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 15, 2021 12:44:17 GMT -5
Vulpin eyed the woman curiously, noting her distaste and resisting the urge to chuckle. Oh, what a wonderful position he'd found himself in. It was clear that she didn't like him, but he was irreplaceable. Not only was he the only trained surgeon on the island, but Grandma's little side ventures required a man of his unique talents. If not even the illustrious Lady Naoki could remove him from his position, then who was really at the top of the mountain? Certainly not this cat-eared woman, Empress of nothing but tents and sandcastles. "Priorities," he said, nodding and raising his glass to her. "The stone chained to the ankles of all great leaders. I do not envy you, Lady Naoki, but I appreciate the work that you do. Farms and mills are all well and good, of course. A fine wine is of little consequence if there's no food to pair it with, eh? Temperance, I'm afraid, had never been one of my virtues, but perhaps it is time to learn. Necessity is the finest of tutors, after all. I look forward to all of our wine-making ventures here in Port Argentium and throughout this new, unknown continent." He nodded, swirling the wine in the glass and looking at Naoki's ears. What strange ears they were. What did those cat ears hear, he wondered? Were they sharper than a human's? He wanted to test it, but he was certain that Naoki would have little patience for his scientific endeavors. If he could find a cat big enough, perhaps he'd be able to create one such as her, grafting the ears onto a test subject. Perhaps the hunting party would find a tiger or something similar. “Perhaps, perhaps.” What was barely veiled distaste becomes sedate indifference on Naoki’s face. She hums. “And is winemaking something you’d know about, Vulpin? Because we’ll need a vintner when the time comes, and I’m not sure that we have any, yet. Grandma likely knows what needs knowing, but I’m not sure if she’d be willing to manage a business like that herself. Next time the two of you are spending time together, you should ask her about it. If she would do such a thing herself, or if she would teach you.” “Because it’s good to have other options,” she continues, turning to look Vulpin in the eye holes. “Just in case the surgery business dries up, you never know.” Naoki's tone of voice makes it difficult to tell, but it’s intended as both a joke and a threat and as something she expects a witty response to.Her eyes are judging.
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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 15, 2021 13:46:43 GMT -5
Puffing at her pipe some more, Grandma nodded at Rain’s words. Obviously payment was something that would need to be worked out. After all, Grandma wouldn’t rightly trust someone who didn’t ask for payment when it came to a task as hazardous as this one.
“Of course, I will see to it you have your compensation. The main question is what type of compensation you are looking for? Money from the old world holds little value now.” As if to illustrate her point, Grandma pulled out an Isran gold piece. Idly tossing it upwards, she snatched it out of the air with a surprisingly fast grab before it could fall to the ground. “They might be shiny and pleasing to look at, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone willing to barter with them just yet I think.”
Twirling her cane between two wizened fingers, Grandma paused briefly to puff out a single smoke circle that lazily floated upwards. Rain seemed a bit on edge, wary of her and perhaps of the settlement in general. Grandma couldn’t rightly blame her for holding such a position.
“As for the specifics of what I want you to do for me… Well, it’s rather simple really. I wish for you to bring back to me creatures you hunt and kill. But I want them brought back to me in one piece. Now, on some larger animals, I’m sure this could prove difficult to manage given how heavy they are. Which is why I’m willing to offer you a few pairs of extra hands to help haul the larger prey back.”
Tilting her head to the side ever so slightly, Grandma waited to see what the woman’s response would be.
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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 16, 2021 3:45:12 GMT -5
The new voice had a feel like smooth steel. Nina turned, to meet a matching gaze. She knew the man. Not personally, but in the cold that radiated from him, the subtle reactions from the people around him, she could read it. He was like Gray. Because an empire’s blood always runs on diplomacy, of the sharper knives kind. Bemused, Nina decided it wasn’t time to question the fact that her new acquaintance was an Empress ruling over a kingdom, which right now was the size of a large village, or a small town.
No, not the time. She held his gaze. For the briefest moment, her eyes became almost a mirror. Then she turned back.
“My apologies, Lady Naoki.” Nina bowed her head. “I had wrongly assumed that some of the aspects I witnessed were due to lack of knowledge. Clearly, they were part of more complex priorities.”
They could hide behind pretty words, but Nina had seen it. Many people were malnourished. Even with the mess hall, some still found it difficult to get food, especially those that the public opinion had labeled lazy, freeloaders. Whether rightly or not. Without that scarcity, Tressor’s cult and his angels would have never grown so dangerous. A danger that Nina had risked body and mind to control. And in the meantime, Her Highness was discussing flower arrangements. Oh, her priorities were in order all right.
‘Assume incompetence rather than malice, they say.’ Nina thought, all so sweetly. ‘But since you insist…!’
Still, Nina kept her tone unreadable and polite. This wasn’t only about her. Alix was an elderly woman, with no family here, and harmless quirks that pushed away most people. She thanked The Empress of the Tent City for the conservatory, pleasantly noting that it would have some of that precious glass.
“Oh, tax works always the same, isn’t it? Carry a heavy ledger and a big stick. Ledger optional.” Nina winked, as if she was joking. Yet as if by chance, she tilted her head first towards Mint, then towards the newcomer. “No, it’s actually the forest which I’ve been meaning to talk about. Being good neighbors with it. But I really should not detain you,” she gestured, as if she could, “there are more people waiting to talk to you” she smiled, nodding towards the child who’d just appeared, “and besides, I really shouldn’t assume you don’t know basic things.”
‘You’ve already proven it.’
She stood up, making sure to pick up another skewer on the way.
“Although before I leave, I must thank the gentleman here. Should I address you by a title, or do you go by something more unique, like a name?” She asked, a glimmer of mirth in her eyes.
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Dr. Indys Vulpin
Established
Roleplay posts: 43
Appearance: Few have seen Dr. Vulpin's face, which he generally keeps hidden behind a plain white mask. He alleges that it's for cleanliness purposes, but rumors abound that he uses it to hide a horribly scarred visage. His rather thin and lanky body is typically hidden by his voluminous dark red robes, colored strategically to hide the bloodstains from his work.
Skills and Abilities: Dr. Vulpin is known for his medical prowess: few can amputate a leg with such speed and enthusiasm. He's skilled with bonesaws, stitches, and scalpels and possesses a vast knowledge of ailments and medicines.
Biography: Nobody's quite sure where (or if) Dr. Vulpin actually studied medicine, but none can argue with the results. Most of his patients end up surviving, although they are frequently left with fewer limbs than they came in with. His medical skills have been invaluable on the long voyage, although his eccentricities and odd hobbies have made him rather unpopular among the crew and passengers.
Registered: Mar 20, 2021 16:43:45 GMT -5
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Post by Dr. Indys Vulpin on May 16, 2021 21:56:58 GMT -5
The judgement in Naoki's eyes did not go unnoticed, nor did the veiled threat. Vulpin chuckled, swirling his wine in its glass. Did this queen of sandcastles really think she could threaten him of all people? Rulers fell and were replaced all the time, but one did not simply pick up surgery on a whim. No, he was irreplaceable and they both knew it. Still, if she wanted to play with her clever words and snarky comments, who was he to disappoint her?
"I fear that I could best be considered little more than an enthusiastic amateur in the art of winemaking," he said, tapping his finger against the rim of his wine glass. "A few grape vines behind my old surgery, a couple of bottles of homemade reds and whites every year. Company always seemed to enjoy them, although I daresay they were likely just being polite. Certainly, they wouldn't hold up under the scrutiny of a real sommelier. As for surgery, though...I pray that we never see the day, Lady Naoki, for the only way for my work to be done for good is for every soul on this island to have breathed their last. As much as I'd welcome the chance to finally rest, I fear that such an event would be counterproductive to our shared interests. Such is the life of a surgeon, however. No matter how hard I toil to preserve life, the best I can ever achieve is to postpone the inevitable. The longer people live, the more likely they are to require my unique services. As they say...the only difference between a good surgeon and a poor one is the number of repeat customers. I plan to continue my work with the fine people of this settlement for a very long time, my dear lady."
He raised his glass to her once more in salute, still not taking a sip. His gloves left no fingerprints on the perfect crystal glass, not so much as smudging its flawless surface.
"I must compliment you on your glassware," he said. "It's quite beautiful and looks very fragile indeed. Bringing all these glasses just for occasions like this, all packed in straw...it's a testament to the Depravity's cargo space that you were able to bring along such extravagances and enough food for everybody. Certainly, I rest well at night knowing that your impeccable planning cut no corners when it came to vital supplies."
His gaze wandered, sweeping pointedly across the throngs of feast-goers. They devoured the proffered food ravenously, and it was clear by their hungry eyes that this was the first proper meal many had had in a while.
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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 16, 2021 22:45:38 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. “Oho ho, look at that!” Naoki looks on as Skarlet twirls and nods approvingly. It’s a good outfit that she’s not seen in a while. “Good, good.” The fact that someone took some of her bottles gives Naoki pause. Nobody should have had access to that, and even if they did, why did they steal bottles of blood? Hmh. Raises a few questions, but none that she’s going to grapple with right now. A better question to deal with now would be finding a stable supply of blood for Skarlet’s future, but even that can wait until after the feast, she thinks.
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The Barge Bard
Established
Roleplay posts: 15
Age: Unknown, but she looks to be in her 20's or 30's.
Appearance: The Bard wears loose, comfortable clothing that's often dyed bright colors, such as purple, blue, red, orange, etc. She has two small horns spiraling out of her forehead, and her hair is dyed purple to match her favorite outfit.
Equipment: The Barge Bard carries a myriad of musical instruments, although they may change sporadically. Among these instruments include drums, a lute, a fiddle, a bagpipe, a flute, and many others.
The Bard also owns a catamaran, the Chrysanthemum, which is pulled by two manatees. (Named Bill and Jennifer)
Skills and Abilities: The Barge Bard is an incredible storyteller, and is able to insert unfathomable amounts of drama and emotion into anything she says. She's also a skilled salesperson, and use this to her advantage when trying to tell a lie or sell some of her wares.
Biography: Not much is known about the Barge Bard. She came through the mist on her boat, and have been travelling the Isles, collecting stories and information and selling wares. Very few have been able to get close to her in friendship, since she is free like the wind and travel very frequently.
Registered: Apr 13, 2021 17:48:46 GMT -5
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Post by The Barge Bard on May 17, 2021 16:27:39 GMT -5
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?" The Bard eagerly piled food onto her plate, not waiting to sit down before stuffing her mouth full. "I haffn't tayfted anyfing dith good in agef." She says through a mouthful of food. She swallows her bite. "I dunno. Wherever there isn't an ocean, I guess."
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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 17, 2021 18:03:10 GMT -5
When his name was called Alden looked over at Skarlet giving her a nod of acknowledgment. He'd know the vampiress in a casual capacity for many years. Despite her position as Lady Naoki 's "daughter", Alden had never actually looked into why Naoki had adopted the woman, he and the vampiress had not talked much at any point. There was no particular reason to it, it had simply rarely come up. Still, he was friendly enough and he even offers her a smile with his nod and a. "Hello Skarlet." But the newcomer was not the focus of his attention. No, at present, the person with that dubious honor was Nina . The young woman, it appeared, had listened to the words that were spoken to her but had elected to not take them to heart. The line, "more complex priorities", and the implicit sarcasm in her voice when she spoke of tax collectors carrying large sticks before she made her excuses to leave made one thing clear. That the woman had decided that her assessment of Naoki was correct and that the firm but gentle reprimand had gone utterly unheeded. Which sent a shiver of anger through Alden. Nina was not unique or special in her critique. She was not offering some staggering insight or seeing things that somehow missed the notice of Naoki. For heaven's sake, there was barely more than thousand people total in the camp only a blind woman could not see what was going on. Naoki was not blind, even when she'd run an empire actually worthy of the name she'd known that things weren't perfect and had worked tirelessly to keep improving the empire. Yet unreasonable people got it into their heads that she could just, snap, her fingers and suddenly all their problems would be solved. That Naoki was either ignorant or incompetent, rather than simply incapable of literally solving every individual problem every person had. So Alden went to strike Nina. The blow was timed expertly, he waited until she was turning to look his way before going to strike from her blind side. Her eyes were already moving to lock onto him and if she suspected a reprimand it would likely be from his right hand. Alden was using his left, his intent to hit her in the cheek as she turned so that her own momentum would soften the blow. He also didn't hold the muscles in his wrist too rigid so that it would not be too unyielding and accidentally snap her neck. The reason for this was he did not hold back on his speed, even with the mists swirling around damping people's magic, the runes that fueled his body were still functioning, more or less, fine. Which meant that his already impressive physical abilities were still being enhanced and the speed with which he struck was, simply put, entirely inhuman. Should the hit land, he'd have some choice words for the woman once her ears stopped ring. Which was about as much damage as she might take from the blow despite the speed of it. If she dodged... Well, that would be quite the surprise but that might also get her into even deeper shit.
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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 18, 2021 11:24:16 GMT -5
He hit her.
Just like that, the empress’s thug slapped her. Didn’t even wait for her to finish speaking. In retrospect, it proved exactly what Nina had been joking about. No need for much talking, when you had a metaphorical stick.
Later on, she’d think that it really drove the point home of the equality that Naoki had mentioned. She’d think back of the Duke. Sure, he might order you whipped bloody with a flick of his fan if your bows weren’t of the appropriate angle, but subtly expressed displeasure was only filed away for later use. Civilization.
But that would be later, and now…Now was pain. Her face stung. With pain, and shame.
The conversations around them went quieter.
And still…things didn’t go quite right.
A careful eye would notice the way the woman shifted her weight at the last moment, to lessen the impact of the hit. The way her feet brushed over the floor to support her, the way she would try to slide out of the way for a follow-up hit. The way her gaze darted around, focusing on her opponent but being on guard for more. She had presented herself to Naoki as Nina, travelling painter. Whoever she was, this person had at least some combat training. More importantly, with a reflex flick of the wrists, the skewers in her hand which had been pretty close to her face in the first place had turned to point outwards during the strike.
A skewer was a sharp stick. Nina had two. If the thug struck her hard, he might have to deal with anything from a scratch to two pieces of wood embedded in his palm.
“Have you…never worked…in a kitchen? Don’t startle people carrying sharp objects.” She said, coldly. Hopefully from a foot or two away. She licked her teeth, making sure they were all in place.
She watched carefully. For all she knew, he had decided to make an example of her, to remind people that all but abject gratitude to the sovereign’s whims would be treated with the appropriate magnanimity. But there was a small chance that he’d decide it was too much to deal with someone who could bite back. Too disruptive, in the middle of a festival that was supposed to be a joyous celebration. So, Nina would give him one chance to de-escalate:
“I think we can both agree it was an accident.”
Under her hot, stinging face, she felt cold. Even if the man backed down now, there would be a later. They both knew. A place without a crowd of people to cast their judging eyes.
With that single act of gratuitous violence, the empress’ hound had ensured that she could never feel safe.
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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 18, 2021 12:42:36 GMT -5
She’s not even close to quick enough to stop him, and it takes Naoki a moment to process what’s happened after the sound rings out.
“Alden!” Naoki rounds on him, brandishing a finger. “Do not slap the disrespectful feast-goers!” she says, telling him off. She gestures for him to step away, and return to his place by her seat.
“And you,” she rounds on Nina, pointing that same finger. “I can take a joke or some light ribbing, but you ought to stop short of outright disrespect when you don’t know me or my policies. I’m doing my damn best out here, and for now, that’s enough to put food on the table for everyone. Take some, eat it, and tell me about the forest another day.” A swift, shooing hand gesture is the most direct dismissal Naoki has given in years. Nina can dine elsewhere in the tent.
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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 18, 2021 13:33:21 GMT -5
Rain tilted her head as Grandma present the gold coin. While her eyes followed the coin for its brief appearance, her ears caught her words just as vigilantly. She listened to the kind of work the old woman was offering her to do, but something seemed a bit strange about it. Considering the situation surrounding food, it felt strange to demand these animals whole.
"Interesting this was how business was done where you are from; however, as your ways are no longer of use then we shall use my way. If I put my skills to use for you, then you shall put your skills to use for me, whatever they may be. A favor for a favor. That being said... Is this a request that has passed the eyes of those whom you call leader?" Upon her question she motioned with her chin in Naoki's direction, whom by now had realized she had been the one in charge. "I'm not sure if she can afford any waste-"
The slap from Alden on Nina rang, and the sound was enough to give Rain pause. Given her arms were crossed it prevented her from reacting recklessly or getting in the middle of it. She glanced over at Grandma with a furrowed brow, the silent question of "Is this normal?" etched onto her painted face. "I've yet to find much brotherhood here." there was a touch of cynicism in her statement.
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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 18, 2021 13:46:17 GMT -5
The judgement in Naoki's eyes did not go unnoticed, nor did the veiled threat. Vulpin chuckled, swirling his wine in its glass. Did this queen of sandcastles really think she could threaten him of all people? Rulers fell and were replaced all the time, but one did not simply pick up surgery on a whim. No, he was irreplaceable and they both knew it. Still, if she wanted to play with her clever words and snarky comments, who was he to disappoint her? "I fear that I could best be considered little more than an enthusiastic amateur in the art of winemaking," he said, tapping his finger against the rim of his wine glass. "A few grape vines behind my old surgery, a couple of bottles of homemade reds and whites every year. Company always seemed to enjoy them, although I daresay they were likely just being polite. Certainly, they wouldn't hold up under the scrutiny of a real sommelier. As for surgery, though...I pray that we never see the day, Lady Naoki, for the only way for my work to be done for good is for every soul on this island to have breathed their last. As much as I'd welcome the chance to finally rest, I fear that such an event would be counterproductive to our shared interests. Such is the life of a surgeon, however. No matter how hard I toil to preserve life, the best I can ever achieve is to postpone the inevitable. The longer people live, the more likely they are to require my unique services. As they say...the only difference between a good surgeon and a poor one is the number of repeat customers. I plan to continue my work with the fine people of this settlement for a very long time, my dear lady." He raised his glass to her once more in salute, still not taking a sip. His gloves left no fingerprints on the perfect crystal glass, not so much as smudging its flawless surface. "I must compliment you on your glassware," he said. "It's quite beautiful and looks very fragile indeed. Bringing all these glasses just for occasions like this, all packed in straw...it's a testament to the Depravity's cargo space that you were able to bring along such extravagances and enough food for everybody. Certainly, I rest well at night knowing that your impeccable planning cut no corners when it came to vital supplies." His gaze wandered, sweeping pointedly across the throngs of feast-goers. They devoured the proffered food ravenously, and it was clear by their hungry eyes that this was the first proper meal many had had in a while. Naoki listens as Vulpin speaks, and nods when he’s quite finished. He didn’t take the hint. “Well, the other way your career ends is if you keep giving me lip,” she explains, turning to face him. “Don’t misunderstand, me Vulpin. I value your talent, and the service you provide for my people. … And I don’t mind what you do behind closed doors,” she adds, apropo of nothing. Reaching over, Naoki grasps the front of Vulpin’s robe between two fingers, and gingerly tugs it so he’ll face her. She leans just a touch closer, so he can see the fire dancing in her eyes. “But if you keep sassing me, I’ll mangle your hands to match your face. You’ll have to take up winemaking, and hold your wine glass between two little misshapen mittens.” Releasing him, she leans back to her seat. There’s the smell of charred fabric, and two singe-marks where she touched his robe. “You think I wouldn’t?” Naoki tilts her head to the side, but her ears remain pointed straight up. On a smaller cat, it might be cute, but on Naoki, with that smirk she has, and the fire still in her eyes, it comes off as more than a bit unhinged. “I’m not in the habit, but keep trying me and see,” she dares him. “Or alternatively, piss off. Go skulk somewhere, swear revenge, and keep doing your damn job without giving me any lip, and we won’t have any issues. Understood?” Her tone brooks no argument.
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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 18, 2021 14:09:38 GMT -5
Lady Naoki spoke to inform him that he'd stepped out of line but Alden found he disagreed with her assessment. He had chosen the force and location of his blow very carefully. There had been anger in his reasoning but his attack hadn't carried that weight. If he had decided to take out the full extent of the anger he carried over this particular subject out on Nina there was a good chance he would have killed her. As it stood, he was just making it very clear that she had crossed a line. Naoki's gesture is ignored but he doesn't go so far as to interrupt, instead holding the woman with the skewers in his gaze. Those rune-scarred orbs looking at her. If she was trained by someone who knew death as well as Alden, then she would recognize that she was not looking at a thug. She was not dealing with some brute who saw violence as a means towards an end. Alden was not so simple that he could be reduced to such terms. There was a lifetime of violence, training, and discipline in his gaze as he says his voice low and measured speaking his piece as though Naoki had not just tried to end this matter. "My name is Alden and it was not an accident." No last name, the Alden she had known had taken the last name Marshal so that his children could have a family name. This Alden had no such worldly attachments. "And the next time you wish to cast judgement on my friend I would suggest you think harder before you do so. This camp has been settled for less than a fortnight, before we got here we were adrift at sea for three months. Naoki kept us together, she organized things when we landed, and she has taken what food we could get and hosted this feast where everyone can attend to make sure that every person in this settlement gets a full belly." "Then there is petty, ignorant people like you. Who comes in and sees that there are problems and you assume that if there is suffering, it is due to negligence or incompetence. Who are foolish enough to think that just because the person in charge doesn't address the problems of every single person immediately, that they don't care. Instead of looking at how much we've accomplished in less than two weeks, you made the decision that it wasn't enough because what? Because Naoki is not omniscient and omnipotent? Because she cannot simply snap her fingers and fix the world? Grow up, you petulant child." "If you think that it is so easy to run a nation, then go found on of your own. But until then, I will not allow you to disrespect my friend to her face. A friend that I personally watched work tirelessly to build an empire despite coming from less than nothing. A friend I know even now is working as hard as she can to protect and care for her people. A friend who personally helped me when I had nothing. That is the person you've chosen to insult and if you open your mouth and do so again, then the next blow I deliver will not be a gentle slap." Because that is all his "attack" had been, a gentle slap upside the head. To reprimand Nina as he might a disobedient child. Because that is all she was to him, a child playing at a game that she had neither the skill nor perspective to truly comprehend. With this delivered, he shifts and moves to Naoki's side to take his place just a step behind the lady and to the left, folding his arms over his chest and letting his gaze sweep over the crowd. Nina had been dismissed, he could tell that she'd been trained the skewers had not been missed by him. He simply did not consider her a threat, then again, if she started asking around camp after him she'd quickly find that there was good reason for him not to consider her one.
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Coatl of the Imilla
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 143
Appearance: Skin just a skosh darker than an old clay pot. The shade of his hat occludes black, sun-beaten eyes, wavy, matted hair, and just enough beard to protect his chin. His hands are coarse and leathery, with wiry tendons. His height isn't quite imposing, it's but enough to lend credence to a purposeful stride and posture.
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Equipment: An old duster, scarf, and cotton shirt and slacks. A thin brigandine with copper plates and a military-grade pitchfork.
A single candle, a reagent of now forbidden degrees of power.
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Skills and Abilities: On his home turf, Coatl could manifest formidable elemental magic. Here the magic is suppressed down to more subtle manipulations. However, the spirit of Cuaté, the "Witch", is still with him.
Coatl is, at his core, a simple farmhand. His experience working on ranches and plantations has earned him a strong physique and a way with animals. When he was a teenager, he also spent some time as a city guard and militiaman, giving him basic competence with a variety of weapons.
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Biography: The Imilla Clan were migrant farmers and laborers, selling themselves to wealthier kingdoms. They were a people bound by working shanties, and stories of an Eden from whence their ancestors came. As a youth, Coatl felt they were naive. They possessed the most basic of martial skills and required the aid of capricious spirits with weak magic to protect them.
His suspicions were half true, for when they encountered a malevolent kingdom, they were very nearly enslaved. However, his parent's commitment to peace earned him, and him in particular, the loyalty of an ancestral spirit that was far more dependable.
Using the power of this spirit, Coatl and a few other "chosen ones" helped bring prosperity and safety to their clan, ensuring that no one else would try to enslave them. The golden years of their people came to an abrupt end, however, when the flood waters came...
Registered: Mar 20, 2021 23:42:08 GMT -5
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Post by Coatl of the Imilla on May 18, 2021 15:19:02 GMT -5
Now's a good time to interrupt whatever they are talking about.
What do you mean?
Just trust me. It'll be perfect.
A certain presence, an entity whose existence was by now elevated slightly above rumor, had caught the tail end of the banquet drama. Grandma was almost certainly aware of Cuate, as her magical affinity made the spirit about as noticeable as an eavesdropping cat.
Welp, if you say so.
The tent's flaps spread apart. "Miss Graves, Shyv'Ahna, you ladies reckon this here is edible?"
Coiled around Coatl's neck and shoulders was a massive bobbit worm.
The creature's segmented scales shimmered with a chromatic hue. But this did little to alleviate its ghastly appearance. Its pale, ghostly pincers came with their own teeth. Multiple appendages around its mouth? nose? rear? face hole wiggled violently. Hundreds, maybe thousands of millipede-like feet wiggled in harmony, forming hypnotic waves of motion down its length.
And yes, Coatl was being serious.
"Oh hey, how about this?" A young woman of dark complexion and stocky frame also peered into the tent. She held up a black mass which seemed to have a head and a tail, if one could be sure. It was a sea hare, though there was nothing cute and fuzzy about it. It looked more like black tar made living, or a giant slug painted black.
"Oh, don't forget this thing." A young man, similar in appearance to Coatl, but more heavyset, brought in a large purple sea urchin.
"If they're anything like the ones back home, they go great with rice, if we can grow rice of course." Coatl smirked.
Coatl's mood had improved significantly in the last few weeks. There were survivors of his clan, scattered here and there, and possibly more on the way, still washing up among the waves. And all of them shared Coatl's work ethic, which is why they had continued scavenging and studying the local fauna right up until it was time for the feast. When properly motivated, Coatl was a machine, able to work for hours on end with little rest.
But there was one enigma that still weighed on him, and it was a mystery he hadn't had time to delve into. There were quite a few survivors which looked like him, talked liked him, and shared a peculiar, unspoken camaraderie with him. But they did not identify with the Imilla people. Instead they hailed from strange clans that he had never heard of, like the Bayads or Celadines. Some of them even claimed to come from a land of green which, as far as he knew, was supposed to be the stuff of old legends. To add to the mystery, Cuate felt a maternal protection towards all of these people, which meant Coatl felt honor-bound to protect them as well.
There was certainly more to the mist than just a massive storm.
The bobbit worm suddenly clicked its pincers with bone-splitting force, causing the woman with the sea hare to jump. It seemed to click at Alden and Rain, which led Coatl to acknowledge their presence.
"Oh, hello wax man." He then bowed his head towards Lady Naoki. "M'lady."
Cuate, why did you make me call Alden wax man?
Ke ke ke ke ke ke.
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Venus
Established
Roleplay posts: 38
Age: Seemingly mid 20s
Appearance: Beautiful and stunning, Venus has long black hair and piercing green eyes. She has full lips, porcelain skin and a shapely figure.
Equipment: Venus has a gemstone ring that shines a bright green. The ring helps her channel her magic. She also has a pendant that does similar things, and has a few enchantments placed upon it.
Biography: Venus' past is about as enigmatic as the woman herself. She's been seen in the higher echelons of Isra's society, consorting with the High Adviser and Empress Naoki in the past. She's been found in ancient tablets of long gone empires. She's been seen lurking within the Black Vale, and many other nations before the Flood.
Registered: Apr 15, 2021 14:33:33 GMT -5
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Post by Venus on May 18, 2021 16:08:42 GMT -5
Venus approached the tent with a thin smile on her lips. She had decided to dress up the slightest much, and wore a pair of emerald studs upon her ears, but other than that, she retained her regular attire from the ship. A neat, black jacket with gold buttons. Beneath the jacket, a light and airy white chemise, which fed into a very tight pair of black pants, that hugged her figure rather wonderfully. Bedazzling her hand was a shimmering ring, and a gemstone affixed to her collar added flare. Her shoes gave her a bit of additional height, and held a gold trim along the base of the heel.
Venus entered the tent, and sauntered her way to the table, collecting a wide variety of odd foods and adorning her plate with them. She sniffed the air, and beneath the hazy stench that permeated the area, she felt the familiar taste of anger and resentment. She continued walking until she had a closer view of Naoki. Her eyes glanced quickly at Grandma, but it seems the other entity was rather preoccupied. That suited Venus just fine. "My my, it seems that I'm late to this little soiree." She pouted to herself. Her green eyes flared ever so briefly, and the faintest hint of her aura, whatever left of it that was capable of escaping anyways, shot outwards. Venus directed it primarily towards Naoki and the others near her, such as Alden, as a way to indicate her presence without having to actually re-introduce herself.
'Truly, you would think she'd recognize the energy of a centuries old goddess by now.' Venus thought, rather annoyed. She bundled her aura even tighter than before and suppressed a content sigh, feeling the warm tendrils of her magic coalesce upon herself.
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Dr. Indys Vulpin
Established
Roleplay posts: 43
Appearance: Few have seen Dr. Vulpin's face, which he generally keeps hidden behind a plain white mask. He alleges that it's for cleanliness purposes, but rumors abound that he uses it to hide a horribly scarred visage. His rather thin and lanky body is typically hidden by his voluminous dark red robes, colored strategically to hide the bloodstains from his work.
Skills and Abilities: Dr. Vulpin is known for his medical prowess: few can amputate a leg with such speed and enthusiasm. He's skilled with bonesaws, stitches, and scalpels and possesses a vast knowledge of ailments and medicines.
Biography: Nobody's quite sure where (or if) Dr. Vulpin actually studied medicine, but none can argue with the results. Most of his patients end up surviving, although they are frequently left with fewer limbs than they came in with. His medical skills have been invaluable on the long voyage, although his eccentricities and odd hobbies have made him rather unpopular among the crew and passengers.
Registered: Mar 20, 2021 16:43:45 GMT -5
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Post by Dr. Indys Vulpin on May 18, 2021 18:37:27 GMT -5
Vulpin found himself unable to suppress a chuckle as Naoki dropped all pretense of subtlety, seizing the front of his robe and scorching through it with red-hot fingers. The burned holes were an awful shame, but were a small price to pay for a glimpse beneath the perfect, unflappable imperial mask. He'd gotten under her skin, if only metaphorically. Perhaps he'd be able to do so physically some day, although it likely wouldn't happen until after her death or deposition. It was a shame, but he was a patient man. He could wait. Raising his hands disarmingly in front of him, he took a step back, ignoring the smoldering collar.
"I mean no offence to you, my dear lady," he said, making no attempt to conceal the lie. "Certainly, the loss of my hands would be a terrible fate indeed. I certainly wouldn't be able to mend them myself. As the common saying goes, who shaves the barber? Who tends to the surgeon? The mangling of my hands would be quite the horrific torture, especially considering there are no other surgeons who would be able to help me. However, if you judge that I deserve such punishment, who am I to argue? Surely, any decision you make will have only the community's best interests in mind. Now, I believe I shall excuse myself. As you say, I must return to my work. My duties beckon."
He gave her another extravagant bow, not spilling a single drop from his wine glass, then turned on his heel and sauntered away. Naoki would be fun, but he'd still have to be careful. Playing with her was dangerous, and he'd have to take measures to ensure that he didn't get bitten. He was the only surgeon, but maybe people needed a reminder of the fact. What had that other doctor's name been? Dr. Marks? Perhaps he'd have to poison the man. Just to be sure.
As he headed out, he glanced around at the other guests. Most were of little interest to him, but a few caught his eye. The hunter was here, the one who'd brought the one-legged sailor with a worm in his eye. He gave her a little wave, not beckoning but merely acknowledging her existence. Naoki's muscle-bound bodyguard was around, smacking people like a common thug. Vulpin sniffed disapprovingly, shaking his head. He'd heard the rumors of the scandalous relationship between him and Naoki, whispers that would have made Ms. Starling blush if it weren't for her unflappable countenance. That was undoubtedly why she put up with such a buffoon, a man who resorted to his fists at the earliest opportunity. The young women he'd struck, though...she was interesting. She'd been in Vulpin's tent, injured and ill from some manner of fungal infection. When he'd examined her, he'd noticed something odd about her heartbeat. It was oddly mechanical, like a ticking clock, and had fascinated him. However, he'd not had a chance to ask her about it. Perhaps now would be the time. He waved to her, beckoning with a subtle tilt of his head as he headed towards the exit.
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