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Messages - minerva
1
« on: July 09, 2024, 11:30:47 am »
Writing in her journals
The prince seemed a bit shocked that I would put my life and reputation on the line for such a low price. Against my better judgement, I agreed to travel to this magic disturbance with only the promise of my pick of breeding stock from the Jaanars’s herd and the promise to speak to him of the transfer of land as payment for my services. Promises are easily broken. Driss has not yet arrived in the city and it is under bombardment so I can’t choose my stock right away.
Travel was jarring as sending three dwarves, an apprentice level mage, myself and Prince via some teleport spell. It also meant that I have no solid concept of where I am in the gods forsaken desert. The Prince has indicated its miles from the Keeper ruins but not which direction.
There are far more of these creatures confirmed as Giouness in comparison to their slaves at this location.
We are in some type of ruined caverns. There is a gate in the lower bowels that hums of blood magics. Gods I wish I paid more attention to my father’s ramblings on blood magics. The others are looking to me to destroy it. Something that appears aeons old, works on a form of magic I only vaguely understand and they seem to think that I can destroy it. Maybe I can. Do I want to?
Down here are slaves and an odd elf that speaks of Sinthar Bloodstone and some kind of connection to these Giouness. Does Sinthar’s ex general Rael have a hand in this conquest. It’s not a huge secret that he covets this land and wants to spread his power where he can. This area was, at one time, an interest to another minor minion of Bloodstone as well.
Father made a deal with Milara It gained him power, wealth and freedom. Sedera is full of wealth and good farm lands. So what if the population becomes enslaved, as long as I am not one of them. I know how this works, but should I choose to side with the Giouness I would need to be very discrete.
I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being herded in a direction that I don’t want to take. We’ve only been in this cavern a day at most and the place is filled with forces. Even Wev who can be a shadow when he tries can’t get close to portal. Dsen keeps putting on the pressure to rush.
I’m so frustrated I want to tear at something. Why the hell am I even here?
Dsen has asked me to trust him. The others I trust to be as stupid as sheep. I doubt duplicity has even entered their minds unless it is about myself.
What do I want to do ? I want to collapse the damn thing, clean out the basin and go the hell home. So what if they rebuild or re-open it. It will buy some time to guard it . Make it too much of a hassle to keep sending forces to be picked off and maybe it will be stopped. Maybe it will buy enough time to study the thing and know how to permanently shut it down.
Too many maybes
2
« on: July 01, 2024, 09:46:31 pm »
Hey cakes.
I'd like some graveyard dirt and black onyx .
I'll pay you the going rate of 40 a handful for the dirt and 50 a piece for the onyx.
If you could get me 100 of both or as much as you can
Charlee
3
« on: June 25, 2024, 10:50:54 am »
FIRE IN THE BLOOD “Mistress” a timid voice calls from outside the chamber doors “Mistress, an envoy is at the doors for you”
Sophia emits a low growl and reaches her hand up to rub her temples in frustration. “Who ?” she calls back as her dominant hand flexes a slender braided short whip letting its crack rent the air. A startled yip emits from the hall and she grins at the effect
“I do not know Mistress but the message he carries looks important” a shaky voice replies.
“I will be up shortly, show them to the receiving room and for Xeen's sake keep them out of the common room.” Sophia answers as she walks over to a small cubicle of marble set into the corner of the room. She peels off the red leather trousers and jacket she was wearing and sets them aside as she pulls a lever to let a torrent of warmed water sluice over her bared body. A silent figure hands her a soft length of absorbent cloth to dry herself then just a silently. Sophia dons the fresh clothes handed to her and she strides for the door. With a backward glance she makes a series of gestures and mutters an arcane phrase. A masculine scream fills the air as she releases her spell on the man chained in the room. “I'll be back to deal with you later”
She strides down the hall, her heels tapping out her gait on the cobbles as she she makes her way up a sturdy stone staircase and pushes a thick oak door open. On the other side is a plushly decorated hall that opens into a foyer flanked with a grand staircase to a second story. Off the foyer are a couple other passages. One can catch the sounds of laughter and music coming from one direction while Sophia heads in the opposite. She enters a room decked in dark mahogany panels and one large thick paned window streaming in mid day light. The glass is not fully translucent but once can see through it enough to tell it overlooks a garden and outdoor pool of some sort. There is a heavy desk at one side and two comfortable looking arm chairs flank a stone fireplace set into the wall. Various curiosities full the room. Vases, flowers, taxidermy animals and shelves with some arcane appearing artifacts as well as some nautical decor. In all a very elegant eclectic room.
A dark skinned man in the livery of a messenger nods as she enters. He is standing next to the fire.
“You are stonebound?” he asks
“Who makes such an inquiry” She counters
“I have a message for any stonebound from Dsen Ravorinin. He offers 1000 true to meet with him” he replies and places a card on the mantle of the fireplace. He bows his head in a show of respect and strides out of the room.
When the envoy leaves,Sophia walks over to the mantle where the card is placed. She fixes her concentration on the card and incants a phrase softly. The card glows blue briefly to show it is not enchanted. She then picks up the card , then takes it to her desk where she sits and with a neat deliberate stroke, marks the information in a book on her desk. Once again her face bears the look of concentration for a minute before she takes quill in hand , bows her head and writes on some documents on her desk
A short time later, a man appears at the threshold of the room's door. He's tall and strongly built. His sandy brown hair is lit with lighter blond highlights and the brown tone of his skin belies his outdoor lifestyle.
“You summoned me Mistress?” He asks , still leaning in the door frame.
“Driss, come in” she gestures to the chair in front of her desk.
Driss strides into the room and seats himself in the chair , leaning back with casual grace.
Sophia leans her elbows on the desk, chin in her hands. “Tell me what you know of the Sederan Abt and the son of the Jnaar , Dsen.
“Well Mistress, the Abt are as skilled at navigating the shifting sands of the desert as sailor are the water of the seas. They are constantly in motion, never staying in one place for long and they are split in family groups, some of those families very very large.” He makes a gesture asking permission to stand. Sophia nods and he gets up from his chair and makes his way behind hers. Strong hands grip her shoulders and knead the muscles of her shoulder and neck. He continues as he works on the tension in her neck. About two dozen members of the Abt form the Sand Sea Synod and very powerful. The Jnaar answer to them and only with their approval can he act. Dsen I believe is his third son and has command over their warriors. He is more than a figure head and believe he is known to be a very good warrior. He is not however in line to take the throne. His second eldest brother I think has been named the next Jnaar. The eldest being skipped over because he is hotheaded, impulsive and I think none too bright. Dsen has many sisters, some of them quite lovely. But none are you Mistress Sophia” He places small kisses along the side of her neck.
She reaches her arm back to trap his head there. “What is there of value in the kingdom?”she asks as she runs her fingers along the nape of his hair at his neck.
Between kisses he replies. The kingdom relies heavily on trade as its deserts grow little except in the northeast where there is plenty of arable land. As you know they are rich in minerals and especially silver ore. There are magic artefacts in the treasury from the foundation of the city but a humble horseman such as myself would not know what they are. Of course there is the usual trapping of wealth, gold, gems, fine cloths.” He punctuates each of those with a nibble on her neck.
Sophia loosens her hold on his head and stands to face him. He stills as if on command as she pulls the fine linen shirt tails from his leather breeches and moves her hands up his muscled abdomen and chest.
“Why does a humble horseman know these things about the Sedarans, hmm” she murmurs as she unlaces the ties of his shirt so she can nip at the firm smooth skin beneath.
“You know very well Mistress, that I was apprenticed to care for the zreass” He replies as he in turn slips his hands under her blouse to feel the warmth of her back, a finger tracing the length of her spine.
“Apprentice, is that what they called it. Tell me of the zreass” She murmurs contently
They are the wind of the desert Mistress” Driss replies. “Bred to be fast and light as they fly across the sands with a warrior on their back. They are fearless and bold yet they have a fragile beauty about them. They can find water where there seems to be none. They can withstand the heat of the sands without difficulty. They are a proud and noble animal”
“Would they blend well with my stock here, and would they withstand the voyage to get here?” she asks, raising her head to look at him.
“There were several taken by raiders when I was Mistress. We shared the belly of the ship for many days before Silas and his crew liberated us. They did well on the voyage. Silas I believe sold them further down the coast though, not wanting the animals on his crossing. There were none in the holding pens when you purchased me from Silas.” Driss replies
Sophia slips her hands out from under his shirt and steps back. She grabs the jacket she had discarded when she entered the room. “We have some work to do Driss, we can play later. Maybe I'll let you play with my new toy below if things go well.” She motion for Driss to join her as she leaves the room and can be heard asking him “What do you think a Sederian prince wants to meet with to discuss on not even his own continent, let alone kingdom”
Maria,
I arrived in a wooded clearing. In the distance the walls of Arnax could be seen towering above the trees and the call of seabirds can still be heard. I appear to have been the first to arrive at the designated meeting place. Finding a vantage point where I can observe the road and all that come and go, I settle in a comfortable spot, take a swig from my canteen and wait. I surround myself in a hazy bubble of magic that blocks me from the prying eyes of others unless they, like I possess magical enhancement to their sight.
I do not have to wait long. A lithe elven woman appears in the clearing. She too looks around and not seeing anyone settles herself a distance from me. A short time later two red bearded dwarves amble into the clearing. Both are armed to the teeth as dwarves are wont to do but with them comes the distinct odour of hogs. I wrinkle my nose and resist the urge to cause a magical wind to blow the stench away, but thankfully Katia sees fit to change the direction herself and I am spared the barnyard smells. The dwarves amicably chat with the elf, which is odd behaviour for both races but they must be stone bound like I and thus act differently than common folk. Finally the arrival of another older dwarf confirms that these people are indeed stone bound. I recognize the new dwarf as someone I have travelled with in the past; Gorm of the mighty raging temper.
Not long after the final dwarf arrives, a cloaked figure makes his way close to where I have perched myself. I watch the figure and recognize the similarities in dress to the envoy; only these clothes are much finer and well made even if they show the fatigue of use. A swarthy skinned man with scars drops his hood and introduces himself as Dsen Ravorinin, third son of the Jnaar and commander of the military forces.
I hold her words as he spins a tale of almost unbelievable proportion. Somehow an army of tens of thousands of fire creatures has appeared seemingly out of nowhere in the desert and appear to be on a direct path to the standing city of Audria. Nothing is mentioned of the Camel City or the Abt. The prince has failed to garner any useful intelligence on the force, he knows nothing of their purpose or even why the standing city has been targeted. He makes an appeal to those gathered that he needs their help in delaying the forces until allies can be put in place to repel an attack on the standing city. He does not mention the state of any of the other cities and he makes what he feels is a generous offer to the group of compensation for their efforts.
I ask why the meeting is outside Arnax and not in Audria itself. Dsen insinuates that this is more convenient and quicker for sailing to the Audria aboard his vessel. After a period of chatter, most of it inane, they do in fact move to a vessel docked in Arnax harbour and set sail for the port of Audria. The lithe woman is called Lia and has some training it seems in the way of the al’noth as well as with a blade. The dwarves are known to Gorm and are called Gumbo and Vanderfall. It is one called Gumbo that smells like a swine.
Once aboard the vessel and underway I spread all the maps and geographical information that Dsen provides on a large work table to peruse with Gorm. Toran’s testicles The information is woefully incomplete and does not match my comprehension of the desert that I have spent many days mining and exploring over the years. It would seem the commander is withholding information either on purpose or out of ignorance. He does not seem an ignorant man so he must serve some other purpose. The Abt perhaps have a hand in this?
It seems Lil has made her way onto the ship but no Glitch accompanies her. Pity but at least Lil is here to hopefully provide reason or at least some fun. Things are rarely dull around Lil.
Dsen’s looking for ways to slow the host. He has eliminated and discounted the use of geographic features as bottlenecks and kill zones. No illusions to disguise deep crevasses to lead them into, like those that exist in the northeastern part of the kingdom. In an area rife with caves It is difficult to believe the geography can’t be exploited. Turning the giants, bandits and other denizens of the desert against the invaders was discounted. I guess diplomacy isn’t the strong suit of this population.
What did they decide? I say they because at this turn in events I withdrew. Traps, hundreds and hundreds of traps and sound devices distributed in the path of the invasion. Traps that would at best slow the march and perhaps cause a smattering of casualties relative to their overall numbers.. Confusion would be temporary at best. If an entity has the means and might to assemble such a horde then can it be assumed that a few hundred to a thousand traps is going to put them off their game for long?
It is almost as if Dsen doesn’t want large casualties, as if he wants to be seen as doing something but without actually doing anything effective. He claims it would be too difficult to evacuate and abandon the city. A culture of nomads making a stand over bricks and mud. What am I missing here? He has given no reason for the attack. He doesn’t seem like a stupid man. Playing his cards that close? He’s hiding something.
I play along, even to Lil whom I like to confuse the others by occasionally calling her Archer. I scribe some scrolls to allow this other mage to transform herself into a dragon so she can better assist in placing the traps. Would you believe the so called magic users of Audria had not even explored for a change in the al’noth to signal the invasion’s beginning?
I take Wev with me as we went to the front lines where the traps would be. I told him to hide in the shadow of the dunes until I called for him. Dsen told me I could scout but then gave me next to no time to do so. Again a strike that he is either incompetent or hiding something. The column of invaders stretched for miles? How the hells was I supposed to scout that while wards waned on those left behind. A dragon polymorph spell is not infinite.
All I was able to do was confirm the creatures were of fire. All manner of creatures but I did not see any like Wev or those fire creatures I can call to. I was not able to penetrate into the depths of the lines in the limited time I had.
As it stood, I barely survived the battle that ensued when the lines were disrupted. There was no talk of captives or interrogation.
In the end the ruse worked as they intended. It confused, it caused some casualties, it disrupted but didn’t seem to do any major damage. No information on who these creatures were, where they came from or what they were targeting Sedera or Audria was obtained.
Other Allied forces were able to reach the city in time to provide for its protection and prevent it from being taken so now the citizens of Audria must endure a siege without any information as to why and by who holds them captive. The harbour is at this time still open so is it truly a siege ? A bombardment yes. A major inconvenience , yes but I’m not sure one could call it a true siege.
Of Wev? The evening we returned to the city, once I got the sand washed off of me and a passable glass of wine. (This city really has some of the most disgusting wines.) I reached out to him through our connection and watched as he snuck behind the lines. This is an army like I have never seen before. No representation of creatures from this reality that I could see aside from human slaves. I’m not certain how committed the soldiers of this army are to their cause whatever the duck it might be. I have sketched a representation of the insignia Wev found one one of the carcasses. Does it mean anything to you? Could you have one of the more senior clerics have a look to see if it means anything to them. I showed it to one of my summons and they identified it as coming from a pit race of slavers and conquers. I’m not risking a conversation with a balor yet so if you could confirm anything please send a raven in return or message through the temple here in the city.
Inform my stables I hope to have the cargo we discussed and let the estate know I may need to purchase a few dozen farm slaves of good quality but I can’t give them numbers just yet.
4
« on: June 10, 2024, 11:31:43 pm »
Adventurers of Layonara As you may have heard by now, Audria in the Kingdom of Sedera is under siege by as yet unknown army of fiery creatures to a purpose that is also unknown While as the time of this notice, the shipping lanes remain open, the flow of supplies to the city is severely hampered and a prolonged siege will lead to suffering of the people of Audria I intend to send aid in the form of food, basic clothing and supplies by ship at the earliest point possible that aforementioned supplies can be assembled. I ask that you consider contributing to this shipment. Grains, produce such as fruits, nuts and berries, meats suitable for salting and preserving as well as juices and healing supplies are needed. That roll of light bandages or stack of light potions might not mean much to you , but to an injured Sederian it could mean life. Thicker bandages even more. Plain robes, cloaks and boots are welcome as are blankets(cloth padding) The donation crates of 108 Port Hempshire have been cleared to make room for any and all donations I ask that you refrain from bringing items such as loaves of bread or pies as they will not transport well. Roasts can be broken down and salted. Salt and sugar are also needed Let us rally to the aid of Audria Katrien Hommel - Queen Kayana Foundation Guild.
5
« on: June 10, 2024, 01:51:21 pm »
While performing their regular treasure hunt on Alindor, Bron happens to join Gorm and Kat. He mentions seeing creatures of fire in desert when he was exiting the silver mines and how they filled the desert. Kat would like to follow up on this rumor at the Port Hempshire docks and any incoming trade vessels. She is trying to ascertain if the Foundations aid is required in the area.
6
« on: June 09, 2024, 02:18:33 pm »
When the party left the field of battle, Sophia instructed Wev to stay in the shadows and hidden.
She returns to the city with the others. She partakes of the Prince's hospitality and once she has bathed the sand and blood off herself, had a chance to eat and drink she retires to the room assigned to her. With the sun down she uses the safety and quiet to reach her consciousness out to connect with her familiar
7
« on: May 28, 2024, 09:31:41 am »
Sophia leans back on the chaise as the Xeenite priestess Maria chants softly as she applies a salve to Sophia's neck and arms. Sophia sips from a goblet steaming with a fragrant potion and moans in contentment.
“Those are the nasty bruises Mistress Sophia. They look far different than when you and your lovers play. Did something happen?” she questions as she puts the container on a low nearby table and pours herself a glass of sparkling liquid before stretching out on the nearby chaise herself.
Sophia gives her a wry smile. “You could say that. Goras decided that today would be a lovely day to pay me a visit. Him and my father's men.”
Maria grimaces “Goras. It's a wonder these aren't worse than they are or more of them. That menace should be put down or locked up.”
“Well, putting him down will do no good I'm afraid.” Sophia rises from the chaise and heads to her wardrobe. “It would appear the bastard has bound himself to the stones.” She sighs “I wish they had killed him. Now I will have to figure out a way to keep him from me that the stones cannot reverse.”
She sorts through outfits . “Steel offered to kill him for free. That demon does nothing for free. If I was thinking clearly I should have taken him up on the offer instead of allowing Wev to rip out Goras's throat.”
“Steel, is the demon you invited to the gala? The one that wears a mask all the time?” Maria asks as she fingers the fine silk of one of the garments Sophia as pulled out for consideration.
“That's him. He's the reason these bruises are not worse and Mobakak is down a couple men.” she replies, sorting deeper into the wardrobe.
“Come to your rescue did he? Big bad demon rescue you from big bad Goras .” Maria fakes a duck as if Sophia would strike her for such a statement.
Sophia laughs in reply. “I need no rescue you should know better. Wev had the situation but I am pissed I let my guard down.”
She considers a few outfits and shows her two choices to Maria. " The suit or the dress?" She holds up a blood red leather body suit with strategic cut outs and a dress comprised of fine sheer royal purple silk and cloth of gold trim.
“Hmm, the suit would show your figure to perfection but the dress is much more easy access. You know how the boys get during fights. All those male energies” Maria winks at Sophia and finishes her drink before pouring another.
Sophia laughs and considers the choices. She grins back at Maria “After the day I've had, definitely the dress.” The leather bodysuit is replaced into the wardrobe. “I still feel dirty from Goras's hands. A nice soak would do wonders”
With the bruises now almost faded to oblivion, Sophia takes some toiletries off the dresser and heads to ward Lexander's heated baths.
“Care to join me Maria?” she calls over her shoulder.
The two women, wine glasses in hand stroll down the marble corridor of Lexander's home. Tucked into the back is an outdoor pool with a view of the harbour and city. It is almost twilight and lamps are being lit in the area of the stadium. More and more of the city's citizens are gathering for the popular event. Vendors are set up outside the venue hawking their street foods.
Steam rises from the pool. Tropical plants abound in the humid environment. Braziers cast a low glow and incense perfumes the air.
“This is going to feel so good” Sophia murmurs as she sheds her dressing gown and wades into the warmed perfumed water. She settles onto a submerged bench as a few slaves melt out of the background with ewers of wine and a tray of bite sized treats.
“Oh, fried dough, my favourite” Maria squeals and grabs a couple of balls of flaky pastry before joining Sophia on the bench opposite her. “So, A demon? What are you up to my friend?”
Sophia gives Maria a splash with the heel of her hand. She playfully responds “why do I have to be up to anything? Can't I just have a friend that enjoys some of the same things I do? One that doesn't have a sword shoved so far up his ass that my lifestyle and choices aren't going to shock him? One also bound to those god dammed stones so that death eludes us?”
“Nice try and valid arguments, but we've been friends since your return to city. I may not have the eternal life that you do” Maria holds up a hand as if to stop a retort she knows is coming. “Don't, just don't. I like life, I adore Xeen but the thought of eternity and having to wait until my body aged to its death slowly” She shakes her head. “Nope, not for me. I'll enjoy the here and now and unlike you, I actively try to avoid dying” She lies back in the warm water letting it support as she relaxes into a float. “Good attempt at avoiding my question.”
“Its all you're getting” Sophia rises from the pool and flicks water in Maria's face. Maria retaliates with a splash. The two ladies dissolve into laughter and a water fight for the next few minutes until finally winded, Maria holds up a hand.
“ I concede, bully”she laughs as a slave hands her a large soft towel. Maria dries herself off and watches Sophia do the same. “Time to get going I guess. You going to the Prelates box or are you taking your -guest- to Lexander's?”
“If I attend the prelate I have to deal with all his bitchy women as well as his hands. It might be worth it for the nephew but Xeen's whip even a good flesh to stone spell couldn't help the Prelate” Sophia tosses the towel aside and slips into her dressing gown. “Steele is here to make business contacts. He can do that better in Lexander's company than the Prelate.”
The two women make their way back to Sophia's rooms. Maria nudges Sophia in the side. Slyly she asks “So what's behind the mask? Is he tragically hideous? One of those demons that's all teeth and no eyes? Covered in pustules? Tentacles?”
Sophia chuckles “None of the above. He's blue. Very very blue. His features are humanoid but you can tell he's got demonic heritage. He's got some elven features too. I've seen far worse. His eyes are red but who am I to talk? Mine are dog yellow.”
Maria reaches into the wardrobe. “Vorax's boils I wish I had your figure. Short and dumpy, that's me and I like your eyes, they're gold, not yellow.” She pulls out a filmy dress and starts to pull it on.
“Yellow eyes, white hair. Nothing like my mother and nothing like Mobakak” Sophia replies as she adjust the corset of her dress.
“Heard it all before Mistress, doesn't matter. Before the Purity anything was in play. You know that. Mobakak publicly claimed you as his. Run with that. I would” Maria shoots back as she balances precariously to adjust a heel.
“Easy for you to say” Sophia grumbles. “ Lets drop this depressing line of conversation. How about the fights? The two ladies launch into an active discussion of the upcoming fights and the fighters as they grab their wraps and leave. Outside the bedchambers, guards fall in behind them but the two barely seem to notice. The evening is warm but not hot and a light breeze blows in from the ocean so the smells of the city are hardly noticeable. The short walk to the stadium is uneventful.
“I told Steel I would find him” Sophia tells her friend as she momentarily closes her eyes and concentrates. “Divination isn't really my thing, but I think he's on the fighter level, lets go inspect the stock and see” Sophia links her arm with Maria and strolls into the building from the elite entrance, bypassing the common crowd. The guards flank the couple as they disappear down a passageway.
8
« on: May 14, 2024, 02:07:43 pm »
Charlee posts a note in common that is messy and barely readable
Looking for a Cobalt tower shield and helm - new or used
Contact Charlee (leaves and address and description)
Charlee tears down the notice .
9
« on: April 23, 2024, 01:59:52 pm »
Gaudy gold foil mask rimmed with green and red glass fake rubies and emeralds . Its the pale grey eyes behind the mask and breath as fetid as week old fish that wake her with a silent scream. She knows she's not allowed to scream or even make a noise. She freezes. The air changes. Instead of fetid breath she smells spicy cologne. She has a warm muscular male arm across her shoulder and the thigh of another draped over her legs holding her in a spooning embrace. The only sounds other than the pounding of her terrified heart in her ears are the soft sounds of the two men in the bed with her. Neither has noticed her wake. The terror subsides slowly as she concentrates on her breathing. No fear. No weakness. It is forbidden.
She extracts herself carefully from her bedmates and rises to grab the red silk dressing gown slung on the bedside chair. Shrugging it onto her shoulders she whispers an incantation and gestures with her left hand. A pale blue fog briefly appears above the bed. If the men had noticed her nightmare, it will be forgotten by dawn. No weakness. Biddable, handsome but not too smart is best. She walks across the room to decanter and pours herself a glass of wine.
She slips out the glass door onto the small balcony over looking the city. He body automatically aligns itself with direction to Katherian. After all, her house is but a small slice of the city here in Leringard. The wine helps to quell the hammering of her heart and she breaths deeply and slowly.
A nightmare? No. Nightmares are not real. They are conjured from the mind. This was real, this happened. She thought she had locked it away with the others but something let it out. Something was letting them all out. Control. She had to find a way.
Tossing down the remainder of the glass in one gulp she turns back to the room. Should she wake them? No. As pleasing as their diversion would be, its not what she needs. She slips on some boots and selects a whip from her collection. Opening the door she nods to the guard before heading down several flights of stairs. The closer and deeper she goes, the louder and less muffled the screams become. A small smile crosses her face as she plays with the tail of the whip in her hand.. This is what she needs.
10
« on: April 09, 2024, 03:18:24 pm »
Charlee drops off 150 ingots of glass and 50 lumps of coal
Leaves a note I'll catch up to you for payment and get the other 10 coal to you
11
« on: April 02, 2024, 11:58:19 am »
Sophia lifts the glass of wine to her lips and leans back into the large male hands that expertly knead the knots from her shoulders. She groans and closes her eye as a small smile ghosts on her face before quickly fading. She takes a large draw from the glass and sets it back on the desk beside and open book. Once again leaning into the hands on her body she half closes her eyes, lifts the volume and reads what she written while she worries the tip on the quill between her teeth.
It was a little too close for comfort tonight. While making a hand off to Silas, who should approach but Steel. I was able to wave Silas off before he stepped from his hiding place in the shadows, luckily the downpour had emptied the streets and damped sounds as well as everything else
Steel commented on my being out in the rain. He somehow thinks getting drenched is beneath me. If he could see the pale haired youth I was hiding under carts and in far worse weather when HE removed me from his household. Wev as always had my back, but Steel was suitably redirected by the promise of wine and conversation. At the Arms of course. I am not prepared to let a mage of his skill past my wards and while the clergy is in such abundance I dare not go without.
He had mentioned he had a library withing the inn and gambling hall. It was the first time I had ever ventured into the upper portions of the building. The demon has done well for himself.
His study space was quite cozy and while not particularly rare, there were some unique title present. I should examine them closer at some other time. Him having a dungeon intrigues me. I doubt it functions as mine.
He even managed to produce a fairly passable bottle of wine. Questionable origins, but from its qualities I suspect is its a blend of grapes from Dregar and made in Xeen's tradition but not with grapes grown in Morholts' soils. I will send a case of something better and perhaps something from my enhanced stock for the common room.
The conversation was decent. I guess being raised in HIS court has made me somehow different from others bound to the stones. Aristocratic, Steel called it. If he only knew. If I only knew the truth. I still wonder about that face but here in Leringard the dreams continue to haunt my sleep. Leaving the estate and HIS ever watchful gaze didn't halt them. I will have to visit Lexander when the powders fail to keep the dreams at bay. Two demons in my life. One wanting to use me to advance his own social position and whatever agenda he has. The other I have no idea what it wants. And what of what I want?
Sophia places the quill in the spine of the book and closes it. She reaches her now empty hand up and pulls the head of the masseuse closer . His jet black hair contrasting the pale white blond of hers .He lifts from the chair easily as she whispers something in his ear. As they leave the room she turns quitely chants and motions with her hand . The door closes and the lock clicks into place. Wev slips between the shadows, following.
12
« on: March 30, 2024, 08:50:57 pm »
As Contracted by Jeb, Charlee delivers the following resources to the guild hall
50 Branches of Mahogany
74 Lumps of Coal
72 Raw Quartz Crystals
Greater Archers Belt and Vestment of Faith traded with 22,700 coins paid.
13
« on: March 22, 2024, 03:17:46 pm »
Posted in the Select kitchens and Standard Craft Halls through Mistone and Alindor
The Foundation is looking to augment its stocks of relief supplies and is accepting donation and making contracts for beginner and apprentice level clothing, food and building supplies. Healing kits and potions are also in demand.
Items to be donated may be dropped off into the donation crates at 108 Port Hempstead (the docks district just before the merchant district entrance) . Those seeking to contract more advanced items please contact Katrien Hommel directly by Raven or note.
14
« on: March 17, 2024, 02:26:16 pm »
Name: Mouse
Race : Human
Age: 18
Class: Rogue/Fighter (equal split to level 10, then see how the RP goes. ( may PC to duelist)
Alignment : Neutral
Deity: None
Bio:
“That makes three this month. Corath's fetid breath what is going on? The two large men load a stiff body of a third into cart and start up the street.
Mouse peers out from the well disguised nook she has dug herself beside the foundation of the nearest building. She moves some bushes to cover the opening to her little home and checks both ways before slithering out. Its time for the traders to take down their stalls at the market and sometimes they can't be bothered to pack up food that is going off or broken items and leave them in the town midden heap. Mouse likes to get there early for the best finds. Its how she keeps herself fed these days. She could tell the town guards what is going on but then she'd be involved and they'd want to know how she knows what she knows. She values her life more than that.
They call her mouse because, well she's small with nondescript mouse brown hair. She can move quietly and fit into the smallest of places. She survives on the crumbs that others leave behind. She doesn't want to be a mouse but since her older siblings died along with their parents on the ship crossing , its been just her. That was five years ago, Five very long years. Cold winters, miserable summers, the wet and the dry she has survived.
She takes her small finding of some dodgy cheese and stale bread along with a dented old short sword back to her “home”. As she picks off the mold and dunks the bread in some ale a drunk man tried to bribe her into his room at the inn with, she studies the sword. Its appears to be just made of copper or at best bronze. The edge is chipped and dull but she takes a whet stone and does her best to bring it back to functioning. When its what she deems acceptable she places it carefully next a depression in the ground lines with dried grasses that serves as her bed. Winter is approaching and the sun sets much earlier so it will soon be dark. Its a full moon tonight so she can't sneak away to the militia training grounds to test it.
“Well, well, what have we here” She awakens to the bright light of a torch being shone into her den. “Looks like we found the rat. She ain't the tastiest of morsels but she looks like she'll be a bit 'o fun before we turn her in to the boss. “ the torch owner, a very dirty obese man dressed in hide armor leers at her as two similarly dressed dirty lackeys try to see around him into the hole.
She's appears to be cornered but Mouse is not without her tricks.. One hand searches the area next to her bed for the handle of the sword, the other reaches for a small knapsack and a pouch. With a smooth movement she flings the pouch at the opening to her home and the area fills with choking powder. While the men sputter and cough and have to close their eyes she moves a old wooden shield from behind her bed that reveals a tunnel just big enough for her to wriggle into. She crawls as fast as she can toward the other end and pops her head up under a bush about ten feet from her home. She take a sad look a the home she's had to leave but quickly and quietly gets to her feet, grasping the old sword , small shield and her pack and while clutching the ring around her neck, whispers a prayer and starts away.
Then she feels it. Right between her shoulder blades. A piercing pain that makes her vision go white. Her mind reels. No, not again.
When she opens her eyes its dawn. She's lying with her pack and her sword at the foot of a large standing stone. She reaches around to feel her back. Sure enough there is small scar where the arrow had been. The one that pierced her back, the one that killed her. Only it didn't. This is not the first time she's awoken feeling ill, but alive at the foot of this stone. The stone the guards pulled a dead body from the foot of just the other morning. She should be dead but she isn't. Stone bound. That was the whispers she'd heard.
She can't stay here . Her home is compromised and who ever found her knows they “killed “ and when the body disappears, well who know what they'll do. No she has to leave. Start over again.
She slings her pack over one shoulder the the small shield over the other, tucks her sword into her makeshift rope belt and sets out onto the road. Who knows where it will take her?
15
« on: March 16, 2024, 09:09:59 pm »
**Katrien wanders past the donation area and inquires as to the materials usage**
Are there any assurances that if Vale is restored that it won't be used as an outpost for Rael propaganda and further subjugate those under their thumb? Whom do I speak to about the political aims of this venture?
16
« on: March 13, 2024, 02:50:09 pm »
Placeholder
Temple donations receipts # 29284-29286 total = 106475 gold
17
« on: March 13, 2024, 11:28:04 am »
Adventure Club outing Sunday March 17th
Levels under 16 preferred with Epics as mentors and guides but you shows, you goes - we're not going to exclude anyone.
We'll decide where we are going based on who shows but its generally an RP decision.
Meet at the fire in Center
Time - 4pm EST/1pm PST /9pmGMT - we generally RP for 30-40 min before heading out so if you're a little late, please join Duration is generally 2-4 hours
18
« on: March 04, 2024, 01:02:42 pm »
The place is abandoned...no merchants in sight.
19
« on: February 29, 2024, 01:28:43 pm »
Both Steele and Kat attempted multiple times to apply Wraith Venom to a blade and arrows and "nothing happened" Kat was working with a Dex of 34 at the time.
20
« on: February 29, 2024, 01:26:50 pm »
Not sure how this was missed for so many years but Greater Stone Skin is a Transmutation spell but the recipe requires ink of Abjuration.
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