Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/2020/April
| Dubhaine Family | |
| Fame | 40 |
| Wealth | 19485 |
| Home Region | Ashforth |
| Home World | East Continent |
1st April
Spring Day - Giask
Training Match
Leonid Castillo, Earl of Ciarin Tut meets his challenger Fulco D`Este, Margrave of Poryatown for the agreed training match.
Fulco has decided to use the 'aggressive' strategy while Leonid has chosen the 'overrun' strategy, giving Leonid the advantage.
After a series of blows, Leonid wins the training match.
2nd April
Spring Evening - Giask
Training Match
Yh'gh'th meets her challenger Kiran Mir-Ashtan, Earl of Nid Tek for the agreed training match.
Kiran has decided to use the 'trick moves' strategy while Yh'gh'th has chosen the 'overrun' strategy, giving Kiran the advantage.
After a series of blows, Kiran wins the training match.
Kiran Mir-Ashtan
Kiran was most certainly elated that he would be able to meet their guest in person and even more that he would be able to answer their questions that they had sent in that letter a fair number of mornings ago. He, of course was nervous after all he had heard many rumours of those who had faced the Zuma and their retinue's in combat that they seemed to radiate terror upon those that faced them and Kiran wished to experience that himself, likewise he was also interested to set eyes personally on such a creature and he had heard rumours of this member of the Zuma being a "female" of their number thus it would be a good opportunity to identify the differences between their menfolk and womenfolk in future.
His tactics wouldn't be to dissimilar to the tactics he employed against Ciarghuala, his trick tactics and the methodology he employed as an Infiltrator he hoped would prove him able to succeed and gain victory in a training match against an unknown opponent after all he needed to allow some caution and more devious play as he believed that his opponent would be significantly stronger than himself and to be able to succeed you had to use everything in your toolkit.
Kiran had adorned himself as usual in his armour made of his victories and his defeats. forged from his past, the carapaces, the bones and scales of beasts and the dead, it was dull and matte in colour but in Kiran's eyes helped generate an image of dread. After all being adorned by all manner of beast's was one way to attempt to display something that an opponent might fear. Strapping additional plating and armouring over his right arm for this fray Kiran would use his dominant arm as his shield but kept his dominant hand open for use grappling, he would wield his primary weapons from his off-hand yet again for this test of mettle. - Kiran had also coached himself for how he would answer the guest he had been assigned to's questions. Trying to be clear as possible through the fear that he believed he would witness. How close he would get to getting his statements out correctly would be anyone's guess however.
Why is your leader's blood blue? "They say the nobles have different blood to other folk, can't say I know the truth to the matter after all I got lucky by ability not by blood. At least what I am aware of anyhow, you never know the frivolities of the noble stock or even that of Mercenaries."
How do you know it is? "I believe it is just a saying, I think we all bleed relatively the same and your welcome to find out. Though I'd recommend not bleeding anyone to significant injury or death, because that causes problems for me and with all honesty I do enjoy an opportunity to relax."
Does blue blood taste better? "To this I cannot answer, I don't drink the blood of others. Is that what your people consume, Similar to how I adorn myself with the pelts and trophies of those I have defeated. I would presume there is only one way to find out ?"
Why is infiltration not honourable? "Others believe my trade and skill are not an honourable one, I believe it is a necessary one that takes time, skill, patience and a measure of luck. What is your opinion on the trade of the Infiltrator"
Do you not like being inside things? "Depends much on what those things are, I do enjoy the wilds most certainly. What about yourself ?"
Why do you want me inside? "I believe it prudent to at least attempt to offer the expected etiquette that the others would have expected of me. Though given I don't know the preferred conditions of your people's rest and relaxation, I would have to defer to your preferences."
How are you the Earl but not the Earl? "An Earl is a title, a rank granted to a senior official though I believe it is dependant on the significance of your region. It was something that was placed upon me due to the need of the times. I must say that I don't exactly do much within or for my region and most of its running is handled by others, so how can I really be anything beyond a figurehead."
Why do you say you have the strength of earth? "I do not see myself as having the strength of the literal ground we walk on. Though the Lurian Hall I served is Earth Hall by name and thus I decided it would be a fitting way to end my correspondents. Do you do anything similar ? or would this be an unknown concept ?"
Are you trying to say you have eaten a lot of dirt? "I believe that would be subjective, I may not be trying to say i've eaten a lot of dirt but I have been downed in combat a fair number of times and have been in chains a few others though I must say I am fairly good at escaping. Is there particular dirt with beneficial properties ?"
3rd April
Summer Day - Giask
Training Match
Leonid Castillo, Earl of Ciarin Tut meets his challenger Wassgandr Felsenbach, Imperial Marshal of Luria Nova, Margrave of Askileon, Marshal of the Novan Wrath for the agreed training match.
Wassgandr has decided to use the 'defensive' strategy while Leonid has chosen the 'neutral' strategy, giving Leonid the advantage.
After a series of blows, Leonid wins the training match.
4th April
Summer Evening - Giask
Training Match
Ciarghuala Dubhaine, Suzerain Queen, Grand Panetier of Luria Nova, Royal of Luria Nova, Duchess of Earth's Hall, Margravine of Poryatu meets her challenger Wassgandr Felsenbach, Imperial Marshal of Luria Nova, Margrave of Askileon, Marshal of the Novan Wrath for the agreed training match.
Wassgandr has decided to use the 'trick moves' strategy while Ciarghuala has chosen the 'overrun' strategy, giving Wassgandr the advantage.
After a series of blows, Ciarghuala wins the training match.
Training Match
Raymond Oswin, Knight of Askileon meets his challenger Kiran Mir-Ashtan, Earl of Nid Tek for the agreed training match.
Kiran has decided to use the 'overrun' strategy while Raymond has chosen the 'defensive' strategy, giving Raymond the advantage.
After a series of blows, Kiran wins the training match.
Kiran Mir-Ashtan
Kiran was rather elated to see yet another training match. He had seen great fortune in his last bouts and was hoping he would be able to continue his streak and defeat a third opponent in a row, he decided for this battle against Knight Oswin that he would attempt to imitate the creature that he faced in combat only so recently. Their Zuma guest had used their full weight and power to attempt to overrun Kiran though his tactics that day were to his benefit and were likely one of the reasons for his victory over her.
Kiran would strike with weight and fury this day, throwing significant momentum behind his blows. His opponent took a defensive posture and seemingly luck and grace of earth blessed Kiran this day...
He appeared victorious against the Knight whom had gained an advantage in style, though Kiran wondered was it his luck or his ability or both which gave him victory this day.
Theros Player
Theros read the letter and chuckled.
"Manservant..." he muttered to himself. He wiped his nose with the letter and tossed it in the fire, "Won't find me hiking around for some pompous lady who seems so disconnected from the knowledge of what we actually do... And such a junior member of the Rangers at that! Hah!"
He shook his head, picked his sword up and returned to scraping out the divets on the blade.
5th April
Summer Evening - Giask
Vixina Player
"A letter? From the Rangers?" Vixina's interest was piqued. Scanning it quickly, she nodded. "Well, that would be a break from the blades for a few days. I'll see if she needs help yet... but manservant, hmmm..."
A short time later, a letter had been penned, from "Vexan" to Alessia de Medici. Vixina stood ready to attend the lady as her manservant alter-ego: with her chest bound flat under her heavy tunic, long hair tucked up into her hat and bandanna, and the slightest shade of charcoal neatly patted along her jaw to hint at stubble. She was at least as muscular as all the male adventurers she had seen after long months fighting incredible beasts, and this showed in her masculine stance and profile.
She critically surveyed the look in her small silver mirror. It would do. The lady needed someone urgently, and no noble gave adventurers a second glance so long as they were mild of manner and obedient.
Vixina paid several coins to a mounted messenger to take her letter along to Gelene:
Lady de Medici,
If it please you, I shall be in your attendance as soon as possible in about two days with travel, to perform your needed service.
-Vexan
6th April
Summer Evening - Giask
Roleplaying Event
It was not an everyday occurrence that a... whatever-Yh'gh'th/Hana-was from the Zuma Coalition agreed to a duel, even if it was just supposed to be a training match. So when it was announced that Kiran Mir-Ashtan, Earl of Nid Tek, was to duel the visitor calling itself Hana, well, there was a small crowd that had shown up, even if the had been intended a private affair. Hana herself may have had something to do with this, having mentioned it in passing to the lower nobility that was hosting her in the city the day before.
When Kiran had suggested a training match, well, the idea intrigued her. She'd not done a duel in her journeys yet, and while she could have inquired with her hosts about expectations that would not have been as much fun. So, when she finally met with Kiran for their duel, she was somewhat amused to find the onlookers to be more concerned with him and his armor of past triumphs than her and her "could be mistaken for a commoner on the street" apparel. Perhaps she needed some new clothes after this. That or make herself less average. She'd intended to blend in a bit but the spotlight being on Kiran for this duel was disappointing. Something to think about later.
"I suspect you'd be disappointed if I didn't make this a challenge," She declared when she met Kiran for their duel, "so I'm not going to let you see my sword. Other than that, I shall limit myself to what could be expected of an average mortal woman. If you can disarm me or deal what would be a killing blow, and I do suggest you go into this trying to kill me--you've my word actually doing so is far beyond your capabilities, I shall declare it your win."
With his acceptance, they both took their positions and the duel began. Hana's strategy had been quite simple: push him to the limits of his capabilities. She might have limited herself to mortal capabilities, but her research indicated they were quite capable given the right circumstances. When her first swing narrowly missed him, well, the smile on her face was one to behold.
"This'll be fun" she laughed as she lunged at him again.
No one was quite sure how long the two went at each other, Hana's almost demonic smile never fading though never quite giving her the upper hand, and Kiran's previous combat experience against all manner of beasts showing through and giving him a fair chance against the daimon he was up against. When finally his sword connected with not her invisible sword but instead went clean through her neck, there were gasps from the onlookers. And then without a drop of blood appearing, Hana just evaporated into nothingness. Followed by a different-but-not Hana, standing with some of the onlookers, starting to clap in applause.
"Well done, Kiran." She spoke, the smile from earlier a now much gentler one.
"If I recall correctly, the victor usually gets a prize. What would you like?"
Yh'gh'th
Training Match
Leonid Castillo, Earl of Ciarin Tut meets his challenger Kiran Mir-Ashtan, Earl of Nid Tek for the agreed training match.
Both participants are using the 'trick moves' strategy, so that neither has an advantage.
After a series of blows, Kiran wins the training match.
Kiran Mir-Ashtan
Kiran would find himself surprised by the figure of the outside, he had heard they were terrifying of presence but this individual... many would say she was plain or normal but honestly that was something beautiful for Kiran, after encountering so many outstanding and stunning members of the nobility. He honestly felt out of place, he was shorter in stature more similar in height to the commonfolk of which he drew heritage though it surprised Kiran had she had chosen to forsake armour.
She declared aloud to him that that she wished to make this a challenge and a challenge it was, while she stated she had restricted herself to that of an average mortal woman, the sheer ferocity of the Lady of the Zuma was astonishing and even more terrifying was a blade you couldn't see with no judge of length or size, Kiran had to predict her attack based on just the movements of her arms and couldn't afford to take the risk of baiting an attack off his armour against a weapon that he couldn't see.
It wasn't long before he was very much engrossed in their match, the smile on hers visible to the day. Kiran while for a good while of stern concentration, slowly broke into a grin himself under his helmet as the excitement of the battle was nothing like he had before. By the end of the fray, his form coated in layer upon layer of sweat but somehow through that exhaustion an applause broke out his opponent had evaporated into the ether but did not suddenly strike him from his blind-spot. He was surprised to hear her congratulations and even more surprised when she recalled the victor getting a prize...
....
It took sometime for Kiran to compose himself enough as he was slowly baking in his armour, he would finally be able look towards Hana.
"You honour me greatly, maybe we should continue in private. I would appreciate being able to divest of my equipment and I do believe Giask has some good bathhouses, though there are other options for entertainment and relaxation. It would also give me time to think as well if you would grant me such an honour." Kiran would attempt to exclaim to her.
He wondered if she would accept...
7th April
Spring Day - Giask
Training Match
Ciarghuala Dubhaine, Suzerain Queen, Grand Panetier of Luria Nova, Royal of Luria Nova, Duchess of Earth's Hall, Margravine of Poryatu meets her challenger Raymond Oswin, Knight of Askileon for the agreed training match.
Raymond has decided to use the 'neutral' strategy while Ciarghuala has chosen the 'trick moves' strategy, giving Raymond the advantage.
After a series of blows, Ciarghuala wins the training match.
10th April
Spring Day - Giask
Training Match Cancelled
Your challenge to Raymond Oswin, Knight of Askileon has gone unanswered for 1 day.
The training match is thus considered cancelled.
Report from Wassgandr Felsenbach
Since Raymond hasn't answered Ciarghuala's match request for some time, Raymond automatically forfeits the match allowing Ciarghuala to advance.
Ciarghuala will face Leonid to decide the second grand finalist who will go up against Kiran.
Spring Evening - Giask
Lytcott Cavendish
Lytcott read his letters silently, caressing the letters "P-R-U-D-E-N-C-E" tattooed across his knuckles.
11th April
Summer Day - Giask
Training Match
Leonid Castillo, Earl of Ciarin Tut meets his challenger Ciarghuala Dubhaine, Suzerain Queen, Grand Panetier of Luria Nova, Royal of Luria Nova, Duchess of Earth's Hall, Margravine of Poryatu for the agreed training match.
Ciarghuala has decided to use the 'overrun' strategy while Leonid has chosen the 'defensive' strategy, giving Leonid the advantage.
After a series of blows, Leonid wins the training match. Unfortunately, the winning blow was deep and Ciarghuala has suffered a minor wound (seriously wounded).
12th April
Summer Day - Giask
Leonid Castillo, Earl of Ciarin Tut meets his challenger Kiran Mir-Ashtan, Earl of Nid Tek for the agreed training match.
Kiran has decided to use the 'defensive' strategy while Leonid has chosen the 'neutral' strategy, giving Leonid the advantage.
After a series of blows, Kiran wins the training match.
29th April
Summer Day - Giask
Barrett Brine Erickson
Then
Solomon strolled into the hall, dismissing his retune as he did. Barrett, still chewing a mouthful of salted bread, stood up from his seat and gave a lackadaisical bow.
“As you were,” said Solomon.
Barrett was already returning to his bench before Solomon had even finished speaking. He settled in bow-legged and adjusted his codpiece.
“Pleased to be making your acquaintance Navarch,” Barrett said, “fine palace you’ve got.”
“The pleasure’s all mine,” he replied, “may I offer you some wine?”
“Brought something of my own,” Barrett replied. He popped his foot onto his knee, rolled back the leg of his breeches and pulled a flask out of the wooden limb’s fake calf.
“The finest D’haran rum,” Barrett said.
He took a swig and offered some to the Navarch who declined, his eyes narrowing. Barrett shrugged, drank again and took another mouthful of salted bread, getting crumbs all over his tunic.
“Oh, best get this business out of the way first,” Barrett said as he heaved the coins onto the table. The heavy sacks landed with a deafening thud, and Solomon could swear he heard the table crack.
“There’s three thousand give or take,” He said.
“Excellent,” replied Solomon. He gestured to a servant who retrieved the gold and trudged away.
More servants brought in food and drink. Forgetting his earlier decline Barrett took some wine with his rum. He ate in great big mouthfuls, and apparently was not yet acquainted with forks, for he ate right off the tip of a knife or with his bare hands, licking his fingers after each bite. The Navarch’s nose curled but he restrained himself. Borish as he was this man had done great services for Tol Goldora in her hour of need. He was one of the first to reach the ramparts of Golden Farrow, and he’d just secured for them the treasure of Darfix.
In no time Barrett was yammering on about his adventures.
“So, I escaped from Malaise and got the treasure, but then things got hairy. On the one hand I had monsters coming in from Under Darfix, on the other his bandit gang holding the city. So, we took to the rooftops just on the border you see and watched just for the right time to give one the slip and engage the other. The men were tense we’d had a few deserters already but the rest were made of sterner stuff. It was my marines against his brigands. They were practically orcs themselves really, you’d barely see a difference, but we cut through em like paper we did! Malaise got away though, who knows where to. I’d have hunted after him but we had the monster horde bearing down on us so we sailed clear out of Darfix harbor and rode the currents home.”
“Quite an adventure,” said Solomon, and indeed the tale had been the best part of the audience so far “well Sir Barrett I have a proposition for you,”
The statement caught Barrett in the midst of guzzling wine. He held up a finger swallowed quickly and coughed.
“You know what they say about mixing your booze?” he asked.
The Navarch shook his head.
“It’s loads of fun and we should all do it!” Barrett joked.
“Indeed, now as I was-“
“Sorry your highness what was the question?” Barrett asked.
“I have a proposition for you,” He repeated, “I’m wondering if you’d like to lead a raid.”
Barrett grinned.
“Navarch you’ve just named my life’s calling; I’d consider it a privilege to carry Tol’s banner far into the north and show the rogue-landers what for”
“Excellent,” said Solomon smiling for the first time since dinner stared, “In that case you may expect a marshalship in the near future. Farewell Sir Barrett as much as I’ve enjoyed this visit, I have much to attend to. The tournament will be starting soon.”
Barrett stood up.
“Ah right, that. I’ll be fighting in it,” he announced.
“Then I wish you luck,”
Barrett extended his hand. Solomon hesitated a moment before clasping it firmly. The two men peered into each other’s eyes and smiled.
Now
Barrett rolled over and groaned from the sharp pain in his ribs. He thumbed the freshly stitched wound gently. ‘Another scar for the collection’ he thought.
“Smee!” He cried, “what’s happened I need a report!”
The former scout, now a scribe scurried into his tent.
“Praise the stars you’re awake at last my lord!” Smee exclaimed.
“I can’t believe those bastards sent an assassin after me!” he complained.
“Well you did insult the entire military council and challenged the Navarch to a duel…”
“Oh hogwash, I made an open challenge to all takers, it’s not like I challenged him personally, and they deserved it the hopper-arsed, pudding-headed, milk sots! Countermanding my orders mid-campaign! Stripping me of the marshalship without notice!”
“Well actually sir, I managed to find a copy of a letter. You’d crumpled it up to line your shoe and it was covered in rum, but it did in fact come from Stratcharch Hervis and he did in fact notify you of your demotion,” Smee explained.
“Bollocks! The craven should have told me to my face, and besides he never said I’d not be commanding the raid anymore.”
“I certainly don’t mean to imply that you may have acted rashly,” Smee assured.
“Good so what else has happened,”
“Well you’re now banned from the realm,” said Smee
“Obviously anything else? Where are the raiders now, how many mutinied with me?”
“Umm none sir,” Smee replied.
“Good, clearly all cowards, the lot of them. Wouldn’t have taken them if they’d begged me. They must have attacked by now, how’d my marines fare?”
“Well it was a most peculiar happenstance. Sir, you see when you defeated Malaise and his men on your last visit the locals were rather glad of it. Apparently, they’d been ruling the city like tyrants and well...”
“Yes?”
“They made you their chief,” he explained.
“Chief?”
“Yes Sir,”
“Chief of the roguelanders I’ll be damned,” Barrett chuckled.
“They fought alongside our troops during the raid and though we had to fall back I daresay we took the wind from their sails!” Smee announced.
“Excellent, get me my calico jacket and film my leg-flask,” said Barrett, “Let’s finish them off.”
