Lady Naoki
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 345
Appearance: Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed.
Allegiances: New Isra
Place of Residence: Port Argentium
Registered: Mar 16, 2021 22:31:18 GMT -5
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Post by Lady Naoki on May 10, 2021 12:46:09 GMT -5
Mint scooted over as Naoki began city planning. Their shoulders touched when Mint hovered their hand over the figure. “I’d like to live there, right next to the park so I can take a walk first thing in the morning. The birds are going to be a nuisance, but after months or more on the sea I’m looking forward to it.” “I like a woman who knows the importance of staying organized.” Mint tapped Naoki’s notebook, then raised their own, an edition tied in weathered skin. “Too bad I don’t have very many pages left-” They snapped their fingers and nearly pounced on Naoki in excitement. “Paper! That is what I need! Gosh, is that- I guess it must be pretty hard to do, huh. If you have just like, an extra sheet or two I’d appreciate it.” To illustrate their point, Mint flipped through their book. Most pages only had one poem, with ample white space all around. The page Mint stopped at had the following one: Egg, but why? “Hm, that certainly was-”, they mumbled, scratching their head, shuffling the book back to a pocket. “-a phase.” “As for what you can do for my trade… Hm.” They think for a moment. “Just do as good a job as you can and I’ll make money pointing out where you failed.” They burst into a giggle. “Do a good enough job and I’m going to have to learn accounting or something.” “Done.” Moving her quill to the indicated location, Naoki writes ‘Mint’ in small letters. Prime real estate, but a fair trade for the idea, she thinks. As Mint flips through their notebook, Naoki makes the realization: ‘Oh, a poet.’ She doesn’t say it aloud (as not to embarrass Mint) but she mouths the words before looking at them again with new eyes. “I might be able to spare a few pages,” Naoki supposes, “... Perhaps. But you’re right, paper is precious, and will be for a while. I’d loathe not being able to write a missive because I’d given my last sheet to ‘the arts.’” There’s a touch of derision there, but it’s noncommittal. Poetry and those who produce it aren’t something Naoki has associated with in any meaningful capacity, and considering the sheer breadth of those she has associated with, that’s something. “But how does a poet make money, anyway?” Naoki asks. “Are you the sort that would trawl taverns, crafting mean rhymes about the size of people’s noses for a few coins? The sort that would sit on street corners, lambasting the nobility and soliciting donations on the merit of your wit? Or perhaps you’re a noble’s pet, looking for a new patron? You’ve not quite as wide a selection of nobility to choose from here, though, hm?” Naoki smirks. There’s an offer in there somewhere, but it’s at least half a joke. However, there aren’t any taverns or street corners to choose from as of yet, so.
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Nina
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 290
Registered: Apr 4, 2021 10:46:08 GMT -5
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Post by Nina on May 11, 2021 13:20:51 GMT -5
Nina laughed.
She continued laughing as she fell over on the indicated chair, and only stopped as she poured herself a mug of water and downed it. In the meantime, the monarch chatted with someone who appeared to be a poet. The woman peered over her mug, interested in the fellow artist.
“I’m Nina. Travelling painter.” She presented herself, when a lull in the conversation arrived. One of her eyebrows rose, as she explained the monarch the reason for her mirth:
“Did you even arrive on the same boat as the others?”
Her eyes glimmered. She raised her hands in a defensive posture, slightly marred by the fact that one of them was holding a skewer of grilled innards. There were additional layers to the joke, of course. Such as the fact that Naoki looked well-fed and clothed, while many of her people were verging on subsistence.
“Look. I’ll say this because you seem to need it. Value your people. Talk to them. You might think you’re doing that now, but many are still too intimidated by the monarch to approach you. For all I know, that’s the point you want to make.” Nina spun the skewer in a twirling gesture. “But if you ignore vital aspects like food production, you’re going to be a queen of many avoidable graves.”
Nina noticed herself gesturing with food, and stopped to take a bite.
“The person I’d like to suggest for the role is Alix Kalamat.” She added after a few moments. “Country woman, which means she knows more than either of us do about actually useful things.” It was the exhaustion, Nina would later think. Difficult to maintain a sense-preservation when everything is hurting. “She’s been working the earth for almost seventy years. Grew up in a village in some dry hills, in a province whose name I can’t remember.” Absently she twirled the skewer. She recalled the flow of stories, endless, from when she was dicing meat. “Husband killed in the war. Fell in love with a wagon driver and eloped to the mountains about forty years ago. Very scandalous.” Twirl, bite. “Her sister-in-law had an orchard- What I’m saying is, she’s got experience with a variety of crops. And I trust her because I’ve seen the heart she already puts into her garden.”
“As for the design…Location is the most important, I’d think.” Nina said, pressing her free hand against her forehead. “Close to the river or one of its larger tributaries, for the access to water, but not close enough to risk flooding. Some of the tents are on the floodplain, did you know that? Anyway.” She waved the subject away. Placing her palm slightly above the table surface, she gestured. “Just in case, I’d recommend a raised foundation, to weather the heavy rains. I’m sure you’ve already considered drainage systems.” Nina raised an eyebrow as she turned to Naoki. “What? Of course there’s going to be heavy rain, I mean have you seen that forest?”
She shook her head and went back to the subject.
“Maybe towards the edge of the village, so it’d have some room to expand. Ideally, I’d suggest many things, not in the least a south-facing room with glass windows, to shelter saplings.” Nina grinned. “But resources are tight and carpenters very busy, so…A south-facing shack or expansion, not shaded by other buildings, where one could dry seeds and produce, would be enough to start with.”
Oh, Nina had lots more things to say. Starting from listening to the environment, to repurposing of metal weapons for farming tools. But, alas, she had to start with:
“Would this sound acceptable?”
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Rain
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Appearance: Rain has medium tan skin, earthy brown eyes and darkest brown hair that has been kept in long braids. A collection of teeth and fangs from her successful hunts have been sewn into the length of some of her braids. She wears warpaint that denote her tribe and family lineage in terms of pattern and color.
She mostly wears clothes made of leather, fur and dyed woven plant fibre that has been carefully sewn together. She typically wears a headress using the head fur/skull/antlers of the animals commonly found within the season.
Equipment: Her weapons consists of two daggers that that can be joined and placed in the same sheath. They have symbols etched into the handle and base of the blade.
A small flask of blood that has been treated with herbs and oil to prevent coagulation.
Pouch of herbs.
Skills and Abilities: Hunting and tracking: She usually hunts creatures of a bestial nature, but it not necessarily limited to animals.
Dancing: Due to the nature of her Magic, learning the proper base skills to dance was a must. She specializes in an acrobatic form of weapon dancing.She can use swords and spear/staves in her routines though her preferred is her two dagger technique.
Simple weaponry skills: handy for all things self defense related, hunting related and dance related (See Dancing with Dagger).
Survivalist: They aren't fancy, but they are knowledgeable about what is needed to survive such as fire-making, shelter building, how to clothe and feed herself.
Dancing with Daggers(Ritual blood magic):
This ritual magic required both a component of blood to be poured onto her daggers and specific movements to be completed for an effect to be generated. Missing a step or getting interrupted will prevent the magic from taking effect. Once the effect is done the blood will "burn" away and require more blood before more effects can be completed.
Effects:
-Hunter's Breath: Rain points her daggers tips towards each other so that her arms form a loose circle where she will perform several increasingly fast spins either moving or in place. After, these spins are completed, she will break the circle while the other is kept at the level of her midsection while she slows her spins till she comes to a full stop. Successfully completing this set will give her an increase in her vigor/energy and allow her to feel significantly less exhaustion in the moment. Adequate rest will be needed after the effect wears off depending how strenuous her activities were while the effect was in place.
-Rage of the hound: The movements are short abrupt and fast, while she stomps her foot on the ground with a snarling expression. The movements are more flexible in style but she needs to keep stomping the beat long enough to go in blood rage. Blood rage will make her hyper focus on a single target, and make her strikes faster and stronger. She is less likely to notice pain in this state but will become acutely aware after it wears off or upon target death.
Blood's Eye: Rain must be able to complete her routine in the four directions. This is a slower more meditative dance that will put her in a trance like state in order to view the memories of the blood her blades are coated with. Depending on freshness and quantity the memories may be clearer and abundant, or fuzzy and sparse.
Wrath of the Ancestors: Has to manage to finish a dance in a circle and end where she started. Once the circle is complete all blood on her person, including her own becomes highly acidic to others and may leave burns and disfigurement to any that comes into contact till the effect ends.
Sickness Curse: A dance that required her to balance her daggers upright (By the handle) in her palms while she dances in place. The blood component must also be from the intended target, and for the target to get cut once dance is completed for chance of effect. If the effect takes, then the target will get an infection that can include high fever, Vomiting, delirium, sluggishness, Pains and if left untreated; possible death. If The Target has a decent immune system they may not feel any effect, or will get symptoms but eventually get better with proper tending on the wound itself. Disinfection the wound early enough can also prevent malady.
Dance of Stagnation: A fairly fluid dance that requires her to move loosely, meaning her daggers cut less deeply when they strike while she is performing this dance. If she manages to cut the target during this routine, the target will get a sudden onset of Anemia symptoms, which include Fatigue, weakness, dizziness ect.
These effects are difficult to mix together without unfortunate side effect, that being "Blood Curse". Blood Curse causes a burning sensation in the individual's veins all throughout their bodies It is an incapacitating kind of pain that Almost all Blood Dancers usually pass out from long before the effect wears off.
Biography: From When she was a little girl, Rain has only really known her village and the friendly faces of most of her fellow tribe. They had a mostly secure place in the heard of the forest, not far from rivers and lakes. They Were always big on hunting sport for both food and fun, though even if they came back empty handed, they'd still have the food from the field to not go hungry. She remembers the day she was old enough to get her face painted and how proud her mother was when she and the other kids all began learning the steps to their dances, while her father was in charge of teaching them to hunt. She remembers how one of the Elders, a braggart, showed his scars and made up wild stories about how he got them, while his long time friend and brother rolled his eyes, knowing the real reason was because he'd bailed his ass out of trouble more time than he even remembers by now.
She remembered when she she had performed her successful spell after so many failed attempts, falls and missteps.To boot, for all her trouble she was able to bring back to the village her first catch, a young deer they proceeded to cook up and celebrate the milestone. The day after, her mother tearfully told her that there was nothing more she could teach her, and that as for the rest, she should heed to the Ancestors and find it with her heart.
She remembered some bitterly cold winters after, a few faces passing away in peace, And her spending much of her time communing with her ancestors. She was a full woman, her village relied on her now, and as one of their best she did all she could to provide and teach. She had been in the middle of a hunt when the flood waters came...
Allegiances: None
Registered: Mar 22, 2021 18:35:18 GMT -5
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Post by Rain on May 11, 2021 15:10:30 GMT -5
The flaps of the Mess Tent were pushed to the side unceremoniously as a tall, well toned woman slipped inside with the rest of the business. Since that day in the Bilges, she'd had found the time to clean up, and the paint on her face applied with the proper identifying marks. There The furs and cloths she wore had been tended to in time to preserve their integrity, however unlike the likes of Vulpin, bloodstains were still very much present in places. Her weapons remained sheathed at her belt, though she didn't have the intention on using them here. Very few times in her lifetime she'd seen so many people cramped in was not felt like a small area. It looked like anyone who was anyone was here, but it all felt alien to her. The table was lined up with dishes that over time here subsisting on the provided meals, had become a bit more familiar despite having to adjust to the odd flavors. It all lacked the flavors of her childhood, bringing to bare a melancholy and homesickness as she gazed upon the way others mingled in the most natural manner.
Unfortunately, Rain wasn't raised with their idea of manners. The food was crowded, but even should the blood dancer had found an opening, she didn't press forward. Instead she contented herself to observe everyone else with like a stoic statue with crossed arms. Some were more keen to the merriment, others were just happy to have a full belly for once, and others still looked like they felt as melancholic as she did though they forced smiles for the comfort of their peers. An odd gesture, in her opinion.
Given the hunter missed the introduction to the feast, it didn't come to mind to suggest anything. Even if it did, she wasn't sure who to even approach in this crowd of strangers.
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Grandma
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 144
Age: Appears to be in her 80's
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Appearance: An elderly woman with a wiry frame who most notably possesses unnatural height, standing at well over seven feet tall even when hunched over her cane. Her hair is grayish-white and normally done up in a bun and her eyes are also gray in color. Her skin is very pale and has an almost grayish hue to it. Her nails are long, black, and sharpened at the tip.
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Equipment: She wears a deep purple robe that has sleeves that extend far beyond her hands. Her hands are covered with fine gloves of black silk and she wears one ring on each, one having a purple stone set in it and the other a piece of onyx. Carrying an ornate cane of orellium, Grandma can use it to increase her magical channeling as well as assist in deflecting others' spells with it. The cane itself is black and covered in numerous ornate, but tiny runes. The cap on the cane is a purplish-colored gem. On her wrist is a silver bracelet with a ruby in it that Grandma uses for communication with others who own similar bracelets.
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Skills and Abilities: Skilled at knitting!
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Biography: While the details of Grandma's past are shrouded in mystery, since first meeting Naoki she has served essentially one role, that of advisor. While her titles have varied as Naoki moved up the social ladder of Isra, her continued support, and assistance she offered to Naoki have never wavered.
Even following the destruction of Isra, Grandma continues to follow and offer guidance to Lady Naoki as they attempt to rebuild from the wreckage.
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Allegiances: Naoki
Place of Residence: Port Argentium
Registered: Mar 16, 2021 19:51:53 GMT -5
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Post by Grandma on May 12, 2021 6:19:05 GMT -5
Robe dragging slightly on the ground as she glided along, Grandma wandered into the tent. As usual, her first course of action was to survey the surroundings, her impassive gaze sweeping back and forth across the tent’s interior. Being tall did have its advantages when it came to trying to identify everyone in a room… Which reminded her, Naoki hadn’t seen her like this yet had she? Well, she’d be in for a bit of a surprise. The thought brought an almost childlike amusement to the old woman.
Naoki seemed to have her hands full, that was to be expected. It didn’t surprise Grandma in the least that there were plenty of people looking to convince Naoki that their idea was one worth pursuing. It had been like that in Isra and it would continue to be like that for as long as Naoki remained in a ruling position. She fully intended to eavesdrop on Naoki’s conversations, but getting directly involved just yet wasn’t needed. However, should anyone speak out of turn to Naoki…
Besides Naoki, there was one figure who specifically stuck out of the crowd to Grandma. Rain, a woman she’d heard several rumors about but more importantly heard from Dr. Vulpin on. Given the facepaint, furs, and bloodstains on said furs, Grandma was fairly confident that she had correctly identified the woman. Offering Naoki a wave of greeting, Grandma began to make her way through the crowd towards Rain.
Given the combination of her reputation, size, and the fact she was more than willing to teach slow learners on the fly with her cane, Grandma moved through the crowded tent at an alarming rate. Grandma made no efforts in concealing who she was moving towards, taking a path that led directly to where Rain stood. The old crone offered a slight smile to Rain as she slowed to a halt in front of the hunter.
“Would you be the oh so famous Rain I’ve heard so much about recently? Rumors regarding your act of heroism on the Depravity has been making you the talk of the camp recently. And dear Dr. Vulpin tells me you are a hunter…” The old woman’s tone was light, bordering on playful as she addressed Rain.
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Rain
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Appearance: Rain has medium tan skin, earthy brown eyes and darkest brown hair that has been kept in long braids. A collection of teeth and fangs from her successful hunts have been sewn into the length of some of her braids. She wears warpaint that denote her tribe and family lineage in terms of pattern and color.
She mostly wears clothes made of leather, fur and dyed woven plant fibre that has been carefully sewn together. She typically wears a headress using the head fur/skull/antlers of the animals commonly found within the season.
Equipment: Her weapons consists of two daggers that that can be joined and placed in the same sheath. They have symbols etched into the handle and base of the blade.
A small flask of blood that has been treated with herbs and oil to prevent coagulation.
Pouch of herbs.
Skills and Abilities: Hunting and tracking: She usually hunts creatures of a bestial nature, but it not necessarily limited to animals.
Dancing: Due to the nature of her Magic, learning the proper base skills to dance was a must. She specializes in an acrobatic form of weapon dancing.She can use swords and spear/staves in her routines though her preferred is her two dagger technique.
Simple weaponry skills: handy for all things self defense related, hunting related and dance related (See Dancing with Dagger).
Survivalist: They aren't fancy, but they are knowledgeable about what is needed to survive such as fire-making, shelter building, how to clothe and feed herself.
Dancing with Daggers(Ritual blood magic):
This ritual magic required both a component of blood to be poured onto her daggers and specific movements to be completed for an effect to be generated. Missing a step or getting interrupted will prevent the magic from taking effect. Once the effect is done the blood will "burn" away and require more blood before more effects can be completed.
Effects:
-Hunter's Breath: Rain points her daggers tips towards each other so that her arms form a loose circle where she will perform several increasingly fast spins either moving or in place. After, these spins are completed, she will break the circle while the other is kept at the level of her midsection while she slows her spins till she comes to a full stop. Successfully completing this set will give her an increase in her vigor/energy and allow her to feel significantly less exhaustion in the moment. Adequate rest will be needed after the effect wears off depending how strenuous her activities were while the effect was in place.
-Rage of the hound: The movements are short abrupt and fast, while she stomps her foot on the ground with a snarling expression. The movements are more flexible in style but she needs to keep stomping the beat long enough to go in blood rage. Blood rage will make her hyper focus on a single target, and make her strikes faster and stronger. She is less likely to notice pain in this state but will become acutely aware after it wears off or upon target death.
Blood's Eye: Rain must be able to complete her routine in the four directions. This is a slower more meditative dance that will put her in a trance like state in order to view the memories of the blood her blades are coated with. Depending on freshness and quantity the memories may be clearer and abundant, or fuzzy and sparse.
Wrath of the Ancestors: Has to manage to finish a dance in a circle and end where she started. Once the circle is complete all blood on her person, including her own becomes highly acidic to others and may leave burns and disfigurement to any that comes into contact till the effect ends.
Sickness Curse: A dance that required her to balance her daggers upright (By the handle) in her palms while she dances in place. The blood component must also be from the intended target, and for the target to get cut once dance is completed for chance of effect. If the effect takes, then the target will get an infection that can include high fever, Vomiting, delirium, sluggishness, Pains and if left untreated; possible death. If The Target has a decent immune system they may not feel any effect, or will get symptoms but eventually get better with proper tending on the wound itself. Disinfection the wound early enough can also prevent malady.
Dance of Stagnation: A fairly fluid dance that requires her to move loosely, meaning her daggers cut less deeply when they strike while she is performing this dance. If she manages to cut the target during this routine, the target will get a sudden onset of Anemia symptoms, which include Fatigue, weakness, dizziness ect.
These effects are difficult to mix together without unfortunate side effect, that being "Blood Curse". Blood Curse causes a burning sensation in the individual's veins all throughout their bodies It is an incapacitating kind of pain that Almost all Blood Dancers usually pass out from long before the effect wears off.
Biography: From When she was a little girl, Rain has only really known her village and the friendly faces of most of her fellow tribe. They had a mostly secure place in the heard of the forest, not far from rivers and lakes. They Were always big on hunting sport for both food and fun, though even if they came back empty handed, they'd still have the food from the field to not go hungry. She remembers the day she was old enough to get her face painted and how proud her mother was when she and the other kids all began learning the steps to their dances, while her father was in charge of teaching them to hunt. She remembers how one of the Elders, a braggart, showed his scars and made up wild stories about how he got them, while his long time friend and brother rolled his eyes, knowing the real reason was because he'd bailed his ass out of trouble more time than he even remembers by now.
She remembered when she she had performed her successful spell after so many failed attempts, falls and missteps.To boot, for all her trouble she was able to bring back to the village her first catch, a young deer they proceeded to cook up and celebrate the milestone. The day after, her mother tearfully told her that there was nothing more she could teach her, and that as for the rest, she should heed to the Ancestors and find it with her heart.
She remembered some bitterly cold winters after, a few faces passing away in peace, And her spending much of her time communing with her ancestors. She was a full woman, her village relied on her now, and as one of their best she did all she could to provide and teach. She had been in the middle of a hunt when the flood waters came...
Allegiances: None
Registered: Mar 22, 2021 18:35:18 GMT -5
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Post by Rain on May 12, 2021 8:37:54 GMT -5
Rain's eye was drawn by the sound of movement at the entrance of the tent where she had been herself not long ago. A looming figure had entered, allegedly elderly given the cane and the sharp yet sagging features on their face. It lacked the warmth the huntress was used to finding in the elders from home, but respect should be duly given regardless, 'lest she disappointed her mother's teachings. She would have been content to be ignored, and thought that would be the case while the Willowy old crone surveyed towards the cat-eared woman, yet suddenly they moved with a vigor that betrayed their age. Others gave way out of respect while others had been promptly educated, it was an interesting spectacle as the younger woman did not share such privileges of respect.
Rain thought she'd be ignored, only to find herself in the center of who she now knew was an old woman. Her shoulders stiffened slightly, a reflex that came naturally with being approached so alarmingly, but with her arms crossed there wasn't a threat in her stance. When Grandma had stopped near her and addressed her by name, she felt there was no reason to lie.
"Yes, that's me. I didn't know the good doctor had time to gossip." the tone was guarded and slightly sarcastic, especially at the mention of Vulpin. The man was unsettling, who knows what kind of company someone like him could, or would, keep. Her arms uncrossed, and placing her left hand over her dagger handle, her other open hand moved in a small circular arc to stop just in front of her own heart as a sign of greeting. "I'm not sure what you heard, but heroic isn't how I'd describe it. Are you here to discuss the incident or propose work? I'd prefer the latter." she said while crossing her arms again.
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Grandma
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 144
Age: Appears to be in her 80's
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Appearance: An elderly woman with a wiry frame who most notably possesses unnatural height, standing at well over seven feet tall even when hunched over her cane. Her hair is grayish-white and normally done up in a bun and her eyes are also gray in color. Her skin is very pale and has an almost grayish hue to it. Her nails are long, black, and sharpened at the tip.
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Equipment: She wears a deep purple robe that has sleeves that extend far beyond her hands. Her hands are covered with fine gloves of black silk and she wears one ring on each, one having a purple stone set in it and the other a piece of onyx. Carrying an ornate cane of orellium, Grandma can use it to increase her magical channeling as well as assist in deflecting others' spells with it. The cane itself is black and covered in numerous ornate, but tiny runes. The cap on the cane is a purplish-colored gem. On her wrist is a silver bracelet with a ruby in it that Grandma uses for communication with others who own similar bracelets.
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Skills and Abilities: Skilled at knitting!
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Biography: While the details of Grandma's past are shrouded in mystery, since first meeting Naoki she has served essentially one role, that of advisor. While her titles have varied as Naoki moved up the social ladder of Isra, her continued support, and assistance she offered to Naoki have never wavered.
Even following the destruction of Isra, Grandma continues to follow and offer guidance to Lady Naoki as they attempt to rebuild from the wreckage.
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Allegiances: Naoki
Place of Residence: Port Argentium
Registered: Mar 16, 2021 19:51:53 GMT -5
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Post by Grandma on May 12, 2021 18:32:51 GMT -5
“While Dr. Vulpin is a very busy man… He’s kind enough to make time for me. Not exactly gossip so much as him answering an inquiry of mine.” Grandma’s smile remained, but it never quite reached her eyes. They were naught but a pair of cold gray orbs, orbs that failed to mirror the emotions on her face and in her voice.
Rain’s sign of greeting didn’t go unnoticed, and while Grandma didn’t specifically recognize it, she did recognize its general meaning. Reciprocating, the old woman tilted her own head forward in greeting before meeting Rain’s gaze with her own. Considering Rain’s final words, Grandma let out a long wheezing chuckle, one that seemed filled with genuine mirth.
“Direct. I like that.” Reaching into her robe, Grandma pulled out a long ivory pipe. As she touched it to her lips, smoke began to rise from the end of it. It smelled strongly of cinnamon as the smoke seemed to almost curl up and around the crone’s head before heading the tent’s ceiling.
“Oh, I’ve heard more than enough about that incident by now. I’m here because I’m in need of your talents as a hunter. We have quite the collection of ‘hunters’ but as I’m sure you're well aware not all hunters are made equally. You strike me as a bit more competent than most, so I figured I would see if your services are open for hire…”
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Rain
Established
Roleplay posts: 46
Appearance: Rain has medium tan skin, earthy brown eyes and darkest brown hair that has been kept in long braids. A collection of teeth and fangs from her successful hunts have been sewn into the length of some of her braids. She wears warpaint that denote her tribe and family lineage in terms of pattern and color.
She mostly wears clothes made of leather, fur and dyed woven plant fibre that has been carefully sewn together. She typically wears a headress using the head fur/skull/antlers of the animals commonly found within the season.
Equipment: Her weapons consists of two daggers that that can be joined and placed in the same sheath. They have symbols etched into the handle and base of the blade.
A small flask of blood that has been treated with herbs and oil to prevent coagulation.
Pouch of herbs.
Skills and Abilities: Hunting and tracking: She usually hunts creatures of a bestial nature, but it not necessarily limited to animals.
Dancing: Due to the nature of her Magic, learning the proper base skills to dance was a must. She specializes in an acrobatic form of weapon dancing.She can use swords and spear/staves in her routines though her preferred is her two dagger technique.
Simple weaponry skills: handy for all things self defense related, hunting related and dance related (See Dancing with Dagger).
Survivalist: They aren't fancy, but they are knowledgeable about what is needed to survive such as fire-making, shelter building, how to clothe and feed herself.
Dancing with Daggers(Ritual blood magic):
This ritual magic required both a component of blood to be poured onto her daggers and specific movements to be completed for an effect to be generated. Missing a step or getting interrupted will prevent the magic from taking effect. Once the effect is done the blood will "burn" away and require more blood before more effects can be completed.
Effects:
-Hunter's Breath: Rain points her daggers tips towards each other so that her arms form a loose circle where she will perform several increasingly fast spins either moving or in place. After, these spins are completed, she will break the circle while the other is kept at the level of her midsection while she slows her spins till she comes to a full stop. Successfully completing this set will give her an increase in her vigor/energy and allow her to feel significantly less exhaustion in the moment. Adequate rest will be needed after the effect wears off depending how strenuous her activities were while the effect was in place.
-Rage of the hound: The movements are short abrupt and fast, while she stomps her foot on the ground with a snarling expression. The movements are more flexible in style but she needs to keep stomping the beat long enough to go in blood rage. Blood rage will make her hyper focus on a single target, and make her strikes faster and stronger. She is less likely to notice pain in this state but will become acutely aware after it wears off or upon target death.
Blood's Eye: Rain must be able to complete her routine in the four directions. This is a slower more meditative dance that will put her in a trance like state in order to view the memories of the blood her blades are coated with. Depending on freshness and quantity the memories may be clearer and abundant, or fuzzy and sparse.
Wrath of the Ancestors: Has to manage to finish a dance in a circle and end where she started. Once the circle is complete all blood on her person, including her own becomes highly acidic to others and may leave burns and disfigurement to any that comes into contact till the effect ends.
Sickness Curse: A dance that required her to balance her daggers upright (By the handle) in her palms while she dances in place. The blood component must also be from the intended target, and for the target to get cut once dance is completed for chance of effect. If the effect takes, then the target will get an infection that can include high fever, Vomiting, delirium, sluggishness, Pains and if left untreated; possible death. If The Target has a decent immune system they may not feel any effect, or will get symptoms but eventually get better with proper tending on the wound itself. Disinfection the wound early enough can also prevent malady.
Dance of Stagnation: A fairly fluid dance that requires her to move loosely, meaning her daggers cut less deeply when they strike while she is performing this dance. If she manages to cut the target during this routine, the target will get a sudden onset of Anemia symptoms, which include Fatigue, weakness, dizziness ect.
These effects are difficult to mix together without unfortunate side effect, that being "Blood Curse". Blood Curse causes a burning sensation in the individual's veins all throughout their bodies It is an incapacitating kind of pain that Almost all Blood Dancers usually pass out from long before the effect wears off.
Biography: From When she was a little girl, Rain has only really known her village and the friendly faces of most of her fellow tribe. They had a mostly secure place in the heard of the forest, not far from rivers and lakes. They Were always big on hunting sport for both food and fun, though even if they came back empty handed, they'd still have the food from the field to not go hungry. She remembers the day she was old enough to get her face painted and how proud her mother was when she and the other kids all began learning the steps to their dances, while her father was in charge of teaching them to hunt. She remembers how one of the Elders, a braggart, showed his scars and made up wild stories about how he got them, while his long time friend and brother rolled his eyes, knowing the real reason was because he'd bailed his ass out of trouble more time than he even remembers by now.
She remembered when she she had performed her successful spell after so many failed attempts, falls and missteps.To boot, for all her trouble she was able to bring back to the village her first catch, a young deer they proceeded to cook up and celebrate the milestone. The day after, her mother tearfully told her that there was nothing more she could teach her, and that as for the rest, she should heed to the Ancestors and find it with her heart.
She remembered some bitterly cold winters after, a few faces passing away in peace, And her spending much of her time communing with her ancestors. She was a full woman, her village relied on her now, and as one of their best she did all she could to provide and teach. She had been in the middle of a hunt when the flood waters came...
Allegiances: None
Registered: Mar 22, 2021 18:35:18 GMT -5
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Post by Rain on May 13, 2021 11:05:11 GMT -5
“While Dr. Vulpin is a very busy man… He’s kind enough to make time for me. Not exactly gossip so much as him answering an inquiry of mine.” Grandma’s smile remained, but it never quite reached her eyes. They were naught but a pair of cold gray orbs, orbs that failed to mirror the emotions on her face and in her voice. Rain’s sign of greeting didn’t go unnoticed, and while Grandma didn’t specifically recognize it, she did recognize its general meaning. Reciprocating, the old woman tilted her own head forward in greeting before meeting Rain’s gaze with her own. Considering Rain’s final words, Grandma let out a long wheezing chuckle, one that seemed filled with genuine mirth. “Direct. I like that.” Reaching into her robe, Grandma pulled out a long ivory pipe. As she touched it to her lips, smoke began to rise from the end of it. It smelled strongly of cinnamon as the smoke seemed to almost curl up and around the crone’s head before heading the tent’s ceiling. “Oh, I’ve heard more than enough about that incident by now. I’m here because I’m in need of your talents as a hunter. We have quite the collection of ‘hunters’ but as I’m sure you're well aware not all hunters are made equally. You strike me as a bit more competent than most, so I figured I would see if your services are open for hire…” Rain's gaze never became unguarded, not while she felt she was talking to what was a mask of civility with no sincerity to be found. Most of the people she had met thus far similarly wore a mask to carry their platitudes, but none were quite as unsettling as the cold dead gaze of the old woman standing in front of her. Luckily, it seemed Grandma was amused by her directness even slightly, which they both seemed to share in common. The Ivory pipe caught Rain's attention, both by the unfamiliar smell and by the unseen flame that lit it up. The hunter was unsure whether that could have been a blessing from the pipe or some kind of skill from Grandma herself, but it was fascinating nonetheless. Her eyes returned to meet Grandma's once she'd began speaking with a bit more detail in her intentions in approaching her. As she had guessed, she wanted to discuss potential work. "While I am open for hire, I wish to discuss your request with more detail. The last time I didn't I ended up infested with maggots, thus pray understand, I would like proper compensation." Rain spoke without waver nor hesitation in her voice as she openly stated her reluctance.
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Mint Flames
Established
Roleplay posts: 12
Age: Mais enfin!
Appearance: ///
My grandmother said when I ran around I was a blur of autumn colors. My hair is quite a bit shorter now but the tone has remained. My eyes as well.
I suppose you could say I look sporty? I keep in shape not through rigorous exercise but through keeping in motion. I can’t help taking long walks to interesting places. So I’m quite thin. Beh, plucky in places. Not that I’d show you.
Curious about what I look like under this mantle? This tunic? Cherie, you better buy me a sweet drink and treat me like I’m a glass rose before you get the slightest peek.
Equipment: ///
My clothes? I like to keep it simple, but I had these tailor-made. Down to earth, yet eye-catching. Like the land of Gauldin itself.
Oh, these earrings? They were my grandmothers. I know they’re old-fashioned but they go well with my eyes, n’est pas?
Other than that? I keep a well-made diary and a pencil to write with. It’s bound in rough weathered leather, insides filled with random thoughts and drafts of poetry. When I have it right, I dogear the page.
Skills and Abilities: ///
I hold a pen like a commander leading a charge holds their sword. I write histories, loves, and poems to make a God shiver. I write the names of my friends and enemies alike into the very foundation of this earth so that they will not be forgotten. A flick of my wrist today shakes a nation tomorrow. And tomorrow and tomorrow.
Biography: ///
I lived as a poet within the capital of Gauldin. As you may imagine, the competition was fierce so I had to be able to peer deeper and deeper into mankind’s soul to make a decent coin. And with the world with such variety of lives as varied as Overworld… Well, you can imagine the task broke many. With this new world, just thinking of the poet’s task to capture every essence living in this land fills me with terror… And sublime excitement.
Registered: Mar 26, 2021 18:56:28 GMT -5
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Post by Mint Flames on May 13, 2021 15:11:05 GMT -5
Mint scooted over as Naoki began city planning. Their shoulders touched when Mint hovered their hand over the figure. “I’d like to live there, right next to the park so I can take a walk first thing in the morning. The birds are going to be a nuisance, but after months or more on the sea I’m looking forward to it.” “I like a woman who knows the importance of staying organized.” Mint tapped Naoki’s notebook, then raised their own, an edition tied in weathered skin. “Too bad I don’t have very many pages left-” They snapped their fingers and nearly pounced on Naoki in excitement. “Paper! That is what I need! Gosh, is that- I guess it must be pretty hard to do, huh. If you have just like, an extra sheet or two I’d appreciate it.” To illustrate their point, Mint flipped through their book. Most pages only had one poem, with ample white space all around. The page Mint stopped at had the following one: Egg, but why? “Hm, that certainly was-”, they mumbled, scratching their head, shuffling the book back to a pocket. “-a phase.” “As for what you can do for my trade… Hm.” They think for a moment. “Just do as good a job as you can and I’ll make money pointing out where you failed.” They burst into a giggle. “Do a good enough job and I’m going to have to learn accounting or something.” “Done.” Moving her quill to the indicated location, Naoki writes ‘Mint’ in small letters. Prime real estate, but a fair trade for the idea, she thinks. As Mint flips through their notebook, Naoki makes the realization: ‘Oh, a poet.’ She doesn’t say it aloud (as not to embarrass Mint) but she mouths the words before looking at them again with new eyes. “I might be able to spare a few pages,” Naoki supposes, “... Perhaps. But you’re right, paper is precious, and will be for a while. I’d loathe not being able to write a missive because I’d given my last sheet to ‘the arts.’” There’s a touch of derision there, but it’s noncommittal. Poetry and those who produce it aren’t something Naoki has associated with in any meaningful capacity, and considering the sheer breadth of those she has associated with, that’s something. “But how does a poet make money, anyway?” Naoki asks. “Are you the sort that would trawl taverns, crafting mean rhymes about the size of people’s noses for a few coins? The sort that would sit on street corners, lambasting the nobility and soliciting donations on the merit of your wit? Or perhaps you’re a noble’s pet, looking for a new patron? You’ve not quite as wide a selection of nobility to choose from here, though, hm?” Naoki smirks. There’s an offer in there somewhere, but it’s at least half a joke. However, there aren’t any taverns or street corners to choose from as of yet, so. "Oh, that- Oh. Is that how it happens? Getting a house?" Mint had blinked maybe twice and now they owned land. The thought was wild and sent them leaning back on the bench. It seemed so easy. Was this really how it was done, to chat up the right person and- No. Wait. “Actually, you can’t just do that.” Mint tapped the letters of their name. “What you’ve done here is going to make me lose all credibility. What if I want to write a critique?” They scoffed. “Who would believe me? I live in your house! At least, at the very least, let me work for the place. You need letters written? Ambassadors? I can be charming if needed.” Mint eyed Naoki under their long eyelashes to illustrate the point. When the topic of paper scarcity came up, Mint's eyes grew sharp, their voice sardonic. “Well that depends on what is written, no?” They extended a hand. “Is the missive an order to put a knife to the throat of someone deemed an enemy?” They extended another, and their eyes followed. “Will the poem convince another to take a knife off theirs? We do not know. I only know that, while I write in passion, never to kill.” Mint let their insinuations linger like a beast, to see how Naoki would respond. These games Mint liked. These games Mint had missed. They chuckled when questioned about their income. “It’s never been easy. If you’re lucky you’ll find a lady or a gentleman to patron you for a while. Not only are they few and far between, they tend to die soon. Or kick you out once you get drunk and high and throw their ferrets into a bucket of red paint.” They paused to chew. “Not all. Most. Preferably you get one that does not care what you write and who you slander. Of course, if all you write is erotic verse you might make good coin from the common folk as well. I’ve had to please folks that way too.” They sighed and didn't elaborate. “Weren’t those the days.”
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Alden
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 266
Age: 53(?)
Appearance: The reference image is a commissioned piece and is accurate.
Alden is 6 even, with shoulder-length messy black hair, and several days worth of beard stubble. He is handsome, with a powerful jaw, mid-set cheekbones, and a perpetual grin that makes him seem younger than he really is. His bright green eyes, constantly sparkle with barely contained mirth. He has the lithe well-muscled body of a swordsman, and he moves with considerable grace and dexterity.
If one were to do a more thorough examination of Alden's eyes they may notice a further detail. Around the outside edge of his iris, there's an intricate series of minuscule grey runes.
Underneath his shirt, Alden's skin is a mass of scar tissue. Starting from just below his neckline, there is very little space that does not sport some relic of a past injury. A particularly observant person may also note that among these scars, some are a bright scarlet. These scarlet scars form an intricate series of runes hiding amidst the rest of the scars.
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Equipment: Alden's general loadout when he goes fighting consists of the following:
A twin set of enchanted shortswords. The simple straight blades are unnatural dark, absorbing rather than reflecting light. Giving the enchanted steel an appearance closer to cold iron. The guard has the Isran sun emblem emblazoned in a medallion shape just above the guard, which is wrapped in simple leather. The enchantments increase their sharpness and durability, as well as being able to ignite the blood of anything that he has pierced with either blade.
Numerous braces and hidden throwing knives all over his body. At one point, these were also enchanted but when the calamity struck he didn't have time to grab his original set. So these are all well-made but ultimately mundane weapons. Still, with his strength and skill, they can be quite deadly.
Unfortunately, at present, he is also missing his armour. His preferred armour is leather dyed in mottled black and greys, with strike plates sewn between layers for added protection. His old set was also enchanted for increased protection from physical and magical attacks.
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Skills and Abilities: Alden is, for lack of a better term, a weapon master. He has been trained to use almost any weapon you can think to name. Relentless daily training with each, with extraordinarily demanding expectations on performance and harsh incentives for failure giving a level of skill with most of them that make him formidable.
However, his preferred style involves twin short swords. While he is skilled with all of his weapons thanks to training, he discovered a natural talent with the blade. His level of skill when wielding his short swords is on another level entirely, nearly transcendent in his skill.
On top of that, he is a living magical enchantment. Carved into his body are a variety of runes that grant him numerous innate abilities. He is inhumanly strong, around three to four times stronger than a man in a similar state of physical fitness would be. This also applies to his endurance, speed, reflexes, and other physical traits. He also has regenerative abilities exceeding human normal, able to heal from even broken bones in a matter of days rather than weeks.
In addition, he is immune to most poisons and resistant to the rest. The runes etched into his eyes ensure he can see the same no matter the level of light and reveal magical auras to him. Runes along his back make him impossible to scry on directly and provide him a measure of resistance to magical attack. This, combined with training, also makes him immune to magical mental influence. Finally, runes on his feet dampen any sound he might make taking his already considerable stealth abilities to another level entirely.
Speaking of his training also included all of the skills one would think an Assassin should have. He knows how to mix poisons, move without being seen or making noise, scale walls, lie or disguise himself, pick locks, pick pockets, just for starters. He is also quite skilled at clerical work and he has some diplomacy ability after thirty years leading the Sun Marshals.
Beyond all of this, Alden also possesses an incredible amount of willpower. If Alden decides that he will do something, there is very little that can stop him from doing it. In fact, at present, the only thing that could deter him from a course of action is Captain Naoki. The former Empress is the only person he has any loyalty to and he often values her judgement on matters above his own.
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Biography: Alden was born to a small farming family in an out-of-the-way village. His parents named him Toan and until he was five his destiny was most likely to live and die on the same farm he was born. However, that all changed when Pride arrived.
The leader of a criminal group known as The Set, Pride offered his parents a sum of money that would make any poor farmer's heart stop. Enough money to change their lives forever and all he wanted was Alden, one of nearly a dozen children. A child that wasn't even old enough to help with chores around the farm yet. And the man as so nice, he wanted a ward that he could train to be a retainer how bad of a life could that be?
The answer to that question was basically Hell. Pride was a potent alchemist, enchanter, and scholar and he had but one goal in mind. To create a superior warrior. Alden was subjected to hellish daily training along with six other children. Forced to learn to fight with every weapon, against any foe, in any condition. His limbs were broken deliberately and he was forced to continue to fight and train in constant agony. And this was among the mildest of the ways he was trained.
The culmination of the training came when he was twelve. When he and the six other children were locked in a room and told that the only one who got to leave... was the only one to survive. Of course, surviving was hardly a reward.
Once Pride had only the strongest of the children left he proceeded to the next step of his plan. Alden's memories and identity were seared away as Pride carved runes into his flesh and his very soul. Transforming the young man into a living magical artifact and keeping him on a drug that suppressed all of his emotions.
From there Alden became the new Wrath of the set, a weapon meant only to slay those he was told to. That may have been all he would be but Pride made a miscalculation, Alden's runes helped him to build an immunity to the dosage meant to keep his emotions in check, a weakness made worse by Pride having let him keep his anger thinking it would make him a better weapon. Eventually, events conspired and Alden snapped when the only member of The Set to be kind to him, Sloth, was killed for threatening to expose Pride.
Alden, driven into a deeper rage than ever before killed Envy, Lust, Gluttony, and even disembowelled Pride. Greed manage to escape and Alden slaughtered everything in his path trying to catch the man. Eventually succeeding in his goal. Bereft of a target for his rage and the chase having left him in the middle of nowhere Alden finally collapsed the trauma and coming off of the dosage causing him to bury most of his memories.
He wound up in Isra where his talents and skill soon earned him the eye of the then, criminal Madam Naoki. She recruited him as one of her enforcers a role he continued as her power expanded and grew until she finally became Empress. His reward for his loyalty? Appointment to the head of The Sun Marshals her special police force, effectively making him her right-hand man.
During this time he also uncovered his own past and learned that Pride had survived, the man had made preparations for such an eventuality and his death only saw his soul moving to a phylactery as he became a lich.
Pride created a new Set, this time making each member just as he made Alden. Eventually, this culminated in Pride attacking Isra and his eventual, final defeat.
Decades have passed since that time and Alden, whose power kept him at his prime for years continued to serve Isra until the new calamity took him to The Island of Mists, his empress reduced to a captain and he now serving as her first mate.
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Allegiances: Naoki and Port Argentum
Place of Residence: Port Argentum
Registered: Mar 21, 2021 13:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Alden on May 13, 2021 16:06:21 GMT -5
Nina laughed. She continued laughing as she fell over on the indicated chair, and only stopped as she poured herself a mug of water and downed it. In the meantime, the monarch chatted with someone who appeared to be a poet. The woman peered over her mug, interested in the fellow artist. “I’m Nina. Travelling painter.” She presented herself, when a lull in the conversation arrived. One of her eyebrows rose, as she explained the monarch the reason for her mirth: “Did you even arrive on the same boat as the others?” Her eyes glimmered. She raised her hands in a defensive posture, slightly marred by the fact that one of them was holding a skewer of grilled innards. There were additional layers to the joke, of course. Such as the fact that Naoki looked well-fed and clothed, while many of her people were verging on subsistence. “Look. I’ll say this because you seem to need it. Value your people. Talk to them. You might think you’re doing that now, but many are still too intimidated by the monarch to approach you. For all I know, that’s the point you want to make.” Nina spun the skewer in a twirling gesture. “But if you ignore vital aspects like food production, you’re going to be a queen of many avoidable graves.” Nina noticed herself gesturing with food, and stopped to take a bite. “The person I’d like to suggest for the role is Alix Kalamat.” She added after a few moments. “Country woman, which means she knows more than either of us do about actually useful things.” It was the exhaustion, Nina would later think. Difficult to maintain a sense-preservation when everything is hurting. “She’s been working the earth for almost seventy years. Grew up in a village in some dry hills, in a province whose name I can’t remember.” Absently she twirled the skewer. She recalled the flow of stories, endless, from when she was dicing meat. “Husband killed in the war. Fell in love with a wagon driver and eloped to the mountains about forty years ago. Very scandalous.” Twirl, bite. “Her sister-in-law had an orchard- What I’m saying is, she’s got experience with a variety of crops. And I trust her because I’ve seen the heart she already puts into her garden.” “As for the design…Location is the most important, I’d think.” Nina said, pressing her free hand against her forehead. “Close to the river or one of its larger tributaries, for the access to water, but not close enough to risk flooding. Some of the tents are on the floodplain, did you know that? Anyway.” She waved the subject away. Placing her palm slightly above the table surface, she gestured. “Just in case, I’d recommend a raised foundation, to weather the heavy rains. I’m sure you’ve already considered drainage systems.” Nina raised an eyebrow as she turned to Naoki. “What? Of course there’s going to be heavy rain, I mean have you seen that forest?” She shook her head and went back to the subject. “Maybe towards the edge of the village, so it’d have some room to expand. Ideally, I’d suggest many things, not in the least a south-facing room with glass windows, to shelter saplings.” Nina grinned. “But resources are tight and carpenters very busy, so…A south-facing shack or expansion, not shaded by other buildings, where one could dry seeds and produce, would be enough to start with.” Oh, Nina had lots more things to say. Starting from listening to the environment, to repurposing of metal weapons for farming tools. But, alas, she had to start with: “Would this sound acceptable?” "While I do not, strictly speaking, disagree with your suggestions. There is a distinct difference between paying more attention to one's people and letting a Travelling Painter who does not, evidently, consider herself part of said people inform her how to run her kingdom." A rich low tenor voice intrudes upon the conversation between Nina & Naoki. Exceptionally familiar to the latter, the former doubtless not as though she may be able to piece together just whom it belonged to by virtue of who she was speaking. At what point Alden had arrived at the feast no one in the room would be able to say. While he was a hard man to miss as of late, that was by choice, he'd lost none of his skill at moving without being detected during his time stuck on the depravity and avoiding attention in a crowd was easy to do when you knew the trick of it. It helped that, likely to Naoki's disappointment, he'd found a shirt with sleeves long enough to hide his scars. Without the ruined mass of flesh that was his torso on display he did not look that different from any other young man one might find at the party. After all, despite being Naoki's second in command the clothing he'd found was in about the same condition as the masses. "Perhaps curtail your enthusiasm in trying to explain to an Empress how to do her job. While I know her to be quite magnanimous and willing to listen to any who might offer their opinion but it is best to keep it to opinions. You, miss, are starting to sound like you think you know exactly what needs to be done better than the Empress. While I know that most common people think that is the case, perhaps when you know little about what has already been set into motion, you should not assume that she is unaware." The man offers Nina a smile that was not friendly in the least. It was the eyes, they were bland and emotionless as she looks down his nose at the painter. Perhaps because he considered himself better than her. Perhaps simply because he was standing and she was not. Either way the reprimand was finished. He did not feel the need to voice just what might happen to her should she not remember humility when speaking to Naoki. He assumed that was would be aware enough of who he was and what he did to understand that he was what would happen to her if his, gentle, rebuke of her attitude was not heeded. After all, the painter wasn't incorrect. Indeed, Alden had emphasized the important of food production to Naoki himself on their first night on the beach. As well as suggesting raised stone foundations using one of the kobold's who claimed they could move the earth. He had yet to find out how substantive those claims were. However, that fact also rather made his point rather more salient. Naoki already had advisors, as well as one of the keenest minds Alden had ever known, she did not need to be talked to as though she did not know what she was doing. Turning his attention from the painter to his Empress, Alden offers Naoki a bow. "My apologies for being late your eminence. I was dealing with a small matter outside. I hope my delay did not cause any undue trouble." After all, one of his primary duties was to stand or sit near her during events like this to remind people she was not to be trifled with. Something that was clearly needed at present considering what he had come in on.
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Lady Naoki
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 345
Appearance: Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed.
Allegiances: New Isra
Place of Residence: Port Argentium
Registered: Mar 16, 2021 22:31:18 GMT -5
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Post by Lady Naoki on May 13, 2021 16:54:05 GMT -5
"Oh, that- Oh. Is that how it happens? Getting a house?" Mint had blinked maybe twice and now they owned land. The thought was wild and sent them leaning back on the bench. It seemed so easy. Was this really how it was done, to chat up the right person and- No. Wait. “Actually, you can’t just do that.” Mint tapped the letters of their name. “What you’ve done here is going to make me lose all credibility. What if I want to write a critique?” They scoffed. “Who would believe me? I live in your house! At least, at the very least, let me work for the place. You need letters written? Ambassadors? I can be charming if needed.” Mint eyed Naoki under their long eyelashes to illustrate the point. When the topic of paper scarcity came up, Mint's eyes grew sharp, their voice sardonic. “Well that depends on what is written, no?” They extended a hand. “Is the missive an order to put a knife to the throat of someone deemed an enemy?” They extended another, and their eyes followed. “Will the poem convince another to take a knife off theirs? We do not know. I only know that, while I write in passion, never to kill.” Mint let their insinuations linger like a beast, to see how Naoki would respond. These games Mint liked. These games Mint had missed. They chuckled when questioned about their income. “It’s never been easy. If you’re lucky you’ll find a lady or a gentleman to patron you for a while. Not only are they few and far between, they tend to die soon. Or kick you out once you get drunk and high and throw their ferrets into a bucket of red paint.” They paused to chew. “Not all. Most. Preferably you get one that does not care what you write and who you slander. Of course, if all you write is erotic verse you might make good coin from the common folk as well. I’ve had to please folks that way too.” They sighed and didn't elaborate. “Weren’t those the days.” “What?” Naoki quirks her head, confused by Mint’s objection. “This is a new settlement, a new society, being built from scratch. Everyone’s getting a house. All the contributing citizens of Isra, at least. You’ll need to work — everyone will need to work, but all I’ve done here is write you in for the spot you wanted because you gave me the idea for flowers. … Since it’s right on the plaza here, there’ll probably have to be a business or something below, but I digress...” Waving a hand, Naoki shoos that concern away. “But your point’s not as clever as you think,” she continues, unamused. This is one she’s heard before. “First of all,” she begins, “For something so simple, I’m not going to write about it. What could be a verbal request to Alden here doesn’t need to be a missive, especially when there’s no paper production. But that’s beside the point, if someone is going to kill someone else, do you really think it’s because they’ve not consumed enough art recently? More likely, they’ve not consumed enough food, or don’t have somewhere to live, or want to steal something, or perhaps the other person has wronged them in some way. I understand — you’re from Gauldin, and the nobility there, well…” Naoki chuckles. “ You know, and you were probably right to criticize them for needless killings, but here in Isra I do things differently,” Naoki explains, “Most of what I do relates to getting people what they need. Making sure everyone is fed, has somewhere safe to sleep, making sure nobody needs to steal to survive, and that there’s a system of law and order to discourage crime, punish criminals, and keep people from having to take justice into their own hands.” “If I could do all of that without having anyone killed — goodness knows that I would, don't doubt that. But ‘ on ne saurait faire d'omelette sans casser des œufs’, such as it is, and part of the responsibility I have is to do whatever needs to be done to protect my people. And sometimes that’s killing. Sometimes with a word, sometimes with a pen, sometimes with my bow, and a few times with magic. I’ve done it before, I’ll probably have to do it again, and I’m not looking forward to it. But if the extent of your critiques is artfully wording ‘boo hoo, government killing people is bad’ — Well, I can see why you needed to write erotica to get by, and a pivot accounting might be the right choice for you!” Throwing her hands in the air, Naoki dares Mint to attempt a comeback. She’ll play games when she knows she’s right, and she knows she’s right because the guy who does the killings has just arrived. “I’ll teach you if you want,” she adds, “Accounting, that is. Genuine offer.” “But,” And again Naoki waves her hands, “Regardless,” she continues, “I have enough paper in the hold to supply you with some for your passion if you’ll do some clerical, scribe-type work for me. I was hoping to egg you into explaining the benefit of poetry to society or offering something in trade, but perhaps another time. Clerical work will do for now, even though there's not much of it to be done.” That sorted, Naoki takes another bite of her meal, as it was growing cold.
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Lady Naoki
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 345
Appearance: Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed.
Allegiances: New Isra
Place of Residence: Port Argentium
Registered: Mar 16, 2021 22:31:18 GMT -5
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Post by Lady Naoki on May 13, 2021 17:54:03 GMT -5
Nina laughed. She continued laughing as she fell over on the indicated chair, and only stopped as she poured herself a mug of water and downed it. In the meantime, the monarch chatted with someone who appeared to be a poet. The woman peered over her mug, interested in the fellow artist. “I’m Nina. Travelling painter.” She presented herself, when a lull in the conversation arrived. One of her eyebrows rose, as she explained the monarch the reason for her mirth: “Did you even arrive on the same boat as the others?” Her eyes glimmered. She raised her hands in a defensive posture, slightly marred by the fact that one of them was holding a skewer of grilled innards. There were additional layers to the joke, of course. Such as the fact that Naoki looked well-fed and clothed, while many of her people were verging on subsistence. “Look. I’ll say this because you seem to need it. Value your people. Talk to them. You might think you’re doing that now, but many are still too intimidated by the monarch to approach you. For all I know, that’s the point you want to make.” Nina spun the skewer in a twirling gesture. “But if you ignore vital aspects like food production, you’re going to be a queen of many avoidable graves.” Nina noticed herself gesturing with food, and stopped to take a bite. “The person I’d like to suggest for the role is Alix Kalamat.” She added after a few moments. “Country woman, which means she knows more than either of us do about actually useful things.” It was the exhaustion, Nina would later think. Difficult to maintain a sense-preservation when everything is hurting. “She’s been working the earth for almost seventy years. Grew up in a village in some dry hills, in a province whose name I can’t remember.” Absently she twirled the skewer. She recalled the flow of stories, endless, from when she was dicing meat. “Husband killed in the war. Fell in love with a wagon driver and eloped to the mountains about forty years ago. Very scandalous.” Twirl, bite. “Her sister-in-law had an orchard- What I’m saying is, she’s got experience with a variety of crops. And I trust her because I’ve seen the heart she already puts into her garden.” “As for the design…Location is the most important, I’d think.” Nina said, pressing her free hand against her forehead. “Close to the river or one of its larger tributaries, for the access to water, but not close enough to risk flooding. Some of the tents are on the floodplain, did you know that? Anyway.” She waved the subject away. Placing her palm slightly above the table surface, she gestured. “Just in case, I’d recommend a raised foundation, to weather the heavy rains. I’m sure you’ve already considered drainage systems.” Nina raised an eyebrow as she turned to Naoki. “What? Of course there’s going to be heavy rain, I mean have you seen that forest?” She shook her head and went back to the subject. “Maybe towards the edge of the village, so it’d have some room to expand. Ideally, I’d suggest many things, not in the least a south-facing room with glass windows, to shelter saplings.” Nina grinned. “But resources are tight and carpenters very busy, so…A south-facing shack or expansion, not shaded by other buildings, where one could dry seeds and produce, would be enough to start with.” Oh, Nina had lots more things to say. Starting from listening to the environment, to repurposing of metal weapons for farming tools. But, alas, she had to start with: “Would this sound acceptable?” "While I do not, strictly speaking, disagree with your suggestions. There is a distinct difference between paying more attention to one's people and letting a Travelling Painter who does not, evidently, consider herself part of said people inform her how to run her kingdom." A rich low tenor voice intrudes upon the conversation between Nina & Naoki. Exceptionally familiar to the latter, the former doubtless not as though she may be able to piece together just whom it belonged to by virtue of who she was speaking. At what point Alden had arrived at the feast no one in the room would be able to say. While he was a hard man to miss as of late, that was by choice, he'd lost none of his skill at moving without being detected during his time stuck on the depravity and avoiding attention in a crowd was easy to do when you knew the trick of it. It helped that, likely to Naoki's disappointment, he'd found a shirt with sleeves long enough to hide his scars. Without the ruined mass of flesh that was his torso on display he did not look that different from any other young man one might find at the party. After all, despite being Naoki's second in command the clothing he'd found was in about the same condition as the masses. "Perhaps curtail your enthusiasm in trying to explain to an Empress how to do her job. While I know her to be quite magnanimous and willing to listen to any who might offer their opinion but it is best to keep it to opinions. You, miss, are starting to sound like you think you know exactly what needs to be done better than the Empress. While I know that most common people think that is the case, perhaps when you know little about what has already been set into motion, you should not assume that she is unaware." The man offers Nina a smile that was not friendly in the least. It was the eyes, they were bland and emotionless as she looks down his nose at the painter. Perhaps because he considered himself better than her. Perhaps simply because he was standing and she was not. Either way the reprimand was finished. He did not feel the need to voice just what might happen to her should she not remember humility when speaking to Naoki. He assumed that was would be aware enough of who he was and what he did to understand that he was what would happen to her if his, gentle, rebuke of her attitude was not heeded. After all, the painter wasn't incorrect. Indeed, Alden had emphasized the important of food production to Naoki himself on their first night on the beach. As well as suggesting raised stone foundations using one of the kobold's who claimed they could move the earth. He had yet to find out how substantive those claims were. However, that fact also rather made his point rather more salient. Naoki already had advisors, as well as one of the keenest minds Alden had ever known, she did not need to be talked to as though she did not know what she was doing. Turning his attention from the painter to his Empress, Alden offers Naoki a bow. "My apologies for being late your eminence. I was dealing with a small matter outside. I hope my delay did not cause any undue trouble." After all, one of his primary duties was to stand or sit near her during events like this to remind people she was not to be trifled with. Something that was clearly needed at present considering what he had come in on. Naoki’s expression gradually shifts from placid, then to one of mild amusement, and eventually to annoyance as Nina continues speaking. She’s about to open her mouth to deliver a sharp word when Alden arrives and does so in her stead. She nods to him after he’s finished. “Not to worry, Alden. It seems you’re right on time.” And she waves for him to assume whatever position he’d like around her before returning her attention to Nina. “What you’re saying has merit,” Naoki begins, pressing her hands together, “But frankly, you needn’t be rude about it. Or, if you are going to be rude about it, at least be funny as well. As it is you’re just making a fool of yourself, rambling and trying to lecture the likes of me. Do you think I would have made it thirty years in power if I was daft enough to ‘ignore food production’? I understand you don’t know me, but give me a bit of credit for being where I am, or, failing that, at least give me the benefit of the doubt enough to speak to me as an equal, rather than just assuming I don’t know how rivers work and trying to talk down to me because my hands are prettier than yours or whatever.” Scoffing, Naoki dismisses the matter. She’s a tad ruffled someone would think she’d be so stupid, but it doesn’t really reflect poorly on her. “Regardless, we’ll have a conservatory,” Naoki says, writing notes for this in her book. “Nearish to the river, south facing room, and I think I know where we could repurpose some glass from.” She’s quiet as she writes a bit more. “Very good. And if Kalamat will agree to care for it, even better. I’ll seek her out later.” It looks as though Nina has more, and Naoki is hesitant to ask, but she does so anyway. “And what else? Perhaps you’ve some ideas for revolutionizing the tax code?”
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Katiana Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 109
Appearance: When you want to hide a tree, you hide it in a forest. Similarly, if you wanted to hide Katiana, you would put her in a crowd of humans. Brown hair, brown eyes, thin features, and an unremarkable height may not set her apart, but the way she manipulates her expressions and gallivants around certainly do. Those who know her are familiar with a particularly mischievous left-sided smirk, above which forms a dimple. Those who have yet to meet her will immediately know her for the way she bounces from one place to the next, holding her skirts in her hands.
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Equipment: A recurve bow made of elm, a small wood-cutting ax, and a skinning knife complete Katiana's non-exhaustive equipment. Being an adventurer who often loses herself in the wilderness, she also favors flint and tinder, rope, medicines, a waterskin, sewing supplies, and food rations.
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Skills and Abilities: Though not particularly concerned in the art of warfare, Katiana has been a hunter for as long as she could hold a bow, and over the years, she became proficient with it. One could assume that if she needed to point her arrow at a charging warrior rather than a boar, she would have the same chances of hitting it. Years of adventuring have also taught her skills in survival.
Though she has no skills in magic, nothing is stopping her from learning. Katiana's family has a history of mages, though none have been particularly gifted.
Registered: Mar 17, 2021 16:34:46 GMT -5
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Post by Katiana Graves on May 13, 2021 18:52:30 GMT -5
As Katiana's eyes darted around the tent and all the exciting going-ons as she feated. A young woman seemed to be badgering the once-Empress. Oh, how brazen! The hunter was leaning over the table trying to get an earful just as a familiar purple figure strode out in front of her. A wide, food-greased smile spread across her face as she waved and called, "Shyv'Ahna! Here!" and patted the spot next to her excitedly. She sat back into her seat and adjusted one of the legs a bit, making a face. Sure, her breeches had been ripped up, but did they really have no other options other than these tight, ill-fitting trousers? She was just about indecent in these things!
"So glad you decided to make it!" she chirped at her new acquaintance. "The wine is passable, for now. I'm sure when they make new distilleries we'll have something much better in several years. For now-" Katiana held her cup up to the Av'. "To a feast! One you helped provide. And-"
Temporarily, her attentions were taken away by the unfortunately shirtful but very cut man striding by her vision. She'd seen him several times before, but never this close!
"A man made of wax, that one," she commented with a smirk.
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Shyv'Ahna
Committed
Roleplay posts: 50
Appearance: Shyv'ahna, or Ahna for short, is an Av' nomad woman, standing at 180cm (6ft) tall. Though tall for a woman, she is in fact the average for most Av' women. She has light lavender skin, intersected by feint tattoos that glow while using magic, her eyes are golden, and her hair a very dark purple. Though mostly humanoid, she possesses a set of bowed legs, not unlike other Av’, and a pair of horns that curl around her ears.
She adorns herself with jewellery, specifically gold caps to her horns, silver and golden rings, two on the right side of her eyebrow, four in her right ear, and one through her septum.
Her body type is strong and toned, forged through years of patient training, fighting, and more travel than most would do in a single life time. It is covered, much like her face, in tattoos, jewelry and the occasional scar, from top to bottom, though most would never know considering her rather conservative wardrobe.
Equipment: Ahna uses medium armour. Leather, light scaled metal, and chainmail make up the most of her regular outfit, but all under a dark blue poncho, adorned with golden stitching and traditional Av'rae patterns that dance across its light blue trim.
Her travelling armour consists of a chain vest and a scaled skirt that reaches her knees around the back and sides, leaving the front open, starting at her belt and fanning out. Over the chain vest, she usually wears a leather corset to keep it in place.
In a trunk inside her vardo, however, sits a much more elegant set of armour, one she hadn’t worn in quite some time, her Elder Guard armour. Forged from the finest metals in dwarven-supervised forges, her Elder Guard armour has both the toughness valued by dwarves, but the mobility favoured by the Av’rae. It’s an elegant suit, tailored and forged to fit Ahna’s form, with its cuirass, graves, skirt, bracers, and boot plating made from the finest mithril, a light but extremely sturdy metal. The trim and under suit are made of a soft, breathable cotton, as is the cape that covers one shoulder.
The helmet of her Elder Guard Armour is ornate, to say the very least. It’s a closed design from back to front, but with openings to slide up around her horns, and a T-shaped visor for her stunning golden eyes to peer out of. The front of the opening is often covered by a thin chain mail for protection, as is her neck guard.
The armour’s colour matches her standard pallet, with the mithril painted mostly in a purple, with its trim painted a fine, reflective gold. The cotton of her armour, such as her undersuit and cape, are a fine dark purple with golden stitching that matches her regular shawl.
Her weapons are just as expertly forged, her primary weapon being a two handed pole weapon most would consider a fauchard, a long pole with an ornate, curved blade attached to the top, the blade on one side of the weapon’s top while a hook sat on the other, giving her the option to slash, stab, and pull as necessary. Though most Av’rae prefer to fight with two handed weapons, Shyv’Ahna also carries an ornate dagger with a similarly curved blade, just in case.
Finally, she is also an adept with a crossbow, though she prefers to fight with her melee prowess.
For transport, Shyv’Ahna has a vardo, a caravan of sorts, that she uses to transport her things as well as live inside with comfort. Being of the nomadic sort, Shyv’Ahna has no desire to a standard home, one that doesn’t move, so a Vardo, pulled by her beast of burden Bahsel, does the trick perfectly.
Bahsel, her beast of burden, is a creature rarely seen without an Av’ companion. Nobody can understand why or how, but the Av’rae are one of the few people to find these creatures’ native land and tame them for both work and protection. Bahsel could be described as a large, muscular porcupine, with thigh legs, built perfectly for work, a thick hide to protect from predators, a pair of large front teeth, perfect for chewing on its usual diet of roots and plants, and finally a back covered in quills that not only stop melee attackers, but can also be shot outwards like a series of javelins, that grow back quicker than most would expect.
Together, Ahna and Bahsel travel the lands, always ready for the next adventure.
Skills and Abilities: Ahna has spent years training and being trained in combat, and she has become an expert fighter with two handed pole weapons, daggers, and hand to hand combat, making her a fierce enemy to face, or one hell of a good sparring partner if you don’t mind a few bruises. She also carries a crossbow, but she mostly uses it for hunting. She’s a great shot, but her preference is found in melee.
Before the end times and the escape from the destroyed lands, Ahna was a strong, and sometimes scary mage. The Av’rae are some of the more magically-tuned folk in the old world, and Ahna was no exception, but after travelling away she can feel her powers weaken, as if stopped by something. Normally she could conjured lightning and electricity in the palm of her hand, powering her attacks while also zapping her enemies as needed, and on the rare occasion, under a cloudy sky and with great inner rage, she could even conjure storms, but no longer. Now, she can barely use her magic at all. Perhaps she just needs to find new ways to channel it…
Being a nomad, Ahna is an expert traveller and guide, able to traverse most terrain and survive in some of the more harsh environments, making her an exceptional pathfinder, if asked nicely and presented with enough gold.
Allegiances: The Av'rae people.
Registered: Mar 23, 2021 0:17:47 GMT -5
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Post by Shyv'Ahna on May 13, 2021 21:01:34 GMT -5
Ahna’s attention is caught by the unique voice of her new friend Katiana, the one she had spent the afternoon hunting and foraging with. New friend… that was a strange concept for the Av’, as she never truly made friends outside of her own people, save for a handful of exceptions along her journeys. Then again, the last outsider friend she made turned out to be quite a positive experience, to say the least, but this situation is entirely different.
Even in thought, she makes her way towards Katiana. She adjusts her shawl, letting her arms slip out from under the fabric, and takes a seat. It takes her a good moment to get comfortable before muttering under her breath. “Awful craftsmanship…” she grumbles before placing her hands on the table. When she’s offered the mug, she holds out a hand to politely refuse, but before she can speak, her attention was drawn towards the man Kat was eyeing up.
She looks the man over and shrugs lightly. “He’s not my type,” she says, feeling nothing towards the man. She could see how he could be conventionally attractive, but she isn't lying when she said he isn't her type.
She clears her throat and looks back to Kat. “Anyway, no thank you. I have seen the wine they have here and… I am not a fan. I have better bottles in my Vardo for when I need them.” Her golden eyes dance over the food in front of her, but none of it seemed overly appetising. “Yes, to the… feast.” As bland as it looked, at least it looked edible. “If I were more generous, I would have donated some spices, but… Well. I’m not.” She would have to take note of her stocks when she got back to the Vardo, as it seemed she would likely need to cook for herself from then on, if only to enjoy a decent meal.
“It is a welcome change to see everyone so cheery,” she says as she peered out from under her hood at the crowd around them, all eating and being merry. “There will be hard work for these folks soon enough, they should enjoy it while it lasts. Bahsel and I will be here to make the work easier of course, when called on. Though, I am surprised the tents went up so quickly, perhaps there is hope for humans yet.” She knew they weren’t all humans, but they seemed to make up the majority, and most of the rest were at least part human.
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Skarlet
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53
Age: Her exact age is ambiguous but she has lived atleast a couple human lifetimes by now.
Appearance: Skarlet has Pale skin, red eyes and sharp teeth when she needs them. Her hair is dark brown but she has a streak of red in the front. Her wardrobe is always designed to cover up as much of her body as she can to shield herself from the sun.
Skills and Abilities: Night Vision
Enhanced Senses
Dream Walker
Vampirism
Flash Freezing technique
Biological Manipulation
Biography: Lady Skarlet is a Vampire and adopted daughter of Lady Naoki, though she's not exactly the same Skarlet that she knew from back then. This Skarlet came from an alternate future where something terrible had happened to Lady Naoki, and Skarlet became leader of her own nation for a while, years passed since and Skarlet has had a couple more families, she waged war against Men and Demons, She's loved and lost.
Naoki should be able to tell that even though Skarlet looks as young as ever, her eyes have changed and hint that she has probably lived through a couple lifetimes since last they saw each other.
Allegiances: Lady Naoki
Place of Residence: Naoki's Estate
Registered: Mar 21, 2021 14:38:24 GMT -5
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Post by Skarlet on May 13, 2021 23:32:33 GMT -5
Skarlet enters the mess tent carrying a bottle of red liquid, it looks like a wine bottle but it's not. She is wearing that enchanted black outfit with the gold filigree that she wore at the Prospernalia Festival. When she had gone to the Depravity she found some of her old clothing in a trunk and this happened to be in there. She quickly finds Lady Naoki and Alden and says hello. "Mom, Heyyy~ Look what I found! I haven't seen this jacket in years." Skarlet does a twirl to show everything off, the liquid in the bottle swishes once she stops. "You were right about some of my stuff being on the ship, but it seemed like someone took some of my bottles. Still had a few left at least." Skarlet starts looking around at the different men and women under this tent, there was some potential in the crowd. She then focuses on Alden, he was looking good right now, maybe she'll think about forgiving him. She comes closer to him so that they can both hear each other. "Wow, it really is Alden. This is a different look from when I knew you, Heheh. Looking good, really." Skarlet was surprisingly in a good mood, not hangry anymore. She looked around again at other people nearby but stayed close to Alden and Naoki.
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Dawn Riversong
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Appearance: A bit on the short side, with a thin, lanky build. Round amber eyes, round face, dark brown hair cut to rest about mid-way down her neck. Tends to wear simple and well-fitting clothes: knee-high leather boots, riding breeches, a simple blouse, and a hooded cloak, all in earthy browns and tans.
Equipment: An enchanted compass worn on a strap around her neck, a travel bag containing several tubes for storing rolls of parchment, bottles of ink, wooden quills, and a spyglass.
Skills and Abilities: Dawn has a natural knack for directions, as well as night vision and a fine sense of hearing. She is skilled in navigation and cartography.
Biography: Dawn was named after the time of day she was born, and grew up among her people in the forests to the West. She enjoyed exploring the woods, and as time went on came to tagging along with guides as they lead merchants and travelers around the region. Soon she came to being a guide herself, travelling north and south among the forest to see as much as she could. However, even the wide breadth of her homeland couldn't satiate her wanderlust, and she soon made the uncommon decision to depart and explore the lands to the East. As a parting gift her father bestowed upon her an enchanted compass, an old family heirloom none had seen a use for before then. She wandered nearby lands for years after that, drawing up maps of everywhere she went.
Registered: Apr 14, 2021 19:02:12 GMT -5
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Post by Dawn Riversong on May 15, 2021 9:02:43 GMT -5
Dawn's face glows with an earnest grin. "Thank you very much, my lady!" She curtsies once more before grabbing at the Bard's hand, dashing off into the feast. The uncertainty of her audience with Lady Naoki is washed away as Dawn is engulfed by the smells around her. Her mouth waters at the sight and smell of so much fresh food as she looks around for a place for her and her new friend to eat. "What are you going to have first?" she asks. The Barge Bard The Bard stares at the food laid out before them, her eyes almost visibly shining and sparkling. "Yes." She answered. "I just want to eat." She grinned at Dawn. Dawn laughs with a smile. "Oh, over here!" She leads the way over to a pair of empty seats, falling into one. She fills her plate, waiting for her friend to do the same before digging in. "So," she says, swallowing a mouthful. "Where to first?"
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