deia876lat

Jewel of the Skies

The evening itself moved along rather smoothly, easy conversation, good food and pleasant company.
To Eilis is was as if she had been blessed with a little part of heaven. Something she dared not dream she would ever get to experience.
Having retired early, the day had been rather exhausting after all she had thanked Lord and Lady Venray for the lovely meal and for allowing them to stay in their home before excusing herself.
She had also bowed to the mighty Uilles thanking him for his words of wisdom before Arn had offered to escort her to her room.
Whilst she intended to decline his offer, not wanting to pull him away from the conversation he seemed to be having with Lord Uilles. She knew he would not accept it and Uilles would otherwise scold him for not offering his service in the first place.
She chuckled as she thought about the many rules of etiquette that seemed so…unnecessary and restrictive.
As she turned her head as she glanced towards the window, its curtains half drawn so she could still gaze at the star filled sky.
She felt her eyelids grow heavier and the bed was ridiculously comfortable. It wouldn’t be long and she would slip away into dreamland. Here she had everything she had ever wanted. A small measure of peace.
She was somewhere safe, protected and watched over by her own knight, she thought with a smile.
He had looked quite handsome, she recalled with a soft smile as a blush tinted her cheeks.
Arn. Her burning flame.
Undoubtedly the men downstairs would be talking about the war, compare swords or something of the like, there would be enough for them to discuss and worry over.
Practically half asleep, she was dozing off further when all of a sudden a shadow crossed in front of her window.
It happened so quickly that Eilis had thought it had to have been some bird at first, before her mind and reasoning started nagging her about it and forced her up to go over to take a look.
As she stepped out of bed and away from the comfort of her sheets, she mentally chastised herself for being paranoid.
She had crossed many, many miles. Plus, she was far into Belisian territory, no one would presume to look for her in such a place as the Grand Estate of the Venrays.
Reaching the window she gazed outside and seeing nothing but an empty street she yawned satisfied.
“See…silly…there’s nothing there.” She told herself.
As she moved over to the other curtain to close it, suddenly a rock crashed through the window.
It flew right past her face freezing Eilis up. Not being able to do anything but stand and watch when mere seconds later another figure followed in its wake.
Crashing intentionally into Eilis and forcing her to the floor.
Sitting on top of her, holding her down, sat a dark haired woman bearing a most satisfied grin.
“Well hello there little Pumpkin. Play time is over. Time to come home.” She said as she pressed something against Eilis’s mouth.
Her eyes widened in fear when she realized what it was.
A gag.
More effective than the old sewing one’s mouth shut trick the woman had effectively silenced Eilis, making her unable to call out.
But that wasn’t what terrified Eilis, she now noticed that the long black hair seemed to have a mind of its own.
As the woman stood up, she felt it wrap around her and casually lift her up as if she weighed nothing.
“Oh don’t look at me like that, be glad I don’t drain you Pumpkin.” The woman spoke rather bored as she rolled her eyes at Eilis’s expressions.
“You had your little fun, seems like your little escape was worth it.” She said as she looked around appraisingly. “It won’t matter though, when the army advances this here will all be taken over.... or blasted to pieces. Let's just say I so hope for the second one…” She said sadistically.
"Oh I can't wait until we get home and I get to play around with you pumpkin. I will carve you up." She said as she smiled widely at Eilis, but the smile was hardly reassuring and more terrifying as it reminded Eilis of that of a hungry tiger.

Jewel of the Skies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99yFe68YtMQ

Jewel of the Skies

I am going to create some necessary drama. As certain characters will show themselves. But if you also have certain ideas with your viamese character please don't hesitate. I have held up more than one storyline before, so flipping back and forth is no issue.

Jewel of the Skies

"That's not true!" Eilis's voice rang out in defiance.
"For if you are a coward then I am far worse at least you fight for those..." Her voice trailed off as she realized her own outburst. She fell silent once again turned her head down, knowing she already said far too much on the matter for it to be avoided. She was about to brace herself and face the truth, when Uilles cut in.

"And I agree. Cowardice you might call it, but knowing the very duty of shouldering the burden of leadership is daunting in and of itself. It seems like a wasteful thing though, regardless of your own position in battle, Death will claim his souls whether on the battlefield or off. You could at least have had a say in how they would die, instead of the fool who runs it now. Death will follow in his wake, glued to him like a lumbering shadow." He eyed Eilis this time.
"You wish to be a shield and it has allowed you to catch many a bullet. No doubt your body bears the marks of your devotion to your fellow men. I just believe they would have been better served in guiding them by a man whom would not mindlessly scatter them to the wind." Uilles said before Tyrhallan shook his head.
"That is not a fair comparison to make Uncle. For I have failed those in battle today as well. I should have died instead of them. It was my folly in underestimating my enemy and not persevering the moment I should have." He said drawing his Uncle's eyes on himself.
Uilles snorted as his eyes darkened and narrowed. His response was like the cracking of a whip.
"So I've heard, his blood will stain your pride for a good long while to come. I should have never have offered you up as my successor, is that what you long to hear? Your friend is dead safeguarding your life and you dare go 'oh woe is me it is all my fault? Grow a pair. Such is the cost of War! And if we're unlucky we'll lose a good deal more before the day is out." He thundered.
Lady Leandra glared at Uilles and Lord Pharlan winced at his brother's particular way of phrasing the truth.
Uilles took a deep breath before he said in a low and calmer tone.
"I need you three to understand. This..." He said gesturing around him. "This is all but temporary, Life is temporary. Live without regrets...for the Empire will throw a lot of shit our way."
"Uilles Language!" Leandra piped up only receiving a hint of a smile from the man.
"Arn, Tyr even you young Miss. Living your life filled with fear and regret will ultimately tarnish your very soul. Try to live and embrace the light aswell as the dark, if you fight it, it will in turn only be your own undoing."
Lord Pharlan broke the tension as one of the servants had just announced that dinner was ready.
"Well, with those wise words. Tyr escort your mother and lead our guests to the diningroom. I shall aid your Uncle."
As Tyrhallan offered his mother his arm Eilis expectantly looked at Arn, who offered her his own and as she took it she whispered softly.
"I meant what I said. You're no coward." She stated boldly looking up into his eyes this time before she gave his arm a soft squeeze.

Jewel of the Skies

“Yes, it is magical indeed” He said out loud before realizing it.

Eilis glanced up to Arn, their eyes connecting for a moment before her cheeks flushed at his words averting her eyes down quickly.
She couldn’t help but feel warm, surely he was teasing her. Though from what she could discern he wore deftly robes too, making him undoubtedly appear like some powerful lord. She could tell they fitted him rather well. Allowing her eyes to glance back at him every so often to try focus on another thing in the hopes of seeing it better.

A second or two passed then reality started to settle in. Arn cleared his throat and turning towards the lady of the house he bowed his gratitude. “My Lady and Lord Venray, allow me to express my gratitude at your most benevolent and magnanimous grace you have bestowed upon us.”
The mage was scrambling hard to know what etiquette dictated in this sort of situations. For the remainder of the party, this was nothing more than a family reunion. Protective instinct made him take a few more steps closer to Eilis.

Lady Venray smiled warmly at Arn’s proper conduct.
“It is given with pleasure, but please Lord Arn, I will allow you to address me as Lady Leandra, considering you will be remaining here for some time and amongst family and friends we are rather informal.” Lord Venray scoffed.
“Don’t be absurd Leandra, if anyone is a stickler for societal norms and etiquette it is you are you suddenly having a change of heart?”
“Well, I don’t know what you mean and thus for the sake of our marriage I shall pretend I haven’t heard that.” She replied back as she stopped waving and shut her fan rather abruptly giving her husband a threatening glare.
“Now now you two don’t fight, what would our poor guests think of us?” Uilles cut in before taking another sip from his glass eyeing Eilis for a moment before his focus shifted to Arn, remaining on the man.
“Master Arn, may I ask you a rather impertinent question?”
“Why did you dismiss the offer of being the leader of the Shooting Stars? After all someone with your talent and skill would be put to better use in aiding and guiding those who are not quite so adept at Magic.”
Questioning eyes now turned to him and Eilis could only gaze at him in wonder, why Uilles particularly cared about Arn’s past.
The man's focus however remained fixed on Arn and Eilis couldn't help, but feel slightly unnerved as she noticed it.

Jewel of the Skies

Waelweold. The Tower of Tears.

Deep within the darkest dwellings of Waelweold two figures made their way even deeper into its depths.
Carrying a torch a man followed the barely illuminated stone path, walking behind a slow hunched form that not so much as walked as had to propel himself forwards forcing his feet to keep up with the clacking cane.
He was a miserable looking creature the man thought, though ‘the cripple’ bore a strange glint of delirious malice in his eyes making almost looking content with his lot in life.
Well rather the cripple than himself. He would not last long in these dark desolate depths in the under layers of the Tower.
God knew what the Tahjai actually did down here.
Rumours spoke of torture chambers and sacrificial tombs. Dark magic ancient and dangerous…
He chased his thoughts away as he regarded the man in front of him.
He had been half man, half…machine. Strange twisted bionic limbs mixed with wood and undoubtedly magic.
His bald head sported a few stray dark hairs that he had attempted to comb over whilst his broken jaw seemed to be held in place by nails and bolts and his artificial nose was strapped on with clasps.
“I know what you’re looking at Son of Avitus, but I have no need for your sorries. As far as I am concerned I am very well taken care of by the masters. ‘They see me’. Unlike you lot up there. True they did try some of their experiments out on me…but for my years of faithful service I was granted the ability to walk again. Something no other ‘healer’ would be able to give me. So I serve the Masters as is proper. As will all one day.” The man started as he stopped and turned around to face the young man. The smile grew ever more malicious and disturbing. Like a predator lying in wait.
“Can you tell me what happened to my father?” He asked as the two continued on the path again.
“Well, I wasn’t there personally, but I have it from those that went out there to ‘collect’ him that he was lucky to have had a quick death. They’ve brought him here…so sad really…Teryn Avitus was such a powerful Battle Mage. I remember his first steps amongst the Masters as if it were yesterday…anyway according to the Mardras their charge went ballistic, but that was to be expected with a Rhevendali. You should have seen what she had done with her…She’ll have to stay with the masters for a new pair of hands, I doubt she’ll be able to ever cast another proper spell again, but who knows…”
The man though relatively young bore scars that showed he was no stranger to battle. He had sparred against his father many times before and knew of his prowess, to be simply killed by some nobody…it was hard to believe.”
“I still can’t believe some pathetic little farm girl killed my father.” The man mumbled as they entered a large wide round room holding stone caskets, some were built into the wall, others were morbidly standing up. On the left side of the room stood a table upon which lay the man in question. The dead Teryn Balbeus Avitus. Master Battle Mage and one of the more prominent members of the Tahjai.
He had been instrumental in the discovery of Dark Fyure and its extraction. Such would be his legacy…he could have been the next Sorcerer King had it not been for that damnable girl.
As he watched his father’s face he felt nothing.
Maybe it was because they had never been close or maybe him being a disappointment in his father’s eyes always stopped him from seeking a further bond and connection. Now it was too late.
In a crude twist of fate this according to the reports small girl had been his father’s undoing. She succeeded where many a rival mage or enemy did not. It almost made him want to laugh at the whole ordeal cynically.
His obsession became his downfall.
“So they have no idea where she went?”
The hunched man shrugged. “Not really, but logic would suggest she would run to our enemy…after all the enemy of your enemy could be a potential friend and such like…if she’s clever she’ll jump borders during the invasion…” He eyed the young master carefully.
Would the young master avenge his father? Such was the norm amongst nobles wasn’t it?
“Belisio…” the young man frowned.
Obviously avenging his father was needed if he was to save face, after all if you allow your father’s murderer to escape and roam free you’re not worthy of the title of Nobleman.
“What will you do young Teryn?”
Upon the man’s lips slowly crept a murderous smile.
“I will find her of course and complete my father’s work. I will crush her soul and throw her broken body down as a feast for the crows. I will claim my vengeance first, before I set my eyes upon a bigger prize.”

Jewel of the Skies

also I'll reply tomorrow...

Jewel of the Skies

Well to start I regard the Vaimese as an Empire like Rome was an Empire (Expanding and grabbing for territory).
Considering the world was once 'whole' the Empire in my set up past actually had a internal conflict going on for the 'soul' of the Empire. Very much like Rome had once been a Republic before it became an Empire through the machinations and manipulations of Cesar.
Vaim once had been similar governed by different factions before a certain Elite group went for a power grab and effectively squashed the opposition.

Now in my case this is where Ferezanthe comes in (Ferezanthe is not one writer; though it seems to be that way, there were actually multiple people writing under that name and also why some of his/her works are controversial with the stance of the Empire).
Most of his 'classic works' are well known as the classic works hold a similarity to being part Diary and Part Collections of Myths and Legends such as 'the Weaver'.
Eilis's coven had the classic works in their library, Tyrhallan having enjoyed a proper nobles education would be as familiar with it as Highschoolers would be with the Greek Myths.

Folken is just a scholar who is their world's Confucius, though not connected to Ferezanthe at least not that I intended.
He's the equivalent of a sage, a guide you live your life by.
If he says the moon is made of blue cheese then it is so.

With the Venray's they have always been Knights. It is why the family enjoys such a reputation. They are true Belisian nobles who swore fealty to the King at the time and have enjoyed their roles as Knights of the Realm. Pharlan Tyrhallan's father however had no Ki magic that his older brother and son have, he in turn takes care of the family's finances and governing of the estate.
With Uilles and Tyrhallan they were lucky to have inherited the ki abilities and have honed them to perfection. Though Uilles no longer can fight on the battlefield due to a sustained he now enjoys a different but equally important position acting as bodyguard to the queen. Uilles also was Tyrhallan's first teacher and is like an old honeybadger. Crafty.

As for your own character you'll be free to throw in whatever type of character you like, think about it for now and come back to it when we truly are going to go to Vaim.

Jewel of the Skies

I'm also keeping TheMerlin's storyline as is, though since he/she is off radar I don't want to control his/her characters or story too much, so this will center predominantly around Arn, Eilis and Tyrhallan. If you wish to bring in more characters of your own, feel free to do so.
I don't know specifically what he had in mind with his storyline, so I don't want to run away with that.

Instead I hope we can brew a nice story together with a few plotpoints that we do know.

- Vaim is trying to conquer Belisio.
- They were defeated in the past.
- The Sorcerer King blew up the world.

I also would like it if you started thinking of a potential 'Vaimese Player' working for his/her own goals, because unlike TheMerlin I would like to go Vaim (we need to if what I have in mind will happen, in order to rescue a certain someone) and get a glimpse on the otherside of the fence so to speak.
Even though my other players and factions (the Tahjai and The Brides) are evil, it doesn't mean all of Vaim is so.
I do think Vaim's Empire styles itself somewhat to the Greek/Roman ones, but if you have other ideas regarding that feel free to tell me so.

I will also soon offer some insights in the Tahjai and The Brides.
These characters will be introduced sooner or later and their motives will be explained as the story progresses.
Funnily enough I like the Martin's approach to characters and if the imaginary dice don't roll in their favour they obviously might die sooner than expected or thought out (I would never pressume to kill off your characters though...)

And ofcourse random references to my imaginary scholar Folken and writer Ferezanthe will pop up every once in a while.

Now as a little taste tester to see what your impression is:

"…And the Dark Day arrived, its form darkening the sky and its Claws and Teeth ripping apart soil and soul. The twisted form thundering towards them, the hungry mouth feeding upon those in its wake. There among the Mist and Smoke stood a Monster beyond reckoning. A foe unimaginable as it silenced the screams of devil and innocent alike, its intend total and utter decimation.
The most ruthless creation of the Empire, an attempt at coldblooded justice through the torturing of the poor souls fed to this every hungry beast. Whilst no name would truly grasp the effiency of the Horror, those that dared whisper of it would call it 'The Harrower."
An excerpt from Ferezanthe’s forbidden writings: The Rule of an Empire.

Jewel of the Skies

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/183778-broken-skies/ic