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"Elves are somewhat reviled for being rude. I prefer to think of it as honesty and candidness at all times, no matter whom might take a dislike to hearing it." She explains, and with a small nod to both the regent and the princess Anathema leaves the pair alone to talk. She could try to eavesdrop, sure, but what good would that do. Either she is accepted in the court or thrown in the dungeons to rot. It was out of her hands now. She thought she may as well take up the opportunity afforded to her by the regent. "Begging your pardon." She approaches the palace staff member who most looked like they knew the palace layout, and who was not busy with another task, with a winning smile. "Regent de Wulfe asked that I be given the grand tour." She informs the staff member. "If you don't mind…" She gets the person's name before continuing, it would be frightfully rude otherwise. "If it is possible, I would like to start with the royal library and the armoury."
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# ? Aug 23, 2016 04:15 |
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# ? Mar 28, 2024 08:55 |
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"Donkey fucker!" Lavelle curses, as the letter erodes away, despite her best effort to read it quickly. Lavelle seeths, denied the full knowledge of the letter. Sinara rubs her shoulders, trying to calm the Sorceress as her mind races. To whom was the Pup useful? De Wulfe, most obviously. Her split with the Regent had been loud and public, driven by causes not entirely clear. Who could it be addressed to? Somebody on the front lines, whom Petra would not find it strange to give a letter to. A general, an agent, somebody like that. But why. Secrets. What Lavelle values most, what Petra has and she doesn't. The High Sorceress crunches the envelope in her hand, anger building over her failure to capture Petra in the first place. "Find her," she hisses. "Track her down. She was wounded, she's likely off her game. Find her, track her. Do not," her voice raises, intensely, to Sinara. "Do NOT engage her. I want her watched for the appropriate moment." <Platonicsolid> Using Cult of Archea [+4] to dispatch agents to track down Petra. <Platonicsolid> .roll 2d6+4 <Platonibot> Platonicsolid: 14 (2d6+4=6, 4) Sinara departs, to gather her team and prepare orders for others. Lavelle raps her fingers on the table, considering. Loathe as she is to admit it, the time has come, the time to reach out to other players, to forge...not alliances. Understandings. Of her two best candidates, one is, as far as she knows, in Ark's Landing. Not the type of place to go traipsing about, not until she knows more about the lay of the land. Hissin, though...a more natural target and an eligible bachelor 'king'. Yes, Hissin should be a fine place to visit. The High Sorceress packs and moves quickly, saddling up with just a couple guards to maintain their disguise as a simple travelers. Hissin isn't far and they ride easily. As they approach the city, Lavelle gathers her strength and attempts to scry into the city, to identify where the King in Hiding is doing his hiding in specific. <Platonicsolid> Going to scope out Hissin. <Platonicsolid> .roll 2d6+4 <Platonibot> Platonicsolid: 8 (2d6+4=2, 2) Platonicsolid fucked around with this message at 01:03 on Sep 6, 2016 |
# ? Aug 23, 2016 17:47 |
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Sudden Clarity Hrm. "Very well. May the gods watch over you, Regent." Without another word, I stride away; a servant scurries to open the gilt-inlaid door for me, but I beat him there and shove my way out into the sunlight myself. Bandits? Does she know who I am? ...well, no, she probably doesn't. Nor do I, for my part, know anything about this Crimson Canyon, or the bandits that inhabit it. Perhaps they are deserving of the gods' wrath, and perhaps not. Either way, the Wolf's lack of hesitation is refreshing after listening to the elders! So I shall not hesitate either. I shall leave as soon as possible, and may the gods grant me the strength to visit these benighted souls with mercy or vengeance, as is their wont. Going to the Crimson Canyon!
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# ? Aug 27, 2016 16:33 |
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Glaumdrang Wealth-Checker. 1BP ‘I need to return to the Capital soon’ Glaumdrang mused. ’As profitable as this place could be, I cannot afford to miss other opportunities for profit’. Even with that justification, Glaumdrang was finding it hard to let go. It reminded him of the old days, navigating through calm and stormy waters, leading ships laden with goods as his wings cut through thick fog like a knife. He allowed himself a moment of whimsy and then became lost in desire. Herding ships was one thing, but herding adventurers? The sheer novelty consumed him. “For old times, let’s have a go.” He said to no one, though the surprise nearly toppled over the official who was sharing his office space. Glaumdrang turned his full attention to the still recovering woman and said “Gather those mercenaries that we have been able to employ and impress upon them the importance of the upcoming skirmishes. They shall be performing in front of the Boss after all. While I am busy herding them, I want you to put out the call for any more mercenaries willing to earn easy coin. I also want you to work out the perfunctory payment details; pensions, hazard pay, bonus schemes and what have you. Hopefully a few simple successes in the enclave limits and along the roads will provide some useful propaganda, and the excellent payment conditions even more so. Also, I have heard of news of a now defunct adventurers guild. Liaise with those who are willing, find out any useful information you can and see if you can’t entice a few veterans with the promise of investment. I’m permitting the use of our “Additional Payments” budget for this. Buying the guild and it's copyright wholesale would be a useful next step.” Easing into a stretch, Glaumdrang finishes with a threat. “Remember the lesson of your predecessor. Too much initiative can be fatal.” These guys need herding? Let’s do some herding. Glaumdrang will be appearing in person, leading the adventurers who have answered the call through a few simple skirmishes along the outer limits of the enclave and the city. Ostensibly, this is to appear like a secondary job interview, though in reality it’s about scoring some easy victories with the help of a Dragon and not getting any more employees killed (without purpose). In the meantime, I want my various subordinates to A). Keep on with the recruitment and B.)Talk to the old adventurer's guild and try to get some more information so in future, we don’t walk half of our workforce into the butchers. I will be spending my BP on this. I’m not sure if +4 - First Bank of Sevvran or +2 - A Dragon in his Prime would best apply. On the one hand, Glaumdrang is there in dragon while providing fire support should it be needed. On the other hand, that’s only in an emergency situation and the current action in much more about managing a team of adventurers rather then leading them. I’m going to assume +4 for now, but if you think the other quality applies more, feel free to knock 2 off. In the same vein, I don’t think my malus applies because these are to be employees, not allies. Oscar_Diggs !r 2d6 foxxbot Oscar_Diggs, 7 7+4 Quality+2BP = 13
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# ? Aug 28, 2016 17:53 |
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Lord Commander Viktor Von Voss You succeed, albeit a bit slowly. A few houses burned down, but nothing important was destroyed thanks to the quick information. Unfortunately, the fires and confusion all but eliminated and tracks you could have used to chase them. With the situation stabilized, both the captain and the governor have requested your presence in their respective workplaces. Which one will you attend to first? Amerigo and Wealth-Checker Nothing major, really. A few 'sightings' here and there, usually written off as ramblings of madmen. However, you did manage to find an old map with the borders - there is a lot of overlap with Sevvran's borders, even before Leopold IV. Wealthchecker, Thanks to your personal involvement, the operation was for the most part a breeze. It tends to help if your employer is watchng. And a dragon. Out there, you find all manner of monster - werewolves, treekin, even a beholder and a giant swamp vermillion. It is a rather odd collection of creatures, out here. Perhaps something about this place is calling them here? Anyway, the operation is a success and people are calming down. Recruitment has restarted... but you have a feeling the monsters you killed will soon be replaced by more. Also, a messenger from Amerigo arrives. How he found you out here is anyone's guess. Guy has a nose for gold-related things that could make a dragon envious. You now know everything Amerigo is willing to share with you. Karl The monk does not respond until a good ten minutes later. "You know, for Sevvran-Folk, you sure a strange one... What brings you here? Heat's almost fed you to the critters, you know." Lavelle Your agents found out where Petra's going. She's heading for the Wyvern Clan's territory. A bit strange of a place to go to when wounded, is it not? Unfortunately, your agents refused to go further without specifics orders, because the Wyvern Clan's aren't exactly known for their hospitality... Kurt will get to oppose your scry roll, so that one will have to wait. Samarah After making sure your vision of the future is granted to Kurt, you realized he speaks the truth. The Inquisition will soon rear it's ugly head. Perhaps you should move along, to spare Kurt the trouble. Kurt "Hmm... I am not quite ready to tell either if you, yet. Farewell." the Windspeaker replies as she leaves. Samarah soon follows suit, and you are alone once more. Later that night, after you have gone to sleep, you receive a vision... and it is glorious. For a mere moment, you can feel it. No, taste it. The sweet taste of utter success. You stand before a mass of people, all cheering. They're chanting your name with a fervor you cannot remember since the day your father lived. You turn to your left and see both the Bear and the Wolf, broken and in chains. They await only your judgement. To your left, you see Samarah, ablaze in divine radiance as she steps forward and places the most beautiful crown you could ever imagine on your head. You have succeeded. You are King in true. Unfortunately, you're also soon back to reality, but this bitter longing to return to the moment of your glorious triumphs remains for long, even after you wake All of a sudden, however, you feel a strange magical activity. It appears to be a long range scrying spell, and it's coming from... hmm... Contest Lavelle's roll with whatever quality you find appropriate. Anathema Surprisingly, the library is better stocked than the armory. Of course, it's nothing compared to the library you've just been too, but you are sure to find something not present there in this one. Most interestingly, you find a stack of books resting on a table next to a chair. As if someone intended to read them but did not get around to doing so... Leona Now that everyone else is gone, de Wulfe gives you the faintest of smirks, looking at you for a moment, before starting to move along. Perhaps she's awaiting your response (or complaints...). Sudden Clarity You arrive in the Canyon a few days later, but... something's off. Surely, if these bandits were so fearsome... you'd actually find them somewhere. Are they perhaps aware of your arrival?
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# ? Aug 29, 2016 16:51 |
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Finding the armoury well stocked, and with something approximating her beloved sovnya, Anathema is content that once she is integrated at court she will be able to arm herself with her preferred weapon of choice. Then she will be able to defend herself properly should worst come to worst. Not that it seemed like it would, but one should always plan for the worst while hoping for the best. But with that little issue seen to, it was time for the library. …well, one couldn't possibly turn up their nose at this opportunity, could they? Anathema takes a peek at the cover of the book at the top of the pile. And then, if the top books garners her interest, she takes a peek at a few more covers. If it is yet more interesting, she will flick through some pages. If it proves to be nothing of her real concern, she will leave the book stack and find an archivist attendant. She wanted to see if the Royal Archives had more on the supposedly banned subjects she couldn't find anything on in the publicly available library.
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# ? Aug 30, 2016 17:08 |
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After giving my two departing guests appropriate farewells, I turn my gaze on to de Wulfe, frowning slightly. "An Adviser, what exactly do you intend for her to advise me on? You know as well as I that I have no official power here." I keep my tone level though, not letting any of the anger or irritation show through. I'm curious as to her reasons, and I haven't forgotten I need to discuss the possibility of moving against the rebels in Archea.
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# ? Sep 1, 2016 22:05 |
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Kurt Hissin Kurt awakes with a start. Someone new is searching for him. It seems unwelcome guests are in high supply. As the magic tendrils stretch out through the astral, Kurt does the simplest thing possible to avoid its attention. He devoids himself of his sense of self. You can not find what is not there... Its peaceful. No worries, no fear, no joy. Only being. And quiet contemplation. When the searching tendrils of magic have passed, with a slight reluctance Kurt returns to his self. There is much to do, he thinks as he readies for the day. Breakfast is brought for him as he sits in his study, contemplating the scrying orb and listening to mental reports by his agents. Using his Psionic Gift [+4] Kurt hides himself by not being Kurt. No one is Kurt. You can not find the King in Hiding if there is no King in Hiding. Hide oneself: 2d6+4 13
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# ? Sep 2, 2016 03:31 |
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Karl Karl thinks about the question. Was he strange? He never thought he was. If anything, he was rather boring. "What do you think Sevraan folk are like and how am I different? As to why I'm here, I was in the desert to meditate and mortify my flesh. I'm in the Red Vale to track down a dangerous cult. Why are you here?"
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# ? Sep 2, 2016 14:34 |
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Amerigo racks his brain for the significance of this. He'd have to get the dragon's thoughts as well. Old kingdom of shapeshifters writing in a dead language steals dragon's horde? That's all he had atm. If only Von Voss wasn't flitting about doing something about elves he could enlist* his help. Unless the Wealth Checker had something to do beyond getting back his gold, Amerigo was going to have go and find more out himself. After pressing the thug he caught for more info, Amerigo goes undercover and begins hitting up seedy shitholes in hopes someone, somewhere might no something. He's hit the higher forms of learning, now lets probe some of the lower ones as well. It was good to be back in the field. *passive aggressively whine and bribe until he got compliance Using [Death and Taxes+2] to start investigating this from the bottom up instead of top down. Amerigo will go around trying to lean on sources of who might have heard anything about rumors of the shapeshifter conspiracy. 2d6+4=[13]
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# ? Sep 4, 2016 05:42 |
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The spell completes. Nothing. Nothing. Lavelle utters an ancient curse in a way that makes one of her small guard contingent flinch. They wouldn't call him the King in Hiding if he were simple to find. Or he could simply not be here. His absence could be simply explained by his absence. Or non-existence? No, that seems a step to far. There's enough talk that there must be a real man behind it. A guard arrives in their small inn room, with a message. Petra's been tracked entering the Wyvern territory. "Send instructions. Watch to be kept on the passages in and out of the Wyvern lands. Do not enter, simply follow the Pup if she emerges. I will tend to her before long." With the King in Hiding not being readily found, Lavelle weighs her choices - stay and continue the search, or move on? There are others worth seeking out, Leona Sevvran most important among them. Still...it would not do to give up so easily. Perhaps there's another route. Lavelle produces incense from her pack and a candles for her attendants - none strictly necessary, but they help her focus. A deep breath, and then she begins another casting. Even if the King in Hiding can cloak himself, he must have agents, lieutenants. All of them can't be protected. Platonicsolid> Searching for Kurt's Lieutenants and tracking them. <Platonicsolid> .roll 2d6+4 <Platonibot> Platonicsolid: 9 (2d6+4=1, 4) Ehhhhh? Also, Yami, let me know if you need a roll to put the Petra Problem on ice.
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# ? Sep 6, 2016 01:16 |
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Lord Commander Viktor Von Voss Viktor looked at both messages sent to him requesting his presence. "Tell the Captain I will see him later, I best see that everything is secure with the Governor first." Viktor is going to start with the Governor of Hissin before anything else happens, this is his city after all.
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# ? Sep 6, 2016 18:25 |
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Glaumdrang Wealth-Checker Profitability ratings were going up, consumer confidence was on the rise and the shareholder that mattered was happy. It had taken a lot of effort to make up for the incompetence of his employees and there was no telling how long his new investment would stay calm without further intervention, but for the moment things were calm. Mistfall was a gold mine of resources in it’s own right, but if the new King continued his wars in earnest... The sales of arms and armour alone would increase his profits by thirty percent at his analysts worst prediction, not accounting for all the ancillary sales involved. A bit more investment, a splash of forward thinking and just a hint of lobbying to keep the war dogs baying would make this century perhaps Glaumdrangs most profitable. And Amerigo had found the missing gold. His day couldn’t get any better! Amerigo had found the missing gold… HIS GOLD! Glaumdrang bolted upright, giving his executive her second heart attack in as many weeks. He scrambled through the almost too small door like a freshly hatched juvenile, screeching behind to the collapsed official. “Hold my messages, hold my meetings, hold everything. Very important business I have to go to now.” He stopped, spun around in a fit of agility unheard of in beasts of his size and threatened “Tell no one of what you saw here”. 3 minutes later Glaumdrang was in the sky, the letter from Amerigo in his claws, practically ripped to shreds with how tight his hold was. All that glitters was in fact gold in those few hours of frantic flight back to the capital. The only other thing wrapping around Glaumdrang’s gold starved mind was how best to repay his new Glaumdrang is winging it as fast as he can to the capital and toward his contact with Amerigo to secure his money. While in the capital, he’s going to call in some debt riddled academics to try and find some information that may be of use to Amerigo’s cause using +2 Loans and Patronage the World Over. I think -2 Elder Race would also apply here, since while he will be in the capital doing this, it isn’t exactly Glaumdrangs usual area of business. Oscar_Diggs !r 2d6+2-2 foxxbot Oscar_Diggs, 7 +2-2 = 7
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# ? Sep 7, 2016 22:03 |
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The King in Hiding will come around, Samarah assures herself as she departs through a postern gate in the dead of night atop a borrowed donkey - a few provisions, a change of clothes, some books, and her recently repaired cloak the only supplies she has with her. Ra'Loah's work for her here is done... Kurt has been shown the way, both towards God and towards his family's sword, so important to his destiny. All she can do now is pray, and continue to walk the path that the True God has set before her. Determined to make her way towards the Spearhills, far to the south and west of Hissin, she's got a long road ahead of her. Still, it's not as if she's not traveled these roads before. For nearly twenty years Samarah traveled the length and breadth of Sevvran and beyond, and the its ways and passages - both known and secret - are familiar to her. Taking backroads and shortcuts wherever she can, hiding her signature cloak and preferring a simple traveler's garb instead, she's determined to make it there without incident. <Rauri> Samarah Making her way towards the Spearhills <Rauri> !r 2d6+2-2 <Krysmbot> Rauri, 4+2-2=4 <Rauri> yuuuuup Utilized Scholar +2 and Infidel -2, get a build point for my upcoming trouble at least. Of course, the last time she utilized these paths was before her revelation and conversion - and therefore before she became the head of an Infidel Religion wanted by the Church. Let's see if her precautions were enough.
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# ? Sep 8, 2016 08:14 |
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Kurt Hissin The reports coming in are fairly normal. Nothing yet from the Inquisition, so maybe Samarah had not led them this way. Time will tell. In the capital the distractions threw up enough of a smoke screen to hide his men's trail. Barthalos still lies wounded, but should pull through in time. This does leave a hole in his chain of command, so for now he has another of Barthalo's agents step up. It might even grow to be a permanent post, if his plans to expand his influence outward succeed. But that will have to wait until the orb is fixed. The Windspeaker had spoken of luminous oil and while it was not something he knew of, surely one of Hissin's alchemists know of it. Barthalos Hiding: 2d6+2 9 Barlas Hiding: 2d6+2 8 Barlas is drilling with soldiers in the field behind the Keep. Kurt hasn't send him back out yet. King in Hiding [+4] to continue the hunt for the sword Quest for the Sword: 2d6+4 7 Not so good...last roll was a 14, hopefully they even out. King in Hiding [+4] to see if any alchemists know of it. Luminous Oil?: 2d6+4 14
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# ? Sep 9, 2016 03:45 |
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Sudden Clarity It does not take long for my determination to fray into irritation. Crimson Canyon is barely a ditch, the people here are sullen and unhelpful, and there is no sign of these supposed brigands. Has the wolf sent me here on a fool's errand? How dare she! Or are the bandits one step ahead of me? Cowards! I kick a chunk of stone off the edge and glare at it as it tumbles down the scree, into the so-called canyon. It's not even really crimson, it's just sort of brownish! Pfeh. Either way, I am hardly going to slink back to the capital with clean hands and a tale of staring at rocks for a week. I need guidance. Laying my sword on the ground, I fold my legs beneath me and perch at the edge of the embankment. First, I must needs drive these... distractions from my mind. Stillness has never come easily to me. Quiet Insight's wisdom is great, but even he could not carve a calm, meditative woman out of such flawed stone as I. 'A fortress built in haste will fall just as quickly.' Nevertheless, I must try. I am told that, in seeking communion with the skies, others focus on joyful, timeless thoughts: animals, music, rivers and forests. When I look to the ragged cirrocumulus that hangs over the canyon, I see war. The wispy lines of an army sweeping across the land, not in the thick of battle, but maneuvering, seeking the flank, trying to catch its enemy at a disadvantage in the ensuing storm. Its enemy also being a cloud, in this metaphor. Mm. My mentor said that the torn quilt represents... represents change, hesitation, treachery. Things which are not as they seem. There is no rain in the Crimson Canyon, but the crystalline sky holds turmoil nonetheless. The clouds whisper of... of... ah, if only I could hear their voices! (10:50:42 AM) Krysmbot: megane, 7+2 = 9 for reading the clouds.
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# ? Sep 9, 2016 17:17 |
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Kurt Hissin The search for the sword goes swimmingly! Well, sadly, a bit too literally. You know thing about swamps? They're wet. Really wet. But your troops are progressing in the search. There's just two things that are a bit of a problem: a) There's a lot of diseases in there and they're already starting to fall sick to all the bloodsucking insects, and b) It seems the sword's power has attracted monsters feeding off the radiance. While it does confirm the blade's presence here, do you really have the manpower to spare to fight these beasts? On the other hand, your alchemists came up with something. An age old recipe describes this oil. Unfortunately... It's hellishly complex to create without the proper tools. And the ingredients are rare enough that gathering them yourself is likely an impossibly, so it won't come cheaply either. At the very least your vassals are safe and sound, right? Samarah Unfortunately, your precautions do not appear to be enough. They set up a checkpoint on a chokepoint, and annoyingly enough it was hidden enough for you to be unable to see it until you're already up close. They have not quite identified you yet, but they're doing so with everyone that passes, and turning back now would also be pretty suspicious. BP get! You're in a situation you're not going escape easily, though... Glaumdrang Wealth-Checker Look at all this gold! Sure, a good 20% of it appears to be missing, and another 10% has been replaced by fake money. but it's most of your reserves back. Wait, fake money? Is Amerigo trying to pull something here? Nevertheless, your side investigation is coming going to take a while to show results. Maybe you should talk to Amerigo about this admittedly very cleverly made fake money first... Lord Commander Viktor Von Voss The governor welcomes you with a feast. Some local delicacies, apparently, mixed with some of the good old Sevvran cuisine you know and love. While you two eat, he details his current woes. "Lord Voss, I must admit I am a bit scared for my life. I treat the people here as best as I can, but yet I am forever hounded by the eerie soldiers of the King in Hiding." he complains. "I do fear this is a problem one cannot solve with kindness alone. Even if the people here love me, the loyalists of old want only to replace me with their king. I must ask for your assistance in this matter: As long as that man remains alive, I fear we will never be able to truly integrate Hissin into our kingdom." Lavelle Oh, what's this? While you haven't yet found the man proper, your scrying happened upon the scene of a fight - his head assassin, perhaps? Unfortunately, something is interferring, perhaps the King in Hiding himself, and you are going to have to redouble your efforts if you want to find the man that could get you to your goal. Amerigo Turns out going undercover was the right idea! Reaaaally deep down, you just found a critical piece of information: There's a particular material shapeshifters are naturally allergic to, unable to keep up their guises in it's presence. Unfortunately, it's the very obsidian glasscutters are made out of. You'd have to deal with ogres to get some. Unfortunately, your cover got blown by an unfortunate mishap involving a random goon you happened to have extorted in the past. It seems he remembered you better than you did him. Anyway, you got out of dodge in time, and are now back at base. Oh, and your favorite dragon just arrived. Very, very hasty. Here for his gold, obviously. He looks at hi gold and glee. And then looks back at you, his grin having vanished. Karl I am here to enrich my knowledge, worldly... and otherwise. Religion in particularly." he replies. "Ah, pardon me, I should introduce myself. You may call me Mersan. "Did you know that there are over one hundred and twenty religions on this world? Depending on the definition, that is. A lot of them, like your cult, are very small, of course. But do tell me, young one, what does make your cult so dangerous? Giving you some time to think, he continues. "But perhaps I should answer your question. So many of Sevvran's clergy are only here to bludgeon their religion into the heads of others, and somehow assume it will actually be effective. If they aren't only in it for the privileges and bribes, that is. Sadly an all too common concept among all the more successful religions, that is. Would you perhaps wish to learn more about them? I have much I could show you, if you are inclined to learn." Your line of thought is interrupted by a sudden, powerful gust of wind. "Mersan, I'm ba....ck..." a female voice says. All too quickly, you recognize who the voice belongs to. The Windspeaker. Leona De Wulfe chuckles at your response. "Do not mistake your lack of political power as a lack of power. Your name and your blood are still the same as your half-brother's, are they not?" "I must admit, however, that this is mostly a strategic move. She's already tried to rile up the peasants, did she not? It's better to keep her here than out there, unsupervised. You do know the old saying, yes? 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. She then sighs. "And, who knows, maybe a strange turn of fate will change your luck. I've always been a firm believer in making my own fate. Regardless, I must return to my duties. Enjoy chasing maids or whatever it is you nobles do." Anathema It's a wide manner of subjects. One of them is about half-bloods, two of them are about statescraft, another one is about sealing magic (huh...) and the last... appears to be a fairy tale?! The last appears to have been used the most. You hear footsteps coming in your direction, so you quickly return the books in the state they were. Or at least approximately so. "Ah, hello again." de Wulfe says to you. Picking the fairly tale out of the stack, she takes a look at it before replying to you. "Ah, this tale. One of the few things that remain from my childhood." Carefully and surpringly tenderly wiping off some dust of it, she puts it back on the table. "Say, I am curious. What did bring you here, Anathema? Surely, it can't be the senseless bloodshed." Sasha Well, that's... a bit awkward. The last thing you remember is heading for Sevvran in your Glasscutter, your crew in tow. Now you're in the desert. The in-land desert. ... WITH your Glasscutter. But no crew. Just what the hell happened here? You must have had way too much alcohol. Well, this will be interesting at least. According to the map, this is the Red Vale. Home of gently caress all except for a bunch of desert people sitting around any water sources. And apparently a cult or two, but who cares. You reaaaally should figure out what to do next... Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 17:13 on Sep 10, 2016 |
# ? Sep 9, 2016 22:19 |
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Theantero posted:
A booming clap races across the desert sands as Sasha slaps the side of her head, causing a slightly wet plug of sand shoot itself away from the opposite ear. She had never really enjoyed sleeping on sand, due to all the clean-up, much preferring the volcanic rock of the Archipelago. She pinched the bridge of her nose to stave off her hangover, and surveyed her surroundings with slightly blurry eyes and a low guttural murmur. It didn't take long for her brows to furrow in puzzlement. "A desert, huh? Figures." Sasha took a swig from a gourd at her belt and felt instantly better. The Red Vale. Well, it wasn't like this was the worst pickle ol' Snaggletooth and her crew had ever found themselves in. Speaking of which, where was the crew anyway? If Hook had taken them to drink somewhere without telling her, that was coming straight out of his pay. Well, unless the stories he returned with were particularly good, hah! Sasha stood in thought for a bit. Then she shrugged. No point in standing there pontificating. She retrieved a barrow from the hold used for unloading, filled it with supplies, as well as a copious amount of alcohol. Might as well go searching for those layabouts. Sasha was just about about to leave, but suddenly stopped, as if remembering something. She sauntered back to the ship, manufactured a makeshift sign from some excess boards, and wrote. The Sign posted:This here is ol' Snaggletooth. You can look, but not touch! Nodding happily at her work, Sasha set off into the desert, looking for tracks or nearby signs of civilization. It took way more than a desert to keep an ogre down. ... Wait. Didn't they say this desert was haunted? Sasha frowned. Then she bellowed over the silent desert: "OI! ALL YE GHOSTS AN' SPECTERS AN' WHAT HAVE YE! HANDS OF MY BOOZE AND WE'LL GET ALONG, YEH?" Confident that her message had been received, Sasha started her journey. _________________________________ Right, rolling Strength [+4] to weather inhospitable terrain as Sasha looks around for clues and leads and generally tries to get her bearings. quote:Theantero: Rolling Strength [+4] because I am a strong ogre lady who's used to inhospitable locales and is afraid of no desert Ahahahahhahah Making a grand entrance. Theantero fucked around with this message at 15:37 on Sep 10, 2016 |
# ? Sep 10, 2016 15:34 |
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The pile of books is an odd collection to be sure, no surface level rhyme or reason to it. Half-bloods? Anathema didn't think that these humans were terribly interested in other species. Since she awoke she hadn't seen a half-elf, half-orc, half-dwarf. No half breeds at all. Yet, here was a book about them. They must still exist, stigmatised by racist government policy or not. Statecraft in the capital city, in the palace of the capital city at that, made a great deal more sense to the famed empress. Though if one of the rulers were reading up on the subject and not learned on the topic already then that did not help her impression of Ark's Landing any. A book on magic, in a kingdom that hated magic? Perhaps a little bit of do as I say and not as I do from the rulers here. Be free to use magic when it is advantageous for you, but forbid those you may oppose you from ever learning the arts. Quite cynical to be sure, but the odds of it being true were almost certain. And a well used book of fairy tales? That seemed a little at odds with the rest of the books here. But it was well loved, perhaps it was just a fond memory one kept around in hard times. Anathema never needed such security blankets, but she understood why some people did. But perhaps… if the history books did not have any mention of herself or her grand empire, maybe they were relegated to myth and fairy stories? It was a long shot, but not entirely out of the question. Anathema would have started to flick through the tales, but she hears footsteps approaching and does not have the luxury of time on her side. She quickly stacks the books up again. "Regent de Wulfe." Anathema nods respectfully to her new employer. "It is a pleasant surprise to see that a regent is so interested in academia." She tells her in her ancient elven lilt. "Far too often I have found rulers to rely on blunt military force or personal charisma for legitimacy, rather than any serious learned study of how one is to lead a nation. Meritocracy often finds itself cast to the side of the road when it comes to kings and their petty kingdoms." She wasn't referring to Leopold directly, of course, but he fell into the category as well. She would never say something so seditious though. That would be outrageous. Few things left from her childhood? Was she a victim who had her family destroyed and village burnt to the ground in the war? Did she simply have to come to the capital from a far-off land and couldn't bring anything else with her? Anathema considers asking, but that would be quite rude. She barely even knew this woman, and could get the information from gossiping palace staff just as easily. Best be discrete. "What tale is it, Regent de Wulfe?" Anathema chooses to ask instead. "Elven tales are very different from what humans are told, I am sure. I do not think I have really heard any human fairy tales before." Which was true. Human's couldn't even write back when she ruled the empire, and those few that did wrote in Paramountcy script. "While senseless bloodshed does have its charm, I did not come here for that." She manages a small joke. "What brought me here was to ensure the plight of the people did not fall upon the deaf ears of the aristocracy, Regent de Wulfe." Anathema answers quite earnestly. "To ensure that yourself and Princess Leona act to aid the people suffering in their very own capital." Hi Theantero!!!
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# ? Sep 12, 2016 03:08 |
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As if I didn't know that. Her point about keeping the elf close is a good one though. "Very well. Don't let me keep you from your duty Lady Regent." I don't particularly have anything else to say to her right. Once she's left, and I'm alone again, now without the beautiful Sudden Clarity to brighten my day, I take some time to sulk. Eventually though, I stop. Not the best use of my day. I consider for a moment going to find Anathema and see how amenable she is to... relaxing... but no, they'll be time for that later as well. Chasing maids though... She's not a maid, but there is one I need to chase. Petra. She was heading into Archea. And de Wulfe was right about one thing, even though I already knew. I might not have real command, but my name and blood is enough to make people listen anyway. Composing myself, I send for the commanders in charge of the remaining military forces left in the city. With the Old Bear out of the city, they should be much easier to steer. By the time they arrive, I've set up a small but luxurious meal for us, and explain my concerns over the meal, my worries about the increasing unrest and Petra's quest off into the land. "If a small force of men could be spared to find her, ensure her safety and bring her back to me, it would be quite a weight off my mind, and of course, you would have my deepest gratitude." The favor of a princess, even a bastard one, is not to be turned away lightly. <godfist> get some men sent after Petra (Essence of a Queen) <godfist> !r 2d6+6 <Krysmbot> godfist, 6+6 = 12
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# ? Sep 13, 2016 02:03 |
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Kurt Hissin The sword will have to wait. While he certainly has the manpower to break through the cordon of beasts, it would be sure to alert and draw the Bears attention. Better a smaller party. It has been a bit since Kurt ventured out of these walls...its time the people saw their King once more. Kurt strides out of his study, the orb in his pocket and makes his way into the courtyard. The men are doing a simple drill, led by Barlas. "Barlas. We are heading out. Nestor will remain in charge here." Barlas stops midstroke, then lets down his practice sword. "Where to, my lord?" "To the great swamp. I hope to find myself another weapon in our fight." Other orders are sent out. Down at the nearby village the rangers make ready to join the expedition. The expedition already in the swamp, much to their relief, is given orders to return back to the local village where treatment is waiting. Kurt will be heading out with Barlas and his small troop of rangers. Using King in Hiding[+4] We ride!: 2d6+4 11
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# ? Sep 15, 2016 03:54 |
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Glaumdrang Wealth-Checker Glaumdrang takes a moment to bask in his returned horde. Quickly approaching the hastily stacked coinage, he swirls his claws through the pile, getting a feel for his newly reunited treasure. Then he begins plucking out coins. Part way through he notices Amerigo and his lackeys. “Very good job, my friend. Very good. Just a few issues here and there to be sorted out, no large bother.” He plucks 5 coins to rest between his claws. “Some of this gold is counterfeit coinage. I don’t why the perpetrator thought they could get away with fooling a Dragon with fake gold but they tried. I would so hate to put so much more on your plate, but I am reminded of one of my favourite two-legger sayings; The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more. I don’t know how related it is to the conspiracy you have uncovered. Perhaps these ‘mimics’ are responsible? I of course will render every possible service to you in solving these mysterious. In the interest of cooperation I have contacted several academics who are quite deep in debt to find out more information, but as yet they have had no success. Is there any other aid I can offer? Records that can be checked on? Personnel or material acquisition I can head up?” Amerigo did me a solid, let’s do one back. Anything I can do to help? Get that obsidian for you, maybe? Let’s also work out where this fake gold came from.
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# ? Sep 16, 2016 18:08 |
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Karl Karl considers Mersan's question. "They are dangerous because they are demon worshipers. They seek to convert the rest of the world to the worship of the demon they call Ra'Loah, and call upon him for their sorceries. Their prophet hopes to call him into the world and then rule alongside him as his consort. This is something that all honest people, whether they be of my faith or not, should fear." He goes on to consider Mersan's other words. "There is corruption among the Church.", he concedes. "Of course there is. While I'd like to tell you that all those in positions of authority in the Church are always honest and motivated only by faith, the Church, though established and guided by God, is, nevertheless, run by human beings, and human beings sin. I would that it was otherwise. As far as bludgeoning our religion into the heads of others, sadly, there are those who are not suited for their tasks. To be a priest of the church, especially a missionary, is to be a guide, a teacher, a servant, and a father to the people. Mostly, it requires patience. There are, sadly, too many who have not yet fully cultivated that virtue." Also, too many of them are Sevraan, he admits to himself, although he will not say it aloud to a foreigner. They see you as a conquered people and they the conquerors, though few of them took up a blade in the war themselves, and think it is your duty to submit. And your people see them as Sevvran, merely agents of their oppressors. These were words he dared not say aloud, though. Still, they needed faithful from the Vale to take up leadership roles, soon. He starts to elaborate further when he hears an oh too familiar voice. "Come in, Windspeaker", he says, his back still to the door. "I've long sought to make your acquaintance."
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# ? Sep 17, 2016 02:23 |
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BP: 1 | Location: Checkpoint Were her precautions truly insufficient? Isn't it instead much more likely that this is a test Ra'Loah has for her? Waiting in line alongside the other travelers, Samarah refuses to give in to worry. Whatever happens when the guards come across her is what's destined to happen - it's Ra'Loah's will even if she be apprehended and slain. Not that she's fearful of that, of course, since she knows it isn't Its will, it can't be. She's its Chosen Prophet, her God wouldn't allow for her to meet such an ignoble end. Saying a few prayers for her safety in between making small talk with those in line around her, she's content to wait until it comes time for the soldiers of the False King of Sevvran to speak to her. Between her education in Sevvran customs and her relatively harmless demeanor and age, she's fairly sure she's coming across as an unassuming traveler. Once they do, the Prophet of Ra'Loah is at peace and in no way nervous. The only falsehoods she tells to the guards are identifying herself by her sister's name - Aisha - instead of her own, and stating that she's merely traveling to the Spearhills to attend her daughter's wedding. Surely the guards don't need to check her identification any further, and she can move along? <Rauri> Samarah Miraculously making her way through the checkpoint <Rauri> !r 2d6+6 <Krysmbot> Rauri, 11+6 = 17 Obviously used Prophet of Ra'Loah +6 for this. Rauri fucked around with this message at 08:43 on Sep 17, 2016 |
# ? Sep 17, 2016 08:40 |
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Now he was feeling downright embarrassed. If there was anyone in the kingdom who'd be able to detect a fake coin it ought to be him. That said, dealing with a dragon was like anything else, all you could do was fake confidence until you made it. "From my understanding, obsidian is the key to defeating them; it not only acts as a powerful bane, but may cause them to drop their disguise. The issue is getting it in enough quantity to make this possible. There's ah, also the issue of the fake coinage. I'd have picked it out but I figured returning it to you in the most intact state possible had priority. Why would they mix it in AFTER they took it is the question..." Amerigo, if possible, inspects one of the pieces and squints. [Death and Taxes+4] to try to learn something about the fake coins. 2d6+4=[14]
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# ? Sep 17, 2016 21:22 |
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The spell runs its course, picking up the tendrils of energies flowing through the city, sorting them, sifting, finding just the right person. There! That one! A fit man with a dark cloak around him, both actually and in the spirit realm. "We move," Lavelle announces to her two escorts. The group puts on simple grey cloaks with gold trim, the sort of thing a minor merchant might wear, and the three move purposefully out of the Inn onto the street The three move in a rough formation through the streets along the thin magical thread that leads Lavelle towards her quary. As they approach, she casts a second spell, a simple interest redirection. Actual invisibility is both more difficult, and less useful in these situations. A hard spell, it also doesn't work when somebody runs right into you. No, this far simpler incantation makes the subjects seem less interesting, just a face in the crowd. It'll break if they do too much unusual, too obvious. But what could be something special about them? Just three traders on their way to a meeting or a warehouse or somesuch. Along the streets, past a market, up a hill. A good half hour pursuit, as the man makes dodges and Lavelle's small team works to stay just close enough to follow, not so close to arouse suspicion. It's harder work than some would think. At long last, they arrive at a small keep, what one might instead call a manor. To Lavelle it looks like something from the minor nobility. Just the sort of place the King in Hiding could settle unmolested. Her two henchmen move around the structure while Lavelle watches the main gate. Soon enough, a man emerges with a small company, wearing armor, with a moustache and faintly ridiculous hair. That's him, and something's afoot. It could be the perfect time to make an introduction...but more valuable if his mission can be discovered. Another piece of information to slide in her bag of tricks. Lavelle signals her co-conspirators and they begin tracking Kurt out of the city. <Platonicsolid> Tracking the lieutenant <Platonicsolid> Using magic stealth.... <Platonicsolid> .roll 2d6+4 <Platonibot> Platonicsolid: 8 (2d6+4=2, 2)
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# ? Sep 18, 2016 04:13 |
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Lord Commander Viktor von Voss "Lord Voss, I must admit I am a bit scared for my life. I treat the people here as best as I can, but yet I am forever hounded by the eerie soldiers of the King in Hiding." he complains. "I do fear this is a problem one cannot solve with kindness alone. Even if the people here love me, the loyalists of old want only to replace me with their king. I must ask for your assistance in this matter: As long as that man remains alive, I fear we will never be able to truly integrate Hissin into our kingdom." Viktor considers this for a moment, and then putting down his knife and fork he leans back. "Yes your lordship, but as a man who has participated in - and survived - a lot of guerrilla campaigns in my time, I can tell you that a small but mobile force will run rings around a superior army if all that army is doing is chasing it through the countryside." He thoughtfully chewed his steak, swallowed, grinned and simply said. "So, I won't play this by the Hidden king's rules I shall play this by mine." He said picking up a freshly filled tankard of fine ale. "Your lordship, I have faced many a rebellion in my time and I will tell you the same thing I told my subaltern." He sipped his ale. "What an army needs more then anything else in a protracted engagement is support, for us our support comes from the state, provisions must arrive, soldiers must be armed, men must be trained and made ready." "But a rebellion does not have the support of a state by it's very nature, it requires the support of the people instead, and there I feel is where my gracious king had made a, miscalculation. He kicked the supports of the country down in the pursuit of the conquest of Hissin but did not put the necessary work in after he had done so, and there is where the poison can seep in Lord Housemartin. The people support the Hidden King right now because they are feeling the boot of the Sevvran aggressor in their minds and this is unfortunate." "But, It is for this reason that I have brought not only reinforcements for our garrisons within Hissin, but craftsmen, masons, natural philosophers, doctors, and I have even acquired a few clergymen who volunteered for this. I've acquired quite a lot of strings in my time and I am pulling on a few for this one sir. Hissin has only seen us as conquerors, let us show them that we are willing to put the time and effort in to put this country back on it's feet. Let us in other words, give the people something that the Hidden King cannot give them, the means to rebuild their lives without resorting to more bloodshed." "And a rebellion without popular support is a rebellion doomed to failure." He waved over aide, and he placed a few documents on the table next to Lord Housemartin. "I have gone over what I consider to be the most problematic areas from a military standpoint my lord, but I would appreciate your input on some of these matters in particular, you have the lay of the land better then I do." Lord Commander vos Voss is laying the ground work and infrastructure down for the long term recovery and growth of Hissin, and the immediate restoration of it's more damaged areas of infrastructure in addition to reinforcement of it's armed garrison. To this end Von Voss will be using his Captain and Commander [+4] aspect for the marshaling and organizing of work teams and resources to this end, in co-operation with Lord Housemartin 19:57 TheNabster PDQ roll for Viktor von Voss to enact REFORMS 19:57 TheNabster !r 2d6+4 19:57 Krysmbot TheNabster, 11+4 = 15 19:57 TheNabster Noice After he has gotten that sorted, he will go and see the Captain of the Guard.
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# ? Sep 18, 2016 20:19 |
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Glaumdrang Wealth-Checker Upon hearing the weakness of the mimics, Glaumdrang snorts out “Very well. I will return to the capital briefly and make enquiries about procuring some necessary obsidian, either from the Ogres or some third party. I will return here forthwith.” Buying some obsidian for my buddy Amerigo! Returning straight to the hideout after the buy, unless something comes up. Oscar_Diggs !r 2d6+4 Krysmbot Oscar_Diggs, 6+4 = 10 Using +4 First Bank Of Sevvran
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# ? Sep 18, 2016 20:58 |
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Sasha You walk on for hours, and hours, but nothing resembling civilization appears to be in sight. Finally, next morning, you see something man made on the horizon! Wait a minute, that's a ship. Your ship. And all the booze is gone! Come ooonnnn....... This isn't right. You don't remember ever turning around! Anathema "Hah, why did you think I joined the military? One of the few places where skill matters. It appears that is somewhat unique to Sevvran, however, given how incompetent the generals of the surrounding nations were..." she reminiscences. "Oh, that book? It's a collection of stories from Jerim Grey. Mostly adventures of the children of a few races. Elves, humans, even an ogre child. And the hilarity that comes from the cultural differences. Sadly, I think we're yet quite far from such a scenario in the real world." Sighing, she continues. "You sure are fond of bringing that up. Trust me, I am doing all I can. Unfortunately I have a lot of things to juggle. If you are truly your namesake, you would know how hard dealing with nobility can be. Regardless, something came up I would like to have your help with. A village in the Blade Hills has not yet paid their taxes. I would like for the princess to get some actual experience, and I want you to go along and make sure it goes smoothly. Do you think you're up to that task, Anathema?" Leona Your meal goes well. Perhaps a little bit too well. More than one of the commanders pledges to help you, and some even seek your favor in other ways. Interesting. Perhaps people are setting their hopes on you more than you thought? Anyway, a messenger arrives, too early to be from said commanders, but still sadly not exactly what you wanted to hear. She was protecting a caravan, it has been raided, with the guards slain. No sign of Petra, however, which can be both a good and a bad thing. Kurt Hissin Your expedition is much more successful with your personal guidance. The men are in higher spirits, and looking to impress, after all. The monsters are much less threatening if they are too busy trashing around from mental pain, and your men deal with the rest. Your exploits here would certainly be worthy of legend... if anyone were to witness them. Finally, you are close enough to sense the swords presence. It's power. It's... authority. It's so close. You lead your men to a grove, where it barely sticks out of the swamp waters. Unfortunately, it is not unguarded. Just what is this thing?! It looks like a dragon, but it radiates a much darker power! Awakening from its slumber, it faces you and greets you with an earth-shattering roar. Now, it is truly time to become legendary! Amerigo and Wealth-Checker Amerigo, immediately you notice something odd: The insides are filled with iron, not bronze like usual. It seems the intent was a much larger amount of fake coins, not the quality of the farce... Wealth-Checker, a messenger arrives much sooner than expected. "Uh, Sir...? This may sound ridiculous... But there have been reports of an Ogre Glasscutter in the middle of the Red Vale. More than one." Samarah The guard looks at you funny for a moment, then looks up. "Ugh, the sun is so bright today... Yeah, yeah, okay move along. Enjoy the festivities while they last." Funny, considering how clouded it was a few minutes ago. Lavelle The man walks out of the gate, looks around him, gives your group a suspicious look and then moves on with a fast pace. Worrisome! Did he spot you, or didn't he? Partial success. You found the man, but he's suspicious of you. Voss Already, you can see the King in Hiding's support crumbling. It's going to take a while to get all this sorted out, but already the people are greeting you on the street instead of cowering in fear. Hell, at this rate this place will be BETTER than what it was before. And the people are aware of it! Meanwhile, however, the captain of the guard awaits you in a sickbed. Apparently he isn't quite in a state to meet you proper yet. "The Bear! A welcome sight, Lord-Commander Voss. I must apologize for the pitiful state of affairs here. The King in Hiding has done a number on the troops. *cough* cough*" Taking a sip from a glass of water, he continues. "We completely underestimated his capacity for guerilla warfare. Even the highlands, with their mages, aren't anywhere like this. And worse, they appear to have some sort of secret hiding hole. There has been no sign of the man himself in all these years whatsoever. It's all underlings." Karl Going by the storm like winds surrounding her, she briefly considers smashing you through the building, but decides otherwise. "It's funny how much friendlier you inquisitor scum are without an army behind your back!" she replies with venom in her tongue. "No, I am going to stay right here. What do you want, and why shouldn't I just kill you on the spot!?" "Please calm down! He's just..." Mersan tries to plea. A sharp glare from the Windspeaker quickly quiets him, however...
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# ? Sep 20, 2016 21:20 |
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Sasha squinted at Ol' Snaggletooth, trying to decide whether her walking in circles was because of the ghosts or because she was drunk. She scratched her chin, then shrugged. Had to be the former, since she would not have lived this long unless she knew a bit about navigating whilst intoxicated. Oh well. She took a swing from her gourd. And gulped on nothing but air. "Oh HELL NO! Ye spectral creepers 'ave crossed a line right here." Sasha slammed her foot down on the dunes below her. "There are TWO things you DON'T do!" "You don't call an ogre a liar!" "AND YOU DON'T" "EVER" "TOUCH" "THEIR BOOZE." Sasha stomped around her ship in clear anger, looking for the ghosts clearly responsible. Once she found one, she would make them explain in detail on exactly how they would pay back for their transgression. _________________________________ Fish out a ghost and intimidate some answers out of them (like, WHY DID YOU TAKE MY BOOZE YA GIT and HOW ARE YE GOING TO PAY ME BACK FER MY BOOZE YA GIT) quote:Theantero: Well, I'll roll Antimagic to politely interrogate the spectral denizens of this desert
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# ? Sep 20, 2016 21:48 |
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Anathema nods. "True. The best militaries around the world see the best among them given command. When lives are at stakes, when kingdoms risk falling to ruin, there is little time for nepotism. You want the best commanders, hardened by battle, to lead the good fight." Or unjust fight, as it may happen, but she chooses to not mention this as risk of upsetting the Regent with political talk. "One benefit of unremitting conflict, Regent de Wulfe, is the plethora of battle tested generals. For good or ill of the war, it produces soldiers proved in the heat of battle like the steel of the swords they wield." She smiles very slightly. "Of course, as the army grows in experience the diplomats and bureaucracy wither on the vine. If a ruler is not careful, when the battle is finally over they find no other way of ruling than with that very same army. And that always leads to ruin." "Jerim Grey" Anathema repeats, unfamiliar with the name. "Interesting. I would have thought such tales, of human and elf and ogre being equal, would almost be blasphemy in the current military climate." She notes. "But it is a beautiful thought, is it not? Children so innocent in a world so peaceful that they don't see anything wrong with playing with a young elf or a young ogre like they are just like them. To have fostered such understanding among all the races and nations. An empire harmonious for all." She nods to the Regent. "I hope that you do take the lesson of that tale to heart while you rule, Regent de Wulfe. It has a good message at heart." Anathema, concealing her slight smile, nods. "I carried the petition and hopes of many with me. To not bring it up would be betraying them, and that is a burden I fear I could not bear." She says quite earnestly. She gave her word, and her word was her bond. "Those in power must make concessions to many parties, yes. This is true." Anathema agrees. "But one does not need to be the fearsome Basilissa Anathema of Blomstregård to know that. As long as I have your word, Regent de Wulfe, that you carry the concerns of the the common folk in your heart then I will trust that you will see them aided in whatever way you can." She bows her head respectfully to the Regent. The displaced ruled listens very carefully. There was no doubt the Regent had an ulterior motive, but Anathema was working for a very poor position here. She had little choice but to accept if she were to have any sway in this land and time at all. "Ah, very wise Regent de Wulfe." She bows her head again. "Those who rule should know how their country functions, from the fanciest of galas to the most boring minutiae of government spending. Tax collection is the blood the beating heart of the kingdom cannot live without." Why exactly this single village in this one province, the Blade Hills, was so important she would need to discover later. "I understand your concern for Princess Leona, she is not skilled in dealing with such matters. Very well. If you make my position in the Royal Court official so I can act with Imperial authority, able to then ensure things 'go smoothly', then I will be happy to escort the young Princess Leona to this village." The deal had been put on the table. Her poker face was on. Was the Regent going to allow her to be named in the court so soon, or was she going to toss her aside like a poor servant no longer of any use? Using my diplomacy and talking to try and strike this deal. Using [+6] The People's Queen, the Patrician's Princeps. [1:57pm] Robodog: !r 2d6+6 [1:57pm] Krysmbot: Robodog, 6+6 = 12
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# ? Sep 21, 2016 04:58 |
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BP: 2 | Location: Towards the Spearhills! Her faith has been rewarded. Ushered along at the checkpoint, the Prophet of Ra'Loah sees no reason to not be gracious about the unknown escape she's in the midst of making. "Thank you sir, I shall," Samarah returns politely, smile practically sparkling in the light of the suddenly sunny weather. It's almost miraculous how much she looks like yet another traveler, and not one of the most wanted fugitives in Sevvran. "A pleasant day to you as well." With that nicety observed she's on her way, climbing back aboard her liberated mount and ushering it forward towards her destiny. ------------------- It's been days since then, yet the Spearhills seem practically no closer to Samarah than they had before. Elevation and rocky terrain make for slow going, and this part of the kingdom has remained perpetually underdeveloped throughout Samarah's two decades of experience - which only serves to compound the frustratingly minimal progress she's made so far. It's been too long since she was in the Vale, since she met with like-minded believers, or lead a proper service, or even had someone to talk to that wasn't the donkey she's been riding along the way or drunks in traveler's taverns. Since her near-escape at the checkpoint, Samarah's once again donned the robes of her true faith. Ra'Loah will see her along the way to her sacred destination, she's sure of it - and as such she has no problem identifying herself as a believer to those she encounters along the way. If even one soul is brought to the True Faith, the risk it poses to her is worth it - and she's done her fair share of preaching since then. As it turns out, an attractive foreign woman in a seedy tavern has even less of a problem drawing the eyes and ears of drunken audiences than you might think... Still, she has to be nearing her destination - both logic and her faith dictate that this journey cannot last forever. The castle of the True Queen awaits her passionate zeal and word of the True God (and if rumors of Leona are true, her shapely form as well), she cannot afford to tarry in the foothills and forests she's traveling through. After all, the fate of the world is at stake! <Rauri> Samarah Pilgrimage to the Spearhills <Rauri> !r 2d6+4 <Krysmbot> Rauri, 8+4 = 12 +6 Prophet, -2 Infidel. Hopefully that's high enough to get Samarah there safely~
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# ? Sep 21, 2016 09:14 |
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No sign of Petra means the plan goes through. She's captured, free or dead, and either way I want those men to find her. The enthusiasm of the commanders is a good sign as well, it means they'll be more likely to put more people towards it, and work harder. And they'll be more likely to support me in other things at a later time. Despite the poor news, things are overall going well for me today. Enough that I'm in a good enough mood to go a step further to indulge myself. I've been enjoying myself with various of my lady companions for the last long while, but sometimes a girl just wants a man in her bed, and tonight I'm will to take that risk. I'm always careful to take care of the ... side effects ... so that isn't a concern, but taking too many men into my bedchamber at night is asking for other sorts of trouble. The rumor kind. Still, it's been long enough that inviting the attractive, strong and youngest of the commanders -merely a few years my older- for an evening 'discussion' seems safe enough. After all, a Princess could have many things to discuss with such a handsome, muscled, man. Especially one distressed by the potential loss of her childhood friend, with one of the people sending troops to find her. Yes. <godfish> essence of a queen, hedonist <godfish> !r 2d6+4 <Krysmbot> godfish, 7+4 = 11 using royal responsibilities/feeble womanness to cover for having a nice hot encounter
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# ? Sep 23, 2016 08:17 |
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Kurt Hissin The ride through the countryside was uneventful. With Barlas at his side and the expertise of his rangers, Kurt's party made it safely to the swamp unseen by the Bear's men. During the travel reports from his agents come in regarding the Bears efforts to sway the populace, and improve the ruined countryside. Hah! Let the man waste Sevvan gold fixing what they destroyed. The people would never come to favor the Sevvan rule, not with what they had done or still do. The thought of his failures so far on the prison cloud his mood and cast a dark look on Kurt's face as they reach the village by the swamp. "Everything alright sir?" asks Barlas "Just ill thoughts. Come, I wish to check on the expeditions recovery personally," Kurt replies as he dismounts. He makes his way to one of the center houses, the villagers murmuring as he passes by. Some may of heard him or spoken with him by mind, but never seen him before. As he goes to open the door one of the men on guards does it for him, saying "My king." The lighting inside is poor, but the beds are visible. The patients try to rise as he enters, but he motions them down. He makes his way through, talking to each in turn. A kind word here, encouragement and praise there. These men had suffered, but he was here. Their King, still in hiding but there for them now. "You've done well. Hissin is one step closer to freedom for your efforts". Turning, Kurt heads back out to the party as men give him a small cheer. Its good to see his people in person. Staying cooped up in the Vale Fortress for too long makes him forget the little things you can't see from the astral perspective. Barlas is waiting with his lord's mount. As Kurt hops on the captain says, "How were they?" Kurt responds, "As well as can be. We will fare far better, with you here at my side." Onward, into the swamp they went. When they came upon the outer area of the swords influence the same monsters were present, but no match for Kurt. Debilitating waves of pain made them easy pickings for the rangers. As they grew closer the only monster to resist enough, a dark chimera of alligator and wolf, found its attack dashed by Barlas's sword. As they grew closer, Kurt himself could feel the swords presence. It was startling for it felt like only one thing he'd ever felt before, the psionic gift of his own father. But not the same. Different, somehow in a way he could not define. He thought, for a moment that it had the faintest whisper, before the dragon rose and announced itself with a roar! As the sword's energy seemed to have attracted the monsters from before, so it seemed to have called this mighty creature here. Kurt readied himself, reaching deep into his gift and feeling the icy plunge into its depths, power invigorating him. But there was also the thought, the feel, the perception, that this dragon had a mind. And could he not speak to it as well as fight? It almost seemed like a whisper, a past memory of a lesson from his father. "War is weapon of last resort for a true ruler. Only to be used when words have failed..." I, Kurt Hissin, have come to reclaim this relic of my forebearers. Who are you, that dwells before me? Attempting to talk with this dragon. Using King in Hiding[+4], for a king must know diplomacy and the art of speaking to truly lead. Peaceful Talk: 2d6+4 12 Quornes fucked around with this message at 08:43 on Sep 23, 2016 |
# ? Sep 23, 2016 08:41 |
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Anathema De Wulfe chuckles. "You know, for a supposed Tyrant you sure have a lot of kindness in your heart" she replies. "Yes, it'll be official. I don't think it's possible for the fattened pigs we call nobility nowadays to despise me any more intensely, anyway." As the topic comes to the fairy tale, she adds "I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised, then. My views on things are quite controversial in Sevvran, as you might be aware. It comes with living on the battlefield I suppose... on the battlefield, it doesn't matter if the person next to you is a half-elf, an orc, or what have you. It only matters which way the blade is pointed." Looking up from the books, she concludes. "But yes, you are now officially part of the court. Feel free to stab anyone who disagrees, I won't miss them. Anyway, go inform the Princess if you don't mind. The carriage will be ready tomorrow morning, and I'll have the paperwork finalized by your return." Leona Your seduction works quite well! A bit too well, maybe. Gregor Hallim, he says, is his name. He's absolutely smitten with you and promises you he'll help you fine Petra in any and all ways he can! Unfortunately, after a few hours of fun he remembers he has actual duties and has to go attend them. Let's hope he's actually successful... Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 22:10 on Sep 25, 2016 |
# ? Sep 25, 2016 21:41 |
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Without giving too much away, Anathema just gives the Regent a small smile. "That supposed Tyrant died many years ago, as we both know. And I am sure you have heard some of the unkind things people have to say about yourself, Regent de Wulfe. Both the peasantry and the nobility both." She assumes, as one cannot be in power with having heard a few unkind things about their rule. It was a fact of life. "But they are often incorrect and misleading, and almost always born out of petty politics and avarice. One should be careful with what they take as fact." But, in thanks, she bows her head to the Regent. "Thank you, Regent de Wulfe." The regal Anathema simply nods, and with a sly smile. "One may argue that as Regent it is important which way the blades are pointed as well." She manages a rather macabre joke. "Clearly the King feels rather secure in his reign to leave one as unorthodox in her views as yourself as Regent while he is away. No need to appease the politicians and nobility." She notes. "But one can only hope that views you and I harbour are shared by the people, in time. Racism and fear are not needed in times as difficult as these." Anathema bows her head slightly. "I will avoid stabbing unless absolutely necessary, Regent de Wulfe." Though she was armed for such a task if it came to that. "And if you'll excuse." She is quick to turn on her heels and head towards the Princess. ~ Without much care for what may be on the other side, Anathema waves herself past the guards and lets herself into Leona's bedchambers. "Princess Leona." She announces, not fazed at all by whatever debauched scene lays before her. "I am to escort you to the Blade Hills to collect the taxes from one recalcitrant village. We are leaving by carriage tomorrow morning." She informs that of royal blood, and before she can complain any. "This is on orders from Regent de Wulfe."
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# ? Sep 26, 2016 02:44 |
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I'd been hoping for a full night of fun, but duty calls for all of us I suppose. And shortly after it calls for Gregor, it arrives for me as well, in the form of Anathema rudely barging into my bathing room. This action receives a questioningly raised eyebrow as I sink back into my warm bath, one of my maids scrubbing at my shoulders. "We do?" My eyebrow lowers to match the other in a slight frown, "Go and check with de Wulfe," I wave away the maid who was assisting me with my bath to go and confirm that she has indeed ordered this, and turn my attention back to Anathema. "I understood you were to be an adviser, not my task master... Nevertheless..." Relaxing my expression to one of a slight smile, I lean forward, letting the water cascade off my chest as I expose it to the air again, and moving to the side of my bath, I pour two glasses of wine from the waiting amphora. "If we're to be working together, I'd like to get to know you a bit better. Here, have a glass. Elvish wine, I believe. Tell me about yourself, you said your name was Anathema, where are you from? What are the elvish lands like? Sadly we get far too few visitors from those lands."
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# ? Sep 26, 2016 10:06 |
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"I assure you, Princess Leona…" Anathema shifts to the side as the Princesses handmaiden scurries past. "You attendant will confirm Regent de Wulfe gave these orders." She closes the door behind her, and takes a further step into the room. "I have an idea Regent de Wulfe doesn't believe you would ever get out of bed in the morning without somebody there to make you do so." The elf tells the royal, not batting an eye at Leona bathing. "I do not think she has a poor opinion of you, but she has high hopes for your future and doesn't want you to lack the qualities one needs to rule. And as you seem to enjoy hot baths and warm beds over travelling to small villages for busy work, she wants me to ensure you learn what you need to." Anathema valued honesty highly, and thus was not adverse to telling the baby she now had to nanny why they were both stuck with each other. Graciously, Anathema accepts the glass of wine from Leona. She doesn't drink at all, but it would be frightfully rude to turn it down the offer. And she did want their formal, courtly relationship to get off on the right foot. The elf takes a short sniff of the glass. "A Ringstregørd vintage, if I am not mistaken." She judges. "In Blomstregård we prefer fortified wines. The sweeter taste is more palatable to the elven palette, humans and orcs prefer the unfettered tannins that thrive in the Ringstregørd region." Having educated the Princess in elven wines, she offers her glass to Leona's and clinks them together. "To you good health, Pincess Leona." Though, still, Anathema does not drink. With a small smile, and one hand behind her back, Anathema answers the Princess. "I am afraid there is little to tell, Princess Leona. I am from a small village you would never have heard of deep in the heart of the elvish lands, living in the shade of the great mountains. And as you know, elves do not like to wander far from home. I suspect you get most exposure from half castes rather than full blood elves. Blomstregård does not see any value on diluting elven blood with that of others." There is a sigh from the new royal adviser. "To tell you the truth, Princess Leona, I simply awoke one day and saw that the Blomstregård I knew and loved simply wasn't there any longer. Expelling half-humans born out of love, simply because the elf blood that ran through their veins was not pure? Closing the border and practically isolating the country from the rest of the world? Surrendering construction for living symbiotically with nature?" She shakes her head. "That is why I left. I no longer felt that my home was there. Blomstregård no longer stood tall over the land as a glorious symbol of what elfkin can do, but was nothing but a shadow and ruin. Taking to the tree rather than bending it to your will is not my way, Princess Leona." "Unless you want to see paranoid, selfish people living up in hammocks strung between tree branches, I would not advise going to to elvish lands. If you value shattered ruins of the greatest city ever to grace the lands, Blomstregård may hold some value." Is her summation.
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# ? Sep 26, 2016 11:19 |
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Lord Commander Viktor von Voss Viktor nodded at the bed ridden Captain of the Guard and took a seat next to his bed. "And what has been done about the activities of the rebels currently, Captain?" Nothing too fancy here just trying to get a grasp of what has been happening in the country so far.
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# ? Sep 27, 2016 19:02 |
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# ? Mar 28, 2024 08:55 |
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Glaumdrang Wealth-Checker Boats… in the desert? “My agents are aware of the consequences of spurious reports, yes?” Glaumdrang considered his options and found himself intrigued by the possibilities. The chance for an unmoderated look at a famous Glasscutter… “Amerigo, I need to look into some of these reports. I will continue to have my agents look into buying some obsidian. I will return forthwith.” Alright, let’s go have a look. Big black ships in the middle of the desert can’t be that hard to find given the reports.
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# ? Sep 27, 2016 23:47 |