>bumping with the pre-Great Rebellion Timeline

"Are you alright Catalina? Did everything go well?"

>>16100698
Second. Let's see how the girl is doing and if she wants to go back.

>>16100698

Sounds like a plan.

As you reach the girl, you put your arm around her shoulders and ask "Are you alright Catalina? How did it go."

Shakkily the girl nods "I, I... I am fine, Justinain. Neshai she... showed me the size of the storm that approaches. I will be ready to do my part, but..."

You chuckle "would rather not have to visit Neshais realm again for a while?"

The girl nods "She, she said she could speak to me in dreams, or through you... and I think I would prefer that, if you would be willing to help me."

>>16100845
I would be happy to help if you would like.

We should ask her if it was the same vision we saw of the boats on the bleak coast

>>16100920
second

>>16100920
Third.

You continue to smile "Of course I would be willing to help." You pause to take a breath, and then ask "Did Neshai show you a vision of a great many ships approaching the Bleak Coast? Ships that must not be allowed to make landfall, but are far too numerous and large to0 stop yourself?"

Catalina nods "Yes, and... another vision. One of flame and death, where all the world burnt at the whim of a dozen madmen, where the spirits of the mortal races are broken, their heroes dead and hopes broken. Dead paragons stalked the streets of what cities remained, enforcing laws that are both unfair and amoral, with deadly force." she pauses, to gulp in air "It was the world should we fail, I think. Can... can we return home now?"

>>16101156
"If you would like to" I think we should wait until later to visit nyetini

>>16101156
"Yes. It's time we head back. Your perception of time gets warped while you are here, so don't be surprised if days has passed since we began meditating."

>>16101156
> a dozen madmen
hmm

Yes, we should return. We should also ask her what the 12 looked like.

>>16101156

"I would have brought you to one who might sooth you but if you so wish, I will bring you back."

>>16101156
We'll never get around to talking to Danarious at this rate. But if she wants to go back, then fine, we'll go back

>>16101183
>>16101276
I'm fine with either of these

You nod "I believe it is time for us to return home as well. However, ones sense of time is warped when meditating to commune with the gods, do not be surprised if days have passed since we began."

Catalina nods "I understand. Is, is it always this... disconcerting, to converse with Neshai?"

You chuckle "She grinned at me the last time I conversed with her... I nearly pissed myself." Catalina puts her hand to her mouth, blushing slightly.

Smiling ever so slightly she replies "I wont tell anyone, but, I understand how you felt. I thought I would die when she... she pulled her hood back from around her head."

You nod "the fact that you didn't speaks volumes on the power of being one of her Marked... and your strength of will."

Smiling, Catalina fades away as she returns to the waking world, and you follow her shortly. "Thank you." The girl half-yawns as her eyes flutter open.

Before you can reply, you realize that your shirt is gone, and your shoulder bandaged thoroughly. "Justinian, what business did you have with the Whore?" Laelith asks, concerned and slightly irked at you.

Sansa nods "The bleeding only stopped the day before yesterday morning, even though the wound was shallow. And the entire day before you were sweating so profusely the ground beneath you was turned to mud?"

Also worried, Jayne adds "Though we were able to maintain the maniple well enough, your twin prisoners were asking after you, as were the other commanders. Something to do with the fact that our relief arrives on the morrow."

Catalina, still blinking and now swaying with exhaustion asks "How long were we out?"

"The better part of a week, little one." Kyria replies warmly, sliding her arm beneath the silver-haired girls.

"I am no child" Catalina protests, though she does not shrug off the dwarfs aid... nor does she rise.

>>16101367

"Rest now, Catelina. Conversing with the gods takes much out of anyone, me included."

To laelith: " I had to pay a courtesy call to basheek and laymus least I be seen as snubbing them. I believe I have come to a suitable arrangement with them both."

We should get dressed and ask jayne to fortify us. We need to see the commanders and then the prisoners.

>>16101461
second

>>16101461
This works

The twin assassins haven't been able to communicate with their mistress thanks to Autronius right?

You look over to Catalina, being certain not to seem to harsh or commanding "Rest, Catalina. Conversing with the gods drains even the best of us of our energy." you glance over to Jayne "Jayne, my love?"

The noblewoman sighs, but you swiftly feel your energy returning to you "You are luckier than you know, love." she sighs, reaching down to heave you too your feet.

"Though I may suggest you clean yourself before meeting with the other commanders." Sansa quips, sniffing at the air around you while scrunching up her face teasingly.

Chuckling you reply "I suppose I should, though I will feel like I am worried that I may feel some guilt over putting off my peers for something as trivial as a disagreeable scent." As Sansa begins walking towards the bath tent you turn to Laelith " I had to pay a courtesy call to Lamynus and Baashek lest I be seen as snubbing them... I do believe that I have reached an agreeable arrangement with both of them."

Kyria lifts Catalina up and replies "That is good to hear, love. As much as I would like to join you, I think that this one needs help returning to her tent."
>cont'd

You nod in agreement, and move to follow Sansa to the bath tent. Jayne slides up beside you, claiming your waist for herself and, after a few moments of comfortable silence, breaks it "Justinian, as to our wedding, it will be rather unorthodox, but, there is one thing that will require your input sooner rather than later." you turn to face her, intrigued "it is common, as you know, for the couple to stand atop either the Imperial sigil, or the spouse of greater social standings family coat of arms. Your family has none, however, between the depth of your coffers, position in a Fist, and those with whom you socialize, it would not be presumptuous to adopt one."

After a brief silence upon entering the bath tent Sansa asks from the bath, where she is already luxuriating "Which will you choose, love? Personally, I think you should adopt your Coat of Arms sooner rather than later."

>>16101686
irc is suggesting a black dragon on a red field with glowing eyes

>>16101759

Wouldn't it be inappropiate? Isn't the dragon the symbol of the royals?

>>16101819
a dragon slayed by a greatsword is the royal symbol, the use of a dragon is quite common for those who rose to power through the Legion

rolled 20 = 20

>>16101686
suggestion from irc I put forth:

Dragon surrounded by 5 stars, each of a different color and sundered in two to represent the mirrored deities and their element as well as their disconnections. It's a fitting tribute to the status of the 7th praetorian since it respects the deities as well as the degnarian symbol of the dragon. Also we could play it off as the midnight dragon at first.

>>16101835
I'm good with that

rolled 85 = 85

>>16101877
>>16101835
Also, for colors, the background could be a midnight blue or some dark color, with the dragon being white, and with a red trim as the tasseled border.

theres a bit of a debate over what the colors of our coat of arms. I think it should be a black dragon with a red background

>>16101835

This ones good. Wonder if behind it we can have crossed gladius and stave.

>>16101978

As a sidenote, pax maybe we can continue for now? We'll be arguing for awhile and we can't possibly come up with a coat of arms on the spot.

rolled 45 = 45

>>16101830
Either way you could play it off as we are contemplating our coat of arms now that they had mentioned it. However, we probably aren't going to decide yet. Hell I'm for having it over the imperial seal for reasons that were given in IRC that we respect tradition.

>>16102009

What was said in the irc gloq?

No access as I'm on site today.

>>16101835
Casting my vote for this one.

>>16101965
Midnight blue would be good for the background in my opinion. The dragon design you have works for me.

We should ask Jayne and Sansa for their opinions on the design as well.

>Kyria escorting Catalina to her tent.
IT BEGINS.

Seriously though. We don't have to decide right away, right? Enjoy the bath and then head to see our peers.

I personally prefer red (or brown?) dragon on black background, with five sundered stars.

rolled 43 = 43

>>16102045
It was stated by someone, too lazy to scroll up at the moment, that having it on the imperial seal would show our respect for tradition, even through are innovative and fresh perspective on Degnar's traditions.

Now that that's over. My vote on the coat of arms, here in the thread:

White, serpentine dragon, over a midnight blue field with several white stars, and a go ahead on the crimson trim.

You yawn as you slip into the bath, quietly enjoying Sansa and Jaynes attentions as they clean you. As it becomes your turn to return their favor you stop thinking and ask "What do the two of you think?"

Jaynesighs as you combine cleaning her back with a massage, as she replies "My houses coat of arms is a pair of Uursan embattled about a pole-hammer on a field crimson. Perhaps yours could be an uursan and a dragon embattled about stars on a black field?"

Sansa shakes her head, now simply laying in Jaynes lap and waiting her turn "A dragon in flight through a starry sky, with a crossed blade and spear below it. The dragon wrapped about a weapon or embattled is far too common amongst Legionary nobility."

You nod and accept Jaynes kiss as you finish cleaning her and she switches with Sansa, allowing your aide to clean her hair as she did for her. "Interesting thoughts... though I feel that I will need to think on this more."

Sansa sighs contentedly as you scrub her body "Understandable. though I will be anxious to see what you decide on."

Jayne nods as best she can with the other woman's hands massaging her scalp "As am I, love. You will need to decide before we return home. Most of our guests will already be waiting for us in the city by then."

-----CQ-----

You enter the central command tent clean and refreshed, where the other men are waiting for you. "It is good to see you have returned to us, my friend." Vibius greets you.

Malcius nods "Indeed. Though we are anxious to know whether you wish to begin riding out to meet our relief, so that we can be home sooner, or wait for them to reach us."

>>16102236
"Well, our enemies here are completely decimated. That thought in mind, I believe we should ride out to them, as the sooner we get packed up and on the way home, the better. I have a wedding to attend."

>>16102236
Might be best to wait for them to reach us. Shit might go down in the mean time.

>>16102298
A good point. You can never be to careful. We could send someone to talk to them as well.

>>16102298
>>16102324
eh, fine by me.

You sigh "As much as I would like to leave now, seeing as I do have a wedding to attend, we are better off waiting here."

Gabriel nods "As eager to attend as I am, I must agree. One never knows what could happen during our absence."

Vibius mirrors Gabriel "Especially with a foe as clever as ours."

Malcius sighs "I suppose it would be too much to ask if I could ride ahead to meet with our relief? One of the commanders is an old acquaintance of mine."

You raise an eyebrow "I dont see how that could hurt us."

Gabriel takes a drink from his cup "I must agree with Justinian. Go on my friend, meet with your friend... and if she is that commander out of Flumenos do try to avoid impregnating the poor woman."

Vibius laughs "Pregnancy does tend to impair ones ability to fight."

Malcius blushes slightly "We... we arent that stupid. Of co-" he trails off as all three of you level merciless, mischievous stares at him.

>>16102455
wow, self-pwnt.

Anyway, suggesting we use the time waiting to train up elementalism some. Or at least train up our elementalists cadre.

>>16102455
Heh.

>>16102455
Quick, give the man some more rope.

>>16102479
second

Chat with the twins some more?

>>16102566
Oh, shit, yeah, we should do that. Chat with the twins. THEN training.

On the subject of the twins, I remember it mentioned that their communication method had something to do with liquid? Or am I completely misremembering that?

>>16102593
booze.

We should at some time tell Vibius about our healer who healed Laeliths face.

>>16102631
Good idea. Also, have we mentioned the intel we got from brain draining the twins?

> "And the excellent news, is that aside from the Greyrun Lords, The Swamp Lords, and ShadowPeak Lords are militarily spent, and making noise to have the war ended. If the Praetor Militant were to learn this, he could presumably force an end to the war by taking the IronCoast lords out of the picture."

>>16102593
Talk to the twins and ask them if they have any means of contacting their mistress at a distance or know of a way for us to get messages to her. It'll give us an idea on how honest they'll be. Plus we should see why they were asking after us so much.

1. Tell fellow commanders about info gathered from the twins.
2. Tell Vibius about our healer who fixed up Laelith.
3. Go talk with the twins.
4. Elementalism training.

>>16102756
This to-do list gets the thumbs up from me.

You smirk "So you have done this before with her?"

Malcius looks aghast "Of Course I-" After a round of barely contained snickers dies off he continues "Damn you Trentz, I will settle this score eventually."

Gabriel nods "After you spend some time... catching up, with your friend."

Malcius snaps his head around to look at Gabriel "You too, Gaberiel."

Vibius fakes a pout "Well, I suppose I should stay in your good faith, my friend. I will go to meet our relief force, so that this teasing will-"

"NO!!" Malcius exclaims, before freezing, dropping his head into his hands and continuing "I will go, and I need a damned drink."

Chuckling you pour the man a cup from your flask "Dont worry, we wont tell a soul your true intent for this trip."

-----CQ-----

The tent you kept the assassin sisters in is dark, and full of strange juices and tonics. The two sisters are sitting in the middle of it, looking nervous and alone, despite the fact that they are back to back with each other. "Justinian." Esmeralda greets you.

"What a pleasant surprise." Esperanza adds, turning to face you at the same moment her sister does.

We need a training regime for the skywing.

We saw what happened when our boys got knocked off their mounts.

Have then junp off their mounts ar a high altutide after training their mounts to respond to their calls. A few of their fellows will be standing by to catch them if the call fails. Best that this be done over water and with air elementalists watching just in case.

>>16102777
"I apologize for being absent for some time. Business forced my attention away from the two of you. I've heard the two of you have missed me and it would be rude to ignore you. Was there anything specific you needed from me? If not, I was curious - if I needed to send a message to your lady, could you tell me a way in which I could get one sent to her?"

>>16102777
"I understand you were asking after me while I was indisposed."

>>16102836
second

Yes, tell the commander who lost his nose and eye that we can probably whip up some prosthetics for him back at DragonsReach.

>>16102857
sounds good too

You smirk, and sit in the stool across from the pair "I apologize for my absence, but business called me away from the two of you. Now, I hear that you were asking after me?"

Esperanza shakes her head, as Esmeralda nods. The two stare at each other before Esperanza deflates and replies "Yes, we have a matter we need to discuss with you."

Esmeralda nods engagingly "We need to contact our Lady, to inform her that we are alive yet."

You sigh "Sending a letter to Uurlanth could potentially have me treid for treason..."

"We have a means of- OW!" Esmeralda begins, only to be cut off by a jab from her sister.

Esparenza continues "All we need is a cup of water, and 15 minutes unobserved."

You supress a chuckle "So, you do have a means of communicating with your lady then?" The two nod, slowly "And, I am disappointed that you think me fool enough to allow you free communication with your Lady. You are still enemy soldiers as it stands."

Esparenza sighs and Esmarelda again deflates. The latter replies "We will admit to having arcana that will allow us to communicate with our Lady."

The latter nods slowly "The fact that you feed us as you do tells us that you are aware of it. We freely admit that we could speak with her."

Esmeralda mirrors her sisters nod "But we will not allow you to see the arcana."

>>16102971
"No offense but admitting it when you realize I know doesn't make me trust you more. Does your arcana allow you to contact her via your thoughts or do you have to speak aloud? I may allow you to contact her if I am allowed to hear what you say to her."

Damn, I wish we had Autronius here...

>>16102971
"To be honest, were I less concerned about relations between our countries, and more of a monster, I'd argue that was not a demand you could make.

I'll do this under two conditions. First, you are to relay the messages I asked about earlier, if you didn't already during our first questioning.

And second, no sharing of sensitive information you may or may not have heard while here. I'm taking a risk here, I hope you understand."

>>16103011
Sounds good to me. We should have him in here every time we speak to them.

>>16102971
"You won't -let- me see the arcana? That is an odd thing for any prisoner to tell their captor."

I'm all for being kind and all, but allowing prisoners to have such an arcana seems fairly stupid to me.

The only question is if we search them ourself or call in the ladies, considering where the arcana is likely hidden...

>>16103051
seconding

>>16102971
"Why? Do you have it hidden somewhere... indecent?" Wiggle eyebrows.

"Also, I'm thinking about separating the two of you for a while. Who wants to stay in DragonsReach?"

You raise your eyebrows "You _won't_ let me see the arcana? A strange demand for a prisoner to make. If you have it hidden somewhere, indecent I would understand... I am not a monster after all."

The girls both flush "We... yes." Esmeralda replies.

"It would be shameful for us to show you." Esperanza continues unevenly.

"Though, there are more scandalous places for a woman to reveal." Esmeralda coos.

You nod "I will allow you to communicate with your Lady, from behind a screen. What will you need, and what message to you plan to relay?"

"A bowl of water." Esperanza replies.

"And simply that we are alive, and you accepted her agreement." Esmeralda continues.

"Did you have any messages you wished to relay to her?" Esperanza asks.

"And, thank you." Esmarelda adds as the two wait for your response.

>>16103051
I'm against this, as it WILL get us court-martial-ed if it ever gets out. We have no obligations to allow them to communicate unobserved.

>>16103302
"Other than the ones I asked you about before, no."

Now, while we're getting the bowl, get Autronius to stand nearby. Not IN the tent, but close enough that he could warn us if they tried to do anything fishy.

>>16103302
What?! No no no no no no no no.

Somebody back me up on this. This is going to come back to bite us at the worst possible time.

Don't let them send messages. Send in our ladies and confiscate the arcana.

>>16103363
You're missing something, GP. We could potentially get some more information from this. We just need our mindreader.

>>16103302
Could Autronius make sure they don't communicate certain things? If we can't stop them from saying things we should call it off.

>>16103383
Yes, we get information. We also have people in our camp overhearing the prisoners reporting to their lady, saying "Commander Trentz has accepted your offer. Nudge nudge hint hint wink wink." How the fudge are we going to explain that one away?

>>16103318
>>16103363

I'm with Panda on this one. THIS IS A BAD IDEA. Hell, letting them KEEP THE ARCANA is a BAD IDEA.

I propose a compromise so that we can move along with the plot:

1. They can ONLY communicate that they are alive and well. Nothing about "deals" or "agreements". Too fishy if anyone hears it out of context. The most obvious interpretation is that we're betraying Degnar.

2. After they are done, we get to confiscate the arcana. Either they can hand it to us willingly, or we send in all four of our harem to snatch it out of them. (Pun intended dammit.)

>>16103441
Alright, fine. I'll acquiesce to this.

>>16103441

I'll second, so long as our mystic is there to verify what they communicate.

and if they attempt to communicate more than that... fuck it, lawful good doesn't mean lawful nice.

As for what message we wish to send to Lady Hernanda: We want Raul Vistek's ransom ready for us when prisoner exchanges are allowed again. If he sires any child with you, we want the ransom doubled, as he would not have been able to lay with you while imprisoned.

>>16103494
hahaha, wow, that last part is a bit of a stretch.

>>16103509
Can't hurt to ask. I doubt that it will even matter. Pax will never let us get at that ransom money anyway.

Also, this gets us more information about just how much Lady Hernanda values these two agents of her. We're all about gathering more information, right?

>>16102971
I really think we should separate the two, at least for short periods of time. It seems like Esperanza is the only thing keeping Esmeralda from leaking intel all over the floor.

>>16103556

No actually its silly and shows that have not much sense and/or that we're a money grubbin' bastard.

>>16103617
I don't see why we should care about her opinion of us. Lady Hernanda is an enemy noble. We can work with her toward destroying the cult. That's it. She does not need to like us.

I could counter that letting her agents send her a message shows to her that we are foolish and exhibits bad judgement.

You call for Autronius, and a few minutes later he arrives, jug of water and bowl in his hands. Only then do you turn to the pair "Now, this is not a gift. Esmeralda, you will be the one to convene with your Lady. Esperanza, you will stay with me behind the screen. You are only to communicate that you are alive, and that I expect to be paid the full ransom for Raul once prisoner exchanges are open again. After that, my fiances will come in to relieve you of your arcana. Understood."

The twins nod dejectedly, ones head up when the other is down, still. After 10 minutes, the screen is up. On the other side Esmeralda can be heard shuffling about. Autronius is standing to your right, and Esperanza sitting at your feet, staring at the screen. After a few moments of shuffling, you hear a brief, soft ping, followed by Esmaerlda's voice "My Lady, I... I apologize for, for my lateness in reporting to you."

After a brief pause you hear a strange new voice "It is of no consequence. You survived and I have my husband back. You are alone, did your sister..."

"No, we, we were not allowed to report to you together. I cannot tell you anything other than that Commander Trentz expects to be paid for us what you would have paid for your lord husband." Esmeralda replies, haltingly.

You hear a chuckle a few moments later "He is at least as intelligent as I had expected than. I will honor that agreement. Were you not indecent I would request that he be brought in to speak with me... but I would never do that to my sister."

"I, well... thank you, my lady." Esmeralda replies "Unfortunately, I will not be able to report to you again. The arcana will be taken from me by Commander Trentzs fiances after this. I await eagerly the next day I may serve carry out your will."
>cont'd

After a brief pause you hear the same new voice reply, sadly "I see. Assuming he is in the same tent as you, and can hear me, I have one final statement. The Forge is scoured from the desert, and will soon be out of the mountains. I await the day we may be re-united, Esmeralda. Give our sister my love, as I am certain she sends to me."

Seconds later you hear the soft metallic ping again, and a minute after that Esmeralda returns from behind the screen, eyes red. "She relayed no additional messages." Autronius informs you.

"Is our lady well?" Esperanza asks, concerned.

Esmeralda nods "Yes, she is beautiful as ever, sister." the crying sister turns to you "It is done. Send in your women to take our last line home." she tries to look angry, hard, but the fear, sadness and guilt on her face overpower any attempt at anger.

>>16103774
"I'm only keeping it to keep unwanted things from being communicated for now. Once the two of you are ransomed back, you will leave with everything you came with. My messenger bird is a far more grand way of sending messages. Less embarassing as well."

>>16103767
>>16103774
Thank them for their assistance in this matter. We should also inform them that in Dragonsreach, people higher ranking than us like the First or the Emperor (or his son) may question them further on the nature of this cult and other things.
Also, as the both of them have been cooperative and have been promised a noble's ransom for, they should be treated as a noble prisoner of war.

>>16103841
>>16103835
Second, I guess... We're a lot nicer to people with vaginas.

In the mean time, can we use the arcana to communicate with Lady Hernanda? Maybe in cases where intel against the cult could be useful for her? That's one way to establish a working relationship with her.

>>16103890
After running the idea past the First Praetorian, of course.

Younod "Thank you very much for your help and cooperation in this manner. Once we return to DragonsReach my superiors may wish to further question you. Saving that, you will be treated in accordance with the ransom I will receive for you. And upon your ransom, all of your possessions will be returned to you." You motion for Autronius to follow you. Once outside you instruct him "Have my ladies recover the arcana, then come to me." the man nods, and heads off into the camp.

By the time you had finished informing a now very grateful Vibius that you have a healer who may be able to see to his nose, Sansa and Laelith approach you, a both of them holding small boxes. "Nipple for the one that was crying."

"And the other had it through her womanhood." Laelith informs you, offering you the second piece of arcana.

"We cleaned both of them, but it does not seem that you will be able to wear them." Sansa adds, offering you her piece of magical jewelry as well.

Laelith sighs "However, they seem to respond to blood, much like the scabbard Vi made for your blade. Unless we have the proper arcana, all these are useful for is that they not being used by our foes."

You sigh, and give both women a quick peck on the cheek "Thank you, my loves."

Laelith chuckles "No, thank you, Justinian. Watching Kyria tease those two was quite enjoyable."

Sansa joins the elf "I never would have thought pleasure could be used for interrogation, but it would seem that both of those assassins rather fancy you. And on top of that, they both have it even worse for their Lady."
>cont'd

"Though they fear that once they are old and ugly, or no longer the best, they may be killed rather than live on as a potential risk to heir lady." Laelith adds.

"And moan quite sweetly under Kyrias ministrations." Sansa adds, trying to make that seem more important than Laeliths information "And, Kyria says the fact that we were sent to retrieve jewelry from such erotic places gave her free reign to do as she did. Jayne left as soon as they were disrobed however, so she is not responsible for what happened." your aide finishes as the three of you enter your tent. Stunned and amused, it is all the more you can do to sit back and listen to a more detailed description of what happened.

>well, this seems to be as good a place to call it as any.
>someone archive please
>I'll be back tuesday at 9pm server time
>if you have any CQ/setting questions just email me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

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