Stitches

The North Road

I love that everyone's introspection goes "and then there's this asshole" whenever they think of Ardonne. Glad to know I'm doing a good job RPing her like I imagined her to be!

The North Road

Ardonne gingerly flipped a page, regarding the culinary and medicinal uses of nettles as one of the party was abruptly awoken from his slumber. Initially she just watched Mort. Her eyes were full of questions - out of everyone assembled, it was starting to become apparent that he was the object of her fascination. She was dismissive towards the rest but curious towards Mort. Whatever it was that held her attention would remain unspoken for now; there were more pressing matters at hand.

"What is it," Ardonne hissed as Mort looked to and fro. "Are you frightened?" Even now she spoke with a goading sneer but...it didn't seem intentional. There was a reason, after all, that she had come to be known as a generally unpleasant little shit by the people who knew her. There was no way she was looking for a fight at this time in the morning, surrounded by capable and level headed veterans who'd pummel some sense into her if that's what it'd take. She just seemed to still be ruffled the wrong way by their meeting and a lack of sleep.

Paradigm Shift: Agents of Fate [Currently Accepting!]

Abigail was starting to crash, big time. Now that the initial shock wore off and the twinge of fear from being technically alone had started to quietly worsen, All she could think about was how tired she was and how much she didn't want to be standing around talking to strangers. Unfortunately for her, that's precisely what happened; all eyes turned to the kid in the crowd who looked bewildered at the sudden influx in attention. "What? Oh. Uhh…"

There was something in the way Zephyr said it that made her situation seem almost... comforting. Cool as it was to stand off against giant centipedes, the burning Man imprinted on someone's memory - she didn't catch who - made her realise that not only had she got off lucky, but that everyone really wanted to hear that she did. Exaggerating her trauma or complaining about the way she felt was just going to be another nail in the coffin. These people were adults, they were meant to know what they were doing. Everything was scary and uncertainty seeped down into her pores. The anxiety alone was enough to make Abigail yearn for a brisk jog around the mall to get away from these atrocious vibes. But if she could alleviate it, just a little - give these haggard souls some watery sense of relief…

"I actually started casting magic by accident in front of my folks. Grandma freaked out and I bolted like a jack rabbit 'cause I was so scared." It wasn't truly a lie if she just omitted what she was scared of, right? Abigail chuckled and continued. "Well it turns out this guy had scoped out my place and was waiting for me to turn. Followed me a mile out into the brush, calmed me down... said it was going to be okay if I'd just get in the car with him. Nat'rally, I didn't believe him at all. But y'know, the FOE were coming and he ain't got no badge so I hopped in. Guy was super nice, in fact. He had drinks and snacks and everything. We met up with another fella out by a shed and there was a little scuffle with the cops but nobody got hurt bad and I spent the rest of the journey hiking in the woods, which was chill."

Abigail...amended some parts, omitted many, but when she looked at it that way she was just thankful that the ride had been comparatively smooth. She smiled drowsily at Zephyr. "So yeah, I got off lucky I guess," she added on, stifling a yawn as her legs started to feel leaden. She felt better after talking about it though and seemed a little proud to be included in the grown up talk. After all, nothing was more validating for a teenager than being treated like an adult when it suited them.

The Blighted Kingdom

Alice

A L I C E

---

^{A L E X I B O U R D O N N E ◼ 1 9 ◼ F E M A L E ◼ V A S I L I U S}

^{"Whatever it takes."}

▼ A P P E A R A N C E:

---

A short, slightly chubby girl with freckles and short brown hair, Alice is often dressed in neutral tones and heavy cloth garments. To protect herself against the Blight she covers her skin as much as possible, wearing gloves and even a veil when she ventures into crowded areas. Sensitive to the cold, she wears a long hooded overcoat on top of her tunic and skirts, whilst she carries a backpack full of supplies and a belt for her coinpurse and personal effects. Tucked under the scratchy woolens and undershirts, she wears a gold necklace with the Bourdonne family insignia emblazoned onto the medallion. For a peasant-looking lass she carries herself with undue arrogance and doesn’t often crack a smile.

▼ B I O G R A P H Y:

---

In the kingdom of Vasilius, the petty nobility, landed gentry and bourgeoisie flourished in the outer fiefdoms. Lord and Lady Bourdonne had a smallish retinue of two dozen knights to their name due to their position, nestled closely to the centre of the country. This allowed them to maximize their revenue and pay back into the towns and villages in their fief. Though the Bourdonne family name was unremarkable in the annals of history they have produced excellent horses and cavalry for the royal family.

Alice, née Alexi, spent most of her life within the walls of the family castle. She was reared from a young age to marry into a more prestigious title and aimed for holding some influence in the royal court. Her brother was the one to handle family affairs and prepare to take over the estate. Alice was cooped up with tutors and books instead of embroidery and etiquette lessons. For as long as she remembered she had been waited upon hand and foot. She became a shrewd young girl by the time puberty started to kick in and it was decided that, to refine her physique and get her out of her parents' hair, she would take on horse riding lessons. It was around this time that she was introduced to the wider world outside of the castle walls through Roderick la Rochelle, a 'knight' in the most technical sense and a known butcherer amongst the commonfolk. He not only taught her impeccable dressage and cross country riding skills but also accompanied her on these trips, a hulking deterrent against opportunists.

When Alice was fourteen, her brother died of tetanus. This caused a considerable stir amongst the family and they scrambled to procure a fresh heir. Alice's tuition started to change to medicine and alchemical knowledge as doctors from the capital began to create a little prodigy out of her, the paranoia of her parents manifesting in relentless study hours and trips to and from the capital for practical demonstrations of the latest techniques and practices. They wanted to ensure that Alice would spot the signs of disease in her own children long before she might end up in such a catastrophic position but managed to force her further into her sheltered lifestyle, mingling with academics and professors. All the while Roderick became her snarling shadow; no matter where she went, if she passed the borders of her family's estate he fell into step behind her.

The beginning of the blight worsened her parents' paranoia into something akin to madness. The family was in a precarious position with Lady Bourdonne struggling to hold a pregnancy and the fiefdom starting to struggle against the plague. Desperate to retain their power, the retinue turned to patrolling the borders of their lands and forcing away the infected, sometimes using violence against their own people under the pretence of keeping the peace. Tensions began to worsen and the labourers saw the knights cutting down their family as money devoted to their public benefit was funnelled into ensuring an heir. Alice was no longer allowed to the capital, and soon, not even allowed outside of the estate.

Eventually problems came to a head. In order to sustain their wealth and protect their family name, the will was altered to give the eldest daughter the titles and assets originally reserved for her brother. Shortly after this impulse decision, Alice was briskly awoken and sent out in the cover of night to find the cure for the blight for her people. With nothing more than a purse full of coins and Roderick by her side, Alice was put into disguise for a nigh impossible quest whilst her parents warily turned their attention to the rioting peasantry nearing their castle.

▼ C H A R A C T E R G O A L S:

---

Find the cure and bring it back to the Bourdonne family estate, where they can supply it to the masses - and get all of the fame and glory for finding it.

▼ S K I L L S:

---

//SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

◼ WELL EDUCATED| Particularly in history and modern medicine. She's fully literate and quick to learn and document new information.

◼ NOTABLE CONNECTIONS | Though not a skill, the Bourdonne family crest can open doors and cash in favours, particularly in the mercantile upper middle class and bourgeoisie.

◼ HORSE RIDING | Used to partake in dressage and agility courses. Capable of manoeuvres beyond the average rider with the potential of specialising in mounted combat, with tuition.

//FEARS AND WEAKNESSES:

◼ PREJUDICED | Raised with a silver spoon. Looks down on the poor and often underestimates them.

◼ INEXPERIENCED | Had servants to do everything for her. Unused to hard work.

◼ ALONE (fear) | Can't imagine a life without the benefits of her family name and fortune. Can't imagine a life where she has absolutely nobody to fall back upon. Gets frightened when lost and alone, perhaps to irrational degrees.

▼ N O T E S:

---

//PARAPHERNALIA

◼ BOURDONNE FAMILY NECKLACE | A symbol of Alice's heritage, the Bourdonne family crest is an elaborate work of craftsmanship. There are less than a dozen genuine articles in the country and closely guarded by their owners. When one is lost or missing, the crest design is subtly changed. It allows her to prove her identity.

The North Road

Hey, don't beat yourself up over it. I couldn't stand the thought of RPing for weeks at a time last year. I don't mind slow paced RPs so long as everyone's on board, and by the sounds of it we're all in for the long haul

The North Road

How's everyone doing with their posts?

The Blighted Kingdom

Alice

A L I C E

---

^{A L E X I B O U R D O N N E ◼ 1 9 ◼ F E M A L E ◼ V A S I L I U S}

^{"Whatever it takes."}

▼ A P P E A R A N C E:

---

A short, slightly chubby girl with freckles and short brown hair, Alice is often dressed in neutral tones and heavy cloth garments. To protect herself against the Blight she covers her skin as much as possible, wearing gloves and even a veil when she ventures into crowded areas. Sensitive to the cold, she wears a long hooded overcoat on top of her tunic and skirts, whilst she carries a backpack full of supplies and a belt for her coinpurse and personal effects. Tucked under the scratchy woolens and undershirts, she wears a gold necklace with the Bourdonne family insignia emblazoned onto the medallion. For a peasant-looking lass she carries herself with undue arrogance and doesn’t often crack a smile.

▼ B I O G R A P H Y:

---

In the kingdom of Vasilius, the petty nobility, landed gentry and bourgeoisie flourished in the outer fiefdoms. Lord and Lady Bourdonne had a smallish retinue of two dozen knights to their name due to their position, nestled closely to the centre of the country. This allowed them to maximize their revenue and pay back into the towns and villages in their fief. Though the Bourdonne family name was unremarkable in the annals of history they have produced excellent horses and cavalry for the royal family.

Alice, née Alexi, spent most of her life within the walls of the family castle. She was reared from a young age to marry into a more prestigious title and aimed for holding some influence in the royal court. Her brother was the one to handle family affairs and prepare to take over the estate. Alice was cooped up with tutors and books instead of embroidery and etiquette lessons. For as long as she remembered she had been waited upon hand and foot. She became a shrewd young girl by the time puberty started to kick in and it was decided that, to refine her physique and get her out of her parents' hair, she would take on horse riding lessons. It was around this time that she was introduced to the wider world outside of the castle walls through Roderick la Rochelle, a 'knight' in the most technical sense and a known butcherer amongst the commonfolk. He not only taught her impeccable dressage and cross country riding skills but also accompanied her on these trips, a hulking deterrent against opportunists.

When Alice was fourteen, her brother died of tetanus. This caused a considerable stir amongst the family and they scrambled to procure a fresh heir. Alice's tuition started to change to medicine and alchemical knowledge as doctors from the capital began to create a little prodigy out of her, the paranoia of her parents manifesting in relentless study hours and trips to and from the capital for practical demonstrations of the latest techniques and practices. They wanted to ensure that Alice would spot the signs of disease in her own children long before she might end up in such a catastrophic position but managed to force her further into her sheltered lifestyle, mingling with academics and professors. All the while Roderick became her snarling shadow; no matter where she went, if she passed the borders of her family's estate he fell into step behind her.

The beginning of the blight worsened her parents' paranoia into something akin to madness. The family was in a precarious position with Lady Bourdonne struggling to hold a pregnancy and the fiefdom starting to struggle against the plague. Desperate to retain their power, the retinue turned to patrolling the borders of their lands and forcing away the infected, sometimes using violence against their own people under the pretence of keeping the peace. Tensions began to worsen and the labourers saw the knights cutting down their family as money devoted to their public benefit was funnelled into ensuring an heir. Alice was no longer allowed to the capital, and soon, not even allowed outside of the estate.

Eventually problems came to a head. In order to sustain their wealth and protect their family name, the will was altered to give the eldest daughter the titles and assets originally reserved for her brother. Shortly after this impulse decision, Alice was briskly awoken and sent out in the cover of night to find the cure for the blight for her people. With nothing more than a purse full of coins and Roderick by her side, Alice was put into disguise for a nigh impossible quest whilst her parents warily turned their attention to the rioting peasantry nearing their castle.

▼ C H A R A C T E R G O A L S:

---

Find the cure and bring it back to the Bourdonne family estate, where they can supply it to the masses - and get all of the fame and glory for finding it.

▼ S K I L L S:

---

//SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

◼ WELL EDUCATED| Particularly in history and modern medicine. She's fully literate and quick to learn and document new information.

◼ NOTABLE CONNECTIONS | Though not a skill, the Bourdonne family crest can open doors and cash in favours, particularly in the mercantile upper middle class and bourgeoisie.

◼ HORSE RIDING | Used to partake in dressage and agility courses. Capable of manoeuvres beyond the average rider with the potential of specialising in mounted combat, with tuition.

//FEARS AND WEAKNESSES:

◼ PREJUDICED | Raised with a silver spoon. Looks down on the poor and often underestimates them.

◼ INEXPERIENCED | Had servants to do everything for her. Unused to hard work.

◼ ALONE (fear) | Can't imagine a life without the benefits of her family name and fortune. Can't imagine a life where she has absolutely nobody to fall back upon. Gets frightened when lost and alone, perhaps to irrational degrees.

▼ N O T E S:

---

//PARAPHERNALIA

◼ BOURDONNE FAMILY NECKLACE | A symbol of Alice's heritage, the Bourdonne family crest is an elaborate work of craftsmanship. There are less than a dozen genuine articles in the country and closely guarded by their owners. When one is lost or missing, the crest design is subtly changed. It allows her to prove her identity.

The North Road

Ardonne seemed moody, reticent and standoffish. In reality she was absolutely terrified.

For one, she wasn’t expecting to be delayed. She wasn’t throwing furtive glances towards the border of the woods but rather the village she had come from, faint lantern lights in the windows and goodness knows how many searching eyes staring back in her direction. All it would take is one curious soul or one concerned maid for the town bell to start ringing and search parties to spread out and look for her. She sat with her knees drawn to her chest, looking away from the group and burying her nose and mouth in the crook of her elbow as she idly flipped the pages of her field guide resting on the grass near her hip. Her bow was propped against one of the rocks within arm’s reach.

She hadn’t said a word since her companions foiled her suicide mission. At the moment, she was coming off as a belligerent little girl compared to the seasoned fighters flanking her.

The Blighted Kingdom

Which of the regions do you each find most interesting and enthralling, and which mysteries are you eager to unravel first?

@Roman

All of the regions intrigue me but I sure do want to know what they've done with the prince!

Does anyone have any early theories about the source of the Blight?

@Roman

Mages. It's usually mages. Blasted magic-wielders.

When we begin the game, would you rather your characters were drawn to Vasilius and then sent out to begin their quest as a group? Or would you prefer a more individualistic approach, where each character pursued their own goals separately or in smaller partnerships?

@Roman

Honestly, whatever you'd prefer. I've just sorted out character concepts but we're leaving them vague enough to work into whatever plot hook you'd like us to adapt to.

The North Road

Oh, definitely make a camp. I think Ardonne's little stunt proved nobody wants to go hunting now (except for her maybe, and even then, she doesn't -really- want to go hunting)