The Bleeding Forest (IC/Fantasy Medieval RP/Open)

[Tracian Empire]

Pirates
Edward guided the submerged ship into one of the many openings that lead to Freeport and slowly brought the ship up to the surface. Freeport was situated right underneath the Alder District and had many ships in this one cavern, while Freeport was made of more than one cavern, the buildings looked rickety and made of old sailing ships while some were carved into the bedrock. "Well we'll be safe from now on... That is unless we leave Freeport and its runes and talismans." Edward said as the crew began docking the ship. Nidas nodded in agreement as he leaned against the main mast "Are you sure the Pirate Lords won't try to kill us?" He asked Edward who smiled "Nope."

Order Keep
Atten kept his fighting consistent as he moved about rapidly defeating opponents left and right.

The fight continued. Julius was pretty good, and using his two swords, he managed to take out a lot of enemies. Finally, after some time, the only ones left standing were Julius and Atten.
Julius sheathed the swords before looking at Atten and saying:
"You have proven that you're good. Of course, the real test will be in the forest, but your abilities can't be negated."
Julius turned to look at the other recruits.
"Recruits, this concludes the training for today. You have learned a lot of things, and I hope that you will remember them. Dismissed."

[Relikai]

Needing some extra marks to spruce up his equipment, Silvanus approached the House of Dread.

"I heard... you guys are in need of soldiers...?" The elf whispered to the recruiter who is on the lookout for mercenary bands seeking employment.

[The Central Fascist Empires]

Baldwin strode to Julius and saluted him. "How prepared are the recruits for the journey?" He asked.

[Setinel]

Needing some extra marks to spruce up his equipment, Silvanus approached the House of Dread.

"I heard... you guys are in need of soldiers...?" The elf whispered to the recruiter who is on the lookout for mercenary bands seeking employment.

The recruiter turned, a sly grin on his face, the flames on his arms dancing around in long tendrils.
"Aye. Always. A good pay, and a most certainly inresting job."
The man pulled out a document. "Just sign her and your considered an employee."

[Moorwhyne]

Needing some extra marks to spruce up his equipment, Silvanus approached the House of Dread.

"I heard... you guys are in need of soldiers...?" The elf whispered to the recruiter who is on the lookout for mercenary bands seeking employment.

The recruiter turned, a sly grin on his face, the flames on his arms dancing around in long tendrils.
"Aye. Always. A good pay, and a most certainly inresting job."
The man pulled out a document. "Just sign her and your considered an employee."

Just then, another man walks out from the shadows. He approaches the two and has his face covered.

"I can provide me and my brother as mercs for your upcoming campaign, all I need is a job description." Says the shady man, leaning against a nearby wall.

[Camelone]

Order Keep
Atten straightened himself out and helped some of the recruits up as he listened into the conversation between Julius and Baldwin and told Julius "You'd be surprised how much Alders know about live combat, there's a reason why our district is called the Pirate District."

[Setinel]

The recruiter turned, a sly grin on his face, the flames on his arms dancing around in long tendrils.
"Aye. Always. A good pay, and a most certainly inresting job."
The man pulled out a document. "Just sign her and your considered an employee."

Just then, another man walks out from the shadows. He approaches the two and has his face covered.

"I can provide me and my brother as mercs for your upcoming campaign, all I need is a job description." Says the shady man, leaning against a nearby wall.

The man simply smiled an pulled out a small stack of papers. "Here's a couple contracts, and a few for your friends."
He walked off rambling about flaming weaponry.

[Relikai]

Needing some extra marks to spruce up his equipment, Silvanus approached the House of Dread.

"I heard... you guys are in need of soldiers...?" The elf whispered to the recruiter who is on the lookout for mercenary bands seeking employment.

The recruiter turned, a sly grin on his face, the flames on his arms dancing around in long tendrils.
"Aye. Always. A good pay, and a most certainly inresting job."
The man pulled out a document. "Just sign her and your considered an employee."

Silvanus whistled a tune as he signed on the document.

"Here you go. Nice flames too. Magical?"

[Tracian Empire]

Baldwin strode to Julius and saluted him. "How prepared are the recruits for the journey?" He asked.

"Well, they all know how to fight, at least.", said Julius."They're all pretty good at it, and learned a lot of things in the last time. The only thing they are lacking in is experience, and that comes with the time. They will probably successfully survive an expedition in the forest."

[The Central Fascist Empires]

OOC: Just command the troops to head up if you don't want to RP that Tracian.

IC: "Good, because we leave today. There are reports of bodies washing up on the banks of the Enz by the villages. We've been paid a good amount of money to investigate," Baldwin said. "I have a suspicion that it may be Orcs, but the village elders have specified odd marks, cuts and bruises on their bodies. Take them to the mages, and have them instructed on the basics of magic and then down to the alchemists for learning of the various herbs and potions. We cannot teach them much, but we'll do what we can with the resources that we have." Baldwin turned to Atten. "Atten Alder serving for the Order. I heard that you were working with us, but I didn't think you were that good of a fighter. It would be good for when we venture into the Forest. Julius I will have you head the expedition I believe my cousin made that clear, and you Atten I want you to assist Julius when he needs to. Once we have dealt with the contract then we will venture into the Forest," Baldwin said.

[Tracian Empire]

OOC: Just command the troops to head up if you don't want to RP that Tracian.

IC: "Good, because we leave today. There are reports of bodies washing up on the banks of the Enz by the villages. We've been paid a good amount of money to investigate," Baldwin said. "I have a suspicion that it may be Orcs, but the village elders have specified odd marks, cuts and bruises on their bodies. Take them to the mages, and have them instructed on the basics of magic and then down to the alchemists for learning of the various herbs and potions. We cannot teach them much, but we'll do what we can with the resources that we have." Baldwin turned to Atten. "Atten Alder serving for the Order. I heard that you were working with us, but I didn't think you were that good of a fighter. It would be good for when we venture into the Forest. Julius I will have you head the expedition I believe my cousin made that clear, and you Atten I want you to assist Julius when he needs to. Once we have dealt with the contract then we will venture into the Forest," Baldwin said.

OOC: No, that's okay. This investigation will probably delay the expedition until after my exams, which is perfect for me.

IC:"I understand. I will take some men and go to the banks of Enz.", said Julius."I certainly hope the Orcs were responsible for that. We don't need other... problems. Well, I'll be on my way. See you all soon."
A few minutes later, Julius and about 10 men of the Order have left heading for the banks of Enz.

[The Central Fascist Empires]

Baldwin mounted his horse and signaled to Atten. "Come if you want it will teach you the true nature of the Orcs," Baldwin said before riding off to follow Julius. The village smelled of rotting corpses and filth left to burn in the sun. The countless dead being carted off the large pyres in the distance. The village was a rather small one and on the banks of the Enz. Baldwin wasn't too familiar with it, but he knew it served as both a fishing and farming village. Baldwin rode past the burnt wheat fields on the outskirts of the village. Riding past corpses face down in their own guts, bandits and orcs strung up in trees, and people too weak to move. It would have been best to put them out of their misery, but Baldwin wasn't able to kill another like that. He just rode on past their suffering and made his way to the village. Baldwin dismounted, and called to two men. "Stand and guard the horses. Kill anyone who would try to take them, looking at these people it wouldn't surprise me if they'd try to for food," He said. The Elder's hut had been turned into a home for the sick and dying. The dead lay with the sick further spreading disease. It only served to bring in the rats and maggots. The Elder was rather young, but he was too weak to stand on his own. Instead relying on the help of two peasant boys to help him to his feet.

"Sir Baldwin, it is good you have come, I sent the request a few days past," The Elder wheezed.

"I apologize, but there were things to deal with in the city first," Baldwin said.

"Hm, and plague, war, and Orcish raiding bands are not important?" The Elder asked.

"They are, but we must prioritize in times such as these. If you do not trust the crown then go to the merchants, or have you already?" Baldwin asked.

"Pompous bastard. You and yours are safe up in the high walls of the city and we are made to work and die in this," The Elder said raising his arms.

"That is the nature of life, but I am not here to discuss the ways of the world. You called us on a contract and so we have arrived. I know of the details I just want to see the bodies," Baldwin said.

"Come," The Elder muttered staggering outside of the hut. The walked to the far end of the village where the Forest began. A fisherman's hut sat beside the Enz. It was old and overgrown and the Forest had reclaimed the land around it. "Boys found the bodies here. I don't know why the children decided to run around by the woods when they know better, but they did." Baldwin opened the door for the Elder and looked inside. "These were the latest bodies found. The rest we had burned assuming it were just the work of the Orcs," The Elder said.

"Orcs don't attack this consistently, nor do they deliver cuts like this," Baldwin said analyzing the body. "They strike randomly and move village to village looking for the most gain,"

"Aye, so we thought," The Elder muttered. "See here how his chest is ripped open from neck to waist," The Elder pointed to a body.

"His stomach is missing, but all the other guts are here." Baldwin said. "Julius, do you have any ideas?" Baldwin asked.

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Elanna Turin

Elanna walked through the gardens of her district, not overly worried with the world outside of her walls. She knew that there were some within her family who would see her removed, but she didn't pay too much attention to it. To Elanna's right walked her cousin, Raenor Turin, whom Elanna knew she could trust. On her left walked Ser Telenor Baladun, whom Elanna had named her right hand. The two men with her made her feel very safe, despite the common knowledge that her Uncle Marek wanted her to be removed as Matriarch of Turin. Elanna didn't feel that Marek would be able to gain much support, as she had made some very favourable changes with regard to the way that her family ran the district. Also on her mind was the matter of the Royal Family and House Dread. Elanna had followed the situation between the two parties rather diligently, secretly hoping that the Royals would flay the Patriarch of Dread. Now, rumours were circulating that the Prince, mighty Brandon, had made amends with Dread, and that things were somewhat friendly between the parties. This disappointed Elanna, who had been itching for a fight. She had also heard from her sources within the Castle District that an attempt had been made on the life of Princess Anastasia. This made Elanna wonder whom might have been responsible. Altogether, her goals were to find a way to meet with the Patriarch of House Dread, as well as to find a way to meet with the Prince.

[Camelone]

Atten followed Julius and Baldwin silently as he observed the carnage and suffering that these people endure "By the Great Creator this is horrid." He said to himself shocked as he made the sign of the faith. He followed them to the corpse and examined them "I haven't seen anything like that even on one of my expeditions out to sea." He said to Baldwin and Julius as he looked closer.

[The Central Fascist Empires]

"I thought maybe a werewolf or something similar, but those types of creatures tend to feast on the victims corpses. Their attacks are also much more rough than this," Baldwin turned to the Elder. "Are the other bodies cut like this?" He asked.

"I don't know, the bodies were burned before I could see, but I heard of these killings," The Elder said.

"This is something new then," Baldwin muttered. "Shit,"

[House of Astwood]

Validus and his entourage returned to the Astwood district. He made his way to his library where his Orc slave and best friend Atlas sat reading. The sight was astonishing, it is believed orcs are not smart enough to read nor to speak no more than a few words. "Validus, I see you've returned. How did it fare?" Atlas asked Validus.

"It went well actually, Atlas I always had a question in mind."

"Ask away."

"Why do you dumb yourself down in front of other people, make yourself look stupid in front of others?"

"The language I speak now is the tongue of free folk, a slave must not speak the tongue of free folk. I would be ridiculed by my fellow slaves as well. I owe it to you to teach me how to read, how to speak properly as we grew side by side. As long as I remain a slave I cannot speak your tongue publicly."

Validus turned away and paced left and right, before he smirked and smacked a paper on the table in front of Atlas. "What's this?" Atlas asked inquisitively.

"A decree, as Lord and as your owner after the death of my father you are to be free, you will become a knight of the Order of the Sun, my official scribe, and commander of the third regiment of the Astwood armies the expedition force I will be taking back to Airemusqari in the south."

Atlas was speechless. Tears rolled from his eyes as he was dragged by Validus outside on the balcony over looking the court yard. "Hear ye! Hear ye!" Lord Astwood shouted. "Let it be known that the Orc Atlas is free, never to return to slavery. Let all hear this edict! He is to become a knight of the Order of the Sun, my official scribe, and commander of the third regiment of the Astwood armies the expedition force I will be taking to the south. Let all bear witness!"

Gasps and sounds of shock sounded. Atlas stepped forward and spoke. "I am free like the rest of you now, and as a free man I speak the free tongue. No longer will I be mocked for my "stupidity". The trine watch over us! No longer will you force me to be a labourer, I will assist of my own free will!" The Orc took out a sword from his sheathe and knelt before the Lord, "I swear my allegiance to Lord Validus of House Astwood, my liberator and saviour."

Fear loomed. The people thought that if this Orc was intelligent what of the others? References to the gods indicate they have the capacity to follow religion. They can speak and learn to read and write something the majority of the populace do not have the capability of. Word will soon spread like wild fire to the rest of Qyrys.

[The Central Fascist Empires]

"Orcs, they are cattle, barbarians, slaves and nothing more. For centuries the Order has hunted these savages down to the far ends of this Earth sparing them no mercy, as they too gave us none," The scholar said. He often spoke to himself, and so he was here. He was here to stop this madness, no Orc could think, none. That was a fact proven over centuries of brutal struggle. This was an affront to the Order and their work, so the scholar was here at the Astwood estate waiting for the lord's arrival.

[Kirschau]

Senja Einai
Amidst the Trees

Senja was angry that her father had allowed foreigners into Bertos. It went against Bertosi tradition to host foreigners in the great hall. Typically, foreigners had to prove themselves in battle before they were allowed into the great hall of Bertos. She now ran through the woods with great pace, seemingly filled with energy. She did much exercise each day, as it often could make the difference between life and death to forest-people. Her bow and quiver were both at her back, and she carried her traditional Bertosi short sword at her hip. She would be ready to fight, should any threats appear. She was angry and upset, and would likely fight with a fury if attacked. She thought about the city of Qyrys, which she had heard some things about as a girl. It did not appeal to her in the way it did for some of the people of her village. She felt that anybody who wanted to see the city was a fool. A proper fool.

As Senja ran, she found herself starting to experience an un-natural chill, accompanied by a severe, sharp fatigue in her toned legs. She wasn't used to such a fatigue, although she had also never been to the section of the forest she found herself in. It was called Zabranjtara by the Bertosi. It meant forbidden place, and the reasons for the avoidance of the area were becoming very clear to Senja. The forest floor slowly transitioned into a floor of pure, blue-tinted ice. The trees were smaller in this area, and lacked any leaves. All plants and animals seemed to have abandoned the place, as Senja continued to run, although hindered by her condition. Finally, the fatigue overtook Senja, forcing her to fall to her knees. Her vision started to fade, eventually failing her entirely. She slumped to the ground, falling into the frozen terrain so mysterious and unforgiving.

When Senja finally awoke again, she was in a different place altogether. She found herself in a cave, surrounded by rocks the colour of the darkest black pitch. There was a natural light, but Senja could not identify the source from where she was. She sat up straight, stretching her sore muscles. She then stood, wanting to look around the cave somewhat more intently. Although she was typically light on her feet, Senja found that it was very difficult to walk in the cave without making noise. Then, she brushed against one of the rocks, accidentally knocking a piece of it to the ground. It made enough noise to awaken whatever was in the next alcove, as Senja heard a terrifying roar as soon as she dropped the piece of rock. She backed away from the source of the noise, watching as a large and well-muscled creature entered the room Senja was in. The thing had eyes the colour of ice, and thick-looking skin the colour of the evening sky. It had rippling muscles throughout its entire body, which frightened Senja. Even more terrifying were the tattoos adorning the skin of the nine-foot tall beast. As Senja backed away from the encroaching monster, she hit something behind her, quickly reaching back to feel what it was. She recoiled with a quick motion as she realised that what she hit behind her was a creature, blocking her way out of the cave.

A voice like thunder roared from the man behind Senja in a language she couldn't understand, "Tu tha skotosin!" Senja instinctively reached for her sword, which she found was missing. She then noticed that the terrible creature before her appeared to be standing down, no longer menacing. She turned around to face the man behind her, who spoke in a language Senja could only assume to be ancient. The man was tall, although not as tall as Senja's father. He wore the furs of wolves, and his face was well-groomed and cared for, despite his rugged initial appearance and his dwelling. The man looked down at Senja, a kind look on his face, and spoke in the common tongue. "You must be lost, my child, for you have wandered into my realm."

[Empire of the Rising Moon]

Kai
Kai was at the outskirts of Qyrys, for what reason he did not remember. The events that had happened went by in a blur of ecstasy and destruction, flames and blood with the clashing of many a mans weapons. He remembered little of what happened in the combat besides that him and his hired men were causing mass panic and the slaughter of the kings men by burning and killing the guards. Kai looked up and noticed that there was still smoke rising from the mighty city that he called his hunting grounds, his lair, his home. The great stone walls only concealed the destruction of the guards post that was within, however it was obvious that his act of revenge was successful, no matter how petty his reasoning was. Kai sighed as he looked down to see his armor covered in blood of many brave men who were defending what they thought was right, men who were for the most part innocents caught in his path for blood. "Now what? I'm now wanted by almost every district, more so now than ever before. Shall thy try to sheath my spear in nobles life source? Or shall I continue on my path of damnation to get thy pet' revenge? Shall I burn those who continue to defy me?" As he was pondering he remembered an elf coming to him telling him of a job offer. He couldn't remember who sent it or his goals.

Kai looked at his loyal retainer, his loyal pet sigatzu and thought for a minute. "Wil'st thou find who sent for me? You shall find him and lead him to me. I shall be waiting out here and practice my last revenge spell. Go! Find the man and bring him here." His pet gave a small nod and ran off in a direction, to find the man who sent for him. It would find him and bring him to Kai, that is if it finds the man.

Alice
Alice had one of her spouts of forgetfulness as she tried to figure out what it was she was supposed to be doing. She looked for a guard and asked of him to find the prince and ask what it is that he needs at this moment. It was the servants job to do what the master asked for was it not? She then started to gather her things that she normally carried around, including her magic matchlock and her magic stones. She put the matchlock on a strap that allowed the matchlock to be holstered on her left side similar to how one wears a short sword and put her knife and magic stones on her right side, as well as having her book of Shizana in her pouch on her right side as well. While she waited for the guard to return, she practiced some basic hunting spells and pacification spells on her pet Sigatzu, however not actually inflicting any damage to it. The reason why she wasn't scared of using normally fatal spells on her pet was that the Sigatzu is a holy animal of Shizana, making their spells almost harmless against it, however it does show its effects for a short time allowing her to see that the spells are working. "Where is that guard?"

[Kirschau]

Senja Einai
In the Realm of Nepos

Senja had been trapped against her will in the realm of Nepos, a powerful mage, for three days. She was hungry, tired, and uncomfortable, but she was resilient as well. She would not allow Nepos to break her, no matter how hard he tried. In the three days Senja had been held in the cave, she had witnessed the horrible monster of Nepos tearing people apart and eating them, making sure that they felt the most pain imaginable. Senja was spared merely because Nepos felt she was stronger than the rest. Tied with a chain that she could not break, Senja felt that it was only a matter of time before her father sent warriors to search for her. Unfortunately for Senja, though, she had not told a soul where she was going.

---

Benedek Einai
In the Village of Bertos

Benedek had grown tired of the city-folk gathered within Bertos, so he did not interact very much with them. He merely stared them down when he had to, intimidating their guardsmen. The first issue on Benedek's mind was the whereabouts of his daughter, Senja. He had not seen Senja in three days, and was worried. She was often around, if only to present her killings to the village for the elders and the new-bloods to eat. Her absence was quite easily noticed by the people of Bertos. There were two search parties constantly searching the forest for Senja, but they were not having luck. As Benedek walked from the Great Hall to the Warriors Hall, an old woman walked up to him. Benedek immediately bowed to the lady, as was a custom amongst the Bertosi when greeting an elder. The woman spoke to Benedek in an old dialect of the Bertosi language, "Ügy, a lányon elhjek. Žinoma no rasti?" The elder woman inquired about the whereabouts of Senja, to which Benedek replied, "Az nojau šis. Küld egy pasiunj, lai Qyrys, lai paieškos a s'grupu, lai segítsen pamanties." The elder woman walked away from him, nodding her head as she left, and Benedek set off immediately to make good on what he promised the elder - to send a messenger to the city of Qyrys to find assistance in his search for Senja. By midnight, the great messenger-warrior Turuk had begun his run to the great city of Qyrys, where he would seek the help of the merchant families in finding Senja, in exchange for the loyalty of the Einai family.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

Princess Anastasia

Princess Anastasia awoke in her room, still very angry about her condition. The healers had assured her that she would be back into the fight soon, but she was impatient. She wanted to join the fight against the insolent merchants sooner rather than later, so it was natural that she was unhappy. Sigurd was likely off in the courtyard beating down palace guardsmen, and Brandon was likely off doing important Royal business that Anastasia was not invited to participate in. Overall, she was feeling very bitter. She stood up from her bed, walking over to a full-length mirror by the side of her bed-chamber. She looked at herself intently, examining herself. She was still an extraordinary beauty, but she noticed that there was a sadness in her eyes. She read her emotions as being more similar to anger and frustration, but she supposed that she was indeed sad about her situation. She was the Princess of a city that didn't want her there. At least, it seemed most people didn't want the royal family there. In her moment of realisation, Anastasia made a decision that she very seldom made. She decided to go to see her father.

As Anastasia entered the chamber of her father, King Edryk, she felt a sudden fear. She hadn't spoken to her father in nearly two years, as she never approved of the way he treated her. She finally took a deep breath, pushing the door open fully, and setting her eyes upon her ailing father. When she regarded the sickly King for the first time in so long, Anastasia felt great surprise and concern. A tear welled in her eye, then ran down her cheek, which surprised Anastasia. She had never liked her father, but she hated to see him in his condition. She approached his bedside, shooing away the healers and caretakers by his side. She sat in a chair there, looking at him for several moments, figuring him to be asleep. Suddenly, he spoke to Anastasia, startling her somewhat.

"You sit there and stare, daughter, but you do not speak? Have I fallen out of your heart so far, dear Anastasia?" The young King looked so much older than his forty-two years, and his voice was raspy from disuse. "I would have liked to see you sooner, Anastasia." As the King spoke, Anastasia had to lean forward to hear him clearly. He was very difficult to understand in his condition.

"I am sorry, father," said Anastasia, much more sadness in her voice. "I was so stricken with my own greedy pettiness that I did not think to come to your bedside. Are you feeling well today, father? Your mind seems clear." Anastasia could tell that her father was unwell, but she didn't want to pity him.

"My daughter, I have moments of clarity in between my madness. I suppose it is worse this way," said King Edryk with great sadness, "I am all too aware of my condition." He coughed several times, but seemed to be okay. "Tell me, Anastasia, about your life in the time we have not spoken. I am interested in your affairs."

Anastasia worried that her father would attempt to lecture her about her manner of doing things, as he had so often done in the past, but she didn't hold back. She described to King Edryk all of the events which had affected her in the past two years, rising sometimes laughs, and sometimes cries of disapproval from her father. Finally, Anastasia spoke to her father about the attempt on her life. This made King Edryk very visibly angry, and he was only just in time restrained by Anastasia as he attempted to rise from his bed. "My daughter, I will go out on this very day and destroy this assassin. My prowess is known through the land, and I will not be denied blood." He called to his long-time servant, whom had been dead now for several years, "Anton, bring me my armour and my sword. I will ride on this day." Anastasia began to tear up once again as her father attempted to stand, unaware that he was not living in the time he believed himself to be in. It was a very sad sight, but Anastasia could do nothing about it. When he was once more docile, Anastasia kissed her father on the forehead, then left the room. Servants and healers rushed in as Anastasia left, aiming to ensure that the King was safe and well.

[The Olog-Hai]

Leoquinal woke up to find a creature on his bed. A hideous looking thing, it sat there attentively on the end of his bed. When it noticed he was up, it waited until he had dressed himself, then it began tugging on his leg. He ignored it for a while, but then got annoyed.
"Alright, what do you want?" he asked it. It replied by beckoning with one of its front limbs, and tugging on his leg some more.
"So you want me to follow you? Let me get my stuff, and get a breakfast, the I'll come along. Wait here."
Leoquinal walks downstairs, and buys a meat pie and a bottle of wine from the innkeeper. He then goes upstairs, gathers his stuff, and tells the creature "Okay, I can follow you now,bt I just have to pay the innkeeper."
As it leads him down the stairs, and out the door, Leoquinal tosses some money onto the counter to cover his stay here. He then begins to follow the thing, meanwhile eating his breakfast.

Eventually, it leads him to this hardened looking mercenary, with a bit of a magical look to him.
"You must be the Demon," Leoquinal says. "Your pet brought me here. I've heard a lot about you. I wanted to hire you in the name of House Dread."

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Elanna Turin

Elanna had been hard at work organising various tasks for her most loyal knights, noblemen, and even handmaidens. She had sent a representative to the palace to attempt to find Prince Brandon, but the messenger returned to Elanna with no luck in finding the royal. Elanna wasn't overly disappointed at this, as she had a greater plan, which did not involve the Prince. Newly arrived in Qyrys from a long journey to the south was Elanna's elder cousin, Michael Turin. Michael was a legend known for his bravery and skill in battle, but also for his kindness and grace. He was always considered to be the clear choice for Patriarch of House Turin should the Great Patriarch Jirek fall, but Michael had shown great honour and acceptance when he was told he was second-choice to his younger cousin Elanna. He was then sent southwards to learn the war tactics of the Varosi, who were a legendary warrior tribe from the islands far to the south of Qyrys. Now returned, Michael has pledged his absolute loyalty to his cousin Elanna. It was with Elanna in the gardens where Michael walked, seeing what a noble young woman Elanna had become, even in the short time he was afar.

"My cousin," said Elanna with a somewhat reluctant tone. "I must ask something rather low of you. It will likely prove your loyalty to me, as this is a time in which your father plots against me." She looked forward as she spoke, watching as several handmaidens left quickly, realising that the conversation between cousins was private.

"Yes, dear Elanna? I must know what I can do to assist you. This is my honour, as your cousin, and as your sword knight," said Michael, without any doubt or hesitation in his voice.

Elanna hesitated, stopping her walk and looking at her cousin. "Michael, I must order you to the sewers, where you must seek out the Dread Lord himself. Dredge, the Dread Lord I speak of, is said to be there. I am told that he will be quite apparent. I will send two knights to accompany you, cousin. Be safe." Almost as soon as Elanna finished speaking, Michael bowed to her and started off towards the sewers, eventually joined by two knights of fair skill, to seek out Dredge from the sewers.

[The Vekta-Helghast Empire]

"If it is mercy you seek, then you have come to the wrong man. However, should you seek truth - you shall find nothing but truths within these halls.."
- Sir Aarron Whiteford, father to Patriarch Josack Whiteford.

“I can’t believe he’s gone.. It feels like only yesterday he held us in his arms, telling us tales of old - of how we came to be here. Of mother.. I always knew this day would come, but never could I have guessed it would be so soon.. Father was a good man, a wise man. He knew his subjects and they knew him - coming to love each other, despite his heavy-handedness, for they knew he did what had to be done for the good of all. It must’ve been horrid, seeing him in those last few days, so vulnerable and weak, the disease consuming all that was left of him, draining the life straight from his body..” The young woman went on, her voice soft and innocent, cracking every so often with pain, her fingers interlocked by her groin as she looked over the pale elder’s body, adorning ceremonial armour covered in lions and purple silk of the finest quality. Looking much like you’d expect a Knight or Lord to look in attendance of the King’s court. The woman looking over him, however - appeared quite different, a long black gown and veil covering her ghostly white skin in its entirety, as a show of respect to the deceased. The chamber which surrounded them lay deep underground, beneath the small-fortress just outwith the city that the Whitefords had long called home, the room was a dull grey and near-empty, naught but the sept upon which the body lay and a few altars to fill it. However, the woman was not alone - for another figure lurked behind her, clad in steel-plated armour, adorned by a purple and black checkered tabard with a golden lion’s head slap-bang in the centre, roaring proudly over his chest. He appeared considerably older than the woman, perhaps in his early thirties, whilst she appeared not but a day older than sixteen, the man had a certain aura about him and maintained his composure fairly well, given the circumstances, “If you believe father to have been a good man, let alone a wise man - you couldn’t be further from the truth, my dearest.” He comments, his voice rasp and worn, quietly approaching her from behind, placing a hand upon her right shoulder, leaning in as to whisper directly into her ear, “And if you believe it was disease that put father here, your foolishness is greater than I had feared.. Father was vicious and he was very vocal in his opinions, many of which would be more than enough to have him removed from the political scene, especially if they suspected his heir to be weak and vulnerable to manipulation.. Unfortunately for them his heir is neither of those things and soon enough, their treachery will bite them in the arse.. Justice always finds a way, as they say..”

The woman seemed greatly taken aback by the brief spiel the man had made, looking over her shoulder towards him, flinching slightly at his touch, but before she could respond the figure spoke up once more, “A wise man would never trust anyone enough to allow themself to be poisoned.. A wise man doesn’t entrust his greatest assets to petty criminals and imbeciles.. A wise man would’ve cleaned up our court long.. long.. ago..” With this closing remark, the figure immediately turned - briskly taking his leave from the chamber, his boots echoing out through the dark catacombs beneath the fort, which held the countless dead of the Whiteford dynasty. As he finally re-entered the hall of their hold, he was greeted by a small retinue of black-clad soldiers, one of whom, stood far taller than the rest - a man of great infamy, the enforcer of the Dynasty’s will, Sir Gregory Rosemouth. In the place of a helm he wore the head of a lion, his armour was worn, dented and clawed within an inch of its life, showing decades of experience - his voice dominated the entire chamber as his mouth opened, “My Lord, the horses have been readied as you requested, we’re ready to leave at once.” A grin came over the man’s face, as he stormed past his retinue, Gregory following close behind him as he spoke, “Most excellent, I do suppose a visit to the capital is long overdue - please Sir Gregory, prepare the horses for myself and most dear sister - I’ll be taking her with me, I’d hate to leave her all on her lonesome here - with nothing but plotting and treachery to keep her busy..”

The Whitefords had long held control over many of the more crude and uninviting businesses of the Capital, running a number of brothels, underground fighting pits and various other unpleasant facilities, in fact - it’s believed it was through these things that the Whitefords garned their power, you’d be surprised what drunken soldiers and lower-nobles tell tavern keeps in their drunken stamours, or to a good escort after an evening of.. Entertainment.. Control over such secrets, gave the Whitefords control over local business owners, local guardsmen and in some cases.. Local noblemen. And with such control, you’d be amazed at what one can achieve in a short period of time, you’ll find such individuals very quickly coming into great quantities of coin and swaths of land.. Sometimes you’ll even find that their enemies conveniently disappear, the guards claiming that after much investigation - it is believed that no foul-play was afoot and that the fire which consumed those who just the other day had openly threatened the Whitefords and their allies was but a timely accident.. Knowledge is power, as they say. And the Whitefords most certainly have both.. But since these founding days, where the Whitefords were entirely devoted to such endevours, they have no branched out into more mainstream industry - such as shipping, couriers, blacksmiths and various other such industries which thrive in the urban landscape, which has allowed them to slowly integrate themselves into ruling class society, no one questioning their roots, or how they seemed to just come out of thin air. Not even the order questions it, for the Whitefords have always been supportive of their most esteemed Monarch, frequently clamping down on any ideas of resistance or opposition towards the Monarch - even as his mental health has deteriorated, the Whitefords have remained undyingly loyal, when it suits them anyways.. You’d be surprised how many treasonous individuals just so happen to be enemies of the family.. And for that matter, have been exposed by the family.. It is through such intrigues and developments that the Whitefords consolidated control over a fairly sizable district and over a number of small estates out-with the city itself, upon one of which the Whitefort resides, named so due to the polished granite it was built with and because of the family it serves as residence to.



Whiteford Troops.
White Fort.

Basically, the story is - Josack acted like a complete imbecile during the years of his father’s reign, intentionally making people underestimate him. But all that changed when he hit 21, suddenly he’d underwent an entire personality change, everyone who once mocked him suddenly disappeared, all who’d plotted against him were found flayed upon the Whitefort’s walls, turning it Red for a week and within the span of a few months he’d essentially puppeted his own father, taking command of the military and a majority of the family’s assets. For during his younger years, he’d plotted in the dark with many of his father’s vassals and officers. Getting them to play along with the whole thing - it’s even rumoured he worked with Necromancers, using the dead to assassinate political rivals - for it’s very difficult to tie a dead man to a murder, is it not? He’d been so sly in his scheming that even his own sister didn’t suspect him. Though, in fairness - the two were borderline rivals, with her always trying to sabotage his relationship with his father and usurp power from beneath him. With all this now revealed to the public and his plot having been sprung - people were completely shocked, terrified even by what this ‘imbecile’ was able to achieve and how brutal he was in his methods. At this point, very few people know that Aarron Whiteford was actually killed by a slow-acting poison, rather than a disease and those who do know all seem to suspect Josack, but this will all be developed upon later.

The name Whiteford is also a devolved version of “People of the White Fjords” as they descend from a people who came to Qrys thousands of years ago from a distant land of sprawling white fjords and glorious mountains. Over time, due to language differences and the need for identity the “People of the White Fjords” evolved into names such as: Whiteford, Whyte, White, Ford, Fjoring, Whitefjor, Fyor and countless others.

Several days later..

The Whiteford retinue stood at around fifty-men, all mounted - if one thing was for certain, it was that the Whitefords sure knew how to make an entrance. Their banners flew high and proud above them as they rode through the city gates, the new Patriarch - Josack leading the group forward. The ride from the gates to the Whiteford controlled districts was brief and without interruption and they soon came to a halt outside of the Whiteford city-home, a fairly grand house standing three stories tall and two deep beneath the ground, with a high iron-bar fence surrounding it, adorned with golden decorations (not solid gold, of course), mainly consisting of lions and dragons.. The two most prominent beasts in Whiteford symbolism.. With great haste and purpose, the retinue made their way along the large driveway, the estate's gates closing close behind them. Whiteford flags flew proudly from atop the manor, brushing gently in the wind, dozens upon dozens of servants went about tending to the gardens, paths and animals (the Whitefords have a large collection of dogs and horses), guardsmen patrolled the grounds endlessly - pikes held high. The estate was a buzzing hive of activity, which even in the later hours seemed to be teeming with life.

Immediately upon reaching the door to the grand home, almost the entire retinue dismounted in perfect sync, as if practiced a million times over - Josack marching forward would immediately address one of his servants, "I wish to dispatch a courier - I feel given my new position, I'd best get to know the competition in this foul city.. As well as begin searching for potential partners in business." The servant nodded repeatedly in quick succession, "Who would you have me dispatch him to first, my Lord?" The question sat with him for a good few moments, before something clicked in the back of his mind, "We'll start with the Turins - I do believe I heard that they too have found themselves with a new Patriarch, fairly recently - perhaps they'd present a more.. Welcoming kind of representative than some of the other families, who's Patriarchs are a tad more consolidated. Let Matriarch Elanna know, that it would be my pleasure to receive her and her family for dinner - at her first convenience - hell, say if she so desires, she is more than welcome to attend our residence this very day. In addition - give her my most sincere apologies for her loss, her father - Jirek was a most prestigious man - although I did not know him personally, I'd heard much." The servant gave a sharp nod, scurrying off into the house as the young Patriarch released a sigh of relief - finally having returned home..

Within but a few hours, a rider had set forth to the Turin district, wielding a letter with the black seal of House Whiteford, shaped much like a Lion roaring proudly. Before long he'd encounter those loyal to the Turin's and swiftly hand the letter off with a smile and a brief share of condolences, it would no doubt only be a matter of time before Lady Turin herself received his communique.

Dear most noble Matriarch Elanna of House Turin,

I write to you this evening, not only to give you my sincere condolences for your loss - but to offer you an invitation to my humble abode within the Capital, I would see to it, as the new Patriarch of House Whiteford that I see houses which previously we had little communication with, brought closer to us for the greater good of not only the city, but of the entire Kingdom. In addition, I feel that given our circumstances - both newly arisen to our positions and in need of time to consolidate our holds, that it would be mutually beneficial to see additional cooperation between our houses and given your incredible youth, I feel that there is much we could learn from one another - with myself being able to present knowledge of an older generation to yourself and you able to enlighten me on the views of the new generation.. As stated, there's a lot that could be gained from not only our Houses collaborating, but from us personally working together. And if history has shown us anything, the Whitefords always remember their friends.. Anyways, I do hope to be hearing from you in the very near future - as I do love to see friendships flourish.

With regards,

The Whitefords.

Whiteford city estate.

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Immediately upon reaching the door to the grand home, almost the entire retinue dismounted in perfect sync, as if practiced a million times over - Josack marching forward would immediately address one of his servants, "I wish to dispatch a courier - I feel given my new position, I'd best get to know the competition in this foul city.. As well as begin searching for potential partners in business." The servant nodded repeatedly in quick succession, "Who would you have me dispatch him to first, my Lord?" The question sat with him for a good few moments, before something clicked in the back of his mind, "We'll start with the Turins - I do believe I heard that they too have found themselves with a new Patriarch, fairly recently - perhaps they'd present a more.. Welcoming kind of representative than some of the other families, who's Patriarchs are a tad more consolidated. Let Matriarch Elanna know, that it would be my pleasure to receive her and her family for dinner - at her first convenience - hell, say if she so desires, she is more than welcome to attend our residence this very day. In addition - give her my most sincere apologies for her loss, her father - Jirek was a most prestigious man - although I did not know him personally, I'd heard much." The servant gave a sharp nod, scurrying off into the house as the young Patriarch released a sigh of relief - finally having returned home..

Within but a few hours, a rider had set forth to the Turin district, wielding a letter with the black seal of House Whiteford, shaped much like a Lion roaring proudly. Before long he'd encounter those loyal to the Turin's and swiftly hand the letter off with a smile and a brief share of condolences, it would no doubt only be a matter of time before Lady Turin herself received his communique.

Dear most noble Matriarch Elanna of House Turin,

I write to you this evening, not only to give you my sincere condolences for your loss - but to offer you an invitation to my humble abode within the Capital, I would see to it, as the new Patriarch of House Whiteford that I see houses which previously we had little communication with, brought closer to us for the greater good of not only the city, but of the entire Kingdom. In addition, I feel that given our circumstances - both newly arisen to our positions and in need of time to consolidate our holds, that it would be mutually beneficial to see additional cooperation between our houses and given your incredible youth, I feel that there is much we could learn from one another - with myself being able to present knowledge of an older generation to yourself and you able to enlighten me on the views of the new generation.. As stated, there's a lot that could be gained from not only our Houses collaborating, but from us personally working together. And if history has shown us anything, the Whitefords always remember their friends.. Anyways, I do hope to be hearing from you in the very near future - as I do love to see friendships flourish.

With regards,

The Whitefords.

Elanna Turin

After several hours of searching in the sewers, Michael Turin returned to the Palatsiu Turinu, which served as a manor house in the centre of the abundantly beautiful Turin District. From the Palatsiu, the Patriarchs and Knights of House Turin had watched their district for generations, keeping their people safe and happy. Most people within the Turin District were very loyal to their Turin rulers, and had very little allegiance to their King, ailing Edryk. Michael Turin was covered with the filth of the sewers, yet he still turned the heads of handmaidens and ladies as he passed, his masculine beauty overcoming the grisly state of his cleanliness. He made no time finding the chamber of Elanna Turin, which he entered without knocking. He found his cousin sitting on an ornate chair, combing out her famous black hair. She turned, almost startled by the sudden entry. Noticing that it was Michael, Elanna smiled and stood, but she quickly grimaced when faced with the scent of her cousin.

"Michael," said Elanna through her grimace, "You really must bathe quickly, and have your armour cleaned. You smell of the sewers, where I sent you. I pray that the Divine Matriarch has guided you to success in your hunt?"

Michael grinned, noticing his own stench in that moment. He stroked his beard several times, looking towards the stone floor of the Matriarch's bedchamber. "Cousin, do not worry. I will bathe and be just as clean as a freshly swaddled babe." He looked then at Elanna with a kind of guilt in his eyes. "I do apologise for the dishonour, but I was not able to find the man you sent me after. He is elusive, and I found only squatters and vagabonds. I will not give up my search, though, until I locate this Dread Lord." As soon as he finished talking, Michael left Elanna to her thoughts.

An hour later, a messenger arrived at the door to Elanna's very bedchamber. The messenger at the door of Elanna Turin was wearing clothing atypical of the Turin nobility, as well as the people of House Turin. It was immediately clear that the young rider was of foreign stock. He was accompanied by a knight, as was customary for any situation in which a messenger bears letter for Elanna herself. She approached the messenger, taking the letter and thanking him kindly. She had the messenger sent to the stables, where he would be made to wait for the Turin messenger with Elanna's response. She opened the letter, sealed with a stamp she recognised as belonging to House Whiteford. She read the letter slowly and attentively, making sure not to misread any of the words. It seemed that she was being summoned to the Estate of House Whiteford, where she would likely receive an offer for alliance. She knew of the Whitefords and their ways, but she did not know much about the new Patriarch of the house. She felt deep in her mind that it would be a very good idea to take up the Patriarch Whiteford on this request, so she immediately began to write a message in response.

Most Noble Patriarch of Whiteford,

I thank you kindly for your words of condolence, as they mean much to me in this time. It is not simple to take the helm of a greater House in this city, but it is a role I have been groomed for. I, too, see great possibilities for our two Houses, as we are indeed both beginning anew. House Turin may benefit greatly by seeking audience and alliance with House Whiteford, and so I confirm that I will indeed ride out to the Estate where we may meet. I thank you for your kind invitation, and look forward to the possibilities that our alliance may create.

Curate ut Valeatis,
Elanna Turin

Once a messenger arrived at Elanna's bidding, Elanna sealed the letter with the majestic Seal of House Turin, which depicted the bull of the Divine Matriarch, and sent the messenger along with the Whiteford messenger, hopefully to reach the Patriarch of Whiteford himself.