Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181 
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 1, 2020 17:28:23 GMT -8
Ulfang's expression changes not a touch, but for a slight raise of the brows, his one eye following her about the room. He leans forward over the table and stares into Naoki's eyes as she returns to her seat, his own revealing nothing, but he stays silent for a long while as he examines her.
"I find it strange that you would prefer I mince words with you, Empress, and I am unsure of how exactly to ask such a question tactfully. I apologise for upsetting you, truly, and I hope that my choice of words has not damaged our diplomatic friendship in any way. Mule, to me, is simply the medical term for one who is a hybrid of two species, usually sterile, as eunuch is a medical term for the castrated. It is used in my Kingdom by our doctors to describe such a pairing regularly. Nevertheless, it is an urgent question that must be answered to proceed, so allow me to ask it in a more unwieldy -- but perhaps more polite in your view -- manner. Are you a hybrid who happens to lack the capability to bear young, Empress?" rumbles Ulfang. He is not cowed by the outburst, but he does seem to have gained some measure of respect for her fire as his tone is a touch more careful. Perhaps her heart is more Varan than her exterior.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238 
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 1, 2020 17:45:20 GMT -8
Empress Naoki sighs, unamused. He’s rather bothersome in his manner, but she declines to launch into a discussion of words. That’s not why they’re here.
“I answered your question,” she replies, “Though perhaps my response was too 'unwieldy' for you to grasp.”
“In the simplest possible term: ‘No.’ I have declined to bear children, but have the means to. If you suspected otherwise, why would you be here?”
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 1, 2020 18:15:06 GMT -8
Ulfang is, surprisingly, visibly disappointed by this revelation. There goes one of his points of leverage. How unfortunate. Still, there are other angles to play.
"Well, Empress, to be entirely honest I was hoping to grant you the capability in exchange for bearing both of us an heir. Still--" Ulfang stands up, nearly taking the chair with him, and walks over to stand at the window, hands clasped behind his back as he stares out at his flock of Watchers.
"I think there would be real benefit to a union of my house and yours, and I have drawn up a document for how such a union may be achieved that I think you will be interested in. First, allow me to say I believe we have gotten off to a bad start, and I regret that. I require more time in Isra to determine exactly how your people speak and act, I suppose. I hope that this this stumble on my part does not colour our negotiations."
"To put it simply, I believe that a union of your blood with the Von Haren line could produce the most powerful being to ever walk the land. You appear immortal by virtue of your genetics, or perhaps some inherent magic. We Von Harens have a deadly weakness: we must sustain ourselves through sacrifice or battle. If we did not do this, those of our line would die much sooner than the average human. One who did not possess that weakness, and in fact could use the full benefits of the blood eternally, would be immensely powerful given our unique talents," he continues. He turns about and steps back to the table, taking another sip of the wine before placing it back down and sliding back into his seat.
"I will not insult you by explaining the benefits of merging with a noble house, either. Our Kingdom may not be the most expansive power, but we have blood ties to Aesgir and the Von Haren bloodline has an illustrious history stretching back in time to before the Cataclysm. Of course, I do not expect that you would agree to this plot immediately, and that is not my desire either. I would prefer we get to know one another better before making such an important commitment. I suppose, in that case, that I am asking you on a date. So, what do you think, Empress?"
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 1, 2020 21:42:18 GMT -8
"There's one school of thought that says that I would be better off with someone else, for many reasons. The idea that I am somehow immortal — while flattering, is an unfounded assumption, and the idea that our hypothetical child would somehow be free from the consequences of your curse is pure and utter speculation."
"The fact that all children of yours will be afflicted by the curse is itself not an altogether an agreeable idea. Further, the benefit of their inheriting your necromantic powers is truly quite low on the list of 'Things I Might Want my Children to Inherit.' (Remembering, of course, that I have banned necromancy.)" This earns Ulfang a significant look.
"On top of that, perhaps more significantly, there is the troublesome matter of your ego. All other men are honored merely to lay with me. And to sire my children, why, that would be an incredible honor that none have been so presumptuous as to request."
It goes unsaid: 'Until now.'
"But to you, I am merely the most desirable incubator in all the land. You've spent some time considering this and have already laid pen to paper writing the terms you hope to dictate to me. I am the means by which you intend to create your legacy and rebuild your weakened nation. You are willing to spend time with me, make small talk, call me 'lady,' and compliment me on enough occasions that I form a perceived emotional connection and feel compelled to bear your children."
A silence. Naoki sips her wine for the first time.
"I don't blame you for trying," she continues, "I would try too. But this seems as a rotten deal for me, especially because it is I who would carry the child. If all I had to do was impregnate you, it would perhaps be a different story — and perhaps we could arrange for that. But as it stands, you'll have to excuse my hesitancy."
Gesturing with her palms up, Naoki is entirely unapologetic.
"Out of you, I stand to gain... what? Children with dark powers and a little bloody bastion of a state in the far-flung reaches of the north — but perhaps not even that, as you're likely too prideful to share even an inch of what power you have." A rather pointed remark, but one she suspects to the true.
"Alternatively, I could meander my way down the hall and breed with my Minister of Magic." She gestures with her thumb. "His office is just over in The Enclave, it's perhaps a two-minute walk. The children would be monstrously powerful and wholly uncursed magi with whatever immortal properties I may or may not have and no allegiances save for their mother. At that point, all I would need to do to accomplish the same and more would be to send them out with a few Imperial Legions to carve out kingdoms. With a good mentor, they could probably do it in their early teens."
Empress Naoki shrugs emphatically. Somehow she was able to speak that entire bit without directly insulting Ulfang or comparing him to a barnyard animal. It is a decidedly unwieldy response, but it also was not "no." She has more to say but pauses there to hear Ulfang's response.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
----------------------
Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 1, 2020 22:23:25 GMT -8
"Empress Naoki, excuse me for my presumption, but you do not seem the type to wish for a meek slave-boy who will bow to your every whim. My ego as you so eloquently put it is simply my treating you as one on equal footing, my Lady. Your empire is powerful, but we are two rulers conversing over wine, not a mistress and her servant," replies Ulfang. His face has drawn into a broad grin. This one cuts straight to the bone of the matter, bluntly and unapologetically. What a glorious woman.
"It is true that my reasons for this request are, at their core, at least partially based in the fact that..." his grin cracks a touch as a particularly painful memory strikes him, and he's forced to pause a moment to recover his poise, "...that I do not have a prospective heir, due to the unfortunate circumstances that accompanied the planned birth of my son, and the passing of my daughter not long afterward. I will be frank with you, my lady. The one I believed I would grow old and happy with is dead and gone, and no amount of dark power will rectify that. I will not sit here and proclaim some sort of..." he gestures vaguely in the air, searching for a word, "...undying love that I simply do not feel. But, I am quite attracted to you, that I cannot and will not deny."
Ulfang shrugs and reclines in his seat as best he can, sipping the final drops of his wine, and then setting the empty glass delicately back upon the table.
"As for your doubts as to the power of the blood, the curse is a potent gift, if used correctly. We of the Black Vale have remained independent because of it for eons. The Von Haren line weathered the Cataclysm because of its power, and countless invaders have broken upon our walls because of our ability to raise vast armies at will. I cannot guarantee for sure that one of our combined blood will be free of the less desirable side-effects of its power, but my Coven of Diviners believes this to be the case, and I trust them. We could consult your Enclave theorists as well. I am certain that would be beneficial for us both."
Ulfang sighs and leans forward again, clenching his teeth for a moment before he speaks, clearly finding it difficult. Finally, his voice rises from his throat again, after a short, rumbling sigh.
"My Lady, I must admit that I find the Blood Tax altogether distasteful, and it is clear to me that my people feel the same. I believe that if this plot works, the Blood Tax will be rendered obsolete. We are a people of tradition, but...some traditions are more functional than others. I rule my people in the Von Haren tradition because to do otherwise would be to invite chaos. My people are on the whole content, they are well-fed, we are a country of vast natural wealth. But the truth of the matter is, I am forced to steal the life-force of my people to live until I produce an heir. I tire of this. Perhaps I have just become old and soft, but I am tired."
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 2, 2020 21:13:28 GMT -8
Listening, Naoki nods along quietly and puts a dent in her wine. It would be incredibly insensitive to point out that he could just die, end the cursed von Haren line, and leave some other uncursed family to defend the two choke points leading into The Black Vale, so Naoki doesn’t say that.
Instead, she merely hums. “I see.”
It’s a rather troublesome sort of problem he’s laid out, there, and if what he’s saying is true, it is one she could potentially ‘solve’. Simultaneously, it isn’t really a problem for anyone but himself. It certainly isn’t her problem, and there are a multitude of excellent reasons to thank him for his time and send him on his way, as she has established. But…
Naoki sighs at length, seemingly troubled.
"It would be very advantageous for you if I indulged your little 'plot', but I have no desire to go through such effort to create an heir for you when I lack one myself, or to have conditions placed on what should happen to my children."
"I value you as an ally, certainly, and if all you wanted was some of my essence in you, I would give it gladly. But what you're asking of me simply isn't worth what I stand to gain. It would be a favor to you more than a solution to any problem I have, and I cannot justify it."
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
----------------------
Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 2, 2020 22:25:42 GMT -8
"My Lady, do you think me...how is the word said in Isra," responds Ulfang, slowly but carefully, and then stalls, shakes his head, and starts again. "Do you believe that I have come here to ask to bed you and then scurry off down the mountain path to await my heir? I do not wish to insult you in such a way, my Empress, as some prime piece of meat, some quality breeding stock. I--" Ulfang rubs the bridge of his nose between two fingertips, huffing in exasperation.
"Lady Naoki, I am a man of action, and not of words. I am, admittedly, out of my element. Allow me to collect myself for a moment, and then I will attempt to rephrase my idea in such a way that you do not see it as a simple...some...Gods-damned half-baked plot to secure myself an 'in' with the great and powerful Empress of Isra," he growls, planting his hands upon the table. He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. After a few moments, he opens them again, the piercing pale gold of his iris flickering this way and that as he searches Naoki's face.
"I wish for more than carnal enjoyment, or intrigue, or power. I have no doubt I would enjoy what you have on offer but it is not my purpose here. My Empress, I do not only wish for an heir for me, but for you as well. We both know you require some way to secure the throne. We both know you are in the position of power here. But imagine the power one could wield with our combined might. Take these Watchers, for instance." Ulfang gestures to the window, and the raven sitting without, glaring in at them with those bizarrely green eyes. "Anywhere that they can fly, I can see. Imagine the potential intrigue that could be averted with eyes at every windowsill, ears at every doorstep. You could have advanced notice of an invasion force months before it arrived. And of all my constructs, the Watchers cost the least dedication of one's power reserves to maintain. Do you wish for a legion of ivory dragons? A way to raise those troops that might fall on a battlefield? Do you wish to be able to project your might to far-off lands without the need to protect supply lines? I offer you all of this, and more," he rants. He stands once again, the chair leaning back so far that it nearly topples over, towering over Naoki as he leans across the table, the wood nearly buckling at his weight.
"The Von Haren blood allows one to take the essence of one's enemies and turn it against them, or turn it to your ally's benefit. Our children could transfer their own life to save their dying kin, or use the strength of enemy soldiers to turn the tide of a losing battle. A siege could be held indefinitely, and a siege defence would be made doubly potent by the ability of the Emperor or Empress to raise fallen men on a whim. They could enhance their living soldiers to the point where they would be considered super-human, and drinking of the blood of a Von Haren imparts some of its power -- as can be seen in my Dread Knights -- that they may use it upon the battlefield. Not only this, but my plan is very clear in specifying that you are guaranteed an heir. The firstborn will be yours, regardless of the child's gender. I only require one son to continue the Von Haren legacy, but if you refuse to bear me a second child, I will be powerless to protest," he continues, impassioned in his dedication to this line of thought. He shifts gears, then, standing to his full height and letting out a long exhale.
"As well, I do not want to use my most valuable ally. I am not a man of such base dishonour as that. My Empress, please trust that I want what is best for both of our peoples. I think a Von Haren sitting on the throne of Isra, groomed and trained by the great Empress herself for the position, is a beautiful ideal. They will be strong and hearty, as all of my line are, blessed as we are by the heritage of the Ravenpeak Giants. They will tower like a god before their people. So too will I remain by your side in whatever capacity you wish. There is only one condition barring that, and it is that I must help you raise our children, for one cannot learn the extent of the power of the blood without a master to guide them, and there is no master of the Black Arts in this land greater than myself, on that I would bank my life. Inheriting your wit and my power and physical prowess, none could stop this child of ours," he says, and then pulls the chair back and sits once more, the oaken seat creaking in protest at his massive armoured form.
"There is more than that, though, Lady. More than all of this I wish to know you first. My Lady, I know you are not looking for permanent companionship. And I do not believe a relationship of that sort is something I am destined to find ever again. But I do think we could enjoy one another's company regardless of breeding pacts. I see now that such a pact is seen as...impersonal, in Isra. Make no mistake, I wish to know you on the most personal level. The rulers of the Black Vale are simply of a...legalistic bent atimes," he concludes. He smiles no longer, his expression entirely grave and serious, but there is a spark of hope within his eye.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 3, 2020 15:09:18 GMT -8
Naoki sits with one cheek in her hand, her mouth all but invisible. She listens as Ulfang grows increasingly impassioned, but cannot find it within herself to agree.
When he sits, Naoki looks at him for a long moment, torn, before shaking her head.
“No, Ulfang. ... No. I do not wish for legions of ivory dragons. I do not wish to desecrate the bodies of my soldiers, nor for the means to more easily wage needless war across the Overworld. You offer great power, but the power you offer is dark, profane, entirely at odds with the sensibilities of my Empire, and unnecessary on top of that power I already have.”
“Regardless of your qualities, intentions, or what ‘could be’, the fact remains that your Dark Arts are exactly that, and reviled throughout the land. The people of Isra would not accept a Haren ruler in the same way they accept me. Scaring them into submission or ruling through fear is entirely unacceptable, and I ought to be proof enough that the ruler of Isra does not need that manner of personal power in any case. I don’t believe that any child of yours would ever be a suitable ruler for The Isran Empire, and I would be unwilling to leave it to them in any case.”
A beat. She looks him in the eye.
“...But that does not entirely preclude some manner of arrangement between us.”
“I invite you to join me tomorrow, around noon, in The Sudatorium. I tire of speaking of this for now and promise you absolutely nothing, but we can meet again then.”
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
----------------------
Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 3, 2020 20:20:38 GMT -8
Ulfang's brows furrow over an otherwise unreadable, flat expression as Naoki speaks, staring her in the eye the entire time, never breaking contact or letting any emotion show. Those who know Ulfang well would know this expression: he is not pleased with the answer he has received, but he is willing to accept it and change strategies. Still, something Naoki says troubles him. His Watchers have been active in the empire of Isra for longer than Naoki has been around -- since its founding, in fact -- and while she has never publicly practiced any dark magics or used spells that might be considered by religious fanatics to be unwholesome, there have been signs of something much, much blacker than the people of Isra might appreciate backing Naoki's throne. Until now it had not occured to Ulfang that the people of Isra were unaware of Naoki's dealings with darkness, but her words make it blatantly clear. The question is: should he speak his mind on this, or hold his tongue? He has angered the woman once already, but...
He decides to take the middle road. He leans in toward her, his brows still furrowed, although a slightly perplexed expression has crossed his features. He takes several long breaths to gather his thoughts, but finally, he speaks, his deep baritone rumbling out in cautious ponderousness.
"Empress, excuse me for saying so, but based on previous observation, I do not believe you truly feel that way about dark magics. Still, I understand and respect your need to keep their use covert. You have cultivated an image, and it would not do to break that image. I lament what may have been, but your word is law here, as mine would be were our positions reversed. I would be pleased to meet with you again tomorrow, as a friend and ally, regardless of the circumstances. Whether we come to an agreement over this issue or not is ultimately inconsequential to my feelings about you, and I would prefer that the Haren propensity toward legalism doesn't get in the way of our personal relationship. I will not push you to any sort of decision, and I thank you kindly for allowing me to speak my piece," he says, inclining his head in thanks to Naoki.
Ulfang does not wait to be excused, but stands up and gives respectful half-bow, the kind deserved of an equal, rather than a superior. He halts for a moment, and then gives a broad grin, the trouble painted across his face washing away in an instant.
"And, Empress," he continues, "thank you for the wine. I have not had third century Medanese Gold in years, and it was exquisite. I will have to return your kindness sometime."
Ulfang turns on a heel and steps from behind the table, pushing his chair in.
"If there is naught else, I will take no more of your time. I will see you tomorrow at noon, in The Sudatorium. Good evening, Lady Naoki, until we meet again," he states with one final parting nod, and heads toward the door with a swish of his cloak, walking slowly enough that she could call him to attention should she need to. With a loud cacophony of kraas the ravens disperse from the garden, as if risen by a predator, and take to the skies, vanishing into the surrounding airspace. As Ulfang promised, they have caused no damage to the garden, and in fact it is as if they were never there at all, but for a single, shimmering black feather resting delicately upon the windowsill.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 3, 2020 21:16:14 GMT -8
“I do not,” Naoki confirms. “That is why I said ‘the sensibilities of my empire’ and not ‘the sensibilities of both myself and my empire’. You have it exactly right about image; if I felt as the average of all my citizens, you would have been turned away at the gate.” She makes a dismissive hand gesture, lamenting that not all are as educated as she. Things would be so much easier if they were.
“You are quite welcome,” she responds, “I shall save the rest. … Until then.”
Empress Naoki nods and raises a hand in farewell to Ulfang, but remains seated as he exits and shuts the door behind himself. She stands to jam the cork back into the mouth of the wine bottle, but sits again afterward, as her glass is still half-full.
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Grandma
Widely Known
Imperial Vizier of Isra
Roleplay posts: 1,017
Age: 90
Physical Description: ---------------------------------------------------------
An elderly and frail looking woman with white wispy hair. However, despite being old, her back is not bent by age nor are her eyes clouded by it.
Clothes and Equipment: ---------------------------------------------------------
She wears a deep purple robe that has sleeves that extend far beyond her hands. Her hands are covered with fine gloves of black silk and she wears one ring on each, one having a purple stone set in it and the other a piece of onyx. Carrying an ornate cane of orellium, Grandma can use it to increase her magical channeling as well as assist in deflecting others spells with it. The cane itself is black and covered in numerous ornate, but tiny runes. The cap on the cane is a purplish colored gem. On her wrist is a silver bracelet with a ruby in it that Grandma uses for telepathic communication with others in its network.
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Registered: Sept 12, 2015 8:27:42 GMT -8
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Post by Grandma on Feb 3, 2020 22:05:43 GMT -8
As Ulfang exited “The Lounge”, he would perhaps notice a figure present who hadn’t been there when he and Naoki initially passed through the foyer. It was an old woman, her body wrapped in a cloak of deep purple, the hood drawn up to partially obscure her face.
Standing on one of the two balconies that wrapped the room's edge, she gazed down at him in silence. One hand clutched at the balcony’s railing while the other firmly held her cane. While the robe itself had a notable lack of adornments, each hand was bejeweled in numerous rings, their gemstones glinting oddly in the rooms low light.
Expression completely devoid of any emotion, Ulfang would find the crone’s gray eyes following his every move, although it seemed she had no interest in addressing him.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 3, 2020 23:02:02 GMT -8
Ulfang glances upward in thought as he shuts the door behind him, only to do a double take, surprised by the sudden intrusion of the old woman. One of the side-effects of the blood is the ability to sense the life-force of a being in proximity, but he had only felt himself and Naoki present within her quarters. This woman, this creepy, old woman he had not felt at all. The implications of such are worrying, to say the least.
"I know not how you slipped past the guard, but if you wish to harm the Lady Naoki," he growls, his menacing baritone timbre intimidating enough to make most mortal men shake in their boots, "you will have to go through me first."
He has honoured Naoki's request to remain unarmed, and the magic-warding effects of the Citadel make it difficult to use his more powerful spells, but even with his bare hands he is quite the opponent.
Ulfang steps back into a fighting stance, fists raised, ready for this would-be assassin, until something clicks in his mind and he freezes. This woman. Those adornments. He had seen her before. Not through his own eyes, but through his raven Watchers', owing to the initial confusion. This old crone had accompanied Naoki long before the Empress gained such a grand title. Still, Ulfang had never put much stock in her presence, until now. The fact that she could conceal herself from his innate sensory abilities must mean that there is more to her than meets the eye.
It occurs to Ulfang that wherever he saw the touch of dark magics upon Naoki's actions, that ancient woman had been with her. Could she be a witch? Could Naoki have a Coven of Diviners of her own? Or, perhaps this old hag hides something greater behind her wrinkled skin. On further recollection, it seems that this woman hasn't aged any further than Naoki since he first looked upon her visage through his mind's eye. Could the two be connected in some way more profound than the eye can comprehend?
"Who...are you?" he inquires, lowering his fists, although his attitude remains guarded. He holds the door between himself and the old woman in case he's made a rare slip in judgement and this is in fact some unlikely assassin, willing to defend his newest ally to the last breath if need be. Such is the undyingly loyal mindset of a Von Haren: even the newest of good friends are worth fighting fiercely to protect.
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Grandma
Widely Known
Imperial Vizier of Isra
Roleplay posts: 1,017
Age: 90
Physical Description: ---------------------------------------------------------
An elderly and frail looking woman with white wispy hair. However, despite being old, her back is not bent by age nor are her eyes clouded by it.
Clothes and Equipment: ---------------------------------------------------------
She wears a deep purple robe that has sleeves that extend far beyond her hands. Her hands are covered with fine gloves of black silk and she wears one ring on each, one having a purple stone set in it and the other a piece of onyx. Carrying an ornate cane of orellium, Grandma can use it to increase her magical channeling as well as assist in deflecting others spells with it. The cane itself is black and covered in numerous ornate, but tiny runes. The cap on the cane is a purplish colored gem. On her wrist is a silver bracelet with a ruby in it that Grandma uses for telepathic communication with others in its network.
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Registered: Sept 12, 2015 8:27:42 GMT -8
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Post by Grandma on Feb 4, 2020 0:12:32 GMT -8
Frowning slightly at Ulfang’s initial comment, Grandma slowly strolled down the balcony, her robes rustling dryly as she moved closer. So this was Ulfang von Haren… He had worked with Isra previously to assist in containing the Wyld and today he had sought an audience with Naoki. Like most occurrences within the citadel, this hadn’t gone unnoticed by Grandma.
It seemed he didn’t know who she was, however. Raising his fists and taking a fighting stance… Did he intend to get into a fistfight with an old woman? Quirking an eyebrow upwards, Grandma affixed him with a withering look. Muttering something inaudible to herself, she let out the slightest of sighs.
“Challenging me to a fistfight? That certainly isn’t something I see every day.” Even as her words were spoken, based on his body language it seemed Ulfang was beginning to come to a different conclusion as to who she was.
Planting her cane firmly in front of her and placing both hands atop it, Grandma lets an unnecessarily uncomfortable amount of time pass before finally answering his question.
“I am the Imperial Vizier of Isra. And you are Ulfang von Haren, King of The Black Vale.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, leaving no room for argument. These were the facts and that was that.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 4, 2020 1:17:12 GMT -8
Ulfang appraises Grandma warily as she approaches, his eye following her down the steps. She seems a normal enough old woman. Non-threatening and decrepit, surely. Seeming is not always being, however, a fact Ulfang knows better than most. He remains silent as she stands there, motionless, before him, and his wary expression changes not a touch as she reveals her identity.
In fact, if anything Ulfang is more wary of this woman. If a king is the face of a kingdom, a Vizier is the hand. Ulfang chooses to keep his court free of such officials for the corruption they are like to bring, and the power they are like to crave, but an empire as large as Isra has no such luxury.
"The wise assassin is the unexpected one," he rumbles in response to her first comment. "Were you to be dressed up in skin-tight wrappings, wielding a pair of long knives and dancing about like a fool, I would be far less concerned. I know that the elderly are not always as powerless as they may seem. My Coven of Diviners is proof enough of that, and even they cannot hide their essence from me. But you..." He lets the sentence hang.
There is another long pause and then, finally, Ulfang shows some measure of respect for Grandma's title, and bows his head briefly by way of belated greeting.
"You have guessed correctly at my identity, although it is surely not difficult to divine who I am, as my arrival was no secret. Nevertheless, I greet you. Do you wish something of me, Vizier, or have you simply come to introduce yourself?" he inquires. Ulfang feels he knows the answer.
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Grandma
Widely Known
Imperial Vizier of Isra
Roleplay posts: 1,017
Age: 90
Physical Description: ---------------------------------------------------------
An elderly and frail looking woman with white wispy hair. However, despite being old, her back is not bent by age nor are her eyes clouded by it.
Clothes and Equipment: ---------------------------------------------------------
She wears a deep purple robe that has sleeves that extend far beyond her hands. Her hands are covered with fine gloves of black silk and she wears one ring on each, one having a purple stone set in it and the other a piece of onyx. Carrying an ornate cane of orellium, Grandma can use it to increase her magical channeling as well as assist in deflecting others spells with it. The cane itself is black and covered in numerous ornate, but tiny runes. The cap on the cane is a purplish colored gem. On her wrist is a silver bracelet with a ruby in it that Grandma uses for telepathic communication with others in its network.
---------------------------------------------------------
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 8:27:42 GMT -8
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Post by Grandma on Feb 4, 2020 17:52:26 GMT -8
“Mmm, I suppose not all those who are elderly are completely defenseless,” Grandma murmured to herself. “Perhaps in my age I’m so close to death you simply can’t detect what little is left of my life.” While her tone was impassive, for a brief moment Ulfang might notice a ghost of a smile on the crone’s lips.
While being civil towards foreign leaders wasn’t something of particular importance to Grandma, she had no reason to needlessly antagonize them. She only did that in specific situations. Offering a nod of respect towards Ulfang in response to his own, she briefly considers his question.
“Neither. I had come down here to speak with the Empress about matters of state. Running into you was a…” Hesitating, Grandma considered what word choice would be the most appropriate. “Convenient coincidence. I hope you and the Empress had an amicable meeting.” Eyes narrowing slightly, Grandma glanced at the door leading into the lounge and then back at Ulfang.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
----------------------
Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 4, 2020 18:21:01 GMT -8
Ulfang snorts in amusement. He knows that her proposed explanation is nonsense, of course. If the Vizier did not feel confident she could eliminate Ulfang on her own, he suspects the guard would still be posted nearby, but the suggestion is humorous at the least.
"Perhaps, Vizier, perhaps," he offers amicably. He decides to take her words as jest. Surely she does not think him so foolish. Even if she does, he need not get offended. Better that he is underestimated, at any rate.
Ulfang pauses for a moment to ponder exactly how much he should tell this Vizier about his meeting with Naoki. After several moments of running his gauntleted forefinger and thumb through his beard in thought, he finally comes to a conclusion. It's unlikely given this crone's constant proximity to Naoki that she won't hear every detail, yet perhaps he should let Naoki explain the finer points of their discussion.
"Our meeting was productive. It started with the Empress enraged at me, continued with her vehement rebuke of my proferred plot, and ended with a friendly offer to meet again on the morrow. Better than most diplomatic rendezvous, I'd say," he jests, a wry smirk touching his features.
"Will that be all, Vizier? I would not wish to delay your meeting with the Empress, though I am pleased to have met you in person," Ulfang says. He is in no particular rush to leave, but there is no reason to stay without definite purpose when there is so much else yet to be done this eve.
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Grandma
Widely Known
Imperial Vizier of Isra
Roleplay posts: 1,017
Age: 90
Physical Description: ---------------------------------------------------------
An elderly and frail looking woman with white wispy hair. However, despite being old, her back is not bent by age nor are her eyes clouded by it.
Clothes and Equipment: ---------------------------------------------------------
She wears a deep purple robe that has sleeves that extend far beyond her hands. Her hands are covered with fine gloves of black silk and she wears one ring on each, one having a purple stone set in it and the other a piece of onyx. Carrying an ornate cane of orellium, Grandma can use it to increase her magical channeling as well as assist in deflecting others spells with it. The cane itself is black and covered in numerous ornate, but tiny runes. The cap on the cane is a purplish colored gem. On her wrist is a silver bracelet with a ruby in it that Grandma uses for telepathic communication with others in its network.
---------------------------------------------------------
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 8:27:42 GMT -8
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Post by Grandma on Feb 6, 2020 11:23:21 GMT -8
Offering a slow nod at Ulfang’s description of the meeting, she began to move, her cane rhythmically clicking and robes rustling as she glided towards the door to the lounge.
“I see. Well, hopefully, your meeting can start off on a better foot tomorrow. Since you’ll be staying in Isra tonight…” Reaching into her robe, Grandma produced a small rectangular shaped card. Proffering it towards Ulfang, she continued. “If you’re ever interested in experiencing some of Isra’s extravagance, simply go to the Moonlight Eclipse and show them this. You’ll have all their services available to yourself at no charge.”
Pausing, Grandma considered if there was anything else she’d like to speak to Ulfang about. While there were a few topics she wouldn’t mind broaching, it would be better to speak to Naoki first… After all, if Ulfang became a frequent visitor she’d have plenty of opportunities to ask him these questions in the future.
“Yes, I think that is about everything for now… It was good to meet you in person. I suspect we shall speak again, but until then.” Grandma nodded in Ulfang’s direction, allowing a slight smile to crease her lips. “I hope you will enjoy your stay in Isra, King von Haren.”
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
----------------------
Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 6, 2020 11:36:09 GMT -8
Ulfang receives the slip gratefully, dipping his head in thanks and turning it over in his hand to inspect it. He sweeps his cloak aside to carefully slip the parchment into a satchel upon his belt.
"I offer my sincere thanks, Vizier. That is most generous of you," he rumbles. While he most certainly does not plan on going anywhere other than directly back to the Black Vale entourage's base camp this night, the sentiment is very much appreciated. He'll have to take her up on her offer sometime when there's less work to be done.
"Well, Vizier, I will be seeing you much more in the coming weeks, I suspect. I look forward to our next meeting. Have a lovely evening," says the king, inclining his head in farewell to her and stepping past. He slips out of the door to Naoki's quarters and makes his way back through the Citadel.
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Grandma
Widely Known
Imperial Vizier of Isra
Roleplay posts: 1,017
Age: 90
Physical Description: ---------------------------------------------------------
An elderly and frail looking woman with white wispy hair. However, despite being old, her back is not bent by age nor are her eyes clouded by it.
Clothes and Equipment: ---------------------------------------------------------
She wears a deep purple robe that has sleeves that extend far beyond her hands. Her hands are covered with fine gloves of black silk and she wears one ring on each, one having a purple stone set in it and the other a piece of onyx. Carrying an ornate cane of orellium, Grandma can use it to increase her magical channeling as well as assist in deflecting others spells with it. The cane itself is black and covered in numerous ornate, but tiny runes. The cap on the cane is a purplish colored gem. On her wrist is a silver bracelet with a ruby in it that Grandma uses for telepathic communication with others in its network.
---------------------------------------------------------
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 8:27:42 GMT -8
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Post by Grandma on Feb 6, 2020 13:42:33 GMT -8
Waiting until Ulfang is gone from the room, Grandma stands in silence for a moment. He was one she’d have to keep an eye on, several pairs of eyes perhaps. Whether he was a threat or a potential ally had yet to be seen. The line between the two was always very fine…
Turning towards the door into the lounge, Grandma knocked once before cracking one open to slip inside. She’d already alerted Naoki she was on her way so there was no reason to worry about startling her with this visit. As soon as she was in the room, the door smoothly shut close with a singular click.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 9, 2020 19:56:35 GMT -8
Sitting there at the table after both Ulfang and Grandma have left, Naoki holds her half-glass of wine in one hand and stares blankly out the window. Ulfang is an awful lot, in more ways than one. Much more sass than she has to put up with on a regular basis — which is none. He fancies himself her equal, and, not having refuted him, she supposes that she has made it so. At least as far as their conversations go. But what a discussion. It was only halfway through that Naoki realized that it reminded her of another, similar discussion she had with Archbishop Alured Norian, in the very same Sudatorium that she will be seeing Ulfang in tomorrow. Alured proposed to her a scheme along similar lines, where, posing as a solution to her “““problem””” of not having yet chosen a sire for her children, he could do her that immense favor that surely no one else would be so incredibly kind as to do, and, in so doing, piggyback off her success and power to further his own aims. In that case, he was focused less on the child and more on the ramifications. It was an anti-undead, religious sort of thing, where he hoped to change Isra to impact his ideals upon the world. It was, somehow, more disagreeable than anything Ulfang brought up, due mostly to how keen he was on wiping Isra clean of the undead. That sort of low-key-genocide doesn't sit well with her, even if they weren't necessarily alive to begin with. Lots of Naoki’s best friends are undead, so there was good cause to issue with his plan. She heard him out, entertained his proposal, but then when Naoki brought up Skarlet, he stormed out in a big huff and hasn’t been heard from since. Now that she comes to think of it, the comparison between Alured and Ulfang is an interesting one. Both crusty old men at least three times her age looking to impregnate her and take advantage of her power. Both six-letter names beginning with a vowel followed by the letter L. Both with strong and strange opinions on the topic of death. Both quite tall, and rather intimidating. But Ulfang is muscly where Alured was lean. Alured styled himself as creepy but ultimately benevolent, but in reality had nefarious intentions. Whereas Ulfang outwardly appears not just creepy but downright evil, though it seems as though he has pure intentions at heart. Hmmh. Naoki sighs, and sips her wine. Still. It’s a troublesome problem, the whole thing. Surrounded on all sides by people who want her to change for their benefit. Suitors, trying to wed her. Opportunists, trying to breed her, and others, maneuvering even now to position themselves favorably to take advantage of the power vacuum when/if she dies. And The Set, actively plotting to make it a 'when' in the near future. Even and especially: Grandma, pressuring her to Ascend and become immortal. After considering the matter for several moments, Naoki comes to the conclusion that it certainly would be fantastic if everyone could just piss off. Again, she sips her wine. And throughout it all, none to confide in. None to lean on in troubling times like these, and none that would be suitable to discuss her troubles. Those that Naoki can trust to support her have dwindled down to a paltry few, and even then they are far off, tending to their own matters. … It is during times like these, Naoki thinks, that she most misses Kate. What she had with Kate was pure and untainted in a way that Naoki doubts she will ever have again, especially considering recent events. She can relate to Ulfang and his dead wife, and sometimes Naoki wonders if... No! Catching herself, Naoki abruptly stands and stalks over to the window, her ears flattened in anger. Now is not the time for crying and self-pity. Now is the time to figure out what the hell she is going to do to sort out this flaming mess that her life has become. She will be forced to make a decision about succession eventually, and she must figure it out before that point. ... Scowling at the black feather sitting so arrogantly on her window, she huffs again and crosses her arms. She considers if the black feather could, perhaps, be symbolic for something in her troubles, but nothing jumps out. All is still for the space of a few moments, and then a gust of wind blows it away.
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