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Post by The Madness on Feb 15, 2016 9:20:53 GMT -6
Tristan flashed a small grin once the introductions were done. Oh, he didn't garner much attention, besides the occasional glance, most aimed more towards his hulking bodyguard rather than at himself. And after all, lord Tristan was pretty small time when it came to the Lycian nobility. Relatively far off from most other lords, and not even a marquess. Obviously he wasn't that well known. That was a good thing too, in the end. He could move around relatively unharmed, without anyone wishing to talk to him. He had a rather corpulent outlook and body, after all. Lecherous and filled to the brim with rotting fat. Obviously no-one would know the latter part, but it was a humorous thought to the shade occupying the dead lord's body.
The two, the lordling and the bodyguard, set out to traverse trough the hall. He dipped his finger into a bowl of sauce here and there, he grabbed a chicken leg, chewed on it, dipped it into a bowl of sauce and then slobbered upon it. The act of being a disgusting pig came to him naturally, although he of course had to show that little bit of refinement a lord would have. Madness was glad that she had chosen the shade with the most acting skills for this mission. While he proceeded on with his act she eyed up the participants of this human celebration. They seemed competent, surely, but most had hopefully left their weapons behind. She hadn't, of course. She still had Seelenschmaus with her, although the tip had been covered by some woolen cloth, to hide the nethery dripping. Anyone with magical aptitude could sense the weapon was at least enchanted. Usual for a personal bodyguard, hopefully.
Her eyes landed towards Winsett for a moment. Her eyes narrowed at him... She could sense a magical essence from that human. And it could probably sense her. The best action would be to kill him first when the assault would begin. Her men hadn't faced any difficulties yet with moving to position. Arriving late to the party had been a good idea. No-one else would come, hopefully, so her men had free reign in setting up as they liked. The guards on the outside could be dealt with easily, and her army would arrive sooner rather than later. She would just have to find the leader of this rabble and end it.
Tristan bowed down to some woman and kissed her arm, posturing, laughing and throwing some witty joke. All was going according to her plans.
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Post by Charlotte on Feb 19, 2016 7:55:26 GMT -6
Charlotte returned Audric’s polite smile as he complimented her appearance and her wit, though she couldn’t help but notice Audric’s companion looking away for a moment as the lordling spoke, hiding whatever expression had decided to spring up on him after Audric’s comment. Charlotte had to admit to holding back a grin herself, largely from noticing Audric’s shifted tone and friendlier demeanor – at least from the last time she’d seen him, anyways. He’d come off a very serious, contemplative young man, so seeing him in the midst of a part like this was amusing.
“Ah, it was short lived to be sure. And you’re too kind,” the blonde replied, her attitude much more demure than usual. “I simply make it a point of knowing what’s what, on a account of my work with various barons and counts.”
Her response garnered little more than a mildly interested look and nod from the Marquess and his wife – not unexpected, considering his fellow Marquise’s son was standing a mere few feet away. With Laus' campaign to protect and unite the League again, the blonde could only assume that objective was far more important to the Marquess than discussing Charlotte’s self-made profession.
Charlotte listened briefly as the Marquess and Audric conversed, but almost as quickly as the two began speaking, Audric’s friend extended a hand to Charlotte with a wide, clearly please smile. Considering she’d run into Audric on his own the last time they’d crossed paths, the blonde couldn’t help but wonder who the man’s clearly Nabatan friend was – her mind quickly jumped to a bodyguard based on the man’s broad shoulders, but who knew? Maybe he was an advisor of some sort.
Extending her hand delicately and placing it in his, the young woman’s understated smile spread a bit wider. “Please, sir,” she said, her voice lowered a bit so as to not disturb Audric and the Marquess, “your visage is a most welcome respite amongst the sea of lords and ladies of Lycia. It seems you and I are out of place, what with our lack of title and silver locks.” It was a bit assumptory, saying the man wasn’t of noble birth, but considering Audric hadn’t introduced him when she’d approached, he wasn’t someone of note - at least as far as Lycian politics and players were concerned.
“So might I ask your name?” Charlotte maintained her smile, though it receded back to a simple demure turn of her lips. “I’m curious to know how you came to accompany Lord Tania.”
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As Charlotte and Ulai quietly bantered amongst themselves, Marquess Revelin’s gaze was firmly on Audric as the lordling spoke, affording the young man the amount of respect the member of another League family deserved. After a few moments, the older man’s hand went to his chin, considering and masticating over every word from Audric, as if considering not only their implications for Tania, but their implications on his own lands.
“I’m not surprised,” Marquess Revelin started, crossing his arms as he glanced to his wife, who wore a sad but silent smile, “I’ve heard reports from Marquesses Pherae, Porfino, and Akmenon of the same. If Bern’s rebellion persists for much longer, the borders will have more to worry about than brigands.”
There were many things implied by the Marquess’ implication, though the largest on his mind were refugees. Despite whoever had the upper hand in the conflict, there were thousands of men, women, and children who were displaced because of it. So far only handfuls of groups had been seeking refuge in Araphen and Khathelet, but every day that passed ran the risk of more Bernese crossing the borders and using resources meant for Lycians. It was a harsh truth, but one a leader had to consider, nonetheless.
“Considering the circumstances, Laus isn’t fairing terribly.” The marquess glanced the way of two of his advisors, who were now speaking with Tyrell and Bontemps over near the quintet. “Sirs Urban and Bertie have been diligent in ensuring Kraft’s cold bodies don’t ravage our lands. And our ambassador is doing what she can to end the embargo Marquess Ashby has inflicted on our lands.” The accusatory tone the Marquess had was hard to miss, though with the leader of Santaruz noticeably absent for the festivities, it wasn’t unreasonable to think Marquess Revelin was at least annoyed by the absence.
With a shake of his head, the marquess uncrossed his arms, taking a sip from his goblet before continuing. “It is a shame that some of our Lycian brothers and sisters cannot look past petty quarrels to see through to the real menaces that threaten our collective lands.”
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Feb 23, 2016 19:39:22 GMT -6
The small talk and polite smiles weren't enough to set him at ease as he attended this ball. If anything, they were the cause of some of his stress. The arrival of Lord Tristan and more importantly, his guard, gave the mage something to focus on again though. He could sense magic in the weapons, but that chill... it reminded him too much of other things. Of the past.
"Do you know anything of this Lord Tristan?" Aaron asked, glancing back to the lady he'd been stumbling through conversation with.
"Ugh... You come to one of the greatest castles in all of Lycia for the Marquess's Yuletide Ball, and you choose to take an interest in that?" She looked thoroughly disgusted as they watched the man come down the steps and set about mingling. It wasn't hard to see why. It was clear from his appearance and behavior where the wealth of his domain went.
"Some small time noble. Only worth knowing when he's attached himself to someone."
The green-haired sage joined others in inspecting the well armored guard and considered his new acquaintances words. Something still was nagging at him though. Something the more politically minded may take more of an interest in, and provide more insight into. "Small time, hmm? There's a chance he's already attached himself to someone here. Or is it usual for an unknown noble's guardian to carry an enchanted spear around?"
Dark magic.... Aaron kept that detail to himself. Some feared and persecuted those who touched "dark magic", as it was called. They claimed that it was evil. Whether or not that was so, it didn't make the user evil. It was just another sort of tool to be used by mortal hands.
He saw the surprise in her eyes as she started considering. To her, it would probably be a game to figure out who and what Lord Tristan was, to find out where he'd gotten his weapon from, and where his alliances were. "Just by looking, you can tell that?"
Aaron smiled over to her. "Boring and unimaginitive I may be at this party, but let it never be said that a theoretical spellcrafter couldn't recognize an arcane artifact when he saw one."
"I see... well, enjoy the rest of the party, Master Winsett. I have other acquaintances to make and friends to reacquaint myself with." He let her go. He had his own wandering to do here. He meandered around the hall, weighing in on how brilliantly lit the tree looked and other idle comments around the party. Small talk didn't really suit him but perhaps he ought to use this chance to try and learn a new skill.
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Wein Lowell
Sniper
The Noble Arrow
If you're a glory hound, then I'm king of the glory hounds
Posts: 268
Lycia Fame: 2
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Post by Wein Lowell on Feb 27, 2016 14:45:07 GMT -6
While others had been performing their meet and greet, Wein had taken a secluded position in the far corner of the hall, doing his his best to keep his eyes on everyone that entered. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy festivities, as he was actually quite the reveler when he got a bit of liquor in his belly, but what he didn't like, what he had never liked, was all of the politics that came with any gathering of nobility greater than one. It was true that the Ostian's emissary duties were helping him to get a better grasp on said politics, but at a social gathering like this even the politicking in one-on-one conversation was amplified exponentially by all the people standing around watching, listening, and observing, hunting for opportunities and weaknesses like animals. You were never truly safe, and could never truly get comfortable at such a party, because even if everyone let their guard down, it only took one snake in the weeds to ruin your life.
So Wein had decided to sit this one out, listening and watching as opposed to speaking. He was a bodyguard of sorts, using his keen powers of observation to pick out any oddities in the crowd, and so of course he had noticed when the fat lord had entered with his fully armored bodyguard. Quite the oddity. Yes, there were guards standing around doors and in corners with weapons in case anything went awry, and yes, most of the partying nobles had bodyguards of sorts, but the soldiers were all men of the host, Marquess Revelin, and both they and the bodyguards were dressed for the occasion, none armed quite as heavily as this ebony pillar of a man who looked as if he was about to march onto the battlefield and begin lopping off heads.
The Ostian fingered one of the arrows that stuck up from the quiver that hung from his waist, but it was more of an anxious gesture than anything. He did not draw his bow from its hook on his back. Wein was playing the role of the sentry, but he hardly relished the thought of drawing anyone's blood. Even if he had grown too uncomfortable participating in these events, he genuinely wanted everyone else to enjoy themselves as much as they could. It was yuletide, after all, a time for joy and revelry! It was time for cake, and dancing, and song! And holiday festivities aside, a successful feast was also a great way for Marquess Revelin to increase his standing among his guests, which Wein hoped would make his job just that much easier when it was time for him to go back out and gather more nobles into the fold of the LCO. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to stay aware. If things went south, he'd be ready. He'd gone completely dry tonight to make sure that was the case.
And at that thought, Wein noticed a familiar green head poking through the sea of friends that mulled about before him. The archer thought of calling the mage's name, maybe wave, but then he remembered that he'd made Marquess Revelin aware of his plans before the feast, which meant that he was technically on duty. So he decided not to make a scene of himself. If Aaron noticed him, then they could talk, but if not they could catch up after the feast.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Mar 3, 2016 7:25:43 GMT -6
It was all an odd game, this one they played. This was only the second time Audric had the chance to. Part of him was thrilled that he could get the experience for such, knowing it would be valuable to him some day when Tania's well being directly rested on his shoulders. However, Audric was used to, perhaps, a bit too much freedom. An event like this was one in which he'd like to find people that interested him and seek out their conversation. Perhaps himself and Ulai ribbing each-other at attempts to out-do one another. Audric had even hoped to get this small gentlemanly duel of sorts between them going, but his conversation with Marquess Laus took presidency to such a degree that he was literally unable to even hazard a glance away from the man.
It was another wonderful opportunity for him to internally shout with frustration behind a visage of warm smiles and nods; if for no other reason than his confinement. He had to greet specific individuals. Engage in repeated conversations. All the while, shackles of Lycian's political system bound him tighter to this routine. In this way, he once again found himself envying people like Charlotte, and now Ulai. If they wished to go somewhere, ultimately, though they'd likely obtain permissible leave from their charge, they could. Audric, unless the circumstances were dire, could not. Once more, lessons of his tutor came flooding back.
Dusty shelves and tomes in a brightly lit chamber that was so stuffy and musty that the sunbeams revealed particles of dust idling adrift within the air. The bland monotone of his teacher rumbling on about some minor noble who's third sister twice removed on her husbands cousins side had saved a kitten and earned said nobility, and how important it would be for him to recognize that. All the while, he would just gaze through the window down at the courtyard where Merio was training the other soldiers. The faint ringing of training blades clashing and the "One. Two. AGAIN. One. Two. Again!" That situation, felt almost entirely like this one. Save for the fact that this one was several times more important.
Audric folded his arms over his chest in thought for a moment, the sash slung down past his shoulder shifting as he eased his weight onto his left leg and leaned back a bit. Fingers clasped to his chin as he feigned a more serious contemplation before speaking. "I believe that we are a bit more prepared for that type of disturbance from Bern. If only because our still regrowing state will provide work opportunities for most in exchange for lodging and what not. I think right now, what troubles us is reports of monsters from Bern as well, moving into our territory. Merio has done an excellent job quelling most threats as they arise, but I would not allow us to grow overconfident; nor does my mother. I confess that I would have to agree with you on a greater threat..both in terms of Etruria..and the nightmares that stand at our very door step. I hear that Tuscana is still closed off, in-fact our messengers with them have only just recently finally been given access to enter and leave their borders."
The lordling unfolded his arms before letting them idle at his sides once more. He could briefly hear Charlotte and Ulai conversing, though of what he had no inkling. No doubt Ulai was attempting to lay on his most proficient of charms. He'd have to allow him to perform this sport alone, as much as it annoyed and saddened him to do; this conversation would likely continue for some time. Exchanging pleasantries when Lycian countries could stand to gain from one another was an important situation to be present in; especially with Tania standing to gain so much from it all.
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Ulai
Myrmidon
Nothing to be done.
Posts: 37
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Ulai on Mar 6, 2016 21:53:19 GMT -6
As the blonde in front of Ulai set her hand in his, Ulai bowed deeply enough to kiss it lightly. It was the first time he'd don anything of the sort, and as his face traveled back to its typical vantage point his mouth's corners flickered a bit to almost play at a grin. He hoped he'd not been to open with his intention. Sure, he'd wanted to be continue the conversation with the woman, but the motion was truly a jibe at the stuffy aristocrats that kept giving him their looks. He'd always thought the practice of kissing a woman's hand was silly, of all the places noblemen could have picked to plant their lips at their introduction to a woman, they had chosen the hand. Just plain silly. However, he'd not have liked his minor satire to have inflamed the rage of the nobles who he'd been assured numerous times were incredibly important and not to be subject to his usual barb. Audric didn't need Ulai getting him in trouble with his big mouth, the lord's mouth was often just fine getting both of them in trouble on his own.
As he listened to her a more obvious smile lit his face. The Nabatan's smile was a wide one, one he'd used to get out of trouble before, but at the lady's words it showed his teeth. He laughed lightly at her speech's end. With a slight lowering of his head, he said, "Why, my lady you misunderstand. I am a prince! My land is at war with each of the individual Lycians at this gathering before our eyes. Why else would they all look at me so disdainfully yet avoid uttering a single word in my direction? Of course I was not aware I held the throne until my arrival, but I do believe I'll have to change a few of my kingdoms policies lest they fail to invite me again." He laughed lightly once more, and in a brief respite allowed himself to listen to Audric.
Ah, politics, the second most interesting part of his evening. His friend had to make sure to keep his words clean, but he was making good use of his wit. He avoided laying blame or antagonizing Laus for what Ulai could have considered making too much use of the conflict. However, Ulai only listened for a few moments before returning to the most interesting part of the night he had seen so far. "My name madame, is Ulai, and I met the heir to Tania some time ago. I had made camp beneath a tree, and in my slumber I was set upon by a band of brigands. Before they could finish me, Audric appeared, and in the confusion I managed to free myself and assist Audric in their dispatch. When the kerfuffle was through, I swore myself to his service, as a shadow and a brother. When hounds seek to come for Audric, I am the cat which bats them away. When a spider seeks to ensnare him, I am the cat there to claw him out. When a mouse seeks to scurry away with his secrets, I am the cat who must sniff them out." Ulai took a moment, and narrowing his eyes in the slightest said, "When Audric must neglect a rose for his duty, I am their to make it know that it is admired."
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Post by The Madness on Mar 7, 2016 9:17:43 GMT -6
Once the the recon was done, Tristan and Madness headed on over to their corner, Tristan feasting on a rather delicious looking butterscotch pie. Sure, the food didn't actually taste like anything to the undead hulk, but acting was in it's blood. Madness placed a hand on the side of her helmet, closing those blazed eyes for a moment. Ah, the men were ready. Good, good. They had handled a few of the guards on the outside as silently as they could, too. This was a positive. With luck they could rush in and quickly kill the important ones, fleeing and leaving the humans shell shocked. If she had lips, they'd be curling into a wicked grin. She told her men to be at the ready... And make a bursting entrance.
She slammed Seelenschmaus against the ground once, blunt end on the flooring, making a rather loud thump sound. Tristan coughed a few times. Some nobles and retainers rolled their eyes, expecting a speech or some other such action to suck up to the Marques. Perhaps even promises of loyalty in these dark times, with beasts crawling out of every corner Ostia had to provide.
"Dear friends... Dear lords, ladies, retainers, even staff. It's a pleasure to be here, truly. The company has been just wonderful, and this yuletide brings forwards much promise for the coming years for our lands, especially if it's as good as this pie." There's a small amused chuckle by the crowd, but soon they silence once more.
"But, I did not come here just to talk sweet things about your wonderful pie, marques. I came here bearing gifts! And, dare I say, I'll deliver them right now." Tristan claps his two stubby hands together with a grin. There's utter silence for a few moments... Until suddenly two windows break, two figures falling out and right onto the party floor. There's a moment of shocked silence as people stare at the two writhing corpses, badly battered.
"I bring you madness, my friends."
With that, Madness could finally stop this show of a silent guardian. She quickly took Seelenschmaus and lunged forwards, a nearby, and rather unfortunate, guest getting their gut stabbed and skewered by the spear. She twisted and turned it, letting the dark energies of the sword corrupt and twist the corpse before pulling it out, letting it fall onto the ground in a rather disgusting manner.
"And I bring you death."
At those words, undead soldiers clad in night black armor jumped down the broken windows, snarling and releasing guttural growls as they began the culling of the crowd. "Lord Tristan" laughed in the background and threw the pie away, women and men, servants and retainers and lords screamed. And they would know the name of her king when this was over and done with, that she swore to the gods old and new.
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Post by Charlotte on Mar 7, 2016 14:32:02 GMT -6
Charlotte allowed Ulai to leave his gentle kiss on the back of her hand, appreciative of the gesture if made. It certainly wasn’t a Nabatan custom, but here amongst some of the most powerful men and women of Lycia, it was one that virtually every Lycian man had bestowed on one lady that night. For most, it was a show of respect for the woman’s title and admiration; For Ulai, it was likely all the latter, which Charlotte didn’t mind one bit.
An amused smile graced her features as the man spun a tale of his being a Nabatan prince; Charlotte wasn’t fooled by the tall tale, but she enjoyed the man’s humor, especially in light of the supposed discrimination he referenced experiencing throughout the night’s festivities. She was certainly no stranger to such contempt, but luckily for her an expensive dress and up done hair made her blend right in among the ladies of the League. Ulai unfortunately looked distinctly Nabatan, which automatically drew the contempt of many of the noblemen and women there that night. What a shame too, since he seemed to be one of the more interesting characters in the crowd. If she wasn’t surrounded by so many important figures, she’d likely find herself conversing with him the rest of the evening.
For now, though, his banter truly was a welcome respite from the chatter around her, though the Marquess and Audric’s discourse was better than the usual polite conversational sparring she was used to hearing at these sorts of things. Even then, the conversation barely compared to the back-and-forth she’d heard at the few Etrurian-held events she’d been to. The blonde was convinced no one could outtalk an Etrurian – especially one who had a passive-aggressive grudge against you. Well, besides her of course, though that was another matter entirely.
After listening to Audric for a moment, Charlotte’s attention flitted back to Ulai as he described his charge to the lordling. It seemed the young woman’s initial read on the man had been correct – the Nabatan was a bodyguard of sorts, though clearly that was only part of the role. Time always seemed to turn those bonds into something that transcended titles – as Ulai had put it, oftentimes a lord’s closest bodyguard became like a brother to them. Which, of course, meant that man always knew the most about the lord in question, sometimes more than the lord himself.
If she’d was an easily swayed woman, Charlotte would have been swooning at Ulai’s smooth-talking. Hell, with everything that had happened as of late, she almost did find herself swooning. But a distraction came from the crowd, in the form of a loud thudding. Like the rest of the night’s guests, Charlotte’s head turned, looking towards the plump little lord who had called the attention of the crowd. In the silence as the lord started, the small group around the Marquess and his wife would be able to hear whispers between them.
“Did Tristan tell you he’d be saying something?” Marquise Revelin asked her husband in a hushed tone, the first thing she’d said since Charlotte had arrived.
“No, but let him revel. ‘Tis the season, after all.” Marquess Revelin didn’t seem worried by the show yet, his tone more amused than anything.
As the blonde watched on, she couldn’t help but feel disquieted by the lord and his bodyguard, though what it was she couldn’t quite put her finger on. In her experience, events like this always required a public speaker to be approved by the hosts, lest they be kindly escorted from the hall – usually after a few too many drinks had been imbibed. Perhaps this was all it was – just a middle-aged lord who couldn’t hold his mead.
But then two windows shattered, the stained glass falling like sparkling confetti over the party, though the guests it announced were unwelcome in every sense of the word. Black armored undead, armed and roaring whatever battle cry the undead could. Charlotte’s eyes bounced between the two before snapping her head to look behind her, seeing the Marquess and his wife looking on in utter shock. The same sense of impending doom that had washed over her in Count Tristanine’s study threatened to drown her again, but she wouldn’t let it. The rogue immediately spotted a small door to the right and just behind the Marquess’ throne, likely for servers and maids to use to come to and fro.
Just then, the sickening sound of metal ripping through cloth and flesh punctuated Lord Tristan’s final sentence. Charlotte looked just quickly enough to see the horrifying sight of a noble impaled at the end of Tristan’s bodyguard’s spear. That was enough to spring Charlotte to immediate action as the shrieks and cries of the other nobles erupted in the ballroom. Her left hand hiking her skirts up, Charlotte looked around their small group and pointed towards the staff door with a shout as she stepped off. “There, run!”
Accompanying her shout came the shattering of more glass, even more of the undead menace dropping into the ballroom from all over. Not stopping to think, Charlotte threw herself towards the door, yanking it open to reveal a small dark hallway, just as one of the undead dropped not five feet in front of her. Propping the door open with her right leg, Charlotte slipped her right hand under her skirts and produced one of her throwing knives from the belt strapped to her thigh, quickly flicking it in the direction of the rotting corpse as it shambled towards her. The first connected, simply burying itself in the monster’s neck, but after quickly producing another small knife and flinging it at the thing, the zombie stopped and crumbled to the ground, her knife having plunged itself through its empty eye socket. Thank goodness she’d decided to smuggle in most of her wares amongst her dress’ skirts.
“Come on!” Her attention back to their group, Charlotte watched as the Marquess and his wife dashed towards the doorway she held open; Charlotte couldn’t see Sirs Bertie or Urban anywhere, and with the rest of the guard stationed about the hall beating back the impending massacre, the blonde had made the impromptu decision to protect the Marquess and his wife. The young woman could only hope Ulai and Audric would follow her lead, since no doubt there would be more undead to dispose of as they tried to escape the castle.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Mar 9, 2016 0:44:25 GMT -6
The green-haired mage continued his wander around the hall, slowly speaking less and less as he went. Some of the goings on that he was around were clearly given with a purpose, but much of it sounded simply like babble about the inconsequentials of the days weeks and months of activities of all these party-goers. Some of it was worthwhile. Discussing the happenings in light of all that was going on, such as the situation to the east in Bern, or how to prepare on the Northwestern front for the Etrurian warmachine, or pushing back the corrupted ground and monsters. Talking of such things promoted awareness, but half of the things that he heard tonight wouldn't make one bit of difference were disaster to strike.
He sighed to himself. He couldn't blame them their desire to relax and forget their troubles for a time. He might even join them if he... if he didn't need his work to distract himself from some of the pains and troubles of the past months.... He should just go and find Barek, and stay near the older and wiser man for the rest of the night.
He turned back at a loud thump on the floor of the hall. After a moment, he saw the lord and the guard with the weapon he'd taken notice of before. Lord Tristan looked as though he was going to be making a speech of some sort. The overweight figure of the man swayed as he gestured and postured grandly. Dramatic reveals appeared to be in his blood as Aaron actually started giving himself over to listening to what was being said. It was short lived.
A clash and a shatter, and suddenly there were pieces of stained glass raining down on him from above. Unfortunately, that wasn't all that was coming down from overhead. A pair of bodies slammed down on the floor suddenly, writhing as glass shards showered around them. Aaron started back. They were so battered and broken where they hit that it was hard to tell whether they were still alive or simply trapped in death throes. The sage's eyes whipped back up as madness flooded the hall. The guardian suddenly leapt forward and fell upon the guests, lashing out with the weapon. With its power cut loose, the dark of the weapon smote across Aaron like a slap to the face. The screams and terror mixed with the flailing of arms and the wailing as more warriors continued dropping from overhead.
The wild crowds scrambled to get away as Aaron tried in vain to get a closer look at what was going on. He could only see bits and pieces through the fracas, but it looked familiar. It looked and felt like what he'd witnessed in Sacae when the City of Heroes had been attacked. Corruption raced up and down the victim's body as she screamed, the pain wracking her. But its not in the distant plains anymore. It's here.
"And I bring you death." The voice was like nails scraping on slate. Hearing the voice and seeing the woman's demise snapped him back to the present. Whatever shadow had touched Sacaen had reached out cold fingers beyond the contagion hosted in Ostia. Of all places to have it strike, it had come to a party in Laus. This havoc had to be contained!
An armored soldier bearing the stink of corruption dropped down from overhead, and lunged forward wildly at Aaron and the others still gathered around him. He saw the thing pulling back its weapon, but it stagged as flames suddenly impacted on it. A series of small "pops" resounded around the room as Aaron's used his his oldest trick: shaped fireballs.
Small patches of flame hit the armor on the monstrosity wearing a human skin, as the plates and scale took the impacts that normally would have torn the limbs from the creature. A wave of people split apart clearing a path through the pandemonium for the flame tossing mage to get to his target. He was on his way to finishing it off, when another creature dropped down next to him, and took a swing at him. Magic already lit in his eyes, Aaron stepped in and put both hands on the things chest, ripping the heat out of the monster. The armor frosted over suddenly, and he watched as the thing fell to the ground under the weight of and the armor as its body suddenly freeze dried. Juggling the heat he'd stolen from the corpse, he sent it blazing over with a flick of his hand to the first of the monsters he'd peppered with fire, and watched it crumble to dust as he focused the heat into the the walking corpse in armor.
Around him, chaos was still breaking loose He knew only of the main exits, and he didn't know where his grandfather was. Oh flux! Where was Barek! He looked around and saw the numerous nobles and courtiers fleeing for their lives. What magic he had came from memory, but most here would be defenseless. He had to make a decision on what to do. He would help, but how?!
His glare whipped around. Fleeing lords. He saw the Marquess and his entourage making their way for an exit. He saw the armored warrior still doing battle in the hall, and he made his choice.
Carefully, Aaron took just a little bit of fire, and hurled it at the knight. Then he threw one more for good measure, guiding the shots careully towards his target. It wasn't what he would typically throw. These were about what he would throw back when he'd first set out adventuring. Good for testing defenses and attracting attention, but these would do little more than singe flesh encased in armor. He'd throw more if he needed, but a couple of fireballs was usually enough to get some attention.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Mar 12, 2016 19:21:54 GMT -6
Thud.
Hmm?
Audric's gaze found itself searching for the source of such a noise. He recognized that sound. As someone who'd become inseparable from Buidhe ever since it had been bestowed upon him by his mother, he knew weapons fairly well. All the times spent training with Merio(and otherwise outside of prying eyes and tutelage) he'd grown very accustomed to their smallest nuances. The reason this in particular drew his attention, is that he'd often taken to wrapping the butt of his spear against the ground in times of privacy before practicing speeches and important public exclamation. Such as, if he ever won a war...or defeated a great enemy. Though none knew of this habit, he'd become well practiced in the gesture and the sound initially made him thing of such things.
Why did it bother him though? Someone was armed. He'd left Buidhe with his guards, and they'd been asked to wait in the servants halls and outside of the grand hall the festival was stationed with. So the fact that someone had a weapon, it rose a few flags in the back of his mind. Despite this, he turned his head as the noble in the corner began to give a speech. His initial thought? Oh boy. More names to memorize and words I don't care about. His eyes narrowed though as he tried to place his finger on it. A faint unease. A moment later, the unthinkable happened. Screams erupted. Horrified ones. Anguished ones. Windows shattered as the cacophony of absolute chaos took hold. Doors flung open as people tried to flee. He couldn't see many other guards, but the small escort of Tanian soldiers that'd been standing in the servants hallway entrance instantly came at the sound of chaos; and Audric's eye locked in on that which he was hoping to find.
The second guard in the three man escort was carrying Buidhe upon his back. The weapon was a symbol of Tania's royal family, and something supremely important to him personally. For once, his stark red hair which stuck out sorely in almost any social outing, made it easy for them to notice him. The tanian lordling rose a hand to signal to them, and the soldiers clad in verdite armor moved to him even as the one carrying his weapon began to remove it from his shoulder. Blades and shields were drawn, but Audric noticed Charlotte moving at the same time. He couldn't think straight. Undead were butchering people. Monsters. This was his first time encountering them. For every scream someone uttered, his blood began to boil. Every moment that passed..people were dying. As his hands found the familiar length of Buidhe's shaft, he gripped so fiercely that his knuckles bled into a pale white shade.
Self-preservation was the first thought of most nobility. Here however, Audric found himself fighting with every last fiber of his being not to attack. It was bad. Charlotte had run in the direction that the staff's hall was seemingly, if he remembered the servers exiting and entering adequately. Audric moved to follow, now gripping at his spear. Gods preserve. The one time I chose not to dawn my armor!! He seethed beneath, and as he followed her he saw the undead rise only to be dispensed by her throwing knives. In-fact, he'd barely seen the blade thrown before he registered it.
Audric turned to look at the three guards of his. Something had to be done. Someone had to save them. He could still hear the shouting and screams. Gripping his spear, he squared his shoulders and looked to the three tanian guardsmen. His voice barely held his effort to contain frustration and rage. "Protect the Marquess and his wife, as well as Charlotte. Ulai, that means you as well. Someone needs to try and help the people in there."
He didn't know what good he'd be in the slightest. He couldn't send his guards however, to their death. No. He didn't think he could, at that point, order anyone to fight such things in such a suicidal means. He could try though. He might even survive. Though he saw the hesitation in the guards, they were sworn to obey him. Their lack of objection meant they understood. Audric gripped his spear and turned around, gazing once more towards the hallway. Even now, his anger fueled courage faltered. He'd never battled monstrosities before...
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Ulai
Myrmidon
Nothing to be done.
Posts: 37
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Ulai on Mar 13, 2016 15:28:57 GMT -6
Not moments after he had finished laying it on rather thick, Ulai turned at a thunk against the floor that probably cost more to clean than he had made in a year as a mercenary. Some noble or other spoke, and Ulai was incredibly put off. People were speaking all over the room, and it was rude to interrupt. He stopped listening, and merely waited while casually looking about the hall. Then hoewever, something caught his attention, and that something was two forms crashing through the massive windows. Well, that was certainly unexpected. Then the spear thunker made its own statement, saying, "And I bring you death"
Wow, what a line. It wasn't the one Ulai would have picked were he about to presumably start murdering a room full of rich people, but it wasn't half bad. This gift isn't returnable. Something to that extent, or maybe, Death, the gift certificate to nowhere, or For the man who has everything. Still, it wasn't a shabby one, and it was one that Ulai would remember. If he could somehow survive what he watched around him, he could remember that on the off chance he was the one to bring this killer down. Then he could repeat the line, and the irony would be delicious. Now however, there was fear, fear and nothing else that crept into his chest. He wanted to run, to preserve what was Ulai, but not from the bodies coming through the windows, because there what he saw was familiar.
Most of the nobles around probably hadn't seen the undead before, but Ulai had fought them once or twice. He knew just how hard it was to kill the dead. Everyone in the area he was standing started moving toward a servant exit. That was good, running was good. Running was good because of the feeling that had welled in his chest as the spear had ripped the first noble's body. The hand that held it seemed to feel truly evil, and the words that had come from his mouth had carried an air of terror. Ulai could poke fun and keep his mind racing as a distraction, but being distracted doesn't make something any less real.
In the commotion that came on, Ulai spotted the guards they'd brought along and felt a broad sense of relief. Gawain handed Audric his lance, and Percival handed Ulai his Pata, while Curtis produced held his battle axe in both hands as he kept an ear out for an order and an eye out for any monster that may have approached his lord. Once they were free of their charges, Gawain produced his falchion in a flash while Percival took his pike from his back. Then, as all three, or four, guards waited, Audric gave them the order. "And it sure as hell isn't going to be you."
Gawain and Percival balked, but Curtis had no reaction, he was too busy scanning the room and making sure the danger was far enough away for the conversation to matter. Gawain cut in, "My lord, it would not be wise for a man of your station to stay behind, if it is not too forward for me to speak on the matter." Percival only nodded. Ulai continued, "We're unprepared, in a place we know nothing about, with an enemy that clearly has a plan and the power to execute it Audric. If you feel some need to be the hero, then consider this, Laus is running, and he doesn't have any guards. If the Marquess dies here, who's going to support Tania and the fight, hmm? How many people die if he dies, so if protecting lives is what's important to you, then you sure as hell need to go with him. If that's not enough, then how about me? If you die, do you think any of us could go back to Tania? Hell, your family would probably have me hunted down no matter where I went! So no, you're not staying here my friend. You're not dying over honor, there's no honor in puffing your chest up in front of a demon."
Curtis turned his head, and spoke through his thick mustache, "Ulai's got a point my lord." Though Gawain was clearly put off by the phrasing, he looked to support what Ulai had actually meant, and Percival nodded.
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Post by The Madness on Mar 14, 2016 8:37:14 GMT -6
The massacre was a pleasant change of pace to the recent fights. While she had gotten used to fighting armed men and women, the stragglers on the mountainous borders of Ostia that just wished to keep close to their old homes, this was much easier, almost relaxing. Like tending to a screaming garden of bleeding heads. She should organize little get togethers once the other knights would drag their sorry behinds here as well. Seelenschmaus pierced the flesh of one running guest, causing them to fall down onto the ground and spasm on the ground, black nethery liquid running down their chin as their eyes lost all life, only to be replaced by an eerie glow. This was a feast of souls for her and Seelenschmaus, and Seelenschmaus hungered.
While she was having her fun, the undead soldiers began to rain in trough the windows and doors. They had not sadly secured most of the castle, only the windows and the back entrance, along with the kitchen. There were many routes for escape, but the question was if the panicked crowd could pick the right ways out. Anyhow. Lord Tristan danced around the hall of gathering corpses, stabbing away with a small dagger he had secured. It didn't do much, but the personality was having an enjoyable enough time. Madness stared upon the grotesque shambling corpse of lard, rolling her two burning eyes for a moment before jerking her head towards the escapees. "Kill them." Her orders were quick and absolute.
Quick and absolute, yet also disturbed slightly by the sudden fireball crashing against her side. It wasn't anything dangerous, yet her eyes turned and nailed down on the assailant. Her shadowy hand moved to a part of her armor, placing a hand on it to feel the metal. It wasn't melting due to the heat, not yet. Good, she didn't want the flesh of this body to get even more mangled and damaged due to some human getting too cocky. She quickly slashed Seelenschmaus, blocking the second fireball. This one felt more... Planned out. She quickly pulled the spear back and thrust herself towards this new threat. She took a leap and prepared to try and impale her new opponent.
Tristan shrugged, but giggled at an absolute glee as he and about ten more undead warriors, armed to differing variations, set out after the fleeing troupe. They wanted the Marques dead.
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Wein Lowell
Sniper
The Noble Arrow
If you're a glory hound, then I'm king of the glory hounds
Posts: 268
Lycia Fame: 2
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Post by Wein Lowell on Mar 15, 2016 22:21:53 GMT -6
“If you’re going to tell him to run, then you better be ready to die in his place,” Wein spoke as he stepped up next to Audric. “Somebody has to deal with this.” His bow was drawn, an arrow nocked in its string. There was fear in his eyes, but who could blame him? Innocent men and women were being slaughtered in front of them like animals. The evil an act like this required was practically tangible. But still he would choose to stand his ground.
“Audric wants to fight. I say let him.” Though Wein didn’t look at Ulai, he was obviously talking to him. “A ‘man of his station’ should be the first on the front lines, not the last. He’s not marquess yet.” The Ostian noble’s words, and bitter tone, were born of personal experience. He had been gone when Ostia had been destroyed, unable to join in the defense of his city. His family, his friends, his people: all gone. One could say that “a man of his station” was lucky to still be around, but Wein didn’t see it that way, because all he was now was Wein, son of House Lowell of Nothing. All because he had wanted to go out and prove himself hero. The irony was not lost on the archer, and there were no words capable of describing his regret. But he hadn’t let his failings get the best of him. He found a new people to serve: the people of Lycia, and while he realized that Audric still had a land to his name, and that it was Tania, not Laus, to Wein innocents were innocents. The principle was the same.
“I…” Wein began, pausing to swallow the terror that had begun to build in his chest, “I will fight. Every single one of you should too.” He pondered cracking a joke, but there really wans't much to make light of in this situation, so satisfied that he had spoken his mind, the archer looked onward towards the massacre. Blood. Gore. Screaming. Wein could deal well enough with the first two, but the screaming always bothered him. You could distance yourself from a man with a missing limb, or a woman with her guts strewn about, but the scream of a dying person was something that hit way too close to home.
The Ostian took a deep breath then sprung into action. He already had an arrow nocked, so loosing it at the armored demon with the spear was a simple matter of lift, pull, and release. As always the arrow hummed through the air, but this time upon making connection with the thing’s head it went right through. Harmlessly.
Wishful thinking, was Wein’s only thought as he fumbled a second arrow from his quiver. Time to try one of his new silver bolts.
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Post by Charlotte on Mar 16, 2016 6:57:37 GMT -6
Charlotte almost went slack jawed as she watched not just one or two, but Audric, Ulai, and the Tanian men as they deemed it a suitable time to argue over whether or not Audric should stay to fight and protect his peers. Sure, weapons were drawn and eyes watched the horrors unfold, but was this really the time to argue? Even if they weren’t in under immediate threat of impending doom from the undead army that had dropped atop them, the least the could do would be to argue and move at the same time. To be frank, the blonde was just as terrified as the men were. She of course had heard countless reports of the monsters that had been loosed on Lycia, but never seeing the beasts before tonight didn’t give her an excuse to fold under pressure. If anything, the terrible things all around her made her react quicker, stay on her toes, calculating her and her party’s path to safety.
Then, almost out of nowhere it seemed, Wein Lowell appeared next to the group to defend Audric’s right to stick around and fight. Charlotte had never met the man, but the name was familiar, mostly from her network’s whispers of his multiple audiences with the Marquess of Laus. Whatever his reason for being at the yuletide festivities, at least he had his bow nocked and ready, firing on one of the undead warriors as they finally began to come down on the small group. She certainly didn’t disagree with what he relayed to the group - in fact, it was right in line with how most of the Lycian noble houses felt about sending their sons to battle, whereas a Marquess usually only showed on a battlefield in cases of impending victory or total defeat. Marquess Laus seemed to recognize this as he ducked into the servant’s hall; while staying and fighting might have been “honorable,” his death would merely shake Laus and the rest of the League in ways that could completely shatter all of the unification efforts he’d already put in place. The decision to flee to safety was the smart one, in Charlotte’s mind.
But the key difference between her and these arguing nobles was that there was nothing that forced her to stick around and fight an honorable battle with these things. Fighting and dying for honor was not in her blood as it likely was in the blood of a noble’s son. Charlotte couldn’t benefit from helping the Marquess if she was dead, so while she sought to protect he and his wife, she also had to look out for herself and prioritize what she believed mattered. Her name wouldn’t be sung in the histories for her bravery if she perished. She’d gotten lucky that the monster she’d downed had enough rotted flesh on it for her throwing dagger to take it down before it could get close; now, though, the only way to guarantee her life was to run.
With the Marquess and Marquise through the door she’d propped open, not to mention what looked like a small horde of undead led by some sickly-looking noble headed directly towards them, the blonde didn’t care who followed her at this point. “Stay and fight for all I care,” Charlotte finally yelled, “but if you’re coming to protect the Marquess, now’s the time!”
With that shout, Charlotte scooped her skirts up again, one hand plunging beneath them to bring out a small black bag. She would wait only a moment to allow anyone that decided to follow them to come before disappearing into the hall and throwing the small parcel at the ground behind them. As soon as it struck the ground, it burst into a great billowing cloud of thick black smoke. Maybe it wouldn’t do much to stop or distract the undead on their heels, but it would hopefully allow the group enough time to zig and zag through the servants hallways and lose them.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Mar 23, 2016 9:18:31 GMT -6
Pandemonium rose around the hall as the killing began in earnest. Down on the floor where he was, the screaming and cries of pain were beginning to mount up and the undead were beginning to truly dive into their work. The scattering crowds were like a bucket of water overturned on dirt path, leaving marks behind as it flowed frantically downhill over the dry soil though giving way around the rocks in its path. He only hoped that some of these droplets fleeing the hall could make it back to their river if he could give them the chance.
As expected, he watched fireballs arc through the air. Only one landed, giving barely enough heat to warm the armor as it splashed across the surface. The second the warrior caught on its lance, blocking or devouring what was there of the anima with its darkness. That was a valuable tool have confirmed. He felt the parameters of the engagement changing as he accepted that the weapon this one carried could stop some of his attacks. He felt the weight of those red eyes in the helm fall on him, and had to fight a sudden chill. If this was one of the monsters that had been rising up in the world, then it would be as wolf or even a lion as compared to a dog. What was hiding underneath all those layers of armor. Could the living command the dead? Question for another time. The warrior was leaping for him now. He started prepping a spell using Fimbulvetr to disrupt the charge and create a mask over the area. The arrow passing through the knights head was another surprise. Puzzlement filled his expression as he cancelled his steam geyser, and dove to the side of where the dark knight would come down, leaving an iceslick a few inches deep in his wake and spreading across the ground as he went. He made sure to leave plenty of ice in the direction that the knight was rushing in. Maybe he'd get lucky and it'd slip and slide all the way into a wall. If not, he was already backing up again, nearing the side of the hall, and some of the tables, benches and other accouterments of the feast.
Anyone around them were really working on clearing out now, but he could hear the sounds of battle and slaughter all around still. It was too late to stop this, the atrocity was here. But, as he fought and conjured magic to his side, he remembered the horrors he'd seen in the City of Heroes on his tour there, and how they'd just barely survived. The arm of this beast had come this far south now, and they needed to learn to stop it.
"Quite the little army that you've brought with you to tonight to crash a yule party. Tell me, how did you earn their loyalty?" Aaron watched the knight, still backing away until he settled a few steps from the wall. Waiting and testing. Hopefully, holding enough attention to let others do their best in the conflict as well.
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