Darkspleen

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Zarand Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands

Lilria, the 10th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200

Judging from his atitude alone it would be impossible to tell just how badly beaten Aldrick had been the previous day. He was lounging in his favorite couch, surrounded by no small number of beauties, both local and imported. In one hand he held a glass of wine, the other could be fond groping the behind of one of 'his' beauties. His laughter could be heard from well down the hall as he enjoyed his day of 'recuperation'.

"You have a guest Lord Aldrick" One of his shield sister guards said from beyond the room's door.

"You may let her in" Aldrick answered as one of his companions placed a grape between her lips and leaned in towards him.

But rather than another woman or group of women it was instead a man who strode confidently into the room. A man who instantly seemed to draw the attention of several of Aldrick's beauties, though who seemed to look through them as if they were not there as his crimson eyes fixed upon the object of his visit, the lord of debauchery himself, who seemed to be rivaled only by the man's cousin Marra.

He was clad in the latest style that did well to highlight his athletic and fit form, with a fashionable and dashing cloak of sorts that billowed out behind him as he strode forward into the room. “Prince Aldrick of Athica. It is my pleasure to meet you.” The red haired man bowed in a single sweeping motion before he straightened up with a grin. “I am Lord Vorion Tallurian, perhaps Marra hast spoken of me?”

"Hold that thought" Aldrick said before the woman with a grape between her lips leaned in close for a kiss, pushing the grape into his mouth in the process. Before she could pull away he wrapped a hand around the back of her head to force the kiss for a bit longer. "Now then" He said after letting the blushing woman end the kiss, "I do believe she did mention you. How can I help you? Oh, and do keep in mind I don't share with other men very well."

Vorion Tallurian stopped as requested, waiting until the other man had finished his display of affection and turned back to him before speaking once more, his eyes seemed to stare through the women that Aldrick had gathered. "I have come to seek your aid in my quest to court the fair Lynette, long have I laboured to gain her affection and thus far it tragically eludes me." The man's plee sounded genuinely heartfelt. "Cousin Marra insisted I see you for advice."

"So let me make sure I'm understanding you" Aldrick said with a raised eyebrow. "You've come to me, the day after I was severely beaten, in order to request my aid so that you may conduct the Battle of Balls Deep with my sister." He let that statement hang in the air for a moment before allowing a wide smile to spread across his battered face. "I like you."

"Would you be a dear" Aldrick said to one of the beauties waiting on him, "and fetch my friend a glass of wine?"

"Now then friend" He returned his attention to Vorion as the woman walked over to his wine cabinent. "Would you care to tell me why you seek my sister's affection?"

Vorion Tallurian found himself smiling as well as Aldrick joked. Though his smile was more wistful and less a laughing grin as if he was imagining the very thing that was somewhat crudely alluded too. “Why of course.” He began in reply.

“My armored goddess of battle revealed herself to me when upon my journey to your fair land my party was set upon by a foul band of monstrous vilespawn. There were so many that I'd have sworn the end was nigh and that I would not live to see the blessed sun rise again.” The handsome man paused to take the wine glass from the woman and gestured with it dramatically yet carefully, keeping anything from spilling.

“But then she appeared, a savior, sent by the gods themselves to slay the foul beasts that beset us. And it was then that I knew.” He drank deep from the wine glass before continuing. “I grew to know her on the journey back to your capital, but though I tried she did not see me as more than a friend. And now for my own arts have failed I now seek the aid of any who can help me win my fair lady's heart.”

"Hmmm... Well she always has been good with a sword" Aldrick commented after a moment. "So much so that at times I wonder if she is more man than woman." He muttered the words as he, apparently, shifted his gaze to a woman, beckoning her to refil his glass of wine. Even so he kept his attention on Vorion, eager to see how he responded.

As Aldrick spoke the Tallurian seemed to stiffen and a harsh almost murderous expression appeared on his handsome features at the criticism of his idol. "She is the fairest creature that I have ever set eyes upon. More woman than any of these." He swept his hand out expansively as if to gesture to the whole group of Aldrick's 'beauties'.

"No need to get so mad" Aldrick rolled his eyes. "If anyone has the right to poke fun at my sister its me." He gave Vorion and a pointed look. "Its her brother's duty to ensure she doesn't get a fathead. Lyriel save us all should both of my older siblings suffer from overonfidence and a superiority complex." He took a long sip of his wine before adding "And no. I will not enter a debate with you as to whether my own sister is as beautiful as any lady I choose to be intimate with." He couldn't help but shiver slightly. "The mere thought of that topic makes me gag a little."

"Putting that aside" Aldrick took another long sip of wine before continuing "I do want my sister to be happy. Perhaps you will be able to aid me in this endevor."

The Tallurian seemed to spend a moment considering and then nodded as if to concede the point. "You have a point, but you would not want me to belittle the ones you love, I would entreat you to extend to me the same courtesy good prince." Vorion's own charming smile reappeared then as he raised the glass for another drink.

"It is my fondest wish and deepest desire to bring happiness to the fair Lynette." His words dripped with sincerity and he had the air of one petitioning for aid. "Cousin Marra said you would help me." He seemed reluctant to play the card but Marra had told him that her name would work wonders with Aldrick and that Aldrick would be key to gaining his fair lady's affections.

"I suppose I could lend you a hand in your endeavor" Aldrick said. "Seeing as you care for her so much its the least I could do." He frowned as he stared at the wall, his eyes seeming to focus on nothing. "I know your cousin will be holding many parties in the days to come. I could ensure that my dear elder sister accompanies me to one such party. That should, at the very least, give you an opportunity to gain her ear and hopefully her heart."

"I would be most appreciative." The red haired man replied with an easy smile still on his features. "It has been difficult to gain her attention. In my attempts in the north I would make progress only to be stymied when the siren song of war called to her once more."

"Hmm... Why does that not surprise me" Aldrick said with a sigh. "Oh. And I will make sure she leaves her armor and sword at home." A wry smile spread across his face "This is one battlefield that those will do her no good." He took a long sip of his wine and, having finally emptied the glass, handed it to one of the women. "And in case you were wondering" He added, "My sister does not enjoy wine like your cousin and I do. You may want to find some other trinket to give to her. Should you wish to present a gift to her that is."

"As fond as I of her armored form, I confess gratitude at the prospect of the chance to behold her without such things." Vorion replied and then laughed. "She will find herself upon my battlefield and I shall prevail." The man did not quite strike a pose but he came close to doing so, likely for dramatic effect.

"Of course I must find the right gift, it is only fitting that such a goddess be presented a worthy token of my appreciation. Perhaps you could provide such guidance?"

"No swords" Aldrick pointed his finger at Vorion as if to accuse him of some great crime. "Axes, spears, knives are all items I forbid. What she already has is probably superior to anything that could be found here anyways. I also forbid buying her armor." He made a wiping gesture with his hand as he continued "Now with that out of the way... Perhaps you would care to buy her a dress? I fear she might be lacking in fine apparal during her stay here in the capital." He let the thought hang for a moment before adding "In fact she will probably only have plain dresses available to her. Perhaps you should ask your cousin to find something nice for Lynette? Something with a lot of lace in it? I could forward my sister's measurements to Marra if you'd like."

"That sounds like a good idea." The man seized upon the thought immediately. "I shall spare no expense. Only the finest for the fair Lynette." He gestured again with a grin. "And I am sure Marra will help, she has been most supportive thus far." After a brief pause Lord Vorion continued a bit less over the top than many of his statements had been. "I thank you for your aid Prince Aldrick."

"And I thank you for giving me some small hope that I will live to see my sister married." Aldrick answered in kind.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Zarand Capital Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands

Ixyan, the 8th of Gerna 1200 AU - 08.03.1200

“I have come as summoned” Miksa Artur said as he slipped into Aldrick’s private office. Aldrick seemed momentarily startled, but quickly gathered himself. He had indeed summoned Miksa and been expecting him. He just hadn’t expected to see the man so soon after sending out the summons.

“And you were…” Aldrick began.

“Unseen as always.”

“Excellent” Aldrick gestured for Miksa to take a seat. “I have a need for your services.”

“What is it you need?” The other man asked as he took a seat. Aldrick spent the next twenty minutes outlining exactly what he wanted Miska to do and how he expected the other man to do it. When Aldrick finished asking Miksa asked simply “And in who’s name shall it be done?”

“Why Lord Ralltene’s of course” Aldrick said with a smile as he grabbed a bag of gold coins from inside his desk and placed it before Miska. “Your funds and fees.”

“Very good” Miksa said as he opened the bag to check its contents. “Then in Lord Ralltene’s name your task shall be done. Is there any other need you have of me?”

“Not right now” Aldrick said.

The Imp’s Bottle, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands

It had taken him the better part of the day, but Miksa had found a sufficient number of men who possessed the ‘qualities’ he was looking for. These individuals were the sort of rough and tumble men who would need just enough convincing they almost believed in the false cause Miksa was creating.

“The empire needs a man like Ralltene at its helm” Miksa spoke to the group of men just loudly enough to be heard by them. “We all know that should the likes of Allianna gain the throne that we are all doomed.”

“Can’t forget Jakinius!” A member of Miksa’s audience shouted. “I heard from a friend that he’s going to invade the capital!” It took no small measure of self-control for Miksa to not smile at that. That was an interesting piece of propaganda that he had yet to hear of. It always pleased him when the schemes of others made his own tasks that much easier. He would have to investigate this talk of an invasion later. Lord Aldrick would surely pay him a handsome bonus for any information he might dredge up.

“Indeed” Miksa continued. “And that is why I have come before you my friends. Lord Aldrick of House Zarand is a friend of Alliana’s and Jakinius” He spat out. “Thus he is no friend of ours.” He waited for his audience to finish insulting Aldrick before continuing “And that is why I have come before you with a task from the good lord himself. We cannot allow Lord Aldrick to continue his work against Lord Ralltene.”

“We know Lord Aldrick will visit the Tallurian estate tomorrow” He continued as he placed the bag of gold coins on the table before him. He reached inside and fished one of the coins out, holding it up so that the gathered men could see it. “I have been authorized to reward any who partake in the… action tomorrow with a share of this. How ‘bout it? Interested?”

Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands

Craggan, the 9th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200

The men were upon Aldrick and his guards before any could react. He had doubled his guard and even then there were three times as many attacks. They lunged at Aldrick and the shield sisters guarding him with everything from swords to broken table legs.

Aldrick swore loudly as he drew his Acithan steel blade, pulling it from the sheath just in time to deflect an incoming sword. He stepped into the man’s guard and smashed him in the face with his sword’s pommel. Then, stepping back, he slashed the man’s gut open. There was no time to feel any sort of victory over the kill, however, as two other men were stepping up to assault Aldrick.

He reached out towards them with his left hand; the hand which he wore the ring shaped as a serpent biting its own tail. The serpent came to life, letting go of its tail to lung at the two men. It grew in size as it neared them, reaching the size of a large dog by the time it collided with one man. The lindwurm, for that was what it was, tore into the man’s neck before leaping for the other man. Aldrick didn’t wait around to see what that man’s fate was. He slipped into a nearby alley when none of his guards were looking his way.

There he found Miksa Artur waiting for him. Without warning Miksa lunged towards Aldrick, his sword thrusting forward. Aldrick flinched, the attack coming as a complete surprise. Miksa’s blade sailed past Aldrick’s shoulder, its tip finding a home in the chest of one of the thugs that had come to assault him. Without a word Miksa sheathed his own blade and picked up the thug’s weapon, a broken off table leg.

“Let’s get this over with” Aldrick muttered. He could hear the sounds of battle coming to an end as the shield sisters began to get the upper hand on their attackers. In the distance he could hear the city guard approaching.

“Very well Lord Aldrick” Miksa said as he hefted the table leg. He then swung the leg at Aldrick, his arm making a sickening sound as the makeshift club made contact. Aldrick cried out in pain and fell to his knees as Miksa struck him again and again, alternating between using the table leg and kicks to assault Aldrick. Suddenly Miksa’s attack stopped. In fact the sounds of battle had stopped entirely. Aldrick weakly opened one eye, finding no sign of Miksa.

“Lord Aldrick!” He heard one of his guards cry before he lost consciousness.

Tallurian Capital Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands

Craggan, the 9th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200

"We need Lady Marra, now" One of the two shield sisters that were half dragging, half carrying Aldrick's limp form said as they entered the room. Blood, falling from a myriad of small cuts formed a thin trail in their wake. The shield sisters hefted the battered noble onto the room's table before turning towards a nearby servant. "Now!"

The servant in question seemed rather shocked at the unexpected intrusion into the manor. But it was not the place of a servant to question the commands of a shield sister, especially when the wounded party was a regular guest of Lady Marra's. The man in the red and white of House Tallurian quickly vanished from the room.

Several minutes passed before the clamour of approaching footsteps sounded again and the door opened once more. This time with the servant leading the clearly concerned noblewoman. Marra's red eyes widened in shock and surprise as she took in Aldrick's battered state. The look of shock and surprise though did not last for very long as her piercing gaze turned to one of the shield sisters. "What happened!?" She demanded, in that moment sounding far less like the carefree party queen she so often was and far more the imperious scion of high nobility that she really was.

Even as she demanded an explanation she was moving over to where Aldrick lay upon the table, her hands beginning to glow with a faint crimson light. "You were supposed to protect him. That is your job." The words were harsh and seemed genuinely emotional. Then Lady Marra pressed her hands, sheathed in the crimson light against Aldrick's torso. The red glow spread out from her hands and as it spread the cuts and bruises began to fade and scab over.

But when the light reached Aldrick's arm it stopped and Marra, looking somewhat depleted lifted the unconcious man's arm and with a sickened expression aligned the broken bones again. The crimson light flowed from her hands once again and this time the arm mended as well. But Lady Marra appeared to have been left rather worse for wear after the healing as she staggered, having to catch herself against the table with a hand.

"We had sent for a Valkyrie from the local chapter on our way here" One of the shield sisters commented when Marra appeared to be done with her work. "But it may take her some time to get here."

Aldrick moaned and opened his left eye, the right being too swollen to open, and looked up at Marra. "Avoriel? Can I see her?" He asked before blacking out again.

"Shit" The other shield sister muttered. "Bastards were all over us before we knew they were even there." Both shield sisters scowled at the thought of the earlier attack, neither seeming particularly keen on speaking about the subject further.

First Marra turned away from the table, her gaze finding the servant who had gone to fetch her earlier and then spoke. "Go, get Avoriel, tell her I need her here." As before the servant disappeared rather promptly.

And with that Marra turned back to the shield sisters and Aldrick, she seemed to have steadied herself and gotten past her moments of faintness after the initial healing. "I healed the worst of it. That's all I can do without a sacrifice or risking myself. He should be alright though, stabilized now." But it did not seem that she was going to let things go quite so easily.

"Who attacked you? Aldrick was worried when he left, he said they might be after him. I should have made him accept an additional escort." Marra fretted, seemingly at a loss for how to handle the situation.

"He mentioned his fears to the chapter's grand commander" One of the shield sisters commented. "She had his guard doubled, which should have been more than enough protection." She reached up and touched a small cut on her forehead. "Clearly it wasn't. They knew what route we would take and were lying in wait."

"There were at least twelve" The other shield sister commented.

"Probably fifteen in total" The first corrected. "Before we knew what was going on they were right on top of us. We put up a good fight... but Lord Aldrick was seperated from us and we lost sight of him. When he found him again" She gestured at his unmoving form.

"And who were they?" Marra's voice rose again in frustration. "High Lords are not just accosted in the streets of Lalrial!"

"Thugs" The second shield sister said with a wince.

"Not just mere thugs" The first said as she scowled at her comrade. "Simple thugs don't assault lords on their way to visit other lords. We don't know who is behind this attack" She continued as she turned her attention to Marra, "But I strongly suspect that it is the same person who is behind Lord Conrad's murder. Either way we will find out soon. We managed to capture a few of them alive."

Marra shuddered as if the very thought of such a thing was abhorrent to her. "This simply cannot be happening. Two prime magistrates assaulted in as many days." But then Marra pasued as if she was deep in thought for a long moment, her eyes seeming unfocused for that moment before snapping back. "Both Lord Conrad and Aldrick were supporters of Allianna, and Aldrick said he thought Ralltene might be moving against his sister. But, how can that be?" Marra's voice sounded confused and suspicious. "He couldn't really be attacking her supporters.... or could he?"

"Shit" The first shield sister muttered. "Lord Aldrick had mentioned a fear of Allianna being attacked while petitioning the Grand Commander to extend her protection to her. He never mentioned Ralltene being behind Lord Conrad's death though."

"He might have been afraid of tipping his hand to early" The second shield sister commented. "Apparently it didn't help though."

"If Lord Ralltene is behind these henious acts" The first shield sister continued, "Then the shield sisters will not be able to remain quiet. One way or the other we'll get to the bottom of this. The Grand Commander will get those thugs to talk, I promise you that much."

Lady Marra opened her mouth to reply but didn't get the chance to do so before the doors opened once more and another woman came into the room. She looked much like a Tallurian, but her hair and eyes were both a softer color, a lighter shade of red in the hair and a softer amber rather than crimson eyes, likely both signs of her mother's lineage. "Aunt Marra you call.."

The younger woman in the crimson half armor of Vaels in non combat situations now focused on the body lying on the table. "Cousin Aldrick?" She began. "What happened here?"

"Aldrick was attacked Avoriel, someone is going around attacking the magistrates." Marra said quickly in reply. "I healed him, and he is stable but he asked for you."

Both shield sisters rendered a half bow as Avoriel entered the room. "If you would like" The first shield sister said to Marra, "we could petition the Grand Commander to allow you to be present during the prisoners' interigations."

Aldrick moaned again as he neared conciousness. His good eye blinked several times before focusing on first Marra and then Avoriel. "Is that my favorite cousin?" He asked weakly.

"Yes," Marra said first to the shield sister who had spoken. "We want to be present, if people are after the magistrates I need to know."

Avoriel quickly hurried over to Aldrick as well, a relieved smile showing on her face as he stirred and she saw that Marra really had healed most of the wounds. "Yes Aldrick, It's me. You've got to be more careful."

"Don't worry. I'm too dashing and handsome to be killed that easily" He tried to smile, but ended up grimacing instead.

Avoriel smiled briefly again, her lips quirking upwards for a moment before her expression hardened somewhat. "If you truly believed there were people after you we could have helped, I have a full detachment here with me to guard the queen, we could have spared a few of our number. In fact I would have insisted on it."

"...didn't realize the full extent of the danger." Aldrick muttered. "I... told myself... that since I was better than him... I couldn't share the same fate." He eyed Marra for a moment before saying "My family's ring has never... let me down..."

Marra though didn't necessarily respond favorably as her face was set in a neutral and concerned expression. "You are better than him, but the quality of a person doesn't make them invulnerable. James Conrad was a nobody, you have people who care, you should be more careful." It was a gentle admonishment but still a bit of one. "But when you are better we need to talk again, I've gotten things rolling for a big event. One that you've been requesting and I think you'll enjoy it." She smiled then.

"I think..." Aldrick didn't quite return her smile "that I... am in desperate need of some good news." He eyed his guards and gave them a gesture that seemed to imply that they were dismissed. "Now my fair ladies..." He said as the shield sisters excused themselves, turning his attention back to Marra and Avoriel. "might you... share a bit of gossip with me to... distract me from this aweful pain in my arm?"

Sisters of the Silver Shield Chapter, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands

Craggan, the 9th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200

The shield sister's Lalrial chapter was certainly not the most extravagant of buildings in the capital, but it certainly left an impression. It was a large structure made of stone, its shape and design immediately causing those who viewed it to compare it to a fort. At the chapter's front entrance stood two shield sisters, their eyes ever watchful as they stood guard.

Two inquisitors in the silver and gold robes of their order approached the large building. They were accompanied by a full retinue of the seemingly unaffiliated retinuesmen. The female inquisitor stepped forward first from the group as they came to the entrance.

"I am inquisitor Meli’Vai of the Argentum." A musical lilting voice chimed out. "We come on the orders of the Vialiph to investigate the attacks on prime magistrates for possible heretic involvement."

"We've been expecting someone from the Argentum to show up eventually." One of the shield sisters stated. "You and your fellow inquisitor may enter." The two shield sisters stepped aside and held the chapter's doors open for the inquisitors. "I am sure Grand Commander Serapina will wish to speak to the two of you."

"Our retinue will wait here. We thank you for your cooperation." Rae’Vani gestured to their retinuesmen and then with her fellow inquisitor entered the chapel.

The inside of the chapter was much like what would be expected from a normal chapel. Much of the entrance hall's space was taken up by pews. Few individuals were sitting on the pews at the moment, but from their wear it was obvious they saw a decent amount of use. The walls were covered in murals depicting Ra-hun-ru and various scenes of battles. At the end the forms of several shield sisters, Lady Marra, and Lady Avoriel could be seen apparently in the midst of a conversation. Two of the shield sisters appeared to be of similar rank as those standing guard outside. The third, however, wore more ornate armor and was sporting a beautiful cloak. The hilt of the sword resting on her hip was made partially of silver, and parts of her armor were overed in silver leafing.

"I do not need to ask anything Grand Commander," Lady Marra said to the shield sister in the more ornate armor. "I am here because Aldrick confided his fears of Ralltene's agents in me and I am concerned." Marra seemed animated but composed at the same time, her face a controlled mixture of outrage and concern.

"But I do." Avoriel spoke as well. "I want to know how my cousin's guards could have been bypassed so easily. I know how well trained your warriors are and this was far too much for simple thugs to have orchestrated." The Tallurian vael finished speaking there as well.

"Those are serious accusations" Grand Commander Serapina leveled her gaze at Avoriel. "You are Sybila's daughter. Correct?" She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. "I doubt I need tell you the fate these sisters will have should it be determined that they are guilty of dereliction of duty."

"I am her daughter and I made no accusations Grand Commander," Avoriel replied quickly. "I know what your sisters go through and how capable they are, for them to have been bypassed speaks volumes to how well planned and orchestrated this was. That worries me."

One of the shield sisters, not realizing she had been holding her breath, let out a sigh of relief. Serapina looked at her out of the corner of her eye as she said "We have not determined your innocence yet, sister. Still" She turned her attention back to Marra and Avoriel, "there are more important matters to attend to at the moment. These two" She gestured at the other two shield sisters "have told me that they believe Lord Aldrick's assault and Lord James Conrad's murder to somehow be linked. Now you tell me that he believed Lord Ralltene is somehow involved. How have you come to your conclusion?"

"Lord Aldrick told me of his fear for his safety when we spoke yesterday. He had just found our fellow Magistrate's body and wanted to warn me." Marra's voice sounded rather broken up as she spoke. "He asked that I send word back to his family if anything happened to him because he was afraid that as a supporter of Allianna the people who killed James Conrad would come for him too." Marra's voice grew more strained. "And who stood to benefit most from this? Jakinius isn't here and I've known him since childhood. Ralltene is the only one with the means to know and the reason to attack her supporters. I can't believe this is happening!" And Marra seemed to lose her grip at the end to the point of tears

Avoriel put a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright aunty, we are going to fix this and catch the bastards who did this." Then her gaze shifted to Serapina again. "Forgive her emotional outburst, Aunt Marra has always let her feelings rule her." The words were not unkind.

"You have nothing to apologize for" Serapina said with a nod of her head. "The motives and mastermind, if there is one, behind Lord Aldrick's assault will be revealed to us soon." She shifted her stance slightly so that she could look towards the entryway without looking over her own shoulder. "And it would it seem that you are not the only ones seeking answers."

"We are investigating possible heretic ties to the assassination attempt on lord Aldrick and the corpse in the Magistrate Manor." The female inquisitor spoke as the two vaelie in gold and silver peak hooded robes walked forward. "The timing cannot be coincidental and there are reports of heresy surrounding James Conrad." This time the male spoke, both voices heavy and musical, plucking at the minds of those who heard them speak.

"And how is it that I can help you with your investigation inquisitors?" Serapina asked with just the slightest hint of superiority in her tone. She didn't quite turn her body fully towards them, almost as if to imply that she was just waiting to return her full attention to the two nobles before her.

"We require the captives for interrogation. We believe there is corruption in the highest levels and that these men can be a valuable lead in tracking down the source." The female inquisitor spoke once more.

"Be that as it may" Serapina said. "These captives are guilty of assaulting a noble under our protection and may be linked to the murder of another noble. These are crimes of great evil, thus they fall under our jurisidction." She paused as if contemplating something before adding "You may aid me in my own investigation or wait until I am done with them." Once again there was just a hint of superiority in her voice, undetectable to all except those who were actively listening for it.

"Now then Lady Marra, Lady Avoriel" She turned back to the two noble ladies, "would either of you care to accompany me while I question the captives?"

Avoriel stepped forward in response to the question, the crimson half armor she wore clinking slightly as the chain rustled. "I will accompany you. I need to be able to make my own reports." Her slightly lighter than usual eyes met the high ranking shield sisters and she nodded as if in response to an unspoken question about following the other woman's lead in the interrogation.

As for Marra she shook her head when the question was put to her. "I do not think my nerves can take it. I've had quite the series of frights already today." And with that said Marra turned away, and moved to the nearest of the pews, taking a seat. "I shall pray for Alluria to speed Aldrick's recovery to health."

The two inquisitors exchanged glances with each other, maybe weighing the benefits of a confrontation against the costs before the male spoke this time. "We would witness this interrogation and judge if further investigation or more intrusive meaasures are needed."

"Suit yourselves" Serapina said and without preamble began to head into a side hallway, with the other two shield sisters gesturing for the others to following before falling into step behind her. "The shield sisters guarding Lord Aldrick" Serapina said as she led them to a stairway that headed down. "managed to capture four of his attackers alive. Unfortunately one of them died shortly thereafter. The others aren't in too bad of a condition. Yet."

The Grand Commander led the group down the stairs and through another hallway until they reached a heavy door guarded by a pair of shield sisters. They spaired the group one glance before unlocking the door and holding it open for them. The room inside was spacious and, quite obviously, intended to be used for the purposes of imprisioning and interrogating those who ran afoul of the shield sisters. On the far wall the forms of three men, each looking as if they had just been in the worst bar brawl of their lives, could be seen chained to the wall.

"Here we are" Serapina stated, sparing Avoriel a single glance. "Care to ask them anything before I begin?"

Avoriel took a step towards the men chained against the wall and spoke loudly. "I am going to ask once before she" the Tallurian pointed to Serapina, and then towards the inquisitors, "and they get to work on you. I could boil your blood inside your veins and then heal you, and then do it again." In truth that was a bluff but the Tallurian magical powers were well known and somewhat mythical among the commonfolk. "Tell me, who hired you to kill my cousin." The words were dangerous and her eyes normally amber seemed to grow darker as a faint reddish glow gathered.

"We dun no nothin'!" One of the captives yelled. He was the oldest and toughest looking of the three. He gave Avoriel one good look before spitting at her. Or at least he tried to spit at her, but his face was so swollen up that he had trouble aiming it properly and so the instead just ran down his face.

"It was just a man!" A different captive said. "He never said his name! I swear by Kammenth!"

"Shut up!" The first captive yelled. "What we dun was fer the good of the 'pire!"

Avoriel simply raised a hand towards the captive who had tried to spit at her, and the crimson light that signalled Tallurian magic began to glow and gather around that outstretched hand. "I said I would ask once. I have asked, now you will answer before I count to three or I will boil you alive and then leave you for their tender mercies." She glanced towards the inquisitors who to their credit stood there in nonchalant but intimidating positions, their iconic robes likely striking fear into the men as well.

"One"

"Two"

"Thr-" Avoriel began but before she finished the first captive yelled "Go get fucked by a horse you whore!"

Avoriel didn't speak. But she did gesture, and made a pulling motion as the crimson light flared around her hand. The man gave a scream of pain and would have doubled over clutching his stomach had he not been restrained. Then his head lurched forward and as Avoriel continued her pulling motion he vomitted, a stream of bloody vomit pouring out of his mouth to stain the ground and splatter both on his body and the floor. Then Avoriel let her hand return its original position, still glowing however. She did not ask her question again. But the Tallurian did speak.

"One"

"Two"

"He..." The captive gasped "never said his name."

"Its true!" The second captive said. The third remained dead quiet, his eyes locked onto the corner of the room.

"So someone put you up to this?" Serapina asked as she stepped next to Avoriel. "And yet you don't know his name?"

"That's...right..." The first captive mumbled. The Grand Commander gave Avoriel a look that seemed to say "that's cute" as she drew her sword. "What... are...?" The captive asked with his eyes wide open. The only answer he got was the tip of her sword pressing into his hand. A small trickle of blood flowed out from beneth the blade's tip.

"I suppose the question is" Serapina said as she pressed her sword into the captive's hand. He cried out in pain as the sword slowly sunk into his flesh. "on whose behalf this unnamed man was working for." The man screamed, but Serapina seemed unaware of his discomfort. "The first man to give me a name will be allowed to leave."

"It was Arthur!" The second captive yelled out.

"Now, now" Serapina said as she pushed her sword all the way though the first captive's hand. "You and I both know that isn't the correct answer."

"By the gods!" The first captive cried, "It was Lord Ralltene. He was working for Lord Ralltene!"

"Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" Serapina flashed the man a smile as she drew her blade from his hand. "Now then" She turned towards the guards "release this man." The two shield sister guards quickly undid his shackles and helped the captive to his feet. He looked at Avoriel, then Serapina, and then the inquisitors before dashing towards the door. As he passed Serapina she kicked his feet out from under him, sending him sprawling onto the ground.

"You shouldn't have called Lady Avoriel a whore." She said with not an ounce of warmth in her voice. "You two may have him."

"But you said I could leave!" The captive cried.

"And you will. With them." Serapina responded.

"Yes." A melodious voice dripping with a suffucating warmth chimed out as the female inquisitor walked over to the fallen man. "You are coming with us. We have so much to talk about." Her musical voice was beautiful and terrible all at once. "You see, we recieved reports of heresy, and as you know, heretics, well, there is no mercy in the sacred fires." And the man began to scream then, a scream that did not stop until he had been led out of the room by the inquisitors.

"Now then" Serapina ignored the man's screams as they drifed down the hall. "Why don't the two of you tell me everything else you know?"

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

The player who was the burgundy color never posted, so it's free. The territory to the west of that is also unclaimed. I know there was talk of filling it in with npcs, but I think it's still free.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

The Magistrate Manor, Larial, Imperial Heartlands

Ixyan, the 8th of Gerna 1200 AU - 08.03.1200

“What is that stench?” Aldrick placed a hand over his nose and mouth in a vain attempt to avoid said stench as he and his companions approached James Conrad’s office. He reached towards the door with his free hand, but stopped when one of his shield sister companions placed a restraining hand on his shoulder.

“That” She said as she reached for the door instead. “Is the smell of a human body after its been out in the open for a day or two.” The other shield sister placed a hand on her sword’s hilt as the first slowly opened the door. Aldrick just barely managed to retain the contents of his stomach as the smell of death and decay hit the group like a brick wall. The two shield sisters stepped into the office and quickly looked for any signs of someone hiding inside before exiting again and informing Aldrick that they had found no danger.

“Would you be so kind as to inform the guard of this… incident?” He asked one of the shield sisters as he entered the office. The first thing he saw was the body lying on the ground. Although the man had been beaten beyond recognition, Aldrick knew it had to be James. He eyed the body for a moment before shaking his head and turning to the task at hand. “Help me look through his belongings.”

“What are you looking for?” The remaining shield sister asked.

“Who he was meeting with. Who he had business dealings with. Anything that could be a clue.” Aldrick answered as he searched through James’ desk. It didn’t take long for the two to search through all of James’ things; he didn’t receive much mail and had apparently kept his office very neat. Funny how, despite having been beaten to death here, there was no signs of a struggle.

By the time the guards had arrived Aldrick was done looking for evidence and was waiting in front of the office. The guards thanked him and the shield sisters for informing them and asked them to leave, which they did. On the way out Aldrick asked the shield sisters to inform their local chapter and see to Allianna’s safety. They resisted at first, questioning his own safety, but gave in when they realized he wouldn’t take no for an answer. It wasn’t like he wasn’t safe; he did have his sword and a very special ring after all.

Anyways… he was already beginning to form a plot, one that he certainly didn’t want his shield sister companions to have so much as an inkling of.

Tallurian Capital Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands
Ixyan, the 8th of Gerna 1200 AU - 08.03.1200

The Lady Marra Tallurian, by now quite recovered from her previous night of debauchery, but then again, when didn't her night's end in debauchery, sat in her study. It was a cheerful place, paintings, tapestries, flowers in ornate vases. And of course ample amounts of wine in various cabinents. It was just the sort of room that one would expect someone like Marra to spend her time. Though the book that she was flipping through wasn't exactly what one would have expected. One would have pictured Marra as the sort to be leafing through works on the party scene that she loved so much, not the voluminous tome on various ailments and the manner in which they could be healed.

She seemed to be rather engrossed in her search through the text and as her guest arrived early she didn't give any sign that she noticed him until he addressed her.

"I went to see James Conrad" Aldrick said as he entered the room. He had an air of nervousness about him, as if he expected someone to jump out at him at any moment. And yet a practiced eye could see that he held a measure of control over this nervousness, as if it existed only to draw a desired effect out of those around him. As he walked towards Marra this sense of control grew until his nervousness was a thing of the past. He lowered himself into a seat near Marra with a practiced grace found only in royalty. "Unfortunately" He continued, "I found our dear peer to have breathed his last."

Marra seemed to be startled as she first glanced up and then back down at her book before closing it, her crimson eyes focusing on Aldrick. "Why that is dreadful news. Even if he rarely attended my parties and was a bore whenever I met him I cannot say I wished him ill." Marra paused for a moment as a mixture of emotions ranging from surprise to sympathy appeared to play out across her features though something about her gaze didn't seem completely genuine. Then she gestured towards one of the several wine cabinets in the room.

"Shall we toast to our dearly departed comrade's memory or is there something more dire?"

"Of course. Shall I?" Aldrick rose from his seat and walked over to the wine cabinets.

"I might recommend the King Estate. Victoria gifted me several bottles after we met, it is quite exquisite." Marra suggested as her fellow magistrate walked over to the cabinets.

"An excellent choice" Aldrick commented as he pulled the before mentioned wine out. "I must admit," He said as he grabbed two glasses, "I am greatly disturbed by his passing. And not just because it was the death of a prime magistrate so soon to the election" He poured the wine into the glasses and handed one to Marra before taking his seat again, holding the glass of wine into the air. "To James Conrad, our peer."

"To James Conrad, may he bore the gods above instead of us." Marra laughed a bit as she threw back the glass of wine in a gulp that was nonetheless somewhat graceful and composed.

Aldrick took a sip of his wine before saying "Lord Conrad didn't seem to have many friends... or enemies. There comes to mind no immediate suspect...save one." He took another sip of wine before continuing. "Before his death I was in the process of making an arrangement with Lord Conrad. He was to build a road from here to Acitha in exchange for exclusive trade rights." He leaned forward slightly as he said "I doubt I need to tell you who that might piss off."

Lady Marra held her own glass out to Aldrick as she nodded. While her demeanor was still such that she seemed not to care unduly, she did sit up slightly straighter. "Of course, they would be upset if their parties were suddenly less important. They are quite vain and proud of them, even if they don't hold a candle to mine of course." Marra began to talk about her social life, her expression changing into the same whistful almost imaginative expression it often wore when she spoke about the thing she ran.

"Your parties are certainly the best" Aldrick raised his glass in a toast. "Though I'm afraid that I tend to drink a tad too much at them." He chuckled before adding "Why I'm afraid that some day I'll fall down a flight of stairs in a drunken stupor. Would you be a dear and inform my sister should that occur?"

"Of course. But let us not speak of so vile an event, surely no such tragedy will befall you at my parties" Lady Marra sounded as if she were genuinely affronted for a moment but then seemed to move on and her smile returned. "But I can't speak for the others, they have so little regard for proper hostessing." She raised her own glass again and drank before she continued. "What cruel fate befell the poor man anyway? I'd rather hear it from you than court gossip."

"I found him beaten to death in his own office" Aldrick answered grimly. "He was barely unrecognizable in fact. I doubt I would have known it was him had I found him in an alleyway." He shrugged before adding "And by Ra, the stench! My little doves thought he'd been there for some time." He raised his glass to his lips, but then thought better of it.

Lady Marra's eyes went wide again at the description of the poor man's state. "Horrible... simply horrible. Who would believe such a thing could happen here in Lalrial." She paused then shaking her head as if in a mixture of disappointment and disbelief.

"I must admit," He added after a moment of silence. "That I am a bit afraid for Lady Allianna's safety. Lord Conrad was such a staunch supporter of her's after all. I believe I'll petition the local shield sister chapter to shield her from harm."

"You couldn't think that someone means to act against a contender? That's unheard of, but I suppose I could keep an eye open at my parties, everyone who is somebody attends them after all." Marra said after a moment.

"Unheard of, but not unthinkable. I'll be sure to keep an eye out at your parties as well, assuming you'll have me. Anyways" Aldrick's tone seemed to shift as he changed topics "how is my dear aunt doing?"

"Of course you are always welcome Aldrick." Marra said simply at first before moving on. "Sybila is well, though I have not seen her since I last returned to Rianis. But Avoriel came with Varminia to the capital. I'm sure she'd love to see one of her cousins."

"Has she been informed that Lynette is on her way to the capital?" Aldrick asked. "I'm sure she'd rather speak with Lynette than me."

"She has but surely she would speak with you. And she has the first hand knowledge of her mother that you seek."

"Perhaps another time" Aldrick said as he finished his glass of wine. "Unfortunately I must inform a few others as to Lord Conrad's most unfortunate fate." He slowly rose from his seat. "Shall I return once my business is through? I'll be sure to offer you adequate tribute." He shot her a smile and wink.

"Of course. I shall await your return and your tribute." The crimson haired woman returned the wink and laughed as she raised her glass once more and drained it full this time.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

True. Cars are fast as well.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

What's pretty fast?

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Zarand Estate, Larial, Imperial Heartlands

Ceveut, the 5th of Gerna 1200 AU - 05.03.1200

Prince Aldrick had resided in the Imperial capital for several months prior to the Emperor's untimely demise, serving as his family's envoy and seeing that they had a voice in the Imperial court. He had certainly done his duty, keeping a finger to the court's "pulse" while making sure that the court never forgot about the north. Even so he spent just as much time in the pursuit of female companionship, something that made given him no small amount of infamy.

True to his duty, the prince had set himself up with a full day of work. The first time on his list was to meet a certain James Conrad. He pondered what the man would say to him as he waited, occasionally glancing at the armored shield sister that stood to his right or the unarmored one that sat besides him to his left.

James having gotten an early start on the day began with speaking to fellow prime Magistrate Prince Aldrick. He went to his office and knocked on the door.

"You may enter" Aldrick called from beyond the door seductively.

As James opened the door he smiled and greeted the young Prince "Ello, Prince Aldrick. I was wondering if you had some time to talk today?" James said walking in and taking a seat across from him.

"Of course" Aldrick said, flashing a the unarmored shield sister a smile as his gaze drifted to her. "I'm sure you want to talk about this... emperor business. Correct?"

James nodded "Yes, I am. I was wondering if you had any idea who your father would be voting for. As well as I am interested in your own personnel opinion?" James asked

"Father? Ah. I've been informed he isn't coming. Something about trouble up by Chave." Aldrick commented, sounding incredibly bored. "He's sending my sister to vote on his behalf, though if she doesn't arrive the honorably", his tone made honorably sound like a pain in the ass, "duty of voting falls to me." He let out a soft sigh before leaning towards the left, letting his hand rest on the shield sister's knee. "Little Dove, would you mind grabbing a bottle of wine for me and my guest?" He frowned as the shield sister rose and left the room. "Now what was I talking about?"

James looking a bit suprised that a man this young acted as if he couldn't remember something so simple "We were speaking about who you or you family my vote for as the next Emperor or perhaps Empress?" James said.

"Ah yes. I suspect my sister would have Jakinius take the throne. She has always seemed to appreciate his efforts in the North." Aldrick frowned as she stared at James for a moment. "That reminds me... she hasn't been wed yet. Care to try to gain her hand?" He said with the ghost of a smile, his tone hinting at some sort of unspoken joke.

James let a chuckle slip from him mouth "Why, thank you for the offer my dear lord. But do you forget yourself, I am merely a landless noble working for the Cragmores. I doubt it'd help your house to marry such a wonderous women to a lower man. That being said though if it were up to you on who to vote for or at least suggest to your sister who might it be?" James asked as the guard began placing glasses infront of them.

Aldrick took a long sip of his wine before replying "Well I suppose it depends on who offers the most to me and my homeland. What difference does it make if we place one or the other on the throne if he or she ignores the north?"

"Oh please prince. Don't play dumb you aren't like my lord Kenten Cragmore who just wants money or power. Besides even if you don't have something to gain other house surely do. Especially if you were to play Jakinius or Ralltene on the throne as they are both married to high lord ladies. With those marriage I suspect that house would garner more power as well. Unlike Allianna who isn't even married and unlike her brothers she at least knows how to lead a title and the in workings of politics. Wouldn't you agree?" James said taking a sip from the fine wine.

"Ah yes, Lady Allianna. How could I ever forget such a pretty thing." Aldrick commented. He looked thoughtful for a moment before continuing "My family might be... inclined to vote a certain way if we were to have certain guarantees."

"Such as what exactly?" James asked looking a little suprised. "It's not like I can guarentee anything truely, I simply want to get a general idea of how the other houses are voting and perhaps suggesting a person whom I would vote for." he said as he began leaning back.

"We want a road" Aldrick said simply, eliciting a small laugh from the armored shield sister.

"A road? A road for what exactly?" Raising an eyebrow at the idea.

"Transportation of course" Aldrick raised his own eyebrow in response. "The roads leading to the north are both small and in disrepair. If we had a larger one built it would not only
facilitate further trade but allow the Empire to easily move men to and from the north." He paused for a moment before continuing "It would also be nice if we had some extra forts built on the northern border to help defend the Empire from any heathen incursions."

"Why, I'm sure if you spoke to any of the contenders they could each promise you that. But the question would be what do they get in return. Jakinius of course knows the north needs more men. Hell I'm sure if he became emperor first thing he'd do would be a war. Ralltene has the gold and the trade would help his power spread but I doubt that's what he's holding his money for. Allianna could see a use in both but unlikely has the money. Now, I on the other hand do believe trade to the north could be useful not only being a business man myself I could perhaps fund a road project for the right deal of course." James said with a smile and a sip from his wine.

"And what is it you seek?" Aldrick said, allowing his facade of boredom to slip away. "Titles? Land? Promises?"

"I believe we've been speaking of what I want. I'd more then likely double profits if there was a better protected road to the north as well as a more traveled one. But the many thing I'd want would be a vote for Emperor or shall I say Empress? Also, perhaps a personnal trade deal with myself such as your finest producers use my goods over others." James said leaning back and finishing his glass of wine.

"I'm sure that can be arranged. And I'm sure that I can convince my sister to vote one way or antoher. A road for trade rights and a vote in Allianna's favor..." Aldrick let his voice trail off. "I shall favorably consider this deal."

James nodded "This deal would be favorable to all parties would it not? Though if this is all, I believe our busieness here is concluded is it not?" James said readying to get up and begin the walk to his next "Appointment"

"It is" Aldrick rose to his feet. "Would you care for one of my 'little doves' to escort you to your next destination?" Aldrick gestured towards the shield sisters.

James gave a chuckle "No thank you, I'm sure I'll be fine." with that James headed off.

The Imperial Palace, Larial, Imperial Heartlands

Ceveut, the 5th of Gerna 1200 AU - 05.03.1200

“Lady Valarien” Prince Aldrick said as he entered the room, rendering a low bow as was expected, “It pleases me greatly that you made time to speak with me.”

“Duchess,” Allianna laughed mirthfully, sitting up in her comfy seat by a wide mouthed firepit, clear of any soot despite the thick smell of a previous fire in the well decorated room.

“But I’m not really counting,” Allianna patted a velvet seat next to her with her ringed hand, “care to sit with me, Prince?”

“It would be my honor” Aldrick said as he walked over and sat besides her. He allowed his gaze to wander the room for a moment before shifting his attention back to her face. After a moment he said “I understand that you have some support in the electorate.”

“Odd,” Allianna’s eyes drooped slightly, “I thought everyone was clamoring for one of my brothers. Do you think differently, Prince?”

“I can certainly understand why” Aldrick spoke softly. “Despite the fact that the Empire was created by a fair lady few lands… appreciate them in the same way that my homeland does.” He paused for a moment before continuing “I’ve received a message from my father that he is sending my sister in his place and, should she not arrive in time, that I have full authority to vote for who I see fit.”

“Tell me then, Prince,” Allianna scooted slightly closer, her eyes darkened with curiousity, “are you a blind man? Or are you aware of who has been voicing the late Emperor at court all the months he was at sea, or out on a safari?”

“I have quite the eye for people” Aldrick said, leaning slightly towards the duchess. He let his gaze linger on her face for a moment before turning away to gaze at a painting on the wall. “Sadly what is best for one part of the Empire isn’t always good for another part. It’s my duty” his tone became one of bored indifference “to ensure that the north isn’t forgotten. Surely you understand.”

Allianna cocked her head sideways, and a suspicious smile curled on her face, “oh Prince Aldrick, you completely forgot my question and point! It is neither Jakinius, who is lost in the garrisons up north, nor Ralltene, who is just as distant as the previous Emperor who administered the courts here, and the courts here relate to every court in the Emperor, which relates to nobles, and then to the people. Should you wish to not be forgotten, mayhaps you get an Emperor, or Empress who hasn’t first forgotten his or her’s own courts.”

“Ah yes. Brave Jakinius” There was a hint of sarcasm in Aldrick’s voice. “At least we can be confident that he will focus his attentions in the north. Or at least that’s what my sister will argue.”

“The north, definitely, but perhaps a little more north than where your sister thinks he focuses,” Allianna gave a half laugh.

“I certainly agree with you” Aldrick said. “But you must understand that my sister will consider him a good choice. She is rather… militant herself… running off with the shield sisters and leading soldiers into battle and all.” Aldrick remained silent for a moment before continuing “But perhaps if you could tell me some of the… specific things you would do if you were Empress I could sway my sister to reconsider.”

“Prince Aldrick, I think you are a clever youthful man,” Allianna started, “I’m sure you already see in your mind, what I will do. The courts know me, and while I’m not swinging a blade to make those in armor blush, I certainly am keeping every pocket full, and every stomach, so long as I reign in the courts with my limited power. I’m sure you understand, that as a Duchess I only effect so much, but how much that I do affect multiplies when you add a greater title to the armament of politics.”

“You’re most certainly intelligent, and you already know which one of three even remembers your country,” Allianna patted her lap and smiled, “don’t you?”

“I want the vote to go to you. Truly I do” Aldrick clasped his hands together. “But I have to come away with something solid here. If my house votes for you and you become Empress I need a guarantee of something. New forts on the border. Increased garissions. Something like that.” He paused before adding “I can also try to get an endorsement from the shield sisters, but only if you make a solid promise to aid in the north’s defense. You know how they are.” He ended with a shrug.

“You can have all my promises,” Allianna laughed, “every last one. There is not a doubt in my mind that with a great mind on the throne, we won’t be losing ten thousand men in the webbed woods due to a bad tip, or a lack of funding where it is needed most. As I said, I remember your country, so of course I promise to provide.”

“Well” Aldrick’s laugh had quite a bit less mirth than Allianna’s, “I suppose I shall work with what I have. I shall ensure that your intentions are passed along to my sister.” He waited a moment before rising from his seat. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a few other appointments today.”

“Are you sure?” Allianna’s smile faded, “I’ll be honest, an intelligent conversation void of politics would be nice for at least a couple minutes, or has the brunt of the courts not reached you yet?”

“It’s not that that talk of politics hasn’t worn on me,” Aldrick answered, “I just take my duties very seriously. Still… I would be a fool to decline the opportunity to enjoy a conversation with a beauty such as yourself.” He sat back into his seat.

“Beauty?” Allianna exclaimed in a hushed breath, “my dear Prince Aldrick I must say that is quite forward of you, but not on unflattered ears.”

A warm smile found itself back on the woman’s face as she stood up. Gently she flattened her embroidered dress against her before walking to a rich mahogany cabinet.

“Southern drink for the Northern Gentleman?” Allianna asked while slowly perusing the polished bottles behind the hinged doors.

“Of course” Aldrick answered. “One thing you’ll be quick to learn about me is that I never turn down a fine drink”

“Learn?” Allianna slipped a thin green bottle from the cabinet, “so I’ll be seeing more of you then?”

“Perhaps” He said with a smile. “Perhaps not” He teased.

“Oh I see,” Allianna tipped the mouth of the bottle to a crystal cup, “poke my mind for politics, drink my drink, and run away? Is that the game?” A humorous crack in her voice gave away her jest as she lifted the full glass and walked it to Aldrick.

“The best games are those you want to play over and over again” He responded as he took the offered glass. “And this is a game I’m enjoying quite a bit.” He raised the glass up for a moment before taking a quick sip.

“Oh I agree, but I’d like to know more about who I’m playing with,” Allianna casually slumped back into her chair, her drink nearly spilling, “tell me who Aldrick is.”

“Aldrick is a man” He said. There was a moment of silence before he shot Allianna a smile. “Ah fine. I’m the second son of my house and third in line of the throne. So in short important enough to be domineered by my family but not important enough to have any real power.” He shrugged.

“Important enough to be used for work and courts, but not enough to be praised for it either, I bet,” Allianna frowned, “I do hope I’m wrong in my assumption of course.”

“Unfortunately you are correct” Aldrick answered. “And to make matters work I tend to… play the fool in order to see the family’s will done. What must be done must be done” He said with a shrug. “I suppose the one thing I should be happy about is that I haven’t been married off in order to gain some minor favor with some distant nobles.”

“I suppose,” Allianna ran her finger around the lip of her drink as she thought, “it is never easy being the faithful one while everyone else finds praise in nothing, or very little. People want figureheads though, it’s what makes them happy, but not exactly wise.”

“But come come,” Allianna smirked, “we both already know this and talked politics, tell me more about you!”

“Hmmm…. Well have you ever been to the north?” Aldrick asked. “Probably not. What they say is true. It can be a somewhat treacherous land indeed. What few people seem to remember is the beauty one can find there. You can’t say you’ve seen a beautiful landscape till you’ve gazed upon the mountains from my home or wandered through the northern woods.” He frowned as something occurred to him. “Though I’d stay away from the woods if I were you.”

“I lost a few loved ones there,” an actual look of sadness shined over Allianna’s eyes, “and I can imagine all the others who did as well.”

“I apologize if I brought up some bad memories” Aldrick reached over and placed a hand on top of her’s.

A warm tear shook before fading back behind her eye, “I’m sorry.”

Allianna coughed gently and body came back into her voice, “I, I know how tough things can be up there. I truly do.”

“You have nothing to apologize over” Aldrick said. “I’m sure you have a lot on your plate right now. It was thoughtless of me to have brought the subject up.” His eyes wandered about the room as he sought some topic to change the conversation to.

“I don’t know,” Allianna said quietly, “maybe, maybe I should just be alone for a little while. You have some important duties to take care of, and I’ve wasted your time as it is.”

“Not that important” Aldrick responded. “But if you wish to be alone I shall oblige.”

Allianna looked over and smiled, but a red irritation around her eyes spoke of a different story, “no, no it’s okay. Don’t put things aside just because of me, please. It’s really okay. I’ll be fine.”

Aldrick eyed her for a moment before nodding slowly. “If you insist.” He said as he rose from his seat. “Should you desire my company again you need but call and I shall come running. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He gave he a deep bow before turning to leave.

“I do hope we see each other again soon,” Allianna bowed her head, a sly hand quickly patted below her eye as if to catch something.
Aldrick lingered for a moment before taking his leave. He allowed Allianna to stay at the forefront of his thoughts for a bit longer before setting his mind to the task at hand. He did, after all, take his duties very seriously.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Still very much a work in progress, but this should give you all a basic idea as to what I'm going for.

House Name:
House Zarand

Head of House:
Lorant Zarand, Lord of the Kingdom of Acitha

House Specialty:
House Zarand has had a longstanding tradition of arming its women so that they can fight alongside the men in times of conflict. Over time these warrior women became the equals of their male counterparts, becoming skilled warrior and generals in their own right. Women of noble standing are expected to not only be skilled in sword dancing, but also be able to apply these skills in an actual battle and lead soldiers to victory. This allows House Zarand to field an army much larger than one would expect possible given its population.

House Ancestral Artifact:
Serpentine Band: The true name and origin of the Serpentine Band is a mystery. What little is known about the Serpentine Band is that Lalaifia gave the band to House Zarand, though where she obtained the Band herself is unknown. The Serpentine Band is a ring of Acithan steel created in the image of a serpent biting its own tail; it is considered the oldest existing product of Acithan steel and some believe it to be the very first object made from the material. When its master wishes it so the ring will become animate and grow into a lindwurm, a two legged dragon with a venomous bite. The lindwurm can grow in size from just slightly larger than a normal ring to slightly larger than a horse; however, the lindwurm can be animate for a limited amount of time and this amount of time shrinks the larger the lindwurm becomes. At its largest size the lindwurm can be active for only five minutes and will not be able to move again for a full day. Should the lindwurm be ‘killed’ it will revert into a ring and not be usable for a full day.

Important Members:
King Lorant (Age 54)
Queen Aranka (Age 51)
Crown Prince Elek (Age 33)
Princess Lynette “The Lioness” (Age 28)
Prince Aldrick (Age 26)
Prince Kardos (Age 24)
Princess Sarika (Age 22)

Nation/Realms Name:
Acitha

Sigil:


Flag:


House Motto:
“We stand ready.”

Region/color on map: (for map placement)

Race name:
Acithan (Acithans)

Racial appearance:
Acithans are typically slightly taller than their southern cousins, although not necessarily bulkier, and stand at around six feet on average. Acithans are a fair skinned and haired race of humans; most of them have blonde or light brown hair and blue eyes, although green colored eyes aren’t necessarily rare.

Racial traits:
Acithans are well known for their skill with a blade. While, certainly not all Acithans know how to use a sword, many have at some point or another received some sort of training in swordplay or sword dancing. The women of Acitha are especially known as being skilled sword dancers and women of war. A tradition of women fighting on the battlefield has helped make Acithan women be viewed as the equals of men in every way.

Capital:
Ziele

Capital Population:
32,000

Other Major Settlements:
Cheva – 15,000
Corzina – 18,000
Saliza – 22,000
Taros – 15,000

Population:
480,000

Culture:
Acithan culture emphasizes energy, hard work, and empathy. To them the end result often times isn't as important as the journey or experience that caused it. Acithans are energetic people who seem to constantly need to be doing something. Coupled with a huge emphasis on hard work, this energy makes Acithans some of the most industrious people around.

Acithans have a rich tradition of literature, music, and dance. Much of Acithan music is traditional folk music, performed throughout the countryside by famous Acithan composers. Acithan music tends to have a strong dactylic rhythm. Thousands of pieces of masterfully written literature has been written in Acithan. Many of Acitha's more prominent literary works are ancient epics written to teach moral lessons. Sadly these works are barely known outside of Acitha as most have never been converted to another language.

Dances in Acitha can be divided into two broad categories: folk dances and formal dances. Acithans take part in folk dances on a regular basis as they serve as an important social and entertainment purpose. Most folk dances are intended to be done by dozens of individuals at once and have few rules or guidelines. The Autumn dance, for instance, is a dance where men form a large circle and jump around. Typically the Autumn dance is male only, but inviting a woman to the circle is acceptable and a common means of asking for her hand in marriage. Tavern dances, on the other hand, are large scale partner dances that are done by all members of the community over the age of eight, where dancing partners are frequently switched throughout the dance. Tavern dances last until either all the dancers or musicians tire, whichever comes first. Formal dances are typically reserved to the upper classes and are usually weapon dances of some form. These dances commonly share similarities to theater performances as they are used to tell stories of the past. Many Acithans enjoy performing dances from the kingdoms of the south.

All Acithans are expected to be given a dog of their own when they come of age. Commonly these dogs are shepherd dogs of one kind or another, although having a different breed can be a status symbol. Acithans typically use how an individual treats their dog as a gauge for how good of a person they are. Dogs, in Acithan culture, have become a symbol for many things, especially loyalty. Many of the greatest epics written by an Acithan make use of a dog as a symbol of loyalty, man’s relationship to nature, and even of the gods in some instances.

Type of Government:
Constitutional Monarchy
Pure Cognatic Primogeniture Succession

Influence and relations: (Any alliances or military pacts with another family? Perhaps born of marriage ties? Any sworn enemies? Work with other players if you seek one ahead of the RP if you so desire.)

Military:
Acitha’s military is made up of a skilled levee force with an elite professional army serving as its core. Many of Acitha’s people have fought in a conflict of some sort or another, and those that haven’t have received some degree of training from those who have, meaning that they have at least some passing skill with a sword, spear, or bow. These levee soldiers are usually divided up depending on what type of armor they managed to acquire themselves; a good chunk of these soldiers have no or little armor and carry a simple spear and bow into battle. The rest of the levee soldiers usually have leather armor, a wooden spear, a short sword, and either a spear or a bow.

The Chevan Guard - A force of elite professional soldiers who serve as the core of Acitha’s military. Their primary responsibilities are to protect the royal family and guard the northern border. The Chevan Guard are a heavily armored, well trained force that can be relied upon as a strong defense to hold a position.

Sisters of the Silver Shield – An exclusively female military order, the Sisters of the Silver Shield are devout followers of Ra-hun-ru. The Sisters of the Silver Shield, otherwise known as shield sisters, are an elite force of warriors well known for their flexibility, courage, and sheer tenacity. Although they are based primarily in Acitha and tend to focus their efforts in the north, the Sisters of the Silver Shield maintain forts and chapters throughout the Empire. The shield sisters strive to destroy evil wherever it can be found, protect the innocent, and spread the teachings of Ra-hun-ru. Each shield sister is both a warrior and a priestess, thus she is expected to have a firm understanding of Ra-hun-ru’s and, to a lesser extent, Kammeth’s teachings. Shield sisters commonly travel to the south in small groups, ranging from ten to twenty shield sisters, in order to find recruits for the order, spread the teachings of the faith, and seek out and destroy evil. While they do not actively seek out heresy they will not hesitate to destroy heretics wherever they may be found and will answer a call to arms from the faithful.

The Valkyries are a group of shield sisters distinct in that they can use divine magic. They are typically better warriors than normal shield sisters, although this is not necessarily always the case. While they do possess some healing magic, their magic tends to be more offensive in nature. On top of all of this their mere presence on the battlefield has been known to greatly raise the morale of friendly troops, making them an asset to any battlefield commander.

Shield sisters, as their name implies, all carry a shield into battle. The preferred type of shield is a large round one, but some shield sisters choose to carry a smaller buckler instead. Typically they prefer to wear light armor into battle, usually leather, but it’s not unheard of for a shield sister to use chain or scale armor to protect her torso. Steel or iron bracers or gauntlets are a common means of protecting the arms and hands. Valkyries are far more likely to wear a chain or scale mail shirt and will always have either a winged circlet or helmet, making them visibly distinct on the battlefield.

All shield sisters are trained with and carry a sword, although many prefer to use a spear as their primary weapon. Javelins or throwing axes are commonly used as a means of breaking up the enemy’s formation right before contact is made in battle.

Unit demographics:
1,000 Chaven Guards
5,000 Shield Sisters
9,000 Levee Soldiers

Landscape: (What do your lands look like?)

Wildlife: (Optional)

Economy: (How well off is your county? Poor? Rich and prosperous? Somewhere in the middle?)

Religion: (As stated before Kammeth is the primary god of the Empire and will by default be what the majority of the people worship or follow *excluding special circumstances*. Worship of deities outside of the Sky pantheon is greatly discouraged IC. You can however, create a deity of your own making from within that Patheon, or if you feel ballsy, add in any minor cults that exist. Perhaps even your family secretly worships other gods not sectioned by the Empire? Be mindful that heresy is frowned upon by the Church and you might have the Inquisition breathing down your neck if they catch a whiff of heresy on you, but if you want to make a storyline in that direction go right ahead!) (Tip, don’t piss of whoever is the Arch Dawnbringer!!!)

History: (At least the past couple generations, include conflicts, major upheavals, wars, etc. You can overlook this part and fill it in as the Roleplay progresses in order to work with other players for maximum cohesion.)

Strengths:
Acithan Steel – A special type of steel created exclusively in Acitha, Acithan steel is famous for being tough, resistant to shattering and capable of capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge. Acithan steel is visibly distinct from other types of steel in that has patterns resembling flowing water. Acithan steel allows the country’s weapons smiths to create weapons of much higher quality than can be found elsewhere.
Sisters of the Silver Shield – A devout military order that worships Ra-hun-ru, the Sisters of the Silver Shield are made up exclusively of women. Based in Acitha, the Sisters of the Silver Shield grant the north a small elite army that is willing to stand against the heathens to the north and any heretics that may be found in the south.
We Stand Ever Ready – The people of Acitha are no strangers to conflict; in fact, conflict is so commonplace that most Acithans are veterans of battle and those that aren’t have made a point of receiving some degree of training when it comes to using a sword or spear. This means that even the levees Acitha raises possess some skill in battle.

Weaknesses:
Guardian of the North – Acithans are the self-proclaimed guardians of the North. Should another Northern kingdom come under attack Acitha must march to its aid; if it does not minor lords and the peasantry themselves will do so on their own accord. The only time that Acitha may choose not to come to the aid of another northern kingdom without consequences is if it itself has an imminent and visible threat.
Land with no Cavalry – Acitha’s military is not known for fielding excellent cavalry, or any for that matter, in battle. It’s not that Acitha has no horses, quite the opposite in fact, but those that are available are not suitable for battle. The most common horse in the country, the Clydesdale, is excellent for farming and moving supplies, but not for battle.
The Fisherman’s Navy – The Acithan navy, if one can even call it a navy, is made up of fishing boats, the occasional merchant ship, and the rare warship. In short Acitha has no naval might and is reliant on the Empire and friendly kingdoms to protect its trade lanes and supply trade ships. This is something of an embarrassment for Acitha, not to mention a strategic weakness.

Export:
Acithan Steel Weapons
Fur
Iron
Lumber
Precious Metals

Import:
Alcohol
Dyes
Fruits
Glass
Grains
Incense
Perfume
Textiles
Salt
Spices

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Taeryn! RUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

The Restless Fires

Sorry for the delay guys. The past week has been super busy for me. I'll be putting something up this weekend (probably Friday).