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Kulan: Knightfall's Crisis in Bluffside Game [IC]
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<blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 8214808" data-attributes="member: 2012"><p>"My companions... are devoted to the Way of the Rising Sword," Narzissa replies. "For some of them, it's a matter of honor to die in battle. Wealth wasn't their driving focus." She pauses. For others like Brychan, the company offers a chance for vengeance, or justice, depending on your point of view."</p><p></p><p>She looks down at Brychan, "He <em>was</em> my companion, as well as one of the Swords, but the others were less so to me. I respected their blades, not much else, especially Swordmaster Castañon. He was a vicious man with no redeeming qualities. Sadism drove him to kill and revel in blood."</p><p></p><p>"Narzissa, remember the code," Mambru reminds her. "It is forbidden to speak ill of a commander."</p><p></p><p>"The moment we surrendered, we stopped being Swords," she retorts. She glares at the man before speaking to Akos once more, in a hushed tone. "The accusations were Brychan's. Do I know if they are true or not? I cannot say for certain. He surely believed that Lord Vandewiele set him up."</p><p></p><p>The crowd of onlookers is growing larger. Citizens have gathered in a circle around the heroes, guards, and their prisoners. They talk and whisper among themselves but the crowd seems calmer. Yet, a few of the older folks look at Solomon with a mixture of hate and fear. Surprisingly, no other guards have shown up to the scene.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue">Narzissa tries to begin to say something, but is cut off by Tim's words...</span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Narzissa sighs. "You assume too much, knight," she motions to Solomon. "You assume his god is my god. I have no love for the Sufferer. His spells are useful in battle, nothing more. He is a fanatic to his god, not the Rising Swords. The Swordmaster paid for his service. He isn't truly one of us."</p><p></p><p>"True," Mambru nods. "He does not follow the Way of the Rising Sword, so his opinion does not matter to us." He looks at Solomon. The man is angry behind his gag and glares at them with true hatred. "I do not fear his god. Yes, he was paid for his service, just like the rest of us, but his faith holds no dominion over our souls."</p><p></p><p>"I have little use for gods, knight, whether they be his god or yours," Narzissa speaks plainly. "Save your sermons for the masses."</p><p></p><p>Mambru doesn't say anything... he just shakes his head.</p><p></p><p>"No god has ever filled my belly."</p><p></p><p><strong>"Godless heathen!"</strong> A middle-aged man in the crowd yells at her.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(97, 189, 109)">"That is one of the reasons why your order is not welcome in Bluffside!"</span> Sergeant Herleva says. She turns to Tim. <span style="color: rgb(97, 189, 109)">"While the Swords often hire evil clerics, most of them are godless atheists who worship only money."</span></p><p></p><p>"The Way of the Rising Swords is a code and philosophy," Mambru snaps back. "We don't worship gods because gods are callous and cruel. I know that gods are real. They just don't give a damn about us."</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(250, 197, 28)">"So, you believe you have a soul?"</span> Vinccenzo asks.</p><p></p><p>"We... the Swords believe in death before dishonor," Narzissa replies. "We uphold the traditions even if we don't believe in every aspect of the code. Obedience is more important than belief. Personally, I think gods are all liars and thieves. Donations are a grift. Salvation is a con." She glares at the man who yelled at her. He makes an obscene gesture back at her. She laughs and shakes her head. "How is that holy." She sees Tim looking at her and sighs. "If you feel you must hate me, so be it. Just don't pity me. I care not for your desire to <em>save me</em>. And don't judge Brychan by my words, or Mambru's. He was a devoted follower of Lusos the Traveler before being ostracized and stayed true to his faith even as a Sword."</p><p></p><p>That causes the whispering in the crowd to turn to gasps and louder chatter.</p><p></p><p>Sergeant Herleva is forced to <em>shush</em> them. Many in the crowd seem to know and respect her.</p><p></p><p>"He did change his faith to the more extreme sect of Lusos, however," Mambru adds once the uproar subsides.</p><p></p><p>"The Tortured of the Great Walk," Roland say with some respect. "That is a hard way of life."</p><p></p><p>"It's who he was forced to become by a cruel justice system that takes the word of power and politics over truth and justice," Narzissa says.</p><p></p><p>The crowd grows silent and some of them bow their heads in respect to the fallen member of the Rising Swords. A few make prayers to the Traveler for the man's soul.</p><p></p><p>"May the Great Walk take you to Lusos' Tent," a young woman says without reservation. "May you find solace there."</p><p></p><p></p><p>While Tim gives his speech and the Swords counter with their beliefs, Akos has time to think upon Lord Vandewiele and his family...</p><p></p><p>[Spoiler="Lord Maxim Vandewiele"]</p><p>Akos knows that the Vandewiele's are a well-respected family of merchants who are connected to the trade of Adamantine. This makes them very wealthy but not nearly as important as The Five Houses. It is know that Lord Maxim Vandewiele is a close friend and ally to Lord Wilton Blander, one of The Five. Lord Maxim is a robust man, although he's well past middle-age. His appetite for food is well known, but he works hard to stay fit. The common people living and working in Old City adore him. He has two sons, Romeo and Gavril, and a daughter, Ecaterina, who is his heir. His wife is named Joandra and the family's surname comes from her side of the family. Akos doesn't know if Lord Maxim had a surname before he married Lady Joandra. Their children are not considered lords or a lady, although Ecaterina will gain that title once both her parents pass away.</p><p></p><p>The Vandewiele Family has a long history in Bluffside. They are considered an old family with ties to the city's founding. The family's estate has stood in Barracks Ward of Old City for generations. It isn't the most opulent estate, but it is well maintained and its various lords and ladies have always been known for their generosity. There have been a few scandels, of course. Lady Joandra's great uncle, Lord Silver, was a notorious womanizer and nearly bankrupted the family. While his son, Emory, stepped in in time to save the estate, he had to give up the right of lordship in order to keep the family stable (and for his actions). His little sister, Keanna, became the next Lady Vandewiele. Her son, Mithras, was Lady Joandra's father.</p><p></p><p>There have been recent rumors that Lady Joandra's four-times great grandfather was a pirate and vicious man who liked to eat the flesh of his victims or hang dead bodies behind his sailing ship for the sharks, and worse. His name is likely lost to history, or, at least, Akos doesn't know it. The rumors are likely false since it was well-known that the man's son, Lord Meriwether, was a highly-thought of official in Bluffside's justice system.</p><p></p><p>The Vandewieles have a long service in the Bluffside Mountain Rangers. Emory Vandewiele is remembered as one of the most renown of that company of outriders. However, the greatest Vandewiele in Bluffside history is Dame Winter Vandewiele who was one of the original Vandewieles to settle in Bluffside at its founding. She was a renown Paladin of the Purifier and there is a statue of her in the street in front of the Vandewiele Estate. The history of her deeds is wildly known beyond the city and she is considered a Saint in the Church of the Purifier. She was known to live a monk-like life with absolute devotion to her deity's Cleansing Light aspect. He hunted fiends and undead with vigor up until her death at the age of 78.</p><p>[/Spoiler]</p><p></p><p></p><p>Roland looks around and shrugs his shoulder. "He followed you to catch this bastard." The Regular motions to Solomon.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>OOC:</strong> I'd say your rolls are fine, as long as Tuck doesn't go near the Dragori Embassy. This means it will take him more time to sneak towards the sound of troops. I'm going to assume he takes the long way.</p><p></p><p>Tuck moves with great precision and stealth and Mutt stays by his packmate's side and follows his lead through the side streets and alleys. Soon the two are sneaking along the southern wall of the Hollingsworth Estate towards the Masque Arch. As he comes closer to the gateway, he sees a line of a dozen or so Bluffside Regulars marching in unison towards the arch. They are high-stepping in a way this is so comical that Tuck can barely contain his laughter.</p><p></p><p>He knows the Guard Captain who leads them, well, no personally, but he's heard of him. Lord Horatius Demos Atticus. The man is infamous for his peacock like appearance and need to follow traditions to the extreme. Many in Bluffside consider him to be a loon who should be forced out of the Regulars and even the city, but he's so beloved by the nobility and The Five that it would be nearly impossible to ostracize him. And, Lord Horatius is Lady Samantha Pomander's great uncle on her mother's side of the family. He might be a crazy old fool, but he's her beloved crazy old fool. Lady Pomander is smart enough to ensure he doesn't get any serious assignments, however.</p><p></p><p>Tuck sees that the Regular named Vilmos, who is one of Sergeant Herleva's men, is being forced to march with the Regulars. He doesn't look happy, but Tuck notes that most of the others marching with Lord Horatius seem to be moving with the same gusto as their captain. Mutt sense Tuck's mirth and begins to pant and wag his tail. Tuck has to motion the big dog to stay quiet.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(163, 143, 132)">"Step lively, men!</span></strong> There are rats to catch!" Lord Horatius shouts with glee. <strong><span style="color: rgb(163, 143, 132)">"Hup, hup, hup!"</span></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>OOC:</strong> Think of the scene as if Monty Python was being crossed with Don Quixote de la Mancha.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Knightfall, post: 8214808, member: 2012"] "My companions... are devoted to the Way of the Rising Sword," Narzissa replies. "For some of them, it's a matter of honor to die in battle. Wealth wasn't their driving focus." She pauses. For others like Brychan, the company offers a chance for vengeance, or justice, depending on your point of view." She looks down at Brychan, "He [I]was[/I] my companion, as well as one of the Swords, but the others were less so to me. I respected their blades, not much else, especially Swordmaster Castañon. He was a vicious man with no redeeming qualities. Sadism drove him to kill and revel in blood." "Narzissa, remember the code," Mambru reminds her. "It is forbidden to speak ill of a commander." "The moment we surrendered, we stopped being Swords," she retorts. She glares at the man before speaking to Akos once more, in a hushed tone. "The accusations were Brychan's. Do I know if they are true or not? I cannot say for certain. He surely believed that Lord Vandewiele set him up." The crowd of onlookers is growing larger. Citizens have gathered in a circle around the heroes, guards, and their prisoners. They talk and whisper among themselves but the crowd seems calmer. Yet, a few of the older folks look at Solomon with a mixture of hate and fear. Surprisingly, no other guards have shown up to the scene. [COLOR=blue]Narzissa tries to begin to say something, but is cut off by Tim's words...[/COLOR] Narzissa sighs. "You assume too much, knight," she motions to Solomon. "You assume his god is my god. I have no love for the Sufferer. His spells are useful in battle, nothing more. He is a fanatic to his god, not the Rising Swords. The Swordmaster paid for his service. He isn't truly one of us." "True," Mambru nods. "He does not follow the Way of the Rising Sword, so his opinion does not matter to us." He looks at Solomon. The man is angry behind his gag and glares at them with true hatred. "I do not fear his god. Yes, he was paid for his service, just like the rest of us, but his faith holds no dominion over our souls." "I have little use for gods, knight, whether they be his god or yours," Narzissa speaks plainly. "Save your sermons for the masses." Mambru doesn't say anything... he just shakes his head. "No god has ever filled my belly." [B]"Godless heathen!"[/B] A middle-aged man in the crowd yells at her. [COLOR=rgb(97, 189, 109)]"That is one of the reasons why your order is not welcome in Bluffside!"[/COLOR] Sergeant Herleva says. She turns to Tim. [COLOR=rgb(97, 189, 109)]"While the Swords often hire evil clerics, most of them are godless atheists who worship only money."[/COLOR] "The Way of the Rising Swords is a code and philosophy," Mambru snaps back. "We don't worship gods because gods are callous and cruel. I know that gods are real. They just don't give a damn about us." [COLOR=rgb(250, 197, 28)]"So, you believe you have a soul?"[/COLOR] Vinccenzo asks. "We... the Swords believe in death before dishonor," Narzissa replies. "We uphold the traditions even if we don't believe in every aspect of the code. Obedience is more important than belief. Personally, I think gods are all liars and thieves. Donations are a grift. Salvation is a con." She glares at the man who yelled at her. He makes an obscene gesture back at her. She laughs and shakes her head. "How is that holy." She sees Tim looking at her and sighs. "If you feel you must hate me, so be it. Just don't pity me. I care not for your desire to [I]save me[/I]. And don't judge Brychan by my words, or Mambru's. He was a devoted follower of Lusos the Traveler before being ostracized and stayed true to his faith even as a Sword." That causes the whispering in the crowd to turn to gasps and louder chatter. Sergeant Herleva is forced to [I]shush[/I] them. Many in the crowd seem to know and respect her. "He did change his faith to the more extreme sect of Lusos, however," Mambru adds once the uproar subsides. "The Tortured of the Great Walk," Roland say with some respect. "That is a hard way of life." "It's who he was forced to become by a cruel justice system that takes the word of power and politics over truth and justice," Narzissa says. The crowd grows silent and some of them bow their heads in respect to the fallen member of the Rising Swords. A few make prayers to the Traveler for the man's soul. "May the Great Walk take you to Lusos' Tent," a young woman says without reservation. "May you find solace there." While Tim gives his speech and the Swords counter with their beliefs, Akos has time to think upon Lord Vandewiele and his family... [Spoiler="Lord Maxim Vandewiele"] Akos knows that the Vandewiele's are a well-respected family of merchants who are connected to the trade of Adamantine. This makes them very wealthy but not nearly as important as The Five Houses. It is know that Lord Maxim Vandewiele is a close friend and ally to Lord Wilton Blander, one of The Five. Lord Maxim is a robust man, although he's well past middle-age. His appetite for food is well known, but he works hard to stay fit. The common people living and working in Old City adore him. He has two sons, Romeo and Gavril, and a daughter, Ecaterina, who is his heir. His wife is named Joandra and the family's surname comes from her side of the family. Akos doesn't know if Lord Maxim had a surname before he married Lady Joandra. Their children are not considered lords or a lady, although Ecaterina will gain that title once both her parents pass away. The Vandewiele Family has a long history in Bluffside. They are considered an old family with ties to the city's founding. The family's estate has stood in Barracks Ward of Old City for generations. It isn't the most opulent estate, but it is well maintained and its various lords and ladies have always been known for their generosity. There have been a few scandels, of course. Lady Joandra's great uncle, Lord Silver, was a notorious womanizer and nearly bankrupted the family. While his son, Emory, stepped in in time to save the estate, he had to give up the right of lordship in order to keep the family stable (and for his actions). His little sister, Keanna, became the next Lady Vandewiele. Her son, Mithras, was Lady Joandra's father. There have been recent rumors that Lady Joandra's four-times great grandfather was a pirate and vicious man who liked to eat the flesh of his victims or hang dead bodies behind his sailing ship for the sharks, and worse. His name is likely lost to history, or, at least, Akos doesn't know it. The rumors are likely false since it was well-known that the man's son, Lord Meriwether, was a highly-thought of official in Bluffside's justice system. The Vandewieles have a long service in the Bluffside Mountain Rangers. Emory Vandewiele is remembered as one of the most renown of that company of outriders. However, the greatest Vandewiele in Bluffside history is Dame Winter Vandewiele who was one of the original Vandewieles to settle in Bluffside at its founding. She was a renown Paladin of the Purifier and there is a statue of her in the street in front of the Vandewiele Estate. The history of her deeds is wildly known beyond the city and she is considered a Saint in the Church of the Purifier. She was known to live a monk-like life with absolute devotion to her deity's Cleansing Light aspect. He hunted fiends and undead with vigor up until her death at the age of 78. [/Spoiler] Roland looks around and shrugs his shoulder. "He followed you to catch this bastard." The Regular motions to Solomon. [B]OOC:[/B] I'd say your rolls are fine, as long as Tuck doesn't go near the Dragori Embassy. This means it will take him more time to sneak towards the sound of troops. I'm going to assume he takes the long way. Tuck moves with great precision and stealth and Mutt stays by his packmate's side and follows his lead through the side streets and alleys. Soon the two are sneaking along the southern wall of the Hollingsworth Estate towards the Masque Arch. As he comes closer to the gateway, he sees a line of a dozen or so Bluffside Regulars marching in unison towards the arch. They are high-stepping in a way this is so comical that Tuck can barely contain his laughter. He knows the Guard Captain who leads them, well, no personally, but he's heard of him. Lord Horatius Demos Atticus. The man is infamous for his peacock like appearance and need to follow traditions to the extreme. Many in Bluffside consider him to be a loon who should be forced out of the Regulars and even the city, but he's so beloved by the nobility and The Five that it would be nearly impossible to ostracize him. And, Lord Horatius is Lady Samantha Pomander's great uncle on her mother's side of the family. He might be a crazy old fool, but he's her beloved crazy old fool. Lady Pomander is smart enough to ensure he doesn't get any serious assignments, however. Tuck sees that the Regular named Vilmos, who is one of Sergeant Herleva's men, is being forced to march with the Regulars. He doesn't look happy, but Tuck notes that most of the others marching with Lord Horatius seem to be moving with the same gusto as their captain. Mutt sense Tuck's mirth and begins to pant and wag his tail. Tuck has to motion the big dog to stay quiet. [B][COLOR=rgb(163, 143, 132)]"Step lively, men![/COLOR][/B] There are rats to catch!" Lord Horatius shouts with glee. [B][COLOR=rgb(163, 143, 132)]"Hup, hup, hup!"[/COLOR] OOC:[/B] Think of the scene as if Monty Python was being crossed with Don Quixote de la Mancha. [/QUOTE]
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