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Post by Maerin on Jun 11, 2008 21:29:07 GMT
Victory! It is the middle of summer, the year is MS 5062. The great assault of the Darklords, so long feared among the people of Northern Magnamund and so horrifically successful in its beginning, has been brought down in ruin. Though relatively unknown to many of the nations up until now, the name “Lone Wolf” now spreads among the peoples of central Magnamund. The Kai Master has arisen as a symbol of the free peoples’ defiance of annihilation at the claws of the Darklords of Helgedad. Lone Wolf’s defeat of the infamous Vassagonian Zakhan to end the siege of the Anari capital of Tahou raised the hopes of thousands as the news spread in the days afterward and leading up to midsummer’s day. The Kai Master’s heroism was used as a rallying cry as well as an ever-growing hope for a lasting defeat of the Darklords.
The armies of the Vassagonians rapidly fell back or were driven from all the lands they had conquered in the early stages of the war. As the Vassagonians had been long feared themselves, as well as seemingly the only significant ally of the Darklords, their rout fed hope and optimism in the east. Rumors began to speak of revolution in the city of Barrakesh and other cities along the Vassagonian coast.
The Darkland armies were similarly routed, and fled back across the lands they had conquered in the early months of the war even more swiftly then they had initially rolled forward. Though pursued by the vengeful survivors of nations overrun early in the war, the Darklord armies did not seriously oppose those pursuers until they had crossed back west over the River Storn. After a fortnight, many greet each rising the of the sun as the dawning of a new age, an age in which the threat of the Darklords will be finally and completely vanquished.
Only a very few found their elation and relief tinged with disquiet in the weeks after the battle of Tahou. One such man, however, was Chiban, a master wizard and resident of Tahou who had supported the Senate during the dark days of the siege. The wizard, an old friend and mentor of Banedon’s who had assisted Lone Wolf in entering the Cauldron beneath the city, was consequently privy to the full story of Lone Wolf’s triumph at Tahou. Though greatly relieved byt the arrival of Anari’s allies and the raising of the siege that saved his beloved city, and distracted from his thoughts by his role in the recovery of the city, the wizard found himself with a growing sense of disquiet in the days that followed.
The arrival of members of the Elder Magi High Council of Dessi provided Chiban with details of the Darklord withdrawal in the weeks that followed their defeat at Tahou. The fast withdrawal of the Vassagonians, driven both by the loss of their ruler and the cavalry of four nations, was not unexpected. The even faster withdrawal of the Darklord armies westward back across the River Storn itself was. Though some attempt at pursuit was made, and small groups of those armies caught lagging were destroyed without hesitation, the retreat proved swifter than pursuit. Within three weeks after defeat at Tahou, the Darklord armies had retreated from all the conquered nations east of the River Storn. Fortress cities taken by conquest, such as the Slovian cities of Suentina and Tekaro, were abandoned without hesitation, and without either destroying fortifications, looting resources, or even leaving a token force to resist recapture of the strongholds.
After the high-profile departure of Banedon for Sommerlund and the clandestine departure of Lone Wolf for Eru, Chiban finally opened his mind to one of the Elder Magi visiting Tahou, Lord Kevoan.
Kevoan was skeptical of the human wizard’s fears. Like most of the Elder Magi, Kevoan believed the Darklords in general, and Gnaag in particular, would focus on the destruction of both Lone Wolf and the Lorestones. From the perspective of the Elder Magi, the destruction of both would be a far more costly blow than any attack by army or stealth.
But Kevoan did find himself agreeing with Chiban on one point: the events of the whole invasion, defeat and rout did seem unexpected. Gnaag had long been regarded as the most cunning, brilliant, and subtle of the Darklords…save only Vashna, first Archlord of Helgedad long ago. And yet the invasion had shown little evidence of that famed intelligence and subtlety, aside from the rapid speed of the invasion and the effective use of allies such as Vassagonia and Ogia.
In the end, Kevoan laid Chiban’s fears to rest. The Elder Magi offered the reasonable arguments that such brute-force strategy may have been forced on Gnaag by the other Darklords that had supported Gnaag’s rise to power in Helgedad. Further, the invasion had used resources of spawn and materials alike that had undoubtedly actually been accumulated during either the reign of Gnaag’s far less subtle predecessor Haakon or during the years of civil war after Haakon’s destruction. Chiban, satisfied, turned his efforts and attentions back to recovery efforts for Tahou. Lord Kevoan then prepared to return to Elzian in Dessi.
The seed of concern, planted in the Elder Magi’s mind by Chiban, did not die. Instead, it began to grow further. Thinking perhaps there might have been some unknown danger that had taken Lone Wolf, Kevoan traveled to Garthen, the capital city of Talestria. There he confirmed that Lone Wolf had successfully made contact with Prince Graygor, there had been a successful defeat of the Drakkarim by the allied armies of Eru and Lencia, and that the allied armies of Talestria and Palmyrion were expected to storm Torgar shortly. Nothing suggested to Kevoan that any doom had befallen Lone Wolf and the way seemed clear for the Kai Master to recover the Lorestones in defiance of Gnaag’s threat. The mood in Garthen, which, like Tahou, had also just been saved from a hated enemy allied with the Darklords, was festive. Yet Kevoan’s concerns remained.
Remembering that Lone Wolf had indicated there had been some subversion of Talestria by the Darklords in the time just before the beginning of the invasion, Kevoan recruited a group of heroes that had found themselves in Garthen during attack on Talestria. Searching for evidence of Darklord subversion in the city, the group stumbled across an assassination plot in the Royal Citadel itself, a plot to kill Queen Evaine in the absence of her cousin and protector Adamas, Lord Constable of the Royal Citadel. Worse, the heroes discovered that this plot had been formed long before the invasion, and the plot had not yet been executed…despite all that had happened in Talestria during the invasion by the Ogians and their Darklord allies. The plot had still been waiting for something…
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Post by Maerin on Jul 12, 2008 3:35:03 GMT
It has been a week since you all successfully foiled the attempt on Queen Evaine's life. During that time, you each remained a guest of the Royal Citadel at the specific request through Lord Kevoan, of the Queen herself. The Elder Magi also was requested to remain, though he seemed willing to do so. In speaking with Kevoan in the days after the attempted assassination, it seemed to each of you that a great burden of doubt and worry had been removed from the shoulders of the Elder Magi. No word was given as to Her Majesty’s reasons for asking you to remain as her guest, aside from the cryptic statement that she had something special in mind. Try as you might, you were unable to learn what that 'something special' might actually be.
However, as you each waited out the week, you found an opportunity to rest and relax to a degree that you had almost forgotten was possible. In the long months since the wars launched by the Darklords, the Ogians, and the Vassagonians began, it had seemed true rest was forgotten.
The mood of the capital remained celebratory, as word was received that the armies of Talestria and her allies had fought a number of battles against armies of Drakkarim or Darklord spawn during their march to Torgar. Then, on the seventh day since the assassination, two pieces of news were joyfully proclaimed throughout Garthen, and cheers rang through the halls of the Royal Citadel.
The first news was a public proclamation from Lord Adamas. In it, the brave Talestrian noble declared that the allies had smashed the last armies that stood between them and the gates of Torgar. Adamas swore he would now raze the fortress of Torgar to the ground in order to rescue each and every human slave that had been taken from Talestria and Palmyrion in the early months of the war. Many had been taken, including both friends and kin, and the people in Garthen, particularly those who had successfully fled from the invasion, had hope that they might be reunited with at least some whom they had thought lost forever.
The second news was announced by heralds of the Queen. Zegron, the former Warchief of Ogia and the Warlord that had orchestrated and lead the brutal invasion of Talestria, had finally been captured in the ruined lands of fallen Ogia. Transported to Garthen alive and under great secrecy, it was announced by the Queen that Zegron would face a just punishment for the crimes he had visited on the people of Talestria. A formal court would be held that evening, at high noon in accordance with Talestrian tradition, the Queen would formally pronounce Zegron’s doom, which would be carried out at dusk that evening.
All this was in the formal invitation each of you were sent by the Queen that morning. There was, however, one additional passage at the bottom of the invitation. The passage was addressed specifically to you and in the Queen’s own hand.
“You saved me from the final attempt by Zegron to bring down Talestria, even as his other plots and his foul nation were brought to ruin. Therefore, I extend to you was is merely your right, though it comes with my everlasting gratitude for saving my life. I wish you and your companions, with your patron Lord Kevoan of Dessi, to stand with my highest councilors in my Court as Zegron faces and is made to accept the just consequences of his brutality and cruelty to my people.”
The chamberlain’s steward that delivers the invitation to each of you indicates further that it is the Queen’s pleasure that you may either wear clothing representative of your native lands, or Talestrian court attire can be provided to you, as you prefer. He tactfully, though still honestly, indicates that such includes Zohar.
“Her Majesty may find herself in conflict with your homeland, sir. But she wishes you to realize that she will not bar you from recognizing a pride in what your homeland was during its long history, and what it might yet become again.”
You have the rest of the day, plus the following morning, though still not a lot of time, to make what preparations you wish for the noon Court.
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Post by Ector Symir on Jul 12, 2008 11:13:01 GMT
As a servant delivers his expensive-yet-austere outfit of black silk and doeskin, freshly laundered for the royal reception, Ector reflects on the news from Adamas. While the tidings of victory against the servants of darkness are indeed joyous, he longs to be released from the Queen's service to help free his enslaved countrymen. He thinks of the battle to come at Torgar and feels a pang of regret at his absence. Though noble-born, Ector has largely shunned the comforts of palace life, instead spending most of the past week in the courtyard, practicing his swordsmanship and helping to train the citadel guard, but has grown tired of kicking his heels in these luxurious surroundings while his brothers-at-arms battle for their lives without him. As has become his habit of late, Ector opens the large chest at the foot of his bed. Within lies his brightly-polished full plate armour, which he examines carefully, hoping to soon have reason to don it. The last time he did so was a week ago, when he helped thwart the assassination of Queen Evaine. He was proud to have saved the court of his allies from such disaster, but the subsequent idleness was growing intolerable. Now it appeared he would witness the execution of the one who had masterminded that scheme. Perhaps once Zegron was dead Ector would finally be released from his obligations to the Queen. Locking the chest again and tucking the lanyard which holds the key back within his blue woolen shirt, Ector fastens his sword-belt and leaves his quarters, heading for the dining halls in search of a light meal and a tankard of ale. Perhaps he would also have the chance to converse with one of the others who helped protect the queen.
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Post by Karstan on Jul 13, 2008 7:41:32 GMT
Karstan looked upon the flowing robes that had been brought to him by the servants in the castle, they looked much like the finery that the princes and nobles of his realm wore, he had not worn such clothes before but changed into them as he knew that the slightly tattered clothes he usually wore would be inappropriate at court. In truth there was also another reason he took the clothes, Karstan knew his role as a spy relied on him being able to keep a low profile but with him helping to save the queen he was being pushed more into the spotlight of the court he hoped that by wearing garments similar to that of the nobles of the court he should be able to blend into the background a little more.
Taking the robes and putting them on Karstan could see that they wear a good fit and whoever had picked them out had a good eye for his size, that is except that the arms they were a little on the long side. He turned the ends up upon themselves so it would not look strange and tucked his small dagger inside the body of his clothes he planned to leave everything else inside his room but was taking he dagger as he felt uncomfortable without his rapier at his side at the dagger made him feel slightly better about it. He finished by patting himself off so the robes fell correctly and set off down the brightly adorned passage towards were he had been told the court was being held and hoped to find a quite spot in the background to observe the proceedings.
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Ageal
Gamer
Vakeros Trainee
Posts: 268
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Post by Ageal on Jul 13, 2008 23:19:59 GMT
Ageal was found in the horse stables tending to his Faersteed companion, Kalos. When he received the letter Ageal promptly opened up the letter and read it to Kalos. Smiling sorely he spoke “looks like you didn’t get an invitation, well I don’t think you’re missing out on much.” Grabbing an apple from his backpack Ageal handed it out to his friend. “I hope this will work for a consolation gift”. With that Ageal patted the Faersteed and headed into his room to reflect.
The past week after assassination attempt, Ageal took his time to him self. Knowing he would have to fight again soon he breathed in the air of the calm and took time to gather his thoughts. When arriving at his room Ageal opened his foot locker and took his Blue Steel Sword out to immerse it in sun light. Standing up Ageal struck a few blows to the air to feel his energy flow through him again. Standing there he reflected on the letter and thought to himself “Looks like I have to get an appropriate outfit”. Calling a messenger Ageal requested Talestrian court attire. Feeling that his best dress would be in appropriate court apparel, Ageal decided to add the flair of his Blue Steel Sword.
A quick grin flashed across Ageals face before it faded into thought. In deep contemplation Ageal felt this trial will be swift and end with the death of Zegron. Thinking deeply Ageal considered what reaction might happen with the judgment of Zegron. Thoughts ran through Ageals head until he went to the court to witness the councils judgment.
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Post by Altor "Al" Cloudscraper on Jul 14, 2008 1:00:33 GMT
During the week, Alba relaxes in the luxury of his host's palace. As a simple woodsman, he knows nothing of the finery of noble life, and while feels nervous around the palace courtiers (whom he senses look down their noses at him), he takes his time to explore the castle and talk to the workers, befriending many. He also uses this time to get to know his countryman Ector. While he has fought alongside him twice now, he still does not understand the giant man, although he feels that Ector, even though he is a noble, sees him as an equal.
Alba is shocked and honoured at the invitation. Never in his life would he have thought that he would receive such an honour. Contemplating the invitation, he quickly decides that he will wear a simple woodsman attire, so everyone remembers the sacrifice of the common folk of all nations during the war.
Quickly, Alba takes his cloak and attire to his new friends in the castle laundry to help him get his clothes in proper repair and looking proper.
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Post by Jynx on Jul 14, 2008 3:03:30 GMT
On receiving the invitation, Jynx took a look at her wardrobe in preparation for her appearance in court. During the past week of rest and relaxation, the courtesan became friendly with the people who lived in and around the Royal Citadel (most of which were of the male variety) trying to catch up with any new gossip or news. After the few hours it took her to decide what to wear, Jynx took out a fine Talestrian court outfit from one of her traveling chests. As she aired out the gown, Jynx tried to guess what nobles would make their appearance tomorrow. She couldn't help but smile... she lived for these kind of functions.
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Zohar
Hardened Gamer
Is Mr. Handy
Posts: 453
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Post by Zohar on Jul 14, 2008 3:43:50 GMT
"Thank you," says Zohar to the steward, "and please convey my thanks to Her Majesty. The revolution in Vassagonia can succeed, especially with aid from lands that already enjoy freedom. It is my fond hope that one day my homeland will no longer be an enemy at everyone's back, but a steadfast ally that lives in peace with its neighbors. I do not feel I should wear my native garb until such time as that has been achieved, however, so I would prefer Talestrian attire."
Zohar is no stranger to the courts of nobility, having patrolled the Grand Palace in Barrakeesh during the final years of Zakhan Moudalla, but he cannot help but feel out of place here. This is the farthest he has ever traveled from the land of his birth, and he is truly a stranger in a strange - but wondrous - land. He is also unused to all of the attention he has received recently, having been used to living in relative anonymity. He had been far from the only Vassagonian exile living in Tahou, though more of them chose to settle in Cloeasia or Casiorn. After the Battle of Tahou, he was perhaps the most famous. Though he longed to participate in the revolution in Vassagonia, Lord Kevoan had convinced him that this was the wiser course of action. One soldier more or less would make little difference there, but if he were well-versed in diplomacy he could make a far greater difference in foreign courts.
Helping to save the life of Queen Evaine had certainly accomplished that. Had Zegron's plot succeeded, it would have been a terrible blow, greater than any that could have been struck by a battalion of regular Ogian troops. Now that he finally faced justice and the Ogians had been routed, the future looked even brighter.
Zohar had enjoyed conversations with the courtiers over the past week, but he feels closer to his new companions than to anyone else he has met in Garthen. The camaraderie that forms between people who risk death together and watch each other's backs cannot be equaled. The fact that all of them are strangers here helps to further cement the new bond, though Zohar must admit to himself that none of the others is quite as strange as he is.
After getting dressed, Zohar leaves his quarters and heads for the dining hall.
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Post by Maerin on Jul 15, 2008 1:21:52 GMT
“The tradition of Noon’s Doom is a very old one in Talestria.” The old protocol steward spoke to each of you, as he paused outside the ornately-decorated wooden doors and gave each of you a quick look over-over. “It is said that the gods themselves mandated the tradition for the sentencing of the very worst crimes against our lands and people, so that no villainy could hide in any shadows when such dooms were pronounced by our ruler. It is also a very rare tradition. I have only seen one other, but it was long ago, pronounced by Her Majesty’s great father. It is a honour for you all to be permitted to be present, though certainly one you have earned. However, and remember this above all. You must not speak once the ceremony begins, unless the Queen herself calls you specifically by name to speak.” With that, the steward leaves you alone at the doors.
Entering the State Hall, you find there are already dozens of courtiers present. They mill throughout much of the large, high-ceilinged hall and converse in small groups. Most, however, cast their gaze your direction as you enter. The story of your defeat of the Ogian assassins is clearly now common knowledge. The looks of gratitude and respect that each of you receive, even those directed at Zohar and the commonly-dressed Alba all seem quite honest and friendly. As for the looks directed at Jynx…
As you study those present further, Ector and Jynx spot the subtle differences in dress, a matter of color and style rather than differing clothing, that suggests at least a few representatives of the Republic of Palmyrion are present. More apparent are about a dozen, richly-dressed dwarven soldiers, presumably officers or nobles, their short statures contrasting visibly with the humans around them. Though the invitation implied a degree of solemn seriousness about what was to take place here at noon, the overall atmosphere in the room seems one of quiet jubilation. It was hard to believe that soon, these people would be faced with the vicious enemy who had nearly brought Talestria to her knees and had caused widespread suffering among the people of Talestria, Palmyrion and Bor alike.
The summer sun, warm and peaceful, shines through skylight windows in the ceiling and is scattered about the room by the white stone walls. The damage the State Hall of the Royal Citadel sustained during Ogian attacks has obviously been repaired both swiftly and thoroughly. Her Majesty, Queen Evaine, sits alone in her throne, raised a couple feet above the floor on a stone dais. No one speaks with her, and she seems occupied reading a message scroll spread out on a short desk next to the arm of the throne. Indeed, the double-cordon of a dozen guards of the Royal Household, with bright sunlight shining off both braid on their clothing and steel swords held unsheathed in hand, prevent all from coming within twenty feet of the edge of the dais.
Immediately upon stepping into the large hall, you are met by Lord Kevoan, your patron and an Elder Magic of the High Council of Dessi. His simple robe and relatively common-looking appearance draws your gaze immediately, with its sharp contrast with the finery otherwise to be found in the hall. Lord Kevoan is a short, fat man, mostly bald with only a thin fringe of white, wispy hair over the ears. He has a customary, easy smile and manner and you have already seen that cause him to be severely underestimated by those around him who cannot look past appearances. It is hard not too; Kevoan still strikes you all as looking more like someone’s jolly, favorite old uncle than, quite possibly, one of the most powerful magicians in the world.
“Greetings, greetings. I trust the morning finds you all well?” Kevoan is clearly in a good humour, and is playing the ‘Favorite Uncle’ role completely. “I think our place is there, if I have followed the somewhat byzantine protocol rules I was, ahem, honored to learn this morning,” Kevoan points to an area of the State Hall near the right edge of the cordon of Royal Household guards.
“I do not think the guards are or will be willing conversationalists, but feel free to talk to the others in the room. Most everyone here knows who you are and what you have accomplished, and so you should feel welcome. However, you are only a little early, so make certain you end up where we need to be. I believe the ceremony will be starting shortly.”
With that, Kevoan wanders off towards a group of Talestrians near the center of the hall.
OOC: Go ahead and make Diplomacy skill checks if you do any sort of mingling, just to give you some sense of how things go. Only a skill check of 5 or lower is going to tick anyone off, considering your current fame. Feel free to make whatever other skill checks you wish for specific actions or such you wish to take (Knowledge (nobility & royalty), Knowledge (history) Sense Motive, etc.; just make certain you tell me what interests you and/or what you might be trying to find out). You will not have more than several minutes to mingle before the ceremony begins and Zegron arrives in tomorrow’s post.
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Zohar
Hardened Gamer
Is Mr. Handy
Posts: 453
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Post by Zohar on Jul 15, 2008 3:00:45 GMT
Zohar accompanies Kevoan toward the Talestrian nobles to converse with them, curious about who might have attracted his attention. He had to have chosen to speak to them first for a reason, so perhaps there was more to them than met the eye - just as there was more to Zohar and his companions than would be apparent at first glance. The Elder Magician clearly had an eye for such people, so anyone that would interest him would be worth knowing. As he walks through the Great Hall, he keeps an eye out for any nobles from Anari or the other lands surrounding it and Vassagonia. Such people would be in a better position to aid the Vassagonian revolution than the Talestrians. Zohar begins to feel less out of place and more confident now. Even in a foreign country, court is court.
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Post by Ector Symir on Jul 15, 2008 9:33:06 GMT
Clad in his sombre outfit of black silk shirt, doeskin breeches and soft leather boots, with the only splash of colour being a red sash to which are affixed his medals, Ector feels out of place confronted by this riotously-coloured assembly of dignitaries. He briefly wishes his elder brother, Kaetor, were here instead. As heir to the Symirs' modest estates, he is the negotiator and courtier of the family, unlike Ector who instead had served in his nation's elite infantry since adolescence. Only his iron discipline prevents Ector from nervously fiddling with the hilt of his sword. Recognising a few of his countrymen in the crowd, he decides the safest course of action is to approach them for any news from home.
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Post by Karstan on Jul 15, 2008 11:14:31 GMT
Karstan moved over to near the spot where kevoan had motioned that they were expected to be during the ceromany and leaned agaist a pillat that was there. He took this time to look over the crowd for anyone he might recognize from Lyris.
OOC:perception check 28
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Post by Altor "Al" Cloudscraper on Jul 15, 2008 16:54:14 GMT
Alba notices that the glances directed at him are warm, but still he feels out of place amongst such nobility and high classes. He cannot help but stealing glances at the Dwarfs of Bor present, he has only had fleeting glimpses of some on the battlefield, and he is amazed by them. Unsure of how to present himself, he decides the best, safest course of action would be to stick close to Ector, as a noble surely he will feel comfortable amongst those here.
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Ageal
Gamer
Vakeros Trainee
Posts: 268
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Post by Ageal on Jul 15, 2008 22:39:00 GMT
Ageal strides into the room with the garb provided for him and his Blue Steel sword at his side. Looking around Ageal gravitates towards where ever Jynx might be attracting a crowd. Nobility gatherings were never his strong point but talking with pretty women would always provide him with enough entertainment. When the socializing starts to die down Ageal will saunter over to the area pointed out to him.
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Post by Maerin on Jul 16, 2008 2:44:19 GMT
In accompanying Lord Kevoan, Zohar finds himself quite unexpectedly the center of attention of the group of Talestrian nobles. None of them are obviously recognizable to him, but the Elder Magi introduces him in a straightforward and friendly fashion.
Astonishingly, human curiosity seems suddenly and completely take over for caution and reserve. The discussion immediately shifts to the topic of lands to the east, lands in which none of the nobles in the group have visited. Zohar finds himself immersed several minutes answering no few questions about the lands of the Vassa peoples and cultures (and not just Vassagonia alone). Kevoan merely stands quietly by, allowing the nobles and Zohar to converse directly. It is only as the two walk back to their place near the Queen some minutes later that the Vassagonian wonders if the Elder Magi used some sort of magic to have brought things about. Certainly it is one of the more uplifting experiences Zohar has enjoyed in a long time now.
The representatives from Palmyrion greet Sir Ector politely, though the knight finds that he socially outranks most of them. Ten of them prove, on further study, to be couriers and messengers representing the various Electors of Ector’s homeland, who are either traveling from Garthen to the allied armies marching on Torgar or returning to Palmyrion after delivering messages to Lord Clavern, the official Palmyrion envoy in the court of Queen Evaine. Their presence here seems to have come at the request of Lord Clavern, who anticipates dispatching them to their various destinations soon after the ceremony is over. None of them seem to know much more about events that Ector himself is not aware of. As for Lord Clavern himself, he and Ector exchange pleasantries, though very little more, as they had had spoken a couple times in the past week.
Though getting a good look at everyone present, Karsten found he did not recognize anyone aside from the more significant people present in the room, such as Lord Clavern of Palmyrion and Queen Evaine herself. Everyone present, aside from a few of Karsten’s companions and Karsten himself, seems quite apparently to be from Talestria, Palmyrion and Bor.
Jynx and Ageal, however, immediately draw attention to themselves, much to both the amusement of the people present as well as their own embarrassment.
Introducing himself Captain Ven, the Bor officer nearest him, the Vakeros glanced sideways to introduce Jynx, who he had followed into the crowd, as well. Finding she had momentarily vanished out of his peripheral vision. Starting to turn around, there was suddenly a rustling crash behind Ageal! Laughter ran through those present, and even Queen Evaine glanced up from her reading to see what was amiss. In the same moment, Ageal feel the tug on his sword scabbard, and realized that he had forgotten that one cardinal rule of wearing a sword in a courtly gathering…always check the swing path before turning.
Before the Vakeros could recover his composure to offer Jynx a hand back up, she had twisted herself back gracefully back to her feet, her blush of embarrassment visible even through her dark skin complexion. Shooting a swift, angry glare at the Vakeros, she pointedly turned her back to the knight and strode back to rejoin Karsten, away from the crowd where laughing was still migrating about the crowd.
Before further conversation, or apologies, could take place however, a trumpet blew outside a window of the State Hall. The queen rolled up the scroll she had been reading and tucked it out of sight. The people in the room began taking places along the walls surrounding the Hall, leaving a wide space in the center of the hall. Aside from Lord Clavern and your group being so honoured, the people of the hall also stayed well away from the throne and the guards of the Royal Household surrounding it. Though the guards had not relaxed their vigilance for the past quarter hour, it seems that they nonetheless took on an even greater severity and focus.
The door of the State Hall slammed open, and no less than eight guards also wearing the uniform of the Royal Household strode into the room. They carried drawn swords, and completely surrounded a single man in their midst.
There was no question that this was Warchief Zegron of Ogia. The man was huge, towering a full head over every other human in the room. His Drakkarim heritage was apparent in his coarse and brutish facial features. Though dressed in black finery, the clothing displayed some tears and heavy wear spots that seemed to have gone unrepaired. Though both his hands and feet were manacled with thick iron chains, Zegron casually displayed his great physical prowess in the controlled and easy manner in which he walked into the hall with his guards. His black eyes remained fixed upon the Queen’s, looking neither right nor left.
Queen Evaine rose from her throne, and took a step forward on the dais, as the guards and their prisoner came to a halt in the exact center of the room. Her voice echoed coldly emotionless in the silence of the hall.
“This is the Noon of Doom. No shadow lies here, save what the guilty bring with them. The sun shines down upon all equally: monarch, her people, her allies, her guards and her enemy.”
“You, Zegron of Ogia, have declared yourself our enemy. You have brought ruin to our land. You have brought death or slavery to our people. You have brought threat to our person and the persons of our family in our very home. All this you have done without any provocation of Talestria or her allies. Do you deny any of these statements, Zegron of Ogia? You will respond.”
Zegron stared at the Queen silently for a long minute. As the minute stretched, there was some quiet rustling of clothing to disturb the silence, though no one gave in and actually spoke.
OOC: Maerin chuckles. Jynx becomes the first victim of having missed a post, just in time for Ageal’s Diplomacy skill check…
Sorry for the long prose at the start of the game. There are a fair number of things that need setting up, but such set-ups should not have to happen often. However, today’s post turned into a two-parter, the second part of which will need to be posted tomorrow. So all are exempt from the need to post in the next 24 hours. You may, of course, post “thinking posts” or “posing posts” if you wish.
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