< 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.
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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 Thomas Dunn on Feb 10, 2017 18:14:37 GMT -7
The 10th of the Scales of Judgement Late Afternoon at the Airship Docks of Dimant
Red2 had accomplished her mission.
Whether she had done well, whether she had done poorly - that was a question for after the meeting that Black was due with the Vanros clan. For now, she would be holed up in the airship - Discovery, once more, as Tom was nothing if not consistent - awaiting her 'father' to relay the conclusion of her mission. If this was a success... Well, Tom would be sure to offer the girl more freedom. She would be able to spend time with Green, with Black, she would be a perfect tool to send on even more reconnaissance quests...
But if she failed, she would be back under the knife. A failed experimentation. Not good enough.
Tom was confident enough in himself to know it would turn out rather well with Red. Which only left him the worry of Black. Yes, he had a new implant. It seemed to be working perfectly. And yes, the information from Violet's files, along with the information provided by Red, seemed to be taking in Black. He seemed to be more than able to recall Zechariah's mannerisms the way Tom remembered them, and he knew an impressive amount about the family. Most importantly, he knew what Zota Vanros wanted, and if Zota Vanros could be convinced... Edgar would follow.
He took a moment to observe Black, proud of how quickly the boy had improved. Tom did not permit him extraneous access to magic - the pain in his hand reminded him not to trust so easily - but his skin had still gained a bit more of the depth that a black Kina ought to have. Not so pale, not so gaunt, not so starved. Zota must have been a terrible father.
Zota. Tom looked at his watch, impatient. They had stayed at the docks as requested. It was an affront to Tom in that he knew he surely deserved more respect than a meeting here of all places, and at the same time was a load off of his mind. He hardly had the time to waste in Dirys. Last night had been more than enough for him, today was extraneous. He had patients awaiting his orders back home... Which made it all the more frustrating that they were late.
He was nearly about to turn back to the gangway of the airship when he heard a sharp intake of air from beside him. Black was reacting to something. Tom turned again, met with the sight of the weasel, and his evident father. Edgar looked as Tom remembered him, all poise and no clout. Zota looked... Tired. Though he dressed so similarly to Edgar Tom felt the urge to vomit. They were both so detestable. Instead, he smiled and began pacing towards them to shorten the distance.
As the four met in the middle, Tom offered his hand to Zota. He knew the man would prefer a bow, and Tom would not give him that. No, Tom was far more powerful than Zota could ever dream - and he would exude that power. "You must be Zota Vanros, Doctor Thomas Dunn," Tom's grip was strong in the shake, firm, "An absolute pleasure, my friend... And Edgar. Pleased to see you've kept so well."
Post by Zota Vanros on Feb 11, 2017 19:50:25 GMT -7
Zechariah would need an excellent reason for going to Artavia. Edgar had no reason to leave Dirys, but everyone reason to say - even if some were shallow at best. Nicole was making something of herself as a soldier, and would do good work in Liesdro. Zechariah, however? His place was in Dirys, and nowhere else. Certainly not while Zota was still just a commoner.
Edgar followed Zota to the docks. He was silent, so he must have realized how foolish he was. Edgar's role here would be to watch, and nothing more. Zota would have to set an example for Edgar. After all these years, apparently he would need a reminder of the golden rule to not talk to strangers, and that's exactly who Thomas Abernathy was. What could he have possibly offered Zechariah that could not be found in Dirys? Sure, seeing Zechariah closer, he seemed rather… full. Healthier, even. He had enjoyed the meals that Zota would cook, and what was served at the restaurants that Edgar and Nicole could find, but he must have found a decent source of magic. Or rather, Thomas had provided him with one.
As Zota shook Thomas' hand, Zota could feel it almost trembling. Was he nervous, or in pain? It hardly mattered, as his introduction revealed just how transparent this man was. How could Edgar have believed someone who could fail to commit to his lie in the most crucial moment? This man was a fool, and Zota would play him for one. Zota clutched his own chest. "Why, Thomas, of course it's me! Don't you recognize your old friend? Of course, I suppose you've changed as well. Last I heard, you went by Thomas Abernathy." Zota's smile turned to a stern look. "Let us move past the pretenses, shall we? I have never met you before, and yet, you claimed to be my friend to manipulate Edgar, and I imagine you've played a similar trick on Zechariah. I do not appreciate being made a fool, much less seeing the same done to my children."
Zota glanced at Zechariah. He would have to be punished for his recklessness. A Vanros should never be manipulated; they must always ensure that they are the manipulator. Zota decided to not to speak to Zechariah. Not yet. He needed to see Thomas Abernathy - Thomas Dunn, or whoever he was - scramble to save face. He would humiliate himself, and Zechariah should realize that this was nothing more than a con. "Tell me, Thomas. What exactly do you do in Artavia?"
Post by Thomas Dunn on Feb 14, 2017 11:27:10 GMT -7
Thomas wasn't a moron, and the way Zota was acting only brought a smirk to Tom's face. Had the man really expected Tom to maintain that lie? To pretend as if Zota was merely going senile? The man wasn't so old, and Tom was no fool. He would not hold on to such things when they were so far past it's purpose - and yet it seemed that was what Zota had expected him to do. Tom decided he had no interest in developing an alliance here. Zota was pathetic, and Tom would crush him. Edgar, too, if the whelp decided to get in the way.
Just as I suspected, Tom thought, the handshake finishing as Zota prattled on, A noble who dreams himself far wiser than he is. Tom smirked and chuckled, "You and I both know it would have been gainless of me to attempt such a thing before you. Neither of us are such fools to believe I could convince you of a shared past between us. I had my reasons for dishonesty prior to this meeting... Which I'm sure you know quite well, what with your own history." He let that comment simmer, permitted Zota to wonder what Tom knew, what he was referring to.
Tell me, Thomas. What exactly do you do in Artavia?
"Doctor Dunn," He clarified, never breaking from Zota's gaze. In no way would he permit the pompous fool from neglecting Tom's station. He deciding to wheedle the man, a smiling remark about Zota's lack of observation: "Most find the title rather informative on that. Though I suppose doctors in Dirys are rather unremarkable, lowly trained, more like midwives than physicians, so I can understand your confusion... More to the point -- the interest I hold in your son is rather remarkable, and I'm sure it's far more the reason you've agreed to this meeting.
"Black Kina, as you might suspect, are incredibly hard to find. My research is currently focused on the combination of magic with hard science - how necromantic powers can be used to aid in healing in ways that evocation could never achieve. Zechariah is about the only Black Kina not living imprisoned or enslaved, much in thanks to you. And when we had an opportunity to meet - well, he very wonderfully agreed to accompany me to Artavia for some initial orientation. My hope in meeting you Zota, is that you'll see the scientific merit of such research, hear your son's excitement for the work, and for the discoveries about his own power he could unlock..." He paused for the briefest of moments, allowing Zota a chance to process the words until he added something far more interesting to a man of greed, "As well as, of course - the financial boons to us both."
Last Edit: Feb 14, 2017 11:28:07 GMT -7 by Thomas Dunn
Post by Zota Vanros on Feb 14, 2017 13:47:08 GMT -7
He was clever, Zota would give him that much. His little prod about Zota's own history was… curious. Thomas Dunn knew more about Zota than Zota knew about him. It would no be worth the trouble of making an enemy of him. "A means to an end, then? I suppose I can relate to that. Of course, I find that some people think that 'doctor' can be a rather flexible title. You're lucky that we're only here in Sector C. If we went over to Sector D, I'm afraid you'd find a senator who thinks that she can balance both politics and medicine. I'd commend her that Sector D hasn't already collapsed in on itself, but managing the bare minimum is hardly worth any praise."
Thomas was perhaps expecting Zota to be offended by his insult against the doctors in Dirys. No, Dirys had never been one of the leaders in medicine. Even Christel Lirrae was only competent because she had been trained in Liesdro. The best she could do was put some of that Liesdron expertise to teach some of the other doctors to be somewhat competent. "Though I'm glad that Zechariah is finding a good use for his abilities." Necromancy could certainly be used for its less… perverse capabilities, but Zechariah was too afraid to use his power for anything, much less healing a paper cut.
The mention of financial benefits was intriguing, but Thomas must have known about the expedition. Zechariah, or even Edgar, could have told him about it. Unless Thomas could help towards that, Zota had no interest, but even if Thomas was offering his help, Zota would ask for it. He could not appear desperate. "Zechariah. Are you seriously considering a career in medicine? It's an admirable profession, to be sure, but not what I would have expected from you."
Last Edit: Feb 14, 2017 13:47:22 GMT -7 by Zota Vanros
Post by Acacia-Black on Feb 14, 2017 15:04:23 GMT -7
This meeting would be terrifying. He had studied the folder back and forth, and he was sure that he would replicate Zechariah's behavior. Zota had raised him to be obedient and quiet, but not overly shy or pathetic. If he exaggerated Zechariah's behavior, then Zota would see through him, and… Black did not want to think what would happen after that.
While the master spoke with Zota, Black kept quiet. Even as Zota mocked Thomas for claiming to be "Thomas Abernathy", Black restrained himself. He kept his hands close together, tightening his grip to direct his frustration somewhere where Zota would not notice. Zota would have had little time if he thought that Thomas was a stranger, and would have dismissed him altogether if he asked to see Zechariah. The master needed to lie about his name. He had no choice. Zota tried to present himself as sympathetic to his children, but Zechariah was just a pawn to Zota. He had no admiration for his son finding a "good use" for his powers. Zota was just jealous that Black would not be using it for Zota's ambitions.
Calm breathing. Not even a sliver of anger should be obvious, but if it had to be, Zota needed to believed that he was angry at the master. He was in the center of this, and Zota still believed he could control Zechariah. Zota and Thomas needed to reach an agreement. "Yes, father." The words come out so quickly. This must have been what others could call "stage fright", but Black could improvise. "Before I left for Artavia, I was studying a book on the schools of magic." Black looked over at Thomas. If he was speaking out of turn, the master would stop him. It was true, he had studied the book. Well, the kina who Zota believed to be his son Zechariah had studied the books. Black simply recalled all the information, but who really studied the book made no difference.
"That was around the time that Thomas here showed up." He hadn't called him 'master'. Even that had taken a few days to say without hesitation. "The book I studied had no information on necromancy, for obvious reasons. However, I know that there is a fair amount of overlap between the schools of magic, and that necromancy has traits in common with the other schools. As Thomas here just said, necromancy could be even more powerful than evocation." The folder had reminded Black that Zota had his own skill in Evocation magic, and Thomas had likely specified that just to make a snide comment at Zota's expense. Black wanted to boast, but neither Zota nor Thomas would be thrilled by such obvious prodding. "I understand that my magic is… controversial. My hope is to understand those common traits. I want my magic to mean something good, and Thomas can help me do just that. I know that it was foolish of me to go to Artavia without your permission, and I may have no place to ask you now, but please. I want to go to Artavia."
Last Edit: Feb 14, 2017 15:06:24 GMT -7 by Acacia-Black
Post by Thomas Dunn on Feb 14, 2017 15:15:47 GMT -7
Black -- Zechariah -- was doing an excellent job. Even his previous hesitations over the name Thomas instead of Master didn't seem to hinder him. Still, Tom would not get confident. He had only been around Zechariah for a few days - and Black had been wresting control from the feeble boy all the way. Black still had much to prove - and he would need to watch Zota and Edgar for exactly how they were reacting to his Black.
For now, he would leave this to Black. He needed to trust that the boy could convince this pitiful pig of a man. If need be... He would sweeten the deal.
Post by Edgar Vanros on Feb 26, 2017 16:16:11 GMT -7
Why did Edgar have to be here? None of this was Edgar's fault, his father just wanted someone to blame. Obviously this was Zechariah's fault. He had a good, quiet job over at Pagemasters, and yet the instant that this Thomas guy showed up, Zechariah seemed ready to drop because Artavia was his home or something. If Zechariah wanted a "home away from home", Rielcia was always an option. He was sure to meet other kina. That's why Zechariah turned down women all the time, right? There were too many human women in Dirys - not that Edgar was complaining - but not a kina in sight.
His father and Thomas introduced themselves, and Thomas seemed so proud of lying about his name. If there was any point in lying, it could have been about something more important. Whether he called himself Thomas Dunn or Thomas Abernathy, his name barely made a difference. Zechariah knew him, and was acting as if Thomas wasn't a stranger. Even if their father wasn't old friends with Thomas, Zechariah sure seemed to be. He had been so afraid of his abilities as a necromancer before, but here he was, gushing about being able to help people with it. "So you're going to be a doctor? I'd say good for you, but it's not at all what I would have expected. Training in medical school would take a while, and I doubt the pay at Pagemasters is good enough to afford it."
Post by Zota Vanros on Mar 1, 2017 12:10:59 GMT -7
Zota had longed to see this passion and enthusiasm from Zechariah. He had failed to evoke this for years, yet Thomas had inspired Zechariah in just a matter of days. In a way, Zota was jealous, but a part of him was grateful as well. One way or another, Zechariah was finally more willing to use his natural skill for something more. Of course, it was not what Zota had originally required a necromancer for, but any avenue of practice was good enough. It was true that there were some things that Necromancy could accomplish that Evocation never could, but that was exactly why Zota needed Zechariah in the first place.
Thomas knew Zechariah, or whoever the boy had been before Zota had found him. Zechariah's plea to go to Artavia was not entirely out of any desire to help, but to catch up with an old friend. Thomas was hiding something, but nothing that was of any concern. Zota simply patted Zechariah on the shoulder. "Of course you may go. Ordinarily, I would have insisted that you return in time for my expedition, but you had made it quite clear that you have no interest in that." Zechariah a different purpose, after all. No matter how many years it had taken, Zechariah was either unwilling or unable to commune with the dead. "Going to Artavia, however, could be the perfect learning experience for you. If there are any expenses you require, I shall send as much as I am able."
Zechariah would at least have a purpose, rather than wasting Zota's hospitality as a simple shopkeep. "Of course, you may have to leave your position at Pagemasters, if you're comfortable with that." It hardly mattered whether or not Zechariah stayed at the book store, but Zechariah needed at least some sense of responsibility. "After that, you may leave for Artavia as soon as you are ready. All I ask is that you write every once in a while, perhaps visit." There was nothing to gain from arguing with Zechariah or Zota on the matter. Perhaps he would have more time to hone his magic the longer he stayed in Artavia. One way or another, Zechariah would clear the Vanros name. "Now, Thomas, I trust you'll take care of my boy?"
Post by Thomas Dunn on Mar 1, 2017 12:32:42 GMT -7
This had been far easier than Tom could have guessed - and Tom was torn between believing the Vanros men far stupider than he expected, and wondering if perhaps there was some ulterior motive to their... Agreeable behaviour. He supposed it didn't matter. Black - Zechariah - was already his. This was a matter of propriety more than anything else. What would they do? Report Tom to the authorities? He had committed no crimes on the soil of Dirys, and he had the backing of just the right kind of important people. No... Zota was powerless here, and whether or not the man knew it didn't matter.
It mattered more than Zota seemed to refuse to refer to him properly. Tom would seethe later about that. "Of course, Zota," he assured, offering his hand to shake with Zota once more, "I'll treat him like one of my own." It certainly wasn't a lie. He took his hand back and patted Black on the shoulder comfortingly, squeezing it before dropping his hand back down.
"And of course, I'd be more than happy to receive you visiting Zechariah in Artavia, whenever you like," That was more like Tom's usual lies, he'd never be happy about such a thing. But he told many people similar things. It was one of his most common lies, it seemed. He wasn't happy to meet either of them, or Woodrow, or anyone else he'd met recently. He wasn't pleased to have Vincent in his facility, snooping about. He wasn't pleased when Violet had first come to his door, asking too many questions... But this face, this plain, unassumingly, perfectly friendly face was a mask he wore so often, it had become second nature to him. He was a damn good liar.
Post by Acacia-Black on Jan 8, 2018 20:54:29 GMT -7
Zota had rolled over far too easily for this. Black felt more insulted than if Zota had argued the point even more. And yet, wasn't this exactly why they come for? For the master to speak with Zota, to remove any potential for conflict. But Zota Vanros was not a man to let even the smallest imagined slight slide. He desired the throne of Dirys, and Edgar to be nothing but an heir, a privilege that he would have never bestowed upon Zechariah.
Zechariah was a pawn. Zota would never admit, and Zechariah certainly would have never admitted it to himself, but Zechariah was still "important" to Zota. He would never allow a piece to leave the board. So why? Why would he just accept this?
There were too many questions, and the more curious and angry he got, the closer he was to no doubt ruining the entire charade. He grit his teeth, but smiled. He would only have to play the part just a little longer. Steeling himself as if he was putting on a mask, he embraced Zota. Perhaps he was overdoing it, but he hoped that the master would allow him this much, if only to ensure that Zota would be satisfied. "Thank you for understanding, father." The word didn't taste quite as terrible as Black had anticipated, but it was a necessary evil.
"I cannot promise when I'd be visiting, but I'll be sure to write." He glance towards his master. Of course, the master would receive his letters before sending them to Zota. Black took no issue with it, and he would take special care only to tell Zota the bare minimum of what he would absolutely need to know. He was more interested in Zota being the one to offer more information. He wanted to keep tabs on Zota. He only needed to be sure that Zota was not capable of doing the same with him.
"Take care of yourself, Edgar!" Black added a little sigh to the comment. Whatever Edgar did with his business was of no concern of Black. There was a slight temptation to keep some contact with the Vanros family, but Edgar was not worth the time. Nicole was away in Liesdro, and fairly easy to ignore.
But Zota still had his expedition to plan. Black couldn't quite decide if he wanted to do exactly as Zota had wanted from Zechariah, and offer some contribution to the expedition, or ignore it altogether, just as he could ignore Edgar and Nicole. However, Black remained silent on that issue. No doubt the master would not be happy discussing the subject of the expedition. It would delay their reason for being here for far longer than necessary.
Black remained silent, and awaited the next command.
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