cut her mission short. However, she had achieved her primary goal, and a large temple now stood in Ete City. Nothing to bother Bryant about though.

Instead, she smiled a rare smile and gestered towards him. He laughed, "I am well, m'Lady," he said, "Of course, I would much have preferred to accompany you on your journey..."

She shook her head at that, and waved her hand at the mansion.

"I know, I know," he held up his hands, "I just think there are others who could run your household for you just as effectively. As always, though, what I interpret as your wish is my command," he gave her a wink.

Jessica gave him a crooked grin and shook her head.

"What is next, m'Lady?" Bryant asked as they walked towards her chambers, "Shall I organize a gathering in the square for you to preach to? I never did understand how you are able to do that..." he trailed off, pondering.

She shook her head. Instead, she made the movement of drawing a bow.

"Surely you jest."

She folded her arms and shook her head.

"The battlefield is no place for the Grandmisstress of the Sacred Obia'Syela!" he stated firmly. He looked at her again and she folded her arms across her chest. He sighed.

With a snap of his fingers, a servant appeared beside Bryant. He turned to her and said, "Fetch the Grandmistress' war bow from the armory. And her battle dress. Have them brought up to her chamber..." he turned back to Jessica, "For now, m'Lady, I shall draw you a bath so that you may wash the travel from yourself."

Jessica nodded, clapped Bryant on the shoulder, and followed him into the chamber.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 15 days, 1 hour, 53 minutes ago

(OOC: I wrote this with JeVondair's permission to hijack Stheno for a bit! It helps that Stheno is almost as much apart of the Blint family as she is the JeVondair! Enjoy!)

Vahanian leaned against a large boulder as he watched some of his men spar and train. He puffed on his pipe as he studied the movements of his men, his mind calculating the next best strike for each opponent. He was good at that, good at anticipating fighters movements. He heard grass rustle a bit away from the fighting pit, he slightly and subtly shifted his weight and right as a young woman was about to jump out in an attempt to scare him he whipped around the edge of the boulder and grabbed her by the ear pulling her from shadows.

"OW! Uncle! Let go!" Stheno yelled at him. Vahanian grinned at the girl and pulled her into an embrace. "Little one." he said lovingly. "Your skills need work." She stuck her tongue out at him and Vahanian laughed, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. Stheno noticed and regained some semblance of seriousness. "You weren't just talking about today were you...?" She said meekly. Vahanian sighed and said "No Little One, I don't fault you for losing to Maura, she is one of the best fighters I've ever seen. What I fault you for is how you fought.." Stheno looked at him puzzled and he said "You weren't fighting to win, you were fighting to not lose. In the game of life play to win or don't play at all." She rolled her eyes at his old man wisdom and proverb. He chuckled a bit and then called out "Bartok, take her through forms 1 and 2" A mountain of a man jogged over, bowed low and said "Yes my liege. Come this way little lady." Stheno protested "Uncle, I know those forms like the back of my hand!"

Vahanian thought for a moment and said "Show me. Any blade you want, only use those forms, Score one touch on me." Stheno walked over to the weapon rack and selected her blade, Vahanian handed his cloak to Bartok and took his position in the middle of the pit, still smoking. Stheno asked "What weapon will you use?" Vahanian smiled and said "I'll borrow yours when you've finished with them." Stheno readied herself and Vahanian nodded to Bartok who called out "FIGHTERS.....BEGIN!"

Stheno charged forward and slashed at Vahanian he dodged and evaded her easily, spinning around the pit with the grace of a ballet dancer while Stheno fumbled a bit. She lunged and he spun and rapped her on the top of her head with his pipe. Her ears burned hot with embarrassment and she rushed again, swinging wildly and blindly. Vahanian feinted a kick to her knee and she moved to avoid it and he grabbed her, spun her with her own momentum and disarmed her. She landed in the sand on her back, He landed with his feet on the ground and her weapons in his hands. Nobody around the ring stirred. Vahanian tossed the weapons to Bartok and offered a hand to Stheno she took her, still embarrassed and he pulled her chin up to meet his eyes "Failure is growth, why did you lose?" She grumbled and said "Because you're better than me." Vahanian held her gaze and said "Yes, but that's not why you lost. You got emotional, and then you got reckless."

He stood and said to her, "Dawn, every morning forms 1 and 2 until Bartok says you're ready." She nodded and said "Yes Uncle..." The rest of her sentence unsaid, Vahanian finished her thought and said "I will deal with your mother. You focus on training."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 15 days, 1 hour, 43 minutes ago

Vahanian was walking through his camp distracted, his mind playing out the conversation he was inevitably going to have to have with Rania about how he not so gently put her on her ass in front of 60 trained soldiers.. While Stheno wasn't a landed noble, she was still the Oracle's daughter.. He winced as his mind played out the conversation in which more than one breakable object was flung and Rania's voice reached that shrill pitch that made Vahanian want to squeeze his eyes shut so hard they popped.. He'd only ever heard that pitch once and never wished to relive it.

"Maybe it won't be that bad.." he thought to himself.. and then the rational part of his mind kicked that thought into hell and said "Yes, and tygre-wolves make lovely house pets until they pee on your rug and eat your face while you sleep.." Vahanian sighed fiddling with his pipe as he entered his tent. Baldwin noticed his mood and offered him a cup of tea and said "Perhaps a letter would be best?" Vahanian almost shot tea out his nose and looked at Baldwin.

"I have no doubt that she would exact her revenge in some devilishly cruel way.. Perhaps cutting the groin out of all my trousers, or intentionally shrinking all my tunics in the wash... No i'll hand her this news face to face and pray that her array of pottery is not close at hand..."

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 23 hours, 17 minutes ago

Recap:

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain -

Eva, Erich, and the military adviser Augustin camped outside of Rines. They prepare to move out to Rii and help clear out the undead there. News of a lost battle against undead in Rii arrived.

Eva and the men arrived in Rii after a successful counter attack cleared the undead in the region. They prepared to move out to Rueffilo to prepare the local militia. Eva contemplates replacing Erich, Augustin advises her to keep Erich as captain.

Eva and the men have been in Rueffilo for a day or two. The organization of the militia doesn't seem to be going well. Control of the region seemed to be slowly slipping. The order to return to Rines arrived and Eva gives the men the rest of the day off. In the morning they march to Ardmore on the way back to Rines. Eva inspected the dagger her grandfather, Peterson, gave her. She felt homesick and returned to her tent to read letters from home.

It is explained that the realm is losing control of Ardmore after Undead/Monsters have been terrorizing the region. Augustin explains to Eva that the undead are summoned with black magic and that after killing them you must burn them or they will return. The army wins a small battle against undead in Ardmore, Eva is shaken after witnessing the dead and dying after the battle.

Eva, Augustin, and Erich are in camp on the way back to Rines. Augustin tries to comfort Eva who is struggling with the previous battle. Augustin reveals that he is married, a first glimpse into his private life. Augustin explains that the reason we fight is to prevent more people from dying and the death of some is better than the death of many. Erich disagrees and says people only fight for gold and glory, both leading to what they really desire: family or sex. Eva is disgusted by Erich and the notions of glory, she sees nothing but despair. Augustin suggests that in order to prevent death we must train and improve our abilities.

Eva visits the family manor house in Rines and has a conversation with her grandfather, Peterson, in the library. She tells him of the adventure so far, both the places and the people. Peterson seems to be unwell mentally, talking to those who are not there and replacing the people Eva talks about with the names of unknown people. Eva is slightly unsettled by this but heeds his advise to train with Erich for sword fighting and with Augustin for leadership.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 23 hours, 14 minutes ago

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain (continued...)

The sun baked the hard dirt surface next to the barracks in the Templar Nexus of Rines. Eva walked determinedly towards Erich who was looming over an equipment stand against the wooden walls of the barracks. He wore a dark brown vest of hardened leather that covered most of a dull blue linen tunic that went down to his knees where the chestnut chausses took over. Eva stopped in front of the man towering over her and looked up at his inquisitive face. "I want you to help me improve my skills with the sword," Eva spoke in a faux bravado. Erich looked down the body of the young dame and noted the plate armor bearing the Foote sigil, a tree with a crescent moon in the background, on the breastplate. "In that?" he asked with a smirk. "I want to train in the same equipment that I would have on during a battle," Eva looked down at her armor as she spoke. Erich's face became plain as he rose a canteen towards his mouth and gulped down some water. He looked into Eva's bluish green eyes, "Sounds like a waste of time to me." The young dame sighed and was not ready to give up so easily, "that wasn't a request, that was an order." She swallowed and tried to keep her calm. "As ya wish lil dove," Erich grumbled as he pulled a short training sword from the equipment rack and shoved it into Eva's chest knocking her back to her back foot. He grabbed a long training sword from the rack. "First lesson," Erich spoke firmly as he circled around Eva's right towards the center of the clearing, "don't wear plate, ya look like a bloody fool." Eva was perplexed, "you wear plate," her eyebrows furled. "I am bigger than ya," Erich raised one of his bushy eyebrows, "plate is better for powerful warriors, not lil doves." Eva raised her shield in her left hand up to cover her torso and readied her sword in her right hand. She watched Erich closely as he held his sword down low as if he was going to continue talking. The sweat began to drop from her forehead as he heart beat rose. With a sudden movement the long sword rose from the ground and came down upon her. Eva flinched as she rose her shield and felt the blow glance off her shield. She swung in a slow side step to the right and her sword long blade of her opponent. In a grimace she fell to the ground as a large boot slammed into her torso. The wind left her body and she struggled to retrieve it as her eyes looked to the clear blue sky. A rough face appeared from the side of her vision. "Ya too weak for plate, makes ya slow," Erich voice echoed in the young dame's ears as he reached down and pulled Eva up. Eva struggled for breath as she watched Erich walk away from her. She sensed an opportunity and lunged towards his back. The brawny figure turned smoothly slamming his sword into hers with a clang and quickly raising it again against her throat. "Keep ya shield up." The broad shouldered man stepped back away from the petite woman with a smile before coming forward again. He swung towards Eva's right side and she pivoted to block the blow with her shield. With a quick sweep of his leg Erich hit the back of Eva's thin legs and knocked her down again. A deep laugh filled the field and Eva struggled to her feet again. "Have to be quicka lil dove," Erich said with a smile, "use ya strengths, speed 'n' cunnin'. Cunnin' to stay away from fights, 'n' speed to run away." Erich made a running gesture with his two fingers before starting back towards the equipment rack. "It's time to train the men, we'll continue anotha day. When ya aren't a fool in plate but a fool in leatha!" Erich laughed deeply. Eva didn't say a word and walked towards the equipment rack. She put the training sword away and left timidly. The armor was heavy on her tired bones making her movements slower than normal. The first step in improving her ability to fight did not go as planned. She made her way inside the barracks to find Augustin. Even if she could not fight, she must learn to lead the troops.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 20 hours, 24 minutes ago

"Ogres took Alacrix?! And you allowed it?!" - Maura bellowed at her captain - "And why pick Alacrix of all the people, my hide would fetch a grander prize and my meat a grander meal. Same could be said about several of the other commanders here in Rueffilo."

"Grand Inquisitor, those appeared to be female ogres." - Captain Sophia explained calmly.

"Ah..." - Maura fell quiet, deep in thought - "... ogres too must have their needs."

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 18 hours, 14 minutes ago

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain (Continued...)

Eva and Augustin walked out of the barracks into the field where the soldiers were training. The sound of Erich barking orders and arrows striking their target rang through the air. Augustin looked over the men and started the conversation. "With the new recruits we are up to forty archers, they are a welcomed addition and will help relieve the infantry on the front lines." Augustin looked at Eva, still in her armor, who stood next to him. "Orders arrived earlier," Eva spoke softly with her focus on the archers training, "we will be leaving for Avengmil in the morning. There is a large horde in Ardmore and we will be part of the expedition to clear them out. Some of those new recruits may not make it, may be dead in two days or less." "Many may die m'lady, all may survive. How many die will depend on how well they fight and how well you lead them." "Either way there will be soldiers on the front lines and there will be dead." "That is always the case and will always be. You have to get used to it. You have to lead them and keep the deaths as low as possible. Confidence is important, you can't be timid and lead them. I am not in charge, m'lady, and neither is Erich, you are. The only way you will learn is to move forward. Take aim at something and move forward. You'll make mistakes, you'll get some people killed. Over time you will learn from your mistakes and you can take aim at something else with the knowledge of what you did wrong before. Eventually you'll hit your target, keeping as many people alive as possible while still doing what is needed to be done." Eva was silent as she watched the bows being raised towards a row of targets. She knew that Augustin was right but wasn't sure if she could handle the journey. The arrows struck their target and Eva let out a sigh. "I'll see you in the morning Augustin," she spoke quietly and turned towards the aging man, "I should visit home one last time before we leave." Augustin bid farewell and Eva walked away from the field. The weight of the armor felt as if it was growing and her pace was slow. They had been in the city for over a day and Eva had yet to speak with her mother. She would never forgive herself if she didn't at least visit her once.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 14 hours, 47 minutes ago

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain (Continued...)

Eva's mother, Jessica, was the daughter of a successful merchant in Rines. Her family has a long history in Rines, dating back as far as anyone in the family can remember. She married Gilbert Foote about twenty years ago at the age of twenty-two. It was a loving marriage but tragedy struck fifteen years ago when Gilbert died of a fever. Jessica Foote never remarried and spent the last fifteen years raising Eva and running the estate. Now her golden brown hair had hints of gray and was tied back. She wore a velvet dress that gracefully covered her small frame. The years have not been too kind to her but she was still a pleasant looking woman. Jessica is not as thin as she once was and her weight has grown beyond optimal for her below average height. Most of her face was still wrinkle free but crows feet hung below her hazel eyes. Jessica stood with Eva, still in her plate armor, at the end of the Great Hall of the Foote manor house. They stood next to a large long table for the members of the family and honorable guests. A large number of tables were stacked against the right wall. When the time comes to eat, these tables are arranged in rows perpendicular to the family table. The left wall was furnished with banners, the banners alternated between a display of the realm's emblem and the Foote sigil. Both side walls went up to the height of two men before slanting in towards each other and reaching a flat ceiling where metal chandeliers hung for lighting at night. The slanted sections were covered in a row of windows for lighting during the day. "I don't have time for this," Eva protested. "You wish to be the lady of the family then you will have to make time." "I'm off commanding archers for the Enlightenment, for the Oracle, I am not here enough to manage the estate, to hold court for the local peasants." "Oh dear, bailiff Gregor will take of things when you are gone. When you are in the city you will take care of the estate." Eva shook her head, "and what exactly will you be doing?" "Me," Jessica's head moved down slightly as her hand reached towards her chest, "I will see towards the families finances, can't have that in Gregor's hands. The man wouldn't have a copper at the end of the day if you gave him one hundred gold coins." Jessica chuckled slightly before continuing, "Eva, my dear, instead of getting yourself killed at some Obeah forsaken corner of the world why don't you stay here and run the estate?" "Ahh," Eva nodded her head, "I should have known that was what you wanted." "Yes, I'm a horrible mother for not wanting her daughter going out with rapists, murderers, and thieves to fight a bunch of beasts and then end up dead in the middle of field." "I'm not quitting," Eva said defiantly as she walked out of the great hall. She certainly had a desire to stay in Rines instead of going back out to fight but the rebellious desire of youth was stronger than fear.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 10 hours, 34 minutes ago

Chapter 1: The Early Morning Rain (Continued...)

The campfire burned in the night on the border of Avengmil and Ardmore. Outside of a few sentries all the soldiers were busy drinking and gambling. Games of dice were popular among the soldiers as the ale flowed endlessly. The recent stay in Rines allowed for a large resupply and at Augustin's advise Eva made sure to get a large amount of ale. It would be good for morale before battle he said. Currently, Augustin, Erich, and Eva sit around the fire as the ashes pile at the bottom of the burning logs. The sound of crickets echo through the silent plains. "Rumors are that the horde of beasts and undead have finally broken our control of Ardmore," Augustin broke the silence, "tomorrow will be a tough battle, much harder than the previous battle." Augustin looked at Eva who continued to stare into the fire. "Aye," Erich's deep voice boomed, "n there are two things ya need before a good battle. Plenty of drink and a lovely lay. Have plenty of drink but no women." "Guess you will have to settle with just a drink then," Augustin answered looking at Erich. "Unless ya want to roll," Erich looked to Eva as she rolled her eyes and looked back at the fire. "maybe after the battle then lil dove." Erich laughed loudly as he stood up. "I need more ale," Erich finished his drink before walking off. "Ignore him," Augustin turned to Eva, "soldiers tend to forget their manners before battle." "Just before battle?" Eva asked with a half smiled looking at Augustin. "Well Captain Erich," he chuckled, "he never had manners to forget." Eva laughed lightly before silence befell the area. The two could hear Erich in the distance roaring as it sounded like he started to gamble with the others. A crackle and a pop came from the fire as some embers rose into the air before drifting into the distance. Eva slide her crimson hair behind her ear and cleared her throat. "We've spent many days together," Eva started, "tell me about your life, where do you call home?" "You want to know about my life? It is a common tale, not too interesting." Eva tilted her head and looked into the aging face of her advisor, "if we're going to spend so much time together I should at least know more about you." "Well," Augustin began, "I am a Cjelbriji through and through. My mother said her family always lived in Cjelegy and many served in the militia there, known as Cjelbram. I grew up the son of a fisherman in a small village on the coast. Spent much of my childhood on the sandy beaches looking out at the boats. A vision that I will cherish until the end of my days." "Go on," Eva insisted. "You can be persistent m'lady," Augustin smiled, "I joined the Cjelbram when I was sixteen and served for twelve years before I was made a captain. Was a great honor, the men and myself had a grand ole time in Rueffilo that night. Ahh to be young again." Augustin paused in reflection before continuing, "I served as a captain until I got the offer to be your military advisor. Now here we are."

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 10 hours, 33 minutes ago

"What about your wife?" "My wife?" "Yes, you said before that you had a wife, tell me about her." Augustin hesitated before continuing, "In Rueffilo, the night I became a captain, we were all drinking at some local tavern in town. I saw the most beautiful woman with golden hair and pale blue eyes. She was serving drinks and having a laugh with all those around. I knew that she was the one, I could feel it the very first time our eyes met. It felt like our souls, in that moment, danced together as all else stood still. Nothing mattered for that second and then it was gone and the cacophony of soldiers filled the room again. The next day I found her in town, took three hours but I found her." Augustin laughed as he looked into Eva's green eyes, "there we were standing in the mud as people emptied their chamber pots into the road, none of that mattered. Her beauty could not be smeared with the pouring of sh*t around us. I asked her right there as I stood in mud and sh*t to marry me, I didn't know her name but I knew I wanted her. Even with such an abrupt proposal she smiled as she politely declined. I did not give up though, she was the one, I could not give up. I spent the next month in that tavern trying to get her to say yes. I learned everything about her piece by piece, her name, her family history, everything she was willing to share. Eventually the order came to leave and I spent my last night in town ordering more than I can drink just to spend a few more moments with her. The night was almost over and I knew I had to piss but I was so drunk I could not find myself." Augustin laughed again and noticed Eva's smile at the amusing tale. "There I sat at my lowest moment, I was too drunk to be ashamed and I asked again as she brought me another ale. She said yes finally, probably just to shut me up. The next morning I was able to convince the lord I was serving to allow me to stay long enough to get married. Thus, I had the lady of my dreams, Caroline Zaratuska." Eva shifted on the hard log beneath her bottom and crossed her legs. "I hope to meet her one day, maybe we can make a small detour next time we are nearby. Is she still in Rueffilo?" "No, we moved to my home in Cjelegy." "Well then, we will definitely visit soon!" Eva was excited and kept her eyes on Augustin who just stared into the flames silently. "Do you have any kids?" "I had one," Augustin nodded keeping his eyes on the dancing flames, "a fever took him when he was two." The smile dropped from Eva's face as she softly spoke, "I'm sorry." Her gaze went down towards the ground. "I remember the night he passed," Augustin struggled to speak as he kept his face dry, "Caroline stayed with him all night and held him. It was all I could do to take him from her arms in the morning. She didn't say a word for the next couple days, only wept. I couldn't cheer her up, I couldn't even cheer myself up. Drank every night before I was summoned to Rines. I was a captain, I couldn't stay home forever. So, I left on a two month long campaign. When I returned..." Augustin paused for sometime as his cheek moistened, he ran the back of his hand under his nose and gazed into the fire. "Caroline was dead. She hung herself shortly after I left. I didn't know until I got home. Unlike lords and ladies, us commoners don't have messengers." There was a long pause as Eva did not know any words of comfort and Augustin tried to keep his view of honorable composure. The sound of soldiers was starting to fade as the night drew heavy. A full moon shone directly overhead in the clear night sky. "I can still see her," Augustin stumbled on, "in my dreams, the golden hair, the round freckle below her right ear...the small birthmark on her clavicle, the scar near her hip from some drunken fool at the tavern...the warmth of her breath on my neck as we lay at night, the sound of her laugh..." Not a word was spoken for a while, the time passed slowly as a cool breeze swam through the camp. Augustin stood up, wiping his face dry. "I think Erich had the right idea, time for some ale." Eva watched Augustin leave in silence. She quietly contemplated on what she should have said, some form of comforting words. No, she thought, words can't soothe the wounds of the soul.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 13 days, 3 hours, 26 minutes ago

Ch.2 Stheno's Lessons pt. 1

Vahanian walked around the training sands as Bartok and Stheno sparred, trading blows and scoring points from each fighter. Vahanian allowed himself a brief smile as he realized, Stheno was learning Bartok's fighting style and adjusting hers to beat it. "smart girl." he thought to himself. Stheno scored the final point and Baldwin called a halt to the match.

Vahanian walked out into the sands and said "Mind your footing little one, never sacrifice it for a killing stroke." He nudged her shoulder slightly and she tumbled into the sand and Vahanian grinned at her. He turned to Bartok and said "She's learning, take a rest." He turned and called out "Harrdun, you're up." Vahanian's son ambled onto the field and threw off his cloak. He was handsome, average height, sparkling blue eyes with flecks of green in them and the auburn hair that Vahanian had in his younger days. He was built the same way Vahanian was, a clear resemblance between the men. He muttered something under his breath and Vahanian raised an eyebrow at him. "Never underestimate her, or anyone, but especially her. I've taught her nearly everything she knows."

"That's because you were a father to someone who isn't kin." Harrdun muttered, a mixture of shame and fury rippled across Vahanian's face but he said nothing. He nodded to Baldwin who called the fighter's to their stances and ordered the match started. Vahanian barely watched it, wrestling the shame and fury, that was boiling in his gut, into submission was taking most of his attention. Bartok came over to him and looked as though he was about to try to console him, Vahanian muttered "Don't." and Bartok remained silent. Vahanian said "Fight them both, back alley techniques, they need to learn to not fight fair." Bartok nodded and picked up a cudgel and entered the ring. About 30 seconds alter both Stheno and Harrdun were in the sand moaning at the bruises that they would share tomorrow. Vahanian began to walk away before calling out "3 hours each day until they reach the bell." Vahanian nodded to a small brass bell that was staked to a post at the edge of the pit. Bartok nodded and readied himself and Vahanian left them to their training.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 12 days, 22 hours, 9 minutes ago

Recap

Chapter 1: Early Morning Rain -

Eva, Erich, and the military adviser Augustin camped outside of Rines. They prepare to move out to Rii and help clear out the undead there. News of a lost battle against undead in Rii arrived.

Eva and the men arrived in Rii after a successful counter attack cleared the undead in the region. They prepare to move out to Rueffilo to prepare the local militia. Eva contemplates replacing Erich, Augustin advises her to keep Erich as captain.

Eva and the men have been in Rueffilo for a day or two. The organization of the militia doesn't seem to be going well. Control of the region seemed to be slowly slipping. The order to return to Rines arrived and Eva gives the men the rest of the day off. In the morning they march to Ardmore on the way back to Rines. Eva inspected the dagger her grandfather, Peterson, gave her. She felt homesick and returned to her tent to read letters from home.

It is explained that the realm is losing control of Ardmore after Undead/Monsters have been terrorizing the region. Augustin explains to Eva that the undead are summoned with black magic and that after killing them you must burn them or they will return. The army wins a small battle against undead in Ardmore, Eva is shaken after witnessing the dead and dying after the battle.

Eva, Augustin, and Erich are in camp on the way back to Rines. Augustin tries to comfort Eva who is struggling with the previous battle. Augustin reveals that he is married, a first glimpse into his private life. Augustin explains that the reason we fight is to prevent more people from dying and the death of some is better than the death of many. Erich disagrees and says people only fight for gold and glory, both leading to what they really desire: family or sex. Eva is disgusted by Erich and the notions of glory, she sees nothing but despair. Augustin suggests that in order to prevent death we must train and improve our abilities.

Eva visits the family manor house and has a conversation with her grandfather, Peterson, in the library. She tells him of the adventure so far, both the places and the people. Peterson seems to be unwell mentally, talking to those who are not there and replacing the people Eva talks about with the unknown names of others. Eva is slightly unsettled by this but heeds his advise to train with Erich for sword fighting and with Augustin for leadership.

Eva trains with Erich, she is slow in her plate armor and gets knocked down multiple times. Erich makes fun of her and tells her to wear leather. She leaves timidly and searches for Augustin.

Eva talks with Augustin as the archers train. Orders have been received to rally in Avengmil before attacking a large horde in Ardmore. They discuss the inevitable death of the soldiers. Augustin advises that she has to lead and not be so timid. Says she will make mistakes and that is the only way she will learn, people will die and some will be her fault, it is the only way she will grow and get to the point where she can minimize the deaths.

Eva speaks with her mother, Jessica, who wants Eva to take over the duties of running the estate. Jessica seeks to convince Eva to leave the command of soldiers to others and stay in Rines. Eva, rebellious in her youth, walks off to continue her command.

News of Ardmore falling to rogue forces came earlier. The battle in Ardmore will take place in the morning, the odds seem long. Eva sits by the campfire with Augustin as he tells his story. A story of where he came from and how he met his wife. He tells Eva of how his only child, a young boy of two years, died of fever. Augustin, a captain at the time, left for a time before coming back to find out his wife committed suicide shortly after the death of the child.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 12 days, 22 hours, 4 minutes ago

Chapter 1 - Early Morning Rain (...continued)

In the early morning rain, Eva stood looking out towards the northern farmlands of Turington. Not a word was spoken, not a movement was made. The blood dripped from her leather armor and water dropped from her crimson hair. On the horizon the Cliffs of Wilton rose up over the battlefield. As the rain fell on her, the image of the cliffs and the battlefield faded to the memory of soldiers in formation. Eva knelt down and felt the dew on the grass with her finger tips. She watched as her bare hand glided over the green blades. The strong wind chilled her moist fingers as she let out a sigh. Eva looked up at the soldiers lined up in front of her. "With this wind the archers will have a tough time hitting their target," she thought, "closer we are the more our arrows will hit their target." She stood up and mounted her white horse in order to see over the soldiers. A horde of undead and monstrous beasts came from the fields of the local farm and towards them. Eva made a decision and gave out the command, "Forward, march!" "M'lady," Augustin shifted on his horse as he looked at Eva, "I think it would be best to stay here." "You said I needed to lead," Eva spoke firmly, "that is what I am doing." Augustin nodded and looked forward at Erich who stood next to the formation of archers. "Ya heard her," Erich's voice boomed, "get ya arses movin'!" The white stallion under Eva walked forward behind the archers. The horde grew larger in Eva's vision as they drew in closer. Range was becoming less of an issue and the order to halt was given. The ground seemed to shake as large beasts on two legs with a head like a bear and claws like a lion stampeded towards them. A deep breath filled her lungs before violently rushing out with the command to fire. Arrows rained down at the approaching beasts as the yell of infantry men filled the air. The archers fired again as the soldiers rushed up from behind Eva. Her heart sank as the beasts and the undead drew in close. In front of her eyes, soldier and beast clash. In that moment she realized that they were too close to the fight as two enormous beasts poured through the lines. Men flew to the sides as one collided with her archers. Archers became involved in a melee and fought for their lives. Wielding a great sword Erich towered above most of the others in the unit. The towering figure was still only came up to the muscular chests of the roaring creatures that rampaged through the formation. A young woman in leather and chain-mail near the front lines fell to the ground as the beast slashed his great claw across her chest. As she hit the ground the muscular beast was stabbed from three directions. His roar filled the area but he did not fall, he merely turned towards the attackers. The giant creature leaped towards Erich and the two other men. With a slash to the right a soldier fell and the two others thrust their blades at the beast once more. This time the heart of the beast was hit, and with a gush of blood the swords withdrew. Eva watched the scene unfolding in front of her, both beasts were dead but so were some of her archers. In front of them was a scuffle between the infantry and more beasts and the undead. The archers gathered their senses and carefully fired another volley. As the bowstrings snapped forward, Eva flinched slightly.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 12 days, 22 hours, 3 minutes ago

The memory snapped out of Eva's vision as she lifted a canteen of wine to her lips. She gulped down the last of it as the early morning rain continued to fall. Eva wiped her mouth leaving a mixture of blood, rain, and wine behind. Her mind was still on the battlefield in the distance. Only her body remained her on the outskirts of the farmlands as she stood emptily with a vision floated before her. In front of her bluish green eyes the scene emerged. Infantry fell down as a group of undead and burly beasts punched their way through. Eva's eyes were wide open as the foe ran into the archers. She gripped the hilt of her her sword and drew it from her side. Her heart beat fast and hard beneath the leather armor. The horse shifted below her and she struggled to stay atop the steed. With her newfound balance she felt the early morning rain that started to fall and the cold wind on her cheeks. A creature of rot wielding a mace and in farmers clothes came stumbling towards her. The horse began to shift in panic to the left, Eva slashed at the undead striking a killing blow. Relief overcame her as she survived the first test. Eva looked up and saw her second test, a huge beast with mange and patches of black fur trotted towards her. With eyes wide open she felt a panic, with a quick gasp she felt herself flung from the saddle. The horse bucked and threw the young dame to the ground. In a quick moment she regained her senses. The mud dug under her fingernails as she jumped back up to her feet. She pulled the round shield from her back and prepared for what was to come. The muscular creature drew in close and Eva stood with a shield in the front and a sword to the side. The mud and water splashed up from the ground with each thud of the creatures human-like feet. Drops of rain fell onto her face from her muddied crimson hair. Her breathing sped up as time slowed down. The beast swung with it's sharp claws at Eva's chest. She stepped to the side and raised her shield as she swung her sword. With a thud Eva felt her arm hit her side and the sword drop from her hand. The muddy land was slippery as Eva struggled to get to her feet. She saw the beast bearing down upon her. The black fur around the bear-like mouth dripped with water and blood. Its teeth were yellow and red, its breath smelled of death. Eva could not get to her feet nor to her sword. She closed her eyes in a grimace. Darkness. Silence. A large weight suddenly crashed down onto Eva's chest. The only sensation she felt was the early morning rain. Her eyes bolted open as she looked down at the blood pouring from the beasts head on her chest. "Time to go lil dove," Erich yanked Eva off the ground by the collar of her armor. The two began to run from the field. The ground sank beneath her feet as she looked back at the beasts and undead that tore apart soldiers in their wake. The vision stuck in her mind as she looked back to what lay in front of her. Eva felt dizzy as the blood dripped off of her and onto the ground. She looked down, away from the battlefield in the distance. The mixture of mud and blood seemed to be ever present. A canteen of wine was thrust into her chest and she looked to her right to see Erich. No words were spoken as Eva took the canteen and drank as much as she could. She sat down on the ground with an ache in her heart and looked towards the Cliffs of Wilton. An eagle soared over the cliffs and towards her. Eva licked her lips, tasting the sweet wine that caressed her tongue. She watched the eagle intensely and longed to be able to trade places with that eagle. To fly away from this place and go back to Rines. Back to a simpler time where her only worries were tending to the garden and harvesting fruit from the tree for her grandfather. A place where the cold sting of death and loss was not ever present. Such a place seemed so far away as she was stuck here on the ground, cold and drunk. With a flap of its golden brown wings the eagle soared above the early morning rain. Its cold brown eyes gazing down at the ground where many soldiers fell. In one puddle lay an archer from Rines, son of a blacksmith, named Timothy, dead. In another puddle, an infantryman, ripped to shreds and only their leg sits in this patch of dirt. Next to the leg lay a pike-man, a son of a farmer in Ajitmon, named Igor, dead. Rotting corpses that clamored to life only to be returned to the grave lay between Igor and another unnamed soldier. In the midst of the still bodies a beast ripped into the chest of another dead man. A former captain, a son of a fisherman in Cjelegy, named Augustin. His familiar face weathered with the years and eyes open to the sky. The beast ate at his torso as the early morning rain fell upon its back and the eagle flew away.

(end of Ch.1)

–

Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 10 days, 20 hours, 15 minutes ago

As one of the men was about to knock on the door, it opened. Long and rather large man came out from the cabin. "What is all this ruckus? Are we having another drinking competition already?" "No sir Chubiske, not this time, our spotter has spotted land ahead and I was about to call you to give us instructions how should we act next?" reported sailor. "Then there is no time to waste!" Chubiske grabbed his glaive from the cabin and rushed to ship's bow, holding on to his heavy glaive with one hand he rose it over his head and pointed it toward the land and yelled: "Start rowing your sloths we shall land today! Do not stop until our queen Tempress is stuck in land! If any of you dare to take it easy, I shall personally make you clean our boots for 3 weeks!" "Aye sir!" roared the men. "Row..Row..Row! Row till our rows break!" yelled the quartermaster. After hours of rowing, men were starting to get tired. Some of the men turned their head to see how far till the land, but they did not see the land, all they saw was captain, who even after hours was still holding his glaive as the way he had from the start. It was a battlecry for the men. They did not dare to stop now and be perform less than their lord. Suddenly large shock wave went through the ship. Chubiske lowered his glaive and said: "We are here you poor sods! After a year we have landed again on land. No more fish, now we eat real meat! Now clear the ship, it is time to give our old queen rightful goodbye." "As you command, captain!" After getting the supplies on the land, crew pushed Tempress back to the sea. After 10 minutes Chubiske drew his bow string and shot flaming arrow into the sail. He dropped the bow, put his left hand on the his chest and said: " It is time to say goodbyes old girl, as you guided us here go and guide our dead brothers to their final resting place. Go in peace Tempress!" after finishing his goodbyes Chubiske took his glaive and started moving inland to find a new home.

–

Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 5 hours, 1 minute ago

Moving more into inland, Chubiske soon found large farm fields and local villages. He stopped in one of the village inns, in order to order some warm food and ale for himself and his crew. As Chubiske was sitting down, he took out his ink and piece of paper to write to the local lord. "Here is what you ordered, my lords." As the waiter was turning around Chubiske said: "Wait" waiter stopped and was shivering a bit "I have a question for you. What is the name of your lord?" Waiter sighed with relief and turned around "Count Boltgan Starck, sir." "Thank you, for answering." said Chubiske. "My lord, women are nice here, why won't we take fe..." as one of the crew members was about to finish his sentence Chubiske hit the table with his fist so hard that it shook the whole inn. "One more word and you will end up as woman!" Man who said that, instantly was covered in fear, as he knew his lord was not kidding around. "I am sorr..." "Get out! Now!" ordered Chubiske "Yes my lord!" Man stood up and left the inn as fast as he could. "Quartermaster go punish the fool, I will not have kidnappers and rapists in my company. He may keep his manhood for now, but if he dares to fight back cut it off!" "As you wish sir." Chubiske took few deep breaths to calm down and then continued to write his letter to local lord.

–

Roleplay from Boltgan Starck

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 9 days, 10 hours, 17 minutes ago

During a morning walk contemplating the motte and bailey of Avengmil, the Count Boltgan received a letter with the seal of a noble family unknown to him. Once he finished reading it, the Count said loudly with some surprise. "A young knight named Chubiske wants to set in Cjelegy!... this has not happened for a long time." Then the Count began to retreat to the main watchtower of the wall. "Definitely will be interesting to meet him" - Count Boltgan thought as he entered the watchtower.

–

Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 8 days, 20 hours, 17 minutes ago

After 2 days Chubiske had finally made it to Avengmil, from small letter exchange between himself and his lord Boltgan, he was informed that lord Boltgan was currently in Avengmil and more specifically in it's main defences' tower. However due to being completely new to the surroundings Chubiske had no idea where such tower might be. Thus all he had left was to ask from the locals about the local towers. After a while asking around in the local town. All he was told that the tower lays between the town of Avengmil and old ruins of Ardford, so he had no other choice to travel toward the old ruins. After few hours of marching there it was rather rundown old tower. On the top of the tower there flew 3 flag, at the top of highest pole flew Obia'Syela flag, below it was duchy's flag and local lady's flag flew on the 2 sides of the tower. Guards defending the tower entrance were in shook when they saw, to their eyes a giant had appeared before them. One of the guards whispered to other: "Is that what you call mythical creature cyclops?" "No you fool, Cyclops does not wear an eyepatch!" shouted the other. "Ohoo, I am a cyclops now am I? asked Chubiske in front of the two, now deeply in fear guard. One of the guards, with fear still in his eyes, took a deep breath and then asked: "What is you business here? Only military personnel allowed!" "I am Knight of Count Boltgan. Leader of Tempress crew and hail from noble family Von Weiss. My birth name is Chubiske Von Weiss, named after my great grandfather who was know as a great warrior, once killing a bear unarmed! If you do not believe me, here is my family's seal and personal letter from Count Boltgan Starck. Unless you two are interested in a duel with a cyclops, in which I happily fight both of you. Otherwise I would like to see lord Boltgan."The soldiers looked at the seal on the letter and the seal which Chubiske handed to them. After a while one of the guards said: "Sir, we apologize for our rudeness before, these seals are clearly real, as their quality is outstanding. However I must request that your retinue stay outside while you are visit the tower. It is nothing more than orders from highers." "Very well. Men you are released from duty until I return, you may wait me here or in the inn that we passed before. However quartermaster, should we have same problems as yesterday, you are free to punish them as you see fit!" After finishing his orders, Chubiske took his glaive supporting 1/3 with his right shoulder while 2/3 with his right hand and stepped inside to finally meet with his new lord, Count Boltgan.

–

Roleplay from Boltgan Starck

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 8 days, 14 hours, 27 minutes ago

The Count Boltgan was reviewing Cjelegy's income and expenditures for the next tax collection. He had recently recruited a considerable militia to defend his region. Necessary after a large horde ravaged it and tried to turn the region into rogue. Suddenly a small tumult is heard outside. The sound of a heavy walking was followed by the appearance of a tall warrior. His youth counteracts with his eyepatch. A huge glaive lies on her shoulder while a hand holds her.

"You're finally here, do not take it the wrong way, but you're not what I imagined you to be." - said Boltgan while trying not to stare much his eyepatch. "Take a seat, make yourself comfortable." - He said indicating to Knight Chubiske a chair. "Some Gryphon's Blood (red wine)?" - Boltgan offered him. "Seems you want to tell me something."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 8 days, 1 hour, 28 minutes ago

Vahanian stood by and watched Harrdun and Stheno rush at Bartok and try to reach the brass bell behind him, they failed. Bartok was tall and strong, but deceptively quick. Vahanian had been watching them go at this for 2 weeks. He shouted "Enough!" anger seeping through his voice, he strode out onto the sands and stared at his two charges. "You've yet to grasp the point of this exercise, and that is why you fail! Stop blindly attacking and think. The stronger swordsmen doesn't win, the smarter one does!"

Harddun's eyes lit with rebellion and he grumbled "Easy for you to say old man, you don't work at this each day." Vahanian surpressed the fury quickly and said "Bartok hold nothing back." Bartok nodded and readied himself.

Vahanian approached him and readied himself and Baldwin shouted the start command. Bartok didn't hesitate and launched himself at Vahanian, who sidestepped and fired a kick at Bartok's knee, Bartok blocked it spinning Vahanian, who allowed the spin to happen and use the momentum to coil and snap out another kick aimed at Bartok's chest, his foot connected with power and speed enough to knock Bartok off his feet and the wind from his lungs. The man lay gasping on the ground as Vahanian strode over and rung the bell.

Harrdun wasn't convinced, he grumbled out "Loyalty of everyone but family.. typical" Vahanian walked over to his son and let loose with a backhand that made an audible crack as he struck his son's face. Harrdun went sprawling in the sand spitting out blood and phlegm. His eyes snapped to his father with furious rebellions burning through them. Vahanian stared down at his son and said "You think I am a disappointing father. You're mad I wasn't there for you while you were growing up. We get it. Your point has been made. Now what are you going to do about it? Keep whining like a petulant child or grow up and act? You think you can lead this family better than I? Then take your shot boy."

Bartok had recovered and Baldwin had inched closer and closer. Stheno looked from son to father with worry and anticipation on her face. Harrdun had become her friend, her training partner, but Vahanian was family to her. He'd been the closest thing to father she'd ever known.

Harrdun stood and with surprising speed drew his sword and slashed at Vahanian who brought up his arm and the sound of steel clanged through the training ground as his dagger blocked the sword. The three spectators moved forward and Vahanian called out "Nobody move! Nobody interferes." His tone brokered no argument and he pushed back against the sword readying himself.

"Come boy, kill me if you can." In what can only be described as an emotion fueled aggressive attack and a technically perfect, masterful defense, father and son fought. Harrdun was strong, spurred by his emotion and anger, Vahanian was calm, and experienced. In a matter of moments the fight was over. Harrdun overextended himself with a lunge and Vahanian cut his arm, not deeply, but enough to loosen the boy's grip on the blade and then he punched the wound, causing Harrdun to drop the blade. Vahanian grabbed Harrdun's throat and swept his legs from under him, landing with his knee on his chest and his dagger at his throat.

"Yield. You live because I allowed it." Harrdun nodded his submission and Vahanian didn't move yet. "I don't care if you don't like me. I don't care if you hate me. You think your hatred makes you stronger? Fine. But if you ever question me like that again, I will kill you. I am trying to teach you something. But you're either too stupid or too arrogant to see that. If you can't abide my training, leave. I will find someone else to train with her." He nodded to Stheno. "We all get it. You hate that I was more of a father to her than you. Fine. But she's been more of a child to me than you. She's learned when to listen. She knows how to show respect, and she understands that sometimes gratitude will get you further than mouthing off."

Vahanian stood and let Harrdun up. He said "Take the rest of the day. You start again at dawn. Or not. But if you don't show up tomorrow, you never show up here again. Either accept my training or renounce my name." With that Vahanian strode off the training ground leaving the rest stunned and silent.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 7 days, 19 hours, 4 minutes ago

In the shadow of Basilica one could think that Rines was a levelled city - a peculiar illusion. In truth the city was full of high towers, tall spires and all sorts of elevated buildings. Grand Inquisitor enjoyed one such vantage point, beholding a training yard about three hundred feet away and four stories below her current level; the figures placed upon the arena could hardly be identified if she didn't know their identity in advance... in that regard she also enjoyed being the Grand Inquisitor. It wasn't that she ment to hide or had to observe from afar - she simply didn't want to intrude, especially not after the ordeal with young Stheno.

The big man - apparently one of Vahanian's retinue - schooled two smaller figures: Stheno - one of the main reasons she observed the spectacle, and a boy - a young member of house Blint. There - she thought as she saw Vahanian step in to instruct... nay - to illustrate how it should be done. Even with the advantage of perspective she could just barely keep up with the flow of the battle and sneer knowingly just a split second before the final blow happened. She could almost swear she heard the kick connect, even from this far.

The old wolf certainly still has it in him, he could... oh - she lost her stream of thought as young Blint fell to the ground from Grand Templar's blow. Maura leaned forward, she knew it wasn't unrestrained temper or deliberate punishment, no she didn't knew Vahanian to the core, but she knew him enough to know what it was - a challange; or more preciesly - an incitement of one. Even though she knew the young pup doesn't stand a chance, she was somehow more fascinated by this fight than by the last one.

The boy attacked with blind rage - a mistake - not that it mattered, old Blint would prevail through sheer force of experience even if the boy did everything perfect. Several swings in the air, several sparks of steel on steel and there - the boy was on the ground and at his opponent's mercy. Vahanian's canines flashed as he spoke something that elicited submission from his opponent.

The crest - Maura almost shouted in her mind - the coat of arms. She suddenly understood the wolf in the Blint family heraldry, the comparison was now apparent and the paralleles started to sprout in her mind faster than she could count them. You may find alliance, kinship, even loyalty in the pack of wolves, much less oftenly love and indulgence - she thought - a weak wolf is a liability to himself and to the entire pack. A tiny smile would've crept up on her face if it was not her face, trained to remain untelling, always.

As the alpha left the arena the pack remained in that meaningful kind of stillness. She watched him stride the cobblestones a while longer until he disappeared from her view as well. Watching the troubled figures in the distance she let out a sigh - part envious part wistful - and quickly looked to see if anyone was there to spot it.

There wasn't.

–

Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 7 days, 2 hours, 45 minutes ago

As Chubiske entered the room, he quickly found man sitting behind table looking surprised. As Chubiske was offered a chair to sit on, he left his glaive next to the door and sat on the chair in front of him. As he sat on the chair Count Boltgan offered some wine to him. "I'll gladly have bit of wine, as it has been long time since I had time to enjoy some quality wine." As Chubiske tasted the wine, he noticed how Count Boltgan could not look away from his eye patch. Instead keeping to himself, he raised his eye patch with his free hand, showing the empty eye socket and lot's of scars around it. "It has been at least 10 years since I lost my eye and got these scars. If it is fine with your Lord Boltgan, I wouldn't mind sharing the story on another day, as it has been a while since I had chance to share it. However today I mostly came to meet with my liege and give you my vows of loyalty. After this I shall travel further south to aide our allies in fight against the forces of evil." After Chubiske had finished his sentence, he stood up, took the chair he sat on and lifted it up to place it further away. After doing that he pushed one of his knees down to hard wooden floor while supporting his upper body on his another knee. After in position Chubiske said: "In the name of Von Weiss family, I Chubiske Von Weiss, second son of Izain, vow on this day to protect lands, honour and house of Count Boltgan Starck, until you are my lord I shall not allow any to harm your life . Your enemies shall be my enemies. I vow this pledge of loyalty on the honour of my name and my house!"

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 7 days, 1 hour, 19 minutes ago

Vahanian sat atop a boulder leaning against an even larger bolder smoking his pipe, the sun was setting and Vahanian watched it begin to dip below the horizon. Stheno climbed up beside him, but sat across from him. She looked troubled. Vahanian waited silently, she would speak when ready and pressing her wouldn't expedite that.

"...Uncle...I..." Stheno looked as though she couldn't find the words and Vahanian could see tears starting to well up in her eyes, he placed a hand gently on her ankle and said "Take your time little one." A single tear leaked down her cheek at his touch and voice, in that moment Vahanian's heart shattered as it had many times before. He longed to reach out to her, pull her into a loving embrace and cast away whatever was troubling her mind. He almost gave in to his initial reaction, but hesitated, and knew that she needed to speak first.

"Is Harrdun.. my f-....f-....fault?" she managed to mutter, quickly wiping the tear from her cheek, but not yet brave enough to look him in the eye. Vahanian said gently "Why are on earth would you think that?" Stheno didn't hide the tears that streaked down her cheeks now, her voice trembling, but still her own. "He hates you, because you were with me, protecting me.. if I hadn't been helpless, you'd have a son who loves you.. it's my fault.. If i'd never been born-" Vahanian didn't let her finish the sentence, he pulled her into his chest and hugged her as a father would his daughter and whispered. "It was nothing you did." She sobbed into his chest, her tiny body convulsing against his form. He held her and let her cry.

She took a deep breath, wiped the snot and tears from her face and looked up at him with red eyes and a quivering lip. "Little one, it was my choice and mine alone. I have to live with it and so does Harrdun. It is not your fault." She looked as if she was about to protest and Vahanian said "If you'd never been born, I still might not have been the father I should have to him. Before you, before your mother, I was a nomad. Lost. The one good thing in my life had been ripped away from me and I didn't know how to come back from that. You showed me how, Little One. I may have been your protector, but you saved me. Never forget that." She hugged him again, trying to convey all her emotions through one embrace and Vahanian hugged her back.

"Go now, Little One, go clean up, rest, you have training in a few hours.." She nodded and jumped off the rock and sprinted away.

A few moments later Vahanian blew out a puff of smoke and said "Don't skulk in the shadows, come on out and say your piece." Harrdun emerged from behind the cluster of rocks Vahanian sat on. He climbed up a smaller one and stood a bit apart from his father. "Was all that true?" Harrdun asked. Vahanian nearly leveled the boy with a stare. "I would not lie to her about that for your benefit. The fact of the matter is, she means more to me right now than you do." Before Harrdun could speak, Vahanian continued "And that is not a reflection on you as a son, but rather me as a father. I know her. I practically raised her. I sired you, but wasn't around for your childhood. A fact I will eternally regret. But because she means more to me, doesn't mean I love you less. You will always be my flesh and blood and she never will. But that doesn't mean she isn't family to me." Harrdun didn't know how to respond, he just stood there silent, stunned.

"Look, I know you had a rough childhood without me around. Ours is not an easily family to be born into. But however tough you think you had it, she had it worse. I guarantee it. So don't you dare blame her for any of your hardships." Harrdun still stood stunned, finally after a few moments, mustered the energy to speak and said "You meant it when you said you loved me." Vahanian nodded and said "I did."

Harrdun replied, "But you also were serious when you said you'd kill me." Vahanian nodded, somber and said "I was." "Why?" Harrdun asked. Vahanian looked at his son and said "The lone wolf dies but the pack survives." He let that hang between them for a moment. "You're my son, but you're not a Blint. Not yet at least. You need to earn the right to be apart of our family. Nothing is Given, Everything is Earned. Those are our words, and you will learn their meaning before taking my name. Or you won't."

Vahanian stood and left his son on the rocks to contemplate what he'd heard.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 5 days, 13 hours, 43 minutes ago

Jessica could feel the blood pounding in her temples, and a red hot heat rising in her face, as she read the letter. A single drop of blood ran down her hand and found its final resting place upon the parchment, her nails cutting her hands from the fury of her grip.

Rage consumed her face, and she opened her mouth in a silent scream as she ripped the letter in two.

"By Obeah!" Bryant exclaimed, leaping back from her sudden outburst, "What has happened m'Lady?!"

Jessica breathed heavily, calming herself. Blood covered her palm. She tried to secure her fire red hair with her unwounded hand and gain some sort of composure.

The absolute blasphemy, she thought. She motioned for something to write with, and a servant hustled over with a piece of parchement and a quill. She scribbled four words, and handed it to Bryant without a glance, storming from the room.

Bryant looked down at the note.

Grand Templar. Diplomats. NOW.

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 5 days, 5 hours, 57 minutes ago

Antonia rushed through the corridors of the Basilica, constantly mouthing ‘bugger, bugger, oh bugger it!!!’ More than one servant was knocked over as she pushed past, one girl clattering off a balcony into the canal below.

‘Oh, sorry!!!’ Antonia called over her shoulder, not bothering to check whether she was okay.

At last she reached the door to the ante-chamber of the Oracle’s inner sanctum and stopped for a moment, her hands on her knees, breathing heavily

‘Vice Marshal…’ she gasped, ‘come on old girl, breathe, Vice Marshal Antonia to see Her Holiness. I apologise for my tardiness, but getting stabbed in the very recent past really wrecks your fitness, you know’

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 5 days, 3 hours, 59 minutes ago

Baldwin moved through the streets of Rines and some of the neighborhoods of lesser repute, he moved with confidence and without fear. Mostly people who would accost him immediately backed down when seeing the sigil of office on his shoulder and/or his face. Being recognized as the Grand Templar's right hand had its perks. He found the estate he was looking for and with some quick words to the guards at the gate was admitted. He waited for Sir Ferdinand's house staff to announce him and then waited still while the young lord prepared himself.

Baldwin despised the niceties of nobility but would suffer through them when representing his master's interests. Sir Ferdinand opened the door to his solar and stepped out. Almost immediately recognizing Baldwin Sir Ferdinand looked as though he was about to speak. Baldwin held up a hand and said "Not here, young master. We will go to him if you're ready." He turned on his heels and led Ferdinand through the city back to the Templar Nexus. The two men wound down the descending stair into the heart of the city's underground.

Vahanian sat in the Hall of the High Templar, alone. Smoking his pipe he waited. Baldwin led Ferdinand into the hall and Vahanian nodded to his man. "The doors Baldwin, I wish for our conversation to be undisturbed." Baldwin bowed low and Vahanian offered Ferdinand a seat. The man looked a bit overwhelmed, but in a way that was the point.

"Welcome home, my friend. Tell me, how was the journey?"

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 23 hours, 45 minutes ago

"Welcome home, my friend. Tell me, how was the journey?"

The honourable templar sat unfazed by his surroundings. Slowly puffing on his pipe, small clouds of smoke left his mouth and slowly rose out of sight. While Ferdinand had been in such surroundings before, it was practical elements of such ornaments that the Grey Knight practiced.

"The journey overall took far longer than expected if I am going to be fair. While the mission itself was a success, I spent my fare share of hard nights in beds which were hastily made either in a run down Inn or out in the wilderness."

Sitting down opposite the Templar, Ferdinand continued:

"Baldwin found me with ease, which I am grateful for. I am glad that I can sleep tonight without having to be on edge for a horde to scar the paths of which I must tred for days to come not and to kill me in the middle of the night."

Putting a hand to his chin and stroked his untamed beard, which had grown substantially since his last visit to Rines, the urge to cut it off had grown substantially in the last few days and became a great priority in the evening to come.

Focussing on the Grand Templar, Ferdinand finished his account:

"However, through all my difficulties, Obeah has guided me well. I believe that she was looking over us as we carried out her will. Could you assist me on two counts friend? First, while I have been briefed on the situation regarding the realm in the recent month, I would like to hear your account of events. Second, over our brief correspondence the last month, you seemed to have a topic that you could only speak of in person. What was this?"

Ferdinand leaned back in his chair and listened keenly to the conversation to come.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 22 hours, 53 minutes ago

Vahanian hid his pleasure well, but underneath his mask he was grinning from ear to ear at his young charge. Efficient report and right to the point, laying out his desires as if they were part of the plan. It was exactly how he would have done it were their roles reversed.

"I am sure her eye was always on you. In terms of what has transpired in recent months, much. Through Obeah's work by the Oracle's hand the Holy Basilica is emitting a steady beam of Her light. We have conquered the southern expanse and are making preparations to fortify it as well as the rest of our regions. Two former Grand Inquisitors have been...disposed of... in one form or another." Vahanian paused for a moment to inhale more of the smoky sweet tobacco he burned in his pipe.

"Yes, I did have a matter I want to discuss with you, that is best done in person. Marshal Maura will be stepping down from her position as Marshal of the army. Vice-Marshal Antonia will take her place. Marshal Maura is stepping down with full honors and the support of this chamber." He said gesturing to the hall where the two men sat. "Antonia will be looking for a new Vice-Marshal, I want that to be you. Make no mistake, this will be a test, and your future depends on how you perform during this test."

Vahanian intentionally left the open-ended statement a bit ominous. Here sat before him, one of the most dedicated men he's known in a long time, and he wanted to see what he'd do when his fate and future were ripped from his hands.

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 19 hours, 27 minutes ago

The open ended statement left a ominous feel to the air. A man that he saw as close to a tutor and guide in his time in Obia'Syela sat across from him with a challenge that he did not expect. Initially throwing him, Ferdinand began to gather his thoughts.

Ferdinand sat in thought as more smoke from the pipe filled the small area of the room of which they sat for a few moments - watching the smoke rise above them and away into corners where the light did not shine. While Ferdinand never smoked, he didn't shy away from the smell of the tobacco.

"Grand Templar. I must humbly show gratitude for such a declaration and offer. It is something I never would of expected."

With that, Ferdinand bowed his head and then continued:

"First and foremost, I am a Grey Knight of Obeah. Whether my sword is needed or my mind, I am prepared to serve to my full capacity. Some may say that my nature is zealous and direct. It is perhaps not showing correct etiquette. However, my commitment to the cause and our religion cannot be questioned. Hence, without hesitation, Grand Templar, I accept your offer and will demonstrate to you my capabilities to lead Obeahs army's as a Grey Knight should."

As soon as the last words left his lips, Ferdinand went down on one knee infront of the Grand Templar and bowed his head once again.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 19 hours, 13 minutes ago

(OOC: Disclaimer - strong language. Cursewords.)

Small lantern enlighted Maura's bedside table as she scribbled messages. She would never entrust a scribe with Grand Council letters - paranoia was always one of the Inquisitor's tools of trade. She hesitated a bit, thinking about the contents and looked anxiously at the empty space in the corner of her bedchamber. There was no blue dress; the first thing she saw was an outstretched bloody palm and a dark-haired shape of avarge height. She waved it aside. The next thing that appeared was a disturbing daimonic mask, covering something that would likely prove to be even more disturbing, whatever it was. Another wave of hand dismissed that counselor as well. A gloomy tome promissed answers, but not the ones she sought. Finally a flash of empty, soulless eyes announced the visitor and glee of inhumane pleasure filled the room. The image could almost be seen, the voice could almost be heard.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, that blue dress, kid. To a hungry man lack of an apple is more obvious than an apple. The hell do you torture yourself for?! You have me for that!

The filth of that self-satisfied grin would not be scrubbed away by a wagon of soap and an ocean of water.

Seriously now - he was on the bed, sprawled like a cat - you know what to write. Why do you need me for?

The half-shut eyes of Grand Inquisitor tore into the parchment - wrathful, impatient - her tongue produced no words however, for mares of the night are frightful creatures and quick to flight.

Or perhaps you know too well, and you don't want to admit it? - he cackled and upped his pitch by an octave - oh no, the Earl did it! - then dropped the act with a laugh - if you tried to appear less like her you would quickly recognize how much more like me you really are.

He was by the window, bowing ceremonially - Very well, you know me, happy to serve. Where do we start?

He pointed at the letter - You know how it goes: first you take away something superficial, say - confidence, you make them think that's all... but there's more - He was sitting on the bedside table - then you lull them into the false sense of security by taking away their food and water, perhaps the light of day, make them think that's all - he was leaning forward, speaking seductively, moaning every odd word - then you up the ante and take away something personal, like a thumb. Shock! All things crumble, how can I not have it?! Certainly that's all, that's the worst it could get, isn't it? Isn't it, love?... he he he.

He was behind Maura, whispering in her ear:

But there is more, you and I we know it intimately - it is a war of imaginations - there is always more.

The sharp set of teeth on her earlobe could almost be felt the second before she shot up from her chair. Standing straight she screamed, her eyes still half-shut:

"The fat lot good it did you! Daimon of Vorstadt. What a joke! You ain't no daimon, you ain't nothing anymore, you dead f*ck. And I, here! I am Grand! F***ing! Inquisitor!"

Yelling out the last of sounds she was certain he would not be there, once she opened her eyes, but he was. His lips were not moving, yet the words were somehow there, not coming from the almighty sneer of the hellish Earl, rather from somewhere within:

"Yes, you came so very far from the kennels... tell me, when you dream of me, and I know you do... do you still growl?"

She tossed a jar of ink right at his smug face, her aim was never good but that time the projectile flew right to it's target and... passed through it, shattering on the wall.

Figments of imagination, however real, are always incorporeal.

"M'Lady? Do you need anything?" - a startled voice of a servant rung outside her bedchamber.

"N-no, stay out!" - Maura growled - "Wait! A new jar of ink. Swiftly."

"And a new servant" - she thought to herself, knowing that this one heard way too much.

–

Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 1 day, 23 hours, 35 minutes ago

Today Rania was not in the Solarium. As with most of her days, she spent them in court addressing the concerns of the citizenry and reassuring them that their faith would one day be rewarded. Rines, though mighty, was kept on minimum rations by necessity. It was difficult enough to keep morale high due to the constant rogue attacks on the city, but even more so when the captial's inhabitants suffered from hunger. Indeed, the only thing that kept Rines from rebelling was the constant and personal attention of the Oracle.

So, instead of the royal apartments above, Antonia was directed to an office in one of the bayside towers of the Basillica that Rania used to administer her domain. Blue-robed Paladins escorted the warrior woman into the Oracle's presence, admitting her into the office and closing the door behind her. Instinctively, Antonia appraised her surroundings. In an instant, it was clear that Rania herself had little to do with the decoration. Where most of the Basillica was spartan and pristine, this office was anything but. Flowering plants hung from the walls, sweetening the air with their blossoms. Scrolls with arcane symbols occupied the same tablespace as legislative agendas from the courts. A single ash tray, no doubt an accomodation for the Grand Templar, sat upon small table next to a decanter filled with something dark and sumptuously red. D'Haran bloodmoon wine, no doubt imported from Port Raviel. Floor to ceiling windows admitted to a balcony overlooking the bay and the hustle and bustle below where all manner of folk could be seen streaming to and from the Basilica in a living river. Heavy, sumptuously stuffed leather-bound chairs allowed for seating, the greatest of which was situated behind a massive and ornately wrought desk with wood stained so dark with age that it surely predated the founding of Obia'Syela itself. In the back of her mind, Antonia wondered if she wasn't standing in the former offices of some senator or higher-up from fallen Riombara, but her wandering mind snapped back to when her host arrived behind her.

"Thank you for coming, Antonia. Especially on such short notice. I understand that the campaigns in the south have consumed a great amount of your time." The Oracle sat behind the desk and gestured for Antonia to take a seat. "I have asked you here with specific purpose, of course, but first I'd like your opinion on the current state of the Enlightenment now that Grehk has been taken. Your brutally honest opinion, please, as though you were speaking to the Grand Templar. I was a general myself, in years past, and I've no need of honeyed words."

Before Antonia replied, a thought struck her: The Oracle had dropped the royal "We." She'd also neglected to use Antonia's title, both of which, she realized, was a first. Meeting's with the Oracle were rare enough, but informal ones were virtually unheard of and offered to a very select few. As such, these waters were entirely new to Antonia, and she wondered not for the first time what the Oracle's intent was behind summoning her here...

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 1 day, 22 hours, 34 minutes ago

Vahanian's interest peaked when Ferdinand took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Good, not as rash as I would have thought at his age." He thought to himself.

When Ferdinand dropped to a knee in a position of submission and fealty, Vahanian stood and said "Rise." He waited for his charge to stand and then took full measure of the man. "Walk with me, Marshal." Vahanian put an inflection on the word Marshal, there was a tone of approval in his voice.

The two men wandered the halls of the Nexus, discussing intricate details of Ferdinand's journey abroad. Vahanian was simultaneously playing back the conversation they'd had in the private chamber in his mind. Vahanian stopped and said "Your dedication to this order is absolute, that has never been a question, neither has your devotion to the faith. But I must caution you. There is a fine line between a pious zealot, and blind devotion. I offer this council, Live by Her word, not for it." Vahanian paused and took a breath.

"I was not always a man of faith. In fact for a time when I first arrive in the Sacred Realm, the gift of faith was one I had not received. I have always been a man that believes in what he sees and what I can touch. Until Obeah deemed it necessary to show me something...personal.. I did not take her word as law. I haven't changed all that much, but don't mistake my words. I believe in Obeah, I believe in her word, and her hand. But most of why I believe in Obeah stems from my belief in the Oracle. I've known her for many years, had I not seen her do some of the things she's done I'd not believe them." He paused again and thought for a moment before continuing on.

"Just as I do with each law, I read each sermon carefully. Weighing the words of the pious and preachers against what I know to be true. There have been false priests before, Goriad the betrayer is an example of that. So again, I caution you. Listen for the word of Obeah, but do not take the world to be black and white. It is very much every shade of grey." Vahanian placed a hand on Ferdinand's shoulder and squeezed gently. An unusual sign of affection from the Grand Templar.

"I must take my leave, but we will speak much more in the coming weeks." With that, Vahanian turned and left Ferdinand alone in the Nexus. He was walking up the winding stair with Baldwin who asked "My Lord, why share so much of your history with the young Marshal?" Vahanian chuckled and said "What did I teach you about a good chess player, Baldwin?" Vahanian's oldest friend said "A good chess player plays 3 moves ahead..?" Vahanian nodded and said "He does, but a great chess player only plays 1 move ahead, but it's always the right move." Baldwin nodded for a moment as if he understood before saying "Am I to understand what you meant by that?" Vahanian laughed and said "No."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 1 day, 22 hours, 4 minutes ago

After his meeting with Ferdinand, Vahanian strode onto the sands of the private training grounds in the Basilica courtyard. Stheno and Harrdun were warming up and stretching, Baldwin took Vahanian cloak and stood off to the side, Bartok was going through a sword form alone, using a two handed blade in one hand. Vahanian waited for Bartok to finish his form, the man did hate leaving tasks unfinished. "Bartok." Vahanian commanded. The man grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from his brow and jogged over to Vahanian. Vahanian said "Who is the better fighter?" nodding to Stheno and Harrdun. Bartok sighed and said "He is stronger, but she understands fighting better than he does, it makes sense to her, and she's faster but she lacks confidence."

Vahanian nodded and said, "Keep score, privately." Bartok nodded and Vahanian called Harrdun and Stheno over. "Harrdun, pick a weapon, we spar." Harrdun didn't say a word and picked a weapon he favored and readied himself. Vahanian picked up the same sword and took his stance, before they began he looked at Stheno and said "Count the mistakes we make." She nodded and sat in the sand facing them.

Vahanian nodded to Bartok who called the match to a start and Vahanian launched an aggressive attack. Harrdun was caught off guard and barely got a defense up in time. In a matter of seconds Harrdun was on the ground and yielded. Vahanian commanded "Again." This time he switched weapons to a scimitar. Harrdun launched the attack this time, but Vahanian was ready. He won the match again easily. Twice more after that the two men sparred. Each time Vahanian picked a new weapon, each putting him at more of a disadvantage, and each time we emerged victorious.

Stheno gave a short summary of the biggest mistakes she saw and Vahanian looked to Bartok who nodded and added on several of his own. Harrdun was starting to steam with anger. Vahanian looked at him and said "Swap with Stheno, score our matches." He sat still fuming. Vahanian let Stheno pick her weapon and he chose a whip chain. They began and she held her own, for a time. Using her speed to her advantage. Then when Vahanian rushed inwards with a ranged weapon she got confused and lost her footing. He helped her up when she yielded and he turned to Harrdun. "What was her biggest mistake?" He faltered realizing he hadn't been paying attention to the fight, but was reliving his own in his mind. Vahanian looked at him and simply said "Think on failure enough to learn why you failed. Then move on. Dwelling on it any longer will only be detrimental." Harrdun swallowed his retort and nodded. Vahanian placed his weapon back on the rack and motioned for Bartok to continue their training.

Vahanian glanced upwards and thought he caught a glimpse of Rania leaning over her balcony, watching her daughter train with him. But she was gone in an instant, and Vahanian wasn't even sure she'd really been there..

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 3 hours, 41 minutes ago

Antonia took the proffered seat, wincing. Her side still hurt from the duel. She knew that she shouldn’t be aggravating it, but her duty always came first. She pondered the Oracle’s words for a while, as she was a bit confused, before deciding to honour the Oracle’s request and be blunt. It felt odd at first, and then she grew more and more comfortable in speaking her mind, as she was wont to do with most others that she met

‘I presume you mean Iombro? Grehk is still ruled by the anarchists. Honestly, I think we might be overstretching ourselves if we aim to take any land west of Grehk. I think also that we need to get back to a time when the army was more responsive, we have had too many people failing to comply or being too slow in response. I am tired of having my cousin boast of the effectiveness of Perleone’s army. He’s an irksome little sod and as I am too far away to knock him on his skinny little arse, having a better army than him will have to do. I am also getting fed up of whiners in the realm, in particular His Grace Erheas D’Este. Either take an active role and help provide solutions, rather than passive aggressive “ooo, I wouldn’t have done it like that”, or shut the hell up. If he weren’t my social superior, if I met him in person I’d probably punch him until he resembled the meat in a butcher’s window.’

Antonia, deciding to test just how informal the Oracle was willing to be, leaned back in her chair in a very relaxed manner, gazing about the room. ‘I love the décor. Not quite on a level of my own apartments, but we could almost be sitting in the study of a Fitz Roberts. Did you select the furnishing’s yourself? Sorry, I’ve gone off on a tangent, I do that a lot. I hope that you can forgive me, Your Eminence’ Antonia added the last word on the end just in case she had gone too far. However, it was quite difficult to concentrate under the gaze of the older woman. When she had seen the Oracle in more formal settings, she had been too struck by awe and majesty to notice, but now she was beginning to notice the woman in front of her and realizing she liked what she saw. She snapped out of such thoughts, for they were surely blasphemous. She hoped that the Oracle hadn’t caught her staring.

‘What was it that you wanted to see me about, Your Eminence?’ Antonia asked, trying to avoid the Oracle’s stare

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 34 minutes ago

Vahanian was walking around the training grounds of the Basilica with Stheno and Harrdun, when the air changed. There was some violet lightening crackling around the pillar of light from the Basilica's peak. Vahanian stopped mid-sentence, instinctively dropping his weight and entering a ready stance, hand on the hilt of his blade.

"...Uncle?" Stheno said, her head in her hands, her voice shaky. To his credit, and Vahanian's pride, Harrdun had followed suit, and was covering Vahanian's back. Hand on blade. He said "Where do you need me?" If Vahanian wasn't so concerned with Stheno's safety, tears might have welled in his eyes from pride. However, his concern didn't stop his chest from swelling, and his eyes shinning with pride and approval. Harrdun noticed, and his features softened for a moment. Receptive to the moment father and son were sharing.

Vahanian said "Find Bartok, tell him it's time and I need the Legion in the Basilica. Then find Baldwin. Command of the Legion is his until I return. After those are accomplished. I need you at the estate. My study, top drawer on the left. False panel in the bottom of the drawer. Bring me what you find. If you are stopped or harassed on the way, use lethal action if you need be. But hurry." Harrdun nodded and sprinted off to do as he was bade. Vahanian moved through the courtyard towards the Basilica-proper. Bartok met him with Vahanian's 40 soldiers. The Templar Legion.

Vahanian looked at the man and said. "You have the foyer, Baldwin comes with me. Search everyone that enters." Ever the soldier and man of action, Bartok nodded and saluted. Directing the soldiers. Vahanian turned to Stheno who was still shaky, and looked into her eyes. "Uncle.. what is it? You're scaring me." Vahanian stared deep into his charge's eyes, his own hazel eyes reading everything he saw. He wished his eyes weren't matching what his gut was telling him. Something was coming.

"Come Little One, we must find the Oracle." Vahanian ascended the Basilica steps two at a time, Stheno hard on his heels. He arrived at the private office the Oracle was in, he hated interrupting her meetings, it was disrespectful. But this was important. The blue veiled paladins blocked his passage and he placed a hand on his sword-hilt. "You know me?" he asked them. They nodded their affirmation. "Then step aside or die. It will be regrettable to kill Paladins in the Basilica, but do not think my faith will prevent it." Stheno stepped from behind Vahanian and placed a hand on his forearm. Through his tunic she could feel the knotted muscles of a tensed warrior ready to cut down the obstacle in his path. She said "Uncle.." Then looked at the paladins and said "You know me?" They nodded once more and she continued. "I must see my mother, step aside by order of the Oracle." The paladins stiffened and withdrew their halberds barring Vahanian and Stheno's passage.

Vahanian burst into the office and said "Oracle, please forgive the intrusion, I would not make it were it not important. But something's changed..." His voice clearly distressed and his other senses on high alert, he scanned the room with ruthless efficiency. Identifying Antonia, but paying her no mind other than that recognize she was not an immediate threat.

–

Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 27 minutes ago

Rania held Antonia's gaze as though weighing the younger woman, stretching the moment just a heartbeat or two longer, then she allowed herself to smile.

"Don't let me catch you saying such things about an Obian duke in public, Antonia..." She said in a glibe tone. Candelight danced in her eyes. "As for why you are here, perhaps it is Obeah's will, rather than my own..." Rania turned her attention from Antonia to a drawer in the desk and came up with an official-looking, decidedly non-magical vellum scroll that she held out for Antonia to take.

Antonia did, and noticed immediately that the scroll was sealed by four wax stamps denoting the heraldry of the Oracle herself, allowing with that of the Grandmistress, the Grand Inquisitor, AND the Grand Templar. It was most likely a council decree, but there had been so few of those that Antonia had to struggle to recall if she had ever seen one. At a nod from the Oracle, Antonia broke the seal and read the surprisingly brief contents within. Then she read it again for good measure. And then a third time on top of that.

Rania wated patiently, but when Antonia seemed ready to read it a fourth time, she cleared her throat and interjected. "Some weeks ago, I petitioned the Grand Council for the authority to found a new army based out of Rines. A small, elite strikeforce comprised of my prized special forces, my Farseers, who's recruitment center is also based here in Rines. This army, which will hold the same name, will be tasked with rapid tactical response across the Sacred Realm and beyond, with supplementary duties in continued support of the Enlightenment. Furthermore, I will personally direct the first and best of Amen Keffa's resources and revenue toward making this force the most feared and respected on the continent."

It was dawning on her, Rania could see it in the other woman's eyes. "I should hope that what I want is obvious by now, no? I want you to lead this special task force as its Marshal-" The Oracle stopped mid sentence and in an instant her body language changed from congenial to what struck Antonia as that of apex animal that had just detected prey. Rania muscles went tense, her eyes scanned the room and she cocked her head as though listening to a familiar sound. Then, slowly, she looked up at the cieling. Confused, Antonia followed suit. She had already been remarking about the decor, had she perhaps offended her hostess? No...that wasn't it, nothing presented itself that could warrant that sort of reaction. So what was-

Before Antonia could finish her thought, there was a loud knock at the door and a urgent "Your Holiness!" muffled through the wood before it opened. The sheer nerve one would need to walk in on a closed sitting between the Oracle and one of the realms highest military officers was beyond audacious. Antonia's hand darted toward her weapon belt, sped by muscles that had been trained for years to react in an instant. So it was with some surprise that as she did, the Oracle's own hand closed upon hers in a staying gesture. The briefest thoguht flitered across Antonia's mind that before her Holy Revelation, the Oracle had been a warrior much like herself, and had trained with the blade for longer than Antonia had yet been alive. She looked back at Rania, surprised, but the Oracle's whole attention was no focused on the intruder.

"Enter" she commanded, the word somehow chilling. At the order, a blue-gauntleted hadnt pushed the door the rest of the way open, revealing a panting Paladin of Obeah, another of the Oracles special forces, struggling to come to attention over his heaving lungs. With sudden clarity, Antonia recognized him as one of the guards protect the Oracle's private sanctum, the Solarium atop the Basilica whom she had met some weeks ago during the Oracle's "failed" experiment with Stheno...

–

Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 27 minutes ago

Before he could report a word, Rania was already up and moving toward the door, pausing only briefly to gesture for Antonia to follow. Fortuantely, Rania's administrative office was still in the Royal wing of the palatial Basilica, and so it only took the two women a few moments to arrive to the trapdoor entryway of the Solarium. Before going up the stairs, Rania spun around.

"Marshal," she said, resuming her authority as though putting on a mantle. "Send a guard to raise the Grand Templar, he is to take my daughter to the Nexus, or as far from here as he can manage, and keep her safe until further notice. Dispatch runners to the Grandmistress and the Grand Inquisitor, i may have need of them both. I need you to take command of my Paladins and ensure that no one enters, or leaves, the Solarium unchallenged. I must evaluate the situation, if I need you, I will call for you, but for until I know what is happening, only Heralds, with their training and understanding of magic, are to be permitted beyond this point."

​And just like that, the Oracle was gone, vanishing up through the trapdoor and into the Solarium. For an instant, the foryer was filled with light so bright Antonia was all but blinded. When she recovered just a moment later, the light was gone, the trapdoor was closed, and the Council Writ to form a new army with her at its head was still in her hands...

–

Roleplay from Stheno

Message sent to all full members of Heralds of Obeah (28 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 7 minutes ago

But the Oracle's offices were already empty. Stheno and Vahanian cast confused glances at one another. "Uncle, I-" she swayed on her feet. "-I don't...feel so..." She never finished her sentence, the gold of her eyes rolled back into her head, leaving nothing but pitch black as she collapsed to the study floor.

And then she started screaming...

–

Rising Tension

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela - 1 day, 38 minutes ago

As the hours pass, the flickers of light become more intense, more urgent. The crackles of violet energy become more frequent. The air in the city becomes oppressive, as if a terrible storm were coming, but there isn't a cloud in the sky. Around the city, animals become restless—dogs whine to go out, then immediately want to get back in and hide under beds; tomcats set up a caterwauling like the city has never heard; rats begin scampering away from the Basilica; birds take to the air en masse and begin circling the column of light unceasingly.

Within the Solarium of the Basilica, the violet lightning is flashing nearly once every second or so now, and it is beginning to outline a shape in the air like a cat's slitted pupil, twice the height of a man, with its bottom point around knee height.

–

Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 20 minutes ago

Alone in the Solarium, Rania fell to her knees. The aura effecting the city beyond the Basillica was nothing compared to the intensity in the very eye of the storm. Blinded by light and buffeted by immaterial winds, Rania fell to her knees to keep from loosing her footing altogether. Though she could not see the shape forming before her, she could sense it, the sensation was similar to tracking the heat and light of the sun through closed eyes, only magnified beyond her ability to describe. The energy in the rivaled what she had experienced in her past. Magic, wild and awesome, flurried about her as the power of the stones burned byeond the cieling and into the sky above.

Face with such power, all of the carefully laid plans and backup plans that Rania had prepared for this experiment burned away from her mind, blasted away as the lightning flashes increased in pace. It was all she could do not to lose herself, her very soul, to the Maelstrom's edge upon which she teetered. Unable to do ought else, the Oracle withdrew into herself, divorcing her mind from the sensations of her body as best she good, grasping with practiced desperation to grab the reigns of mystical energy that spiraled about her like cyclonic melodies. At first she hummed, struggling to find a single tone amid the discordant chaos to cling to, like finding the single strand that when pulled could undo a massive knot. She could feel it there, beyond her sense, roiling like the untouchable horizon of the Sea of Four cities. No matter how she reached, it remained beyond her. Her nails bit into her palms as her body convulsed as she desperately tried to bend even a modicum of that terrible power to her will. She could taste blood in her mouth. Her skin weather fluctuating temperatures int eh extreme that jumped from scorching to freezing with each flash of light. But she did not give up, her hummed melody crescendoed into a wordless song, adding her own harmonies to untangle the symphony of power erupting from the stones.

And in that power, Rania directed her will. She searched, struggled to see, struggled to hear, struggled to find...

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 23 hours, 44 minutes ago

Vahanian caught Stheno with practiced ease before she hit the ground. Her screaming started and her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Fear gripped him. Immobilizing him. Suddenly a wave of purpose washed over him. He scooped Stheno up into his arms and sprinted. He sprinted through the Basilica and down the stairs, barreling into servants and courtiers alike. He was shouting to his men. They formed a protective wedge around him and Stheno, like a spearhead being thrust through armor, the group of men thundered through the holy tower.

"TO THE NEXUS." Vahanian shouted. 43 souls sprinted through the city, a phalanx of urgency. Vahanian arrived at the entrance to the Templar Nexus and descended the winding stair into the depths of his domain.

He turned to Baldwin and said "Issue the summons now. Any Templar in Rines that is not here within the hour is to be excommunicated from this order and hunted as a traitor. The ONLY exception is if the Oracle has issued superseding orders." He stopped and turned to the guards of the Nexus and said "Anyone who is not a full Templar is not permitted beyond this point. Should they attempt to enter, kill them." Vahanian descended into the depths of the Nexus until he reached the High Templar's Chamber. He flung the door open and stationed his own personal soldiers outside. 40 men, weapons readied stood guard. They would all die before letting anyone into the room.

Vahanian placed Stheno onto the cot in the room, she still convulsed but her screaming had subsided somewhat since leaving the Basilica. He draped his cloak over her and brushed her hair from her face. He held her hands in his own and began muttering prayers under his breath. He felt a presence in the room and spun drawing his sword facing the empty chamber. His eyes scanned the room, inspecting each inch for threats. A voice echoed in his mind, a calming soothing voice, that spoke a single word. "Peace." Vahanian relaxed, even though he wanted to remain tense. He knelt once more by Stheno and began praying again.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 hours, 57 minutes ago

Chapter 2 - High Noon

The journey from Ardmore had been uneventful and gave the young dame plenty of time to think about that morning outside of Turington. The battle was a bloody one and notable nobles were injured in the commotion. Grand Chancellor Jorvik Arial, Dame Mariana le Craint, and Knight Tom Derik were all injured. News of how badly wounded they are has not reached Eva. Outside of the nobility, three hundred seventy soldiers marched onto the battle field and only ninety walked off uninjured. Among the two hundred eighty casualties was a little known military advisor named Augustin. Augustin was an older man from Cjelegy and served under Eva Foote. The dame and advisor had grown close over the seven months they spent together. His death weighed heavy on Eva's mind as she blamed herself for what happened. A reckless move forward early in the battle left her and the archers she commanded in danger once the battle really started. None of the soldiers survived the battle. The only ones left were Eva and the captain of the unit, Erich.

Captain Erich didn't speak much with Eva after the battle but when they did speak it was not a pleasant conversation for Eva. She tried to look for consolation from the brutish captain, it was fool's errand. When she spoke of Augustin's death being her fault, Erich agreed with her assessment. Eva spoke to Erich about her doubts to command soldiers and handle life in the military. There too Erich was forthcoming in his true beliefs. Erich was blunt and said what he always said, this was no place for her. Eva was torn in half, part of her agreeing with Erich and part of her wanting to push forward.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 hours, 55 minutes ago

In a quiet manor room, surrounded by books, Eva sat reading various letters and reports. Peterson, her grandfather, had fallen asleep in the chair across the desk from her. The only sound in the room was the rustling parchment and the grating snore coming from the old man. Her eyes scanned over the letters on the pages but none of it reached her mind. The tired dame put the paper onto the darkly stained wooden desk. She looked at her grandfather whose long grey beard folded under his chin that rest upon his midnight black robe. A snore was still coming from his wrinkled face and Eva was getting impatient. The journey was long and she wanted advise from the man who tutored her in her youth. Peterson may have been losing touch with reality but without Augustin around Eva had no one else to turn to. Eva hoped that in between the bouts of insanity there might still be some wisdom. The door opened and a messenger walked in with a letter. "M'lady, a letter from the Templars here in Rines," the man handed the letter to Eva before walking out. The closing of the door woke up the elder Peterson. His head raising off his shoulder in a snap and eyes looking at the door before settling on Eva as she unfurled the scroll. "What is it?" the raspy voice of Peterson asked. "Reports of undead in both Rueffilo and Rii," she sighed, "just never ends does it?" "No and it never will. Life is a constant battle against humanity and the forces of evil. There is no escape." Eva took note of how her grandfather seemed to be coherent at the moment and knew that if she were to get advise now would be the best time. She gently wet her thin lips with her tongue and cleared her throat.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 hours, 54 minutes ago

"I don't think I can continue. It is too much. The macabre scenes still linger in my mind. They don't feel like a memory, it's like I am still in Ardmore. Augustin..." she hesitated a moment, "didn't make it. I remember looking back as we retreated and seeing him fall to that beast. It was horrible," she shook her head as she confessed her sins, "it was all my fault, I gave the order to move in closer. If I would have just stayed where we were then he would have survived. The soldiers under my command would probably have lived too. Maybe I should just become a bureaucrat and leave the fighting for those that can handle it." "We are not a family of cowards, we are a family of warriors and always have been. You will continue to fight and become what you are meant to be. You can not escape your fate," Peterson chuckled, "it is written in blood upon the stone of time." He leaned forward grabbing the round fruit off the desk. "This, Augustin...he was a soldier and he died a noble death. It was his destiny to die with honor and there was nothing you could have done to avoid that. Maybe he would have lived to see a few more fights had you not made that mistake, but he was going to die in combat. It was the will of the Gods." Peterson leaned back in his chair and began peeling the violet rind with small black spots from the round fruit. Eva watched as the Peterson slowly removed the fruits rind, exposing its maroon insides. The color of old blood got her thinking about the family history. "Who exactly in our family fought?" she asked, "I've searched the records and there is no mention of such people. I'm thinking you have made up this story and convinced me to do something I never should have. So, what imaginary tale are you going to give me today?" Eva's brow furled as she stood up from her seat." "My father, his father, a line that goes back to the dawn of time. There are no records of this here in Rines. I brought your father here when he was a young man and we didn't bring a bunch of papers with us. No one here has this on record, why would they have notes on the history of lands far from here?" Peterson bit into the exposed fruit and the maroon juice stained his white beard. "You will need to be leaving soon, soldiers are needed for Rueffilo and Rii." Eva shook her head as she looked at the old faded tattoo that circled Peterson's right eye and went down behind his bearded cheek. Above this tattoo was another one, some markings that she did not know. Her gaze moved towards the books on the shelves to her left, "I don't think I will be going." "You will be going and so will I," Peterson laughed. "What are you talking about, you haven't left this estate in years. You are not well enough to go on a campaign." "Oh I'm not going with you, I have business in Gryphon's Nest. I will be going to Cjelegy and you will be going where ever the marshals command." Eva started to walk towards the door. "Wait," Peterson called towards Eva before she could leave. She looked back as Peterson spoke, "continue your path in the military. You are at a crossroads, a test of your character. You can either be a coward that hides from adversity, or a warrior that accepts all challenges in front of them." There was a moment of silence as he took another bite from the fruit, "we are not a family of cowards, you will either be a warrior or you will not be family." Eva opened the door and left in silence.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 hours, 24 minutes ago

Vahanian felt the explosion ripple through the city. It was a raw magical power that flooded through his veins reports were streaming in of Daimons kidnapping and taking the place of people throughout the city. He gripped his sword tighter, he hated this part. Waiting. Wondering. There was nothing to be done, nothing save for keep Stheno safe and away from the Basilica until the Oracle deemed it safe for her to return.

He would give anything to have been in the solarium with her, he despised leaving her alone, especially when he was convinced there was an immediate danger to her looming. He slammed his fist onto a table in frustration, his hand landing next to Stheno's pack.

Vahanian noticed a strange vibration coming from her pack, and when he opened it to look, he saw that the portal stones she had in there were humming and glowing with an eerie violet glow. The sound and the glow increase in frequency and intensity until it is almost unbearable and then there is a horrible cracking sound. Half the stones have shattered, and any that remain retain an oddly menacing violet tint.

The shattered stones threw shrapnel up at him scoring his right arm with burn marks. Though the cuts themselves were not deep they burned with excruciating pain. He screamed in pain, his mind being flung back to time spent on a Daimon torture rack. He dropped to his knees blinking away tears and blurred vision as he cradled his arm, his mind begun rifling through memories long buried. His arm burning in physical pain while his mind swam in emotional torment. He saw her face, vividly her image came to mind, perfect, beautiful. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a smile that could simultaneously root him in place and pull him across worlds. Her voice, soothing, calm, gentle, loving. Vahanian screamed in torment before blacking out.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 hours, 19 minutes ago

He awoke, his cheek was pressed against the cold stone floor. Baldwin knelt next to him, concern clear on his face. Vahanian sat up, his head swimming, his vision blurry. Slowly he stood against Baldwin's cautions. His arm still burned, but the pain was less intense, more of a dull throbbing now. He couldn't have been unconscious for more than a few minutes.

He looked over at Stheno, she was still passed out on his cot wrapped in his cloak. He waved away Baldwin's concern and care and said "I'm fine. Leave me be."

Baldwin refused to move and asked "Whose Kassandra?" Vahanian whipped around and asked "Where did you hear that name?" Baldwin looked at his master, concern still painted on his face and said "You screamed her name just before collapsing..."

Vahanian's intensity wilted a bit, when he finally spoke, sorrow and pain beyond words was thick in his voice. "She was my wife." Baldwin knew better than to press for more information. Vahanian rarely talked about his past, and never about his wife. "Really Baldwin, I'm fine. Just some water and tea, and some bread for her." He nodded to Stheno.

"Also, bring the latest reports from the streets."

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 17 hours, 8 minutes ago

The Violet Calamity - Pt. 1

((OOC: Disclaimer - RP depicts violent scenes, which include vivid descriptions of blood and gore.)

Listen for the word of Obeah, but do not take the world to be black and white. It is very much every shade of grey." Vahanian placed a hand on Ferdinand's shoulder and squeezed gently. An unusual sign of affection from the Grand Templar.

Once the Grand Templar departed and left Ferdinand in the nexus, it gave the Grey Knight some time to think. The advice that he was given was something that Ferdinand had already contemplated, debated and was torn over. Where was the line between a pious zealot and blind devotee? He knew he was neither. Yet, the grey of the world and the trust in people are perhaps opinions and views that need to be learnt over a lifetime. Pondering over this, Ferdinand retreated into his thoughts, for an undetermined amount of time.

Suddenly, through the windows of the Nexus, violet flashes of light began to rain down near the Basilica. Instantly reacting to the danger, the Grey Knight drew his sword and ran through the hallways of the building he resided in. Seeing what appeared to be the Grand Templar's personal guard swarming into the Basilica. Sprinting forward into the entrance-way of which they came, Ferdinand looked outside of the main entrance. To the guards of the Nexus, Ferdinand demanded:

"I am Sir Ferdinand, Grey Knight of the Templar Order. Guard! Tell me what in going on here?"

In response, the guard spoke with confidence as he gestured to the Basilica, where a violet energy surrounded the Basilica:

"Sir Grey Knight, look to the..."

A second later, where the portal was, a vortex of violet energy twisted and shrieked. Taking cover with the guard he had just held conversation with, the Vortex seemed to hover and prod at the Nexus building. With great surprise, Ferdinand saw that the building was not damaged by its contact. After a few moments however, violet energy came crashing down at great speed. Ferdinand could only watch as a some of the militia stationed nearby the Nexus were caught. Within this vortex, voices shrieked, bodies distorted and vanished, being replaced by what could only be described as Daimon soldiers, armed with imposing pikes and hammers.

The significant critical danger that the realm was in, Ferdinand took charge and began to rally:

"All militia, soldiers and Templars! Rally to me! Send word to the Zealots! We shall send this Daimons back to the realm which they came. In Obeahs name, these beings shall be banished!"

With a triumphant shout from local soldiers whom had rallied to the entrance way of the Nexus, Ferdinand dove into battle with the Daimons. Significantly taller than the bodies of which they replaced, the Daimons crushed nearly all whom opposed them. With the training that the Lexicon gave him, Ferdinand was the best equipped to deal with the threat they faced. However, one Daimon stood out above all...

Cont...

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 17 hours, 8 minutes ago

The Violet Calamity - Pt. 2

((OOC: Disclaimer - RP depicts violent scenes, which include vivid descriptions of blood and gore.)

One Daimon, which possessed one eye and a mouth that within itself was a sentient being within itself. Inside it's gaping mouth, while posing as a tongue, there was a smaller mouth which took a life of it's own. The grotesque, used it's hammer to smash numerous soldiers into the nearby wall while taking little pleasure in the action. Taking a second to think, Ferdinand moved to the entrance-way to grab a torch that was mounted on the wall and attracted the attention of the Daimon. Using the torch to create distance between himself and the grotesque Daimon once it committed into engaging the Great Knight, the creature bellowed an unnatural sound that pierced all ears that heard it.

Using a specific style from the Lexicon, Ferdinand tempted the Daimon into a charge against him. Opening himself up, he prepared his plan. With enough taunt, the Daimon came charging forward with a speed that was unnatural for a creature of it's size. The ground shook, and the stone broke with each step it's lumbering feet took. Ferdinand continued to evade until an opportunity to attack the unholy being was apparent. After a minute of avoiding and frustrating the creature, Ferdinand saw his opportunity. With all the momentum Ferdinand could muster, he threw the torch at the creature to force it to dodge the flaming piece of wood or parry it away. Seeing the movement coming, the Daimon battered the torch away with it's hammer and towered over Ferdinand with only a few feet separating them. Preparing to strike down on the Grey Knight, Ferdinand tumbled aside and prepared another swing with his sword to counter the hammer blow that just shattered the stone below them. With some fortune, a stream of crossbow bolts came flying and pierced the Daimon whom howled in reaction. Using this distraction, Ferdinand was able to bring down his sword onto the creature's hammer wielding arm to remove it from it's body. Following through, the Grey Knight then used the over-sized hammer that was just dropped as a platform to leap into the air a few feet to give him the momentum to bring the sword down on the Daimon, catching the creature in it's foaming mouth and slit the being into two.

Taking a second to breath, Ferdinand looked around him. The vortex had come down and warped numerous individuals into Daimons of varieties that Ferdinand could not name. The defenders of the Nexus were able to hold the line against the increasing Daimons, but were in desperate need of reinforcements. The stream of new Daimonic soldiers never seemed to end. However, the Vortex seemed more occupied with searching around the building than to make more minions. Charging into the fray once again, Ferdinand supported his fellow knights for what seemed to be a lifetime while awaiting the arrival of the Zealots and other noble's retinues. No battle that Ferdinand had ever participated in before could compare to the brutality or bloodshed that had occurred in such a short time-frame this night. Blood had begun to form puddles and paint the streets in it’s image. When larger Daimons appeared, the force of numbers by the Nexus’ defenders and Ferdinand’s leadership ultimately began to defeat the creatures. It was only till the noticeable violet light from the vortex came back into view when Ferdinand realised the scope of the events that were occurring.

With another scream, Ferdinand turned to the entrance where one of the Daimons had replaced one of the bowmen near the entrance before the vortex dissipated. As a result, the overpowering strength of the creature slaughtered the unfortunate soldiers whom resided nearby. Fighting his way through the battlefield outside the Nexus, Ferdinand could tell that the creature was attempting to gain true access to the building. Hence, breaking free of the melee, Ferdinand charged up the Nexus’ steps and caught the Daimon unawares by slashing down the deformed back of the creature.

With a greater sense of the overarching situation slowly unfolding, the Grey Knight rushed through the Nexus, with most of the fighting continuing with the arrival of Captain Caspar and the Templar Zealots out of the corner of his eye. Navigating the hallways of the Nexus, Ferdinand had found himself outside the Grand Templar’s Chamber. Outside the room, the Grand Templar’s personal retinue resided. Feared soldiers and worthy members of The Templar Legion, Ferdinand attempted to communicate with the Legion, hoping to discover the Grand Templar’s location and perhaps a greater clarity to the situation.

–

Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 16 hours, 32 minutes ago

As Chubiske rode toward Rines, he saw strange lights "What is that??" asked his companion. "I have no idea, however whatever it is, it can't be good." Chubiske unmounted his horse took out piece of paper, pressing it against back of his horse and wrote:

Count Boltgan,

There is something happening in city of Rines. Please send help if you can.

Knight Chubiske Von Weiss,

After that he quickly sealed the letter and pushed it against his companion. "Today, I shall free you from military service.." "My lord..."tried the man to complain, however Chubiske did not listen and continued "You are to take my horse and ride toward Cjelegy now! This must reach Count Boltgan, even if it costs your life! "But.." man thought and then said in loud voice: "Yes, sir!" putting his fist on his heart, taking the hastily written letter. Mounted Chubiske's warhorse and began his ride toward Cjelegy.

As his companion got further and further, Chubiske took his glaive from his back, removed the cloth from edge and began running toward Rines. The Scales on his armour making huge noise helped him to more or less stay concentrated. As he got closer to Rines he noticed how huge being started to descend from heaven. "Bloody Hell, did they manage to summon a real god into this world?" However by the time Chubiske got into Rines he saw that it was no goddess, but devil himself. As people around him disappeared he kept rushing toward nearest barracks to gather number of brave fools. As he opened the door all he found was a group of old and young men who were terrified seeing huge man hitting door open. While most of the guard had rushed toward the Nexus. "Where are the warriors? Why are here only old and young? Where are able guards??" Chubiske demanded answers from the people left behind. "Most of them have been gathered by Grand Templar to defend Templar Nexus or out on the streets, while we older and too young were left here to defend population and say that all templars are to gather in Nex.." as man was about to finish his sentence huge scream outside. Disappeared people either changed into daimons or they were summoned in their place, who were now going wild. Slaughtering anyone on their path. Chubiske threw his gold pouch on the table and said: "If any of you is brave enough and foolish enough to join me, in the hunt of few monsters take 5 gold coins and grab a weapon and follow me!" About half of them took the coins saying that at least it's better to die fighting than hiding. As his new unit was ready to march out of the barracks Chubiske yelled: "Today we meet death itself, let us see if we are able to beat it!" Chubiske hitted door open with his leg and rushed outside.

Looking around he saw twisted beings that he had seen books before. "So these are daimons, they look damn uglier in real life. Those with shields shall take outerside while me and those with spears shall take vanguard, others stand behind them and do not break formation, unless I allow! We shall be moving toward Grand Temple!" "Not toward Nexus?" asked one of the men. "I am no Templar, I have no need to protect their headquarters. What is important is to defend people, thus we shall be moving toward Grand Temple." As Chubiske got slowly toward Grand Temple, he noticed woman with some of armoured soldiers covered in deep layer of blood and fighting off hordes of daimons. "Break up and help fellow humans against the blight of this world!" Chubiske charged ahead, not looking if his men followed him behind. "COME AND MEET YOUR DEMISE!" Warcry which was heard all over the place. Smile on his face, rushed past the woman and her band of soldiers. Chubiske then stopped took huge swing into daimon ahead, getting his glaive stuck halfway in the body. While he was pushing his glaive through the body, he had overextend again and was soon surrounded. Daimon from Chubiske's right took a swing with his hammer and was sure to crush his left knee, if it was not for a young man who jumped in front of hammer with his shield. As shield deformed and his bones in the arm were breaking he looked up at his lord and said "My lord please do n..." suddenly he froze up as he saw his eye, it was not the look of a man, but instead a look of a animal, living only to fight. The pain of his left hand getting crushed quickly brought him back to reality and he yelled:"Those with shields, join me and let us protect our lord, before he get's himself wounded." All Chubiske had right now was to fight for his life and hope that his letter got to his lord, Count Boltgan.

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 15 hours, 19 minutes ago

Eva and the soldiers under her command had set up camp in Obeah Meadows near the popular inn called Pablo's EsciBar. The candle flickered as it lit up her tent, she quietly read through the scout reports she recieved. One report was of a small group of monsters heading from Ardmore to her location in Avengmil. Eva tossed the report down on the small table and unfurled a map of the area. It was decided that Eva's archers, the Arrows of Obeah, would meet the monsters at the bridge and tactically retreat to the walls of the town of Avengmil. This would allow the military in the region to be unified behind the fortifications. The road was crucial to allowing this fast retreat and should make the battle much easier. The flap of the tent was thrown open and Eva's eyes jolted to the opening. A messenger stood out of breath and held out a scroll for the young dame. She took the scroll and broke the seal as the messenger left to wait outside. Eva gasped and dropped the letter before walking outside. The wind ripped through her thin nightgown chilling her skin. Blue silk floated away from her bare knees and out into the air to her side. "What did they do..." her voice shook as she looked at the night sky to the northwest. Various shades of violet and deep blue swirled through the skies towards the city of Rines. Her heart sank as she was enthralled by the lights. A warmness fell upon her shoulder and she felt a gentle grasp. "We should go," a firm voice came from behind her. "There are hundreds of soldiers in Rines, they will be able to handle it. We need to stay here and keep an eye on the town." Eva couldn't look away from the black, violet, and blue sky. She felt the warm leave the top of her shoulder and travel down her back before leaving. "As ya wish lil dove."

–

Roleplay from Boltgan Starck

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 8 hours, 15 minutes ago

Accompanied by some scouts, the Count Boltgan spent the night on one of the Central Hills. The route that he followed was towards Avengmil, to start a mission that he had recently obtained approval to carry out. The first rays of the sun began to bathe the low pastures of the hills. The Count could not sleep peacefully that night, some violet flashes that came from the west horizon were the cause to keep him awake a good part of the night. Maybe it was some Rines' beam anomaly before vanishing, thought the Count.

With the beginning of this new day, Boltgan decided to postpone his trip to Avengmil, and change his route to Rines instead to see what was happening exactly there. While he was going down the hill slopes, a rider could be seen unloading his liquid load while his horse was grazing nearby. It was something very suspicious. Stealthily the Lord and his scouts surrounded him without the rider realizing it. Once close, his rider's armor was recognized, and then the warhorse made obvious the deduction that it was a Knight Chubiske's soldier.

"It seems that you are looking for me" - Boltgan spoke as he approached the soldier.

"Count Boltgan... I did not expect to find you here" - the surprised soldier replied while bowing his head.

"I bring an urgent message for you, from my Lord." - continued the soldier as he handed the letter to the Count.

Boltgan took the letter and read it quickly. It is not that it contained many words, but these were serious to the Lord.

"Thank you for your loyalty, rest as much as you wish." - The Count told the soldier.

"Let's hurry up, something serious has happened in Rines" - The Count Boltgan ordered his scouts and they resumed their journey to Rines at a brisk pace, while one of them was ahead at full gallop.

–

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 6 hours, 36 minutes ago

Walking through the street, the early morning sun cresting over the skyline of the harbour buildings, Mariana remained vigilant. Her personal guard joining her as they patrolled through the city, armed with an assortment of finely crafted longbows and an array of crossbows, they wandered the streets closely monitoring the movements of the undead, clearing out as many as they could. Mariana herself had replaced her previous set of armaments with a masterpiece of a sword and a finely crafted crossbow on her back. One of her scouts returned to her side and handed her a small piece of parchment, a simple drawn map of the streets with key points highlighted. Of key importance was the path the Daimons were seemingly taking.

The events of the day had confused her so far, without a warning the arrival of said Daimons and the battle that followed where the Daimons seemingly assisted in fighting against the undead. She pondered to herself, What does this mean? What will happen to us now? What caused this to happen? Mariana turned to the scout.

"Good work, continue monitoring them. Should they make any further aggressive moves I wish to hear about it." Without a moment of hesitation, the scout disappeared once again.

Mariana continued down the street, taking care to keep off the main roads through the city. For a moment, she heard a scream coming from a nearby alley. The sound of a young girl, a bloodcurdling scream that could only mean one thing. She darted down the street towards the direction of the scream. Before long, she found herself confronted by a small gathering of undead, surrounding a body seemingly feeding off the corpse. She drew her crossbow and took aim at the beasts.

"Take aim.... FIRE." A ricochet of bolts and arrows from the Vigilants rippled down the alley piercing the fleshy mess that was the undead mound. Before long, there was not movement left. Drawing her sword she went over and examined the corpse. A young commoner girl, her face now barely recognisable however the feeling of fear still gripping her face. Mariana grabbed a nearby scrap piece of cloth and covered her body, by now a small crowd was gathered. "Call for the city guard, this needs to be cleaned up."

Mariana wiped the blood off her swords and stepped out from the alley, pushing past the gathered crowd who seemed to recoil in fear and respect, many bowing their heads to hide their faces. Walking quickly, she returned back to her route and awaited more news.

–

Roleplay from Apostate

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 5 hours, 31 minutes ago

Apostate awoke from his stupor, lying in trash to a violet storm. He waited it out, cowering in his tattered robes. When it ended he looked to his palm, it was crisscrossed with several more cuts and his dagger was nowhere to be found. His stomach growl and he crawled up. The former priest stole bread from a nearby bakery, halfway through his illegal meal he heard s cry of alarm. Curiosity got the better of him and he searched for it’s source.

People fled from an imposing figure, standing six feet hunched over. It’s skin was a deep crimson and it hurt the eyes to look at. Apostate’s heart soared. His Masters has returned! Truth had returned! He sprinted to it and quite literally fell to his knees.

“I-I have waited! I have been faithful! I gave my blood to pervert their rituals! I called you! I serve, I serve, I serve! My life is, it has always been, yours!”

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 3 hours, 14 minutes ago

The Nightmare's Beginning. Pt. 1

Vahanian tended to Stheno's unconscious form, dripping water into her mouth and laying out some bread and cured meat for her when she woke. He ground some herbs into a powder and mixed it with water, creating a tonic that would help ease her impending headache, and help her sleep a dreamless sleep.

He then tended to his own needs. Binding his arm in black cloth to hide any burns or blood that formed, he then ate his own portion of bread and meat. Drinking water and a hot cup of tea to clear his mind. He washed his face in the basin and then left his chambers. Locking the door and handing the only key to Baldwin. "Your life for hers, if you must." Vahanian said, noticing his Grey Knight Sir Ferdinand conversing with his men.

Baldwin bowed his head and said "My soul for hers, always." The two friends clasped arms and Vahanian turned taking his personal guard with him and leaving the Nexus guard to assist Baldwin. Vahanian and his soldiers walked through the depths of the Nexus, and Vahanian motioned for Ferdinand to follow.

"Grand Templar.. what-" Vahanian placed a hand on the young knight's shoulder and said "I know. Something went wrong in the Basilica, the Oracle is doing everything she can to rectify it with her magic. We must keep the Nexus safe." He said glancing back towards his chambers. It was no secret that Vahanian favored Stheno. "Come, let us survey the streets once more."

The group of men cautiously stepped out of the safety of the Nexus and onto the bloodstained, and magic scorched cobblestone streets. An eerie calm had settled over the city. One man sighed and commented that it must be over. Vahanian drew his sword and said "No, it hasn't really started yet.."

A shrill shriek echoed across the stone walls of the nearby buildings. Vahanian looked up and saw a Daimon with four arms, each wielding a blade of bone and a bone carapace. A single tiny black jewel rested between it's eyes and seemed to pulsate. The creature leapt from the building and landed in front of Vahanian in a ready stance, sending cracked cobblestone flying from the force of the landing. A handful of lesser creatures showed up and swarmed to the Daimon's cry. Vahanian threw off his cloak and called to his men "Kill the minions. Sever their heads. We'll deal with this one." He said, before glancing at Ferdinand who'd already readied his weapon.

"Circle the left and don't charge him." Vahanian commanded and the Grey Knight did as he was bade. Vahanian made the sign of Obeah over his sword and chest and began muttering as he started to circle the opposite direction of Ferdinand "Veiled One, great strength to my arm and force to my blade. Grant peace to my mind and light to my heart. Grant me the tools necessary to vanquish your foes and send these creatures back to the Hell from whence they came." Vahanian said the final sentence through gritted teeth as he charged forward, a warcry passing through this lips. He stabbed at the creature but his blade bounced off the carapace of bone. The creature turned it's focus to him and unleashed a furious assault with all four arms and blades. Vahanian blocked, parried, sidestepped, ducked, and dodged. Narrowly missing being severed in two. His face was a mask of calm. There was a light in his eyes, that one might interpret as joy. He was a virtuoso with a blade, and combat was his song. Ferdinand rushed in also, trying to distract the creature, and did so for a time. The creature split it's attention between the two Templar. But each blow that was struck against the creature did not cause any harm. Vahanian's mind was searching for a weakness in the armor, scanning, searching, frantically.

Finally it dawned on him. There was none. His mind snapped to a singular focus at that point and he yelled out. "THE JEWEL."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 3 hours, 14 minutes ago

The Nightmare's Beginning. Pt. 1

Vahanian tended to Stheno's unconscious form, dripping water into her mouth and laying out some bread and cured meat for her when she woke. He ground some herbs into a powder and mixed it with water, creating a tonic that would help ease her impending headache, and help her sleep a dreamless sleep.

He then tended to his own needs. Binding his arm in black cloth to hide any burns or blood that formed, he then ate his own portion of bread and meat. Drinking water and a hot cup of tea to clear his mind. He washed his face in the basin and then left his chambers. Locking the door and handing the only key to Baldwin. "Your life for hers, if you must." Vahanian said, noticing his Grey Knight Sir Ferdinand conversing with his men.

Baldwin bowed his head and said "My soul for hers, always." The two friends clasped arms and Vahanian turned taking his personal guard with him and leaving the Nexus guard to assist Baldwin. Vahanian and his soldiers walked through the depths of the Nexus, and Vahanian motioned for Ferdinand to follow.

"Grand Templar.. what-" Vahanian placed a hand on the young knight's shoulder and said "I know. Something went wrong in the Basilica, the Oracle is doing everything she can to rectify it with her magic. We must keep the Nexus safe." He said glancing back towards his chambers. It was no secret that Vahanian favored Stheno. "Come, let us survey the streets once more."

The group of men cautiously stepped out of the safety of the Nexus and onto the bloodstained, and magic scorched cobblestone streets. An eerie calm had settled over the city. One man sighed and commented that it must be over. Vahanian drew his sword and said "No, it hasn't really started yet.."

A shrill shriek echoed across the stone walls of the nearby buildings. Vahanian looked up and saw a Daimon with four arms, each wielding a blade of bone and a bone carapace. A single tiny black jewel rested between it's eyes and seemed to pulsate. The creature leapt from the building and landed in front of Vahanian in a ready stance, sending cracked cobblestone flying from the force of the landing. A handful of lesser creatures showed up and swarmed to the Daimon's cry. Vahanian threw off his cloak and called to his men "Kill the minions. Sever their heads. We'll deal with this one." He said, before glancing at Ferdinand who'd already readied his weapon.

"Circle the left and don't charge him." Vahanian commanded and the Grey Knight did as he was bade. Vahanian made the sign of Obeah over his sword and chest and began muttering as he started to circle the opposite direction of Ferdinand "Veiled One, great strength to my arm and force to my blade. Grant peace to my mind and light to my heart. Grant me the tools necessary to vanquish your foes and send these creatures back to the Hell from whence they came." Vahanian said the final sentence through gritted teeth as he charged forward, a warcry passing through this lips. He stabbed at the creature but his blade bounced off the carapace of bone. The creature turned it's focus to him and unleashed a furious assault with all four arms and blades. Vahanian blocked, parried, sidestepped, ducked, and dodged. Narrowly missing being severed in two. His face was a mask of calm. There was a light in his eyes, that one might interpret as joy. He was a virtuoso with a blade, and combat was his song. Ferdinand rushed in also, trying to distract the creature, and did so for a time. The creature split it's attention between the two Templar. But each blow that was struck against the creature did not cause any harm. Vahanian's mind was searching for a weakness in the armor, scanning, searching, frantically.

Finally it dawned on him. There was none. His mind snapped to a singular focus at that point and he yelled out. "THE JEWEL."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 3 hours, 6 minutes ago

The Nightmare's Beginning Pt. 2

Vahanian and Ferdinand dueled the creature for some time, trying to cut out, or smash the jewel that rested between it's eyes. The intelligent warrior he was, Ferdinand grabbed another torch from a nearby sconce and used it in conjunction with his sword. Drawing the eye and ire of the creature. Vahanian rushed forward and with all his might slashed his sword into the back of the creature's legs, hamstringing it. Black blood sprayed out and hissed and sizzled as soon as it met the air.

A sound of unimaginable horror echoed from the creature's mouth. Vahanian used the momentum of his hamstring strike to spin his whole body and rotate his grip on sword. Bringing down at an angle his blade with all his might he slashed the jewel from the creature's forehead. It hit the cobblestone and shattered the nearby stones. The creature crumpled to the ground and Vahanian ran over to the stone, cutting a strip of cloth from his tunic he wrapped the stone in it before smashing it under the heel of his boot in the cloth. tying the cloth off to make a pouch for the stone's shards he tucked it away into his tunic. Grabbing the torch from Ferdinand he severed the head off the Daimon from it's crumpled form and set it aflame. Turning now to survey his surroundings he saw the lesser creatures has crumpled when the stone left the Daimon's forehead.

He took a breath and rallied his men to him. Looking to Ferdinand he said. "No creature can enter the Nexus. See it so. I will return momentarily, but I must check on Stheno."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 3 hours, 6 minutes ago

The Nightmare's Beginning Pt. 2

Vahanian and Ferdinand dueled the creature for some time, trying to cut out, or smash the jewel that rested between it's eyes. The intelligent warrior he was, Ferdinand grabbed another torch from a nearby sconce and used it in conjunction with his sword. Drawing the eye and ire of the creature. Vahanian rushed forward and with all his might slashed his sword into the back of the creature's legs, hamstringing it. Black blood sprayed out and hissed and sizzled as soon as it met the air.

A sound of unimaginable horror echoed from the creature's mouth. Vahanian used the momentum of his hamstring strike to spin his whole body and rotate his grip on sword. Bringing down at an angle his blade with all his might he slashed the jewel from the creature's forehead. It hit the cobblestone and shattered the nearby stones. The creature crumpled to the ground and Vahanian ran over to the stone, cutting a strip of cloth from his tunic he wrapped the stone in it before smashing it under the heel of his boot in the cloth. tying the cloth off to make a pouch for the stone's shards he tucked it away into his tunic. Grabbing the torch from Ferdinand he severed the head off the Daimon from it's crumpled form and set it aflame. Turning now to survey his surroundings he saw the lesser creatures has crumpled when the stone left the Daimon's forehead.

He took a breath and rallied his men to him. Looking to Ferdinand he said. "No creature can enter the Nexus. See it so. I will return momentarily, but I must check on Stheno."

–

Roleplay from Alacrix Galar

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 57 minutes ago

The day before Alacrix had seen the beacon in Rines start acting strangely. He knew he had to ride back to Rines and check on the Oracle.

When he arrived in the city he heard of cries of daemons and undead attacking the city. With his men he ran to join the battle. Daemons were fighting undead and ignoring the men around them. What twisted world had this become. The daemons are fighting on Obeah’s behalf! The world had truly become strange.

After the battle Alaytook his men and went to seek the Oracle. She must know what needs be done. To the Holy Basilica!

–