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1561

Roleplaying / Re: Multi-faith Gathering in Lothruin to Investigate an Abandoned Temple

« on: May 27, 2013, 07:11:01 PM »

Roleplay from Ham Hormondson   (2 days, 23 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Ham walked into the room, hooded still.

He felt every joint, including his hips. If only I were younger, he thought to himself. Less jaded by life perhaps.


"Who is it that has summoned the chief priest of the Warrior Saints?" he asked quietly.

He sadly scanned the room. He remembered being Arch-Priest of Falasan, when his footsteps seemingly shook Atamara. Then he remembered the surrender and the fall. He still wore a sword. His fathers ordinary sword. A relic of his youth.

He still had presence. But not power. He was old. "Well ... at least get an old man a drink!"

He proceeded to sit by the fire ... and he turned to look at the gathering.

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (2 days, 22 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)

Raziella was still unsure of what to do and had been looking around the pews to see if anything was amiss when she heard a meek voice speak. Ah, it seemed a hooded man had entered. Having Knight Drizztle informed her of Ham when Raziella was in Cheltenborne, "Ham, priest, sir, is that you? I am Raziella and we had intended to talk earlier. It is good of you to join us."

Fetching some remaining cookies, though squished from her fall into the cellar, Raziella offered them to the priest whilst a hurler went outside to fetch a cup of lemonade. As he sat by the hearth, Raziella noticed the fire was burning. Was this another of her peculiar sights? The priest seemed to be enjoying the fire and she could feel the warmth of it  upon her skin. Asking everyone in attendance, "Does anyone else notice the fire that seems to have appeared when Ham sat next to the hearth? What meaning does this have?"

Roleplay from Ham Hormondson   (2 days, 19 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
"I was thinking about how nice a fire would be ..." Ham looked at the fire, noticing that there was little kindling. "The Saints are showing me their kindness."

"Do you wish for instruction?" Ham drew his sword as he stood suddenly, ignoring the sharp pain in his elbow and wrist. He was still cold after all. "The only instruction that Saints care about is that which teaches us to use this weapon and yet keep our honour." His voice penetrated the room with shattering power and yet still controlled ... much like a general giving orders in the midst of battle.


"Have you seen them?" He asked quietly. He sheathed his sword. "It is said that we see the Saints most clearly when death is near ... but also when we first begin our journey of faith in them." He smiled. "Lady Raziella ... do you wish to know more?"

Roleplay from Zadar Nargath Perkeleet   (2 days, 19 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Zadar smiled. Now it would be good time to ask, why we are gathered here? I hope that someone has a reason .

Roleplay from Ham Hormondson   (2 days, 18 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Ham settled back down, not wanting to give away the fact that his left knee had started to complain bitterly about the sudden movement, had started to swell painfully and that his right hamstring had itself given up the ghost.

Sudden movement once would have meant a lightning attack, but now was likely to see him faceplant onto the cold floor.

His hand started to slowly inch toward the small flask under his cloak.

Better for these young folk to think him drunk than merely old, he thought sadly. The fire was burning brighter.

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (2 days, 17 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Responding to Ham, "Indeed, we never had a chance to meet or talk much before this so I know little of the Warrior Saints as compared to the other priests I talk to prior to gathering here. I would like to know more, particularly about a faith teaches honour in swordcraft."

Hearing the quiet voice of Zadar again, Raziella explained to everyone, "We gathered here because of the odd and strange events that struck me on the way to Barad Gardor. I seek the counsel of the wisest and most faithful in Atamara so as to best discern a meeting. We meet in this specific location because my liege, Caleb, recognized the name of Arelien and thought an investigation of his chapel would yield further clues as to the events' meaning."

"I believe Torsaan is in meditation, attempting to communicate with a spirit here, whilst I myself was looking forward to see what else is hidden away in the temple, but there are still many questions to be answered such as who is the old lady and what does she want? What is the meaning behind a fire destroying Barad Gardor and the maiden within it, Arelien? Why where we being slashed and strange words as if it were some ritual? You can inspect the wounds upon my two hurlers, quietly guarding the cellway stairs. They are identical to my own. Also, it seems something favors the Warrior Saints, warming their priest."

Roleplay from Torsaan ka Habb   (2 days, 17 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Torsaan cringes at Ham's yelling. He raises a hand as he also recognizes Lord Zadar's voice. He leans over to Nicotina "Who is here now? Are there more people?" He looks back up, milky white eyes scanning the room, finally resting upon the only thing he can partially see, the hearth and fire. He smirks, "I didn't know you Saints were trying to convert people with parlour tricks now!" he shakes his head, "I also hear someone muttering and creaking like they're ancient... a little bit funny considering I'm 70 years old and Lord Zadar is one of the oldest men on the continent at 92!" He gestures openly, unsure where Zadar is actually standing.

Roleplay from Nicotina Marlboro   (2 days, 17 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Obligingly, Dame Nicotina gave Kargnchha Torsaan a full accounting of everyone present. Just names, really, as undoubtedly he knew more about the people behind them than she. She tilted her blonde head, unbound hair spilling about her face as she regarded lady Raziella once more. The knight assumed of course that the young lady was being forthright with her claims, but there was still much to be discovered as to the meaning behind them. Then again, much of the gods' works would forever be a mystery to Man. She tried to clear her mind of preconceived notions, so that she might be able to better accept it if there was simply no answer to this.

Roleplay from Zadar Nargath Perkeleet   (2 days, 16 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Zadar slowly moved in the midlle of room and started to talk quietly while walking.
Through the ages people have tried  find out meaning for their exist. Why? Who send us here and do we have a purpose. And as there are several gods there will be different kind of people aswell. Some will try to benefit from others weakness and some will try to defend those who can't. I will not try to convert anyone or tell you who is wrong and who ain't. We, the priests of our religions shouldn't tell anyone what to think, we should give you guidance and you do need to find the right answer by your own.
 Zadar took couple of wine bottles from his backpack and put them to the table.Then he looked directly Raziellas eyes and smiled warmly.

But I will listen carefully what you are going to say. Please tell us a bit more about that strange event while we will drink these wines.

Roleplay from Eddard Salvatore   (2 days, 10 hours ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (9 recipients)
Eddard enters the temple, looking around for a familiar face.

"I am here on Raziella's invitation. I'm so sorry I'm late. The road was not so long perhaps, but still somewhat tiring. Where do we stand on this investigation now?"

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (just sent)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (6 recipients) and to Eddard Salvatore
"Priest Zadar, there is not much to add other than my initial letter describing the peculiar events," accepting the wine, "but what I recall are violent fires destroying my capital, with the face of a maiden, open graves that suddenly weren't, rain that was mixed with ash, strange old ladies, such as the one who just appeared here, and little girls babbling about murdering others and suddenly disappearing, with those others appearing to bind us, cut our flesh, and incant over us."

Sipping more, before offering wine to each of the others that remained, "I've since written and spoken to many and learned some further meanings, but none are conclusive. Just recently, I've received word that Arelien could also be Sigrid and that the old lady is Brigith and not to be trusted, which makes me wonder what deception she is attempting. Priest Torsaan has offered much more council as well."

Turning to Baron Eddard with a cup of wine to offer, "The investigation has yielded little fruit. The old lady appeared yet again, before I fell into the cellar and we vanquished some monstrous beasts. This white rose appeared in my hand, bloodied by my inadvertent squeezing of its thorns. In attempted meditation, I drew unconscious and began scribbling numerous names and lines between names upon the stone podium. A fire was sparked in the hearth upon the Warrior Saints' arrival. Perhaps there is some further connection between Arelien of this temple, the Warrior Saints, and Sigrid?"

1562

Magistrates Case Archive / Re: Unnecessary Racist Slur

« on: May 27, 2013, 12:58:23 AM »

No, I did not contact him myself. However, he was questioned about this, ICly, by another character whether he was 'jaundiced and plagued by cataracts' and Kas insisted he was 'fine' and "had a different set of eyes". I read this together.

I myself wasn't offended personally. But I do think that its not the type of words & concepts that should be being expressed in a friendly, international game. Nor do I think its a necessary element of SMA. Finally, what purpose does it serve?

Finally, I grew up in an area that historically held racist sentiments towards immigrant asians with lazy slanty-eyeds being a common asian stereotype so I don't take it as just 'this attribute + this face' when I see those together. To me this would be the same as making some  comment about 'charcoal-colored men particularly loving watermelon' or blood moon?

1563

Magistrates Case Archive / Re: Unnecessary Racist Slur

« on: May 27, 2013, 12:06:58 AM »

My thoughts as well Gustav. I was just fairly providing the accused's reply.

Kwanstein: I wasn't personally offended, but I think its a topic that shouldn't be lightly responded to and is highly inconsiderate of the international nature of BM. Its not my place to decide the verdict/punishment, but I think, minimally, a public warning is necessary. This is not something that is acceptable in any way.

1564

Magistrates Case Archive / Re: Unnecessary Racist Slur

« on: May 26, 2013, 11:29:51 PM »

Out-of-Character from Kas Mayhem   (5 minutes ago)
http://forum.battlemaster.org/index.php/topic,4287.0.html

I let clear in the letter that was a mistake from the courtier and not from the supposed racism victim, also I believe Dwilight is a serious roleplay atmosphere that justify the actions and the relevancy of saying such level of detailement.

I do not have an account at the forums, so I ask gently a favour to you to reply this OOC message there as my own awnser.

Thank you,

Vladmir Kasenko

1565

BM General Discussion / Re: Funniest realm names (past, present, or future)

« on: May 24, 2013, 08:44:02 PM »

Does anyone remember the very brief existence of the Protectorate of Obsidian Islands, which also declared the Obsidian Islands to be an empire?

Kronos' Burg?

1566

Roleplaying / Re: Multi-faith Gathering in Lothruin to Investigate an Abandoned Temple

« on: May 24, 2013, 09:53:19 AM »

Roleplay from Caleb Kingsley   (1 day, 23 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Caleb continued to look around the the ruined chapel in an attempt to find anything of note.  However, this was when he heard a crashing sound and a call from the cellar.

The voice was familiar to him and it called out two men's names, one of them his.  Alarmed he immediately rushed down the stairs to find Raziella bruised and bleeding.  He took her hand.

"Are you okay M'lady?" He asked concerned.  As she stared past him however, it was then he too heard the growling and shuffling towards them.  As the others headed down the stairs, Caleb positioned himself in front of her and drew his blade.

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (1 day, 23 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Finding some wood from the staircase, Raziella grabbed it, hoping she'd at least be able to impale whatever brute lived in church cellars. The two hurlers, still shirtless, and presumably with the other nobles behind, rushed into the cellar as well. A thud and crack was heard elsewhere, more distinctly bone than wood, as Raziella's eyes finally finished adjusting to the cellar. Seeing her sword laying on the ground now, she fetched and unsheathed it in preparation.

"Caleb, I saw her. Again." she whispered, "The old lady. Here."

Roleplay from Drizztle Sharpspeare   (1 day, 17 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (9 recipients)
Rushing into the cellar after finding a safer way down than Raziella found, Drizztle went to Raziella. He started administering first aid, while Raziella with sword in hand searched the cellar with her eyes.

"You learn a few first aid tricks when you're stuck in dark places, injured, by yourself. Trust me, I know," he said out loud, chuckling afterwards. Once Raziella had been patched up a bit, Drizztle stepped back and admired his work. 'She is one tough lady' he thought.

Drawing his sword, Drizzle yelled up, "We're down here! Raziella is a bit banged up but she's going to live." After looking around for a cause of Raziella's concern, Drizztle turn to his Prince. "My friend, my Prince, what is it? What has her concerned?"

Roleplay from Drizztle Sharpspeare   (1 day, 10 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Suddenly, out of the shadows, something furry charged forward. Drizztle dove forward avoiding the claws that swung for his head. Quickly recovering he slashed the beast's belly. The beast lifted his head and howled in pain. Seizing the opportunity, Raziella drove her sword into the beast's back as Caleb side piercing its heart. Drizztle struck the final blow cleaving the beast's throat. The head hung on by a tiny thread. Blood spurted from the wounds.

"Well now. That should teach that...THING...not to attack a group of Ithilians." Doing a quick check, Drizztle inquired, "Where are the others. They must be warned. WE ARE NOT ALONE." Laughing with the thrill of the kill, Drizztle quickly cleaned his sword.

Somewhere in the dark corners of the cellar, another howl is heard. "Prepare yourselves, it has begun"

Roleplay from Torsaan ka Habb   (1 day, 9 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
With Dame Raziella having fallen through the stairs into the cellar, Torsaan has sat upon a pew quietly. His guards are outside the chapel watching warily. He hears scratching and scattering, then the shouts of a commotion below. His guards are unaware.

He breathes slowly, attempting to listen to any spirits within the chapel.

Roleplay from Nicotina Marlboro   (1 day, 7 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
With a gesture of her hand, Rufus remained behind to guard the door along with Lord Torsaan's retinue once the nobles pressed into the mysterious temple.

Xanio. The Eagle of Endings. This situation had quickly escalated beyond anything that Dame Nicotina had been prepared for. Her longsword was sharp and lethal but it would be of limited use in these enclosed quarters; instead, she bent down to retrieve a dagger from beneath her dress. Her legs were unshaven, but her bodyhair was so lightly colored and sparse that it was hard to tell. Since Torsaan was the only one remaining in her company, nobody really could've caught a glimpse anyways.

She stayed with the elder; though she was concerned for Lady Raziella, it seemed the other knights had the situation well enough at hand, and she would just die if the Kargnchha was harmed while she could've prevented it. She adjusted her sword belt and sat beside the old priest on the pew, remaining silent, eyes open and alert for danger. While she wanted to ask if he could make any sense of this, she knew that he would impart his wisdom when he was ready, and if he thought that she was ready to receive it.

Roleplay from Caleb Kingsley   (1 day, 3 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (9 recipients)
A short battle ensued downstairs.  It was quickly resolved when Caleb ran his sword through the last one.

He looked around and saw only his countrymen present.  Sheathing his sword he mused audibly, "Another realm leaving the Ithilians to die..."

He turned to Raziella with concern.

"What did the woman say to you?"

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (1 day, 2 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (10 recipients)
Raziella knelt to sever one of the four beasts' heads, whilst her men severed the remainding three, then took them all to drain their bile outside the church. Such heads were how they provided ammunition for their hurling.

Noticing the blood-stained white rose, she gathered it as well and began ascending the steps back into the church with Prince Caleb, "I'm not sure. It happened quickly. What I do remember are a list of names and claiming that she wore them as clothes, names I knew not the use of."

Arriving in the chapel, Raziella repeated the encounter to Torsaan, priest of The Word. Unbeknownst to her, Priest Zadar had also arrived, by her invitation and had been ushered inside, yet her back was to the cellar door. A portion of her unit had remained at the trail junction with the main road to help other invited nobles to find the abandoned chapel. And another priest, unknown to her, had also joined the group at the chapel. Thus, Zadar and Xavier overheard the words she shared with Torsaan of the old woman's recent appearance, her fall into the cellar, and the white rose that had appeared in her hand, as she showed it to Margrave Torsaan.


Roleplay from Drizztle Sharpspeare   (12 hours, 46 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (10 recipients)
Going upstairs after the battle in the cellar, Drizztle was in a good mood. The Old Priest was was sitting in a pew with Lady Nicotina. "The Basement held some surprises. How are you up here, Kargnchha Torsaan? And how about you Lady Nicotina?"

Before the two could answer, Captain Adred came rushing in. "Sir, there are terrible news!" Drizztle turned to the two, "I'm sorry, but will you excuse me for a few minutes." After finding a secluded spot, "Sir, Sir Raziel IV has been injured. It was an assassination attempt. In Cheltenborne." Mood now sour, he thanked his Captain. "Get the horses ready. We are going to Cheltenborne."

Returning to the two, Drizztle began, "I am sorry. But a matter of grave importance has called me elsewhere. If one of you could tell Earl Caleb and Lady Raziella I had to rush to Cheltenborne. I am sure they will know why soon enough. Thank you." Rushing out before either could answer, Drizztle felt bad about his rudeness, but he had to go immediately.

Roleplay from Torsaan ka Habb   (12 hours, 25 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (10 recipients)
As Lady Raziella recounts the story, she pushes forward the bloodstained rose. There is an awkward silence, then Torsaan clears his throat. "My Lady... I cannot see the rose no matter how you present it to me! I appreciate the effort though." He smirks, then holds his head thinking. "Now... a spirit that claims her rage shall cleanse Atamara's inequities..." He blinks unseeing.

A whisper.

Ever so slight.

Torsaan strains to listen. The scratching of a mouse breaks his concentration. He sighs and looks up at Raziella, milky white eyes seemingly analyzing her. "My dear, you must try to listen to whatever Aspects are trying to speak to you. I would recommend fasting and meditation." He sits back in the pew, still in thought.

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (10 hours, 32 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (10 recipients)
Raziella blushed in embarrassment. She had realized the priest was blind, but some things so natural as to show someone the object of their inquiry.

Lying upon a pew, staring into the hearth, Raziella attempted, poorly, to focus upon what there was to hear. All that crossed her mind were names, rushing, swirling into her consciousness: Arelien, Elanzil, Jordfan, Thor, Xanio, Valglin, Fuarchostn, Iseldir, Sigund, Tsubaki, Brigith, Odin, Irrida, Mistaren, Pyrrhan, Lodril, Kaora, Kami, Karibash...

Raziella eventually grew conscious that somewhere in those names she had began scratching them into the stone podium and drawing lines between some names, yet not others. Feeling awkward for damaging the holy site, she ceased her scratching and just paused to analyze what she had done. Many seemed interrelated at different junctinos, yet other names were entirely alone. A few odd ones were circled.

Roleplay from Zadar Nargath Perkeleet   (10 hours, 7 minutes ago)
Message sent to all nobles in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Zadar has been in the corner where he has been listened others quietly. He heard some odd and some familiar names but when someone said " holy site" he opened his eyes and whispered to others.
Remember that there are different kind of people and there are different kind of gods. Gods who create good will and bring light won't usually hand us nothing more than guidance. Other gods who believe in darkness and chaos gives relics and other things to their followers to increase their powers.

oh, I'm sorry ,please continue.

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (just sent)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (10 recipients)
Raziella smiled at Zadar, "There is no need to be apologetic. We are here to share what we know and discover what is being attempted by these deities, dark or light. Did you mean to imply that this White Rose could be a relic of an evil god? I had not given that thought due to the immediate haste of defeating the monstrous beasts in the cellar." There had been no rose previously and it had appeared after the peculiar incident with the old lady.

Baron Eddard and Priest Ham had been found by Himoura's Head Hurlers at the main road and directed down the overgrown path leading to the abandoned athonlaurist temple. Some other guard units had shown them the entrance in the back, through the cellar, and they'd entered the chapel.

"Prince Caleb, you believed there was something of significance to Arelien and the fire maiden that could be discovered here? Where should we begin looking?" Raziella set the bloodstained white rose upon the stone podium and began looking around the relatively empty chapel. There were no chests to investigate, any loose stones indicating a hidden location in the walls seemed more likely due to structural damage, and the cellar, which might contain an entrance to a crypt, seemed a bit frightening after discovering the monsters. Though, frightening seemed all the more reason to investigate.

"So, where should we begin? Prince Caleb's knowledge of Arelien and the temple's unexplored crevices? The meaning of the wounds and the incantations? The old lady's recent appearance in this very temple? The names, and lines I drew between them, I unconsciously carved upon the podium? The appearance of this white rose in my hand? Why monsters were lurking in the cellar in the first place?"

1567

Roleplaying / Re: Multi-faith Gathering in Lothruin to Investigate an Abandoned Temple

« on: May 24, 2013, 09:52:37 AM »

Roleplay from Caleb Kingsley   (2 days, 4 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
"If the rest of our band is ready then I suppose our journey begins now."

Once the group was introduced, they set about on their journey.  Leaving the town, they headed west.  The journey on the road was mostly easy.  It had recently rained so the road was a bit muddy, fortunately the company's horses ha no trouble.  The presence of such a large company of nobles left many other travelers along the road confused.  After seeing the Cagilan banners, many commoners working in the fields watched warily, as outsiders are viewed with distrust here.  After about an hour, the road branched.  Most people followed the main road to the next nearby village.  However the branched path was obviously not used much.  They were obviously approaching the least settled part of the region.  After another half an hour, the path curved off into a small wooded area. 
"The soil in this part of the county was never too good for growing crops" Caleb explained. "That's why this grove still exists.  It's also a bit of a holy place.  Some people I'm sure still worship here."

He was impressed with his own memory of the place, since it had been nearly 15 years since he last visited it.

After a few minutes along the path through the wood, the company reached a clearing.  Alongside the road stood a long abandoned building.  A small church made of stone and wood, though the wood had mostly been rotted out, as a result, part of the roof had caved in.  The belltower, however, stood as strong as it ever had.  The bell itself, made of rusted brass lay cracked atop the tower, the rope suspending it had worn away and broken.  The broken old bell would never chime again.  It's clear the place had not been disturbed in a long time.

The party halted their journey.  Caleb stepped forward and attempted to open the chapel door.  It was locked.  Sealed, no doubt, by Master Anton many years ago.  A bit frustrated, Caleb stepped back and took in the chapel once more.  Through the clearing, the sun shone brightly upon it.

Roleplay from Drizztle Sharpspeare   (2 days, 3 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Drizztle pushed his wait against the door. After his third attempt to bust the door open, he stepped back.

"Well at least this old chapel is well built. My compliments to the architect." Chuckling to himself, he examined the door. "The door my be forced open. We just need to get leverage. Maybe if I use my sword in the door frame. Does anyone have any objections? My Prince? Lady Nicotina? Priest Torsaan? Sorry, I do not know the proper rank you'd prefer to be addressed by"

While waiting for answers, Drizztle examined the door further. After a moment or two, he wiped some sweat from his brow

Roleplay from Nicotina Marlboro   (2 days, 3 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
"Kargnchha Torsaan is the most revered authority in The Word. He is more than a simple lord; some would even say he is practically a god." Dame Nicotina grinned good-naturedly, turning to wink at the wizened leader of the faith. Brushing long blonde locks back behind her ears, she took a closer look at the door. No lock could defeat her, but this did not look to be simply locked. Perhaps barred, or rotten into the frame.

"Perhaps my man Rufus might be able to help you force it; he kicks every bit as hard as the warhorse he rides." At her slightly-raised voice, the dark-clad bodyguard dismounted at the perimeter and approached on foot. He was a fairly large fellow, if not exactly bursting the seams of his black tunic.

Roleplay from Torsaan ka Habb   (2 days, 2 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
He turns to the voice of Nicotina and smiles. "I'm sure Rufus is quite capable." Looking in the direction of the church, the senior priest leads him forward. Placing a hand on it he sighs and steps back. "This sunlight is fantastic, I can make out the shape of the chapel even with my blindness." He looks about wide-eyed. "There is... something about this place. Athonlaurism worshipped the Being of the Sun, no? Arelien they called her..." He pauses a moment, "I'm sure with some meditation she would commune with someone she felt worthy." Looking back he shakes his head "Didn't realize there was so many of us here."

Roleplay from Caleb Kingsley   (2 days ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
While two of the party struggled with the door, the others decided to take a rest.  The journey had been fairly tiresome and drink and cookies sounded excellent.  Prince Caleb however wished to take a look around.  He nodded respectfully to the rest of the party and strolled around the clearing.  He looked up through the trees, but clouds were beginning to form overhead.  Caleb frowned, noting that rain would spoil the afternoon.  He sighed and looked around the chapel a bit more.  When he looked on the opposite wall from the door he noticed a boarded up hole near the wall.  A cellar!

He quickly returned to the rest of the group who seemed excited at the revelation.  They quickly pried the cellar open and entered.  It was very dark inside the cellar.  There was nothing inside except for a few rotted barrels and crates.  On the far end a staircase led up to the belfry.  Together they went up the stairs and into the chapel proper.

Inside the church, wooden pews were broken and strewn across the floor.  The roof that had collapsed lay in bits strewn about the interior.  The hole in the ceiling exposing the bare sky above.  The clouds were still there, although a few rays of light shone through.  At the front of the church, a stone podium stood upon a sun shaped dais where Master Anton taught the Bright Path to his followers.  Behind him a large hearth stood, although the flames within had been extinguished long ago.  Above the fireplace hung two hooks.

"That is where Anaris once rested.  The Sunsword gave light to the darkest of places.  It was a gift to Master Anton from Lady Arelien."

A small room lay on the wall opposite the doorway to the belfry.  A few pieces of light furniture were all that was left of Master Anton's quarters.

Caleb turned to Raziella, "Can you tell me more about what you saw in your vision?"

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (1 day, 23 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Taking his hands, Raziella and Nicotina helped the blind priest out of the dark cellar and into the chapel. Looking around at the destruction, with weeds growing where the roof had rotted and fallen through, tree branches stressing the stonework, waterstains on the floor, the creak of the stairs, Raziella took notice of the hearth. It seemed singularly in better condition than the remainder of the chapel, though it had likely seen better days as well. In fact, there was no plant life around the entire dais unlike the rest of the chapel, which had just recently begun to have vines growing up its walls.The room smelled lightly of mold. Walking to the stairs up towards the bell tower, Raziella tested them gingerly, ascending up a few steps, but returning shortly.

Summoning the two hurlers that had been with her that night, and still survived to this day, she bade them strip their uniforms. Removing their upper garments, in the process displaying unbathed, but strong, muscular arms, Raziella motioned the others closer. "These are the scars left us from that night. You will notice they are peculiarly identical in fashion. I share the same wound. These wounds came with many strange words spoken, as if an incantation or rites of some kind, by many strange men, viking brutes, robes of an airy, exotic desert quality, beings of such intensity I could not look upon them. All seemingly descended, spawned, or originated from a young girl, half my age, or less."

Raziella grew quiet and walked to a pew, sitting further away, nearly shivering, closing her eyes and thinking whilst the others murmured in speculation, inspecting the wounds. Standing, "but we came here to learn more of Arelien. My apologies, my Prince, but I've had trouble shaking my brief captivity from my mind. Arelien was the name impressed upon me as barad gardor burned to the ground, along with menedor's fields. And I saw a face in the flames. Not quite 'in' the flames, but as if the flames were her hair and she was the fire."

Returning to the belltower staircase, Raziella tested her weight on each stair. Why they would use wood and not stone for such a staircase was beyond her knowledge of architecture, but she felt compelled to go higher, despite the creaking of the steps. Approximately her height and a half up, she encountered a section that had fallen away. Peering down, she slowly knelt, looking into the blackness below, thinking she heard something. Yet she couldn't sense anything. Standing up, Raziella startled with a shriek, spotting the old woman sitting on the staircase above, "Hello child. I see you peer where you do not belong."

"Xanio is your true name? Or do you still go by Jordfan?" Raziella meekly inquired, backing away down the staircase.

"You use names you do not understand. Try another to see if it fits: Elanzil. Does that not satisfy you? Perhaps you could dress me in the name of Norscha." The old lady began standing, "But I have slept way too long and my rage shall sweep Atamara for its inequities!" Raziella stumbled backwards, falling a short distance backwards down the stairs, before hearing a crack, as the staircase gave way and she fell into the cellar beneath, seeing one of her friends' faces as she fell.

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (1 day, 23 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Raziella rubbed her head, as she lay there, sore from the fall. Fortunately, it had not been far, but she'd still landed upon her back and lay there a moment. Until she heard grunting. Scrambling up faster than she felt like moving, she heard more wood cracking and ducked, but nothing fell. Her hand suddenly shot with pain, as well. Looking down, she was bleeding...and holding something. As she painfully uncurled her hand, she was holding a white rose, though not it was splotched in her blood from its thorns. How did that get there, she thought. Then she heard a growl and several loud crashed. Her eyes were adjusting to the cellar light, but she still couldn't see.

Yelling to those above, "Arke?", forgetting that Arke was not there. Listening as the name echoed, she realized her blunder, and much more loudly and urgently as the sounds grew closer, "Caleb?!?", her hands hurriedly looking for her dagger to no avail.

1568

Roleplaying / Multi-faith Gathering in Lothruin to Investigate an Abandoned Temple

« on: May 24, 2013, 09:51:16 AM »

Background roleplay:

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (14 days, 13 hours ago)
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Raziella walked along the road following people, quite obviously, to their discomfort before changing victim as suited her. Upon one such stalking, headed towards barad gardor, Raziella began feeling the cold sweat return, despite the nighttime chill, as a fire swept the city, in record speeds, eventually weaving through the menedor fields and enveloping Raziella. The last she saw was a maiden's face in the flames, flames that seemed to twirl as if lengthy locks of fiery red hair. Arelian echoed her mind.

But when she shrieked, standing but a foot behind a terrified cooper, and opened her eyes again, there was no fire, nor evidence that any had occurred. The night was as regular as any other. Well, except that there were no stars out tonight. Instead of a clear, starry sky, it was dark.

Looking round at passerbys faces, Raziella caught sight of open graves, as if something rose from the earth. The name Sigund was written upon one tombstone, apparently a local menedorian died some years ago. Hurrying to camp, she began preparing for battle when one of the two hurlers inquired as to who and where combat was to be held. It began to rain along the way to the open graves, but this rain was different.

Behind her, calls of "Hey Lodril, check this out!" and "Coming Mistaren!" floated across the fields, as she let the rain fall upon her hand and inspected it. The rain was mixed with ash. In such large quantities, where could this come from? All three returning, the graves were as they'd always been, occupied. Raziella didn't bother checking to see if the name on the stone was the same.

Ordering the men back to bed, she followed some yards behind, alone in the ashrain , much less observant about her fellows on the road than earlier tonight, when a raspy voice spoke, "Child, do you know where you are?" On Raziella's rightside, a hunched old woman, with a hood similar to hers, continued, "Have you given thought to those of greatest success upon atamara? Empires follow me."

"But you're...a common beggar woman!" gasped Raziella.

"Darkans know this to be true. Tell them that Jordfan would see them punished for their failure to petition his assistance whilst imperials eagerly sought his worship."

When Raziella turned to respond, there was no one. Ordering her men back to her, the three set out inspecting local fields and hills. A young girl stepped out from a cornstalk maze just as the three were preparing to return to the road, and then camp. Teasing and provoking the two hurlers, she challenged them to combat, earning their laughter. But she revealed 2 daggers and began to charge, screaming, "I am the one who ended the Desert God's reign. I destroyed Thor and Odin. The Viking Longbeard has met my blade. And it was I who killed Arelian!"

Readying for combat against this sweet child, she stopped. Or rather, disappeared. And behold, a man in flowing robes, three vikings, and a shining beacon of an angel surrounded them, causing their surrender. Inducting them with rites unknown to their ears, each being seemed to cast their sword, or battleaxe, into their flesh, before leaving them bound and gagged for travellers to discover. Sitting in the rain, they waited, until a group of smiths freed them. Raziella earnestly spent the time warning them of fires and doom, undead, and strange apparitions along the road. When they had finally ushered themselves from her good graces, she commanded a checkpoint set up by the three of them, by their camp, and regaled harried travellers with tales of the doom that was to befall Barad Gardor if change was not had! "Change for Barad Gardor!" was the chant, never mentioning what the change exactly was. Frightened families scurred away under the rain of a dark night accompanied by reports of dead men walking and destroyed lake fortresses.

--
After this, Raziella inquired of many friends, acquaintances, priests, and religious elders. Her liege, Caleb, thought it be best to investigate an abandoned athonlaurist temple in Lothruin.

Meeting in Lothruin:

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (4 days, 2 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (4 recipients)
Raziella, stopped, ordering her entourage to find a field to have the tents arrived, and to send emissaries to her travelling comrades's entourages that they had arrived. It was pleasant location, with streams for fishing, excellent arable fields, and meadows. She'd followed the instructions from Earl Caleb as to where in Lothruin the temple was in. Now, they awaited his arrival from Shanandoah to guide them to the temple himself.

Roleplay from Caleb Kingsley   (2 days, 12 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (6 recipients)
Caleb stood waiting in the government building in Lotha, the provincial capital.  Here is where he would meet Lady Raziella, his knight and fellow Ithilian.  Caleb of course arrived much earlier than the meeting was scheduled for in order to go over the map he made to find the Old Church.  As he waited he amused himself by playing 'Freeman or Landed', a game he made up in which he attempted to determine a commoner's status by his dress and action.  After several minutes, a man walked in who fell into neither category.  Caleb of course recognized the nobleman as Marshal Sharpseare, his longtime friend and countryman.  Caleb stood up and approached the Marshal quizzically.

"Ah!  My Prince, it has been too long, the Darkans have kept me busy this past week..." the Marshal greeted
A bit confused Caleb replied "Indeed, but what are you doing in here in Lothruin?"
Now puzzled as well, Drizztle replied, "Well, we're going to see the Old Church of Athonlaurism are we not?"
"Well, yes," Caleb answered, "But Lady Nifellesca and I made that plan.  I did not know you were wanting to come."
"Oh so she's not here yet?  Well I guess we'll still have to wait for her and the others."

Caleb looked quite confused now.  "The others?  How many others?"
"Well there's the two priests, the Cagilans, the Taran, maybe others as well, I'm not sure."
Shocked by this revelation Caleb replied "Well I suppose we should wait then.  Although Raziella did NOT inform me the entire empire would accompanying us."

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (2 days, 11 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (6 recipients)
Raziella had received word that Earl Caleb had arrived. It seems she had misread the map and they were to meet in Lotha, the chief village of Lothruin, not this field marked with an X on the map. Perhaps the X had other significance. One day she'd have to hire one of those free roaming commoners to see if there was any buried treasure. Well, it made more sense for the temple to be closer to the village. Sending messengers to inform the camps of Margrave Torsaan and Dame Nicotina of where to join them, Raziella penned letters to those not yet arrived, ordered the camp broke down, and hurried towards Lotha, presumably with the cagilans close behind.

Wandering a bit confused as to where to meet, even in such a small location, she was growing conscious of the villagers growing attention as to her and her men. Rereading the letter, she noticed 'government offices' as the meeting location and turned to the crudely marked census office. That must be it. Bounding up the stairs, she entered quietly. The two Head Hurlers who had been with her that peculiar night joined her whilst the others remained at guard outside, mingling with the other units.

Smiling at the marshal, "Sir Drizztle". Though dressed in pants, Raziella half-curtseyed, half bowed one knee, to the earl, "Prince Caleb". Rising again, "I'm certain the others are not far behind".

Roleplay from Drizztle Sharpspeare   (2 days, 11 hours ago)
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"Ah m'lady Raziella, it is good to see you. I'm glad you have arrive. Can I get you a drink?" Raziella politely declined.

"While we waited, I entertained our good Prince here. He has a good eye. We saw this ridiculous gentleman in this bright green clothes. I'm not talking forest green. I mean BRIGHT green. I didn't even know this color was possible. My Prince, do you remember the hat he was wearing?" Drizztle said chuckling.

Earl Caleb, trying unsuccessfully to to stifle his laughter, said, "Yes, Peacock feathers if I remember correctly." Bursting out laughing Drizztle began "YES! It was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time. Definitely a well off freeman trying desperately to be landed."

After pouring himself some lemonade, Drizztle turned to Raziella, "Where shall begin? I am eager to visit this lost temple of yours Lady Raziella"

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (2 days, 10 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (6 recipients)
"Ah, but the Prince knows the location, not I. I barely remembered the name athonlaurism, let alone any locations," Raziella said whilst pouring herself a glass of lemonade. "I brought cookies. Peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, and the standard chocolate chip. I figured we'd need snacks while investigating this temple."

Roleplay from Torsaan ka Habb   (2 days, 10 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (6 recipients)
Camped in Lothruin near the borders with Lyton and Menedor, a messenger from Dame Raziella arrives to inform the Kargnchha that they are to meet in Lotha, a small administrative centre some distance away. A junior priest leans into Torsaan's tent, relieved to find him not meditating and only quietly sipping wine. After informing His Holyness, they break camp and set off.

It is a sight Lotha hasn't seen before, the patriarch of the desert faith The Word and his full retinue. A rather humble coach surrounded by not so humble guards, flanked by priests of varying seniority and a small retinue of scribes related to his landed title. Passing through the square to the census office, the coach stops and a young priest produces steps for the ancient holy man. Stepping out into the sunlight, Torsaan doesn't squint. His hair is silver and tightly curled against his scalp, his beard is neatly trimmed and silver as well. His robes are a deep royal purple, with accents of red and gold. Perhaps most startling are the old priest's eyes, hazed over with cataracts. A senior priest steps forward to offer a walking stick and a hand to Torsaan as he descends the stairs. Making his way into the census office flanked by guards and guided by the priest, the priest announces to the nobility within "His Holyness Torsaan Kargnchha the First of The Word, Margrave of Vornion, Baron of Laphiragh, on the invitation of Dame Raziella Himoura." he then continues, speaking quietly to Torsaan "There are two men and a woman."

Torsaan clears his throat. His eyes, though whitened by cataracts, were once a deep brown. His age is starting to truly show, wrinkles and blindness betraying his smirk and otherwise youthful demeanour. Bowing deeply, "Greetings Corians! I am here by the invitation of a Dame Raziella to view an ancient temple of Athonlaurism and to provide guidance in a spiritual matter." His voice is gravelly and not particularly deep. Alternating squinting and opening his eyes wide, he turns his head to the side slowly, eyes on the Dame. "Milady?"

Roleplay from Caleb Kingsley   (2 days, 9 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (6 recipients)
With the arrival of the Priest the previously jovial attitude of the reunited Ithilians was immediately silenced.  His guard stood stoic, entourage behind them.

The unlikely party stood quietly as Caleb glanced at Raziella awkwardly.  Finally he spoke.

"Erm... actually, I, Prince Caleb of Ithilia, will be leading this expedition.  With Raziella's recent visions, specifically regarding Lady Arelien, I thought perhaps a visit to Master  Anton's Church in Lothruin would help her find clarity."

Again a short silence,

"I was not aware we would be having such a large party, however..."

Roleplay from Nicotina Marlboro   (2 days, 7 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)
Dame Nicotina left her retinue behind, riding to the rally point with only her sworn shield Rufus. The former cavalryman looked dapper in black clothing, practically fit for court though barely more than a commoner by most standards. His Lady rode side-saddle to spare her simple dress, purple with a practical black belt to hold her sword in place. Her archers were in good hands, led by Captain Bartolf in her absence; she understood that there were monsters around, and she had given them orders to go hunting with the other forces in the area.

Upon arrival at Lotha, she slipped unassisted from the saddle, skilled enough at riding if not at jousting. She was at the higher end of average height for a lady, though she wore leather sandals instead of the well-heeled boots most nobility enjoyed, which gave the lie to her stature. Adjusting her sword belt, she approached the growing party, which included her spiritual leader, Lord Torsaan. Accordingly, he was the first to be acknowledged. Holding a hand over her heart, she bowed to the man. "Het Hab-yc, Kargnchha," she offered modestly, then, straightening, her eyes sought out Lady Raziella. "I am sorry I kept you waiting, m'lady," the young knight offered with a smile. Her bodyguard remained at a respectful distance, practically a part of the scenery for all his silence.

Roleplay from Raziella I Himoura Nifelleisca   (2 days, 6 hours ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Lothruin (8 recipients)

"Indeed, it is by my invitation, as I wanted many perspectives to enlighten our journey, but knowledge of the temple and its original suggestion for exploration is all Earl Caleb's as a believer in athonlaurism," Raziella finished telling Torsaan. Smiling, Raziella offered cookies to a senior priest to provide to the blind margrave. Turning to the cagilan dame she'd not seen since the tournament, Raziella proclaimed, "Nicotina! It is good to see you! Cookies? I believe Sir Drizztle has lemonade, as well."

Of course, giddy to get to explore an abandoned, overgrown temple (Raziella often enjoyed navigating york's catacombs as a child), she eagerly asked Caleb, "I believe all that I knew in the region have arrived, so shall we set out, my Prince?"

1569

Helpline / Re: Family name mistake

« on: May 19, 2013, 10:08:29 PM »

If its deleted, its probably too late. However, for future reference, there should be a Change character/family name link on the Politics page when you play a character.

1570

BM General Discussion / Re: Stronghold Duchy

« on: May 16, 2013, 11:15:51 PM »

Or people could try to share power with fellow players, particularly newer ones, instead of playing margrave/duke/kings. Might help keep some newer players around to get them involved.

1571

BM General Discussion / Re: And the award for best heroic death goes to....

« on: May 16, 2013, 09:44:14 AM »

Helios Raiva in Nahad for primarily the same reasons you listed for Rhidhana.

1572

Dwilight / Re: Luria

« on: May 11, 2013, 01:47:54 AM »

From what I understand Alice had only 15% swordskill and yes, she challenged Skynderbau. I'm pretty sure everyone saw that this duel could be a toss up either way due to both having low swordskill.

1573

BM General Discussion / Re: Why Multi's are bad

« on: May 01, 2013, 05:42:06 PM »

I recall reading people years ago as thankful they had 3 characters to find an interesting realm with. And I know that as a returning player, I would've enjoyed starting out with 3 nobles. As admitted in in-game text, advies are a slower game with little social interaction (social interaction being the core of BM, to me). While new players being able to jump around might help, that seems like extra coding work in comparison to allowing 3 nobles at start. Also, there's the issue of player density that would be assisted by new players having the normal amount of nobles.

1574

Questions & Answers / Re: Offtopic

« on: April 30, 2013, 03:33:44 AM »

Kyle deleted his dwilight character earlier today.

1575

Development / Re: About the "Spread the Word" announcement

« on: April 29, 2013, 07:40:16 PM »

Deytheur, you might be interested in the following:

• http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/Vote_for_BattleMaster
• http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/Spread_the_Word