Abefroeman

Black Sun - Age of Wolves (Always Open)

Lady Margoux, Chateau Rubis, Private Garden

Lady Margaux knelt beside a row of thriving green onions, the vegetable growing better than she had expected. It was Sunday, her day of days, so to speak. Easy, lazy, with a warm sun and a cool breeze to make it all the better. She smiled as she tended to her modest garden. While it was nothing compared to the lavish flower gardens of the other nobles, Margaux had a feeling she was among the few that actually knew how to tend to the garden itself, and not order some servant to take care of it for her. She leaned in closed uprooting some weeds that were trying to slither into her garden. 'Bothersome plants... no matter how many times I purge your from this soil, you always come back...' she thought to herself as she brushed the upthrust of dirt back into a smooth pattern. She took a deep breath of the fresh air about her, enjoy the aroma of ripening vegetables, ranging from onions to tomatoes. At the end of the day, Margaux could safely say, this was the one thing she had full control over, and didn't have to worry about the contrived and utterly ridiculous court politics. She smiled again, standing up to move towards her tomatoes.

"You will be ready to eat soon, my little friends. Just a few more days..." Margaux quietly said aloud to herself. She knelt beside the tomato vines, plucking away dead leaves and spoiled produce, when she felt a presence behind her. She let out a soft sigh, before rising up to greet her steward, Gérard de Villefort. The man was soft spoken and seemed to glide across the ground rather than walk, since he scarcely made a sound. Perhaps it was just tricks played within the mind, but Margaux placed those thoughts to the back burner, and brushed the dirt from her pants. "Villefort, what do I owe this privilege of your presence? Surely it could wait until tomorrow? Or, has there been another attempted escape from the mines?" Margaux smiled at her steward, taking her gardening gloves off and setting them aside.

Gérard de Villefort smiled softly, the barest hints of his lips curling upwards. He bowed his head forward, and in a soft, yet authoritative tone, replied to his mistress. "My Lady, I know that today is your day off from the tiresome task of running this island, but, this docket of business cannot wait. And do not worry, the prisoners are toiling away as they should, repentance for their inability to either serve the Great-Father admirably, or because the rest of the Empire has no need for such financially draining bodies." He stepped back, offering for Lady Margaux to take the lead towards a gazebo in the center of the garden. "It is best that we discuss this matter of state out of the warming embrace of the sun, besides, Sir Armand Dorleac is waiting as well. It seems this news has him lamenting over his duties of protecting you once more... " The man paused, before smiling, and looking towards the garden. "Quite the beautiful crop this year, my lady... now come, let us see to this business, and perhaps you will have time left to enjoy your day."

A while later, Lady Margaux, Sir Armand Dorleac, and Mr. Gérard de Villefort

Lady Margaux was first to speak after the long silence from learning the news. "The Great-Father has summoned me, one can not refuse such a summons, regardless of how you feel about all the lickspittles that call themselve's pure-blooded. It matters not to me what you would prefer me to do, Sir Armand, your job is as my Captain of the Crimson Reavers. Which I need not remind you, means you serve me, and be extension, serve the Great-Father. Piss on all the fetid fools who believe blood and their proximity to the Great-Father makes them better or more suited to be in charge. Those bootlickers care more about their pedigree than what truly matters, and that is your usefulness to the Great-Father coupled with your loyalty. Sir Armond, don't tell me you have forgotten of the traitorous ilk of the Great-Father, that vile creature who was among the closest of the blood-kin to the Great-Father? So keep that in mind, before you decide to spout off such borderline heretical and treasonous talk. We will answer the Great-Father's summons, with all due haste." Lady Margaux leaned back against a pillar, angrily eyeing her chief military leader. Damned be the fact this man was a skilled fighter, he just held too much open disdain towards the mainland politics, or rather, the Blood Children of the Great-Father who saw themselves as betters to his Lady and mistress.

It was Lady Margaux's steward Gérard de Villefort who interceded, speaking plainly and politely. "Friends, come now, now is not the time to be letting such emotions take control of us. Sir Armond, you will do just splendid in the capital. Lady Margaux has nothing to fear with you and your hand-picked attache at her side. Besides, it is only momentary that you shall be in Maweth, only till the return of the Great-Father. Let not your disdain for the mainland nobility bring dishonor unto yourself, our mistress, or the Great-Father. This Lady Sibari, the Great-Father's stewardess, is a... well, she can be worked with without too much fear of being stabbed in the back. Beside, the Great-Father would not look kindly upon those that disobey his orders, regardless of their peerage and pedigree."

Gérard de Villefort smiled, and beckoned his mistress in closer. "Lady Margaux, all will be fine. Just do as the Great-Father would do. Do not overstep your powers delegated unto you, and when in doubt, ask the stewardess, she will have been ordered to help you, regardless of her personal feelings in the matter. I will ensure that nothing goes awry while you are gone, my lady. And I will even send a fresh shipment of produce and blood wine so that you may enjoy your trip from home to the capital. The Crimson Reavers will keep you safe, and when in doubt, do not trust that which is told to you." He sighed, bowing his head, before motioning towards the pathway. "I must be off, my lady. I will keep you informed of the new shipment of prisoners, and their progress in the mines. I have to oversee their arrival, and ensure that these chattel know their place, and should things run amok, you can raise their dead corpses when you return. Sir Armond, protect our mistress, you are fully capable of that, don't let your doubts and reservations run amok." The Steward finished, bowing before the two, before setting off to his other duties.

Lady Margaux looked to Sir Armond, and let out a low sigh. "What could possibly go wrong? You see to the guard retinue, and I shall see to chartering passage for us. We leave in the morning, which should allow us to arrive in Maweth in four days time. Best to not keep the Great-Father waiting. He summoned me, and that is all the reason we need. Our loyalty to the Great-Father must be unyielding, no matter what outside forces we may face. Besides, it will be fun to rub those pampered prick's noses in the fact I was chosen over them to help oversee Sheol while the Great-Father is way." Lady Margaux finished with a wicked smile. Let the sycophants play their games and show their true colors to the Great-Father, Margaux bemused to herself, for she knew with the deepest of convictions, that there are few more loyal to the Great-Father than her.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

Does anyone have need of me for collabs, or are thou art all fine and dandyith?

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

Ser Aerion, Lady Lyvia, and Ser Oswell, Covert Task Force, Disguised Trade Ship Gray Ice

Ser Aerion had watched and listened, patient as ever. He sat surrounded by his two friends that had come with him, Lady Lyvia Clegane, and Ser Oswell Whent. The three had kept to themselves, perhaps out of a profound hesitation, or rather collective experience of campaigns on the Stepstones. The grayness of the sea and the clouds overhead did not help with the matter, but it would help keep the range of visibility down to a minimum. The three sat preparing their arms and armor, slowing and methodically ensuring that no rust, grime, or other foreign matter would mar their ability to fight. Ser Aerion looked about the ship, to the others who had been drafted into this conflict. They all looked, at least to him, itching for a fight, excited for combat. Most likely none had ever fought on the Stepstones, never had to slog through the Seven-Forsaken terrain nor stormed beaches aboard rickety landing barges. Under it all though, was the fear of not coming back, of dying on these far away shores. Aerion forced a smile, offering out his hands to his comrades, beckoning them to join his. “May the Seven protect us from the trials we will soon face.”

As they unclasped their hands, Ser Oswell and Lady Lyvia went back to their work, the two industriously working away and cleaning their gear. Aerion paused from her work, looking about the ship to the others aboard. He spied their leader, Prince Aemon, along with his other Targaryen kin, Prince Viserys, Prince Rhaegar, and Lady Visenya, the four all upon the Sterncastle, no doubt plotting their course of action for the coming storm. They did look imposing in their clothing, the shirts they wore probably worth more than many men-at-arms armor and arms. Aerion looked from them to Lord Commander Podrick Payne, the man imposing in his armor and flowing cloak, nodding in his direction. There were others of note aboard the Gray Ice, though Ser Aerion did not recognize any of them aside from Ser Jamie Lannister, the Kingslayer. Of course, that pompous braggart Ser Ellion of House Tyrell was aboard, much to Ser Aerion’s continued irritation. He couldn’t stand the man for obvious reasons, but that was neither for here nor there. Seran of Lys was aboard, to which Aerion waved at with a smile, knowing that at least there was another combat veteran of the Stepstones. Last were the men and women from the Riverlands and the North, of them, only Lady Merebelle Gray, Ser Ellion’s current paramour, and Lord Bolton, the drunkard who from table talk, was a joke of a man.

Aerion sighed, setting his sword down, the weapon one of the few Valyrian Steel swords in the world. Unfortunate that the blade was named Poison, but perhaps in time, it could be reforged anew into a more suitable name. Standing up, Aerion stretched his legs and back, nodding to his two friends, before excusing himself. He wanted to go pick Seran’s brain on what was going on, and what he thought about all that was going on. The ship rocked slightly as a gust of wind pushed it to the side, letting Aerion smile a little bit as the members aboard unaccustomed to sea life and travel stumbled about the deck. He found Seran standing by himself alongside the starboard railing. Probably thinking about his beautiful sister, or maybe of a better tomorrow. Aerion called out to Seran of Lys as he stepped beside him. “Seran of Lys, a fine day for sailing, wouldn’t you say?” Aerion smiled, speaking matter-of-factly, before he leaned against the railing. “It is good to have you here, most of the people aboard this ship have no clue what they are sailing into. Though, we both know what’s waiting for us in the Stepstones, don’t you?” Aerion looked about, before lowering his voice, “Seran, what are your thoughts on this… this all just seems like a quagmire. They can’t seriously think that attacking the Pirate King will really work, do they? I mean, you and I have fought here, seen the chaos that ensues when one pirate lord dies, and all the lower rank and file swarm his corpse like bloat flies. What is our brave leader planning… or are you in the dark like I am?” Aerion looked at Seran, politely awaiting his response.

A passing thought crossed into Aerion’s mind while he waited. He had accepted the deal offered to him by the King and Queen, well, almost entirely. He had asked if they would consider allowing him to marry freely, as he pleased, to find a wife that he truly could love, rather than having one forced upon him so to speak. While the idea of being allowed to marry a princess was alluring, Aerion wanted to properly court whoever he was going to marry when the time arose. He left his family’s egg in possession of the King and Queen, one if he were not to return, and two, because he didn’t trust anyone else to look after it. While he had no room to barter with the King and Queen, they at least said they would think about it, and would have an answer for him once they had thought it over. More than likely, they would stand by their first offer, to which Aerion would accept, but there was always hope for this small bit of freedom.

Ser Uther Tattershall and Ser Harwin Strong, The Dornish Marches, Castle Blackhaven

Ser Uther stretched heartily as he dismounted from his horse. Dust still covered his armor from the long ride from King’s Landing. He sipped quickly from his water skin, before moving quickly to join those within the War Council that had been called. Ser Harwin called out as Ser Uther made his way through the outer courtyard to the interior of the castle, “I’ll take care of our horses and gear, don’t worry. You know this region better than I do, and besides, one of us needs to make sure everything is ready to go. Don’t let those people bully you around either.” He smiled, before turning away from the departing Ser Uther to take care of his work. Uther rolled his eye, before disappearing inside. Lord Gendry oversaw the operation, and Ser Uther wanted to be in attendance before he spoke.

Ser Uther found himself a spot toward the middle of those gathered about the war table, a large map of the Red Mountains overlaid upon it, though something seemed odd about it, though Uther couldn’t put his finger on it. The Tyrell subcommander was in attendance, along with his assorted Reachmen officers, and beside them, were the Dornish forces, though Uther couldn’t figure out who was leading them. Oddly, was the man from the Alchemist’s Guild, along with the Targaryen Lord or prince… Aegon, Uther hoped, though he wasn’t truly sure. It had been a long time since he last visited his homeland, and long still since his family lived here. Lord Gendry had a commanding aura about him, as he spoke aloud to the council. Odd, Uther thought, as the man spoke upon not having a for sure location to Hellgate Hall, the supposed stronghold of this new Vulture King.

The scope of the operation was to create a defensive line about the region, with the Reach forces along the Highgarden side of the Red Mountains, the Dornish forces along the Southern ranges, led by Lord Oberyn, and finally, to the North, the royal forces holding the line along Blackhaven. The Tyrells would be held in a rear echelon position, while the main thrust would come from the forces under Lord Gendry’s command. Uther looked at the pieces upon the map, indicating military units and forces, the usual, but he took note of the piece placed in the center of the map, indicating the Vulture King, or where he was supposed to be. Gendry detailed every part of the plan, to include the most interesting piece, Ser Aegon would be flying atop his dragon, and would provide a sort of over watch to the ground forces. Should they find themselves in a hairy situation, they’d signal the dragon rider, and he would swoop in to make use of the dragon’s fiercesome abilities, namely its fire.

The first phase of the rebel cleanup operation was to take the Spine, the highest peak in the Red Mountains. It commanded a clear view of the region, along with allowing a stepping stone for the further phases of this conflict. The risk of course, aside from enemy combatants, were the elements and terrain. High heat, high altitude, sparse water sources, hostile wildlife, and of course, when rain storms hit, it caused flash flooding and mudslides. And that was in the summer months, the winter brought freezing temperatures, and torrential snow fall that could bury entire passes. Hellgate Hall was the final prize, but everything one step at a time. The standing order was to have double water rations upon one’s self always, which certainly made sense. After Lord Gendry finished speaking, he opened the floor to the others present, to see if anyone else had any input.

After letting the other Lords and knights speak their parts, Ser Uther cleared his throat to speak out. The others had brought up important things, raised valuable questions, but they were missing something rather important. Uther had finally spotted the oddity upon the map, it becoming clear once he had gotten a better view of it. The ruins of Vulture’s Roost was missing from the very detailed map. Ser Uther moved to the forefront of the room, closer toward the table, and spoke aloud in a polite manner. “I couldn’t help but notice, but your map is missing the location of the Vulture’s Roost.” He paused, before motioning those to look at the map, towards where the River Wyl began. “I would assume this is a newer map, and probably why those ruins were left off. The Vulture’s Roost was once a formidable castle that commanded the region. It fell some time ago, during the reign of the First Vulture King. It may still be in use, and it would certainly serve as a means for them to smuggle goods in and out of the region. I’d wager they have a sizable garrison there, and maybe even personal maps of the region. Plus, if you cut off this means of resupply, you would weaken them innumerably.” Uther paused, before reaching into his shield, pulling out an old and yellowed map. While it wasn’t as colorful nor fine as the war table map, it had old details that had long since been forgotten or left aside with the progress of time. “This map is very precious to me… to my family, so be careful with it, my Lords.” Ser Uther stepped back, and if any were looking close enough at his face and eyes, they might be able to see he was holding something back, suppressing some internal strife.

Lord Lorimer of House Lefford, Lady Cerenna, his sister, and Lady Myrielle Hill… now Lannister, the Red Keep, Lord Lefford’s Rooms
Lord Lorimer sat in his study, in a rather cozy chair. Never had he believed such things would happen to him in a million years. He had the Targaryen’s to thank for all that he now had, even this room he was recovering in. The apartment was beyond anything he had ever stayed in. His lady wife was asleep in their bed, and how lovely she looked, even asleep. She was so serene and perfect, and it was by the charity of the Targaryen’s that he could marry her, and have a home in which to offer her. He still remembered the small ceremony in which they were married, and how the King and Queen were present, joining the Houses of Lefford and Lannister together. Never before had he seen such a kind sovereign, and forever would he be beholden to them. It was a great honor to be in their presence, one which he would not forget.

Lorimer smiled, pushing that thought away, as he focused back unto his work. He had asked the throne what he could do to help, even if it were small or insignificant. And thus, was how Lord Lorimer had been tasked with carrying out writs of disbarment and warrants of arrest, or rather, helping to write them out. The stack of papers was for a group of bandits that was harrying smallfolk and supply lines in a triangular region between Red Lake, Silverhill, and Goldengrove. Apparently, they were being led by two lesser sons of local nobility, namely a bastard son of House Swyft and the third born son of House Webber. These two had gathered a few dozen down and out hedge knights, along with a few other assorted criminal filth, and had proceeded to pillage and steal small trade caravans and farms. While in of itself was probably not that big of a deal, the longer it went on, the worse it could become. While traditionally those within the King’s Justice employ would do this type of work, they were overwhelmed right now with the amount of warrants and writs being levied upon them.

Lorimer felt a touch upon his shoulder, looking up to see his sister smiling down upon him. She had probably woken up to get herself some water, and stopped to check in on her older brother. “Lorimer, you are working too hard. Go get some rest and lay with your wife. These papers will be here tomorrow, as will any other work. Besides, you need to rest so your leg can heal, less you want to have a stump instead. Now go… or I will go wake Myrielle and sick her on you.” She said with a smile, quickly moving away to near Lorimer’s bed. He rolled his eyes, and sighed, nodding to his sister. “Fine, fine, I will call it a night. I best get some sleep, and I wouldn’t want to have two angry women. You win sister, you win. Now off with you, troublemaker.” Lorimer rose, grabbing hold of a crutch to help him walk to his bed.

Cerenna smiled, wishing her brother goodnight, before moving to blow out the candles in his study, tidying up his desk, before heading back towards her own room. She sat down, taking a sip of her water, before looking at a letter that sat upon her small writing table. She sighed, not sure how to finish writing it. But, there was plenty of time to figure these things out. Instead, she blew out her candle, and crawled back into bed, sleep first, worry later.

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

So, my post is about two thirds done. I am working on the final portion right meow. sorry for my delay, my IRL has been hectic to say the least.

Black Sun - Age of Wolves (Always Open)

Lady Margaux De'Bois

Name:

Margaux De'Bois

Titles:

Lady of the Ruby Isle, Matriarch of the De'Bois Family

Type:

Exarch

Rivals&Allies:

Ally to those as commanded by the Great-Father, Kuth Irkalla.
Personal disdain towards the Archon of Change and Exarch Lysvita

Appearance:

Lady Margaux De'Bois shares the same trait as all those who have taken the Blood Kiss, namely the piercing red eyes showing their fealty and total existence to the power of the Great-Father, Kuth Irkalla. On an individual level, Margaux is strikingly beautiful in her own right, a trait of the selective pool of nobility marrying amongst one another. She has long auburn hair, reaching past the small of her back. Margaux stands a little over five feet and eight inches, and while she is by no means a tall woman, she stands over many of the females under the dominion of the Great-Father. Her skin is pale, though perhaps not as pale as the Great-Father, owing such a relatively passable complexion to her long family lineage. Last, Margaux's physique is akin to all those who have received the Blood Kiss, lithe, and with almost a predatory like animal visage.

Loyalty:

Loyal vassal of the Archon of Blood, Kuth Irkalla

Personality and Drive:

“We owe everything to the Great-Father. To defy him, is to invite death and damnation unto thyself. I serve the Great-Father without reservation, for he is all. Service unto the Coven till the Great-Father releases me.”

- Margaux De'Bois.

Unwavering loyal, is the best description of Margaux De'Bois. First and foremost of who Margaux is as an individual, is her unquestioning fealty to the Great-Father. Perhaps more than most, Margaux understands that all she has, her power, wealth, and station, are because the Great-Father allows her such things. In return, she offered up her undying service, in this life and the next, as all who live within the domain of the Blood Archon should. Furthermore, Margaux places integrity above everything else, aside from her loyalty to the Great-Father. To invite dishonor through lying, and by extension, lacking integrity, is to invite dishonor and besmirchment unto the Great-Father, and such a crime is most reprehensible.

Margaux is a singular individual, a woman that looks not to the past nor the future, but rather the present. Her every move and action is done in order to ensure that the Great-Father retains his rightful rule over Sheol, and whatever else he deems needing to be done. This is not to be confused with Lady De'Bois being mindless or without her own desires, but simply put, the Great-Father comes first, and one shall always serve without question. On a personal level, Margaux enjoys gardening, tending to a modest rose and vegetable garden within her Chateau, wine-making from the island vineyards, and last, she enjoys swimming in the waters of natural hot springs of the Ruby Isle.

History:

Lady Margaux De'Bois was born eighty seven years ago, on the night of a great lunar eclipse which the likes have yet to be seen since. Her parents were among the former rulers of Ruby Isle, in truth little more than a petty duke and duchess in the service of a petty king. Roughly one hundred years ago, when the Great-Father came to power, systematically taking over the land of Sheol, the petty king of Ruby Isle rose up to fight alongside his mainland allies. His name and heraldry have been lost to time and the crushing defeat he suffered. Seeing a chance for greater power and salvation from the unstoppable might of the Great-Father, the De'Bois family did not come to the calls of vengeance from the remaining nobles, and instead swore fealty to the Great-Father. Duke and Duchess De'Bois sold out their short sighted former allies to Sheol's new master, Kuth Irkalla. As most of the former estates were brought to ruin, their loyal servants enslaved and put to work within the island's ruby mines, the De'Bois's rose in power, from petty dukes to robber barons, overseeing one of the main prisons within the domain of Sheol, the ruby mines.

Yet, even though the short sighted enemies of the Great-Father had been defeated, they did not go down without one last fight. On the eve of Margaux De'Bois fourteenth birthday, a massive prison right ensued, wherein the remnants of the Ruby Isle's former rulers and their armies sought their vengeance. As the rabble of agitated criminals broke free from the mines, scattering to the wind as Sheol military forces began purging these fools unworthy of even being slaves now. But, this riot and breakout was all a diversion, for once the dust and blood had settled, the Baron and Baroness De'Bois were found dead, slain in the commotion by enemies of the Great-Father. While a few dead prisoners were found on the estate, signs pointed to outside help, to those from the mainland who would seek the demise of the Great-Father and his servants. Margaux was left without her family, having seen the slaying of her parents herself, by masked vermin who snuck in through a servants passage and murdered her parents. It was in this time of utter darkness and despair, that the loving and guiding hand of the Great-Father pulled Margaux from oblivion. It was Kuth Irkalla, the Blood Archon, who took sympathy unto this young woman. The Great-Father adopted her, inducting her into the Coven, and granting Lady Margaux the power to carry out revenge upon those that had wrong the Great-Father and his servants.

After her parents were laid to rest, Margaux set out to purging those within the ranks of her family's household who were found to be complicit in the murder of her parents. No traitors to the De'Bois family, and far more transgressing, traitors to the Great-Father, would be allowed to walk unpunished for their crimes. Of the eight individuals found to have taken part in the conspiracy, all were handed over to the Great-Father himself for their final judgement. Margaux knew such cowardly and traitorous filth must be made example of, and only by the show of the Great-Father's power could such lessons be taught to the rest of Sheol. Margaux reveled in the screams of the condemned, knowing such cries of anguish were but a gift and privilege of the Great-Father. Curiously, the outside puppet masters were never identified, the contacts having either been murdered in back alley muggings, or far beyond the reach of the Coven, for the time being at least.

As time moved ever onward, Lady Margaux set to increasing production quotas on the island, ensuring a continuous supply of high quality rubies for the Coven, and for the Great-Father. Perhaps the greatest quality of these rubies, aside from their use in the adornment of clothing, armor, and weapons, was their use for enchanting. Yet for Margaux, this was not enough. Realizing that acquiring money and mundane power would not be enough, Lady De'Bois began to delve into the dark arts of Blood Magics and Necromancy. As a member of the Coven, she was able to access the tomes and stacks of the Great-Father's library, an invaluable resource in her many years of self taught magical study. By the end of the first decade, Margaux was able to proficiently raise the dead, and hold them together and upright for many hours, if not days.

By the end of four decades of arduous and ceaseless study, Margaux had developed sufficient ability and skill to safely cast four spells within the tomes of the Dark Arts. Only a fool would believe they could ever surpass the skill of the Great-Father, but to Margaux, this small feat was just another way of showing her devotion to the the Blood Archon. For it was he who gifted those of Sheol with the ability and mastery over blood and death, and only through him and his will, could one advance over time. With the gifts of the Great-Father now bestowed upon Lady Margaux, she returned in earnest to her island home, using her new dark powers to further increase ruby mining production, namely in now using the dead to mine such minerals in the more dangerous veins.

The past has been written, and now the present brings deep seeded rivalries and disdain to all those who would dare oppose the Great-Father. Those of the mainland were no doubt complicit in the deaths of the De'Bois forbears, along with who knows how many other clandestine deaths and acts of sedition. Margaux carries out the will of the Great-Father without question or hesitation. Within the last seventy years, she has caught her fair share of spies and traitors, always turning them over to the Great-Father through his forces at Fort Irkalla. Duty render unto the Great-Father is its own reward, and in the end, the Great-Father always gets his due, so Margaux found it best to pay early, and pay often. For now, Margaux continues her duties, mining rubies, and practicing her dark arts to become a stronger weapon for the Great-Father.

Armaments:

The Ruby Runefang – A divine gift from the Great-Father, the Ruby Runefang is a symbol of power and status for those that rule over their respective regions within the dominion of the Blood Archon. This particular Ruby Runefang has been passed down for generations within the De'Bois family, a testament to their unwavering loyalty to the Great-Father. Wounds caused by the blade burn and cause great pain, and should those wounded by the blade survive, the process of healing is long and leaves a terrifying scar, a reminder to those who dare stand against the indisputable will of the Great-Father.

The De'Bois Family Armor – An old and antiquated set of armor, forged long ago by the Great-Father, it imbues the user with an increased defensive ability, namely in the armor being able to ward off the first blow that would mortally would the wearer of the armor. This ward save only works once per day, afterwards it must be prayed over and have at least fours hours of energy channeled into the item..

De'Bois Family Armor

Abilities:

While not as skilled as some of the older Exarchs within the Coven, Lady Margaux De'Bois has taken the time to not only teach herself, but actively practice these dark arts to ensure that she was constantly becoming a more powerful and useful weapon of the Great-Father. She chose to delve down the path of Necromancy and Blood Magic, hungrily reading the dark tomes written and penned by the Great-Father himself. After decades of hard work, ceaseless study, and a little bit of luck, Lady Margaux De'Bois could proudly claim she was able to cast a handful of spells without fear of miscasting or worse.

Lady Margaux De'Bois Spell List

Raised Dead:
Components: 4 magical energy of the caster or 2 life energy of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 15 seconds
Range: 60 meter area of affect.
Duration: As long as the caster wills it, or until the death of the undead creature.
Effect: Those who were once dead find their bodies raised at the beck and call of the caster. Their flesh or bone energized with dark magics to the will of the necromancer. These automatons serve as fodder like infantry, primarily the zombies, but skeletal warriors tend to be a bit more useful and hardy in combat.

Invocation of the Great-Father:
Components: 9 magical energy of the caster or 5 life energy of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 20 seconds
Range: 200 meters, allies only
Duration: 20 seconds
Effect: The spell grants regenerative powers to the allies of the caster, first healing those who are wounded, and then resurrecting the fallen. The Invocation of the Great-Father hearkens back to the dread syllables of the Great-Father himself, causing a surge of dark magic to steal the life from the very earth around the affected, and healing them of their wounds, once that is completed, if time and power remain, it reanimates the fallen, bringing them once more into the world of the living.

Curse of Years:
Components: 12 magical energy of the caster or 6 life force of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 30 seconds
Range: 40 meters, affecting a 200 meter area of affect.
Duration: 30 Seconds
Effect:The caster spits out an ancient curse, causing her enemies to age at an incredible rate - their hair turning white and skin shriveling up. This spell is a Hex, affecting a fifty foot circular area, aging all those within it well beyond their true years. They become old and feeble, truly old men who are now vulnerable to attack and unable to defend themselves.

Gaze of the Great-Father:
Components: 6 magical energy of the caster or 3 life energy of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 40 seconds
Range: 250 meters
Duration: Instantaneous
Effect: Bolts of Dark Magic leap from the caster's eyes, withering flesh and blackening the bone beneath. The caster channels the very withering gaze of the Great-Father, projecting his all seeing gaze, piercing through the armor their enemies, burning and withering them to charred bones and seared flesh.

Opinions:

WIP

Holdings

The Holdings and Details of the De'Bois Family

Names: The Ruby Isle, towns of Port Dracus, Fort Irkalla, Adoith, The Crimson Mines, and the De'Bois residence, Chateau Rubis.

Type: The main residence of the De'Bois family is a modest castle, compared to the major fortifications of the main island of Sheol, but on the Ruby Isle, it is the largest fortification around, and serves as the bastion of power for the island's ruler.

Culture: The culture of the Ruby Isle is no different than that of the mainland people of Sheol, save the economy of the island revolves around the profitable ruby mining industry, from mining, refining, and finally export to Greater Sheol itself. The only real noticeable difference of the Ruby Isle citizenry is there somewhat more “law-abiding” nature, if one could call it that.

Description: The Chateau Rubis, or for those less versed in the finer language of Sheol, the Ruby Castle, stands as the primary bastion of power and control over the Ruby Isle. Built approximately two hundred and twelve years ago, upon the ruins of a the former island's petty kings castle, Chateau Rubis stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of all those who would dare stand against the rightful power of the Great-Father. The castle stands surrounded by water on all sides, only accessible from an exterior parade ground across a small narrow bridge. The parade ground itself is accessed via three narrow bridges that cross the lake.

Chateau Rubis

Description: Port Dracus serves as the only way on and off the island, at least through sanctioned means. The port allows the easy and expedient berthing, loading or unloading, and departure of trade ships that serve the greater purpose of the Great-Father. The port and town are split it two, the eastern side catering to trade vessels and more “lawful” enterprises, a safe place to walk during the day, and at night, well, enough guards tends to scare off any scum. The western edge is the home to the locals, a dark a dreary place that seems to be rotting away and sinking into the very ground upon which it is built. Tales tell of dark forces and creatures that roam the streets, but if you want to find something that is not supposed to be sold or found, well, if one is daring or foolish enough to brave this dark local, then the riches could be yours.

Port Dracus

* Town north of item 6 is the Western Part, and the bad part of town. *

Description: The Crimson Mines is what you would expect from a mining operation, clean, orderly, efficient. Furthermore, due to the nature of the mining operation, this town has the most law and order on the whole island, save when Lady Margaux De'Bois pays a visit to the other holdings on the Ruby Isle.

The Crimson Mines

Description: Fort Irkalla is the main encampment of governmental Sheol military forces. The encampment houses the main bulk of sanctioned military might on the island, and ensures a firm grip upon the island by the Great-Father. While Lady Margaux has a degree of automy, she is still, and always will be, a loyal servant to the Great-Father.

Fort Irkalla

Laws: All laws and edicts are directly mandated from those of the Great-Father. Few, if any deviation exists. Margaux De'Bois rules with a firm, but just hand, deferring to the Great-Father when protocols demands such.

Military: Margaux De'Bois maintains a small private militia upon the island, comprising of roughly three hundred men at arms and the like, whom are called the Crimson Reavers. Armament differs slightly amongst the men and women of this personal militia, though swords and spears are the main weapons used. A few higher ranking Crimson Reavers maintain horses as mounts, and along with Lady Margaux, form a small shock cavalry unit should the need ever arise where mounted troops are needed. But, such forces pale in comparison to the well trained and equipped forces of the Great-Father, and they are seen as auxiliary forces for the military of Sheol.

Some rumors say that Lady Margaux De'Bois is capable of raising a small army of skeletal spearmen and swordsmen, along with zombies from the freshly slain in battle.

Black Sun - Age of Wolves (Always Open)

Lady Margaux De'Bois

Name:

Margaux De'Bois

Titles:

Lady of the Ruby Isle, Matriarch of the De'Bois Family

Type:

Exarch

Rivals&Allies:

Ally to those as commanded by the Great-Father, Kuth Irkalla.
Personal disdain towards the Archon of Change and Exarch Lysvita

Appearance:

Lady Margaux De'Bois shares the same trait as all those who have taken the Blood Kiss, namely the piercing red eyes showing their fealty and total existence to the power of the Great-Father, Kuth Irkalla. On an individual level, Margaux is strikingly beautiful in her own right, a trait of the selective pool of nobility marrying amongst one another. She has long auburn hair, reaching past the small of her back. Margaux stands a little over five feet and eight inches, and while she is by no means a tall woman, she stands over many of the females under the dominion of the Great-Father. Her skin is pale, though perhaps not as pale as the Great-Father, owing such a relatively passable complexion to her long family lineage. Last, Margaux's physique is akin to all those who have received the Blood Kiss, lithe, and with almost a predatory like animal visage.

Loyalty:

Loyal vassal of the Archon of Blood, Kuth Irkalla

Personality and Drive:

“We owe everything to the Great-Father. To defy him, is to invite death and damnation unto thyself. I serve the Great-Father without reservation, for he is all. Service unto the Coven till the Great-Father releases me.”

- Margaux De'Bois.

Unwavering loyal, is the best description of Margaux De'Bois. First and foremost of who Margaux is as an individual, is her unquestioning fealty to the Great-Father. Perhaps more than most, Margaux understands that all she has, her power, wealth, and station, are because the Great-Father allows her such things. In return, she offered up her undying service, in this life and the next, as all who live within the domain of the Blood Archon should. Furthermore, Margaux places integrity above everything else, aside from her loyalty to the Great-Father. To invite dishonor through lying, and by extension, lacking integrity, is to invite dishonor and besmirchment unto the Great-Father, and such a crime is most reprehensible.

Margaux is a singular individual, a woman that looks not to the past nor the future, but rather the present. Her every move and action is done in order to ensure that the Great-Father retains his rightful rule over Sheol, and whatever else he deems needing to be done. This is not to be confused with Lady De'Bois being mindless or without her own desires, but simply put, the Great-Father comes first, and one shall always serve without question. On a personal level, Margaux enjoys gardening, tending to a modest rose and vegetable garden within her Chateau, wine-making from the island vineyards, and last, she enjoys swimming in the waters of natural hot springs of the Ruby Isle.

History:

Lady Margaux De'Bois was born eighty seven years ago, on the night of a great lunar eclipse which the likes have yet to be seen since. Her parents were among the former rulers of Ruby Isle, in truth little more than a petty duke and duchess in the service of a petty king. Roughly one hundred years ago, when the Great-Father came to power, systematically taking over the land of Sheol, the petty king of Ruby Isle rose up to fight alongside his mainland allies. His name and heraldry have been lost to time and the crushing defeat he suffered. Seeing a chance for greater power and salvation from the unstoppable might of the Great-Father, the De'Bois family did not come to the calls of vengeance from the remaining nobles, and instead swore fealty to the Great-Father. Duke and Duchess De'Bois sold out their short sighted former allies to Sheol's new master, Kuth Irkalla. As most of the former estates were brought to ruin, their loyal servants enslaved and put to work within the island's ruby mines, the De'Bois's rose in power, from petty dukes to robber barons, overseeing one of the main prisons within the domain of Sheol, the ruby mines.

Yet, even though the short sighted enemies of the Great-Father had been defeated, they did not go down without one last fight. On the eve of Margaux De'Bois fourteenth birthday, a massive prison right ensued, wherein the remnants of the Ruby Isle's former rulers and their armies sought their vengeance. As the rabble of agitated criminals broke free from the mines, scattering to the wind as Sheol military forces began purging these fools unworthy of even being slaves now. But, this riot and breakout was all a diversion, for once the dust and blood had settled, the Baron and Baroness De'Bois were found dead, slain in the commotion by enemies of the Great-Father. While a few dead prisoners were found on the estate, signs pointed to outside help, to those from the mainland who would seek the demise of the Great-Father and his servants. Margaux was left without her family, having seen the slaying of her parents herself, by masked vermin who snuck in through a servants passage and murdered her parents. It was in this time of utter darkness and despair, that the loving and guiding hand of the Great-Father pulled Margaux from oblivion. It was Kuth Irkalla, the Blood Archon, who took sympathy unto this young woman. The Great-Father adopted her, inducting her into the Coven, and granting Lady Margaux the power to carry out revenge upon those that had wrong the Great-Father and his servants.

After her parents were laid to rest, Margaux set out to purging those within the ranks of her family's household who were found to be complicit in the murder of her parents. No traitors to the De'Bois family, and far more transgressing, traitors to the Great-Father, would be allowed to walk unpunished for their crimes. Of the eight individuals found to have taken part in the conspiracy, all were handed over to the Great-Father himself for their final judgement. Margaux knew such cowardly and traitorous filth must be made example of, and only by the show of the Great-Father's power could such lessons be taught to the rest of Sheol. Margaux reveled in the screams of the condemned, knowing such cries of anguish were but a gift and privilege of the Great-Father. Curiously, the outside puppet masters were never identified, the contacts having either been murdered in back alley muggings, or far beyond the reach of the Coven, for the time being at least.

As time moved ever onward, Lady Margaux set to increasing production quotas on the island, ensuring a continuous supply of high quality rubies for the Coven, and for the Great-Father. Perhaps the greatest quality of these rubies, aside from their use in the adornment of clothing, armor, and weapons, was their use for enchanting. Yet for Margaux, this was not enough. Realizing that acquiring money and mundane power would not be enough, Lady De'Bois began to delve into the dark arts of Blood Magics and Necromancy. As a member of the Coven, she was able to access the tomes and stacks of the Great-Father's library, an invaluable resource in her many years of self taught magical study. By the end of the first decade, Margaux was able to proficiently raise the dead, and hold them together and upright for many hours, if not days.

By the end of four decades of arduous and ceaseless study, Margaux had developed sufficient ability and skill to safely cast four spells within the tomes of the Dark Arts. Only a fool would believe they could ever surpass the skill of the Great-Father, but to Margaux, this small feat was just another way of showing her devotion to the the Blood Archon. For it was he who gifted those of Sheol with the ability and mastery over blood and death, and only through him and his will, could one advance over time. With the gifts of the Great-Father now bestowed upon Lady Margaux, she returned in earnest to her island home, using her new dark powers to further increase ruby mining production, namely in now using the dead to mine such minerals in the more dangerous veins.

The past has been written, and now the present brings deep seeded rivalries and disdain to all those who would dare oppose the Great-Father. Those of the mainland were no doubt complicit in the deaths of the De'Bois forbears, along with who knows how many other clandestine deaths and acts of sedition. Margaux carries out the will of the Great-Father without question or hesitation. Within the last seventy years, she has caught her fair share of spies and traitors, always turning them over to the Great-Father through his forces at Fort Irkalla. Duty render unto the Great-Father is its own reward, and in the end, the Great-Father always gets his due, so Margaux found it best to pay early, and pay often. For now, Margaux continues her duties, mining rubies, and practicing her dark arts to become a stronger weapon for the Great-Father.

Armaments:

The Ruby Runefang – A divine gift from the Great-Father, the Ruby Runefang is a symbol of power and status for those that rule over their respective regions within the dominion of the Blood Archon. This particular Ruby Runefang has been passed down for generations within the De'Bois family, a testament to their unwavering loyalty to the Great-Father. Wounds caused by the blade burn and cause great pain, and should those wounded by the blade survive, the process of healing is long and leaves a terrifying scar, a reminder to those who dare stand against the indisputable will of the Great-Father.

The De'Bois Family Armor – An old and antiquated set of armor, forged long ago by the Great-Father, it imbues the user with an increased defensive ability, namely in the armor being able to ward off the first blow that would mortally would the wearer of the armor. This ward save only works once per day, afterwards it must be prayed over and have at least fours hours of energy channeled into the item..

De'Bois Family Armor

Abilities:

While not as skilled as some of the older Exarchs within the Coven, Lady Margaux De'Bois has taken the time to not only teach herself, but actively practice these dark arts to ensure that she was constantly becoming a more powerful and useful weapon of the Great-Father. She chose to delve down the path of Necromancy and Blood Magic, hungrily reading the dark tomes written and penned by the Great-Father himself. After decades of hard work, ceaseless study, and a little bit of luck, Lady Margaux De'Bois could proudly claim she was able to cast a handful of spells without fear of miscasting or worse.

Lady Margaux De'Bois Spell List

Raised Dead:
Components: 4 magical energy of the caster or 2 life energy of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 15 seconds
Range: 60 meter area of affect.
Duration: As long as the caster wills it, or until the death of the undead creature.
Effect: Those who were once dead find their bodies raised at the beck and call of the caster. Their flesh or bone energized with dark magics to the will of the necromancer. These automatons serve as fodder like infantry, primarily the zombies, but skeletal warriors tend to be a bit more useful and hardy in combat.

Invocation of the Great-Father:
Components: 9 magical energy of the caster or 5 life energy of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 20 seconds
Range: 200 meters, allies only
Duration: 20 seconds
Effect: The spell grants regenerative powers to the allies of the caster, first healing those who are wounded, and then resurrecting the fallen. The Invocation of the Great-Father hearkens back to the dread syllables of the Great-Father himself, causing a surge of dark magic to steal the life from the very earth around the affected, and healing them of their wounds, once that is completed, if time and power remain, it reanimates the fallen, bringing them once more into the world of the living.

Curse of Years:
Components: 12 magical energy of the caster or 6 life force of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 30 seconds
Range: 40 meters, affecting a 200 meter area of affect.
Duration: 30 Seconds
Effect:The caster spits out an ancient curse, causing her enemies to age at an incredible rate - their hair turning white and skin shriveling up. This spell is a Hex, affecting a fifty foot circular area, aging all those within it well beyond their true years. They become old and feeble, truly old men who are now vulnerable to attack and unable to defend themselves.

Gaze of the Great-Father:
Components: 6 magical energy of the caster or 3 life energy of the caster, incantation in Old Sheolan
Casting Time: 40 seconds
Range: 250 meters
Duration: Instantaneous
Effect: Bolts of Dark Magic leap from the caster's eyes, withering flesh and blackening the bone beneath. The caster channels the very withering gaze of the Great-Father, projecting his all seeing gaze, piercing through the armor their enemies, burning and withering them to charred bones and seared flesh.

Opinions:

WIP

Holdings

The Holdings and Details of the De'Bois Family

Names: The Ruby Isle, towns of Port Dracus, Fort Irkalla, Adoith, The Crimson Mines, and the De'Bois residence, Chateau Rubis.

Type: The main residence of the De'Bois family is a modest castle, compared to the major fortifications of the main island of Sheol, but on the Ruby Isle, it is the largest fortification around, and serves as the bastion of power for the island's ruler.

Culture: The culture of the Ruby Isle is no different than that of the mainland people of Sheol, save the economy of the island revolves around the profitable ruby mining industry, from mining, refining, and finally export to Greater Sheol itself. The only real noticeable difference of the Ruby Isle citizenry is there somewhat more “law-abiding” nature, if one could call it that.

Description: The Chateau Rubis, or for those less versed in the finer language of Sheol, the Ruby Castle, stands as the primary bastion of power and control over the Ruby Isle. Built approximately two hundred and twelve years ago, upon the ruins of a the former island's petty kings castle, Chateau Rubis stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of all those who would dare stand against the rightful power of the Great-Father. The castle stands surrounded by water on all sides, only accessible from an exterior parade ground across a small narrow bridge. The parade ground itself is accessed via three narrow bridges that cross the lake.

Chateau Rubis

Description: Port Dracus serves as the only way on and off the island, at least through sanctioned means. The port allows the easy and expedient berthing, loading or unloading, and departure of trade ships that serve the greater purpose of the Great-Father. The port and town are split it two, the eastern side catering to trade vessels and more “lawful” enterprises, a safe place to walk during the day, and at night, well, enough guards tends to scare off any scum. The western edge is the home to the locals, a dark a dreary place that seems to be rotting away and sinking into the very ground upon which it is built. Tales tell of dark forces and creatures that roam the streets, but if you want to find something that is not supposed to be sold or found, well, if one is daring or foolish enough to brave this dark local, then the riches could be yours.

Port Dracus

* Town north of item 6 is the Western Part, and the bad part of town. *

Description: The Crimson Mines is what you would expect from a mining operation, clean, orderly, efficient. Furthermore, due to the nature of the mining operation, this town has the most law and order on the whole island, save when Lady Margaux De'Bois pays a visit to the other holdings on the Ruby Isle.

The Crimson Mines

Description: Fort Irkalla is the main encampment of governmental Sheol military forces. The encampment houses the main bulk of sanctioned military might on the island, and ensures a firm grip upon the island by the Great-Father. While Lady Margaux has a degree of automy, she is still, and always will be, a loyal servant to the Great-Father.

Fort Irkalla

Laws: All laws and edicts are directly mandated from those of the Great-Father. Few, if any deviation exists. Margaux De'Bois rules with a firm, but just hand, deferring to the Great-Father when protocols demands such.

Military: Margaux De'Bois maintains a small private militia upon the island, comprising of roughly three hundred men at arms and the like, whom are called the Crimson Reavers. Armament differs slightly amongst the men and women of this personal militia, though swords and spears are the main weapons used. A few higher ranking Crimson Reavers maintain horses as mounts, and along with Lady Margaux, form a small shock cavalry unit should the need ever arise where mounted troops are needed. But, such forces pale in comparison to the well trained and equipped forces of the Great-Father, and they are seen as auxiliary forces for the military of Sheol.

Some rumors say that Lady Margaux De'Bois is capable of raising a small army of skeletal spearmen and swordsmen, along with zombies from the freshly slain in battle.

Black Sun - Age of Wolves (Always Open)

@Dead Cruiser Thank you for the clarification. Out of curiosity, would you be willing to allow for me to serve as an Exarch under your dominion, after a review of a character sheet, should you deem it acceptable?

Black Sun - Age of Wolves (Always Open)

@GreivousKhan This looks to be very enthralling. I would like to join this, but I am not sure as how to proceed with character creation or claims. I see that there are three Archon's thus far that have land claims depicted in the attached political map in the first post. To my understanding of the written information provided, The Mother Night is the top of the power pyramid, followed by Archons, and then Exarchs. If the Empire is fully claimed, and the other regions not fully explained (i.e. Republic of Lesmiana, Atar, Hollow Moors, etc) what would you suggest is the best course of action to follow in the area of character creation? Is there no more room for Archons (Not sure if there is only a set amount), should I steer towards an Exarch then? Look forward to the privilege of being able to partake in your creation, and hope I didn't miss anything important.

The American Spring: An Alternate Present RP

So, this looks really, really cool. I mean like, so dang cool, that it is on par with Pluto cool. So, is there a map to reference what lands already be claimed?

Game of Thrones : The Pact of Ice and Fire (Always Open)

I posted, but its a bit short. I have more in a rough state, but I am awaiting the response to this delayed post, in order to finish up the rest of the works.