RuneScape Forum Archive | Scions of House Arenar (RP)

NotFishing

Posts: 16,948 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

And So The Journey Begins

---

A plan and a decision had been made. The majority of the Scions would set out to Wheelton, while others would remain to manage the capital. The former would perhaps face the most obvious and direct dangers, but the latter would soon discover they were no safer.

In the meantime, meetings were held behind closed doors. Prince Flynn had met with Duchess Helena Harstein of Havelan, and soon rumours were flying around court about the two. Princess Ariadne and Prince Roland, meanwhile, had their own private meeting - given the supposed animosity between the two, many were baffled that this meeting had even happened at all. And Princess Chloelle had met with her uncle, the Marquis Marian Diranni of Talongard - hardly unusual for two family members to meet with one another after such a tragedy, but still...

What passed between these individuals in these separate meetings? Were they simply honest and innocent discussions, or were secret plans being hatched or enacted behind closed doors? Who would dare say? It was a troubling thought, to know that there were people who might be so eager to capitalize on the King's death that they might not even wait until his body grows cold...

---

The Royal Stables

The next morning, the Scions had gathered at the Royal Stables - a set of stables specifically reserved for the horses owned by members of the royal family, because naturally, many Scions owned several (As a consequence of this, Dalhover would need to fetch his horse from the stables reserved for the household knights, and then bring it here.) All of the Scions who were to embark upon the mission were present. Those who were to remain were also present as well - to say their goodbyes, if nothing else. Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

08-Dec-2022 02:30:30 - Last edited on 08-Dec-2022 02:34:57 by NotFishing

NotFishing

Posts: 16,948 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Prince Roland had swapped out his ornate white-gold armour for a more practical dull-grey steel plate - finely-made, but not likely to stand out if he was put next to any other knight. Unfortunately, the vibrant silk cloak draped across his back somewhat spoiled the effect. His armaments included a warhammer, a one-handed axe, an arming sword, and a kiteshield. Accompanying him was one of his bodyguards, Dame Layla Gellner - a tall and attractive woman with short dark hair and blue eyes.

Prince Gallus was clad in simple steel chainmail, determined to say light on his feet, it seemed. His weapon of choice was a glaive, with an arming sword as a back-up, and a quiver of three javelins on his back. He brought no bodyguards with him.

Prince Leon was there as well, clad in steel half-plate, hefting a two-handed broadaxe, with a one-handed mace belted to his hip, and a round shield slung across his back. Although he was seventy, he still insisted he was fit enough to fight - perhaps his healing magic allowed him to retain some of his youthful vigour? He had brought a bodyguard of his own - Sir Diederik Kastner, a stoic figure who said little, and refused to take off his helmet.

Princesses Derene and Kathlyn were there too, wearing black dresses of mourning. Derene's dress was conventional and conservative, while Kathlyn's dress was perhaps a little too low-cut for what would be considered traditional mourning attire. Neither of them were going on the quest, but they saw fit to see their family off.

They all stood outside the stables, waiting for the servants to finish saddling their mounts. Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

08-Dec-2022 02:30:34 - Last edited on 08-Dec-2022 02:35:35 by NotFishing

Apr

2016

Taleisin

Posts: 14,672 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Chloelle had - alongside the rest of her siblings - come out specially to see off those undertaking the quest. Like her sisters, she wore a dress of black. Hers was a luxurious crushed velvet dress, flaring out at the waist and draping down to the ground, with a subtle puff at the shoulders leading down into long sleeves that reach partway down her hands and a squared neck that came down just above her bust. Her soft blonde hair is twisted around over one shoulder, a myriad of black butterfly ornaments dotting across it. A translucent black veil covers her head down to her shoulders.

She stands with her sisters, keeping a demure and mournful look about her, her hands clasped together before her. She glances around, her eyes settling on each sibling thoughtfully.

Everyone has the potential to be an asshat in a flower crown.

08-Dec-2022 21:11:55

Mar

2023

Bluefirecan

Posts: 3,495 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Princess Adrienne had joined her family in the stables, wishing to send off those on the journey to Wheelton. Her sisters – the ones staying home, at least – all wore black dresses, with a wide range of style versus traditional. As usual, Chloelle’s dress was beautiful, rivaled by her gorgeous hair pieces. Derene wore the most conservative dress, and Kathlyn wore a simpler dress that still pushed the bounds of revealing.

Rie’s own dress was a black long-sleeved gown of heavy material. Her normally elegant bun was replaced by a loose-braided half updo. She wore a long black shawl draped over her shoulders, with an attached half-hood that she currently wore down, allowing her long hair to cascade down her back.

She stood near Derene and Kathlyn, though she was perhaps the first to speak. “

Roland, Gallus, Uncle,

” she said, turning to each of her family members and close friends who were preparing to travel, including those not explicitly listed here. “

I believe I speak for all of the realm when I say we all stand with you.

”
I just play FFXIV at this point. DC: Crystal

10-Dec-2022 01:33:46 - Last edited on 10-Dec-2022 01:33:58 by Bluefirecan

Azi Demonica

Posts: 5,609 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

After fetching Irrlicht, Dalhover regrouped with those who would venture out. The old fart didn’t even notice the rumors flying about, preoccupied with arming and armoring himself. Although old, he was used to the weight of armor and the carrying of weapons, though was clearly not young anymore.

Roland, the tall Dame Layla Gellner, Gallus, quiet Sir Diederik Kastner, Leon, and all those who would go, presumably had readied up or were readying themselves.

Dalhover nodded at Adrienne’s words. “Of course, milady. If fate is on our side, we will be successful.”

10-Dec-2022 18:52:00

Inferi

Posts: 35,942 Sapphire Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

As anyone who knew her would expect, the armaments of Ariadne were simple and with little adorn. Although her light armor did have the kingdom’s crest emblazoned on the back, there was nothing to give personal identification, and even that was covered by the simple green traveling cloak that she had chosen to wear. She had brought only a single weapon: her weighted metal quarterstaff, although the specially-made spheres kept in her belt pouches could be argued to serve a similar function.

It was perhaps an odd choice, but she had brought only a single companion: her squire, a soon-to-be knighted young human woman named Tira Orvis. Originally having planned to go with no retinue at all, Tira’s inclusion had been a last-minute decision, and one that Ariadne had spent a great deal of time considering. In the end, she had decided to allow it, even if part of her wondered if this was actually a good idea. Tira was old enough and competent enough to become a knight, and would have been in the coming months had the current situation not arisen, so at the very least it was not her competence that Ariadne was concerned with.

Although her composure had returned from what she had looked like the day before, Ariadne's emotions were still quite turbulent. It took a great deal of effort to remain in place and not look impatient or restless. She desired to be off, as regardless of the amount of time they had they would still be behind where they needed to be. Done in by the dubious doings of destiny.

12-Jan-2023 23:31:16 - Last edited on 12-Jan-2023 23:31:29 by Inferi

George Rozas

Posts: 35,409 Sapphire Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Of those who chose to remain behind Flynn was the one who scarcely looked the part - his attire little different than those he had arrived in; practical, hardy and decidedly well-suited towards travel in even the harshest terrains. He too shared a scheme of black as the primary colour, but it fitting with the tone of mourning was a useful coincidence - dark colours were what suited the man best. One might find him ill-suited to walk amidst the high fashion of noble court, yet the well-traveled and vaguely rustic style had a fashion of its own that fit the Black Prince all too well.

He stood alongside his sisters, watching the final preparations of his family and their selected retinue with an unreadable expression. They had discussed it at length, had time to prepare, but seeing them all in one place - arming up as if ready for war - formed a pit in the man's stomach, an uncomfortable itch that brought the question into the back of his mind; would they all return? It was a sickening thought that he banished almost as quickly as it came, steeling himself with the assurance that they would succeed.

Besides, the prince would soon have little time to worry over the mission they undertook across the kingdom - he had much to do here in the capital to make certain skulking dangers were snuffed out.

"It goes without saying, dear Rie,"

He followed up his sister's words with a playful tone, head turning to favor her with a brief smile as he broke through the somber atmosphere that threatened the parting.

"What else that goes without saying is we expect to see every one of you return, whole and hearty - boasting of your successful driving of the rats from their holes!"

Flynn's eyes moved between his siblings and uncle, coming to land on Roland as a mischievous smile formed.

"Though I'm sure Roland shall boast loud enough that we'll hear your return days ahead of schedule."

I am Inferi.

22-Feb-2023 03:11:52

Fysyx

Posts: 2,044 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

All who watched her could tell that Eva had not slept soundly the night before. She approached the stables with a muffled gravity and listless composure. Her face was shrouded by the dark grey of her cloak, her eyes distant.

She had been informed that the stablemaster would supply her with a horse for the journey, as in her long absence there were no longer any of her personal horses in the care of the royal stables. She didn't know what sort of horse she would ride, but she was sure someone would arrive with a steed shortly.

Eventually, her attention was drawn away from the prospective steeds and back to the farewell party. Those remaining at the castle wore sombre and regal blacks. Prepared for the expedition, Eva's attire was much simpler—she wore the simplest leather armor the royal armorer had in her sizing from the armory, beneath it her plain commoner's clothes, and all covered by a thick woolen cloak. Like her clothing, her weapons were completely plain. Her bow and daggers were made by commoners, out in the realm; she had refused their replacement, much to the aggravation of the royal armorer.

She nodded at Adrienne's farewell, but, for the first time all morning, smiled at Flynn's.

"I, for one, make no promises."

404 SIGNATURE NOT FOUND

05-Mar-2023 19:04:46 - Last edited on 05-Mar-2023 19:05:09 by Fysyx

NotFishing

Posts: 16,948 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Final Farewells

"Right then,"

Roland said.

"Let's not dawdle. We've a plot to unravel and treason to punish."

The Scions and their retinues mounted their horses. Donning helmets or traveller's cloaks - anything that might help conceal their features - they made their way out the palace gate, and into the city itself.

There was a quiet, almost tense mood in the city of Alyssium. The death of the King had cut the celebrations short and killed the exuberance which had possessed the city for the past few weeks. Many stayed indoors. Many more fell back into their normal routines, in order to better pretend nothing was awry. Few recognized the Scions as they rode past, and the ones who did lowered their gaze. This was not a time for cheer.

It was only as they exited the city's boundaries and the hills and farmsteads which surrounded the capital rolled out before them that the oppressive air at least seemed to dissipate. No longer were they constrained by the city's confines, even if they were still bound by the road. While there was still an abundance of travellers, at least now they no longer felt as if eyes were watching them from every corner.

-----

In The Palace

The remaining Scions - Derene, Adrienne, Flynn, Chloelle, and Kathlyn - gathered in the Crisis Room once again. Before them stood a daunting task - actually figuring out how they were to govern the realm in the days to come. Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

18-Mar-2023 18:40:31 - Last edited on 18-Mar-2023 18:41:10 by NotFishing

NotFishing

Posts: 16,948 Opal Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

"There is no easy answer,"

Derene admitted sadly.

"It would be prudent to prepare for the worst, and yet at the same time we cannot disrupt the lives of our subjects, or do anything that might promote fear."

She looked around the table.

"Kathlyn, I'll need a report on our house's personal wealth. If public order breaks down, we may have to rely on that instead of our tax revenue."

Kathlyn nodded wordlessly.

"Adrienne, it would be be best if you focused on maintaining good relations with the lords of the realm. Particularly, the lords of the Great Houses. We cannot afford to lose their support or accidentally slight them. As for you, Chloelle, I would suggest using your social circle to keep track of gossip - anything that concerns the happenings of not just our court, but the courts of other noble families in the realm."

Derene took a deep breath.

"We also need to create some form of government. We could name one of us the regent, and have that person temporarily take on the responsibilities of the monarch. While I'm sure many will respect that authority, particularly if we choose someone with a good reputation, not all will view them as legitimate, and some may try to undermine them or flout their authority. There's also the issue of whether or not we can even agree who should lead."

"We could also form a regency council amongst ourselves, and make decisions through discussion and voting. This way our decisions will appear to be backed by more than just a single Scion. Although it may cause us to squabble amongst ourselves, and take longer to react to a crisis. And I'm sure certain lords will also petition to take seats on this hypothetical council as well."

Derene offered a shrug.

"Both options have their merits and drawbacks, and I am certain some of you must have your own ideas as well."

Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

18-Mar-2023 18:40:51

Forums

Scions of House Arenar (RP)