Legend of Ransera

Posted: **Sun Nov 20, 2022 11:39 pm**

龍 3rd of Ash, Year 122, A.o.S 龍
Company: Yumeko| Thoughts: Why have I been summoned?!| Mood: Nervous

龍 Nerves flowed through the Iceborn avialae as he and his aunt approached the Palace of the First Wind. He had received a summons, from the Queen Regent no less. He had heard stories of her and how intimidating she could be, but he never thought in his wildest dreams he would be summoned to stand before her. Once they had come to the initial gates, they were escorted to the palace. "I see you are nervous my dear, but you have no need. If the Queen Regent has expressed a need to see you, it must be important. You have done much in the service of Kalzasi and its people." she noted, holding his hand as she flew alongside the escorts.

Her words eased some of his nerves, but not all. This was royalty on a whole nother level than meeting Talon and knowing he was a crown prince. Not only that he never got the chance to meet her properly and was worried he would say something stupid. That more than anything was what he feared the most from coming face to face with the most powerful person in Kalzasi.As they approached the palace he couldnt help but remember that tragic day. The echoes of screaming and battle rang through his ears once again, and tears fell from his eyes as he felt helpless in trying to save Talon.

Yumeko wiped them as she held his hand to reassure him that it was ok, that everything would be fine. Taking a deep breath he walked with her, her arm tucked into his own as they were shown to the waiting room within the foyer of the palace. "What do you think she could possibly want with me? I'm not that impressive, and I come from common birth." he whispered, to which his aunt tilted his head up with a finger.

"I will not stand for this, your unnecessary self-loathing. You are an accomplished warrior, a master of Elementalism, you gave your body for the entirety of Kalzasi. You are worthy of all the good that will come your way. Now hush with this." she soothed as she fixed his attire. Moments later and an attendant came to retrieve them, taking them out to the garden of the palace, and were informed the Queen-regent would be with them shortly. 龍

"Common Speech"
"Synskrit Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

Posted: **Mon Nov 21, 2022 1:22 am**

P A R A G O N

Exactly fifteen minutes after their arrival, a clerk of the palace came to fetch them. They were guided through the corridors of the Palace of the First Wind. It was a quiet hive of activity. Various robed ministers, officials, nobles and soldiers walked the halls. Eventually they were taken to a wing of the palace that was more toward the center. They passed through a courtyard leading up to a walkway overlooking one of the sections of the palace that floated on pieces of the Astralar Mountains that the palace was built into. Ahead of them stood a structure that was palatial in and of itself. Along the walkway floated platforms upon which stood carved statues of various Avialae men. They were each at least thirty feet tall and carved from a blending of black and silver marble with smatterings of gold. Each of them possessed the signature eagle wings that House Novalys was associated with. It did not take much to figure out that they were the previous Shokaze of House Novalys, every King that the State of Kalzasi had seen. Each one had a legacy that was tied deeply to the history of both the city-state, the Synnekar and its people.

There were six on each side, with those nearest to the palatial building being those who had reigned most recently. Which simply left the final statue. Standing proudly at the base of a set of steps was the newest statue. The stern but fatherly face of Shokaze Savien Praetus Novalys, Thirteenth Sovereign of Kalzasi, stared down at Hikami and his aunt as they approached. The statue’s wings were spread as if he were simply about to take flight. His left hand rest atop the hilt of a sword that stood upright, the point planted in the pedestal of where it stood. His right hand was extended as though he were reaching out to take the onlooker by the hand. A warrior who had never expected the throne, Savien had remained a soldier and a diplomat his entire reign as King. It was proof of his skill as an advocate for peace that in his absence, the entire region had been plunged into war, turmoil and uncertainty.

More had been lost on the day of the Black Wedding than simply the life of one man and the freedom of his demigod son. With Savien’s death, thirty years of peace between the various Free Cities had come to an end. Many wondered what the days ahead would look like in his absence.

The clerk guided them up the many steps to the entrance of the building. Armored guards stood vigilant everywhere. Though they did not turn their heads to watch Hikami and his aunt, the feeling that they were watching was there. The hall that awaited them had a very open floor plan. A large chamber with a high ceiling and space enough for even the broadest of Avialae wingspans to fully stretch. Banners hung from various pillars that upheld the roof. Various tables were set up at intervals across the hall with robed officials seeing to stacks of papers or tasks. They were brought toward the center of the room where sat a raised platform over a pool of water that had various bridges connecting it to a center pavilion. A black and silver throne sat empty. Upon the back of the throne was a circle of jewels surrounding a silver star. Each jewel was the color of one of the Great Houses, the silver star they surrounded being the symbol of House Novalys. At the base of the throne in a far less grand and humbler seat, sat the Iron Queen herself. A pale skinned woman with winter grey eyes and bone white hair that hung down past her waist. From her ears hung silver earrings that tapered to sharp black points. Upon her brow and woven into her hair was an immaculate headdress made of silver metal that eventually faded into black tips. She was dressed in a black gown with silver embroidery around the sleeves. Silver bracelets encrusted with black jewels covered her wrists. She possessed only two rings upon her fingers. On the left hand was a simple silver band. On her right hand was a black ring that looked to bear her personal seal. She did not spare a glance to the new arrivals but continued pouring over the document she held delicately in one hand.

Of her entire outfit, only one thing seemed oddly out of place. A black iron chain hung around her neck and from it three feathers. A golden-brown feather, a grey-white feather, and a silver feather. With the hand that was not holding the document, she was idly brushing her fingertips along the golden-brown feather hanging from the chain. Seated around her at a circular table were various men and women who were speaking with her quietly. When the clerk approached, he motioned for Hikami and Yumeko to bow.

“Presenting the honorable Hikami, Hero of Udori Lake and his aunt, Yumeko of the family Yoko.”

The clerk continued to bow. It was a few moments before a woman’s voice responded.

“Continue.”

The clerk righted himself and withdrew a letter that had been forwarded to the palace. He shuffled forward and extended it to one of the Avialae men nearest the pale elven woman. The man unfurled the document.

“Petition on behalf of the family Yoko, penned by Hikami, request for an audience with the Queen-Regent in the matter of obtaining the rank and status of nobility.” He looked up from the document, eyeing Hikami in what was clearly an appraising manner. There was silence as the various men and women turned to look at the Iron Queen. The queen had set down the document she had been holding. She picked up a pen and had begun writing on a blank piece of paper. After taking the time to pen at least the first sentence, she spoke.

“By what right do you believe you are entitled to the rank and station you seek?”

Posted: **Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:18 pm**

龍 3rd of Ash, Year 122, A.o.S 龍
Company: Yumeko| Thoughts: Why have I been summoned?!| Mood: Nervous

龍 He damn near jumped when another clerk came to fetch them, his nerves causing him to be jumpy a bit. He minded his manners the best he knew how, and it didnt help that Yumeko couldnt help but tease him about it. He was sure he would burst from bottling up his nerves the way he did. The tension he could feel from the eyes of everyone present sent a nervous shiver down his spine.

Once they reached the throne room, he could see the Iron Queen as they referred to her. It was Talon's mother sitting there, her grace and beauty only matched by the fierceness she held. As the clerk made their declaration Hikami was finding that he couldnt take his eyes off of her as she was not paying him any mind. When the clerk was done with his job, the next words to fill his ears were those of the Iron Queen.

Of course, he knew this wouldn't be as simple as just coming and asking nicely. He spent most of the night thinking of reasons why he should be granted such a title, but even now, he was hard pressed to say them. That one sentence weighed on him like having the entire north resting on his back. Just as his nerves coiled around him like a snake his aunt gave him a reassuring squeeze on his hand. Letting out a breath, he looked directly at the queen regent.

"I beleive it's only right for what I've sacrificed for Kalzasi and its people. I was born in a village to the south of here along the river leading from lake Udori. But ever since I've come to the city I have done nothing but fight for a people who at first, showed me nothing but disdain given my Kathar heritage. But since meeting the few friends I have, I come to like this place as if it was my second home. I wish to protect that home the best way I can. But in order to do so I need the resources to do so."

Patting his aunt on her arm, she unraveled herself from him allowing him to take a step forward, his massive crystalline wings unfurling and causing a glimmering effect around him from the lights that illuminated the throne room. "I lost my parents, who fought for kalzasi and would have given anything to see a fellow citizen do better than when they found them.

I lost my own body, trying to protect those from the devastation of that avalanche seasons ago. I can never return to the person I once was. Even from here, I can feel the strong bond my soul has with Udori itself." he spoke, looking at his hand as it rippled a bit, the Iceborne focusing to maintain himself, the amulet shimmering as aether was pulled from it. "To add to that I want to protect the place that is important to Talon.

I have fought alongside your son on many occasions. He has been my council when I wasn't sure what to do, the light that has illuminated the darkness. He has shown me that my bloodline doesn't define who I am. I want to protect the place he calls home. I was there when it happened. I wish I could have done more, I could have taken the place of the late king. But I know Talon, and he would have wanted me to defend the people instead of worrying about him. He is like a brother to me, and until he returns I wish for nothing more than to be the swift blade and steadfast shield. The Dragon of Udori or what it was that spoke to me and chose to make me what I am now, chose me so that I may protect its people and slays those foolish enough to stand against us."

It was a lot to bear but he had to put his heart out. Eyes full of conviction he knelt down and materialized his guan dao out in front of him, taking hold of the weapon as its icy aura permeated from it. "I wish to be lord of Udori Lake, and protect all those who depend on it to sustain themselves, from the city proper to the fishing and marine villages along the coast to the villages that use the rivers that flow from it. I will also pledge my allegiance to House Novalys, and be ready whenever you call for my banner." 龍

"Common Speech"
"Synskrit Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

Posted: **Tue Dec 06, 2022 8:47 pm**

P A R A G O N

“Soldiers die in the defense of Kalzasi every day. Their sacrifice is treasured and honored. Their families are seen to by the ministries of the State.” The Iron Queen dipped her pen into the nearby inkwell and continued writing her document. She remained fixed on her penmanship, her brow smooth and calm as she spoke matter-of-factly in response to Hikami’s statement.

“Mages exhaust their powers, some breaking themselves, in order to protect our country from the horrors of a world filled with terrifying and miraculous things. Committing themselves to defending us from those who would seek to obliterate our way of life.” She made a few quick strokes with her pen. Sahfri paused, tilting her head as she seemed to consider the letters that she had written on the page. Her thoughts drifted for a moment before she nodded to herself and continued writing.

“We do not make light of your sacrifices. They are honorable and worthy of note. If it is compensation you seek for your hardships, you are worthy and entitled to them.” Again, her tone was matter-of-fact but there was an undercurrent of businesslike procedure to her statement. It was as though she had participated in this same discussion over and over again. The words almost seemed rehearsed as though she had bore witness to hundreds of petitions similar to this one every day. As Queen, she likely had. Finally, she finished writing on her document then quickly penned her signature upon it. She lifted it and handed it to a nearby clerk who immediately began pouring hot wax upon the paper.

“You wish to protect Kalzasi? You can do that as a soldier of the Sky Guard or as a contracted mercenary for one of the country’s martial guilds.” She pressed the seal of her ring into the waiting hot wax. After a few moments, she withdrew her ring and at last looked up to examine Hikami and his aunt. The Iron-Queen looked over both of them, her gaze hard and unyielding. She then extended a hand for the next document from one of the nearby ministers of her court.

“What we would like to know…” She paused, eyes roaming over the document in front of her. She leaned over and whispered to one of the nearby clerks who nodded and then rushed off.

“What makes you better suited to be a Lord of Kalzasi than others who have made similar sacrifices?” Sahfri set down her document. She continued reading it.

“You are in the presence of men and women who have given just as much to the protection of our country.” Her eyes flicked up. “Some who have given more than they ever hoped to.”

The light glinted off the silver feather that hung from the chain around her neck.

“What makes you a Lord among men?”

Posted: **Tue Dec 13, 2022 4:55 am**

龍 3rd of Ash, Year 122, A.o.S 龍
Company: Yumeko| Thoughts: This was a mistake| Mood: Determined, Annoyed

龍He didnt expect this to be any form of easy, but he was somewhat disappointed that she would so readily dismiss his accomplishments as such. She noted that others have sacrificed just as much if not more than him which caused him to rise and stare up at the silver queen. "Because, unlike the current lords that would abuse and use the populace, I wish to be better, to actually aid them and protect them."

He planted his guan doa in front of him as he continued. "I've seen how your current retinue of nobles conduct themselves, and it's beyond shameful. A friend of mine was abducted by one of your lords, tortured, and subjected to so much trauma that she had no choice but the leave the city and may never return. Another of your noble house, I believe House Lekivian, swindles people they contract to work for them, underpaying them what they are worth just as they did me when they were hiring security during the cotillion for the young nobles of the city."

His eyes glowed an icy blue, his wings ruffling a bit behind him as he continued. "My father, Kazuyo, always taught me that those with power and strength should use it to protect those without it. I'm nothing like any lord you have ever sanctioned. I am connected with the, feeling its sway and pull even from here, and it reacts to me. Given time I can even transform myself into the very thing that saved me that day almost a year ago.....a dragon of the lake." he noted, taking the Heart of J'mora off, his appearance reverting back into that of living water, ice, & aether.

"I have come to admire kalzasi and its people, despite the rough welcome I got when arrived here. That being said I aspire to be more than just a soldier that fights and dies, I aspire to be a beacon for those who need it, a refuge for those seeking shelter. I aspire to be a lord Talon is proud of when he returns home. And if you can't see that, then it only proves me right that not all in Kalzasi are just." Placing the necklace back on, his flesh appearance returning, he turned to stand to take Yumeko by the hand to leave.

"I knew this was a mistake, though I think my mother would be proud of me for standing up for what I believe." he noted with a shaky smile. 龍

"Common Speech"
"Synskrit Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

Posted: **Thu Dec 15, 2022 6:14 pm**

P A R A G O N

Several of the members of the court stiffened. Anger became visible on the face of a few of the lords. One of them leaned forward.

“You insolent--”

The Iron Queen set down her pen. The gathered in the hall went quiet.

“And yet you are not in chains nor imprisoned for contributing to the murder of said lord.” The queen stared at Hikami hard.

“I know what transpired in that manor. I know that you, that girl, and the wolf slaughtered people with barely any proof of what transpired there. I know that the collateral of lives ruined because of that situation was so great that it reached the desk of the Shinsei. I know that investigators had, prior to your intrusion, been issued a warrant to arrest, detain and expose that very lord. A warrant to be issued that very night. But, because of your reckless interference, the entire investigation was ruined.” She pinned Hikami with her gaze.

“You killed one man but in so doing, alerted those connected to him that their activities had been discovered. They went further underground. Taking more innocent lives with them.” When Hikami brought up House Lekivian, the Iron Queen arched an eyebrow.

“So because you have had poor business dealings with them they are suddenly the scum of the earth?” She quirked her head slightly. “Your contract and payment dispute was of course brought before the Court of Kalzasi, yes? You adjudicated your matter before the judges of the law?”

Sahfri observed Hikami as he revealed the truth of his form. She made no outward reaction to it except to stare at him steadily. After a moment, she rose from her seat. Immediately, the surrounding ministers, guards and officials all rose to their feet in unison. They bowed as she did.

“Come with me.” The Iron Queen turned slightly. Gently, she touched a hand to the decorative railing that led up to the throne where her husband might have sat. That brief acknowledgement done, she moved toward the side of the great hall and in the direction of an overhang overlooking the sprawling expanse of Kalzasi City. Trailing behind them were four Siltori. Two of them Siltori Avialae men with the wings of crows. The other two were Siltori maidens who wore black and silver veils, their eyes cast down as they stood ready to attend to their queen. They remained distant enough to give the illusion of privacy but close enough to act. If Yumeko attempted to follow, she would be gently but firmly barred.

“Do you know what everything you say tells me, Hikami?” Sahfri folded her hands in front of her, staring out over the city. “That you are a hero.”

Her eyes followed several of the winged Avialae patrolling the skies, making deliveries, and even some of the skyships docking in the distance.

“You act from the heart.” Her expression softened. She touched a hand to the feathers that hung around her neck. “You act out of love. Love for what you believe in. Love for what you come to see as yours. Love for a country that you have chosen to make your home.”

She thumbed one of the feathers then dropped her hand.

“Can you set aside that love in the face of necessity?” She nodded her head toward the city.

“Hundreds of lives will look to you for leadership. Just as millions of lives look to me. To love them, truly love them, is to give them what they need recognizing that it is seldom what they want. People need food, shelter, purpose, belonging and prosperity. They further need the opportunity to pursue those thing. Those things come at a cost. Whether it be in the form of coin or hard won from the wolves that stalk the Wildking’s Forge, nothing in this life is without its price. The Black God despises a stagnant utopia and thus, Suffering, will always be present.” She looked at Hikami then.

“When common men strive to see the world in black and white, leaders understand that the world exists in a spectrum of grey. The soldier who is a hero in Kalzasi is a murderer in Zaichaer. In saving his family, he has destroyed another. Does that make him evil?” She did not provide an answer. Such a thing was for Hikami to decide himself, if there was an answer at all.

“To be a ruler of men, we must often act against what is in our heart, understanding that we are expected to be able to act for the needs of the many over the needs of the few. And therein lies the problem.” She smiled, returning her attention to the city.

“To rule is to breed Suffering. For there will come a day, many days, where you must make decisions that cause pain just as they secure prosperity for the country and people that you love.”

Posted: **Sun Dec 18, 2022 11:52 pm**

龍 Time Stamp 龍
Company: ???| Thoughts: ???| Mood: ???

龍 He turned to half way face her as she spoke, knowing details about the events he used as evidence against the virtue of the current host of nobles. His eyes watched her closely as she finished her work, each of her rebuttals cutting more and more into his soul than he would have liked. He couldnt even begin to process her answers as it was unthinkable to believe that they knew everything that went on and sat by allowing it to go on simply for investigations and protocal. Hikami truly believed that certain situations called for immediate action.

When she stood, the entire room moved with her, and when she called for him to follow, he was almost hesitant, if not for Yumeko nudging him to go. He looked to his aunt and could tell that she was both proud and somewhat annoyed at him for how he had explained himself, but her being proud showed more on the serenity of her features than her annoyance did. Departing from her side he join the queen regent as they moved to the terrace of the throne room that overlooked the city.

He listened as she began to tell him of her impression of him, and how much of a hero's heart he held. He could only attribute that to his father and wanting to be the same heroic man he had grown up believing he was. It became clear to him that it seemed she believed Hikami was too much of a hero to do what was necessary for the people. In some way, she had a point, but it didn't mean he couldn't learn to become more pragmatic with the right council. He leaned onto the railing of the terrace, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"For all the good I want to do, it seems that no matter what its never enough. It is not lost on me that hard decisions will have to be made, but I have made hard ones before. I am well aware of the burden one is given when in a place of leadership, I would watch my mother and father toil of how to best soot the village of ours. I had to make the decision to allow your slow moving justice to deal with the avialae, a former member of your skyguard, who killed my parents and slaughtered many of our fellow villagers."

His wings came to fold in on tight on his back, and he hung his head. "Honestly the you speak reminds me of a friend of my mother. She use to talk about this fierce woman who was hard to approach at first but wise and caring when she needed to be." he chuckled, turning his eyes to the Queen Regent herself. "I may not be the best candidate for lord status, but I know i have the heart and determination to lead. I know I'll have my aunt for council." he said trying to plea his case, scratching his head from the mounting stress.

"Im starting to truly regret this decision." he mused with some nervous chuckling. 龍

"Common Speech"
"Synskrit Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

Posted: **Mon Dec 19, 2022 7:46 am**

P A R A G O N

Whatever her thoughts on Hikami’s responses, she kept them to herself. Sahfri was silent as she stared out over the city.

“There is a village. Xiandao. It is toward the southwest of the country’s territory. The war with Zaichaer saw the loss of its lord. He had no heirs, no family to pass on his title.” The Iron Queen extended a hand. Immediately one of her handmaidens stepped up, producing a scribe’s post. Sahfri began penning a letter.

“It is small and relatively remote. We have yet to find a suitable replacement but we suppose you shall do for the time being.” She finished penning her letter. The woman added her signature to the bottom while her other handmaiden poured some wax upon the paper near the queen’s signature.

“Take this to the village clerk.” She pressed her signet ring to the wax then after waiting for it to set, withdrew her hand. One of the handmaidens picked up the letter, folded it up, placed it in an envelope and then handed it to Hikami.

“We have appointed you as the interim Steward of the village. Prove to us that you are capable of leading the village through its problems. Perhaps then we shall consider granting you the lordship you seek.” With that Sahfri turned and made her way back to her councilors and advisors in order to continue the business of the day that required her attention.

Off Topic

Name: Hikami
XP: 15 XP
Lores: +8 Lores

Note: +1 Letter of Royal Stewardship

Hikami has been granted the position of Stewardship of Xiandao. This royal appointment lasts until such time as a suitable lord can be appointed to govern the village. Over the course of the coming seasons, Hikami will be presented with three situations to test his leadership abilities. There will be no right or wrong answers to the situations, merely consequences to each of them that he can either account for or does not.

Supplies - Providing food, water, and supplies as well as ensuring there is enough to last through difficult times.
Shelter- Ensuring the villagers have adequate housing and the ability to withstand the coming winter.
Protection - Ensuring the village and its people are adequately defended from the threats in the Wildking’s Forge and safe from other dangers.

At your earliest convenience, please begin a thread detailing Hikami’s arrival to the village. Once you have made your opening post, please send it to me so that I can give you the overview, introduce the relevant NPC’s and provide the village write-up. Each situation will be moderated.

Legend of Ransera

Dragon of Udori

Dragon of Udori

Re: Dragon of Udori

Re: Dragon of Udori

Re: Dragon of Udori

Re: Dragon of Udori

Re: Dragon of Udori

Re: Dragon of Udori

Re: Dragon of Udori