A5G

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Name: Yvonne Rosenving, "The Mad Blade"

Species: Human

Age: 29

Gender: Female

Appearance: Shorter than average, dark hair, somewhat sun-kissed skin from outdoor activity, and way less scars than one would've expect. Often clad in a set of brigandine adorned with a piece of suspiciously familiar scrap of purple fabric (or a pretty dress, at rarer occasion), and always with at least one weapon in her person.

Images

Bio: When Yvonne was born she's the only child to the opulent but very much declining house Rosenving, it took less than two more decades of ridiculous parties and all-around bad financial management before it was driven to the verge of bankruptcy. Naturally there comes the talk of marriage upon which Yvonne, an oddball obsessed with distinctly unladylike things like driving the business end of a weapon into someone's soft flesh, all but absconded with her great-grandfather's blade. The rest of her life was spent in a wild ride of mercenary work and avoiding (more commonly, well, thoroughly violencing) the men hired by her family and/or her would-be fiance to bring her back. Her journey brought her all round the three kingdoms and more, even after her ancestral home collapsed and pursuers stopped coming.

After stashing the kingly ransom from the last job into a Helvetian bank, Yvonne made her return for the second part as promised. With risk comes reward, and surely ol' Freddy wouldn't be stingy this time around? Besides, she came better prepared this time around...

Skillset: Well versed in outdoor survival, knack for murder and violence, oddly high spatial awareness, dancing, easily thrives in chaotic situation, very good at intimidation, weaves pretty dang well, and is proficient using common melee weapons. Personally prefers the mace despite her title.

Spells:
-Mansplitter (Self-buff. Gain inhuman strength for a very short period. The stronger the effect, the greater the backlash.)
-Warcry (AoE debuff. Inflict terror in a wide area. Greater effect on closer target, and greater effect on direction Yvonne is facing.)
-Bloodlust (Passive. Haste, pain tolerance, and resistance to mental effect. Starts off weak but ramps up as the fight goes on.)
-Resilience (Passive. Harder to injure, less affected by existing injuries, and heals a lot faster than normal at the cost of increased calorie usage.)

Equipment: Daily necessities (preserved rations, a tin pot, medical supply, knapping, change of clothes, etc), adorned brigandine, the sword her great-grandfather wielded that probably never saw use since then until it landed in her hands, a heavy flanged mace, a rondel dagger, a belt of high-quality potions in silver flasks.

Other: Can be inserted to the plot any time it's convenient (or fun) to do so.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

The king was the first to leave, followed shortly by the prince who discreetly waved goodbye to the noble youngsters gathering around him. Yet while Alec left to retire for the day, Fredricus still had one agenda left to do before he can truly call it a night. He changed into a more appropriate clothing before taking the seat in his office, finally ready to address the free agents that had completed his mission. Despite the collateral on the way.

Antigone and Matilda already awaited at the office. Those at the party were the next to arrive in the same group, the bear trudging in soon after. He had mixed feelings about this lot - on one hand, they did what they're asked and even uncovered something extra to distract the populace. On the other hand, the whole debacle at Fanghorn had lit the fuse to the powder keg. It's only a matter of time before it all blew up on them. The question was, how big?

His gaze fell on the assortment of irregulars before him, looking almost uniform in their fineries. If he could wield them correctly, his enemies will suffer. But dare he? Dare they?

"We meet again, ladies and gentlemen." The air of weariness still hung over Fredricus like an ill omen, though this time steeled determination instead of fraught worry intermixed on the king. "Before we begin, as a father, I convey my deepest gratitude for recovering my son in one piece. It is truly a shame that such act is to be forgotten in the annals of history, but I hope you understand the sheer necessity of that decision." He nodded at them, the closest thing the king could've gotten to actually bowing. "Nevertheless, I'm afraid trouble hadn't truly departed this land. As my chamberlain had mentioned, I have another prospective job for you all. One that will hopefully stop the flames of war from burning everything, or at least greatly limit the scope. It will undoubtedly be as, if not more, dangerous than the prior trip. If that worries you, you may leave now and be free of any responsibility. Know that if you decline after you hear of the full details, I will have to place you in house arrest until the knowledge is no longer relevant to the security of this kingdom."

This was the last chance to bail out, no strings attached. The reward from the last mission should let a single person to live in relative plenty for the rest of their life.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Isn't it a bit too much to shoot the cook?"

Wow, Sparky's well and trully pissed. It's actually kinda hot. Yvonne blinked, looking at the somewhat overdone but otherwise perfectly fine salmon. Shrugging, she took the avaiable fork and split off a small chunk to sample.

"My parents not-so-subtly keep trying to throw me at him, when I was younger. Parties, balls, gathering, just about anything. Met Kirsten from time to time. It didn't really worked out the way they intended, I was way too young back then. But different story this time around, yeah?" The history was told rather flatly, for Yvonne saw nothing particularly important to emphasize. She chewed on the salmon for a moment, grimacing a bit before placing the fork back down. "Ah, I see the issue. It's not a fresh piece, and the cook tried to cover it by cooking it too thoroughly. Shoot him an extra time for me when you get down there, would you kindly?"

It wasn't exactly bad, per se, but for an event of this magnitude? Way below expectations.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Oookay, so why did she said that?

There's part of Yvonne that normally restrained such uninhibited behavior when appropriate, but apparently she's inebriated enough to loosen it up. Otherwise, she wouldn't so easily throw that kind of invitation to Silas who currently stood in an ambiguous crossroad of the political clash. One that will likely turn into armed one sooner than later.

Oh well. Some of her regretted, other part simply taking it at stride, and a different portion suggested going where the problem couldn't touch her. Wouldn't be the first time she had to abandon ship.

Back to her table, there's Jazdia... and someone arguing with her. Rather intensely, in fact. It seemed to be ending though, whether the conversation running its course or due to Yvonne's arrival. Still, the bits and bobs of exchange she caught wasn't a pleasant topic to the ears.

"Lord Speaker Hastings, I am not here to bore myself with your rhetorics. You know who I am, so let us spare ourselves from this tedium. My answer is no, if you are really concerned about what my old colleagues think, then you should stop, for the benefit of both nations."

"I seek what is best for my own nation, Lady Crystalspark. It is such a shame that you don't understand our intention. "

"Oh I understand enough. You will wage war for profit, so do your worse on that. Now, if you please, my friend is coming. Get out of my table!"

Suppressing a scowl, Yvonne brazenly intruded as she returned to her seat like the other party weren't on the verge of becoming the second source of commotion tonight. There's certainly enough eyes on them at the moment, waiting for the pin to drop.

"My bad, that took longer than expected." The mercenary briefly scanned the still covered meal on her side of the table, a servant briskly approaching to introduce the stuff. Then her sight went to the speaker, and finally Jazdia. "You good, Sparky?"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Yvonne shrugged. Of course the threat of war wasn't over. The border skirmish were still something ongoing and actually intensified, last time she checked - even the supposed "marauders" were disguised professional soldiers. Rescuing the prince only returned the political landscape to the baseline level. Probably not even that, for Freddy had to invest time and resource to rescuing young Alec instead of making any headway toward peace. Depend on how things go, everything going south real quick was very much a possible outcome.

"Eh, there's dozens of merc with flattering nicknames running around. I'm just one of them." Like, for one, Ragnar the Red. Real bastard of a man, but one with undeniable combat prowess to back up his fame. "Sparky's an ambassador? Didn't know she's got such history. I've never even heard of Doc Solomon before... guess you really do know them better than myself."

They were suddenly interrupted by Kirsten, Yvonne actually seeing the younger woman coming but show no hint of it until the former successfully ambushed Silas. She grinned at the antics, one that actually fit Kirsten's age instead of worrying about future and family relationship. Unfortunate that she's too insecure to try breaking out of the shell, but then again not everyone can handle that kind of drastic shift.

"I'm not quite sure about it yet Kirsten, he was still at the small-talk phase!" Said Yvonne, callously throwing the admiral under the bus. "Are you stealing him away? I probably should give you two some room to bond then, I'm sure you dont get this occasion all too often."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Well, appreciate the heads up. They must've kept some good contacts if they moved that quickly... but paperwork takes time, and I could be halfway to Anggolindsto by the weekend if I have to. I've avoided them for a decade, I can do it again." Yvonne offered a hint of a smile, surprisingly genuine this time though it didn't last all that long. Then a tidbit she glossed over resurfaced, the mercenary raising an eyebrow in bafflement. "Hold up, attorney? Who the heck?"

A glance to Sparky, now seated at the table, waving and winking back at her. Yvonne's heartbeat somewhat increased from the gesture. She smiled back, barely catching the tail end of whatever Silas said. Cant help it, that's too fucking cute. Still, it cant be her. Cedar... even less likely. Solomon? Didn't felt quite right either. So who?

"Guess you know more about my colleagues than myself, huh?" She wasn't sure what to expect. "Personally I'm strongly considering that lengthy vacation, but who knows. Maybe you'll not see the last of me just yet."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

"All understandable, Master Cedar. Nothing is set in stone yet, but you wouldn't need to do anything you dont want." Still placating the bear, but Theodore felt like he's making good progress. He only need to reconvene with Mother later, set a few things rolling... then they can contact Cedar with a better-thought plan on the board.

Reaching into a pocket, Theodore produced an insignia made out of dull-grey metal depiciting the Steinwall's stone tower in front of a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It's oddly smooth and weightier than expected, little "XVI" inscribed at the back. He double-checked the inscription before offering the token to Cedar, ensuring that he wouldn't mix up the numbering.

"For communication. A paired token exist, each can be used as anchor to direct scrying at. And it should keep you out of most trouble within the kingdom's border, just flash it at the constabulary. While I know you likely wouldn't, please dont abuse the fact." Theo paused, glancing at the direction of the party as if he could sense something. About time, huh? Speak of timing, he's just about finished. "Ah, I see your tail's coming. You can ask them to lead you to your room. Until next time, Master Cedar."

Rubbing the ring with a finger, Theodore stepped to the side of the hallway as a strange sensation coated him... as if the mind tried to say that he's there and he's not at the same time. Yet as he stepped away, a maid turned the corner before promptly ignoring the mage like he didn't exist and beelining straight for the bear sticking out like a sore thumb a couple steps away.

"Sir bear, I've finally found you! The King have said some words in your favor earlier-"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

The bear was as straightforward as the initial assessment said. Which means he's so terribly simple to recruit, but to that end if Theodore can see it then so did anyone else. It's a good thing that he seemed to be the first one to come up with the offer. The mage inwardly uttered some apology to the king, but this was the one individual that the Steinwall wouldn't let go.

"Of course. We are trying to befriend you, because we hope that you will help us in the near future." This was actually rather refreshing. No need for cutthroat negotiation or beating around the bushes, just simple trade. It's rare to find such opportunity outside the family.

"No dungeon visit." Theo smiled wryly, showing both his palms ahead for reassurance. "Details is not yet in the plan, but there'll likely be public speeches and spell demonstration. Maybe talk to a few people. But you'll have enough time to prepare and practice, unlike what went under tonight."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The bear's whole debacle ended just like that, with a few sentences from Freddy. Poor guy, but he'll probably need the alone time anyway. Yvonne will offer a few words of affirmation later when they meet again. They will meet again, right? Only reason to stay this long was to see the king later. So... it's probably fine!

"I'll be joining you soon, Sparky!" Yvonne waved the elf away, still carrying some expectations in her chest despite having been rejected once. Then, back to Silas. Eyeing the princely man thoroughly, it's almost too easy to forget that his family practically committed treason. Now, it's probably almost entirely Jonas, and Yvonne herself knew how terrible it was to have a garbage family, but still. The perfect idol in her mind have been tarnished.

"Girls grow up faster than you realize! Do watch out or one day she may flee the estate with nothing but a sword and a little bit of money." Said the mercenary with a slightly embarrased grin, mostly due to the unexpected use of her childhood nickname. "There's always more rumor surrounding me, but pray tell. I'm curious what novelties they've come up with this time."

"It's not anything novel, unfortunately. I heard that your family, after hearing that you are finally acting like a true heir and working to restore the glory of the family, are looking for you." The admiral's eyes flickered to a corner of the hall, the elephant in the room that Yvonne had been studiously ignoring for the past half an hour. "In fact, they're probably talking about it right this moment."

If it's outside, Yvonne may had spat in a decidedly unladylike manner. As it stood, her visage broke into a scowl for a moment before returning into a neutral one. "Bah. They're still trying, aren't they? Even after they ran out of men to send after." Being unkind in her treatment ensured that the next batch ask for higher compensation, and eventually her parents ran out of the means to pay. Serve them right, miserable pricks.

"That aside, some bird tells me that your family is filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for 'years of material and immaterial losses' you caused and demand the court to deduct a portion of your reward." Silas continued smoothly, as if the veins now popping at Yvonne's forehead wasn't visible at all. Oh, she's pissed. Too bad that she couldn't afford to start yet another commotion now... but then the anger evaporated as she giggled and then broke into a slightly deranged cackle that attracted the nearest few people. It died down quickly enough, but not before a few people discreetly distanced themselves.

"The sheer fucking audacity." Every single words were laced with thinly concealed wrath. 'Well, they ain't gonna see a single penny of it. I'll make sure of that. Do you have any other upsetting news, perhaps? Get it out of the way so I can start drinking it away."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

"...I see. Must be difficult navigating this place with bad eyesight. Which room was yours?" Theo spoke rather awkwardly, not really used to deal with crying children. While he wasn't sure if Cedar was one, the bear certainly was at that age by human standard. Something to keep in mind later.

"Anyway." He coughed to clear his throat. "The Royal Magus, my Mother, have a major project planned. The event at Fanghorn had inadvertently pushed the timetable forward, and you are in a unique position to assist it tremendously. Are you perhaps open for a cooperation, Master Cedar? In return, we can offer much help for you where you're less suited to make a move. Among other things." Like the soiree earlier, for example. Theo kept it unsaid, but the implication was there. "As a gesture of goodwill, we will ensure that Fanghorn and the late baron's family are well-cared for."