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I will observe this time!
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Oct 16, 2018 20:01
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Here is the edited transcript of yesterday's Scene played out in discord. The Soul Pact Characters: * Clotho, Elder Witch and tonight's Master of Ceremony * Lachesis, Elder Witch * Kane, Messenger of the Abyssal Coven Transcript: A wolf-like creature runs through the forest under the watchful Eye of the three moons. It runs towards a group of people, who see the creature but seem unperturbed. Just as the wolf leaves the forest, it begins to change shape. Slowly it morphs into a haggard looking woman. Old, but dressed in a beautiful black robe that softly glimmers with preternatural beauty. Clotho: "Welcome, Lache. You sure took your time." Lachesis: "You'll have to excuse my transgression, sister. The southern lands aren't the backwoods they used to be any more. Getting here isn't that difficult. Doing so unnoticed is." A raven hops off a branch on a tree. As a moon's shadow crosses the limb, it transforms into a black-haired man in a crimson robe. Lachesis: "Oh my, is that handsome fellow your new protege, or...?" Clotho: "I am sure he would like to believe so, Sister. Though he certainly has his uses, I can't deny that." Kane: "I am simply a messenger. Nothing more, nothing less. My magical talent is... limited, compared to you wonderful women. I am simply here to record your decisions and provide them to the rest of the Coven. Pay no more attention to me than you would air." Clotho: "A curious choice of words. I would have you know, the air takes up more of my attention than you could possibly imagine, these days." s Lachesis: The witch cackles softly. "Handsome and modest? Now that is an unusual combination". Clotho: "Maybe in your circles, Sister." Kane: "If you have need of a name, mine is Kane." Lachesis: "Hmph. If you weren't my kin I would have taken umbrage at that. But I will concede that you are right. The southern lands are a place devoid of art and refinement. Most of all, the refinement that only the Coven can bring into this world". Brief pause. Lachesis: "But you speak of the air... I take it you have noticed it too, then?" Kane takes out a sheet of paper, and a pencil, beginning writing something down. Clotho: "I have, Sister. My senses are not yet as dull as to miss something of this magnitude. Change is everywhere these days. Every creature, every spirit, every being that approaches true awareness is uneasy. Things are not as they used to be. I have seen glimpses of the true causes. It's time, sisters. Time we take center stage." Curious, but not wanting to break the conversation, Lachesis conjures a glass of wine and brings it to her mouth. Before taking a sip, she looks at the wine in her glass and uses it as a scrying mirror to spy on Kane's writing. The writing is merely an outline of what has already been said- change in the magic in the air, a desire to take center stage. Lachesis: "Though I know not what they are, I see them in my dreams too. Descending from the sky, cloaked in flame and fury... Maybe they are no threat to us, but it would behoove us well to make preparations". Clotho: "Preparations may be the understatement of the Age, Sister." Lachesis: "Kane", the witch raises her voice slightly. "Did my Sister grace you with the gift of Foresight?" Kane: "I am afraid not, madame. I have an inkling as to what you mean, however-the assassination of the Emperor and his scion's ascension have a place in this, I assume?" Clotho: "They will, little scribe. They will." The Elder Witch turns to face the entire group. Clotho: "Ominous clouds are gathering on the horizon. Clouds more thick and leaden than any I have seen. We can't afford to sit this one out in the audience, lest the whole performance come to an abrupt end. We must act now. There are no other options. Are we agreed?" Lachesis stands up. Lachesis: "I agree. Better to sow grain in spring than to starve in autumn. With uncertain times ahead, we must prepare for the worst. To craft the strongest weapons, we need the most powerful Fuel to stoke the flames of the Forge. I am sure that those of us blessed with the gift of Foresight have noticed already, but soon the Empire's ruler will meet his demise at the hands of a group of assassins... I propose that we... aid... his heir in defending his inherited realm, so that soon Souls will flow more freely than ever, ripe for the Harvest." Kane: "An excellent metaphor, Madame. Where once we plucked Souls like berries wherever we found them, now we will have a veritable orchard." A different Coven witch stands up and begins to yell loudly: "What do you mean by 'help?'" Clotho: "Help and aid are such silly terms for what I plan to do. On the contrary, the young Emperor will be graciously lending his aid to all of us. When our work is done, there will be no single soul in the whole continent out of our reach. All of the Empire's puny armies and fragile authority will transform into powerful instruments of our will. We shall have a free hand in preparing ourselves for the approaching threat. What's more, should we prove successful in repelling it, much of that power would remain in our tight embrace. This is a turning point, Sisters. From here, the future is ours for the taking. We just need to play our cards right and survive. Everything else will simply fall into our hands." Every witch present begins to cackle madly. Clotho looks over the group, with a wide wolfish grin. Clotho: "I am glad we all agree. Now, let us spin the threads that will bind young Tiberius to our will!" Kane frowns. Kane: "A brilliant plan, but how will we get the Imperial Prince to agree, in essence, to give up the souls of his whole nation?" Lachesis: "After his father dies, we send the young Emperor a message. That it is foretold that his enemies converge on him as a unified block...but also that he will persevere, and bring about a new era of peace and prosperity for his people. If he agrees to just one little condition…" She lets the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. Lachesis: "...The souls of a thousand people. Criminals and layabouts will do. Then we'll grant him a shard of our power and send him on his way to fight his enemies. Of course, we'll be there to steer everything from behind the curtain. Every single obstacle he faces, carefully orchestrated to be just above what he can handle on his own, and we, the gracious beings that we are, are all too happy to help him out. At a slightly bigger cost than the last time!" Kane smiles, an aura of evil brilliance around him. Kane: "Most devious, so very very devious! Like a snowball at the top of a hill, rolling down, his debt to us will grow in speed and wise, until it will practically crush him! And then, we repeat the process with his scion!" Clotho suddenly bursts into laughter. Clotho: "Scion? There is no need to bother ourselves with tedious repetition. Tiberius shall reign exactly as long as we demand, not a moment more or a moment less. With that many souls, Death can wait at the door as long as we demand her to. When the time comes, if such a time comes, when he is no longer useful to us, we shall hold enough power to simply wish a perfect successor into being." Kane looks down. Kane: "Forgive me for speaking out of turn, and giving an idea not useful to our goals." Clotho turns to the other witches once more. Clotho: "Well, Sisters? Shall we spill the ink over a blank sheet? Does this arrangement satisfy us?" Lachesis rolls with laughter not entirely of this world. Lachesis: "Yes, yes! It most certainly does! Kane, be a dear and use your penmanship skills to draft us up a fancy looking contract. When you're done, please be on your way to the Empire's capital. Clotho and I will make some... arrangements. By the time you arrive, the Emperor will be dead, and his heir will receive you with open arms. We shall see to that." Kane: "I will work on a draft now." He hands Clotho the notes of the meeting, a rough overview of the plan. Kane: "This is to be distributed to your subordinates, so that they know what our plans are and what is to be done." He gets out more sheets of paper, drafting a contract. Clotho: "So long as we are resolved, everything should go smoothly for now. The only question is if we can build a tent strong enough to stand against the coming storm. This is it, Sisters. One final push. I believe in you and in our success. Let us drink and dance to that. Then we can begin our preparations." Lachesis snaps her fingers. Unseen servants begin to play music and serve food and drink. "No rest for me. I must go and draft this." As Kane steps into shadow, he becomes a raven again, flying off into the night. Clotho pulls out a tall glass out of what appears to be thin air. It's filled to the brim with a thick, purple liquid. She gulps it down in one go . A moment later, she tackles Lachesis and pulls her up into the air, mad laughter spilling out of her lips. So begins the Witches' Ball...
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Oct 16, 2018 20:35
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Did I say 'bumbling servant'? I meant 'raging rear end in a top hat'.
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Oct 16, 2018 21:13
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Signed in Blood Characters: * Emperor Tiberius * Kane * Baldrick, Tiberius’ Servant Transcript: A short man with a patchy beard enters Tiberius' bedroom, carrying a bowl of soup and a pitcher of water. Baldrick: "Right milord. Will that be all for the night?" Tiberius sighs as he looks out the window at the rain. Tiberius: "Yes, that should be all I need, Baldrick." Baldrick: "Very 'ell then. By your leave, I will excuse myself". Baldrick leaves. A raven flies into the open window as it lands it takes the form of Kane. Kane: "Greetings Your Excellence. And condolences." Tiberius practically leaps back as Kane transforms. He grabs a sword off the wall, pointing at the intruder. Tiberius: "Who are you, and what do you want? Are you going to kill me, like my father?!" Kane: "No, no not at all, my friend, I represent people who have an interest in your plight." Tiberius: "And how can I trust a man who was a raven mere seconds ago? With one word, I can summon every knight and bodyguard in the castle." Kane: "In doing so would you condemn your lands to the invaders at the gate. Clearly if I wanted to harm you I would already have." At the words "invaders at the gate", Tiberius grows tense. Tiberius: "...so, you wish to defend the Empire from those that would harm Her?" Kane: "In a matter of speaking. I'm offering a tool to help you." Baldrick enters the room carrying a saltshaker. Baldrick: "Forgive me for my absent-mindedness, milord. I nearly forgot the sa--" Baldrick stares in confusion at Kane. Baldrick: "Who are you?" Kane: "A merchant of unique knowledge, come have a seat maybe you can help the Emperor to see the value of my offer." Baldrick: "Oh no, no. I'm not allowed near the good furniture". Tiberius: "...speak. But make it fast, and know if you attempt anything underhanded, I will know and take action." Tiberius places his sword away. Baldrick: "...milord? With all due respect, this man looks like he is up to no good. Are you sure I shouldn't raise the alarm or call for help or something?" Kane produces a sheet of paper. Kane: "This contract says for the simple price of 1000 souls a year you and your empire will be granted knowledge on immortality and how to fight beyond the physical form." Baldrick: "...witchcraft. Magic. A deal with one of the Infernal Legion, if not Daemonius himself." Kane: "Do you have any other means? With your father's death, all the other aristocrats are eyeing the throne. A show of force will only stabilize your rule." Tiberius: "...I need a moment to think, I pray you can at least give me that." A very concerned look appears on Baldrick's face. He is completely baffled. Baldrick: "Sir, you're not actually considering this man's words, are you?" Kane: "Oh, take all the time you need, I'm not the one with the empire to run." Baldrick: "Magic only invites danger, disaster. Please, I beg of you, what would She-- the Lady - think?" Tiberius makes to retreat to a side room. Baldrick is completely dumbfounded as he watches his Emperor calmly move around. Baldrick: "You... You ARE considering it, aren't you. This whole mess, the murder, it proper cooked your noodle didn't it? Well, I certainly don't intend to see this country fall to the demons! Wizard, have at you!" Tiberius: "It's not about me!" Kane: "My, you are a spirited one." Baldrick draws a knife from his belt and charges at Kane. Tiberius: "It's about the war... And Father... And everything, really." Baldrick, panting. Baldrick: "Then this is not the time to consort with those who dwell in darkness!" Kane: "Servant, you do realize more than a 1000 people die in one of your skirmishes? I'm offering you a way to save lives!" Enraged, Baldrick swings his knife at Kane again. Tiberius: "I... Love this country. And for it to die, when I love it so, would be a tragedy far greater than any tragedy of star-crossed lovers. And the people in it, how I love them so as well! If this would let me preserve that love, then..." The contract appears in front of Tiberius. Failing to hit Kane over and over, Baldrick drops his knife. Tiberius: "May the Lady-no, Elise, darling sister, forgive me to what I must do..." Baldrick runs over to Tiberius and slaps him in the face. Kane: "How dare you!" Tiberius holds his cheek, shocked. Tiberius: "The Lady most certainly would NOT have appreciated you consorting with the forces of darkness, you pompous, self-absorbed brat!" Kane: "Striking the Emperor. See my Lord, they need a strong arm to keep the peace." Baldrick: "I knew her better than you ever did!" Tiberius starts breathing more roughly and heavily, like a wild animal. Baldrick: "She was like a daughter to me! Now did this sorcerous snake ensorcell you, or are you just daft? Pick up your sword and cast him out, like a proper defender of the realm would!" Tiberius: "...father said be strong. Be strong for the young, the old, the weak, the unborn... Be strong for all." Baldrick is trying to regain his composure, but is still visibly angered. Baldrick: (Through his teeth) "Then do what is right and be strong!" Kane: "I trust your judgment Emperor." He smiles. Tiberius: "...Armsmaster Erik said as much- I am weak, frail. More fit a scholar or diplomat than a knight. Cowardly. With this magic, I need not fear war and blood. I can defend the Empire, defend the people, from those that would harm her. Defend from internal enemies, too – thieves, brigands, traitors." Baldrick's mouth falls open. Tiberius: "I will live with the consequences. If my soul be cast into the Inferno for defending what I believe in, then so be it." Baldrick: "N--No..." Kane: "It has been a pleasure doing business with you. Tomorrow morning you will receive specialists for your tutelage." Baldrick picks up his dagger from the floor. Tiberius: "I know you think yourself betrayed, my servant. But I will defend my ideals-Elise's ideals. Honor. Justice. Honesty. Bravery. I will build my new kingdom on what she stood for." He picks up a pen and takes the document. Baldrick: "Treason. Treason it is. I once swore my life to protect both this Empire and its Emperor. Never did I think these two would clash. Sign that contract, and I shall slay you myself" Kane cast a spell to place a force wall between Baldrick and Tiberius. Kane: "I cant have that happen." Baldrick struggles against the wall of force. Kane: "It seems I might be staying the night, then." Baldrick: "You cannot hold me here forever, but I CAN hold my promise! Tiberius, you rotten maggot! Don't sign that contract!" Tiberius sighs with genuine regret and sadness. Tiberius: "You are right. But all men must sacrifice something to accomplish their goal. My father gave his life. My sister, her love. I must do this, if I am to be respected. To have control. Forgive me, old friend…" Tiberius signs the contract. Baldrick picks up a rock and hammers at the unseen wall of force, without success. Tiberius takes a deep breath in as magic... Flows into him. Tiberius: "Oooh, this is... intoxicating. Now, the Republic of Songard and the Kingdom of Aurelem have something to fear. Visitor, what is your name?" Kane: "Kane." Tiberius: "I must thank you for this boon." He stands up straighter, and his voice seems more confident. Tiberius: "Baldrick. I suggest you leave. I would be... remiss if I were to lose my mentor in a tragic accident..." Baldrick stares daggers at Tiberius. Baldrick: "I will. But do not hold me for some craven honorless cur. My promise stands. Mage, lower your shield. I have nothing left worth protecting here." Kane: "It is done." Tiberius: "I promise, my new Empire will be more... Tolerant of magic." Baldrick leaves Tiberius' quarters without saying another word. He packs some basic equipment, takes a horse from the royal stables, and rides off into the night...
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Oct 17, 2018 08:42
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Now that everyone else has contributed, it's time for me to close the round. Here are my two nested additions: A Period between the Age of Bondage and the Opening of Eyes: Struggles in the Dark - Having subjugated most foreign enemies, the Emperor and the Abyssal Coven clash with the traditional sources of leadership and authority within the Empire - the Aristocracy, the Guilds and the Thirteen Temples. Over several decades filled with assassinations, rebellions, schemes and purges, mostly hidden from public view, they gradually succeed in taking over or supplanting all of the Empire's major power structures. An Event in the new Period: The Puppet Court - After spreading false rumors of the Emperor's severe illness through their agents, the Abyssal Coven asks him to call for a meeting of the Imperial Court. Many high-ranking nobles rush to the capital, prepared for the Emperor to announce his abdication of the throne. Instead, they are caught in a trap prepared by a group of Witches, led by Lachesis, who attack them in secret and harvest their souls, taking over their bodies in the process. These bodies are used to impersonate them and infiltrate the ranks of the wider Aristocracy. Time to explain the last basic element of the game's flow - Legacies. After each round is over, the player who was the Lens in the previous round is granted the choice to either select a new Legacy for themselves from among the characters, artifacts, institutions and other concepts introduced in the current round or retaining their existing one. A Legacy is like a Focus, except it can be retained between different rounds and can only be drawn from among existing concepts. Then, that same player is granted the opportunity to create a new Period, Event or Scene related to one of the currently active Legacies (not necessarily the one they just chose). Each player may only have one Legacy active at a time. Since this is the first round there is no "previous Lens" so the honor of selecting a new Legacy for themselves will be given to a random player. RNG selected JesterOfAmerica. They may now choose something that was introduced this round as their new Legacy, and add a new item to the timeline related to that Legacy. In the meantime, we can reflect on the game's progress by sharing our impressions of the history we wrote so far and discussing them (but not revealing our intentions, if any, for future rounds). I am also accepting applications for the next Lens and will randomly select a player from among all who apply.
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Oct 18, 2018 09:14
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My Legacy will be Magic of the Soul. The addition will be an Event in the Struggles in the Dark period before The Puppet Court: The Founding of the Luna Cabal: Formed from disinherited nobles and ambitious commoners, the Luna Cabal works to perform experiments with soul magic and bring it to everyone in easy to access forms. JesterOfAmerica fucked around with this message at 16:51 on Oct 18, 2018 |
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Oct 18, 2018 16:41
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I'd like to apply to become the next Lens. Although there isn't a whole lot of history to reflect on right now, this game already hits all the right notes for me. I greatly enjoy playing evil characters, especially of the scheming variety. Perhaps this isn't the most useful feedback, but I'd like to say that I find it difficult to immediately understand a character's personality the moment it is introduced in a scene. This was already discussed in the Discord channel, but coming out of yesterday's scene I had a very different view of Tiberius' character than Jester and Junpei. Looking back on it now I do agree it made more sense for him to be more like an angsty teenager in that scene than the fully developed power-mad tyrant I held him for.
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Oct 18, 2018 20:38
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Zybourne Clock posted:Perhaps this isn't the most useful feedback, but I'd like to say that I find it difficult to immediately understand a character's personality the moment it is introduced in a scene. This was already discussed in the Discord channel, but coming out of yesterday's scene I had a very different view of Tiberius' character than Jester and Junpei. Looking back on it now I do agree it made more sense for him to be more like an angsty teenager in that scene than the fully developed power-mad tyrant I held him for. Yes, that can be an issue with collaborative writing, but I ultimately think it's fine. Sometimes there are multiple different interpretations, but there are only two options with that - either the unclear matter is revisited again later and definitively clarified by a player, or it isn't and then there are just several valid interpretations and that's fine since it likely doesn't influence anything. Microscope gives each player a ton of creative control to do whatever with their personal contributions to history and Scenes, so they can build on each others ideas and pull them in their own directions. If resolving an ambiguity is important enough to the overall history, someone will inevitably end up doing that anyway. Moving on, the two applicants for the Lens position were Zybourne Clock and Junpei (who applied over Discord). RNG chose Zybourne Clock. Congratulations! Now you just need to come up with a Focus for the second round and you can get it started with creating more things! Here is the post I wrote on the game flow of a round, if anybody needs a refresher. Don't forget to set a deadline.
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Oct 18, 2018 21:03
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As this round's Lens, I'd like to shift this round's Focus to the war between the Empire and the Republic of Songard and the Kingdom of Aurelem. It has already been established that the Empire will not only win the war, but will subjugate the two opposing countries as well. Other than that, details are sparse and ready to fill in. I'm adding a new event to the Age of Fire and Steel: War on the Southern Front (takes place after Signed in Blood) - Tiberius rounds up whatever troops are available at the Imperial city and marches south to the Empire's border with Songard, where he finds that many of his enemy's troops have already crossed the border. Using his newfound powers he cuts a bloody swath to Songard's capital and captures it, though not without cost to his own army. I'm also adding a played scene to the same event: Surrender now, or prepare to fight! While setting up camp for the night, Tiberius and his army are ambushed by a squad of Songardian soldiers. Their leader, Gorram, recognizes Tiberius and demands his immediate surrender. The Emperor gives his foe a sound trouncing. Required characters: Gorram Tiberius Banned characters: Any single foe powerful enough to be a serious threat to Tiberius The question I'd like to see answered in this scene is why Songard is at war with the Empire, and which country started the conflict. I won't be able to play out this scene myself today so I talked things through with AFancyQuestionMark, and he said it's OK to start this event at a later time. I'll be available tomorrow from 4-10 PM UTC, so ideally I'd like to start the scene somewhere around that time. Up until then it's best not to make any strong assumptions about the answer to the scene's question. This round ends the 21st of October at 8 PM UTC.
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Oct 18, 2018 22:19
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I claim Gorram.
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Oct 18, 2018 22:23
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I claim Lucia, the strategist of the Imperial Army.
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Oct 19, 2018 05:56
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I claim Tiberius
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Oct 19, 2018 16:16
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I claim Orbweaver, a half-spider half-woman scoutmaster in service of Songard's army. And with that, we're ready to start the scene. e: Actually, I'm Tiberius. Zybourne Clock fucked around with this message at 19:34 on Oct 19, 2018 |
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Oct 19, 2018 17:30
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Surrender Now or Prepare to Fight! Characters: * Emperor Tiberius * Gorram, Leader of the Songardian Army * Lucia, Imperial Strategist * Orbweaver, Songardian Scoutmaster Transcript: Tiberius is in his tent, looking at a map of the area. Tiberius: "How much farther to the front, Lucia?" Lucia: "Four miles. I would suggest..." She takes a model of an archer "... that we move a small squadron of archers to this cliff, to provide cover fire. Meanwhile... the cavalry can cross this shallow part of the river while the infantry take the bridge and defend it." Tiberius: "The river is frozen. Can't we just cross it on foot?" Lucia rubs her nose. Lucia: "Ah, I forgot that. The infantry could, but the weight of the horses might be too much for the ice..." In the distance, the sound of shouting men can be heard. Tiberius: "What if we were to put really sharp knives under their hooves to spread out their weight?" Before Lucia can respond, an Imperial soldier bursts into the tent, shouting . Soldier: "The enemy is here!" Tiberius: "What?" Soldier: "It's an ambush!' Lucia grabs a lance from the side of the tent. Lucia: "Stay back, Your Majesty. I'll take command." Lucia walks out of the tent. Lucia: "Assume defensive positions!" Before anyone can react, a long appendage pierces the soldier's body from behind. A tall woman with the lower-body of a spider skitters into the tent, surrounded by Songardian soldiers. Tiberius grabs hold of a sword and unsheathes it from the scabbard. Orbweaver: "Oh! What have we here? A command post?" Lucia turns around, sees this woman and the soldier, and moves to the side, hiding behind a crate. She takes a stone on the ground and throws it to the other side of the tent to mislead them. Tiberius: "I'll be the one to ask questions here, accursed spider-kith" Orbweaver: "What? A kid like you? Who let you have command? The Empire must be even more desperate than we thought." Tiberius: "Careful with those words, spider-kith. The sovereign blood of Emperors courses through my veins. Soldiers, charge!" Ten soldiers with pikes begin to stab at Orbweaver. Two others fire arrows at her. Lucia, seeing that Tiberius has the situation handled, moves to take care of other soldiers elsewhere. However, despite the soldiers’ best efforts, their weapons fail to penetrate the spider's thick shell. Orbweaver: "Oh? I always wanted to see the color of royal blood." She leaps, with all eight of her legs. The motion is so fast, most soldiers are barely able to percieve it. She lands right behind Lucia. Orbweacer: "Where are you going, little lady?" The soldiers that enteredwith her move quickly to protect her rear. Lucia is surprised for a moment, but draws her lance and sweeps it under one of the spider woman’s legs, aiming to make her trip. Lucia: "Emperor! If weapons cannot harm her, maybe you can find a way to spell her defeat?" The spider-woman stumbles, but not before secreting several thick threads of her web and tossing them at Lucia's torso. Tiberius: "Stop. Stop! Do not lay a finger on her!" He gives Lucia a knowing look. Tiberius: "I... I wish to parlay with your leader." Lucia fruitlessly struggles against the webs, before hearing her leader's words. She nods. Tiberius: "...You monster people do have those, right?" Orbweaver: "Or what? I suggest you surrender now. Drop your weapon and order your men to do the same. Otherwise, the little lady over here might lose a few limbs." Tiberius: "Promise me first you will allow me to parlay with your leader". The spider-woman’s mouth stretches into a wide grin. Orbweaver: "You have my word. Now, act quickly. I don't have time for games." Tiberius: "Men, drop your weapons.” Tiberius lets his sword fall to the ground, disturbing the soft snow. The soldier around him do the same, eerily silent. Orbweaver: "Good. Stay where you are." She takes a few moments to spray the Emperor and his men with her web. Tiberius: "I do not believe you leave me with any other choice. I'll stick around." Lucia: "I would drop my lance... but it's stuck to my body." Orbweaver: "Hush now, both of you. Wait patiently for your audience." The spider-woman uses one of her human arms to gesture for her soldiers. Some of them run back towards the back of the camp. A few minutes pass in tense silence. Eventually, the soldiers return, accompanied by a remarkably tall man with colorful armor. Gorram: "Good work, Scoutmaster. It seems this gamble paid off after all. I was a fool to ever doubt your tactics." The spider-woman smirks. Orbweaver: "Oh, you were a fool for much more than that. You still are. Have fun with your chat. I am going to make sure there aren't any surprises hiding nearby." She slinks away, taking some soldiers with her. Gorram: "My apologies for keeping you waiting, Your Majesty." Tiberius eyes the man from head to toe. The armor certainly impresses, but the man's minotaur-like face captures his interest. Tiberius: "Judging by that patch on the side of your armor, I take it you're a general in Songard's army? Lucia: “I would have thought you to come charging head-first, but it seems that, despite your bovine appearance, you are quite levelheaded." Tiberius: "Lucia. Language". Gorram: "Something like that." He says, ignoring Lucia's comment. "I am often called Gorram. Now, what brings a figure as dignified and important as yourself so far from the capital, Your Majesty? These valleys can be very dangerous indeed. You can find yourself in quite a bind, if you don't know where you are going." Lucia looks to the Emperor, and mouths the word "Magic" to him, followed by "Escape". Tiberius: "I could very well ask you the same thing. This land you walk on has been the property of my family since time immemorial. Songardian education standards must have dropped a lot these past few years. For some reason your troops keep getting lost in my territory." Gorram: "Hrmph. You chastise our education, but how bad has record keeping gotten in your Empire that six generations count as 'time immemorial’? Your grandmother never asked the tribes in this area whether they wanted to hand themselves over to her care before marching in, slaughtering their leaders and enslaving most of their people. What claim have you to these lands?" A raven flies through the sky and circles the battlefield a couple of times. It then lands on Tiberius' head, who doesn't seem all that bothered with it. He does however, jolt a little bit after the raven seems to whisper something into his ear. A familiar? Lucia thinks, before shaking her head. Gorram: "You Imperials were always keen to take from others and hold yourself superior. Time to taste some of your own medicine, no?" Tiberius: "Your 'tribes' practiced ritual sacrifice of infants on the altar of Daemonius himself, committed heinous acts of cannibalism and routinely raided peaceful farms on the border. What we did to your people was a mercy. And like my grandmother, I am nothing if not merciful. This is my offer to you: surrender your weapons and march for your capital. Tell your council of thirteen to never invade our lands again, and you will live". Gorram: "Peaceful, is that what you call smugglers and slavers? True to form, I suppose. But that means my actions here today are as peaceful as can be, right?" Some of the nearby soldiers chuckle. Gorram: "Now, surrender. Or I will cut your head off myself!" Lucia looks back and forth between the two, biting her lip. The raven cries out once. Its shape begins to twist and turn, before finally taking on the form of a scythe that glimmers with an odd sheen. Tiberius: "Very well. Violence it is, then." Gorram quickly raises his saber in the scythe's direction. Gorram: "Begone, Sorcerer! Wherever you are." The scythe begins to move through the air seemingly out of its own volition. It cuts through Orbweaver's net like a knife through butter. Gorram quickly jumps aside, landing near Lucia. In an instant, he holds his saber up to her throat. Lucia gasps, but stifles it. She gulps. Lucia: "I am not afraid, Songardian ruffian." Tiberius grabs hold of the weapon. The very instant it makes contact with his skin, his eyes begin to glow purple and his hair starts to dance through the air. At this, Gorram’s expression changes to that of absolute revulsion. Gorram: "Stop this! Unless you want your friend to pay for your transgressions against the gods! I would never have thought I would see the day when the ruler of a storied country of the land abused souls for power. Have you no shame?" Tiberius twirls the scythe once. Even before it finishes a complete turn the weapon turns into a sword, with the same eerie sheen as before. He stabs the ground right under his feet, which causes the blade to pop up right underneath Gorram's feet, several yards away. The impact sends Gorram flying, and he falls to the ground quite a distance away, his skull fractured. He writhes on the floor, crawling towards his saber. Tiberius: "Speak not of shame, you beast! It is by your hands that my father is dead! Men! Slay them all! Let not one see the light of the next morning sun! For the Empire!" The Imperial soldiers cheer and pick up their weapons. They begin to fight Gorram's troops. Tiberius kicks Gorram's saber away. Tiberius: "You should have surrendered." The Songardians are confused by the sudden turn in their situation. They start fighting back, but fail to hold back the motivated assault of the Imperial soldiers. Tiberius raises his sword above his head, going in for an overhead swing. The blade switches form to a zweihander. Gorram: "Huh...You really think... you will get away with this...? Idiot...the gods... no mercy...for punks like you..." Wordlessly, Tiberius brings down his sword on Gorram's neck. Lucia hops to Tiberius’s side. Lucia: “Forgive me asking, but can you remove this web?” With a grim look on his face, the Emperor turns to face Lucia. Tiberius: "Of course. Where are my manners?" The blade shrinks to the size of a pairing knife. He carefully pierces a small part of the webbing, which turns black and instantly turns to ash. With the aid of the hole, Lucia sheds the rest of the web. Lucia: “Many thanks.” Tiberius: "Come, we have plans to prepare. I'll be depending on you a lot from now on, Lucia. Please. Don't die." Lucia nods, but then gasps. Lucia: “The spider woman. We must find her!” Meanwhile, the battle rages on around them. The Songardians have lost all semblance of order or coordination. They stand little chance of breaking through the ranks of Imperial soldiers quickly surrounding them. The Scoutmaster and her entourage are nowhere to be found. They left this battlefield long ago. Lucia takes her lance and begins commanding the soldiers to finish the last of the enemy. The Emperor's blade takes on the form of a raven again. Tiberius and the raven look each other in the eye for a brief moment, after which the bird takes to the sky and flies off further to the south. Lucia: “Is that raven what I’ve heard called a familiar, from the stories?” Tiberius: "In a way, yes. In others, not so much. Perhaps one day I can tell you more. Or maybe he will tell you himself." Lucia looks confused, but shakes her head and keeps commanding until the camp is safe. Tiberius: "Hey Lucia... Can I ask you something? How do you estimate our chances of winning this war without factoring in my, uh, recent acquisition of magical power?" Lucia: “...it is hard to say, my lord. There are plenty of uncertain variables - weather, the enemy’s building layout, so on... but I do have confidence in our troops. So... 60%? 65%” Tiberius briefly closes his eyes and rubs them. Tiberius: "Lucia, there's no reason to make things look better than they are just to cheer me up." Lucia: “...if you want truth, without your powers... 45%.” Tiberius: "Do you think there's any truth in Gorram's words? Should father have let the southern provinces secede and let them join Songard freely?" Lucia: “...it is hard to say. In Songard, the population votes on issues that concern the nation-electing new leaders, changes in governmental structure. If we had asked the provinces, a vote would be held-and almost assuredly some man would try and tip the scales in favor of keeping himself in power.” Tiberius rubs his eyes again and sighs. Lucia: “We started this fight. We have to finish it.” Tiberius: "Songard saw our internal struggles and didn't think twice to start an invasion. I can only hope the people of the southern provinces don't welcome them as liberators and saviors." Lucia: “So do I. Who can tell what the future has in store?” AFancyQuestionMark fucked around with this message at 14:42 on Oct 20, 2018 |
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Oct 20, 2018 14:38
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New Event after War on the Southern Front The New Floatillia The Empire unveils airships that are commanded by the souls of (willing) generals. These new ships are used as troop transports and communication centers.
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Oct 20, 2018 17:40
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I have a new Event in the Age of Fire and Steel, taking place after The New Floatilia: Decapitation Strike - In a plan proposed by Lucia, his chief strategist, the Emperor uses his newly built airships to launch a sudden attack on the Aurelemian capital with a relatively small portion of his forces, entirely bypassing the Kingdom's army currently advancing through the Empire's northeastern territories. The surprising nature of the attack, combined with the superior coordination and mobility afforded by the airships, as well as the Emperor's magic powers, lead to the swift fall of the once "impregnable" city. Queen Eris III and her family escape in the chaos of battle. A fifth of local residents die in the assault, while many others flee. The tide of the war turns decisively in the Empire's favor.
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Oct 20, 2018 19:57
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Posting this on behalf of Junpei:Junpei posted:Absorption of Aurelem and Songard This event is supposed to happen before anything else currently listed in the Age of Bondage. I'll post the other bookend and close this round later today.
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Oct 20, 2018 21:35
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I create a new event in Age of Fire and Steel called The Spoils of War. It takes place after the event 'War on the Southern Front[/b] but before The new Floatillia Description: Having vanquished Songard's forces, the Emperor forces the Council of Thirteen to sign documents swearing their fealty to the Empire. The Emperor's most elite forces decide to go on a looting trip in search of their most valued treasure. I create a new dictated scene in this event called Clash of cultures. For a description of this scene, please scroll to the bottom of this post. Clash of cultures Lucia reclined in a chair with her feet resting on her desk, enjoying a hot cup of tea while leisurely looking over a local map of Djurheim. Compared to her office in the Imperial City the room was small, poorly decorated, and unfitting of her stature. But it had a warm bed, a fireplace, and an actual desk to work on; a definite improvement over the cold tent she had to share with a dozen other people over the past few months. In truth she wasn't studying the map for any tactical purpose. Songard's capital had already officially capitulated to the Empire and the few pockets of resistance throughout the city were organized by citizens rather than military groups. Squashing those did not require her full attention, so she was happy to delegate this task to minor officers. More than anything it was her curiosity that drove her to learn more about Songard and its unusual people. An iron gauntlet rapped her door twice before opening it. In marched two soldiers of the Empire, accompanying a guest. "Lady Lucia. We found a local willing to co-operate with your request". She stood up from her chair and walked to the visitor -- a young man --, extending her hand ready to shake his. The youth looked like any one might find in the Empire: around the Emperor's age, messy brown hair and innocent green eyes. One glaring exception being the whiskers and fangs that, upon closer inspection, appeared to be tattooed onto his face. For a brief and awkward moment the youth seemed uncertain what to do, before finally reaching for her hand and introducing himself. "Lady Lucia. I am M'aiq, son of Baekho by pledge, of the tiger tribe. I understand that you're looking to learn more about our culture and way of life. Provided your desire to learn is sincere, I am willing to teach". Taken aback by the disparity between his youthful countenance and eloquent, adult, worldly tone of voice, it made her reply with a hesitant stutter. "I- I am sincere. Please, have a I seat. There's so much I'd like to ask!" As she ran back to her desk in order to offer him her chair, M'aiq raised a hand and solemnly shook his head once. "That won't be necessary. Now, if you would please follow me outside..." On any clear night Djurheim's skyline was mostly dominated by the assembly building of the Council of Thirteen. Despite the light snowfall, the fact it was about 8 in the evening during the dark season and the three moons in the sky all being just a small slither, all in the city were acutely aware that seven of the building's thirteen towers were now smoldering piles of rubble from which smoke plumed high into the cold winter air. Songard's armies had put on a valiant defense of the city to keep it from falling into the hands of the Empire, killing many of the invaders as they laid siege on the capital. When the Empire eventually did break through the gate they immediately rushed toward the assembly building. Tiberius personally had to drag seven of the council members out of their offices to execute them in the building's walled garden before the remaining six voted to capitulate. The evening market was located just a stone's throw away from the seat of the nation's government. It had suffered no major damage during the initial raid and was therefore open for business. Many stalls lined the streets, with vendors loudly hawking their wares to a large, busy and diverse public. A certain apprehension seemed to pervade the crowd, especially whenever a platoon of Empire soldiers marched nearby. Other than that the citizens of Djurheim tried to make the best of life even under the unusual circumstances. Hundreds of candles, torches and lanterns gave each stall a festive look. In one booth a spider-kith chef simultaneously chopped an onion and while cutting slices of gyros off of a rotating spindle of meat using two pairs of arms. A minotaur dad walked home with his sleeping daughter --an otherwise perfectly human girl with horns tattooed onto her face -- slung over his shoulder. Two boys, one half-tiger and the other human with six extra fake eyes on his cheeks, were building some sort of snow creature that fell apart before they were even halfway done building the bottom half. Lucia sat cross-legged near a communal fire pit, a large assortment of cakes and snacks haphazardly piled up between her and M'aiq. She had objected to coming here but relented when M'aiq insisted on it. As a compromise she had ordered the two soldiers to follow along, armed, but in plain clothes, who were now leeringly eyeing down anyone coming too close to Lucia and her guide. A large greasy stain marred the left side of her face, something she appeared to be completely oblivious of as she wolfed down a bowl of soup with white noodles and some sort of dried raisins. "M'aiq, this is delicious. What's it called?", she asked between slurps. "Black fly soup. Most Songardians I know turn up their noses for it." Lucia looked at the suspiciously buoyant 'raisins' and contemplated the dish's unique ingredient for a moment. It added a slight aftertaste that had a tinge of bitterness, but it wasn't an unwelcome or overpowering flavor. She shrugged in indifference. A pause. "Is there ever a problem with the tiger people eating humans or other half-humans?" At that, M'aiq threw the bone of his finished chicken drumstick in the fire and wiped his hands and mouth with a paper napkin, which he neatly folded into a square and then deposited in a nearby garbage can. "Look around you, Lucia. Do we look like cannibals to you? And really, you should never call a Songardian 'half-human'. That's unlikely to win you any favors here. Call us kith, of the appropriate tribe." An awkward red blush washed over her cheeks. "I- I didn't mean to-- uh... Wait, you prefer to be called kith?" M'aiq raised a questioning eyebrow. "Yes. Why do you ask?" "In the empire it is used exclusively as a pejorative. Well, I haven't heard it used in any situations where it actually had positive connotations". He considered her words, but decided against vocalizing a response. A nearby musician performed a seasonally appropriate song on a nine-stringed instrument, jolly and upbeat, but it was drowned out by the silence shared by the two figures seated near the fire pit. "When I picked up this bowl of black fly soup, the half-sp-- uh, spider-kith lady behind the counter gave me look. I could understand if it was one of anger or fear, but I saw something else in her eyes. Confusion." "It's probably because you're Fangless", he responded as it it had been an answer prepared in advance. "I don't believe so, no. You've taken me on a tour through the market and I've seen plenty of other humans in your city. I couldn't possibly be the only one she's ever met in her life." M'aiq pointed at his own ersatz whiskers and fangs. "Fangless doesn't refer to one's biology, but one's tribe. Or rather, one's lack thereof. Look at my face. Anyone can see this marks me as a member of the tiger tribe." "She was confused about which group of people I belong to, then. Are there no Songardian humans without tattoos?" M'aiq took a bite from his second drumstick. "Only the very young. If a human is adopted into a tribe and they decide to join it permanently, they will undergo the appropriate rituals. Usually this happens before their teens". Lucia cringed visibly while picking at her own face. "That's... I don't even know where to begin. In the Empire, only criminals and the insane are branded. And even then, rarely in the face. Goodness, my daughter is ten years old and just thinking about disfiguring her like that makes me feel like a terrible mother." M'aiq briefly closed his eyes. Breathed in. Breathed out. Another response that felt too practiced to be improvised. "In ancient days, when the earth was still young, there were no city states like there are today. All of Songard's peoples were nomadic, going from place to place in small communes without permanently settling anywhere. To survive, they elected their own leaders when the old ones died. All that was required to cast a vote was to prove one's membership of that tribe. Over the years, society changed. People with different biological backgrounds started living among tribes of predominantly different biological backgrounds through strategic marriages, and eventually people began to live in larger, permanent settlements. But politics remained rigid. Unmoving. Even today tribe members vote on which of their own should represent them in the council of thirteen. To not wear one's allegiance on one's face means relinquishing the right of representation. In other words, to be without fangs." Dead silence permeated the air. Lucia's face contorted into a grimace. "That may well be, but it's still a barbaric practice. When I was a kid I wanted to be nothing more than a fairy. But my parents didn't go off to find a seamstress crazy enough to sew wings onto my back!". She appeared flustered. His eyebrows furrowed for a second, but he quickly regained his calm composure. "The civil uprising in the southern provinces of your Empire had been a contentious issue for years before the head of the tiger clan was elected, with as many voices issuing support in favour of reclaiming lands perceived to be Songard's as voices in opposition. In his inauguration speech as one of the councilors of the council of thirteen, he strongly urged the others not to invade, reasoning that those lands were taken generations ago; that any sort of war between the Empire and Songard would only result in misery for both. Even when there was a narrow majority in favor of starting a war, the tiger tribe's leader remained steadfast in his his words and actions." Tears began to well up in M'aiq's eyes. "What happened to your Emperor's father was truly a disgrace. No man should ever fear being murdered in his sleep. But appreciate this cruel irony. Your Emperor didn't think twice to personally execute Baekho, fierce opponent of the war, and my adoptive father. That is barbaric." Lucia was astounded at the sudden realization just who her dinner guest was. He stood up; turned his back to her. A voice trembling with grief and pain. "Mark my words, Lucia. Dark days are ahead of us. History will judge you for your actions." She wanted to stand up, turn him around, see him eye to eye, but he had already disappeared into the crowd. Lucia sat down. A sudden gust of chillingly cold wind picked up and extinguished the flame in the communal fire pit. She produced a small locket from a fold in her robe and opened it; a portrait of a young girl, perhaps ten years old, smiled back at her. Description: Finding herself with free time on her hands, Lucia, the Emperor's strategist, decides to chase the treasure she values most: knowledge. She does this by looking for a guide who can tell her more about local Songardian culture. She discovers that a lot of people in the country opposed going to war and that among the dead politicians is someone who did everything at his disposal to stop it. Zybourne Clock fucked around with this message at 21:05 on Oct 21, 2018 |
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Oct 21, 2018 01:19
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That closes the second round. As I was the previous Lens, it is now my turn to address a Legacy. My new Legacy will be The Aurelemian Royal Family. My addition is a new Event in the Age of Bondage, after Absorption of Aurelem and Songard: Court in Exile - Having escaped to Diyu, a small island under the jurisdiction of the neighboring League of Sea Nations, Queen Eris III establishes her new Court, composed of the few surviving free Aurelemian nobles. From this remote location, she intends to direct resistance efforts in her former lands and work towards an eventual restoration of her Kingdom. I am now accepting applications for the new Lens. JesterOfAmerica and Junpei are the only eligible players. We can use this time between rounds to again reflect on the progress of our game thus far.
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Oct 21, 2018 08:41
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As Jester has stated he has tests today, it falls to me to be the new Lens. Deadline: Midnight October 27th. Focus: Elise Reise Tylia, elder half-sister of Tiberius Claudius Kay. New Event in The Age of Fire and Steel. At the very beginning. Final Days of Peace Weeks before the assassination of Emperor Claudius Gaius Kay, everything was normal up to a point. Elise was to be sent away from her boarding school to her new home, the manor of Lord Lyon Tylia, the leader of a small province in the middle of the north-eastern part of the Empire. She had finished her studies, and was ready to serve her father in the way she deemed fit. Tiberius himself was still being educated on the ways of leadership, but worries about his mental acumen are becoming more gossiped of. The Emperor himself was ruling with a fair and even hand. All was well-but it would end soon. New Scene in the above event. Maiden's Arrival Elise arrives at Lord Lyon's manor for her wedding to begin, meeting the man and his entourage for the first time. She is polite and quiet, against her better desires, as a woman of her stature should be. However, she holds no love for this man. She does, however, meet a friend in this new place-and discovers a secret of Lyon's. The question being asked: What is Lyon's secret, and how does Elise react to it? Required characters: Elise Lord Lyon Tylia The friend that Elise meets Banned characters: Tiberius Claudius Any characters with magic Any characters not from the Empire. Junpei fucked around with this message at 21:00 on Oct 21, 2018 |
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Oct 21, 2018 20:51
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I claim Lord Lyon.
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Oct 21, 2018 21:07
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I claim Vivian, Elise's new friend, charming conversationalist, traveling actress and secret republican organizer.
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Oct 21, 2018 21:15
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Which leaves Elise for me.
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Oct 21, 2018 21:16
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New event: Treaty of mount Montisberg Takes place in: Age of Fire and Steel, after Signing of the Soul Pact Description: Elise learns that Auralem's forces are practically on her doorstep. Arx Oppidum -- the province she reigns over -- is known for its many mountains and hills, which makes it difficult for invaders to overtake. However, most of the soldiers in the province were relocated to fight on the southern border. Knowing that the best she can expect is to slow her enemies down, she decides to strike a secret deal with the enemy: in return for letting their troops pass through the mountains unharmed, Arx Oppidum will become its own sovereign nation.
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Oct 24, 2018 17:51
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Event in the Opening of Eyes The Pretender A person claiming to be Elise raises an army against the throne
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Oct 24, 2018 18:04
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Event in the Struggles in the Dark after The Puppet Court: A Lady's Flight - After the Abyssal Coven gets wind of the artifacts in her possession, Elise's actions during the war with Aurelem are retroactively deemed treasonous and an order is issued for her arrest and subsequent execution. She narrowly escapes with the aid of Vivian, her long-time friend, and her confederates in the hidden republican network. She makes her way to Diyu, where Eris IV, the recently crowned Aurelemian Queen-in-Exile, offers her shelter among her Court. AFancyQuestionMark fucked around with this message at 20:17 on Oct 24, 2018 |
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Oct 24, 2018 20:12
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Maiden’s Arrival Characters: * Elise * Lord Lyon Tylia * Vivian Transcript: As the carriage rides into the manor's front, Elise looks down at the case full of clothing she brought, sighing. It is time to meet this... Lyon man. A servant approaches the carriage and opens up the door. He places a small footstool in front of it to make it easier for Elise to exit. A few other servants are present on the premise, but Lyon Tylia himself is nowhere to be seen. Elise takes her case and walks down the stool, walking up to the door. She nods at the servants, giving small pleasantries and thanks. A stern looking butler awaits her in front of the mansion's door. Butler: "Ah, lady Elise. A pleasure to meet you." He says in a rehearsed tone of voice that doesn't sound entirely sincere. Butler: "The lord of the manor and his guests are waiting for you. If you'd please follow me to your new quarters, we'll help you get dressed immediately." Elise nods. Elise: "Thank you for letting me know. Please, take me to my room." The butler picks up Elise's belongings and opens up the heavy wooden door. It swings open to reveal an opulently decorated hallway. Many paintings, mostly landscapes, hang on the walls. He walks up the stairs and opens a locked door. The room behind it is a bedroom with a single bed. In the center is a mannequin, displaying an intricate and non-traditional looking wedding dress. Butler: "Please be seated. The servants will arrive soon and to prepare you for the ceremony." The butler turns around and leaves. Elise sits down in a chair, examining the room, looking at the bed, the dress, the furniture, and other items there. Elise: "I must like it here. For Brother's sake." Two minutes pass. True to the butler’s word, servants help Elise change into a wedding dress. They do their work wordlessly. Elise nods and helps where she can, putting arms in sleeves and so forth as she gets dressed. All dressed up, the butler arrives again. He leads her down a different flight of stairs to the mansion's chapel. In the distance, the sound of organ music plays. Butler: "Truly a shame your father, the Emperor, couldn't make it to walk you down the aisle, miss Elise." Elise: "He is a busy man with many responsibilities. I am simply glad that I can experience the... bliss of marriage." Butler: "My master certainly thinks the same way." He leads Elise into the chapel. A handful of maybe twelve people look at her. At the altar stands a priest of the Thirteen Temples, plus a graying older man in his early sixties. He seems to look through Elise, rather than at her. In fact, it's almost as if he isn't quite there. Elise walks up the aisle slowly, holding a bouquet that someone handed her at some point, but she doesn't quite remember when. Priest: "Dearly beloved. We are here today to unify in holy matrimony Elise Reise and Lord Lyon Tylia. On the first day of creation, the gods made man and woman, and gave to them the land of Gehen--" Lyon: "Please hurry up and end this farce already." Taken aback by his rudeness, the priest stumbles. Priest: "Er-- very well. Lady Elise Reise, do you take Lord Lyon Tylia to be your husband?" Elise: "I do." Priest: "Lord Lyon Tylia, do you take--" Lyon: "Yes." Priest: "Then as a representative of the Thirteen Temples, I declare you husband and wife." Lyon turns to his guests. Lyon: "Eat. Drink. Dance. I'll be in my study. Don't go looking for me." He leaves the chapel without even so much as looking at his new wife. Elise looks down at the floor for a second, before looking back up and smiling. Unkonwn Voice: "Hm. A bit of a prick, isn't he?" Says a whispering female voice that sounds just loud enough for all the guests to hear. Elise gasps a little, but her heart just... isn't in it. Another guest prods a female guest in her side and whispers something at her. Other Guest: "Sssst! He didn't hire us to badmouth him! Just play your role!" Unknown Voice: "Oh. Now, where were we?" Says the voice from earlier, in a regular conversational tone. It appears to belong to a woman in her late twenties, who seems to be dressed rather casually for this formal event. The butler walks into the chapel and addresses everyone present. Butler: "Ladies and gentlemen, please follow me to the dining room. Dinner is about to be served." Everyone is seated at a well-decorated table. The butler seats Elise next to the casually dressed woman. Female Guest: "This all looks yummy! Say, what should I try first?" She asks Elise, in an eager tone. Elise gulps, but then shakes her head and tries to get rid of her nerves. Elise: "Um... well, I think that crab looks scrumptious." Female Guest: "Scrumptious, you say..." She has a slightly confused look as she carefully pokes it with the wrong fork. Elise shakes her head, giggling a little at this woman. Elise: "You know my name, I assume. What is yours?" Female Guest: "Ro...Hm...Vivian. You're Elise right? Elise Royce Tania, or something along those lines?" Elise: "Elise Reise Tylia. But you're close. Ooh, do pass that salad, it looks amazing." The muffled sound of an argument coming from upstairs can faintly be heard over the chamber quartet's music. Vivian awkwardly pushes a nearby bowl filled with some exotic chewing leaves. No one else in the room would dare describe them as a salad. Vivian: "So, Elise, what can you tell me about yourself?" Elise: "Well... I like to knit. And I was the top of my class in the Iris Academy For Young Ladies. I do so love a good book-especially a romance... and I do have a bit of a green thumb, if I say so myself." The argument upstairs grows louder. To mask this the chamber quartet changes to a different song – dancing music. Elise looks to the ceiling, then closes her eyes and focuses on the music and Vivian. Vivian: "Hm...I don't know anything about any of those topics. I am more of a theater or storyteller sort of person. What to say, what to say...Oh, I know! Let's talk about your husband! So, how do you like him so far? He looks a bit old for my tastes, but to each their own." Elise: "Well... you know... love knows no age... or so the saying goes." Elise looks to the floor as she says that, and her words are a bit colder and more distant than usual. Elise: "Are you an actress? A singer?" Vivian: "A singer? Gods forbid...I have a terrible singing voice. Just the right one for luring people in to hear a tale or two around a late evening campfire, or a comfy bar though. But, yes I am more of an actress now." A loud thud can be heard, followed by the noise of a bookcase falling to the floor. A few seconds later, the sound of a window shattering to pieces and another loud thud Some of the other actors in the room begin to look up at the ceiling. Balding Male Guest: "I know he said 'act like you're enjoying yourself no matter what happens tonight', but this is starting to get me worried." Elise nearly jumps out of her seat at the sound of glass shattering, but manages to compose herself and focus on some pudding in front of her. Vivian doesn't budge, still fully engaged in her conversation with Elise. Vivian: "Anyway, we have digressed from the main topic a bit, I feel. So, tell me…" She leans in with an exaggerated gesture, and whispers loudly, her words reaching everyone around the table. Vivian: "What's he like in bed?" Elise: "Oh... uhh, we haven't... ahem, done anything... of that nature, yet. You know... saving myself for marriage. Call me old fashioned." She is still visibly shaken from the noises. Vivian hangs her head, clearly disappointed. Vivian: "You know, I am actually not certain if that sort of thing was ever in fashion. Anywhere. Despite what they say." She sits deep in thought for a few moments, idly moving her fork around her plate. Vivian"You know what? I think we should go for a walk. The air here is a bit too stuffy for me." She stands up, not waiting for Elise's reply, and extends her hand toward her. Vivian: "Come on, let's go. Trust me on this." The stairs creak under the sound of someone running down them. Moments later the doors of the dining room swing open and a man, dressed completely in black and wearing a hood that obscures his face barges in. In his arms he holds a large spherical object, seemingly made of gold. Robed Man: "poo poo. Wrong way!" He turns around and darts away from the guests. Elise gasps at this, before hiking her dress up and following Vivian. Vivian takes Elise's hand in hers and casually pulls her along as she swiftly walks to the opposite end of the mansion, past a complex and seemingly endless arrangement of rooms and corridors. Eventually, they reach a servant door which takes them to a secluded portion of the gardens. Vivian: "Here we go. It's much nicer out here, isn't it?" Elise looks around the garden, at the flowers and trees. Elise: "Wow. It is... breathtaking." Vivian: "Agreed. Doesn't quite match the gardens in the Imperial Palace in terms of beauty, but it's much more...how shall I put it...Personal? Comfortable? Something like that." She pauses, giving Elise a chance to speak. Elise: "Yes. Maybe I'll see if I can make my own additions to it, if I can get my hands on some seeds." Familiar Voice:"You! Stop!" Up on the mansion's roof the butler chases the man dressed in black. The man jumps down from the roof, into a thicket in the garden below. He stands up, prize in hand, looks Elise and Vivian in the eyes, and runs off into the night. Vivian: "Maybe." She continues the conversation, ignoring the thief entirely. Vivian: "Look, I can't come up with a polite way to put this, and believe me, I tried, but...why did you marry that man? Doesn't seem like you enjoy his company very much. You don't seem the type to have more dynastic or political concerns either. So, tell me...Why?" Elise bites her lip. Elise: "Can you keep this a secret?" She comes close to Vivian. " Elise: “...I'm not of Imperial blood. My father was a commoner that my mother had a tryst with. Which means in terms of stature, my younger brother is worth more than me. So... here I am, like so many other noble daughters." Vivian: "Okay, but that doesn't really answer my question, does it?" A bell rings 10 times, indicating the time. Elise: "Oh, I'm sorry. I think I should head up to bed-I wouldn't want to keep... my husband... waiting." She turns and heads back to the mansion. Elise: "I'll keep in touch, Vivian!" Vivian: "Don't worry, Elise. If you need me, I will be nearby. I have just decided to take on a more... long-term… acting gig in this area." Elise: "Goodbye. We'll meet again soon!" Before she can leave the garden, the butler, having taken the slow way down, runs up to the both of them. He's visibly out of breath. Butler: "Did... did you get a look at him? The thief?" Vivian:"Yes, I had plenty of time to witness his wrinkled face at the ceremony." She pauses for effect. Vivian: "Oh, you mean that robed guy that just run past. I don't know. Haven't really paid much attention, to be honest." Butler: "Hmpf. drat. Of all the nights...Lady Elise. I am terribly sorry for what you had to witness. Lord Lyon... Lord Lyon is dead. Please, take this." He hands her a small notebook with a letter attached to it. Butler: "He told me to never read this and give this to you. And that I would know when the time is right". Vivian: (Muttering under her breath)"May you drown in the river of the underworld, you selfish monster." Vivian: (Aloud, in a mock formal tone) "I don't know what to say...I am sorry for your loss, Elise. I think I should go now, so you have space to ‘grieve’. As I said, call for me if you need any help." She walks out of the garden without another word. Elise takes the letter and reads it. "Dear Elise, I do not know where or when this letter will find you. But what I do know is that if you read this, I will be dead. I am no soothsayer, but our life together has probably been one devoid of mirth. I can imagine that you've hated me from the day I took you from the Imperial city to this podunk province. The truth is, I would have rather died an unwed man, or to have died alongside the one person I truly loved. But I digress. For years, I've lived a double life as a collector of oddities. My most precious possession is an artifact called the Eye of Aurum. Scholars have long debated the mysterious writing adorning the inside of the sphere. There are theories as to what these writings say, but in the end, no one knows for sure. Well, I believe I have managed to translate some of the text. It is, in my opinion, a prophecy. One that speaks of 'outsiders', returning from a place 'beyond time and space'. Elise. Please forgive me. But as an old man with no children, I was in need of heirs to pursue my work. This is why I married you, to make sure my children would be of the royal bloodline and have the best resources available to them to follow in my footsteps. As I write this I know not how our children will grow up. I hope they will become fine young men. Please, ask my butler to take you to the wine cellar below the house, and look behind the one black wine barrel for a lever. Sincerely, Lyon" Elise gasps, but then nods resolutely. Elise: "Sir Butler, may I have a moment to myself? I need to.. compose myself. I sometimes find solidarity in patterns – like wine bottles on a rack." The butler raises an eyebrow in confusion. Butler: "I could take milady to the wine cellar, if she pleases?" Elise: "Yes, that would help... immeasurably." Thinking it rude to ask her about her peculiarities, the butler leads Elise to the mansion's wine cellar. The large iron door opens with a squeak. Many wine bottles line the wall. In the far corner is a single black barrel. Butler: "Is there anything in particular I should open up for you, milady? I do beg your forgiveness, I am a butler, not a sommalier. My knowledge of fine wines is somewhat limited, but I'm sure I could find you something at least palatable." Elise: "No, no, no, I just wanted a private place for a moment. Could you leave me be for a few moments?" Butler: "Very well, milady". He leaves. Elise looks through the cellar for the black wine barrel. Once she finds it, she looks for the lever behind it and pulls on it. Wine bottles fall and smash to pieces on the cold stone floor as two walls begin to slide open. Behind them is a hidden winding staircase that goes even further down. She takes her dress and hikes it up as she descends the staircase. After a long descend she finally reaches the bottom. There she finds a large room. It is filled with many strange objects. Antiques? Most do appear to be very old. Other than that, the place is loaded with books. Most about ancient history, others appear to be notebooks, written by Lyon himself. She casts a glance at all of the objects, nods and says something to herself. Elise: "If Lyon was protecting all this, and died from that thief... it falls to me to protect it. And investigate it." She smiles a little. Elise: "At least I won't be bored out of my mind being a 'proper lady' all the time." She returns upstairs, re-energized. Elise: "I have a lot of work to do... maybe I'll adopt a girl or boy and claim an heir." These are her thoughts, she goes up to her bedroom... AFancyQuestionMark fucked around with this message at 15:24 on Nov 9, 2018 |
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Oct 25, 2018 14:35
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Junpei posted:New Age: Age of Expansion (after Opening of Eyes)
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Oct 25, 2018 20:18
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With that, the third round is officially over. Now is Zybourne Clock's time to choose their first Legacy, as the previous Lens. Speaking of which, JesterOfAmerica is currently the only player eligible to become next Lens, so the next round's Focus and opening additions are solely in their hands. Meanwhile, we may reflect on the state of our history once more.
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Oct 25, 2018 20:33
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The legacy I'd like to claim is Elise's (possibly short-lived) time as leader of the free state of Arx Oppidum. As for things I'd like to discuss: I have taken to keeping a little booklet with me at all times so that I can write down ideas for future scenes. My favorite ideas so far would probably fit well in the events 'the new floatillia' and/or 'decapitation strike'. Not pushing for any ideas here, but so far we haven't really had all that many scenes focused on the technological improvement part of the palette.
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Oct 25, 2018 21:28
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Deadline:Friday November 3, 12:00 UTC As the Lens, the theme of this round will be the Conquest of New Lands This comes with the new period After the Age of Expansion is the Age of Exploration: Having conquered the world the Emperor turns his attention to the stars as the next frontier of conquest. New Event in Age of Exploration The Next Legion: After finding evidence of life amount the stars, some of the airships in the flotilla are reconfigured to be able to go to space and function as generation ships as colonial forces.
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Oct 25, 2018 23:57
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Adding the following dictated scene to the event Treaty at mount Montisberg Description: Elise meets her former servant Baldrick, who informs her of her brother's misdeeds and his own journey to gather people willing to pick up arms against Tiberius. Elise tells him of the plan she and Vivian have been hatching to turn Arx Oppidum into its own sovereign country and convinces him to join her cause. A bold and cunning plan "No cause for alarm. Still got steel in these old bones, milady", whispered the graying old man with a scruffy beard as his knee comically banged into the windowsill before finally finding purchase. "Baldrick? Is that you?" exclaimed a befuddled Elise as she made her way to the window from which she believed to have heard the voice of her erstwhile servant. "Milady, please lower your voice. All of these scaffolds greatly aided my climb up here. But if lord Tylia throws me out tonight I doubt I'll find the manse in such an auspicious state again any time soon", said Baldrick in a hushed tone as he wormed his way head first through the cramped opening. "It is you! It really is!" She grabbed one of his arms and pulled with all the might she could muster, causing him to dislodge from his precarious condition and sending them both careening through the air. "Ever since that horrid day I was so certain I'd never see you again," Elise bellowed excitedly as she threw class and standing to the wind and hugged Baldrick. "Vivian! Vivian! Come, quickly!" Baldrick, for his part, was too focused on such things as 'staying undetected' and 'not having to schedule a meeting with the executioner's axe' to celebrate the reunion. Were those footfalls he heard in the hallway beyond? If so, he surely had at best 10 seconds to either make hasty retreat or find a place to hide. Not fancying the former, he crawled his way up a large wardrobe in a manner not unlike that of a frightened cat. Light washed the bedroom floor as the door opened, and in the doorway stood a sleepy-eyed woman dressed in a long nightgown. "Elise? It's two in the morning. Why were you yelling? And who's your friend on top of your wardrobe?" Baldrick's bottom graced a chair finer than any it had ever graced before. Steam rose from his cup of tea and fogged up his glasses right as Elise poured hot water into it. Not quite how he had expected the evening to go, but it certainly wasn't an unwelcome outcome. Something about this situation was a bit... off. He had been to the Tylia manse only once before. A number of months ago, whe he was given the task of moving some of Elise's belongings from the Imperial city to her new home in Cruxum in preparation of the wedding. Back then the hallways and various rooms were all filled with fine art, landscape paintings, portraits of every Tylia bloodline member of note dating back centuries, and curious antiques. On the whole, not that different from a lot of noble families; if not a bit more sullen and gloomy. The kitchen's current state, with colorful pastel tones and freshly painted floral motives dancing across the wall, stood in stark contrast with that of the recent past. "Never really held Lord Tylia as big fan of redecorating. Seemed to me like he was quite fond of 'is earthy browns", quipped Baldrick. At that, Vivian flashed a knowing smile. "It just goes to show you can never tell a man by his appearance. Lord Tylia is redecorating the garden as we speak, all while admiring its earthy tone." "At this hour? While all of the servants are asleep?", Baldrick leaned in, as if privy to some juicy gossip. Elise cleared her throat. "What Vivian is trying to say is that Lord Tylia recently passed away." "Wha-- I-- I knew he was old, but not that he was on death's door!", he exclaimed in surprise. Vivian lifted her cup, took in the bouquet, and enjoyed a small sip. "Old age didn't do him in, but an accident. Though we don't know for sure what happened, it looks he fell to his death from the second floor of his study when a bookcase fell over and pushed him out of a window through a pane of glass. The landing probably killed him instantly." "My word. What a horrible way to go... Milady, I am truly sorry for your loss." "Baldrick, please... You can just call me Elise in here. We're far from the Imperial castle, so please, for old time's sake..." A brief sparkle appeared in his eye, one that told of many careless days spent with the daughter he never truly had. "And you need not feel sorry for Lord Tylia. The man had no friends or family and never so much as spoke with even his most faithful servants. "No friends or family? So he lived in this gigantic house all by himself?" "Yeah. He even hired an acting troupe to act as his friends on the day of our wedding." "What a sad figure. People might say they can't stand old Baldrick, but at least they'll be happy to stand at 'is grave. If only to check if he's really dead!", Baldrick chortled, causing Elise to join in. Vivian put down her cup and allowed the two to have their moment. She waited for the laughter to subside, folded her hands and rested her head on it. "So... A former servant of the Emperor's daughter travels to some faraway lord's mansion, only to break into it in the dead of night. Something tells me you're here for more than tea and pleasantries, Baldrick". His casual demeanor almost instantly drained from his body as he recalled the reason for deserting his lord. With great care he searched for the right words to speak. "This is true. Elise, as happy as I am to see you again, my purpose here today is to bring you some terrible news." "It concerns my brother, does it not?" He remained silent for a second at the prescient response. Opened his mouth. Tried to produce sound only to notice he couldn't. Vivian stood up and made her way to her bedroom, these were clearly private matters not meant for her ears. "Your silence tells me everything I need to know. Vivian, please sit down. You are my advisor, but above else you're my friend. I think you need to hear this, too." "Yes. Your brother. He's entered a pact with the forces of darkness. A few months ago, he was visited by a wizard who offered him a deal: great sorcerous power, at the cost of a thousand souls a year. I did everything in my power to keep him from signing the contract, but he folded like a leaf in a summer storm. That night, I resigned from my duties and left the Imperial castle for good. But not before checking in on your brother. I truly wish I hadn't. Elise, I saw him, at the royal dungeons. He ripped the souls straight out of a thousand prisoners, devouring them as if possessed by a mad demon..." Elise sat straight in her chair, unblinking, and spoke with a voice that strained to hold back the pain. "I was there at my father's funeral and my brother's coronation. I saw him, Baldric, his eyes aglow with malevolence. It is true that his attitude has shifted in these past few years, but... At the ceremony, that wasn't the brother I once knew. Tell me, do the Empire's citizens know of his deal?" "They do not", spoke Baldrick, weighing his words carefully. "But I have a plan. A bold and cunning plan. These past few months, I've been traveling the country, assembling a secret order that we've dubbed the 'Knights in service of the Empress Elise'. Now that Tiberius has gone south to fight the Songar--" "You intend to depose my brother, and install me as the Empire's new ruler". "I-- I, ah, uh...", he sputtered. "Well, put it that way and..." "I refuse. Even if I could ever forgive myself, killing my brother and waging a civil war will only hasten the day of the Empire's collapse. Already the forces of Auralem are almost at our door. This is not the time." Vivian chimed in. "It's true. I have performed in stage plays in cities and towns occupied by Aurelem forces. For now, Arx Oppidum is a safe place. Its many mountains make it a difficult place to traverse for men on foot, let alone entire armies. But we lack manpower. All of our troops were moved to the southern front not that long ago. If we figt, the best outcome we can hope for is to slow down the enemy's advance." "Vivian and I have made a choice. Soon, we will call for a parlay. With any sort of luck we can hammer out a mutually beneficial deal with Aurelem in which Pax Oppidum will become its own sovereign state. A new Empire, if a bit smaller." She looked at Vivian. "With none of its historical ballast. Please, Baldrick. Can't I convice you to pick up your sword for this cause?" Baldrick ran a finger through his patchy beard. "My friends will be mighty annoyed about having to live in a mansion with flower prints all over the walls, but I'm sure I can talk them into it." Zybourne Clock fucked around with this message at 22:43 on Oct 26, 2018 |
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Oct 26, 2018 22:35
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New event in the Age of Expansion, at the very end: Expedition to the top of Mt. Drokai Description: Frustrated that all of the airships he sent to explore the top of Mt. Drokai have failed to make their return, the Emperor tasks an elite team of six explorers to climb the mountain the old-fashioned way. Zybourne Clock fucked around with this message at 19:30 on Oct 27, 2018 |
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Oct 27, 2018 18:10
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Will post my event later, but for now, I have a little addition to all of you silent viewers: Yes, you can join. Join the Discord and add to this history. If you want to, let us know! We'll be glad to have other perspectives on this.
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Oct 27, 2018 20:14
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Event in the Age of Expansion at the very beginning: A Trade Of Freedom The Tsuren value freedom to roam and live their life-but not above their own lives. Coerced into line by Imperial Military Academy graduate Catherine Dynas, the Tsuren agree to a trade-in exchange for a permanent Imperial settlement in the plains, and occasion trades of well-bred horses, the Tsuren will be allowed to live (for the most part) in peace, provided they show hospitality to Imperial soldiers.
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Oct 28, 2018 06:09
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New Period between the Age of Expansion and the Age of Exploration: Age of Domination - Having explored the depths of his powers and cultivated a powerful and diverse set of magical creations and subordinates over the course of his reign, the Emperor launches a decades-long war of conquest aimed against all remaining free countries in the world. A vast and rapidly growing stockpile of his own subjects' souls allows the Emperor to wage total war and unleash devastation on a scale never seen before. Many states and peoples don't survive the turmoils of this age. By the end, every remaining person in the world can be accurately called a subject of the Emperor, in one way or another.
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Oct 28, 2018 18:44
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As Lens Posting the Capstones New Period after Age of Exploration: The Troubles Colonies across the galaxy begin a full rebellion against the empire New event in The Troubles Fracturing of the Coven: With all the new planets full of souls to harvest the Abyssal Coven fractures over different opinions on how to divide the planets. JesterOfAmerica fucked around with this message at 00:44 on Oct 30, 2018 |
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Oct 30, 2018 00:34
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I will now claim my Legacy before Lens rights are passed back to Question-Learning. To this end, I claim an Event in The Age of Expansion, just after A Trade of Freedom. The Art of the Sword Jean Tylia-Croix, Elise’s son, in an effort to overcome his natural shyness and small frame, enlists himself in the Nencrau sword school, which favors agility and speed over raw force. He becomes quite the prodigy in the 3rd form of the school-“Howling Wind Form”. He even manages to defeat Lord Nencrau’s daughter Estella, adept of the 1st Form, “Raging Thunder Form” in a duel-which earns him respect in her heart.
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Oct 30, 2018 04:19
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It's round 5 and I am the Lens again (as the only player eligible). The Focus for this round will be the Five Great Manipulators - a collection of seemingly sentient, immortal and soul consuming beings that invade the Empire through the Dimensional Rifts. To start us off, I add a new Period between Opening of Eyes and Age of Expansion: War of Souls - The Great Manipulators, who have entered our world in pieces through the Dimensional Rifts, reveal themselves openly as they take over several major cities in the Empire. The local residents' souls merge with those of the invaders and their bodies form the bulk of their armed forces as the Manipulators war against the Imperial Armies. Emperor Tiberius personally leads his armies, greatly enhanced by magical powers fueled by the souls of tens of thousands. However, the Abyssal Coven are the ones truly directing the Imperial war effort from behind the scenes, having prepared many measures, strategies and tricks to deal with the invaders over the last decades. Eventually, they manage to isolate and entrap each of the Manipulators, sealing them away in specially constructed pocket dimensions. And a new Event in that Period: Lucia's Surrender - The Second Army, commanded by Lucia, oldest of the Imperial Generals kept alive only by the Emperor's magic, is drawn into an enemy trap. As they valiantly struggle for their lives, she receives an unexpected offer - all of her soldiers would be spared and allowed to leave the battlefield intact, as long as she and her mage officers surrender themselves fully. After concluding that their situation is hopeless, Lucia reluctantly acquiesces. The Army withdraws, as Lucia and a few dozen mages resign themselves to their fates. They meet with the enemy "commander" Great Lady Vah, known as the Serene Devil and the Dream Hoarder. Their souls are made to dance to a strange tune, and now they too are Vah. This round's deadline is going to be the 5th of November at 15:00 UTC. AFancyQuestionMark fucked around with this message at 23:23 on Oct 30, 2018 |
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Oct 30, 2018 23:21
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I add an Event to the Opening of Eyes, at the very end. Discovery of the Soulsteel Atropos, the teacher of the 13th Class of the Imperial Military Academy (as well as, as a cover, the academy's history and archery teacher), discovers a valuable metal that shines purple and white in the light, and has the air of magic about it. Named "Soulsteel", and having come from a Dimensional Rift, she secures it in the 13th Class's meeting place, and tasks her students to figure out it's mysteries. After weeks of research, one student-a Catherine Dynas, the daughter of a blacksmith-manages to forge it into a lance-and discovers that it is a remarkable conduit for magical ability. With it, the Abyssal Coven begins to search for more ways to find it, in order to prepare for the future.
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Oct 30, 2018 23:53
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