Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]

Sin is starting a new RP!
Welcome to Espada of Alexandria. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Knights of Logres
Topic Started: September 1, 2012, 6:40 pm (5,629 Views)
Onime No Ryu
Member Avatar
I'll be your Undertaker this evening
A knight is sworn to valour.
His heart knows only virtue.
His blade defends the helpless.
His might upholds the weak.
His word speaks only truth.
His wrath undoes the wicked.

--The Old Code of the First Knights

I here swear fealty and do homage to my lord;
to ever be a good knight and true,
reverent and generous,
shield of the weak,
obedient to my liege-lord,
foremost in battle,
courteous at all times,
champion of the right and the good.
Thus swear I...

--The Oath of all Knights of Logres


In the southern lands of civilized men, far from the barbaric wilderness of the North, lies the great kingdom of Logres. For many an age has Logres prospered and flourished, and its kings ruled with a strong and just hand. So it was until the time of King Tristain. Though Tristain was a fair ruler and did the kingdom no great injustice compared to his predecessors, it was during his reign that the North became much agitated. The Barbarian tribes came together as one under Sverir Fydar and stormed down the Throttle, that narrow strip of land connecting our world to theirs.

Logres's armies had slowly begun to dwindle and the days had grown long since their cities and towns repaired and maintained their walls and towers; the last two-score years had been so peaceful that, for a time, the Knights of Logres feared their order might cease to exist. In its weakened state the kingdom was slow to halt the charge of the Northmen. The wild hordes swept across the Broadback Mountains, and though the wedge that was the Aegis divided their forces it did not stop them. The men of Bristel were caught unprepared, and only when the guard of Eastbridge marched to their defense did the Northerners cease a relentless assault.

But while an uneasy stalemate persisted on one side of the mountains, King Tristain and his sons, brilliant younger Rhys and strong elder Conall, drove the barbarians back across the mountains. From the Hilt that had not seen battle in half a century and the depths of Nightwood came their armies, and even the strange, swift longboats from Yamajima hassled any northmen who thought to slink along the sloping shores below the Broadback. Landing at Eastbridge, the islanders added their forces to the other half of the army, while the King and his sons reinforced the Aegis. The Logermen drove their foes back in a matter of months, and once again peace reigned; however, unlike the lazy days of before, these were days filled with activity such as the hive of bees at the onset of spring.

The King gave his sons leave to separate tasks--Rhys was to oversee the gathering of resources and make plans for reconstruction, while Conall was tasked with strengthening the armies and repairing what damage had been done to the great fortress Aegis, for it was a cornerstone of their victory and all felt that they would have sore need of it in the future. Tristain himself took a host to Waveguard to lay plans for naval warfare and consider the possibilities of raiding the north to further cement their victory. Because the war had turned so many boys to men and men to soldiers, and soldiers had performed deeds that earned them lands and titles, the Knights of Logres found their ranks swelling like never before, and set about hosting great tournaments and games and breaking in their new castles.

But soon Logres faced a new crisis. Whether his age began to catch up with him, or as a result of the stress of the war, or because of the exposure to the harsh northern elements...perhaps for all of these reasons, the King fell ill. He was quickly rushed back to Kingsport to receive proper treatment, but the trip proved too much for him. Frail and fragile, he died in the arms of his youngest son Rhys, and both brothers wept from the bottom to the top of the mountains.

As the kingdom was still in the midst of reconstruction, it was agreed that Rhys would take over the management of the kingdom while Conall continued strengthening the defensive lines and making plans for the northern invasion. At this time, both were sure that Conall, as the eldest, would naturally inherit the crown. But as weeks turned to months, Rhys became more and more convinced that his brother was not the ruler that the people of Logres needed. Whether lust for power or simple logic dominated his thoughts, none can say. But Rhys soon declared his intentions to his brother, and after a flurry of angry letters between them, Logres found itself divided down the middle. Conall, entrenched in the impenetrable Aegis, demanded the crown by the right of eldest son and head of the family line, as well as by right of strength, for their father had left him in charge of the military. He had been raised and groomed for this moment for years before his brother had even been born, and to have his birthright snatched away was nothing short of treason. Rhys denied this on the grounds that Logres needed proper guidance, and its people needed a king that Conall could not become. He placed the crown upon his own head and claimed that for the common good and for the betterment of all he would take upon himself all responsibility.

The Knights of Logres were divided between these two according to those whose lands and banners belonged to the different territories each brother claimed, with the exception of those who chose one side or the other for their own personal reasons. Now, what will surely become a bloody civil war begins...


RULES


GENERAL STUFF


WORLD INFO AND MAP


KNIGHT STUFF


YOU CAN POST NOW
Edited by Onime No Ryu, September 1, 2012, 9:28 pm.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Replies:
NTNP
Member Avatar
Admin
Silvis Family
The Slaying of Gensai
:

Sometimes things just come together. It could be coincidence, or luck or even the whim of the gods. However, sometimes all that is just an illusion. The minor things really let these amazing little feats happen. A single glace and a nod, a father’s protective instincts, a son’s willingness to act as the lure… all those things would be the cause of this, not fate but merely the nature of things taking their course. This was one of the few gifts of the Silvis family, in spite of all their venom and distrust, they always believed in family and true comrades. This was a single of that trust made real.

As the vision of the future passed through Dion’s mind, a gift perhaps or an awakening of his own skills, the young man glanced back to see the aura of the great mountain. His father had just freed himself from an enemy and was already starting to charge in, to save him. One thing would always be true, Carth would do anything to protect his family. In spite of all the evils, all the bitterness that was one thing that would always be true. Their enemy, Gensai was very strong. Yet this power left him seemingly weak in just a single way, it was a brutish type of strength. He focused entirely on the battle at hand; every move he had taken had the single goal on shattering his opponent and ending his life in a single blow. That would be the opportunity.

Even knowing what would happen if it failed, Dion made the decision. The young knight charged forward, throwing his emergency dagger at Gensai’s chest. He was slippery as a snake. Each step seemed to weave back and forth just enough so you could never be exactly sure where he was going to end up. There was still something behind the man’s back though, something hidden and unused so far. All the while that same smile, the impish grin from the ship had returned. Even amidst the chaos, he seemed completely confident that his trick would work. After all, he was betting his life on it probably. As the young knight got closer to Gensai, just about to get in range of that club, he seemed to falter. Dion slowed down and his footwork faded. It would be completely clear to the Yaman knight where his opponent would be in the next moment…

Yet likely unseen by the oni like knight, there was a reason for this obviousness other than drawing him in. Just a few feet behind, Carth was still charging. Instinctively he whirled the slender sword around him, allowing the tip of the blade to dance upon the stone floor sending sparks flying. Then he held the stolen katana high above his head, holding onto it with both hands like the shaft of an axe. Before the older knight had been on the defensive, relying on counter attacks to deal with enemies but now was the time to press the attack! The aura of the mountain behind him instantly changed to show the shift. It was as if the entire mountain had erupted, sending stones down and filling the sky above with smoke. The rumble of the earth and the trembling of the sky could be felt in your bones. Carth brought down the katana in an overhead, vertical slash straight toward Gensai’s head with all the force of an avalanche. If the attack worked, the oni knight would likely find himself split in twine from the top of his head down to his jaw.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Matttheman89
Member Avatar
Assassin
Yamajima

"No offense, Owen! But that sounds a lot easier said than done!" Tyrion replied, throwing himself backward as hard as he could in an attempt to dodge his opponent's next attack, said attack passing so close to his throat that he felt the blade just barely knick his chin. Stumbling backwards, he put his hand to the cut for a second, then frowned when he saw some blood on his fingers as he pulled the hand away. He hated to think what would have happened if the katana had gotten even an inch closer. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before his luck ran out, and the swordmaster finished him off. He'd be feeling a lot more confident about his chances if he had his shield with him.

Tightening his grip on his stolen sword, he moved in to attack again, but this time went with a different approach. As he approached the swordmaster, he attempted to fake him out, feinting to one side then attacking from the other with a strong slash aimed at his legs, following that up with an upper swing at his chest, hoping to try and push the man off balance.

PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Onime No Ryu
Member Avatar
I'll be your Undertaker this evening
YAMAJIMA


The swordmaster tried to block Tyrion's feint--the swordsmen of Logres used heavier weapons, making it harder for them to pull their blows back in such a manner, and he didn't expect the knight to do so--and yelled out when the blade cut into his leg instead. He was falling to one knee just as Tyrion's following strike came up, slicing him cleanly open from gut to shoulder through his robes. The knight had enough time now to help his companions, if he would act on it before another opponent stepped in his way...

Dion's knife dinged off of Gensai's armor, thin though it was, and the large bushi growled as Carth came down upon him. He raised the kanabo in both hands, striking in an arc that sent chips of the sword flying and redirected Carth's attack downward. Then, like rowing an oar, the bushi brought his weapon's wooden haft up and around again, using the clenched fist that held it to punch Carth in the face before he could recover from his own swing. As the elder man stumbled back the demon turned towards Dion, lunging with a speed that belied his size and taking a monstrous swing, one that left precious little space for Dion to evade...

Owen grabbed the wrist of another swordsman before he could bring down his blade, and kicked him in the ankle before turning and throwing him to the floor hard enough to crack the boards. He ducked another foe and rammed his shoulder into the man's gut before pushing up with his legs, dumping the man over his back like a sack of vegetables. His clothes had been slashed in places, and he had no weapon, but to one of the two greatest knights in Logres such conditions would not stop him. From somewhere else in the room Cadoc had fought his way to the man, ducking and weaving like a weasel with his small frame and great speed.

"We're almost to the stairs!" Owen roared as he felled another foe by striking him in the solar plexus with another spear handed strike. His eyes were wide as he looked around the room, searching for his allies...


WESTBRIDGE


"I see. Yeah, that sounds like something that old goat bastard would do. The Silver Knight is the kind I hate the most--the very essence of the cruel and cunning nobility." Vincent sighed. "The rumor is he's the one who's helping organize our little takeover for Prince Rhys, but I don't trust him as far as I could throw him. He'd sooner put collars and leashes on the peasants than give them any credit for their help."

They stopped when they came to a hilly region, rising gradually for miles to the west until they merged into the silhouette of the Broadback. Just out of earshot and upwind of them, under an overhang, bloomed a fire. Men, their clothes threadbare and filthy, sat around it roasting game on spits. Inside the overhang was a merchant's cart--with the merchant hanging from a spear just outside. And the man known as Chopping Tom was under the shade as well, whetting a broad axe and cackling over some joke one of his friends had made.

"Any ideas on how best to take them?" Vincent asked Allison, motioning for his men to move slowly and keep out of sight.


THE AEGIS


Trent gasped and hopped back as William's punch bruised his side. The boy had no real idea what he was doing or why his attacks weren't working. The northmen he had killed he had mostly beaten using luck or surprise. If he couldn't fight worth a damn in a real battle, how would he ever be a knight?

He's not trying to kill me...I have to try everything I can, now, while I'm safe! I can't afford to be this clumsy, not next time!

William was moving like a dancer, light and whirling and twirling about. A quick flash reminded Trent of Red's battle with the northman they had captured--the two had circled each other, always moving. He'd seen dogs fight too, they always moved and ran around--one of them might even run away, only to suddenly turn and jump back into it.

But me, I always set my feet before I swing...is that wrong?

He charged at William again, raising his weapon--then lunging at an angle and turning with a wide swing, coming at William from his off side. Regardless of the result he recovered his balance and ran, flat out sprinting, around the other swordsman like they where playing duck-duck-goose, then tried to take a swing at his back. Then he moved again, this time running backwards, keeping his gaze locked on his opponent. The first thrust hadn't worked for some reason so he would try it in a different way--this time when he lunged he put both hands on the blade. The reach was shorter but maybe it was fast enough...
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NTNP
Member Avatar
Admin
Silvis Family
The Slaying of Gensai


Dodging was not always the answer. Sometimes you have to take a little punishment in order to keep from taking a worse one. While far from the juggernaut that his father was, there was still some of the old goat’s blood than ran through the boy’s veins. Old memories of his youth, being taught to take a hit as well as receive one, those stupid drills that he had Rhys and him go through that left black and blue came vividly back as his entire body tensed up for the moments to come.

As the over the head attack arched forward, Dion surged. Gensai himself made sure that there was not much room to move and in a way made himself a perfect target. The young man, now only armed with a ceremonial looking knife, wrapped both of his hands around the monstrous knight and pressed inward as hard as humanly possible to essentially bear hug the scale-armored oni. Of course, the downward swing would still somewhat connect. At the very least Dion would get a good shoulder full of arm and potentially a knock on the head or the neck from the base of the club, but sometimes you have to take a little pain to inflict even more. Plus it was between that or taking it in the shoulder anyways from a last second dodge. With the ponytailed knight holding tightly to Gensai, there would not be much hope of avoidance now. His arms were likely limited in mobility, mostly due to not being able to move beyond the point where Dion was holding onto and because he is locked into facing frontward. Also having another person literally hugging you does affect one’s ability to make complex movements.

As this happened, Carth reeled backward a half step as he tried to shake off having his helm rattled. Glacing down, the pathetic little blade was already shattering. Honestly, how one could even claim to be a warrior with a weapon like this was beyond him. As Dion made his move and attempted to hold Gensai in place, the older knight urged forward again. Like before he held the weapon in both hands, still treating it more like a claymore than an oversize dagger. This time the goal was not very different from before, he was still targeting Gensai’s head and still relying on the distraction that Dion was giving. However, this time he was going at it with a horizontal slice, aimed at the back of the man’s head. If the attack worked, the entire room would see what a Yaman’s brain looked like, if they had anything in there at all except rice and fish.

((For reference, Dion should be holding at about the shoulder level with his head pressed against one of Gensai’s shoulders. While it might be possible to push Dion upward, given that Carth is aiming at the middle to upper part of Gensai’s head it is unlikely that he would be hit by the horizontal slash.))
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Perascamin
Member Avatar
A Legendary Ocean
Brothers of Idlewood

Strength, Honor, Valor


Williams attack proved to be successful, he was able to upset the balance of his sword hand and land a powerful punch on the farmer. The swordsman retracted his hand, bending at the knees to roll to his left. This was enough to evade the first swing but not the second one. As he rose to his feet, Trent's blunt weapon made contact with the duelist's exposed chest.

He was learning, or so it seemed. By thrusting with both hands he wasn't nearly as exposed as he had been. Falling on his back, the elder brother rolled backwards--rising to his feet. "Impressive.." He coughed. "Want to take a break or keep going?"

In War; Victory. In Peace; Vigilance. In Death; Sacrifice.

Dawn Eros (hot mama):
Spoiler: click to toggle

PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Pontiac1532
No Avatar

Allison Norfrost
The Battle against Chopping Tom





"Yeah, I have a few ideas." Allison smirked as she spoke, looking over at Vincent. "One in particular I think you'll like. If you don't mind, have all of you men with crossbows sneak up to the top of the overhang. It's just dark enough that they won't see them coming, and those men don't look exactly disciplined. They haven't posted any sentries or outriders, so they won't see the 50 crossbowmen standing on top of the bluff, ready to massacre them." She looked around at their small company, probably less than 30 men. Of that 30, maybe 20 had ranged weapons. She saw a question forming in Vincent's eyes, and preempted it.

"We know we won't have 50 men on the overhang, but they won't. And in the confusion, they won't be apt to try and count. In the meantime, you and I will go down and hail them from afar once everyone else is in position, and everyone else can wait just behind that rise." She pointed to a rise in the landscape where a small group of men could hide without fear of being spotted by the cutthroats beyond, but close enough that they could be at the duo's side at a moment's notice.

"Once we've drawn them out, their attention will be entirely on us, and your men will have free reign to cut them down. We could have this whole thing wrapped up in an hour if everything goes correctly." She shrugged then. "Alternatively, we could always charge them head on. We'd probably win, but it wouldn't be anywhere near as fear inspiring, and we'll probably lose a couple men in the process."
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Matttheman89
Member Avatar
Assassin
Yamajima

Tyrion grimmaced as his attack put an end to his opponent's life, spilling his blood and guts on the floor as the Knight cut his chest open. But he knew there was no time to stop, so he whirled around to face the rest of the room, picking up the fallen swordmaster's blade so he was wielding two katanas instead of just one. It wasn't his shield, but he always fought better when he had an extra weapon to use. Moving across the room though, he made a note to keep an eye out for the servant he'd handed his weapons off to earlier. He'd hate to lose them if he didn't have to.

"You know, as far as ideas go, this one is pretty lousy! We've conquered your Kingdom once before, what makes you think King Rhys won't tear this place apart now that you've sided against us?" he called to the Emperor as he blocked a sword swing from one of the bushi with one of his katanas, then sliced the man across the throat with the other, dropping him to the ground as he continued to move towards Owen and Cadoc, fighting his way to the stairs.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
The Best
Member Avatar
Scout
Red
THE AEGIS
Red nodded respectfully and dismissed himself when Conall was finished with him. Parties and merriment had never had an appeal for the pugilist. The rest of the man's night was spent in his room. Long after the music and shouts had died down from below, Red was still awake, alone in his room, Sweat pooling on the ground beneath him.

"Forty-eight..." Red stood on his hands, slowly lowering and raising himself using nothing but his arms. A couple times, his feet wavered as the man fought for his balance, but somehow Red always managed to stay put. "Forty-nine..." Muscles strained below the warrior's skin as he clenched his jaw and pushed through the pain. This was the last exercise in a rather excruciating set, and Red wanted nothing more than to be finished. Head hovering mere centimeters off the ground, Red took a deep breath and mustered what little strength he had left. "Fifty!"

There was a loud thud followed by a groan as Red came crashing to the ground, arms throbbing. His chest heaved, and his whole body ached, but there was something immensely satisfying about the pain. For a while, Red just lay there, a small smile on his face. At some point, sleep came to him, but after a couple hours of sleeping on the ground, the islander awoke and moved to a bed. His dreams were troubled by images of horrible creatures: Savage, half-man, half-wolf monstrosities in the garb of the Northerners, surrounding him, snapping at his heels. Before Red could even try to fight them off however, a wall of water swept through his mind, washing away the monsters but leaving Red untouched. When the water was gone, and only Red remained, he looked off into the distance, barely able to make out a figure walking towards him. Master...

Red awoke the next morning, feeling calm and well-rested.

After grabbing a few biscuits and pieces of fruit from the kitchen, the fist fighter started making his way towards the training grounds, munching silently as he walked through the halls of The Aegis. A few times, he would pass some maid or servant, but not one of them would look him in the eye. He had never been fond of cowards, but for some reason, Red pitied these people, who lived only to serve. Conall was not a bad man, but something about keeping servants seemed wrong. Before he could put much more thought into it however, Red was brought back to reality by a hand landing gently on his shoulder. Without even looking, Red knew exactly who that hand belonged to. He hadn't felt the man approach, but there was no mistaking this raw power.

"Sir Ishen." The pugilist nodded respectfully, turning as the Yaman prince let his hand fall. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon." Red paused, a small smile crossing his face as his mind raced, trying to think of some way he could get out of this terrible situation without offending one of the strongest knights alive.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you what you want to know, my lord." Red began cautiously, crossing his own arms loosely across his chest. "Not because I don't want to... But because I honestly don't know the answer myself." The man cleared his throat, feet shifting as he continued. "I was raised on Yamajima, Which is how I happened across your martial arts. My master though... He was only ever sensei to me. I never learned the man's name. All I am, I owe to my sensei, but to this day, I still couldn't tell you who he was. Only that he was the greatest man I've ever known."

For a moment, Red was silent, staring at the ground. He let out a quiet sigh before turning and continuing towards the Training Grounds like he had originally intended. Just as he was about to turn a corner and disappear from Ishen's line of sight, the pugilist turned, calling down the hall. When he had said his piece, Red would turn and go, leaving Ishen to think on his parting comment.

"You know, he spoke of you often, Master Ishen. For all we know... You might know him better than I do."
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NTNP
Member Avatar
Admin
((Onime, come on... its been two days now. You really either need to post.))
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Onime No Ryu
Member Avatar
I'll be your Undertaker this evening
YAMAJIMA

Gensai flipped the iron club over his shoulder, barely blocking Carth's strike. The blade screeched as it drew a sparking line across the back of the bushi's helm. He turned, dragging Dion with him, and made a clumsy swing just to keep Carth off of him long enough for him stomp on Dion's foot, hard. The distraction loosened his grip and gave Gensai time to deal him a light blow to the top of the head with the butt of his club, finally prying the boy off. Gensai kicked him in the chest, sending him careening back into his father and both of them sprawling on the floor. The bruiser raised his bludgeon in both arms, ready to crush both of them in one blow. Down came those iron spikes, and a crunch echoed through the room.

Owen grit his teeth, eyes locked with Gensai even as the spikes dug deeper into the flesh of his left arm, the bones crunching beneath like gravel. The knight's right arm shot out, striking again and again in a golden flurry that rang off of Gensai's armor.

"GAE BOLG!"

The blows lacked power, especially against Gensai's armor, but Owen used the heel of his palm, pushing the larger man. First at the lower stomach, shifting his center of gravity, then the shoulders, and when the bushi rocked back on his heels Owen slowed the attack just for a moment, until the man leaned forward to regain his balance and unwittingly ran into the next slamming strike to the face. Seven times in all Owen struck him, on the last knocking him across the room. The Holy Lance's right hand was raw and bleeding from striking armor, but he paid no heed to it, nor the wound he had taken for his comrades.

"Dion, Carth, away with Cadoc! Tyrion, with me!"

As the first three knights headed down the stairs, Owen and Tyrion edged backwards step by step, holding the rear. Then they were all running, back down the many flights, hurtling through the corridors. Then they were in the courtyard, and there were their horses, but the great gates were slowly being closed and more soldiers were starting to descend from the walls and their pursuers still clamored behind them...


THE AEGIS



"I see. I will take my leave then." Ishen glanced over the yard before he turned away, taking note of Trent and the brothers of Idlewood training hard. "You should join the training, Waveborn--you will not be a single fighter against many here, but part of an army. Battles will be greatly different from what you have experienced." So saying, the man left.

"I'm not tired yet, sir!" Trent said, though his breathing was harder. He was sturdy for his age, to be sure, and more than that he was determined. "Please, teach me!" He waited for William's response, but kept his sword up in case the man continued their spar. Though if William wished to trade places with his brother, or even with some other soldier around the yard, it mattered not to Trent. He needed all the experience he could get, as soon as he could get it. Out of the corner of his eye he spied Red.

After this, I should ask him what he meant about moving like water. I still feel like I'm missing something.


CHOPPING TOM CAMP


"That sounds like a good idea. But perhaps one slight adjustment..." Leaving off, the man gave orders for his men to take their positions. "I'll go to him personally once everyone is in place, and see if I can glean any useful information from him. I'm almost certain he'll remember me. Miss Norfrost, if you would, take charge of the second group and wait for my signal."

Vincent rode his horse back the way they had come, circling round to come towards the bandit camp from another angle. He slowed to a trot, to make it seem as though he were simply traveling through the area. Meanwhile, Allison took her place and moved the men into position. They didn't seem happy to have her at their head, but they listened well enough and kept focused on the camp and their leader, watching for his signal. They weren't simple bandits--on the way here, Vincent had told her that they had once been a mercenary troupe, and they were all experienced and disciplined. But if that were the case, why couldn't one of his officers lead them? For what reason had he chosen her?
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Pontiac1532
No Avatar

Allison Noir
Chopping Tom Camp





Allison was about to ask how Chopping Tom knew him, when he rode away, leaving her to command the second group of their men. She watched the crossbowmen sneak off to the top of the overhang, and motioned for the men to follow her into position. She walked her horse alongside them, but once they were in position she dismounted. In the same motion, she drew her sword. "Weapons ready." She muttered, and heard the silent hiss of swords sliding from their scabbards. These men really were disciplined, she noted. Exactly the kind of men she wanted at her back.

She had been in this kind of situation before, where she was leading a group of men who thought themselves above her. She had never really grown accustomed to the mutterings and sideways glances that she used to get from her comrades, but that usually ended after their first battle together. She knew that very soon, these men would no longer question her ability to lead. Now it was just a matter of waiting for Vincent's signal.

As they waited, though, Allison felt a chill wind begin to blow. At first she took no notice of it. It was dusk now, and the wind coming off the mountains was cooling, and it wasn't unusual for drafts such as these to pick up. This wind, however, had a dread feeling to it. Much like the feeling she had gotten the day her family had been slaughtered. It was a fell wind that blew, and it bespoke Death. Turning, almost on an impulse, Allison saw a man approaching.

He was a tall man, with white hair and distinct blue eyes. Allison took note of the huge cloak that surrounded his entire body, and the midnight black leather boots on his feet. Allison instantly felt the hairs on her arm stand on end, and motioned to one of the men. "Keep watch for the signal. No matter what happens, don't approach that man, at least not without Vincent." Then she remounted her horse silently, and cantered towards the figure. She didn't hail the man; any loud noise surely would alert the bandits and endanger Vincent. She also knew that Vincent and his men could handle Chopping Tom with or without.

More importantly, she knew that whoever this man was, he was trouble. And she had a knack for getting rid of trouble.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Perascamin
Member Avatar
A Legendary Ocean
Brothers of Idlewood

Strength, Honor, Valor

Trent was a special student, different from all the rest. He was so determined, even in practice, to push himself as hard as he could. Really, it was something to admire. To see a man physically devoted even when he was panting. A smile crept across the elder brother's face. He took stance, sword drawn back and ready to hack or impale. "I'd have it no other way." Will replied. A small group of soldiers had gathered around the two to watch, forming a ring in which the two would fight.

After a few seconds of the two circling each-other, the duelist charged forward with his sword arced back, lashing out with a quick swing from his side with both hands.
In War; Victory. In Peace; Vigilance. In Death; Sacrifice.

Dawn Eros (hot mama):
Spoiler: click to toggle

PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
The Best
Member Avatar
Scout
Red
THE AEGIS ~ Training Grounds
"Farewell, Master Ishen." Red nodded his head respectfully as the man turned to go, watching him for a moment as he walked. Though he was curious as to why the Faraway Knight seemed to have taken an interest in him, Red tried to push it from his thoughts. There were more important things to focus on right now.

"I'm not tired yet, sir!"

Red's ears perked up; he recognized that voice. In the middle of the training grounds, a small circle of soldiers had formed, surrounding the boy, Trent, and--Red's eyes narrowed--one of the Idlewood brothers. The former seemed pretty beat up, but neither of them showed any signs of stopping. Crossing his arms, the pugilist leaned back against the cold stone of The Aegis, eyes fixed on Trent and William. Something about the boy intrigued Red. His determination reminded the islander of his own. At the same time though, this might be one of the few opportunities he would get to see how this William of Idlewood fought. Neither of the backwoods knights threatened him in the slightest, but if they ever decided to try anything... There was no harm in being prepared.

For a moment, the two circled each other, before William rushed in with a swing that made Red smirk. He's leaving himself wide open. There's too much momentum behind that swing. If it misses, he'll have to catch himself. The pugilist watched it all play out in his head. Trent dropping his center of gravity and weaving his head beneath the blade as it flew past. William, stumbling forward just half a step, bringing his ribs in close to his opponent. Hips twisting, shoulders spinning around at full speed, fist driving up into the knight's exposed stomach--

Red blinked, and there was William, sword still in both hands, blade hurtling towards Trent. That might be what I would do. The pugilist thought to himself. But what about the boy?
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NTNP
Member Avatar
Admin
Silvis Family[/b]:
Getting back our belongings before running off


Somewhere between Gensai being knocked away from the scene and escaping down the stairs, Dion seemingly disappeared. Honestly for those that know him, it wouldn't be all that shocking given his sudden disappearance. About the point where Cadoc and Carth managed to get down at the gates, there was an ever growing sense of impending doom. All around them, the various scale clad soldiers of Yama were starting to close in. Carth could only glare back and forth as the reality of their situation was finally starting to sink in, Truth is, even if we do manage to escape this place our chances of surviving the trip back to the boats... oh hell, lets be honest chances were the boats were already burning or filled with Yamans. There wasn't really a chance at escape anymore, perhaps there never was. But he couldn't just give up. There might not be any hope for survival but at least he wouldn't give up here. Not as long as there was still a chance, even if it was just a small one.

Quickly the older knight jogged his way over to the horses and slashed at the ropes tying them to the post with that pitiful little blade. In spite of how useless it had been thus far, it was at least strong enough to slice through a little bit of leather. Carth managed to mount his dear old friend, a gray mare with armor and cloth that mirrored the sliver knight's own. The old man tapped at the horse's side and started an admittedly slow gallop toward the shutting gates. Behind him, his son horse was being dragged behind him. While chances were Dion would pop out of somewhere relatively soon, the old man wanted to make sure that his boy wouldn't end up having to sprint out of the castle. Now the only question was where would he be coming out at... and what was he getting?

Just as Carth was about to get through the gates, a voice echoed through the courtyard. "Hey wait up!" Dion was carrying a lot of stuff, not really in any way in particular. A couple of swords, an oversized axe, a lance, some random other stuff that the powers that be likely forgot... he probably managed to break into wherever the knight's equipment had been stored and gotten the rest of their belongings which probably bought him a few browny points given the thousands of gold it would likely cost to replace all their stuff. At that Carth let go of the reins and his son's horse started galloping toward the gear ridden man who ever so gracefully managed to crawl up into the saddle sideways (after all, that's a lot of stuff) and just let the horse use it's own common sense to gallop out of the castle gates with Dion's ass hanging in the wind.
Edited by NTNP, October 4, 2012, 12:48 pm.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Onime No Ryu
Member Avatar
I'll be your Undertaker this evening
THE AEGIS


Trent braced himself, watching his instructor warily. Red stopped to watch, off to the side; in the instant it took Trent to glance over at him, William was coming again. But all it took was that glance--just like before, in the pass, all he had seen was a little bit of Red and Drogo's fight, but he had remembered enough to go to Red later for help. His father had once told him that his memory was a steel trap--and right now, that trap held two images side by side. One was William, coming at him with his sword drawn back for an arcing swing. The other was Red, watching William with an inclination of his head, a look in his eye, something that told Trent there was...something he could do...What would Red do?

For a moment Red heard that same jingle, just like back in the pass--the soft clink of chain links against each other. But this time the chain stretched out, barely touching his hand...and trailing back to Trent.

Then the aura was gone and in its place was a flash in Trent's eyes, and the images all came together...


Will darted forward, winding his left arm back and extending his right for leverage. With the rest of his momentum, he put all of his body weight into a punch aimed at his torso.

William was moving like a dancer, light and whirling and twirling about. A quick flash reminded Trent of Red's battle with the northman they had captured--the two had circled each other, always moving. He'd seen dogs fight too, they always moved and ran around--one of them might even run away, only to suddenly turn and jump back into it.

But me, I always set my feet before I swing...is that wrong?


Red paused for a moment, examining the youth as he experimented with his form and stance. "Your energy, think of it like a stream. It starts at the ground, and flows through your legs, your hips, up your back, into your shoulders and down your arm, right to your fist. You must let it flow through you, giving it all the energy you possess as it passes by. This is what my master taught me."

If he wore gauntlets to protect his hands, could he fight like Red too? Another thought struck the boy as well; in training, he had once been told that he put too much hip into his swings. The officers told him those wide, baseball style swings would be too easy to see.


With a loud clank, one chain snapped onto another, and then another, as if a blacksmith were putting them together and welding them shut, a single length of far greater strength than any individual ring on its own.

William was putting too much into his swing. If he stayed light and graceful and moved around--like a flowing stream--he could turn his hips and use his momentum...Red fought like this all the time, and William had thrown a punch earlier to Trent's own exposed opening...

That was it!

Red's Skill: Fluidity=-=-=-=-=Link Skill: Stream

Light as a feather Trent made a half-hop backwards, watching as if from a thousand miles away as William's blade swooshed past him and the other man's balance started to give way. Then Trent was lunging forward, his sword in one hand but drawing back, not lashing out--that was for his other hand, coming from the hip, with all the power of his shoulders, turning, torquing, turning every drop of power into a stream just like Red taught him.

With a roar, Trent's fist slammed into William's ribcage, too weak through the folds of Willaim's clothes and the mail beneath to do any lasting harm, but more than powerful enough to push the man backwards, throwing off his guard. And now it was Trent's turn to attack, but he didn't use those big powerful swings this time. He used one hand to intentionally weaken himself--whenever he used both hands he couldn't help using large swings because of his muscle power and weak coordination. With the blade held in one hand, however, the swings were smooth and short enough to be used in quick succession.

Down, then up at a diagonal, then coming back for a short thrust, turning that into a horizontal stroke, then a backhand stroke...blow after blow rained down, sweat flying from the farmboy's entire body.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Perascamin
Member Avatar
A Legendary Ocean
Brothers of Idlewood

Strength, Honor, Valor

As his weapon flew by Trent, a mental pause came to the swordsman. It was like they were in slow motion as the farmer hopped backwards and William followed through. This maneuver that the boy performed changed everything. Had he been able to do that this whole time, or did the idea just come to him like a muse? In a single moment, his style had changed.

The elder brother tensed his stomach naturally as the fist came towards his stomach which reduced a lot of the damage, but he still stumbled backwards. Curiosity gave way over any pain he might of felt as he recovered his balance and dodged the first attack. The diagonal slash took a simple parry and the stab was avoided completely by jumping to the side.

Once Trent faced him again he smiled with a sort of laughter bubbling up. Then it became a noticeable chuckle. "Trent, I'm perplexed. Have you known how to do that this whole time?" William asked truthfully. "Keep your form, and speak." He continued, closing the distance between he and the farm boy with a walk before lightly swinging his weapon at his opponent. This meant they would just trade blows, keeping their form in tact. It was a resting stage in training.
In War; Victory. In Peace; Vigilance. In Death; Sacrifice.

Dawn Eros (hot mama):
Spoiler: click to toggle

PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Matttheman89
Member Avatar
Assassin
Yamajima

Thinking back on it, Tyrion realized he hadn't seen this much action in quite awhile. Sure he'd engaged in regular sparring matches back at the Castle to keep his skills sharp, but this was the first life-and-death situation he'd really found himself in since the night he'd found those assassins sneaking into the King's chambers. He had to admit, part of him had missed the rush, the euphoria, that putting one's life on the line brought. But another part of him would just as soon get out of here before he found himself a full head shorter. So with that in mind, he fought his way down through the palace and to the courtyard where they'd left their horses, his swiped katanas leaving a bloody trail behind him, being forced to do the bulk of the fighting since he was more well armed.

Arriving in the courtyard behind the others, Tyrion was forced to take a moment to catch his breath, his arms hanging low as blood dripped from his blades. He felt like he'd been swinging a hammer at his Father's forge all day. "I vote...I get to...pick our next vacation spot..." he panted as he made his way to his horse., hearing the sounds of their pursuers closing in behind them.

Leaping into the saddle, he stopped only to trade his katanas for his original sword and shield as Dion came charging by. "Good going Dion! I hope you gave that punk who had my stuff a good punch to the face for me!" he said as he sheathed his sword, then dug his heels into the flanks of his steed and charged towards the closing gates. Setting his sights on one of the bushi working the crank, he hurled his shield. It spun across the courtyard, crossing the distance in a manner of seconds.

The bushi never even saw it coming. It smacked him in the face with a loud metallic clang, ricocheting off him in the way only Tyrion seemed to be able to do, and flew back into his waiting hand as he rode past. The closing of the gates slowed, giving the group more time.

"Let's get the hell out of here!"

PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NTNP
Member Avatar
Admin
Silvis Family
Just a quick quip


As Carth rode out the gates and into the city below, likely by now filled with enemy soldiers he half way expected to see smoke coming from the docks. Everything in him knew that the weak little worms that they had left in charge of the ships had likely fallen by now and unless the Emperor was particularly daft he probably would have caught the things on fire by now. Then again he could have just poisoned their tea and went about it like a true professional so there was always hope. Then a single, sentence brought a simple to his face even admit the chaos.

Dion, still riding more on his stomach than on the saddle screamed out to Tyrion with the biggest, possibly most inappropriate grin on his face. "Naw, I did you one better! Got the nads from the behind! That slint eye won't be having any little ones! Hahahaaha!!! And your on! But next time, find us someplace where all the women don't smell like fish!"
Edited by NTNP, October 5, 2012, 1:48 pm.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Onime No Ryu
Member Avatar
I'll be your Undertaker this evening
THE AEGIS


"Mister Red taught me." Trent said, his sword clattering against William's. But he kept up his movement--instead of clashing sword to sword each time, the boy was trying to stay relaxed and flexible, moving slightly to the outside of each stroke and tapping it lightly with his blade. After a few strokes he started to get the timing down, and each parry came easier than before. "I asked him how he can strike so hard with his fists, and he taught me how to move like a stream!" He smiled despite the effort it took to keep up with William. "He taught me how to use the whole body in a blow...I tried to use it with a sword thrust, instead of a punch, earlier." That had been when William himself had filled in the gaps of Red's teaching, showing Trent how to move and counter by throwing that punch. Trent considered himself lucky that William didn't know how to punch the same way Red did, or that blow would have hurt much more than it had. "But there's something missing...It won't work just yet..."


YAMAJIMA


Sir Carth hadn't given the soldiers quite enough credit--though one ship burned in the harbor, its anchor had been drawn up and the moor ropes cut. Its crew rowed towards the mainship in lifeboats, leaving the other galley to drift away from the others in the hopes of preventing the fire from spreading. The rest of the ships were safe, for the moment at least. In the streets a melee raged as the Logermen slowly retreated, bunched together in a ragged shield wall and making good use of the road as a chokepoint. But the bushi had been joined by angry, xenophobic townsfolk and the soldiers were sorely outnumbered. Atop the rooves climbed a retinue of archers, with torches and arrows wrapped in oil rags.

Last out of the gate came Owen, charging upon his own horse and wielding a stolen Yaman spear. Its head was differently shaped, with a crossblade at the base making it unsuitable for running all the way through an enemy as Loger knights would be used to; instead the Holy Lance used it for short stabs, which were all he could manage using the weapon in one arm anyway. He soon caught up to his companions, barely able to use the reins with his shattered left arm and strained sweat running down his face.

"Get...closer," he gasped, "Make a wedge with the horses...we'll...have to smash our way...through!"


CHOPPING TOM'S BAND


As Allison headed towards the newcomer, he stopped and simply watched. His cloak was little more than a great expanse of cloth wrapped and fastened about him with a simple wire catch, and part of it was bundled about his neck and chin like a muffler. Only his nose and those strange, piercing eyes were visible above the folds.

Her horse slowed against her command as Allison neared him--she felt a shiver run through the beast's muscled flesh. It stopped just short of the man, its ears lying flat, throwing its head back and forth to express its discontent. The man's eyes tilted up ever so slightly, moving to Allison's. Then he spoke, low and deep.

"I seek an end to the criminal, Thomas of Smugglers' Down in Westbridge, known to some as Chopping Tom. Woman, you bear a sword--are you of his ilk? Speak no lies to me." He was noble born, that much was plain, but what would a knight be doing here on foot, clad in a cloak that looked so ragged? And he meant to take Chopping Tom's band, alone?
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Pontiac1532
No Avatar

Allison Noir
Chopping Tom Camp





Allison looked down at her horse, slightly curious as to why he had slowed. However, she quickly looked back to the man and listened to him. As he spoke, Allison felt a chill run down her spine. Years of combat and training spoke to her now, telling her that this man was far more dangerous than he appeared. Thankfully, it seemed they were here for a common purpose. She spoke to him with respect in her voice, the respect she knew a noble would be expecting. Despite the fact that she, herself, was a noble.

"No, m'lord. My companions and I are here for the same reason as you. As we speak, our men are moving into position for an assault on Chopping Tom's band." As she spoke, her horse began to paw the ground, and shift nervously about, so that Allison constantly had to turn her body to keep eye contact with the man. She struggled to keep the horse under control. Blast it all, she wished she had her own horse. She'd been training him for years, only to have him taken. Now she had to put up with this undisciplined mess of a horse.

She patted the horse's flank with her free hand, and continued to talk. "If you don't mind, sir, we would appreciate it if you waited until we are ready to strike. It should only be a few minutes until we get the signal to attack. Then you could join us in the attack." By now she had finally managed to calm the horse, although he still tossed his head about occasionally. She hoped he didn't whinny, otherwise the bandits might hear. Deciding that it would be better for now, she dismounted and tied the horse to a small tree, allowing it to graze. This horse obviously hadn't been built for battle, and she didn't want to rely on him without training him first. It would do her no good if the horse panicked in the middle of a fight and bucked her. Turning back to the man, she bowed her head.

"By the way, I'm Allison Norfrost."
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Onime No Ryu
Member Avatar
I'll be your Undertaker this evening
The newcomer nodded as well, and introduced himself.

"They call me Nick." he said simply, walking briskly past the woman and through the band of mercenaries to get a closer look at the bandits' lair. Vincent was speaking to them now, but they couldn't hear the exchange between the man and the criminals--though Chopping Tom was laughing at something. Vincent had mentioned he knew the man--just what relationship had they had before Tom became a criminal? "Is he your leader?" the cloaked man asked, looking towards Vincent. "Who is he?"
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NTNP
Member Avatar
Admin
Silvis Family
Galloping Through the Horde
:

There was only a single thing that worried Carth about their chances, the logermen with spears. While disjointed and split between various foes there was still a chance that they might prove to be dangerous if one of them happened to get a lucky thrust into one of the horses. Galloping forward, the heavily armored knight took the head of the spear. While he was without his regular equipment, his steed was still a force to be reckoned with given the weight behind each hoof print. Dion formed up behind his father and a little to the right. The Silvis family assumed that Tyrion would probably take the left most position to even out the wedge leaving the injured Owen to hide safely behind them. While very small given the usual size of a cavalry charge, it would hopefully be enough to tear through the disjointed mob.

Building up speed, Carth would be the first to plunge headlong into the crowd of towns people, logermen and anyone else stupid enough to be on the street. While far from his regular mace, he swung the katana around trying to take a chunk or two out of a few heads as he passed. It was unlikely that he would truly make a difference in a group this size, but a few slint eyes without the tops of their buns couldn't hurt. Slowly that brutal aura began to build around the steel giant as he approached the disorganized horde. Even if a mere 4 person strong cavalry charge wasn't enough to frighten them, then perhaps the terror of sensing all the might of an avalanche might do the trick!
Edited by NTNP, October 9, 2012, 6:40 am.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Pontiac1532
No Avatar

"Yes, his name is Vincent." Allison said to him, stepping beside him. She watched the scene below unfold, taking care not to expose herself too much. Vincent definitely seemed to be on good terms with this man. She didn't care though, she couldn't afford to show her disapproval. Right now she was more concerned with gaining the mercenaries' trust than debating Vincent's moral character.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Matttheman89
Member Avatar
Assassin
Yamajima

Tyrion fell into line along with Carth and Dion as the Elder Silvis led a charge towards their remaining ships. As he did, he kept one eye on Owen, watching him to make sure he didn't fall too far behind. He looked like he was in rough shape, and one mistake could be costly at this point.
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
The Best
Member Avatar
Scout
Red
THE AEGIS
Smirking, Red watched Trent nimbly hop out of William's range, then dart in and sink a solid punch into the man's side. The way he flows from one movement to the next... He's starting to get it. One hand rose to the pugilist's face, and he stroked his chin thoughtfully as the two exchanged blows. A faint tinkling and a glimmer of light caught Red's attention, but when he looked down, all he could see was a line of light leading from Trent to himself, already fading. Raising an eyebrow curiously, Red stared at the place where the light had been only moments before, returning his attention to the sparring match when nothing seemed to change. Things just keep getting more and more interesting around here.

Eventually, the two started talking. Trent mentioned that Red had taught him how to throw a punch. He went on to say that it was incomplete however; that something was missing. The pugilist said nothing. If Trent had a problem, he needed to find his own solution. Learn to rely on no one but yourself. Despite having only met him the day before, Red was sure that the boy was already thinking about how to correct the flaws in his form, and how to beat William, even though they were only sparring. I know that's what he's thinking... Because that's what I did when I was in his place. Pushing off the wall, Red let his arms drop to his sides and walked a decent distance out into the grounds, allowing a good amount of room between himself and any nearby obstacles. He had grown tired of observation. It was time to get in on the action.

"I will spar." The islander called out, looking around slowly. As he waited for a response, he stretched his arms and legs, twisting at the hips and rolling his shoulders. His neck popped audibly as Red looked each direction, lacing his fingers behind his back and lifting them up over his shoulder blades. Throwing a few practice jabs, Red scanned the area once more, looking for any interested parties. More jabs joined the first few, and soon, the fist fighter was shadow boxing. Still, he watched, adding one last word to his statement.

"Anyone."
PM Offline Member Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Create your own social network with a free forum.
Learn More · Register Now
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Other Dead RPs · Next Topic »
Add Reply

Systematic made by Phaede of the SZ..