Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Feb 18, 2022 21:25:03 GMT -5
The newcomer certainly was chatty, Lira noted. Were all outsiders like that? It was honestly a bit grating, and she looked forward to returning to the comfortable silence of the camp. At least the skeletons seemed polite enough, she figured. Keeping skeletons as servants was probably even more secure than people that didn't talk, as the so-called Bones didn't seem to be the chatty sort. She hadn't heard of Most Serene Castigare before, but that wasn't too surprising. From what the other scouts had said, people seemed to be washing up from all manner of strange and exotic lands.
"You wouldn't want to get lost in these woods," said Lira, leading them past the same scraggly shrub for the third time in a row. "They're dangerous to be in at night. And in the day. Dangerous in general, really. I wouldn't wander off. Don't worry though, you'll be safe while you're with us. We know these woods as well as anyone, I suppose. And no, we're not from here at all. I don't think anybody is."
She fell silent at that, continuing on the twisting, complex path until they finally reached their destination. Their arrival at Thornwood would be startling in its abruptness, stepping from the woods right into the camp without so much as a warning. The suddenness of their arrival was underlaid by the utter lack of chatter and other noises one might expect from the camp. Instead, the numerous denizens milling around and going about their business did so in absolute silence, stepping quietly and communicating in the same sign language that the scouts had used. Not even the children running around under the watchful eye of a kindly-faced matron made a sound, although they all seemed fairly normal otherwise. The residents of the camp cast a couple of curious gazes towards Maura and her companions, but rarely showed much more reaction than a smirk at the state of her swollen, wasp-stung face. The raincoats did their job in disguising the true nature of the Bones, allowing them to pass unnoticed as Lira led them into a large, ornate tent. A sort of makeshift office had been set up inside, and Lira gestured for Maura to take a seat in front of the desk. No chairs were offered to the Bones. Up in the corner, a small wasp nest buzzed with activity as a couple of large black wasps watched her suspiciously.
"Lady Vala will be with you shortly," she said, her tone of voice offering no choice but to sit and wait. "Oslan is fetching her. Sit tight."
She retreated to the entrance of the tent and waited, eyeing Maura and making sure she didn't run off anywhere.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the camp, Vala Vespida relaxed in a freshly-crafted wooden bathtub. The hot, perfumed water was relaxing, but not nearly as much as the ministrations of the dull-eyed, muscular slave that stood beside her. Clad only in simple trousers, the former assassin sank strong fingers into soft, pliable flesh, massaging her neck and shoulders as she sighed in satisfaction. Being the head of a house was such a tiresome job at times, and so she took every opportunity to relax whenever she had a moment.
"You could kill me right now," she purred, reaching up a hand to run a fingertip along the man's forearm. "It would be so easy for you. Just snap my neck with those hands of yours, it wouldn't take a moment. Isn't that what you were sent to do, Johan? Wouldn't you like to do just that?"
She felt a slight twitch in the man's hand and smirked, letting him rub the soreness out of her muscles. Leaning her head back, she looked up at the man and saw the glimmer of lucidity in his eyes, the faintest hint of the fire that had once burned behind them. Teasing him was like playing with a caged tiger, but she had so little time to herself these days that she couldn't help but indulge in a bit of fun.
"Of course," she said, shivering as his hands slid against her skin, "you'd never taste the honey again, would you? Not one more drop. You won't taste the honey, or anything ever again. Even if you get away. Would it be worth it? You could complete your mission, kill me like you were sworn to do. All it would take is to give up on the honey. Can you do it, Johan?"
Another tremor in his hands told her that some small part of the man's subconscious was fighting, screaming to be let out. There was still a tiger in there, still some part of him that knew exactly why he had been sent to House Vespida in the first place. That was exactly what she wanted to see, precisely why she'd chosen him as her personal attendant. There was no fun in life without an element of excitement, after all.
"You can't," she said, picking up a small jar from beside the tub. "You and I both know it. You're too weak, Johan. Too weak to do what you were originally meant to do, what you were trained to do from birth. That's okay. You're still a good boy, and good boys deserve treats."
Unscrewing the top of the jar, she dipped her fingers into it and scooped out a dollop of red, herbal-scented honey. Johan paused, and she could feel his gaze snap to her fingertips. Smiling, she leaned her head to the side and slid her fingers along the side of her neck and collarbone, smearing the honey against her smooth, pale skin.
"Go ahead," she said, licking the rest of the honey off her fingers and rinsing them off in the bath. "You earned it."
Johan fell to his knees beside her, leaning forward to lick the droplets of drugged honey off of her skin like a starving dog. As the honey touched his tongue, his eyes cleared, a sudden flash of lucidity crossing his face as he came to his senses for a moment. It passed in an instant, however, and he continued lapping up the rest of the honey with the same glassy-eyed stare he'd had before. Vala laughed, high and bright. What was the point of life if not to enjoy herself from time to time?
Unfortunately, her moment was interrupted by the ringing of a bell outside the tent. Five rings, which meant that something required her immediate attention. Scowling, she pushed Johan away and cleaned off the rest of the honey with a washcloth, stepping from the bath and grabbing a towel. If whatever it was wasn't absolutely vital, somebody was going to have a bad day. Johan stepped meekly aside, all traces of rebellion gone as he helped her into her clothes.
Exactly seven minutes after Maura sat down, a tall, dark-haired young woman in an exquisitely-tailored gown stepped into the tent, striding around to sit behind the desk. She smiled at Maura, flashing a quick series of commands to Lira in their silent language. Lira nodded and vanished, leaving Maura and her Bones alone with the woman.
"Welcome to Thornwood," she said, gesturing broadly with a sweep of the hand. "I am Vala Vespida, head of House Vespida and leader of these lands. You must be Maura, yes? My scouts tell me some...interesting tales about you and your friends here. You'll have to tell me about yourself. But oh, where are my manners? You were attacked by a swarm of wasps. What ever did you do to them?"
She slid a small jar of pale, creamy salve across to Maura, gesturing for her to put it on the stings. The salve would feel cool on her skin, soothing the pain and itching immediately. The Vespidas, it seemed, were more than used to dealing with stings.
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Maura Darkbriar
New
Roleplay posts: 7
Age: 36
Appearance: Maura bears herself as befits a lady of the highest necromantic aristocracy, red hair elaborately worked, fine dresses tailored to perfection for her form, cold iron jewelry shaped like blades and decorated with rubies on her neck and ears. She looks bossy but also surprisingly warm and kind, especially for someone usually waited upon by undead footmen.
Equipment: Always accompanied by various tools of the necromancer's craft, some of which cleverly disguised as clasps and jewelry.
Skills and Abilities: A capable necromancer in her own right, specializing in exerting control over mindless undead. Her magical skills are secondary to her abilities in organization, stewardship and courtly diplomacy.
Biography: A noble scion of the prestigious Darkbriar family of the realm of Castigare, Maura was raised by her necromantic parents as well as multiple generations of long-undead forebears, trained to join their ranks once she was ready. A death and unlife carefully prepared for were rudely interrupted by apocalyptic storms while she'd been at sea on her way to visit her vampiric bethrothed but she's not about to let such a little thing as the probable end of the world get in the way of claiming her due place in society.
Registered: Feb 15, 2022 11:49:09 GMT -5
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Post by Maura Darkbriar on Feb 18, 2022 21:58:52 GMT -5
Maura seemed as happy to chatter with the guard as she was to sit in the tent and wait. Eyes closed and breathing deep and rhythmic, clearly some practiced exercise presently employed to guide her mind away from fixating on the pain. She had heard of wasps before, even if she'd never seen one. Presently she pondered why the things hadn't been exterminated, not even in her own homeland.
Her eyes blinked open at the arrival, flicking over to Vala and taking a quick assessment of the other woman before favoring her with a small, polite smile that had become very familiar to Lira on the way to the encampment, "dame Vespida, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Maura, yes." She offered no introduction for the Bones, they weren't people. The things lingered in place, completely still. No swaying, no breathing, not even small involuntary movements. One would think they were truly dead if they weren't on their feet.
"I may have slashed into their territory," she began her explanation even as she reached for the salve, dipping dainty fingers with nails lacquered black into it before slowly, deliberately applying the salve to the more exposed and painful of the welts. She spoke even as she did, "I've heard of barbarians with a practice of slashing and burning through woodlands. I think I've just been educated as to the value of the 'burn' part of that habit. Fire and smoke spooks animals, yes?" From the way she spoke it was painfully obvious that all of this was only book-learning, not anything she'd had any actual, personal experience of.
"You've been here long? The camp seems well established, but also young. Oh - unless you are transitory and this isn't a permanent encampment?" She seemed almost to surprise herself with that thought, smiling more warmly and brightly now, doubtless feeling clever for working at a puzzlebox.
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Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Feb 18, 2022 23:26:36 GMT -5
An amused smile crossed Vala's lips as she watched Maura smear the salve over herself, eyeing the numerous welts and wondering if the newcomer had ever suffered such pain before. It was clear from the easy, educated arrogance of her voice that she'd lived a life of comfort and privilege, much like Vala's own. Unlike Vala, however, it seemed that she hadn't ever known the sting of the world. That suited her just fine. Not everybody had the strength to rule. That was why the Vespidas existed, after all. They alone had the strength to be the apex predators of the world. Nobody else could have swallowed the Empress Wasp and gained control of the hives. Resting an absent hand on her sternum, Vala felt a gentle, calming buzz from within her body. All was well.
"Barbarians indeed," she said, nodding sagely. "Who else would think to slash and burn mindlessly through the woods but uncivilized brutes? Fire and smoke frightens animals and humans alike, which is why it's such an effective tool. However, burning away such beautiful creatures as wasps isn't something people like us do. We're quite alike, you and I. You clearly were brought up right, raised in a good family. Surely you understand the utility of such animals and the value of befriending them, don't you? I would expect nothing less of the ruling class."
She lifted a finger in the air and a wasp buzzed down from the nest above, alighting gently on her fingertip and looking up expectantly at her. Vala raised the wasp to her lips and kissed it gently, then blew on it and sent it buzzing back to the nest. All the while, she watched Maura's face, gauging her reaction.
"This camp will remain as long as it needs to," she continued. "Perhaps we will live here for fifty years. Perhaps we shall leave tomorrow. It's all circumstantial, yes? We haven't been here terribly long, but long enough to get comfortable. That's enough about me, though. What about you? I'd very much like to meet these...servants of yours. Tell me, why is it that they walk? How do you control them? I've never seen anything like it."
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Maura Darkbriar
New
Roleplay posts: 7
Age: 36
Appearance: Maura bears herself as befits a lady of the highest necromantic aristocracy, red hair elaborately worked, fine dresses tailored to perfection for her form, cold iron jewelry shaped like blades and decorated with rubies on her neck and ears. She looks bossy but also surprisingly warm and kind, especially for someone usually waited upon by undead footmen.
Equipment: Always accompanied by various tools of the necromancer's craft, some of which cleverly disguised as clasps and jewelry.
Skills and Abilities: A capable necromancer in her own right, specializing in exerting control over mindless undead. Her magical skills are secondary to her abilities in organization, stewardship and courtly diplomacy.
Biography: A noble scion of the prestigious Darkbriar family of the realm of Castigare, Maura was raised by her necromantic parents as well as multiple generations of long-undead forebears, trained to join their ranks once she was ready. A death and unlife carefully prepared for were rudely interrupted by apocalyptic storms while she'd been at sea on her way to visit her vampiric bethrothed but she's not about to let such a little thing as the probable end of the world get in the way of claiming her due place in society.
Registered: Feb 15, 2022 11:49:09 GMT -5
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Post by Maura Darkbriar on Feb 19, 2022 4:38:46 GMT -5
Maura listened with a carefully schooled expression, that polite smile slipping only for the briefest moments, early on, as she cocked her head curiously and pondered something. Whatever thought it was passed quickly, as the prim posture and the placid features reasserted themselves almost immediately. "I couldn't in all honesty claim to have given it much thought, but it stands to reason." She sketched a response to the pondering of the value of wasps, and though the sentence ended without a sense of finality, with a pregnant silence that suggested there was more to be said, whatever had been forthcoming was stilled by the visit of the wasp and the display with it. There was a moment of surprise when the insect first seemed so docile on the hand, but that was soon replaced by a thoughtful, furrowed brow and keen, inquisitive attention. She settled properly back onto her seat when the conversation resuming, setting herself lightly against the backrest, hands resting together on her lap, salve already applied to as many of the welts as propriety would permit. Any further discomfort simply had to be endured. Though she seemed interest in what she could learn about the camp, she didn't pursue the subject further. These were clearly quiet, private people and she didn't have it in mind to cause any offense. Instead, she considered how best to answer the questions, lips pressed together to a thoughtful pout, "I suppose I ought answer that from the beginning." A small nod, then she launched into it, "they walk because it is in their nature to. It is the essence of a bone to sustain mass and keep posture, it is in the essence of sinews to bring motion. It is their intrinsic quality to carry out these tasks, and when one source of strength and direction to do these is lost, they are naturally receptive to an alternative. I control them because I am that alternative for them. They are my Bones, not entirely unlike the ones in my body."
"The process of furnishing and becoming that alternative is somewhat involved, and doubtless difficult to scale without proper tools and supplies. Oh, on that subject: are you aware of any cities here?"
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Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Feb 19, 2022 11:22:57 GMT -5
As Maura explained the concept behind her control over the Bones, Vala nodded along and listened closely. It all made a strange sort of sense, so long as she ignored the fact that skeletons weren't supposed to be alive. There were still secrets here, things that Maura certainly wasn't telling her. That was alright, though. Secrets were secrets, and prying into Maura's was an invitation to questions about her own.
"Nature does love its habits," she mused. "I suppose it makes sense that it's easier to get something to keep doing what it's used to than to get it to do something else. We take similar approaches to our pets, it seems. Harness the natural order of things, rather than resist it. Wine?"
As she spoke, an attendant appeared out of nowhere at Maura's shoulder, having made no noise whatsoever in coming into the tent. She poured two glasses of honey wine from a ceramic jug and placed them before each of the women before vanishing in a similarly swift, silent manner. The golden liquid sparkled in the lamplight as Vala raised her glass to her guest in toast, eliciting a buzz of interest from up above.
"To the natural order of things," she said, and took a sip of the wine. A wasp buzzed down from above and she extended her tongue, allowing the creature to lap up a droplet of the wine before flying back to its nest.
"My scouts have spotted what appear to be other camps and settlements," she said, "but nothing that could be called a city. However, perhaps some extra hands could help such a thing come to fruition. Tell me, Maura dear. How are your Bones...raised? How is it that you command them? Will they listen to anybody else? Is it possible to learn such an ability? My own workers are decent enough, but using skeletons for simple manual labor seems to me like it would save a lot of effort."
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Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Oct 7, 2022 21:56:48 GMT -5
Vala reclined into the soft velvet of the couch, closing her eyes and leaning her head back over the armrest. She let out a sigh of relief as a woman's hand reached out to stroke her head, running warm fingers through her long, dark hair before beginning to pull out the dozens of pins that kept it perfectly styled. The comfort and relief of letting her hair down was something she looked forward to each day, the sensation almost more relaxing than her massages. There was a decadence to it akin to a rich, warm honey wine, both soothing and warming her soul at the same time.
"Thank you, mother," she crooned, slipping her boots off and placing them neatly beside the couch. "You know how much I look forward to this."
"Of course," said her mother, removing another pin and dropping it into a glass box with a soft clink. "Anything for my dearest girl."
Letting out another murmur of satisfaction, Vala reached up and touched her mother's hand. She flinched slightly at the touch, tugging awkwardly at one of the pins and pulling painfully at Vala's hair. A muscle twitched in the corner of Vala's mouth, tugging it down ever-so-gently. Taking a deep breath, Vala shook off her irritation and spoke again, keeping her voice calm and level.
"Tell me," she asked. "Where is father? I see him so little these days. It seems like it's been so long."
"Your father is a very busy man," her mother replied, a slight tremor in her voice. "But I believe he said he'd make the time to come and see us tonight. Why, look! There he is!"
"Ah," said her father, striding into the tent. His voice was deep and steady, as though an oak tree had gained the power of speech. "Well, if it isn't my two lovely girls. It's so good to see you."
He leaned in to kiss Vala's mother before planting a kiss on Vala's own forehead, his lips cold and dry on her skin. Vala tensed slightly, but relaxed once again as her mother removed the last pin from her hair. This was what she lived for, after all. Comfort. Family. All the good things in life.
"You've been doing so well," said her mother, smoothing Vala's hair and draping it carefully over the armrest. "Making sure everyone was safe from the flood. Running the settlement. Keeping our family's secrets secure. There's a reason you're the heiress, Lady Vesp-"
She froze mid-sentence, leaving the room hanging in silence for a long second. Vala's eyes snapped open, suddenly tense and irate. She sat bolt-upright, knocking the box of pins off the couch. It shattered on the ground, but Vala ignored it. She cast a steely-eyed glare at the terrified woman before her, all semblance of comfort and relaxation gone. Despite the doll-like face of the painted wooden mask, she could still see the fear in the woman's eyes, the tremor in her hands as she lifted them up before her. The man backed up into the corner of the tent as well, his own mask bearing the solid, weather-beaten face of a kind-hearted father.
"Please," the woman said, her voice shaking. "It was an accident, Lady Vala. It won't happen again."
"Tell me," said Vala, her voice frigid. "How difficult is it to memorize your lines? They're not difficult. I know them. 'There's a reason you're the heiress, Vala dear.' See, is that so hard? Is it really so difficult? I know the lines. Why don't you? You're right, though. It won't happen again. You're done. Guards!"
As the woman protested and begged, two hooded guards burst into the tent and grabbed her by her arms, dragging her out. Vala watched them go, disappointment and irritation twisting her face into a bitter scowl. She called after them as they left, her voice rising over the cries of the hapless servant as she was taken away.
"Find another woman to play my mother," she called, "one who can remember her lines. Someone more slender this time, my mother was not some cow. She was a noblewoman, the finest in the land."
Turning her head to her "father" as he cowered in the corner, she dismissed him with a sharp jerk of the head. The man scurried from the tent, leaving her alone. Sighing, she flopped back down on the couch and leaned back, staring despondently at the roof of her tent. She'd thought her people were more competent than this, but it seemed that the role of her parents was too much for them to bear. Was it really so much to ask of them? When the tent flap opened up once more, she groaned, glancing down at the guard as he stepped inside.
"What is it?" she demanded, glaring at the hooded figure. "Don't tell me you've found another already. She couldn't possibly know her lines so quickly."
The guard remained silent, speaking in the sign language that served as the primary language within the camp. Vala frowned, sitting upright.
"A visitor?" she asked, irritated. "So late? What's he doing wandering around in the dark. Well, bring him to my office and send my maids in here to get me ready. I'll meet with him tonight and see what he's about."
Half an hour later, Vala strode into her command tent, hair properly pinned up once again. Sweeping past her unexpected guest, she took her place behind her desk and sat down, giving the visitor a cold, predatory smile. Three large yellow-and-black wasps buzzed down from the nest in the corner of the tent and landed on her shoulder, standing side-by-side as they stared at the newcomer.
"Welcome to Thornwood," said Vala, intertwining her fingers and resting her chin on her hands. "Tell me, stranger. What ever possessed you to go wandering through the woods so late at night? You're lost, surely. Many dangerous things lurk in these woods, you know. It really isn't safe. In a way, you're lucky that we found you. What's your name? I am Lady Vala Vespida, and you have wandered your way right to my home. Was it an accident? Were you looking for something? Or perhaps...your coming here was simply fate."
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Alvaro Correa
Established
Roleplay posts: 31
Age: 67
Appearance: Like most Correas, Alvaro boasts sharp features and long, wavy, flaxen hair. Though he has a strapping figure, it's easily hidden behind layered blouses, doublets, and embroidered capes. Alvar trims and oils his beard often, keeping a well-groomed appearance where he can. Just below a pair of long lashes, he has a couple of blue eyes that fade to black.
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Equipment: Alvaro is a political man and prefers not to fight if ever he has the chance to avoid it, but he knows his way around a few bladed weapons. This time, however, he has found himself with a singular dagger.
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Skills and Abilities: The baron's vampiric curse can allow him to change his form into several distinct shapes: a shaggy black dog, a vulture, and a centipede no smaller than his human form.
Alvaro's senses and natural strength are heightened considerably at night and gutter just as significantly during the day. He has excellent night vision that causes him to be blinded entirely in the presence of the sun. If in direct contact with sunlight, he burns.
The Correa family's shared ability is to create loyal thralls without having to sire them into vampires. Thralls are made with a bite that doesn't kill the victim; instead, using the blood that pours from it, they create a sigil that binds them to the vampire. Thralls share a portion of the vampire's strength and can still walk freely in the sun, though with a newfound disdain for it.
Registered: Nov 3, 2021 16:50:55 GMT -5
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Post by Alvaro Correa on Oct 13, 2022 18:51:13 GMT -5
A figure slipped out of the dark, broad-shouldered and rugged, before revealing himself in the candlelight in Vala's office tent. His skin was deathly pale and his hair just as flaxen, with only a tint of blonde separating them. When he smiled, he showed his fangs.
"You are correct; there are a lot of dangerous things in these woods. What makes you think I'm not one of them?"
With a flourish, he pressed his right hand against his chest and took a bow. "It is my pleasure, Lady Vespida. I am Alvaro of the Correa Familia." Standing up, he then eyed the chair across from her, motioning to it and making sure he was given permission before taking it. "I heard from two little birds about this settlement. Perhaps you remember them? Theophania and Emilius. They would be hard to forget."
Indeed, the Correa children were odd, but the more Alvaro looked around, the more he wondered if oddities were more than commonplace in this camp. Their people were droopy-eyed and grey-skinned, but not supple like the thralls and the vampires. These people were gaunt. Hungry. Then there were those wasps, nasty things. He was certain they couldn't do much to The Dip, but he never chanced going up against several hundred of them before. If he could sweat, he would have. Instead, he cleared his throat.
"I have been instructed to build bridges between our respective camps. We are southwest of here, near the lake. Sevinterra, my Matriarch calls it. Matriarch Maribel Correa. We have resources to trade, mostly in the way of manpower and protection."
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Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Oct 14, 2022 21:22:17 GMT -5
When the man smiled, Vala's gaze immediately flicked down to his teeth. Her breath caught in her throat for a fraction of a second as the sharp, pointed fangs glinted in the lamplight, but she composed herself quickly. There were all sorts of creatures on this island, she supposed. Man-eaters, perhaps. She could make use of such beings...probably. Her mind felt foggier than usual, likely due to the stress of her interrupted relaxation time. A massage, she knew, would do her some good. She'd have to be sure to get one later. For now, though...business.
"Alvaro of the Correas," she said, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Are you one of the dangerous beasts of the woods? I've little patience for wild animals. Anything particularly dangerous is to be either tamed or put down...but if you are indeed the gentleman that you appear to be, then please, make yourself comfortable. I remember the children, I'm glad that they made it safely back home. Quite the precocious little ones, as I recall. I offered them sweets, but perhaps you'd prefer wine? An old family recipe."
Reaching below the desk, she produced a bottle of golden honey wine and filled two crystal glasses. Sliding one over to Alvaro, she raised her glass in toast, a smirk crossing her lips.
"To family," she said. "And the things we do for them. Now, as for your business here...a link between the camps, hmm? We typically keep to ourselves, but perhaps there's something to be said for meeting the neighbors. As for your proposed resources, however...we've manpower and protection enough on our own. More than enough. In fact, I'd almost grow suspicious of a visitor who claims to be dangerous and offers 'protection.' Have you any other resources, you Correas? Or are you wealthy only in flesh and steel?"
One of the wasps buzzed down from the nest on the ceiling and landed on her cheek, its iridescent wings glittering in the flickering light. It crawled along her face and into the corner of her mouth, slipping in and vanishing between her painted lips. She smiled as though nothing had happened, eyes remaining fixed on the newcomer. If he had something useful to offer, there was no harm in hearing him out. Otherwise, though...perhaps she'd be able to glean some information about the strength of this other camp.
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Alvaro Correa
Established
Roleplay posts: 31
Age: 67
Appearance: Like most Correas, Alvaro boasts sharp features and long, wavy, flaxen hair. Though he has a strapping figure, it's easily hidden behind layered blouses, doublets, and embroidered capes. Alvar trims and oils his beard often, keeping a well-groomed appearance where he can. Just below a pair of long lashes, he has a couple of blue eyes that fade to black.
________________________________________________________
Equipment: Alvaro is a political man and prefers not to fight if ever he has the chance to avoid it, but he knows his way around a few bladed weapons. This time, however, he has found himself with a singular dagger.
_________________________________________________________
Skills and Abilities: The baron's vampiric curse can allow him to change his form into several distinct shapes: a shaggy black dog, a vulture, and a centipede no smaller than his human form.
Alvaro's senses and natural strength are heightened considerably at night and gutter just as significantly during the day. He has excellent night vision that causes him to be blinded entirely in the presence of the sun. If in direct contact with sunlight, he burns.
The Correa family's shared ability is to create loyal thralls without having to sire them into vampires. Thralls are made with a bite that doesn't kill the victim; instead, using the blood that pours from it, they create a sigil that binds them to the vampire. Thralls share a portion of the vampire's strength and can still walk freely in the sun, though with a newfound disdain for it.
Registered: Nov 3, 2021 16:50:55 GMT -5
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Post by Alvaro Correa on Oct 28, 2022 1:05:56 GMT -5
Alvaro was wary. Having lived as a Correa for so long, he had to be. Though he didn't gaze at it for long except to swirl the wine around in his glass, he also didn't drink until he was sure Vala had done the same. He didn't smell almonds, and he wasn't sure how much poison it would actually take to kill him. It was, yet again, another thing he did not wish to find out.
"To family," he agreed, grinning. "As for what we can provide, well, there's always more. Our village is raising crops, building a forge, among other things. Leather takes a year to finish, but it's been half that already. Tools, armor, weapons... food. Cartographers. Almost sounds like civilization, doesn't it?"
The rim of the wineglass brushed against his lips, but still, he did not tip it over. "And if you deny all of that, Lady Vala, pray tell, what is it your people yearn for?"
His eye didn't so much as twitch as he watched the insect make its way inside the woman's mouth. Ugh. He just walked into another den of strange, unusual folk, didn't he? At least Eliza had the sense to capture his attentions elsewhere before she revealed how insane she was.
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Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Oct 28, 2022 16:48:32 GMT -5
Neither the cautious sniff nor the subtle hesitation escaped Vala's notice, and she gave the man an approving nod. Alvaro, it seemed, was no stranger to the ways and intrigue of the court. She she could appreciate a man who knew how things worked and showed some degree of caution in unfamilar settings. It was a sign of good breeding, in her book. Yet more evidence that the man who sat before her came from good stock. The Correa family, it seemed, had raised him right. She took a sip from her own glass, taking the time to savor the taste. Such luxuries wouldn't last forever, she knew. Who could say how long it would be before they'd be able to begin brewing more?
"Civilization indeed," she said, nodding along as he listed out the resources his family had to offer. "Such a strange concept out here in the middle of nowhere, isn't it? Back home, all that you listed could be found in even the poorest village. Here, though...here, they're almost unattainable luxuries. Almost. We have those things ourselves, as I'm sure you saw on the way in. As for what we could use, though..."
She raised a hand to her chest, laying a fingertip on her sternum as she felt a familiar buzz from within. Pausing, she felt the buzzing as the wasp queen inside her spoke. It had heard her question without ears and answered her without words, humming an answer that only Vala could hear and understand. When it finished, she looked back up at Alvaro and gave him a bright smile, parting her lips slightly to allow two wasps to fly out and return to their nest.
"Have you any livestock?" she asked, folding her hands together on the desk. "Dogs, goats, sheep, horses, cattle? Any sort of medium or large animal, really. We have only our hives here, and it's a difficult task indeed to train honeybees to pull a plow. If you happen to have any large animals to trade, that would be marvelous. I'd be very grateful."
Her tongue flicked across her painted lips, but her voice remained steady and she held his gaze, leaving the exact level of her gratitude up to interpretation.
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Alvaro Correa
Established
Roleplay posts: 31
Age: 67
Appearance: Like most Correas, Alvaro boasts sharp features and long, wavy, flaxen hair. Though he has a strapping figure, it's easily hidden behind layered blouses, doublets, and embroidered capes. Alvar trims and oils his beard often, keeping a well-groomed appearance where he can. Just below a pair of long lashes, he has a couple of blue eyes that fade to black.
________________________________________________________
Equipment: Alvaro is a political man and prefers not to fight if ever he has the chance to avoid it, but he knows his way around a few bladed weapons. This time, however, he has found himself with a singular dagger.
_________________________________________________________
Skills and Abilities: The baron's vampiric curse can allow him to change his form into several distinct shapes: a shaggy black dog, a vulture, and a centipede no smaller than his human form.
Alvaro's senses and natural strength are heightened considerably at night and gutter just as significantly during the day. He has excellent night vision that causes him to be blinded entirely in the presence of the sun. If in direct contact with sunlight, he burns.
The Correa family's shared ability is to create loyal thralls without having to sire them into vampires. Thralls are made with a bite that doesn't kill the victim; instead, using the blood that pours from it, they create a sigil that binds them to the vampire. Thralls share a portion of the vampire's strength and can still walk freely in the sun, though with a newfound disdain for it.
Registered: Nov 3, 2021 16:50:55 GMT -5
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Post by Alvaro Correa on Nov 11, 2022 17:37:50 GMT -5
Just what Alvaro needed: another "queen bee," so to speak. Another matron of a nefarious hive. First, Maribel with her children, then Eliza and her goons. Now, this Vala and her fucking insects. Terrible things came in threes, he supposed.
"Livestock? Not many. Very little survived the, ah... flood and the trip. Not a lot of grass grows on boats. However!" He straightened up and help up two fingers, looking Vala in the eye. "I have a couple of things that will be just as useful. We have some unusually monstrous hounds that could pull a cart to plow a field, easily. We also have some unusually strong thralls that can do so in a larger number, but the negotiations for how many you are allowed to have at one time will be very specifically up to the Matriarch of the Correa Family, Maribel. There is also a beastmaster among our numbers. You met him, in fact! Emile. He will be scouring the woods for any critter that catches his eye, and by the look of these woods, many are as large and as strong as an ox."
This was good, Alvaro thought. He would have to pretend to be a hound for some time, plowing the fields with some shame, but if it closed this deal to Maribel's liking, then the reward would be enough to wash out the bitter taste.
"What do you think?"
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Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Nov 13, 2022 22:16:42 GMT -5
Vala pondered the offer for a moment, not breaking eye contact as she took a long sip of her wine. Unusually monstrous hounds were an interesting proposition, although she wondered exactly how big such creatures might be. The family's hunting dogs were all invariably rather small, sleek creatures, bred more for their speed and tracking ability than strength. If the Correa family's dogs were big enough to pull a plow, however, perhaps they could be of use. Something that large could easily serve as a host to her largest wasps, so long as they would accept it.
"Monstrous hounds," she repeated, tapping a long, manicured fingernail against the rim of her glass. "How novel. I've always liked dogs, you know? I appreciate their loyalty. As livestock, however...well, that'd be an odd thing. It's rather difficult to milk a dog, after all. Just as beasts of burden, though...it'd be useful for sure. Tell me, how many of these creatures do you have? Would you be willing to sell them to us? I'm not interested in a rented dog, Alvaro of the Correas. We work our animals hard here. As for these thralls...tell me more about them. How loyal are they? How attached to them are you? We would also be interested in any kind of large creature that young Emile can capture and bring to us alive. I'm sure he could come up with something, he seemed quite the resourceful young man."
Assuming the thralls were people, Vala figured that they'd serve well enough as hosts in a pinch. They likely wouldn't be big enough for the largest of her pets, but for the medium-sized ones...yes, they would work.
"For our end of the bargain," Vala continued, "We have all manner of useful goods. Honey is chief among them. It's quite valuable, you know. A sweetener, a preservative, a precursor to wine...there are few things it cannot do. You can rule with steel, but it's far easier with honey. Give people a taste of sweetness, and they'll do anything for you."
The wasp within her hummed its approval, bringing a slight flush to her cheeks and a smile to her lips. It had always been this way, ever since she had swallowed the egg. When the Empress Wasp was happy, she could feel its pleasure. When it was angry, its rage coursed through her veins. Meanwhile, outside the tent, the heartbeats of the guards picked up significantly as Vala spoke of honey and sugar. If Alvaro was paying attention, perhaps he'd notice...although the exact cause was anyone's guess. All the while, Vala held his gaze as a wasp crawled out of the corner of her mouth and made its way down the side of her neck.
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Alvaro Correa
Established
Roleplay posts: 31
Age: 67
Appearance: Like most Correas, Alvaro boasts sharp features and long, wavy, flaxen hair. Though he has a strapping figure, it's easily hidden behind layered blouses, doublets, and embroidered capes. Alvar trims and oils his beard often, keeping a well-groomed appearance where he can. Just below a pair of long lashes, he has a couple of blue eyes that fade to black.
________________________________________________________
Equipment: Alvaro is a political man and prefers not to fight if ever he has the chance to avoid it, but he knows his way around a few bladed weapons. This time, however, he has found himself with a singular dagger.
_________________________________________________________
Skills and Abilities: The baron's vampiric curse can allow him to change his form into several distinct shapes: a shaggy black dog, a vulture, and a centipede no smaller than his human form.
Alvaro's senses and natural strength are heightened considerably at night and gutter just as significantly during the day. He has excellent night vision that causes him to be blinded entirely in the presence of the sun. If in direct contact with sunlight, he burns.
The Correa family's shared ability is to create loyal thralls without having to sire them into vampires. Thralls are made with a bite that doesn't kill the victim; instead, using the blood that pours from it, they create a sigil that binds them to the vampire. Thralls share a portion of the vampire's strength and can still walk freely in the sun, though with a newfound disdain for it.
Registered: Nov 3, 2021 16:50:55 GMT -5
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Post by Alvaro Correa on Dec 8, 2022 22:51:12 GMT -5
Alvaro held up three fingers and began to address each topic.
"The dogs," he began, keeping his gaze and tone steady, "Are not in great number, nor will they be always available. They are not our most reliable resource, but they can work throughout the night, tireless. They are a diseased species, sadly, and will seek shelter before the sun rises, but they cannot transfer their sickness with ease, which makes them safe to work with. We have... three. They are not for sale." Three that were in any way, shape, or form willing to do such degrading work at Maribel's call, that is. He closed the first finger to his palm.
"Secondly, the thralls. They are completely loyal to our Matriarch and will follow every beck and call without question, and they will often do so perfectly if it is within their skillset. Maribel loves them dearly, every single one. Every. Single. One." His expression became very hard and serious as he stared Vala down. She would not want to awaken his sire's anger. Not hers. Not ever. "But Emile should be able to make a bridge between these two problems and give us a worthy solution. All we need is time."
Another finger went down.
"The honey will do. We have an entire camp to feed, and it will provide us with that much more. For them, we try to give as much as we can in such a treacherous, hopeless world."
The nobleman leaned back, last finger dropping, hands disappearing with a fold of his arms. Though his mind paid attention to the wasp, his eyes did not follow it. Business as usual," he thought to himself. Gorgeous women who turn out to be freaks. Story of my life.
"Is the honey really that good?" he inquired with a smirk.
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Vala Vespida
Established
Roleplay posts: 25
Age: 26
Appearance: Vala is tall and slender with long, dark hair and a cold, pitiless glare on her otherwise pretty face. As with most members and vassals of the Vespida family, she keeps herself clean and in good shape, not wanting to deteriorate the family's strength. She typically wears impeccably clean silks and heirloom jewelry, but can occasionally be seen donning the traditional hooded cloaks of House Vespida's infamous archers. Her lips and nails are often painted, a luxury afforded to few on the isles.
Equipment: Vala seldom carries many things on her person, as she has the family's porters to bear her burdens. However, she is never seen without her thin stiletto daggers and the wasp-shaped locket that indicates her status as the head of the family. She also often carries around a small jar of honey, mostly as a snack.
Biography: One of the twin heirs to the Vespida family, Vala is a cold, calculating soul who will stop at nothing to keep her family's secrets hidden. In its home region, House Vespida was known for its secrecy and silence. Spies sent by other noble families were invariably found out and fed to the family's hives of wasps. House Vespida holds a number of magical artifacts, which they have sworn to protect with other people's lives.
Registered: Jan 2, 2022 12:51:18 GMT -5
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Post by Vala Vespida on Mar 26, 2023 17:54:25 GMT -5
As Alvaro explained his family's paltry trade offer, Vala felt the Empress Wasp's contented hum shift to an irritated, discordant buzz. Her painted smile drew thin as she drummed her nails on the table, tapping along in time with the pulsing of the wasp's wings. It would have been too much to expect any meaningful contribution, she supposed. Even the most well-supplied factions on the island likely still struggled to maintain stockpiles of crucial resources. Still, just three rented dogs weren't nearly the boon she'd hoped for.
"Just a handful of sick animals," she said, sighing. "And they can only work at night? What strange creatures. I suppose they could pull plows or haul wood, but their inability to work in the sun will prove problematic. Could they be fitted with coats, perhaps? Something to keep the sun off of their, ahem, sensitive hides?"
It was difficult to resist referring to the mangy curs as such, but Vala prided herself on her tact and decorum. It was what separated the noble ruling class from the filthy common folk, after all. Just as she wouldn't deign to dirty her hands with the labor of the peasantry, it would be unseemly to sully her mouth with such incivility. When Alvaro asked about the honey, she nodded, producing a small jar of ruby-red honey from beneath her desk. It couldn't hurt to give out a sample, she supposed. With how apparently impoverished this man's family was, it would almost be charity.
"The honey is the best," she said, uncorking the jar and offering him a small ivory spoon. "Try it. We feed the bees on our family's own blend of flowers and herbs, hence the color. Go on, you'll find that there's nothing quite like it."
The humming of the wasp settled into a high-pitched murmur, clearly amused at the thought of the guest tasting the red honey. A mere spoonful wouldn't hurt, of course. It would take far more than that to turn him into a dull-eyed drone like her servants. Still, the irresistible sweetness would surely drive home the value of what she had to offer. Nothing tasted like the red honey, she knew. Nothing ever would afterwards, either.
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Alvaro Correa
Established
Roleplay posts: 31
Age: 67
Appearance: Like most Correas, Alvaro boasts sharp features and long, wavy, flaxen hair. Though he has a strapping figure, it's easily hidden behind layered blouses, doublets, and embroidered capes. Alvar trims and oils his beard often, keeping a well-groomed appearance where he can. Just below a pair of long lashes, he has a couple of blue eyes that fade to black.
________________________________________________________
Equipment: Alvaro is a political man and prefers not to fight if ever he has the chance to avoid it, but he knows his way around a few bladed weapons. This time, however, he has found himself with a singular dagger.
_________________________________________________________
Skills and Abilities: The baron's vampiric curse can allow him to change his form into several distinct shapes: a shaggy black dog, a vulture, and a centipede no smaller than his human form.
Alvaro's senses and natural strength are heightened considerably at night and gutter just as significantly during the day. He has excellent night vision that causes him to be blinded entirely in the presence of the sun. If in direct contact with sunlight, he burns.
The Correa family's shared ability is to create loyal thralls without having to sire them into vampires. Thralls are made with a bite that doesn't kill the victim; instead, using the blood that pours from it, they create a sigil that binds them to the vampire. Thralls share a portion of the vampire's strength and can still walk freely in the sun, though with a newfound disdain for it.
Registered: Nov 3, 2021 16:50:55 GMT -5
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Post by Alvaro Correa on Jul 6, 2023 23:58:30 GMT -5
Careful, Alvaro, the vampire warned himself. You do not have much to bargain with. No leverage to keep in her good graces. Not... yet.
"We have a weaver named Csilla. She is the fiance to my nephew. Perhaps she can create such garments for the beasts," he suggested, though the idea of parading around in the sun carrying plows filled him with disgust and rage, all of which was barely concealed behind a sip of his wine. True, people generally would not favor wolflike hounds for the danger they could pose, but this woman spoke of them as though they were disgusting, lowly creatures. The Beast stirred within his chest, and to calm it down he thumped his chest and cleared his throat. Calm down, you!
He tried to play it off as a little tickle in his gullet and took the spoon. The golden hue gleamed in his eyes, a little scarlet speck in the sea of blue. He held it up to her with a smile, as though to toast, and then plopped it into his mouth. His eyebrows flew up.
"That is, indeed, the most pleasant thing I've had since landing on this island," he exclaimed, and it almost wasn't a lie. Blood was what he craved, what The Beast made him crave, but for just a flitting moment, that honey was enough.
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