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| Bound by Fate; A tale of those Marked to an end. (Action/Adventure) | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Friday Sep 2 2011, 11:26 PM (1,494 Views) | |
| Post #1 Friday Sep 2 2011, 11:26 PM | [A] Zannkimaru |
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Story In this world, the gods have granted the gift of Marks, which are placed upon everyone at birth. These show which god has shown favor in you, and to hint at the destiny that they have planned for you. Humanity accepted these gifts, and used them to push culture and development. This happened in the form of tattooist, highly trained and sought after individuals that can Temper the mark to allow the individual to achieve a goal. A man that has the power over fire, may Temper his mark, so that he can shape it into what he would need to bake bread Of course Tattooist may temper marks into tools of destruction and protect, not just those with practical uses. For humanity cannot exist without war, as such military-grade Tattooist's work on building armies and researching new patterns. However, since you cannot choose what you are born with. Your choices for the future, are limited to the mark that you bear upon your body. Without the power to heat and create fire, you could never achieve the title of chef if that is your personal goal. Because of this push from religion, and society for the people to resign to their fate. Some do not accept this, they could through a forbidden process, known as Unbranding, to rid them self of the Mark. To spit into the Gods' faces, as you through their chosen destiny aside. This process causes the person to lose their power, however the godly energy remains in the body. This energy invigorates them, it empowers them. They become stronger, faster, and more resilience then the normal man. Accomplishing with their bare hands, what others need Tempered marks to do. The various churches push their particulars God's message among the masses, the governments of the different countries prepare to war as their Tattooist come up with new designs to wage war. The Unbranded looks for ways to severe their people, if not their world, from the God etched path placed before them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Society The world of Veldim has it's landmass, divided into three continents. The smallest of these continents is based high in the northern sea, this boot-shaped mass of land, known as Arcia, has long a winter season and the harsher living condition. In this frozen land, the church of Ceferino, the God the Winds, is also the political power that runs the land. People living under this rule, live a life where everyone works for the betternment of everyone else. With the church controlling all the major businesses, and the entire economy is under their control and disturbed as they see fit. The people are required to attend all the masses, and holidays that the church presents. Anyone who doesn't, is declared a heretic and reeducated back into society. The next continent a weeks travel south across the ocean, is know as Tyrarius. This location of this land on the globe, makes it the prominent trading hub. As with this mingling of cultures, there are a number of various churches. This is a result of both Arcia, and the largest continent, Helvynana, colonizing it. This colonization lead to a series of wars, though they now rest in an uneasy peace as the various churches formed a senate to rule. This causes a rift between followers of different religions, though it has lead to a mutual tolerance of each other. Though the economic scene is a bit hectic, with various business made, and crushed, daily. Helvynana is the largest continent, far to the west of Tyrarius. The churches may vary like Tyrarius, though the current monarchy has managed to keep them separate from their rulings. Though monarchy does place a caste system upon its citizens, you belong to your families' caste until you hit a adulthood. Where you enter the caste that is appropriate to your Mark. The system itself has the Nobles at the top, follow by the military, followed by the church, then the merchant level, then the tradesman. Below that level, is a caste to cover all those that society would throw away. Advancement is possible, by moving to a different level of the caste is a dream that is usually too much for most people. These three lands have come to an uneasy truce, with Arcia and Helvynana only recently coming from a war. Tyrarius managed to remain neutral in this matter, as the senate was split between on who to ally with. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Names Anglo-Saxon/English - Helvynana Icelandic/German - Arcia Mixed of Helvynana/Arcia- Tyrarius ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geography Arcia is mostly of flatland, stretching for days on end. Seaside communities are kept to a minimum by the church, and those that do exist are heavily monitored on who and what goes in and comes out. Any businesses, such as mining, military, and lumber, have camps where workers are only allowed. The public living areas are large cities, built to encircle a church of Ceferino. Helvynana has a landscape covered in a variety of mountain ranges, dotted with fertile valleys and forests in between. Most settlements are built in these valleys, or along the coast when the area allows it. Though the capital, Estand, is built into the side of a mountain, overlooking one of these valleys. Tyrarius has the most diverse ecosystem of the countries. With a tropical climate on the south end, leading north into a desert, followed by a savanna. There is only one prominent mountain range, which is located cutting through the desert, making the travel take much longer. Most of the communities are located near the edge of the desert, as most of them are trading cities with small outpost dotting the traveling road through the desert. However, the Temple of Unity is located in the dead center of the desert at a oasis. In which the monthly senate takes place. ---------------------------------------------------------- Profession & Technology Because of peoples reliance on their marks, technology was neglected. There is the basics, such as stoves, carriages, basic utensils such as knives and forks, and tools such as hammers. They have the forges they need to make pots to cook, and the proper gear to ride animals and use them in the field. Though since all combat is done through the power of marks, actual tools for warfare seem redundant. As such, the soldiers are capable of mimicking these tools and utensils as a way to harness their marks for combat. For example, a Sealed Earth may form a hammer of earth, or a Concealed Fire may shape a knife of fire. Fire: Blacksmith, Glassblower, Chef, Water Purifier, Welder, Soldier, Cremation Technician, etc... Earth: Farmer, Jewelcrafter, Herbalist, Soldier, Miner, Construction, Construction Supplies, etc... Water: Sailor, Apothecary, Water Purifier, Soldier, Fisher, Painter, etc... Wind: Sailor, Fisher, Mining(Removal of Dangerous Gases), Meteorologist, Soldier, Hunter, musician, etc... Beast: Breeder, Tamer, Trainer, Skinner, Veterinarian, Soldier, Herder, Hunter, etc... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Classes/Combat Sealed(Warrior Class): The Sealed had their Mark Tempered, or be born with this level, to the point that it covers the majority of their torso. This version of the Mark allows the individual to forge their power into armor, and even large weapons of destruction. Guided(Range/Wizard Class): The Guided has a Mark that wraps there face in a design, that may even spread onto the eye or into the mouth. This version of the Mark grants the user to use their power at a distance, even to shape the form into obstacles or objects that they wish. The Guided are able to conjure tornadoes, or other wide scale disasters with enough time to concentrate. Concealed(Rouge Class): The Concealed has a mark that is covers their arm, though never spreads to the hand. This version of the Mark to enable the user to forge small agile tools to protect, without hindering them. Though the Concealed usually display masterful control of their marks, allowing for subtle feats such as making their way undetected. Or by waving their power into objects, creating traps for the unsuspecting. Unbranded(Brawler Class): The Unbranded has given up their mark, but in return taken the divine energy from it to strengthen their bodies. Without the Mark, the Unbranded can smash rocks with their bare hands or jump houses. ---------------------- Mark of Fire: These people are destined to walk down the path, given to them by the fire Gods. The normal state of the mark, allows the barer to conjure and manipulate flames. Depending on the natural skill that is shown with this mark, will start them down a destined path. With average levels of natural skill, will be guided along the paths such of Baker, Chef, or other jobs of the like. Those that display high levels of affinity with their mark, will be employed as Tradesmen, Smiths, and other fields that require high constant levels of heat. Those with the highest levels of skill, are guided down the path of warfare: Sealed by Fire: Tempered or born naturally, these warriors are an unstoppable force on the field. When they invoke their powers, an raging inferno encases the body. This casing of fire, is capable of incinerating attacks of various magnitude against it, as well of discourage any close contact from the searing heat. Though the fire does work to great levels against attacks of wind and flesh, earth attacks may get through without melting away. Whereas those of water, would hesitate even the most seasoned warrior. The Sealed by Fire are capable of forging their fire for use in melee combat, turning them into various unstable shapes. Because of the nature of fire, most warriors don't even bother to try and keep an edge on their weapon. Choosing basic forms with a long reach, enabling them to poke and burn through their foes. Guided by Fire: Tempered or born naturally, these mages are an wildfire that ravages the land. Conjuring a ball of flame is nothing to these masterful mages, and a inferno wall can be accomplished by a flick of the wrist. Though with time to harness their inner flame, feats of wide scale devastation can be achieved. They cause the earth to erupt in pillars of flame, even create or control beast of fire. Concealing Fire: They may not be the most subtle, but this fiery rouges always gets the job done. This individuals always think of the most direct way, when an obstacle arrives. If they need to get past a door, they can just melt the hinges. They get jumped while walking down a alley, a quick blast of smoke to the eyes and a shard of fire through the throat usual solves that. Enemy forces marching over a bridge, after placing a few objects imbued with their power onto that bridge. The Concealing Fire needs to no longer worry about either. With other fine manipulation, these rouges can get past hindrances. ---------------------- Mark of Water: Chosen by the Gods of Water, these people are imbued with the power to control and conjure water. Most people with this mark, end up in careers that involve the ocean. Mostly fishers, sailors, or something artistic such as an painter. Though those that show superior levels of control will end up in medical fields, developing medicines and the like. Though the most powerful will find only two paths for them. The first is in the art of warfare, the next is known as the Tattooist: Tattooist: These water blessed artist are the shaper of marks, capable of bringer out the potential that lays beneath. They are the foundation of any army, crafting the marks of the strong into soldiers that charge across of the field. After years of study, and research, a Tattooist can turn a Mark into a Sealed, Guided, or Concealed Mark. Giving the person combat abilities, though the strength of these Marks are always based of the original person. Sealed by Water: The current given by this seal, protects those that flows with it, and traps that when go against. The Seal allows the user to wrap themselves in a cloak of water, insubstantial forces such as wind would find it hard to pierce through this seamless armor. Though a solid object, such as earth, would only find some resistance as it plows through. While fire would normally be extinguished, where only the strongest or most skill would be able to make it a threat. The Sealed by Water can craft weapons that utilize the strength of water, weapons that hinder, trap, and then slowly wear away their foes strength. These weapons, being made of water, are natural flexible and do not cut or bash their foes. They wrap around the foes limbs or torso, and constrict them. The most skilled can even drown their targets upon land, through their natural grappling abilities. Guided by Water: These mages are the embodiment of the ocean, swirling torrents can rain down from the heaven's, guided by their hand. The Guided are capable of drawing water from around them, to hinder and trap their enemies with whips of water or rolling orbs of water. Though with enough time to work their power, the Guided can summon torrential downpours, freeze the water into ice, or even conjures entities of pure water to sweep across the land. Concealing Water: These individuals have finite control ever their power, allowing them to change the temperature of the very water they control. With this absolute control of water, there are very few problems that can't be solved. Crafting poisons, freezing off locks, setting up an ice trap, or even blinding a foe with scalding water is a simple matter. ---------------------- Mark of Earth: Guided down the part of earth, by the Earth gods. These people generally find themselves in the fields, tending to crops. Though any other that requires dealing with ground draws those with the Mark of Earth, such as mining, jewel-crafters, and herbalists. Though the most resilient, and the most skilled will be drafted onto the field of war: Sealed by Earth: This seal turns the bearer into a walking mountain, covered from head to toe in the very earth and stone that the bearer walks upon. Protected from head to toe, water will have a hard time to seep through the cracks in this armor. The heat from fire will eventually burn its way through, while wind, with its ever encompassing nature, will be able to bypass even the most solid rock. The Sealed by Earth are capable of forging earth and stone into tools of destruction, various forms that take advantage of the natural weight and stability that they can work with. Depending on the materials that are around them, those Sealed by Earth may incorporate them into their weapon. Such as gems, or ore to give them a cutting edge. Guided by Earth: The Guided by Earth, are capable of tearing the ground asunder. Causing the earth to erupt in spikes, or turn into a wall of stone is a simple matter for these mages. Though with time, the Guided are capable to open small chasms, cause tremors, or create earthen constructs under their control. Concealing Earth: The Concealing Earth are capable of using the subtle, flowing sides of earth. They can break apart the earth into its less stable counterparts, such as mud and dust. This allows them to block up hinges, blind foes, develop muddy pitfalls, or just stick to solid shard of earth. If combat is unavoidable. ---------------------- Mark of Air: Those that walk this path, granted to them by the Wind Gods, find themselves in a life that involves the sky and wind. The Mark of Air allows the bear to manipulate and predict the wind, because of this natural attunement, they are capable of bad weather before it happens. This is invaluable to sailors, hunters, and farmers. Where bad weather could ruin their lively hood, or worse. Still the most skilled are recruited into the army, and Tempered into: Sealed by Air: This seal turns the air around the bearer into a armor of wind and cloud, throwing attacks away as if they were paper in the wind. Solid, substantial object, such as earth, will find their attacks at the mercy of the winds. While water will be able to pour through eventually, and fire burn away what protection there is to be had. Air and wind is an all-encompassing force, as such forging it into a a slightly stable shape would be quite the impressive task. As such, most warriors tend to wrap condense air around their attacking limbs. This provides them with fast, fluid attacks, that take advantage of the abilities of the human body. Guided by Air: The Guided by Air are the calm summer breeze, they are the tempest that ravages the seas. Waves of high pressured air, or swirling whirlwinds can be achieved as easily as it is to whistle. Once they harness the very air around then, they can control the weather itself. Whipping up violent storms, and even tornadoes to tear through unfortunate souls caught in its paths. Concealed Air: Scentless scouts, mist-covered murderers, these are just a few of the names that the Concealed Air can expect to hear. As their names hint at, these skilled Air users can manipulate their power in ways for stealth, such as trapping droplets of water in the air to create mist. Or encasing his scent in a bubble of air, to avoid tracking. Though their abilities are not all stealth, winding their opponent with pressure blasts can put them off balance. Which can lead to them ripping the air right from their opponents lungs, suffocating them if left long enough to the Concealed's whim. ---------------------- Mark of Beast: This Mark is given by the animal Gods, granting natural affinity to the beasts of the land. With this natural affinity, it is only common for these people to become herders, breeders, hunters, or even animal trainers. Or any other career, in which one must deal, raise, or track animals down. Of course, the most skilled or powerful are recruited to become: Sealed Beast: These are warriors of tooth and claw, and walk outside of the realm of elemental mastery. When they invoke their power, they call within their inner beast and takes on it's properties. The result ends up in a human-animal hybrid, the hide and fur that covers their body gives them greater resilience then normal flesh. Allowing them to take the brunt of attacks from various sources, never fluctuating regardless of the attacks elemental basis. The Sealed beast gains weapons and abilities based on the animal that their power is based off of. They can have the horns of an rhino, fangs of a wolf, or the claws of a tiger. Though along with these natural weapons, they gain the traits of the creature. Such as the ability to see in the dark, follow a target's scent, or resistance to certain weather conditions to name a few. Guided Beast: Unlike the Sealed Beast, the Guided Beast do not take on the properties of any animal, instead they can command and summon animals through their power. Their power allow them to control, and call on groups of animals. The more time these individuals have, the more or stronger animals they can summon, and control at the same time. Concealed Beast: The Concealed Beast are able to utilize the powers of animals, be it through taking on certain aspects or transforming completely into a animal. Depending on the situation that the Concealed Beast finds himself in, such as behind a locked door, they may choose to manifest a claw and pick the lock. If they need to track someone or see in the dark, they may wish to take on the nose or eyes of an animal with that property. Needing to disappear or blend in, the Concealed Beast can completely assume the form of an animal. ---------------------- Mark of Healing: This Mark is given by the Gods of life, and brings salvation to those around ones that bear this mark. This is the power to heal, the ability that makes doctors, and surgeons able to save lives as they do. This mark is rare compared to the others, and as such highly valued when they do appear. However because of this fact, the combat potential of the Mark of Healing is under-explored. ---------------------- Mark of Heart: This Mark is bestowed by the Gods of hope, to bring a light to guide those lost in the darkness. This is a mark that has only appeared on people with royal lineage, and as such is a symbol for their right to rule, which is amplified by the natural sway they have over the hearts of others. However because of the rarity of this Mark, combat potential of the Mark of Heart is largely unexplored. ---------------------- Mark of Mind: This Mark is granted by the Gods of intellect, to bring their divine plans to reality. This rare Mark only appears on those with astonishing intellect, those who will eventually bring something new to mankind. The full abilities of this mark has not been explored, due to its rarity. ---------------------- Edited by Zannkimaru, Saturday Oct 15 2011, 10:15 PM.
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Lord of Undeath
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| Post #2 Friday Sep 2 2011, 11:27 PM | [A] Zannkimaru |
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The sun was beginning to peak past the mountain range, it glourious rays being hungerly sought by the farmlands of the valley below. On one in particular, nestled by the Lawrence River, a lone figure had been at work for hours in preperation. With hoe in hand, the blonde man tilled. Each swing, strained the defined muscles in his shoulders, crafted from years of dedication to the land. The expression on his face was one of peace, there wasn't a need to worry about how long he had, or if the weather was going to be favourable till the harvest. Right now, all he had to do was lose himself in the serenity of the moment as he brought the hoe down again. Thunk. Thunk. Thun-Thunk. The rhythm was broken, much like the man's current bliss, as the new source of stomping grew ever closer. Knowing that continuing was pointless at this time, the farmer leaned forward on his tool, and awaited the coming figure of his sister. She was a good foot and a half shorter then him at just over five feet, though both shared the same blonde hair and green eyes, with the execption of it being done in a long ponytail. "Amelia..." The voice that came out was low, though was tinited with the esaperation of knowing what was coming. "I'm telling you Sam, it just ain't right!" Amelia yelled out, which echo'd acrossed the empty acres of farmland. "Fighting with Ma, and Pa again." Samuel stated, this event has been happening for years. Though in the recent months, it has escalated to a more common scheulde. "Well, they're being more stubborn then a mule!" Amelia stomped, causing the tilled soil to shift beneath her feet. "They should be proud that I want to join the navy, and put my blessing to work!" As the young girl, no older then fifteen, spoke this line, she simotanousely put an closed fist over her heart. Even though her work garments covered it, the Mark of Water would always be there on her. Samuel could remember it clearly, back when he was eight and she was spending her first moments in this world, that it was there. The desgin of water droplets, revealing to her a destiny guided by the water Goddess Ilandris. "Now, now." Samuel shook his head, "Just cus your been blessed by the water Goddess, doesn't mean that your suppose to lie your fate with the navy." "I don't want to stay here, and waste it on watering a few crops." Amelia sighed, "It is about all it can do here, with you and Pa's Marks of Earth taking care of the growing and the tending. Then Ma and her Mark of the Beast tending the animals..." The large famer smiled, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Come now sis, yah know that they don't want to lose you." "They are treating me as if I can't handle myself." Amelia shrugged off his arm, "I just don't understand why." "Just give them some time sis, " Samuel chuckled, hefting the hoe over his shoulder. "You may be old enough to enlist, though parents will aways worry about their children, no matter where their Mark may take them." "Yeah..." Samuel's little sister take a step closer to her brother, and nudged him with her elbow. "Though, maybe if someone could mention all the work I've been doing. It may help things along." He glanced down to her, Amelia doing her best 'little sister' face that she could muster. Samuel tried to resist, but he could never hold up aginst those big round eyes that she's been doing since she learned to talk. "...Eyup." Giving a quick hug, followed by a wink as she walked away. "Thanks big bro, I knew I could count on you." With the darma holding off for now, Samuel got back to work. The rhythmic beats of his hoe and the earth, the only sounds that he wanted to hear as he mind difted off to memories of days gone by. He had spent most of his life on the farm, with his family. Only heading to the mountain side kingdom when nessacry, other then that he spent all his time working. Things have never really changed on the farm, not since he was really young anyway. He continued to maw over these thoughts, untill the sun peaked at high noon. Time to eat, followed by planting, though before either he would have to face his folks about Amelia. Samuel made his way past his work, towards the house growing in the distance. As the distance grew shorter, Samuel could began to smell the bouquet of lunch wafting from the kitchen. Entering the room, the farmer was greeted by his mother, Sophia. There wasn't much of a resemblance between the two of them, she was much smaller, leaner, then the gaint that was next to her. Though her chores around the farm always had to do with the few animals that they raised, never having to join the others in managing the fields. Granted, Samuel never got along to well with the various critters... "How's it looking out there today, Samuel?" Sophia asked, taking up a bowl of stew and resting it on the table. "If the weather keeps this way, then it should be pretty good." Samuel stated, taking in what he could of the food before him. After a few moments of eating, with his mother continuing to cook. "So Amelia came up to me, while I was workin..." Sophia stopped her work for a moment, then quickly continued on. "She already talked to me and your father, and thats the end of that discussion." Taking another spoonful of the food, "Yah know, Amelia may more understanding if we explained wha-" "You think that she'll like that answer any better." Samuel's mother snipped, "How the nobles tore our family apart, and I let it happen without a fight." "Come now Ma," Samuel got up, and moved closer to his mother. One by her side, he rested a hand on her shoulder. "There wasn't anything any of us could do, not me, not you, nor Pa. Jackson was special, we knew that as soon as he was born and it was fated that he wasn't going to be with us for long." "I know, I know." Sophia pratically muttered, "But he wan't even weaned yet, regardless of what the Gods granted him, he was still just a babe..." Samuel sighed, "It's ok Ma, don't worry about it. I won't say anything, until your ready for her to hear it." The large farmer went back and finished off his stew, "Well I better get to the planting, don't want to have to finish after dark." Sophia didn't respond, she never did talk much when the subject of the lost son came up. Samuel left to gather what he needed to continue, lamenting the fact that Ameila will still be left in the dark for awhile longer. It was back when Samuel was seven, he was exicted to finally see the new baby that his parents where talking about. He rushed home as fast as he could, from the Church of the Earth's sermon. Samuel could hear the crying of a small baby, though that was all he could hear. He thought there would be more going on, afterall everyone seemed so happy that his day was finally coming. Samuel made his way through the doors, and to the room where his mother had been resting the last week. The midwife was just making her way down the hallway, when Samuel finally made it to his new sibling. In his rush, he didn't notice the solomn expression on her face. Though there he was, the small crying babe wrapped up in some old clothes. Samuel's father, Jack, stood at the other side of the room, as if he was watching for something from the window. Sophia looked exhausted, though with a smile as she continued to cradle the infant. Samuel wanted to ask what his name was, he wanted to knew what he could do to help. Though all those questions faded away, and took on a new form. "What is wrong with his Mark?" Samuel spoke, confusion evident on every fiber of his being. His Mark was a few rocks over his heart like his father's, his mother's was a symbolic rabbit. Though this babe, his Mark covered almost his entire body. The design was in sharp markings, almost tribal, and it seemed to weave into a wolf's head. "There is nothing wrong with Jackson." Jack stated, his voice sounded dried and strained. "In fact he has been blessed with a gift, that most people wish for." Samuel glanced over to his mother, who looked as if she could burst into tears in a moment. "But what's wrong with Ma then?" "Listen, Samuel." Jack turned around, and knelt and stared eye-to-eye with Samuel. "Becuase of how special he is, he-he may be going away soon." "But he is just a baby, you wouldn't let me head to the sermons by myself till I turned six." "It isn't like that, he may have to go live with some other people. People that can help him do what the Gods want of him." Jack grabbed his son's shoulders, and gave him a look that he seen before a hundred times. That seem stubborn stare, that he would see when the Aribters in their blue unifroms come and take Jackson away. It was a something that Samuel had come to rely on in the harsh days that followed, it was something that his father wore to this day. The air was started to bite, as a chill flew in on the coming night winds. Samuel's hands were covered with dirt, singaling a long day of work. Memories letting time flow faster for the farmer, as he went back to work. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amelia had spent most of the day traveling to the various neighbouring farms, trading various goods, it was a nice escape for her under the guise of work. There was only so much she could do around there, most of which could be handled much easier by her older brother or mother. Besides there was much more to this world, then just the valley and the kingdom city. Though that sense of exploration seemed to make her a black sheep, as the rest of her family were happy with the slaving away here. Others with the Mark of Earth, have been great scultpers and builders. Amelia had always told Samuel to try something else with his hands, though he always went for the tools. He didn't have to get up before dawn each morning, and work his hands to the bone... But if that was what he wanted, how could she stop him? Just like how she wanted to set out, and see what she could do with her Mark of Water. She could be a great captain, or even purify the water for the entire kingdom, the church told her that she had execllent control over her mark afterall. If that is what she was capable of doing, why should her parents stop her? As she continued down the road, a moving shape caught the corner of her eye. Amelia snapped her head to the right, and caught what seemed to be a group of soldiers heading into the woods. They were gone, as quickly as she noticed them. Though as she continued on down home, the thought of way the soldiers would be searching the woods stayed in the back of her mind. Edited by Zannkimaru, Saturday Sep 3 2011, 12:57 AM.
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Lord of Undeath
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| Post #3 Tuesday Sep 6 2011, 06:27 PM | [A] Zannkimaru |
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Ameila continued down the dirt road, the darkess quickly encoarching as the sun went to rest on the other side of the mountain. As she turned towards her home, a figure was still toiling at work in the fields. Her brother was seeemed to have made quite a bit of progress in the amount of time that she was gone, though knowing him, Sam wasn't going to stop until he was sure that everything was done. It wasn't much longer, until Ameila made it into her home. The home was quiet, with only the flickering of candles staving alway the darkness revealed how empty it was at the moment. "Ma? Pa? I'm back." Ameila called out, setting down the wares of the day by the door. She took a few steps forward, her gaze falling through the doorway to the kitchen. There were some stew taken up, though it's wramth had been stolen from hours passed. As her eyes wandered around, for a few moments... "Oh Amy, I'm in the back honey." The voice of her mother called, echoing through the house. Ameila went through the house, to the back rooms, to were her mother was washing the family's clothes. "Ah, I forgot that you were doing laundry tonight. Is Pa back yet?" "No, I haven't seen him since this morning." Sophia replied, straining what moisture she could out of a shirt. "I could use a bit more water, mind grabbing another bucket for me honey?" "Sure thing, Ma." Ameilia started to make her way out, though stopped midstep. "So.. did Sam mention an-" "You shouldn't bother your brother while he's working." Sophia cut in, without turning around. Ameilia began to open her mouth, though words failed her, and she made her way outside. The house was built close to the river, it made it a simple chore to collect it for watering crops, or cleaning. So simple, that her Mark was pretty much worthless here. One bucketful later, and she was back in the room with her mother. "Here's the water, Ma." Ameilia sighed, the creaking of an opening door catching her attention. "Huh, must be Pa. I'm going to warm up my and Pa's food, ok Ma?" "That is fine, honey." Sophia finally looked over her shoulder, and met Ameilia's eyes. "Just don't bother him with your nonsense, it's been a long day for him." Ameilia scoffed, and headed to the kitchen and called out. "Pa, I'm warming up dinner if you want some!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Samuel yawned as he examined his work, even without the blanket of night, there still wouldn't be much to look at other then dirt. Though in time, the colors of new life will reveal itself and spread for acres. Samuel wished there was more light then just the moon and the stars, but he wou- There was no light other then the moon and stars. "What in tarnation..." Samuel spoke dumbfounded, as he glanced over to his home. There was no candle light in the windows, no sign that anyone was there. Since before he started working, they always left an candle lit for his Pa to get back. Grabbing his tools, as well as he trusty hoe, Samuel traveled back to his home. The house was quiet, as it should be at this time. The animals are off in the barn, and the gentle sounds of nature could be heard all around. Still, the missing light bothered the large farmer. He dropped everything, but the hoe, and entered. The door creaked, revealing the extingused candle on the lone table in the hallway. Fiddling around with the drawer, Samuel found a piece of flint and pyrite. Lighting the candle and taking it with him, the hallway became visible. Along with a liquid, slowing seeping from the kitchen's doorway. "Stew?" Samuel muttered, as he knelt down to examine the wasted food. Peering into the kitchen, revealed that the source of the stew was smashed bowls on the ground. The sense of worry, has grown into a ball that lodged itself into Samuel's throat. He got up and started rushing, tonight was suppose to be laundry night. His mother should still be in the back, should still be washing away. Samuel did not even notice the water sloshing beneath his feet, as he made it closer to the back rooms. Though his movements did finally stop, when he saw what was on the other side. His sister laid on the floor, what remained of her clothes, was signed and blacken like several burns covering her. Then there it was, an intense heat coming from the corner. This heat emmanated from what could be best desribed as a pole, though the flicker of the flames made it's shape questionable at best. Holding onto the fire was a man, he looked ragged, as if he had lived in savergy for weeks or months. There was alot of stranged things about this man, alot of this that would make a person cringe. The scars, the missing eye, the shape of his Mark revealed through the tears in his clothes. None of that mattered, "Get yer foot off of her." Samuel demanded, eyes locked onto his mother. Who was almost in shape as bad as his sister, though locked into a kneeling position but the pressure of the man's boot. "Shut it!" The man hissed in a low voice, swinging his flaming staff haphazardly. "What's wrong with all you damn dirt farmers!? Your suppose to listen, like good little servants!" Sophia cried out, as the man applied pressure to her back. Samuel flung the candle into the man's face, the wax blinding the man's one good eye. While he tried to claw at the wax, Samuel moved forward and swung his hoe. There was a nice crunching sound, as the shaft connected with the man's exposed torso. His target flung into the wall, as Samuel picked up his mother and moved him over to his sister. "Get her out of here." Samuel turned back to the man, his makeshift weapon still holding up. "Bu-but..!" Sophia coughed, before the the room erupted in a blinding light. The one-eyed man was now covered from head to toe in fire, it swirled around him in a design like a fire consuming a forest. "Now!" Samuel yelled, his mother looked over to the raging fire and cringed. Grabbing Ameilia, Sophia tried to carry her, but it was slow going. The fire man, was back on his feet now. His eye sore and red from the wax, though his gaze locked onto the fleeing figure instead of the farmer. "NO!" The man was visibly panicing, and charge forward, leaving the wall behind him ignited. Samuel jumped in to intercept, trying to strike him with the hoe again. Though this time, when the tool came with in range of the man, it struck the fire like it wall. Then the fire quickly spread to it's shaft, causing Samuel to drop it. "DIE!" The man screamed, his single eye buldging in rage. As his thrust his weapon forward, the flame bit deep into Samuel's abdomen. It was a strange sensation, it felt like there was a solid force behind the fire. Burning as it broke through the top layer of flesh, Samuel had to force himself not to attempt to grab the fire. Instead Samuel swung for the man's head, the flesh on his arm roasting the moment it got near. The blow managed to push the man back, but it only served to anger the man. Who in retailation whiped his weapon from the floor up, and caught Sam's chin. The weapon left a visible burn, and searing pain. Samuel didn't have a chance to react to the frist blow, he found himself under a barrage of blows. The one eye man weaving the weapon around, flawlessly, it might've seemed like a dance in any other situation. Samuel couldn't smell anything execpt his own flesh at this pont, he couldn't feel anything but the fire. He tried to fight back, but between the man's movements and the reach of the flaming pole, Samuel only ending up with charred hands. "You know, if you wanted to stay hidden. Lighting a house on fire, may have been a bad call." A rather bored, femine voice called out behind Samuel. Who instinctively tried to turn his head around, but a forceful blow to the back of his legs finally brought him down. Samuel hit the ground, then the world seemed to go in slow motion. The intruder screamed, the fire surrounding him erupted, enlarging his weapon to rediculous proportions. That was when Samuel got the frist glance at the women, who was now landing in front of him. Drapped in the royal blue uniform of an Arbiter, adorned with the symbol of the rising sun on the back, she had to at least be in her forties. There was a bit of grey in her long brown hair, and the appearence of wrinkles starting to crease around her blue eyes. She deftly ducked the man's assulate, durning this manurver the wind fitted itself like a glove around her fist. Then with a quick flick of her wrist, the wind lunged off and puched a hole through the flaming armor, the intruder coughing up saliva and bile from the implact. He lashed out, trying to grab the women. Who reached out with her right arm, and simply parried him with a small blast of wind. The man's hand was push back, but the fire passed through the blast of wind and ignited the sleve of the Arbiter's shirt. With a simply movement, she severed the the piece of flaming garment and locked her hand over the man's mouth. A veil of wind exstingushing the flame around his head. The man struggled, he trashed about violently. His fire no longer had any resemblance of order, as it was shortly snuffed out. After a couple of minutes the man's eye rolled back, and he stopped moving. Durning this time, Samuel had plenty of time to examine the Mark running down her arm. It started as a breeze at her hand, but quickly spiraled up her arm into a hurricane. It had been sixteen years since Samuel last saw her, Arbiter Lily Keen, the women who took Jackson away. "Well you seem like a big fellow," Lily stated, watching Samuel trying to get back to his feet. "It's surprising that your still able to move, after that little spat with the ex-captain." Samuel tried to speak, but his throat was prached and blackened. "Since you are capable of walking, get of of here before the fire spreads any farther." Lily grabbed the one eye man by the back of the shirt, and started dragging him. Samuel followed after her, to find a small group of soldiers outside. Each one running around, some where trying to stop the fire, while others were tending to his injured sister. Sophia, Sam's mother, was nowhere in sight. Sam was disoriented, as he was swarmed by various people. He was moved away from his home, from the people trying to stop the fire from spreading. They took him to his sister, who was bearly stirring. Though now this close, Sam could see that these men and women bore medical uniforms, as they worked feverishly to tend the various burns on the pair of siblings. Edited by Zannkimaru, Tuesday Sep 6 2011, 08:25 PM.
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| Post #4 Tuesday Sep 6 2011, 09:18 PM | [A] Zannkimaru |
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It took the medics over an hour to treat Samuel, to the point that he could talk and walk coherently. The house was burned badly, the remains of the fire now rested in a few cinders scattered around. But it was salavageable, their home could whole again. That was if he could find the rest of his family... "Where's my Ma?" The frist words that Samuel had been able to speak, since he was attacked. The scars that should've been left, were quickly fading, under the touch of those gifted with the Mark of Healing. "The women that came out eariler, should be talking to the lieutenant right now." One of the medics mentioned, changing a bandage. "Where's he at?" Samuel asked, watching the various soldiers mill about. Undoubtly, waiting for their next orders. The medic, pointed off towards the river side. "Last time I heard, SHE was over ther- Hey, where do you think your going?" Samuel had what he needed, as he got up and left durning his bandage change. The medic, clearly wasn't used to having his patients get up and leaving in the middle of treatment. But Sam didn't care about that at this point, he only wanted to see if he could find his parents right now. "Samuel!" A concerened voice cried out, at least Sophia sound healthly to Samuel. "You shouldn't be moving around yet, get back and let them help you." "Sorry, Ma." Samuel smiled, though it faded fast as he seen his mother. Her eyes were red, and had signs of intense session of crying. "Come on Ma, no need to be like that. Pa and I, can have this fixed up in no time." Sophia choked up, and began stuttering. "We-well about yo-your..." "He didn't survive his encounter, with Rapheal." Another voice cut in, a young women draped in a plain grey uniform like the others. However, she wore an armband around her upper arm. A single star, rested on the royal blue material, stating her rank above the rest. "Your mother just comfirmed who he was, after we dragged him out of the forest." "What was that!" Samuel shouted, "If you already had him, then why did you drag my mother there to see him?" "Because, we did not know who he was." The lieutenant stepped forward, a good two feet shorter then the fighter. "Also I am not 'you', I am lieutenant Merrigold. Choose to ignore rank again, and I will take action." (This women is getting on my last nerve!) Sam struggled to refrain his actions, it was bad enough getting talked down too. However, the worst part was how light of an situation this seemed to her. "Well miss Merrigold, I think that you should pay more respect to the dead." As he said these words, Sam glanced over to the river. Along which rested a clumped figure on the group, the appearence covered by what used to be a white sheet. Sam could feel the panic swelling within, as he stared at the covered corspe. His father ran the farm, he manged the finances, and helped out on the field. Though as he worried about his future workload, and the impact that would have on his family, the Arbiter came back into sight. "Merrigold, write the report and state that Rapheal has been taken alive." "Yes, right away Arbiter." The lieutenant saluted and rushed away, pulling several soldiers with her on the way. "I assume that you and your family is going to be ok?" Lily asked, turning towards Sophia. "Well, my lo-lord. I wouldn't want to lie, but without Jack things might be..." "I understand." Lily placed a hand onto Sophia's shoulder, and glanced to the remain's of Jack then to Sam. "Your boy here, is pretty tough. Not many could walk away, after encountering someone with a Sealed Flame. Plus a soldier's wages, may help out." Sophia stepped away, letting the Arbiter's hand fall off. "I am honor, that you would praise my son, my lord. But, we couldn't have him from the farm to long." Sophia was panicing at the idea of her son leaving, under the whim of an Arbiter for the second time. "What happened to Jackson?" Sam bluntly asked, which turned his mother white. "Who?" "My brother, you took him from here sixteen years ago." Sophia was grabbing Sam's arm, trying to catch his attention, as he bluntly continued. "Was he a natural or something? Wouldn't know either way, I just pick them up and let the Tattooists and nobles handle the rest." The Arbiter shrugged, and as far as Samuel could tell, she was being honest. "I have to get going, though I do hope to see you in an uniform in the near future." With that the Arbiter left, taking with her the last of the soldiers. Leaving the family, charred remains of an father and an husband, and a ravaged home. There was only two things they could do right now, get Ameilia inside and dig one more hole on the plot. Edited by Zannkimaru, Tuesday Sep 13 2011, 01:59 AM.
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| Post #5 Thursday Sep 15 2011, 02:01 AM | [A] Zannkimaru |
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Since the incident last week, the farm had been quite lively. Samuel's neighbours have been a godsend, lending any free hands they had to fix the house and aid in the field. Granted, the repairs chewed through the little savings that the family had left since winter ended. Though their finacial standing was the worst it has been in over a decade, the true pain came from his mother and sister. After waking up roughly two days after the attack, Ameila had immedientally panicked. She eventually calmed down, the trama of that man, Rapheal, still fresh to her. Though Sam could deal with her scared, even with her angry. Though not the tears, when the true damage came apartent to her. In the eve of one night, she lost her home in several ways. Ameila spent quite a bit of time at the makeshift grave that Sam dug, sometimes a few words could be caught from her at that time, but not often. Sophia on the other hand, didn't close herself away like her daughter. In fact, Sam doesn't recall her having so much intereaction with the others in the community before. She took on the finacial side of the farm, ordering the lumber, getting the tools, and organising the neighbours. It was strange to see Sophia like this, Sam always remember his mother the way she was when Jackson and Ameila were born. Tender and quiet, happy to watch over the new life grow. Now she was acting like Jack, which Sam would hate to admit, was what they needed right now. Sam had found that his routine remained the same, doing what he can to work the fields. Having the Mark of Earth made this chore a simple thing, an magical connection that allowed him to make the earth soft and treat the soil for the crops. Though even with the touch of the Gods, there was too much land for Samuel to handle by himself. Too much land for the neighbours to help with, and keep theirs up at the same time. If this kept up, they were going to lose half of their crop, in the best case. Sam couldn't let this happen, he knew that he would need to turn to the Church of the Earth for aid. They always had their acolytes available for hire, (Though...) Sam began to think, as he brought the new hoe down. (We can't handle the fee..) Letting it rest, Sam gazed back to the house. It was an odd sight to him, the old building with the new wood glinting in the sunlight. (It seems like alot of things are strange these days.) Sam mused, finally lifting his hoe to get back to work. It felt right, his routine didn't change. Ameila was changing. Sophia was changing. The house was changing, but Sam's routine didn't. The hoe went flying from his hands, clattering a few feet behind him. The thought preturded him, more then he thought it should. His father was murdered, and he just worked. His mother took on the responibilty of the farm, and he just worked. His sister sliently mourned, and he just worked. Just like when Jackson was taken, his family changed, and yet nothing changed for him. Sam walked over, and picked up his hoe. This was a replacement for the one that he lost, a week eariler. It was new, built stronger, and with the right care would last for a long time to come. Sam finally smiled, and began a brisk pace home. "Oh Sam, are you hungry?" Sophia began to ask, her hair ragged from her new work load. "I haven't started cooking yet, I can whi-" She was cut off, as her son picked up in a hug. "I'm sorry, Ma." Sam spoke softly, "Go to the church, and get some help. I should have the money for them, in a week." "Wha-what are you talking about? There is no way to get that kind of..." His mother was confused, though realzation dawned on her as she fought his embrace. "You want to throw away everything, abondon your family, like your sister keeps talking about?!" Sophia had a glare, more deadly then the flames that he faced not so long ago. "No, Ma." Sam replied, resting his hoe aginst the wall. "I'm gonna do, what is best for the entire family." Sam began to walk out of the hourse, his mother shouting some choice words at him. He couldn't focus on them, regardless of the reaction, Sam had to say goodbye two more times. His sister, and his father would be in same place at this time of the day. Ameila was there, her face controted as she thought to herself. Jumping slightly, as Sam placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's awefully early to be off the field ain't it?" Amilea stated, with a tone as if she just finished an arguement. "You'd be right." Sam nodded, as he examined the soil. It was a very dark, rich brown tone. Healthy, yet void of life. It took Sam quite a bit of time, to achieve the level of soil. Though, he didn't want to lose the site from overgrowth. "I'm worried about you, you stopped coming to the field and informing me of the neighbours and the arguements. In fact, all you have really done is watch Pa." Ameila scoffed, "Well there hasn't been much to talk about, and the neighbours have been here." "I remember that morning, you came to me." Sam began, his sister tried to walk away. Though some gentle pressure on her shoulder, keep her from going. "If it was anything like the other times, I am sure that the arguement was rather rough and-." "He was right." Ameila admitted, "I couldn't handle myself, that man broke in and he almost got me and Ma." "None of us could, if it wasn't for the Arbiter things would've been worse." Ameila's face finally broke it's recent sullen expression, wit a brief flash of curiosity. "I heard a rumor about it, but I wasn't awake when she got here. Did you talk to her?" "I did." Sam nodded, "Arbiter Keen suggested that I join the army." Ameila laughed, "Well she wasted her time, didn't she?" "I leave in the morning." There was silence over the grave, as the two siblings stood there. "But you always seemed so content in the field." Ameila stated, though as if seeking reassurance. "I was, but that should've changed awhile ago." Sam replied, "I need to do what is best for the entire family, following the Arbiter is the only way to do that now." "Is the family really in that bad shape, that you need to leave?" "The family hasn't been the best shape in an long time," Sam admitted, "I'm just disappointed with myself, that we had to lose Pa before I noticed it." Ameila finally looked at her brother, "Should I leave too, and find work somewhere else?" She sounded lost, confused as to what she actually wanted. "Just think about it for a while, and you should be able to figure it out. Afterall, your much smarter then I am." Sam and Ameila both chuckled a bit, and stood by each other for a while longer. "Is Ma mad?" Ameila asked, since it wasn't common for him to fight with their elders. "Eyup." |
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| Post #6 Saturday Oct 1 2011, 02:26 AM | Facemancer |
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'What a rotten day' Dane though to himself. Indeed, it was raining in the city and he had nowhere to go. Since nobody was willing to give him work, Dane was reduced to begging on the streets. His clothes were tattered and did nothing to protect him from the drizzle that fell. He wandered off down the alleyways, looking for his shelter. There was an abandoned building not too far down this way Dane often took refuge in; it was his old house but nobody had moved in since. Dane's family had moved up in the world about a year ago when his younger sister managed to rise up in class. Dane did not remember what mark she had, or if she even had one. Unsure how she advanced in class in the first place he let out a solemn sigh as he went inside. Again Dane found himself angered at his predicament. He was destined for greatness! He was supposed to be a healer! He was supposed to have potential! How could the Gods do something like this to him!? Did they have no love for him? He was supposed to have a life, not begging on the streets just to earn enough money to eat that day! Dane calmed himself down, he had done this so many times before. He slammed his fist against the wall and leaned against it, resting his head above his hand. He hated having to come here, it only brought back memories. Yes, they were happy ones, mostly, but it seemed to only serve as a contrast to the life he now lived. Now his memories mocked and taunted him, flaunting his so called 'birth right' at him. It was still early in the afternoon, but Dane decided to get some sleep. As he leaned his back against the wall he considered the house. This house had been long since abandoned, it was considered a bad omen now. Nobody wanted to buy it and so it remained and fell into ruin. It was somewhat of a shelter to the other homeless people when the weather got bad enough, but even they didn't want anything to do with it. It was because he came here. They were avoiding him. The guards didn't even want to associate with him enough to evict him anymore. Dane wanted more than anything to prove he had merit, to prove he was capable! But how could he? Who would take him? As he pondered these questions Dane dozed off into a light sleep... Edited by Facemancer, Saturday Oct 1 2011, 02:27 AM.
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| Post #7 Sunday Oct 2 2011, 05:15 PM | [A] Zannkimaru |
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His last night at the farm, wasn't as welcoming as usual. Sophia decided to not make dinner tonight, as well as to avoid her children for the night. Sam couldn't blame here, the second time an Arbiter showed up, and it seems that history repeated itself. Though he had made this choice, even if she wouldn't choose to accept it, Sophia would have to live with it. This line of thinking, did bother the farmer though. He tried to keep himself busy by cooking, since Ameila usual wasted more food then making it edible, but Sam found himself taking about how the farm was going to be without him. "Ah come on, big brother." Ameila yawned, "You don't have to look so grim, might turn the food sour with that face." Sam chuckled, "Well just gonna be worried bout the farm, is all." "No need," His sister thumped her chest, "I'll be taking care of it, at least untill things are taken care of." "Thats what I'm worried of." "Ha ha ha." Ameila sarcastically said, "Besides the capital, isn't too far. Unless you get stationed somewhere else, you can always stop by or see me in the market." "I doubt that I will have much personal time, but we'll see." Sam stated, before throwing a couple sandwiches on the table. "It's not much, but at least it didn't take to long." The siblings ate, and continued with a bit of small talk into the night. Eventually, the pair would have to go and rest up, readying themsleves for the trip into the city in the morning. When Samuel awoke, he grabbed what clothes he could fit into his bag and headed out. Moving through the empty house was a bit odd, the floorboard's creaking quickly stopping when Sam's foot fell upon a new section of the house. Sophia wasn't in sight, anywhere he walked. The blonde farmer was hoping that she was following his advice, and heading to the local Earth temple. Being a farming community, it was a blessing to have their aid near by, assuming that you could afford it. "Hey big bro, you shouldn't keep a lady waiting." Ameila grinned, standing next to a wagon and a horse. A large black stallion, Andrew had been with the family for about two decades now. Though age might been setting in for the animal, Sam was always happy to see it out. "I don't need a ride, I can make it there before nightfall." The large farmer stated, as he rubbed Andrew's muzzle. Besides moving his head, into a better place for Sam to reach, Andrew actually looked to be nervous. Still the little sister, jumped to the drivers seat. "Yeah, but then you'll have to wait till tomorrow to get started. This way, you can get there with time to spare." "As long as your sure that the chores will be done, afterall you're going to be losing alot of time heading to the city." Sam sighed, throwing his bag into the back and jumping in himself. "Of course, who do you think your talking too?" Ameila responded, hinting towards how foolish her brother sounded. The wagon starting to rock, as Andrew guided it forward. "Just saying..." Sam laid back, and watched the sky for a moment, the cloud line was getting thicker, as they made their way. There was a bit of small talk, but there was one thing off bothering Sam "You seem in a much better mood today." "Well, your getting off the farm. No offense, but I know for a fact that besides the city, you have never left the valley before." His sister sounded more like a teacher, scolding a child for not trying. "I mean, your little sister has at least been to the Grandridge Bay." "Yeah, you saw a battleship there, and since then kept talking about leaving." "Hey, I was thinking about my destiny before then. The ship just put it into perspective." Ameila defended, as they finally made it to the gates of the capatil. Sam jumped out of the wagon, though it should be noon, the cloud cover shading the entire mounside kingdom in a blanket of shade. "Hey, why did you get out? There still quite a walk, ahead of you yet." "There no reason for us to drag Andrew through the slums, you know he hates the smell." The stallion seemed to snort as he brought up the matter, though considering Andrew had been doing this route for two decades, it was safe to say that he would remember it. "Fine, though you take care now. We can't get you an guard escort, since we are not delievering food to the nobels." "I'll be fine, all I got is clothes, so I don't think I will be bothered." Sam waved as he walked towards the checkpoint, "I'll see yah again soon, sis..." "Take care, Sam." Amelia got the wagon turned around, "It's gonna be a long ride home, isn't it Andrew." In reply, the horse whinnied which caused Ameila to laugh, her vision blurring slightly. "Your right, you always are." |
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| Post #8 Tuesday Oct 4 2011, 02:09 PM | Facemancer |
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Dane was rudely awakened by pangs of hunger. He must have really been tired, it was late in the evening... almost morning even. The rain had stopped and the air was silent and still. As he rose Dane heard a slight movement and out of the corner of his eye he caught a glance of a cat running around a corner into the house. He was not aware that any animals had moved into the house, but it wouldn't surprise him if some did get in once in a while. As if for a lack of anything better to do he followed the cat in the house. As he did so Dane realized that this cat had a collar... and it didn't run from him like a stray would, it merely stayed out of his reach with some distrust more than fear. Casually tracking the cat around the rooms he heard a slight mewing sound and the Cat bolted into a closet that had been left partially opened. 'Kittens' Dane mused to himself. The cat went into the closet with her children, they must have been living here for at least a few weeks now because these kittens were old enough to see and hear on their own. There were only 3 of them, a small litter. The mother was standing between him and her babies, ready for Dane if he tried anything. Dane only smiled and petted her, reading the collar he realized the owner was very close. After a short time the mother decided Dane was OK, it seemed she had a nice family since she was so trusting. The kittens might have their mother to protect them now, but if she was going home there was a chance that they had been without her for periods of time. One stray animal at the wrong time and they would all be dead... Dane decided it might be best for the family to care for the kittens, at least then they would have a better chance of finding homes this way. While reassuring the mother Dane collected the kittens and then their mother and started to the address on the collar. It was only a couple of blocks down, once Dane had got there he caught who he assumed was the father leaving for work. It seemed he had to get up very early for whatever job he had. The man's mark was not immediately visible, this bothered Dane somewhat but he also knew if anything his reputation would precede him and he would be left alone. The man at first ignored Dane until he realized he was holding the family cat. "I found your cat, thought I'd return her." Dane said somewhat cautiously. The man eased a little and asked Dane to wait a moment. At this point the mother cat leaped from Dane's grasp and ducked into the house. A young girl appeared in the doorway as Dane heard the parents argue. "The wretch may have returned our cat but we shouldn't give him anything! He might come back, what would the neighbors think!?" The father was getting upset. The wife was inaudible, but based on what her husband was saying she was a kind soul for wanting to reward him with anything. The child merely watched Dane, perhaps not sure what to expect from him. As she did so Dane produced the kittens and placed them on the front porch, much to the young girls delight. "kittens!" she joyously exclaimed. This got the attention of her parents who returned to see what was going on. The girl managed to pick up two of the kittens and showed them to her parents. The third kitten was hauled inside by its mother. The woman smiled and handed Dane a small amount of money as she thanked him for bringing the cat and her kittens home. The father seemed displeased at the idea of more pets, but Dane figured the family would end up keeping at least one of the kittens. Money in hand, Dane went on his way... now he could afford to eat. Today certainly had started very well for him and Dane considered himself lucky as he went to the market. Edited by Zannkimaru, Wednesday Oct 5 2011, 04:46 PM.
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| Post #9 Saturday Oct 8 2011, 10:28 PM | [A] Zannkimaru |
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Sam sighed as he entered the massive city gates, clothes ruffled but no worse for ware. The gate guards had inspected him when he tried to enter, as like the many times before. Though, now since he was cleared, he shouldn't have any problem with the authority. The smell however, was a different story. The gates lead right into the slums, and poisitoned as far from the castle as possible. There wasn't much activity as far as Sam could see, a few of the ill, and some indiviuals in white robes. It was common for initiates to the Church of Healing to seek out the slums, and cure someone as a test. Still, it wasn't if they were lining up for help. Plus, the rumors of the people without a Mark floating around... If there was anyone watching Sam, they probably would've jumped at the sight of this large shaking. Even if it was just in his head at the moment, it was enough for him to speed ahead and escape from the slums as soon as possible. His nerves were finally calmed, as he entered the market. There were peddlers and their wears, though very few of them were selling any sort of produce. Though it wasn't harvest time yet, and when it was his sister or mother would be here, earning a few coins. (Or would they..) Sam's mind started to wander, ignoring the various attempts from pushy merchents to view their wears. (I guess I may see the church behind our stand this year.) The farm never seemed to leave his mind, Ameilia and Sophia were more then enough to keep the farm in check, he didn't have to worry about them taking care of what it needs. However, Sam couldn't say the same about the women themselves. They are alone, running an farm. There was no longer an husband nor a son there, to discourage any foul ideas. Granted neither was enough, for that night over a week ago... The farmer finally stopped, the recruitment office stood only one story tall and looked to be about two rooms wide. It was hard to noticed, tucked away in the corner. Today Sam would finally see what was on the inside of theis small gray building, opening the door, revealed a desk with an elderly man behind it reading a book. There wasn't any other people in this room, just a door off to the right. Walking farther in, Sam moved up to the desk. "I'm here to enlist." "As is everyone else, that comes through that door." The replied, slaming his book shut. "Name, place of birth?" Sam blinked, at the man's behaviour. "Samuel Adam Osmond, Aurora Valley." "Osmond..." The man pondered the name as he scribbled it down on a form, "Well being from the valley makes this easier, take the sheet and go through the door. Someone will help you from there." The famer took the sheet, nodded his head, and moved through the next door. Once the room was empty, the clerk would get up and knock on the wall. In response it slid open, revealing a set of stiars spiraling downwards with a pair of guards next to the entrance. "One of you needs to deliever a message to Aribiter Lily, that Osmond kid showed up." The guard on the right nodded and began moving, as the door closed and hid him from view. Sam however was confused, since it seemed like he walked into a medical ward. Various acolytes of healing were moving back and forth, exmaining various men and women. The noise in here was defeaning, as people talked over each other. Yet he was unable to hear it from the other room, "Excuse me." He asked the nearest of the acolytes. "I was told to hand this to someone in here." The women took the paper and skimmed it over, "Ok Mr Osmond, step over here for your physical." "If you don't mind me asking," Sam asked, following the acolyte. "I thought there would be more to the regisration, then just giving my name..." The women glanced back and smiled, "Well that is just initial filtering, which is to remove any of the obviously unfit. This physical, is the next part." She lead him to a bed, and motioned for him to sit down. "Now I need you to answer a few questions, while I do your physical..." For what seemed like hours, though was but a few minutes, Sam was subjected to barrage of questions. Some where expected, such as next of kin, but others where things about the country, that a child would be taught. Math questions, word puzzels, previous occupation. They seemed to switch subject matter on the fly, and durning this time, the physical was happening too. Sam could feel the soothing force of the acolytes power, as she check his pulse and body. Though it still didn't pervent him from feeling exasperated, but it finally finished. "Well Mr Osmond, everything seems to be in order. Your physically and mentally fit enought to enlist, just follow me to the next area." Sighing in relief, Sam obeyed. They reached a set of stairs in the corner, desending to a large wooden door. The pair continued on past, with the sound up stairs vanishing the moment that the door closed. There were over a dozen people spread out next to the various doors in the hallway, each with an queasy look on their face. The acolyte went to speak, but was drowned out by a scream. "Whats going on down here?" Sam's eyes followed the sound, to one fo the doors down the hall. "Why can't I hear upstaires, and why can I hear people screaming?" "Well, having a Tattooist temper your mark is quite painful." She replied, as they continued to the fourth door on the left. "As for the sound, we sound proof the various walls. So we don't get distracted by the Tattooist's work. Also, give this to the twins when it's your turn." "How will I know when it's my turn?" Sam raised an eyebrow. "It won't be hard to figure out." She replied, as if there was some hidden joke. |
Lord of Undeath
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| Post #10 Friday Oct 14 2011, 12:06 PM | Facemancer |
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It was still fairly early when Dane got to the market. He stood out quite a bit, and since he came here often for food almost all the merchants recognized him by now. Dane knew which ones would sell him things and which ones wouldn't, some of the merchants had decided that despite his reputation Dane's money was still good. Dane spent most of the money on food, but he had a little left over. 'Perhaps it is time for a new cloak, this one is getting a bit ragged' Dane thought as he quickly browsed the selection of one of the merchants. He was careful not to touch anything, as he knew this particular merchant would get mad at him for it. The merchant, a woman of slightly above average height and a slender build, watched Dane carefully as he shopped. It was early enough in the morning that there were no other customers looking for garments so she felt safe about letting him look. After a short while Dane found a cloak he liked, it was a simple light grey, but it had a large hood and the price was right. Dane replaced his old, tattered cloak and donned his new one. This would serve as his protection from the weather and as his blanket for quite some time, and yet, despite living on the streets, Dane managed to keep himself fairly hygienic and had no odor about him as many of the others in his caste did. Dane spent the rest of his morning walking around the poorer and more run down areas of the city. He wasn't shunned nearly as much here and everybody who knew anything about this city knew to leave him alone. Edited by Facemancer, Friday Oct 14 2011, 12:08 PM.
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3:11 PM Jul 11