The Tales of Nemean JeVondair Renodin

[Renodin]

The Voice
 

This was a room with two people, fumbling in the dark.  Both wanting warmth and light, but unable to find it.  Another tear. "I cannot help the way that I am.  But I am sorry that it hurt you." ~Alyssa Kingsley

The sound of her voice forming his name was akin to a lance piercing skin, flesh and bone. He didn't turn, neither did he speak. The hand he had resting on the handle of the door the only outward sign of pause. ''..I am sorry that it hurt you.'' her words, and the handle turned. Releasing the door from its frame. Two echoing steps later and he was gone.

The door was closed from the other side and fading steps could be heard, descending the stairs of the tower.

[Renodin]

Ah ha! You thought I was done? Really? Silly. Here I present an rp about a takeover of a region through Sympathetic means. It kinda became bigger than expected. Hope you enjoy!


Freedom and Peace

Riding along the main road that snaked through one of the last remaining settlements in Brive it was hard to shake the feeling, being fake. Clods of muddy sludge jumped up and his horse whipped the air with it's black tail. Tiny trails of smoke roze from cooking-fires. The shelters, that's really what they were, you couldn't call them homes. Nemean didn't believe so at least. Ramshackle and painted heavily with the colors of devastation. Soot and breakage. He didn't want to see it but it was too obvious. The foundations of once proper buildings, now burned out husks. The looted timber hastily used to prop up roofs of whatever material lend itself to the task easiest. Starving children. In rags. Dirty rags, stained with mud, grime and what he suspected must've been blood.

He nudged his steed on, to trudge through the main thoroughfare. A river of brown, trodden into semi liquidity. His nose informing him that it wasn't only dirt that mingled there with water. The dew, winter's kiss, gently clinging to every building and to ever blade of grass. A thin and cold embrace that coated it all. The alleyways filled with fine mist and like great lungs breathed out into the main road. Making Nemean feel like the grim reaper on his black horse. Coughing people clutching cowls and hoods and scarfs as they looked upon the Warriors. He just looked at them, pitied them. A little girl cried as she saw him. He put up his hand in a wave. You're free now. He willed the words to her but the mother clutched the child to her bosom and gave an angry glare.

The horse plodded on and in his wake his riders. Trying to offer warm words, kindness. How do you give kindness in such a desolate place. Starving dogs roved around. Children screamed. Behind the broken homes of Brives, there were fields. Not of grain and not of barley. Of graves. Deep ones, shallow ones and the rotting dead.

Arriving at a small clearing in the village Nemean dismounted. He walked up to the great cauldron that stood at its center. A great line of destitute peasants waiting in the chilling winds. Bowls and cups at the ready. Nemean cut into the line of cooks. Words weren't needed, his expression was enough. He took the great ladle and scooped generously. Doing his part. Trying to make right, the wrong.

[Renodin]

All due credits go to the writer:


Roleplay from Dustiria Noire


Dustiria walks among the downtrodden people. Her men offer ale and food around her to those they see. Her warrior face betrays no emotion. Her gauntlet covered hand that rests on her sword hilt does as she sees child crying in her mother's arms as they wait in a line for food. Her hand grips the sword tightly as she wished for something she could do to help these poor souls. She stops at the head of the line when she sees Sir Nemean ladleing soup. She starts to turn away then hesitates. With firm resolve she approaches the man.

"I know you told me to stay away,"she indicated the line if peasants,"but it appears you may need help even if it is from such as I" she says to Sir Nemean.Roleplay from Dustiria Noire
Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (33 recipients) - 17 days, 22 hours, 14 minutes ago
Dustiria walks among the downtrodden people. Her men offer ale and food around her to those they see. Her warrior face betrays no emotion. Her gauntlet covered hand that rests on her sword hilt does as she sees child crying in her mother's arms as they wait in a line for food. Her hand grips the sword tightly as she wished for something she could do to help these poor souls. She stops at the head of the line when she sees Sir Nemean ladleing soup. She starts to turn away then hesitates. With firm resolve she approaches the man.

"I know you told me to stay away,"she indicated the line if peasants,"but it appears you may need help even if it is from such as I" she says to Sir Nemean.

[Renodin]

Due to the amounts of Rp in the Realm of Perdan the players decided to keep titles for the various story lines. In an attempt to prevent a giant rp mess hehe.


Freedom and Peace 2
 

"I know you told me to stay away,"she indicated the line of peasants,"but it appears you may need help even if it is from such as I." she says to Sir Nemean. ~Dustiria Noire

A cold wind whipped through the muddy square. It tugged at Nemean's hair and cape. With a nasty splash he dumped a ladle-full of slop into the worn bowl of a leather faced and flat nosed old man. The man grunted a thanks and shuffled on. Nemean looked at the soldier standing at the table next to him. Handing out pieces of bread. Ripping them with his hands. Indicating with the laddle Nemean dismissed him before turning to Dustiria.

''Get in line.'' The sound was sharp but somewhere he was grateful she had appeared. ''So how are things with you?'' Giving her a skeptical look as he resumed filling slop bowls. ''Let's not talk about me before you get that idea in your head.'' One of the peasants dared to complain about the quantity in his bowl. Claiming the one before him had received more. An angry look sorted that out right quick. ''You were saying?'' Nemean glanced over at Dustiria.

[Renodin]

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire

Freedom and Peace 3

Dustiria goes to were the soldier was. She pulls her hood up to protect her from the biting wind. She does not look at the knight beside her as she picks up pieces of bread to hand to the hungry people waiting in line.

"Oh doing just fine. Just taking a break from my duty that I will not tell you of and finished sending instructions to that how did you put it...hmm can't remember your exact wording....the dive the Duke gave me to care for him." The chill in her voice matched the air almost perfectly.

[Renodin]

Freedom and Peace 4

He stopped for a moment and turned towards Dustiria. ''The Duke gave you drive for something?'' His tone as skeptical as his expression. ''You are confusing me with someone else but do continue your cryptic story.'' He rubbed his nose with the back of his gloved hand, red from windchill. ''Besides, are you implying you are giving instructions to Duke Smiddich?''

Another bowl was filled with delicious slop. ''Ever wonder how it is back in Eponllyn?''

[Renodin]

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire


Freedom and Peace 5

"Cold must be plugging your ears Sir. Dive not drive. Of course I am not ordering his grace . I sent instructions to the bloody stump about festive decor. You know the pub that the Duke told me to care for that you disdain." Dustiria looks away for a moment,"I rarely think of how things are back there. I am sure my family and their horses are fine in Bescanon. It doesn't do to think of that place in that way. War had to be fought against them and it may happen again. It's best thinking about my duty here to the Imperatrix, the Duke, and our king. That must always come first to all else."

[Renodin]

Freedom and Peace 6

''Will be quite a thing indeed, to ride into Bescanon.'' He stole a glance at Dustiria as he continued. ''Under a banner of war. But you want to spend the festivities in the Bloody stump?'' Nemean snorted. ''You're right I disdain the place and not just because of what happened there. You gave me some terrible advice going there and taking her there.''

The next peasant in line got an extra hard wack of the ladle that nearly knocked the bowl out of her hands. ''If that was part of your duty its was about as well done as raw chicken.'' He scowled which in turn made a little girl cry as she was being carried by her mother. It instantly made him both surprised and apologetic, the damage was already done however. ''I'm sorry ok? sheesh.'' He couldn't help rolling his eyes in annoyance. ''Does that place at least earn you a fair bit of coin though? I've been speaking with Sir Derrik on the prospect of investing in one of the silver mines up north.''

[Renodin]

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire


Freedom and Peace 7

"I do believe I said it was the only place I knew when you asked my opinion and also said there might be better places.  As to spending the festivities...I really have no place else to go. Now that the Duke has me in charge of the Stump Quarter its my home. I don't know much of the city I spend my time shadowing the Imeperatrix, the stables, or the Bloody Stump. I wouldn't have a clue where else to go. I am in the field too much to explore the city. I am sure with the decor I ordered it will look nice and festive. " she hands out bread as she talks, "As to the money the establishment is still the Dukes. I guess you can call me its caretaker. As long as it welcomes all, and  is a safe place to enjoy drinks, meals, and various entertainment I am content with it. Its not about money. It was the place my men and I found welcome when we came to the city. A place I could relax and get away from the .... well that's not important. what is you do the Bloody Stump a disservice. Don't blame it for your woes. Its a safe haven  in the storm of life." Dustiria's  eyes briefly show emotion as she talks.

"Anyway," mask back in place," Silver mines should produce  a solid revenue for you. if you need gold that should work well." she hands out yet more chunks of bread to the people in line,

[Renodin]

Freedom and Peace 8

Flinging the ladle in the cauldron Nemean adjusted his cape before signalling his captain to bring his horse. ''Well, Dustiria.''  He formed his gloves over his hands. ''Hope the Stump will remain that place for you. Such places are rare but you know all about that already.'' He turned towards capitain Jacinta as she approached, holding the reins of his mount.

With practiced ease Nemean climbed into the saddle. The creature pawed the muddy sludge of the square. ''Until we meet again.'' An economically tug directed the noble beast and they were off.

[Renodin]

Hello again. Here I present a tiny little rp that was written as a bit of an intermezzo.


The Tallest Hill in Dimwood

The land beyond was familiar. For all the wrong reasons though. Plumes of black smoke rose from the lands of Brive. He could see at least two villages ablaze. Squinting his eyes he could just about make out several small trains of refugees. The reins creaked softly as he wrung them in his hands. Many Perdanese Nobles along with their warriors had gathered in Dimwood, just as Marshal Ulric had requested. They now camped on this hill. The tallest in the area and waited on further word from the Marshal. Would the order be given to attack or would they have to suffer the sight and move on to the capital.

Sighing in the saddle Nemean knew which of the two he'd issue. His steed noticed the emotions that emanated from its rider and whisked its tail impatiently. The creature knew the young Prince better than most people and if it had a voice, it'd probably be soothing and sarcastic. A trusty battle companion, familiar like a skilled dance partner, anticipating the needs and worries of its partner. Nemean knew he had to wait and reached down to pat the noble creature on the neck.
 

[Renodin]

The creation of a new Army. By the King himself no less. All due credit goes to the writer and there's quite a bit to read. hope you enjoy.


Roleplay from Kay Peregrine


The king silently observed the setting sun. It slowly rolled down over the ruins of Brive's ancient fort. Just like on that fateful day when Caligan battleaxes struck down his battered men one by one and eventually himself. On that hill over yonder Kay fell to his knees, waiting for a mercenary's dagger to find a hole in his helmet.

"Arise, King Kay." he heard witcher-lord Gaheris' whisper in his memory. "Your work is not done."

Indeed his life's work was not yet over. Life was a grueling job and he was on overtime.
Vacantly staring at the contryside Kay patted the scrawny black kitten that latched his tiny claws into his mailed glove.
"How do you like the view, Midnight?" Kay asked softly.
The kitten meowed in response. She was hungry.

The captain of his guard approached from behind.
"The young knights are gathered, my king. They are waiting for you."

His work was not yet done. The king turned around and descended downhill toward the campsite.
The knights were almost all there. Arther, Delphine, Nemean, Hillbert, Rafael, Vesceris. Isabel was missing, she was on a monster hunting mission in Perdan Mines. The king stopped before the assembled knights and appraised them for a while with his only remining eye. Finally he spoke in a raspy but strong voice.

"Lions of Perdan. You are honoured to be the founding members of the realm's new army. The Blackmane Paladins. Yes, I wanted to go with red manes at first but changed my mind to honour my good friend Midnight." The black kitten in his hand stared at the gathered knights curiously. She had no idea she was thusly honoured by her royal owner. "Indeed. From this moment on a distinct feature of this army will be black plumes on our helmets."

Six young retainers swiftly jumped forward, each carrying a plume of pitch black feathers. They bowed before the knights and offered the devices to their new owners.

"Another distinctive feature of this army, or knightly order if you will, is that we will uphold values of chivalry and show our allies and foes alike that we are not just warriors but paladins, embodiment of knightly virtues. Do not consider yourself to be better than others though. The Golden Lions have proven their worth during decades of conflict. You on the other hand have your path entirely ahead of you. Do not let me down." The king took a short pause and then resumed his speech. "I have chosen Ser Nemean to be the first Marshal of this regiment. My decision was informed by the aid Ser Nemean has continually provided to the Military Council since his arrival in Perdan. Here, Ser, take this badge and carry it with honour. You will pick a Vice Marshal among your ranks. I will have you know that Lady Delphine showed interest in this position and I consider her a promising leader."

The king once again cast a stern glare at the knights and drew his sword with his free hand. The setting sun made the steel blade flash brightly. "Paladins! On your swords swear your unwavering allegiance to Perdan and to our firmly held tenets of chivalry! On this day you start your journey on the long and thorny path to glory."

[Renodin]

Roleplay from Salem Belmont


Salem silently approaches king Kay and takes a knee with his sword gripped firmly in both hands, and the hilt pressed to his temple.

"I, Sir Salem Orpheus Belmont, swear my services to the kingdom of Perdan, to your Majesty, Kay Peregrine, and to the people of this nation. I will stay chivalrous, pure as a heart of gold. I swear loyalty to all, from peasant to King. I will fight in the name of righteousness, proudly as a paladin of Perdan. This is my oath to you, as a knight, and as a man.


-=-=-


Roleplay from Vesceries Silverblade


Vesceries was on his knees pushing a corpse over the ledge of the deep hole before him, it tumbling down the side to meet the others, when one of his men approached.

"The King, Ser, the King has arrived to speak to the people here."

Brushing his hands off on his trousers, he nodded, walking off a small wash basin where he cleaned his hands and face in the cool water. Pulling his green cloak from a post he clasped over his shoulders as he walked forward, sliding between troops to get a better view.

He listened intently to the King Peregrin, looking to the cat on his arm as well as the responses from the many commanders and nobles surrounding the camp. After the speech Vesceries noted Salem Belmont stepping forward and makeing the pledge. After the knight had finished he stepped forward beside Ser Belmont, drawing his sword and dropping to a knee. The scimitar was curved so he rested it on his knee as he spoke,

"I too, Ser Vesceries Silverblade, pledge my sword, and my service to you, My King. This is my oath to you, as a Knight, and as a man." he pledged, borrowing words from Belmont in hopes to adhere to their local customs.

He kept his head bowed and sword pledged with his long hair and cloak draping over his shoulders to the ground.


-=-=-


Roleplay from Delphine de Montigny


The young woman was lined up proud along side the other knights. Her helmet cradled under one arm and with her other hand resting on the pommel of her sheathed sword, she stood waiting for her turn to aproach the King.

As her name was called, she slowly moved forward, wanting to look as calm as possible, fighting her feet the whole way from going to fast.

She handed off her helmet to receive the midnight coloured feather, remover her sword and knelt down. She held the blade firmly in both hands with her arms extended.

-"I, Delphine de Mongtigny, pledge my life by this sword so serve the relm of Perdan and it's people for as long as I have breath. I will fight proudly with my men as part of this army in the name of my king.

She rose slowly, collected her newly feathered helmet and returned in rank, the excitement obvious on her face.


-=-=-


Roleplay from Rafael Bragança


Eagerly, Rafael waited for his name to be called. Proudly he stood, holding his sword, black plumed helm resting under his arm.

After Dame de Mongtigny, he approaches the king with a deep bow and presents his sword to his majesty as he takes a knee to announce his vow.

"I, Rafael de Bragança, pledge my life and death, to serve the realm of Perdan and it's people, to lead by example of word and deed, to bring hope and glory. To be loyal to my brothers and sisters in arms and bring justice where it is due."

Rising, he joins the ranks of his fellow paladins.


-=-=-


Roleplay from Derrik Myrkwood


Earl Derrik watched with great anticipation as the new army was forming before his eyes, to have the King himself in the region, receiving oaths from his knights was a sight to behold.

Derrik waited patiently nodding to each of the young knights, as the ceremony proceeded. There was much work to be done, but showing the people of Brive there were honorable men willing

to fight for them would have some impact. The banners of nobility stretched the length of the market village of Torrence, Derrik had never witnessed such an army. He truly believed the

scoundrels to the north would pay for their savagery here. He looked north, could it be? Dame Calandria's banner waiving high in the air proceeding down the Golden Road towards Torrence.

His heart full of excitement, it was a relief she was safe, dont be a baffoon he thought to himself. Simply thank her for her courage on the battlefield, dont make it a mess. He stood there

through the rest of the ceremony, glancing occasionally north watching his friends banner move closer


-=-=-

[Renodin]

And my own addition to the story.


The First Founding
 

The king once again cast a stern glare at the knights and drew his sword with his free hand. The setting sun made the steel blade flash brightly. "Paladins! On your swords swear your unwavering allegiance to Perdan and to our firmly held tenets of chivalry! On this day you start your journey on the long and thorny path to glory." ~Kay Peregrine

The great orb that was the sun had already significantly sunk into the horizon. Trees stood like dark giants casting colossal shadows. Where light had adopted the shade of bronze and the world stood at twilight. There stood Kay and in his hand a living piece of steel. Infused with emotions of pride, defiance and blazing as if it was the blade of some heavenly creature. First to fall to their knees was Sir Salem of House Belmont. His oath was pure and of service. His stance exuding reverence as the tip of his sword dug into the earth and his head pressed against the guard. Beside him Ser Vesceries of House Silverblade took the knee. Making his oath rather personal. Manno a Manno. Pledging himself to King Kay as a man.

The early gusts of wind that herald the chills of night made themselves known. Picking their way past banners causing them to flutter.  Plumes of steam blasted from the nostrils of the warhorses. Next to step up was Dame Delphine of House de Montigny. With measured grace she approached and carefully knelt down. Pledging service until her final breath as the stern King watched. Shortly after the seemingly eager and spirited sir Rafael of House Bragança moved up.  He didn't take long to recite his oath. Marked by the promise of glory, both earned and received. Making special notice of his commitment to his fellows.

The encroaching dark did much to hide the devastation all around them. The broken homes that comprised the villages of Brive. Shallow graves that lined the main roads. The King's gaze was unwavering though. The piece of steel that was his sword still fabled in its dark golden sheen. The gravel crunched softly under his boots as Nemean approached. The boy had been left behind. His skin was still fair but marked with the many kisses of battle. Ridges of pink and of white. Shoulders square and confident. The stride of a swordsman with gloved hands. His body decked in the raiment of war.

He halted as he came face to face with the King. Standing among the Knights and Dames that came before. Green eyes marked each of them before they returned to behold King Kay. He slowly pulled his sword free from its scabbard. Holding it with his right hand and nestled the blade in his left as he looked it over for a moment. The smallest of nods could be perceived. And Nemean too, went down on one knee. Holding up his sword horizontally with both hands. Offering it to the King as he bend his head in respect.

''In the past I have offered you my oath. Today I renew it and accept the increased burdens and duties.'' Nemean took a moment to sort his thoughts before continuing.

‘’Would you accept my fealty under the Imperial Charter as a willing subject and member of the Elector state of Perdan? Offering my person as tool and instrument in whichever way I am asked to serve, within the bounds of Honour. To do battle at your pleasure, to make of your enemies my enemies. To love your friends as my own friends. To hate those that you hate. Offering council when called upon and to ensure your safety when your eyes are cast away and unaware of the danger I shall willingly face, should it ever come for you.

To be shielded by your hand in justice. To have no want as I shall be provided for by you as overlord. To be clothed, landed, fitted and coined through revenues from said lands and enterprises as you shall bestow in accordance to shown merit. Where you see fit wisdom shall flow from your rich repertoire and onto me, a studious pupil of your example.

To don the mantle of Marshal of the Blackmane Paladins and be first among their number. To provide leadership and to uphold their duties equally as commander and as combatant. To execute this office with the tenets of chivalry ever in the forefront of my mind. Offering example in the flesh whenever I am able and to keep those part of this army, from straying from the path of righteousness.

In life and through enduring all the hardships I shall during this oath, to be unwavering and staunch in loyalty as long as this oath is maintained. So I do swear.

Nemean, first of my name, Prince of Greater Eponllyn, Prince of Perdan, Son of King Asher Renodin of Perdan, Son of Duchess Ayden JeVondair the Duchess of Blades of Oligarch, Adoptive Son of Xerarch and Phoenix Queen of Greater Eponllyn Selenia JeVondair and the former Greater Imperium of Xavax, through her line claimant on all of her former dominions . Grandson of Emperor Aldrakar Renodin of the Lurian Empire.’’

Having offered his words, Nemean waited for the King to respond. Stealing a furtive glance at Alyssa as he remained in suspense.

[Renodin]

She did not disappoint.


Roleplay from Alyssa Kingsley


First Founding

Alyssa watched the ceremony from her position behind the king. Mounted atop Starlight and at the forefront of the other mounted knights and captains of the Golden Lions who had gathered from their preparations to ride home to watch the King and his knights forming their historic pact. She wore her usual white cloak and stoic expression, but she felt an overwhelming surge of pride as she watched the young knights swear their oaths to the King.

Kay himself looked stronger today. His visage still marked by the viciousness of death, but he seemed more confident. She worried over him, the white stone in his eye an ever pressing reminder of her failure, but today she could not worry. Today the grim expressions and distant gazes were gone, in their place was the man who lead her through knighthood, who taught her the true meaning of honour and wisdom. Who tempered her at her worst and encouraged her to do her best. Many had expressed their doubts to her after his return but she could see that despite everything he was still the same King he had always been, wise and true, and proud and brave.

She watched the knights one by one take their knee and say their oaths. She smiled slightly to herself, remembering her own knighting. It seemed so long ago, in another world. A different person, a simple fair-haired girl who had no idea what she had just sworn, or what she would have to do to keep that promise. She wondered if they knew what she didn't.

After the others the one named Marshal took his own knee. /How odd for him/ She thought. /Swearing fealty to that which for so long he sought to destroy./ She considered him for a moment. She hoped for him as well. The poor man had seemed so confused. About Perdan, about her, and about himself. Alyssa knew he could be a true knight, but he had been stumbling blindly in the dark. She had failed him so far, but perhaps he had found the way now, as he knelt before the truest King she knew.

He looked up and around slightly, looking for her. She gave a single nod as their eyes met and Alyssa felt what she hoped was understanding. /The doorway is open Sir./ She thought to herself. The Path of Truth lie on the other side. She hoped he was ready.