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Post by The Winterlight Estate on Jan 10, 2022 1:52:53 GMT -5
In the heart of the Winterlight Camp at Godslost Hollow sits a tent, in which the Estate's inner circle meets to discuss the colony's next steps. It has been furnished with a small array of items that survived the flood; at the shelter's center sits a table adorned with maps, texts, candles, and drinking glasses.
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Eliza Winterlight
Established
Roleplay posts: 36
Age: 38
Appearance: Eliza is a striking woman of taller than average height. She owns a plethora of extravagant outfits, many of which she was able to take with her to the Mists before the flood, as well as a more practical set of survivalist's vestments.
She has long, wavy black hair, and eyes the color of a lantern's glow.
Equipment: Elizabeth carries little with her, relying on her magic to solve most problems. She does, however, have many items hidden amongst her outfits, including daggers and poisons.
Skills and Abilities: Elizabeth is a fearsome sorcerer, though not many have witnessed her ability first-hand. Unlike her brother, she does not often flaunt her power, preferring to keep others in the dark about her capabilities. She is a skilled manipulator, negotiator, and a known socialite, having taken on many of the diplomatic responsibilities of the Winterlight Estate.
She is learned in many studies typical of Komali nobility, and is highly intelligent, despite her frivolous nature.
Allegiances: The Winterlight Estate
Registered: Oct 17, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Eliza Winterlight on Jan 11, 2022 10:36:21 GMT -5
After some passage of time, Eliza entered the tent. She was newly adorned in a simple gown of green and black, with long sleeves to cover the lacerations on her arms. Nothing over the top, but finely made, as was the case with any piece of clothing in her sizable wardrobe. There was a time for opulence, and a time for class - and the latter was often just as expensive as the former.
She had left her riding clothes with Emory, trusting that they would have them mended before too long. The young Magister was a wonder with a needle and thread, and the magic they commanded could remove any trace that the garment in question had been torn at all. Emory was a very busy person.
The sorceress made her way through the shelter, noting the bottles that had been left for her. After leisurely setting the table, Eliza pulled out the chair facing the tent's entrance, sat down, and released a long exhale through her mouth. Hellfrost, did her feet hurt. She kicked off her shoes, reclining back in her chair and enjoying a moment of quiet, fleeting though it may be.
Ah, well. No rest for the wicked.
Eliza collected herself before sending for Volkh. It was time to begin
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Lord Mykola Volkh
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Appearance: Six feet and some change, his skin is pallid, making the shadows cast over his gaunt face seem even darker. His ears taper to a point, whether through the Curse or from before his change is unknown. Black hair falls in a straight black waterfall down his back. His eyes, when sated, are red. The longer he goes without feeding, however, his eyes grow darker until completely black and soulless. Has sharp incisors.
Equipment: ----------
Typically wears a series of seven doublets he keeps in impeccable condition. Wears a mantle even indoors and when alone.
With his magical items effectively neutered, Volkh has been searching for a way to subvert the limitations imposed upon him by the Isles, yet finds no such luck. Thankfully his sword has maintained its barest level of enchantment, allowing him to use it with his supernatural strength without destroying it in the process, and preventing it from dulling with sustained use.
Skills and Abilities: --------
Volkh's use of magic has dampened in the presence of the isles, like many others. Yet his keen mind, his ability to withstand severe punishment coupled with an overwhelming strength borne from his vampiric nature makes him a deadly foe.
Though much of his magic was robbed from him, he has centuries of experience in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay at his disposal.
He is capable of transforming into a large bat or wolf, affording him flight or an increased speed.
Last of all is a strange, magnetic aura. An attraction that tends to alert people of his otherworldly qualities. It could manifest as fear, interest, or even desire. Anyone of power finds it resistible, though would potentially feel the attempt to sway them.
Biography: ---------
Aloof and distant. Pleasant company with those he considers friends or worthy of his time, cruel and merciless to those he considers his enemies. He has no clansmen, no surviving vampires that had passed on their curse and no Fledglings of his own.
Registered: Dec 31, 2021 20:09:53 GMT -5
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Post by Lord Mykola Volkh on Jan 11, 2022 22:52:07 GMT -5
A shadow darkened the entrance to the tent, not long after her summons, seeming to cut off the noise and color from the outside world before he stepped in. With a gesture rather than an action, the flap closed behind him, slipping any binding it may have had in place to drape over the entrance. A situation such as this warranted some sense of privacy. He was not one to speak about his affairs openly, and he rather suspected she preferred it as such herself. Of course, there was only so much to know about a mortal's human nature through the rhythmic pumping of their hearts. Baser, animal instinct...or the lack thereof. She was not afraid, not of him. She was calm, collected. Tense, perhaps, as any would be. Well, if all she had to go by was the imp she had brought with her, he wasn't surprised if she thought less of him.
With a sudden flash of silvered movement his sword leapt from its sheath, not touched by his hand as it wheeled end-over-end and stooped, suddenly, complete still, suspended with the hilt projecting outwards towards her. It was the span of seconds, yet Volkh gestured towards the blade with the air of one who had seen nothing worthy of note.
"A symbol of peace. Allowing your host to claim your blade during visitation. Perhaps this will set you more at ease." he told her softly, though his voice seemed almost to be at her ear mingling with the distant sound of the vibrating metal of the blade. The metal was black, etched with a number of bizarre arcane runes. Products of his own studies a world away. It was heavy, far heavier than any normal human could use with any real ability.
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Eliza Winterlight
Established
Roleplay posts: 36
Age: 38
Appearance: Eliza is a striking woman of taller than average height. She owns a plethora of extravagant outfits, many of which she was able to take with her to the Mists before the flood, as well as a more practical set of survivalist's vestments.
She has long, wavy black hair, and eyes the color of a lantern's glow.
Equipment: Elizabeth carries little with her, relying on her magic to solve most problems. She does, however, have many items hidden amongst her outfits, including daggers and poisons.
Skills and Abilities: Elizabeth is a fearsome sorcerer, though not many have witnessed her ability first-hand. Unlike her brother, she does not often flaunt her power, preferring to keep others in the dark about her capabilities. She is a skilled manipulator, negotiator, and a known socialite, having taken on many of the diplomatic responsibilities of the Winterlight Estate.
She is learned in many studies typical of Komali nobility, and is highly intelligent, despite her frivolous nature.
Allegiances: The Winterlight Estate
Registered: Oct 17, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Eliza Winterlight on Jan 12, 2022 2:24:44 GMT -5
Eliza's fingers stiffened reflexively as Volkh's blade began hurtling towards her, preparing to throw up an abjuration at the moment of impact - but it proved to be unnecessary. The hilt of the blade stopped just short of her, as suddenly as it had emerged from its scabbard. She didn't flinch.
The sorceress tilted her chin up, briefly inspecting the suspended blade before wrapping her fingers around its hilt. Her muscles strained against the heavy weight of the weapon, holding it aloft for just a moment before turning it downward, resting its point against the wooden platform at her feet. The blade was powerful, and it hummed with a magic that bore the same signature as Volkh himself. The runes were unlike any she had seen before. She made a point to inquire about their construction at a later date - such information could only prove useful in their future endeavors.
"A flair for the dramatic, have you?" Eliza smiled, amused. "It is an honorable gesture, Lord Volkh, and an refreshing one. As you may have discovered for yourself, such acts of virtue are in short supply at present. I daresay you are the first I have encountered in these wilds that has extended me due respect. Allow me to extend you the same."
She had taken notice of several things from Volkh's introduction alone - chiefly of which, that Volkh was a man of some honor, of heritage. He had come to their camp alone, had no obligation to perpetuate the likely outdated traditions of the land to which he once belonged. And yet, he chose to do so anyway. She would meet him on his terms.
Eliza gestured at the bottle of red wine resting on the table. "Please, sit with me. Do you partake in drink, my Lord?"
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Lord Mykola Volkh
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Appearance: Six feet and some change, his skin is pallid, making the shadows cast over his gaunt face seem even darker. His ears taper to a point, whether through the Curse or from before his change is unknown. Black hair falls in a straight black waterfall down his back. His eyes, when sated, are red. The longer he goes without feeding, however, his eyes grow darker until completely black and soulless. Has sharp incisors.
Equipment: ----------
Typically wears a series of seven doublets he keeps in impeccable condition. Wears a mantle even indoors and when alone.
With his magical items effectively neutered, Volkh has been searching for a way to subvert the limitations imposed upon him by the Isles, yet finds no such luck. Thankfully his sword has maintained its barest level of enchantment, allowing him to use it with his supernatural strength without destroying it in the process, and preventing it from dulling with sustained use.
Skills and Abilities: --------
Volkh's use of magic has dampened in the presence of the isles, like many others. Yet his keen mind, his ability to withstand severe punishment coupled with an overwhelming strength borne from his vampiric nature makes him a deadly foe.
Though much of his magic was robbed from him, he has centuries of experience in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay at his disposal.
He is capable of transforming into a large bat or wolf, affording him flight or an increased speed.
Last of all is a strange, magnetic aura. An attraction that tends to alert people of his otherworldly qualities. It could manifest as fear, interest, or even desire. Anyone of power finds it resistible, though would potentially feel the attempt to sway them.
Biography: ---------
Aloof and distant. Pleasant company with those he considers friends or worthy of his time, cruel and merciless to those he considers his enemies. He has no clansmen, no surviving vampires that had passed on their curse and no Fledglings of his own.
Registered: Dec 31, 2021 20:09:53 GMT -5
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Post by Lord Mykola Volkh on Jan 12, 2022 14:21:34 GMT -5
Lady Eliza was a fascinating specimen. Not a flinch, barely a twitch at the blade's approached, although the small tensing of her hands did much to suggest that she was not simply surprised. She hadn't shifted her weight, no sense of her trying to dodge. Magic, then? That did fall in line the the unusual texture of her blood. When she had accepted the sword with grace, he gave a nod as he approached the chair. He didn't need to sit, really. The functionality of the mortal body being tired had no real effect on him, but did so to put himself more on the Lady's level.
"Forgive me my presentation." he replied his presence almost seeming to drain the noise of the rest of the camp beyond those tent walls, "It's a fine line to walk. Civility and making certain those you speak to understand their situation. I am pleased to see that your own honor remains untarnished. I find, among most mortals, that honor is the first to go."
With that he eyed her bottle of wine as she offered the drink. "Not to reject your hospitality Lady Eliza, but most food and drink is outside of my palate." After a moment, however, he turned his dark eyes back towards her own. "These are no doubt rare commodities in a land such as this. You must have plans on reclaiming your stakes rather quickly."
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Eliza Winterlight
Established
Roleplay posts: 36
Age: 38
Appearance: Eliza is a striking woman of taller than average height. She owns a plethora of extravagant outfits, many of which she was able to take with her to the Mists before the flood, as well as a more practical set of survivalist's vestments.
She has long, wavy black hair, and eyes the color of a lantern's glow.
Equipment: Elizabeth carries little with her, relying on her magic to solve most problems. She does, however, have many items hidden amongst her outfits, including daggers and poisons.
Skills and Abilities: Elizabeth is a fearsome sorcerer, though not many have witnessed her ability first-hand. Unlike her brother, she does not often flaunt her power, preferring to keep others in the dark about her capabilities. She is a skilled manipulator, negotiator, and a known socialite, having taken on many of the diplomatic responsibilities of the Winterlight Estate.
She is learned in many studies typical of Komali nobility, and is highly intelligent, despite her frivolous nature.
Allegiances: The Winterlight Estate
Registered: Oct 17, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Eliza Winterlight on Jan 12, 2022 15:51:45 GMT -5
Her honor? Untarnished? In any other scenario, Eliza would have broke out into a fit of laughter.
She was quick to dismiss the need for apology regarding the wine. "Its quite alright, you're under no obligation. In truth I had half expected as much, but I thought it rude not to offer all the same."
Eliza set the bottle aside in a show of solidarity. If Volkh himself couldn't drink the stuff, she didn't want to risk appearing selfish by doing so herself. No matter the fact that Eliza was in fact very, very selfish.
She met his eyes, peering into their blackened depths. She had felt Volkh's presence from the moment he had entered the tent, but only now was she beginning to realize its pull, that sickly-sweet aroma that sought to take purchase in her every desire. Staring into his eyes felt like staring into her own heart. It was intoxicating. Like he and herself were the only two people in the whole of the world. If she allowed herself, she felt as though she would slip and fall into those depths and lose herself completely.
"No expense spared for potential friends, Lord Volkh. And yes, you assume correctly. As quickly as we're able, at least." Eliza rhythmically drummed her fingers over the table, the ones that weren't occupied holding the vampire's sword. "We are making decent headway towards the goal of establishing ourselves here. But, it is a more arduous process than we would have anticipated. Thanks to the curse of the Mists."
She cocked an eyebrow. "A curse that, if my suspicions are true, you already know plenty about. Tell me, my Lord - be you a man, or something else?" She gestured neutrally with her hand. "It makes no difference to me. I simply wish to understand my allies. Transparency."
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Lord Mykola Volkh
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Appearance: Six feet and some change, his skin is pallid, making the shadows cast over his gaunt face seem even darker. His ears taper to a point, whether through the Curse or from before his change is unknown. Black hair falls in a straight black waterfall down his back. His eyes, when sated, are red. The longer he goes without feeding, however, his eyes grow darker until completely black and soulless. Has sharp incisors.
Equipment: ----------
Typically wears a series of seven doublets he keeps in impeccable condition. Wears a mantle even indoors and when alone.
With his magical items effectively neutered, Volkh has been searching for a way to subvert the limitations imposed upon him by the Isles, yet finds no such luck. Thankfully his sword has maintained its barest level of enchantment, allowing him to use it with his supernatural strength without destroying it in the process, and preventing it from dulling with sustained use.
Skills and Abilities: --------
Volkh's use of magic has dampened in the presence of the isles, like many others. Yet his keen mind, his ability to withstand severe punishment coupled with an overwhelming strength borne from his vampiric nature makes him a deadly foe.
Though much of his magic was robbed from him, he has centuries of experience in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay at his disposal.
He is capable of transforming into a large bat or wolf, affording him flight or an increased speed.
Last of all is a strange, magnetic aura. An attraction that tends to alert people of his otherworldly qualities. It could manifest as fear, interest, or even desire. Anyone of power finds it resistible, though would potentially feel the attempt to sway them.
Biography: ---------
Aloof and distant. Pleasant company with those he considers friends or worthy of his time, cruel and merciless to those he considers his enemies. He has no clansmen, no surviving vampires that had passed on their curse and no Fledglings of his own.
Registered: Dec 31, 2021 20:09:53 GMT -5
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Post by Lord Mykola Volkh on Jan 12, 2022 16:23:53 GMT -5
Rhetorical, he suspected. After all, it took no great effort, even to the uninitiated to determine he was far removed from a man. It was a confirmation of fact, as if pulling those words from the air of their conversation was at last peeking under the shroud that kept them from speaking earnestly. Volkh leaned back in his chair, looking for all the world the weary king, lost from his court. Steepling his fingers, his gaze held hers as if really seeing for the first time. He counted the beats of her heart. Strong, self-assured, rising somewhat. It seemed even she was not immune to the invisible forces that played about him like a gravitational field, pushing or pulling those he met.
"I am no man," he confirmed, "though I labored under such an existence centuries ago. I am, simply put, a vampire. Or, at least, one of its many subsets. If you were to ask another, I believe most would refer to me as a vampire lord. A title not merely in position but in power. I have survived several centuries of human meddling, and my powers have...grown beyond those of the recently turned."
Quietly he observed her once he had finished, giving a moment of pause as if inviting her in the time to grab the nearest torch or bottle of holy water she could find. Once satisfied that she had no such intention, he continued onto her earlier points, the ones he left hanging in favor of the more pressing. "As for these Mists, I suspect they have stripped magic from those around you who contained the talent before. For me, most of my abilities are innate. I have been largely untouched on that front. My spells, on the other hand, have been left wanting. My runes, the work of a large portion of my existence, have also suffered." he gestured towards the blade, as if for emphasis, though he made no show of lifting it magically as he had before.
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Eliza Winterlight
Established
Roleplay posts: 36
Age: 38
Appearance: Eliza is a striking woman of taller than average height. She owns a plethora of extravagant outfits, many of which she was able to take with her to the Mists before the flood, as well as a more practical set of survivalist's vestments.
She has long, wavy black hair, and eyes the color of a lantern's glow.
Equipment: Elizabeth carries little with her, relying on her magic to solve most problems. She does, however, have many items hidden amongst her outfits, including daggers and poisons.
Skills and Abilities: Elizabeth is a fearsome sorcerer, though not many have witnessed her ability first-hand. Unlike her brother, she does not often flaunt her power, preferring to keep others in the dark about her capabilities. She is a skilled manipulator, negotiator, and a known socialite, having taken on many of the diplomatic responsibilities of the Winterlight Estate.
She is learned in many studies typical of Komali nobility, and is highly intelligent, despite her frivolous nature.
Allegiances: The Winterlight Estate
Registered: Oct 17, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Eliza Winterlight on Jan 14, 2022 23:22:28 GMT -5
"Excellent."
Eliza absent-mindedly touched her thumb to her lip, smiling at Volkh's response. Not just a vampire, then, but a powerful one. Her suspicions had been correct thus far.
"I have great deal of appreciation for those who don't shy away from their own strength," Eliza replied with approval. She stared back into Volkh's eyes, undeterred by his perpetually looming presence. "Subterfuge has its place, of course. But modesty is another thing entirely. Modesty is wasted on the powerful. People like us."
Eliza's eyes wandered to the blade in her hand, once again studying the strange symbols embedded in the cold black steel. "Your runes, you say? Most impressive. There are scarce few who can claim proficiency in such an art. Weapon enchantment never quite fell within my own realm of study."
It would seem as though Volkh was a man of many talents. Questions bubbled up within her mind with every new sentence the vampire uttered. If he was as powerful as he claimed to be - and it certainly seemed as such - how did he come to find himself alone? Had he no empire to call his own? And what exactly did he seek to gain from her Estate?
"You are fortunate to have retained your various strengths, Lord Volkh. I can't help but feel fortunate myself, that fate has elected to lead you to our family. Historically, the Winterlight Estate has benefitted from partnerships with those of your kind - amongst other creatures of the night."
Eliza beckoned to one of the Estate's symbols that decorated the tent's interior. "Before the flood, we were... shall we say, stewards of the magical world. Together, we ensured that the powers of the arcane remained in the hands of those most fit to wield it." Eliza exhaled sharply through her nose, the hollow mockery of a laugh. "A regular fish out of water in a place like this, are we not?"
The sorceress paused. She could say more... but not until she had some answers. She prepared the questions that would soon extract them.
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Lord Mykola Volkh
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Appearance: Six feet and some change, his skin is pallid, making the shadows cast over his gaunt face seem even darker. His ears taper to a point, whether through the Curse or from before his change is unknown. Black hair falls in a straight black waterfall down his back. His eyes, when sated, are red. The longer he goes without feeding, however, his eyes grow darker until completely black and soulless. Has sharp incisors.
Equipment: ----------
Typically wears a series of seven doublets he keeps in impeccable condition. Wears a mantle even indoors and when alone.
With his magical items effectively neutered, Volkh has been searching for a way to subvert the limitations imposed upon him by the Isles, yet finds no such luck. Thankfully his sword has maintained its barest level of enchantment, allowing him to use it with his supernatural strength without destroying it in the process, and preventing it from dulling with sustained use.
Skills and Abilities: --------
Volkh's use of magic has dampened in the presence of the isles, like many others. Yet his keen mind, his ability to withstand severe punishment coupled with an overwhelming strength borne from his vampiric nature makes him a deadly foe.
Though much of his magic was robbed from him, he has centuries of experience in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay at his disposal.
He is capable of transforming into a large bat or wolf, affording him flight or an increased speed.
Last of all is a strange, magnetic aura. An attraction that tends to alert people of his otherworldly qualities. It could manifest as fear, interest, or even desire. Anyone of power finds it resistible, though would potentially feel the attempt to sway them.
Biography: ---------
Aloof and distant. Pleasant company with those he considers friends or worthy of his time, cruel and merciless to those he considers his enemies. He has no clansmen, no surviving vampires that had passed on their curse and no Fledglings of his own.
Registered: Dec 31, 2021 20:09:53 GMT -5
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Post by Lord Mykola Volkh on Jan 20, 2022 15:29:47 GMT -5
She was pleased. A rare development, but a welcome one. That meant she saw a benefit, an opportunity in him, as he in her. It was a promising hint of her judgement, at the very least. She was a woman of some caliber, though he didn't recognize the name of the Winterlight Estate. That didn't necessarily mean that it was a small operation, but he had taken great pains in the past to avoid interference from the ken of man. A luxury which now, he could not afford.
"Modesty is not in my nature. Though, neither is arrogance. I state only facts to you, Lady Eliza, in the hopes that we may come to understand each other as...completely as possible. However, if I may carry the dying embers of pride from a passion long since extinguished. I was an elven man in my life. Even then, I had lived centuries, meticulously forging my art. After my Embrace, I continued those studies. Unless I am much mistaken, there is no being more studied in the art of runecrafting as myself." he gestured towards his blade, which lifted from the ground beneath her hand, tilting slightly to catch the lantern light that would more favorably display the runes etched onto its surface.
"I choose to believe that my studies, my craft is what makes me the creature you see here today. Many lesser brethren define themselves by their powers. They dine on the opulence, the intoxicate themselves with power. They lack...focus." the blade drifted gently back to its former place, as weightless and dark as a raven's feather. He straightened in his chair, opting to lean forwards instead, not breaking their eye contact.
"But I digress, and the night still pushes onwards. A question hangs between us here, and in the interest of remaining a civil guest I will preemptively answer it. You want to know why I'm here. What I could hope to gain from you. You seem like a woman of reason, and of honor. I require a...sanguine answer to my eternal thirst. One of the intelligent beings you have among you." he tilted his head slightly, as if listening to something far off. "Relatively intelligent." he corrected. "This was as much a test of what I could expect of you as it was a social calling." before a protest or even possible acceptance could crop up, he raised a hand.
"And I do not expect this of you for nothing. I am a guest here. In return, you may expect some degree of aid in the way of my runes. Although my more potent enhancements have waned, they still hold power."
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Eliza Winterlight
Established
Roleplay posts: 36
Age: 38
Appearance: Eliza is a striking woman of taller than average height. She owns a plethora of extravagant outfits, many of which she was able to take with her to the Mists before the flood, as well as a more practical set of survivalist's vestments.
She has long, wavy black hair, and eyes the color of a lantern's glow.
Equipment: Elizabeth carries little with her, relying on her magic to solve most problems. She does, however, have many items hidden amongst her outfits, including daggers and poisons.
Skills and Abilities: Elizabeth is a fearsome sorcerer, though not many have witnessed her ability first-hand. Unlike her brother, she does not often flaunt her power, preferring to keep others in the dark about her capabilities. She is a skilled manipulator, negotiator, and a known socialite, having taken on many of the diplomatic responsibilities of the Winterlight Estate.
She is learned in many studies typical of Komali nobility, and is highly intelligent, despite her frivolous nature.
Allegiances: The Winterlight Estate
Registered: Oct 17, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Eliza Winterlight on Jan 22, 2022 14:59:33 GMT -5
"Opulence can be a strength unto itself, but I do of course catch your meaning. Indulgence is useless if it is only used to embrace stagnation. Power for power's sake. And all too often, such ends up being the case." Eliza nodded, ultimately agreeing with the Vampire's dogma. "It is as you say. Focus is the key."
Eliza took only a moment to weigh the decision Volkh presented her. The light illuminated the runes, glowing with the same soft orange light that colored her own eyes. Her mind was alight with the possibilities of such knowledge at the disposal of the estate.
"One 'relatively intelligent' sacrifice is hardly a steep price to pay for the service of a master craftsman such as yourself. But am I to understand that this hunger will need to be sated at a regular cadence?" Her eyes once again met Volkh's, flitting up from the sword. "I'm afraid I can't agree to such an arrangement if such is the case. In a place such as this island, the most valuable resource at my disposal are people. And until civilization has reached the point where the masses have elected to start procreating again, that resource is finite."
Her voice was firm, cold. It was a numbers game, not a plea for humanity - one that she hoped that Volkh would understand, even with the burden of immortality there to potentially cloud his vision.
"That is what this deal is, Lord Volkh. Not a life offered as payment for a service. A person of lesser value, exchanged for a person who can offer more."
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Lord Mykola Volkh
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Appearance: Six feet and some change, his skin is pallid, making the shadows cast over his gaunt face seem even darker. His ears taper to a point, whether through the Curse or from before his change is unknown. Black hair falls in a straight black waterfall down his back. His eyes, when sated, are red. The longer he goes without feeding, however, his eyes grow darker until completely black and soulless. Has sharp incisors.
Equipment: ----------
Typically wears a series of seven doublets he keeps in impeccable condition. Wears a mantle even indoors and when alone.
With his magical items effectively neutered, Volkh has been searching for a way to subvert the limitations imposed upon him by the Isles, yet finds no such luck. Thankfully his sword has maintained its barest level of enchantment, allowing him to use it with his supernatural strength without destroying it in the process, and preventing it from dulling with sustained use.
Skills and Abilities: --------
Volkh's use of magic has dampened in the presence of the isles, like many others. Yet his keen mind, his ability to withstand severe punishment coupled with an overwhelming strength borne from his vampiric nature makes him a deadly foe.
Though much of his magic was robbed from him, he has centuries of experience in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay at his disposal.
He is capable of transforming into a large bat or wolf, affording him flight or an increased speed.
Last of all is a strange, magnetic aura. An attraction that tends to alert people of his otherworldly qualities. It could manifest as fear, interest, or even desire. Anyone of power finds it resistible, though would potentially feel the attempt to sway them.
Biography: ---------
Aloof and distant. Pleasant company with those he considers friends or worthy of his time, cruel and merciless to those he considers his enemies. He has no clansmen, no surviving vampires that had passed on their curse and no Fledglings of his own.
Registered: Dec 31, 2021 20:09:53 GMT -5
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Post by Lord Mykola Volkh on Jan 26, 2022 10:51:06 GMT -5
It was a delicate game. Like playing chess with broken glass, each misplay could draw blood. It would stain the board, eventually, make it difficult to judge where it was wise to move. He resisted his initial urge. One borne of the thirst, borne of frustration at having lost such a significant portion of his immortal existence beneath an unforgiving sea. The urge to remind her that his presence here, the illusion of an option presented to her was a formality. That he could have as surely come demanding sacrifices than deals. For a moment the temperature of the room seemed to drop, his cloak billowing slightly against the chair. Yet he drew himself back, reigned in the sensation.
"You will keep most of your people," he suggested, allowing the moment to pass like a cloud lifting its suffocating presence from the sliver of moon, letting the silvery light of civility to encompass them once more. "It has been some time that I've fed. It will likely be necessary for me to consume one individual, but for future appetites I should be able to maintain a level of decorum." Admittedly, even with an perceived aggression having left the room there was a notable shift in the way he presented his otherwise reasonable suggestion. It had lost the pretense of the hypothetical.
"After that, I assure you, I will be as polite a guest as you can imagine. In return, I will see if I cannot create a more...beneficial servant to replace the one you've so graciously presented me."
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Eliza Winterlight
Established
Roleplay posts: 36
Age: 38
Appearance: Eliza is a striking woman of taller than average height. She owns a plethora of extravagant outfits, many of which she was able to take with her to the Mists before the flood, as well as a more practical set of survivalist's vestments.
She has long, wavy black hair, and eyes the color of a lantern's glow.
Equipment: Elizabeth carries little with her, relying on her magic to solve most problems. She does, however, have many items hidden amongst her outfits, including daggers and poisons.
Skills and Abilities: Elizabeth is a fearsome sorcerer, though not many have witnessed her ability first-hand. Unlike her brother, she does not often flaunt her power, preferring to keep others in the dark about her capabilities. She is a skilled manipulator, negotiator, and a known socialite, having taken on many of the diplomatic responsibilities of the Winterlight Estate.
She is learned in many studies typical of Komali nobility, and is highly intelligent, despite her frivolous nature.
Allegiances: The Winterlight Estate
Registered: Oct 17, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Eliza Winterlight on Feb 1, 2022 17:59:31 GMT -5
Eliza could sense the shift, both in Volkh's words and in the air that filled the space around them both. It was all she could do to keep from smirking with malice - how intoxicating it was to watch the powerful squirm. Vampires made for such excellent tools, she mused. Volkh was a refined specimen, to be sure, but the man seated across from her was no different in his base nature from Alvaro or any other night creature she had become acquainted with over the years. When all pretense was stripped away, Volkh was just another cornered animal begging for scraps.
Stowing her base instinct, Eliza smiled broadly, frost melting suddenly from her icy glare. "Splendid." She clapped her free palm against the back of the hand that rested on the sword's pommel, just as a judge might bring down a gavel. "Your terms are more than agreeable, my good lord. I shall begin the process of setting the proverbial table for you, just as soon as our business here has resolved. I'll only need a moment to select the... shall we say, lucky contestant."
The sorceress mentally ticked off the names of the sacrificial lambs in question, preemptively striking them from the record. Of course the Winterlight Estate did not possess, for example, a definitive list of their own staff, ordered from most to least expendable. Not one that Volkh or anyone else would ever know of, at least.
Eliza parted her lips slightly, with only the glint her eyes betraying the otherwise placid look on her face. "Plenty of scouts go missing in the woods west of here, my dear Volkh. Await my direction. Do your work quietly, and none shall be any the wiser."
She lifted herself from her chair, extending the sword towards Volkh for him to take. A gesture of peace, he had said. "Are we in agreement then, my Lord?"
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Lord Mykola Volkh
Established
Roleplay posts: 14
Appearance: Six feet and some change, his skin is pallid, making the shadows cast over his gaunt face seem even darker. His ears taper to a point, whether through the Curse or from before his change is unknown. Black hair falls in a straight black waterfall down his back. His eyes, when sated, are red. The longer he goes without feeding, however, his eyes grow darker until completely black and soulless. Has sharp incisors.
Equipment: ----------
Typically wears a series of seven doublets he keeps in impeccable condition. Wears a mantle even indoors and when alone.
With his magical items effectively neutered, Volkh has been searching for a way to subvert the limitations imposed upon him by the Isles, yet finds no such luck. Thankfully his sword has maintained its barest level of enchantment, allowing him to use it with his supernatural strength without destroying it in the process, and preventing it from dulling with sustained use.
Skills and Abilities: --------
Volkh's use of magic has dampened in the presence of the isles, like many others. Yet his keen mind, his ability to withstand severe punishment coupled with an overwhelming strength borne from his vampiric nature makes him a deadly foe.
Though much of his magic was robbed from him, he has centuries of experience in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay at his disposal.
He is capable of transforming into a large bat or wolf, affording him flight or an increased speed.
Last of all is a strange, magnetic aura. An attraction that tends to alert people of his otherworldly qualities. It could manifest as fear, interest, or even desire. Anyone of power finds it resistible, though would potentially feel the attempt to sway them.
Biography: ---------
Aloof and distant. Pleasant company with those he considers friends or worthy of his time, cruel and merciless to those he considers his enemies. He has no clansmen, no surviving vampires that had passed on their curse and no Fledglings of his own.
Registered: Dec 31, 2021 20:09:53 GMT -5
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Post by Lord Mykola Volkh on Feb 5, 2022 3:28:45 GMT -5
Moments of weakness were unbecoming, he had to admit, but starvation had began to become something of a concern. Yet her glare, and the tone of the meeting had shifted, irrevocably from its initial position of politeness. Yes, for all pretenses, for all that this play had to say the truth of the matter was that this tent was filled with thinly-concealed savagery. Yet conflict, true conflict was as true for beasts as it was themselves. A matter best left avoided, lest they both suffer loss with nothing to show for it.
He rose as well, satisfied, for now, with her offer. He chose not to account for her command to await. It was true after all, many scouts did go missing. Reaching out he physically touched the handle of the weapon, lifting it with ease from her palm and sliding it into its sheath with the hiss of steel.
"It is satisfactory." he accepted. He was, ultimately getting what he had wanted, after all. Even if it meant an allyship with this estate. "I'm certain you have need of the others. I will keep whomever is left company, until my time is up." Then, grasping the edge of his mantle he pulled it inwards, covering the hilt of his sword as he gave a stiff bow. "I'm sure we will speak again soon." Then, with a sweep, he was gone, the tent flap gently opening as if of its own volition to allow his passage.
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Eliza Winterlight
Established
Roleplay posts: 36
Age: 38
Appearance: Eliza is a striking woman of taller than average height. She owns a plethora of extravagant outfits, many of which she was able to take with her to the Mists before the flood, as well as a more practical set of survivalist's vestments.
She has long, wavy black hair, and eyes the color of a lantern's glow.
Equipment: Elizabeth carries little with her, relying on her magic to solve most problems. She does, however, have many items hidden amongst her outfits, including daggers and poisons.
Skills and Abilities: Elizabeth is a fearsome sorcerer, though not many have witnessed her ability first-hand. Unlike her brother, she does not often flaunt her power, preferring to keep others in the dark about her capabilities. She is a skilled manipulator, negotiator, and a known socialite, having taken on many of the diplomatic responsibilities of the Winterlight Estate.
She is learned in many studies typical of Komali nobility, and is highly intelligent, despite her frivolous nature.
Allegiances: The Winterlight Estate
Registered: Oct 17, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by Eliza Winterlight on Feb 6, 2022 23:33:19 GMT -5
The corner of her mouth pinched up in a smirk as Volkh turned his back on her. Good. He knew better than to waste her time with idle social drivel - not that such a thing didn't have a time and place, of course. But this was business. She knew better than to poke the vampire further. The definitive shift in the room's energy was easily enough insight to inform Eliza to cease any further provocation. Volkh and herself had communicated all they needed to say to one another, and she would not insult him further by depriving him of having the last word.
Ava, the estate's eyes and ears, entered shortly after Volkh had left. The woman approached the table, cocking an eyebrow expectantly. Eliza regarded her candidly, wasting no time herself with pleasantries.
"Crimson Contingency, Type Three. Track down that scout, perhaps, the one who only breathes with his mouth." Eliza tapped her finger on her swollen lips, searching through the archives of her memory. "Karl, I think it was? Inform him that he is to lead the next approach. I'm doubtful that our guest will be able to stave off his appetite for much longer - I think it best not to keep him waiting."
Her eyes narrowed. "Watch that one closely. He could make for a truly powerful ally, but he just as easily may prove to be too powerful to be kept alive. Inform the circle that they are to carry wooden stakes with them at all times, until the situation evolves."
Ava nodded matter-of-factly, absorbing each detail. "Shall I send for the girl?"
Eliza stared off into the distance, her mind elsewhere. "Please do. Let us hope she enjoys wine more than our dour friend does."
Once again, the operative nodded, turning and leaving the tent to summon Moira Blaine.
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Moira Blaine
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Appearance: With her red hair, slender build, and big, doll-like eyes, Moira Blaine is pretty by anyone's standard. It's only upon very close inspection that one might notice that her left eye is made entirely of glass.
Biography: A former agent in the employ of Isra's most secret labs, Moira was charged with watching over the workings of the inner government and keeping watch over the government's inner workings.
Registered: Dec 4, 2021 0:31:13 GMT -5
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Post by Moira Blaine on Feb 10, 2022 16:13:44 GMT -5
Before Moira stepped into the operations tent to meet with Eliza, she took a moment to adjust her clothing and check her reflection in a stray puddle. First impressions mattered, after all. Appearances are important, her instructor had said. People judge books by their covers all the time. Just look at how well the illustrated edition of The Emerald Spear sold. Her instructor's wisdom had never guided her wrong, and so she made sure to look as collected and innocent as she could before heading into the tent.
The first thing that drew Moira's gaze as she entered were the maps on the table. A quick glance made it clear that most of them were entirely unfamiliar, although she made sure to see if any looked especially recently drawn. Being able to get her bearings would be important, especially if she ended up having to cut ties and run from this place. Knowledge of the coastline would be particularly valuable, since trying to sail a ship on her own was already hard enough without having to navigate as well.
The second thing to catch her attention was Eliza herself, and Moira gave her a cheery, entirely false smile. The woman certainly cleaned up nicely. Was this some sort of psychological play, she wondered? Getting herself nice and clean and pretty while everyone who met her was tired and dirty? It made sense, and was the sort of thing Moira herself would do in the woman's position. She appreciated it. Of course, there was always the chance that she just hadn't wanted the nature of her previous encounter to be so obvious, but it was a little late for that.
"Thank you for seeing me, Lady Winterlight," she said, waiting for a chair to be offered before primly taking her seat. "And for the hospitality your house has shown me. In times such as these, it's important that we all stick together, isn't it? It's important to make friends, after all. You never know what sort of talents people might have."
As she spoke, Moira wondered what Eliza would taste like. Perhaps a noblewoman like her would be more tender than the hard, burly sailors that had crewed her ship in the early days. A little juicier, perhaps. Maybe she should have asked Alvaro. It had looked like he'd gotten a bite or two. He would have known. The thought amused her, and the faintest glimmer of her smile managed to reach her eyes.
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