Romero

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Summer of 1801

1st of April

War is only an increasingly likely reality. Now, it is The Kingdom of Aontas that is escalating the crisis. Sending scouts, and clearly having forgotten the catastrophic defeat they suffered just months before, Aontas begins to assess the northern coast of The Kingdom of Ubren, hunting for any weak points, with the apparent intention to make a landing. It appears that Aontas at least will honour it's alliance with The Empire of Attolia, already seeming to prepare for the war to come.

4th of April

The Republic of Toubres is not lying idle. Wary that the sudden colonial expansion of The Echyan Empire may have caught them unaware, the Republic is keen to restore the balance. And sure enough, a colonial fleet embarks from Toubrian Trienz, itself only recently established, and the colony of Toubrian Rintes is born. Although the new territories, and the riches of the land, are clearly appreciated, there are many who think that it is the next move that will decide the victor of the colonization race.

8th of April

The Second Siege of Ziva drags on, and there is no end in sight. The attempts by The Kingdom of Claidor to support their forces are constantly harassed and impeded by raiding parties of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel. While The Empire of Rubrus remains still, Claidor is outnumbered and outmaneuvered.

10th of April

The day will be notorious for years to come. On what comes to be known as the 'Market Day Massacre', hundreds of The Empire of Attolia citizens are massacred, chiefly the traders that have been dealing illicit items into the markets of The Shuren Dynasty. These traders, as well as the Shuren smugglers that have been spreading their dark merchandise, are dragged from their beds and slaughtered in the streets like dogs. The attacks are organised, and brutally efficient. The black market of Fort Tian is effectively wiped out in one fell swoop. Now, it is up to Attolia to respond to this catastrophic event, as news slowly filters back to the Empire's homeland.

13th of April

A Court of Audit is formed in The Empire of Attolia, born from the increasingly concerning drain that government, and public, spending has been on the national budget. It will take some time for the Court to be able to prove it's worth, but they take to their work industriously, and some attempt at least is being made to tackle the burden of wasteful and questionable spending.

18th of April

Keen to continue their preparations for war, The Kingdom of Aontas turns their factories and industry to the task of mass-producing the 'Aaberg Musket'. As soon as they are created, the weapons are distributed, thrust into the hands of the Aontas Marines, who's ranks have been steadily swelling over the last months. It is clear how Aontas plans to bring its forces to bear, but it stands to be seen just how effective their strategy will be.

20th of April

Perhaps concerned by the growing threat of war in Europe, or perhaps simply looking to extend their own power, The Three City's Republic of Ianian extends an invitation to join the European Trading League to The Holy Territories of Edoniras. The Pope, no doubt his decision helped due to his close relationship with The Republic of Toubres, already a European Trading League member, agrees to this invitation. However, on the same day, word reaches Ianian that The Akkadian Empire has withdrawn itself from the Trading League, no doubt decided by the dominant influence of Majdi al-Selim.

23rd of April

The increasingly serious civil disturbances across The Empire of Attolia province of Belgae continue. Support for The Kingdom of Ubren continues to grow, escalating as the Emperor himself tours the province. As the Emperors procession moves through the city of Aviyonne, a figure breaks from the crowd, a flintlock pistol in their hand as they charge towards the Emperor himself. By sheer chance, the weapon misfires, and the would-be assassin is gunned down as the Emperor is rushed ot safety. The province is a tinder box, primed to erupt into flames at the first spark, and this attempted killing causes riots all across the province that rage for days.

27th of April

Continuing to expand it's dominance in the region, while The Kingdom of Aontas has it's attention turned away from colonial expansion, The Republic of Toubres expands north from it's new colony of Toubrian Leviz. The already extensive Western Territories of Toubres grows yet again, as the colony of Budel is formed. Although the frozen north does not boast the same natural riches that other colonies possess, it is essential strategic territory, and it only further strengthens the Republic's position.

29th of April

Not content with allowing The Republic of Toubres to be the only nation colonizing the far-flung corners of the world, The Three City's Republic of Ianian sends a colonial party from Tilandia, successfully strengthening their hold in the Far East. Renaming the colony formerly known as Tilandia to become North Tilandia, the new colony is dubbed South Tilandia. With the increasingly bold actions of The Shuren Dynasty, these colonies may soon find themselves tested.

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Port Annan -> Towards Annan
Skills: Seduction (Court)

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William managed to force a smile, turning to meet Egerton's gaze. The other man seemed to be growing more brazen in his contempt for Millicent, and now that also seemed to be directed towards William. Judge a man by his manners. A vague memory of his mother telling him that, and apparently William's first judgement of Egerton hadn't been wrong. He kept his voice calm and level as he spoke, careful not to show the annoyance he was feeling.

"I hope so, Lord Wilton. I don't want to impose on any pressing business you have, heavens forbid. I only hope we are away before dark, I fear that the dangers of the night are growing in these parts."

Millicent looked over towards William slowly and there was an expression of worry on her features. "Do you know of any attacks in the country yet?" she asked quietly, hoping there hadn't been but after everything it wouldn't have surprised her if there had been. Rutherford quirked a brow and looked over towards William as well waiting an answer. They hadn't heard of any as of yet but they had only landed a short time ago.

William met Millicent's gaze, shrugging slightly as he did, almost sympathetically.

"Not in Scotland, or at least not yet. But the attacks in England have been moving north, and I've heard word of attacks in Ireland as well. Something is stirring in the shadows, and I fear all of us will be affected by this blight once more before long."

Rutherford looked over towards Egerton. "Sure you don't wish you had spent sometime in the Far East besides sowing wild oats?" he said with a bit of a laugh but there was a hint of snideness to his comment. Millicent bit her bottom lip to try to keep from laughing and turned her head away towards the window, her eyes slowly going towards William.

William managed to suppress his own laughter as well, despite the pleasure he took from seeing Egerton ridiculed. He saw Millicent then to glance at him, and he smiled at her, meeting her gaze as he did so.

"Hopefully nothing will happen to disrupt the wedding."

Millicent took a long breath, her chest rising as she did. "Yes, one an hope," she said but it wasn't clear if she truly meant the words she was saying. Rutherford seemed to squeeze her slightly and she forced a smile towards her fiance. A town came into view in the distance. It seemed that they were nearly there.

"The house which we are traveling is just on the other side, we should be there shortly," Egerton said as his lips thinned.

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Joyous Corridor -> Gaming Room
Skills: Perception, Charisma
Hit Points: 6
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Cobalt was still standing outside the ajar door as the music stopped, as suddenly as it had sprung to life. His hand hesitated, half-outstretched to push the door open, as he heard voices within. He could hear the doctor and Amaranthine talking. She certainly seemed willing to please him, but it seemed that the doctor seemed to be taking the initiative, even seeming to suggest a loose friendship between the two. Cobalt decided that it was perhaps time for him to interject.

Gently pushing open the door, Cobalt slowly clapped, smiling beneath his mask as he nodded his head slightly towards Amaranthine, carefully watching her as he spoke.

"Beautiful playing, Chanteuse. I join the good doctor in admitting that I am now in your debt. You've brought a sense of beauty and joy to a place that is sorely lacking it, and for that I am more than grateful."

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1801

3rd of March

In The Kingdom of Ubren, the fires of patriotism continue to be stoked, and the men of Ubren continue to be drafted into the army, swelling it's ranks ever further. The military strength of Ubren is almost insurmountable, and there are only a handful of nations across Europe that could hope to even stand against them alone, let alone have any hope for victory. Sentiment against The Empire of Attolia also continues to grow, carefully planned rhetoric whipping the people into a frenzy.

8th of March

Whispers of 'War-Plan Attolia' begin to seep out from The Kingdom of Ubren, allegedly the name of a full scale strategy being compiled against The Empire of Attolia, comparing the two nation's strengths, and highlighting key strategic points and maneuvers. In truth, war between the two nations now seems all but inevitable, and people begin to flee from the shared border, desperate to avoid the coming conflict.

13th of March

With The Kingdom of Vendsyssel already having claimed vast tracts of land from The Kingdom of Claidor, the war seems to be quickly swinging in their favour. With the combined army of Claidor and The Empire of Rubrus still sitting idle, the heartland of Claidor lies before the armies of Vendsyssel. As is often the case, this sudden power shift has attracted hungry eyes, and long dormant dissent between Rubrus and The Kingdom of Ilastiri begin to burst to life once again. As the Ilastiri army, largely returned from it's conflict in the south, begins to move into position, Vendsyssel appears to have gained an ally, and a powerful one.

17th of March

Perhaps encouraged by The Kingdom of Ilastiri seeming to be preparing to aid them, or perhaps simply following their own orders, the force of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel prepares to push further into the territory of The Kingdom of Claidor. Not looking to repeat the mistakes of their foe, they leave sizable garrisons in the cities they now hold, re-enforcement's moving unchallenged from their homeland, and prepare to march onwards.

19th of March

The Echyan Empire has been raiding The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar for too long. Even though the influence of Majdi al-Selim has so far proven itself to not be thirsty for war, it cannot abide this raiding. A newly constructed fleet of Dashkatar, built using the substantial manpower that the nation possesses, sails out to meet the fleet of Echya. The fighting is brutal, and the Echyan Admiral Darko Zauhar finds his force heavily outnumbered. Only a handful of the Echyan ships are able to escape, and limp back to safe harbors.

23rd of March

Finally, The Kingdom of Claidor responds. With the force of The Empire of Rubrus not moving, due to receiving no orders, the army of Claidor acts on it's own initiative. Moving it's main force south, trusting that the idle Rubrus army can at least defend the province they are stationed in, they reach the city of Ziva, and the second siege of the city in as many months begins.

27th of March

The Second Siege of Ziva is already proving that it will be a bloody affair. The garrison of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel has dug in, and, learning from their past mistakes in the Siege of Batko, ensure that the defensive weaknesses of the city are not left to be exploited. The defenders are braced, well-stocked, and confident of receiving support, and The Kingdom of Claidor prepares for a long siege.

30th of March

Sabotage operations continue across The Empire of Attolia province of Belgae. While the 'Sentinels' work at a feverish rate, rooting out infiltrators and spies wherever they appear, they are fighting a difficult battle. With war imminent, pro-Ubren sentiment begins to swell, although whether this is due to direct influence from The Kingdom of Ubren, or simply due to the overwhelming strength of Attolia's neighbor, few truly know.

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
Location: Shadowell Manor: Billiards Room -> Joyous Corridor
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 6
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Cobalt stepped through the doorway, allowing the door to swing closed behind him. Once again, he found himself in the corridor, and as he glanced up and down, he saw that no-one had made the decision to move further into the house yet, and the corridor was still empty. He took a deep breath, enjoying the moment's pause. Jane's warning still rang in his ears, and he resolved that he would seek the relative safety of the other guests, at least for now. The closest were no doubt the doctor and Chanteuse Amaranthine, and as if on cue, music spring to life.

He saw that the door that he had last seen the two guests step through was slightly open, and from beyond it, beautiful music. Passion and emotion swelled with every note, no doubt echoing throughout the house as Cobalt was enraptured by it for a moment. Just for an instant, he wasn't in the strange manor, surrounded by potential enemies, he was far away. All at once, he was safe, the music descending over his senses like a heavy blanket.

Managing to shake himself free from spell that the music had cast, he braced himself to find it's source. He had already sensed the doctor's contempt towards anyone attempting to encroach on his self-claimed 'prize', and Cobalt had hardly enamored himself to the man regardless. But the shadows were lengthening, and perhaps it was time that Cobalt found some company. He took a step towards the door.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1801

1st of February

In The Three City's Republic of Ianian, a sweeping bureaucratic project begins, a task-force assembled to crack down on government corruption and embezzlement across the Republic. It is an extreme and brutally effective strategy, rigorously rooting out the corrupt, from every position of authority. In what is a controversial, and shocking move, this task-force descends upon the leadership of the Old Freedom Coalition. In only a matter of days, several of the most prominent members of the coalition are seized, including a handful of the senators themselves. Their position and reputation in ruins, a simmering of discontent begin among the staunch supporters of the Old Freedom, believing these reforms to be specifically targeted to weaken the Coalition.

3rd of February

The army of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel, unchallenged by The Kingdom of Claidor and The Empire of Rubrus forces, pushes further into the province of Animara. The city of Ziva is the first to bear the brunt of this invading force, and they are found wanting. Presumably over-buoyed by the success of their comrades at the Siege of Batko, the garrison sallies out to meet the oncoming army. The elite cavalry of Vendsyssel cut them to shreds, and the city falls.

7th of February

The Western Territories of Toubres continue to go from strength to strength. Their economy booming, and their people more than content, The Republic of Toubres sends orders to expand to the north. As instructed, a colonist party makes the short journey across the frozen lakes of the north, and begin creating the colony of Leviz. Having already traded with the natives for years, this is an easy, and untroubled, move, and only further strengthens Toubres' global influence.

12th of February

The Kingdom of Vendsyssel does not rest on it's laurels. With it's brutal victory over The Kingdom of Claidor during the short-lived Siege of Ziva, they are confident. Pressing on, unphased by the cold weather that still clings to the land, they march on the city of Brasna. Here at least, the garrison has learnt from the mistakes of their countrymen, and they remain behind the relative safety of the cities walls. But it will not save them for long, as the guns of Vendsyssel begin their relentless roar.

15th of February

As expected, Brasna falls. The walls were breached during the night, and the garrison fell away in the face of the ferocious advance from The Kingdom of Vendsyssel forces. Only the capital of the province, the city of Animara itself, still remains in The Kingdom of CLaidor hands. But for how long?

17th of February

Despite the failure of it's previous diplomatic mission, The Three City's Republic of Ianian sends another. This time, their target is better known to them, as they travel to The Holy Territories of Edoniras, attempting to mend the fractured relationship between the two nations. As they make their journey, they move beneath the forts, build months past in preparation for a potential invasion from the Holy Territories, that line the border between the two nations. Time, as they say, heals all wounds, and the Pope welcomes them. An understanding between the two, that neither desires war to consume Europe, forms the beginnings of a bond, and the diplomats return to the republic, content with their work.

18th of February

Continuing it's seemingly relentless push into the territory of The Kingdom of Claidor, the army of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel reaches the outer defences of the city of Animara. The province capital is more heavily defended than either of the cities that have already fallen, and has a larger garrison, but they are cut off from support, and facing a formidable force.

21st of February

Perhaps concerned by The Echyan Empire recently expanding their influence in the region, The Republic of Toubres strengthens it's own hold in the area, sending a colonial party south from Toubrian Bravas and settling the colony of Trienz. The race to populate the remaining habitable lands of the region appears to be coming to life.

23rd of February

Many had been watching the armies of The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar that still held their foothold in Europe, hoping perhaps that the influence of Majdi al-Selim could lead to peace. For now at least, a certain stalemate has descended over the region. The forces of Dashkatar are not pushing on, but neither are they retreating. They are waiting, strong in number, and secure behind formidable defences, waiting for whatever the European powers decide to do.

24th of February

In a pivotal operation, conducted by the elusive 'Sentinels' of The Empire of Attolia, spies are unrooted throughout the province of Belgae. They will not, of course, reveal their instructions, or even their origin. Work begins to drag this information from their lips, although few know how long it will take to break them.

26th of February

The Three City's Republic of Ianian calls a National Conference of inventors, offering an impressive prize to whichever inventor is able to create the design that most greatly improves production. The Conference is popular, and the greatest minds from all across the Republic gather, some even travelling from the far flung corners of the Republic's colonial empire. Time will tell what the Conference will produce.

28th of February

The province of Animara has fallen into the hands of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel. Although they fought doggedly, The Kingdom of Claidor garrison was outnumbered, outmatched, and outmaneuvered. With no aid in sight, and as the walls began to crumble beneath the bombardment of the Vendsyssel guns, the garrison surrendered in droves. Those that didn't were cut down without mercy. With the last shred of resistance eradicated, the Kingdom of Vendsyssel controls the province, and with it, a route into the heartland of the Kingdom of Claidor.

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Leaving Port Annan
Skills: Seduction (Court)

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It genuinely astounded William just how infuriating Egerton was proving himself to be. Any other time, if a man, or indeed anyone, annoyed William this much, he'd either leave with haste, or try and knock some sense into them. For now, unfortunately, neither of those were an option. Not if he wanted to keep himself in the company of the party, or rather, more specifically, Millicent. A self-inflated ego is the nicest way that William could describe Egerton, but at least Rutherford didn't seem to tolerate all of his nonsense. And if nothing else, he now had a name for Rutherford, Richard. Although he didn't know what good it would do him.

Still smiling, and making sure he remained a part of the conversation, William took advantage of a break in the conversation to steer them back to their imminent hosts.

"From what I hear, if Lady Kirkpatrick gets her way, then we will all learn more about the clans"

"And just what do you know about Lady Kirkpatrick?" Egerton asked as he cocked a brow. Millicents head turned slightly to look over towards William but Rutherford just chuckled and waved off Egerton's inquiry.

"Now don't get in a huff, the woman is rather outspoken. Anyone in the country knows of her tenacity. She did tell off the House Of Lords last session," Rutherford chuckled.

If William was offended by Egerton, he made sure that his face showed no sign of it, the smile almost like a mask as he glanced at the man beside him, only for an instant, before he glanced back to Rutherford.

"Of course, I don't claim to know her personally. Merely heard of her during my roaming. Is she expecting us?"

The group over all seemed to be warming up to William a bit at those words. Egerton shook his head as he relaxed a bit in the carriage. "No, her nephew Thomas is the one that will be welcoming us. The man is a bit of a witless wonder but make no mistake that when the Lady Kirkpatrick passes he will be the head of the Kirkpatrick Clan," Egerton said as he glanced over towards Rutherford.

"If she ever dies," Rutherford chuckled a bit. "The woman is nothing like you have dealt with, I have and she is not one to be trifled with," Rutherford added with a bit of warning in his voice. Millicent looked over at Rutherford and Egerton speaking and Egerton smirked.

"Unlike your fiance here, if only more women knew their place," Egerton said smugly. Richards eyes narrowed as Millicent looked down at the ground quickly, her face loosing color as she did.

William held the smile, even as Egerton continued to blunder his way through the conversation. In truth, William was struggling to understand why Rutherford even tolerated the man. he knew that Egerton was an Earl, but from what he could tell, Rutherford was not short of noble connections, not least due to his own title. There must be something that William wasn't seeing, hopefully something that would reveal itself as he continued watching the group. He leaned back in his seat as he spoke again.

"I look forward to potentially meeting her then! Will we be staying for long?"

Rutherford teeth clenched but he let them loosen as he looked over towards William. "It should only be the afternoon, we wish to be at Gretna Green by dark," he said as Egerton slipped what few inches he could back and away from Rutherford whose fist was still knuckled white.

"Will she be there do you think?" Millicent asked meekly as she looked down at her lap, still not looking up.

"Nothing for you to worry about, I doubt until after you two are wed she would bother to remember your name Miss Wyndham," Egerton pipped in with a tense voice.

William bit his tongue. It was clear Rutherford was starting to tire of the topic, and with Egerton, he was continuing to be the mindless idiot that he had quickly proven himself to be. If he was to continue travelling with the group, he had to ensure that Rutherford didn't turn against him, and he had to keep tolerating Egerton. Wanting to change the subject, William turned to Millicent, trying to make his voice as kind as possible.

"I admit, Miss Wyndham, that I haven't heard your family name before. Where do you hail from, if you don't mind me asking."

Millicent looked a bit surprised that she was being addressed directly, her eyes moving towards Rutherford with this look of seeking permission to speak to the man. Rutherford nodded slowly and then she finally spoke. Her words were quiet and slightly meek as she spoke. "My family owns a merchant shipping company known as F. & W. Shipping. We come from Bedfordshire but summer in London during the season."

William smiled. Here at least, he could try and find some common ground.

"It sounds as if we are not so different then. My father was a merchant for much of his life, making his trade in the Far East."

"I trained in China, have you ever been?" Millicent asked, a bit of light flickering in her eyes.

Leaning back, and holding out his hands slightly as he shrugged, William continued.

"Unfortunately my travels have never taken me that far afield, although I was always captivated by my father's tales of his time there. I'm sure you have some stories of your own."

Millicent caught a glimpse cast her way from Egerton, his lips were thinning and his eyes were narrowing. Rutherford just sat back and wrapped an arm around his fiance. What joy she had in her features seemed to melt away into something more melancholy and she nodded. Looking down, her fingers seemed to pick at each other. "Nothing of ones that would be bring any joy to this journey," she said in a solemn voice.

Rutherford cleared his throat and looked at William. "Forgive her, but that time ties with her mother whom she recently had to witness as a Soulless in the battle of Almack's," Rutherford informed William as he pulled her a bit loser. "Perhaps we should change subjects."

"Yes, no one wants to hear of a woman's time in heathen country," Egerton stated flatly.

The easy smile had faded from William's face as he watched Millicent's sudden change in mood. He wasn't going to question Rutherford's explanation, despite Millicent being the one to initially bring up her time in China. Clearly Egerton had a greater effect over her than he had originally though. He leaned forwards slightly, towards Millicent.

"My apologies, Miss Wyndham."

Deciding to learn more about the character that was increasingly infuriating him, William glanced across to Egerton, forcing a smile as he did so.

"I would be interested in hearing about your own training, Lord Wilton. I'm sure you have some great stories to tell."

Egerton smirked. "A man of my standing needn't waste his time with paltry things such as that when there are plenty of out there to serve as meat shields if paid well enough," he said before his eyes drifted towards Rutherford and then to Millicent and the smirk increased causing Millicent to shift in an uneasy fashion in her seat. She looked up to Rutherford quickly.

"How much longer must we endure..." she began to say in a terse voice before calming it and continuing, "the bumpy carriage ride?"

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
Location: Shadowell Manor: Billiards Room
Skills: Charisma
Hit Points: 6
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Cobalt almost sighed with relief. Finally, she at least seemed to warming to him, and he had a name. In truth, she really wasn't much to look at, the cold look in her eyes never fading. Although he could hardly be one to judge, for all she knew, beneath his mask was nothing but the mangled remains of a face, burnt away in some horrific accident. Pushing his advantage while he had it, Cobalt nodded his head slightly.

"A pleasure to meet you, Jane. I'm merely looking for conversation to while away the cold night. If I'm to be a guest here, I thought it best to get a feel for the house. Tell me, is there anything I should look out for during my wanderings?"

Jane looked around a bit before heading to the door and peeking down the hallway. Once she was sure it was clear she closed it slowly and turned back to Justice Cobalt. "Don't be going wanderin' if you value yer life sir. People rounds here don't be takin' kindly to y'all bein' here, ain't be safe."

Cobalt watched Jane as she moved to door, his smile fading slightly at her warning. He took a step closer to the servant, his voice low as he spoke, wary in case anyone was listening.

"You've done me a service I won't soon forget, Jane. Are there others who work here that I can talk to, that you trust?"

Jane spoke quickly again, before opening the door again and looking down the hallway in each direction. Turning she looked at the man before rushing back towards the fire and stoking it some more with the poker.

Cobalt bowed his head slightly, moving to the door himself as he did so, sensing that he had distressed the young woman enough already, and learnt everything he could from her.

"I won't trouble you any further, Jane. Thank you"

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1801

2nd of January

The results of the elections that have been sweeping across The Three City's Republic of Ianian are finalized. The two major power blocks of the Republic, the currently in power New Power coalition, and the Old Freedom Coalition, have been locking horns for months. Despite the problems in the colony of Linia, and the increasing tension with the newly formed Continental Alliance, Ianian has enjoyed a period of great power and influence, and the Old Freedom's push for neutrality and non-intervention is struggling to hold strength in the face of the boiling conflicts threatening to erupt across Europe. Of the 118 seats available, New Power wins 77 of them, including most of the newly appointed seats for the colonies.

5th of January

The Three City's Republic of Ianian sends a diplomatic party to The Naziim Caliphate. Although few have high hopes following the reported failure of the similar expedition by The Empire of Attolia, the diplomats of the Republic find a slightly different Caliphate awaiting them. Using their relations with The Akkadian Empire, they can at least make some headway with the language barrier, and are also granted audience with Caliph Aarif al-Naziim. Some uniting force has been bringing the scattered tribes together, the name Majdi al-Selim being whispered. The Caliph reveals that he has felt his power slipping through his fingers, and that he is not the man to talk to about relations with the Caliphate any longer. But he cannot grant audience with al-Selim, and he admits that in truth, he doesn't even know if the man really exists.

9th of January

With one army bloodied by defeat at the Siege of Batko, another force of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel pushes across the border into the province of Animara. With The Kingdom of Claidor having committed a sizable portion of it's forces under the leadership of The Empire of Rubrus, they are poorly equipped to defend against this move. The garrisons of the cities of Animara dig in.

11th of January

The Kingdom of Aontas continues it's dogged recruitment of Marines, swelling their ranks even further. It is clear that whatever war they intend to wage, it will not be one of clashing great armies.

14th of January

No doubt in direct response to the increasingly aggressive actions of The Kingdom of Ubren, The Empire of Attolia begins an extensive recruitment drive, the rhetoric calling upon the people of Attolia to rise up and defend their lands. Despite the formidable strength of Ubren's army, people do sign up, and the Empire's army grows, war quickly becoming almost inevitable.

16th of January

Further re-enforcing it's greatest defence, The Republic of Toubres begins constructing impressive naval defences along it's coastline. It's island nature has long afforded it sanctuary from the wars that spread through Europe in the centuries past, but with these new fortifications, coupled with the Republic's exceedingly powerful navy, and reformed army, any hopes of invading Toubres and not facing obscene bloodshed, is quickly becoming a pipe dream.

17th of January

The Three City's Republic of Ianian passes the 'University Act'. The goal is to create new, public universities across the Three City's. The move is welcomed, and the universities will no doubt be well attended once they are constructed, although it will still only be the rich that can afford to abandon their jobs and walk through the doors.

21st of January

Facing dissension in the face of war, The Empire of Attolia attempts to raise morale through the announcement of a string of festivals and military parades, all across Attolia. The celebrations are intended to focus around the founding of the Empire, and it's prestige, and will be attended by none other than the Emperor himself. The festivities quickly prove to be a popular, if expensive, distraction.

23rd of January

Although few fully grasp how it has happened, The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar too has fallen under the influence of Majdi al-Selim, or at least of the promise of the man. Although the rulers of the Eternal Hadeen still hold their power, they are under no illusions that if they go against the wishes of the by now mythical figure, they will be dragged from their beds and slaughtered on the streets by the fanatically devout followers. With reports coming from the west that The Naziim Caliphate is also now effectively under al'Selim's control, it is clear that the man, or at least the idea of him, has managed to unite a single Hijeen state under his control in a matter of months.

24th of January

The fleets of The Kingdom of Aontas maneuver so that they create a stranglehold around the newly conquered coastline of The Kingdom of Ubren. Intended to cut off trade, in truth, Ubren has had a coastline for such a short time that they are yet to develop any significant trade routes, but the fleets do serve to quickly cripple the burgeoning fishing industry. This is a clear sign of intent that Aontas intends to weigh in on the approaching conflict between Ubren and The Empire of Attolia. It appears Aontas has not learnt it's lesson.

26th of January

The northern gunsmith of The Kingdom of Aontas, a man by the name of Georg Aaberg, receives extensive funding from the Kingdom itself, and the new design, nicknamed the 'Aaberg Musket', is quickly mass-produced, and distributed to the waiting hands of the Aontas military. By far the most advanced weapon of it's kind, it may well prove to be a very useful tool in the coming conflicts.

29th of January

The meeting of The European Trading League draws to a close. Faced with troubling times, the nations of The Three City's Republic of Ianian, The Republic of Toubres, The Echyan Empire, and The Republic of Oflua all enter into a Defensive Alliance, vowing to come to each others aid in times of war. The Akkadian Empire, that had quickly been becoming one of Ianian's closest allies, abstains from signing the new treaty, the influence of Majdi al-Selim coming into force for the first time.

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location:Shadowell Manor: Billiards Room
Skills: Charisma
Hit Points: 6
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Turning her head, there seemed to be a cruel expression on the woman's face as she was addressed, her fingers tightening around the fire poker she held. "No," she said simply.

Cobalt's eyes flickered to the make-shift weapon that she clutched, just for a instant, but he didn't let the smile fade from his face, keeping his eyes as friendly as he could manage. Any other night, and he would have read the signs and taken his leave, but danger seemed to be stalking the shadows, and he welcomed any conversation, for not at least.

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to startle you. Allow me to introduce myself. Justice Cobalt, at your service."

"Ya, you want to tend to the fire?" she asked with sarcasm before she turned and started to poke the logs, moving them to get them better in place while they burned. The fire roaring to greater life than before.

With her back turned, Cobalt frowned slightly. Certainly not the most welcoming greeting so far, but if nothing else, he wanted to at least learn the girl's name, before her icy nature fended him off. Resuming his smile again, Cobalt took a few steps closer to the fire, careful not to get too close to the apparent servant, more specifically staying out of range of the fire poker she still held, just in case she was suddenly inclined to use it as a make-shift weapon.

"I've stoked a few fires in my time, and I'm always more than willing to lend a hand. I'm afraid I didn't catch your name."

Turning, the woman smiled slightly but it didn't improve the way she looked by any stretch of the imagination. She was unremarkable to look at and there was a cruelness that did not leave her eyes. "No, I have it," she said but even though she was blunt the voice was more accommodating than it had been. "Me name is Jane," she added as she dusted off her hands on her apron. "What can I do fer ya sir?"