Sadko

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

dont let this fucking die.

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

Yeah, and the religion itself. Let's create an interesting, ORIGINAL Monotheistic religion, and not neccessarily Jesus Christ. Say, something else would do much much better, in my opinion. And that players can also add to the Church canon, create their own saints/biblical events, I mean, it'd be amazing.

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

Flooby Badoop said

Oh my god, XD

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

She grimaced, taking a brief glance out the window. "Sir Colbers, let them in. And summon my sons as well, and every other Crowcape. The peasants and the man should be let in, that is. I have no need for filthy sellswords." The trio came in, and she sat down at her tall, oaken throne. "Speak what you need to speak, why have you come here to disturb my process of thoughts?" She folded her hands together, looking to them, and mostly, the shady man. Every Crowcape was summoned, the newly knighted Sir Petrock and Lord-Commander Colbers stood side by side with her. Her sons, as well. Dom, in his aketon and Vlad in his robes.

The hooded figure stood quiet, their head leaning downwards. Now, that they could be seen so closely, the two peasants that stood by him appeared to be eyeing everything, and were quite built. It only took a moment after the Lady had spoken for a reaction to be garnered. The peasant to the right of the hooded figure took a step forward, making a sound as if he had started to speak until the hooded figure reached out to stop them. The hooded figure pulled back their hand slowly, back inside of the cloak. "Sorry to appear like this, but it would appear that rumors travel entirely faster than a man on horseback; which frightens me as to what else can get through the lands and possibly to the others." The hooded figure kept in their stance, not moving at all, "Also, my friend may have told me some of what they had heard before arriving home. I am here today to let you know, I have no fears, and I do not feel threatened. I came here, dressed like this as it would raise an entirely less of an alarm, and I'd rather not have a target on my back. The reason why I risk my life like this, with so few men to guard me, no armor to shield me, and no walls to hide me," the hooded figure reaches their hands up slowly to grab at the tie of the cloak, just below the neck, "is to show you that I will do anything that is needed to keep my people safe. And perhaps, to also meet the great Lady Olga, herself." The hooded figure now pulls at the string and once it fell they grabbed it to keep it from touching the floor.

The hooded figure before Lady Olga revealed them self to be a man, a strong, bold looking one, with determination and a strong will. He slunk the cloak over his shoulder and smiled at Lady Olga before calmly and strongly coming down on one knee and holding his hand flat out, as if a gesture to offer himself and all that he is before standing up to attention. "I apologize, Lady Olga, for the secrecy, but I believe that a strong alliance between our nations and Peletaria will keep my men safe, and offer us in advantage when the others become blood thirsty. I am Lord Solterra."

First it surprised her, then it confused her, then it annoyed her. "You have already sent an envoy a week ago or so, and he should have already came back to your lands with our answer of acceptance. Is it so?" She shrewdly examined him. And while he intrigued her, she suspected he was of a loose mind to come here when she already sent her answer, to come here with but a few of peasants and sellswords, to come here... She patiently awaited his answer, sullenly stretching in her throne.

"I'm not here about the alliance, I am here about the rumors, not of any you may have made, I just want to clear the air. It is true, I may be over protective of my lands, and I may even perhaps be over reacting to what I believe may happen in the future. But I must tell you, while politically, I may not be perfect, I have the hearts of my people and I stand on the front lines of all battles that face me. I do not hide behind my walls or my people, I am strong, I am smart, and while I may not be able to exceed at the things you are incredible at, my Lady, I do consider myself the best tactician out of all those I know. What I am saying is; you can believe what your people say, you can believe what your trusted court may say, but I am one of the Lord's you don't want to throw away when and if you decide to take on bigger plans." He squinted, examining the Lady for a moment before smirking. "You know, I did say I wasn't intimidated, but I have to say, it isn't because my soldiers are disguised as I was. I'm perfectly fine in a battle on my own."

She found his words an irritating slight, was he trying to subtly tell she hid behind her thick walls, did not care about her people, did not stand on all the frontlines that could happen? Her youngest son very well was risking his life destroying and exterminating bandits who rob and kill the peasantry. She looked to Domund, whose face was contorted in a disdainful annoyance. She waited for a bit. "Yes, you have shown you aren't such a Lord who must be thrown out, by this showcase of valor and selflessness," She internally chuckled, "You have shown political savvy. Yet why should there be ill rumors about you at my court? I see no reason for your visit here, save for the wish of good hope and luck to each other, for we are allies." She looked closer, scanning his face. "You can stay at my court for as much as you want, you'll have your quarters provided for you and your men."

She suspected he was very well not Lord Solterra. If he was smart, he wouldn't come here without a warning, if he was smart, he wouldn't subtly hint a threat. And she has heard much rumors about the gentle, weak-willed, young Lord Solterra, while the one in front of her looked much like someone in her crowcape guard. She suddenly realised Lord Solterra was much more cautious, suspicious, dangerous. The angels alone knew what game Lord Solterra was playing with Olga, but she had not liked it. Or did she? If what she has pondered on was true, he had a chance not to be classified as a milksop forever in her mind. Much more a spider, she liked spiders. Or did she?

Lord Solterra took a breath as he looked over to the peasant that he stopped earlier and gave a sigh. "I apologize once more, my Lady. In my nervousness it seems I made a larger mess than what I had planned and may have unintentionally insulted you. Upon my return to my Kingdom, I will throw an event in your honor and send you riches in hope of your forgiveness. But... Since we're on the discussion of Courts, I suppose I must confess. There is one last thing... I have lied to you, my Lady. But you see, I wiah to Court you."

The uproar was deafening, but no, it was a silent one. The uproar was blinding, the faces and the grotesque expressions of her servants, maids, sons, guardians, some were surprised, other in strange, sickening awe. Vlad has already retreated away from the scene, Domund crossed his arms. Her own reaction came quick, first her face lightened up in a brief, moment-lasting surprise, then the look of realization swept over her beautiful face. That was the only thing to have expected. She clapped her hands, as if the whole hall was screaming in outrage. "Lord Solterra, it is enormously kind of you to say such things. I believe, not in the presence of so many eyes and ears, we should discuss it further in my meeting room. However, I grant you permission, as long as it stays in the boundaries of chivalry, my lord." Her guard nodded, and the servants and other members of court had left. They began to proceed to the meeting room.

Solterra looked over to the two men standing with him and he gestured them back to the others. "I won't be needing my men from here, allow them to return to my soldiers." He gave them a nod and they all departed ways. Solterra boldly following swiftly after Lady Olga as the two burly men left the room, heading back to the soldiers.

She took a stroll along the gardens with Lord Solterra, her crowcapes quietly standing in the distance. She turned to look at his face, it was a strong one, she thought it resembled something of a bear, along with his powerful build, the adventures and exploits she has heard were evidently true. The garden was the only resemblance of life at court, other than that they were only hues of sable and grey, and red. Even her servants and maids looked lifeless, as much as her vassals. "Is it beautiful in Therral, my lord?" She wondered aloud, slowly spinning to see his answer.

Solterra tilted his head as he continued walking, pondering at such an out of place question. "Well it isn't a kingdom of petals if that is what you are asking. I let my people plant flowers wherever they wish; Even outside the barracks. A good scent can give positive emotions to an individual, which is why I've outlawed alcohol. Why do you ask?" Slightly wondering at the use of being calling 'my' lord, but he shrugged it off and opened his ears. He always saw saying 'my' lord or lady as something that meant the individual had significance to the other, and that's why he never calls anyone with 'my,' but that is just him.

"Interesting ways of managing your country, my lord. If you decide to court me, I might as well try to know you better. Is there any particular poems you like? As much as I'd like to know about you, I'm a patron of arts." She shrewdly awaited his response, trying to calculate what kind of person he is. Outlawing alcohol seemed a peculiar notion. The water is horrid from everybody shitting in it. Try to drink it? You're dead. But mead and ale? Only thing you could drink, as far as she knew.

"Hmm, well, personally, I write ...I mean, I write important phrases, ones you hold dear to yourself. They inspire me to write poems, but with the stress of the times now and the work I must do to ensure my peoples safety, I don't exactly have the time or energy for it. I suppose I can give you one..."

"We're Searching for a place."
"Where we can live peaceful days..."
"With no wars, no stealing..."
"A place that isn't run by fear."
"A place where people can live and actually trust other people."

"Sadly, my heart may be bigger than my muscles, my Lady." He sighed, suddenly having all of his memories rush to him of war and pain, and trying to shrug it off. "I am a strong man, I know it because my people and my sister tell me, I just question how strong I really am." He wasn't talking about physical strength, however.

"An idealistic poem. Regardless, sometimes strength is something you can bear on yourself, the sword that is hanging by a mere thread, right above your head. Do a mistake, and it falls. Lords and Ladies, and Overlords, all have to go through such dread."

"That I do bear many things, my Lady. But alas, I must begin my departure, my men will be waiting for me. Unless there was more to say or ask of me, do tell, if there was something you wished of me, you may speak any time. But otherwise, I must begin my leave. My Kingdom has already been without me for far too long."

"Farewell, Lord Solterra."

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

Actually, Rone may have a ray of hope. If all of this 'inability' and 'madness' and 'indecisiveness' was a part of his grand scheme, then he's a fucking genius.

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

Constantine is a fucking schemer.

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

Ooh, that seems a nice portrait for Lady Olga, although a tad older, she bore two sons who are nearing adulthood.

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

I have a shit ton of suspicions about Lord Solterra, fucking Littlefinger

Of Steam and Ambition - A Steampunk Nation Roleplay - Interested Check

I may be interested.

To Lund ap Lunds [ Early Middle Ages NRP ]

OOC: This is a collaboration with Flooby! It was a very nice one. :-)

Quietly moving the blade of the scissor, she slid off the last of her fingernails. She had no time to play the mandolin anymore, and had no reason to keep her nails looking almost if she were a witch. She broke the seal and looked in the contents. Lord Gowan apologises and says he cannot come, on reasons of advanced age. Adequate. Although she was intrigued to learn he called Gabriel his son. Gabriel is his grandson. Truly, he is old. She thought, with a hue of sadness to her thoughts. Then came the Dunsch-Taxi reply. Aelfryd shall come, in a week or so. She noticed the trained messenger bird came a tad late, aye, it is hard to navigate in such a land. Bogs, meadows, and the winter in the midst of all. Then an unexpected one. Lord Solterra had never quite interested her, save for the romantic voyages and manly obstacles he had ventured through with his sister. She wondered if it was exaggerated. He sent a jester to discuss an alliance. This 'Flooby Badoop' had quite a swagger, in an unimpressive way.

The guests, both invited, and uninvited had arrived.

Gabriel's arrival was gallant, although she was a little unhappy to see a gratuitous amount of armed guards. It was a neccessant evil, she reckoned. Lord Aelfryd came much more festive, colorfully. He trusts me, she thought. It was good to know. And then came the Flooby Badoop. And in an instant he arrived, he decided to entertain her humorless, silent servants. Some had curved their mouths in an odd smiles, but did not dance, nor sing. She was especially amused to read about all the pleasures that Orgules has to offer. Orgules was a big city, a prospering city, a wealthy city. Yet it was gray, and seldom would anyone find delight in their dim, foggy streets and alleyways. She looked outside the door.

Two crowcapes stood, leaning on their large, cruel longswords. 'Sir Colbers, inside.' The giant of a man grunted, nodding, and as soon as he was inside, he had bowed deeply. She inspected him. He was, truly, a big man. Heavily muscled, his plate armor shone. His eyes were gray, unflinching, intimidating, but respectful. A bone showed on his jaw, sharp cheekbones and a heavy brow, a nose large and hooked. 'Sir Colbers. Have you heard Lord Commander Achamith had been unmounted in a tourney?' The huge man looked up. 'M'lady, 'Tis the one he was crippled in?' She merely nodded. 'A cripple cannot be a Crowcape, it is in your codex. Achamith was handsomely rewarded and has now a land with his own peasants to live in. From now on, you are Lord Commander.' He kneeled, and murmured an oath of fealty and service, to death and beyond. This one was impressive. He kept his oath till the end, it was known. He was unbuyable, and she valued him. 'Find a room for the envoy from Therral. Bring Gabriel Zollern and Lord Aelfryd in our audience chamber.' He once more bowed, and left the room, now proud and respectful, his cape swaying behind with a giant crow crudely painted on it.

Two men came in, and nodded, saying courtesies and bowing. She did, too. The room was a square one, with narrow windows. She sat down on a triangular, oaken table.

'My lords, it is time we finally discuss the perspectives and advantages of our situation. Overlord Balthazar is dead, and the current Overlord is still a child. He cannot bear the weight of the crown, and rumors even say his caretaker smacks him without any reason. To protect our lands, it is my idea to ally with House Wolff and House Cole. Now, you may speak your opinions and suggestions, gentlemen.' She struck the most pretty smile she had, and oh, it is a very pretty smile. "Hold on, my lady," Aelfryd started. He was a man in his 50s, something most people do not live past. He was dressed in a long, velvet garb, with a royal blue overcoat, tied by gold trimming over a silk shirt. He wore baggy pants, for the weather was harsh, and pointed black leather boots. A poofed-up cap adorned his head. He sat with his legs crossed, and though he were old, he spoke quite precisely, and without hesitation. "You say Rone's weakness is a problem? We have seen nothing but benefit from his lack of sense. When Balthazar was in power, we needed to cower before him, for fear that he would act in away to expand his authority. As it is now, our lordship has the ability to mint its own currency, maintain an unlimited standing army, war with whom we please, or for whatever reason, make what treaties we will, and act as the sovereigns we are! Long may he live, as I am concerned."

"And with regards to the aforementioned alliances," he continued, "I agree with allying ourselves to House Cole, for their naval protection would be much enjoyed, but to House Wolff? Their domain is vast, and they have many potential enemies.And aside from that, my closest relations are married to the heirs of their vassals Houses, and we would have everything to gain by opposing them."

"You mean you would have everything to gain," chimed Gabriel. He was a man who carved an impressive figure: he stood nearly six feet tall, and had the broad shoulders and thick upper body of a sculpture. His skin was very pale, and his eyes were sunken, but he had a very strong, sharp jaw, and curly black hair, which made him darkly handsome to some women. He was still wearing the armour of the the road, though he were unarmed. "I mean no insult, but you can't say that and think we'll go along with it. As is stands, your grandsons will inherit three houses, but we all know you've tried, and failed, to marry well into House Wolff. Hostile relations on our part could only further your own goals of holding land in Attolia."

Gabriel turned to you. "My lady, I think an alliance with House Wolff would be most wise. Their military strength at land will help us guard our borders, and their strength at sea, combined with that of Lord Cole's, will help keep the coastline trade alive and prosperous."

"Prosperous for them!" cried Aelfryd. "You think me such a schemer! I should take that for the insult it is. House Wolff has a great deal of indefensible land, most of it along the coastline. If we were to secure an alliance with House Cole and his vassals, then House Wolff's position would be mightily weakened. As is stands, we have both his vassals against him through bonds of marriage by my House. If we were to secure assurances from other Houses not to intervene, their conquest would be a jaunt in the gardens!" She frowned deeply with Lord Aelfryd's outbursts. It was evident now that while securing solid power amongst vassals of several great houses, he was narrowminded, and hellbent on achieving ill for House Wolff. She had, overall, sided with Gabriel on this matter. She needed allies, Cole, Behringer, and Wolff. "Hold on, my lord." She repeated Aelfryd's words, giving a gentle chuckle, before continuing. "Have I ever spoke Rone's weakness is a problem? I do not recall, but anyhow, I wish trust and cooperation with our neighbors, we do not need a war on our hands, and lands, if it turns awry. You have reasoning in your plans, and nor do I have love for House Trisch, it is truly an opportunity. But I side with Gabriel, Attolia is to be our ally. However, I am going to speak with you after this, Lord Aelfryd."

She looked outside the door to a Crowcape. "Sir Rochamail, bring the Behringer envoy, please." The crowcape nodded, leaving the hallway, and soon coming back with the courtier. "This is the one you've heard about. You may speak of the alliance now, Flooby." The courtier stumbled in alongside the crowcape. It is obvious by his clumsy movements, red nose, and glazed, droopy eyes, that he is already intoxicated to some degree.

"The most beautious Lady Olga," he reached out and kissed her hand, then bowed deeply. "I've heard so much of you. It is wonderful to finally meet you in person," he said, with a speech that made his drunkeness all the more obvious, "As you've no doubt heard tell, I have come on behalf of my patron, the right honourable Lord Solterra Behringer. His will be that your House and his join in an alliance, alongside that of House Cole. It is his belief that the west of Lundland be unified in its interests, that our defences both at sea and on land be secure, and peace reign in our lands. His terms are that each of our Houses pledges to aid one another in any just conflict for the defence of our lands. He also proposes that no aggressive action be taken between any member of our Houses toward each other, or our interests."

For a drunk man, he seems more than able to express himself and his wishes.

"What shall I tell my Lord, your graciousness?" he continues. "I hope you shant be offended when I say that I mean to return home with your reply with all due haste. I mean, you've a lovely place here, but the people below you are so dull. At least those servants out there. Not a one laughed at my jests!" She let the drunk fool kiss her hand, it was something vital in diplomatic relations, she couldn't express amusement at his incompetence, nor anything of sort. She had to smile, nod, and then think and formulate on what he has said. She couldn't proccess it right there, right in the open, to move her country's destiny. "I am thankful for your offer, but first, let me discuss it with Lord Aelfryd of Dunsch-Taxi, and Gabriel of House Zollern. Such an offer can't have a hasty reply, you understand." She nodded, and the crowcape escorted the fool from the room.

She looked towards the other two men. "Speak of what you think, my lords." Lord Gabriel chuckled to himself. "What Solterra lacks in judgement of character, he seems to make up for in judgement of politics. A unification of western interests could only be to our benefit. I see no reason to align ourselves against House Behringer, anyway. As a matter of fact, it could be to our benefit. If we could offer some sort of mutual protection to our trade interests, like creating a joint fleet to protect the western coastal trade, all the merchant's money would flow into our coffers, instead of the pockets of pirates and raiders."

Lord Aelfryd scoffed. "A joint fleet? You must be joking," he says. "I agree with you partially: allying ourselves to House Behringer could only be to our benefit, but to place trust with a man who sends a fool to discuss diplomacy is folly. Let us ally ourselves to them in word only. There shall be no material promises between us." She had to agree with both. "Once more, I remind you, Lord Aelfryd, of our talk after this, however, in this particular council, I side with Lord Gabriel. Trade and protection shall be the virtue of the west. The council is over, however, I ask Lord Aelfryd to stay for a bit, Good tidings, Lord Gabriel Zollern." As the man nodded and left, she looked over to Aelfryd, and spoke.

After her talk with Lord Aelfryd, she sighed, withdrawing to her chambers. She summoned Sir Colbers. "I have found a man for the empty slot in the Crowcape guard." He looked up, his eyes inquisitive. "The recently knighted Sir Petrock, who has led a dozen peasants armed with hatchets and destroyed a highwaymen's lair, he has proven immense valor." The giant of a man looked outside the window, his face cold, stoic. "Aye, he seems a good choice."