Active [Caelia Barony - Ryke] Be it Welcome or Unwelcome

[RavenSong]

Aria, the marshall nodded at Regulas orders once she was summoned out of the pocket dimension. Her emerald eyes suddenly fixed upon her target like a hawk stalking its prey.

Her mechanical mythril feet felt come to life at the prospect of a worthy opponent. Yet, when the invaders began their dialogue the Marshalls eyes glanced towards Regula. However, threats made to her were simply only threats. She trusted the baroness would want her to continue towards the left side opponent. And so she did. The earth grumbled as she stepped with her hands upon her scabbard and hilt. Yet, the knives tucked at her thighs ached for combat as well.

The breeze lightly caressed her fair features and dried the trails of tears she had shed moments before. It was here, that emotion had no place to dwell, for it could mean life or death.

"There is no shame in surrender, you may even receive pardon in court." Aria wanted to make sure they were offered a way out through diplomatic means. Being if high military status meant that there were more eyes and ears to explain oneself to. Yet when the one warned to destroy the village Arias eyes shot towards Regula. Then to the maddened one. "What foolishness do you speak?" She inquired. "Crystal?" She asked with curiosity towards the more, reasonable ones. "I warn you that you're in the presence of lady Regula. Any threats to her or to her rule and populace is a crime punishable by death. Explain yourself. Or I'll personally see to becoming judge, and executioner here and now."

There was a new gaze in Arias visage. One of hatred. It wasn't like Aria to feel such things as she had mostly polished her mind to being numb to feelings. Yet, something fierce had awakened within the marshall. Or maybe, there was a sense of alarm that truly made Aria feel fear for the worst.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Mentions: Rev IX | Teuihua TheTimePiece | Aria RavenSong

Wouldn't dare come alone? What a bloody weird statement. Luckily enough, at least one of them seemed willing and smart enough to talk. This 'Bradley's' next challenge, however, infuriated her. “Very well, but let this be clear.” She'd state, as she'd land on the ground to face him. “You'll instruct that construct of yours and everyone else that's with you to stand down if you loose. No exceptions, no take-backs.” She'd command. “I can assure you, it'll be the best way out for all of you. After all, killing one of my citizens will make you feel levels of pain that even the gods of the Underworld would shy away from.”

The last time she'd felt this angry was when she'd murdered the awful circus host and his henchmen. Using her barony to smuggle enslaved people as circus freaks? That'd been just as bad as keeping her citizens hostage to hold it against her. The only factor that might be ever so slightly redeemable was this 'crystal' that she heard someone speak of. Perhaps it was one of the lost treasures of Yemaya? Or one of those weird crystals that'd been popping up from Teuihua's civilisation? Or worse, the type of thing Aria's father might've experiment with? There were too many bad options to pick from.

“+Stand by for now. If something happens, focus on the safety of my citizens.+” She'd speak to Teuihua in Mictlantechulian. Speaking a near extinct language surely had its benefits when you want to give instructions without informing the enemy of them. It was a shame she couldn't instruct Aria as well, but she noticed Aria was already on the same page. With the latter talking instead of attacking.

Taking a deep breath, she'd prepared herself. “Well then, are you going to get cold feet, now that I'm accepting your challenge, or are you going to live up to your words and come at me?” She'd ask Bradley. She wanted him to make the the first move, so that she could anticipate whatever this energy blade of his would do. One hand was on her Faeblade, the other on her Hextech Gun. She'd need to quick-draw whichever would be most useful against whatever that odd blade of his might have in store for her.

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Stonewall
Country of Ryke, Sadek County, Caelia Barony, Capital Town: Stonewall.

From: Cyrili, the Farming Hamlet | The Fantasy Sandbox

Nightshade

Spoiler: full image and source

From: https://www.tumblr.com/karasvu/662750335642812416

Mentions: Anastasia Von Arbin Ersatra

Her mood went from suspicious to confused. Then, somewhere after the first few sentences, Nightshade fully calmed down and was just waiting patiently for her turn to speak. Whilst she'd silently listen to all Anastia's words, it was clear that, half-way Anastsia's argument, the fox woman had already gotten an answer at the ready. “Any dealings mister Rom made with the late count Light have died along with the late count Light himself.” She'd clarified first and foremost. Those were none of her business, nor were they the business of the current baroness. “Between the obviously dubious legal nature of the original agreement, the passing of count Light, the short presence of an independent Sol nation and the rebranding of the barony into Caelia Barony, there are no remaining legal ties. It is nothing more than a stain on the history of this barony's former rulers.”

“My colleague, Reynard, has personally forced him to confess for what reason and by which means he'd acquired such a deal.” She'd sigh. “One might not speak ill of the dead, but I would be unable to speak well of one of them either. I can assure you, milady would not fall for such dealings. Nor would I, or any of her other advisors. Suggesting as much would be an insult to either our intelligence or our integrity.” That was as far as she'd allow herself to go with regards to bashing the late count Light's decisions.

“As for mister Rom's current dealings, he is merely an owner of an old warehouse in Yemaya. So long as he does not actively invest in projects in the city or fix it up for his company, his current presence will not even be a footnote in our history.” The lack of further action from Cleo Rom had been a little disappointing. Yet it turned out that giving him nothing more than the plot of land and not making any big formal agreements had been the right move.

“As I would offer to you as well, we are able to sell these plots at low prices in exchange for handing them to merchants that are willing and able to help rebuild the city through their investments and dealings. A businesswoman such as yourselves would likely see what value there is to be had in being among the earliest investors in a city that has major growth potential as a future business hub. Especially if one can do so on good terms with its rulers, no?” She had to refrain from telling her that the current competition was found to be lacking.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua

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Interactions: Elvario Rev IX

Mentions: RavenSong

Teuihua largely just watched from where he had gone with the other troops. Unfortunately this development was sounding quite rough. It'd be difficult to find a healer and builders who'd b able to deal with all of this at such a large scale if these enemies were telling the truth and they were capable of such large scale destruction. Another moment when Teuihua wished he could get a better read on them with his appraisal, so that they might have some semblance of what they were going up against or if it was more likely this was all just one big bluff, but if it wasn't it was a serious problem.

No matter how strong these people were, Teuihua knew that there was one place where they had screwed up, even if they did blow Yamaya sky high, they wouldn't be surviving and he felt pretty confident Regula would make sure that they wouldn't be in a state fit for reviving short of divine intervention if they went through with their threat, how much she cared about her barony and people. Hopefully they'd just take the deal and Regula would win so that there would be minimal blood shed, but Teuihua knew not to count his chickens until the eggs were hatched so to speak.

It seemed Aria was on the right page. Her words seemed fair enough to him, these people were being given ample time to surrender and or lay down their arms so that they would have a more favorable outcome after the fact, but it seemed even between Regula and Aria, they didn't want to stand down for some reason..what were they trying to gain here? Was all Teuihua could wonder. Teuihua then replied when he heard Lady Caelia address him in the near dead ancient language. "+Understood my lady, I'll prioritize protecting civilians where I can if this situation escalates into a dangerous direction.+"

Teuihua had his shield at the ready just encase, on standby using his [360 degree vision] to watch for any more would be emerging enemies or threats on the off chance they showed up if these three were a distraction or something of the like.

 

[conman2163]

Retili Loxinofican
Character Sheet
​

As quickly up the road to Yemaya, singing a battle song in another language as they marched. A hundred and fifteen voices chorused together in the language of the Zentail as they went double quick up the road. At their heads was a similarly sized creature of small stature. Retili wore the fine clothes of those who cavorted with the nobility, the crest of Caelia emblazoned on his tunic, his well polished boots now dusty with the dirt from the road. He considered not for the first time getting a pony. A good one perhaps, maybe a battle pony if they bred those. Then his thoughts turned back to the task at hand, and the bloody work that awaited him. He had been on his way back to stonewall when word had reached him that Yemaya had been attacked. Knowing that he made up a large portion of the Baroness's ready forces he had departed for the city at once, letting his [{Caelia Barony} Area Knowledge F] guide him to the city.

As they arrived Retili quickly strode to stand beside Teuihua, his forces spreading out into a three deep battle formation behind him, but rather then advance they held for the moment as a raised hand from Retili lead to a disciplined halt. He didn't really need much information to figure out the situation. Clearly the baroness was here to deliver justice to whomever the three and the nameless band with them were. Retili turned to the captain of his guard. "Fix bayonets Captain." The Zentail in his jet black uniform, staring straight forward, shouted it back and sergeants in the company repeated the call all up the line. All over the line men put rifle butts against the ground and drew gleaming bayonets from well polished sheathes. There was a chorus of clicks and rasps as the bayonets slid into place over the muzzles of their guns and locked into place. The five pikes hurried up to their typical position right behind retili, with the formation fanning out on either side of him and the pikes. Then the whole line stood and faced the enemy, awaiting an order from Retili to swing into action. He waited though, watching and gleaning that something more was going on here. If a larger fight did break out he would signal the charge and his men would close with the enemy, but for now they stayed back and did not break the current agreement, silently watching the Baroness and the bandit leader.

He nodded to Teuihua. "A pleasure to see you here Teuihua, if only it were under better circumstances. I was delayed leaving Sootspire, otherwise I would have been at Stonewall earlier." He said, keeping his voice low and scanning the area to pick out the positions of all the enemy combatants. He tried to use his knowledge of [Warfare D] and [Area Knowledge - Caelia Barony F] to ascertain where the best positions would be occupied by the enemy troops.

Spoiler: abilities

[/COLOR]

• Caelia Savant C - Law C, Warfare D, Business E, Academia F, Area Knowledge [Caelia Barony] F - Grade C, 3 post Cooldown - Retili uses his comprehensive knowledge built up through years of study to overcome issues that smooth talking might not otherwise be capable of.
• Charismatic Scribe C - Insight C, Perception C, Empathy C, Persuasion C - Grade C, 3 post Cooldown - Using his quick wit and fast mind, Retili talks his way around and through problems that he encounters.
• Noble Bearing C - Etiquette E, Law C, Academia F, Persuasion C, Empathy C, Perception D, Insight C, Business E - Grade D, 2 post Cooldown - After some time spent in study, on the road, and in the court of nobles Retili has learned the way and bearing required to be at least adequate in the many skills expected of nobility.

 

[Rev IX]

Elvario | Regula Caelia - Aid Yemaya
RavenSong | Aria - Aid Yemaya
conman2163 | Retili Loxinofican - Aid Yemaya
TheTimePiece | Teuihua - Aid Yemaya, help Regula with her goals, keep people safe if necessary

Spoiler: Leos

Spoiler: Slinger

Spoiler: Bradley

Spoiler: Character Positioning + Notes

Notes: Teuihua and Aria are in front of their respective Regulator group. Retili's forces are spread behind him. The rogues are spread in a rough semicircle around the center of Yemaya from the looks of it

When Aria spoke negatively of the threat Bradley had stated, one of Slinger's barrels went from Regula to Aria. "It's not foolishness. It will be done should you not comply". The construct spoke into the topic, stating it as calmly as if taking dozens of lives was a small detail.

Bradley picked up on this. And with an unsettlingly calm, yet shaky voice, chimed in "Ya better put a leash onnat dog o' yers. We don't want any... accidents. Now do we?" Taunting Regula further. From where he was, Leos sighed, going back to lean against the wall. Taking a moment to plot his next course of action. His own judgement urged him to, once again, moving his lips while looking at Aria "I want to help you. Find an excuse or a distraction, head to the woods without being seen by these two." Making sure no eyes on his side noticed. Which worked greatly as the only ones in front of him were Slinger and Bradley. And they were busy for the most part.

It was up to Aria if she acted on this or not. But if she did, it was clear her timing needed to be impeccable. Or more dangerous levels of chaos would ensue.

Bradley laughed mockingly and eerily at Regula, with a heavy dose of sarcasm to his raspy voice now "Ooh! Could it be the baroness has some bite to 'er?" A more brief chuckle followed "Do your worst."

Teuihua's observation would show that most of the visible rogues weren't really eager for a fight. Something was clearly afoot. And Retili and his massive entourage's arrival didn't really raise their spirits.

Retili's knowledge of his home turf, as well as his battle tactics, would reveal that the visible gaps to enter Yemaya were guarded by several men. With the intention of funneling opposing troops, from where they could take their time in managing reduced opposition at all times with both melee and ranged weaponry, but that was from the entrances he could see. The rest were currently a mystery, but it was clear that more troops were within Yemaya.

Finally, Regula actually dared Bradley to fight, which was responded with a laugh "Now that's the spirit...". Bradley let out a bone-chilling roar. Which might surprise Regula and Teuihua, while instilling dread in the heart of Aria and Retili, and completely paralyzing both Regula and Retili's forces in fear. The same could be said about his own side, however. With only Leos and Slinger not being affected at all.

The madman then sprinted lightning-fast towards Regula, stopping after a few steps forward. It was an attempt to bait Regula to attack in melee range. Bradley then quickly swung his red blade, launching a bright wave of energy making the earth rumble as it ravaged anything in front of it.

Bradley has engaged in battle
Actions
1 - Use ???(1)
2 - Sprint to stand 50 ft away from Regula
3 - Use ???(2)

???(1) - Incapacitate ?, Area of Effect ?, ??? - An earth rumbling roar that freezes weak wills in fear - ? grade - ? cooldown
???(2) - Area of Effect ?, Range ?, Blight (?) ?, ??? - A massive wave of destructive energy that tears apart whatever is in its path like thousands of red hot blades - ? grade - ? cooldown

Cooldowns
???

 

[RavenSong]

Aria would grunt lightly at the one pointing the armament towards her. Then bring insulted and called am animal would make her eyebrow twitch. She could imagine ripping into the man to shreds. But that was the point wasn't it? Such insults. They.. meant something. They triggered an emotion to provoke reckless actions.

Oh how the situation here seemed like that of an abusive lover. With one hand, Yemaya, the heart and in the other the spearhead.

It was during this introspection that one amongst them drew her glance. She deciphered what he was trying to say quite clearly. As if making it seem like the insults had worked she inconspicuously withdrew into the crowd behind her as the others continued to dialogue. Even as the altercation intensified with one among them drawing weapons. She made a tactical decision to retreat after the roar from their leader. It was, to her the perfect cover. It gave the idea that their fierceness and insults had worked. Surely, that was the desired result.

It wasn't exactly her way of doing things, especially since her very sister was being assaulted. But.. something.. an.. intuition told her to trust the man. Perhaps it was the overall morale of their troops.

Once within the crowd, she'd gaze quickly towards the forest through the troops various armaments getting a bit low, she closed her eyes and [Lucky]+ [Teleport E - 100ft] + [Energized D] to repeat once more if not within the forest within 100ft.

Once within the woodland, she pressed her back against a tree. Part of her wondered if it was the right choice. Yet she wouldn't dare look back out and potentially give away her position. How would that man even know she escaped successfully?

She stood by, and hoped Regula and the others didn't consider her a coward so soon.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Rev IX RavenSong Elvario conman2163

Teuihua gave a nod, still on guard for the time being, not giving his usual friendly wave given the circumstances.

“Salutations Retili, I am pleased to see that you could make it. The circumstances are rather dire, unfortunately it would appear that we have hostiles attempting to hold Yemaya hostage, claiming that they’ll destroy it if we are too rash in our actions, and it seems like for some reason they want to fight Regula uninterrupted.”

Teuihua then continued to speak to Retili with a softer volume than usual, “For some reason it would appear to me that their forces who are visible at the very least, seem to have lower morale than I was expecting for an operation like this."

While it was true Teuihua shifted quickly at hearing Bradley’s roar, thankfully he had Resilient C, the feeling of fear being among what he was resilient too, unfortunately there were others among them who were apparently frightened by this sound, as if it was out of their control.

With that the golem looked to Retili and asked softly, “What say we do?” Thinking it was appropriate to ask at this point since the one he associated with strategy and intelligence had a literal army with them, even if he had his own ideas, he wanted to hear what Retili thought first given the information they had been given, whether it was fake or not they couldn’t really afford Yemaya being destroyed.

Teuihua also did not engage for the time being as not to risk anything major. He continued to look around with his [360 Degree] vision taking in what was going on wishing he could just help Regula attack this trio and get it all over with without the risk they claimed there was in doing so. Should he be capable of seeing Aria, or more so that Aria had gone away, he was puzzled, but knowing her, she likely hadn't retreated but was moving into a strategic position while there was a distraction going on in the form of the duel with Regula and the criminal.

 

[Elvario]

Ersatra – I'll put in something for you later, after you've posted. Though seeing as how these stories probably won't meet/align again, we could also start up a new thread for it, if you'd prefer and Rev IX agrees.

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Mentions: Rev IX | Teuihua TheTimePiece | Aria RavenSong

She was wise enough to ignore Bradley's further taunting. It was just a brad putting the brad in Bradley. Upon Bradley telling her to 'do her worst' she would turn towards his own men and the construct he'd brought. “You've all heard him. I'll do my worst and afterwards, you will all agree on the outcome.” She made it clear that she was going to turn Bradley into an example of what not to do and to remind everyone not to get any dumb ideas afterwards. This man had brought it upon himself. She also wanted to make it clear she didn't doubt, not for a second, that she'd loose. She was too [Prideful] for that.

The roar was a surprise, but that was about it. She didn't even need to Mind Shield against it, as all it did was catch her off guard. As he sprinted towards her, she prepared to draw her Faeblade. Yet he stopped halfway... which didn't stop her from continue to draw the Faeblade. Even if she couldn't get to counter him back to his range, she could at least slash through the force thanks to the [Vorpal] effects on her Faeblade. It was the only thing she trusted about this odd type of weapon she was facing.

Using the Faewild's Wrath, she cut through the energy wave to counter/defend against it. With some luck, the Faewild's Wrath would spread through that energy and disrupt and dispose of it altogether. That'd be both the safest and most flashy outcome, at the very least.

Next, she'd aim he Hextech Gun. It was time to retaliate as she fired it at its full power with [Hextech Gunfire]. She'd be surprised if he'd somehow managed to dodge 50 incoming targets, with strong homing properties that flew at him in indirect arcs to make it near impossible to put up any cover and that would ignore (part of) his speed and armour.

Actions:
1 Faewild's Wrath B – Magic B, Penetrating B, Blight [Faewild Mana] B, Accurate E, Blind Fighter F, Contagion F, Vorpal F, Continuing B. - Attacking with the Fae's wrath. - Grade B – 4 Post Cooldown.
2 Draw/Aim Hextech Gun
3 Hextech Gunfire B – Magic B, Energised B, Magic Range C, Undetected [Hearing F], Magic Targets C, Penetrating F, Homing D, Accurate F, Indirect F – Character fires their Hextech Gun- Grade Be – 3 Post Cooldown.

Faeblade CD
B 0/4
Hextech Gun CD
B 0/4

As her battle required her full attention, she hadn't noticed Aria leaving. Nor had she noticed the events that could've led to that decision. The only thing she'd noticed was that the hundreds of tiny fae bastards legions of Zentail had shown up. It was a bit tough not to spot those, tiny as they were, with their number count.

 

[Ersatra]

Anastasia Von Arbin


Anastasia's crimson gaze softened marginally as Nightshade's words provided the clarification she required. The fox woman’s calm and reasonable response was enough to ease the tension Anastasia had carefully built, though her expression remained one of sharp calculation as she digested the new information.

“I see,” Anastasia replied, her tone measured, the earlier edge dissipating like mist. “Then I must commend you and your colleague for your prudence in handling such matters. I had assumed as much from Lady Caelia’s reputation, but confirmation is always preferable to assumption.”

She allowed herself a small, approving nod, her posture relaxing slightly as she crossed her arms. “It is no insult to your intelligence, I assure you. You would be surprised how often the shadow of old regimes lingers and poisons opportunity. I simply have no tolerance for chains — whether forged by arrogance or negligence — and I will not allow my ventures to be shackled before they begin.”

Anastasia’s ominous demeanor melted into one of cool professionalism, the calculated gleam in her eyes shifting back to something more constructive. “Your offer is an interesting one, Miss Nightshade.” She tilted her head slightly, a hint of a smile touching her lips. “The idea of investing early in a city with such potential is precisely the sort of opportunity I seek. Yemaya, for all its history, has the bones of something greater — provided it is handled correctly.”

Her tone sharpened, though the warmth of ambition remained. “Rebuilding a city demands careful investment, competent leadership, and patience. The right businesses can bring not only economic prosperity but also ensure stability. Stability, in turn, attracts more opportunity. That warehouse you mentioned…” Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “...it may have failed to reach its potential under Rom, but in the right hands, such a structure could serve as a foundation for something far more lucrative.”

She stepped closer to Nightshade, not in intimidation but in purpose, as though she were cementing her stake in the conversation. “I will not make the same mistake as others who have passed through this barony. If I am to invest, I will ensure the rights, land, and assets are mine outright. My interests are long-term, and I have no patience for half-measures.” Her words were precise and unwavering, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Her expression shifted once more, that faint, ambitious smile returning. “So tell me, Miss Nightshade: what is the asking price for a plot of land in Yemaya? I believe we can both agree it is time for those who truly understand commerce to begin shaping its future. I'll need a plot located on the near outskirts, within walking distance of the city centre but with plenty of clear land stretching toward Ryken. Name a fair one and we have a deal".

Abilities In Use:
[Narrative Booster - Striking a Business Deal]

Elvario (I think one more round should see Anastasia's part finished, starting a new RP might be overkill)​