[The Capital] "Prime Day"

[Crimson]

Timestamp: Pre-Explosion, Summer, Era XXVI

The populace of Prime could never know the cataclysmic event laying in wait. A million souls and not one foresaw the coming calamity.

So, on an ordinary brightening, Sonorus Goode woke up, kissed his wife after rosyun, and patted his twins on their curly heads on his way out the door. He was a short but rather rotund fellow, his official blue cap hiding his balding top. The eras had been kind, though. The human's handsome face was adorned with laugh lines after a lifetime of well-natured merriment. Sonorous married his Schola sweetheart, Sheila, and was a doting father of two. His job, while tedious, brought a sense of security and pride. He was, after all, an Imperial tax collector. His matching royal blue jacket, trousers, and smartly polished shoes made him feel taller, grander.

"Be back in a few", he called through the kitchen window, his eyes smiling. "Big day today!"

As he waltzed east down Court Avenue, Sonorous tipped his cap toward a cohort of legionnaires from the Jade Legion. The fresh-faced recruits nodded back, their grim, wolfish faces following him as he whistled along. Boys and their war games, thought the taxman. Funded by the Empire, for the Empire. After a short time, he rounded another intersection and dodged a puddle of murky water. The cobblestones here were not exactly in pristine condition. Some parts of the city were in serious need of repair. But that was not his department. His task was to collect the taxes for the good of the Empire. Speaking of tasks ...

Tax collectors, according to the Imperial Government's Employee Manual, were required to travel at all times with a Risk Management Specialist. This was the reason Sonorous had to take a detour down this dingy part of town. His longtime friend and colleague lived in one of the lopsided apartments along Milo Street. Gregory Samuels looked like a small boulder with short arms and legs. He was hunched forward likely due to sitting in cramped taverns all of his life. When you were Gregory's size, the whole world felt uncomfortably small.

"Mornin', Sonny", grumbled Gregory as he tried to squeeze the exhaustion from his bloodshot eyes. The mountain of a man was dressed in wrinkled leather armor, preferring the fabric to chainmail. Besides, he had his trusty mace in case their quarry had any grievances about their official visit. "What's on the docket t'day?"

"A few shoppes. But", Sonorous paused dramatically. "We have a big client! A banker called Brumblestick."

"The gnome?", asked Greg as he squinted down at the piece of parchment in his partner's hands. "Thought he'd pay after the final notice. Them lots usually pays."

"Might be interesting. Say, you feelin' all right?"

"Long night."

"Well, I asked headquarters for some back-up. Ya'know. Jus' in case."

"Nah, we won't need no mercs makin' a mess of things." Greg waved his enormous hands dismissively.

"Them's coming regardless. Come on. We're meeting in front of the Crown. Maybe", said Sonorous with a hop in his step, "we'll have time for a quick drink."

This seemed to cheer up Gregory a little and the humungous human lumbered along.

​

Spoiler: OOC:

Welcome, everyone!​

Everyone is welcome to join this thread regardless of your skill level. Special thanks to Charybdis for the Mod Plan (link)

This is just a totally casual, ordinary day in Aelyria Prime before it all goes to hell. What could possibly go wrong?

Objectives:

• Your Character can choose to join as a bystander or a merc hired by a temp agency (be creative!)
• Rendezvous point: Crown Inn & Tavern
• Please maintain a "spoiler box" with the items, skills, and information about your PC that's relevant in this thread

 

[Gye'ron Val Oriden]

People said that the life of a soldier was hard. Gye’ron found it quite the opposite, once you figured out the not dying part. You got up, looked after your equipment, exercised, had lots of good meals, practiced not dying, usually walked around and didn’t have to actively try to not die, then rinsed and repeated. Being a mercenary could be a bit harrier, but generally it was about the same, if not better because of the pay and the increased freedom.

Either way, both were better than keeping goats penned in, shearing their wool, and going on long journeys to sell said wool because you were too poor to own a ship. Which isn’t to say those journeys weren’t long, just a bit faster.

On that particular brightening, the latter had led to the former. Gye’ron has travelled all the way to Centripax to sell his spring harvest of wool. Prime was an excellent place to stop on the way back to Trysvale. He had started his life as a legionnaire in the city, even lived there for a while before that. It had been his first home outside of Sherian. It was also an excellent place to pick up a bit of extra work.

Given that he was considering starting his own mercenary outfit, picking up a contract as a mercenary for the Imperial government was a fine way to dip his toe in the water. Besides, it seemed relatively simple and like the sort of thing that wouldn’t delay him.

Help collect taxes from a Gnome banker? How hard could it be? Gnomes were small and bankers had lots of money. Plus, he got to wait in a dark corner of the Crown. He hadn’t done that in what seemed like 20 eras.

Thus it came to pass that Gye’ron was standing in front of the Crown when two men approached the entrance. One had leather and a made. One looked annoyingly pompous. Must be the tax collector and his guard.

Gye’ron waved, “Serale, I’m Gye’ron. I’ve been hired to help you with your collection.“

It was certainly a long way off from commanding thousands of soldiers, saving the lives of ministers and princesses, and stoking the fires of rebellions, but there he was. Before all of that, he was just a private in the Prime Garrison.

Don’t forget where you came from, they always said.

Spoiler: Equipment/Skills/Boons

Equipment:

Imperial Longsword
Fine steel dagger w/silver wolf head pommel
Lorica Segementata - black, steel, body armour
Steel bracers and shinguards with Imperial crest
Gold chain+pendant of Aslan

Skills:

Lvl 2 Bladed - 22xp
Lvl 2 Sorcery - 16xp
Lvl 2 Soldiers Unarmed - 12xp
Lvl 2 Spear - 6xp
Lvl 1 Bow - 2xp

Boons:

Enhanced Strength/Endurance
Resistance to Necromany/Necromantic Poisons
Glory of the Conqueror buff (infused with the aspect of Constantine and gains an edge/ability to outmaneuver when engaged in physical or magical combat with someone of relatively equal skill)

 

[Icefyre]

Daffydd had just finished another shift at the dead center of the town. It was a pleasent brightening, and he'd finished his taks early, ready to partake of a jar in the Crown. He put his tools back, and made his way back to his home. After washing the grime of the days toil from his body, he dresseed in his usual attire, fitting a few 'tools of his trade' to his person. Black was his colour, and he'd set himself out in his leather armour, his Halberd tied in it's usual place across his back, and his dagger on his hip. One could never be too prepared in this city, and the populace was made up of many that would take advantage of one that looked to be 'available' as a mark, if one looked prepared, some of the propective ruffians were at least more cautious, and that was enough. The walk through the city was one he had made many times, and as such it was a time when he could keep himself alert, looking for anyone that might pose a threat, but in turn, also for anyone that could be a prospective mark. Always the opportunist, if there was any one, then he would monitor their behaviour, and after assessing their actions, likeihood was that he would note those persons as potential marks for further brightenings work.

He arrived at the Crown, noted a few individuals around the location that he had not seen before. There seemed a be a merchant of some sort discussing their situation with an Armoured Male. and another large being. That grouping seemed odd, but, hey, this was Prime, and some group, or other, would occasionally look to meet up outside the Crown Inn. Daffydd stayed to the side, as he approached the Inn, hanging around to see what, if anything was happening. He had candlemarks to spare at the moment, and the Ale he had planned could wait. So he watched as the citizens of Prime went about their daily business.

Spoiler

Black Leather Armour​

Black leather bracer​

black trousers​

Black Shirt​

Black hooded cape​

Lock pick kit​

Weapons

Halberd​

6" stiletto Dagger​

Blowpipe, and 5 darts​

Experience:

Necromancy - Lvl 2 (7 xp)​

Polearm - Level 2 (3 xp)​

Dagger - Level 1 (1 xp)​

Archery - Level 2 - (2 xp)​

Blowpipe - Level 1 (2 xp)​

Thief Skills - Level 2 (3 xp)​

 

[Jade Alanon]

Ah Prime... The jewel of the capital. That which would never ever suffer any type of massive explosion, of that everyone could be quite certain.

There was much that had happened to Jade amongst the streets of the capital city and not all of them involved the spilling of blood. Most did but not all... Her reasoning behind being in Aelyria Prime rather than Demios or Ziel Aerca was, for the most part, pretty tame really. She had received a letter from an old traveling companion who had a potential plan for business. While Jade did not fully fancy herself a dedicated businesswoman, she couldn't deny that she had been considering owning a tavern of her own. Perhaps even here in Prime, a good solid unexplosive business plan.

Jade had been feeling somewhat restless for some time but she had done well in Demios. She hadn't exactly settled as she was still known to vanish for cycles at a time to satiate her need for fighting and adventure but it was nowhere near as prevalent as it had been before. Perhaps it was because of Nyxira and Jade's need to keep her safe. Being a mother was...weird. She genuinely didn't believe she would take to it and there had been some times when she did consider defenestration but honestly, what parent couldn't own up to such thoughts?

Nyxi remained in Demios for the time being as did Emrys. Jade was going it alone for the first time in a while and it was surprisingly lonesome. Perhaps she had gotten too used to having someone at her side. Whether it had been her bondmate Nymira before her eventual theft at the hands of the gods or Emrys. Maybe this little adventure would do her some good.

With quarterstaff in hand, Jade had not been far off from her destination when her ears perked up. Mercenaries? Now that sounded like something that interested her.. She didn't even know what it was about, didn't know nothing about the job but she was immediately hooked. Her adventerous senses were tingling and as she often did, she went with her gut on this. Following after the pair who had been speaking, she followed them towards the Crown, not approaching just yet.

It wasn't until Jade noticed Gye'ron that her mind was made up. What was the soldier doing as a mercenary? Regardless, Jade grinned and slapped a hand on Gye'ron's shoulder. "Fancy meeting you here, big guy." She glanced over at the two. "Here for the job as well." No idea what the 'job' was but eh, it was better than nothing.

Spoiler: Equipment / Skills

Kemite Sword - Kemite-forged sword, well maintained. Has a custom hard leather sheath with a metal edge to further protect the blade inside.

Compass Rose Shurikens and Throwing daggers - Bought in Zinn'Sunn, Jade keeps the shurikens in a sling that often hangs around her waist and the daggers on various places on her person. Both types of weapons have been warped and then reified using sorcery and mysticism essence. They have better aim, being slightly guided toward Jade's intended target and can be called back to her hand with a thought, weapons must be within line of sight to be called back.

Quarterstaff - Jade's best weapon and her constant companion, Jade doesn't go anywhere without her staff. Made from dark wood of an unknown tree, Jade has used her warping abilities to strengthen the wood to be as strong as steel and able to stand going against swords as well as provide more of a force.

Aganadara
Artisan Level Focus
This Kemite-style long knife is about 3/4th the size of a short sword but it is well-balanced for Jade’s grip. The high-quality steel alloy creates strange, dark shapes along the blade obscuring it to some degree. It also drips a foul-smelling liquid, which reacts to blood and flesh.
Active Effect: When this blade strikes a living foe and draws blood, it afflicts them with “Impotence” akin to the initiate Necromancy spell. Aganadara’s victims will be crippled and their strength, energy and stamina siphoned while the caster is simultaneously slightly empowered. The target’s body will become limp, generally requiring the greatest efforts to even lift a finger. The effects will persist so long as Aganadara continues to cut and partake of their blood.
Warped leather armor beneath a corset dress and brown leather boots.
Dark cloak - Magical properties, allows the user to become near invisible in the shadows. Thread given.
Snake Skin gloves - Snake skin gloves with padded leather inside to keep the hand insulated but prevent any moisture from entering. It was also an excellent grip when wielding a weapon.

Skills

L2 or L3 Spellbreaker (depending on thread being approved)
L3 Quarterstaff
L2 Throwing knives/shurikens
L2 Brawling

 

[Lyr Tlansson]

Lyr sat with his back to the wall across from the famous (infamous?) Crown Inn and Tavern, his gaze intent, his body still except for occasionally when his right foot would start tap-tap-tapping the cobblestones underfoot. It wasn't exactly a comfortable position to be in, half-crouched, neck craned forward, propping himself up against a wall that hadn't seen the sun in who knows how long and whose moistness had gradually seeped through the vagaran's thin shirt, but it didn't seem to phase him. He was too... focused.

Which was odd, for anyone that knew Lyr. If Kenkuroi had been around, he'd doubtless be laughing his head off - either that or laughing in disbelief at the fact that the human was sitting outside the tavern lookng in. Ah, how the planetary alignments had changed...!

What Kenkuroi would not have known, of course, was that Lyr could have gone in to the Crown Inn - if he wanted to. If he chose to. It wasn't that he'd been thrown out of the place... a shocker in and of itself, since Lyr had been thrown out of pretty much any and every place possible over the course of his tender - or not so tender - thirty-odd ordinations. Maybe it was because he had never really been a big fan of Prime to begin with, and had mostly managed to avoid it, if one didn't count a few halcyon days in the bosom arms of one back-stabbing Roscarnis de Lylles.

And that... that was why Lyr was here. Because of Roscarnis. No, more like because of planetary alignments had changed, or rather required a nudge or two in order to change. And Lyr was here to... to do that. Eventually. When he got his nerve up.

Which was not quite yet.

And so in the meantime he sat, glaring at the door of the Tavern as if behind it were concealed all the secrets of the multiverse, and every so often cast a further glare at the patrons coming in and out of (but mostly in, to be honest) the Tavern. Planetary alignment was worse than Borthanas' stinking arse. And a dragon's arse - that stank.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Bastardsword (standard)
Dagger (standard)

L2 Bastardsword
L2 Brawling

 

[Crimson]

The Crown Inn and Tavern

Located within the once lavish Unicorn Parish, The Crown Inn was the oldest and most venerable tavern in all of Aelyria Prime - or in truth, the whole Empire. It remained one of the busiest locations in the First City even after the great tidal wave had crashed its way through the surrounding district of Old Prime, and it stood now as a beacon of hope and endurance to the citizens of the Capital of Aelyria.

It was an icosahedron, a twenty-sided shape, three stories high, made of cyclopean-sized stone that were painted red with accents of many colors. The weathered, heavy oak doors were like new, with no sign of even minor water damage from the raging sea that had wiped out near all the buildings that surrounded it. As always, the doors of the Crown stood open, and welcomed the people to come inside. Every other side of the icosahedron's first and second stories was occupied by arching, decorative windows, which during the day allowed sunlight to fill the interior; while at twilight, the setting of the suns made the last rays glow like aura outside the windows as the rooms grew darker, and the wall lamps were lit.

Inside, the new Crown Tavern was breath-taking. It was a large room, the main bar curving about the center of the room, angled to match the geometric shape of the unique building. Tables were fitted to all twenty corners and scattered throughout the open space of the floor, with an unlimited number of dark corners shadowed and hidden. At the southern wall was the door to the kitchens, through which staff frequently travelled, as well as a great fireplace with a grouping of chairs and smaller tables which were usually occupied. Stairs leading to the upper levels were found on both sides. The first story was entirely open to the second; patrons were now able to dine at tables around the interior balcony and watch the glorious commotion below through the intricate latticework half-wall. Candle chandeliers gracefully suspended from the ceiling of the second story softly illuminated the rooms, but allowed the many corner tables to remain in the privacy of shade. A dozen servers carried trays of food and drink throughout the crowds. Only the back wall of the second story was closed for this was a private dining room, made available for nobles to secure absolute privacy, or for meetings requiring extra measures of security.

The Crown was, as always, packed, as people had nowhere else to go while kept within the city, and they needed a place to gather, discuss, and seek fun and entertainment. All races and sorts were here, enjoying the sense of warmth and camaraderie the Crown Inn and Tavern offered.

Credit: Michelle, edited by Sarah and Nimh

Gye’ron was not dead. Yet. Though he certainly tried his luck more than a few times. The soldier once called the Wolf Imperatis was something of a hero in certain circles. Certainly some renown followed him. Yet he was far away from the battlefields of Centripax, the Sherian, and former Carmelyn. On this day, Gye’ron was one man among one million. Still, he was hired on the spot when he asked about the gig. A rosy-cheeked woman gave him the deets and sent him to the famous Crown Inn & Tavern at once. Who would have thought that his travels would lead him back here, just a short walk from the Prime Garrison where it all started. The former Imperatis considered that as he approached the tax collector and his hulk of a better half. (Continued)

Icefyre was dressed unusually for a thief. He had the color down. But the halberd was a misnomer on an otherwise nondescript person. Instead, the enormous pole arm made him stick out among the milling, chatting, busybodies around him. Still, Daffydd took a seat among the Crown’s patrons that morning and people watched. It didn’t take long for his eyes to linger on an odd assortment of people. Thus, Daffyd Icefyre watched and waited. (Continued)

Jade was certain that the Capital was totes safe and definitely not going to suffer some catastrophe in the near, medium, or distant future. While her mind lingered on her varied and bloodied past, the spellbreaker wove through the familiar avenues and alleyways until she reached the famed Crown Inn & Tavern. That’s where she ran into an old friend. Fancy that. (Continued)

Lyr used the Golden Dragon’s name in vain as he glared at the door of the Crown Inn & Tavern. He was not alone for long, though. Lining the perimeter of the twenty-sided structure were mobs of hawkers, beggars, and makeshift shoppes. An old Eunesian woman was selling fried squid and fish balls nearby; next to her were street performers doing backflips and handstands for coppers. The guards didn’t bother chasing the riffraff away anymore. There was just too many of them to bother with. So long as they stayed far enough away from the Tavern, they were left to their own devices. Or in Lyr’s case, left to focus. (Continued)

EVERYONE: ​

It was a happy coincidence that Gye’ron happened upon the tax collector just as he and his enormous companion were about to enter the Tavern.

“Oho”, he remarked at Gye’ron’s introduction. “I am Sonorous Goode. And this is my colleague, Gregory.” He waved at the prominent person next to him.

Gregory scowled, realizing that they were not going to have that quick drink after all.

At Jade’s arrival, Sonorous and Greg watched her interaction with Gye’ron with mild interest. Then the taxman cleared his throat. “I suppose we should get going”, he said with a nod. “Best not leave our client waiting.” He gave a thin smile before turning toward the opposite end of Unicorn Plaza.

--

Daffydd watched from a distance as the trio became a quartet. A woman with startling white-gold hair joined the Soldier, the Big Man, and the official-looking fellow. Lyr, even from his highly focused position, could see the group mingling just outside the Crown Inn & Tavern. Then they watched as the rotund fellow in the royal blue jacket and matching pants and cap turned and led the way.

--

“I don’t suppose Mr. Brumblestick is going to be very fond of our visit”, continued Sonorous as they squeezed past another sweaty crowd. The tax collector had spent the last several minutes going through protocols, policies, and procedures with the pair of presumed mercs. Apparently, this was his responsibility as the Immediate Manager/Supervisor or “IMS” for short. Meanwhile, Gye’ron narrowly missed a pile of horse manure while Jade saw a handful of gawking children pointing at her.

“You must collect and report any illicit substances or property on site to your IMS”, the tax collector was saying after an extended list of “do’s and don'ts” for Professional Experts. That’s the official term that the Imperial Tax Code used for part-time or temporary employees. At this point, Gye’ron was starting to suspect that Sonorous may have been too enthusiastic about his job. Jade noticed that Big Greg was quickly glancing away whenever she noticed him staring.

Finally, they arrived in front of a maroon building that looked like four or five one-room hovels stacked on top of each other by a very drunk giant. The bottommost hovel was old and looked most squished, which made sense given the weight of the other houses above it. Fortunately, it was made of brick. This level also looked like it was supposed to be an entrance though the door was maybe half the height of an average human. The second ‘story’ of this building-code-violation-pancake looked like a dwelling straight out of Natura. It had living vines with sweet-smelling white flowers draping over its circular windows. The third and fourth levels consisted of hovels that were mistakenly stacked and placed on their sides. Gods only knew how the interior of this absurdity might look. Not to mention all the Aelyrians with Disabilities Act compliance issues.

At the very topmost level was a banner with bright gold lettering: Brumble’s Bank. Then in blood red print below the marquee: NO BIG NOBS.

Sonorous sighed. Then he planted two solid knocks on the child-sized door. The entire ‘building’ appeared to shudder at the pressure. “Mr. Bumblestick!”, called the tax collector. “This is the Imperial Revenue Service!”

“Nobody here!”, chirped the reply from somewhere above them.

Objectives:

• Sonorous Goode must survive
• Bonus: Gregory Samuels survives
• Collect taxes from the client
• Escort the IRS agents back to the Crown Inn & Tavern

 

[Icefyre]

Daffydd sat and watched... sometimes you can learn a lot from just watching what people are doing, a couple arguing over what they will have for dinner, a young urchin, running back and forth between some nobilty, coming away with a few coins, an older gent, bent double, walking with the aid of a stick, head bent so that he could see the way forward, and trying not to get hit as he passed through the crowded area. All of these were usual for the daily hussle and bustle, and then there was the group...

Ok, now we have a quartet, and at least two factions in the group, as Blondie knows armoured guy... strange partnerships in a stranger situation, as it looks as if the posh one is some form of official... ok, maybe these guys are expecting trouble, as there were four of them. This might be fun, to at least watch, if nothing else.

As the quartet moved away, Daffydd rose and began to follow, not too closely, but at a respectable distance. There was no intent other than to watch what was about to happen, and as such, he didnt go into "stealth mode", but added a certain nonchalance, but keeping a weary eye on his surroundings to make sure he, himself, didn't become a mark for some young urchin. As they approached a small abode, Daffydd held back and watched the location and the actions of the group. The events of the brightening were just beginning to get interesting from the looks of things.

 

[Vireylda Saharn]

Ostensibly, Vireylda was here to observe the art of politicking at it's base form, and an added benefit to see what the state of magecraft was at the heart of the empire. Her attempts at making Necromancy a legitimate craft were slow going, buffeted on all sides by prejudice. Worse, she couldn't even disagree with some of them. Historically necromancers had caused serious problems in the empire at large. Who could blame them for being suspicious, and at the most extreme, violent?

If she was honest with herself though, Vree just wanted a break. The demands of her station were something she hadn't expected. There was always something to do. Someone that needed help, something that had to be approved and looked at. Yes this was fine, no why would you do that, perhaps this instead? A headache began to grow in her temples at the thought of it alone.

So it was that she currently resided in the tavern, at a table in the back where the wall was comfortably against her back, though not shrouded in shadow. Contrary to most of practitioners of her art the elf preferred light, to dark. Yes, she specialized in negative energy and death, but that didn't mean she had to be somber all the time. There she sat, nursing a small cup of juice. Unlike the attire she normally sported - that of someone who had responsibilities, and people to manage, so had to look presentable - this was more familiar to her earlier days.

Brown Leather armor graced her upper body, along with bracers on her forearms. On the lower body simple black pants, a sword belt, and dark brown boots to top it off. Behind her fell a black hooded cloak, though the hood currently remained down. Her sword, with it's magically enhanced imbuement lay on her hips, a comforting weight should she need to pull it. Vireylda wasn't particularly skilled with the blade but it never hurt to be prepared.

Around her neck a simple chain necklace that held a stone of black onyx, like the shadows themselves coalesced to form it.

The darker colors of her attire were rather comically overshadowed by the pale skin, and the snow white of her hair. Beneath her shoulder length locks poked the tapered ears of an elf, with the secondary tip trademark of the Esh'lahier. Blue eyes peered beneath thin brows, and Vireylda pursed her lips at the entrance of some rather interesting individuals. As she watched them, the air of the fellow caught her eye. Rather important, at least in his mind.

She waited until they left, and watched another fellow trail after as well. Are we all following each other today, it seems?

Seemed so. Vireylda trailed behind the main group at a respectable distance, her curiosity again driving her forward.

Spoiler

Necromancy - L3 - L4 thread in progress, so until that's approved I'll be L3 in this thread"
Healing - L1
Sword - L1

Staff of Arcana - (Interitus En Viridus)
Steel Arming Sword - Imbued with Entropy Blade effect activated by phrase "us-veles" - Imbuement, Journeyman spell strength with nine charges. (Essentially like an extremely potent acid along the edge of the blade, courtesy of Entropic Orb.) - Knightly sword - Wikipedia
Stone Of Shadow Step - necklace - Holds a single charge that takes one month to recharge after use and uses the activation phrase 'barra unboi.' Allows user to 'teleport' between areas of darkness/shadow.
Necromantically infused ring created by Vireylda. Can hold three Initiate level Necromancy spells.

• Acid Orb
• Entropic Blast
• Impotence

Activated by the command phrase.

Thanks for letting me join a little later!

 

[Jade Alanon]

If a man's surname was Goode then there was every chance in the world that he most assuredly was not. As a tax collector, he would be considered sub-human at best and gods knew what else at worse but Jade had little interaction with his kind for the most part. Greedy sods, from what she heard, but that was all second-hand from those that experienced his pinching grasp. Was she really going to protect one? Eh...maybe. She was just along for the ride and whatever hijinks it brought along with it, life was surprising like that in Aelyria Prime.

With Gye'ron slow to respond to her sudden appearance and lack of say in whether she chose to tag along or not, the pair began to follow along behind Snorous and his obvious henchman. "If you need protection in order to do you job, it is safe to say that no one appreciates your visit." She logicked aloud as she walked behind the pair. A brow perked at the children who seemed to be gawking and pointing at her. It was one thing when she had Emrys or Nymira with her but on her own? Surely she didn't cut that much of an imposing figure.. Still, she ignored the children for the time being.

It didn't take her long to notice that Gregory, she was sure that was his name, kept glancing back at her and she couldn't help but smirk. Bring a woman into the equation and men were often quick to act foolishly. Not that Jade did anything to shut down his stares. Instead she watched and waited for him to glance back and winked playfully at him. Never a bad option to have an ally for when things went south and with a prude like Snorous, that was bound to happen.

The hovels were truly a sight to be seen if only for the sheer oddness of their layout. Surely the builders who designed them had been well off their heads on booze or drugs to have created such an abomination and yet Jade actually liked it. "Interesting architecture" She commented as she glanced upwards and snorted in laughter at the sign. "They obviously were aware of your arrival."

The voice from within called out and Jade shook her head. "Well, it appears that no one is inside, the house said so itself." They were getting paid to make sure Snorous didn't get himself shanked and she had a feeling that if he forced Mr Brumblestick, that was exactly what might occur.

Spoiler: Equipment / Skills

Kemite Sword - Kemite-forged sword, well maintained. Has a custom hard leather sheath with a metal edge to further protect the blade inside.

Compass Rose Shurikens and Throwing daggers - Bought in Zinn'Sunn, Jade keeps the shurikens in a sling that often hangs around her waist and the daggers on various places on her person. Both types of weapons have been warped and then reified using sorcery and mysticism essence. They have better aim, being slightly guided toward Jade's intended target and can be called back to her hand with a thought, weapons must be within line of sight to be called back.

Quarterstaff - Jade's best weapon and her constant companion, Jade doesn't go anywhere without her staff. Made from dark wood of an unknown tree, Jade has used her warping abilities to strengthen the wood to be as strong as steel and able to stand going against swords as well as provide more of a force.

Aganadara
Artisan Level Focus
This Kemite-style long knife is about 3/4th the size of a short sword but it is well-balanced for Jade’s grip. The high-quality steel alloy creates strange, dark shapes along the blade obscuring it to some degree. It also drips a foul-smelling liquid, which reacts to blood and flesh.
Active Effect: When this blade strikes a living foe and draws blood, it afflicts them with “Impotence” akin to the initiate Necromancy spell. Aganadara’s victims will be crippled and their strength, energy and stamina siphoned while the caster is simultaneously slightly empowered. The target’s body will become limp, generally requiring the greatest efforts to even lift a finger. The effects will persist so long as Aganadara continues to cut and partake of their blood.
Warped leather armor beneath a corset dress and brown leather boots.
Dark cloak - Magical properties, allows the user to become near invisible in the shadows. Thread given.
Snake Skin gloves - Snake skin gloves with padded leather inside to keep the hand insulated but prevent any moisture from entering. It was also an excellent grip when wielding a weapon.

Skills

L2 or L3 Spellbreaker (depending on thread being approved)
L3 Quarterstaff
L2 Throwing knives/shurikens
L2 Brawling

 

[Lyr Tlansson]

It was getting harder to focus on the door. Not only were people coming in and out of it, now - which wouldn't have been so bad - but there were lots of other individuals doing gods' only knew what milling around, too, young pick pockets and hawkers, even a woman selling... mmmmmm, was that kalamarakia?! Lyr's glare slid sideways, he lost a bit of his balance, and finally had to straighten with an annoyed grunt. His legs were tingling and knees achy from the awkward position.

On the plus side, he now had a bit of a better angle to see the Inn's door - and just in time, as first a suspicious looking quartet ambled away, followed by a human male who looked conspicuously inconspicuous (Lyr knew the type well) and then, as if that wasn't enough, an Eshie who seemed to also be going for an inconspicuous look but was so laughably bad at it that it was just sad. Lyr snorted. Seriously! Lyr was also not exactly the inconspicuous type - Vagaran, you know - but even he could do better than that.

Challenge... accepted?

Lyr stuck his hands in his pockets - not so deeply that he wouldn't be able to withdraw them in a pinch, mind you - and ambled along after the white-haired Eshie. It was good to get circulation back into his legs, at least. He'd need that, right?

Keeping that excuse firmly in mind, Lyr proceeded onward until the little procession whose tail he was stopped before a most unsavoury looking building with the banner "Brumble's Bank" written on it. The large character up in front knocked loudly on the door. Lyr wasn't so far that he didn't hear the words "Imperial Revenue Service," either. And that was when the situation clarified. The thugs from the IRS had tracked down a late payer.

It didn't look like the Bank was going to pay up, either. Brazen fellow, Lyr thought as one eyebrow rose.

"That's not how you do it!" Lyr called, disengaging from his position at the back of the pack and moving past the Eshie and the inconspicuously conspicuous human to the front grouping. "Why'd you tell him who y'are? Now you've lost all element of surprise!" The Vagaran shook his shaggy head disapprovingly at Sonoros. Not that he had any love lost for the IRS - quite the opposite - but seriously. Lyr might not be well versed with the IRS, but he was thoroughly versed with the underground variety of "tax" collection, and if this was the best the IRS had then they had a lot to learn.

"Here, let me show you --- Bramble, you said, right?..." and then without pause "---BRAMBLE, YOU FETHER, WE KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!!! GET OUT THE LOOT OR THERE'LL BE AETHERIA TO PAY!!!" The Vagaran yelled at the top of his lungs, giving the door a few solid knocks with a fist.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Bastardsword (standard)
Dagger (standard)

L2 Bastardsword
L2 Brawling

[/I]

 

[Gye'ron Val Oriden]

It had to go without saying that Gye‘ron was surprised to see Jade in Prime. Every other time he’d seen her, it was in Sherian. There was one constant though: she was always ready to kick names and take ass. All he got in was a smile once he got over the surprise. Mostly because the tax man started prattling on about technicalities and nonsense.

It made him miss Alexis.

Throughout the walk, between dodging piles of manure, he kept laughing under his breath and trying not to smile too much at everything that Jade said. She was funny. He didn’t know women could be that.

She punched things. She rode a dragon. She was funny. She was honest. He’d swear she was a man, if not for the obvious.

After her last joke, with half a grin on his face, he said, “I’m going to keep you.”

And then some lumbering Vagaran started shouting. And some midget with a halberd was following them too. And the bank was the weirdest collection of hovels he’d ever seen.

He couldn’t do more than shake his head, “Feth me, I missed this city.”

As to the problem at hand…well he wanted to teleport himself inside, grab the Gnome, and punt him out the nearest door or window. What he didn’t want was a house collapsing on him. That would be super embarrassing.

He tried to just slip between the group and get out front a bit. The Gnome wasn’t going to come out, certainly not to pay taxes. Gye’ron couldn’t blame it, he didn’t like paying taxes either. Imagine doing all the work and someone else taking part just because they wrote on a piece of paper that they were entitled to. Outrageous.

Other than the bit where he directly benefited from it while collecting a soldiers salary. But that was then.

He put on his Taralonian accent a bit thicker than it normally was, “Listen lad, I dinnae care about this pawky chancer. I wanna make a wee deposit, long as yew promise nae ta give a copper ta these thieves.”

It was a long shot, but what else was he going to do? Besides, Sherian and Taralon in particular had tons of Gnomes. Perhaps a familiar accent would make the Gnome see a friend - or at least an opportunity.

Best case scenario, he was getting in.

Worst case scenario, he made himself look like an absolute idiot in front of super cool chick. Which was super not cool.

Spoiler: Equipment/Skills/Boons

Equipment:

Imperial Longsword
Fine steel dagger w/silver wolf head pommel
Lorica Segementata - black, steel, body armour
Steel bracers and shinguards with Imperial crest
Gold chain+pendant of Aslan

Skills:

Lvl 2 Bladed - 22xp
Lvl 2 Sorcery - 16xp
Lvl 2 Soldiers Unarmed - 12xp
Lvl 2 Spear - 6xp
Lvl 1 Bow - 2xp

Boons:

Enhanced Strength/Endurance
Resistance to Necromany/Necromantic Poisons
Glory of the Conqueror buff (infused with the aspect of Constantine and gains an edge/ability to outmaneuver when engaged in physical or magical combat with someone of relatively equal skill)

 

[Crimson]

Chapter I “Bramble”​

---

Gye’ron was not dead and was having a good time. While it was tempting to teleport inside the hovel-stack, the former Imperatis instead turned on that Taralonian charm! (Continued)

"How do you do, fellow Taralonians?" Achievement unlocked. Aggro increased.​

Icefyre would find it hard to go into ‘stealth mode’ even if he opted to do so. Between his halberd and the ceaseless mobs and swarms of peasants, workers, refugees, and other everyday people, it was difficult enough to track the unlikely foursome. He frequently had to trail them closer than he might have preferred just so he didn’t lose their trail! (Continued)

"Stealthy McStealth" Achievement unlocked.​

Vireylda decided that everyone was following everybody today! (Continued)

"So Anyway, I Just Started Followin" Achievement unlocked.​

Jade was basically sure that Mr. Goode was definitely not the good guy in this story. Aside from her bias against taxmen and people who needed hired muscle to do their jobs, the spellbreaker was not exactly born yesterday. Sonorous Goode’s being a good guy was as likely as Aelyria Prime suffering some kind of horrible, surprise attack in the immediate future! (Continued)

"Helpful" Achievement unlocked.​

Lyr activated his version of ‘stealth mode’. Though it didn’t last very long! (Continued)

"This is How You Do It" Achievement unlocked. Aggro increased.​

EVERYONE:​

Sonorous made an impatient sound in response to Jade’s comment. Unlike Gye’ron, he was not under the impression that the white-haired woman was cool. Or whatever the urban youth called it these brightenings. Rather, he was growing rather flushed as annoyance turned into frustration. It was as though Sonorous Goode actually expected for people to like paying their taxes.

When Gye’ron attempted to persuade the gnome to let him inside, the soldier heard a commotion above him, saw a window open, and barely managed to avoid a flower pot from hitting his head. There was a crash as the clay pot, dirt, and carrots exploded on the cobblestones between Gye’ron, Jade, and the IRS agents.

“WHY -- THE NERVE -- !”, spluttered the taxman, completely scandalized.

While Sonorous struggled to cite the precise article and subsection of the Imperial Tax Code, Gregory rolled his eyes and started to walk toward the dollhouse sized door.

That’s about the time Lyr decided to make his entrance.

Now doubly shocked by the appearance of a very brazen fellow indeed, Sonorous watched as Lyr shouted toward the heavens to demand ‘Bramble’ to get his shit together.

Gregory looked a little impressed, approving the Vagaran’s tactics. Sonorous, on the other hand, was shaking his head so quickly that his double chin was gyrating at impossible speeds. “No, no, no, no, no!”, he screeched. “We do NOT threaten the clients!”

The taxman and his muscle were so focused on the newcomer, however, that they didn’t notice Brumblestick’s gift come to life. The flower pot was not filled with dirt and carrots at all. Jade noticed it first, followed by Gye’ron since they were closest. The ‘carrots’ were actually whirring contraptions that were ticking, hissing, and spinning faster and faster and faster!

--

Vireylda and Daffydd, fortunately, were far enough so that the Vagaran did not have to shoulder his way past them. But they did witness the drama unfolding from the opposite side of the street.

And they also noticed something else. From the nearby apartments and buildings peeked some unusual creatures. They were the size of human children but their appearances and bright eyes made them easy to identify: cethars. At first, Daffydd noticed two or three. Until another pair cropped up nearby. To the untrained eye, the sudden appearance of spectators might make for an interesting day in the capital. But the thief knew an ambush when he saw one. Vireylda also spotted a few more cethars on nearby rooftops, their bright hungry eyes trained on the unfolding conflict below.

Objectives:

• Sonorous Goode must survive
• Bonus: Gregory Samuels survives
• Collect taxes from the client
• Escort the IRS agents back to the Crown Inn & Tavern

 

[Vireylda Saharn]

Vireylda was quite sure she'd never seen such an explosive display in her life that didn't involve actual explosives. The crash of the strange man's foot against the door of the misshapen house resounded even this far back. Vireylda quickened her pace in his stead, rushing past the man with the halberd at this point because subtlety seemed a thing of the past. She watched as the flower pot was flung into the street - rather uncouth if you asked her - and then movement caught her eye.

They were popping up around them like gophers in holes. Cethers, and multiple ones too. The rooftops as well. She frowned, and her pace slowed. Did she really want to get in the middle of this? By all accounts she was a bystander, with no stake in how this actually went. Vireylda passed a glance over the gathered individuals. The tax collector and his brute of a friend she didn't care for, the man that loudly proclaimed their tactics were ineffective and the woman with the white hair was unknown though quite pretty. It was the last person that gave her pause.

She didn't remember his name, only two things. This was the man who caused the case of mistaken identity - that of her being Faust's wife when his actual spouse stood not a few scant feet away - and also the image of him throwing himself like a madman into the maw of Omak, to stab the monster in the eye. The cether obviously planned nothing good. She sighed, mind made up. Whatever the case, he's a valiant warrior, and deserves more than to be stabbed in the kidney by a halfling.

It was likely that any attack the man would survive, but he also seemed entirely unaware of them as a whole. Even the most learned individual could fall prey to the element of surprise. That wouldn't do. She stood in the middle of the street, back to the tax collector and his group, and face toward the Cether. Vireylda raised her voice, addressing the assembled ambush with sword drawn.

"I would advise against any foul play. It's a beautiful day, why not go and enjoy it before things become unpleasant?" For added incentive, she cast a wave of journeyman Fright at them.

Vireylda spoke to those behind her without turning. "Far be it from me to intrude in your business, but perhaps you might want to pay mind to the ambush at your back?"

Spoiler

Necromancy - L3 - L4 thread in progress, so until that's approved I'll be L3 in this thread"
Healing - L1
Sword - L1

Staff of Arcana - (Interitus En Viridus)
Steel Arming Sword - Imbued with Entropy Blade effect activated by phrase "us-veles" - Imbuement, Journeyman spell strength with nine charges. (Essentially like an extremely potent acid along the edge of the blade, courtesy of Entropic Orb.) - Knightly sword - Wikipedia
Stone Of Shadow Step - necklace - Holds a single charge that takes one month to recharge after use and uses the activation phrase 'barra unboi.' Allows user to 'teleport' between areas of darkness/shadow.
Necromantically infused ring created by Vireylda. Can hold three Initiate level Necromancy spells.

• Acid Orb
• Entropic Blast
• Impotence

Activated by the command phrase.

 

[Icefyre]

So this is getting interesting... The little house has the ability to understand if its owner is present... I think not!, and now we have another come to the party to show the others how to do things...

What the feth....?

Daffydd noticed the eyes first... One... two... three pairs. All of them were positioned in such a way that they made you think you were looking at maybe innocent urchins, or children of families that were down on their luck, but when you truely looked you could see that nothing could be further from the truth. Cethers.

Daffydd had not come across many in his work life, but as part of his everyday work in the Cemetery he had helped tend the graves of a few, and seen many whilst walking through the city. For some reason he immediately knew that these guys were not here to play tidderly winks, or to just watch the proceeding, They were part of the proceedings, and he was about to get caught up in the situa....

Feth it all now another females' joined the fun... and she's raised the alarm... which is good I suppose, but damn, now were all going to be looked at as part of the situation, even though I havent really done anything except watch this bumbling idiot of a tax collector try to coax money from one that doesnt want to play... Well I suppose I'm at least going to have to try to protect myself from these guys, even though I'm still not in this group...

Daffydd moved his Halberd from its place on his back and brought it into his hands. Using a relaxed stance, but with his left foot facing the group, his right foot back, and 90 deg to the left so that he could use it to pivot into defence, or immediately bring it forward to force the attack, he set himself at the ready to see what the little ones had in store. If they left him out of the equation, then he would look at how he could help the group, but if they brought him into the fight then, the little ones better get ready for some pain.

 

[Jade Alanon]

Ah, the joys of having a semi-designed plan for the day and throwing it to the wayside based on nothing more than a simple whim. There was something almost invigorating about it really… It was one reason why Jade had always enjoyed travelling, more often than not it would lead her to interesting places where she would lose some blood but gain more than a few good stories to tell. Was that not what life was meant to be? A series of stories to be told before or even after your imminent death?

It was something that Nyxi quite enjoyed, listening to her mother and father telling stories of their adventures and for the most part, they didn't leave out much. She was old enough to understand that death was a natural part of the lives of those who got in the way of Jade Alanon.

“I’m going to keep you.” Was Gye'ron's comment in regards to the various quips Jade had to offer the situation and she couldn't help but smirk. "You can try..." Another playful wink as they continued onwards. While Snorous seemed quite business-like and serious, Jade was doing this for little more than a laugh. Whether he managed to collect from his clients was something Jade did not give a rat's arse about.

Arms folded across her chest, Jade watched as Gye'ron tried to do his Taralon impression of a sweet talk in order to get inside which, annoyingly enough, only lead to pottery being thrown at their heads. Thankfully it missed, crashing to the ground and scattering what first appeared to be some sort of vegetation all over the ground. This only served to further incite Snorous who began to recite tax codes and nonsense. "Unless you are using some unknown sphere of arcana known as Taxerism, that ain't gonna help you." Her indignation that people weren't throwing their money at him was more than a little annoying for Jade who really was not all that helpful in this situation.

Instead, it seemed that someone else was going to try their hand at bringing out the tax evader and that didn't seem to work either.

Whatever Jade might have said to the Vagaran was quickly forgotten as she came to notice the gyrating contraptions on the ground. While Jade had trained under Klue in gadgeteering, she was far from an expert but that was likely...bad? Yeah, she was going to say bad. Gesturing to Gye'ron to move away quickly, Jade shifted so that she was hopefully able to get Snorous' attention. "You might want to move away from the vibrating carrots."

Oh feth... "You feckin robbed an orphanage, didn't you, Snorous?!" Why else would they be surrounded by child-sized beings? Of course Jade knew that cethars existed but that didn't mean she had to acknowledge them.

Spoiler: Equipment / Skills

Kemite Sword - Kemite-forged sword, well maintained. Has a custom hard leather sheath with a metal edge to further protect the blade inside.

Compass Rose Shurikens and Throwing daggers - Bought in Zinn'Sunn, Jade keeps the shurikens in a sling that often hangs around her waist and the daggers on various places on her person. Both types of weapons have been warped and then reified using sorcery and mysticism essence. They have better aim, being slightly guided toward Jade's intended target and can be called back to her hand with a thought, weapons must be within line of sight to be called back.

Quarterstaff - Jade's best weapon and her constant companion, Jade doesn't go anywhere without her staff. Made from dark wood of an unknown tree, Jade has used her warping abilities to strengthen the wood to be as strong as steel and able to stand going against swords as well as provide more of a force.

Aganadara
Artisan Level Focus
This Kemite-style long knife is about 3/4th the size of a short sword but it is well-balanced for Jade’s grip. The high-quality steel alloy creates strange, dark shapes along the blade obscuring it to some degree. It also drips a foul-smelling liquid, which reacts to blood and flesh.
Active Effect: When this blade strikes a living foe and draws blood, it afflicts them with “Impotence” akin to the initiate Necromancy spell. Aganadara’s victims will be crippled and their strength, energy and stamina siphoned while the caster is simultaneously slightly empowered. The target’s body will become limp, generally requiring the greatest efforts to even lift a finger. The effects will persist so long as Aganadara continues to cut and partake of their blood.
Warped leather armor beneath a corset dress and brown leather boots.
Dark cloak - Magical properties, allows the user to become near invisible in the shadows. Thread given.
Snake Skin gloves - Snake skin gloves with padded leather inside to keep the hand insulated but prevent any moisture from entering. It was also an excellent grip when wielding a weapon.

Skills

L2 or L3 Spellbreaker (depending on thread being approved)
L3 Quarterstaff
L2 Throwing knives/shurikens
L2 Brawling

 

[Lyr Tlansson]

If Lyr hadn't been trying to show the taxman how to do his job, he would have entirely approved of throwing flower pots at his head. That's how they do it in Jaedaxia!... If only the carrots were a guillotine. But Lyr was trying to show Sonoros Goode how to do his job here, and therefore appreciated flower pots being thrown into his general vicinity about as much as he appreciated the person he was trying to educate getting all bent out of shape at being shown up. Of course Lyr would have felt exactly the same as the good Mr. Goode, if he'd been in his shoes, but who was counting?

"How the feth are you still employed?" Lyr threw back at the taxman, knocking loudly again on the doorway. " ' Don't threaten the clients'..... next you'll say we're not to break in their doorways either, eh?!" Seeing as knocking was going nowhere - the door was surprisingly sturdy for a house that looked like a stack of pancakes - Lyr turned sideways and rammed his shoulder into it with a grunt. Vagarans would do as vagarans did, after all.

And truth be told, Lyr was getting kind of into it. Maybe it was all the energy he'd built up while staring down the Crown Inn door, but by Borthanas' bollocks, it felt good to hit something. Gregory's appreciative glances certainly helped, too.

So Lyr threw himself into the door with such fervor that he kind of missed the carrots, and the cethers, and the other assorted warning signs popping up beyond the narrow drama on which he'd put his focus.

 

[Gye'ron Val Oriden]

Yeah, so acting his way in half way through a tax collection attempt when he clearly came with the tax collector probably didn't even count as half-baked. You might call it pre-baked. The things you'd try when you were afraid of a decrepit building. At least the pot had missed him. Somehow, though, he found it being a pot of carrots downright insulting. Just imagine if he, Gye'ron Val Oriden, former Inquisitor, general, legionnaire, and dubious hero of low-renown, died by carrot. His father would never let him live it down, once they met again on the other side of the Umblat.

He snorted at Jade's remark to the taxman. He wanted to dress the man down a bit himself. Don't threaten the clients? Why bring mercenaries? Why have your partner walk around with a club?

"Clients? Interesting way to define the 'give us money or go to the gaol' relationship."

The more he talked, the more Sonorous appeared to be an absolute fop. He'd do well in Jaedaxia.

Then Jade said something about whirling carrots, causing Gye'ron to look up at the window they'd come out of and ask, "Z'kron?"

Of course, when he looked down again, he could see that they weren't carrots. Suddenly he felt like he really was being attacked, and he didn't like that at all. His breaths quickened a bit as he felt an anger rising in him. In Taralon he'd never been bothered by a Gnome. Outside of the Sherian, though, they were all troublesome and awful. Why couldn't they just be good, peaceful citizens? Cethers were small too and they were good. Fae were even smaller and they didn't bother anyone. Why couldn't Gnomes be like that?

As the Vagaran started smashing himself against the door of the delicate looking building, Gye'ron decided he was going to return the whirling faux-carrots to the place they'd come from.

"You dropped these ya wee bastard!" he shouted, as he enveloped the whirling and ticking devices, as well as the broken pot pieces in the weaves of a spell. Gye'ron cast a teleporting spell on them, with the destination being the room behind the window they came out of in the first place. Whatever they were going to do, they weren't going to do it to him or his friend. Acquaintance? Friend. Jade was a friend. Was there much of a difference? He wasn't sure. He didn't keep that many of either.

A warning was shouted from behind him, and imagine his shock when he turned to see, "Faust's wife?"

He didn't immediately spot anyone with any weapons out beside her and a midget with a halberd, so he looked back to see the results of his spell.

Spoiler: Equipment/Skills/Boons

Equipment:

Imperial Longsword
Fine steel dagger w/silver wolf head pommel
Lorica Segementata - black, steel, body armour
Steel bracers and shinguards with Imperial crest
Gold chain+pendant of Aslan

Skills:

Lvl 2 Bladed - 22xp
Lvl 2 Sorcery - 16xp
Lvl 2 Soldiers Unarmed - 12xp
Lvl 2 Spear - 6xp
Lvl 1 Bow - 2xp

Boons:

Enhanced Strength/Endurance
Resistance to Necromany/Necromantic Poisons
Glory of the Conqueror buff (infused with the aspect of Constantine and gains an edge/ability to outmaneuver when engaged in physical or magical combat with someone of relatively equal skill)

 

[Crimson]

“Fumble”​

---

Vireylda was apparently done being a follower. So she confronted one of the nearby halflings -- and warned the nearby group! (Continued)

Journeyman spell’s worth of Vis used. Entropy Essence Contamination level: low​

Icefyre armed himself in preparation for the inevitable fight! (Continued)

Jade warned the men about the vibrating carrots -- and blamed the tax collector! (Continued)

Lyr decided to keep trying to break down the tiny door! (Continued)

Gye’ron hurled the mechanical carrots, broken pottery, and dirt back to its sender via sorcery -- and thought he saw Faust’s Wife! (Continued)

Journeyman spell’s worth of Vis used. Force Essence Contamination level: low​

EVERYONE:​

Across the way …

“Better beat it!”, the cethar snarled at Pale Elf. His cherub face and bright eyes contorted into a wolfish expression. Vireylda realized that this pack of cethars were not here to play house. But then again, neither was the Adept.

The Capital was a cauldron of possibilities and opportunity. Yet the Necromancer harvested the essence opposite to Aelyria Prime’s promise of prosperity. She instead gathered miniscule specks of desperation, death, and decay ...collecting and shaping it into her desired spell. It was fortunate that the cethar was not close enough to attack her outright. Even as an experienced mage, the effort still took precious time before the Adept could shape her spell.

Once released, however, Fright struck the unsuspecting cethar like an invisible clay pot full of mechanical carrots.

The change in his expression was immediate. Ferocity was replaced with fear, anxiety, and wide-eyed terror. After a few moments, the curly haired creature seemed to lose his marbles and his wits and fled.

Daffydd witnessed this peculiar exchange with all the realization of a puppeteer seeing a familiar play. He noted the sudden stiffness and frozen expression of focus, the translucent aura of cold heat radiating from the second Female, and instantly knew that he witnessed magic at work. But the halberd-wielding rogue was not exactly a bystander anymore. By arming himself, he drew the attention of some nearby cethars. They were momentarily confused by one of their member’s hasty departure. But these ones saw Daffydd as a larger threat than the lithe elf. So they hurried toward Daffydd and the Journeyman saw that these chubby little cheeks were stretched into a snarl and their toddler sized hands each gripped a knife.

--

In front of Brumble’s Bank

Sonorous Goode was having a good day. He expected this particular client to be unhelpful but otherwise cooperative. This was far and beyond what the tax man might have considered inappropriate behavior. Why, assault was against the rules! Particularly against Imperial officers. The nerve of the gnome to throw things at him! Clearly, he spared no thought for the snarky white-haired woman and the foreign merc. The IRS spelled out the risks in their contract and the Imperial Government was not responsible for any injuries up to and including death and maiming.

Their service were, of course, appreciated. Sonorous made a ledger note in his mind to claim their belongings as property of the IRS should the unfortunate happen.

Then several things happened at once, which started the permanent downward spiral into ‘bad day’ territory.

There was a spark of violet light as Gye’ron hastily and haphazardly slapped together enough force essence to send the carrot contraptions back to its owner. Between the stress and urgency of the task, however, Gye’ron suddenly realized that he was going to need more time. But the alarming mechanical whirring coupled with the black smoke told the sorcerer that time was not on the menu. So he chose expediency, releasing the spell intended to teleport the objects up and over a couple of dozen feet into the air before it was ready. What resulted was a flash and a blip -- then the ominous orange objects were gone. The former Imperatis was able to look up just in time to see the carrots erupt into angry white-hot sparks and a cloud of foul-smelling smoke high above their heads. That was certainly better than the alternative, which was a flash bang between them at ground level.

Meanwhile, Jade’s spellbreaking senses piqued at the use of astral magic around her. But Gye’ron’s sorcery was not the only type that pinged her radar. She also smelled necromancy, which was not only illegal according to Imperial Law but it was generally the calling card of very bad people. Jade’s senses pointed her in the direction of the commotion behind her gathered party. That’s when she saw a Pale Elf and another figure armed with a halberd some distance away facing off with two angry cethars. Jade also realized that the cethars atop the two-story apartments around them were loading crossbows!

All the while, Lyr was trying -- and struggling -- to bust open the three-foot high door leading inside Brumble’s Bank. He tried kicking it but the angle of his strikes only made his toes hurt. Shouldering the portal proved even less effective. Until, that is, he heard a creak as the recycled wood started to show signs of straining. Lyr’s shoulders might hurt in the morning but he was making progress at least!

Then -- another CRASH -- and Lyr tumbled through the splintered planks into a crawl space just high enough for the Vagaran to navigate on his hands and knees. It looked like a common house except it was filled with parchment, empty ink pots, leather backpacks, misc. family heirlooms, and rusty daggers. Piles and piles and piles of the stuff seemed to be stacked precariously toward the ceiling. Some of the dusty piles had toppled over but by some miracle, managed to merely lean against adjacent piles to create the tunnel space Lyr was in now.

Objectives:

• Sonorous Goode must survive
• Bonus: Gregory Samuels survives
• Collect taxes from the client
• Escort the IRS agents back to the Crown Inn & Tavern

​

 

[Icefyre]

Daffydd understood now that someone else was not exactly living on the right side of Arcane use. He saw the little one freeze, and then basically drop everything and run. Fright was a useful weapon in his armour of necromancer spells, and he knew what it was capable of. So he made mental note to maybe discuss this with the user when he had the chance.

For now he had a few Cether to manage as they must of decided that he was part of this group and he was the cause of some of their problems. The knives they carried would need to be dealt with, and in due course would be, but that would be after the little ones were either not able to function, or they had left of their own free will, either way he set himself ready for the attack. The fact that they attack him first, left him no choice but to at least take one or two of these guys out. So, moving his feet to set himself in a stance that would enable him to freely move between left/right dominant, and could instantly help in providing forward momentum, add to a thrust attack, or back sliding into defensive swipes, Daffydd looked for one who would be the first to come in range. Depending on which of the Cether was unlucky enough, that little one was greeted with a deceptive thrust attack, which would hide the real attack as it would change as, turning the shaft, the blade would become more horizontal bringing the hook into play, Daffydd would then pull the shaft back, trying to swipe the blade into the Cethers side, or shoulder, if effective he would immediately reverse the swing and try to hit any other of the little ones that might be to the left of the original target. If either of the attacks failed he would begin to use his feet to slide back and regain a defensive stance.

 

[Gye'ron Val Oriden]

Not where he’d aimed, but definitely good enough. After he saw the affevts of the carrot-traptions, he had two thoughts. The first that he wished that it had blown up in the Gnomes face, and the second that he needed those. He’d never even imagined such a thing possible without use of arcana. Gnomes had marvellously devious little minds. It was part of what had once made Taralon a treasure in the Empire. Not that all of that cleverness had managed to save it.

He could only imagine that flash and smoke was supposed to have something to do with whatever ambush they’d been warned about. Perhaps the signal to attack. Lucky then, that it went off in the wrong place. However, it also meant they weren’t out of the woods yet.

Gye’ron looked to Sonorous and had to ask, “Are you trying to tax the shirt off the man’s back? Nobody likes taxes, but nobody hates them so much that they want to blind someone over it.”

Either way, given the way things were unfolding, the tax man was definitely not going to be able to look after himself. And if it got harrier, Gye’ron anticipated not being able to do much to help keep him breathing either.

Thus, there was only one solution to the keep-taxman-alive problem. More sorcery.

Gye’ron drew, once again, on the essence of force that lived so strongly in a place with so many moving bodies and things - especially when they were starting to become violent. He turned their purpose, however as he wrapped Sonorous in a defensive shield, designed to negate movement - a rote spell imprinted upon him eras ago. Typically he cast it on himself at the start of a fight, but his armour would have to do this time.

When the familiar weaves were prepared, as the Master of the Imperial Mage Corps had once taught him, he cast Force Shield on Sonorous, using another third of his vis to do so.

The situation was quickly draining him of his arcane energies. Pretty soon he’d have to start cutting things, and that didn’t seem to be the type of thing that his employer wanted to happen.

Spoiler: Equipment/Skills/Boons

Equipment:

Imperial Longsword
Fine steel dagger w/silver wolf head pommel
Lorica Segementata - black, steel, body armour
Steel bracers and shinguards with Imperial crest
Gold chain+pendant of Aslan

Skills:

Lvl 2 Bladed - 22xp
Lvl 2 Sorcery - 16xp
Lvl 2 Soldiers Unarmed - 12xp
Lvl 2 Spear - 6xp
Lvl 1 Bow - 2xp

Boons:

Enhanced Strength/Endurance
Resistance to Necromany/Necromantic Poisons
Glory of the Conqueror buff (infused with the aspect of Constantine and gains an edge/ability to outmaneuver when engaged in physical or magical combat with someone of relatively equal skill)

Vis remaining at start of post:

6/9 (two journeymen spells or 6 initiate spells)