POOHEAD189

Dogs of War: Old World Mercenaries

Cyrdic's eyes opened, revealing Camilla's beautiful face, wariness and worry evident in her features. The Ostlander's vision had grown quite accustomed to the dark ever since he had found his sword, something he tried dismiss as his mind playing tricks on him. Still, he was glad for it when it proved useful. The man nodded and sat up, pulling off the heavy furs he had atop him and silently reaching for his sword.

The Ulrican sword howled through his mind when he grabbed it, and once he gazed out of the window he couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat. "Ulric and Sigmar..." he breathed, the spectral figures as bright as torches to him in the dark of the night, even with the white snow beneath them. He was simply glad they had the lake between them, which gave them some time and distance. "Chaos Wraiths," he breathed in Camilla's ear. She shook her head as if she didn't understand, but they both knew there was no time for explanations.

Cyrdic had never seen such creatures before, but he had heard stories. What's more, he now recalled a small contingent of men having been lost within these very woods the last time he had been on campaign. There was no blood or footprints leading out of their small campsite come morning. Most were missing, and a few corpses were found. No marks upon them. Simply dead as if they had never had the spark of life, staring into the sky through glazed eyes.

"Justicar" Cyrdic whispered, nudging Thaddeus. The man took a few good shakes before he began to stir. "What's all th-" Cyrdic placed a hand on his mouth and a finger to his own lips. "We have to go. Quietly..."

As the party gathered their meager belongings, the Justicar having almost cried aloud at the sight of the wraiths, Cyrdic tried to look at the brightside. From the stories he had heard, restless spectars were often able to be raised when there was a high concentration of chaos within the vicinity, which meant the Tomb of Theodric, Tzeentch's Chosen, was close.

The group made their way out of one of the tumbled walls, and crouched as they tried to make it to the tree line on the opposite side of the windmill. That is, until they heard the same mad laughter upon the wind, and a sense of dread filling their hearts.
@Penny

Grim Galaxy: Shots and Chances

Alexander sneered, his jaw clenching as he regarded Aiden and the crew he kept for company. The other brother, Devon, raised an eyebrow but divulged nothing. Neil marveled at how different the siblings were to one another, at least in personality. Then again, when you're as fertile as the Queen apparently was, you're bound to have a few inconsistent children.

"I believe my calling in a vote of 'no confidence' for your rulership is of 'import' to you, is it not?" Alexander said, raising his chin slightly to further look down his nose at Aiden. For his part, Aiden looked taken aback. "What are you saying? Why?" He seemed honestly perplexed, though still somewhat expectant that Alexander would at least make trouble in some fashion.

"Emilia died under your watch. You're to be the protector of the realm and your closest sibling dies not two days before the coronation. Oh I know it couldn't have been you, but something you need to begin to realize is that when one is a king, everything is your fault, for good or ill."

"Oh, silence yourself." Aiden ordered, cutting his hand across his chest to further emphasize. "Brother, we are all high strung and saddened by Emilia's death. But don't you dare use her as an excuse to try and wrest the crown from me. A duel and then a vote that will not go through. What other clever plans do you have? Passing gas and blaming it on me?"

Neil snorted, which drew the wrathful gazes of both younger brothers. "You do know my sources indicate this Highlander crew has been wanted under suspicion of various crimes?"

"Perhaps, but they saved my life and the life of my servants, as well as Ranald. Now are you quite finished?"
@Penny

Frokane's Mildly Politcal Hangout Thread

I didn't think anyone would subscribe to this thread. I thought they just periodically checked to make sure humanity was still a mistake.

Frokane's Mildly Politcal Hangout Thread

Its not a physical wall! Its a wall of healthcare, education, infrastructure repair and investment in renewable energy! Right? MAGA! *looks around hopefully*

@Penny

No that's a Swedish wall. American walls are made of guns, burgers, and manifest destiny.

Grim Galaxy: Shots and Chances

"Oh," the Prince said in surprise. "Please come in."

The guards pushed closed the gates behind them with a grinding clap. It needed at least four men to open and close such a magnificent gateway. One would need a starship cannon to be able to penetrate its thick metallic plating, though of course it was embroidered with exquisite artwork with curvaceous images of tales long past. Aiden kissed Junebug's hand, and greeted the other two.

Inside, Aiden's hall was even more elaborately decorated than their were. Large statues of heroes took the role of pillars, holding the ceiling up with, as if with the strength of their legends. Shining clear diamonds were embedded along their necks; items Neil could live forever off of if he would but get his hands on one or two of them. The seats and table was lavish and comfortable all at once, and there were three great hearths compared to their hall's one. Behind Aiden, servitor drones floated back and forth, cleaning and furnishing the place.

"Are you ok, my prince?" Taya asked him once they had walked in, clearly not knowing how to comfort him, or if he would even appreciate such a gesture.

"Yes, considering." Aiden said, letting out a breath. He wore a handsome top covered by a cloak that gave him a rakish quality. "I feel worse about my parents, and how this could be my fault." The Prince lamented. Neil gave him an understanding look. He knew what it was like to feel as if you were responsible for the death of a loved one. The pilot glanced at the ceiling for a moment, marvelling at the intricate carving of the artistic curves.

"Have you scanned the ceiling, your highness?"

"What?"

"If someone's after you, they might have a bug or a camera up there."

It took Aiden a moment to process his words, and when he did he ordered one of his servitor drones to fly upwards and scan. It found nothing, but the prince had to ask. "Why would you believe there would be something up there?"

"Because that's what I would do."
@Penny

Frokane's Mildly Politcal Hangout Thread

msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-pri…
"Trump privately presses for military to pay for Border wall."

Well, we do have the military spending I guess.

Frokane's Mildly Politcal Hangout Thread

@SleepingSilenceJust ignore him.

Dogs of War: Old World Mercenaries

Cyrdic decided to keep his shield strapped to his back to block warding blows, grabbing his wolf-hilted longsword and charging down the slope as fast as he was able in such deep snow. While Camilla ducked and dodges and riposted to his left, Cyrdic took the center. His aim was at the man sized Gors charging up the hill. A particularly large one wielded a wicked moon-bladed axe, the hilt made of human skin.

A smaller ungor was more nimble and quick however, running past his kin in an attempt to skewer Cyrdic with a well timed spear thrust. The Ostlander simply grabbed the haft of the spear once the beastman had stabbed forward, and he chopped the spear in two with strength that baffled the smaller mutant. Cyrdic did not halt his momentum, bowling over the dumbfounded beastman and snapping its back on his heavy boot, before his sword met the axe in a shower of sparks.

Thaddeus made a good accounting for himself, initially. His greatsword had incredible reach and a fine edge, which he used to cut two smaller beastmen in half, and kept a larger one at bay as he weaved the blade back and forth. As Cyrdic lopped the head off of the Beastman he was fighting, he turned around to see the beastmen that had passed him bearing down on Thaddeus. The Ostlander quickly gained on them, and the first beastmen he caught unawares, he ran through.

Fighting Chaos for years gave Cyrdic a particular hatred for such creatures, and his sword nudged him even further. With a satisfied grimace, Cyrdic twisted the blade inside the creature's side, and then yanked it out, igniting a terrible sucking noise as its blood spilled onto the already reddening snow. Thaddeus used the distraction to finish one of the Gors. "For Sigmar and his Imperial majesty!" he cried.

Cyrdic grabbed the back of the last beastman's head, yanking it back as he drove his boot dagger into the beast's jugular. "For the Empire!"

The beastman fell, and the two men were left breathing heavily. Camilla gave a curse in Tilean, but she seemed unharmed. A sudden, unnatural laughter broke the silence like a shattered glass, and Cyrdic snapped his head round to see.

But there was no one there.
@Penny

Grim Galaxy: Shots and Chances

Neil jolted awake. "It wasn't me!"

Blinking lazily, he realized he was in his extravagant bedroom. The pilot rubbed his face and blearily wondered if this room would be a temporary affair, or if his commendation in a few days would grant him a lifetime suite and a vassalage. That would have sounded extremely appealing until recently. Hell, it still was appealing. But his mood had somewhat soured since they'd arrived. Then again, he didn't feel as bad he did yesterday. Other than the slight hangover.

"They make it strong on this planet." He groaned as he swung his feet off the bed, scratching an itch under his eye. First thing was first, he went to take a quick shower. As the hot water hit him, he felt all the physical and mental muck drain out of him, and he let out a large 'whoo!' before he stepped out, drying himself and his thick head of dark hair.

He slipped on some comfortable street clothing and headed into the great hall only to step into the middle of Ranald and Junebug watching the clip of the slain royal Neil had discovered.

If that video had come in during his absence, it couldn't have been the Prince. He wouldn't have known who to go after. Neil nodded. It had top be someone they hadn't the pleasure of meeting yet. He was certain they would soon.

"I'm flattered you decided to divulge this footage, but why to me?" Junebug asked.

"Because he's quite fond of you, and I feel if you spend more...time with him, you could be in danger as well as he. Not that it would stop you. I know a soldier when I see one. But you and your crew saved his and my life. I feel I am paying a debt." He informed her, giving a respectable pose as regal as any King could.

"We appreciate the thought." Neil said, causing both of them to look his way. They'd see Neil leaning casually against a pillar, not a few meters away and behind them. The rogue was scratching his chin, a small 5 o'clock shadow having formed since they'd gone off schedule. He hadn't shaved the past few days. "Have any leads yet?"

Ranald shook his head. "Not yet. Granted, the heirs to the throne are given shares of estates according to their age, so it could just be a sibling rivalry. But the planet is famous for its power struggles. Thank the Gods Aiden will be king. He's the only one of them with a decent head on his shoulders." the elderly councilman declared. "Insurgents or a senator is the next guess. We have problems with both."

"Where is the Prince? Aiden?" Neil asked.

"He said he is not to be disturbed. But for you...I am certain he would make an exception. He's in his quarters."

"Thank you for the warning, and your time."

Ranald made his way out shortly after, giving them a bow. Neil waved him goodbye, then shut the veritable gate behind him. He let out a sigh. "So, what do you think?" Neil asked, before giving his opinion. He felt like he should give a talk to the prince at some point, but he'd follow his Captain's leave.
@Penny

Tombs & Treks: A Pulp Roleplay

@POOHEAD189 I mean... He's ten years too young to be study buddies with El, but something along that vein, yes

@ihinka

Well, I meant they'd be acquaintances and they'd listen to lectures together :P