Drewden

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

(Holden d’Alnharte (MAIN), Outside of Paline, Praelium)

“Remove any weapons you have and hand me those papers.”

Holden offered the papers to the Sergeant, then stepped back. Detailed indeed in the rolled papers were the rough times of patrols, marked by 'soon before sun up', or 'long after sundown'. Attatched was a crude map, with arrows pointing to entry or siege points for an army to make use of.

“I’d give you my weapon, but it’s more of a family heirloom,” he explained, “it’s seen me through more fights than I could count. Orcs, elves, izekash…” Clearing his throat, he knelt down and picked up the cloth-wrapped object. He kept it, but did not open it. Trust had to work both ways, after all. “If you think I still present a danger, then I invite you to bring more men with you. Had I any desire to do damage, I wouldn’t have approached you openly.”

Yusil was more than a weapon, or a tool to him; it was the only thing he could rely on through many campaigns. It was this blade that he saved his own life by damning countless others. Its edge remained perfect throughout his service, and he was not going to trust them to return it. “It’s nothing personal. This, however…” He knelt down, and pulled the knife free from his boot, before offering the handle to the Sergeant. “This was given to me by an old friend. See it as a sign that my word is as strong as the steel it’s forged from.” Clearing his throat, he gestured to the fortress. “Shall we?”

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

(Holden d'Alnharte (MAIN), Outside of Paline, Praelium)

"Where do you hail from? And to grant an audience with the Tyrannus is a bit more complicated than just asking nicely."

The Exile was not surprised by the patrol's reaction. He was all too familiar with the tactic, but this time he was not in a foreign land to shed blood. He remained still, allowing them to feel less threatened by his presence.

Holden was unappreciative of the blade at his throat, but remained compliant for the time being. He was outnumbered and surrounded; a fool would think they had a chance of fighting their way out. "I'm a former marine, from the Royal Navy of On'hino. I came here to seek refuge, and warn your leader of the impending danger to Praelium." Moving one of his hands slowly, he reached to his belt, and slipped a roll of paper free. "This is a report I took off a spy a week ago. He took the liberty of listing out patrol density, when the guards change shifts, and the optimal approaches to assault your naval hub. That's how I knew to come here. While I've done you the courtesy of killing the spy, I doubt little that he was alone."

He looked to the soldier with a blade at his throat, and offered the paper. The steel fang against his flesh was a feeling he knew all too well. "If you'd like to examine the papers, yourself, you're more than welcome to," Holden said, "but do so while we move." He glanced to either side of him, calculating the risk of dispatching the patrol should they choose to ignore his warnings.

"Or, if you'd rather ignore my warning," he said, "I'll be on my way." His body tensed; it reacted to the tension in the air.

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

Operation "Carve Carver" is ago

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

(Holden d’Alnharte (MAIN), Outside of Paline, Praelium)

“Finally.” Holden stood at the edge of the treeline, observing the standing fortress in the distance. His clothes were dried off, and just in time. In the wake of the cold rain, the strong winds of the open waters lashed at his form without pause. It pulled at his cloak; leaving his sword and dagger exposed. To his benefit or misfortune, he had yet to see.

There were a few different patrols that moved along the outskirts of the naval fortress. Part of him wondered if this was possibly the wrong destination. But, he did not want to risk running into a spy from his homeland; most of which certainly lingered in the civilian populace. He unclipped the sheath for his dagger, and slid it in his boot. They would likely see him disarmed, but he was not going to be defenseless.

Would his name hold any weight, out here? The war hero, Holden d’Alnharte? The sharpshooter, the traitor, the Exile?

“Maybe they’ll try and recruit me.” He cracked a grin. His own humor never failed to amuse him. With a deep breath, he emerged from cover and approached the nearest patrol; hands raised. “I need to speak with your commanding officer at once,” he demanded, “for Praelium’s sake.”

(Holden has arrived near the naval fortress, and turned himself in to the nearest patrol in the hopes of seeking audience with an officer.)

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

(The General-Kings (SIDE), Okeluiso, the capital of On’hino)

“What reason do we have to pick apart rumors?” Thibault leaned back in his chair, rapping his fingers against the table’s surface. “Do we have anything to support these claims? For all we know, it’s the ravings of a madman.”

“Our spies have confirmed that one of the Praelian villages was destroyed,” Galedrith replied, “furthermore, it was indeed scorched to the ground.” He stood up, and walked behind Thibault’s seat; knowing full well that the Minister of Foreign campaigns despised it. “While I’m waiting for further information, think of what we could accomplish if we were to mount an assault from the Western front.”

“A big enough headache,” Thibault grumbled, “since you know full well that the Praelian forces are no pushovers.”

“Of course, of course.” Galedrith approached a window; overlooking the Shining City from the peak that their council room resided in. “But, they’re the weakest they could have been. Still war-torn; encroached upon by Benaduza from the south; and then the On’hinian Royal Army, charging in from the West.”

“A sound plan, but suppose we take Paelium by surprise.” Val slid a blue chip over the nation on the map spread on the table. “How long would we hold it? Would their people submit to our authority? And who is to say they would not retaliate?”

Thibault folded his arms over his chest, and closed his eyes. “I’ve done countless campaigns. My grandfather purged this land of the elves, my father purged it of barbarians, and I’ve purged it of invaders.” Opening his eyes, he stared at the blue chip. He was all too familiar with it. “If we move forward with this, the rest of Erelith will see this as a true sign of aggression. Those who side against us will boycott our goods, if not use them against us.” He stood up, and looked to Galedrith. “What can we do with Carver?”

“The war hero.” Galedrith smirked. “A story we know all too well. I don’t suppose pinning a murder on him would be enough.” He approached Thibault, looking the General in the eyes. “If we find a way to break their leadership, what are they to do?”

“And how do you think we would get close to him?” Val asked.

“Either we side with Benaduza,” Thibault suggested, “and step on his windpipe together, or we offer to help secure their southern border; a ‘token of initiative in the dawn of a new alliance.’”

Galedrith raised a brow. “You almost sound like me, Thibault.” With a chuckle, he turned his gaze to Val. “Go to the Nobles. Have them send a diplomat to a ship. Thibault will have a small detatchment join for protection. Set sail for Benaduza.”

“A small detatchment?” Thibault echoed.

“Don’t worry,” Galedrith assured him. “I’ll make sure it’s all you need.”

“What of the Alnharte?” Val asked.

“When the spies find him, we’ll plan accordingly.” Galedrith moved towards the door. “Get to work.”

Thibault sighed, and lifted the blue chip off of the table; flipping it to reveal a metallic side. “Faith by cloth; Honor by steel.”

(In the capital of On’hino, the General-Kings react to the information passed to them by their spies, that Praelium was attacked by an unnamed source; possibly barbarians. Speculating that such a weak force had the strength to make a dent in the renowned military nation, they begin to execute a careful plan to subjugate Praelium.)

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

Going to work on a character sheet either up today or tomorrow if I'm lucky. I'm going to create a viking character and a viking nation.

@aspie3000

YES! PILLAGE AWAY! ORC VIKINGS?!

anyone on?))

@Wysteria

Aye. A couple of us are just sitting on the discord posted above bashing each other.

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

The General-Kings. (SIDES)

The General-Kings are a ruthless trio of men who usurped power in times of political turmoil. Where a thousand words could not pass, the stroke of a blade carved through. When a Major Holden d’Alnharte was accused with the murder of Prince Hraesyl d’Nale, he was brought before His Majesty King Torin for trial. The king spared Holden’s life, and sentenced him to Exile instead of execution.

What some saw as a display of restraint, others saw of a sign of weakness. With popular support among the upper echelons of society – as well as full control over the Royal Army, the Royal Navy and the Aegis’ Battalion – the General-Kings were able to relieve King Torin “to provide On’hino with the leadership she needs to survive.” King Torin was never heard from again.

General Thibault

The first General King – formally known as Minister of Foreign Campaigns – is Thibault d’Faelyrn. While his days of action are long since forgotten, he is a brilliant tactician. During his time as Minister, his judgement left countless men in his command alive, while decimating the opposition. Wars, rebellions, insurgencies; nothing stopped him in his career. Even in his newfound seat of power, he still leads the armies, but with nothing holding him back.
Battles turned to massacres. Peacekeeping turned into butchering. Invasions became subjugations. While his sword arm is weak, hold little doubt that his mind is sharp as ever.

Traits: Wrathful, intelligent, greedy.

Age: 74
​
“Surrender now, and half of you will live to warn the rest of your kin.”
Likes: Victory, domination, intimidation.

“Press into battle, and we’ll let them scrape what’s left of you from the soiled grounds.”
Dislikes: Being contested, emasculated, or disobeyed.

General Galedrith

The Minister of Naval Operations – Galedrith d’Renot – commands not only the Royal Navy, but organizes the battles within an enemy’s borders. Assassinations, sabotage, espionage; subterfuge by any other name. While Thibault’s career is lined with the victories of important battles, Galedrith is always noted for his work in winning wars. If he wants someone dead, they die. If he wants something to crumble, it is demolished. He is the true mind behind many of the decisions made between the trio, and is rarely proven wrong. He is a master of manipulation, and would have made for an extraordinary politician if his hands were not drenched in blood.

Traits: Untrustworthy, confident, antisocial.

Age: 62
​
“If I wanted you dead, you would be food for the crows by now.”
Likes: Causing tragedies, pulling strings from the shadows, dismantling nations.

“Though, you should ask if your usefulness outweighs my intolerance.”
Dislikes: Being deceived, failure, being forced to do the ‘dirty work.’
​

General Val

The third of the General-Kings – Val d’Unur – was the Minister of Domestic affairs. With nothing to check his powers, he can bend the law to his will. If he says someone is innocent, they are innocent. If he says they are guilty, they hang from the gallows. While his counterparts handle foreign matters, he rules the nation itself with an iron fist. Rebels rot from the gallows. Criminals are picked apart by crows. Political opposition rots in a ditch. He cowers to none, even in the face of death.

Traits: Bold, merciless, paranoid.

Age: 53
​
“The law will protect you.”
Likes: Order, peace, public approval.

“But, she’ll eventually damn you.”
Dislikes: Lawbreaking, opposition, public animosity.

These three men intend to keep On’hino’s war machine well-oiled for aeons to come. Fathers will pass their blades and armor down to their sons. Those who will not bend their knee to the new-born empire will open their throats instead.

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

Holden d'Alnharte, the Exile. (MAIN)

Some call him a war hero.

Others call him a murderer.

Holden served as a marine in the navy of On'hino. His job was to scout for the main forces, report enemy massings, and kill enemy scouts and targets of opportunity. What none expected was his excellence in his tasks. Throughout the war, he was considered a certainty to victory for whichever army he had scouted the battlefield for. It was even reported that after being spotted by lookouts from the rebel armies, they had retreated from a vital control point. However, it could be a myth.

Holden's capabilities of blending in were remarkable. After slipping into the chain of command of the rebel armies, he had not only intercepted vital information, but killed off multiple officials without detection. The result left him with the monicker "Ghost of the Sea". Though his stealth was noteworthy, he did not come up short in the field of combat. Having spent the majority of his time on the field, various battles and skirmishes left him to favor a longsword of unknown descent -- Yusil.

The only thing to outdo his swordsmanship is his marksmanship. A popular story among soldiers of the Royal Army: "When given the task to eliminate the commander of a rebel battalion in a fortified position, he snatched a longbow from an archer's hands. Before he returned, white flags were being raised from the rebels, who explained that 'the gods had struck down their commander with a single arrow to the throat.'"

The Betrayal

After being recognized for his bravery, dedication and effectiveness on the battlefield, Holden was recalled home, to the capital city of On'hino, Okeluiso. He became a war hero. One night, he was called into the king's castle for a celebration over their nation's clear victory over the rebels residing in their northern coast. However, the events that had taken place in the castle are not known, aside from two things: The murder of the king's son, and the exiling of Holden.

When asked, the king could not say whether or not the death of the only heir to the throne was at the hands of Holden, nor would he explain why he banished the war hero. The anarchy that swept the land was over the questionable innocence of Holden. Had he killed the prince? If that is the case, then why did the king let him leave alive? Such questions baffled either side, until a coup arranged by On'hino's generals overthrew the king, and left him to rot in a prison.

The men to replace the king promised an end to the controversy by summoning Holden to trial in On'hino. But, a large problem came to a head then. If exiled from the lands, then where would Holden go? With his vast array of skills, combined with the possibility of him being anywhere in Erelith, the war hero and possible killer could not be called upon so easily.

Having not the manpower to waste over this controversy, the men in charge came up with another solution. If Holden is to come home, his innocence would be redeemed, and he would be exempt of murder charges. However, until Holden comes home, the lump sum of coin on his head stands more than enough for one to build their own nation.

After a year of being hunted, Holden has yet to return to On'hino. However, in his wake over the world is a trail of bodies belonging to those searching for their claim to fame and fortune. One would barely be able to recognize him from his years in service, however his tale is not one to mistake for another's -- nor is his ability.

Age: 32.
Place of birth: On'hino.
Occupation: Scout, Ranger, Freelance.
Physique-
Hair: Chestnut brown, ungroomed, full beard.
Eyes: Stone grey.
Fitness: Strong and lean, resilient.
Morals: "The taking of a life is not a simple task, but one I will not hesitate to complete should I feel mine threatened."

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

(Holden d’Alnharte (Main), In the Eastern Woods of Praelium, Nearing Paline)

Holden’s boots sank into the mud, making each step more difficult than the last. Rain seeped through his hood, introducing the frigid cold to his body. He looked about for some means of shelter. It was a miracle that he made it this far with the worsening conditions. The unkempt ground he walked upon was becoming a marsh, trying to suck him further into the earth.

The road drowned underneath the murky waters; leaving him with little more than his training and instincts for guidance. He used the lower branches of the trees to keep himself from sinking; a slow and agonizing death. If he had to decide, he would rather go quickly by the skilled practice of the predators that lurked in the woods.

He gripped Yusil’s hilt tightly as a dry screech resounded through the trees. Muttering a curse under his breath, he picked up his pace. It was still a day’s worth of travel before he would reach Paline, and even then his efforts could be in vain. He frowned. If things did not go the way he hoped, what would he do, then? Hijack a boat? Flee to Benaduza?

“Maybe it would be easier if I just become a hermit.” Shaking his head with a smirk, he pushed on. They would have to listen to him. To ignore his warning would be nothing less than nodding to the death in unfathomable quantities.

Suddenly, Holden dropped into the murky waters; pain flaring through his leg. It was nothing that alarmed him; the wound was a week old, already. He pulled himself up and leaned against the trunk of a tree to ease the weight on his knee. The bandage would have to be replaced, or he risked it growing infected. Drawing his knife, he carved off the dirty, blood-stained wrappings before he took the blade to his cloak. With a careful motion, he parted a long, thin strip free, and dressed the gash that ran through where his pants were torn open.

It was a reminder for him, that he was but a mortal man. His experience did little to dull the bite of a blade. Once the pain subsided, he continued through the woods. With the occasional screech – sometimes sounding closer, other time very distant – he felt naked without a bow in his hands.

(Holden d’Alnharte is alone, traveling through Praelian forests in a heavy storm to reach the capital Paline. He is about a day's distance away.)

Erelith Roleplay (Look at First Post OOC)

Legends come and pass. Borders grow and shrink. Empires rise and fall.

The world of Erelith has known little peace since the beginning of time. Everyone claims their stake in history by bloodshed. Outside the walls of a city, barbarians, cultists, bandits and beasts stalk the unprepared. Within, thieves lighten pockets, or hang from the gallows. Assassins open throats, and mercenaries break necks.

Four great empires stand at this point in time; On’hino, a province with ambitions to grow; Praelium, a war machine with no shortage in oil; the Jagged Mercantile Consortium, a nation that grips the coinpurse of Erelith; Benaduza, a nation with stakes in various corners of the world.

Many try to make their marks. Where some lead in hopes of keeping their legacy sovereign, others seek their footnote through power. Adventurers try to uncover secrets of old. Mages learn and manipulate the world they stand in. Thieves amass unfathomable wealth. Assassins destroy nations as fast as they’re born.

How you plan to leave your mention in the tomes is your decision alone. Do not perish only to be forgotten.

______________________________________

Discord (For OOC communication, Apply to join there)

Erelith Wiki

World Map

______________________________________

Post Format:

(<Character Name> (Main/Side), <Location>)

<Roleplay Post Text (Aim for 2-5 Paragraphs, exceptions can be made. Expect your effort to be mirrored)>

(<Essential Information, if needed>)

______________________________________

Hope to see you on board!