Mister Thirteen

I sketched my own custom fantasy map.

So I started drawing this earlier today and just finished it. Yes, I know it’s rather cluttered and needs to be worked over some more. I just thought I’d share the rough original version.

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I haven’t labeled it yet, but the central territory is the disunited realm of man, the southwestern realm is the to-be-named Wood Elf kingdom, and the southeastern realm is the Orc lands. The large mainland mass to the northwest is an unexplored island inhabited by tribes of Gnolls and Goblins.

Now I just need to create lore and an RP for this map.

~Nyte Bloods~

Dalton, hearing Alice’s words, curled his lip into a slight snarl as he looked Alice dead invthe face, his grip on her arm tightening. Thomas and Aleera were caught up gawking at the fleeing mortals inside the ball room, frenzy surged through their minds. They were trapped out on this balcony, hundreds of stories high. The entire building was going to be in an uproar of panicked chaos, and the police would be arriving soon to swarm the building.

Thomas suddenly snapped out of his entrancement at the scene of panic, realizing they still had Liam to deal with. It was that brief moment of distraction that lost them their advantage. Liam, now healed, surged upward from his conquered position. In a flash, he knocked the knife from Aleera’s hand and sent it sailing across the balcony. It hit the floor and skidded toward Dalton and Alice, stopping just to Alice’s right. Liam threw a sharp punch into Aleera’s face, the force from the hit enough to snap her head back and daze her. Liam kicked her backward and then drove his right fist into the back of Thomas’s knee, sending him crumpling to the floor. Dalton, seeing the danger of losing Liam, abruptly released Alice and rushed forward to Liam.

Liam gracefully skipped backwards as Dalton grabbed for him and missed widely.
With a smirk, a twinkle in his blue eyes, and a wink to Alice, Liam suddenly leaped into the air, swinging his legs up and backwards, performing a sharp backflip high into the air, and then off the balcony, downward.

“No!” Cried Thomas, raising from his fallen position and rushing over to the balcony’s edge, gripping the railing tightly as he looked down toward the streets below. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Thomas tightened his grip on the balcony railing, he gritted his teeth and a burning rage engulfed him within.

We had him. WE HAD HIM!

Aleera stood behind Thomas, her fists clenched and her eyes burning in a hateful way. She suddenly and slowly looked around over her shoulder, her long white hair veiling part of her face, revealing only a single red eye that glowed in the night, burning across the balcony at Alice.

~The Serpent Queen~

“Very well,” the Baron said,”gentlemen, let’s have a seat.”

The lord, the noble, and the knight all took a place at the simple table nearby, shifting their weight gently as the rickety chairs freaked beneath them. The Baron cautiously eyed the legs of his chair for a minute before finally relaxing in full. The three of them now sat cross-legged and ready to begin their first little “meeting” with the Princess.

Baron Monticourt spoke first,”Well, Your Ladship, I suppose first you should know what resources and assets we have at our disposal. As Baron of Rosaldia, my political position and power alone can be of great benefit, obviously. I can also offer small amounts of financial support from my treasury, however this is quite limited, as I can’t afford to drain the coffers of my city. You understand of course. There are also several within my realm whom secretly support our cause; guard captains, scribes, city councilmen, lower lords and such. Their particular individual uses can make them invaluable agents in the future. I have actually been working to arrange meetings with other lords and nobles who I know have high discontent for Malva and her illegimate rule, to further our support.”

The Baron had hardly stopped to draw breath when Lord Cromley spoke up, leaning forward slightly as he talked,”I, M’Lady, am our factions primary financial supporter. The immense wealth from my silver empire can be used to fund our cause. We will need weapons and other certain items, which won’t be cheap. Not to mention that potential bribes and buy-outs can be assured to be expensive as well.”

The Baron, who had been listening to Cromley, turned back to Cecilia, adding,”He’s right. Lord Cromley’s fortune can take us far. He in fact holds contracts on several bands of mercenaries...”

“Which I will gladly direct to the Loyalists disposal,” Lord Cromley cut in,”after all, these men are sellswords of little question, as long as they’re paid well, they’ll do nearly anything I command of them. They’re not as desirable as loyal followers of heart, but we’ll have enough of those soon I believe.”

“Indeed,” the Baron affirmed,”and, Your Majesty, as for Sir Harper here, he will act as your bodyguard and companion on any ventures or trips you make. Your safety is his utmost responsibility.”

“A responsibility I will see to, even to the death.” Sir Harper said boldly, pressing his right fist to his heart and giving Cecilia a short nod.

“Good man.” Monticourt said, giving Harper and strong pat on his shoulder.

“Lord Monticourt,” Cromley said,”I believe that we should inform Princess Cecilia of our next course of action, ‘step two’ as she put it.”

“Of course,” the Baron said with a nod, turning to Cecilia,”I next step, Your Highness, is diplomacy. We need to gather more allies before we take any direct action against the Queen. I have arranged a meeting for next week with three other men who I believe will be of great boon to our cause. And for that, Your Majesty, we will need your help.”

~The Serpent Queen~

Alright, espionage it is, word for me!

~The Serpent Queen~

So, before I post my response, I must ask you an important question;

What direction or “theme” are you wanting this RP to explore? Are you wanting it to be built more on espionage or battle-based civil war?

If we take the path of espionage and secret plans, Cecilia and the Loyalists
will rely on shadier tactics such as assassination, blackmail, bribery, extortion and etcetera to topple Queen Malva. This will more or less be a from-the-shadows“rogue” type RP.

The battle-based path will be more straight-forward and the rebellion against Malva more militaristic. Cecilia and the Loyalists will gather support of nobles and commoners alike and lead an open rebellion against Malva. They will take her cities, wipe out her armies, and in the end march on her final stronghold in Dalhorst. This path will be more army and battle based as I said.

So, which do you prefer? I’m perfectly ecstatic for either course. I just need your choice in the matter and we will commence forth.

(And yes, I posted this in the middle of the night. Having trouble sleeping tonight so I figured why not post now, eh?)

~Nyte Bloods~

”I don’t think so!” Snarled Dalton, leaping after Alice and seizing her by her left arm, his strength proving far greater as he yanked her backwards toward him. He then took hold of her shoulders with both hands, using his superior strength to effectively hold her in place. He glared into her face, his gold washed eyes shining within their sockets, his nose and brow were wrinkled upward in a furious expression.

“Your not going anywhere, I said.” He growled dangerously, holding her tight by the shoulders.

Aleera and Thomas, who had been distracted by Alice’s outburst, immediately returned their attention to Liam, who still lay before them, wounded and unmoving.

“Hurry,” Thomas demanded,”kill him! Before he heals.”

Liam grinned weakly at this statement, his ragged breathing returning to normal, his face smoothing away from the contortion of pain. His injuried were already healing, his ribs, elbow, wrist and ankle were all mending beneath his skin. Aleera desperately raised the knife once more, the elaborate blade glimmering in the night.

The moment was suddenly broken by a shattering of glass from behind. Thomas, Aleera, and Dalton all turned their attention to the doorway to the balcony, and saw an unwelcome sight. The balcony door stood gaping wide open, a young woman stood in the doorway, frozen in shock at the scene before her. At her feet were the shattered remains of a wine glass, which were spread in a puddle of red liquid which etched across the floor. She was young, probably in her mid twenties, she wore a simple white dress with long sleeves and open across the top. She wore no mask on her face, her black hair was tied into a great braid which hung down the length of her back. Her blues eyes were wide and shimmered in fear at the horrifying scene before her. Several screams from within the building split the air, as several people inside were looking past her at the happening on the balcony.

“Oh my God!”
“Is that a knife!?”
“What’s going on!?”
“Help! Killers! Call the police!”

A chaotic chorus of screams and shouts erupted within the ballroom and mass panic ensued. People could be seen swarming towards the elevators within, pushing over and trampling one another to escape what they saw.
The young girl in the doorway began rapidly stepping backward, her breath heavy and sweat poured down her face.

“Dammit!” Cried Thomas from where he stood.

~The Serpent Queen~

Baron Monticourt smiled and gave a slight bow to Cecilia as the three of them approached after descending into the cellar.

“Good morning, Princess,” he said,”I trust you had a good night’s sleep. These men as you have guessed are my two associates, and cofounders of the Loyalist Coalition. Introducing Lord Weldon Cromley and Sir Robert Harper.”

The two men bowed respectfully as they were introduced to the Princess.
Lord Weldon Cromleywas a man of thin build and average height.
He wore the clothing of a nobleman, a deep colored coat, a fine vest and tunic underneath it, dark colored trousers that matched his coat, and a pair of fine leather shoes topped with silver buckles. He was a grim looking man that looked to be in his late thirties to early forties. His age-pocked face was frozen in a permanent look of foreboding.

Sir Robert Harperwas a far younger gentleman that both Lord Cromley and the Baron, looking to be in his late twenties. He was dressed far simply than both men as well, wearing a simple black tunic with a high collar and a pair of cream colored trousers and brown leather boots, worn around the edges slightly. His face held a state of seriousness and dignity, opposed to the unfriendly gloom of Lord Cromley’s expression. He was taller than the other two men as well, they’re heads even with his shoulders. At his side he wore a glimmering sword of steel, with a dual edged blade and a sharp tip, the hilt and pommel were ornamented with unique designs of twisted flame.

Lord Cromley spoke first, having raised from his bow first,”Good morning Princess Cecilia Alderton, I am Lord Cromley of Riven, it is an honorable privilege to meet you. I’m glad to see that your well, especially after what you’ve been through.”
His voice was smooth and oily as one might say, like that of a sly merchant or a two-faced politician. He smiled thinly, his mouth forcing dimples into his haggard cheeks.

Sir Harper spoke next,”Your Majesty, it’s an honor to meet you and a pleasure to see that you are well. I am Sir Robert Harper of Rosaldia, I am a knight of Alvion and serve in the court of the good Baron here.”
Sir Harper’s voice was more assertive and strong, bold even, opposite to the refined, sly voice of Lord Cromley.

The Baron gave an affirming nod and looked to the Princess, asking her,”Have you had your breakfast yet, Princess? I don’t wish to rush you, but we’d like to commence with the elaboration of our plans, our first move if you would, and we’ll need your counsel and assistance.”

~The Serpent Queen~

At the break of dawn, the village of Willowshire was awakened by the chorus of crowing roosters and barking dogs. Within the hour after first light, the village was already lively and at work. Farmers were checking and watering their fields, the village blacksmith could be heard hard at work with hammer and tongs at his forge, the wives of the farmers were at work as well, be it tending to the house or children, or milking the cows or tending to the chickens. Hunters had already departed their homes, their bows in hand and dogs in tow as they descended into the wilderness south of town to hunt for game, be it for food or to sell at the market in Dalhorst.

The inn was more or less empty for now, the only ones inside being Hans, the owner and barkeep, and Isabell, the maid, server, and flutist for the inn, and of course Baron Monticourt, who awaited for his two colleagues to arrive so they all might meet with the Princess and plan their first course of action.

While Hans and Isabell weren’t members of the Loyalists cause, they still shared their ideals, and both had no love at all for Malva and her illegitimate rule. They both agreed to house and care for the Princess, as well as keep her identity a secret. While there was little-to-no support for Malva in Willowshire, it was still prudent to keep Cecilia’s identity and location a secret. While Willowshire was of no major importance, patrols passed through town every couple of weeks, as well as many who would gladly turn over Cecilia to the Queen. After all, it was obvious that Malva would spend the next many weeks turning all of Alvion inside-out searching for Cecilia so’s to arrest her and have her executed, eliminating any chance of losing the throne. It only made sense that Malva would have bounties and wanted missives sent across the kingdom, and Baron Monticourt did not wish to risk some greedy merchant or some farmer down on his luck to turn in Cecilia for a hefty payment in coin.

If Cecilia was captured, all would be lost. There would be no chance for a second rescue. Malva would have her under the highest security and executed immediately to avoid her escaping again. And without Cecilia as their figurehead, their icon of revolution against tyranny, the Loyalists would never gain the needed support to topple Malva from the throne. Princess Cecilia was important in so many ways it was practically inconceivable.

___________________________________________________________________________

It was later that morning, just two hours short of noon when a knocking came at the door to the cellar. It was Baron Monticourt and his two associates, whom had finally arrived after a long journey across the countryside. They now stood huddled together outside the door, awaiting Cecilia’s permission to enter the cellar.

~The Serpent Queen~

It’s no problem @beccablob, you’re perfectly good. 👍🏼

~Nyte Bloods~

Liam lay on his back, his breathing ragged, his eyes squeezed shut. While he had felt far worse pain before than this, it still didn’t make him total insusceptible to pain at all. And broken bones weren’t exactly the most painless of inflictions on the body, human or Nightborn.

Liam squeezed his eyes open and looked up at Thomas, his eyes and nose wrinkled in their corners, heavy breaths pushing past his thin lips.
“So...barbaric,”Liam huffed,”leering down at me in my time of pain. Like animals you are...”

Thomas responded with an angry growl and a hard stomp down onto Liam’s right ribs, using his Vampiric strength to fracture and break Liam’s ribs in a twisted chorus of crunching and snaps, as well as a sharp cry from Liam.
“Silence you bastard,”sneered Thomas,”your quite the proven hypocrite, daring to call another an animal, after what you’ve done.”

Liam, eyes squeezed close again, chuckled softly, replying,”I am...no betrayer. I....am a free spirit, Thomas. The laws of immortal are as meaningless to me as...the laws of...man.”

“So you’ve made more than clear you murderous snake.” Thomas hissed, grinding his heel into Liam’s broken ribs with cruel vigor, resulting in sharp winces and strains from Liam.
It was then that Aleera reached down and grabbed hold of Liam’s fallen knife, seizing it in her hands. She slowly stood and then turned back to the fallen Liam, a determined look on her face as her red eyes gleamed down at the fallen Vampire, now helpless in his wounded state. Without warning, she stamped down on Liam’s left elbow, shattering it beneath her foot. As Liam cried out Aleera lowered herself slowly, kneeling beside him. She looked him dead straight in the eyes, saying harshly,”You brought this on yourself, Liam Enduro.”
She raised the large, gleaming knife with her right hand dramatically over her head, preparing to plunge it down into Liam’s dark heart.