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Messages - Kingfisher

#1
Matron's Hallow / Re: Cut and run! [open!]
November 15, 2023, 06:16:47 PM
@Rhindeer

"Huh?"  Tobi's attention returned to the young driver as he searched for an answer.  "Oh, no.  We just sleep on the ground...I guess you could borrow one of our bedrolls if you wanted when we aren't using it."

In time, the sun began to settle against the horizon and the soldier beside Rook stirred and swept his hat out of his eyes.  "That time already?" he muttered.  "Pull off to the right here," he instructed, gesturing to a clearing beside the road; the ideal place to set up camp.  By this time, there was already a small campfire set by the scout, who was brushing out his horse.

The man who had been tending to the pot earlier strode forward and the scout pulled up a bunch of rabbits and wild vegetables so that he could start on supper.  After all, the men were likely famished.

"Tobi, Hans, Jann; you're all on first watch."  Michael slung himself down from the seat of the wagon, preparing to unyoke the two beasts for the night.
#2
For the Never King
None, as of right now

Against the Never King
Parsa Khosravi - A clairvoyant merchant prince with both the means, motive and opportunity to oppose the potential tyranny of the old king.  Likely working in the shadows to coordinate and support the Never King's adversaries, likely through a mix of information and coin to, if nothing else, provide a convenient excuse for other characters to be somewhere.

At a more macro level, if there is any possibility of an encroaching undead horde, he could already be in the process of hiring mercenaries to help defend Essyrn, should the event happen to lean in that direction.

Unfortunate Bystander
Zahara ult Makhia - Moraki slave and Gladiatrix.  Not in a position to do much but she lives in Essyrn.  Unlikely to have a major opinion on the politics of the Never King's return.
#3
Parsa could definitely be a boon for the Shah.  He might have visions of the coming menace and try and provide help keeping track of what level BBEG is on.

Also, with the Civil war coming to an end, Alexis and Michael might be free to bring their army south for the right price.  Alexis is an Adhara if that happens to be worth anything?
#4
Sirantil Valley / Re: The Coldest War
August 10, 2023, 07:16:31 AM
@visualspice

The Colonel found a few squads of warriors, most carrying halberds or with their swords drawn in response to the chaos.  She called for her physician after sending her men to check her tent.  "Empty," one of the men called ducking back out through the flap.

Alexis was still holding a rag to her injured hand as the surgeon treated her guard's wound.  "Rouse the camp," she ordered.  "Find him - alive.  I want him questioned."  By this point, the half-dressed drummer had arrived and  the young man began to hammer out a rhythm that reverberated throughout the tent-city as more and more swordsmen began to join the hunt.

Swords- and spearmen began to move in squads, hoping to have the privilege of bringing down the assassin.
#5
Matron's Hallow / Re: Cut and run! [open!]
June 17, 2023, 11:22:14 AM
The young mercenary scratched his chin as did the math in his head.  "Shouldn't take too long," he suggested.  "Prob'ly couple of weeks, maybe three, maybe three if the weather sours."  Many of the other soldiers nodded or mumbled in agreement.

"Of course, we'll stop for supper before nightfall but if you get hungry, feel free to grab a snack."  To illustrate, reached behind Rook, pulling a handful of dried fruit chips from a container just behind her.

Had the young driver had a mind to, Rook might have noticed Tobi looking back along the trail at a subtle flash reflecting off of distant metal...
#6
Sirantil Valley / Re: The Coldest War
May 20, 2023, 08:12:24 AM
In the chaos of the fall, Alexis found the opportunity to extract herself the assassin's grasp, catching only a shallow cut to the hand.  At first, she was bewildered by the ease of her escape, but she quickly realized the man's attention was now on the larger soldier attempting to lay hands on him.

In a flash, the dagger tore at the mercenary's face, drawing blood from his temple even as the warrior jerked back to avoid the strike.  Still, the knife was not weighted for slashing and the wound would eventually prove superficial, but that would not keep the blood from flowing into his eye.

Left alone, the Officer was able to rise, making to draw her sword.  However, with her dominant palm injured she struggled to grip it; instead, as she heard the rising alarm of her men, Alexis ran for the flap, grabbing her injured ally as she gave the order to "Get out."  With luck, they would find a mob of mercenaries already assembled outside.
#7
Sorry for the slow response.  Sadly, I'm still trying to work out what his specific goals should be.  I've been leaning towards politics and reformation, and I could see him trying to get in the Shah's good graces to help push a more liberal agenda.

He also has three sisters in case anyone is interested in helping build out his extended family.
#8
I have my own Merchant Prince in the area who might be useful.  Parsa is an especially powerful seer and might have something to contribute regarding big, nation-altering events.

He is also unmarried, though I'm not sure I ship him with Persea for many reasons.
#9
Draconi Forest / Re: Manhunters (DragonSong)
April 24, 2023, 12:00:14 PM
The swordsman stood beyond the firelight as he studied the band, weighing the value of his options.  After a time, he caught an inebriated guard stumbling toward him, and the mercenary ducked backward into the brush.  Luckily the man had not noticed him, instead looking for a secluded space to do his business.

As the man began to undo his trousers, the swordsman was able to slip behind him, drawing his long dagger.  The unprotected bandit had little chance to protect himself as he was silenced, first by a hand covering his mouth and then by the length of steel that sank behind his collarbone.

The dying bandit struggled to reach his own knife, but he could not reach the weapon pinned up by his assassin.  Every panicked heartbeat only served to hasten his demise as the fight rapidly drained out of him and he soon sagged in the mercenary's grasp.

He thought briefly on the idea of leaving the body to be found in the morning, then decided that uncertainty might prove a better weapon.  Michael wiped his blade clean on the corpse's pantleg before heaving him over his shoulder and heading back toward his own camp.  He would find a place to leave the poor body on the way...
#10
Matron's Hallow / Re: Cut and run! [open!]
March 05, 2023, 04:39:51 PM
By now, Michael had pulled is flamboyant beret down over his eyes.  Luckily for Rook, the cook took position beside the wagon.  "He's just screwing with ya."  A few of the other men could not help but chuckle at Rook's apparent predicament.  "Beasts know where they're goin' as well as we do.  Just tug on a strap to turn them and shout 'whoa' to get 'em to stop.  And..."  The mercenary grabbed a stock-whip from a cup holster next to the seat.  "This will help get them moving."  He gave the device a sharp crack to spur the oxen forward, though they were in no hurry, giving the man ample time to return the whip to its holster.

The soldiers easily fell into step as the wagon began to trundle along; even Rook would likely be able to keep pace with large creatures.  "Boss'll be up by the time we need to make camp," Tobi said, having taken up a position opposite the former.

"That's Lieutenant Colonel," the officer drowsily corrected from beneath his feathered hat.
#11
Sirantil Valley / Re: The Coldest War
February 06, 2023, 07:15:27 AM
It had all happened quickly, and Alexis hoped she had managed to wind the man during the fall.  To be sure of things, she tried to twist the knife fully from her assailant's grasp as the movement outside caught her attention.  "Assassin," she called; there would be no need for additional orders.

The bodyguard rushed into the tent, flap swinging open to illuminate the space within.  The larger soldier rushed to aid his commander in pinning the attacker down as she, in turn, struggled to disentangle herself from his grasp.  She made no move to draw here own blades; the man might be able to offer up some information during interrogation if they managed to take him alive.
#12
Matron's Hallow / Re: Cut and run! [open!]
January 07, 2023, 03:49:04 PM
( @Rhindeer )

There was not nearly enough room on the wagon for more than the two of them, the bed full up with barrels of black powder concealed beneath canvas.  The rest of the small band had swiftly piled the last of their bedding in alongside their cargo as they took up positions alongside, prepared to walk rather than sit upon the uncomfortable contraption.

There was not much more they needed help with, and Michael found himself scratching his chin at the waif's offer.  With a glance to his reins, he offered the leather straps to Rook.  "If you're up for driving, I'd take my chance to nap.  Didn't get nearly enough sleep in last night."  It was not a difficult job; just a matter of keeping the oxen from leaving the road, though Rook would likely be begging for a different job before long.

The warfighters made no apparent notice of the eyes that watched them slowly trundle away from the city...
#13
Sirantil Valley / Re: The Coldest War
October 02, 2022, 04:35:56 PM
What was this man talking about?  All conflicts produced casualties, especially among the self-proclaimed innocent.  The denizens of Vythe knew this better than anyone.  However, Alexis had made a point to focus her efforts on disrupting supply and provisions.  The people needed to be driven away from the duke and his cause, a feat made difficult if they thought the loyalist to be their protectors.  Her mind briefly wandered back to the three men from earlier and the soldier clicked her tongue.  No chance her assailant would believe her words.

"Why do you care?" the mercenary asked, bitterly.  "You think your master any different from the beasts you claim to hunt?"

From its raised position, her hand snapped to the dagger at her throat.  And, once she felt reasonably safe to do so, Alexis jammed her shoe against the trunk at the foot of her bed, heaving her entire weight into the assassin's chest in order to knock him to the ground...
#14
Sirantil Valley / Re: The Coldest War
August 28, 2022, 05:53:11 PM
Alexis could not help but curse her sentries; they should have been awake enough to catch a man sneaking into camp.  Of course, she could also curse out this captain for setting up camp in the ruins of a town; too many places for spies and assassins to hide.  And maybe if she were less tired herself, she might have been better aware of her danger, so plenty of blame to go around.

The Colonel raised her hands to signal compliance, even as her eyes darted to find some way to turn the tables on her assailant.  The oblong space was fairly small but well-furnished with her bed, writing desk and storage chest.  Perhaps she could kick the post out of place, using the canvas ceiling to distracted the man.  "Easy," she said, softly.  "Let's not do anything too rash."  Alexis doubted she could turn him from his current course but if she could lull him into a false sense of security, he might leave her an opening.

Still, the bite of cold iron kept the soldier from trying anything just yet...
#15
Draconi Forest / Re: Manhunters (DragonSong)
August 22, 2022, 07:41:11 AM
Night came rather quickly from then on.  The soldiers had mostly taken their fill of fruit and, with the campsite now encircled with a pair of deep trenches, the mercenaries began to settle into their nightly routine, keeping watch in shifts while the rest were allowed to sleep.

Joshua was no strangers to sleeping on the ground and was easily able to fall into a shallow slumber, kept safe from the creeping crawlers by a wide, plain blanket he was ready to share with Tara.

Michael, on the other hand, seemed to waver between sleeping and waking, keeping his eye on the rest of the camp.  He paid particular attention to the bard, waiting to see when she would fall asleep; when he was sure she had, the swordsman began to dress down into a relatively plain blue doublet and crept off through the brush.  Even his sentries had managed to miss him; after all, they were watching for a group of bandits coming in, not their own commander sneaking out.

His eyes adjusted to the darkness easily and once he was out of view of his men, he was able to pick up his pace, moving with almost practiced ease through the forest as he honed in on the Karrian's camp.  The bandits were far less disciplined than Wolfram's jaegers; the mercenary spotted the glow of the bandits' campfires long before he was close enough to see the camp itself and he even spotted a few wandering guards who failed to see him amid the trees thanks to their own self-induced blindness.
#16
Matron's Hallow / Re: Cut and run! [open!]
July 31, 2022, 12:04:29 PM
The war had many orphans, and it was no surprise this young boy would count among their number.  Still, Rook seemed to be coping rather well.  "Sorry to hear that," the young mercenary offered anyway.

"Anyway..."  Tobi piled the clean bowl into a hard leather case and made one last scan of the area.  "I've never been to Vythe, but most of the others have.  I only joined up a couple of weeks ago, so I still don't know all the ins and outs."

Before the youth could make a comment regarding the horseman, Wolfram came up.  "Gun powder," he said simply.  "Whole lotta people might be tempted to rob us if it seemed like an easy way to get their hands on it.  Scouts keep it hard."  One of the other men snorted at the lewd sounding statement; Michael could only roll his eyes at this.

Most of the men were foot soldiers, slinging their large satchels and grabbing their halberds and spears before taking up position around the wagons.  "Shall we?" he finally asked, directing Rook toward the wagon they would be riding.  It would be a long trip, and there was no use standing around if they did not need to.
#17
Sirantil Valley / Re: The Coldest War
July 17, 2022, 06:58:44 PM
Four months.  Alexis soldiers had managed to destroy or capture four months of back-breaking labor, keeping it out of the hands of the duke's men.  As much has she might have liked to have taken his forces in decisive battle, she knew that war had changed in Connlaoth.  Battles were now waged in the tens of thousands and without her benefactor's own forces, she would find herself outnumbered in a direct confrontation.

So, her soldiers would have to make do with their raids and skirmishes, starving their enemies out until their morale crumbled.  It was a well understood strategy familiar to most warfighters...

Still, war was war and chaos was chaos.  Amid the fire and disorder sown by her own mercenaries, one of her captains had managed to get his hands on a handful of bandits who had aspired to emulate the soldiers' strategy.  However, where the Ash Guard were disciplined and deliberate, marauders were crass and indiscriminate, sowing carnage where there should only have been fear.

She now looked down upon the band, a trio of battered and broken men.  Turning to the captain, the Colonel inquired, "None of these men are yours, I take it."

"No, ma'am."  The officer took a paper from his scribe and offered it his superior.  "All my squads are accounted for.  They might have been a part of the baggage train, but..."  He looked to one of his sergeants, a man better identified by the wealth of his cape rather than any badge, who simply shrugged.  "It's impossible to know, the way they come and go," the captain admitted.

"All the more reason you could have handled this yourself."  Despite the evenness of her voice, the captain flinched.  "Regardless of who they are, their actions jeopardize our mission.  If they are not traitors, then they are simply enemies."  Alexis picked three soldiers out of the crowd to step forward and gave the order: "Execute them."

Even as the grisly deed was carried out, Colonel had begun the short trek back to her tent.  She had not exaggerated when she called those men "enemies."  Guerrilla warfare walked a razor's edge between striking terror and inciting rage.  A desperate, angry mob loyal to Duke d'al Astarot and with nothing more to lose would only serve to slow them down.
#18
Connlaoth / Karl Martin Gustav Mandel; Noble Heir
July 02, 2022, 09:34:52 PM
Name: Karl Martin Gustav Mandel
Age: 38
Sex: Male
Species: Human
Ethnicity: Connlaoth
Height: 5'10"
Occupation: Noble, Knight, Monster Hunter
Residence: Eisenmark, Western Orchy, Connlaoth

Physical Description
Karl is a predictably fair man; his pale blond hair and blue eyes being common features among his family.  However, his thin features are often concealed by a thick but well-groomed beard.

Coming from a wealthy family, he dresses well, favoring expensive fabrics, dark hues and intricate patterns.  Karl is often found in fine doublets and breeches, occasionally worn under a wool overcoat.  He can generally be found wearing his favored longsword over his left hip and a rondel dagger on his right.  He has a flanged mace which he sometimes carries as a badge of office.

He favors two suits of armor: a lighter harness for battle features lighter pauldrons, thinner plates and a burgonet with cheek guards and a retractable bevor; his heavy competition harness is much thicker, with an oversized left pauldron and solid frog's mouth great helm, bolted to his cuirass to protect his neck.  Both are expensively made, bearing a similar blue-black finish and trimmed with brass edgework and fasteners.  He will often fight from the saddle of an armored destrier, which may have a pair of pistols holstered in the saddle.  Like a growing percentage of Connlaoth's knightly class, he also wears a short wheellock arquebus, normally hung from a baldric over his left shoulder.

Personality
Karl is guided by loyalty: to his overlord, to his family and to his duties.  Things beyond these narrow realms of interest are generally assumed to be meaningless.  He cares little about the Church, the Grand Duke or the war on magic.

Much of the time, he conducts himself in a tense, careful manner.  He prefers to listen rather than speak, considers himself painfully uninteresting outside of his frequent "hunting trips," and easily comes across as guarded and standoffish.  Many young housekeepers have mistaken his silence as severity, running off to their senior servants for comfort.

There are remarkably few rumors regarding his sexual activities - which breeds far more unsavory rumors regarding his inclinations behind locked doors.

He is an avid hunter, particularly fond of wild boar and spiced venison; he often eats wild game every week.

Abilities
  • Mordecai: Karl is a Mordecai outside the direct service of the Grand Duke.  He is able to nullify the working of magic inside of an approximate range of 1,000 meters.
  • Horsemanship: As a knight and noblemen, Karl was expected to learn horseback riding from an early age.  This included fighting from horseback and as part of a cavalry formation.
  • Polearm: On horseback, Karl is familiar with the use of spears, used for not only hunting and combat, but also for competition in the joust.  On foot, he tends to favor a short winged-spear for its greater agility.
  • Longsword: When his spear or glaive is unavailable, he favors a two-handed cut-and-thrust sword or estoc, the latter often worn on the battlefield rather than daily life.
  • Grappling: When lacking his spear or sword, Karl can defend himself with his bare hands through the use of takedowns and submission holds.  These techniques can be further supplemented with the lethal addition of his dagger.
  • Marksman: Karl will generally ride into battle with a pair of long saddle pistols as well as a wheellock arquebus.  The latter is superior in general, his pistols mainly suited to close quarters.
  • Falconry: Karl is an avid hunter and falconer and keeps such a raptor as a pet.

Relationships
  • Gustav Mandel (Father) - Open to adoption (Name subject to change)
  • Martina Mandel (Mother) - [Deceased]
  • Alexis Mandel (Sister)
  • Retinue - Fellow Knights and Men-at-Arms
  • (Open to extended family)

History
The Fell is a dangerous and twisted place, plagued by unspeakable horrors the likes of which the empires of Le'raana could not even hope to imagine.  To answer such threats, the House of Mandel has stood as a part of the bulwark along Connlaoth's western territories.  Karl Martin Gustav Mandel was born to inherit that legacy and responsibility.

As was expected of him, the young noble studied war, politics and etiquette; all things he would need to know when he rose to take his father's place as Margraf - a day that seems to be fast approaching as the now 60-year-old man hands over more and more authority to his son.  This has put more pressure on him to find a suiter and sire an heir, something he has neglected due to his focus on the Fell.

Regarding the war, he has remained neutral.  Given the importance of his battle against the creatures of the west, he and many along the western Marches have been afforded some freedom from their duties to the dukes.  This suits him well, as he finds the creatures of the Fell a far more persistent threat than mages.

However, if called to the war, he will reluctantly rally his considerable forces eastward.

Current Threads

Completed Threads
#19
Draconi Forest / Re: Manhunters (DragonSong)
May 29, 2022, 09:02:17 PM
"I guess?" Joshua offered.  Was he strange?  Dangerous, even by the standards of mages?  Or were his worries merely the lingering sense of taboo that still followed magic in his Connlaothian eyes?  Of course, whether here or Connlaoth, he would find no answers to such questions, and he still had a job to do for the time being.

The quartet were soon back among the band of mercenaries.  In the time they had been gone, a pair of trenches had been carved into the earth.  The earth from the trenches had been piled into mounds to act as a ward for the space within.  Two gaps had been left in the defenses, which could be used as choke points against any attack in the night.  A handful of the mercenaries had even taken position in trees to provide a better vantage should anything attack.  The band was already taking this opportunity to eat a meal of wild fruits and nuts.

Wolfram stood near the center of the space, partially armored in his black harness.  Glancing toward the mages, he asked, "You done scaring my men?"  He, personally, had no issue with spell craft, offering only a good-humored smirk, which helped maintain the soldiers' discipline.  "We'll be ready if anything decides to come after us tonight, to grab something to eat and get some rest."  The officer meant for it to sound like a suggestion, but despite himself, he had learned too well the tone of a commander...
#20
Matron's Hallow / Re: Cut and run! [open!]
May 14, 2022, 10:40:20 AM
The assistant quickly intercepted the outsider, giving a light smile and a "thank you" before taking the used dish and setting to scouring it with a sandy rag.  The cooked did not seem a particularly personable sort, so the younger man took it upon himself to speak with their guest.  "I'm Tobi," he finally introduced himself.  "You got family in the south?" he asked, his youthful curiosity seeming genuine: he could not be much more than 22 years old.

Around this time, a lightly armored rider came into camp as a gallop.  Some of the other soldiers favored the man with a glance before recognizing him and returning to their tasks.  The horseman did not bother to dismount, simply mentioning that the roads to the south were clear.  One less problem for Michael to worry about.

As the scout again wheeled around and rode off, the commander passed a sideways glance toward the girl.  Matron's Hollow as comparatively stable and the mercenaries had strength in numbers.  Bandits and highwaymen were a rare issue.  More concerning is whether the girl he had picked up was an unmarked mage.  Alexis had done a good job of recruiting men who were not so loyal to the church and the Grand Duke.  But old habits die hard, and if they ran into mage hunters, his men's skill might quickly mean nothing...