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Nameless Prestige: To the Nth Degree
There once was a world by the name of Caria, a world that was full of fantastic life, fantastic locations and fantastic stories. In this world, many continents, full of diverse life and diverse histories can be found. Every continent is unique in their own way, from the flora and fauna to the races and cultures that call specific continent homes. Anoris is the name of one of the continents of Caria, known for its abundance of life, moderate climate, and being the home of the Humans of Caria.
The history of Anoris, is long and storied, as it begins long before the arrival of man to the continent. The continent was originally home to the Elves, with the humans migrating to the continent after a series of disasters. Upon arriving on Anoris, the Elves originally welcomed them and taught them how to survive. However, soon the biological differences between Elves and Humans became obvious, leading to a wave of fear and paranoia surging through the Elven population. This fear and paranoia lead them to striking the peaceful human settlements, killing those who fought back, and enslaving those who survived. Thus began the age of humanity in chains. The anger and hatred of the humans towards Elves was cultivated during this time, along with the desire for freedom from their tyrannical overlords.
This buildup led to a rebellion that would free the humans, and lead to the pushing of Elves from Anoris and the establishment of the Empire of Akias. The 2000 years of the Empire of Akias are known as the Golden Age of Humanity. However, these great times would never last forever, and the Empire of Akias collapsed due to an unknown reason. Advancements in both technology and magic were lost after the fall. Time would pass, but the level of advancement experienced during the Empire of Akias would not be met, even 2000 years after the fall.
It is then, in 2000 AFA that our tale takes place. The Anoris of 2000 AFA is a divided continent with 11 nations that rarely agree on anything. In fact, three of these 11 nations have just recently made peace after a long period of war. Beyond these nations, seven cultural/racial groups of humans exist along with seven major religions. There are also numerous settlements, and numerous different organizations throughout Anoris, especially mercenary groups.
One of these many mercenary groups, specifically the most powerful, respected, feared and prestigious mercenary group, the Nameless Prestige. But do not let the reputation fool you into thinking it is a large or normal sized group. No, the Nameless Prestige is relatively tiny, maxing out at 21 members, and keeps this size fairly constantly, as when a member retires or dies, the Nameless Prestige will seek a replacement from a pool of possibilities. Its notoriety comes from the fact that every member of the Nameless Prestige is among the greatest warriors with spell or blade or both in Anoris, along with the ability of their members to work well as a team.
Not many can pinpoint the exact date of its founding as it is not exactly known, as it really doesn’t matter to the 21 members of the Nameless Prestige, or those seeking to hire them. Due to the skills of the members of the Nameless Prestige, along with other factors, the Nameless Prestige never accepts jobs that would involve them getting involved in the conflict between nations. Instead, generally taking jobs that involve dealing with bandits, criminal organizations, monsters and other general threats to everyone.
Anyways, this is a tale of a certain job that the Nameless Prestige took, for the better of Anoris. In Hibernis Vernum of 1999 AFA, the Grand Prince of the Grand Principality of Asnana discovered that a powerful artifact, known as Nth Order, had disappeared. The existence of Nth Order was a well kept secret as if the news of its existence was common knowledge, then a devastating war over it would have descended upon the people of Anoris. So, it goes without saying why the Grand Prince wanted it found, and why he couldn’t trust anyone but the best to not only find it, but do it with discretion. And so, he hired the Nameless Prestige, and provided them with the information they would need to track it down.
This is the tale of how the Nameless Prestige found Nth Order, and the events associated with it.
Katelin “One-Eyed Demon” Sharpe
The Grand Principality of Asnana, Pensey
On Her Way
2nd of Verum Renee, 2000 AFA
The city of Pensey was not the most impressive site, at least when compared to other capitals around Anoris. This could simply be due to the fact that Pensey was the capital for one of the weaker nations of Anoris, the Grand Principality of Asnana. That said, perhaps if one compared Pensey to other cities with in the Grand Principality, then maybe one could have seen it as impressive.
There are three ways into the city of Pensey; through the eastern gate, the southwestern gate and the northern harbour. Those who approach the city from the east, via the eastern road, would enter the city through the eastern gate, after passing through the slums of Pensey that exist outside of the eastern walls. Those who approach the city from the southwest, via the southwestern road, would enter the city through the southwestern gate, after passing through the farms that exist outside of the southwestern walls. Those who approach the city from the north, via ship across the Barna Lake, would enter the city after disembarking at the northern harbour, which itself exists just outside the northern walls of the city, with a gate serving as the entrance into the city from the harbour.
Approaching from the east, on the eastern road, a single, black haired rider could be seen. She wore armour, but had no weapon, and an eyepatch covered her right eye. The lack of a weapon could have been explained away by assuming that she was a magic user. An assumption that was helped by the fact that anyone with even the slightest ability with magic could feel the magic radiating from her.
She was also wearing a certain ring on her right hand. A ring that signified that she was a member of the Nameless Prestige. However, of those who knew what the ring signified, not one of them would be able to guess who she truly was. They would assume that she was just an ordinary member, but they would be wrong. This weaponless rider was none other than the leader of the Nameless Prestige, Katelin “One-Eyed Demon” Sharpe.
The reason why no one would guess that she was the leader was mainly due to one factor. This factor was that they had no reason to assume so. Those who know the Nameless Prestige also knew that the leader is only known by a handful of people, and rarely has any reason to leave the headquarters of the group, even if it was to meet up with prospective clients. However, that was why she had come to Pensey, that was why she had been traveling for five days, to meet with a prospective client.
As she rode through the slums of Pensey, towards the eastern gate, Katelin’s gaze turned upwards, to the walls of the city. They were what one would have expected. Made of stone, well crafted, rather large and well guarded. Well, maybe a little to guarded from what she saw. This was not her first time visiting the city of Pensey, but never had she seen the walls crawling with so many guards as now. The gate which was normally open with maybe two guards standing by, was now closed with a handful of guards standing by it.
“Halt.” One of the guards said as Katelin approached, putting out his hand signalling her to stop. “By order of the Grand Prince, entry to the city has been restricted. Only those with proof of residence or those who have been invited by certain noble families or business owners for the purpose of business may enter. So, unless you can provide proof of any of this, I’ll have to ask you to-”
As the guard spoke, Katelin has reached into her saddle bag, pulling out a letter. Before the guard could finish, she held the letter out to the guard, with her right hand, so that the Nameless Prestige ring was easily visible.
“I presume this will be enough.” She said as the guard took the letter, and started to read it.
The guard nodded, handing the letter back and then waved to the other guards. As the gate opened the guarded waved her through. So, she rode in on silence as the gates closed behind her. As she was here on business, she paid no attention to the layout or people of the city, instead remaining solely focused on heading for the Barna Palace.
An hour or so after entering the city, Katelin had arrived at the Barna Palace. Located on a small island at the mouth of the River Pen, the Barna Palace was walled off except for two bridges connecting it to the eastern and western halves of Pensey. Much like the walls around the city, the walls around the Barna Palace where also strangely heavily defended considering the fact that the Grand Principality was at peace.
Grand Prince Otto Asnana
The Grand Principality of Asnana, Pensey
Meeting at Barna Palace
2nd of Verum Renee, 2000 AFA
“How could this happen?” An old man whispered to himself, as he sat behind a desk. His blue eyes floated from book to scroll to document and back again, not seeming to stop for but a few moments as he searched for something. As his eyes travelled, he would unconsciously stroke at the well kept, white beard that covered his chin.
This old man was none other than the Grand Prince of the Grand Principality, Grand Prince Otto Asnana, and this was his personal study and library. Every tome, every scroll, every single document was either passed down the Asnana line from Grand Prince to Grand Prince or obtained by Otto in order to pass it down to his heir. Such was the way of the Grand Princes of the Asnana line.
Despite the Asnana line being known for its scholarship, Otto was not looking through all of this for his amusement. Nor was he looking through it for the purpose of research. That said, he was looking for answers. Answers in order to prevent catastrophe. His almost maddening search was brought to a stop with a knocking at his door.
“Your Majesty,” the voice of one of the palace guards spoke, “I apologize for the interruption, but you have a visitor.”
“I thought I said to turn away any unannounced visits at the gates.” Otto responded.
“You did sir, but…” The guard paused for a moment, “She has an invitation.”
“Who is she?”
“Lady Sharpe of the Nameless Prestige…”
“Well then, don’t keep her waiting outside. Let her into the palace, I will meet with her in the throne room.”
“Actually sir… She wouldn’t wait outside, so… she’s standing right next to me.”
“Of course…” Otto sighed and smirked to himself, “Well let her enter then.”
With that the door to his study opened, and the guard beckoned her in. Upon entering the room, Katelin gave the Grand Prince a short bow.
“You may leave.” Otto said as he looked at the guard, “And do not let anyone bother us, for any reason short of the city being on fire, until I say otherwise. Understand?”
“Yes sir.” The guard nodded, and then quickly left.
“Now then, please sit.” Otto said as his attention turned to Katelin, “I assume that Kairo was busy with something else, as he sent someone else in his place to meet with one of his oldest friends. Honestly, I would be hurt, but seeing as he sent the legendary One-Eyed Demon… Well, I guess I can’t complain.”
“Your Majesty. Allow me to stop you there.” Katelin said, “Kairo is no longer the Master of the Nameless Prestige. He retired two years ago. And before you ask, after retiring, Kairo disappeared so the Prestige does not know where he is, and as such, I can not tell you why he didn’t inform you, a supposed old friend according to yourself.”
“I see that you are similar to what the rumours say,” Otto chuckled, “So then, since I would not expect the new Master of the Nameless Prestige to personally come out here, since I would not have that same relationship, I can assume that you are still just the messenger or as a proxy.”
“Incorrect.” Katelin smirked, “Due to the contents of the documents you sent with the letter, the current Master of the Nameless Prestige deemed it necessary to meet with you in person.”
“Oh, now that is interesting. I apologize for my rudeness then.” Otto said giving her a courtesy nod before continuing, “But enough small talk, shall we get down to business?”
“Yes.” Katelin said, “And the Nameless Prestige will take the job… after you clear up what exactly is Nth Order, why the Grand Principality has what you described as the most dangerous magic weapon created, and how you managed to lose it.”
“Is that all you want to know?”
“No. That’s just the start…”
Katelin “One-Eyed Demon” Sharpe
Nameless Prestige Headquarters, Kingdom of Atral
Rallying the Forces
6th of Primo Seminis, 2000 AFA
It had been over a month since Katelin had met with the Grand Prince Otto, and now was the day that the Nameless Prestige would begin the job. Why the delay? Well, even though as soon as Katelin left the Barna Palace, she used the Nameless Prestige ring to issue a summons to certain members of the Prestige, to meet at the Nameless Prestige Headquarters. Members that Katelin had deemed suitable for the job when meeting with the Grand Prince. Due to the central location of the headquarters, it would take about 4 weeks to reach it from all corners of Anoris by horse, and therefore, she set the date of the meeting for the 6th of Primo Seminis.
The Headquarters of the Nameless Prestige, known as The Farm to those who know about it, appears to be nothing more than an abandoned, overgrown farm within an hours walk from the city of Pester in the Kingdom of Atral. Due to this, the Nameless Prestige secretly owns a stable near the city’s entrance, and its members are expected to keep their horses there. A secret passage lies within the old farmhouse, a passage that is sealed by magic that only allows those with the ring of the Nameless Prestige to open it and enter The Farm. After passing through the passage, one would find themselves descend to an underground cavern with a seemingly endless abyss. A single path carved from the rock of the cavern leads from its entrance to an ancient underground fortress carved into the wall of the cavern. That ancient fortress is the true form of The Farm, and contains all that members of the Nameless Prestige need.
Upon entering The Farm proper, an individual is met with a fairly empty entrance hall. From the entrance hall, three doorways could be seen. The largest one was on the opposite side of the entrance hall, and the hall beyond the door would split into three halls. The central hall leads to the fortress’ great hall, which has always been used by the Nameless Prestige as their main meeting area. The left hall leads to a staircase that only descends into a large storehouse and kitchen area, while the right hall leads to a staircase that ascends. The doorway to the left of the entrance hall leads to a large training area, and a forge. The doorway to the right of the entrance hall only leads to a staircase that both ascends and descends.
Both ascending staircases lead to the second level of the ancient forest. The staircase that ascends near the great hall reaches a hall that eventually comes to a point where it splits into three different halls. The hall going left leads to a chapel used by members of the Prestige no matter what faith they follow. The hall that leads forward comes to an end at another ascending staircase. The hall that leads to the right eventually connects with the hall from where the other ascending staircase of the first level reaches the second. Together, these halls have doors connecting them to the chambers that are assigned to each member of the Nameless Prestige, with the exception of the Master’s chambers.
The third, and highest level of the ancient fortress is where one would find the library of the Nameless Prestige and the solar of the Master of the Nameless Prestige. The library of the Nameless Prestige is filled with many documents, books, and scrolls gathered over the years by the Nameless Prestige for the use of its members. The solar of the Master of the Nameless Prestige consist of the Master’s private study, a bed chamber, and a main general chamber.
However, those are only the levels as one moves up within the ancient fortress. The staircase found right of the entrance hall that descends leads to the so called basement of the underground fortress. This basement contains additional storage areas, along with a dungeon that is rarely used by the Nameless Prestige, and yet another staircase that descends again. This one descends to a single hall, which ends with a large door.
This door opens into the second basement, which is comprised of two rooms, and a staircase that descends into a crypt, where all deceased members of the Nameless Prestige are laid to rest. The two rooms of the second basement include a room known as the Room of Names, which is filled with art and statues depicting past events and former members of the Nameless Prestige. The other room is sealed with magic that allows only the Master of the Nameless Prestige to enter. This sealed room is the treasure room of the Nameless Prestige.
Anyways, it was still early in the morning, giving a few hours for those members who she had called who had yet to come, to show up. This was to be expected, as despite The Farm being the headquarters of the Nameless Prestige, not many members beyond Katelin herself stayed for long periods. So even if a member had arrived early, there really was no expectation for them to stay at The Farm.
Did this bother her? No, all she cared about was that they showed up for the meeting she summoned them for. Where they stayed if they arrived early was really no concern to her. And so she waited. She waited there, in The Farm’s great hall for those who she summoned to arrive.
“Today is the day history will be made…” Katelin muttered to herself as she sat there in the great hall, with a wooden sword leaning on the side of her chair.