Tsar Gatto

War Never Changes

"We've all had to do things" came Charlotte's sudden voice from the doorway, the young woman stepping into the room from where she had been lurking in the darkness listening to the heated conversation. Raised voices and the distant rumbling of thunder had kept her from sleep, then upon venturing down she had hear new voices and silently had made her way down the stairs before stopping to listen.

Her gaze was fixed on Quinn but her expression was not one of anger or fear. She understood the desire to keep the things you regretted clutched close and hidden from those who knew you, and after everything that had happened since the world went to hell it never seemed to surprise her what she'd seen other people do, sometimes what she had done. Her expression was more one of thorough appraisal, as her eyes bore into his face like she was trying to see into his very depths. After a few moments she stated flatly "Quinn saved me, Jake too. I owe them both as much as each other, together we've all found this place. He hasn't given us a reason to kick him out, and I think every one of us could benefit from at least one good night's sleep before we decide who exactly is leaving and who is going with who." At that point she glanced around at the rest of them, particularly the two new faces that were awkwardly listening to what was being said wondering who they were.

It wasn't that Charlotte didn't feel for whatever exactly it was that Alyssa had been through at his hands, in fact quite the opposite. If she was face to face with anyone who had done... whatever it was that he had done to her, well suffice to say there wouldn't have been much talking. But the young woman hadn't done that, and Charlotte didn't think she would. Either Alyssa would do something or she wouldn't, but Charlotte figured that was her own business to deal with. The time she had spent alone had definitely dulled her sense of compassion, and more so her own actions too had shown her that people were capable of anything and without the boundaries of society you had to do what you had to do to stay alive. As she saw it Quinn was out of the Blood Army, he'd done the hard thing and left instead of staying with that band of demented sadists, and he'd paid a high price for it. She accepted him for what he was now, despite what he had been. More than that though she suddenly felt a sense of attachment to him, and to a lesser extent Jake too. She'd only suddenly realised it when it looked for a moment that he was about to walk out of the door, and a strong desire to leave with him had overtaken her.

As she stood silent again her gaze went back to him before again returning to staring off distantly as she listened and thought, realising that despite the number of relative strangers around her for the first time in a long time she felt safe.

Retrogarde [Fantasy Noir]

Hey hey, thanks for the consideration – as always this looks delicious and has not failed to entice. I’d love to join if you’ll have me, this time I’ll not be fading away into nothingness.

I’ll get to work right away on a character of some type, hopefully more involved in things this time around. (Though working in the financial services in the UK, today will be a baaaad day no doubt. So no promises about timings I’m afraid).

Star Wars: Forged By Fire (KOTOR)

Moryr Ruzim
Coruscant

As Arren Kae strode past the Moryr the Cathar lowered her head slightly, both a sign of respect but also because of the slightly harsh ultimatum she had delivered unto the Padawan. The elder woman’s hair billowed behind her, a silver sheen of flowing light that followed her from the room. Without her presence the force felt lessoned, the absence of what was previously a beacon as their senses were opened receded and once more returned to normality. She had been cold in her delivery to the Padawan, but Moryr didn’t doubt that it had been necessary to be so. The message was an important one, and one that Xeviiy no doubt needed to hear in such strict terms in order for this to sink in. It was a hard lesson but with the wound that had been inflicted was evidence enough that she needed to listen, after all in the real world such wounds would be life threatening and dire, to say the very least and mistakes could not be made regarding the lives of the innocent.

Moryr was reluctant to comment or show that she agreed fully with the lesson, after all she was sure that would have sunk in on its own and it would not have been her place to pass such feedback to another’s Padawan – especially where she herself was also about to ask for further guidance due to her uncertain demeanour and current emotional state. She felt somewhat as a child who had witnessed another being scolded and felt some pretence of guilt that she had witnessed it but not shared in it.

Xeviiy spoke and excused herself before leaving the room, seemingly not so happy herself with the outcome, as she said it would take time to come to terms with things. Moryr made a note to speak with the Padawan when she could, to assure her that she respected and even felt somewhat that her attempts to avoid violence were admirable in her eyes, if not only to a certain point.

After a few moments of silence Moryr turned to Master Kasari and spoke “Truly a hard lesson for some, though it saddens me to see such an… optimistic viewpoint be quashed so. It is refreshing to see one be so opposed to violence as opposed to embracing it, as misguided as it ultimately may be in some situations”

She left time for the master to respond, before progressing on to what it was that was troubling her.

“I admit that I feel lost without my own master” she began, the words almost flowing from her like a small torrent “I find myself a Knight without assignment or guidance due to the… unconventional nature of my relationship with him”. She danced around the issue slightly somewhat, unwilling to say the exact words, half hoping she already knew and half wanting to avoid the judgment that may follow if she did not. “Suffice to say I will be without his presence which I have known throughout my training and did not expect to be so lost without it, though I understand it is required for my growth.”

She hesitated before adding further “I feel that to be cut off so entirely from him is unnecessary, though of course respect the wisdom and authority of the council. It is hard to come to terms with their decision and I fear my feelings are clouded and I cannot with good conscience allow this uncertainty to simmer and build lest it change into something more”.

She held her tongue further, awaiting whatever questions or words that would come. She did not intend to withhold anything from the senior Jedi, laying the issue bare and open to her scruples despite the slightly unforthcoming nature of her initial explanation. Moryr was unused to such feedback from anyone other than Muddar, and so could not help but display caution in her attempts to ask for guidance, especially after seeing first-hand how unkind some lessons needed to be in order to make an impact.

The Cathar fiddled with the sleeve of her robe as she spoke, her eyes darting to and fro, pausing only briefly on the taller woman’s face, her nerves again showing through in her body language and demeanour.

Star Wars: Forged By Fire (KOTOR)

Rereading my post I wish I'd spent a bit more time on it.

But jeez being a grownup has its downsides. If I thought Monday was bad, well let's just say that today was its bigger, uglier and more well armed brother.

But tis the weekend now and I think I've decided to take up alcoholism as my new past-time. Leej my slippery little friend, I'll have 5 martinis, a pint of vodka and an ice cold beer to wash it all down with please!

Hope you all had a better week than I! :p

Star Wars: Forged By Fire (KOTOR)

Moryr Ruzim
Coruscant

“Your own connection to the force is impressive as well, Moryr. I don’t doubt one day we may see you sitting in her seat, following the path as a master to teach and uphold our values. If there are any questions you have in need of answers, perhaps you can come to me. Or, maybe Arren can provide answers. Her methods may be unorthodox, but she has a way with un-clouding the mind by forcing us to navigate through the hard questions of life and the force.”

The words reverberated inside Moryr’s head, serving as a balm against the irritated prangs of her emotions, a gentle smile spreading across her features. It always shocked her a little how in tune some of the masters were with the feelings and thoughts that reverberated through her and how they could set her at ease with a few words. Her smile faltered slightly as she considered the alternative ‘Or am I simply that transparent?’

She quickly dismissed the thought and instead focused on the positives of the statement and with a nod she responded “It means a great deal to me to know that you would do so for me, I admit I have been troubled as of late”. She paused, slightly reluctant to go into further detail, though it occurred to her that news of her situation may have spread through the order –some of the Jedi’s could be as bad old women huddled around in a dusty market square exchanging gossip and with it of course a healthy dose of judgment. The thought made her straighten slightly as she imagined what some of them might be saying about them, after all the order made it more than clear that such relationships were forbidden as they only lead to the darkside. Moryr knew that it wasn’t true, or at least she believed she knew that, it had not always been so in the order and just because of a few Jedi that had let their emotions lead them away from the light didn’t mean that it was the case for all of them. Even Nomi Sunrider had used her feelings of love to further her ambitions and become a Jedi, and even the youngest of padawans were familiar with her tale and how she ended the Great Sith war.

Moryr realised that once again she was justifying her actions, however the will to chide herself and tear her feelings away seemed to erode and she allowed herself a few moments to again think of Mudarr. She hoped that the master was again focusing upon the training before them as opposed to watching her own feelings. Moryr considered briefly leaving the room, however she knew to do so would not only be folly but could also be considered quite rude. As well as that she had to admit she was keen to see how the padawan would resolve the situation, and what lessons Arren would pass along. Again as she watched Moryr decided that it would be best to speak of her troubles and turmoils with the more experienced women, especially as it had been freely offered.

As the fight before her escalated and the padawan somewhat reluctantly defended herself Moryr allowed her thoughts to wander back to some of her own more aggressive confrontations. During their postings along the the Outer-rim territories they had dealt with a small but reckless band of spice smugglers who had been exacerbating the tenuous relationship between the republic and the local worlds by hiding amongst groups of refugees. One particularly nasty confrontation had caused several of the smugglers to take hostages as soon as they had discovered they were being hunted by Jedi,Moryr being spotted as she followed them. They had confronted her as she tried to follow them through a crowd, evidently her disguise not as concealing as she’d hoped. She had hesitated to act, afraid of the possibility of harming the surrounding refugees and also knowing that the smugglers situations were born out of desperation. If it were not for the swift movements of Mudarr then countless lives could have been lost. The elder Cathar had leapt from his over-watching position and with a flurry of saber swings and force pulls he had dispatched four smugglers before they could even fire off a single blaster shot or harm a single person.

Later he had told her that the lives of the guilty were forfeit if they endangered the lives of the innocent, that there was always a choice that people made towards the dark or the light, no matter how slight the move was. It was a very polarising view of things, but she had quickly come to agree that in such situations her priorities should be as clear as the noon-day air on their homeworld. He had assured her the force would always help to guide her hand and not to hesitate to kill if it was truly required. The scenario playing out before her was similar in it teachings and so she watched with eager interest to see if Xeviiy too would embrace the lesson as she had – the lives of the innocent being simply too precious to risk by sparing the lives of those who were not.

The City in the Sea: New Anathagos [Fantasy politics! Intrigue! Sea Monsters! Pirates & More!]

@Flagg

Pokey poke.

Game of Thrones

Sooo, how are we are feeling about the recent episodes and developments?

...

So I'm happy the bro's without banners have returned (but is Gendry still rowing?), but last ep was a little lacklustre imo. Looking forwards to the Hound crackin skulls, grayjoys turning up in dragonland and with a little luck the white walkers killing the boltons.

Arya's story with the faceless folks was disappoint. (where was the fight scene?) Plus where was the Blackfishes fight scene?

Be interesting to see what littlefinger n knights of the vale are lookin to do.

Last 2 episodes best be good.

The City in the Sea: New Anathagos [Fantasy politics! Intrigue! Sea Monsters! Pirates & More!]

WIP Scales of Skoth

Faction Name:
Scales of Skoth

Alias:

Faction Type:
Mercenary company

Faction Specie(s):
The scales of Skoth are made up primarily of Veeri, a reptilian aquatic species, however not exclusively so. They will accept any ‘outsider’ whom they feel has proven themselves to be capable of joining, however this does not often happen due to their heavy focus on their ocean dwelling nature and the inability of most species to breath underwater (which the scales of Skoth often use it their tactics).

Species Descriptions:
The Veeri are mostly humanoid in appearance, with several major differences. Their skin is scaled and slick, giving them natural armour and ease of motion both in the water and on land. Their heads are reptilian and often feature a number of fins ,frills or horns and a row of sharp fangs to match with their long clawed fingers and teeth (these frills and fins differ from individual to individual, some have them all over their bodies, others just on their heads). Their eyes are murky black and they have difficulty seeing in bright light, their eyes naturally adapted to the relative gloom of the ocean. Similarly they are prone to drying out if away from the water for a substantial period time, becoming weak and feeble within the first 12 hours exposure followed by death, generally over the next 6 hours for even the most resilient of Veeri. They have powerful tails that assist in propelling them through the water at impressive speeds and help them balance when on land.
They can be as intelligent and swift as the best of humans, generally preferring to use cunning and guile over brute strength though this of course differs on an individual basis much like with humans.

Location:
The Scales of Skoth have a base of operations located within the city, however this is simply their front from which to offer their services in exchange for coin or occasionally other goods. It is located along the outskirts of the Bloody Harbour district, a rather uninspiring stone building from the outside. Within its heavy walls there is little light and it is very moist, which is generally attributed to the large pool that dominates the bottom floor of the building. This pool leads below through a lengthy underwater tunnel that opens out into the depths of the harbour itself, with several underground chambers (some flooded, others dry) that branch off from various passages – it is here underwater away from the reach of land-dwelling creatures the majority of the scales live and keep their possessions.

Faction Religion/Ideology:
The Veeri generally worship their own ancestors and clan guardians, the Skoth being one such ‘prestigious’ (at least to other Veeri) clan with its own complex hierarchy of spirits and past family members to venerate and worship. They guard this knowledge and keep it to themselves however, and outwardly appear to most as unaffiliated to any religion – and even seem to despise the majority of the other religions present in New Anathagos.

Faction Description:
The Skoth are a clan of Veeri that over the years have adapted to live and function within the thriving city of New Anathagos, living and working as mercenaries that have gained a fearsome reputation over the last several generations since they moved into the city.

The Scales of Skoth as they are known are somewhat renowned as raiders and hired muscle, their natural affinity for the water and their fearsome combat prowess has garnered them a well-earned reputation (though if crossed or a promise to them remains unfulfilled they have been known to strike back with much spite). When hired and paid they will fight to the death to protect their charge (or rather willing to die to protect the clan’s name, which they honour above all else), they will attack relentlessly, often using guerrilla tactics and sinking ships unless given other specific instructions. They also salvage shipwrecks when possible, knowing that the precious cargos lost are often more than worth the risks – and offer this service to the less aquatically inclined, again for a hefty cut of the booty.

Faction History:
The Skoth clan lived as other Veeri do, amongst the more remote reefs and islands of the Anathagos Route up until several hundred years ago – living a somewhat tribal and arguably unfulfilling existence. When one of the clan’s members disappeared not much thought was given, assuming him eaten or otherwise lost to the depths. He actually had joined with a passing merchant ship before finding himself in New Anathagos, spending the next several years amongst the many humans and other races before eventually returning and defeating the existing Ratu (or chieftain) of the clan in ritual combat, making himself leader before decreeing a relocation for the entire clan. The transition was difficult and laborious, however eventually it was done and the Scales of Skoth became one of the many factions in the city. Establishing their base of operations was lengthy and difficult, especially with their need for water and privacy. They soon had purchased the building they currently occupy before hiring one of the more prestigious and exclusive of masons to excavate the underwater tunnels they desired. It certainly did not come cheap and many Skoth lost their lives salvaging shipwrecks for coin and gems in order to fulfil the always rising costs, also branching out in mercenary work to ensure they would not fall short of the costs required.

Eventually the construction was completed and the deepest most protected chambers were flooded and converted into a hatchery of sorts, where the few females of the clan live and breed. Altogether the clan today is about 20 strong, with an additional 8 female and young that live within their lair.

Important Characters:
Important Holdings/Territory/Possessions:
Relation to other Factions:

War Never Changes

Good post :)

Also don't mind me or waiting for me guys n gals, I'm more than happy reading whilst things are happening and will post when appropriate. Assume as my last post that so far Charlotte has just passed out from a combo of exhaustion and blood loss and is recovering.

Will likely post again for a dream-type thing before awakening at some point - but as I said just enjoying reading everything thus far (unless of course something wakes her up prior to the morning).

A Half Eaten Heart [CLOSED]

@finalends@AimeChambers

Awesome! I look very much forwards to your joining and Aime's return!

@EurmalEye@paragloan@Eviledd1984

Posted! Its no worries Eurmal, safe to say I think we're all here for the long haul and happy to wait as much as needed :)