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| Claims; Part 2: The City of Four | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 11 2012, 07:47 PM (1,037 Views) | |
| Volksgeist | Mar 11 2012, 07:47 PM Post #1 |
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The City of Four was a sight to behold. Nathanial had been there twice in his life before this point; once during his early childhood years and once during his adolescence. His mind had been clouded with strange, vague memories of the place during the journey. However, once they finally entered the last section of the mountain pass, The City finally became visible and all of the half-memories and psuedomemories were abolished. Instead, all that stood was the corporeal, and it was strange, and alien, and extremely beautiful all at once. There were six towers, three on each side of the pass, as they made their way toward the Tear Gate. Shortly before the first set of towers, the gravelly ground gave way to hard cobbled stone, and the steady thump of horses announced their presence. The first set of towers were squat and wide, and like the others, set into the black glassy slants of the mountains that encompassed them. Atop the towers were great bell-holds, and as they passed Nathanial could see faces from the small archer windows flash away to tell the other guards of the approaching party. Almost as if on cue, as soon as they had passed the first set of towers, the bells in the towers struck once, ringing off the surrounding area and announcing the approaching party. The second set of towers was taller, and when they passed these towers the bells sounded twice to signify their closeness to the gate. Finally, they reached the gate. On either side of the gate stood the last towers, tall and slender and monumental in height. Guards of the Four Thrones, the Aegis as they were called, came from the towers and greeted House Knygrove's party with the utmost courtesy. They were led to the gate, which was made of thick black stone in the shape of the top half of a circle. Inset in the gate were images: the bottom depicted men fighting with swords and shields, on horseback and on foot; above that was a host of women and children clutching each other in grief and crying, a seeming river of tears setting it apart from the lower tier; finally, above that were four men in four thrones, crowns floating above their heads as if mystical halos bestowed upon them by The High Pantheon themselves. It was a piece to remember, the triumph of the Four Thrones and the peace they brought over the grief and bloodshed of the Era of Blood. The guard moved his hand and shouted to other guards high above on the thick wall that connected the towers and in which the great door was set. There was a thick clunk and they heard as strange and hidden mechanisms turned within the wall, cranking the thick slabs of obsidian that made up the gate open. The Knygroves were ferried inside. The City of Four stretched as far as the eye could see. All of the buildings were cubic in structure and the ones closest to the wall were low and only one story, though they did have basements. As the buildings continued toward the center, they rose higher and higher in tiers, the poorest living near the wall and the richest living closest to the center of The City. In the very center stood the monolithic castle that housed the Four Thrones, known to all as the Alabaster Keep. There were four towers at least twice the size of those at each of the gates, each of those towers pointing in a different compass direction. Inset slightly more and raised up were four more towers, pointing in the diagonal directional. Finally, raised up one more tier with many adornments and a wide dome upon its top was the actual castle itself, flying the banner of The Four Thrones, silver and emblazoned with a black crown, and below that the banners of each house that made up The Four Thrones. They traversed the city and made their way to the castle, the freeriders moving away from the group and out into The City. It was not long before they had reached the center of the City in procession. They were admitted into the castle, climbing the three tiers and entering the different gates in awe. Once inside, Lord Addam and his son Eddard and Nathanial were led to the Four Thrones where they paid their respects to the overlords of all of Peleras. They were told that they would be given residence in one of the many extravagant inns near the center of The City of Four and then, after all was said and done, they were sent off to settle in. It was not long before Nathanial had unpacked all of his belongings. He had time to wander around The City, if he so chose. |
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| Damon | Mar 12 2012, 05:46 PM Post #2 |
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Ancient Bartender
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There was nothing like an afternoon run to get the body used to standing upon solid ground after a journey carried by ship and horse. Nate dress himself in light clothes of cotton, and strapped on light boots and his dagger. He tied a small purse of silver, just a few coins, to his side, and set out to the north of his quarters. He'd circle around the inner section of the city, looking for a place he might do some trading, or buy himself a drink and hear the talk of the town. |
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| Volksgeist | Mar 25 2012, 02:25 AM Post #3 |
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It was not long before Nathanial found what he had been looking for. Set outside one of the many extravagant inns near the center of the city was a bivouac of small caravans. People dressed in ragged brown leathers and soft, thin tunics stood around in semi-circles pedaling their wares to any passers-by that may seem any sort of interested. The men did not look of any sort of lordly status, but they seemed to be in good spirits, be it because of decent business for once in a long while or for the tourney itself. There was a small crowd near them that was slowly undulating, people moving to and fro and moving from trader to trader to see their wares. Above the calls of "Leathers for sale!" and "Smokeweed available here, Nathanial heard something that sounded of more interest to him. A man standing atop a wooden, three-legged stool was holding a strangely shaped bottle with a silver cap. The liquid within was a murky gray with specks of black that sloshed around when he waved it in the air. The man looked seasoned in his trade, and a gray beard that was peppered with black grew around his face in an almost comical mimicry of the strange liquid. In a baritone voice, the man was waving the bottle and yelling to the crowd "Pepperfog here! Get yer Pepperfog here! This season's Pepperfog is spicier than ever and will warm even the coldest bones! Sick of that mountain chill? Need solace in the night? Just wanna get a good bit drunk for the tourney? Then get yer Pepperfog here!" |
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| Damon | Mar 25 2012, 04:04 AM Post #4 |
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Ancient Bartender
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Nathanial stepped lightly up towards the salesman. "You say this Pepperfog will shake the chill of North off my bones?" He said smiling, inspecting the spiced liquer. "I don't know about that. Snowhaven winters are harsh." He made sure his purse jingled just loud enough for the salesman to hear. Perhaps he'd be more apt to talk. |
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| Brackenwood | Apr 11 2012, 10:42 PM Post #5 |
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The Merchant stopped his shouting as Nathanial approached and began to haggle. The merchant smiled at the sound of jingling coins in Nathanial's purse, broad slightly yellowed teeth shown through the mass of white and black hairs that were the man’s beard. Good Sir... He started in, rubbing his beard inquisitively Do you doubt the strength of this here brew? Ha! You must be new to the city, cause men round 'ere all know that my pepperfog is the strongest, the purest, the absolute best in all the city, nay in all of Peleras! You came from Snowhaven, sir? Why, with one sip of this here pepperfog, I'd be willing to bet my right arm that you could walk out into one a’ them northern blizzards in nothin' but a loin cloth and feel as warm and toasty as if you was sittin' in front of a roarin fire! But if ya still doubt my word, here... With a slight grunt the man hopped down off his stool revealing him to be about half a head taller than Nathanial himself. With other broad smile, the merchant turned his back to Nathanial and, reaching into the large wagon that was stationed behind him, produced a small cup and a large bottle, about three times the size of the original containing the same murky grey liquid, though this one was open and almost half empty. Here you go Sir, the merchant held out the cup to Nathanial and filled it half way with pepperfog. A little sample to prove that ol’ Balgrum is no liar! He smiled again and leaned back slightly, waiting for Nathanial to take a drink, which he did. Giving the cup a slight stir Nathanial lifted it to his lips and drank. The clouded liquid felt like fire going down. It burned in his throat making him want to cough, small rivulets of sweat began to roll from his forehead and down his cheeks and his eyes began to water. He somehow managed to drain the cup, and for a moment had to catch his breath. He was about ready to curse out the merchant for not warning him of the concoctions potency but then he felt it. From the pit of his stomach, warmth began to slowly spread, engulfing his entire body in a warm tingling sensation. It broke the Northern chill from his bones in an instant and soothed away all the pains of his long journey in another. He felt relaxed, and at ease, slowly rolling his shoulders and head, enjoying the sensation. All the while the old merchant watched and smiled. It’s also good for cleaning wounds, he said, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a rather nasty scar that bisected his massive bicep. Got it back when I used to protect the drink instead of sell it! He chuckled, We where hauling a shipment to this very city when some no-good scum tried to steal it from us. One a’ the bastards managed to get an axe in my arm before he lost his head. Would a' lost the arm had the merchant not poured some a’ this in the wound and bandaged me up proper. He tapped the large bottle with his finger as he spoke. It burned like hell, but it kept the infection out. So what do you say, Sir? Convinced? It's 2 silver each for the small bottles, 6 for a full one a’ these. He tapped the large bottle again and waited for a response. |
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| Damon | Apr 12 2012, 07:31 AM Post #6 |
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Ancient Bartender
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Nate couldn't help but smile as the drink continued to work its magic. He reached inside his pocket and fingered at the single, larger, gold coin he had brought amongst his silver. Accustomed as he was to harsh colds, he wasn't terribly fond of them. He'd love to have some of this now and again. "I wonder, my good man, what you might charge for a larger order. Perhaps a few kegs worth. You have me quite hooked on this potion, and I shall want some to last me a while when I return home. For now, though, I'll take two small bottles." He slipped a few silver coins from his purse and counted five out onto his other hand. "A little extra something for quality goods." He said, holding out the money. |
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| Brackenwood | Apr 13 2012, 01:57 AM Post #7 |
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The merchants eyes twinkled as the silver slipped neatly from Nathanial’s palm to his, and they nearly popped from their sockets when he heard the words “a few kegs.” Aye sir! Aye! Anything to satisfy a customer! My kegs cost 20 silver each, but if you’d like to tell me how many yer lookin' to buy , I’m sure we could work out a nice discount. With that the merchant handed Nathanial, two full bottles of the foggy liquid. A broad smile crossed his face as he turned back around and rummaged through his wagon for a bit before pulling out a strongbox and a large weather-beaten book, full of names and numbers. He promptly opened the box and placed the silver inside, locking it with a small key kept on a chain round his neck. He then set the box aside and turned to face Nathanial. Now, where were we? Ah yes the ke- The merchant was cut short as a thin and lanky youth draped in worn green street-cloths bumped into him with enough force to make the merchant take a step back. Dammit boy! He shouted, deep baritone chords ringing out over the din of the streets. Watch where in the hell yer goin! I’m sorry sir! It was an accident I assure you! The boy’s voice sounded like the squeak of a mouse when compared to that of the merchant and he quickly brushed past Nathaniel as though fearing some sort of retribution. Now… The old merchant began again, glancing back to the wagon, As I was- Once again he was cut off, not by another man but by rage. Without sparing even a second the old man had grasped an axe from the wagon that had been hidden from sight and after a quick scan of the crowd threw it at the boy that had bumped into him just moments earlier shouting “THEIF” as he did so. It proved to be a mistake on his part as the boy quickly ducked the incoming axe as it imbedded itself into another merchant’s wagon with a solid “thunk” just inches above the boys head. THEIF! The merchant cried again as the boy sprinted off into the crowd. Someone grab that little bastard! He stole my strongbox! I’ll have his hands for this! The merchant was seething; his now beat red face wracked with an expression of obvious hate. The third time this month! Damn these city guards to hell! Safest streets in Peleras my arse! You there, Sir! Sir, please, I implore you! Over half of my earning from this venture are in that chest, without that I-I can’t feed my family I can’t pay off my debts! Please, go after that rotten little brat and get my money! The merchant was pleading now, rage giving way to frustration and despair. His eyes began to water; he was not lying about needing the money. And look there sir, around your belt, your, purse, it’s gone! Now you have to go after him, please! He looked like he was heading in the direction of St. Ambriel’s temple. If you go now.... It was indeed true; Nathaniel’s hand felt around where his purse should be and came up empty. The cup of pepperfog had left his muscles loose and warm, ready to run. If he gave chase now he could almost certainly catch up… |
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| Damon | Apr 13 2012, 05:07 AM Post #8 |
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Nathanial reacted quickly. He hadn't lost much, in the grand scheme of things, but he didn't part with money without getting something in return, or at least try. He turned to try to get on the boys heels. He quickly called back to the merchant, without even turning his head. "Fear not, my friend, your family will eat, I'll see to that." He meant it too. The bit of gold was likely worth triple what the man had in the box, but it meant more since the man had little else. Even if Nate couldn't catch the thief, he wanted to make sure this merchant wouldn't starve. |
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| Brackenwood | Apr 16 2012, 04:58 PM Post #9 |
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The thief in green was quick, but Nathanial was on his heels. The thief was quick, easily ducking and weaving through the busy streets, gliding almost effortlessly between merchant wagons and shoppers alike, as though made of water. Not a single wasted effort or misstep was made in his mad dash to escape. Nathanial however was no common man however, and though by no means easy, he somehow managed to keep pace with the thief as they ran. Flowing and weaving almost as well as a trained cut-purse himself. As the temple of St. Ambriel came into view Nathanial felt a small measure of relief. There were no more back allies this close to the temple, and the crowd was thinning out as well. There was nowhere left for the boy in green to go but straight to the temple and the guards that would surely be patrolling the grounds. As they grew closer to the steps of the temple it became apparent that something was wrong. The boy, instead of slowing down or trying to escape was instead speeding up, lanky legs carrying his stick like frame up the steps of the temple and his arms waving frantically. Three men, clad in armor rushed to meet him. As Nathanial reached the steps himself, he was able to examine the men more closely. All three of them were massive, easily a foot taller than Nathanial and almost two feet taller than the boy in green their gleaming armor bearing the sigil of St. Ambrieal and the high pantheon. . They didn’t seem hostile to the boy; in fact, as Nathanial drew nearer they circled the boy as though protecting him. There was barley anytime to take in what was going on before the men rushed him. Shouts of “HALT!” and “Stay where you are thief!”, accompanied the ring of blades leaving their scabbards and a dull pain as one of the guards drove the hilt of his sword into Nathaniel’s stomach, knocking the wind from his lungs and then roughly grabbing him by the shoulder and dragging him up the steps and into the as his companions flanked them with swords still drawn. The party came to an abrupt halt and Nathanial felt himself being dropped to the floor. The stern voice of one of the guards (probably the one who hit him) rang out from somewhere above him. I’m sorry for the interruption your majesty, but we apprehended this criminal on the steps of the temple, trying to steal from a local boy. What would you have us do with him? Please go to Public - "The High Temple of St. Ambriel" and make your initial post there. Follow the rules! Edited by Brackenwood, Apr 16 2012, 05:09 PM.
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| Brackenwood | May 20 2012, 01:53 AM Post #10 |
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OOC It was almost nightfall by the time Nathaniel made it out of the temple. The streets where almost empty and the city guard was now out in force, making their nightly rounds. The boy in green and the stolen money was nowhere to be found. It seemed as though Nathaniel would be forced to bring the Pepperfog merchant the bad news instead of the gold he had promised. Making hi way through the darkened streets at a fair pace, it wasn't long before Nathaniel had made it back to the merchant wagons where, oddly enough, a small crowd of about twenty or so people had gathered. Perhaps the merchant had decided to work late in order to make up for his funds? It was a possibility. But instead of the merchants booming voice, all Nahaniel heard were whispers and hushed cries. "How horrible!" A woman's voice rose above the din, answered quickly by a mans voice " Who would do such a thing? He was such an honest merchant!" As Nathaniel pushed through the crowd he could he guards telling people to keep there distance. The further he pushed the denser the crowd became, a literal wall of body, all jostling for a view of whatever was ahead. Nathaniel pushed on, the crowd yielding only in the slightest of measures, until, at last it gave, sending the young lord stumbling into the center of a crime scene. Before him lay the still form of the pepperfog merchant, his skin sporting the ashen pale only worn by the dead. His eyes screwed shut and his moth pulled into a grimace of pain. His throat bore a thin red line, and blood pooled out from underneath him. Before he could investigate further Nathaniel felt a firm hand on his shoulder and a deep voice in his ear. "You there, young Lord, please step away from the body , this is no place for you, there's an assassin about. Edited by Brackenwood, May 20 2012, 01:57 AM.
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| Damon | May 20 2012, 03:24 AM Post #11 |
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Nathanial was shocked, he had only spoken to this man a few hours ago. He composed himself, as he turned to the guard speaking. "Do you you have any leads? I knew this man, briefly. He did not seem the type to make many enemies." He took an air of authority. Of importance. He'd know the details of this killing. His stomach was turning with guilt and sorrow. He did not allow himself to show it, though. He glanced about to see if he could see any evidence to the crime. He couldn't make a more thorough investigation with everyone here, however. |
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| Brackenwood | May 21 2012, 03:56 PM Post #12 |
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No, my Lord. We have no leads as of yet. The guard sighed, as Nathaniel showed no interest in leaving. I'm Lieutenant Geralt, In service to the Four. We only found him maybe 15 minutes before you arrived. The only thing we're sure of, is that this was a professional killing, Ser. Please have a look if you'd like. Putting his hand back on Nathaniel's shoulder, Geralt ushered him closer to the body, all the while barking orders at the others to keep the crowd at bay, or better yet, drive them off. Look here Ser, his throat has been slit from ear to ear, one smooth arch, a practiced maneuver. And here... Geralt rolled the body onto its side with a hard push as he spoke, the congealing blood making a wet sucking sounds as the body shifted. Squatting down, Nathaniel could make out a grievous wound to the mans back. That kind of wound would only be caused by a high quality blade with bleeders. Gerralt said, casting his eyes over the now dissipating crowd before standing. No common man would have the funds for it. Whoever he was, we think he used two blades, One to slit the merchants throat with so he couldn't scream, and the bleeding one to stab him through the heart. The Bastard! Turning his head away he in disgust. You are free to look around Young Lord, but I don't think you'll find much else. Besides, if you'll...er... pardon my bluntness, we'd prefer it if you went back to the Keep. The assassin is still out there, and you're a prime target. Please, let my men escort you to safety. With a wave of his hand two other other guards stepped forward. |
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| Damon | May 21 2012, 04:53 PM Post #13 |
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Nathanial looked back to the lieutenant, and spoke, quickly, but in a measured, purposed tone. "I see your point, but we must collect this man's family as well, I'll not have them alone and unprotected this night." This man deserved better, and Nathanial felt that leaving his family now would be breaking his promise from earlier. |
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| Volksgeist | May 23 2012, 08:17 PM Post #14 |
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OOC As per request, the guard returned with the man's grieving family. They were thankful for Nathanial's generosity, as he saw that they would be set up in a secure and safe inn near the center of The City of Four. With them accounted for, Nathanial was left to his own devices.
Thread is on hold until others reach the Tourney time. Please wait patiently! You gained 2 Stat EXP! You gained 2 Skill EXP! Profile Updated! |
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| Volksgeist | Jun 1 2012, 03:45 AM Post #15 |
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The time of the tourney had arrived. People were milling about all over The City of Four. There were members of every main house and many of the minor houses, all lodged in different inns, and each day the roads of The City seemed a little more crowded. Many merchants and peddlers had appeared within The City, seemingly overnight. With the massive crowds, the makeshift tents set up all over the street, and the general congestion of the roads, it was almost impossible to navigate on foot, let alone on horseback... and yet the Aegis still maintained such an air of authority that people parted easily when they passed. This made it much easier for all of those from major Houses of Peleras to make it around The City, and often one could tell when those noble faces were making their way around The City by the parting and watchful eyes of the people. It was the night before the tourney, and all members of the major houses were welcomed to the great feasting hall of The Alabaster Keep by The Four Thrones. All of the the Four would be in attendance. As the fostered nephew of Addam Knygrove, as well as a newly appointed Lord of his House's original estate, Nathanial was expected to show up and take his seat in accordance with the seating plan. The pressure was on. Please post in the Grand Tourney Feast thread as soon as possible! |
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1:52 PM Jul 11