Post by Nicole Vanros on Nov 29, 2016 11:29:54 GMT -7
[attr="class","storyline"]
[attr="class","h1"]Acheron Aligned
[attr="class","body"]The Attonian War has been waging for nearly a decade with no end in sight, and yet, Dirys is no more closer to “winning” than when the war first began. The nation’s alliance with Liesdro has been amicable, but it is clear that they must do more. Muerte has kept a distance from the war, and the leaders of both Dirys and Liesdro have agreed that it is time to change that. They do not hope to force Muerte, but cannot rule out the chance that it may come to that. All three nations of Acheron must be united if they are to assert their hold over Atton.
As the representatives of Acheron determine their next courses of action, their soldiers wait on the whims of their leaders. Nicole Vanros is but one of many soldiers. Could she rise to become to one of deciding factors for Dirys and Liesdro, or is she just another expendable tool?
Nicole has been sent to prison for presenting a threat to the life of Markus Woodrow. In prison, Nicole meets with Leigh Haskell, who harbors an even greater resentment for Woodrow. The two discuss their shared hatred for the Lord of Eersaeb.
The full summary of this storyline can be found in the spoiler tag below. This gets you up to date on all of the events so far. This summary was last updated on 01.01.18.
As the representatives of Acheron determine their next courses of action, their soldiers wait on the whims of their leaders. Nicole Vanros is but one of many soldiers. Could she rise to become to one of deciding factors for Dirys and Liesdro, or is she just another expendable tool?
Nicole has been sent to prison for presenting a threat to the life of Markus Woodrow. In prison, Nicole meets with Leigh Haskell, who harbors an even greater resentment for Woodrow. The two discuss their shared hatred for the Lord of Eersaeb.
Locations
- Atton
The Attonian War has been named for the struggle for this country’s land and resources, and is thus the ultimate goal of uniting Acheron. Whatever is in Atton, Nicole does not truly know. All she understands is that her country wants to claim its stake in Atton, and she is happy to serve. - Acheron
As the title suggests, this storyline aims to span the whole of Acheron, with each nation having its own part to play. - Liesdro
Nicole has been sent along with the majority of the Diryn army to Liesdro to unify the armies of both countries. With the Liesdron army overseen by Walherich Khul and Adelaida Delice, the stated goal of the alliance acts under the goal of “Enlightenment”.- Magei.
- Magei High Security Prison.
- Dirys
Nicole’s homeland, though the sectors most relevant to this storyline would be A and D. Nicole’s older brother, Edgar, and their father, Zota, both live up in Sector A, while her younger brother, Zechariah, lives in Sector C, which is also led by Gavrilla Dalte, who has played an instrumental part in supporting the Diryn army’s role in the Attonian War. - Muerte
The third nation of Acheron has abstained from the Attonian War, and refuses to align with Dirys and Liesdro. Before Dirys and Liesdro can make a full-scale assault against Atton, they must first convince Muerte to stand alongside its neighbors.
Major People
- Edgar Vanros
Nicole’s older brother. He is more concerned with living up to their father’s expectations, styling himself as the heir to the Vanros family. Nicole is content to let him do so, as it hardly interferes with her own life. Edgar Vanros - Zechariah Vanros
Nicole’s younger brother. Although he was adopted into the family only a few years ago, Nicole nevertheless loves him no differently from Edgar. Acacia-Black - Gavrilla Dalte
The Senator of Sector C (And the sister of President Raul Dalte himself) has supported the Attonian War, and the Diryn military is no exception. With Gavrilla’s help, a united Acheron army may become more than just an ideal. - Romulus Dimitar
Captain of the Diryn Forces, and Nicole’s superior. While allied with Liesdro and ending as one of the weaker alliances, Romulus is an incredible strategist and has kept the battlefield unpredictable with his plans. - Walherich Khul
Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Defense for Liesdro. Walherich loves his country, and believes in what it stands for - enlightenment. He will deliver that in any way he can... Even by force. Convincing Muerte to join with Liesdro and Dirys in the Attonian War would be a boon to his ambitions. - Adelaida Delice
Leader of the Liesdron Forces. The forces in Liesdro have only recently returned to the world-stage, but seem quite strong. They wish to spread the values of Liesdro to "enlighten" other peoples. - Lord Markus Woodrow
The ruler of Eersaeb visited Liesdro, hoping to establish an office for his forces who would coordinate with the Liesdron police. Although he found Nicole attractive and even invited her to have dinner with him, Nicole declined. Woodrow responded with threats and insults, and Nicole reached for her rifle in an attempt to scare the noble, but Woodrow called forth several of his attendants, as well as local officers. Nicole was arrested, so she has decided to seek revenge against the Lord of Eersaeb. Markus Woodrow
Minor People
- Leigh Haskell
Leigh Haskell A pirate with the Defiled Grail who acts as cellmate to Nicole Vanros in Liesdro. - Lieutenant Rowen
Nicole Vanros' lieutenant in Magei. - Maldrem "Wight"
Maldrem "Wight" A pirate with the Defiled Grail who helps to break Nicole out of Magei's prison. - Ruiha Maytal
Liesdron Minister of Public Safety & Justice who's home is in Magei. - Soldier Theodore
An impressive soldier in the Diryn army, and alleged lover of Lieutenant Rowen.
Summary
The full summary of this storyline can be found in the spoiler tag below. This gets you up to date on all of the events so far. This summary was last updated on 01.01.18.
{
Click for Full Storyline Summary
} On the 10th of the Scales of Judgment, 5152, Nicole marches with the Diryn army in Magei, Liesdro in a routine patrol. On the same day, Lord Markus Woodrow II arrives in Magei by carriage. Once his carriage passes the walls of the city, Woodrow removes himself from the carriage to approach the Diryn soldiers. Specifically, he approaches Nicole.
Before she can respond to his approach, Nicole’s Lieutenant, Rowen approaches, offering Woodrow aid, and politely questioning his presence in Magei. Woodrow explains how he has a meeting with Ruiha Maytal, and asks Rowen to spare one of his soldiers to act as a guide while he is in the city. Rowen offers a strong looking soldier named Theodore, but Woodrow rejects the man, decrying his need for a guard. Woodrow refers to Nicole once more, and Rowen again tries to press Woodrow with another choice, but Woodrow interrupts and asks Nicole if she agrees with her leader that she is incapable of walking him to his destination, to wish she easily responds with her disagreement. Rowen finally relents, allowing Woodrow to take her.
As the remainder of the squad departs, Nicole apologizes to Woodrow for the trouble, and begins to guide him. Woodrow initiates conversation as they walk, complimenting Nicole’s bravery, and asks her first name, which she gives him before asking what his meeting with the Minister is about. Woodrow promises to tell her if she slows down a bit, and then explains that he is planning to establish a branch of the SSPB in Liesdro.
Afterwards, he segues into a discussion of his evening plans, which are far from set, and asks Nicole if she has any recommendations on places in Magei for a good meal. She has few recommendations, noting that the food isn’t terribly impressive for a man of his stature as a joke, which he returns with a comment of the company of a meal being more important than the meal itself. He then offers to take her for dinner, as thanks for her guiding him to Maytal’s offices. She considers the offer, but knows she has more important duties to attend to, and in the end rejects it, turning the conversation back to business to ask about his thoughts on working with Dirys, as well as with Liesdro, musing over the possibilities open to a strong alliance of Submiere, Liesdro and Dirys.
Woodrow waves off her commentary, ensuring her that his motives here are for worldwide peace, but brings it back to why he wanted her as a guide, and not simply gotten himself there by carriage. Woodrow decides to use his power to pressure Nicole, asking her about her rank in the military, her desire to improve it, or willingness to let it disappear. Nicole does not appreciate the blackmail, and tries to de-escalate the situation, apologizing and bowing to him, but Woodrow is not finished with his reaction to her rejection.
Woodrow calls her pathetic, and then continues to demean not only her, but her place as a woman, explaining how he did not want a guard, but an ornament - which suited her perfectly. Then, he asks if she is a person, or an object, and Nicole is rightfully angry. She puts a hand on her rifle, but stops herself before drawing it. She instead continues to hold firm in her position, and explains that she is a person, but cannot help but insult him - which earns her his vengeance. He gives a signal, and someone calls out that Nicole is going to shoot Woodrow, her hand still on her rifle, though not having drawn it. Woodrow’s guards and local police swarm them immediately, removing him from the situation and restraining Nicole with manacles. As the local police are informed of her identity, and her position as a soldier in the Diryn army, they express distress over what the Minister will think of such a situation.
Nicole tries to fight back, but it’s her against Lord Markus Woodrow, his SSPB guards, and the Magei police. She thinks about the effect this will have on her life, her reputation; her family’s reputation; the Diryn army… And she thinks of how, if this is how vindictive Woodrow is, then she can return the favour when she is set free. (Testing the Alliance)
Days later, Nicole finds herself in Liesdro’s highest security prison, outside of Magei. She shares her cell with Leigh Haskell, a hook-handed pirate, who is at first introduced as ‘Jane’. She learns that she is to be escorted back to Dirys, where she would be put through the proper channels for her punishment, but for now she is to remain imprisoned here.
Nicole reflects on how her decision might have affected Acheron as a whole, how it could have threatened to have Submiere retaliate directly, but she doesn’t have much time to do so as Leigh talks to her.
Leigh is quick to label Nicole a criminal, but Nicole is set upon being a soldier. Knowing what will happen to her in Dirys, her walls fall easily and she explains that her being in prison was the fault of Markus Woodrow, for pulling a rifle on him. Leigh laughs, and calls Nicole her hero. At first Nicole thinks that Leigh is making fun of her, but then realizes otherwise. She questions Leigh on what got her in prison, and what she knows about Woodrow.
Leigh explains she slept with a noble’s wife, a noble powerful enough to send her to jail over it. Then she goes on to explain her history with Lord Woodrow, how she is a pirate, and he has sunk ships she’s crewed on, and killed numerous friends. In return for this information, Leigh decides to push Nicole and asks what she would do if Woodrow were in the room with them right then.
Nicole imagines just that. She decides she would shoot him, but not kill him. She would hurt him until he begged to be killed, and then walk away. Leigh finds the explanation greatly entertaining, and asks Nicole if she might be a pirate after all. She explains to Nicole that pirates fight for two things: Freedom, and vengeance. Nicole resists the title, but insists she can fight for those things under her own colours. Leigh simply tells Nicole that she can’t be a soldier and get those things, and when questioned about having a captain, explains that loyalty keeps her with her captain, not duty. Leigh insists that inferiority is made by the law, and upheld by men like Woodrow. She asks if Nicole is really going to go back after stepping over the line already.
Nicole mulls over her options, positive that when she returns to Dirys she won’t remain imprisoned. She believes she could fight to get back into the military, or go off on her own -- she then tells Leigh that her father believes they are rightful rulers of Dirys, even, and that could be an avenue to explore. Finally, as a fourth option, she questions if Leigh is inviting her to become a pirate. Leigh doesn’t give a straight answer, wanting to know instead of that would even be a consideration for Nicole. Nicole makes her decision, and tells Leigh that if she gets Nicole out, she’ll join her crew and work with her to take down Woodrow.
Leigh doesn’t think that will be a problem.
As if on cue, the guard returns, but this time it is Maldrem “Wight” in disguise. He breaks them out using his lockpicking skills. Nicole has to make a choice to either go with them, or wait it out and hope for the best from the authorities, and she decides to go with the pirates.
Wight uses his illusion to make the two women appear shackled as he leads them to where their possessions are stored. They encounter two other guards when they arrive, who are suspicious enough to attempt to verify Wight’s claims. He knocks out one guard, and Leigh almost takes care of her’s before deciding to give Nicole a test.
Leigh pretends to let the guard take advantage of her and knocks his baton between himself and Nicole, who barely hesitates before picking it up and knocking the guard down -- but not out. She strikes again, knocking him out. She passes the test.
Wight goes on ahead to get their belongings while Leigh and Nicole stay hidden and keep watch. Leigh keeps the gun she took from the guard away from Nicole, but flirts with her while they wait for their third.
Wight meanwhile attempts to infiltrate the storeroom, which is heavily guarded. He uses his illusions to distract the group of them in order to sneak past. Just as he gathers the effects of his two comrades, a guard enters the room. He hides, but the foxfolk guard can tell he’s there. The two tussle, both evenly matched in dexterity, but the Foxfolk guard is an Enchanter and attempts to wile Wight’s mind… But Wight is able to trick him with illusions, and kills the guard quietly.
Wight returns to Nicole and Leigh, giving them their belongings, and urging them to move quickly. As they continue their escape, however, they find themselves in a fire fight. Leigh covers their back while Wight and Nicole run, but they hit the air vent, which is now locked. Leigh takes a hostage to buy them time, but it’s not enough for Wight to break past the magical lock. Instead, he summons up illusions to make for a better distraction to buy Wight even more time.
He breaks the lock, and the three drop into the air vent.
While safe for the time being, Nicole questions the decision she has made, and is angry over the fact that Leigh killed someone, which was not the intent. Leigh argues back, frustrated, that it was kill or be killed. Wight agrees, admitting to killing a guard to get their possessions back. Nicole resists, not believing herself to be ‘bad’ like they are.
She frets as she realizes that her actions may have directly sabotaged her goal of having Dirys and Liesdro work together, that the slaughter of guards and a prison break in Liesdro was participated in by a soldier from Dirys. She’s lost her purpose, and she doesn’t want more people to die because of her.
This makes Leigh angry, and she reams Nicole out for her self-centered concerns, implying greater personal losses that have made Wight and Leigh who they are. Nicole, despite wanting to argue back, decides instead to apologize, and follows quietly.
Wight leads the group through the maze of the vents, knowing that the way he’s leading them will be free of guards. They drop down several floors, and Wight explains that they aren’t exiting through the vents. Instead, they’ll be exiting by the officer’s rec room and swimming pool, where it’s unlikely there will be many guards. Then, they’ll go through a drainage grate to get the rest of the way. Wight also makes sure to reinforce with Nicole that it’s kill, or be killed. She finally gets it.
As they sneak through the pool area, a guard catches them and holds them at gunpoint. Wight is tapped out of magic, and the guard commands Leigh to disarm first. She comes up with a plan, and creates a distraction after disarming. Nicole gets Leigh’s disarmed pistols and shoots the guard, killing him. Wight leaves a false trail in their wake to mislead any guards who come from the sound of gunfire, and then they go down the drainage tunnel. Just as Wight manages to get the grate in place, locked, and rusted somewhat with a touch of necromancy, other guards enter. They fall for Wight’s tricks, and don’t realize the pirates are just underfoot.
When the coast is clear, Nicole apologizes, now understanding why the pirates do what they do. She wants to join them. The group moves on through the tunnels, eventually reaching the place where it empties out into the sea, and find the rowboat hidden there by Wight. There, Leigh gives Nicole one last chance to run away and say no to the pirate life… She doesn’t take it.
Which leaves the question: What place does Acheron have for Nicole, now that she’s a damned dirty pirate? (Cellmates)
Before she can respond to his approach, Nicole’s Lieutenant, Rowen approaches, offering Woodrow aid, and politely questioning his presence in Magei. Woodrow explains how he has a meeting with Ruiha Maytal, and asks Rowen to spare one of his soldiers to act as a guide while he is in the city. Rowen offers a strong looking soldier named Theodore, but Woodrow rejects the man, decrying his need for a guard. Woodrow refers to Nicole once more, and Rowen again tries to press Woodrow with another choice, but Woodrow interrupts and asks Nicole if she agrees with her leader that she is incapable of walking him to his destination, to wish she easily responds with her disagreement. Rowen finally relents, allowing Woodrow to take her.
As the remainder of the squad departs, Nicole apologizes to Woodrow for the trouble, and begins to guide him. Woodrow initiates conversation as they walk, complimenting Nicole’s bravery, and asks her first name, which she gives him before asking what his meeting with the Minister is about. Woodrow promises to tell her if she slows down a bit, and then explains that he is planning to establish a branch of the SSPB in Liesdro.
Afterwards, he segues into a discussion of his evening plans, which are far from set, and asks Nicole if she has any recommendations on places in Magei for a good meal. She has few recommendations, noting that the food isn’t terribly impressive for a man of his stature as a joke, which he returns with a comment of the company of a meal being more important than the meal itself. He then offers to take her for dinner, as thanks for her guiding him to Maytal’s offices. She considers the offer, but knows she has more important duties to attend to, and in the end rejects it, turning the conversation back to business to ask about his thoughts on working with Dirys, as well as with Liesdro, musing over the possibilities open to a strong alliance of Submiere, Liesdro and Dirys.
Woodrow waves off her commentary, ensuring her that his motives here are for worldwide peace, but brings it back to why he wanted her as a guide, and not simply gotten himself there by carriage. Woodrow decides to use his power to pressure Nicole, asking her about her rank in the military, her desire to improve it, or willingness to let it disappear. Nicole does not appreciate the blackmail, and tries to de-escalate the situation, apologizing and bowing to him, but Woodrow is not finished with his reaction to her rejection.
Woodrow calls her pathetic, and then continues to demean not only her, but her place as a woman, explaining how he did not want a guard, but an ornament - which suited her perfectly. Then, he asks if she is a person, or an object, and Nicole is rightfully angry. She puts a hand on her rifle, but stops herself before drawing it. She instead continues to hold firm in her position, and explains that she is a person, but cannot help but insult him - which earns her his vengeance. He gives a signal, and someone calls out that Nicole is going to shoot Woodrow, her hand still on her rifle, though not having drawn it. Woodrow’s guards and local police swarm them immediately, removing him from the situation and restraining Nicole with manacles. As the local police are informed of her identity, and her position as a soldier in the Diryn army, they express distress over what the Minister will think of such a situation.
Nicole tries to fight back, but it’s her against Lord Markus Woodrow, his SSPB guards, and the Magei police. She thinks about the effect this will have on her life, her reputation; her family’s reputation; the Diryn army… And she thinks of how, if this is how vindictive Woodrow is, then she can return the favour when she is set free. (Testing the Alliance)
Days later, Nicole finds herself in Liesdro’s highest security prison, outside of Magei. She shares her cell with Leigh Haskell, a hook-handed pirate, who is at first introduced as ‘Jane’. She learns that she is to be escorted back to Dirys, where she would be put through the proper channels for her punishment, but for now she is to remain imprisoned here.
Nicole reflects on how her decision might have affected Acheron as a whole, how it could have threatened to have Submiere retaliate directly, but she doesn’t have much time to do so as Leigh talks to her.
Leigh is quick to label Nicole a criminal, but Nicole is set upon being a soldier. Knowing what will happen to her in Dirys, her walls fall easily and she explains that her being in prison was the fault of Markus Woodrow, for pulling a rifle on him. Leigh laughs, and calls Nicole her hero. At first Nicole thinks that Leigh is making fun of her, but then realizes otherwise. She questions Leigh on what got her in prison, and what she knows about Woodrow.
Leigh explains she slept with a noble’s wife, a noble powerful enough to send her to jail over it. Then she goes on to explain her history with Lord Woodrow, how she is a pirate, and he has sunk ships she’s crewed on, and killed numerous friends. In return for this information, Leigh decides to push Nicole and asks what she would do if Woodrow were in the room with them right then.
Nicole imagines just that. She decides she would shoot him, but not kill him. She would hurt him until he begged to be killed, and then walk away. Leigh finds the explanation greatly entertaining, and asks Nicole if she might be a pirate after all. She explains to Nicole that pirates fight for two things: Freedom, and vengeance. Nicole resists the title, but insists she can fight for those things under her own colours. Leigh simply tells Nicole that she can’t be a soldier and get those things, and when questioned about having a captain, explains that loyalty keeps her with her captain, not duty. Leigh insists that inferiority is made by the law, and upheld by men like Woodrow. She asks if Nicole is really going to go back after stepping over the line already.
Nicole mulls over her options, positive that when she returns to Dirys she won’t remain imprisoned. She believes she could fight to get back into the military, or go off on her own -- she then tells Leigh that her father believes they are rightful rulers of Dirys, even, and that could be an avenue to explore. Finally, as a fourth option, she questions if Leigh is inviting her to become a pirate. Leigh doesn’t give a straight answer, wanting to know instead of that would even be a consideration for Nicole. Nicole makes her decision, and tells Leigh that if she gets Nicole out, she’ll join her crew and work with her to take down Woodrow.
Leigh doesn’t think that will be a problem.
As if on cue, the guard returns, but this time it is Maldrem “Wight” in disguise. He breaks them out using his lockpicking skills. Nicole has to make a choice to either go with them, or wait it out and hope for the best from the authorities, and she decides to go with the pirates.
Wight uses his illusion to make the two women appear shackled as he leads them to where their possessions are stored. They encounter two other guards when they arrive, who are suspicious enough to attempt to verify Wight’s claims. He knocks out one guard, and Leigh almost takes care of her’s before deciding to give Nicole a test.
Leigh pretends to let the guard take advantage of her and knocks his baton between himself and Nicole, who barely hesitates before picking it up and knocking the guard down -- but not out. She strikes again, knocking him out. She passes the test.
Wight goes on ahead to get their belongings while Leigh and Nicole stay hidden and keep watch. Leigh keeps the gun she took from the guard away from Nicole, but flirts with her while they wait for their third.
Wight meanwhile attempts to infiltrate the storeroom, which is heavily guarded. He uses his illusions to distract the group of them in order to sneak past. Just as he gathers the effects of his two comrades, a guard enters the room. He hides, but the foxfolk guard can tell he’s there. The two tussle, both evenly matched in dexterity, but the Foxfolk guard is an Enchanter and attempts to wile Wight’s mind… But Wight is able to trick him with illusions, and kills the guard quietly.
Wight returns to Nicole and Leigh, giving them their belongings, and urging them to move quickly. As they continue their escape, however, they find themselves in a fire fight. Leigh covers their back while Wight and Nicole run, but they hit the air vent, which is now locked. Leigh takes a hostage to buy them time, but it’s not enough for Wight to break past the magical lock. Instead, he summons up illusions to make for a better distraction to buy Wight even more time.
He breaks the lock, and the three drop into the air vent.
While safe for the time being, Nicole questions the decision she has made, and is angry over the fact that Leigh killed someone, which was not the intent. Leigh argues back, frustrated, that it was kill or be killed. Wight agrees, admitting to killing a guard to get their possessions back. Nicole resists, not believing herself to be ‘bad’ like they are.
She frets as she realizes that her actions may have directly sabotaged her goal of having Dirys and Liesdro work together, that the slaughter of guards and a prison break in Liesdro was participated in by a soldier from Dirys. She’s lost her purpose, and she doesn’t want more people to die because of her.
This makes Leigh angry, and she reams Nicole out for her self-centered concerns, implying greater personal losses that have made Wight and Leigh who they are. Nicole, despite wanting to argue back, decides instead to apologize, and follows quietly.
Wight leads the group through the maze of the vents, knowing that the way he’s leading them will be free of guards. They drop down several floors, and Wight explains that they aren’t exiting through the vents. Instead, they’ll be exiting by the officer’s rec room and swimming pool, where it’s unlikely there will be many guards. Then, they’ll go through a drainage grate to get the rest of the way. Wight also makes sure to reinforce with Nicole that it’s kill, or be killed. She finally gets it.
As they sneak through the pool area, a guard catches them and holds them at gunpoint. Wight is tapped out of magic, and the guard commands Leigh to disarm first. She comes up with a plan, and creates a distraction after disarming. Nicole gets Leigh’s disarmed pistols and shoots the guard, killing him. Wight leaves a false trail in their wake to mislead any guards who come from the sound of gunfire, and then they go down the drainage tunnel. Just as Wight manages to get the grate in place, locked, and rusted somewhat with a touch of necromancy, other guards enter. They fall for Wight’s tricks, and don’t realize the pirates are just underfoot.
When the coast is clear, Nicole apologizes, now understanding why the pirates do what they do. She wants to join them. The group moves on through the tunnels, eventually reaching the place where it empties out into the sea, and find the rowboat hidden there by Wight. There, Leigh gives Nicole one last chance to run away and say no to the pirate life… She doesn’t take it.
Which leaves the question: What place does Acheron have for Nicole, now that she’s a damned dirty pirate? (Cellmates)