Post by New Isra on Oct 19, 2023 14:26:52 GMT -5
All of the following information is reasonably public knowledge, based on the reputations held by each of the following characters. A citizen living in Port Argentium who spends time talking to others would reasonably come across all of the following information over time.
Port Argentium’s shrewd and charismatic leader, Lady Naoki is the beginning and end of decision-making in the New Isra. Responsible simultaneously for the settlement’s construction, logistics, defense, and judicial proceedings, she is a busy woman — and the ultimate authority of New Isra.
She was once Empress Naoki of The Isran Empire, and it was upon her flagship, The Depravity, that the initial batch of settlers landed and established the settlement. She has said that she governed Old Isra for something like thirty years. That would suggest that she should look older than she does, but she’s aging especially gracefully.
Rumors abound surrounding Lady Naoki. Foremost: she is an intensely sexual woman. The specifics of this are the subject of much discussion (usually over alcohol), and have been since she was elected, all those years ago. She doesn’t mind the people talking, but only addresses those rumors in private.
Another rumor is that Lady Naoki has dealings with demons. These rumors are led credence by the fact that following some loud, magic-y noises, Laute, the Gourmet Glutton walked out of Naoki’s tent one night and has been merrily cooking sinfully delicious dishes ever since. The extent of Naoki’s dealings is unclear, and she doesn’t publicly address the rumors, but there’s something there all the same. Some of the most intensely moralistic among Port Argentium’s population hold this against her, and have all manner of invectives to share about it. But many more have been won over by Laute’s cooking. If Lady Naoki does have some association with demons, it seems largely harmless, and in Laute’s case, an incredible boon for New Isra as a whole.
It is also said that for every ounce of love Lady Naoki has for her people, she has two ounces of fury for those who would do Isra harm. She views the people of Isra as her people—and her responsibility. She does all within her power to ensure that they are safe, cared for, and protected. In her history, very few have dared to stand in open opposition to Lady Naoki, but those that have been dealt with, usually in a very permanent fashion. She doesn’t mind the people talking, she isn’t one to stand on ceremony, and she doesn’t demand absolute compliance, but Lady Naoki will not tolerate open insubordination, deliberate disrespect, or, god forbid, a threat against her people.
All things considered, Lady Naoki is generally well-liked by the people of Port Argentium. She has proven her chops as an effective administrator, having single-handedly organized a boat full of refugees into a functional settlement. She employs many policies that are quite popular with the people and has adopted a style of leadership based on trust and reciprocity. She is their leader, the one who makes decisions, but she makes those decisions based on what would be best for her people. Not only do the people know that, but they trust her hand to guide them true.
Once The Imperial Vizier of Old Isra, the figure known as Grandma is cloaked in mystery, and more often than not, a literal cloak. Grandma’s role in Port Argentium is murky at best. Directly asking her is out of the question. Asking Lady Naoki yields only deflection or vague responses. “She does what needs doing,” “A bit of everything.” “She’s a bit like my advisor.” It is known that Grandma wields a great deal of authority, acting directly in Lady Naoki’s name, or sometimes under her own authority, which is often worse. Further, it is known that Grandma is dangerous. How exactly, is unclear. She certainly wields some dark magic, but it is unclear what, if anything, The Mist has done to impede her ability, or the specifics of her capabilities. She has also been seen carrying an ornate whip, but if anyone has ever seen her use it, they have not lived to tell the tale.
Grandma is seen in public with some regularity. She is often seen at Lady Naoki’s side at important or dangerous events, but can also be spotted fairly easily as she conducts her business about town, as Grandma stands at an imposing eight feet tall. Those who made her acquaintance back in Old Isra swear that this is a relatively recent growth spurt, and she was never that tall under the flag of The Isran Empire, but Grandma herself hasn’t addressed it.
In her interactions with the citizenry, Grandma often assumes the role of a cheeky old woman. Which isn’t untrue, necessarily, but isn’t the entire truth. She is not unfriendly, or needlessly cruel, but has been known to make the occasional scathing comment of those she holds in low regard. That list has considerable overlap with the “those who have wronged Naoki” list, but both lists are thankfully quite short.
First of Lady Naoki’s children, Skarlet was adopted before Lady Naoki’s election to High Lady of The Free City, which was in turn before the formation of The Isran Empire. Skarlet is largely a private figure, and very few outside Lady Naoki’s household have made her acquaintance. Those few occasions she is seen are almost always at night. This, in combination with her pale skin and red eyes, leads some to speculate, but the particulars of her daughter aren’t something Naoki addresses on her behalf, instead referring people to seek her out if they’d care to know.
Next among Lady Naoki’s children, Ito is an interesting case. Due to the strange nature of The Mist and its capability to pull individuals from different, ‘alternate’ times, Ito is not Lady Naoki’s son, strictly speaking. He was born to and raised by an alternate Lady Naoki who did not make it to The Isles. As such, Lady Naoki met him for the first time when he arrived, which was an interesting conversation.
This and more, Ito happily shares with any who cares to inquire. He is a lad who loves to talk, sometimes to the chagrin of his mother. He is friendly, affable, and a fast friend to make with a good sense of humor. Lady Naoki has, having realized this, started to be quite careful about what details she shares with Ito, as she knows he may unthinkingly run his mouth when perhaps he shouldn’t. Despite this and the strange complication in what would otherwise be a simple relationship between mother and son, the two seem to get on quite well. Ito can often be seen here and there throughout Port Argentium, running errands and delivering messages for Lady Naoki. As such, he’s made many acquaintances and is widely known throughout the town.
Formerly the leader of Old Isra’s Sun Marshals, Alden is a man the public knows not by who he is, but by what he was. The Sun Marshals were Empress Naoki’s personal enforcers, the handpicked elite chosen to deal with issues worthy of her direct attention. It used to be that they were likened to secret police, but Sun Marshals were deployed more often in defense of Isra from external threats, and it was the role of The Imperial Inquisition to deal with threats from within, but that is perhaps beside the point.
Aboard The Depravity and in the early days of Port Argentium, Alden was often seen at Naoki’s side, as her bodyguard. This, combined with his history, earned him the nickname and reputation of ‘Naoki’s Guard Dog’. She would sometimes send him to investigate things too dangerous for her, or to deal with threats on her behalf. Alden is an especially adept fighter, and well qualified for the type of work she gave him. Alden’s body is covered in an elaborate pattern of runes. These runes, it is said, are what make him so strong, so fast, and such a good fighter. His physique is impressive as well, independent of the runes, but those who have seen Alden move swear that his martial prowess is unnatural, and beyond the reach of normal men. It is unknown how many people Alden has killed on Lady Naoki’s behalf, but the consensus among the populace is ‘certainly some’. Alden is a dangerous man and has always demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Lady Naoki.
Port Argentium’s shrewd and charismatic leader, Lady Naoki is the beginning and end of decision-making in the New Isra. Responsible simultaneously for the settlement’s construction, logistics, defense, and judicial proceedings, she is a busy woman — and the ultimate authority of New Isra.
She was once Empress Naoki of The Isran Empire, and it was upon her flagship, The Depravity, that the initial batch of settlers landed and established the settlement. She has said that she governed Old Isra for something like thirty years. That would suggest that she should look older than she does, but she’s aging especially gracefully.
Rumors abound surrounding Lady Naoki. Foremost: she is an intensely sexual woman. The specifics of this are the subject of much discussion (usually over alcohol), and have been since she was elected, all those years ago. She doesn’t mind the people talking, but only addresses those rumors in private.
Another rumor is that Lady Naoki has dealings with demons. These rumors are led credence by the fact that following some loud, magic-y noises, Laute, the Gourmet Glutton walked out of Naoki’s tent one night and has been merrily cooking sinfully delicious dishes ever since. The extent of Naoki’s dealings is unclear, and she doesn’t publicly address the rumors, but there’s something there all the same. Some of the most intensely moralistic among Port Argentium’s population hold this against her, and have all manner of invectives to share about it. But many more have been won over by Laute’s cooking. If Lady Naoki does have some association with demons, it seems largely harmless, and in Laute’s case, an incredible boon for New Isra as a whole.
It is also said that for every ounce of love Lady Naoki has for her people, she has two ounces of fury for those who would do Isra harm. She views the people of Isra as her people—and her responsibility. She does all within her power to ensure that they are safe, cared for, and protected. In her history, very few have dared to stand in open opposition to Lady Naoki, but those that have been dealt with, usually in a very permanent fashion. She doesn’t mind the people talking, she isn’t one to stand on ceremony, and she doesn’t demand absolute compliance, but Lady Naoki will not tolerate open insubordination, deliberate disrespect, or, god forbid, a threat against her people.
All things considered, Lady Naoki is generally well-liked by the people of Port Argentium. She has proven her chops as an effective administrator, having single-handedly organized a boat full of refugees into a functional settlement. She employs many policies that are quite popular with the people and has adopted a style of leadership based on trust and reciprocity. She is their leader, the one who makes decisions, but she makes those decisions based on what would be best for her people. Not only do the people know that, but they trust her hand to guide them true.
Once The Imperial Vizier of Old Isra, the figure known as Grandma is cloaked in mystery, and more often than not, a literal cloak. Grandma’s role in Port Argentium is murky at best. Directly asking her is out of the question. Asking Lady Naoki yields only deflection or vague responses. “She does what needs doing,” “A bit of everything.” “She’s a bit like my advisor.” It is known that Grandma wields a great deal of authority, acting directly in Lady Naoki’s name, or sometimes under her own authority, which is often worse. Further, it is known that Grandma is dangerous. How exactly, is unclear. She certainly wields some dark magic, but it is unclear what, if anything, The Mist has done to impede her ability, or the specifics of her capabilities. She has also been seen carrying an ornate whip, but if anyone has ever seen her use it, they have not lived to tell the tale.
Grandma is seen in public with some regularity. She is often seen at Lady Naoki’s side at important or dangerous events, but can also be spotted fairly easily as she conducts her business about town, as Grandma stands at an imposing eight feet tall. Those who made her acquaintance back in Old Isra swear that this is a relatively recent growth spurt, and she was never that tall under the flag of The Isran Empire, but Grandma herself hasn’t addressed it.
In her interactions with the citizenry, Grandma often assumes the role of a cheeky old woman. Which isn’t untrue, necessarily, but isn’t the entire truth. She is not unfriendly, or needlessly cruel, but has been known to make the occasional scathing comment of those she holds in low regard. That list has considerable overlap with the “those who have wronged Naoki” list, but both lists are thankfully quite short.
First of Lady Naoki’s children, Skarlet was adopted before Lady Naoki’s election to High Lady of The Free City, which was in turn before the formation of The Isran Empire. Skarlet is largely a private figure, and very few outside Lady Naoki’s household have made her acquaintance. Those few occasions she is seen are almost always at night. This, in combination with her pale skin and red eyes, leads some to speculate, but the particulars of her daughter aren’t something Naoki addresses on her behalf, instead referring people to seek her out if they’d care to know.
Next among Lady Naoki’s children, Ito is an interesting case. Due to the strange nature of The Mist and its capability to pull individuals from different, ‘alternate’ times, Ito is not Lady Naoki’s son, strictly speaking. He was born to and raised by an alternate Lady Naoki who did not make it to The Isles. As such, Lady Naoki met him for the first time when he arrived, which was an interesting conversation.
This and more, Ito happily shares with any who cares to inquire. He is a lad who loves to talk, sometimes to the chagrin of his mother. He is friendly, affable, and a fast friend to make with a good sense of humor. Lady Naoki has, having realized this, started to be quite careful about what details she shares with Ito, as she knows he may unthinkingly run his mouth when perhaps he shouldn’t. Despite this and the strange complication in what would otherwise be a simple relationship between mother and son, the two seem to get on quite well. Ito can often be seen here and there throughout Port Argentium, running errands and delivering messages for Lady Naoki. As such, he’s made many acquaintances and is widely known throughout the town.
Formerly the leader of Old Isra’s Sun Marshals, Alden is a man the public knows not by who he is, but by what he was. The Sun Marshals were Empress Naoki’s personal enforcers, the handpicked elite chosen to deal with issues worthy of her direct attention. It used to be that they were likened to secret police, but Sun Marshals were deployed more often in defense of Isra from external threats, and it was the role of The Imperial Inquisition to deal with threats from within, but that is perhaps beside the point.
Aboard The Depravity and in the early days of Port Argentium, Alden was often seen at Naoki’s side, as her bodyguard. This, combined with his history, earned him the nickname and reputation of ‘Naoki’s Guard Dog’. She would sometimes send him to investigate things too dangerous for her, or to deal with threats on her behalf. Alden is an especially adept fighter, and well qualified for the type of work she gave him. Alden’s body is covered in an elaborate pattern of runes. These runes, it is said, are what make him so strong, so fast, and such a good fighter. His physique is impressive as well, independent of the runes, but those who have seen Alden move swear that his martial prowess is unnatural, and beyond the reach of normal men. It is unknown how many people Alden has killed on Lady Naoki’s behalf, but the consensus among the populace is ‘certainly some’. Alden is a dangerous man and has always demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Lady Naoki.
However, Alden hasn’t been seen in Port Argentium for several months. Some rumors say that he’s still around, disguised, as to better serve Lady Naoki’s agendas, but most people assume he’s either dead or otherwise indisposed. Otherwise, why would he leave?
Commander Honoka Yuzu, hailed from a far off land in the east where she was a respected general leading hordes of soldiers to war. There, she earned a reputation for being as relentless as a bloodhound. She is able to track her enemies to the ends of the earth and hunt them down. Honoka was one of the only females to earn the title of Daimyo in her land. The army she oversaw went through rigorous training under her command. From dusk till dawn, her soldiers trained until she was satisfied. She may be a beast with her intense regime, but once her soldiers were fit to her standards, her grip lessened. She did not want her soldiers to make the same mistake that she did. Her mistake is why she wears an eyepatch. No one knows what's under the eyepatch or how it came to be. Those that did are long dead. Behind her tough exterior is a kindhearted and down-to-earth woman. Honoka can be merciless against her enemies but she holds a solid moral code that she has passed to her soldiers. She and her soldiers will not kill the unarmed, people who are surrendering, and most importantly children. Honoka has a soft spot for children and will not let any join her ranks. A child's life is precious, and no child deserves to be on the battlefield — regardless of how urgently soldiers are needed.
During her free time, Honoka enjoys planting flowers and sampling tea when the weather is nice. She understands the importance of being able to separate oneself from a job. She allows her warriors to take a few days off every few weeks to keep their spirits high and allow their bodies to recover. Sometimes, she can even be seen having a pleasant lunch with her soldiers. She may be hard but she still wishes to be someone that her people can talk to.
During her free time, Honoka enjoys planting flowers and sampling tea when the weather is nice. She understands the importance of being able to separate oneself from a job. She allows her warriors to take a few days off every few weeks to keep their spirits high and allow their bodies to recover. Sometimes, she can even be seen having a pleasant lunch with her soldiers. She may be hard but she still wishes to be someone that her people can talk to.
