Gowi

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

Breakfast than working on Diana. Maybe if I'm really on point I can get Kaznia dealt with before Superman finishes Henshaw.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

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HOUSE VALARIEN

Avantasia Valarien
Supreme Magister’s Office, The Academy of Sorcere, Imperial Heartlands
_{6th of Gerna | 1200 AU}

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Even at The Academy of Sorcere, there would be no hiding from the effects of losing Taramyth Valarien.

The political landscape of Lalrial had once again tumbled into chaos. This was one thing Avantasia Valarien knew was going to happen as soon as the early demise of her nephew, Taramyth, was announced . She had had more meetings and visitors since the announcement then she would’ve liked. Even in her youth alongside Taramyth’s father, Dirkham, she had refused to play the game of politics. She was interested about things regarding fantastical, spiritual, and intellectual rather than the political. But she had been dragged into things twice in her life— first to Alexander II Valian, and second in her appointment to the Imperial Council as the Master of Magic. It seemed like that now was the time for her third time in her life with people countlessly asking her about any public stance she was taking on the contenders; even with Taramyth’s council effectively defunct she was still being asked questions in the matter. Maybe it was her royal name that was causing them to flock to her. Whatever the reasons were, she knew she found it irritating and pointless.

Her old faded eyes looked at the papers in front of her, the majority of them inquiring about the election contenders.

It had been no secret that Avantasia had used arcane magic, specifically the alteration school to slow her aging. It had been one of the flaws she had held for the majority of her life— the fear of death and the slow twisting path of age that took away youthful beauty in such ungraceful fashion. However magic could only slow and as said, hide, so much and that included her exhaustion. Between the discovery of some new magical research that she had her eyes on, the political animals in the capital sending her letters, the anxiety of losing Taramyth, the dread of outliving another Valarien, and the stress of managing the academy…. there was a lot on her mind. So much that she had little time for sleep even if she wanted to.

A heavy exasperated sigh left her as she shook her head. This was the office of the supreme magister, the leader of The Academy of Sorcere— not her damned home or a political station. She needed to be concerned about the pains of her school, its instructors, and the students who needed a haven for instruction. But alas, others would make it exponentially more difficult to focus on the magical academy’s needs during such a “dire” time for the empire. There was no way to hide from those with political interests when people kept reminded her that she was a Valarien and held a responsibility that could not simply be written off. “That’s not my concern or problem.” was a statement she could never say even though she had wanted to for her whole life.

A life that had been a distraction after distraction. She was told to marry into House Valian, the holders of the Kingdom of Xandria in the wooded expanse that held little interest to her. She had been twenty-two years past her nameday and suddenly she had to go to a foreign land to “remind” a honorable house of who it held ties to. It felt so pointless to her at the time, the empire was over a thousand years old and it needed to remind the one vassal that had never even thought about rebellion? It was nonsense. Regardless of what she felt, it was done and several decades of her life were taken from her as Queen of Xandria. She grew to love King Alexander II in time and the children she bore for him, but as soon as he died she felt she had no business wasting away in Xandria. So she withdrew her husband’s house from hers and once again returned to being Avantasia Valarien and not Avantasia Valian. She was happy that day… not for Alexander’s death but for the return of freedom. Nobody dared to challenge her. She wouldn’t let them.

But people would try, as was evident by a letter with House Valian’s seal that she began reading over.

Lady Avantasia of Sorcere,

It has come to my attention that you have been trying your best to stay out of imperial politics, which I completely understand given the situation here in Lalrial at the moment. However, I have just been informed that King Alexander III Valian has arrived in the royal shipyards and is on route to my imperial estate. I know you abhor this political game we are forced to play but wouldn’t it be ideal to meet with a son that you do not get to see quite often?

I have no business telling you what to do, of course, but it would also be wonderful to see you and I am absolutely sure it will take my uncle’s mind off the affairs of being in Lalrial as he has refused to visit since my father’s death. It may also, as I have heard, halt the intrusive visitors who come to you asking things not directly relating to your work. Though I will not pretend to think that you appearing in Lalrial will make that any easier as once you are here you will be targeted by the mannerless political animals that reside here as “nobles”. Believe me in that I will do everything in my power to prevent people being aware of your presence so you can be left alone.

It is also important for me to say I haven’t been back to Sorcere since I was elected to this most respectful position. I miss it and I miss our conversations, so perhaps you can also do this favor to your most precious grandson? That is if you can find time in your busy schedule to make such a kind consideration.

Whatever you decide, I understand and I hope to see you in the future.

Multae gratiae!

Your grandson,
Theodric Valian, Prime Magistrate of Xandria

She read the note before discarding it into a nearby pile. Her grandson, Theodric, had a point. It would be something to consider even though the city of Lalrial made her feel so burdened. Despite her inabillity to literally hide she did like to pretend that she could by isolating her here at the lands held by the academy.

Her thoughts ended as she was taken back to reality by the sound of footsteps.

“Supreme Magister, you have a.. visitor.” The nervous voice of one of her assistants was apparent.

“Of course, Lucarion.” She smiled, her tone polite before pausing for a moment. It would be difficult to refuse a visitor without reason to even if it was most likely a political visit. She had danced the conversation many times over the past few days, so she supposed she should humor the discussion. “You may grant them entrance.”

“Thank you, Supreme Magister.”

As Lucarion left she withdrew a piece of blank parchment and placed it on the desk in front of her. While she waited for the visitor to enter her room from the stairwell she decided to write a quick notation of reply to Theodric, she felt she should at least give him an answer rather than have him wonder in silence. It was impolite to do otherwise— and despite her rigid feelings she was anything but impolite. “We are better than beasts.” was an expression her father used to tell herself and Dirkham when they were younger and something that stuck with her throughout most of her adult life. Perhaps it was also one of the reasons she dedicated herself towards the intellectual arts of magic and science as well as manners.

The sound of footsteps coming up the stairwell came not too long after she had begun, the careful yet unrushed pattern told Avantasia that the visitor was patient; so at the very least this might be a pleasant and non-irritable conversation. But she had been wrong before; she hoped that wasn’t the case here.

“So I suppose I can check you off the list of visitors to expect within the month?” She commented as the individual entered the room, Avantasia’s eyes seemingly still on the paper.

“Sounds like we are in the same boat,” Allianna slipped into the room. A certain look of wear was on her face, but it was so light it might have just been play to emphasize her words.

“Never a second away from loud opinions and bickering yet passive side comments in this place I swear.” She continued, pausing to smile, “I suppose that sentence was yet another one, see what I mean?”

“Allianna.” Avantasia commented as she looked up, swiping the last stroke with the inkpen in her hands. “I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised that you are the first Valarien to physically make the trip here. What can I help you with?”

“Oh, I would say just to stop by and say hello, but I’m sure you’d see right through that.” Allianna surrendered as she found a spot in a comfy chair by the desk.

“When you have been around as long as I have it kind of comes naturally.” She commented as she looked across the desk at the young Valarien girl, her great niece. Allianna was a political animal like Deand and Sophsi, talented as well as skilled in the ways of the political game but whereas Deand was cunning in his dealings behind the scenes and Sophsi had a gregarious presence, Allianna was wise about the political system. Youthful wisdom aside, Avantasia saw her as a bit of a child in her manner— always pushing to get what she wanted from every single angle until she dug her talons into the desired result. But digging her talons into another phoenix was far more challenging and Avanasia had always been the most rigid of her relatives.... and perhaps the most influential due to her longevity.

“So, where Deand sends letters you take the few hours journey to talk to me directly. The game you are playing is as dangerous as swimming with sharks.” Avantasia paused for a moment. “But you know that. You’ve danced with sharks since you were a child.”

“I’d rather not waste your time writing and mailing me.” Allianna said with a nod, “Also, I figured that what few questions I might have for you would be best asked in person.”

“Well I suppose if you waste my time you my as well be productive with it. Do go on.”

“Are you at all worried about the upcoming election?” Allianna asked abruptly.

“I’ve tried to ignore it. Which as I’m sure you know is impossible. But no, I am not worried in the slightest. It really doesn’t effect me beyond letters and personal visits.”

Allianna seemed a little shocked, even pursing her lips. “Well, so long as you are comfortable in the affair. I’m not as easy about it, damocles sword hangs heavy during such politics, and everyone hides their true feelings of the matter to thin the rope even more.”

“Were you worried I would run as a contender in that fool’s game?”

“I am not worried about contenders as much as results.” Allianna answered easily, “I always figured your support to be null in these situations, preferred to keep any opinion away from the game. In all honesty, I would not be surprised if you only have given the possible winners of this election a forethought, and even less to who you would even support.”

“I suppose the support of the former Master of Magic might sway a few. So the game you and the others are playing is not as pointless as I want it to be. But yes, you are very astute regarding my opinions. So what’s your game, Allianna? You have come here for something and not out of inconsequential discourse.”

“You know why I’m here,” Allianna folded her hands in her laps and smiled, “it is more or less regarding your son’s point of view on the matter more so than your own, which we’ve already discussed.”

“So the truth comes out in full view; that was Deand’s intention, I wager, as well. I know for a fact my son will lean towards someone who has been known to be honorable and courageous, who has shown that they can lead in confidence. Such feelings about honor are an old Valian thing, but his father was no different.” She paused for a moment as she held her hand up. “So I suppose you would lose to Jakinus.”

“I don’t know so much if I would be losing as much as the rest of the Empire,” Allianna rebutted, “we can’t afford another incident at the webwoods or any part of that area that claimed so many, including a few of your nephews.”

“I don’t think if people will ever stop dying in the far north, but you are right that a imperial-sanctioned invasion would be pointless. But I imagine many people will say the north needs to be protected.” Avantasia thought aloud as she folded the letter she had finished writing a few moments ago before sliding it to the side of her desk.

“And so we need minds that will think twice about defending rather than courageously rushing an invasion, if we need defence, then we defend.”

“So you are after stability. What makes you different than the intentions of Deand or the other contenders? And also what is the benefit for myself? Why should I care who gets that archaic chair?”

“I never mentioned the chair,” Allianna answered, her eyes growing grim, “I came to seek the compassion that our family now so dwindles from one who was put far away from the epicenter. Perhaps I thought, that maybe the taint of politics wouldn’t pollute so far away, naive of course, but a thought. Either way, my uncle and your nephew perished because of people’s misunderstanding of the word stability, and along with him your great nephew and my cousin, then nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety eight other nephews, cousins, brothers and men of family and of none. My father passed away, and not naturally, so perhaps I thought it was a good idea to bring a true stability to the nation instead of stable chairs to the people who spoke the loudest and promised the most, because as you very well know more than I do, this is what is birthed from it.”

“Well spoken. Almost as if you rehearsed it.” Avantasia’s hand went to a cup to her left which held water. “Allianna, you know if I was to re-immerse myself in this game I wouldn’t do it lightly. If you truly seek to bring this realm back to balance, stability, and caution instead of frivolous voyages, unwinnable campaigns, and ignorances then I suppose I can take a thought to have words in your favor with my son. I have business in Lalrial anyway, so I suppose I should. Perhaps it can stop this senselessness quickly. But you know better than anyone once I show up in those streets every Valarien and Magistrate will try to get my support.”

Avantasia took a drink of the water. “So I will think about it instead of outright ignore it like I planned to. Because, as… irritating as I find the situation, you are right that the unity of family should be remembered. We Valarien’s used to not look at one another with daggers.”

“Sensible and wise, this is why I came so far to speak with you,” Allianna smiled, “I ask nothing more than what I’ve already stated, and you have my gratitude for listening.”

“I suppose so. I believe we are done here.”

Gowi's Character Log: Outdated Archives

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The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

Why her?

I suppose outside of Peter Parker, she's the teenaged character I identify with the most from my childhood. I loved DCAU's interpetation where she was a bit brash, overconfident, and still very dynamic. Superman: TAS actually got me into picking up Superman and Supergirl comic books, so that is a lot of it. I write Kara (when I'm allowed to play her) a bit different than that but still quintessential Supergirl, but I love to do it. In fact, if I run into a wall with Captain Marvel I might end up going that route if allowed with some of my weirder ideas written out. I do need to get back on the horse with Diana though who I am trying to get back writing (watched the animated movie and JLU over).

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

@Gowi Where are we on a Wonder-Woman post?

@Morden Man

Trying to think of the next scene for the Kaznia arc. Hit a bit of wall after Giganta.

Coruscant Sacked: Aftermath

Might have to workshop ideas come Friday/Saturday.

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

so on that note, who's your favourite legacy character?

@TimeMasterX

Kara-El, not even a question for me.

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

@GowiUDC?

@Blue Demon

Ultimate DC. It was like this, but only DC characters and allowed for reinvention (which people took too liberally, myself included with Red Rocket).

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

<Snipped quote by Lord Wraith>

Don't ever change, baby.

I figure this is the only way I got Damian in past the Batman writer!

@Bounce

"Accepting everyone" also was a reason RPG's first run of UDC became a mess, if you remember. I remember talking to you and Eddie about that a few times during that game.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

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HOUSE VALIAN

William Valian
Ebon Keep, Ebonheart, Xandria
_{6th of Gerna | 1200 AU}

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It felt strange, sitting in the royal throne.

Even after five days of being appointed as “Lord Regent” he still felt it an uncomfort that he wasn’t sure how to feel about. His brother had gone off to the imperial capital, Lalrial, with his father in a silent rush. No words had been spoken to him by his father or his brother or by the council about the decision; as if it was “how things should be” and that it was completely acceptable. He wondered if the same reaction was met well when Duncan Cragmore prepared to do the same. Then again William saw King Kenten Cragmore as a bit of a drunken oaf and equally as psychotic as his heir. William had once heard that the King of Erayis fornicated with goats in front of guests to assert dominance over them. He was sure it was a lie, but the fact those kind of words were said made him look at the Cragmore’s twice— and his sister, Imara, was marrying into that lot.

Benjamin Cragmore had been educated in Ebonheart some years back, but something bothered him about him. He was too different than his family to the point of surrealism and on top of that it reminded him of his brother, Rodan, who was sort of a problem when they were younger. Not the abrasive type of problem Alexander was, but more of the “I just had a druid cast a spell on you and you should stay away from water.” problem. He had been too scared to bathe for four weeks after that happened and when it rained… he didn’t even want to remember it. But Rodan did change from his darker temperament and the word was that he was a more kinder and honorable sort.

But then again, Rodan was now promised to marry Avalia Talurian; a fact that William couldn’t ignore especially considering Rodan had only been Xandria’s royal ambassador for a whole two years now and had specifically requested Tellaria as his post to “make sure Ethias & Alexia have someone close to home near them”. Rodan had never cared about Imara let alone those younger than her so the whole “family matters” schtick wasn’t even close to feeling right. It was a bunch of pigeon shit as far as he was concerned; but father had accepted both the marriage and the post, so he left out of it. If Rodan was honorable now then he had become especially more cunning and ambitious— a fact that bothered him.

He sighed as he looked over to his wife who seemed to look equally as awkward sitting in the long empty seat of the Queen of Xandria.

“You look how I feel.” William said with a nervous chuckle. “Not sure how anybody can get used to this.”

Aristal looked over, “it wouldn’t be so bad.” She paused and looked around before hushing her voice. “But the queen’s seat is a little dented inward around the bum.”

His brother would’ve scolded her for that comment, he was certain. But really, this was one of the reasons why he loved Aristal Valarien. It wasn’t that it lacked manners or tact, but really straddled the line of appropriate and the right kind of humor to make a room more breathable. He was biased, of course, considering his title of “The Jester Prince” as bestowed to him early in life. But it was here, in the throne room, she didn’t even bat an eyelash to say such a thing albeit at a hushed volume. Him in the same position probably wouldn’t have the same confidence and nerve. But then again, “The Jester Prince” had been absent from William’s voice for reasons that were due to his mother’s death twelve or so years ago. But meeting Aristal and falling in with her had brought it back out, like it never was gone in the first place. She was like a fuel that reignited a dying flame.

William blinked, his brow raised at the remark. “You just said that. Out loud.”

A look of horror crossed Aristal’s face, her eyes in a slight panic. Her voice softened even more into a whisper, “Should I not have?”

William laughed as he witnessed her expression. “I wouldn’t worry about, there’s nobody here to hear it. Well, outside of me, the guards… and the ghosts.”

Aristal made a face and swung a fist into the air playfully, mock hitting William, “I’m not that gullible! It’s just something I’m not used to is all. At the very least, these ghosts could fix the seats of our chairs. What are we even sitting for, waiting on visitors? I feel like a grandmother who doesn’t get any visits from her children but remains doubtfully hopeful.”

“You’re right.” He paused for a moment as he stood up from the throne. “Well, I suppose the only answer I can give you is that I’m not sure what else to do. I’m Lord Regent, and I have nothing to… well, regent. Xandria’s dukes do a lot of the ‘heavy pulling’ which leaves only one fourth of the nation needing the King unless circumstances warrant it. I mean I can set in ordinances and decrees. I could knight you if you’d like, that’d be a riot.”

Aristal looked around again, as if there was a sudden secret audience she was wary of. A smile crept over her face. “Can you really?”

A loud audible groan came from one of the others in the throne room as William averted his attention to the source of the discontent.

“Lord-Regent William can indeed, do such a thing. But I would not advise such frivolous mockeries of knighthood and I would remind him of his duty.” The comment came from William’s personal guardian, Ser Irdana Qwynt, a member of House Valian’s royal guard.

William frowned, “Oh come on, Irdana, don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud.”

“I will continue being a stick-in-the-mud until one of us is gone and buried as is my oath.” She sighed, shaking her head. “I know you are trying to find entertainment out of your boredom, but believe me you should be doing something far more kingly.”

“Like what?” Aristal interjected, “I think we are doing great so far. We’ve sat down, we complained, we almost ordained a knight.”

She looked over to William, perhaps for reassurance of her statement, or perhaps waiting for a smile from her joke; either way she smiled contentedly with her rebuttal.

“From my ears? He could do something about the vilespawn nest that was detected downriver, the sandseed infestation in our ports… there are more than a handful of options, my lady.”

“We could probably figure something out.” Aristal looked intently at William, “Right?”

William nodded as he reached for the goblet of wine that was to his left. “Well I g—”

The throne room’s doors suddenly opened, effectively stopping William dead in his sentence, to see a young page.

“My apologies Lord-Regent, but Princess Emilia Valian requests an audience.”

It was a strange thing to hear in the midst of the discussion, but he was now distracted by his curiosity. Emilia was his youngest sister, albeit the fiercest of the three daughters of his father. The fact she wanted an official audience with him as Lord-Regent was odd indeed. What had she been waiting the last few days to address to him in official capacity? What was she unable to tell their father? He thought for a moment before looking to the courtier who had announced such to him.

“My sister? Right, weird, I approve of course. Let her in.”

Few moments passed as Emilia Valian marched in with her guardian at her side. She looked as determined as Alexander had when they discussed his plans only a few days prior… a fact that set him in unease. Emilia already had a reputation of a militant ranger who was cut from the same cloth as Alexander, though with more talent in archery than the entire current Valian line combined; William was skilled in archery and he didn’t even come close to her ability and he was twice her age. It almost made a man sinfully envious. Almost. He kept his mouth shut as he waited for her to go through the courtesies and then speak her case.

“Lord-Regent.” She spoke calmly and clearly.

“Right. Well, so you have your audience, Emilia. Is there something on your mind?” As William spoke, Aristal seemed to sink back into her chair, eager to not get in the way of family matters.

“Yes. As you know I am fourteen years past my nameday now. With our elder brother’s intentions to travel north I wish to join a honorable expedition of interest to me. I ask you this as Lord-Regent to know that I am an adult now and should be allowed to make my own decisions. I have no interest staying in Ebonheart when there is a whole world out there. So in full, I wish to be allowed to do this quest and pursue my freedom. If you could respect my wishes and support me I will be eternally grateful.” Emilia’s declaration had a bite to it as her presence from her march inward into the throne room had only suggested beforehand.

“I see. This is quite the thing you are asking.” William took a breath to clear his mind as he took a drink from the goblet. “Father will most certainly be unhappy. Were you afraid to tell him?”

It was a bit of a trick of changing the conversation but William wasn’t quite sure how to address the situation. His sister was the least flowey of the Valian women and this was her being clear. He still remembered when she was asked what she wanted to do in life and she said “ranger” without battling an eye. She was seven at that time. He didn’t even find archery interesting until he was eleven and that was quite the years of difference. But she had been compared to their mother’s sister, Rymira, on many occasion— probably a reason why she had been educated by the experienced knight-ranger. It really came to no surprise that she wanted to adventure and not be thrown into a political marriage at this point their house didn’t need in the present considering their Taullruian, Valarien, Amrothan, and Duvard ties. Honestly, if he didn’t have his father and perhaps the royal council to worry about he would’ve just said yes right out of the door.

“Father has been sullen and depressed for the entirety of my life. Endangering myself would risk breaking him.”

“So you leave it to me to be the one who does.” William retorted, a bit more abrasive then he would’ve liked.

“While I can accept your request, I won’t. The way I see it is if you are truly an adult as you say, you will be direct and honest with father when he returns; just as Alexander was. You can be patient until then.”

Emilia’s demeanor took a step back as she choked on her own words. “I… I understand, Lord-Regent.”

“Good girl. You are dismissed.”

As Emilia a bit sullen from his remarks began to make for the door he spoke one more time. “And Emilia? I completely understand. I will support you when you ask father.”

Her frown returned to a smile and she nodded as she left the throne room. “Thank you, Will.”

The Lord-Regent waved his hand in a shooing motion, “Yeah, yeah. Go shoot a kobold or something.”

It was with that the younger Valian departed from the throne room, William eyed Ser Irdana who had the biggest and smuggest grin on her face that he had seen in sometime; and he had looked in the mirror this morning! With that done with he looked around at the throne room wondering if he was done bearing this boring and frustrating activity for the day. He placed the goblet back down and let out a slight chuckle. “Father’s not going to be thrilled when we talk about this. But then again, maybe he’ll accept it. It’s been a long time since me and Alex were playing with wood swords in the courtyard. The oaf always beat me, it was totally unfair.”

“I bet I could beat you, and it’d be fair.” Aristal challenged lightly, plucking at her fingers and cleaning underneath her nail.

“That’s not fair, I’m a pretty mundane swordsman! I prefer the bow, really.”

“Well so do I!” Aristal smirked, continuing her endeavor.

“And my sister could outshoot us both, blindfolded. Now, that’s unfair.”

“Can’t win them all I suppose.” Aristal turned to William, her back popping in her seat.

“Ahhh… the restlessness.” She complained.

“Yeah, I’m about done with sitting on a throne for the day. Let’s find us something more productive to do.” William said as he stood up from his seat.

Mentions

Duncan Cragmore
Lord Kenten Cragmore
Benjamin Cragmore
Avalia Talurian