Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 1, 2016 19:25:53 GMT -8
The Emperor rode to Steitz on a massive white warhorse rather than his usual black coach. The visit with the Archduke was going to be... interesting. He waited outside of the gates. The Emperor’s visit was expected and he would find the steward of Steitz waiting at the first levels gate for him along with a small retinue of guards. The Emperor would be met warmly by the steward and after the appropriate amount of bowing and praises heaped upon him, would be led to the complex at the top of the Fortress. It would take a good five minutes or so to travel from the first level to the fourth level where the complex resided. Once they reached the complex, the Emperor would be led by the steward to the finest sitting room, which happened to be on the first floor of the complex. Fine furniture adorned the room along with tapestries and vibrant colored rugs. The Archduke was already seated in the room as the Emperor entered. Rising as the Emperor was escorted in, he offered him a smooth bow, very similar to the one he had given at the palace. “I am honored by your visit to my humble home, Eminence. How was your journey here, well I hope? Also, please seat yourself, refreshments will be brought shortly.” The Emperor would most likely notice a quite sizable chair of fine craftsmanship was placed in the room. It looked slightly out of place and was most likely brought in to accommodate him.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:05:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 20:06:12 GMT -8
She was stiff, staring at him. The tears seemed to dry away from her eyes, and her jaw tightened, as if she was pressing her teeth together to keep from saying something. Her hands were a white-knuckled grip in her skirt, and her hazel eyes gleamed with her distrust.
"What... do you mean... obey?" she asked, very quietly and very methodically, lest other curses and slanderous words leap from her mouth at the man's arrogance.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 1, 2016 20:49:22 GMT -8
As she spoke, the Archduke moved forward slightly, locking eyes with her. For just a moment, his face would reveal a bit more than usual. It showed a cold heartless man, no, not a man, a monster. There was no sympathy or empathy hinted at in his deep gaze, that seemed to be challenging her to look away from him. This look would only last a moment, however, for it quickly reverted back to a mask of neutrality.
“I mean exactly what I mean by obey. You will do as I command like your life depends on it… Because it does depend on it. If I tell you to kneel, you will kneel, if I tell you to jump, you will jump, and if I tell you to take a dagger and stab the Emperor in the heart with it, you will do so.”
His words held no hint of amusement in them. He was completely serious and truly meant everything he had said. If his tone didn’t confirm this fact, the gaze he that was drilling into her with would.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:05:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 21:00:41 GMT -8
She actually leaned back in her chair with surprise and instant fear as the archduke's mask lifted for only that bare moment. She felt tears burn in her eyes again with his humiliating words, and she turned away, unable to look at him.
"I..." she began, trying to search for something to stop this. "I... I will tell Ruther," she said, grasping at straws, her gaze still lowered on her hands as she shook her head slightly, still trying to come to terms with what was happening.
"Or.. or I will... I will..." She couldn't bring herself to say the words on the spells and the curses she would put on him, trained so thoroughly to never speak of her magic and what she could do aloud. It was why even still, even with the weight of her discovery all but crushing her, Catalina had still never said any words that would truly incriminate her.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 1, 2016 21:17:44 GMT -8
Isenbardus let out a short rather unkind-sounding laugh at her mention of telling Ruther. He waved his hand as if dismissing a ridiculous notion.
“You fear your own abilities and heritage. Do you really think Ruther will be willing to simply accept you for who you are when even you can’t? No, the fear of magic in Vessia runs deep in the veins of all its citizens, even those who possess it. Even if your brother didn’t turn you into the government, do you really think he could shelter you from the Inquisition if I alerted them? All your brother's dreams, washed away in an instant if you go and place such a burden on him.”
Moving towards her, the Archduke drew closer, stopping about ten feet away from her. He stood tall before her, folding his arms in front of him as he continued to stare at her. As was usual, she was still in denial.
“So, what will you do, Lady Catalina? Will you choose to become one of my pawns and continue helping your brother towards his goals… Or shall you refuse my commands simply out of spite and end up in the hands of the Inquisition?”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:05:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 21:29:46 GMT -8
Her hands slid to her ears, shaking her head as if she didn't want to hear it, as if the palms over the delicate shells could somehow stop him from speaking the cold-hearted truth. The Archduke was a monster, and those cold chills she felt... it was within good reason.
And all of this because of a dance.
A dance.
She would never dance again.
Isenbardus moved closer to her, taunting her with his words and his attitude. He was nothing like the charming man who had smiled at her and complimented her the evening before, nothing like the man who had allowed her to wander the Fortress and seemed charmed by her.
That had been a ruse, and a lie. This was the real man. This was the truth.
A sudden burst of anger had her standing and taking the couple of steps forward necessary for her to shove her palms hard against his chest, or the arms that he'd languidly crossed over it. Her cheeks were flushed with her anger, and her hazel gaze sparkled with it.
"You beast!" she shouted at him. "You're a monster! You're a wolf in sheep's clothing -- a snake full of venomous poison. Yes, damn you, yes, I will be your pawn, and I will hate you with every breath in my body and every bit of my being, and I will wish and hope and prey for your fall."
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 1, 2016 21:48:31 GMT -8
Isenbardus made no moves as Catalina pushed against him. She would find her shove against him about as effective as one used on a wall of stone, he stood there, gaze unwavering as he stared down at her. He made no attempt to stop her pushing or interrupt her tirade against him. She finally was accepting her fate by her own admission and allowing her to express some of her anger towards him would do no harm.
“Perhaps I am a monster. Nearly everyone in power in Vessia is a monster, Lady Catalina. I make use of magic users like yourself, others have them slaughtered like cattle. You will be hard pressed to find those of influence in this Empire who haven’t dirtied their hands from grasping for that power. Hate me if you wish, but you will find the other nobles not much more honorable than myself.”
Turning away from her, he began walking back towards the stairs. Without turning around to look at her, he would address her in an almost frighteningly calm voice.
“Calm yourself and regain some of your composure. Heal your burn wound, it won’t do for that to be seen. Once you have done those things, I will unlock the door and you may go back to your room. Tell your brother you are feeling ill today and avoid speaking to the other nobles for the duration of this visit. My steward will bring you a letter with more instructions in it later today…”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:05:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 22:01:48 GMT -8
She pushed and she slapped and until she saw how futile it was so she turned away from him in anger and paced a few steps away, her gown trailing after her -- her steps so angry, that it made her long, long dark hair fly away from her almost-bare shoulders and settle instead along her back.
She could have thrown a book at him. In fact, she could have thrown several. Maybe even ten.
In a high emotion again, her passion so visible, there was once more that subtly entrancing pull to her. Some sort of draw that kept the eye, that kept attention. Something different about the woman as she paced back and forth. She was pretty, yes, but she shouldn't have been as enchanting as she now appeared.
Catalina followed him down the stairs. "Why? Why should I heal myself? Shouldn't a slave have the branded mark of her master?" Catalina taunted, her tongue truly no longer guarded, which was foolish, she knew. Foolish, and stupid, and her mind truly hadn't even begun to wrap around what this would mean for the rest of her life, so anger is what it settled on.
"My brother will know I am lying. I have never been ill a day in my life. Another 'talent' of mine, I suppose," she said waspishly to the archduke.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 1, 2016 22:29:15 GMT -8
Pulling out one of the chairs from the table, he sat down in it, leaning back and closing his eyes as she spoke to him. There it was, she finally admitted to having abilities. She most likely expected the worst from their new relationship. Well, although it wouldn’t be pleasant for her, she would discover he didn’t needlessly damage his functioning tools. That would just be wasteful.
“I don’t intend for you to be my slave, if I did, you would be finding yourself in a much more unfortunate situation, Lady Catalina. I do not intend to needlessly abuse you, for I keep those under me, both possessions and people, in good condition. I also wish to witness the power of your healing with my own eyes. I find it quite amusing that a power the church would call a miracle is considered a travesty when not performed by the hands of their priest. I suppose that’s simply the twisted state of affairs that is Vessia.”
Catalina might notice the Archduke seemed rather calm, as if what he had just done was something he had done many times before. He didn’t seem shaken at all by what had just transpired. Although she most likely wouldn’t believe it herself due to the absurdity, the man almost seemed to be growing a bit bored!
“A useful trait to possess, I’m sure many would sell their own children for such a boon. Assuming the Church deemed it a ‘Blessing’. Even in your current rage, the beauty of the Fae shines through brightly. It is fortunate for you many have forgotten what such beauty looks like or you would have been discovered long before now.”
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Emperor Rexus Aleksander
Committed
Kaiser, Tsar, Imperator; Lord of Mankind
Roleplay posts: 79
Age: Much older than he looks.
Physical Description: A throwback to the Emperor's of old, he is extremely tall at 7'5, very muscular and generally bulky. He has has short and very neat blond hair and baby blue eyes. Powerful regal features are upon his face along with a small scar on his forehead. When extremely tired or irritated he will begin to show some wrinkles of someone much older than he would appear at first glance.
Clothes and Equipment: A massive suit of five-piece armour and a large Xiphos sword both of which are beautiful and deadly in equal measure.
Registered: Nov 22, 2016 5:22:53 GMT -8
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Post by Emperor Rexus Aleksander on Dec 2, 2016 13:28:21 GMT -8
The Emperor rode to Steitz on a massive white warhorse rather than his usual black coach. The visit with the Archduke was going to be... interesting. He waited outside of the gates. The Emperor’s visit was expected and he would find the steward of Steitz waiting at the first levels gate for him along with a small retinue of guards. The Emperor would be met warmly by the steward and after the appropriate amount of bowing and praises heaped upon him, would be led to the complex at the top of the Fortress. It would take a good five minutes or so to travel from the first level to the fourth level where the complex resided. Once they reached the complex, the Emperor would be led by the steward to the finest sitting room, which happened to be on the first floor of the complex. Fine furniture adorned the room along with tapestries and vibrant colored rugs. The Archduke was already seated in the room as the Emperor entered. Rising as the Emperor was escorted in, he offered him a smooth bow, very similar to the one he had given at the palace. “I am honored by your visit to my humble home, Eminence. How was your journey here, well I hope? Also, please seat yourself, refreshments will be brought shortly.” The Emperor would most likely notice a quite sizable chair of fine craftsmanship was placed in the room. It looked slightly out of place and was most likely brought in to accommodate him. The Emperor followed the Steward to where he was led, relatively certain it was not a trap. The Archduke seemed to have marginally more style than to kill him so plainly. The Emperor sat in the offered seat, surveying the area for means for people to overhear their conversation. He did not find too many but with such a man there was no such a thing as paranoia. "My journey here was good. I'm surprised that bandits still exist within the Central and Western Empire, but otherwise it was fine." he kept quiet about what he did with them, knowing fully of the concept of "unnecessary information." He made himself comfortable, giving the Archduke a bit of a stare. Finally he cupped his chin with his left hand and began to speak. "So how are you Archduke? I trust the many businesses are going well?" he asked, rather conversationally to get a further taste of the man's speech patterns. "There's some great profiteering to be had in the near future I will say that." he added.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 2, 2016 15:06:53 GMT -8
Isenbardus took a seat at the same time as the Emperor did, studying the man as he spoke, although not too overtly. At the mention of profiteering, Isenbardus nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face.
“Things have been going well in my lands. Trade is strong and my farmers expect an above average harvest for this year. My various businesses have also been working at average to above average capacity, so no complaints on that front. I am slightly surprised to hear bandits are still about, although I’m sure they’ll be quickly cleared out under your new reign.”
The door would open and servants entered, bringing two small tables and two trays laden with food and drink. The tables would be placed beside both the Emperor’s and the Archduke’s chairs and the trays with food and drink set on these tables.
“If your Grace would like, I can have my food taster be brought down for you. As for profiteering, I quite look forward to that. I’m always looking for more business opportunities. If I remember correctly, back at the Palace you said there was a possibility of claiming land in Swavia… I think I’m quite interested in taking you up on that offer.”
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Emperor Rexus Aleksander
Committed
Kaiser, Tsar, Imperator; Lord of Mankind
Roleplay posts: 79
Age: Much older than he looks.
Physical Description: A throwback to the Emperor's of old, he is extremely tall at 7'5, very muscular and generally bulky. He has has short and very neat blond hair and baby blue eyes. Powerful regal features are upon his face along with a small scar on his forehead. When extremely tired or irritated he will begin to show some wrinkles of someone much older than he would appear at first glance.
Clothes and Equipment: A massive suit of five-piece armour and a large Xiphos sword both of which are beautiful and deadly in equal measure.
Registered: Nov 22, 2016 5:22:53 GMT -8
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Post by Emperor Rexus Aleksander on Dec 3, 2016 11:49:18 GMT -8
Isenbardus took a seat at the same time as the Emperor did, studying the man as he spoke, although not too overtly. At the mention of profiteering, Isenbardus nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. “Things have been going well in my lands. Trade is strong and my farmers expect an above average harvest for this year. My various businesses have also been working at average to above average capacity, so no complaints on that front. I am slightly surprised to hear bandits are still about, although I’m sure they’ll be quickly cleared out under your new reign.” The door would open and servants entered, bringing two small tables and two trays laden with food and drink. The tables would be placed beside both the Emperor’s and the Archduke’s chairs and the trays with food and drink set on these tables. “If your Grace would like, I can have my food taster be brought down for you. As for profiteering, I quite look forward to that. I’m always looking for more business opportunities. If I remember correctly, back at the Palace you said there was a possibility of claiming land in Swavia… I think I’m quite interested in taking you up on that offer.” The Emperor noted the man's smile. He had predicted right, which so far was good. Every prediction upon a person so verbally slippery was a victory in it's own right. "It is good when the lower class is fruitful, for it is as such that they rise out of their stagnancy. But yes, the bandits will make satisfactory if not fine practice for our venture into the East." The Emperor shrugged with a sniff of the wine. This was the most difficult part; asking for a food taster to have him discover it was fine would ruin his reputation, yet on the other hand he did not want to die yet. He reckoned that the Archduke still had not gotten what he wanted from Rexus and would not yet have desired to kill him. He took a careful sip, before drinking the whole glass. "I don't think anyone would want to poison me just yet." he finally uttered, staring into the glass. He smiled as he looked into his wine glass when he said he would like land in Swavia. He was getting better at this. "Yes? Well that is good to hear. While the details are to be worked out, but the premise of the conquering is like this: you are to bring your regiment and your levies. You must also have people to settle the land you conquer, but they cannot be the same that you brought to fight for your levies must keep on fighting even after your conquered however much you want. You can't take land already claimed by some Swavian noble, even if it was contested by the enemies of our Nation. You must also have your people build up the place you conquer, empty land without any agriculture, industry or housing will be seized by the government." He looked to the Archduke, wondering if he had dissuaded his ambitions by giving the explanation of how it was all to work.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:05:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 19:45:42 GMT -8
She was confused and irritated by the archduke -- no, not infuriated. Incensed. She paced back and forth on his carpet, unable to stay still, her gown trailing after her, then whirled as she did. Even her long hair began to dance a little on the subtle breeze she created with her furious walk.
Isenbardus may have looked controlled and together, but she did not appear to be. No, truly, Catalina seemed to wear her heart on her sleeve, and when she couldn't she looked away, or excused herself. She was a terrible liar, and this, too, was another trait well known to the fae. They could tell no lies, but oh, they could weave tales to confuse!
It seemed, however, that Catalina did not possess this talent for side-winding when it came to the spoken word.
"That isn't how it works," Catalina told him. "I cannot just simply make something be. My-- my power doesn't work that way." She turned to him, and he'd be able to see that her burn mark already appeared to be healing without her own need to stop it. It would be a few hours yet, until the mark entirely went away. The effect of raw iron on faeskin.
"I want to know now what you plan," she said, ignoring his compliments for she didn't feel complimented at all. The fae beauty still seemed to cling about her, like an elegant gown or an expensive perfume. "I want to know what the rest of my life will be like." Demands, hotly made.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 3, 2016 21:56:25 GMT -8
Isenbardus took a seat at the same time as the Emperor did, studying the man as he spoke, although not too overtly. At the mention of profiteering, Isenbardus nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. “Things have been going well in my lands. Trade is strong and my farmers expect an above average harvest for this year. My various businesses have also been working at average to above average capacity, so no complaints on that front. I am slightly surprised to hear bandits are still about, although I’m sure they’ll be quickly cleared out under your new reign.” The door would open and servants entered, bringing two small tables and two trays laden with food and drink. The tables would be placed beside both the Emperor’s and the Archduke’s chairs and the trays with food and drink set on these tables. “If your Grace would like, I can have my food taster be brought down for you. As for profiteering, I quite look forward to that. I’m always looking for more business opportunities. If I remember correctly, back at the Palace you said there was a possibility of claiming land in Swavia… I think I’m quite interested in taking you up on that offer.” The Emperor noted the man's smile. He had predicted right, which so far was good. Every prediction upon a person so verbally slippery was a victory in it's own right. "It is good when the lower class is fruitful, for it is as such that they rise out of their stagnancy. But yes, the bandits will make satisfactory if not fine practice for our venture into the East." The Emperor shrugged with a sniff of the wine. This was the most difficult part; asking for a food taster to have him discover it was fine would ruin his reputation, yet on the other hand he did not want to die yet. He reckoned that the Archduke still had not gotten what he wanted from Rexus and would not yet have desired to kill him. He took a careful sip, before drinking the whole glass. "I don't think anyone would want to poison me just yet." he finally uttered, staring into the glass. He smiled as he looked into his wine glass when he said he would like land in Swavia. He was getting better at this. "Yes? Well that is good to hear. While the details are to be worked out, but the premise of the conquering is like this: you are to bring your regiment and your levies. You must also have people to settle the land you conquer, but they cannot be the same that you brought to fight for your levies must keep on fighting even after your conquered however much you want. You can't take land already claimed by some Swavian noble, even if it was contested by the enemies of our Nation. You must also have your people build up the place you conquer, empty land without any agriculture, industry or housing will be seized by the government." He looked to the Archduke, wondering if he had dissuaded his ambitions by giving the explanation of how it was all to work. “The rebellions they start are quite troublesome… I don’t think we’ll have to worry about any too soon as times are good for them, but as always, we must remain vigilant. I also wouldn’t be too worried about the nobles wanting you dead as opposed to those sent by the barbarians or even foreign nations. I have heard tales of what some of the great nations far away from us are capable of and it’s worrisome, to say the least. Although we’re separated by a great distance, I’ve heard some are capable of mobilizing far more quickly than should be possible. Most likely accomplished with black magic.” Picking up a cluster of grapes, the Archduke pops a few in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully as he listened to the Emperor spoke about what would be needed for claiming land in Swavia. He had known what to expect in this department but appeared to be listening intently to the Emperor’s explanation, nodding when appropriate. It wouldn’t be nearly as profitable if he didn’t have a deep knowledge of that land, a knowledge he wasn’t supposed to have. “I shall make the proper arrangements to follow those guidelines then. It will take a few letters and meetings, but I can definitely manage it. There is the potential for me to grow my various industries very quickly in Swavia, I feel. Once the barbarians are sufficiently culled, at least.”
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 3, 2016 22:17:28 GMT -8
Perhaps Catalina was speaking the truth about how her power worked, but the Archduke wasn’t sure yet. Her actions with the wineglass spoke otherwise and he fully expected her to deny as many of her powers to him as she could. He would push on her harder to see if she was truly telling him all there was to her abilities.
“So you want me to believe all your powers aren’t immediate? I don’t know if I believe that because you certainly seemed to expect an immediate effect on me when you hurled that wine. For the moment, I will believe your healing is a slow effect that takes time, but what were you trying to do with me when you hurled the wine on me? I also suggest against lying, if I suspect you are… Well, I have ways of getting the truth regardless of whether you offer it to me freely.”
Catalina asking what he planned to do with her was also fairly typical in those he captured. He wouldn’t tell her everything, but he didn’t have to be particularly stingy with this information as she would be finding out what he wished her to do in the near future.
“What I plan to do with you will depend entirely on what you’re capable of. Same with how your life will be. If you make yourself useful to me and do as I say without trying to undermine and battle me as a petty show of resistance, you will live a good life. Your family will be elevated and your brother’s aspirations will become reality. I will also do what I can to make sure the Witch Hunter’s and Inquisition don’t suspect you, as I said before, I take good care of my property. If you decide to fight me or are foolish enough to turn yourself in and try to incriminate me in the process, you will find yourself and your family cut down swiftly.”
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Emperor Rexus Aleksander
Committed
Kaiser, Tsar, Imperator; Lord of Mankind
Roleplay posts: 79
Age: Much older than he looks.
Physical Description: A throwback to the Emperor's of old, he is extremely tall at 7'5, very muscular and generally bulky. He has has short and very neat blond hair and baby blue eyes. Powerful regal features are upon his face along with a small scar on his forehead. When extremely tired or irritated he will begin to show some wrinkles of someone much older than he would appear at first glance.
Clothes and Equipment: A massive suit of five-piece armour and a large Xiphos sword both of which are beautiful and deadly in equal measure.
Registered: Nov 22, 2016 5:22:53 GMT -8
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Post by Emperor Rexus Aleksander on Dec 4, 2016 14:50:36 GMT -8
The Emperor was slightly unsettled by the man knowing of foreign nations. While people were aware that they existed, them knowing any specifics was not right. "Yes I know Archduke. I have of course contingency plans, you need not worry. Regardless, we know marginally more about them than they about us and I think they will be marginally surprised when their reliance on dark arts will not be so helpful when facing the Witch Hunters, Inquisitors, so on and so forth." He did not want the focus of anyone in the country to be upon foreigners. He wanted the people to merely see other places as "distant, and none of me business." "But enough of that." he said, eager to change the topic.
The Archduke was clearly willing to help in the conquest, and to send people over. This pleased the Emperor; he did not mind a few ghost towns appearing in the main parts of the Empire, so long as there were people to be present in Swavia to make it their's. Besides, open lands meant opportunity for those who were less wealthy to also make their wealth, and to free up some of the slums. "That is very good to hear. The more soldiers the better. It is good for an Emperor to not have to rely merely on what little government soldiers and his own private regiment troops he can muster; albeit we had to devise great incentive to receive popular support." The Emperor shifted himself a little, to be in a more resting position. "Swavia is a jewel, it is simply that the folk of Augustgrad and Romulburg do not recognisee it. It is much more fertile than Romulburg and is where we get all our natural resources from. Many take it for granted and see it's problems as those of damned folk who can sort it out. Yes, they can sort it out but we must make sure that they sort it out in the desired manner, is the trouble."
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 4, 2016 19:21:04 GMT -8
It was quite apparent by how quickly the Emperor had changed the topic that he clearly didn’t like mention of foreign nations. It was the correct stance to have, Vessia wasn’t fond of foreigners, and its people knowing there were other nations about that eclipsed it in power… Well, that would surely damage their national pride, which was a great tool the Emperor could leverage. The Archduke suspected the Emperor was greatly overrating the abilities of the Witch Hunter’s, but he made no sign to show this, simply nodding in agreement to the Emperor and dropping the topic.
“It is rather puzzling why Swavia receives such disdain from many of the other nobles. I’ve never really understood why they would scorn such a great abundance of resources, but I won’t be complaining about it, less competition for those of us who see it for what it truly is.”
Raising his wine glass to his lips, the Archduke took a deep drink of the liquid, licking his lips as he set the glass back down. Wine didn’t quite hit the spot for him like it used to… He needed something more exotic.
“Do you have a time frame for when exactly we’ll be mobilizing our forces to make a move in Swavia? If you do have one, I’d appreciate knowing so I can have my forces ready in a timely manner.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:05:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2016 19:40:37 GMT -8
"I was trying to wipe your memories," she snapped, turning abruptly toward him, eyes flashing. "Perhaps if I had been able to learn more, or if I knew more about--" She stopped, abruptly, walked across the distance and sat in the chair just near him.
She stared him in the face, her cheeks blushing bright pink with the rage she felt at the way he spoke to her. Her hands gathered her thick, dark hair and drew it over her opposite shoulder, leaving her beautiful shoulder and neck completely exposed -- including the wound that he'd put there against her with the iron.
She dipped her fingers into his wine goblet (careful not to touch its sides), the only one left partially filled, and then she let the wine drip down her neck toward her wound. Once more, faespeech slipped from her lips, and he was able to watch as her wound began to heal before his very eyes. It still did not heal the full way, however.
"I need something to work as a conduit, for these type of... of spells," she told him, sitting up straight, her arms folding in a body language that conveyed how uncomfortable she was.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 5, 2016 10:11:54 GMT -8
Erasing his memories? Well, that was a skill her could certainly make use of. He needed to somehow train her to grow more powerful in her abilities, but he couldn’t do that training himself, for obvious reasons. He controlled some others who knew magic, put in similar situations to the one Catalina was now, but she was the only part Fae in his possession…
“I shall have you grow in your powers, for I feel you haven’t had the proper living conditions to do so safely… I will be telling your brother I wish for you to stay at my Fortress with me for a time. You can tell him I wish to learn more about the herbal remedies you make. During your time here, I will give you an area you can privately train on your magic yet.”
Isenbardus watched in silence as Catalina healed her neck partially, using the wine as the conduit. For the next minute or so, he wouldn’t say anything, simply staring at her shoulder where she had healed the wound some. He was clearly deep in thought as if deciding on how much use she could be to him.
“From what I’ve read, I suspect certain materials will prove much better ‘conduits’ than others. I shall supply you with whatever you find the best type to be as well as books on the subject of magic and how to perform it. The Church has confiscated and destroyed most of these books, but they haven’t managed to get to all of them. That is how you will learn more.”
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Emperor Rexus Aleksander
Committed
Kaiser, Tsar, Imperator; Lord of Mankind
Roleplay posts: 79
Age: Much older than he looks.
Physical Description: A throwback to the Emperor's of old, he is extremely tall at 7'5, very muscular and generally bulky. He has has short and very neat blond hair and baby blue eyes. Powerful regal features are upon his face along with a small scar on his forehead. When extremely tired or irritated he will begin to show some wrinkles of someone much older than he would appear at first glance.
Clothes and Equipment: A massive suit of five-piece armour and a large Xiphos sword both of which are beautiful and deadly in equal measure.
Registered: Nov 22, 2016 5:22:53 GMT -8
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Post by Emperor Rexus Aleksander on Dec 5, 2016 13:34:44 GMT -8
"They have look down upon it because of the rather rural nature, and the fact that while it has thousands of counts and barons it does not have higher nobility; what people fail to see is that the barons often hold twice as much land and have twice as many people under their dominion. It's simply not as poncey. Since I am already Emperor, I feel I can confide in you." the ruler looked about, and then leaned over a bit closer to the Archduke. "One of the things in my reign I wish to accomplish is to make the country more efficient; make a title count less than the actual property and merit of a person. I wish to make it more difficult for the rich to escape the laws that are there for the commoner. Not only will this make the country better directly by making it fair, it will also make the nobility and such actually pause and try to empathise with those below them... even if not for the sake of the people, I reckon some changes for the better will be made this way." He leaned back, looking suspiciously about once more. "Still, I trust you to keep the almost hopeless ramblings of an 'enlightened despot' hidden from the public for now."
When the Archduke brought up the timeline of the conflict, he shrugged. "This all depends on you and the other nobles. My legions, the Knightly Orders, the Provincial and Imperial forces are all but mobilised, some even beginning their short crack-down on the bandits and such of the land. Legio IX Augustgrad is already marching to Swavia, but the armies of the nobility have always been the bulk of Vessia's armed forces."
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