ShadowSunRisen

Kingmakers: The Throne Alone (A Medieval Fantasy Succession Crisis)

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The carriage ride is uneventful but notable for the tension hanging over in the air. Egil travelled light, with only a few retainers of persons trusted deeply and known to be loyal. A gloomy overcast hung over much of the carriage ride, along with a grim quiet that made everyone appear stone faced, gray. and mute.

Marya, one of the last shield sisters from Illemania would tap the resting Egil on his shoulder.

“We’re approaching now, milord. Look sharp.”

Egil’s party had arrived later than most in a carriage with a lousy left wheel and tatters and scars on the right side from weather. The shabby and furred mule like horses of the Mistlands were scoffed at by their higher bred southern cousins.

“Are you prepared for this? It has been some time since Engelhardt visited here.”

“You mustn't speak to me that way. Not anymore. After today, I am a ruler and no longer a child.” Egil scoffed as he stood from the wagon, landing on his feet on the dry ground below.

“Do not forget your humility in power, my knyaz.” Marya smiled, glad to see the boy’s fighting spirit.

“And do not forget I have read all the books your whimsical proverbs come from.” Egil cocked a grin back at his lifetime companion. After this he would walk to the front of the wagon and made sure his gathered party could see and hear him about to speak.

“I will go the rest of the way with a small guard. The rest may stay and set up camp. The ceremony will go on for some time. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s haste however.”

“Why’s that sir?” A man spoke up. “Fraid somethin gonna happen?”

Egil felt a rage at the tone of the question. Still now his men looked at him but he was a mere child. They would’ve never acted like this to his father. Though that comparison brought with it a maelstrom of sorrow as well. Weight of expectations as Egil struggled to see himself as half the man his father was. He dare not voice such bottled up aggression. Marya looked intently at the lord, with eyes like that of a hawk. Be calm.

“No. Of course not. I just want to put miserable louts like you to work, now go on then.” Egil waved and dismissed the gathered men. Unceremoniously they’d turn to their given task and return to the baggage train for supplies.

Not the best encounter. Need to be better. Can’t have men second guess my judgement so openly. Maybe a punishment is necessary.

______________________________________________________________

These thoughts weighed on Egil’s mind as he moved on with his entourage of Marya and two other armored warriors through the castle gates. Servants and envoys would come to receive his gifts for the deceased’s family. Several hundred bags of coins and furs from a great gray wolf. The gold was pitiful compared to other donations and many didn’t understand the significance of the wolf hide, putting it along with the other miscellaneous junk.

Egil braced himself outside the cathedral doors, a sudden melancholia gripping his heart. He’d stare upward at the graceful marble statues hanging overhead. With wings outstretched and sword held high, they looked too serene and beautiful for the gloom that staggered him.

“Something wrong?” Simon, the foreign steward asked in a polite tone. Egil had been standing motionless for several moments.

“There was no fanfare such as this here, for my family. My family gave everything for the old crown. When they were hunted and killed like dogs…they were not remembered by the crown. The very same held by that madman who killed them.”

“Sire. This isn’t the time and place for this. You must collect yourself.” Simon insisted. “This is not their day. The Crown Prince’s death has had serious ripples across the entire kingdom and the situation is tense.” The servant feared for his master’s reputation with such outbursts.

“And mine did not? They were not important in the scheme of things?” Egil spat.

“Egil. This is not the way.” Marya again stepped in, standing in front of the boy and towering over him in her plate armor. “You want to go in there and demand justice? With the situation as it is? Do not be foolish. Such recklessness will get you killed in these times. Contain yourself, and preserve for the next battle. There will come a time, young knyaz.” A firm steel gauntlet clasped the lord’s shoulder as Marya straightened him out.

Resentment built up in Egil for a moment, but came to pass. Marya’s words carried too much truth, but he would push his loyal maiden aside.

“I will go in alone. Wait here outside.”

Thinking deeply about the previous exchange and letting the doors close behind him, Egil stepped into the gathered crowd He would blend in wordlessly in the back of the group with no fanfare and a solemn look on his face. Other than some glances, the other lords paid him little mind as they focused on the ceremony. The claimants would give their speeches. Egil noted that Anyamara’s speech was full of passion and bravado, and genuine grief. It made Egil respect her much more, though it was undeniable there was a certain aura of malice in her actions. Something he could only detect since often he felt such malice too. A promising young woman but the tyranny of the mad king was not forgotten, least of all by the knyaz. Egil preferred a weaker king to rule. It would be a good remedy after the previous tyranny and inviting yet another person with Colyt’s blood seemed disastrous no matter what honeyed words she said.

Sharles seemed like the weak king to be. His speech had a tough act to follow up and to say he surpassed his rival would be a lie. Egil would politely offer his applause among the crowd, for political concerns than anything else. His gentle calm tone was reliving from Anyamara’s passion, though his strengths were mostly what he was not instead of any positive accomplishments. In these times perhaps that would be good enough.

After the funeral, Egil would gather up with other Sharles supporters. He’d peer over the stone casket at least once, staring over the beautiful effigy of the fallen prince proudly posed with his sword in hands. His avatar to represent the crown prince for rest of eternity.

There too will be a stone casket for you, some day. As one for your father, as for Daymian, as for you too.

The cold hand of mortality crept over his back. A panic that if he did not accomplish his goals, himself and his ancestors would be doomed to obliteration. Egil quickly turned and faced away from the casket, feeling a strong need for a hard drink. Hopefully discussion with the other lords would ease his mind, but that came with troubles all of its own.

too long didn't read lol

Egil Engelhardt arrives with his companions and inadequate gifts, questions on his authority and many grudges against the crown to bear. He likes Anyamara's talents and speech but fears her passion and blood will lead to another tyranny, keeping him on Sharles's side. He joins Sharles supporters to discuss. He has a brush with mortality and the beer served here probably stinks.

Kingmakers: The Throne Alone (A Medieval Fantasy Succession Crisis)

@ShadowSunRisen In the name of the Twin Gods and by judgement of the House of Loyce, the Archdukedom of the Mistlands is bestowed upon the Great House of Engelhardt, Counts of Nassau and Lords of Okenovo! May you rule with justice and serve with loyalty.

(Only two things that need to be changed is their recent adoption of the Adandion language and their neutrality. All great houses known Adandion for purposes of pure practicality and have since they were given their titles a few centuries ago, just like how French or Latin was the language of diplomacy for most of Europe regardless of where a king or noble came from. Although there is a solution that only recently there's been a push for Adandion Language in the wider populace of the Mistlands, especially in the more remote places. The second is a lot more minor but there is an expectation that a Great House is going to declare support for someone. You can keep it neutral if you really want, the main point of it is so that OOC starting out there's less hemming and hawing about whose on whose side.)

Also, everyone whose posted ahead of you also have been previously discussed, the second review here is since that the sheets were made before I had everything properly laid out so its here to catch things that might have otherwise slipped as well as generally taking another look.

@ClocktowerEchos

Sure, I'll get on those changes after I eat dinner. Thanks for the acceptance.

Kingmakers: The Throne Alone (A Medieval Fantasy Succession Crisis)

@ShadowSunRisen You didn't read the rules did you?

@ClocktowerEchos

well whoops, thought my place was already reserved there since we discussed it previously and there was a mention in the text above. Oh well.

Egil Engelhardt the Archduke of Mistland

Titles: Archduke of Mistland, Knyaz of the Illemani
Character Description: Long black hair that runs down his neck, wild and unkempt resembling the wildmen he lords over. Cold blue eyes like frozen water. A younger man only in his mid twenties. His usual outfit is a furred wool cape that covers much of his back. Prim and professional black coat that is held by a belt at his waist. He likes the colors of black and red, with a rich rose like red making up the interior of his cape. He likes a dignified but wild look, like a wolf dressed for court. Proud of his youthful handsome looks though rugged by some contemporary standards.



Claimant Support: Has professed support for Sharles but has his own personal beliefs he keeps to himself.

Personal Ambitions: Securing his bloodline and position through expansionism and alliance through marriage. A firm belief that power is all, and more must be acquired to protect what he loves. He is very aware how easily one’s position can be destroyed and how weak his own is. Conquer or die.

Aptitudes: Can be charming and extremely personable. Extensive contacts in both the noble and criminal worlds to get favors and more underhanded endeavors done. A very skilled administrator who revamped his county after the tyranny ended and known widely for his intellect. Can play many social roles from a peasant populist to a noble lord at a fine dinner. High emotional intelligence and very book smart. Adores military history and has good tactical aptitude if however inexperienced. He is very capable of dark deeds if it must come to that, though was not born cruel hearted.

Vulnerabilities: Suffers from seizures which can cripple him for some time. Nearly died several times from illness during childhood, leaving him frail. Although martially trained, will never be a full and capable warrior due to his ailments. Could sometimes be called out on this and seen as a weakling rather than a leader. Suffered tremendously with the death of both of his parents and had to learn to rule at a young age. Egil has many personal scars that could be pried at for further weakness and cause him great stress. Deep personal insecurities can lead to wrathful or anxious behavior and struggles occasionally with alcoholism. Young and although shrewd, inexperienced compared to older house members.

Additional Info: Deeply attached to his deceased mother and carries her amulet (cross or whatever equivalent Twin Faiths religious symbol) on his neck whenever possible. Deeply loyal to his surviving sisters which are a source of both strength and weakness.

House Engelhardt and the Mistland Domain

House Crest:



The motto means All in One, One in All

Reputation: Many would speak about how much of the family was decimated by the mad king’s terror. Egil is the last living male heir to his father’s prestigious line. House Engelhardtare also much less interested in usual noble customs and are derided as ‘peasant upstarts’ or ‘barbarians’ by older and more prestigious families. Many tales of their uncouth social behaviors are recounted often, though today they are firmly in the past as the House has advanced significantly. One of the oldest lines in Mistland, originating when it was forcibly incorporated into the wider Kingdom. Their lineage from the old warrior pagan hero Mokosh who famously resisted subjugation for some time before an inevitable defeat. Although noble in blood from their own heroes and marriages with other great houses in the past, they have always struggled to be accepted across the wider realm due to cultural differences. Although the nobility speak the Adadonian tongue for ages now and it is not yet the majority language in the Mistlands. There has been a push in recent decades to spread the language down to the peasantry which has caused some internal strife.

Domain Info: Has his court capital in Okenovo, in the County of Nassau. The mistlands region is home to arid tundra land that is notoriously difficult to farm on. Small scale farming, timber, iron, stone and furs are its biggest exports and influence much of the jobs and communities around. It is one of the smaller and poorest regions in the Kingdom with a very low standard of living. Commonly called a tough land for tough people. Was one of the last countries to be feudalized and still has some old pagan folk traditions in isolated pockets that are frowned upon by the Twin Faiths. Older titles such as Knyaz are widely used instead of lord, to the ire of some. Largest settlement is Okunevo, featuring an old warrior hall and turnip farms. Very unique cultural background that is a mix of the nomadic northern warlords, native Slavic inspired culture and intermingling with the wider Adonian cultural mix. Majority are a people called Illeman or Illemani plural who were conquered and brought into the faith of the twins long ago. Have their own language that is only heard often in the Mistlands only.
(For rough real world comparison. Russia. Think steppe nomads, and viking influenced slavic cultures. Frontier tundra land with a single large river. Lots of bears.)

Summary: Weak wolf king of a poor and desolate land in a bad position. A land with its own culture and language that is not widely accepted Must accumulate power for itself through diplomacy and potentially warfare to make the best of their desolate position.

Kingmakers: The Throne Alone (A Medieval Fantasy Succession Crisis)

Upped my character sheet finally. Picture hunting took forever.

Kingmakers: The Throne Alone (A Medieval Fantasy Succession Crisis)

Egil Engelhardt the Archduke of Mistland

Titles: Archduke of Mistland, Knyaz of the Illemani
Character Description: Long black hair that runs down his neck, wild and unkempt resembling the wildmen he lords over. Cold blue eyes like frozen water. A younger man only in his mid twenties. His usual outfit is a furred wool cape that covers much of his back. Prim and professional black coat that is held by a belt at his waist. He likes the colors of black and red, with a rich rose like red making up the interior of his cape. He likes a dignified but wild look, like a wolf dressed for court. Proud of his youthful handsome looks though rugged by some contemporary standards.



Claimant Support: Has professed support for Sharles but has his own personal beliefs he keeps to himself.

Personal Ambitions: Securing his bloodline and position through expansionism and alliance through marriage. A firm belief that power is all, and more must be acquired to protect what he loves. He is very aware how easily one’s position can be destroyed and how weak his own is. Conquer or die.

Aptitudes: Can be charming and extremely personable. Extensive contacts in both the noble and criminal worlds to get favors and more underhanded endeavors done. A very skilled administrator who revamped his county after the tyranny ended and known widely for his intellect. Can play many social roles from a peasant populist to a noble lord at a fine dinner. High emotional intelligence and very book smart. Adores military history and has good tactical aptitude if however inexperienced. He is very capable of dark deeds if it must come to that, though was not born cruel hearted.

Vulnerabilities: Suffers from seizures which can cripple him for some time. Nearly died several times from illness during childhood, leaving him frail. Although martially trained, will never be a full and capable warrior due to his ailments. Could sometimes be called out on this and seen as a weakling rather than a leader. Suffered tremendously with the death of both of his parents and had to learn to rule at a young age. Egil has many personal scars that could be pried at for further weakness and cause him great stress. Deep personal insecurities can lead to wrathful or anxious behavior and struggles occasionally with alcoholism. Young and although shrewd, inexperienced compared to older house members.

Additional Info: Deeply attached to his deceased mother and carries her amulet (cross or whatever equivalent Twin Faiths religious symbol) on his neck whenever possible. Deeply loyal to his surviving sisters which are a source of both strength and weakness.

House Engelhardt and the Mistland Domain

House Crest:



The motto means All in One, One in All

Reputation: Many would speak about how much of the family was decimated by the mad king’s terror. Egil is the last living male heir to his father’s prestigious line. House Engelhardtare also much less interested in usual noble customs and are derided as ‘peasant upstarts’ or ‘barbarians’ by older and more prestigious families. Many tales of their uncouth social behaviors are recounted often, though today they are firmly in the past as the House has advanced significantly. One of the oldest lines in Mistland, originating when it was forcibly incorporated into the wider Kingdom. Their lineage from the old warrior pagan hero Mokosh who famously resisted subjugation for some time before an inevitable defeat. Although noble in blood from their own heroes and marriages with other great houses in the past, they have always struggled to be accepted across the wider realm due to cultural differences. Although the nobility have spoken the Adadonian tongue for ages now, it is not yet the majority language in the Mistlands. There has been a push in recent decades to spread the language down to the peasantry which has caused some internal strife.

Domain Info: Has his court capital in Okenovo, in the County of Nassau. The mistlands region is home to arid tundra land that is notoriously difficult to farm on. Small scale farming, timber, iron, stone and furs are its biggest exports and influence much of the jobs and communities around. It is one of the smaller and poorest regions in the Kingdom with a very low standard of living. Commonly called a tough land for tough people. Was one of the last countries to be feudalized and still has some old pagan folk traditions in isolated pockets that are frowned upon by the Twin Faiths. Older titles such as Knyaz are widely used instead of lord, to the ire of some. Largest settlement is Okunevo, featuring an old warrior hall and turnip farms. Very unique cultural background that is a mix of the nomadic northern warlords, native Slavic inspired culture and intermingling with the wider Adonian cultural mix. Majority are a people called Illeman or Illemani plural who were conquered and brought into the faith of the twins long ago. Have their own language that is only heard often in the Mistlands only.
(For rough real world comparison. Russia. Think steppe nomads, and viking influenced slavic cultures. Frontier tundra land with a single large river. Lots of bears.)

Summary: Weak wolf king of a poor and desolate land in a bad position. A land with its own culture and language that is not widely accepted Must accumulate power for itself through diplomacy and potentially warfare to make the best of their desolate position.

Kingmakers - The Throne Alone (GoT/ASOIF-like) (Noble Politics)

Sure. Salt to your taste on my ideas to suit your own plans. I don't mind it only being a 'curse' on the bloodline itself which is a superstition either way. I like the King in the Mist concept, maybe an ancient holdover from a bygone era that one could claim the mantle of for prestige.

Also of course he wouldn't have a vast criminal empire or anything, just contacts enough to give him some tools to make moves if needed. I'm fine with a few packs of brigands and it might even just be some flavoring to suit his personality. Maybe not even criminals now that I think about it, just pockets of like 'forest brotherhoods' that made small enclaves to shield themselves from the Mad King's tyranny and they operate as bandits and rogues.

Would you want a character sheet?

Kingmakers - The Throne Alone (GoT/ASOIF-like) (Noble Politics)

@ShadowSunRisen Ideally they would be an Archduke since the Mistland still lacks one. The North overall isn't that wealthy and most of your family could have gotten the axe from the Mad King leaving only the prince behind so right there is the hard times and falling from grace. Still if you really want to pull a Littlefinger go ahead.

I would say try not to go too magical with the supernatural or at least have an OOC explanation of what's really going on (like how the "dragons" in the Dragon's Graveyard are actually dinosaur bones).

An idea I just had before posting this is that it could be the Mistland right now has no Archduke actually, the Great House having had the gall to try and say no only to get killed by the Mad King for it. The first step to power for your character could be trying to become Archduke of the Mistland.

@ClocktowerEchos

I like the angle of most of the family torn apart by the mad king and no one daring to claim the mantle of Mistland. There could be a ton of curse superstition about the title which would give anyone holding it a mysterious aura. A cursed prince who uses that legend to his advantage to intimidate others is fun. I'd like to be a count in Mistland conspiring for the archduchy then.

I was also thinking of having my character be a sort of thief lord. Isn't shy about using brigands and has extensive connections in the underworld. Obviously, it's more of an open secret thing and he'd deny any associations he has with criminal guilds. Has the situation in the kingdom fallen enough for that to be appropriate? Would definitely make shady dealings easier.

Kingmakers - The Throne Alone (GoT/ASOIF-like) (Noble Politics)

I'm pretty interested in this setting. I have a prince character in mind I have been meaning to use. Just wondering where I might fit into this rp. I'd like to be a count/duke rank noble that's unassuming at first but can make some big schemes to make the bid for the throne. Ideally from a family that's been on hard times and has fallen from grace.

I think the best fit for that from the map is the Mistlands? If that's been taken or not. Makes me want to do some supernatural themes though.

Best of luck to the OP.

Tower of Fable

Riku had gotten a rough sleep. She twist and turned constantly in a measly 5 hour nap that left her groggy and exhausted when her eyes peeled open at the end. A sleep without any sleep, more befitting the deaths that she had suffered through in her past. The princess made her way out to the center of the camp once getting her early bathing and grooming done. She'd kill for a proper bath, doubting this lousy floor had such luxuries. Now changed out of her usual adventurer gear, instead wearing a casual professional look

Thomas and Runa got her attention immediately and she'd head to them straight away. That whole business with Nephy felt like a dream, but seeing how Thomas glared at Runa told her that last night was very real. Akiko too was there with Kanbaru, it seemed Runa and her were friendly. Katie had warned her about that one. Though on the surface, Akiko seemed charming. Kanbaru was threatening and as scary as ever and the princess was sure to keep her distance.

"Okay, everyone. Chill out." Riku naturally took to the role of peacekeeper. "I think we all made some mistakes but we got out with no issues. And Thomas learned something about himself. I'd call that a success!"

Although she didn't fully believe her words, she expressed belief and wanted to help put any bitter feelings aside between Runa and Thomas. Maybe deep down she'd admit she was motivated by her own guilt in the situation as well.

Tower of Fable

Ami, Katie and Nephy

The Black Knight wanders, no, that's not quite right. She has direction, she knows where she's going, she doesn't know what that where is. The scent leads to that where, but there's no way to know her final destination until she reaches the end of her trail. But she knows what's at her final destination at least, her wayward friend wandering away from the group once more. Most likely to protect the whelps who wandered away before. So in the end Katie wasn't really wandering either, but it was still up in the air if Thomas and Riku were. It was rather out of character for someone so blunt and straightforwards as Ami to let her thoughts wander even while she wasn't, but there wasn't much else to put her mind on in such a drab place like this cave. Better to muse on the meaningless rather than think about the eyes on the back of her neck, always watching, always waiting for-

"Hey! Katie! There you are!" Ami calls as she picks up her pace and bounds towards her partner, right up until she suddenly stops and narrows her eyes. "Why do I smell wet dog?" Mana gathers in a clenched fist as she prepares to summon her sword, the outline of her body painted over by black flame as armor half manifested covers her form. It's not quite full combat mode, but it's just one stray thought from becoming that way.

By the time Ami met back with Katie, Riku, Thomas, and their newfound demon guide had gone on ahead to make it back to camp. At her insistence, Katie let them go on, both too annoyed at the reaper and boy for their mindless foolery and to keep her thoughts to herself. It was obvious Runa encouraged this kind of behavior, worrying as it was, and she couldn't help but think back to the rat's words last night about her. It was awfully convienent, though she doubted either creature was truly honest. She was left to finger Rafiq's watch in her pocket when a familiar voice roused her from her thoughts.

"Hmm? Oh, Ami," she said in ususal deadpan, her mood improving from the irritation felt with Riku and Thomas. "Because I just got rid of one. It's a long story," she told the Black Knight, doing nothing to stop Ami from powering down. When she'd realize there was no danger around herself she'd do so eventually.

The blonde shakes her head in the negative, her restless energy remaining as she looks around for the source of the smell. "No, the smell of dead dog is very different from the smell of wet dog. It's less musky, more stale and red. Yeah, it smells more red." It would only make sense to her, but the logic would lead to the correct answer as her eyes blindly scan through the darkest depths of the Abyss.

"So what did the weaklings get themselves into? The wet dog, or something else?" Probably a bit of both, those munchkins didn't seem like they had the greatest sense of self preservation even in the best of times. Neither did Ami, but she could back up that stupidity at least.

Katie wasn't quite sure of the difference between the two smells, something that only made sense in Ami's head. She wasn't sure what the "wet dog" was supposed to be, unless she meant Riku. She wondered if it was worth pointing out the rudeness in that before letting it slide without notion. "They had a run in with the dead dog. While ordinarily that would be cause for concern with extreme frustration, I don't think they would have gone without someone pushing them." Someone like their horned guide, though Katie had a feeling Ami was mistrusting of the blunette demon anyway. Ami was mistrusting of next to everyone.

"Either way, they're not dead. One of them's gotten the Eyes....ah, I'm not sure you know about that. Your sensei may have mentioned it once or twice, but nevermind that."

"Wet dog. Not dead." She wasn't even sure why she corrected Katie as she said it, but the distinction was important, too important. In any case,the wet dog was still here so Ami didn't feel the need to say too much else until she had found their hanger on. "I know sensei has the Silver Eyes. They can create pretty much anything, one time I saw him make a black hole. And I think there were some other kinds too, but I forgot about those ones..." Ami can't help but crack a smile as she unwittingly relaxes her muscles, her energy dying down bit by bit as she finds herself drawn into thoughts of her sensei...

"THERE." The black pooling in her hand rushes out as she whips her arm to the side and throws a wave of black fire seemingly at random, but she knows that's where the wet dog is, it has to be there! It's not an exact point, but the general direction is close enough that she could force it into the open, she's sick and god damn tired of these eyes on the back of her neck!

Jumping down from above landed the silhouette of a tall, feral wolf. Only when she approached through the darkness and light touched her faded blue eyes were the wolf’s more human features able to be seen. Nephetos had stalked Katie since she had left Runa behind. The other girl was unimportant to her for the moment, but Katie’s interest in her piqued the wolf’s as well. She had made no attempt to hide her presence, enjoying the ability to watch others whenever she wanted to. The wolf gave one the feeling she could be anywhere at once.

“You got me.” Nephy flashed a small smile, putting her hands up at the pointing Ami with an amused face. She’d reach down to flash her katana at her belt instead. “Watch yourself though blonde, I am no dog. Speaking of no good animals, Katie, we should talk about Runa. Tell your little friend to take a walk.”

Nephy would step in front of Ami and ghost her, appearing directly over Katie to speak non verbally that she was more important than any other goings on.

“I am sure you understand why this is so important, raven.”

A weaker person would have flinched from Ami firing off a nearly full powered swing of obsidian flames at the Abyss' endless ceiling, the sound of distant things falling to the earth heard with a boom and a crash. Instead Katie turned to Ami with a deadpan look and said, "Maybe warn me next time." Only the brief twitch of her eye betrayed her annoyance, something the demon would pick up on. But between the demon and the wolf, she wasn't sure which one was more troublesome, Nephy landing next to the two girls as if casually dropping in for a chat. "What do you want Nephetos."

Katie's demeanor was different for once, as far as her interactions with Nephy went. Instead of her hand reaching for Pendragon on instinct, her arms simply crossed over her chest, annoyed but relaxed. It was probably because neither Riku nor Thomas were around for once. That said, Katie's frown deepened as Nephy went on, shaking her head. "I'm afraid that's not happening. If you have something to say to me, you can say it in front of her. That, and I doubt she'll leave even if you yelled at her to anyway." She could almost predict the fist fight to break out between the two.

"No, I missed. If I got you, you would be missing at least one limb and you'd be howling for your miserable life." Nascent energy manifests as reality around Ami, the effervescent flame dancing about her body caught and formed into armor and blade. A blade pointed right at Nephy's heart as she reaches for her katana. "Hands off the toothpick wet dog. A proper knight might feel bad about cutting down a shit covered hound in the streets, but I'm most certainly not a proper knight."

Nephy takes a step and Ami doesn't hesitate in the slightest to push forwards and stab at the wolf's heart, not even missing a beat as she vanishes from where she was and reappears over Katie. Her nostrils flare as she feels for the scent of the wet dog, it's behind her and near Katie, this is the only thing stopping her from blasting Nephy with an apocalypse worthy amount of fire and brimstone. "Katie, whatever she has to say isn't worth jackshit, I can tell already. Now back off of her so I can cut her neck open and tie her worthless tongue around her god damn throat."

Nephy had some words for Katie but they are quickly thrown aside as Ami made her move. That sword plunge for the wolf’s heart struck deeply through the wolf’s chest. Her blade strikes true and cuts through the undead vessel Nephetos inhabited. The wolf watched herself be impaled with amusement, stopping in her tracks and keeping still. Black blood would flow onto Ami’s weapon, grisly and reminiscent of oil.

“Nice form. Interesting strength you have there, but there’s nothing for your blade to pierce, hothead.”

A loud clang of steel can be heard as Ami’s blade is knocked back by the guard of Nekuromata, dislodging it from her chest and getting some distance between the pair. The wolf gave Ami her attention now, sharp fangs glowed in the heavy shadows of the cavern.

“So this is the sort of company you keep, raven. A loud mouth who stabs first and asks questions later. How interesting.”

Nephy then let out a low giggle, like a hyena laugh. Her katana was now held in both hands as she took a ready stance against Ami.

“You must keep her around for entertainment! Or maybe you are babysitting this one as well? How sweet of you, but the child should really be put to bed now. Unless you really insist on a fight.”

Nephy was warmed up after dueling with Thomas, adrenaline still fresh in her hollowed veins.

It was doubtful an undead and a demon would get along, something Katie witnessed firsthand. No sooner did one try to talk did another get in the way with interjection until soon enough the two were glaring each other down. "I pick up all sorts of strange people. You included," was Katie's remark on the type of company she kept. Still, they weren't here to cause yet another fight as far as Katie was concerned. "I'd like to hear what she has to say Ami," she told the demon, finding a rock to lay back against as wolf and demon leered each other down, the negative tension in the air dense enough for Katie to cut through. Frankly, she was confident the two could hold a conversation while they fought anyway.

"If it involves Runa, I'm interested so try not to burn her tongue off," she told the blonde before switching her words to Nephy now. "And you. What's this about Runa now? Are you confirming Thomas' suspicions you two are working together?" Fresh thoughts of mistrust arose towards the bluenette.

Her strike rings true, but it is as hollow as the wolf nonetheless. The Black Knight bares her fangs and snarls at the dead man walking, pulling back at the same time as Nephy until they are perfectly spaced apart for their next clash. "I don't ask questions about corpses, I know everything I need to know. And the only one getting put to bed is you, a permanent dirt nap." Ami smiles as she raises her elbows up and points her sword down towards the ground, keeping her arms close to her body and her guard ready for any sudden attacks.

"No promises Katie. She's pissing me off." That's all that needed to be said on that matter. Black flame roars to life along her sword, she steps forwards and swings up at Nephy's temple, a clean vertical bissection should the attack land. There would be no more room for error on Ami's part, if a direct stab to the heart wouldn't kill the wolf then she would just keep cutting her apart until she died.

Seeing Katie decide to sit this one out instead of putting a stop to the incoming fight, Nephy showed a bit of the black blade of Nekuromata to her prospective opponent. She’d take a lick of its surface, imbuing the power and spirit within it into herself…so the challenge was on. The strike to her temple would come fast and hard as Ami showed she was not to be messed with. The hilt of Nekuromata would come up to stop the blade with a jutting motion akin to a spear's thrust. Quick reflexes honed by decades of combat gave her an edge in facing down those direct attacks. Still the power she felt from those blows caught her attention, and she knew she could not keep playing defensively.

The black flames intrigued her. Ami wasn’t such a weakling to command a power such as that, but did she know how to use it?

“You likewise annoy me, like a wasp. Perhaps that is what I will call you. An annoying buzzing wasp.”

With a bold stride forward Nephy charged ahead and opened her katana up to unleash a flurry of blows upon Ami. She’d test her guard with slash after slash of her magical katana to break her resolve. Purple energy trailed off her body as the wolf powered up, ending the series of blows with a powerful shockwave slam that would blast apart the cavern wall behind Ami with surprising and controlled fury.

Once Ami was properly accommodated for with a healthy dose of slashes and cuts, the wolf relented and returned Nekuromata to her sheath with a click. She’d turn a head to Katie, her face stern and stoic.

“Enough foolishness now. Runa might take advantage of us all if you keep it up. I shall not just give up her trust willingly. You must promise not to alert the larger group of this. And to keep your idiot friend shut up about it.” Nephy warned, not wanting to jeopardize her own plans here.

"Everyone pisses you off, Ami," Katie deadpanned.

She watched on, knowing it was some time since Ami got into a fight anyway; it served its double purpose well, letting the demon vent and earning her approval from the wolf just by the rite of combat alone. Still, she doubted the battle would end that easily and almost expected Ami to lob another glob of blackened fire at the undead. Until then, she'd latch onto what little information she could, raising an eye as Nephy made her case. "What do you mean take advantage of us? If you trust her why are you expressing your doubt to me of all people?" She tilted her head curiously, matching her voice. "Depending on why you want us to keep all of this hush hush will determine if I alert the others or not. Frankly I can't let you and Runa cause trouble but I'm also privy to not letting those others get in the way too. What do you know that we don't?"

Her attack is blocked, but the block is shaky, it wouldn't hold up if Ami struck again with that kind of power. They both knew this, thus it was no surprise that Nephy took the offense to defend herself from more of those bone shattering blows. Despite the deadly intent lurking behind the wolf's eyes, Ami can't help but smile as she blocks each and every blow thrown at her body. Black tendrils of flame spring forth from her blade with every clash, licking at Nephy even as the knight stays firmly rooted in place and weathers the storm.

Her eyebrow quirks upwards a fraction of an inch as the purple energy surrounding the katana intensifies, her instinctual reaction is to swing her own broadsword at the blade and redirect all that momentum up at the air before it could reach Ami's own body. Her gauntlets ring as the force rattles the metal of her armor, the air shakes and another portion of the ceiling is destroyed, stones and dust falling down onto the duo like rain from the stormy sky.

They're pushed apart once more by the combined force of their attacks, just as Nephy sheathes her blade, Ami too dissolves her sword and crosses her arms over her chest. "Hmph, what a bitch. Just when the fight was getting good too, you fucking loser." She would pick it back up later, it seems like she actually had something semi-important to say so Ami would let her run her mouth.

“We are not done yet. Give me a moment.”

She’d glance over to Katie, sitting on the side. Truthfully she longed to see her abilities in battle. That familiar scent of her mother Kiara that emitted was intoxicating. The deep power that radiated within her, it could keep the wolf going for centuries, eons. She’d pull herself away from staring over Katie, turning away from the pair. She thought on how to give Katie what she asked and also keep her loyalties.

“Hmm. Me and Runa want to escape this prison. I am sure your group would like to be done with this place quickly as well. I can say we are all working to the same end here, just in different ways. Truthfully, I did not expect your boy and girl to come into my shrine and attempt to accost me. Runa explained it was necessary but I disagree.”

The wolf implied a lot in her speech, then glanced over to Ami.

“It will be the power of hotheads like her. So eager to throw themselves at us. Just like Thomas unleashing those eyes of his. That is what we are relying on, raven. I can’t say more than this, you’re smart enough to read between the lines.”

As to answer Katie's last question, Nephy would just smile.

"I just like you, little raven. That's why I'm telling you this."

After that was said, Nephy would clutch her sheathed blade tightly. Again it grew dark with the twisted energies of the many souls the wolf had consumed in her bid for strength. When the blade was unleashed, a black shockwave streaked rapidly across the floor as large as a wave. It would slam into Ami and test her abilities more than any previous attack. She had gone from conversing to attacking in a mere instant.

“I hope your guard was up.” Nephy cooed after the strike.

Nothing was lost on Katie in this exchange, neither their duel and certainly not the quirked grin from Ami. The demon was enjoying herself as she predicted and she cast a look over at Ami, silently asking if she approved. After all, their fight held multiple meanings with proof enough Nephy could hold her own. She'd let final judgement rest solely on Ami though though no doubt she felt the blonde would enjoy Nephy's prospect of a round two. "I figured that much. Escaping from this place seems to never change the end goal," she said cryptically. "You're right, we all want this Floor to be over with, some more than others. If your method of doing it goes against us that's fine."

Katie shrugged and she spoke as if she expected this turn of events to happen. By this point those around her simply accepted the fact she said things that made no sense in pretext or knew things she shouldn't have; more often than not, Ami was subject to this phenomenom. "I agree with your sentiment about those two. Riku and Thomas never should have approached you, but events already moved on their own." She had a fairly good idea of what Nephy meant regarding the powers they coveted, even if that conclusion seemed completely insane and near-suicide on surface.

"I understand. Still, that doesn't answer one thing to me," Katie kept going, even as the wolf and lion continued their duel. "Why tell me this? Is it because you're finding a little doubt in your demon friend? I guess loyalty really doesn't run true here in the Abyss," she noted. "Almost sounds like you're leaning in my favor more than Runa's, Nephy."

Words words words, talk talk talk, it was all so boring to Ami, a bunch of static garbage that meant absolutely nothing. Nothing to her at least, she didn't have the brainpower to ruminate on such deep thoughts of loyalty and freedom. She was already as free as one could be, because she had the power to take that freedom. Katie's silent question would be met with a fairly ambiguous response, though for now she didn't seem all too impressed by the wolf's showing.

Not until the next strike.

The hairs on the back of her neck prickled as the energy in the air spiked, this was her only warning to raise her hand up and grab at the shockwave that sought to crush her beneath its weight. The energy met the palm of her hand, a roaring tidal wave of malice and screaming souls pushing against the Black Knight and trying to crush her under the weight of Hell. Yet even now she does not budge, the black light reflects off her eyes and she smiles as she strains her arm to hold it all back. "THERE WE FUCKING GO! WHY DIDN'T YOU OPEN WITH THAT HUH? WASTED SO MUCH GOD DAMN TIME GETTING TO THE GOOD PART DOG!"

She stretches out her other arm behind her and her obsidian blade becomes manifest once more, her grip on the hilt is as tight as a vice even as she splits her attention between the roaring wave and the fairy letters glowing on the corrupted steel. The tip of the sword is brought to the wave, Ami grits her teeth as the flesh on the palm of her hand rots with corrupt energy. Even still she smiles.

"DIE A THOUSAND DEATHS MUTT!" The sword plunges into the wave and it collapses into its tip, the energy of the Abyss, no the energy of the Nether flares to life and crushes the oppressive energy beneath the weight of an entire world. A world meant solely to jail the likes of the hound and the demon, thus the Black Knight was the only one fit to be their jailer. "MY TURN!"

Ami places her other hand over the first, firmly gripping her sword as she raises it to the sky and takes aim at Nephy. It is a simple swing down, but the result is anything but simple as the combined power of her own fire and Nephy's necrotic energy roared towards the wolf. If the blow she had swung was a tidal wave, then this was nothing short of a monsoon, a hurricane made manifest in just one blow.

Again Nephy is forced to reconcile with the powerful Ami demanding her attention. Her slashing attack is caught and manifested into the berserker’s energy, the Black Knight showing her true capability. Nephy had to take a moment to watch in awe, licking her sharp fangs with an impressed smile.

She was beginning to like her.

However the Black Knight had made one error, Nephy’s energy was for her and her alone. Twisted and corrupted to only suit her purposes and the spirits of her kin that the wolf carried in her black heart. The wolf took advantage of this and strode forward to face that deadly storm. Her blade fully out as she would slash doward and cut out a path for herself in that storm of power. Her chaotic energy would not dare to harm her, returning to the sword they called home instead as Nephy avoided the rest with efficient agility. Cutting a literal path through the monsoon of power that nearly collides with her several times. Singed and a bit battered, the wolf made it on the other side not much worse for wear. The wolf watched with amazement as that wave smashed the wall behind her into pieces, making the entire cavern shake and chunks of debris fall from the ceiling like a small-scale earthquake had gone off.

“Fascinating. I like her.”

Now she definitely liked her.

Nephy had to give respect. After all had her own powers not made up for that attack she would’ve been in grave trouble.

“Now do that again at the seal of the Abyss with your full power and that’d make for a very good show…”

Again, Nekuromata is carefully sheathed by sliding the blade back into the sheath hanging at her side. She’d flash a smile to Katie, wherever she might have landed in all the chaos.

“Runa is by her own nature and admittance, impossible to trust. You two are much more predictable. I like and respect Runa a lot, but…”

“I would not want to have my fate determined by her. She has powers beyond even my understanding following her. She has done things that violate reality itself. Entirely unpredictable. But I will not betray her.”

“Instead. I am just watching you two very carefully.”

She’d raise her blade to Ami, giving her a fanged smile.

“And we will have to spar again later. Good fight.”

"What did I say about warning me, Ami?"

There was annoyance in Katie's tone; she had long since leapt away from the two clashes of power, watching the ground all but dissolve underneath her as she landed somewhere off and away. More specifically, she stood against one of the cavern walls, firmly planted parallel to the ground but standing jutted off like a stalagtite. Gravity had no effect on her as she watched the two powers die back down and the world beneath slowly reform. Whether that was the nature of the Abyss or the Tower reconfiguring the Floor she didn't know nor cared to find out. She looked down at both knight and wolf.

"You could have said that sooner Nephy. Would have saved us alot of trouble," she deadpanned. Some irritation was flickered Ami's way for up and near-wrecking the place but if she wasn't satisfied with the fight the wolf held she wasn't sure what would please the knight-no, she knew exactly. "Keeping an eye on us huh. Same goes to you then if you're not going to just join us. Do whatever your schemes have at hand, just keep away from the princess and violet-eyed boy. Least you'll be facing me next time."

The storm rages, for a moment Ami is sure that she's killed this wet dog with her own attack, and yet the wolf lives on. While she doesn't show it openly, she can't help but respect her just a bit for living through such a thing. A drop of blood drips onto the ground from her hand, with a thought the wound cauterizes as she raises her wound to her eyes and stares at it thoughtfully.

"I'll do what I want. If the seal is a bother to me, I'll smash it." Her sword disappears from her hand as Nephy sheathes her own, though the armor never disappears as she clenches her hand and turns her attention back to Katie. "Oh yeah. Forgot you were here, sorry about that."

A spar later would be nice. It would probably happen when everyone least expected it, Ami was never one to do planning or things like that. She left that to the people who were smart enough to care about it.

"i'm so sorry to be a bit dissapointing but I need all of you alive and well for our ticket out of the abyss. I promise there will be a time where you can unleash your true might. I look forward to you and Ami especially on this. It'll be amazing to see your full powers and souls full of energy..."

Nephy said in her usual vagueness, smiling at both of the women before her. She was greatly impressed with them, much better than the little whelps Runa sent her way earlier. Nephy knew she could do this better than Runa could, and go after the right targets to get the most out of their work.

"Don't tempt me with a good time, raven. I'll streak that little pig's blood across the floor if it means I get to cross blades with you."

She'd approach the two, focusing on Ami first. She'd grab out at that injured hand and take a slow lick off the cut to taste blood. She'd back away just as quickly, anticipating a strike from Ami right after that stunt was pulled.

"You taste amazing. We'll have to exchange more soon. Lots more. It'll be very exciting. I promise~"

For once, Nephy was incredibly excited about her future here in the Abyss.