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Magi and Companions ---Eliodorus of Verditius: A classically-educated and erudite elementalist and smith interested in the lost arts of Mechanica. Played by Mors Rattus. ---Demetrios of Jerbiton: The senior magus of the Covenant and a proven diplomat, with close ties to the nobility of Greek Empire, or what survives of it. Something of a generalist, with some small specialization in mental magics. Played by Quorum. ---Nadya of Bjornaer: A strange and secretive young maga, with natural talents in bizarre transformations and with the bodies of both man and beast. Played the Plutonis. ---Victorion of Jerbiton: A comely and fey musician-magus from France, with ties to many of the Latin nobles of Jerusalem. Skilled in the magics of the sky and the forests. Played by Epicurius. ---Safniya of Guernicus: An unsettling and intense quaesitor and necromancer who seems at times to not be fully of this world. Her intimacy with the underworld extend to power of earth and stone in addition to spirits. Played by CaPensiPraxis. ---Marduk of Tytalus: A fiery and fiendish-looking sorcerer from Iberia who nevertheless is known for his blatant displays of piety. Wields magic not terribly unlike those of the Order of Solomon, summoning and binding the strange desert spirits known as Jinn. Played by Magnusth. ---Musa ibn Rashid: A kind, frail, and wise young Rabbi, conflicted by his love of a Muslim woman. Learned and virtuous enough to perform miraculous feats. Companion to Eliodorus. Played by Epicurius. ---Morgana: A failed apprentice and hermetic (and mundane) law expert, played by Mors Rattus. ---Irene Angelos: A leader of men, an accomplished warrior, and a disgrace to her family, this headstrong noblewoman has quickly taken charge of the Custos as the Turb Captain. Companion of Demetrios. Played by Plutonis. ---Ukko: A wild young woodsman from deep in the hidden forests of Novgorod. Never lets things like a lack of education, manners, self-control, or hygiene get in the way of having the finer things in life. Companion to Nadya. Played by CaPensiPraxis. ---Guy of Caesarea: A lesser nobleman and knight who longs for the glory of battle and adventure, but is trapped caring for his father's demense in the Levant while his elder brother joins the Crusades. Companion of Victorion. Played by Magnusth. ---Abd al-Hafiz: An attractive and charismatic merchant and master cook with a talent for subterfuge. Despite a history of women throwing themselves at him, he has remained caste, and certain unkind rumors circle about him, even among those who count themselves as his friends. Companion to Safniya. Played by Quorum ---Hakim: A young boy with a black past. A survivor of demonic possession, he has fled into the arms of the Most Merciful, even as the devil's residual magics give him strange powers over beasts. Companion to Marduk. Played by CaPensiPraxis. Grogs are here. Any player can take over any grog that neither I nor another player is currently playing, so long as it's reasonable for them to be on the scene. Ask if you aren't sure. Remember to play the grogs in accordance to their personalities and backstory. Keep submitting more for bonus XPs. Recruitment thread and framing letter is here, if you need it. How to Play Plain text is for descriptive action. "Italics is for speech" [Brackets are for OOC] (Parenthesis are for mechanics; be sure to include your relevant total) fool of sound fucked around with this message at 03:30 on Feb 19, 2015 |
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Oct 4, 2014 18:36
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Current Season: Spring 1220 [The Levant Tribunal is small, so Redcaps arrive once per Season] --->LIBRARY<--- --->LAB TEXTS<--- Current Covenfolk: ---7 Magi [35] ---5 Companions [15] ---20 Custodes [20] ---50 Laborers [50] ---6 Craftsmen (Vintner, Stonemason, Carpenter, Blacksmith, Miller, Glassblower) [12] ---3 Specialists (Steward, Chamberlain, Reeve) [6] ---9 Dependents [9] ---38 Servants [38] ---4 Teamsters [4] ------Base Inhabitant Points: 147 ------Final Inhabitant Points: 189 ------Number of Inhabitants: 142 Prevailing Loyalty: 2 (+16) [-22 Magi+20 Aging Modifier+6 Irene (Captain)+6 Steward+6 Chamberlain] Silver Stocks: 75 pounds Vis Stocks: 3 pawns Creo, 8 pawns Intellego, 2 pawns Muto, 2 pawns Perdo, 13 pawns Rego, 4 pawns Animal, 6 pawns Aquam, 0 pawns Auram, 4 pawns Corpus, 4 pawn Herbam, 4 pawns Ignem, 3 pawns Imaginem, 1 pawns Mentem, 4 pawns Terram, 13 pawns Vim vis [Aegis of the Hearth is renewed ever Spring, and currently costs 10 Vim vis] Expected Income: ---Agriculture: 100 pounds annually (variable) ---Stipend from the Order: 50 pounds annually (non-variable) ------Total: 150 pounds annually Expected Expenditures: ---Buildings: 15 pounds [19 Inhabitants+2 Fortifications-3 Stonemason-3 Carpenter] ---Consumables: 26 pounds [38 Inhabitants-3 Blacksmith-3 Carpenter-6 Abd al-Hafiz (Merchant)] ---Laboratories: 6 pounds [8 Labs-2 Glassblower] ---Provisions: 32 pounds [95 Inhabitants-48 Laborers-6 Vintner-3 Reeve-3 Miller-3 Abd al-Hafiz (Head Cook)] ---Wages: 52 pounds [38 Inhabitants+20 Veteran Fighters-2 Dependents-4 Custodes] ---Arms: 2 pounds [3 Equipment-1 Blacksmith] ---Writing Materials: 8 pounds [8 Inhabitants] ---Hospitality: 1 pound [1 Redcaps] ------Total: 142 pounds annually [Note that income and expected expenditures occur in Autumn each year] Vis Sources ---The Flowers of Eden: Adorning the courtyard's impressive central fountain, these blindingly white flowers with golden-orange depths bloom at every dawn, even through the winter, closing again as darkness approaches. So long as the flowers bloom, a small but forceful Divine aura forms around the fountain, filling those nearby with a since of energy and purpose. The small bushes grow succulent berries of the same golden-orange every summer, and the presence of the Divine can be felt even stronger during this time. These berries are not only a delicious combination of sweet, sour, and spicy, but are also so potently intoxicating that even a single berry induce visions lasting hours. When rendered down into a wine, an impressive harvest of vis can be extracted from them, though the drink loses much of it's intensity in the process. [Produces 4 pawns of Herbam, 4 pawns of Imaginem, and 4 pawns of Ignem vis annually. All vis so extracted is Holy.] ---The Mirror of Acheron: Dark waters trickle through the pale cave system beneath the covenant, drawing in water from all the lands around before releasing in again in springs and creeks. Some of that water, drops at a time, trickle downwards however, the milky stone drawing all impurities from it, until it is a clear jewel glistening in the dark. These purest drops fall into a great pool, unfathomably deep, at the bottom of the cavern. Perhaps there it touches the realm of the dead, because from that black water ghosts arise; Greeks, Romans, Israelites, Persians, and even more exotic things. That deepest cavern is heavy with magic, and nowhere more so than the still pool at its center, where the faces of the dead can be seen in the eerie light below the world. So long as only a small amount of water is taken, the spirits are content to allow the magi to extract power from their pool by means of simple spells. [Produces 6 pawns Aquam and 6 pawns Mentam vis annually] ---The Lanterns of the Dead: In that deepest cave where ghost swim up from the underworld, pale crystals grow, casting their milky luminescence across the unsettling cavern. While the crystals crumble into worthless dust should they be pried from the moist walls, occasionally, a single crystal will fall, rolling down the bowl-like chamber into the dark pool at its center, disturbing the stillness therein until it has fallen so deep that even the glow of the fallen crystal can no longer be seen. For nothing more than a single coin, a ghost will retrieve a fallen crystal, which remain solid for long enough for their power to be extracted. [Produces 4 pawns Rego, 4 pawns Terram, and 4 pawns Vim vis annually] ---The Starlight Distillery: Nowhere are the stars brighter than above the Holy Land, and above the magical lands of Preseden they are even more intense. Although the star of Bethleham has long since vanished, the skies still resonate with the power of prophecy. By means of lenses and mirror atop the east tower, the previous inhabitants discovered a means of trapping this potent starlight in wine. The pure light shines through the dark liquid, burning away the befuddling effects of the alcohol, replacing them with clarity even as the wine becomes equally transparent. From there, it is a simple matter to extract the vis from the purified drink, leaving nothing but pure grape juice behind. [Produces 8 pawns of Intellego vis annually] ---The Place of Slumber: Just down the road, not far from the covenant, the ruins of a small church sit abandoned, years after its destruction at the hands of the Saracens. The ruin would be unremarkable if not for its strangely large graveyard, where animal bones line the grass around the small headstones. The locals claim that the cemetery is built atop older graves, dating back to the time of Jesus, and that it is still an auspicious final resting place for man an beast alike. Although the local have done nothing to repair the church, they still come to cut away the grass around the graves. Every spring, desert roses bloom among the bones, and the locals harvest a tiny number of them for use in baptisms, for they claim that the souls of the virtuous dead watch over those so baptized. So long as they are careful to not offend the locals, the magi may extract some power from the blossoms. [Produces 2 pawns Creo, 2 pawns Perdo, 2 pawns Animal, and 2 pawns Corpus vis annually] ---Vis Wages: The Order pays each magus of Preseden 4 pawns of vis per year or their services to the Tribunal and the Order. Provides 6 pawns Creo, 2 pawns Muto, 12 pawns Rego, 2 pawns Animal, 2 pawns Corpus, and 4 pawns Imaginem vis annually. Covenant Aura: 5 within the walls, 4 outside, 2-3 in the surrounding countryside, 1 in the nearby freeholds, 0 in the freehold village. The caverns beneath Safniya's lab are aura 6, the deep cavern where the Mirror of Acheron lies is 7, and within the Mirror itself is 8. Divine auras are only present in the freehold village's mosque/synagogue/church, and during the freehold village itself during holy days. Living Modifier: +2 (+3 for Magi) [A note on currency: The coinage in Jerusalem is officially the 'denarius' (in game terms, a Silver Penny), after the Roman coin, though the kingdom mints little money itself, mostly using Italian, Sicilian, Venetian, French, or Byzantine currencies of approximately equal value, thought the term 'denarius' is still used. Twelve denarii are a Solidus, and twenty solidi (or 240 denarii) are a Libra. A libra is worth a pound of unadulterated silver (in game terms, a Mythic Pound). There are no actual solidus or libra coins; they are only used as units of accounting.] fool of sound fucked around with this message at 21:26 on Nov 23, 2014 |
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Oct 4, 2014 18:37
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The rising sun shone upon the moist, darkened wood of the Sebastiano Ziani, and glistened in the sea spray below. The white stone of the Sea Gate was blindingly bright in the pale sun, and the colossal bronze portcullis far above was a maw of threatening shadow. A cheer went up in a dozen languages as the great citadel of Saint John of Acre rose into view, flags of white, black, gold, blue and red fluttering from the mighty, shadowy towers above, and the docks below alive with the thousand shimmering hues of the gathered crowd. The awe and majesty of the Holy Land swept over the crew, and sent shivers of anticipation through the magi. The shouts reached a fever pitch as the ship was finally docked, the month-long journey from Sicily finally at an end. Some time passed as negotiations were made with the harbormaster while the exotic and wonderful scents of the market mingled with the sickly miasma of ocean detritus, and the chaotic roar of the crowd clashed with the serene beat of the surf. A scream of anger rose from the foredeck, and the crush of heavy boots echoed against the thick wood as a squad of soldiers wearing the white-on-black tabard of the Knights Hospitaller rushed aboard. Their leader's deep brown eyes regarded the deck arrogantly, the auburn curls of his long hair falling like a mane across his cloak. He spoke in Latin, tainted with French, his voice rising above the general roar, 'The sovereign Lord de Montaigu requests an audience with the sorcerers aboard this vessel.' A murmur rose through the crew. [The knights haven't spotted any of you yet, if they're even aware of who you are. Remember that you are supposed to meet the maga Almudina after your arrival. All magi and companions except Musa and Guy are present, as are any grogs you feel like playing. You choose where any character you control begins on the ship.]
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Oct 4, 2014 18:38
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Victorion Victorion has been lounging on deck, sitting on some packing crates and enjoying the sun when the Knights board the ship. Hearing their imperious demands, he looks over at them. "I am one of the sorcerers on board this vessel, my Lord Knight. Am I so threatening it takes a squadron of men to deliver a message to me and my companions from your lord?", he asks in French.
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Oct 4, 2014 19:06
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Eliodorus Eliodorus stands at the prow, looking out over the harbor imperiously. His everpresent cat is on his shoulder. His robes are not elaborate, but his jewelery and adornments are - rings of iron, bronze and steel, with metal rods hanging from the belt that cinches his red robes shut. He's never been the most subtle of men. He turns to watch the knights for a moment, then looks at the serving girl waiting a few paces back. 'Fiora, my dear, go and look at the docks for me, so if you spot Almudina. 'But I don't know wha-' 'I trust you can handle this task.' Fiora sighs and goes to look down at the docks and hope she can identify a wizard she's never seen before. Eliodorus, meanwhile, entirely ignores the knights in favor of looking out over what he cannot help but think of as his new domain. 'Prepare yourself, Alexia. There is much work to be done. Padraig Padraig wanders from belowdecks at the sound of shouting. Unfortunately, he speaks neither French nor Latin, so he is merely standing there being immense at the knights and looking rather confused. He is easily eight feet tall, his hair going a touch gray and his muscles clearly designed at a scale at least half again that of any normal man. He looks over at Victorion, then back at the knights. Some day he's going to have to learn how to speak Latin.
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Oct 4, 2014 19:11
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Orlaith of Merinita Orlaith has spent much of the journey on deck, enjoying the ocean air and watching the world go by. She has been very outgoing, speaking to anyone who'd talk to her - although outside her native language, she only really spoke Latin with any fluency. She'd also been spending a lot of time around that giant of a man, Pádraig. As the soldiers came aboard, Orlaith was still on the deck, leaning against the side while observing the dock. A glance given to Pádraig, she approached the soldiers to stand beside the giant man - reaching up to pat his arm gently. In Irish, she told him: "They're requesting an audience. Nothing to be concerned about, I'm sure." Then, in Latin, she addressed the soldiers: "Hello, yes? Orlaith of House Merinita, at your service. Why does your Lord wish to speak with us?" In her hand, she's grasping a wooden staff - at the top of which is likely perched a squirrel. How bizarre.
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Oct 4, 2014 19:14
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Demetrios of Jerbiton Demetrios is reasonably friendly and approachable; as the senior magus of the newly-formed Covenant, his cabin was large and well-appointed, and during the voyage he often invited the magi-- as well as his cousin Irene-- over for wine and conversation, what he called a "symposium." Now he is on deck with a flask of chilled wine, savoring the warm Mediterranean air, and flanked by the eunuch Prokopios. Upon catching sight of the Knights, his eyes narrow and his knuckles whiten, though he swiftly conceals them within the sleeves of his purple robe. Wordlessly passing the flask to the eunuch, he steps forward to stand beside Orlaith, assuming a polite expression with the ease born of practice, though his eyes retain their chill. "Demetrios of the Angeloi, sirs. I see you have met my sodalis, Orlaith. We are but traveling through your fair city. What business could the esteemed Grandmaster, who must surely be busy administering the charitable works of your order, possibly have with us?" he asks in formal Latin, accented only slightly with the warm tones of Greek.
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Oct 4, 2014 19:39
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Marduk of Tytlatus Marduk enters the deck from below as he hears the boots and stomps of the soldiers coming aboard. His horns are filed down and the edges of their stumps are barely visible at the edge of his hair. Without caring to hide his disparaging glare towards the knights, he strides up beside Demetrios, taking care to stand perhaps half a foot further back than the senior Magus. "Yes, indeed, what would your 'Esteemed' grandmaster wish to talk to 'Sorcerers' like us? We are, after all, merely passing through. Has he nothing better to do?" He asks in Latin, carefully edited for its usual soft hint of arabic, and with a carefully measured derisiveness in his deep, commanding voice. Magnusth fucked around with this message at 20:05 on Oct 4, 2014 |
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Oct 4, 2014 20:00
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Nadya Poor Nadya spent most of the trip hunkered on whatever small room was provided to her on the Hulk, as the sea breeze and Mediterranean heat made her quite uncomfortable. As someone raised on the cold north of the Rus and accostumed only with traveling on the waters of the Lake Ilmen and its rivers, this was an extreme change of environment. Most of her time was spent reading her books in order to stave off boredom and trying to keep her "bodyguard" Ukko from getting in any fights with the ship's crew. She tried to ask the help of one of the Angeloi siblings in bettering the crude Greek that was used by those involved with the Varangian-Byzantine trade, but the lack of real opportunities to do so were a hindrance. And speaking of hindrances, who is this uncouth man trying to interrupt the trip? It's bad enough to be on this unbearable ship, and now this frank wants to steer them off to God knows where? Nadya rises to the deck, but only stares at the Hospitalier, waiting for the others to solve this.
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Oct 4, 2014 21:26
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The knights tensed, their hands going to their weapons. The six men watched the magi who presented themselves warily, one exclaiming something about his goat in German as Marduk rose from below. Their leader seemed taken aback by the number of sorcerers present, but quickly recovered, raising a hand to quiet his men. "My lord wishes to discuss terms of lease with those who lay claim to an estate in his domain," he said, eyes locked with Marduk's. He slowly turned to Demetrios. "I trust this is acceptable," he concluded, less a question than a statement. [Those with an Intrigue of 2 or higher realize this demand appears to be a crafted insult or test.] [Lol, Plutonis. Just Skype me your posts and I'll put them up for you.] fool of sound fucked around with this message at 18:19 on Oct 5, 2014 |
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Oct 5, 2014 18:16
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Victorion Victorion smiles sardonically and gets up from the crates. He looks over at Demetrios, and waits, waiting to see what the other magus will do.
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Oct 5, 2014 18:26
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Orlaith The mostly-red-haired woman gives a bemused look, then shrugs her shoulders. "Oh, well. I wouldn't know anything about that, then," she responds, cheerfully, before taking a step back, removing herself from the conversation while still keeping close enough to listen to it. And translate for Padraig's benefit. Hakim The teenager has been spending time down in the ship's hold, amusing himself by commanding rats to do things for him. The shouts from above deck, however, have caused him to poke his head up out of the hold, watching the soldiers and magi curiously.
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Oct 5, 2014 19:11
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Demetrios The magus's eyes flicker between the knights and Marduk, noting their reaction without apparent emotion. About two paces back, the eunuch Prokopios coughs, turning his head aside out of politeness. "Of course we are pleased to discuss anything Lord de Montaigu wishes, but surely this is not the best time, either for his lordship or for us? We are weary and stained from travel, and we would hardly do his lordship the honor he is due at such a time as this. Perhaps after we have reached our destination-- it is not far, I believe-- we can better ascertain the situation and reach an agreement which is pleasing to all legitimately interested parties?" The strain on 'legitimately interested' is very slight, but present, though the Greek magus's white teeth flash in a charming smile to negate the bite of the verbal parry. [Pretty sure this is an Intrigue roll, which unless I have it wrong, would be...] (INTRIGUE: COMM + INTR + Stress = 4 + 2 + 1 (specialization) + stress = 7 + stress)
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Oct 5, 2014 20:12
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Safniya With a yawn and a scowl at the morning sun, Safniya adjusts her veil as she climbs to the deck, roused before her customary waking hours by the commotion. Squinting against the light, she surveys the gathered crowd on the deck with interest, noting the tension in the air, but doing nothing to interfere, yet.
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Oct 5, 2014 21:06
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Eliodorus Eliodorus trns to watch the knights some more as they speak. Alexia yawns, her tail twitching, as the magus makes his way closer to the gangplank, the better to see the dock. If the others feel like arguing with the Crusaders, all the better - he doesn't have to. That way, he can keep neutral for now and sell these men baubles later to fund his work. Fiora continues fruitlessly looking for someone she can't recognize among a sea of people she also can't recognize. Padraig The big man grunts, smiling briefly at Orlaith. He looks down at the knights now with more curiosity than anything else, especially as they go for their weapons. He glances over at the wizards, then back at the knights. He stretches, perhaps to intentionally show off his muscles, or perhaps just because he feels like it.
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Oct 5, 2014 21:23
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The Probated Plutonis posted:Nadya
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Oct 6, 2014 01:45
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The knight's eyes and lips narrowed as he briefly glared at Demetrios. His eyes flicked to the approaching warrior woman, and his face suddenly broke into a wide, malicious smile. "Of course, my friend. Please feel free to call upon my lord at your convenience. I shall send Brother Cathan with you as a guide," he said, gesturing to a suddenly horrified younger, red-haired knight. "For now, of course, there is just a matter of your cargo levy. To be payed immediately," he continued, the hostile smile frozen on his face. [Keep in mind that not everything on the ship is your cargo.] [You can always poke me through Skype to see if your character knows something; you don't necessarily need to roll.] fool of sound fucked around with this message at 02:42 on Oct 6, 2014 |
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Oct 6, 2014 02:37
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Demetrios The magus's smile grew even larger, if that is at all possible. "We should be most pleased to have the accompaniment of your brother knight. Welcome to our company, Brother Cathan. As for the cargo levy, well, that does sound like work for the staff. One must ensure the serving classes keep themselves busy, yes? Idle hands are the Devil's plaything, as they say. Fear not, we employ only the most scrupulously honest clerks, and they shall ensure all of the proper levies are paid." Once again, there is the slightest stress-- imagined, almost?-- on the word "proper." He turns and nods to Prokopios, who somehow contrives to slide away elegantly despite the rolling sway of the ship. Now completely ignoring the knights, Demetrios nods cordially to his cousin. Switching fluidly into Rhomaic Greek and continuing to smile charmingly, he remarks, "Yes, these barbaroi appear to be trying to shake us down for coin, in the manner of the Venetians. A fine example of their knightly order, if so. Don't be afraid to prove the superior steel of the East if it becomes necessary." Abd al-Hafiz Moments later, Abd al-Hafiz emerges from a hatchway, followed by the unctuous eunuch, who apparently went to fetch him. "Ah, greetings, gentlemen," he exclaims in Latin accented faintly with the tones of the Moors. "I understand you wish to discuss money, yes? I would prefer not to do so beneath the open sky, but ah, we must do what we must do, yes? I assume you possess the relevant documents? These are troubled times, you understand." [Incidentally, it is unusual for Demetrios to refer to any of the companions as "servants," though he does refer to the grogs as such. This is a noticeable discrepancy to anyone who's spent any time with him.] Quorum fucked around with this message at 19:24 on Oct 6, 2014 |
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Oct 6, 2014 02:55
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Victorion "Very well, Brother Demetrios. We can not interfere with the clerk's work, or to keep these men from taking the levies that are due them. But surely that does not include the possessions of our covenant, as we are not merchants, nor do we own the ship. I'm certain we weren't intended to be included. But if we are going to accompany them, and leave our possessions here, don't we have to worry about thieves? This is a strange city after all. Let me take the simple precautions that those of our order know.", he says to Demetrios in Latin. Then, raising his arms, he walks to where their possessions are stowed and chants in Latin. "Spirits of the air and sky! Forces of the land and sea! Come to me now and be my guard to protect against those who would steal from me!". Lowering his arms, he says to Demetrios and the knights, There! I've magically protected our property. If anyone other than us takes it or even touches it, he shall be cursed with leprosy, as a thief deserves." (Presence + Guile + Stress= 3 + 3+ stress)
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Oct 6, 2014 05:32
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Hakim Hakim has absolutely no idea what is going on. All he knows is that some people are speaking a funny language - Latin? It sounds like Latin - to the magi and it's apparently making them angry. You shouldn't make magic users angry. So he ducks down into the hold again. Orlaith Orlaith gives a soft sigh, and begins to walk past the knights. "Thieves," she half-murmurs in Irish as she walks past. "Padraig, be a dear and handle them if this gets ugly, will you?"
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Oct 6, 2014 11:59
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Close to the hatch, Safniya mutters in Arabic to Abd al-Hafix as he passes by her. "((Ar))Take care of the children, Hafi, but keep the deck clean. The less blood we have to scrub, the better. I'm getting Mudi" Snorting derisively under her breath, Safniya again surveys the scene, the faintest of amused smiles crossing her face as she takes in the gesticulating Jerbiton and fuming Knights. "Come and wake me when our carts are here, and we are ready to travel on. " she says before turning to leave the deck, presumably to clamber back into her berth on the lower level. Reaching the hatchway, she pauses and looks over her shoulder, the easy tone to her voice belying subtle firmness "Unless I will be needed on deck, of course". She leaves her words hanging on the air, caught in the murmur between Victorion's outburst and the distrustful rabble of christian thieves, and without waiting for an answer departs the deck. CaPensiPraxis fucked around with this message at 20:20 on Oct 6, 2014 |
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Oct 6, 2014 19:38
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Marduk smiled slightly at the skilled insults of Demetrios. It had never been a skil Marduk posessed to any great degree, that ability to smile with the eyes and yet insult a man without offering slight. "My sodales, should not our contact have handled such matters? Or is this Lord de Montaigu really attempting to shake us down for money? That seems to be an incredibly foolish thing to do," he says to Demetrios, pretending to hush his voice so that only Demetrios can hear him, well aware that such an effort would be doomed to failure. That done, he turns to Brother Cathan with a smile, making sure to tilt his head just right to make his horny stumps as visible as possible. "Welcome abord, O Knight. Do tell if we can be of *any* assistance. Well, I suppose I cannot talk for the rest of my sodales or companions - do tell if *I* might be of assistance." He stresses the I and the Any ever so slightly, just enough that some sort of subtext might, at a stretch, be read into his words. Magnusth fucked around with this message at 19:52 on Oct 6, 2014 |
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Oct 6, 2014 19:50
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Padraig Padraig grunts. "Won't be a problem." He gives the knights a friendly grin as he goes down to the hold to help move boxes and exist, as a kind of constant threat. Being truly immense does well there, if potential leprosy does not. The big man is aware of exactly what people think of him, after all, on just looking at him. Even when, as now, he's being perfectly friendly. The brand probably doesn't help. Eliodorus Eliodorus is getting somewhat impatient. "Are we truly being held up over something so utterly mundane as cargo taxes? Truly?" He turns his head upward, gesturing at the heavens and causing Alexia to shift her position on his shoulder. "I have work to do! And - Fiora, where are you? Have you seen our friend yet?" "Um, no, my lord, not yet. I'm over here, by the-" "Keep looking, girl!" Fiora sighs, rolling her eyes where Eliodorus can't see. "Of course, my lord. And when we get there, I'll make sure everything is as you like it before you know it." Eliodorus nods. "Keep up the good work."
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Oct 6, 2014 20:02
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Brother Cathan stared at Orlaith, then at Padraig, his face a mask of terror. The knight captain's eye twitched nearly imperceptibly as he tried in vain to keep the rising scarlet of fury from his cheeks. He snapped his fingers at another knight before speaking, voice carefully controlled, "You would have others pay the price of passage for you? Surely such... men of wealth can afford their own tax, on their own property." Behind him, the selected knight spoke the same words loudly in Italian, eyes flicking nervously between the magi and armed companions. Around him, the crew murmured and nodded in agreement, while the Venetian merchant in command of the vessel looked conflicted. The knight captain grinned a challenge towards the Jerbitones, awaiting their next move. Several shouts arose from the docks below. [Other than the magi and companions' personal belongings, the magi have several of books sealed in a tarred chest, a small box of gems containing raw Vis, and most importantly, a large chest containing a small fortune in silver; meant to cover expenses until the covenant can become self-supporting.] [Any Companions or Gentle Gifted magi may make a Charm test to see if the captain's relationship with them is great enough to overcome the Knights' threats. Any appropriate characters may also make an Intrigue test to determine a potential compromise.]
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Oct 6, 2014 20:37
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Orlaith just continues to walk away, potentially right off the ship if no one stops her. (Orlaith's Communication + Charm is 5 and she has a Charm specialty in 'Gaining Trust'. Hakim's Presence + Charm is 4 with a specialty in being 'Tall, Dark and Handsome'.)
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Oct 6, 2014 20:43
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Demetrios Now standing back from the brewing confrontation, Demetrios's brow furrowed as he considered options. He glanced over to the captain, wondering-- could he count on the man to support them in a confrontation? Could they find a way out of this which would avoid a direct clash with the politically-powerful Knights? And what had he done to deserve such a tiresome dispute so early in the voyage? (CHARM: 4 + 4 + 1 spec = 9 + stress) (INTRIGUE: 4 + 2 + 1 spec = 7 + stress)
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Oct 6, 2014 20:44
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Victorion Victorion walks towards the knights, walking slowly and trying to make it clear he isn't a threat. "Lord Captain", he says, his voice conciliatory, "Things have clearly gotten off to a bad start, and it's unnecessary. We have no desire to make enemies of the Knights of the Hospital, and I'm certain you have no desire to be our enemies. Why don't we do this? Lets put the question of taxes and tariffs aside for now. We'll go with you to meet the Grandmaster, and then we can straighten the question with him. The ship will still be here when we get back, of course. Is this acceptable to you? It seems reasonable to me, at least." [Presence + Charm + Speciality (first impression)= 3+4+1= +8 + Stress die] Epicurius fucked around with this message at 00:36 on Oct 7, 2014 |
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Oct 7, 2014 00:24
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Irene "Paying them with steel instead of gold would be an interesting prospect, kinsman." Irene answers back with a slight smile, caressing the hilt of her sword while glancing at the knights with a predatory gaze. "But there might be more of them then are of us, and so I guess it's up to you to make a more acceptable deal."
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Oct 7, 2014 01:49
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Turning his head for a moment from the conversation to the sky as it turned back to tedious commonalities. He'd dealt with that sort of thing before, but only on a personal level. An annoying city guard or over-zealous priest. Such annoyances were usualy easily dealt with by either letting Hakim talk or by displays of power, but neither were options easily accessible at the moment. Turning to Demetrios and Victorion he adressed his sodale in Latin "My Sodales, it seems you have things in hand here. If you'll excuse me, I'll go and find our contact. If nothing else, perhaps perhaps the maga can help clear this up. I will probably be back shortly." Those words said, he gave the knights one last look then stepped aside, just a few meters away from the group. There, he raised his arms in for spellcraft and started his incantation: "Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (Arabic, means: In the name of God, most Beneficent, most Merciful), I summon the winds to serve and guide me, I call upon the spirits of air to raise me high and set me free from the constraints of the ground!" he said, Latin following the arabic blessing as naturaly as anything, his voice changing and ressonating with power as..... [14 rego+10 Auram+ 1 stamina + stress] Something happened?
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Oct 7, 2014 02:03
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(Demetrios' Personality test to be friendly with the Venetian merchant: 9-3=6) [Success] (Marduk's Casting attempt: 14-6 aura+7=17) [Spell cast, gain a Short-term Fatigue level. Your spell has a Creo prereq, so you have to use the lowest of your Creo/Rego. From now on, include the level of your spell in your casting attempt, please.] The merchant appeared to reach a decision. With a meaningful look and a small nod towards Demetrios, he turned to the knight captain, "Noble brother, the goods these men bring with them are personal effects and supplies. It would be no more appropriate to tax them then it would be a noble guest," he said in a calming tone. Between Victorion and the merchants' pleas and the threatening chanting from Marduk, the knight captain appeared to relent. He turned towards Demetrios, waiting for him to speak. The other knights' eyes all fell upon the Tytalus magus, tension still humming in the suddenly rushing air. [Demetrios: Offering a generous and more importantly public donation to the Order of Saint John in the name of the Order of Hermes would allow both you and the knights to save face. In addition, donating money for a permanent structure should defuse any direct hostilities, as the knight's can't directly feud with an obviously generous donor without appearing dishonorable. In addition, in stipulating that the money be spent on a building, you deny the Order what it really wants: crusading funds. You have 500 pounds of silver; 10 would buy a chapel, 30 a small church. The latter, of course, would be far more public and obvious, and therefore would be a greater pressure on the Hospitallers to at least appear friendly.] fool of sound fucked around with this message at 17:54 on Oct 7, 2014 |
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Oct 7, 2014 17:52
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Demetrios "Indeed," the Greek magus responded with a calming smile. "But of course we recognize that the Knights are doing difficult and often thankless work on behalf of all Christendom. It would hardly be appropriate not to provide some token of our thanks for the protection they grant pilgrims and travellers in the Holy Land." He turned to address the entire ship. "In token of the word these good and Christian knights do, we shall commission a church to be constructed as a donation to the Order of Saint John. It shall be laid out and decorated in a manner pleasing to God and all who enter shall know that it was built as a sign that we are not unmindful of the difficulty of their task." Demetrios turned back to the knight captain. "I trust this will be appropriate?"
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Oct 7, 2014 19:24
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Marduk felt the drain of the spell as the wind rose around him, his spellwork protecting him as the winds twisted around him, bearing him and the mesh of arcane forces around up. Around him, the wind whipped the hair and clothes of those nearest him, but he was protected at the center. Quickly, it formed into a small whirlwind, a hot desert whirlwind; it even brought with it the sounds and smells of the desert sand. At it bore him aloft, he guided it with a simple thought to carry him towards the city, carrying him perhaps 20 feet above the rooftops. There, he looked around, scouting for a market place or other place he was likely to be spotted by their contact. [Awarenes 2(speciality in details,) perception -1]
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Oct 7, 2014 19:26
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Marduk found was he was looking for. Air howling around him, he descended upon the tiny, wealthy-looking Muslim woman with a silver sigil around her neck, hurrying up the dock as quickly as her limp would carry her. Landing in a blast of wind, he grinned at her, throwing his arms open in greeting. Marduk suddenly doubled over in pain as the woman lashed his legs with her beautifully carved ivory cane, bringing Marduk's head low enough for the old maga to grab him by the ear, dragging him down the dock, towards the ship. The knight captain blinked in silence at Demetrios, clearly outmaneuvered by the magus. After a long moment, he spoke, "That... is acceptable." He turned towards his men, sullen and defeated, "Brother Cathan! Accompany our... guests, and ensure that no harm comes to them." He motioned to his men to leave, turning back only briefly, and said, "My lord will be present for dinner at the Queen's keep this evening. I do hope you can attend." The knights marched toward the gangplank, only to be stopped by a shouting Marduk, dragged along by the ear by an old Muslim woman. She released the Tytalus, tossing him towards his sodales. Her black eyes were clear and proud and her hair steel grey, and she carried herself in a regal manner, although she was clearly reliant on the ivory cane in her hand. On her breast she wore a silver sigil in the shape of a stylized eye, though otherwise her black gown and hijab were without adornment. She slowly glanced over to the frozen knights. "Go on," she said in the quiet. The knights rapidly went, leaving Brother Cathan alone, staring at the magi.
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Oct 7, 2014 19:58
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Orlaith has to try very hard not to burst out laughing at the sight of Marduk being dragged along by his ear, as though he were a misbehaving child. Very, very hard. She's grinning, despite managing not to actually vocalise any laughter.
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Oct 7, 2014 20:01
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Eliodorus "Master, I've spotted her, she's-" "Yes, I see. Good work." Elidorus nods once, waving his servant into silence. He smiles, scratching Alexia under the chin. "Well, that's over. Lady Almudena, I presume. I am sorry you had to witness this...truly annoying display." He looks over at Brother Cathan, mostly to see if the man has fainted in terror yet. "Dinner with Queen sounds like it will be quite pleasant! I hope we have time to settle in before that, though. I hope you're doing well?" The cat, meanwhile, is rather openly laughing at Marduk, her tail lashing back and forth. Fiora has retreated behind a mast to hide her giggling. Padraig Padraig is continuing to be very pleasant and helpful in the hold.
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Oct 7, 2014 20:03
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Nadya Nadya's eyes widen as she sees the ridiculous scene happening with Marduk and the elderly woman he was carrying. She barely hides a chuckle, and approaches Demetrios, whispering on her heavily-accented Greek. "Thees vas a masterful move, Sir Jerbiton. The musleem locals von't begrudge us either seence ve didn't gave money for the knights to use on their fights."
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Oct 7, 2014 21:42
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Demetrios Demetrios nodded at Nadya. "Precisely. Though we should be careful of the other knightly orders, lest they believe we favor their rivals." He composed a carefully welcoming expression and bowed slightly to the newcomer, managing to avoid expressing any amusement whatsoever at Marduk's predicament. "Quaesitor-Maga. What a pleasure. Please do accept our apologies for the business with the knights; I'm afraid they rather surprised us." Abd al-Hafiz Somewhat surprised by the rapid conclusion of business with the knights, Abd's eyes nonetheless light up when he sees Almuneda arrive. He bows deeply, hands clasped in respect, before withdrawing to help ensure that his supplies go undamaged during unloading.
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Oct 7, 2014 22:24
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Victorion Victorion bows to the old Quaestor. "I am pleased to see you, Mistress, and give you the greetings of the Tribunal of Provence. As my companion Demetrios has stated, please forgive our delay in seeking you out. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are most glad to be here., he says with a faint smile.
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Oct 8, 2014 02:32
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Standing up straight and quickly resuming his composure, Marduk straightened his clothes and looked around at his sodales with a smoldering look. Orlaith and Eliodorus' cat especialy saw the fire in his eyes, though Demetrios and Nadya were not unnoticed. He cursed the maga internaly for her treatment of him, but with a visible deep breath to calm himself, he turned towards her and bowed again. "Ah, honored maga. *As I was saying,* It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." He said in Latin, though he obviously let his arabic accent slip through to a much greater degree than when he had been talking to the knights.
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Oct 8, 2014 21:52
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Alexia Alexia, sitting on Eliodorus's shoulder sees the stare that Marduk is giving her and stares back, then with a quick laugh, throws her head back in boredom. Nuzzling up against Eliodorus's face, she whispers, Take the lead. Almudena is important. If you make yourself the covenant's spokeman to her, she'll consider you so, and so will the rest of the covenant., then she purrs reassuringly.
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Oct 9, 2014 02:17
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