Arkapalego (IC)

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The Empire: Korin Shieldbreaker
We begin our tale near the city of Deloc, a not wealthy yet still happy city who are proud of their great, just, and holy empire. The city is filled with people and merchants alike, the laughter of children echoing through the houses of the good people of Deloc. Clerics on the cobblestone streets preach about their god-emperor. The house of every citizen bears the red and silver flag of the Templars proudly. Guardsmen and women with their armor shining brightly, post upon every turn in the city ensuring safety and security. In the center of the city, Mages are being read their crimes while awaiting execution. Clouds fill the sky like volumes of cotton ripe for the picking, the cities shrines and temples are crowded with people happily worshiping their emperor and his divine rule.

The fresh recruits storm out of their academy barracks starting to accept their new status as a Templar and barely feeling the burden of such a title, ready to devote their lives in the name of their great god-emperor headstrong and ready to devote themselves on completing their new life mission to defend the empire and destroy the heretics and anyone else dares defile the name of the emperor by standing in their way.

As Korin enter the city’s walls, he is greeted by the flags of silver and red along with the Templars that guard the outer walls of the city. He found himself captivated by its overwhelming presence, its dominance and beauty “If only you could see me now father, you’d be so proud that I’m preserving this tradition.” He thought as he clutched his father’s cross in his hand, he aimed to get to the market district but soon became confused and disoriented by the mass crowd of people, Korin escaped into an alleyway to get away from the crowd, he slowly made his way deeper in alley going alleyway to alleyway. He finally made it to the markets filled with people buying and selling goods and constantly talking. He goes over to the news board with twelve accounts of all the events that has happened since the past two months.

Magic: Marcus
A lone tavern stood outside, barely on the edge of the city’s borders. The Tavern’s air is enveloped by the smells of mead, wine, and ale fresh from the barrel along with the exchange of words between patrons. The tavern flooring made purely out of dark reddish brown Cedar wood that is now creaking and splintering, the sweet smell of the Cedar wood is now washed away and replaced with mead and ale. The tables carved out of Ironwood into round-circular shape now display carvings and the stabs of blades deeply embedding the wood. Strikingly though, the tavern looks smaller on the inside then it did on the out. Secret rooms were within the walls, full of multiple races in fear of the certain execution if they were caught. The basement of the tavern was even used for smuggling races out of the empire and into the elven lands for their safety. The patrons inside dance to the music played aloud by the many bards and some even speak about the injustices they feel their emperor has committed. Every day they survive held a night to be celebrated, for any day could be the day in which they were caught and murdered.

Marcus stands in a dark corner of the tavern drinking ale quietly, hoping no one assumes the worst of him as he did not particularly enjoy fighting unless if it was only to defend himself. “Hmm I’d give anything for some sake, too bad they don’t carry it.” He thought as he set down the mug. There were less people in the tavern than normal. “I wonder what’s going on today, maybe there some sort of movement of people tonight, hmm strange normally this doesn't happen so often, so why now?” Marcus walks up to his room, upon opening the door he is greeted by his pet wolf-pup Long-Fang who was waiting in front of the door expectantly. “Well hello there my little friend.” Marcus said happily as he picked up Long-Fang he heard a very loud crash in the tavern. He quickly set him down to check on the unfamiliar voice he heard, as he peeked from behind the tavern pillar he didn't really see any broken mugs or bowls that would create such a noise. He checked the tavern to find any evidence of a noise, as he checked around the wall he heard a small whisper. He pressed is ear against the wall and knocked. “Hello, is anyone there?” He asked loudly as he kept his ear to the wall waiting for a response.

William Brickmann:
William was walking around in the city. The Silver Banners rose high on the stone, marble houses of the city. Every street was crowded and only the dark and cold alleyways were clear. The sun was setting slowly and it was only but a matter of time before the moon hides the sun and day becomes night. William was walking with the crowd slowly towards the marketplace to see the good o’l news board in hopes that there would be a new bounty that he could collect for the week.

Once he reached the marketplace he at first couldn’t see the news board due to the massive crowd of people trying to finish their shopping and going home after they finished getting the goods they wanted. It only took him to push himself out of the crowd and into the open again to reach the news board, only to see what appeared to be a Templar, fresh from the academy in the usual armor. Slowly Brickmann walked towards the News board and started to read the papers on it in hopes for a good and easy bounty.



Athridorereztechinthess:
The tavern was relatively warm for it having holes and it being a windy day. Athridor was one of many who were hiding for their lives from the Templars and Witch hunters. A variety of races were in the same secret room as him, able to see what was going on in the tavern and there was even a second and third room for the secret hideout. It was relatively roomy and well-built for such a room but still it couldn’t be perfect. The walls were thick but a noise could still be heard from the hidden room. The wood was old and brown in this place and it was crowded by the variety of races. There was only a single small table in the room and a pipe that connected to the fireplace so they could get warmth. All they had to do was wait for the day to end and the night to start so they could go to the safety of the elven lands. They are almost through the hell the humans have created, and so close to their guaranteed freedom. All they had to do was waiting for a short bit of time.

Everyone was scared but also glad to still be living thanks to the kindness of the Innkeeper. Ale was passed around every now and then and it was almost like a small party. The others talked and at times told stories, though most stayed silent and talked about simple things like what they hope to gain from going to the elven lands and what they plan on doing once there. Adrithor was one of the few who stayed silent and drank his cup of water. Suddenly a loud crash of ceramic shattering was heard in the room. Everyone’s face turned grim and it was now dead silent in the room. Not even a second after someone’s voice was heard. “Hello, is anyone there?” Adrithor’s heart was now pounding in his chest and his eyes widened. It was almost guaranteed that they were caught and soon, executed if the he was a Templar. All it took was one slip up, and everyone would be slaughtered like sheep in that room.

Fenix had come to the tavern to relax and enjoy a good drink after this morning of trickery and theft. It was an accepting tavern for those of his kind, although elves were pretty good at disguising themselves as humans as it was a simple process of covering his ears. There were a few other magical races of beings here, some of which weren't so lucky to be an elf. Normally a sociable person, Fenix was acting a bit out of character today by taking a corner of the tavern to himself. He was comfortable though with his choice and enjoyed the homey feeling of the place.

There was a sudden crashing sound from somewhere within the tavern and he knocked over his drink accidentally as it had startled him. Then he heard. "Hello is anyone there?"

He covered up his ears with a headband and got up. If his fellow magical races were to be found out, he'd move to intercept and divert the culprit's attention with some artful finesse and cunning.

Ithilethiel Hlaeraheal

Ithilethiel snapped awake, sitting up sharply and gasping like she had not taken a breath in a long while. She was breathing heavily and sweating. She clutched the rough, brown wool cloak that was graciously provided to her by the bar keep to hide her station tightly about her. The dream she had seemed very vivid, and with what it entailed, she could not tell if it was a vision or just a dream. She felt a soft hand rest upon her shoulder. Instinctively, she shoved it away and glared at the violator with her glowing teal eyes, but relaxed once she realized who it was.

"Lady Hlaeraheal, you must relax. It's only me," said the older elf. She was a servent with no special powers that was ordered to go with Ithilethiel on the journey to the human lands on a particular call. She was sworn by the Oracle to remain at Ithil's side until her tenure was up. When that will be, Ithil did not know.

Ithil sank back down into the bed, suddenly feeling tired again. The dream was still fresh in her mind but was fading fast. The older elf placed a journal, inkwell, and a quill on the table beside Ithil. "You need to record this, my Lady." Grudgingly, she sat up once more and took the quill and dipped it into the black ink. She opened the book to a blank page and began writing. Shivers ran up her spine multiple times as she recalled the more gruesome scenes. She left the book open to dry. Thank you for not being able to read, Ithil thought to herself as she laid down once more.

She saw a cord hanging from the ceiling that the bar keep had told her would alert them to her needs if she tugged gently. She reached out a slender, tattooed hand and pulled on the cord once. Resting her head once more, she stared up at the ceiling.

Nithhogr sat in the secret room, barely aware of his surroundings as he mulled over things. He had lost every thing, watched his home, friends, and family destroyed and killed under the wrath of the humans. He hated them, all they did in their short pitiful lives was destroy. Nithhogr made a vow after that he would protect his fellow dragon kin, and any others that would be harmed by the humans or their empire. A loud crash snapped him out of his reverie. His head snapped up at the sound and he looked around, a deathly hush had fallen over the room. a voice could be heard saying "Hello, is anyone there?" Nithhogr found himself standing and facing the entrance to the small room. Had they been found by the Templars? he had no time to ponder the voice, he had to expect the worse.

Eraina Falcontail looked at the bag in one of her gloved hands as she was walking through the city. The last job went better than expected and she received a large sum for her part. Perhaps she should have stayed with that last group though it may have been too much a risk as they were headed towards her uncle's 'manor.' Eraina didn't want to receive his 'patronage' so she kept away. He was a vile man who did vile things to innocent people. However that is an issue she has decided would have to hold until later. What was she to do now? Now that she is practically jobless. Jobless but luckily with a hefty sum of money to live with. It was nothing extravagant but it would pay for food and bed for a while. She found herself in the marketplace of the city, a prime center for the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was not exactly something she enjoyed but a person needs to eat somehow. She looked around the food stands until she found some different fruits and decided to buy them.

She found a place to sit down to eat. She watched as the people went by. The normal civilians and the guards seemed to just buzz on along a set route that was preformed everyday. Eraina wondered what that kind of life was like. Was it similar to what she would have had before her uncle's betrayal? No, she would have been a noble. She could have been something great. However great that was though doesn't matter anymore. Now she is just one of many in this town. She thought that maybe she could just die. Everyone she loved is dead. "No... I can't die. Not after I've lived this long. Not until I kill that damned soul who murdered everyone there." She hid her face a little and a slight smile crept across her face at the thought of removing her uncle's head from it's body. She wiped the smile away as she continued eating her food.

Rhaemarius The'arc Empire
[A short trek to the plaza of Deloc]
The lone figure stood shrouded within the confining shadows close to the large white building which he had just exited, pausing for a moment as the large oak double doors were pulled closed behind him. Piercing blue eyes set in the pale, sharp features of his face quickly soaked in the scene before him in the sprawling streets which spread out along the avenue which lead directly before the massive building he stood near. The city was a bustle of activity, with people of all walks of life scattered about to and fro as they went about their daily toil. He quickly scanned each one with a quick gaze, appraising them based upon their clothing and mannerisms, seeking out any who stood out against the norm. Without turning his head, he allowed his sharp eyes to swiftly scan the balconies of the upper levels of buildings, and then upwards towards the roof's. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, and a number of Templars were standing guard in the streets along with sentries posted in the higher levels to maintain a birds eye view of the city.

Content that all was as it should be, he briskly walked down the steps, sliding his hands together to be concealed beneath the large sleeves of his scholars robes. He was only vaguely aware of the weight of the sheathed bronze dagger bound to the inside of his forearm with snug leather straps. It would take only less than a second for him to unlatch the clasp which held the dagger in place in its sheath and draw it from the confines of the sleeve which concealed it from view should he ever have a need to do so. With security as tight as it was in the city, though, he had no reason to find a need to draw his weapon, much less use it. He preferred to be prepared for any eventuality should the inevitable ever occur.

He slipped in among the rest of the throng, quickly blending in with the diverse multitude of colors and styles, simply becoming one with the rest of those around him. He maintained a heightened sense of alertness as he moved with the tides of people, his raptor gaze noting all details in his surroundings. Having paid attention to the details of the city from the styles of the buildings to the layout of the streets, he quickly made his way towards the marketplace. It was a good place to gather knowledge as rumors spread quickly from person to person without a care as to who might be listening. Along with keeping an eye out for the things around him, he also kept a keen ear to the voices which carried snatches of various conversations among the collective din. He also felt a need to check the notice board. It was always best to remain updated as to the events which transpired as translated by the authorities.

As he neared the cobblestone road which was needed to take him towards the Marketplace, he joined in among another group which was headed in the same direction, altering his pace to match those around him. An occasional glance in his direction was made, and he simply returned it with a stoic gaze before returning his view towards the destination he was headed in. Most would notice that he was not a simple commoner, though he had no form of insignia which proclaimed him as being part of any sect or organization. He walked with a sense of purpose, his demeanor one of self assured confidence and assertiveness.

When the large, open marketplace came into view, he once more performed a quick scan of his surroundings before allowing his eyes to come to a rest at the notice board at the far end of the plaza. He noticed others gathered around it, along with some of the Templars which inhabited the streets on a daily basis. It was nothing out of the ordinary, though he tried to memorize the faces of the guards which patrolled the cities. He had a tendency to remember their actions and behaviors, the way they held themselves among the civilians. It didn't take long for him to cross the plaza, and come to a halt before the large board, his eyes quickly scanning it as he kept watch at the edges of his peripheral vision at the people around him.
(-Read the Board?-)

Rhaemarius exits a large library, and makes his way to the marketplace, ultimately coming to stand before the Notice Board.

Korin Shieldbreaker:
As he scans the news board, out of the corner of his eye, he notices two figures, one wearing clothing resembling few witch-hunters he had seen at his academy wear except it was different, there was a piece of parchment with two names on it on his left shoulder and a hat that covered his eyes. The other wearing strange robes like that of a priest or scholar, his blue eyes looked as if they could be staring through the news board itself, he didn't seem to be carrying a weapon, perhaps he didn't need one which probably would've made him a much more dangerous adversary.
As he scanned the board more he caught sight of something that interested him.

It reads:

"The sum fifty gold pieces each for the party who finds this escaped, highly skilled and dangerous mage sighted fleeing the city westward towards the Whispering Marshes."

Marcus:
For over a minute he stood there motionless waiting for a response from the unfamiliar voice. "Maybe my ears have deceived me... I was certain I had heard something." Marcus said to himself as he started going up the steps to his room, he opened his door and greeted patiently sitting Long-Fang and gave him a small portion of food from the pack of rations he had before beginning his meditation. As he struggled to focus his mind, the deeply suppressed nightmares of his past bubbled up to the surface of his mind; he struggled and fought past his memories to get the serenity of his mind.
He was jolted out of his trance by the sound of Long-Fang's bark that seemed to have heard something before the little puppy rushed down the tavern steps before Marcus could even stand. Once Marcus jumped down the stairs to catch up to Long-Fang, Marcus noticed Long-Fang sitting on the ground waiting for his human master. Once the man was in sight the little pup started to paw and scratch at the wall for some strange reason. Noticing that there are quite a few moths flying around in the room, Marcus quickly dismissed the puppy's actions and after picking up Long-Fang, he started to walk up the steps to take the pup back in his room. "Silly pup, you know better than to run away like that." Said Marcus as he started this action.

Fenix gestured to the others to find a place that wasn't in sight of the entrance and made his way to the door. Of all of the people here, he was the most human-looking. He opened the door when everyone had moved to a satisfactory location and smiled at the individual near the entrance. He noted that the man had a wolf pup and assumed him to be a ranger of some sort. He smiled in greeting and bowed slightly. "Hail, good sir, that is a handsome pup you have there. As you can see there is indeed someone here. My name is Fenix Ryder, what business do you have here?"

He didn't particularly care to deal with humans, but regardless of that fact he still had to on a regular basis. Most of them were racist pigs that he often played pranks on or stole from them in response, but some of them were actually decent. Still it paid off to be cautious and treat every human as if he or she were looking to cause him some harm in one way or another.

Eraina looked all around as she started onto her last thing of fruit. Peering through the crowd she saw people hovering around something... It looked like a newsboard but it was hard to tell through the people at times. Deciding to stand up she walked over to where the board was. There were a few differently dressed people. She peered over their shoulders at what Eraina thought would be what most of them were looking at. "Fifty gold huh?" She mumbled to herself, "That could cover my expenses for a while..." With it being a wizard she thought she would need help but that fifty gold all to herself was much too tempting and with the lack of people she knew in the area there was a big wall in her way if she wanted help against said mage. Either way it was a chance to make some decent money. 'A big chance... Huh?' She thought to herself while she bit into her last fruit with her eyes showing the slightest glimmer of excitement.