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In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay

Volume 1 - Beggar Knight
Stand with Honour


Duncan stood still for a moment, his pulse slowing but the power from the armour still thrumming, pulling at him. The Elder Ghul lay dead at his feet, their immense bodies sprawled across the chamber floor, and yet the hunger inside the living armour was not sated. It demanded more, more blood, more death, more chaos.

Omar and Mehdi exchanged nervous glances, uncertain how to react to their companion, who no longer seemed entirely human. They had seen Duncan fight before, but this was different. He moved like a predator, like something ancient and terrifying that had been awoken deep within him. The three stood in silence, Duncan's friends not quite sure what to say or do in his terrifying presence.

"We need to go." Duncan said, his voice a strange mixture of his own and something far more primal. His eyes behind his helmet were wild, burning with a savage intensity. "The camp needs us."

Without waiting for a response, Duncan turned and led them back through the corridor. His strides were swift and purposeful, the cursed armour carrying him with unnatural ease. Omar and Mehdi followed, keeping their distance, still unsure of the creature that now wore their friend's face.

As they climbed back up the spiral staircase, the eerie hum from the chamber below faded. But the tension didn't. Duncan's chest still ached, the shard of the Ebony Blade embedded in his heart pulsing with each step, reminding him of the cost of this power.

They emerged from the subterranean ruins to find the camp in chaos. The Ghul had mounted a massive assault in their absence, the campfires flickering wildly as soldiers fought to repel the vicious creatures. Screams filled the air, mingled with the clash of steel and the guttural growls of the Ghul.

Duncan barely paused. He charged forward, his mace in hand, the living armour propelling him into battle with terrifying speed. He crashed into the nearest Ghul, swinging his mace with bone shattering force. The beast was sent flying, its skull crushed, but Duncan didn't stop. The armour's hunger was insatiable. It guided him through the battlefield like a storm, tearing through the Ghul with ruthless efficiency.

Mehdi and Omar fought valiantly, but they couldn't keep up with Duncan. He was a force of nature, moving faster and hitting harder than any man should be capable of. The Ghul fell before him like wheat before a scythe, their monstrous forms crumbling under his assault. Blood sprayed the sands, and Duncan felt a dark satisfaction rising within him. The armour wanted more. Demanded more.

But with each kill, the armour grew tighter, more suffocating. The line between Duncan and the beast within the metal blurred. His chest burned, the shard of the Ebony Blade flaring with dark energy, feeding the curse.

He felt it then, the armour trying to take control. The line between the movements he chose to do, and the ones it was making him do began to blur.

The battlefield faded from his vision, replaced by a swirling void of darkness and blood. The primal roar of the beast within the armour echoed in his mind, calling him to surrender, to give in to the power, to let it consume him completely.

No! Duncan fought back, gritting his teeth. He couldn't lose himself. Not now. Not after everything. His friends, his mission, they still needed him.

But the armour tightened around his body, its influence pressing harder. His limbs felt heavier, his movements more violent. He was losing the battle for control. His shrouded vision spun as he whipped his head around and watched as the last of the Ghul fell. But rather than cheers of victory the people of the camp were almost silent, many of them casting worried glances or flat out staring at Duncan.

He looked down at his bloodied metal hands, like a beasts claws curling up towards him and then back to the people of the camp. He shook his head violently, regaining just enough control to turn and pounce like a wildcat, scrambling on all fours at a speed far greater than he could run back towards the cliff that overlooked the camp Mehdi had shown him before.

He could feel the armour's will. It didn't just want to kill the Ghul, it wanted to kill anyone in its path. He could feel it trying to draw him to the camp, to satiate its thirst for blood. He had to resist. He began clawing at the armour, trying to peel it off and toss it away, but it was like trying to peel off your own skin. Every time he tried to tear at it his skin felt like it was burning. He could feel the armour resisting, solidifying itself as part of him moer and more as he struggled.

He gripped the helmet in his hands, shutting his eyes tight as he shook his head, trying to fight against the thoughts telling him to let go of control. And then a glimmer of hope, a vision of times long gone.



As the memory faded, Duncan found himself back on the cliff overlooking the camp, the cursed armour loosening its hold. He took a deep, shuddering breath, his fingers gripping the helm as he tore it free from his head. The air was cool against his sweat-slicked skin, and the weight of the armour seemed to lessen.

Arthur's words echoed in his mind, grounding him. Stand with honour.

With one final, violent effort, Duncan ripped the cursed armour from his body, it retreating back into its liquid form and disappearing down the shoulders of his robes. He collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath, but he was free, at least for now. He could still feel it there, part of him. But at least he had control over it for the moment.

The memory of Arthur's light had saved him once again. Now, it was time to find Merlin.
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


@Half Pint this song will be playing in my head whenever you post as Panther


Hahaha part of me wanted to add a reference to them somewhere in my post but I thought it might take away from the tone lol
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay

Volume 1 - The Heir of Dorado
Footsteps in the Jungle


Moquihuix sat at the head of the room, his broad shoulders casting a long shadow across the stone table. The chamber, lit by the warm glow of torches, felt heavy with tension as his advisors discussed the unsettling news. The soft hum of water from a nearby fountain was the only sound cutting through the low murmur of voices.

"They are drawing closer." one advisor said. "Our scouts have reported sightings of foreign invaders, armed, trying to sweep the jungle, no doubt looking for something."

"Still." another advisor added, her arms crossed over her chest "They have not come close to breaching the cloaking systems. Our technology remains far superior. Let them wander in circles for now."

Moquihuix exhaled slowly, his dark eyes glinting with thought. "And the drones?" he asked, his voice calm yet commanding. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his fist as he surveyed the room.

"Harmless." one of the senior generals answered. "They fly blind. Even with their surveillance, they see nothing but the dense jungle. None have come near our shields."

There was a pause as Moquihuix considered the situation. His fingers traced absent patterns on a map that lay on the table, as if trying to calculate the hundreds of ways the invaders could find his city. He nodded slowly, his fingers tapping lightly against the stone table as he considered their words. His voice, low and commanding, carried across the room.

"If we confront them, we risk drawing attention to ourselves. Dorado has been hidden for millenia for a reason. The world is not yet ready to know we exist, and we cannot reveal ourselves prematurely."

Another advisor, older and draped in richly embroidered robes, leaned forward, his voice carrying tones of concern. "But, my lord, how long can we rely on the jungle's protection? These outsiders, these invaders, are persistent. If we wait too long, we may find ourselves cornered."

Moquihuix’s jaw clenched slightly. He knew the stakes. "For as long as it takes. Our priority is secrecy. Monitor them. Engage only if absolutely necessary, and even then, leave no trace. The time will come when we will reveal ourselves to the rest of the world, but that time is not now."

The advisors nodded, though unease flickered in their expressions. They had kept the invaders at bay for years, but the presence of the foreign drones and soldiers on their borders was becoming too frequent to ignore. Time felt like it was running out, and maybe it was.

Moquihuix rose from his seat as his advisors left the room and made his way over to a balcony that overlooked a large city square in front of his palace. The city was bathed in the golden light of the lowering sun. A million thoughts were racing through his mind. They'd had sparse contact with outsiders over the years. Centuries ago one plucky adventurer might stumble across Dorado every 100, or even 200 years, but as technology advanced so did the methods those in the know used to try and find the golden city. Now it was every 50, or even sometimes 25 years that a foreigner had managed to wander their way too close to Dorado's gates.

They kept secluded from the outside world, but the outside world was no secret to them. They surveilled every major country, and it was of the utmost importance for the royal family to learn the languages of other cultures on the off chance they were forced to make contact. They'd lived in almost absolute peace for centuries, getting involved in the wars and skirmishes of the wider world was just too risky, especially with the interest they'd draw from global superpowers once Vibranium was discovered.

He heard the door open and a set of footsteps gently approaching him.

"The meeting is adjourned. You can bring me anymore problems tomorrow."

"Do I often bring you problems, Moquihuix?" replied his wife, Citlali, her voice soft yet teasing as she stepped out onto the balcony beside him. Her long, flowing dress, a deep shade of red embroidered with golden patterns, caught the fading sunlight, and her dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Though her presence brought a certain calm, the weight of their shared concerns was still reflected in her dark eyes.

Moquihuix turned to her, the faintest smile tugging at his mouth, though the seriousness of the meeting lingered in his expression. "Only when the problems are worth hearing." he said, his tone lightening slightly as he took her hand and pressed it gently to his lips.

Citlali gave him a knowing look, then turned her gaze over the city. The streets below were bustling with activity, families returning home as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. Despite the peaceful view, the tension from the earlier discussions clung to the air like an unwelcome shadow.

"They're getting closer, aren't they?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might bring the invaders nearer.

Moquihuix nodded, his eyes still focused on the city below. "Closer than ever. They’re persistent, but our shields hold. For now."

"For now." Citlali echoed, her grip tightening slightly on his arm. "But how long can we hide, Moquihuix? The world beyond the jungle…it has changed so much. Maybe it’s time we consider making contact. On our own terms, before they find us on theirs."

Moquihuix's face darkened at the suggestion. He turned to face her fully, his voice firm. "No. The outside world is not ready for Dorado. They would tear us apart. Strip this city of its secrets, its power. You know this."

"I do." Citlali replied gently, searching his eyes. "But times are different. They’re not just wanderers or explorers anymore. They're armed with satellites, drones, technology we’ve never faced before. Eventually, they will find us. And when they do, we may not have the upper hand."

Her words hung in the air. Moquihuix clenched his jaw, turning back toward the horizon, his mind racing. "They are not ready." he repeated, his voice more resolute. "And neither are we. If we reveal ourselves now, it will invite destruction. The moment they learn of our Vibranium, every superpower on the planet will be at our gates, and then it will be war. We have the technological advantage, but they have the numbers."

Citlali was silent for a moment, her brow furrowed. She had heard these arguments many times before, understood the logic. But her heart whispered otherwise. "And yet, if we wait too long, Moquihuix...we may lose control of the situation entirely. The world has a way of finding what it wants, whether we're ready or not. Who knows, perhaps there are those out there who would wish to help Dorado, to live in harmony with us?"

Moquihuix didn't respond right away. He stood there, the silence stretching between them, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on his shoulders. Finally, he sighed. "I will not risk our people. Not yet. Not until I am certain we can control the outcome."

Citlali placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch grounding him. "I understand. But we've kept this secret from Necalli for long enough. Sooner or later, he'll need to know what's happening beyond our borders."

Moquihuix’s expression softened slightly, though the concern didn’t leave his eyes. "He's not ready for that burden yet. He needs time."

Citlali nodded. "Perhaps. But he's not a child anymore, Moquihuix. He deserves to know what he will one day be responsible for."

Moquihuix followed her gaze as it drifted toward the square below, where Necalli had emerged from his lessons and was playing Pok-ta-pok with his friends. His movements were quick and precise, his body language focused and strong, laughing and shouting as the ball moved across the court.

Moquihuix watched in silence, the sight of his son both comforting and unsettling. After a long pause, he spoke softly, almost to himself. "I shouldn't have compared him to Itzcóatl yesterday. It was unfair."

Citlali glanced at him, her expression gentle. "You've always been hard on him, Moquihuix. He's not his brother, and he never will be. But that doesn't mean he's not capable in his own way."

Moquihuix sighed. "I know. I just...sometimes, I worry. About whether he's ready. About whether he'll ever be ready to be king."

Citlali placed a hand on his arm, her voice soft and reassuring. "Necalli has great potential. He may not be like Itzcóatl, but he's strong in his own right. When the time comes, he'll rise to the challenge."

Moquihuix nodded slowly, though the tension in his posture remained. "I hope you're right" he said quietly. "For his sake...and for Dorado's."

They stood together for a moment longer, watching as the sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the city and the courtyard below where their son played, unaware of the burdens waiting for him.



Necalli chewed on the end of his already destroyed pencil as he struggled to stay awake. His instructor had been droning on about the compelexities of foreign diplomacy for what felt like weeks now. This was his tradeoff. Either get a job working with his fathers advisors or attend these boring classes. He was supposed to be paying attention to the lesson, supposed to be learning about the dynamics of places like America, Britain, or China, countries far removed from the quiet and cloaked world of Dorado.

But his mind was elsewhere.

As the teacher lectured, Necalli's thoughts drifted to the outside world, what it was like beyond the borders of Dorado. He'd learned about their cultures and traditions, but never met someone from anywhere else. Part of him longed to run away to these places, to visit the Empire State Building, Big Ben, or the Great Wall. But instead he was stuck learning about the correct way to speak to foreign nationals without insulting them. It all seemed kind of pointless when his father refused to make contact with anyone.

The sound of his friends outside only further spurred his daydreams. He'd been cooped up far too long and his muscles were stiff from sitting still. He could hear the heavy ball thumping against a nearby wall as the game of Pok-ta-pok continued on without him.

Finally, the lesson ended, and Necalli wasted no time heading toward the courtyard. He stepped out into the cool, fresh air, the sun already beginning to set in the distance, and stretched his back letting out an exagerrated yawn. The streets were alive with people going about their business, but Necalli had only one destination in mind.

The second match had already started when he arrived. His friends were in the middle of a fast paced game, the heavy rubber ball bouncing off the stone walls with sharp, resonating thuds. Necalli grinned as he joined them, his earlier impatience fading as he focused on the game.

"Nice of you to join us, princess!" Shouted Tepe, volleying the ball into the air towards Necalli with his elbow. Necalli bounced it off his chest before booting it towards the stone goal mounted up on the wall.

"Well I couldn't let you lose all day!"

Pok-ta-pok was more than a pastime, it was a way of life for the people of Dorado. Teams had formed over the centuries of the game being played and the superstars of the sport were on the same level in Dorado as people like Ronaldo or Michael Jordan were in the outside world. The ballgame was played with intensity, and it didn't take long for Necalli to lose himself in the rhythm of it all, sweat dripping down his brow as he ran across the court.

But even as he played, something gnawed at the back of his mind. A faint whisper of something out of place. He couldn’t shake the sense that something was happening, something he wasn’t aware of.

His suspicions were confirmed when he overheard a conversation from the sidelines.

"My cousins a scout, he says they’ve been spotted again, on the outskirts." one voice said, just loud enough for Necalli to catch. "More foreigners this time, with machines. They're searching for something. Maybe…for us."

Necalli’s heart skipped a beat. He missed the ball as it flew past him, slamming against the wall. His friends laughed, giving him a light shove, but he barely heard them. His mind was elsewhere, fixated on the words that now echoed in his ears.

Foreigners. Searching for Dorado.

"They’ll never find us." another voice replied. "Moquihuix has decided we will remain hidden. They'll never get passed our borders."

Necalli forced a laugh with his friends, but the unease within him grew. Why hadn’t he been told about this? Why was his father keeping this from him? He'd heard rumours like this all his life, but they only got more common as time went on.

The game continued, but Necalli’s concentration faltered. His movements grew slower, his thoughts elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that he needed to know more. The invaders were too close, their presence too persistent. How could they just stand by and watch?

He glanced toward the jungle in the distance, the thick canopy visible beyond the city’s shield. Somewhere out there, foreigners, strangers from a world Necalli had never seen, were pushing against the edges of their hidden world.

As the game came to an end, Necalli wiped the sweat from his brow, his mind already made up. He had to find out more. He couldn’t just stand by while his father and the council debated behind closed doors. Dorado was in danger, and he wasn’t going to wait for someone else to act.

Necalli left the courtyard with a purpose. It was time to confront his father.
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
<Snipped quote by Half Pint>

This is just one part, of something that will happen once or twice so I wouldn't be in a massive panic just yet.

My goal is to try and facilitate interaction in ways that are manageable (not too many people at once), but also fun and work witn the stories YOU guys want to tell.


Sounds good captain, looking forward to seeing what it could be
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Damn Duncan and Neville better get a move on if they want to be in America in time for this event lol. Necalli has a better chance of getting there quicker with what I’ve got planned so I’ll focus on him for the time being!
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay

Volume 1 - The Heir of Dorado
The Hunt Begins



The dense canopy of the jungle swayed with the symphony of nature. Leaves rustling, creatures stirring in the underbrush, birds fluttering and flying around the trees, but Necalli was silent. He was crouched, obscured by foliage and gripping his short spear tightly in his hand. Slowly, purposefully, he drew his weapon back, raising his other arm forward to guide his throw. His eyes traced the outline of his prey, a tapir, oblivious to his presence as it foraged among the low hanging branches.

Just as Necalli steadied his breath and prepared to strike, there was a sudden crack, a twig snapping somewhere behind him. The tapir's ears perked up, its head jerking toward the sound. Necalli’s eyes widened.

"No..."

Before he could react, his friend, Tepe, burst through the bushes, waving wildly.
"Necalli! Wait, I-"

The tapir bolted, crashing through the jungle with surprising speed for its size. Necalli groaned under his breath and shot a glare at Tepe, who stood frozen, hands raised in a sheepish attempt to apologize.

"You're supposed to warn me before you charge in! I almost had it there!" Necalli hissed, already sprinting after the fleeing animal.

Tepe, laughing nervously, took off behind him.
"I thought I did!"

The two of them tore through the jungle, branches whipping at their faces and mud splashing beneath their feet. The tapir, now spooked, darted between trees and thick foliage, forcing Necalli and Tepe to abandon any attempt at stealth.

"How is it this fast?" Tepe shouted between breaths, stumbling over a root as he tried to keep up. "It's like it knows we’re terrible at this!"

"It definitely knows how bad you are at this, it and the whole of Dorado!" Shouted back Necalli, letting out a small laugh in between panting as he sprinted. "Maybe if someone didn't trip on every branch in the jungle, we'd have caught it by now!"

The chase carried on, with Necalli and Tepe crashing through the greenery, each misstep becoming more ridiculous than the last. Necalli's spear arm had long since been lowered, this wasn’t a hunt anymore, it was a race, and a losing one at that.

Finally, they skidded to a halt at the edge of a ravine. The tapir had managed to slip away into the underbrush on the other side, its snorts of triumph faintly audible through the trees.

Panting, Tepe doubled over, hands on his knees.

"Well...that was...graceful."

Necalli, shaking his head, leaned against a tree, catching his breath.

"Next time, Tepe, just watch where you put your feet." They both laughed, with Necalli giving Tepe a playful slap on the back.

"Think we have time for another hunt?"

"Nah, I'm already on thin ice with my dad, I wasn't strictly supposed to leave the city today after last week."

Necalli leaned back against the tree, still catching his breath as the two let out another giggle, when a voice called out from the shadows of the jungle.

"Thin ice, huh? That's an understatement. I think the tapir will be the least of your problems when we get back."

Necalli jumped slightly, startled by the sudden appearance of his older brother, Itzcóatl, standing with his arms crossed, a wry smile tugging at his normally stoic face. His tall, imposing figure was partially hidden by the dense foliage, but his presence was unmistakable. He stepped out into the clearing, shaking his head as he surveyed the scene. He was dressed in the sleek, modernized attire of Dorado's warrior elite; a sleeveless tunic made from a dark, shimmering material that hugged his muscular frame, its intricate geometric patterns woven with thread that glinted like silver in the light. Around his waist was a belt holding ceremonial decorations, subtle but undeniably regal. His pants, embroidered with vibrant red and gold symbols of Huitzilopochtli, tapered into sturdy sandals. Around his neck hung a necklace with a pendant displaying his namesake made from obsidian displaying an intricate pattern of intertwined serpents.

"How long have you been watching us?" Necalli asked, straightening up and narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"Long enough to see you both lose a perfectly good meal," Itzcóatl replied, gesturing towards the direction where the tapir had disappeared. "I’ll be sure to let Father know how graceful the prince is at hunting these days."

Necalli winced, knowing full well that his father was already displeased with him for reasons far more personal than a missed hunt. "Come on, Itzcóatl, don’t make it worse than it is. You know how he gets."

Itzcóatl raised an eyebrow. "Oh, believe me, I know. He’s already upset about...well, certain rumors." He smirked, and Necalli blushed slightly.

Tepe, ever the awkward friend, tried to help. "We were just having some fun! It’s not like anyone’s keeping score, right? What's one failed hunt among friends!"

Itzcóatl chuckled softly, his serious demeanor momentarily softening. "Oh, I'm definitely keeping score. Or at least trying to, I think I lost count at maybe the 73rd animal you lost?" He grinned, Necalli rolled his eyes. "You being caught with that girl didn’t exactly earn you any favor either. He sent me to find you because you’ve already been gone longer than you were supposed to."

Necalli groaned, rubbing his face with his hands. "Of course he did."

Tepe, forgetting the trouble Necalli was in, reacted with a shocked expression, almost turning his entire body to face his friend as he spoke. "Wait a minute, Necalli. You were caught with a girl? You didn’t tell me! Who is she?"

Necalli shot Tepe a warning look. "It's not like that, Tepe."

Tepe's eyes widened, his tone teasing. "What? Not like that? Come on, man! You’ve gotta tell me everything! How did I not hear about this?!" Necalli responded with a look that could kill.

Itzcóatl patted him on the shoulder, his brotherly side showing through despite his teasing. "Don't worry, little brother. If anyone can charm their way back into Father's good graces, it's you. But maybe you should cool it on the whole 'getting caught in bed' thing, yeah? It doesn't exactly reflect well on father to have his heir fathering a child before he even wears the crown."

Necalli felt a knot tighten in his stomach at his brother's words. It was a truth they both understood but rarely discussed: Itzcóatl, despite his strength and skill, would never wear the crown. He loved Itzcóatl fiercely, not just as his brother but as the one who had always stood by him. The thought of him being unable to fulfill his rightful place as king, not due to a lack of ability but because of circumstances beyond his control, stung. Necalli never felt like he should have been the heir, if he could have been the bastard and let Itzcóatl be the next in line he'd have done it in a heartbeat. Still, he admired his brother for having the grace to joke about it, and for always being there for him.

Necalli grinned sheepishly. "I'll try my best."

"Let’s just hope your 'best' is enough this time." Itzcóatl replied. "And maybe next time, try to keep your activities to a more...discreet location."

Tepe nodded vigorously, eager to add his two cents. "Yeah, man! What's the fun in getting caught? That's like, the opposite of being smooth!"

Necalli let out a groan, shaking his head. "Trust me, I’m aware." His frown turned to a smile as he playfully punched Tepe's arm. "Plus, if anyone knows what the 'opposite of being smooth' is, it's definitely you, Tepe."

Tepe looked back at him, mouth agape as he rubbed his arm.
"I'm smooth! I'm totally smooth! I'm as smooth as pulque brother!"

With that, Itzcóatl turned and motioned for them to follow. "Come on, you two. We should head back before Father sends a search party into the jungle."



As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the dense jungle, Itzcóatl led his younger brother and his friend through the thick underbrush. The atmosphere was alive with the sounds of chirping insects and rustling leaves, but their movements were careful and deliberate. One wrong turn and you'd be face to face with a panther in this maze. Necalli's heart raced in anxiety, knowing they were nearing the secret entrance to their home, inching ever closer to the wrath of his father.

They arrived at a moss covered rock face that seemed indistinguishable from the rest of the jungle. Itzcóatl stepped forward, pushing aside the thick vines and foliage that concealed the entrance. A narrow opening yawned before them, leading into the darkness of a hidden cave.

"Almost home." Itzcóatl said as he ducked inside. The cool air greeted them, filled with the earthy scent of damp stone.

Inside, the cave twisted and turned, the walls glistening with moisture. As they ventured deeper, the cave was dimly lit by patches of bioluminescent fungi clinging to the rock, illuminating their path with a soft, ethereal glow. The faint sound of dripping water echoed in the background as they exited the passage into a grand cavern adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering crystals embedded in the walls. The vibrant patterns depicted tales of bravery, love, and sacrifice, stories that defined the history that Necalli was due to continue.

At the far end of the chamber, a heavy stone door blended seamlessly with the cave's walls. Itzcóatl approached, pressing a sequence of symbols hidden within the intricate carvings on the walls. With a rumble, the door slid open, revealing a blinding light beyond. They stepped through the threshold, momentarily shielding their eyes from the brightness.

As their vision adjusted, they found themselves standing at the edge of their home, Dorado. Towering, brightly colored buildings rose around them, adorned with intricate patterns and reliefs that celebrated their culture. Huge trees intertwined with sky bridges and buildings, seemlessly blending the nature within the jungle and the advanced technology of the hidden city. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the hum of technology, a stark contrast to the silence of the cave.

They stepped further through the entrance and Necalli turned his head upwards and traced the huge dome shield that enveloped and concealed his home. The shimmering barrier pulsed with energy in vibrant purple hues. It had been built centuries ago, and improved on continously since then. Never had it been penetrated and very rarely had they even came close to being discovered. Vibranium was a hell of a thing. It was entirely invisible from the outside, looking only like an impenetrable wall of trees.

"Welcome back, princes!" a guard called out, standing tall in his ornate armor, the insignia of Huitzilopochtli proudly displayed. His tone was respectful, with an undercurrent of familiarity.

"Thanks, Xipil" Itzcóatl replied, giving a nod as he moved ahead. The two had known Xipil since they were little boys. He'd suffered a nasty leg injury early in his career that prevented him from being a more active member of the Dorado guard, but still stood proudly at the gate, ready to catch any invaders as they entered, or any mischevious princes as they exited.

"A little heads up lads, your father's not in the best mood" Xipil added with a chuckle. "I'd steer clear of him for a while if I were you."

Necalli grimaced. "I wish I could" he muttered, knowing all too well that avoiding his father was nearly impossible.

They walked through the bustling streets glancing at the various people; merchants peddling vibrant fabrics, artisans crafting intricate jewelry, and children laughing as they played in the plaza. The scent of spices wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of music drifting from a nearby celebration.

"Man, I really hope we don’t get into trouble." Tepe said, glancing around nervously. "I'd rather not face your dad right now."

Necalli chuckled nervously. "You think I want to? The most you'll get from him is told off for leaving the city without permission. He’s probably already written up his next big lecture about my 'responsibilities.'" He stopped for a moment, weighing up what he was about to say next before he did. "You know, sometimes I wish I could just blend in like everyone else." He sighed. "No responsibilites, no royal drama, no eyes on me every time I take a step-"

"No class, no brain, no idea what you're doing." Interjected his older brother with a grin. "None of that and none of the good food at the royal feasts. I'll take the royal drama for that at least."

As they approached the grand entrance to the palace, the imposing structure loomed above them, a testament to the rich history and power of their lineage. The palace's façade was adorned with intricate carvings of their gods and ancestors, shimmering in the fading light. Large, ornate doors of polished obsidian stood at the front, flanked by guards in ceremonial attire, their spears resting against the ground as they stood at attention. One of the guards nodded at Necalli and Itzcóatl.

"Your father is expecting you, my lords." he said his voice tinged with sympathy. As they entered the guard placed a firm hand on Tepe's shoulder. "Not you I'm afraid, Huey Tlatoani Moquihuix has already spoken to your parents, Tepe. I'd hurry home now if I were you."

Necalli caught Tepe's expression as he stepped further into the palace. He looked like he'd seen several thousand ghosts all at once.

They passed through the grand hall on the way to see their father. It was lit by torches and golden light fixtures embedded in the walls. The marble floor was inlaid with gold, and at the far end sat the throne, carved from a single massive piece of jade. It was empty, far too late in the day for their father to be present here. He'd be in the council room no doubt. Necalli's eyes locked onto the throne, almost like they were drawn to it. He'd sit there one day, and he hoped it wasn't anytime soon.

They rose up a large winding staircase and opened the door to the council room. Inside, the room was illuminated by natural light pouring in from high windows. His father, the king, sat at the head of the long table, flanked by advisors. He looked up, his expression shifting from a mixture of weariness and stern authority to surprise at the sight of them.

Necalli approached, head slightly bowed, with Itzcóatl flanking him. "Father, I—"

His father raised a hand, silencing him. "You disobeyed me again, Necalli." His voice was calm, but the weight behind his words was unmistakable. "You left the city without permission, despite the warnings I’ve given you." He rose from his seat and waved off his advisors. Most of whom took a quick look at Necalli before quietly gathering their paperwork and scurrying off out of the door.

Necalli felt the weight of his father’s gaze, a mixture of disappointment and worry that made his stomach churn. "I know, Father. But it was such a nice day and I just got this new bow I thought I-"

He was cut off again. His father's voice becoming harsher, and more direct.

"No, Necalli, you didn't think. It seems you think less and less these days." He rounded the table, approaching his sons. He was a man of impressive stature, his long, silver streaked hair tied back, and his face etched with lines that spoke of both wisdom and the heavy burden of leadership. He wore a regal robe adorned with vibrant colors and patterns that represented the gods of war and wisdom. His eyes, dark and intense, were fixed on Necalli. "This isn't about a simple hunt. It’s about your recklessness. You are my heir. You cannot continue acting as though the weight of this city does not rest on your shoulders."

Necalli's heart sank further. He knew the lecture was coming, and there was little he could say to stop it. He made the mistake of showing this in his expression.

"You think this is a game?" His father's voice grew even stricter, his gaze flicking between his sons. "While you play in the jungle, there are threats out there, threats you've never faced, dangers you can't even comprehend. One day, you will sit on this throne, Necalli, and if you're not prepared, everything our ancestors built will crumble."

Necalli clenched his fists. "I'm trying, Father. I'm just—"

"Itzcóatl was always ready" Moquihuix interrupted, his gaze softening briefly as it shifted to Necalli’s brother. "He understands what it means to lead. You need to learn from him, or Dorado will fall under your rule."

The words stung, more than Necalli would ever admit. He glanced at his brother, who stood silently, not meeting his gaze.

"I'll do better" Necalli said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

His father regarded him for a long moment before finally nodding. "See that you do." He rose from his throne, the weight of his presence filling the room. "Go. Reflect on what I’ve said. We will speak more of this soon."

Without another word, Moquihuix turned and walked toward a side door, his robe trailing behind him, leaving Necalli and Itzcóatl standing in the vast, silent hall with his thoughts swirling. His older brother placed a friendly hand on his shoulder once his father was out of earshot.

"You know he doesn't mean all that, Necalli. He loves you, he just wants to make sure you'll be ready for when it's time to take his place."

Necalli stood in silence, his eyes fixed on the floor. He sighed heavily, his voice still quiet. "I don't know if I'm cut out for this, Itzcóatl. Being king...it's just so much. The responsibility, the pressure... I feel like everyone's watching me, waiting for me to be perfect. I just want to be normal sometimes, live without all these expectations. But I can't."

Itzcóatl listened quietly, his hand still resting on Necalli’s shoulder. Necalli continued, his voice shaky. "What if I can't handle it? What if I’m not strong enough to lead Dorado the way father does? Everyone expects me to be this great leader, but all I can think about is how easy it would be to mess it all up. I never asked for this."

Itzcóatl took his hand off Necalli's shoulder and slid it into his pocket. Taking a moment to choose the right words.

"Necalli, the truth is no one ever feels ready for this. Not even Father. The crown isn't something you just grow into overnight. It's a process, one that'll take time, and mistakes. You're not supposed to have it all figured out already."

Necalli frowned. "But it feels like I should, like everyone's expecting me to be this perfect version of what a king should be. And the more I think about it, the more I just want to be normal. To live without the constant pressure. Sometimes I think you're the one who should be heir. You seem...better at this."

Itzcóatl chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I've had my share of screw-ups too, trust me. Father might push you harder, but that’s because he sees what you’re capable of, even if you don’t see it yet. It's not about being perfect, it's about learning from every failure, every challenge. And when it's time, you'll lead in your own way. You won't be Father, and that's okay. You're Necalli, and that's who Dorado will need."

Necalli felt some small weight lift off his shoulders. That insecurity still held within his heart, but knowing he had his brother there to support him made everything feel a lot less scary. A smile crept up on his face.

"I guess you're right, I just wish the old man would stop hounding me about it. These lectures feel like they get longer every time!"

Itzcóatl let out a laugh. "Just be thankful you've not got Tepe's parents, remember the last time you two got into trouble? They had him shovelling manure for a week!"

Necalli laughed along with him. "When you put it that way maybe the lectures aren't so bad!"

Itzcóatl smiled, stepping back toward the door. "Come on, let’s get out of here before father changes his mind and decides to give you a similar punishment. We can at least enjoy the night before tomorrow brings another crisis."
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
@Half Pint accepted.

Just yeah. Accepted.

I totally hadn't written myself into a corner I struggled to get out of which lead to a subpar post.

No sir, no way.


Thank you! I've added it to my characters on the character sheet tab. I've been writing up a post this morning so should hopefully have it out by this evening
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
<Snipped quote by Lord Wraith>

I mean.

If that's something people want, I'm willing to do it. I'm willing to rework things, bring about the initial threat a bit quicker work better to help facilitate interaction.


I have another character cooking, but if this were to happen I think I’d probably keep my Black Knight posts the same. I’m working on getting him to a location where interaction with other characters could happen, but with him along with the other one I’m putting the finishing touches on I think the first arc being solo adds to the “day one” plot for the characters. Personally I’m happy establishing their own world, enemies, and supporting cast for a bit before I get involved in someone else’s.
In Ultimate One Universe: Emergence → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
I'm hoping to get it finished tomorrow, but I don't know what I'm doing so don't know what time I'm gonna have. Monday evening by the latest, as I'm off on Monday.

How is everyone doing? It's quiet in here now.


I’m doing well! Really enjoying writing the Black Knight but trying to pace myself so I don’t get too far ahead and run out of steam! I’m training for a competition in December and my training will intensify in the next while so going to need to juggle that with writing my posts, but I WFH so easy enough to skive off and write parts here and there haha
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