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I've been doing alright, just busy with University stuff
The Great Gus



Gus loved to gamble with the simpler folk; it always turned a profit. ”Seems I win the entire pot again.” The man laughed contentedly as he collected his due from the table. "Damn you, maybe it would be more fair if you weren’t at the table," one of the bandits gave the dashing rogue a stank eye. ”Hey now, I’m not a cheat or anything like that. I’m not one of the dirty mages that would use their filthy trickery in a game like this.” Gus lowered his head, hanging in head in disappointment at the accusation.

It seemed like it was the call to duty as the various captains were drumming up the men for the attack. The main force had been stalking the quarry for most of the day, and now their little camp is going to provide the reinforcements to take down the group. Their foe was vastly outnumbered, and the job was sold as easy pickings. It was very easy to infiltrate; even the battle mage was able to glide within their ranks effortlessly.

Then he noticed Conn’s action with the bandits. It caused him to look rather frustrated; did he really have to do it just when it was getting good? ”I’m so sorry, fellas. I promise to buy you a drink next time we meet, ‘kay?” With a swift motion, he grabbed the back of the heads of both playing bandits and hit them against each other. He chuckled as the bandits slumped unconscious, their cards and coins scattered across the table. He made sure to grab all the coins he could, especially the one he wagered, which bore the mark of his mentor, a symbol of daggers and treasure.

”Well, that escalated quickly,” Gus remarked, flashing a charming grin at the remaining bandits. ”I would prefer it if you would just let me knock you out, but I assume you guys aren’t really for that idea.” The remaining bandits eyed Gus warily as he grinned at them. One of them, apparently the leader of this motley crew, scowled and spat on the floor.

"You think you can just waltz in here, cheat us at cards, and then play hero?" A hulking bandit approached him, cracking his knuckles. "You're gonna pay for that, pretty boy."

Gus maintained his easygoing smile, seemingly unfazed by the threat. "Now, now, no need for hostility. I am just doing my job, I’m sure you must understand."

It wasn’t much longer when Gus broke out through the bushes, with a couple of arrows hot on his tail. He ran into the clearing, where the other team of mercenaries he was supposed to join were bunched up. He raised his hands towards Torsten, then flashed a smile at the red-headed beauty, Faline, behind him. “I signed up for the right side after all. I was starting to doubt myself for a good moment back there.” He flashed his special coin towards them as an arrow pierced his figure as the body fell on the floor and faded away, as he seemed to step out of no-where behind the illusion coin in hand, “I am led to believe you know where the old man vanished to.”

Sorry for the delay, I've was busy with work the entire weekend. I'll try to get it up today
@Herald

They could be a background team.

Like he employed him to infiltrate and he swaps sides during the battle.
I heard it was open by my friend @Ti, so I wanted to try and throw my attempt in. Tell me what you think ^^






Tried to reimagine her into this world... Idk how satisfied I am just yet with her but I wanted to at least get her out.


At the crack of dawn






A week has passed and his recruitment went mostly according to his plans. He managed to get his two mentors Olivier and Nicolas to join his cause as well as Nicolas’s other student Yvette. She is certainly up my alley. Alas, she is from common birth and her capacity is pitiful The other woman of the group was somewhat treated with the same attitude. She might prove useful as a future mistress, an unofficial branch with her… talents could be quite advantageous. And finally the final member of his personal recruitment that accepted his call. Bastien Moreau, a dark skinned man who made quite a name for himself as a proficient mercenary in southern Perrence and even in parts of Enth.

The people assembled to answer his call yet most were of the merchant class and other riffraff… There were some nobles, however they could barely be seen as them. They were not the people he had hoped for… though he should have kept his expectations lower. If they can fight, they will be useful. If he could turn these undesirables into a trained force, then the crown needed to acknowledge his drive.

"Attention!” the dark skinned man spoke out to gather the recruits’ collective focus. “You are in the presence of the grand master.” Yvain took the stage to address the people who have arrived here. “My countrymen! I am truly delighted to see so many of you have answered my call.” The Berbignon stood straight, a warm smile on his face. “Within this order there shall be no class divide, for we are all Perrench.” He opened his arms to further address the crowd. “Our order might not be the most grand as of now, but it shall soon eclipse any other!” He pointed at everyone in the crowd. “You, you, you and you shall be the most renowned knights in the land!” He paused. "My knights!"

“And what do we get out of it besides some cash?” A rather unsatisfied noble yelled out for his attention. “I could join any other order and get more worth out of it.” Yvain frowned. “What I offer is worth more than just gold. I offer true strength.” The noble moved forward towards the younger noble. “And how is a child going to offer us strength? I am already strong as is.” Yvain waved his hand dismissively. “It would be wise not to address your superior as a child. My age is not a reflective sign of my competency, because if we use that..” A grin appeared on the boy’s face. “That would only put you in a worse light.”

The older noble began to draw aggressively. “How dare you?! I am a count, you fool! I could rival a marquis with my influence.” The crowd moved away from the man as Bastien aimed his rifle towards the man. Yvain put his hand on the rifle and moved it down. “Thank you, friend. However this is something I shall deal with personally.” The boy clapped as he got down from his platform to be on equal ground. “Bravo, bravo, that is quite some capacity you have.” The older man smirked. “What’s with the sudden compliment? Are you mocking me?” The man’s anger was almost enough to pop a vein. Yvain’s expression was one of pure dissatisfaction. “No, that was a genuine compliment. It is indeed quite some power for a lesser, weaker noble than myself.”

The man cast an arcane lance and sent the beam straight towards the boy’s chest. Yvain drew away the potency of the attack and it dissipated near his chest. “Was that enough of your little tangent?” He sighed, still quite unamused with how highly this nobody regarded himself. “This is your last chance to accept my blessing or you will face my wrath.” The man’s anger however was not sated. He lunged at the boy, fist making contact with Yvain’s frame staggering him back. A furious pyre burned in the boy’s eyes after taking the hit. “You think you’re one of the strong! Let me prove you wrong!”

The man could feel pressure build onto his entire body, it was dragging him down to the ground. He tried to resist the immense force yet was no match for it. The older noble screamed out as his body hit began to be pushed into itself, arms pulled against his back, legs pushed against his stomach with increasing force. The bending of his body led to bones breaking and screams of agony coming from the man.

“Enough!” A man with two hounds by his side yelled out and as soon as his voice was heard Yvain stopped. “Olivier, I was just showing this man some discipline.” Olivier shook his head. “That is not discipline, son. That is just being cruel.” He waved towards Nicolas and Bastien. “Could you please make sure this man is seen out and will gets offered some care?” The two men nodded and dragged the mangled, yet alive body out of the room.

The hound barked before Olivier signed them for silence. “My fellow Perrench. I would like to apologize for the spectacle from both sides.” His face was trying to form a warm smile through his rough appearance. “But this boy is correct. We offer you strength, a way to climb the class ladder and all will be taken into our care and receive the blessings of being in the inner circle of a high noble.” He lowered his head. “I will not force this upon anyone but some of the blessings do extend to your families.” After the senior diplomat ended his speech some did leave, fearful of the Grand master’s fury yet there were also those who wished for strength and became members. Forty Three new members were gained and prepared themselves to become knights.




Yvain sighed as he sat down in his chair. “I’m glad we managed to get new recruits.” Olivier smacked the young noble on the back of the head. “You prideful fool!” Yvain wished to retaliate but he could not against the man he respected so much. “He was the one who instigated it. I would have looked weak if I didn’t.” His voice was weaker than usual. The senior’s face was one of disappointment. “Then you openly request a duel! His pride would not allow him to deny it.” Yvain leaned back. “It happened already, did it not? I’ll take this with me in the future.” He waved his hand dismissively. ”I’ll gift the man’s family some gold and then he’ll shut up.”

Olivier sighed and sat down next to him. “Then what do we do now, grand master?” Yvain thought to himself. “Perhaps we should extend our scopes.” He stood up to grab a map. Olivier looked rather confused. “In what way?” Yvain smirked and pointed towards the Sevaran lands. “If we could find some potent people with perhaps the famous fireblood. It could truly strengthen our numbers in the long run.” He pointed to it once more. “Or the devourers.” His smirk only grew before pointing towards the savage lands. “What if we manage to integrate some of the infamous mooncasters? They would be a situational force but their strength is nothing to scoff at.” Olivier laughed. “You truly want us to have a target on our head?” Yvain shook his head. “No, I want us to become Perrence’s greatest asset.”

Yvain's eyes burned with ambition as he envisioned his future exploits. Olivier, though concerned, couldn't help but admire the young noble's determination. "Your vision is grand, son... Just don't overdo it" Olivier warned. "We will be treading dangerous waters, dealing with the political ramifications that comes not just from within Perrence but outside as well." Yvain nodded, his expression serious though a glint of excitement escaped. "I am aware of that, Olivier. But if we are to truly make a mark, a mark so big that children shall sing of our exploits hundreds of years later."

Olivier sighed, acknowledging he could not lower the boy's grand vision. "Very well, but we must proceed with caution. We cannot afford to make enemies as we stand right now. Diplomacy and tact will be as crucial as strength and power." Yvain nodded in agreement. "I understand, Olivier. We'll approach this with care." He grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill. dipped the point in ink and began to write. "First, we have to placate the king to make sure he won't fear a potential move on him. Second, if we can help sway Revidia's lesser aligned allies like the Rettanese. The Torragonese would be an obvious choice yet the task of calming tensions between them and the Virangish would be quite the task. If these goals succeed, getting my hands on Mooncasters and the such would not be the hardest move."

He looked towards her old mentor with a questioning look. "What do we do about Enth? They seem to look favorably at the Revidians but if they could be swayed to help us instead or remain neutral would lead to less overexertion of the Perrench Armee." Olivier laughed about the lofty goals. "First, get the king to agree on these. You don't want yourself to undermine him, now would you?" The boy sighed. "I don't want to do that, but we are just letting Revidia look stronger on the world stage while we could squash them like a bug if it wasn't for that troublesome alliance." Frustration build up in his tone. "Perhaps we could bolster a revolt within Segona, that could cripple them." Yvain tried to think of ways to undermine the Revidian snake. "And what of the Crissians? Would they not do the same with them if we helped Segona?" Olivier asked. "A revolt from them could make the coming war an even bigger hassle." Yvain scratched his head whilst deep in thought. "I don't understand why they won't just give them more freedom at the cost of aligning with us. Make them want to be in the Sovereign pact instead of pushing down our heel into them. It would cost us a lot less headaches."

He looked at the parchment with a frown. "These are quite a couple things we need to deal with and not make Rouis angry.." Olivier nodded with a smirk plastered on his face. "The wonderful world of diplomacy, son." The young noble could rip out his perfect blonde hair but he calmed himself. "That is why you are my greatest asset, old friend." Yvain looked at the map and pointed at Warlisz and their neighbours. "I think we should make sure our neighbours won't help the Revidians if a war comes, for that could destroy our lands." He once again leaned into his chair. "I think that is that for our current plans in these turbulent times, no?" Oliver grabbed the parchment from the table and inspected it. "I believe so." He clapped his hands. "Good, then we must come to the table with our neighbors." He paused, letting out a chuckle. "With the king's consent, of course."

Olivier nodded in agreement, his demeanor grew more serious as he considered the complex diplomatic web. "Indeed, son. The king's consent is important. We must approach him with a well-crafted plan and sound reasoning to gain his support." Olivier continued, "We should also consider the existing alliances and rivalries in the region. If they see a mutual benefit in aligning with us, it could sway their allegiance." Yvain nodded, his expression grew determined. "True, we should be prepared to offer incentives to our potential allies, whether it's trade agreements, military support, or just political aid. We must show them that aligning with us is in their best interests."

Olivier tapped his chin in thought. "And don't forget the power of diplomacy within the court as well. Winning the favor of other high nobles can be just as important. They can help sway the king and political decisions in our favor." Yvain sighed at the thought of engaging in that pit of vipers.. "I hate to admit that you're right... but you are. We should identify potential allies and assess their current stances and interests."

"And let's not forget the power of information. Knowing our enemies' plans can be a significant advantage." Yvain nodded in agreement. "You're right, Olivier. Information is power. This is why I've ordered Élisée to build up a network of informants to keep us informed. Did you think I wouldn't have my own network already in the works? You hurt me, Olivier." The older man looked at his old student with pride. "My apologies, sometimes I forget you aren't that stupid child that I had to teach basic diplomacy to anymore."

Yvain leaned over the table. "We need to bolster our internal structure as well," he said, gesturing towards the emblem of the order. "Training programs, resources, and proper mentorship will be crucial. Our knights should be paragons of power and honor." Olivier nodded in agreement. "We must instill in them the values of chivalry, loyalty, and discipline. They should be the embodiment of the collective Perrench soul and their ideals." The boy nodded back. "Bastien and Nicolas have a different expertise but I am sure that they will train the most valiant warriors for our cause. If Yvette is up for the task might give her own group of recruits but that will be something I should discuss with Nicolas first." He looked his mentor straight into his eyes. "Speaking for being up for the task, I would like to ask you to train some of them in the ways of handling beasts." Olivier hesitated. "Would it not be a shame to waste the recruits' time with an old man's tricks?" Yvain pointed his finger to Olivier's face. "No, It would be a shame if your skills die with you."

The conversation shifted to the economic aspect. "Our order must be financially stable," Yvain said firmly. "Everything that does not go to the order should be invested in trade, infrastructure, artisanship and agriculture for prosperous Berbignon lands will strengthen our position and earn the goodwill of the people." Yvain continued. "We can lure in skilled craftsmen, merchants, and scholars. Our lands should be a hub of knowledge and innovation. By spreading this knowledge, we not only strengthen our lands but also create a prosperous future for our children to inherit."

As they finally concluded their meeting, Yvain looked at Olivier. "We have our work cut out for us, my friend," he said. "But I believe in our vision. Together, we will leave a legacy that will be looked favorably upon for centuries."




Within the stinking docks around Mudville two figures could be seen entering a small cabin. "There we go, we won't be heard here." A hooded figure spoke out, grabbing a bottle with two glasses out from his cloak. "Want a glass? I did my best to grab a good tasting one." Charlotte sighed. "I could never refuse a good glass of wine, can I?" "Perfect, then we can talk until the wine bottle has emptied!" He poured some in the two glasses and took himself a sip.

"So why did you wish to meet here?.. This is hardly the nicest place to truly reunite after such a while, Herr—" "Hey, hey, hey! Did I not say you shouldn't refer to me as such?" The Hooded man cut the Feskan off. "Of course, My apologies." Charlotte nodded her head. "Then, what did you wish to discuss?" The hooded figure cleared his throat. "You must have noticed it too, right?"

"Noticed what?"

"Her."

"Who?"

"...You know who I'm talking about!" He answered, his posture radiated his annoyance.

"If she concerns you so much, then why don't you just talk to her instead of observing her? I'm sure she misses you dearly."

"I… can't… I shouldn't even be here, remember?" His voice became less clear. "You have seen how she has been ever since she came back, right?"

"A grieving young woman who just lost her beloved one?" She put her hand on her chest. "I do so hope Herr Hohenfelter found a good place to rest."

"Not just grief! Do you not see it in her eyes? That same strange glint of satisfaction is not something a true grieving woman should have!"

"It is true that she has not been herself as of late, but I think that has to do with all the horrible things she has had to experience as of late."

The hooded figure took another sip of wine and sighed heavily. "Karl, I get what your reasoning is. But I can't shake this feeling that something is terribly wrong. I've been watching her from the shadows.” He paused as if he tried to find the correct words for it. "It's not like she's not herself.. it's the opposite. She is too much like herself. Someone who always had this lust for power, however now with Manfred gone she has nothing to keep that in check."

Charlotte's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you saying that perhaps she's dealing with things she shouldn't be?"

The hooded figure slammed his hand against the wall. "Exactly. And I can't just stand by and do nothing. But if I reveal myself to her… that's why I needed to talk to you, Karl. She has been like this since last year's trials…"

"I'll see what I can uncover as her aide. I would like to add that she has also been somewhat distant towards me as of late." Charlotte emptied her glass.

The hooded figure nodded in agreement. "Thank you... I knew I could count on you. Just...be careful. And if you find anything, let me know. I can't let anything happen to her."


Preparing for the worst.




The Perrenchman went through his morning routine. His swings became faster and faster as he imbued them with more and more kinetic magic. More power, more finesse. he kept on repeating to himself. The power behind it was enough to fell most mages in one strike… yet not the ones he desires to battle. No matter how strong he became he was but one man going up against a group of monsters that matched his strength or far surpassed it.

With a furrowed brow and a resolute spirit, Yvain pondered the necessity of building a group against the Sanguinaire threat, perhaps a group would not suffice… an army would be needed against these beasts in a human-like appearance. Would the King of Perrence agree with his noble goals?

He clicked his tongue as he thought back to the auction.”Honorable Perrenchman that would fight for Perrence… Not disappointing ones letting such masterworks fall in the hands of barbarian folk.”a Yvain sighed at the thought of the man. ”He showed some promise at first, for a middling noble. Alas, he disappointed me thoroughly.”

With resolve, Yvain began to work on his plans. A recruitment program, a call to arms and selection for those that shared his vision, began to take shape. An order under his direct command, L'Ordre des Roses de l'Aube with the inner circle of La Rose Sanglante. Soon after he wrote the request towards the king to give the order his blessing.

After having finished the paperwork around his own order he began to think about the funds. Pelova would be a good start and he could use it to fund it directly, yet it would produce the results he wished for. He decided to write up a plan to let the great Berbignon realm prosper further. To have a city to rival the great Relouse itself. Encouraging the artisans and merchants alike. Yvain had lofty goals for the lands he was destined to inherit.

Hours passed as he kept on writing the night away before his gaze fell upon a request he had prepared for the Zenith. A request for information that was locked away. The stories about the Sanguinaires and the legend of Benedict the Blessed only tell so much about the horrid existence of the Sanguinaire. What causes their bloodlust? How did they come to be? Many questions flew through his mind as he sealed the letters with his family’s crest.

Yvain felt a surge of pride hit him. He thought back to his encounter with Radomir and smirked. Oraphe has blessed my life for this specific goal. To rid the world of the things that go against the natural way of life.




The night passed and the letters were dispatched towards their respective destinations. Who could I get involved in this? Penny? No, that could spread the news to Yuliya… Yuliya… She could prove to be a good ally if total eradication is not possible. She seems rather ambitious. Then the mental image of the perfect person entered his mind. Sven might be the perfect pick to involve as he owes me his life.. He thought of a list of students he could potentially approach and laughed. “Oh yeah, It’s all coming together.”


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