Rebellion IC

[FenixZero]

It was a time of peace. Many centuries had passed since the near limitless power of magic was discovered and the wars over its control were long over. Magic users are now rare, with only a few academies to train these powers scattered across the world. With the decline of magic, technology began to emerge as the tool of man. Gunpowder, the engine and industry have begun to develop in the more powerful nations.

The Nation on Xaria had stood for 300 hundred years, prospering in peace and harmony with it's neighboring nations. The Xarian people placed the highest value in justice, peace and beauty, eschewing military power or force. Artisans, and philosophers the Xarians were content to spend their days basking in the simple joy of existence.

That was until the day when the Skorr Empire arrived at their door. Powerful, violent and warlike, the Skorr were expanding their territories and had decided their peaceloving brothers were no longer fit to rule themselves. Wielding destructive magics as well as the strange new discovery of gunpowder, the Skorr were the ultimate power on the continent.

The Xarian armies fell after only a week of fighting.

The King of Xaria, fearing for his people's lives, surrendered unconditionally. The Skorr moved in quickly, occupying the capital city and crushing any last remnants of rebellion. The King remained in place, but with all authority stripped, leaving him as little more then a puppet. Since then the Xarians have faced harsh treatment, persecution and second class citizen status at the hands of their conquerors. Any who stood against the black armored troops of the Empire were quickly silenced.

It is now the 29th year of occupation. The Grand Emperor Skorr the XIII has decreed that at the end of the year a great festival is to be held to celebrate 30 years of "peace, order and justice" under Skorr rule. It will be during this celebration that Princess Auryn, daughter of the Xarian king will be wed to Prince Aric of Skorr to cement the Empire's control over the region and secure the bloodline. All the citizens are to attend and it promises to be the greatest celebration in the city's history attended by the Emperor himself.

It is on this day that the children of Xaria plan to strike back at their conquerors and once more stir the fires of rebellion.
-------
What had once been Seranus, capital city of Xaria was now New Karkas. The name was what Emperor Skorr XIII had called himself before ascending to the throne, giving up his birth name and taking the name of every Emperor since Skorr the First.

The occupation had lasted so long that few remembered the city as it once was, a place of light and beauty and music. Now the Empire had transformed it into a great tribute to the might of the Skorr. Statues of the Emperors of old lined the streets, amid searing red banners emblazoned with an image of an iron clad fist, the Imperial crest. Columns of black armored troops marched down the streets, brandishing terrifying weapons and culling the Xarian people into submission.

Most had given up fighting, accepting their new lives. Some even welcomed it, working hard in the new system and trying to earn full Skorrian citizenship and the rights that came with it, utterly forgetting that they were a conquered people.

It made Tuireann sick to his stomach. Everyday he spent in the capital he saw more and more people who had simply accepted their new place under the heel of the Skorr like so many nations before. Everyday he saw people who had forgotten the idea of freedom.

Moving through the streets, his head bowed, eyes downcast to not draw attention Tuireann cut through the throngs of people that were packed into the Lower City. A rain had started to fall and the young man pulled his hood tight around his head. A vibrant poster tacked to the door of a tavern caught his attention.

In bold, intimidating scarlet on a field of black it read, The Celebration of the Wedding of Princess Auryn and Prince Aric of the Glorius Skorr Empire. To be held on the winter solstice at the end of this year. All citizens of the Empire are invited. Long Live Grand Emperor Skorr XIII.

Tuiereann was about to turn and leave in disgust when a tiny symbol at the bottom of the poster caught his eye. It was small, and would have been easily missed. At first glance it seemed to be the Imperial Crest, but as he looked closer he could see a tiny flame almost hidden by the fingers of the clenched fist. His lips curled into a smile. Pushing the door open, he moved out of the streets into the warmth of the tavern.

He knew what the symbol meant. A fire burning even as the Empire tries to crush it. A fire that would eventually force that hand to open. It was the secret marker of the Rebellion. This was the place where he was to meet the members of the Rebellion for he first time.

Taking a seat towards the back, Tuiereann tried to make himself as obscure as possible, he had never met these people face to face before. He didn't know what to expect.

((OOC: whew that's a long post. But after several paragraphs of exposition, I think we're ready to go. People are free to decide if they're headed to the Rebel meeting or if they're off doing their own thing.))

 

[VickyCummings]

Tami eyes the gentleman as he sat down. Something about this myseterious man seemed different from the her usuall customers. She takes out a clean mug and places it on the table infront of him, smiles and asks him if he wants anything.

"So what ya' be having?"

 

[Mephistophelily]

No one seemed to acknowledge the figure slipping past the buildings, hidden behind a black cloak and hood that seemed to be an extension of the shadows. That was quite alright with her. Eve didn't want to be seen unless she deemed it neccessary... A very rare occasion. Still, remaining unnoticed was a hard thing to pull off with the growls that were building in her throat. Just seeing the crest on the flags above her were enough to send her into a rage.

She reminded herself to calm down. She was now a fugitive from the Skorr... No, more like missing property. They'd be looking for her soon. She'd have to find them first. She had heard rumors on a rebellion meeting in this area... No flat information, of course. No one would say much to her on it because of the damned branding on her upper arm. She didn't blame them, but it certainly made things harder for her. The most she had caught was the symbol to look for.

Catching a glance at one of the mandatory invitation posters, she wanted to rip it down- but then she saw the little mark they had referred to. Best to leave it alone and get inside. Eve slipped through the door, going to the bar and ordering herself a drink with a soft mumble. She pulled the hood down, figuring it would be safe in there at least. She just had to be sure to leave the branding out of sight. That certainly wouldn't go over well in a room full of Skorr haters.

 

[VickyCummings]

Tami noticing another hood figure entering the bar. She states under her breath.

"Whats with all the hooded people today? Are hoods the lates fashion trend?"

She goes other to the second hooded stranger who she could hardly hear.

"Excuse me could you repeat yourself I didn't quiet hear you."

 

[gagonthis]

"And that's what I'm trying to say! Xarian women just aren't the same man. Now a Skorr women, she'll make you work for it!" One of the soldiers said as the patrol made its way down the corridor. "Psssh I don't know about that man, those Xarian girls are a thing of beauty, I'd give my right nut to be the one marrying the Princess Auryn. Mmmm now that's a tasty bitch." The third soldier sighed, having heard the two others rehash this topic time and time again. A small rustle made him pause briefly, letting the others get ahead of him. He shook his head as he looked around, seeing nothing suspicious, he turned to tell the other soldiers to wait up when a thin wire wrapped itself around his neck, cutting off all chance of communication. His legs kicked and he tried to scream, the sound coming out as little more than a snort. He was yanked up hard and left dangling from the girders criss-crossing the ceiling. He grabbed at the wire, trying to dig it out of his neck futilely as the life was choked out of him.

"So what do you think man? Skorr or Xarian? Of course with you we're talking about the MEN." Both of them laughed, turning to see the reaction their ribbing had on their comrade. Their smiles quickly turned to shocked faces as they saw him struggling in the cable wire holding him suspended above the ground. "What the fu...." Was all the man managed to get out before they were dead. A shadow dropped from above, light glinting off the steel of his blades as he fell, blades slashing out in an X pattern to take both men in the neck, finding the gaps in the black armor. They fell instantly, dead before the man hit the ground. He searched the soldiers, taking the key he needed before vaulting back up to the ceiling beams.

He smiled as he disarmed the poison needle trap in the door and raised the key to open the door, pausing. No, it was too easy. He stopped and searched again, his eyes narrowing as he tapped the black visor he wore over his eyes, activating the magical sight contained within. He smiled when he saw what a cursory glance would have missed, a magic glyph covered the door, glowing with power. He pulled a dagger from his leg sheath, scraping lines across the door, disrupting the glyph and scattering the magical power it held. Only after again checking he was safe did he put the key into the door, opening it carefully. The whole process had taken him less than a minute, but his time frame allowed for nothing else.

He smiled as he took in the wealth in front of him. It was one of many vaults this particular Skorr noble had secreted throughout the town. He did not tarry though, did not search through the treasures. He knew exactly what he was looking for. Grabbing a jeweled scepter and a small rounded ring he kicked the treasure around, hoping to make a big enough mess that what was missing would not be discovered for at least a day. He heard commotion behind him. The dead guards must have been found. He smiled, though his mask hid it. Time for his disappearing act. He drew a talisman off his bandoleer pointing it towards the brick wall of the vault. He felt the air around him vibrate with magical power as the one time use talisman heated up in his hand, burning away as the wall before him parted. He jumped through into the open air, ten stories above the ground. As the ground rushed up to meet him he shot his arm out to the wall, digging flexing his fist causing long claws to spout from his gauntlet. Scraping them across the wall he slowed his fall, landing lightly on the ground, fading into the darkness of the alley and disappearing from sight.

He moved to the established rendezvous point, seeing his contact waiting. He smiled slightly. This man, though a member of The All Seeing Eye, believed him to be just another Cog within the machine. If only he knew the truth. The man chuckled and came stepping out of the shadows next to the man. "I hear the moon will be full tonight." He said, the predetermined phrase. The man merely smiled, calm and collected, it spoke well for him. "Yes, it should be an evening to remember." He said in reply. "You have the scepter then?" He asked. The masked man simply handed to him in response, disappearing back into the shadows again.

Cambin chuckled as he changed out of his work clothing, switching them for some plain street clothes at one of the many caches he had set up around the city. His blonde hair and bright blue eyes were a powerful counterpoint to the black thieves outfit he wore when he worked. He put an eager earnest smile on his face, easily falling into the role of a wide eyed idealist. He had intelligence to gather and he knew there was a rebellion meeting today. He walked for several blocks, finally spotting the tavern he was looking for. He checked himself again, and when he was positive he looked everybit the downtrodden Xarian he entered the tavern.

 

[The Neon Wolf]

"Come on now, my friends don't bite, well most of them anyways!" Giles smirked as the several people gathered about to watch his show. A mixture of small creatures forged of earth danced about his makeshift stage. An imp chasing a fey creature, a tiny knight dueling a dragon. His stage was perfect, he heard the satisfying jingle of coin falling into a purse at his feet. Minthe bowed to the young men just off stage as they dropped more coin into the purse.

Giles looked at the growing purse, he would eat quite well tonight. An attractive young woman drew closer to the front, Giles approached the lass and gave his most regal bow, carefully nicking his finger and scooping up a small handful of earth.

"Alas, I apologize my fair miss, these simple contructs are in awe of your beauty. It appears they do not wish to continue their show," He motioned towards his constructs. Each tiny creature was now gazing at the pair, "They wish to present a simple gift, he quickly conjured a rose from the earth he had gathered." The young woman blushed as she took the rose. There was a shout from the crowd as Giles saw a young boy reach into his coinpurse, reach out a handful of coins and run into the crowds. Giles sighed to himself, as he gestured to Minte. She nodded as she dashed off in pursuit. Giles allowed the enchantment on his constructs to crumble to dust. He drew the remaining coin from the purse and bowed once more to the crowd.

He sighed to himself, the boy just needed to ask for the money. He knew the child was doing only what he could to survive. If he didn't at least fake a pursuit, the guards would get involved. That would be messy, and raise too many questions of his own presence. Minte looked towards him curiously as she held the invitation for the anniversary and gave him the same pleading look. Giles smiled at Minte, he had created her from her namesake one year ago. A gypsy girl he met while staying with her family for a full season was the inspiration, and the first construct he gave true life to. After their camp was discovered by the Skorr he never met the beautiful gypsy girl again, but kept the magics on Minte to keep her alive as a reminder.

"For all your beauty, I wish I had thought of giving you speach," he laughed nervously to himself. He knew damn well she was referring to the invitation in the corner of the paper. She had taken it from a tavern not far by, he knew what the symbol meant. She gave him a stern look as she placed her hands on her hips and began tapping her foot. What did she expect? He wasn't a fighter, he wasn't some all powerful mage. He was just a fool that could make things from the earth.

"Yikes, allright allright, it wouldn't hurt to look into it," They set out for the tavern, as they found the matching poster Giles noted there was another remnant on the wall close by. He made a note to have Minte return the poster she took to the proper owner as well.

He took a seat at the back of the tavern as Minte sat on the floor nearby, Giles frowned as he explained the idea of chairs to the nymph again. She nodded and hopped onto the chair closest to him. He wondered if this was a good idea, too many things around here screamed death trap, and he had his fill of those. He recalled the poster, he gestured at the woman behind the counter.

"Now, return that poster Minte," She quickly walked over to the counter, placing the poster down on the counter. She began to wave to the nearest waitress or any patron that would walk by. Giles frowned as he looked towards the floor, somehow he had a sinking feeling his next performance would be in the dungeons.

 

[VickyCummings]

After getting no response from the first two strangers, Tami notices a third customer entering the bar. At least he wasn't wearing a hood. He looked like an ordinaery citizen, but she was for sure she hadden seen him before here. As he sits down, Tami goes to him and tries to get him to order something cause she knows her boss will flip if she allows deadbeat customers into the tavern who don't pay.

"Hey stranger from out of town. If you would please kindly order something, we serve both eat and drink here I'ld be much happy to serve you."

She flashes a big grin knowing her boss is watching.

 

[The Neon Wolf]

Giles noticed an attractive waitress come over to his table, he grinned as she asked him to order.

"Sounds delicious Miss, I'll take a roast bird, and a glass of your finest wine. A plate of your freshest vegetables for the girl running aorund with the poster if you will.." He quickly reached into his bag and produced several gold coins. "This should cover the meal, and anything my..energetic friend damages...by the by, the names Giles."

 

[FenixZero]

Watching the various patrons walk in and out of the bar, Tuireann kept to the back, watching everything with his bright blue eyes. His contact had simply said the members of the Rebellion would make themselves known but had specified how. It made Tuireann nervous.

Casting his gaze around the room, he laid eyes on a young woman by the front bar. He couldn't help but smile as he gave her a quick once over. He sincerely hoped she was here for the same reason he was.

A sudden sound called his attention to the door as it burst open, with four Skorr troops, clad in thick, glossy black armor marching into the tavern. The trooper in front had removed his helmet, his flinty black eyes flashing at the patrons. By the look on his face, he enjoyed the feeling of authority from these people.

Striding confidently across the room, he brought a heavy gloved hand down the serving girl's pert ass grinning lewdly. "Three ales girl and make it fast" He barked, shooting her a wink before sliding into a booth with his friends.

"You've seen all the posters right? About the marriage? Best news I've heard in a long time. Unifying the Xarians with the Empire once and for all." He spoke in a loud confident tone, clearly not caring who heard his boasting.

Tuireann gritted his teeth, as he watched them. Every inch of him wanted to blast them into dust for their arrogance. But he knew better. Killing Imperial soldiers carried a harsh punishment.

Rising from his seat slowly, he crossed the room and moved next to the girl with the strange eyes at the bar. Keeping his voice low, he offered the first part of the contact phrase.

"I hear there was a fire in the city" He whispered, hoping she'd know how to finish it.

 

[Mephistophelily]

"And they still can't smolder it." Her voice was firm, yet barely audible as she uttered out the phrase she had caught so many times. She never was much on talking.. but at if she could get this guy to trust her, she could get past the mark on her skin and find a way into the rebellion.

Eve glanced to the man next to her, her eyes set on him a moment before she looked back at the guards behind them. She quickly looked back at the bar itself, closing her eyes. Beneath her cloak, her hand was resting on the small dagger that hung from her side. They were planning to stay for drinks...? Not good. She had half a mind to take them down where they stood. No one would see it. She could just move right up behind them when they took their seats, easily take them from behind and slice the arrogant smirks right from their faces...

No... Three meant a patrol. Which meant far more would follow. Swallow it down. There were far too many people in the place for her to be causing a disturbance like that.

 

[VickyCummings]

Doing her best to keep up with all the orders coming in at once. She tries to jot them down quickly but the pressure is becoming intense. She wish her boss Parke would schedule some more help for her shifts. He purposly put assisgned her the mid-day wiat staff, shift by herslef cause he knew that was the busiest. She first started filling three mugs of ale for the soliders. She put the mugs on a tray an hurried to their table, knowing best not to offend Skor soliders. Then she goes back to the gentleman who ordered the bird and vegtibles.

"I'm sorry for the inconvince, I'll take your order to the cook right away."

She goes back to the kitchen and some yelling is heard and she comes back to the gentleman.

"Sorry my fault, but what kind of bird would you like, we have chicken, duck, turkey, pheasent."

 

[The Neon Wolf]

Giles frowned as the soldiers had entered the tavern. Out of habit, he took note of what he could use as materials to create a construct, at the very least he could create something to spook the braggarts if need be. The Skorr were an annoyance at the best of times, he realized he had lost track of Minte however.

"Sorry my fault, but what kind of bird would you like, we have chicken, duck, turkey, pheasent." The waitress returned, quite flushed from dealing with the other patrons alongside the Skorr patrol.

"The duck will be fine Miss, it is my fault for not saying what I was interested, tell the cook my apologies" He frowned as he noticed Minte had gone from patron to patron showing the poster. Finally stopping at one patron, she began tugging at cloak of the woman with the odd eyes. She placed the poster in front of her, and tried to gesture at the symbol in the corner.

"Subtle as ever Minte..." he sighed as he gave his best smile to the waitress before she walked away.

 

[gagonthis]

Cambin sat in the back sipping on his drink as he took in the room. It seemed as likely a place for a rebellion meeting as any other place. It was similiar to any other dozen taverns within the large city. Still this was the place, the small marking outside making it rather obvious. The Xarian rebellion should thank their stars that the Skorr had no decent intelligence corps to speak of or they would have been crushed long ago. And as the Skorr weren't quite willing to cough up the money The Cogmaster wanted for the information it appeared they'd stay in the dark for a while long. He looked around the room taking in the odd mix of characters, trying to guess which were rebels. The woman hiding under her cloak was for sure, she might be doing her best to look inconspicuous, but the mere fact she was painted her as someone nervous of being noticed. He thought the blue haired kid might be one as well, the way he tried to stay in the shadow, though he had no proof of it. The barmaid and fellow with the wooden construct in tow he was unsure of.

He froze as the four troops came in, but quickly relaxed back into his normal posture. No way they would be here for him. Maybe they had gotten wind of the rebellion's meetings. Or maybe these were just soldiers looking to blow off some steam. In any case you reason to tense up. No need to act suspicious. He went back to sipping his drink, smiling as he saw the young man he had noticed when he entered rise to talk to the dark cloaked woman. He extended his hearing, truly Listening. It wasn't a magical skill, but one he had developed over many years in the espionage field. He drowned out all sound but their hushed voices and he picked up the telltale sounds of a pass phrase. He put it away for future use, waiting to see what would develop with the soldiers there. His eyes twinkled with a smile as the wood construct darted from table to table showing the poster, pausing on the woman who was speaking with the blue haired kid. Interesting... perhaps the boisterous one was involved with the rebels then.

 

[VickyCummings]

Tami brings out the roast duck and the fresh vegitbles to the man that ordered them. Then she noticed his friend bothering the other patrons. She sets the two plates down, along with the wine and leans down to the gentlemen, to ask what his friend is doing.

"Excuse me, is that your friend thats bothering the other patroons? If so can you please tell him to stop it or you I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

 

[fukensploogin]

ChaosKnight

It had been another glorious campaign, another notch in the Emperor's bedpost, another nation fallen under the might of the Skorr Empire.

Kain, the ChaosKnight, commander of the Emperor's FINEST (Forward Intel and Eradication Specialist Troops), had cleared the way for the Skorr Army to march right up to the capital city, practically unchallenged by guerillas or militia along the main road.

The people were easily driven away in terror. The valiant were slain where they stood. Most ran off into the night, to warn their neighbors and relatives. The Skorr Empire's reputation preceded it. The women and children were allowed to escape. Most of them, anyway. Sometimes Kain would spy a maiden too fair to let go.

None of those maidens ever survived Kain's sexual aggression. His orgasm would be the last thing any of them knew, his cum like knives slicing her apart from the inside, her soul suctioned away into the Void.

Kain knew nothing of magic. He has never understood his dark secret. When he betrayed all he ever loved for a life of cold-blooded imperialism, his soul twisted and became a conduit to the Void, a nether realm, a horrifying plane of existence. As the Void claims another soul, Kain takes some of that soul's power and strength.

Kain has an unknown latent affinity for Void magic. He has never studied magic, as his focus for the last five years has been campaigning for the Emperor's Greater Glory. His magic often manifests itself during intense battle, focused through is huge chaos blade, a death blow sucking the soul from his foe and into the dark Void of his heart, granting him strength, keeping him young and strong. He is over fifty years old, but appears no older than he did at thirty.



Name: Kain, Imperial ChaosKnight
Age: 57
Picture or Description: Well over six feet tall, thick with muscle from wearing heavy ChaosKnight armor for years, and from another source he is loathe to admit and does not fully understand. He has thick black hair that falls in dreadlocks down his back. During battle he wears ChaosKnight armor, which is black, adorned with wicked spikes and ugly skulls. A red cape is draped over his back, with a huge black Imperial fist emblazoned across it. His ChaosBlade is a thick longsword, a bit curved, with jagged, nasty edges along the business side.

When he is not in battle or on public duty, he wears a simple tunic and pants, a cloak, the mark of his station on the breast, and a standard-issue Imperial sabre at his side. His long hair is kept tied together at his shoulderblades, and the dreads fall to the small of his back. He wears a full beard and a powerful loud voice that can command a room at an utterance.


Occupation: Imperial War Commander, Shock Troops
History:

Kain, ChaosKnight, an Imperial Commander in charge of a regiment of 200 of his Emperor's Finest, elite shock troops that have long been a staple of Skorr's military might. Kain was drafted into the Imperial military when his own country was overtaken by Skorr's might, almost thirty years ago. He proved his worth quickly, and was soon afforded all the luxuries of Imperial citizenship, and he rose through the military ranks quickly.

Many years ago, he swore that the day would come when he would help put an end to all this injustice he had perpetrated. Now, his heart is so dark that he is blind to his own memories.

 

[The Neon Wolf]

"My friend is a woman, well she was made to look like one, but now we would be arguing things neither of us would understand," He got an uneasy feeling from the woman in the chair.

He sighed to himself as he got up from his chair. "Minte, please come here," He quickly picked up one of the vegetables from the tray. "Lots of yummy food," he felt his blood run cold as the Skorr officers took notice of Minte.

"'ey, ey now. She's a cute little toy isn't she?" the first soldier grabbed her by the shoulder and spun her about. Minte frowned as she tried to push the soldier back. The second soldier began to grope Minte's chest by reaching from behind her.

"Wow, she feels soft, who knew a construct could be dis lifelike," he grinned to the first soldier.

Giles began to assess the situation, if pushed farther Minte will do what she could to free herself. That would end badly, he could create a construct to defend her, but that would get him killed for attacking the soldiers, but he refused to leave Minte to the those louts.

 

[DJ_Wordplay]

Prince Aric

Prince Aric stood on a grassy hill, overlooking the small provincial town of Vivaria. It had been a small town, essentially little more than a farmers market that had set up to deal with the produce grown by local farmers. When Aric had heard the reports that it had engaged in open rebellion against the empire he could scarcely believe it. There were only 1000 people in the entire town. The militia they had raised numbered 250. It was an act of defiance that was only matched in it's audacity by the sheer futility of it.

Aric watched with little emotion as the three companies he'd brought, numbering nearly 900 troops, tore through the town. Any village person with a weapon was struck down quickly as his troops destroyed this "rebellion" in a little under 45 minutes. As soon as the combat had ended Aric walked down to survey the scene. The legions had lined up in formation, each man a perfect example of Skorrian discipline and warfare in their black armor. Aric himself was a reflection of this, firm and sure of his movements, the only thing that differentiated him from his soldiers was the gold insignia on the shoulder of his uniform and the lack of helmet. As the Prince approached the men, the one who had been shouting their commands walked to meet him.

"Sir," The man who saluted Aric was huge. Nearly a foot taller than Aric(and Aric was tall himself) and at least a foot wider. "The town has been pacified as per your command"

Aric nodded as he looked at the figure of Ogarth, the chief of his guard.

"You're sure that you got them all then?"

"Yes, my liege. Any man foolish enough to take sword against us has been cut down" Ogarth replied as he tucked the large, double bladed axe he carried back into his belt "Women, children and the elderly are being marched towards the city square"

Aric thought on this for a second before issuing the next of his orders.

"Right. Any boy old enough to shave and all of the old men are to be put to the sword. Burn the town"

~A few hours later~

Aric stood in his personal cabin as it sped itself back towards New Karkas. The cabin was an impressive room, full of war trophies and large enough to hold a banquet table, bed and small office. Ogarth, his armor removed sat at the banquet table, tearing messily into one of the roasted animals that had been prepared as the post victory feast. Specks of food and drops of wine dotted his long thick beard. There was a smaller man, wearing the uniform of the Empire's elite warlocks sitting at a desk in the corner, his feet on a desk. Aric was being attended to by his body slave, a young Xarian woman, who was removing his armor.

"Gods sakes, Ogarth" the small Warlock said with a laugh. This was Farun, Aric's advisor and powerful master of Void magic "You eat like a wild pig"

"It is a privilege reserved for those who risk themselves in battle for the Empire" Ogarth responded with disdain as he continued to tear into his meat "You sat in this cabin throughout the entire day like an office clerk, you can eat with your salad fork"

Aric released a dismissive sigh as Ogarth spoke of today's conflict. The slight movement made his slave, who was in the process of removing his chestplate, slip a little and allow the metal to drag across his side slightly. Aric met the incompetence with a harsh backhand across the face of the young woman that sent her sprawling to the floor with a cry of pain. Ogarth looked at the act with a loud laugh, Farun with a sly smile.

"Begone" Aric commanded to her harshly, a command she obeyed quickly as the tears streamed down her face. He would remove his own armor. He was not some pampered member of Xarian nobility. He was heir to the throne of Skorr.

"Battle, Ogarth?" Aric practically spit the words as he removed his greaves "Cutting down farmers and peasants in their houses is battle for the glory of the empire? Putting children and old men to the sword is our monumental victory?"

Ogarth simply shrugged and continued eating. Aric continued to rant as he removed his gauntlets and boots.

"I am a General in the Skorr Empire. I should be on front lines, conquering lands and beheading deadly opponents. Winning territory for my future throne." Aric, now dressed in his military uniform, sat at the banquet table and grabbed a goblet wearily "But no, my Cousins fight for the glory of the empire while I sit here, dealing with peasant uprisings and the squabbles of disposed nobles."

"Well," Ogarth didn't even take a break from eating as he spoke "The Emperor must have his reasons for keeping you here"

"Indeed." Farun nodded and spoke his next words imitating the voice of the emperor "Our young Prince must learn how to rule as well as conquer if he's to be a great Emperor."

Aric shook his head again in frustration. He remembered the day his father had called him from the front lines and dispatched him to Xaria with those very words. He had argued with his father that day but, as always, word of the Emperor was law.

"Buck up, sir" Farun said, as if reading Aric's mind "At the very least your station here has won you your future Queen"

Aric nodded. It was true, once he'd subdued Auryn she would make a good wife. If there was to be some good to come out of this, it was her.

"Don't know why you bother with her" Ogarth said as he tore another drumstick "Too much spirit to ever make a real wife. A good Skorrian woman would never give you so much of a headache"

"Well, for one, she's beautiful" Aric began "Secondly, our marriage will cement my dominion over these lands and third-"

Farun cut him off

"And third, our future Emperor can exorcise all of the frustration accumulated at being stuck here in an effort to make the good princess squeal like a rutting sow"

The remark set both Farun and Ogarth into peals of laughter. If they had been anyone else, Aric would have had them killed for speaking of his future bride in such a manner, as it was they were the closest things he had to friends and he joined in the laughter. It was true, anyway.

 

[FenixZero]

Tuireann couldn't help but smile a bit as the girl responded in the correct manner. It was an old trick but a good one...give half of a phrase to two people and hope that they found each other. He let his electric blue eyes move up the girl's legs a bit. Any Rebellion with a girl like her couldn't be all bad.

The sounds of the soldiers was becoming more and more infuriating. Typical Skorr, just marching into a place, comendeering it and then acting liked they owned it. It was the whole Skorr philosophy...if you weren't strong enough to defend something then you don't deserve it. It left little to those who chose peace over the blade.

He wanted to know her name. He wanted to buy her a drink and then settle back and watch the Geomancer who had come in earlier and his constructs. But this wasn't a date, and he knew better to then to give her his name. One just couldn't be sure who to trust.

The young rebel met eyes with the captain of the guard unit for a moment. The dark steely eyes of this Skorr soldier who represented so much of what Tuireann had come to despise about the Empire and any who wore the black armor. A tiny blue spark jumped from his fingertips before he hit the hand beneath his robe. He was an unregistered mage, something the Empire frowned on.

The guard captain rose from his seat, his dark eyebrows meeting in a furrow. The Imperial adjusted the heavy looking blade around his waist before taking a few steps towards Tuireann and the girl.

The Xarian youth cursed under his breath and did his best to pretend he didn't see the approching trooper.

Folding his arms across his glossy, armored chest, the guard barked in a booming, authoritative voice, "So tell me citizen...what do you think of the marriage between our Righteous and Mighty Prince Aric to that Xarian cow?"

Even with his back facing the guard, Tuireann hoped his expression was hidden. He felt his blood begin to boil at the guards arrogance, the utter gall to call a woman of Princess Auryn's stature and elegance a cow.

"The Empire has never much cared what it's citizen's think" He responded coldly, keeping his back to the solider.

The guard frowned at the words and laid a hand on the hilt of his blade. "That is dangerously close to slander of the Empire citizen. I would rethink that last statement." Another uppity Xarian. Before the occupation these people were painters and musicians and all manner of tripe. The Empire had brought medicine, clean water, disicpline and the glory of civilization to the Xarian people and still he had to hear this revolutionary nonsense.

Leaning closer to the Xarian, his breath dropping an octave to a dangerous growl, "Matter of fact...I think you should by me and my men a round of drinks...just to prove what a loyal citizen you are. Otherwise I might have to have this entire tavern arrested"

Tuireann spun around to face the larger man, defiance showing in his eyes. There was only so much a person could take. But he knew the guard wasn't just making empty threats, he was well within his power to drag all of them off to a Skorrian prision cell. Swallowing a breath, Tuireann lowered his head slightly, his face tinging with red at the humiliation of not burning this pompus ass of a guard from the inside out.

"Forgive me sir...but I don't have the money" It wasn't a lie. Tuireann didn't have a single Skorrian penny to his name.

"Well perhaps your little friend here can help raise some money" The guard grinned at Eve, one of his powerful meaty hands clamping down on the girl's ass as he leered at her, "What do you say girl? Want to earn a few extra coins the hard way?"
--------------
A messenger knocked lightly on the door to Prince Aric's room. A special message had arrived for the Crown Prince from one of his agents and it was to be seen by his eyes only. The messenger just prayed that the Prince was not in one of his "moods".

OOC: Out of town for turkey day and my 'rents don't have much in the way of internet. But I'll post when I can.

 

[The Neon Wolf]

Giles noted the young man with the officer, and the others toying with Minte, he realized there wasn't much he could do without endangering Minte or giving himself away as a threat. Except, he grinned to himself. Now was the perfect time for a show! He scooped up his coinpurse and strode over to the gathering, he palmed a clay cup and cut himself on a sharp point in the cup. In case something happens, at least he would have some sort of spell ready to defend himself.

"Gentleman, fine officers of Skorr, and the beautiful Miss, "He boomed as he raised the cup to the roof. "This is not the time for hostilities, there's a fire of passion burning brightly this fine night! Tis a time for celebration! Waitress, a mug of your best ale for each of these endearing officers," Giles gave his most elaborate bow, he took a calming breath before continuing "My good Sir, I wish to simply grace you wonderful gentleman with the delights this humble entertainer can bestow. Even my Minte was dashing about showing her own happiness at the grand marriage. Now how about we all enjoy the ale, and forgo violence this night?" He kept the smile on his face, he hoped whoever this rebellion was, they were worth this.

 

[VickyCummings]

Tami could only watch as the Skorr guards tempted to bully the man and his strange female friend. She didn't know what it was like to live before the Skorr took over, but from the way her father used to talk, before he died, things were a lot different. There were rumors that the Skorr were responible for his death, but they were only rumors. She didn't like the way the soliders would use there force to bully people. She also heard rumor of a rebelion forming to overthrow the Skorr. She would like to the Skorr out of power, but the event Skorr being over thrown would be highly unlikly. But she couldn't just let those guards bully that defenily woman. She waited to see if things escelated.

 

[wrytersyren]

...I ask only for your continued loyalty and that you defend what is rightly ours. Together we shall restore Xaria to its former glory, this is my promise to you. My thoughts and my heart are with you.

Her quill scratched hurriedly at the parchment beneath it, the words flowing freely from the slender fingers that held it captive. Auryn, princess of Xaria sat at her desk at the western corner of her sitting room. Her brow furrowed in deep concentration. Her words needed to be perfect, afterall they were needed to inspire those who would read and hear them. Though she had been in contact for many months with various rebel leaders, this was to be the first letter received by rebel supporters. She knew the risk she was taking, should her correspondence ever be discovered, a Skorr blade showed no respect for anyone, royal blood or otherwise. But death was a risk Auryn was willing to take for the liberation of her kingdom and her people.

Her quill finally stilled in its movements, her thoughts and hopes for the rebellion laid bare on the parchment before her. Folding it carefully, she sealed it with ivory wax using a simple stamped symbol, a lily. Though the letter bore no royal insignia, those who saw it would know it was written by her hand with this symbol. Amongst her people she was known as Princess Auryn, the Lily of Xaria.

Rising from behind her desk she walked slowly to her window, the letter she had written just moments before clutched in her fingers. As the evening horns sounded signaling the end of the day, she sighed and watched as the sun bathed the city in an ethereal golden glow. Her heart ached at the sight, as it always did, and once again she wished she had been alive to see Seranus as it once was. She had been born almost a decade after the invasion and occupation of the Skorr. Their harsh tyrannical rule was all she had know since birth, but the whispers of the past had persisted. She had learned much of the old way of life from the stories her servants had told. Stories of beauty, grandeur and freedom under the reign of a gentle and just king. Though the Skorr tried to erase all traces of the past, the memories of those loyal to Xaria could never be erased. At a young age Auryn had sworn that she would return her father's kingdom to its former glory. With her marriage to the Skorrian heir drawing nearer, she couldnt think of a better time to act. Pushing all thoughts of the young Prince Aric from her mind, she watched quietly as the sun made its descent beneath the distant mountainous horizon. A small smile curved at the corners of her lips as she recalled with great fondness the tales her nursemaid had told her as a child. She had said the mountains served as the sun's dwelling, as surely as Auryns bed serve as her resting place. Auryn turned from the window on a weary sigh, the time for childhood myths were long gone now. There was serious business afoot and there was no time to lose.

"Neria..." She said turning to the young chambermaid, "Send for Khrallan, tell him he is needed."

When the girl returned, Khrallan, Auryn's cheif royal guard was but a few steps behind.

"You sent for me, Your Highness" he said bowing at the waist in a show of respect.

Smiling Auryn answered simply "Yes, I did."

Glancing over his shoulder to her chamber doors she nodded quickly to her handmaid "Neria, stand by the outer doors. No one is to enter. Do you understand?"

"Yes my lady" she replied leaving the room on a curtsy, closing the inner doors behind her.

Auryn walked closer to Khrallan, stoping only inches before him. Taking a deep breath she began. "My dear Khrallan, I have a task for you. You are to take this letter..." Even as she spoke of it she pressed the letter to her breast. "to your contact at the tavern. You know who he is, you've seen him before. I know I ask much of you but it is necessary."

"Your wish is my command, My Lady." the older man said in a tone of utmost respect.

Pressing the letter into his palm, Auryn closed her hands about his, and raised them to her lips. "I trust you amongst all others, Khrallan, this you know. Do your best to keep your visit short, we never know who is watching."

"I shall hurry back my lady" with that he was gone.

 

[VickyCummings]

Tami tugged on the man's shirt who was singing and whispered in his ear.

"what you doing, I can't give away free drinks. I have rent to pay, plus my boss would have my ass. I told you once if you keep things up you're going to have to leave."

 

[The Neon Wolf]

Giles smiled at the waitress, taking a large handful of coin from his pocket he placed it in the waitress' hands.

"My young Miss, my humblest apologies. I nearly forgot to pay," he drew closer to her and whispered in a hushed tone. "Suggest you bring the drinks and keep back, things are probably going to get...messy."

 

[VickyCummings]

Tami whispers back.

"Thanks for the advice but I can take care of myself."

After recieving the gold she takes drinks out to the gaurds, but still on the look out for danger.

"here are your drinks sirs."

She places the try on the table and curtcies because her boss enforced a strict respect code for respecting Skorr officers. She knew he was watching.

 

[Wyldfire]

Tuireann couldn't help but smile a bit as the girl responded in the correct manner. It was an old trick but a good one...give half of a phrase to two people and hope that they found each other. He let his electric blue eyes move up the girl's legs a bit. Any Rebellion with a girl like her couldn't be all bad.

The sounds of the soldiers was becoming more and more infuriating. Typical Skorr, just marching into a place, comendeering it and then acting liked they owned it. It was the whole Skorr philosophy...if you weren't strong enough to defend something then you don't deserve it. It left little to those who chose peace over the blade.

He wanted to know her name. He wanted to buy her a drink and then settle back and watch the Geomancer who had come in earlier and his constructs. But this wasn't a date, and he knew better to then to give her his name. One just couldn't be sure who to trust.

The young rebel met eyes with the captain of the guard unit for a moment. The dark steely eyes of this Skorr soldier who represented so much of what Tuireann had come to despise about the Empire and any who wore the black armor. A tiny blue spark jumped from his fingertips before he hit the hand beneath his robe. He was an unregistered mage, something the Empire frowned on.

The guard captain rose from his seat, his dark eyebrows meeting in a furrow. The Imperial adjusted the heavy looking blade around his waist before taking a few steps towards Tuireann and the girl.

The Xarian youth cursed under his breath and did his best to pretend he didn't see the approching trooper.

Folding his arms across his glossy, armored chest, the guard barked in a booming, authoritative voice, "So tell me citizen...what do you think of the marriage between our Righteous and Mighty Prince Aric to that Xarian cow?"

Even with his back facing the guard, Tuireann hoped his expression was hidden. He felt his blood begin to boil at the guards arrogance, the utter gall to call a woman of Princess Auryn's stature and elegance a cow.

"The Empire has never much cared what it's citizen's think" He responded coldly, keeping his back to the solider.

The guard frowned at the words and laid a hand on the hilt of his blade. "That is dangerously close to slander of the Empire citizen. I would rethink that last statement." Another uppity Xarian. Before the occupation these people were painters and musicians and all manner of tripe. The Empire had brought medicine, clean water, disicpline and the glory of civilization to the Xarian people and still he had to hear this revolutionary nonsense.

Leaning closer to the Xarian, his breath dropping an octave to a dangerous growl, "Matter of fact...I think you should by me and my men a round of drinks...just to prove what a loyal citizen you are. Otherwise I might have to have this entire tavern arrested"

Tuireann spun around to face the larger man, defiance showing in his eyes. There was only so much a person could take. But he knew the guard wasn't just making empty threats, he was well within his power to drag all of them off to a Skorrian prision cell. Swallowing a breath, Tuireann lowered his head slightly, his face tinging with red at the humiliation of not burning this pompus ass of a guard from the inside out.

"Forgive me sir...but I don't have the money" It wasn't a lie. Tuireann didn't have a single Skorrian penny to his name.

"Well perhaps your little friend here can help raise some money" The guard grinned at Eve, one of his powerful meaty hands clamping down on the girl's ass as he leered at her, "What do you say girl? Want to earn a few extra coins the hard way?"
OOC: Out of town for turkey day and my 'rents don't have much in the way of internet. But I'll post when I can.

Watching this scene Hala knew what these Guards' agenda was. She'd seen this game before. But being a wanted woman kept her in her shadows. She could smell the magic in the immediate area and knew there could be trouble.

So much trouble since these barbarians had taken this peaceful place. She had memories of long long ago. When this was a place of peace. But then they came, destroying the life of a noble family and the life of a little girl. If this scene continued the way she expected it would there would be more of a bounty on the head of "The Cutpurse". Not that it much mattered to her, with the chaos she'd caused in earning the current bounty no one was sure what they were looking for.

Hala knew all too well what a friend the shadows were to her. They'd protected her for most of her life and she'd become a living myth of why one should fear the shadows. She was the demon that slipped through the shadows to rob the magi of this kingdom since it's occupation. She was the beast that slew guardsmen that wrongly used the shadows to thier advantage. She knew some magi were probably being wrongfully treated because of her but that was thier own look out.

This young couple on the other hand weren't the kind that needed to fear the shadows. The guardsmen toying with them were.