Randomness

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Athena looked at the scene in front of her with some confusion. She was not expecting all of Evan’s wargs to intercept these, whatever these things were called. Still, she appreciated the help. Given their resilience, she might not have been able to hold them long if at all. While the wargs were occupying the abominations, Athena took a look behind her. Jazdia had repositioned, and had plenty of room to maneuver or flee depending on how the rest of the fight went. There was some distance between her and those who were originally charging at least. With how persistent the wargs were, it didn’t seem likely they would go down quite so easily.

Athena took the next opportunity to see how everyone else was faring. Delving had entered the battle, and was working down Yvonne. The two were locked in a sort of dance, Yvonne working well to keep the nobleman’s weapon’s lethal end away. As for the other abominable brutes, Evan seemed to be taking care of them, too. Between his wargs and his ice blocks, he was working hard to keep the battlefield on lock.

Athena jumped forward almost looking as though she would have fell on her face. Instead her form rapidly changed and just before she landed, Athena was gone and replaced with a cat. Quickly dashing through the grass across the dirt path, Athena circled Delving. Yvonne and Jonas were engaged in a battle, yet at the speed they were going, Athena would end up too slow, awaiting for the outcome of the bout before she could make a move.

Near the manor, Solomon watched as Veronica managed to charm the two guards by merely existing. Her attempt to intimidate them didn’t catch them in fear but infatuation. Veronica played them up quite well. Solomon watched in amusement. There was stark contrast between the noise the battle indicated and the demeanor of these watchmen. Solomon turned back to the others to see what they were going to do. The twins were just as baffled. At least he assumed they were given their stunned silence. Varya was gone. When that happened, Solomon couldn't say.

“Alright, I think this has gone on long enough.” said Solomon in a soft whisper. He reached into his cloak and removed a small pouch. He opened it and jumbled around some of the items inside. From within, Solomon retrieved a small bottle of clear liquid and a couple bits of cloth. He finagled a bit with the items before tucking the materials back under his cloak. Suddenly, his form became undefined, darkening to that of shadows. Almost like a snake his form flew into the wall, trailing into the shadows cast by torches.

The two guards were finishing there conversation as a black shadowy entity rose from the ground behind them. Perfectly silent, Solomon’s figure came to be once more. From under his cloak, two gloved hands reached forward gently holding a slightly damp cloth each. The harsh smell they emitted was masked by the chemicals already permeating the area. Solomon covered each of the two guard’s mouths and noses with the cloth. With their surprise by Solomon’s sudden appearance, he was able to hold them just long enough for the two men to fall unconscious and collapse. Solomon stashed the wads of cloth away below his cloak.

“They should be out for a couple hours.” said Solomon, “I fear what they might have said should the conversation be allowed to continue.”

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

An explosion. The first wave of guards appeared to have been ineffective in delaying the attacking party’s assault on the manor. In no time, they cleared the outer field and already breached the second gate. Solomon immediately halted his investigation as the disoriented man began to walk forward in earnest. Whatever the man was and what he was being affected by became the attacking party’s problem now. Solomon quickly retreated.

Solomon noticed whilst passing by the basement entrance again that it lacked any doors, and some dialog could be heard inside. He paused to eavesdrop. He wondered if the second explosion had drawn enough attention from those below to take action. As he peered down the basement entrance, he could see Veronica was already there, tentatively creeping down, but still aware of her surroundings.

Solomon’s shadowy figure emerged from the ground and slowly retook shape that was easily recognizable. No long completely silent, Solomon whispered his presence so Veronica would know it to be him. “I wasn’t able to get anything clear, but I can confirm that guard lives. He looks to have engaged Jazdia. We should be free to push further once the others arrive. I trust Jazdia and those who are with her to keep the above ground guards occupied.” he said softly. Then he ceased speaking further, listening to the two men further inside speaking, while at the same time waiting for the bears and Varya.

While Solomon was with the others infiltrating the basement bunkers, Athena was facing down a new wave of eight men. Five were odd in their movements, but just as aggressive if not more so than what Yvonne displayed. The others were a part of Jonas Delving detail. Athena knew he was involved and Veronica did mention that he was on the premises. Perhaps it was too optimistic to hope that his visit was merely that, and he wasn’t involved. Let alone hoping he had left.

“Ice guy.” Athena called, forgetting Evan’s name at the moment. The speed the odd brutes were charging at gave little time coordinate, “Protect the left.” Even before Athena called, it looked like Evan was already preparing his own counter attack. His wargs, or at least one of them, leapt forward and dashed after a bodyguard, while the ice mage himself crafted a shield mirroring Delving’s.

Athena put all of her focus on the two men that were moving towards Athena’s general direction. Athena saw that their path wasn’t directly at her, instead off to her side towards Jazdia’s position. The elven archer already started to reposition. To give her a better chance to evade the brutes, Athena moved to intercept. She ran as fast as she could to put herself between the altered guard and Jazdia. She held her shield up, her spear pointed forward, the tip burning in purple flames. If the guard would attempt to evade her block, she would lunge at the guard with her spear.

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Solomon hid among the shadows of the second wall when Veronica quickly approached alone. It was difficult to see in the dark, but Solomon trusted Veronica not to have left the others stranded by the other wall and they would be making their way soon enough. The difference in condition between the first and second walls was obvious, with stones yet to be weathered from the elements for an extended period of time.

Veronica wasted no time in scaling the wall. After she scanned a bit, she returned down along the outside. A simple request was had, and Solomon obliged. A strange guard with obvious signs of life barely observed. It was enough to make Veronica question it, and given her line of work was cause for some concern. Solomon’s formless body snaked across the edge of the wall. His path began to rise as he climbing the stonework until he followed the remaining distance to the guard from the parapet. True to what she said, a man was stood mostly motionless facing towards the inner wall’s main gate and manor entrance.

From what Solomon could perceive, the figured offered no whispers of the dead. He was neither dead nor risen. As for his odd mannerisms, Solomon couldn’t put his finger on it. He wasn’t afflicted from what he could tell. His movements when he offered any didn’t suggest him to be under the influence of any disease that he knew about, but they were still odd to watch. If the guard was being manipulated by anything, it was out of Solomon’s expertise. But he could only observe so much form atop of the wall. In a form that was otherwise undetectable by any of the natural senses, Solomon approached the guard to get a better assessment. Not likely for anything to be different without fully inspecting the man and invading his personal space, Solomon went to discover as much as he could before quickly departing through the wall and to Veronica.

Across the yard to the main gate of the outer wall, Athena followed Yvonne in. With the majority of combatants downed, her focus returned to the thug prepared to fire upon Yvonne as the mad blade dashed forward. The manor’s guard held his crossbow true and went to take aim at Yvonne. As Athena pushed forward, she focused on the guard closest to Yvonne. The crossbow in the thug’s hand would burst into purple flame. Athena would hope that would be enough to scare the man into dropping it, or at the very least ruin his aim. Should that succeed, the flame would jump from the crossbow to the tip of Athena’s spear, originating from the two pearls just below the tip of the spear. Hopefully then the light would distract the second guard into firing upon her rather than Yvonne. At least then, Athena had her shield prepared to block the incoming bolt.

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

The explosion wasn’t subtle, like that was even possible for explosions. It was loud enough to alert the man lingering inside. It was loud enough to be heard by the far western corner where Solomon, Veronica, and the others were beginning to cross the wall. All in all, it sounded like the distraction was working as intended. Solomon looked over towards the southern edge of the wall on instinct before he attention returned to the others.

“This wall Is decently tall,” Solomon commented. His head tilted back as he looked up towards the top. The tower that extended further skyward just nearby made it appear more imposing. The masonry was worse for wear, haven’t been treated in a good long while, bit that didn’t matter much to Solomon. “But walls haven’t been too much of an issue for me. I’ll see you on the other side.”

Solomon faced the wall. As a breeze blew past, the grasses shifted and the near by tree leaves rustled, yet Solomon’s clothes remained still. His form turned shadowy as all pigmentation, as little as there was faded into darkness. Almost like smoke, Solomon’s form disappeared into the wall, no longer possible to be seen from any of his allies outside.

Near the front of the estate, the gate was easily blown open and already the two sides were engaging. The few men on the inside were already prepared. A boom and a yell from Yvonne and everything quickly went into full swing. Athena ran forward, her shield up, and her spear poised. Incoming bolts flew through the air, piercing the low laying smoke from Louise’s musket. Still, she pressed on, following near Yvonne as they pushed forward. If she could put more attention onto her, the Louise and the other ranged members of the group could continue unafraid of being pushed into. All the while, Athena kept watchful eye of her surroundings, her gaze piercing the darkness.

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Wargs. Creating ice and manipulating it near faultlessly wasn’t enough. The pale man named Evan also could also command wargs made of hard light. Already knowing Veronica, it was clear to see Antigone had done her homework when she requesting aid from those beyond the walls of Rascade. The skills of Charles of Farris have yet to be seen, but ultimately, it didn’t matter. They were going to stay with the carriage. Athena seemed to trust them, so Solomon decided not to question it.

Early morning, the atmosphere was cold as the remnant of winter still clung to the air. Soft breezes rustled the grass and the leaves of the trees. Everyone was up, and underway. So far everyone was on schedule. They were just outside the Stritzel estate when Veronica and Jazdia departed. It wasn’t long before the silence was broken again with Evan’s introduction. Right, he was new. Though he was with Veronica, not everyone was introduced.

“Doctor Solomon Sparrow.” said the well clothed undead. He nodded his head to the others. “I apologize if this is the first you’re hearing it.”

“Oh, I’m Athena. I’m thinking for the two team plan, I’ll go with the attacking party.” she said, “Once Jazdia comes back and we begin setting out I’ll do my best to protect you.” Athena was easily awoken when the time came to depart for the mission the hour earlier. Despite having basically slept all day, she was able to return to her sleep that night without consequence. Perhaps that is why she was up and ready in record time.

Solomon agreed with Jazdia when the two women returned from their followup. Not just because of his medical knowledge, but he felt better being able to sneak in and give support. He really wasn’t suited to take to the front lines and he chose to avoid it himself when he could. For that he normally had other allies. The party was still new, so calling forth those allies would probably need to wait for now. The party was decently sized and given the news that Stritzel seemed to not be concerned enough for her safety, felt they would be fine. The noblewomen would probably be fine usually, but she seemed to dismiss the position she placed herself in the political conflict.

“Oh, those are interesting medications.” said Solomon, as he rounded behind Yvonne as she handed the containers to Veronica, “Such little faith in my abilities, I see.” his sentence ended in a chuckle, finishing his light teasing.

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

So that was that, the plan to head out in the morning was finalized. Four hours past midnight, well before dawn, but would still give everyone time to sleep and rest. Some needed it most Solomon observed. Erwin was the first for obvious reasons. Jazdia also looked like she could use the rest. He wasn’t sure about the scouting party, but if they had been up all day, then rest was warranted for them as well. However, something about the pale man looked as though he would be fine for several hours more, not that is mattered. He should still sleep if he was going to join the party instead of staying back with the two Antigone men.

The pale man posed a question, and one by one people started answering it. For some, the question might have been the first time people reflected on what it was they were tasked to do. For other’s it wasn’t a pleasant conversation. But it did open the eyes of many on what killing truly meant to them.

“Death is inevitable.” said Solomon, “Those who die early are usually those who put themselves into that risk. One does not go out into the world, wage war, or even give life without even a twinge of knowing that their might soon end. So what it’s like to kill a person, it can be heart wrenching. Nothing is safe despite everything you do. It can also be a relief. The raw emotion cannot truly be felt until you find yourself with the choice to kill. To me, death is a stepping stone. If I am the one to nudge anyone onto that stone, so be it. I don’t plan for it to truly end.”

Solomon bowed his head to the pale man before he walked away to another spot in the camp where he intended to help keep watch. The details of the invasion would be finalized en route by the sounds of it. It would take an hour to travel to the mansion, so there would be plenty of time. Right now, it would be best to get everyone to sleep.

“I never really killed someone before.” said Athena. Her arm was wrapped around her spear, leaning against it with her hand under her chin. “I’ve been in plenty of battles, and I have seen people be killed. Yet, I’ve never been the one to do it. I don’t think I’d feel any different had I killed. I have wounded others and have not felt guilty about it. They have always come to attack me or those around me. No. I think that if I do to protect my allies and my kingdom, then there shouldn't be any guilt. My duty done."

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Athena turned to look at Charles and Farris as Veronica was giving the report. They nodded at the parts where they encountered difficulty in completing their mission, as to confirm their failures. That was bothersome. But it did lead credence to Stritzel being very prepared for a confrontation. Under normal circumstances, being as close to Meche as she was, it could be argued she was protecting her place of residence. But there were too many red flags to ignore about how she went about with it. And then there was Delving. Athena knew of the King’s rocky relationship with that noble house. Especially since they had power within the navy, and their heir was the admiral. If Stritzel was working with Delving, and she was going to fortify her manor with barely any occupants, something was off.

“I don’t suppose you were able to actually count how many guards the manor had?” asked Athena.

“Eh, no, not really.” replied Charles, “With Lady Veronica unable to peak inside, and the walls getting in the way…”

“No, Veronica was able to infiltrate the manor," interrupted Farris, "How else did we know it was mostly empty? It was her scry attempt that failed. Besides, we were also spending a bit of time trying to get the geolocator operational.”

“Yeah, I suppose. We worked on the locator while Lady Veronica did her thing.” replied Charles, “At least we can confidently say that any guards the place does have hasn’t changed since we started scouting. They haven’t any reinforcements. You know, from outside the manor.”

“Yet”

Athena nodded, as her ears twitched towards the conversation between Jazdia and Veronica. Charles and Farris noticed, too, as the bear twins were also asking questions. Some planning had begun, and it was now best to focus their attention back to Veronica. After a bit of confirming the involvement of Jonas, and the motivations of Stritzel, a plan of action was starting.

“Under the cover of the night sounds ideal.” affirmed Solomon. For the entire debrief, he stood silently listening, “and though I might not appear the best suited for it, I can accompany Veronica throughout the night. She is right, everyone needs their sleep, and I do not wish for anyone to require Thernous insomnia pills. Speaking of, Erwin needs the sleep most of all.”

After Charles and Farris spoke up, Athena replied, “Really? As much as we want to avoid calling it, we need to lay siege to the mansion. We could use your help.”

“They do bring up a good point.” said Solomon, “We should not bring the carriage, it is too large and creates too much noise. Having someone keep watch over it is not a terrible idea. If we take the horses, it will be hard to move it. Our window is small if everyone is to sleep and be ready come before dawn. We don’t have any more time to reposition, nor do we have time to delay another day.”

“Fine then, I trust you guys enough to know what you’re doing.” said Athena.

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance Wilds

---

As black cat got closer to the scout party and Jazdia, its form suddenly began changing. After a bit, Athena was walking near the elf and her fire arrow.

“I guess, you didn’t need me, after all. I didn’t expect one of your friends to be among those sent by Antigone.” said Athena. The yokai looked towards the scouting party. Interestingly enough, they were just as an odd mix of characters as the initial party sent by Kin Fredricus. When Athena first approached, she could only count three, but there were four present.

“For what it’s worth, the two on horses are with Antigone.” Athena stood by observing the pale man and her two colleges from Antigone while the Jazdia caught up with the lifeless lady, Veronica. Whatever news the king had sent them didn’t seem to include the change in the mission. For the best, giving it a second thought. It would not do to have valuable information in the wrong hands should the messenger be shot. But in the end, Athena was glad that the meet up went off without any complications.

Athena walked down the hill with the others as they continued their brief chat. At the same time, Athena spoke with Farris and Charles, asking them how goes the traveling and their mission. While Charles started to explain it, Farris cut him off, toting that it would be better if everyone, especially Thernous were present to hear it. Athena shrugged and they reached the camp shortly after.

Back at the camp, Solomon walked away from the horses after a few of them started to settle down to sleep. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it looked like scouting party had arrived with Jazdia and Athena. Among them, Solomon was surprised to see Veronica. He could have sworn that after the last incident, she would be done with these kinds of missions, instead wanting to focus on changing her newly claimed land. His head lowered covering his face in further shade. The king must be pulling as much talent he can across multiple facets of the edging war.

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

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

It was night again, and camp was not exactly being made. Some of the party were expecting the unite with a recon team that, others were attempting to sort out a camp. The issue with fire came up between the bears and Louise, but otherwise, everyone was simply playing the waiting game. Jazdia had already taken to the hill. Solomon dismounted the carriage to deal with the horses. Solomon wasn’t quite sure what was the plan for the rendezvous beyond that there was to be one.

A black cat with two tails was sitting in a tree. Shortly after Jazdia had mentioned they had stopped, Athena exited the wagon to get a view of her surroundings. It took her a moment to get her barrings, having slept in the carriage almost the entire day. That was probably irresponsible of her, but it didn’t matter now. The first chance she got, she dashed through the foliage of the nearby trees before climbing up one, and sitting in wait. She could see that Jazdia had decided wait atop the hill. Athena figured that would make the most sense. It was the highest landmark, and it would give her an unobstructed view. Athena didn’t mind being where she was, but she kept her senses alert.

She didn’t know where the scouts would be coming from, so Athena didn’t keep her focus in any one direction. Her ears would twitch at new sounds, and her head to quickly turn to new stimuli, quickly checking if the source of the disturbance were the scouts. Once the noise of their horses started to filter through the trees, Athena jumped down and ran through the grass towards where she expected to cross paths. So far that appeared to be near if not on the hill with Jazdia. Not surprising. Jazdia had set fire to one of her arrows, just enough to mark herself as a waypoint.

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

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Kindeance

---

Solomon hoped with winter having passed, the restoration of Fanghorn could continue steadily. At least enough to the point those forced to live outside of its walls could return to the safety of its gates. Solomon’s skill with the carriage was really put to the test crossing the bridge. It was narrower than the sections of the bridge still standing, and more than once did the wheels creep near the edge of the pathway. Thankfully, Solomon was able to finally cross, and the carriage sped away west towards the Stritzel estate.

After the ruined remains of Fanghorn was lost behind the myriad of trees and other nature features, the bear sisters started to bother Thernous and even Solomon about what had happened there. Their pushiness made the carriage drift as they shifted their bodies to focus on the two arguably elderly men with their inquiries. After Solomon steadied the carriage, he spoke.

“It was not just your brother’s doing.” said Solomon, as he twisted the reins in between his hands, keeping the horses on course. “The plants? A friend of mine grew them. The fires? An evil mage. The crater? That is where the mage put an end to himself. No, most of the damage done to that town was self inflicted by outside oppressors. If you want to blame Cedar for anything, it’s providing the seeds and winding the road leading to the city. He only wanted to hinder the evil mage’s routes of escape. Now hold on, I need to focus a little. It looks like we will be stopping soon.”

For the most part, everything Solomon said was mostly the truth. Cedar may have planted the seeds, but it was through August’s power that they started to grow through the night. It gave the brambles a head start until the sun fed them and the magic really spiraled. August was an undead druid in which Solomon befriended long ago. Cedar planted the seeds and their means to grow, but August took over those plants when Cedar visited the keep with the others. It was also Asevor’s decision to incinerate the plants once they grew unruly. It was a decision that truly set fire to the town.

Solomon purposefully did not mention the wild magic rain dance. There wasn’t any point to it. Even had Cedar not cast a localized hurricane, the fires alone would have killed townsfolk and destroy infrastructure. The weather spell could be said to have replaced the damage that would have been caused by fire to that of wind and water. Solomon did not entertain any further questions the girls had, as his attention went from them to the elf archer on the black steed. After Jazdia spoke with Thernous for a minute, she directed them to head further north.

After several more minutes, they were lead off the side of the road, into a clearing near a hill. The trees were thicker here, making traversing farther into the clearing impossible for the carriage. Jazdia came back around and stopped next to Solomon. She posed a question, and Solomon took a moment to turn his head around the potential campsite. Still out of view of the estate, but dangerously close to any of their frequent visitors, the hill looked to offer a perfect vantage point.

“I think this spot should do just fine. I worry about cover though. Should anyone wander by, it will not be hard to miss our carriage. The hill would be a suitable place for anyone to keep watch.” said Solomon.