< atton revisited > The information page for Atton has been fully revised and updated with the new map!
< updated calendar > The Fortuna calendar has been updated in the "Other" lore section! This includes a document which displays the calendar for you to see, making it much easier to understand.
< moving map > The first functional map has been released in the News section! This map is also interactive, allowing you to drag and drop between points in order to determine distances. This is the first iteration, and there's more and better to come!
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< human lore update > Humans have been updated with TWENTY-FIVE subraces/subcultures which add numerous options, and a little extra lore and flavour.
< magic lore update > Magical Lore has been enhanced with the addition of a post on Magical Education. From Beginner to Expert, this is how you learn the spells.
< a change to member groups > Member groups are now based on storyline! You can change your displayed storyline by editing the settings in your profile.
Welcome to the world of Fortuna, a land of fantastic proportions. This is an original fantasy roleplay that takes place in a world developed over nearly a decade of work and collaboration. We aim to encourage all participants to have a hand in the stories of the characters here, and the world around them. Your choices are key - so make them with pride. You decide who wins the wars, you decide who becomes King, the world is ours, and together we will bring it to life!
Post by Nicole Vanros on Dec 1, 2016 19:34:30 GMT -7
Early Afternoon, The 10th of The Scales of Judgment, 5152
Magei, Liesdro Zone 3
The accommodations that Walherich Khul had offered to the Diryn army were certainly generous. A warm bath, comfortable bed, and the latest issue of The Tablet. Nicole could go without the last part, but the sentiment was clear: Nicole was welcomed in Liesdro. She almost felt like a guest in a hotel, taking a vacation instead of having to represent her entire army and country. As one of, if not the most secure place in Liesdro, Magei ensured that Nicole was safe, and any potential threats were kept out. Or, as some of her comrades suggested, the threats were being kept inside. Since arriving in Liesdro last week, the Diryn soldiers may as well have been treated as tourists with how little was actually accomplished. There were the occasional morning exercises, but the only real order that Captain Romulus Dimitar had given was to keep the people of Liesdro entertained. For Nicole, this meant staying on her best behavior no matter what, which was no problem at all.
Today's duty was a routine patrol. The soldiers of Liesdro had to make sure that no one was about to break in and threaten the the other cities, the rest of the zone, or even the whole country. The occasional refugee found their way in, and were to be immediately brought to visa center. Their name (Nicole had noticed that this was almost always the first part, usually because someone could easily hide behind a false name), their reasons for visiting (There were usually several), and if anyone else would be coming with them, or if they had someone to "sponsor" them. Even if someone seemed innocent, they weren't going to let just anyone in. They needed to actually know someone already in Liesdro who would give them a place to stay.
Nicole was one of five soldiers in a squad patrolling the streets of Magei. They expected nothing, but duty still called for them to be vigilant. At the first sign of anything or anyone suspicious, they would follow. After all, it was exactly what Liesdro expected of them.
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 11, 2016 12:39:14 GMT -7
After great success in Muerte, Markus Woodrow was excited about his prospects in Liesdro. If he could get two of the three countries of Acheron on his side, he was certain Christel Lirrae would bow to his demands, and then -- he'd have a stronghold here, too. Next, he would aim for Celestia. The original plan of course, had been Eleusia, as it was quite small in comparison to the others... But the plan for power there required using Tehodis as a bargaining chip, and Markus no longer had a desire to do just that. So, perhaps they'd simply overpower the Imperator and the Supreme, utilizing the rest of the world to do so.
For now, he ought not get too excited, however. He still had a meeting in Acheron, after all. His carriage pulled towards the gates of Magei, the horses slowing their trot as they attempting to circumvent the line. The visa system in the city was excellent, and certainly kept the riff-raff out... But the process was slow. Thankfully, Markus would be able to go around all of the merchants, families, and bearers of hidden contraband with his royal visa from Sultan Mydas.
As expected, they passed with ease... But less expected were Diryn uniforms on the streets of Magei. Markus had the carriage stop, and he let himself free of it, enjoying the looks of interest at his presence. Even here, thousands of miles from Eersaeb, he held the power of celebrity. What he didn't hold however, was any power of Diryn soldiers. Not yet, anyways.
"Well met, soldier," Markus smiled at a surprisingly good looking female soldier nearby. Nicole Vanros. Her freckles made her look more like a Liesdro native, but her uniform marked her loyalties as belonging farther north. One of his guards noticed the interest and scrambled forth to introduce him. "The honorable Lord Markus Woodrow of the Feifdom Eersaeb, in the country of his majesty Raphael Mydas and Moann's greatness, Submiere, wishes to have your audience, soldier--" Markus waved them off as usual. They always expected it, but feigned surprise. He would interrupt them plainly: "Nevermind all that." And they would back off, keeping a reasonable distance from the two.
Post by Nicole Vanros on Dec 13, 2016 17:41:35 GMT -7
The squad leader held up his hands as the carriage approached, and Nicole and her fellow soldiers stopped. A well-dressed man stepped from the carriage, his skin glimmering, almost like scales would. The squad leader gasped and immediately bowed, and as one of the men's guards introduced him as Lord Markus Woodrow, Nicole joined her squad in bowing. Was Lord Woodrow looking at her when he introduced himself? No, he must have been looking at Lieutenant Rowen, since he certainly seemed to recognize the lord.
"Lord Woodrow," said Rowen. "I apologize, I was not expecting you. What can we do for you, sir?" Nicole kept quiet. Rowen was in charge, and it was up to him to talk. Although either Lord Woodrow nor Nicole and her comrades were residents of Liesdro, Submiere was so far away from Acheron. Why would the Lord of Eersaeb, why would anyone from Aebrynis be here?
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 14, 2016 14:38:12 GMT -7
Woodrow waved his hand to stop the bowing - he enjoyed it the moment it began, as usual, but grew tired of it by the time they were fully into the bow. Perhaps it was more the sentiment he liked.
"I've a meeting with Madam Maytal this afternoon. I've decided to walk," Woodrow's glance panned over the soldiers, really just taking another look at Nicole, "If you might spare a soldier, I would be much obliged to have a guide... It's been some time since I last visited Magei... The city has grown quite impressively."
Rowen nodded and immediately grasped the arm of one of his better soldiers, a muscle-bound man with darkly tanned skin, and a well put together appearance. "Of course, Lord Woodrow, this is one of my best men and he--" Woodrow raised a hand to silence Rowen, "Not necessary, thank you. While I'm certain your soldier is very impressive, I've no need for another guard. I'd like a guide... You, soldier," Woodrow paced towards Nicole, "...You have a clever look to you."
"Ah, yes sir. But if you're looking for the best and brightest then perhaps I could offer you--" Woodrow's hand was enough to silence Rowen once more. He made note that he had little respect for Rowen. A leader should have a backbone - even when faced with someone of higher standing. That was the problem with Dirys, he supposed. He waited until he was certain Rowen would not interrupt again, and then returned to his conversation, that he hoped was with someone with a stronger spine: "Tell me soldier. Your leader thinks that you are not capable of walking me from her to Mayal's office. Do you agree with him?"
Post by Nicole Vanros on Dec 16, 2016 13:31:00 GMT -7
Of course Rowen would suggest Theodore. Rowen held him in such high regard that it was a wonder he hadn't promoted him already. As Woodrow approached Nicole, she stepped back a few steps. Out of everyone in the group, why had he singled her- it was because she was the only woman on the team, wasn’t it? It was a little hard to take his compliment seriously, since it could have easily been idle flattery, though she appreciated that the raise of his hand was enough to silence Rowen, who continued to brag about Theodore, as if everyone else were only here to fill out the bare minimum of numbers for patrol.
As Woodrow asked his question, Nicole delighted in the opportunity to put Rowen in his place. She perked a smile towards Lord Woodrow. “No, I’m afraid that I do not agree. Lieutenant, all due respect, I believe I could escort Lord Woodrow to the minister. With your leave, of course.”
Rowen lowered his eyes, turning from Nicole towards Woodrow. “Granted. Lord Woodrow, Private Vanros can help you. I trust her to be of good service.” The tone of his voice held an obvious Or else, and he glared at Nicole, perhaps the most he could do while resisting an urge to spit in her face. “Everyone else, let’s keep moving!” Rowen led the remainder of the squad down the streets, Theodore staying towards the back as he looked towards Nicole and Woodrow, before the rest of the squad drifted away.
Nicole bowed her head. “I apologize, Lord Woodrow. The lieutenant is still adjusting to our position here. We’re from Dirys, so I’m still not entirely used to my way around here, but I can help lead you to Minister Maytal.” Ruiha Maytal wasn’t exactly all that hard to find, since several of the ministers had each made a public appearance throughout the past week to welcome the Diryn army, a few of them even extending invitations for more personal meetings, though those were really only meant for the highest ranking members of the army. Maytal took particular care to stress that Liesdro was most certainly not Dirys. She trusted everyone to act on their best behavior, but they were still guests and foreigners. Nicole was already taking a risk breaking from patrol, but this was what the Lord of Eersaeb himself had asked. Surely there couldn’t be any problem with that.
Last Edit: Dec 16, 2016 13:32:45 GMT -7 by Nicole Vanros
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 19, 2016 7:56:13 GMT -7
Woodrow was happy to hear the soldier stand up for herself, and smiled plainly at her 'leader' before he made his depart. Once they were distant enough, he motioned for Nicole to lead him. He knew, of course, where Maytal lived. But he also knew that showing up with a Diryn soldier could help to paint the meeting in just the right light.
"I enjoy those who stand up for themselves, Private Vanros," Woodrow chatted as the two walked, "Most in power select a chosen few that act as their students. There is no reason for them to wish to see others succeed... I must admit my guilt in that on an occasion or two, but its soldiers like you that keep men like me in check. Now what might the first name be, Vanros?"
Post by Nicole Vanros on Dec 21, 2016 18:47:43 GMT -7
It was a bit disappointing that she couldn't ride in the carriage. It must have been rather comfortable inside, since nobles probably wouldn't settle for anything less. Then again, the minister didn't live too far away, so perhaps the carriage ride would be unnecessary. But it was still a missed opportunity.
"My name is Nicole," she said. "I wouldn't exactly say that was the lieutenant's student. More like that was his boyfriend." She laughed at the idea, as it would certainly explain why the lieutenant was to eager to take hold off Theodore's muscles, but it might have been a little crude in front of a noble. Nicole cleared her throat and walked at a slightly faster pace to try and walk off the embarrassment. "In any case, I'm glad I could help you, milord. If I may, can I ask what you and the minister will be talking about?"
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 21, 2016 18:58:43 GMT -7
Woodrow's face went to surprise for a moment with Nicole's comment, and he couldn't help but take a peek back. He returned his attention to Nicole with a smile, and found that she was speeding up. He kept step with her, and knew that he was already enjoying this woman. He thought briefly of Tehodis, of how the diviner had implied that Tehodis would be the mother of his children... But this Nicole was attractive, and Tehodis was very far away.
"You certainly may, if you slow your pace, Nicole." Nicole did just that, and Woodrow enjoyed the more leisurely pace. The more time he would spend on this walk, the more enjoyable he thought his day might be. "We'll be discussing the possibilities of my offices opening a branch here in Liesdro, to work in conjunction with Liesdron police. Afterwards well, my day is quite open. Tell me, Nicole... Have you been in Magei long enough to have recommendations for dinner?"
Post by Nicole Vanros on Dec 21, 2016 21:01:38 GMT -7
As it turned out, the embarrassment was still there. Nicole slowed down as Woodrow requested. It was a little suspicious that he would need a station in Liesdro, but that would be up to Maytal to decide. It was rather sudden for him to talk about dinner instead, but he did say his day was open, so he might have just been looking for a place to eat. "Well, that might depend on what you're looking for. I'd rather go for some pasta, but… well, I think you're more likely to find some steakhouses around here. To get the meat on the bones, or however they like to say it. Usually we all gather at the barracks, and we pick out whatever looks good but… well, the food isn't bad, but it's fairly standard. I wouldn't get my hopes up for a fancy meal, if that's what you're looking for." Maybe teasing this noble as though he would expecting nothing less than a fancy meal wouldn't be as funny to Lord Woodrow as it was to Nicole. But it was funny.
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 21, 2016 21:13:33 GMT -7
He enjoyed the way she didn't care for propriety. She simply said what she thought, and it made him feel she could most certainly trust him with honesty when he asked her for what he really wanted. "I've found that its rarely the locale that makes a dinner enjoyable," He conversed, looking at her far more often than she looked at him. While he enjoyed her impropriety, he wouldn't have minded a tad more awe.
"The company is vital, however. If you're sick of food at the barracks, perhaps I can offer you my thanks for your company this afternoon. I'm sure Madam Maytal can advise of the best pasta in the city."
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