The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 468
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Registered: Apr 3, 2016 10:52:37 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Apr 15, 2018 3:49:32 GMT -8
Within The Citadel lies a courtyard. During most of the day, it is cast in shadow, as it sits near the center of The Citadel, nestled in amongst the tall buildings and magnificent spires. However, despite this, it blooms with vibrant color, owing to the gratuitous amount of flowers and greenery planted therein. Tulips, and lilies, and roses, and zinnias. Hydrangeas and geraniums and marigold and lavender—a huge assortment. Indeed, a significant amount of gold has been invested to import flowers from all around the world, from Asgeir to Sakand. (Though, there are pointedly no chrysanthemums, as The Empress is allergic.) Still more gold is spent to maintain it. Watering, weeding, trimming the hedges, cleaning the tables, and other such tasks are done frequently and done well, as two of the best gardeners in Isra are employed full time for exactly such a purpose. During the day, the courtyard is open for all to peruse and enjoy, accessible by way of an unlabeled door in a rarely used hallway. However, its existence is something of a secret, shared amongst a small group of naturally-inclined, like-minded individuals who have befriended the gardeners. They often use it as a quiet place to eat lunch, gathering around noontime when the sun shines directly down from above. They sit in small groups at the tables, sharing light conversation before returning to their duties. Overlooking the courtyard are a number of windows belonging to The Empress’s Chambers. She can sometimes be seen inside reading, or entertaining guests. On some days The Courtyard fulfills its intended purpose, when The Empress chooses to take her guests (or just her lunch) out into it. On these days, a small “Closed” sign is hung on the public entrance, and the others take their lunches elsewhere. |
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Kauri Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 262 
Age: 26
Physical Description: Kauri has a complexion so pale that she seems to mimic the glow of the moon. Atop her head stands two long, thin coppery horns that seem unnervingly sharp at their tips.
Her eyes are similar to a cat's with a bright yellow iris and a slit pupil. The fingers on her right hand seem shorter and are fixed with long, sturdy claws most useful for climbing.
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Clothes and Equipment: -----------------------------------------------------------
Kauri's clothes seem somewhat colorful, sometimes scarce and sometimes superfluous depending on the ever-changing weather of her home. They're always slightly decorative, but sewn and forged with purpose.
She wears small amounts of armor, such as braces, breastplates, and greaves, but they're usually very small and are built more for movement than they are for protection.
She is skilled with a bow and sword, both of which she carries with her consistently. None of her weapons are terribly special, but they're sturdy and well made.
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Allegiances: Isra
Registered: Nov 22, 2017 13:22:51 GMT -8
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Post by Kauri Graves on Apr 15, 2018 14:32:49 GMT -8
"Goodness. Goodness, goodness. I am so nervous, Marshal. I don't know. It's not like I can leave, but I want to be here, but I have no idea why she's called me. I mean, I do. But me?"
A pale-skinned, cat-eyed, deer-hooved woman walked into the gardens with Alden Marshal, fretting since the second she walked out of her door that morning. She'd put on her best clothes, making sure that they were in Isran colors. A white tunic was worn below a red dress with golden accents and embellishments. It wasn't incredibly grand and was so short it stopped just below her ankles, but it was appropriate. Her silvery hair had been braided above her bangs and strapped tightly into a bun on the back of her head. She'd even gotten a pair of horseshoes- all due to her mothers nagging- made of iron.
She wore a loose, flowery bonnet to keep the sun at bay, but also to preserve... what had her mother called it? Some modesty and add some feminine charm to her otherwise "uncouth nature."
Even with all the trouble they had gone through, the chimera wasn't at all worried about her dress. Meeting the Empress at all was killing her inside. What if she said something absolutely idiotic? Oh, she bet Alden would stop associating with her immediately. Her family would be ostracised. They would all die of starvation!
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Alden Marshal
Widely Known
Roleplay posts: 1,420 
Age: 30
Physical Description: Alden is 6 even, with shoulder length messy black hair, and several days worth of beard stubble. He is handsome, with a powerful jaw, mid set cheek bones, and a perpetual grin that makes him seem younger than he really is. His bright green eyes, constantly sparkle with barely contained mirth. He has the lithe well muscled body of a swordsmen, and he moves with considerable grace and dexterity.
If one where to take more thorough examination of Alden's eyes they may notice a further detail. Around the outside edge of his iris's there's an intricate series of minuscule grey runes.
Alden rarely removes his shirt, but should someone see him with it off, they would find his body to be covered in scar tissue. Starting from just below his neckline, there is very little space that does not sport some relic of a past injury. A particularly observant person may also note that among these scars, some are a bright scarlet. These scarlet scars form an intricate series of runes hiding among the others.
Those of a more magical bent may be able to decipher the runes in his eyes and on his skin. Identifying them as sigils more commonly found on magical items. The most obvious effect of the runes on his body, are increased speed, strength, and durability.
The runes on his eyes give him the ability to detect magical auras and residue, as well as allowing him to see through low level illusions and glamours. They also maintain his vision regardless of the current light level, and even if there is a sudden shift. His eyes are also capable of dropping into the infrared spectrum in complete darkness.
The rune work on his body enhances his natural strength, speed, endurance, durability, and reflexes to almost super human levels. The effects make him a formidable opponent for most magical creatures though only because they are supplemented by exceptional skill.
This means that all though he is almost super human in a straight contest of strength or speed he would most likely loose to most other magically enhanced humanoids such as vampires or were wolves.
Alden's runes also greatly increase his healing rate allowing him to recover from injuries that would normally take a few months for a person to recover from in a few short weeks. Not only do Alden's runes accelerate healing they also enhance it. A normal persons body will repair itself until it is functioning again then stop, thanks to the runes Alden's body will continues to fix itself until it is in near perfect condition. His healing abilities enhance his already prodigious stamina as it repairs muscle damage and lactic build up and it also increases longevity as he does not accumulate long term damage as most people do.
Finally his body runes provide protection from people attempts to find him magically. Detection spells will be obfuscated their readings on his location being off by about 20 meters. Long distance scrying and tracking spells are only able to narrow down his area to somewhere within a mile radius. It should be noted that these protections can be overcome by someone with sufficient power or ingenuity.
His runes cannot be removed unless they are cut off of his body using an appropriate ritual knife and magic. If the runes are disrupted in any other way they will simply grow back in a few weeks time.
The final thing that only someone versed in rune craft and enchanting would be able to tell is this: The process of these runes being carved into his bodies would have been unbelievably painful. A normal person would have been driven insane or to suicide if they had this happen to them. During the carving process un-directed magical energies would begin to take hold and tear apart your soul. The pain this would not cease until the rune pattern was completed. This means the pain caused would be on a spiritual and physical level of incredible magnitude.
Clothes and Equipment: Read this post for equipment update: http://thefantasysandbox.boards.net/post/27933
A re-paired and enchanted grey cloak, leather armor, twin short swords, bag of candy, full water skin, a few days worth of travel rations, enchanted leather boots, and a brace of throwing knives.
Player's online availability : On and off during the day, more active during evenings (EST)
Registered: Oct 30, 2015 14:59:43 GMT -8
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Post by Alden Marshal on Apr 16, 2018 8:17:44 GMT -8
By stark contrast, Alden didn't seem remotely concerned. Of course, he hadn't seemed remotely concerned when he was staring down a giant monster so it was likely that he just didn't get nervous. Although, it might also have to do with the fact that he was on a first name basis with the Empress. Hell, he hadn't even bothered dressing up, he was in his casual wear of a white tunic over brown leggings. Scarf and badge pinned around his neck as they wander the gardens.
"I mean, I've always found Naoki to be rather pleasant. So calm down and just talk to her?"
Is Alden's wonderfully unhelpful advice as they make the rounds. His voice calm and level but not particularly comforting, though that might be because he was suppressing a chuckle at how wound up she was.
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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 Apr 17, 2018 9:40:30 GMT -8
Walking along, Kauri and Alden would eventually find their path terminate into a small sort of clearing setup with a table and some chairs. It is in one of these chairs that The Empress is seated. For this occasion, she has chosen to wear one of her staple sweaterdresses, and a book sits closed on the table.
As they approach, Naoki spends a few moments to examine her guest. She was told that Kauri was a “chimera,” but that isn’t terribly descriptive, and Kauri’s dress isn’t terribly revealing—much to Naoki’s dismay. Though she certainly does have a nice set of horns on her, doesn’t she. And Naoki sincerely doubts that it’s Alden with the clippity-clopping.
This is mildly relieving, in that it doesn’t seem as if Kauri requires any special accommodations. It’s always awkward when one’s guest doesn’t fit into the chair. The bonnet with the horns is mildly amusing, but Naoki resolves not to comment on it.
“Greetings,”The Empress begins, rising from her seat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”
She extends one hand in Kauri’s direction as if to be shaken. Alden receives a familiar smile and a small nod.
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Kauri Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 262
Age: 26
Physical Description: Kauri has a complexion so pale that she seems to mimic the glow of the moon. Atop her head stands two long, thin coppery horns that seem unnervingly sharp at their tips.
Her eyes are similar to a cat's with a bright yellow iris and a slit pupil. The fingers on her right hand seem shorter and are fixed with long, sturdy claws most useful for climbing.
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Clothes and Equipment: -----------------------------------------------------------
Kauri's clothes seem somewhat colorful, sometimes scarce and sometimes superfluous depending on the ever-changing weather of her home. They're always slightly decorative, but sewn and forged with purpose.
She wears small amounts of armor, such as braces, breastplates, and greaves, but they're usually very small and are built more for movement than they are for protection.
She is skilled with a bow and sword, both of which she carries with her consistently. None of her weapons are terribly special, but they're sturdy and well made.
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Allegiances: Isra
Registered: Nov 22, 2017 13:22:51 GMT -8
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Post by Kauri Graves on Apr 17, 2018 11:42:02 GMT -8
There was never a time when Kauri was more thankful for her oddly pale skin, as it hid the blush that would have otherwise given her away.
Confidence, Kauri told herself. Poise.
"The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness," said the chimera with a nervous smile, taking Naoki's hand and curtseying, head bowed. "I couldn't even dream that you would one day know my name, much less ask for a meeting with me."
She noticed the Empress' casual greeting to Alden, remembering that the Marshal had once spoken about their friendship, and briefly touched upon it not a minute before. Such things completely blew the chimera's mind.
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Alden Marshal
Widely Known
Roleplay posts: 1,420
Age: 30
Physical Description: Alden is 6 even, with shoulder length messy black hair, and several days worth of beard stubble. He is handsome, with a powerful jaw, mid set cheek bones, and a perpetual grin that makes him seem younger than he really is. His bright green eyes, constantly sparkle with barely contained mirth. He has the lithe well muscled body of a swordsmen, and he moves with considerable grace and dexterity.
If one where to take more thorough examination of Alden's eyes they may notice a further detail. Around the outside edge of his iris's there's an intricate series of minuscule grey runes.
Alden rarely removes his shirt, but should someone see him with it off, they would find his body to be covered in scar tissue. Starting from just below his neckline, there is very little space that does not sport some relic of a past injury. A particularly observant person may also note that among these scars, some are a bright scarlet. These scarlet scars form an intricate series of runes hiding among the others.
Those of a more magical bent may be able to decipher the runes in his eyes and on his skin. Identifying them as sigils more commonly found on magical items. The most obvious effect of the runes on his body, are increased speed, strength, and durability.
The runes on his eyes give him the ability to detect magical auras and residue, as well as allowing him to see through low level illusions and glamours. They also maintain his vision regardless of the current light level, and even if there is a sudden shift. His eyes are also capable of dropping into the infrared spectrum in complete darkness.
The rune work on his body enhances his natural strength, speed, endurance, durability, and reflexes to almost super human levels. The effects make him a formidable opponent for most magical creatures though only because they are supplemented by exceptional skill.
This means that all though he is almost super human in a straight contest of strength or speed he would most likely loose to most other magically enhanced humanoids such as vampires or were wolves.
Alden's runes also greatly increase his healing rate allowing him to recover from injuries that would normally take a few months for a person to recover from in a few short weeks. Not only do Alden's runes accelerate healing they also enhance it. A normal persons body will repair itself until it is functioning again then stop, thanks to the runes Alden's body will continues to fix itself until it is in near perfect condition. His healing abilities enhance his already prodigious stamina as it repairs muscle damage and lactic build up and it also increases longevity as he does not accumulate long term damage as most people do.
Finally his body runes provide protection from people attempts to find him magically. Detection spells will be obfuscated their readings on his location being off by about 20 meters. Long distance scrying and tracking spells are only able to narrow down his area to somewhere within a mile radius. It should be noted that these protections can be overcome by someone with sufficient power or ingenuity.
His runes cannot be removed unless they are cut off of his body using an appropriate ritual knife and magic. If the runes are disrupted in any other way they will simply grow back in a few weeks time.
The final thing that only someone versed in rune craft and enchanting would be able to tell is this: The process of these runes being carved into his bodies would have been unbelievably painful. A normal person would have been driven insane or to suicide if they had this happen to them. During the carving process un-directed magical energies would begin to take hold and tear apart your soul. The pain this would not cease until the rune pattern was completed. This means the pain caused would be on a spiritual and physical level of incredible magnitude.
Clothes and Equipment: Read this post for equipment update: http://thefantasysandbox.boards.net/post/27933
A re-paired and enchanted grey cloak, leather armor, twin short swords, bag of candy, full water skin, a few days worth of travel rations, enchanted leather boots, and a brace of throwing knives.
Player's online availability : On and off during the day, more active during evenings (EST)
Registered: Oct 30, 2015 14:59:43 GMT -8
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Post by Alden Marshal on Apr 18, 2018 16:28:54 GMT -8
Alden returns Naoki's nod, the grin on his face widening slightly at the sight of the woman. Pulling out a chair for Kauri and then settling in himself he is, of course, utterly at ease with the situation. He is mildly amused by Kauri's borderline babbling greeting, it was clear that she was experiencing appropriate levels of awe. Alden had never been in awe of anything so he did have to wonder what it was like.
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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 Apr 18, 2018 18:04:59 GMT -8
“Well,” The Empress responds, “I wish to know of Paradise Island, and who better to ask?”
The question is rhetorical, and after taking a seat, she continues. “I’ve received and read your written report, Alden, and it’s certainly fortunate that the situation resolved as well as it did.”
Of course, the situation itself can hardly be described as ‘fortunate,’ but a significant number of people didn’t die, and they didn’t wreck her ship, so Naoki is counting it as a win.
“However, in the interest of effective governance, I wish to know more. I'm sure you can imagine. The discovery of something like Paradise Island is fairly significant as far as Isra is concerned, I'm sure you can imagine. To this end, I’ve dispatched ships of The Expeditionary Force to investigate, but they have yet to return—and, even when they do, they won’t be able to offer the same insight as I imagine you can.”
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Kauri Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 262
Age: 26
Physical Description: Kauri has a complexion so pale that she seems to mimic the glow of the moon. Atop her head stands two long, thin coppery horns that seem unnervingly sharp at their tips.
Her eyes are similar to a cat's with a bright yellow iris and a slit pupil. The fingers on her right hand seem shorter and are fixed with long, sturdy claws most useful for climbing.
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Clothes and Equipment: -----------------------------------------------------------
Kauri's clothes seem somewhat colorful, sometimes scarce and sometimes superfluous depending on the ever-changing weather of her home. They're always slightly decorative, but sewn and forged with purpose.
She wears small amounts of armor, such as braces, breastplates, and greaves, but they're usually very small and are built more for movement than they are for protection.
She is skilled with a bow and sword, both of which she carries with her consistently. None of her weapons are terribly special, but they're sturdy and well made.
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Allegiances: Isra
Registered: Nov 22, 2017 13:22:51 GMT -8
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Post by Kauri Graves on Apr 19, 2018 16:29:30 GMT -8
Hearing that, the chimera smiled gently as she took the seat Alden pulled out for her. She folded her hands in her lap, trying to stop her hands from shaking. Her nails lightly dug into her skin.
"Well, there's quite a bit I can tell you, though I didn't get to travel around nearly as much as I'd have liked. I was an explorer when I first arrived in Paradise. Imagine my dismay when the villagers of Mahaia- all of them foreigners, washed ashore as I did- had made a pact with the natives stating that they couldn't venture far from a small, designated area, lest they be killed. I, ah... may have gone against that pact and went out on my own a bit."
"Tane is one of the villagers there who filled me in more on them. The three creatures that the Marshal, here, fought are guardians of the tribes that are called upon with magic. They're originally there to protect the island. I don't know what's going to happen now that two of them are dead."
"I've met very few of the tribespeople. They would wander into our territory now and again- young ones who were curious- and speak to us. There's no real government between them except in the floating islets in the sky. I believe they're called the... Aeries. Filled with bird-people. There's a whole system up there, but for the most part, they're a mystery."
The chimera frowned for a moment. "That's a brief overview of what I can tell you. The island itself is as described: chaotic, dangerous, both in its climate and wildlife. Do you have any questions?"
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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 Apr 19, 2018 17:13:08 GMT -8
Naoki listens carefully, fingers pressed together, ears pointed forward. She listens carefully, and nods afterward, digesting the information.
“So, if I’m to understand correctly, there are—or were, a significant number of individuals who became stranded on the island, yourself included. These individuals are those who have been brought to Isra. In addition, there are native tribespeople, as well as islands in the sky featuring ‘bird-people.’”
Up until this point Naoki had assumed Kauri to be a native and the island to be populated by others such as herself. Many questions spring to mind, but if Naoki been informed correctly, all of the rescued individuals were chimeras.
The Empress opens her mouth as if to speak, but stops herself, looking for a gentle way to broach the topic.
“I would like to know more about your story," she says, hoping it isn't an uncomfortable topic. "It seems like one worth telling.”
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Kauri Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 262
Age: 26
Physical Description: Kauri has a complexion so pale that she seems to mimic the glow of the moon. Atop her head stands two long, thin coppery horns that seem unnervingly sharp at their tips.
Her eyes are similar to a cat's with a bright yellow iris and a slit pupil. The fingers on her right hand seem shorter and are fixed with long, sturdy claws most useful for climbing.
---------------------------------------------------------
Clothes and Equipment: -----------------------------------------------------------
Kauri's clothes seem somewhat colorful, sometimes scarce and sometimes superfluous depending on the ever-changing weather of her home. They're always slightly decorative, but sewn and forged with purpose.
She wears small amounts of armor, such as braces, breastplates, and greaves, but they're usually very small and are built more for movement than they are for protection.
She is skilled with a bow and sword, both of which she carries with her consistently. None of her weapons are terribly special, but they're sturdy and well made.
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Allegiances: Isra
Registered: Nov 22, 2017 13:22:51 GMT -8
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Post by Kauri Graves on Apr 19, 2018 20:16:37 GMT -8
Kauri's nails bit just a tad deeper into her skin. "My story? Oh, dear, where do I start?"
As the woman's eyes clouded, she could feel the ground below her rock rhythmically back and forth. The roar of the waves filled her ears. There was the taste of salt on her lips, cold water spraying on her fingers, clenching tightly onto the sides of The Dauntless. Another hand landed on her own, clenching tightly.
When she looked up, Naoki, Alden the courtyard... it all disappeared, replaced by her: a woman with cheeks so pink they were tulips, and a smile so mesmerizing that it stopped time. Her hair was so big that it consumed her in a waterfall of flaxen curls. She stared at Kauri with eyes that reflected the turquoise waters below.
"My sister, Collette, and I decided to go on an adventure. We had braved mountains and forests in the past, but we had such wild, romantic thoughts about the sea. Rumors about Paradise was spreading around, though no one really believed it. Naturally, we took it upon ourselves to find it."
"Collete was pregnant, so she couldn't strain herself trying to handle the boat. I certainly couldn't do it myself, so, somehow, we were able to inspire a round up a few people to help us. We had quite the motley crew comprised of a fae called Bora, a halfling caster by the name of Ilvey, and our elven captain, Clovis."
"We never expected to find it as quickly as we did. It laid itself out before us after a week of sailing, sun shining, sands gleaming, and so much fruit hanging off of the trees that the branches were bending! Goodness, it wasn't giving us any reason to sail away. Then we got closer and... and then suddenly a storm happened. There hadn't been a cloud in a sky but in an instant, the sky was dark and the waves began to knock the boat about. I lost my balance, hit my head and blacked out. All I remember after that is waking up in the village.
The chimera took a short pause, biting her lips as she broke her gaze with the Empress. She took a breath, then rose her chin to look at Naoki again.
"Not everyone survived. To this day no one knows what happened to Clovis and the boat. Ilvey was the one that saved us from drowning, but she used up so much energy she wasn't able to make it, herself. Bora dragged Colette and I to shore, the only survivors. The villagers found us shortly after and took care of us until we were able to recover. We soon realized that it wasn't going to be an easy thing to leave, but we had come to the island to explore, so it wasn't a huge priority just yet. The villagers were a good start. We got so many answers to all our questions! But it wasn't enough. There was still so much that they didn't know that we just had to find out."
"Colette and I ventured far until she got tired, which happened sooner and sooner each day. Eventually, we began to notice little things changing about our bodies. Stripes were surfacing on her skin, and my eyes started to become yellow. We didn't care for this much, as the villagers told us that it was going to happen. No, what concerned me most was that Colette was getting so much more tired every day. Eventually... eventually she... she just... didn't wake up."
The chimera tore her gaze away again, staring solemnly at a small, grey body. It was like looking at ashes of a raging wildfire. Somewhere within the debris, however, she found a dim ember.
"Somehow, we were able to save the baby. She was born a chimera, quite like the one I am now. I became her guardian and rarely left the village from that moment on. I eventually became a game warden for them, making sure the oxen we used for food didn't veer into other territories, or that another threat wasn't wiping them out. Things ran relatively smoothly for a while... until the attacks. I woke up and so many of the children were gone, including Poala. There was so much blood, so many bodies..." Kauri shook her head, trying to shake the memory out of her mind.
"I looked for days to find the culprit, but that did nothing. We weren't able to do it on our own, and I'd known that from the beginning, so... so I prayed to the island, and asked for it to let me leave. I didn't think it would work but it did. That's when I met the Marshal and where that story starts."
The pale woman was somber after her story. She had never told the story in full before. She doubted it had much information that the Empress could use, but she was expected to do as she was told, not to ask if the Empress was sure she wanted to hear something that was hardly worth listening to.
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Alden Marshal
Widely Known
Roleplay posts: 1,420
Age: 30
Physical Description: Alden is 6 even, with shoulder length messy black hair, and several days worth of beard stubble. He is handsome, with a powerful jaw, mid set cheek bones, and a perpetual grin that makes him seem younger than he really is. His bright green eyes, constantly sparkle with barely contained mirth. He has the lithe well muscled body of a swordsmen, and he moves with considerable grace and dexterity.
If one where to take more thorough examination of Alden's eyes they may notice a further detail. Around the outside edge of his iris's there's an intricate series of minuscule grey runes.
Alden rarely removes his shirt, but should someone see him with it off, they would find his body to be covered in scar tissue. Starting from just below his neckline, there is very little space that does not sport some relic of a past injury. A particularly observant person may also note that among these scars, some are a bright scarlet. These scarlet scars form an intricate series of runes hiding among the others.
Those of a more magical bent may be able to decipher the runes in his eyes and on his skin. Identifying them as sigils more commonly found on magical items. The most obvious effect of the runes on his body, are increased speed, strength, and durability.
The runes on his eyes give him the ability to detect magical auras and residue, as well as allowing him to see through low level illusions and glamours. They also maintain his vision regardless of the current light level, and even if there is a sudden shift. His eyes are also capable of dropping into the infrared spectrum in complete darkness.
The rune work on his body enhances his natural strength, speed, endurance, durability, and reflexes to almost super human levels. The effects make him a formidable opponent for most magical creatures though only because they are supplemented by exceptional skill.
This means that all though he is almost super human in a straight contest of strength or speed he would most likely loose to most other magically enhanced humanoids such as vampires or were wolves.
Alden's runes also greatly increase his healing rate allowing him to recover from injuries that would normally take a few months for a person to recover from in a few short weeks. Not only do Alden's runes accelerate healing they also enhance it. A normal persons body will repair itself until it is functioning again then stop, thanks to the runes Alden's body will continues to fix itself until it is in near perfect condition. His healing abilities enhance his already prodigious stamina as it repairs muscle damage and lactic build up and it also increases longevity as he does not accumulate long term damage as most people do.
Finally his body runes provide protection from people attempts to find him magically. Detection spells will be obfuscated their readings on his location being off by about 20 meters. Long distance scrying and tracking spells are only able to narrow down his area to somewhere within a mile radius. It should be noted that these protections can be overcome by someone with sufficient power or ingenuity.
His runes cannot be removed unless they are cut off of his body using an appropriate ritual knife and magic. If the runes are disrupted in any other way they will simply grow back in a few weeks time.
The final thing that only someone versed in rune craft and enchanting would be able to tell is this: The process of these runes being carved into his bodies would have been unbelievably painful. A normal person would have been driven insane or to suicide if they had this happen to them. During the carving process un-directed magical energies would begin to take hold and tear apart your soul. The pain this would not cease until the rune pattern was completed. This means the pain caused would be on a spiritual and physical level of incredible magnitude.
Clothes and Equipment: Read this post for equipment update: http://thefantasysandbox.boards.net/post/27933
A re-paired and enchanted grey cloak, leather armor, twin short swords, bag of candy, full water skin, a few days worth of travel rations, enchanted leather boots, and a brace of throwing knives.
Player's online availability : On and off during the day, more active during evenings (EST)
Registered: Oct 30, 2015 14:59:43 GMT -8
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Post by Alden Marshal on Apr 20, 2018 17:45:43 GMT -8
Alden was keeping his silence for the moment. He had figure out why he was asked to come along, he was moral support for Kauri. They had become quite close in the last few months and seeing as he was her only acquaintance who could casually join a meeting with the empress, of course, she asked him to come along. He may not have understood why she was nervous but at least he could now recognize situations that would make a normal person nervous so that was progress.
As she relates her tale, Alden finds he is actually glad he came. He hadn't known the entire story, not one to pry with words he'd never pushed to be told, so it was nice to hear it all in her own words. Rather than from supposition and subterfuge. Someone really needed to tell him that it was rude to spy on his friends, it was just second nature to him.
Kauri gets to the part of her story where she relates her sister's death. She may be surprised to find that that without a word Alden reaches out to take her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. It was a reflexive action one that he often did for his children when they were sad. He wanted to offer her some silent comfort as she continues her tale. Perhaps one day, he'd return the favor. Tell her all the sordid details of his past, find out if she could truly consider him a good man when she knew all he had done.
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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 Apr 21, 2018 9:07:34 GMT -8
Naoki comes to regret the manner in which she asked the question increasingly with each turn of Kauri's story. She’s glad to have the information, and it does allow her to extrapolate much, but with some more thought, she probably could have obtained the same data without forcing the poor girl to relate her entire tale of woe.
Afterward, The Empress allows a few moments to pass in respectful silence.
“Thank you for telling me,” she says, quiet. “I will see to it that others avoid similar perils.”
On what is hopefully a lighter note, The Empress asks, “And what have you been up to in the meantime, after leaving the island?”
The question isn’t strictly relevant to informing her strategy, but it seems logical to follow and Naoki’s curious.
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Kauri Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 262
Age: 26
Physical Description: Kauri has a complexion so pale that she seems to mimic the glow of the moon. Atop her head stands two long, thin coppery horns that seem unnervingly sharp at their tips.
Her eyes are similar to a cat's with a bright yellow iris and a slit pupil. The fingers on her right hand seem shorter and are fixed with long, sturdy claws most useful for climbing.
---------------------------------------------------------
Clothes and Equipment: -----------------------------------------------------------
Kauri's clothes seem somewhat colorful, sometimes scarce and sometimes superfluous depending on the ever-changing weather of her home. They're always slightly decorative, but sewn and forged with purpose.
She wears small amounts of armor, such as braces, breastplates, and greaves, but they're usually very small and are built more for movement than they are for protection.
She is skilled with a bow and sword, both of which she carries with her consistently. None of her weapons are terribly special, but they're sturdy and well made.
---------------------------------------------------------
Allegiances: Isra
Registered: Nov 22, 2017 13:22:51 GMT -8
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Post by Kauri Graves on Apr 22, 2018 21:51:27 GMT -8
Alden's offered hand was not expected in the least. The chimera's eyes darted up briefly when he made the gesture, though she made sure to continue her story. It was reciprocated with another squeeze, her other hand landing on top of his. A much-needed comfort swept over her, the likes of which she hadn't known for a while. Strange, she thought. Seeing her parents again should have had the same effect. It should have felt like this.
Upon hearing the Empress' next question, Kauri's demeanor changed immediately. She let go of Alden's hand and her mouth flew open in a toothy, nervous grin. "I! Have been training with the Marshal, here, learning to be a fighter. I never had any control over my life when I was backed into a corner. I couldn't save Poala when she was missing. That... that really scared me. I thought that if I at least knew how to fight, then I would be able to take action next time. He's-" She looked up to him, her grin fading, but a soft smile remaining. "He's been a pleasure to work with."
The chimera broke eye contact with the Marshal swiftly, giving Naoki her full attention.
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Alden Marshal
Widely Known
Roleplay posts: 1,420
Age: 30
Physical Description: Alden is 6 even, with shoulder length messy black hair, and several days worth of beard stubble. He is handsome, with a powerful jaw, mid set cheek bones, and a perpetual grin that makes him seem younger than he really is. His bright green eyes, constantly sparkle with barely contained mirth. He has the lithe well muscled body of a swordsmen, and he moves with considerable grace and dexterity.
If one where to take more thorough examination of Alden's eyes they may notice a further detail. Around the outside edge of his iris's there's an intricate series of minuscule grey runes.
Alden rarely removes his shirt, but should someone see him with it off, they would find his body to be covered in scar tissue. Starting from just below his neckline, there is very little space that does not sport some relic of a past injury. A particularly observant person may also note that among these scars, some are a bright scarlet. These scarlet scars form an intricate series of runes hiding among the others.
Those of a more magical bent may be able to decipher the runes in his eyes and on his skin. Identifying them as sigils more commonly found on magical items. The most obvious effect of the runes on his body, are increased speed, strength, and durability.
The runes on his eyes give him the ability to detect magical auras and residue, as well as allowing him to see through low level illusions and glamours. They also maintain his vision regardless of the current light level, and even if there is a sudden shift. His eyes are also capable of dropping into the infrared spectrum in complete darkness.
The rune work on his body enhances his natural strength, speed, endurance, durability, and reflexes to almost super human levels. The effects make him a formidable opponent for most magical creatures though only because they are supplemented by exceptional skill.
This means that all though he is almost super human in a straight contest of strength or speed he would most likely loose to most other magically enhanced humanoids such as vampires or were wolves.
Alden's runes also greatly increase his healing rate allowing him to recover from injuries that would normally take a few months for a person to recover from in a few short weeks. Not only do Alden's runes accelerate healing they also enhance it. A normal persons body will repair itself until it is functioning again then stop, thanks to the runes Alden's body will continues to fix itself until it is in near perfect condition. His healing abilities enhance his already prodigious stamina as it repairs muscle damage and lactic build up and it also increases longevity as he does not accumulate long term damage as most people do.
Finally his body runes provide protection from people attempts to find him magically. Detection spells will be obfuscated their readings on his location being off by about 20 meters. Long distance scrying and tracking spells are only able to narrow down his area to somewhere within a mile radius. It should be noted that these protections can be overcome by someone with sufficient power or ingenuity.
His runes cannot be removed unless they are cut off of his body using an appropriate ritual knife and magic. If the runes are disrupted in any other way they will simply grow back in a few weeks time.
The final thing that only someone versed in rune craft and enchanting would be able to tell is this: The process of these runes being carved into his bodies would have been unbelievably painful. A normal person would have been driven insane or to suicide if they had this happen to them. During the carving process un-directed magical energies would begin to take hold and tear apart your soul. The pain this would not cease until the rune pattern was completed. This means the pain caused would be on a spiritual and physical level of incredible magnitude.
Clothes and Equipment: Read this post for equipment update: http://thefantasysandbox.boards.net/post/27933
A re-paired and enchanted grey cloak, leather armor, twin short swords, bag of candy, full water skin, a few days worth of travel rations, enchanted leather boots, and a brace of throwing knives.
Player's online availability : On and off during the day, more active during evenings (EST)
Registered: Oct 30, 2015 14:59:43 GMT -8
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Post by Alden Marshal on Apr 23, 2018 15:55:37 GMT -8
"She's made decent progress." Alden confirms with a nod of his head. He doesn't provide more input than that though since this was Kauri's interview. If Naoki wanted a full reckoning of the progression of the woman's skills he could give it but he doubts that'd be of interest to the Empress. The core of the discussion he suspects is over now all that's left is the pleasantries.
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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 Apr 23, 2018 17:58:22 GMT -8
“Oh. I’m sure he has been,” Naoki responds, jokingly reading into the statement.
The idea that Alden is training Kauri is an intriguing one to Naoki, in that if he’s doing so earnestly, she doubts that he’ll stop until Kauri reaches a level that is satisfactory to him. And at that point, this nervous girl in the bonnet will be terribly, terribly dangerous. Watching that transformation will be interesting.
However, considering the subject of the meeting, Naoki pauses for a moment to consider what information she has so far. It’s a lot, but it’s also not very much. Not enough to ground a strategy in, but enough to begin asking the right questions with. And though it seems like Kauri only knows but so much—only what she observed casually, The Empress thinks there are still questions worth asking.
“For the purpose of my curiosity only: Kauri. In the context of Paradise Island. If you were me. What would you do?”
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Kauri Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 262
Age: 26
Physical Description: Kauri has a complexion so pale that she seems to mimic the glow of the moon. Atop her head stands two long, thin coppery horns that seem unnervingly sharp at their tips.
Her eyes are similar to a cat's with a bright yellow iris and a slit pupil. The fingers on her right hand seem shorter and are fixed with long, sturdy claws most useful for climbing.
---------------------------------------------------------
Clothes and Equipment: -----------------------------------------------------------
Kauri's clothes seem somewhat colorful, sometimes scarce and sometimes superfluous depending on the ever-changing weather of her home. They're always slightly decorative, but sewn and forged with purpose.
She wears small amounts of armor, such as braces, breastplates, and greaves, but they're usually very small and are built more for movement than they are for protection.
She is skilled with a bow and sword, both of which she carries with her consistently. None of her weapons are terribly special, but they're sturdy and well made.
---------------------------------------------------------
Allegiances: Isra
Registered: Nov 22, 2017 13:22:51 GMT -8
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Post by Kauri Graves on Apr 24, 2018 11:45:14 GMT -8
Any trace of the chimera's smile vanished instantly. She looked into Naoki's eyes, brows pinching above her own. Her fingers entwined, scratching at the skin.
"I would leave it, Empress," suggested Kauri. "They are not concerned with anything outside of their borders. They kill those that come in from the outside. Those that I met are animals. The island itself takes what it wants, devouring the parts of you it doesn't like-" The chimera paused, placing her hand on the table, allowing her skin to absorb the material it was made of, decorating her palm. "And replaces it with something that makes you look as horrendous and feral as everything else living there. It's a selfish, horrible nightmare. Even if I'm thankful it let me leave, I'm sour it trapped me there and took everything from me in the first place."
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Alden Marshal
Widely Known
Roleplay posts: 1,420
Age: 30
Physical Description: Alden is 6 even, with shoulder length messy black hair, and several days worth of beard stubble. He is handsome, with a powerful jaw, mid set cheek bones, and a perpetual grin that makes him seem younger than he really is. His bright green eyes, constantly sparkle with barely contained mirth. He has the lithe well muscled body of a swordsmen, and he moves with considerable grace and dexterity.
If one where to take more thorough examination of Alden's eyes they may notice a further detail. Around the outside edge of his iris's there's an intricate series of minuscule grey runes.
Alden rarely removes his shirt, but should someone see him with it off, they would find his body to be covered in scar tissue. Starting from just below his neckline, there is very little space that does not sport some relic of a past injury. A particularly observant person may also note that among these scars, some are a bright scarlet. These scarlet scars form an intricate series of runes hiding among the others.
Those of a more magical bent may be able to decipher the runes in his eyes and on his skin. Identifying them as sigils more commonly found on magical items. The most obvious effect of the runes on his body, are increased speed, strength, and durability.
The runes on his eyes give him the ability to detect magical auras and residue, as well as allowing him to see through low level illusions and glamours. They also maintain his vision regardless of the current light level, and even if there is a sudden shift. His eyes are also capable of dropping into the infrared spectrum in complete darkness.
The rune work on his body enhances his natural strength, speed, endurance, durability, and reflexes to almost super human levels. The effects make him a formidable opponent for most magical creatures though only because they are supplemented by exceptional skill.
This means that all though he is almost super human in a straight contest of strength or speed he would most likely loose to most other magically enhanced humanoids such as vampires or were wolves.
Alden's runes also greatly increase his healing rate allowing him to recover from injuries that would normally take a few months for a person to recover from in a few short weeks. Not only do Alden's runes accelerate healing they also enhance it. A normal persons body will repair itself until it is functioning again then stop, thanks to the runes Alden's body will continues to fix itself until it is in near perfect condition. His healing abilities enhance his already prodigious stamina as it repairs muscle damage and lactic build up and it also increases longevity as he does not accumulate long term damage as most people do.
Finally his body runes provide protection from people attempts to find him magically. Detection spells will be obfuscated their readings on his location being off by about 20 meters. Long distance scrying and tracking spells are only able to narrow down his area to somewhere within a mile radius. It should be noted that these protections can be overcome by someone with sufficient power or ingenuity.
His runes cannot be removed unless they are cut off of his body using an appropriate ritual knife and magic. If the runes are disrupted in any other way they will simply grow back in a few weeks time.
The final thing that only someone versed in rune craft and enchanting would be able to tell is this: The process of these runes being carved into his bodies would have been unbelievably painful. A normal person would have been driven insane or to suicide if they had this happen to them. During the carving process un-directed magical energies would begin to take hold and tear apart your soul. The pain this would not cease until the rune pattern was completed. This means the pain caused would be on a spiritual and physical level of incredible magnitude.
Clothes and Equipment: Read this post for equipment update: http://thefantasysandbox.boards.net/post/27933
A re-paired and enchanted grey cloak, leather armor, twin short swords, bag of candy, full water skin, a few days worth of travel rations, enchanted leather boots, and a brace of throwing knives.
Player's online availability : On and off during the day, more active during evenings (EST)
Registered: Oct 30, 2015 14:59:43 GMT -8
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Post by Alden Marshal on Apr 24, 2018 16:05:22 GMT -8
Kauri's suggestion gets a raised eyebrow from Alden. He hadn't realized how much venom she held for the place but he couldn't blame her, he'd not enjoyed his time there either. It wasn't often that he failed and to him, the loss of any of the people he'd went there to protect was a failure. Even if he had, apparently, killed two tribal totems in the process. Even now part of him itched to return to Paradise and to finish what he started, to kill everything on that island for daring to kill those under his protection. But he was trying to not give into the parts of him that wanted to engage in such bloody vengeance.
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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 Apr 29, 2018 10:51:54 GMT -8
“Mmm, I see.” The Empress nods empathetically. Kauri’s answer is about what she suspected it might be, but telling nonetheless.
She can’t just leave it, of course. It’s too large, too close. It’s a matter of national security that The Empire be aware of exercise control over all territories in its reach. And though it may be best to leave dangerous lands well enough alone, Naoki must first know more of it. What groups inhabit it, what threat it represents, and how best to control it. If, after more thorough scouting, it becomes clear that the island should not be disturbed, fair enough, but leaving it unknown, unexplored, is not an option.
Later, Naoki will ask Alden for his professional assessment, when he can give it plainly. She knows that Kauri’s opinions will not color it, but the reverse may not be true.
“I appreciate the insight you have shared with me,” The Empress says. “If at any point, I can assist you, please, do not hesitate to ask.”
If Kauri is going to continue hanging out with Alden the odds of her needing something is low, but Naoki makes the offer regardless because doing the citizenry favors improves her approval ratings.
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Kauri Graves
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 262
Age: 26
Physical Description: Kauri has a complexion so pale that she seems to mimic the glow of the moon. Atop her head stands two long, thin coppery horns that seem unnervingly sharp at their tips.
Her eyes are similar to a cat's with a bright yellow iris and a slit pupil. The fingers on her right hand seem shorter and are fixed with long, sturdy claws most useful for climbing.
---------------------------------------------------------
Clothes and Equipment: -----------------------------------------------------------
Kauri's clothes seem somewhat colorful, sometimes scarce and sometimes superfluous depending on the ever-changing weather of her home. They're always slightly decorative, but sewn and forged with purpose.
She wears small amounts of armor, such as braces, breastplates, and greaves, but they're usually very small and are built more for movement than they are for protection.
She is skilled with a bow and sword, both of which she carries with her consistently. None of her weapons are terribly special, but they're sturdy and well made.
---------------------------------------------------------
Allegiances: Isra
Registered: Nov 22, 2017 13:22:51 GMT -8
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Post by Kauri Graves on Apr 29, 2018 17:32:14 GMT -8
Kauri's eyes widened as a shiver ran through her body. The Empress of the Isran Empire was telling her that she could ask for assistance. The mere thought made the chimera lightheaded. She swayed in place for a moment before catching herself, gripping the armrest with one hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am... speechless." She rose from her chair and curtseyed again, deeper than before. "I am forever in your service."
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Alden Marshal
Widely Known
Roleplay posts: 1,420
Age: 30
Physical Description: Alden is 6 even, with shoulder length messy black hair, and several days worth of beard stubble. He is handsome, with a powerful jaw, mid set cheek bones, and a perpetual grin that makes him seem younger than he really is. His bright green eyes, constantly sparkle with barely contained mirth. He has the lithe well muscled body of a swordsmen, and he moves with considerable grace and dexterity.
If one where to take more thorough examination of Alden's eyes they may notice a further detail. Around the outside edge of his iris's there's an intricate series of minuscule grey runes.
Alden rarely removes his shirt, but should someone see him with it off, they would find his body to be covered in scar tissue. Starting from just below his neckline, there is very little space that does not sport some relic of a past injury. A particularly observant person may also note that among these scars, some are a bright scarlet. These scarlet scars form an intricate series of runes hiding among the others.
Those of a more magical bent may be able to decipher the runes in his eyes and on his skin. Identifying them as sigils more commonly found on magical items. The most obvious effect of the runes on his body, are increased speed, strength, and durability.
The runes on his eyes give him the ability to detect magical auras and residue, as well as allowing him to see through low level illusions and glamours. They also maintain his vision regardless of the current light level, and even if there is a sudden shift. His eyes are also capable of dropping into the infrared spectrum in complete darkness.
The rune work on his body enhances his natural strength, speed, endurance, durability, and reflexes to almost super human levels. The effects make him a formidable opponent for most magical creatures though only because they are supplemented by exceptional skill.
This means that all though he is almost super human in a straight contest of strength or speed he would most likely loose to most other magically enhanced humanoids such as vampires or were wolves.
Alden's runes also greatly increase his healing rate allowing him to recover from injuries that would normally take a few months for a person to recover from in a few short weeks. Not only do Alden's runes accelerate healing they also enhance it. A normal persons body will repair itself until it is functioning again then stop, thanks to the runes Alden's body will continues to fix itself until it is in near perfect condition. His healing abilities enhance his already prodigious stamina as it repairs muscle damage and lactic build up and it also increases longevity as he does not accumulate long term damage as most people do.
Finally his body runes provide protection from people attempts to find him magically. Detection spells will be obfuscated their readings on his location being off by about 20 meters. Long distance scrying and tracking spells are only able to narrow down his area to somewhere within a mile radius. It should be noted that these protections can be overcome by someone with sufficient power or ingenuity.
His runes cannot be removed unless they are cut off of his body using an appropriate ritual knife and magic. If the runes are disrupted in any other way they will simply grow back in a few weeks time.
The final thing that only someone versed in rune craft and enchanting would be able to tell is this: The process of these runes being carved into his bodies would have been unbelievably painful. A normal person would have been driven insane or to suicide if they had this happen to them. During the carving process un-directed magical energies would begin to take hold and tear apart your soul. The pain this would not cease until the rune pattern was completed. This means the pain caused would be on a spiritual and physical level of incredible magnitude.
Clothes and Equipment: Read this post for equipment update: http://thefantasysandbox.boards.net/post/27933
A re-paired and enchanted grey cloak, leather armor, twin short swords, bag of candy, full water skin, a few days worth of travel rations, enchanted leather boots, and a brace of throwing knives.
Player's online availability : On and off during the day, more active during evenings (EST)
Registered: Oct 30, 2015 14:59:43 GMT -8
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Post by Alden Marshal on May 5, 2018 10:12:58 GMT -8
It was perhaps a bit amusing that Kauri was swooning so much over being offered help from Naoki, when she was already being trained by one of the empress's most trusted compatriots. Through no fault of her own, she'd been caught up in the affairs of powerful people, while she may still feel a bit overwhelmed she'd have time to adjust.
With the conversation's main purpose fulfilled Alden decides to take the time to ask a question of his own, though this one if for the Empress. "The children miss you, do you think you'll find time to visit any time soon Naoki?"
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