Hey @Skwint to make things more color coded (and cool looking) could you tag the beginning of your posts with you character's name and color his speech with his black color? Thanks! Oh I forgot you are using a DS, my mistake.
It was a particularly busy day in the city of Milborne. Crowds bustled too and fro from the marketplace. Merchants bragged about their wares to the many passer byes, all claiming to have the best produce. The hunters brought their game to the market in order to sell fresh meat. Gossip swirled about the town due to the recent fire that had swept through the Theater of Milborne. The owner of the theater, Gardevior of Montenegrey, was no where to be found and many feared the worst. Some said they saw him heading toward the Glittering Wood last night. This information was hard to verify. His right hand man had remained out of the public eye ever since the incident. At least as far as the public knew. All night there were guards on patrol attempting to find the elusive actor.
As this was going on, a troop of soldiers trotted out of the city gates on their horses clad in full uniform and weaponry. They stopped by the animal training grounds and enlisted the assistance of multiple hunters with their blood hounds. The townsfolk were perplexed by this. Could it be a training exercise? Or was there an actual problem? The soldiers made their way toward the Glittering Wood and disappeared from view behind the trees.
Marque de Bourdeaux
Marque stood perfectly still as he heard the sound of hooves making their way down the road. They passed by the stables and headed toward the dog kennels. He felt a sense of relief wash over him. Marque had had enough of hiding from soldiers for one night. Having them find him now would ruin everything. He was perplexed as to the turn of events. One moment he was sleeping inside his comfortable room and the next a fire burnt up significant portions of his theater. Marque was currently hiding in a stable just outside the city along with horses. He had cleverly disguised himself as a stable hand taking care of them.
Soon after the soldiers had passed a woman wearing a farm maid's outfit calmly walked over where Marque was hiding. She quietly whispered to him, "The authorities are blaming us for the fire. Rumors are swirling around that Gardevior was seen heading into Glittering Wood as well. I think that would be our best bet for finding him. There is an expert tracker who lives in a cottage nearby who is not currently employed by Lord Bryce. Perhaps you could enlist his help?" Marque realized soon after seeing her that this was none other then his longtime friend Rosanne. Her words were quick and to the point. She had a knack for finding useful information. At that moment, Marque looked through the door of the stables. There was a man walking up to a small cottage with a bag over his shoulder.
Col Ward
Though he had been forbidden from joining the men on their expedition, Col was determined to find Sir Rolfe. His biggest issue would be finding a tracker who was not working under Lord Bryce. Col had heard of a young man who had a special gift for training animals. They seemed to flock to him. He had recently been injured and was currently out of the Lord's service. It didn't sit completely well with Col to disobey a direct order from his Lord, but this order made no sense. How could Bryce expect him to sit by while Rolfe was dead or missing? He would find this young man and enlist his aid. He heard that he owned a cottage directly outside the city.
Col saddled his horse Merlin, and headed outside the city gates. Hopefully evading the eyes of men who would report to Lord Bryce. He continued down the trail seeing the tail end of the soldiers enter the Glittering Wood. A few minutes later he saw a man outside the cottage he was heading towards. Interesting..
Bastian Felstead
Bastian had seen the recent fire at the theater and had even tried to offer his assistance. The authorities had blocked it off completely and weren't allowing anyone near. Kind of strange if he thought about it. Regardless he had a job to perform. Bastian headed toward his on-call assignment with his bag of medical supplies slung over his shoulder. He was going to see a certain man who had no control over his legs. Bastian had never used his gift on the lame before and wanted to see if he could help him. What was his name again? Lorenzo? That was it! He was known for his skill as a dog handler. An unfortunate accident prevented him from doing the thing he loved most. Perhaps Bastian could uplift him to his former position with his healing touch.
As Bastian walked down the dusty road, he heard a bunch of hooves approaching behind him. He quickly got off the road and let the soldiers pass. They were headed in relatively the same direction as himself. They stopped by the dog kennels and were on their way within a few minutes. Afterward, they headed into the Glittering Wood with some hunters and their blood hounds. Unfazed, Bastian continued on his way and headed toward the cottage that he believed was the correct one. Then he knocked on the door.
Lorenzo of Windor
Lorenzo busied himself with his paints, coloring a landscape that he'd been working on for a few days. His mother was in town at the market while his father was out hunting. This left Lorenzo with plenty of time to practice his art and escape the pain of his recent tragedies. Though it had been some time since Loyal was killed, the hurt was just as real as it had been then. He didn't get much sleep last night either. After all, through his window, Lorenzo could see the Theater of Milborne ablaze with fire. He hoped his mother would have some juicy information for him when she returned.
His replacement dog Martyrdom, sat by his master, prepared to take care of any emotional or physical needs he was able to. Though new to the job, Martyrdom was trying his best. When Lorenzo felt up to it, he would train Martyrdom on the side. Though a major part of him still couldn't get over Loyal.
Suddenly he was taken out of his thoughts by a knock at the door. Who could it be? His parent's had no reason to knock. Lorenzo felt a little fear as his dog finally seemed to catch on and bark at the noise. That's when he remembered. His mom had sent for the head physician of Milborne to look at him. She had even told him to be ready to let him in around this time. That was a relief! He looked down at his position about 6 feet from the door. Now to find a way to let him in..
Favian The Hermit
Favian longingly looked outside his window at the many colors all around him. He played a sad but hopeful song on his precious lute. It was the beginning of autumn. The leaves on the trees sported beautiful colors of red, yellow and orange. It displayed a vibrant canvas all around the lone Hermit, inspiring soft melodies of days gone by. Yet, they were hopeful of a future not yet seen.
Favian was anxious to leave his home for fear of what he had seen in the night. He had observed large creatures stalking the Glittering Wood for about a week now. They had not yet threatened him, but who knew when they would strike? It was for this reason, it seemed like an eternity since he had last played for the city. In fact, it had been some weeks since Favian had set foot in his former home of Milborne. Maybe it was time to bring his delightful sounds to light up the townsfolk once more. That's when his stomach rumbled. Come to think of it, that was the last time he had purchased food either. His supplies were dwindling.
As these facts crossed the thoughtful musician's mind, a large troop of men clad with weapons and armor rode along the path in the Wood. Favian's cottage overlooked the path making them and him clearly visible. They halted along it. Favian stopped playing his instrument. He was very wary of their presence. For some time it looked like they were conversing to one another. They would point towards his cottage now and again. Favian anxiously waited for them to do something, anything really. After a few agonizing minutes they finally resumed their journey further down the path. Out of sight, but not out of the Hermit`s mind.
Can you believe we're almost there? Just need Jeff's cs posted and I can get rolling with the first IC. On the side I will work on Angel's cs. I have a sequence of things I want to go down for every post I make and even your's.
I will be posting a link at the beginning of my posts IC. It will be music appropriate for the occasion. Listen to it while reading the post for MAXIMUM IMMERSION!!There will also be a picture to help with imagining the situation.
While you think up, and type your reply, I would like you all to listen to that music for inspiration. If you cannot get to music for various reasons (3DS), then try and listen at a different time.
Thanks! I'd like to have our first IC finished by Sunday night.
Judah pulled his balaklava back up, following Farce to the dumpster. Then he looked over her shoulder as she spread out the floor plan. He moved in closer for a better look, noting the location of various doors, windows and fire alarms. Being a SWAT team member trained him to find the best entry and exit points in buildings. The twins did exceptionally well to have gotten a legitimate floor plan. Mantis couldn't help but smile saying, "I've got to give it to you guys on this one. These floor plans are first class intel."
He slapped the twin on the back fondly and turned to their new companion saying, "You have healing abilities, correct? You would be a perfect medic for our group. After you absorb any injuries you could transfer them onto the thugs. As a medic, you want to support us as we go in. Usually, Zach will take point coming through the front. While all their attention is fixed, I gather information and locations of enemies taking out the biggest threats. Farce plays it stealthy. She sneaks in another entrance and beats down their backup. We have other strategies, but this one works well for us so far. Having a healer on board will make a world of difference."
Afterward, Mantis turned back to the floor plan and began devising their strategy of going in. He asked Farce, "Call Zach, he's late..also..what are we doing with that woman over there?" He said as he turned his head toward the woman on the ground.
Name: Bastian Felstead Age: 22 Ethnicity: Caucasian Occupation: Physician's assistant Appearance: Bastian is 5'9 with black medium length hair and blue eyes. He has a light build, not taking up much space.
Background: Bastian was born in the outpost of Hightower to Sebastian Felsted and Henrietta. Sebestian was made the Protector of Hightower many years ago. Hightower was one of The Kingdom of Asmire's outpost/colonies. It was a cold area and snowed quite frequently. The purpose of these outposts was to gain more land and to strike fear into neighboring kingdoms. The Kingdom of Asmire was known for its' militaristic society, regarding strength as the ultimate good. They weren't particularly concerned about morality and social mores. As long as their leaders did well politically and militarily their supreme oligarghy would turn a blind eye.
Sebastian Felstead was instated as the leader of Hightower at 20 years old. He was renowned as a powerful and brutal man. In Hightower, he was the law. As long as Sebastian didn't commit treason against Asmire he was free to do as he pleased. Due to the great distance of Hightower from the capital of Asmire, the people only heard rumors and speculation of his deeds. During raids of neighboring lands, Sebastian would have all the men killed and the women carried off. He would allow no man to violate the women and girls that were captured. For he would have the first pick. They were his property. He sired many children in that far off territory by countless women. Sebastian would have his sons trained in combat and his daughters married off to loyal men. All of his progeny were given basic food, clothing and housing.
Bastian's mother Henrietta, was a young servant girl who was captured on a raid. She had dark black hair and bright blue eyes. She was brought to Sebestian along with the other women during the victory party. He grabbed her from the lot and forced himself on her. She became pregnant and bore a healthy boy, who she named Bastian, after his father. Sebastian really didn't give the girl a second thought after that and she ended up raising him by herself.
Bastian grew up in an environment that was all about conquest. The boys learned alongside the men on the only topic they cared much about, war. Felstead's sons were expected to learn how to fight. However, Bastian was not interested in learning how to destroy. Rather, he wanted to heal and help others. His mother Henrietta was his inspiration. Bastian was taught how to take care of people by her. She had such a kind and sweet spirit about her. Even in the midst of warmongers, she maintained her upright attitude. She tended to the wounds of the men as best she could and helped the children when they were sick. She was no physician, but had the right demeanor for the job. She would put her hands on them and they would get better over time.
Bastian inherited this gift from his mother. He could almost instinctively understand where people were hurting. After touching the problem, they would get better. Felstead did not approve of the men learning how to heal others and forbade Bastian from ever doing so again. He still practiced in secret regardless.
At the age of 20, Bastian was summoned along with the rest of his brothers. Felstead wanted to go on a "family" raid of a village he had his eye on for some time. All the men of age were required to go. Bastian was very hesitant, but decided that he didn't have to engage directly.
That night it was very cold. Felstead watched his many sons engage in the attack. The farming community didn't stand a chance against the trained sons with their superior weaponry. Bastian charged the village along with his brothers. The farmers were cut down by the sword and the women were taken captive. Bastian entered a farmhouse where a girl was crying in a corner. He tried to console her and tell her to come with him or one of his more violent brothers would pay her a visit. Wiping tears from her eyes she followed him. He told her he would have to pretend to have captured her and she agreed.
Heading back toward Hightower, the son's of Felstead were excited over their apparent victory. Felstead led they way, where a feast awaited them. Bastian could only shake his head in disgust. He took the girl aside to his mother Henrietta. She helped comfort the girl, who finally revealed her name as Gwen. She said she was 18 years old. Her husband had been killed in the raid. Bastian was very sorry and tried to help her as best as he could.
The women of Hightower didn't have as many privledges as the men. However, if they were under the wing of a son of Felstead they were given more leeway. They were also protected from the advances of others. Gwen revealed that she was actually pregnant. If it was a boy and Felstead found out, he would be killed. Bastian felt the best way to protect Gwen and the baby was to marry her, sealing the deal. Henrietta explained to Bastian that normally men don't simply marry whomever they please. There is a process involved including engagement. Being of Hightower, he had no notion of these things. Bastian ended up asking Gwen in private who agreed rather unromantically.
Unfortunately, Felstead had seen Bastian's lack of force towards the village they put to the sword. He summoned him to his court giving an ultimatum. Either lead the next assault or be cast out. He confronted his father and said he would leave before that. As he turned to go, his father reminded him of his new engagement, he would not be leaving with the girl or his mother. They belonged to him. Bastian was very distraut. He informed his mother and Gwen the news. Henrietta decided to create a distraction for the two and give them a better life outside of those militaristic walls.
That night, she set fire to a portion of Felstead's prized tower. As his sons and men began working on putting it out, Bastian and Gwen slipped out unnoticed. By the time everything was in order, they had already escaped towards the city of Milborne. It was there that they would begin a new life together. Bastian could only hope that his mother would be alright.
Over the next two years, Bastian worked as a physician's assistant in the local infirmary. His mother's gift had passed on to him and he found himself able to cure people without even realizing how. He would simply put his hands on the sick or injured and they would gradually get better. The people believed it was due to the head physician's skill, but Bastian's healing touch was doing its' work behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Gwen gave birth to a baby boy she named Leo. Although he wasn't his biological son, Bastian accepted him as best as he knew how. He took care of the boy in those long nights. He also bought a dog named Rufus who a became close to. Helping his family and him have some semblence of happiness on the farmstead he rented out. Gwen was decent at farmwork, being raised on one herself. She was also happy to have Bastian as her husband, but secretly longed for her former one. She could see him in Leo every day and would often cry herself to sleep. Bastian tried comforting her, but felt like he didn't know how to be a father, let alone a husband. After all, his own dad was a raging maniac. What did a good man even look like?
Bastian would think of his mother often, and dreamed of heading back to free her. Knowing Felstead, he would not let her go unless he pried her from his cold, dead, hands. So that is exactly what he planned to do. Now to put that into practice..he was still working that out.
Personality
Demeanor: Bastian is a softspoken person with a heart of gold. He has a deep drive to care for others thanks to his mother. Even in the darkest of environments he was able to maintain his purity, never succumbing to his father's influence. He cares for his family, despite feeling ill equipped to do so. Bastian is often hard on himself, believing so many things are out of his control. He has a violent side to him that is reserved for those he believes deserve it. This hatred for those who wronged him ends up impacting those he truly cares about.
Likes: -Peace and calm. -Gwen and Henrietta -Healing. -Dogs -Caring for others. -Honorable battles.
Healing Touch: Bastian inherited a special gift from his mother. He is able to heal those whom he touches. The effects are subtle and work over time rather than being instantaneous. He can also feel the pain of other's knowing where they are hurting.
Basic Combat: Due to his training in Hightower, Bastian has learned the basics of combat. He never really took a liking to it, due to the unsavory things his family used it for.
Moral Compass: Bastion has an unwavering conscience able to determine right and wrong easily. Even in dark environments he can determine the good, the true, and beautiful.
Dreams: Besides saving his mother, Bastian feels his life exists to serve others. Having no more dreams of his own, or so he thinks...
Gear and Goods: A small farmstead, a shortsword, dog, set of armor, medical bag.
Skwint's not able to read hiders due to only being able to use his 3DS for posts. I will post it for him and tag him. Later he will fill out his relationship section.