Conscripts

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

'They sure use a lot of metaphors.' Steffen spared a curious thought for Gerard and Fionn but left unsaid. What's more important is doing the thinking after all, making sure the captain knew the course of actions. But for just a moment, a shadow was cast upon his face as Gerard compared the brutal obligation of being the leader of a knight's orders to that of a parent throwing their kids into the fields. It's not an inapt comparison, but the way it was phrased, it sounded like this was somehow okay? He hoped that was not what Gerard meant. He did not seem like the kind of guy that would come to that conclusion.

Steffen cleared his throat, and also his doubts, as he returned to Fanilly. "Sir Gerard's right. From my perspective, quite frankly but with all due respect, it feels like if we're not out sortieing, we either do our own things or train ourselves to get stronger whether that be studying, reading or in a brawl, with me and Sir Renar having the added bonus of occasionally drowning in contaminated tax documents." He quipped dryly. "I personally wouldn't mind doing some reading or searching on this, at least I know what bigger picture I am fighting for in my sorties, rather than a 'it's just a mission to complete', you know?"

And like Gerard said, having more people obviously helped with the workload. And having extra pair of eyes, ears and brains at work is obviously better than one.

"Once again, don't feel like you're bothering me or anything. My office is always open, except for the door, which I will kindly ask if you come to open it gently." He emphasized, mainly for comedic purpose, but his tone of voice at the end could still be construed for stern guidance.

"Anyway, is our lovely smithy working today? I want to ask them a favour."

And by favour, he meant a request for a fully-clad armor-suite, finally having the funds and time to order one.

@VitaVitaAR@HereComesTheSnow@The Otter

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: River
Interactions: Aurora/Rowan @mole Zora @13org
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

The rewards mentioned by the ladies were rather vague. Of course there would be reward, he wasn't that badly mistreated. Danger never really was an issue. Bearing that abhorrent symbol on his head, Barrock wasn't granted the privilege of treading on solid ground ever. But what Rowan said: freedom. The last he knew, there were no such thing as a safe haven free from Dark Elves subjugation. That begged the question: Was this some sort of rebellion?

The orc closed his eyes, his fingers resting and occasionally tapping on his sword, a clear and, although strange coming from an orc, deliberate sign of thoughtful thinking. Would this be a legitimate rebellion, or some upstart people being delusional? If this was the latter, he was pretty sure the Dark Elves would not take kindly to his involvement. He had suffered from their prison once, he would not want sufferage again.

But what else could he choose really? Refuse and go back to his fugitive lifestyle? A runaway prisoner, an orc that will forever be looked down upon by society, by these low-life elves born into privilege of the conquerors? He already was barely surviving, what else could possibly be worse than this.

At least they had the decency to treat him like an equal. With respect.

"Fine." Barrock stated, as he opened his eyes. Maybe all of that was worth the risk. "I do not care about your honor or riches, but freedom is a precious cause I will fight for."

He looked through the three individuals in front of him, whom he would likely be calling comrades and fighting partners in the very near future. Their decency aside, he wasn't sure how well they were as fighters. He had seen Rowan's technique, but like battlefield experience go, you can never judge them accurately until they get punched, sliced or pierced.

"Let me know what needs to be done. Before and after this 'mission' is done."

Knights of the Skies

Ok thank you! I will finish reading through the lore and cobble up together a character. I will likely be going for one of the Sukhois, maybe the Su 27, so hopefully I won't crash in with the other guys here.

Knights of the Skies

@Silverwind Blade Hello? Did you read my previous message?

Knights of the Skies

Hey there. It's been forever since I see an AC-style RP. Is it alright if I can partake?

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

"Alright, no worries. Just making sure." Steffen raised both hands in response. Despite the obvious jest regarding the topic, it was interesting hearing the response. He distinctly remembered hearing from Sir Katte about some of the knights being a little touchy, but he wasn't sure if this was just a common cultural thing, or it was a knee-jerk reaction to a familiar gesture. He had heard of one particular knight that embodied this kind of behavior.

As for the thinking part, Steffen turned to Fanilly just as Gerard did. "It's about the shard of Angoron, I presume?" He crossed his arms. "If it's any help Captain, you can ask a knight you trust to assist you and take some load off your shoulders. That's what we're here for right?"

Steffen noticed this with Fanilly quite often, trying to tackle problems on her own in the library. They were the boots on the grounds carrying out the dirty works like wiping out the bandits or clearing out the mausoleum or finding this shard sure, but as soon as sorties were done, it seemed like he and the rest just went back to doing their own things until the next sortie orders came. It was different from the image of the Iron Roses that Steffen imagined, one united in goals and objectives, knowing what they are set out to do and to protect. Not to mention that could not have been healthy for the Captain to be shouldering such responsibilities on her own.

@VitaVitaAR@HereComesTheSnow@The Otter

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

Unlike most, Steffen spent the rest of the trip back to Aimlenn in repose, despite the baggage on him. He was more than satisfied with so many Boars wiped off the face of the continent, some by his own hands too. His revelry in taking a human lives was a rare cuisine, but sweetened from past encounters, and here it was his to savour. Ultimately, he slept that night well.

The Ingvarr took his time the next morning, justifying his absence from his usual spot in Candaeln with the lengthy sortie two days prior and the battle with the Boar. And it didn't seem like such measures were that required, the day was much quieter than normal. There were knights at the training grounds like usual, but the usual suspects weren't there at the time. The library was also without its commongoers. At least Lein was still doing his own things, though at this point Steffen was too used to it to correct him on the Hundi's duty. It turned out, the garden was the gathering spot this time around. Not a bad choice, but he raised his eyebrows towards the sight afar.

As he approached them, he could discern the general outline of the topic the two knights were discussing, but held back and instead letting his natural physique catch the attention before raising his hand for a gentle greeting.

"Good morning. Fancy seeing you three here. Sir Gerard, how're you holding up?" Steffen eyed Gerard for a bit, judging the healers worked as impeccable just like usual, but sporting the usual concern he'd reserve for a younger less experienced knight, before turning back to Fanilly and Fionn. "I don't see you guys often around here. While I hope you're enjoying the calm scenic, I couldn't help but ask: what's the occasions?"

@VitaVitaAR@HereComesTheSnow@The Otter

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: River
Interactions: Aurora/Rowan @mole Zora @13org
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

A traveler from far away? Now that she mentioned it, this tattooed woman, underneath all the ornaments and body designs, Zora looked different from the species he had encountered. Not the colored skins trolls and orcs, nor the knife's edge ears of the elves. Who is she, or rather what is she?

Barrock didn't really get an opportunity to ask though, as a tick crawled in his head as he heard.

"It's B-A-R-..." He couldn't get to correcting her before Rowan jumped in and answered his previous question. His two eyes closed and his grip tightened on his sword slightly, just letting all that fumes out. It was nothing serious, no need to get angry...

The more important aspect at least is what the group is supposedly here for. He was given a way out, and Barrock immediately assumed that the information was exchanged, he would be stuck with them. When put it that way, it seemed like he did require a lot of deliberation.

Barrock closed his eyes again, taking several deep breathe.

"I never intended for something more than a spar coming here." He stated, his blood-colored eyes stared directly at Rowan, with solemnity but not necessarily hateful. "But, since you are giving me the light of day, unlike others, I will consider. What is in it for me, if I join?"

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

"Yeah, yeah. I'm certain we'll get our peace at some point, a brief moment of respite from continuous work and fighting." A weary smile formed after the long sigh, as he felt Lein's subtle movements on his back and shoulders, having mostly used to his 'backseating' shenanigans on a fine normal day, but battle fatigue's slow crawl was making that a lot more apparent. "Aimlenn sounds good, but..."

His occasional concerned side-glance at Sir Renar's little rant converted back to direct contact, as Steffen was asked what to do. More of a nudge than anything. Renar's tone of voice and the previous personal tirade made it pretty clear where his sentiment lies. "Yeah, seems like these are just lowly pawns that they clearly don't know how to use. Our only lead at this point is...well..." He gestured up to Lein on his shoulders and what he just said. "...or that now dead commander, whatever they could extract outta him."

With that he began to walk back, but not without a last glance at Renar. "And let's hope to the goddesses that this isn't another word dance routine like back in the fort."

@PigeonOfAstora@Psyker Landshark

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interactions: Layla/Olivia @Potter, Charlotte/Calbert @princess, Farim @Lava Alckon
Mentions: Lorenzo @FunnyGuy, Roman @ReusableSword

---

"Oh, but please, some patients are always haughty about knowing better than the ones who know best. I implore you to look past your ego and listen." John knew that the Alidasht princess would simply shrug and look down upon commoners like him, and pretended to be cool by ignoring, but one last warning wouldn't hurt. After all, there was no way she could actually hurt him really. Nor does Lorenzo, who was perpetually confused at who the real enemy was. This time, it was so funny he would simply just watch beneath the sunglasses. Nor does Count Calbert, who came all the way down here for an invitation to his whatever masquerade he was hosting tonight.

"Because all those patients..." The doctor took off his sunglasses, looking at Layla as she strode off with a half-smile concealing a sense of pity. "...have all died."

Now for Calbert. This masquerade was actually something he could consider going. Not because he wanted to go to this nobleman's pretentious gathering and meet all their pretentious guests, but it could be a good time to learn more about Calbert himself personally. After all, he could be wanting John dead after what happened the other day.

"That would be lovely, Count Damien, though I am preoccupied with a work meeting at the given time, but I might be able to catch the later part of the masquerade. I hope that would not be a big issue for you."

John returned a rather non-committal but reasonable response. He knew it would potentially be walking into a lion's den if he just accepted. He needed more thorough diagnosis before he could commit. But all on the outside, he maintained his smile and politeness. Roman had flat out rejected the proposal, so now he could see how Calbert would respond in both rejection and uncertainty.

Once he left, John lingered around and enjoyed his smoothie in serenity until someone disturbed him again. But oh well, it is Farim. He was friendly thus far, and he seemed interested in his work, which was a rarity. Granted it might still be for business, but at least it was for a cause rather than to look nice and earn approvals.

"Oh for sure, pick away!" John tapped his head several times with a laugh. Whatever stiffness he might have had before with the group or with Layla dissipated. "I only heard your name through like official papers or letters, and it's mostly to do with your trading company, so it's finally good time to put a face to...a legend, you know."