Fantasy City Of Evil (Open and Accepting)

[SnowStorm42]

In a realm of time and space, exists a city. This city is called Demera. For ages Demera was a mixing pot of creatures and races, a place of wealth and trade, but most importantly a place of peace and happiness. The king who ruled Demera was King Faux. His laws were fair to all races, and made it easy to exist for people of all kinds, be it vampires, elves, werewolves, witches...the list went on. Demera was also a center of knowledge, having schools and careers that advanced magic and technology to unprecedented proportions.

Eventually, with time, and changes in political leadership amongst other kingdoms, feuds started to become more prominent in the world. It wasn't long before war erupted amongst the many cities and kingdoms of the world. For the longest time Demera was a safe place that was a far from war, as the mountains protected the North, the South was protected by the ocean, and the western and eastern most parts of Demera's borders were heavily guarded, by King Faux's army, as well as feral demons and beasts that wandered around.

However war is inevitable, and when conflict exists, it isn't hard for others to get sucked in. Demera's trade caravans, and cogs eventually started to get hit and it wasn't long before a feud erupted at the eastern border. Eventually King Faux set out with the majority of his army to go East and fend off the opposing kingdoms. The King left his wife and son in charge and set out. Unbeknownst to all of Demera though, the other warring kingdoms were being picked off one by one by an evil force.

A few months passed and King Faux still hadn't returned. Eventually though, a man in a black coat arrived at Demera, followed by an army of black knights, and his 8 royal guards. He marched his way right up to the castle, with little effort, and sat on King Faux's throne. A day later, King Faux's son was publicly executed and the man in the black coat announced himself as Maxwell Amadeus, the new ruler of Demera.

Following this day, the remainder of the Faux family fled, and Maxwell began to enforce new laws, curfews, and bans. People of all races were also starting to disappear, or get executed on a daily basis. It wasn't long before a reign of terror began, and poverty began to run at an all time high, specifically for the villages outside the walls, as Maxwell and his royals spoiled themselves behind the walls of the Castle and its surrounding manors.

This went on for a year, until one day a random warrior from the outskirts assassinated and killed one of the eight royal guards. Though the warrior was executed promptly, this began a turning point in Demera, as citizens began to form small revolutionary groups, or assassination groups. Flash forward to now.
The knowledge that Maxwell's forces aren't invincible as sparked talks of rebellion. There are plots to bring about his demise or bring large groups together. There are however those who wish to stay out of the ordeal. Finally, Maxwell, aware of a brewing revolution seeks to enforce more harsh, and strict laws, that cause the people to suffer more.

It is now up to the two sides, who will come out the victor and what will happen to Demera?
Will it become a beacon of peace as it once was?
Or will it become,
A City of Evil?

 

[SnowStorm42]

 

[SnowStorm42]

Rules of the Roleplay
1. No godmodding or auto hitting

2. While this will have romance and adult themes please dont write out anything too provacative. If it boils down to it allude to it or do a little time skip

3. Send all profiles to me before posting

4. I dont care if you make your posts pretty or keep them simple. I do ask you dish out more than a paragraph or try for two minimum.

5. I am welcome to evolution of the plot and world building. Please consult with me first though because I have had issues with people coming into an rp in the past with a whole new plot of their own

6. No character limit but make sure they all get some screen time here and there

7. Really no other rules. Follow guidelines, be respectful of others, and have fun. Will add more rules if necessary

 

[SnowStorm42]

The sun rose up over the distant mountains allowing light to bathe the landscape that was Demera. The light slowly reached around every bend, and every corner of the city, chasing the shadows as it made its way to the center of it all. The light finally climbed up the castle walls and reached into one of the windows before it caressed the face of a white haired man, or rather, form of a man. The figure slightly moved, and budged, disturbed by the touch of the light before opening red black and red eyes to see what had caused him to awaken. Realizing that it was only the light from the sun, the white haired demon got up from his bed, and grabbing the trousers that were on the ground, lifted them around himself and made his way to the window. A smile carved it's way into the face of the muscular figure. Before him rested the city of Demera. His city.

Maxwell Amadeus looked down at the castle grounds and watched as the Black Knights started their march toward the rest of the city. The night before had gotten a little hectic. A witch was caught using a spell outside of her home. The Black Knights had taken the witch, and she was the only one to be punished. However two more magic users, tried to stop the Black Knights from doing their job. After a large fight broke out the three magic users were captured and immediately burned at the stakes present in the execution square. It bothered Maxwell a bit, that there were more and more trouble makers as of late. The city was reaching the point where people were starting to grow accustomed to the law, but now rebellion was the new trend. Ever since his loyal companion in the Royal Guard was killed, all people talked about now was revolution and when the next one would be killed. It sickened Maxwell to no end. These laws were put in place for the people, and they now turned their backs on him.

Maxwell took a moment to think back to ages ago when war broke out between two races in a kingdom he had resided in. It was a war between vampires and humans. The death count was astronomical especially when other races started choosing sides. Maxwell snapped back to reality and looked upon Demera. His smile faded. Without another thought he turned and walked to the other side of the room. It had been a while, he thought, since he had gone out and won over the locals, or reprimanded the criminals who opposed his laws. Perhaps rebellion would decrease if the King went to speak to the commoners. Maxwell strapped on his boots, fastened a belt around his trousers, and threw on a large black coat. Of course he couldn't forget his crown. He was off.

It wasn't long until Maxwell reached the Castle grounds. He took a deep breath of air as he looked at the manors spread around the castle. As he surveyed each of his loyal soldiers' houses he couldn't help but look at the empty one where one of his Royal Guards once lived. He clenched his teeth and added one more mission to his bucket list. After meeting with the inhabitants of Demera he would have to find a warrior strong enough to join his Royal Guard. Strong enough, and loyal.

Without a second thought Maxwell started to make his way out of the Manor Grounds. Almost immediately eight Black Knights swarmed around him and marched at his pace, their swords and shields at the ready. This was the magic of the pawns. They were brainless zombies that obeyed every command of Maxwell's and his higher ups.

Maxwell's nostrils flared up, as they pulled oxygen into his body. He thought of where to begin his day in the town, and decided the best place to start would be the Marketplace, and then make his way in a loop around to the Shopping District, Business District, and back to the Castle where he would then have to take care of some personal matters.

With Black Knights in tow he set out to the Marketplace.


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Black boots stomped through the dirt of the village outside Demera. The boots belonged to Rebecca Devlins, who strutted along in her black jeans, her white cropped top and her blaring red jacket. Her yellow eyes looked around at the people who were staring at her. She could feel their confusion and fear. Was an outsider this rare in Demera? Uncomfortable with all the eyes on her Rebecca adjusted the strap of her travel backpack and strolled a bit faster through the village. In the distance she could see her destination, the walls of Demera. Inside those walls there would be so many questions that would be answered. She had only heard rumors but based on her walk through the outer most vilalges she had a disgusting feeling that the words shared between the other kingdoms were true.

Rebecca's face morphed to confusion as she felt something tug at her leg. A small hellhound was tugging at her pant leg and barking. "What's matter little guy. You hungry?" Rebecca asked before reaching into her bag and pulled out an apple. "It isn't much bu-.." Rebecca was cut off by a little girl who quickly grabbed the hellhound and picked it up. The little girl then ran back inside her house with the mutt. Rebecca looked confused then turned to see people run back into their houses, before her yellow gaze finally met two figures in entirely black armor. These were the rumored Black Knights. They made their way toward the little girl's house. Having a bad feeling Rebecca grabbed the hilt of her sword. "What're you two up t-" Rebecca was once again cut off, this time by a man with a thin frame and glasses. "There you are sister! What're you doing? Let the Black Knights do their job!" the man said before pulling her away from the knights. Rebecca resisted but quickly picked up that this man was just trying to help her. She followed the man, giving one last glance back to see the Knights entering the home.

That was when the man explained the situation of Demera to Rebecca. She was shocked at how downplayed the rumors were. He was deemed a tyrant but this was excessive. Of course Rebecca being Rebecca she wanted both sides of the story, but this side painted a horrifying picture. Before leaving the man's home, he offered her up a temporary pass to show to the guards. This would allow her to get in for "Market hours" but then she would be on her own. She thanked him and made her way to the walls of Demera

It took a while to travel through the villages but she finally made it to the gate. Rebecca handed her pass to the two Black Knights at the gate. They held on to it but didn't say another word. Talk about creepy. Did none of these guys speak? Rebecca shrugged it off and made her way in through the gates, only to be met with a fantastic image.

Everywhere she looked there were all sorts of different races and creatures. She had seen all sorts before, but never so many various ones in close proximity to each other. Every person wandering around was unique. She quickly picked up on their energy and auras though. Everyone seemed sad or angry. Was the tyrant that horrible? It put a bad feeling in her stomach. Her eyes locked in on a tavern in the distance. "This is gloomy. I need a drink or two" Rebecca said to herself. She would need to find a place to stay and start investigating what it was about this place her Father pushed her toward. The best place to start was a tavern of course.

 

[frenchie.]

Y’isvia Andr’marzes Mavxius

Dawn. Business District Inn. Demera.

Bright morning light slowly made its way into the tiny room, crawling across the floor and climbing the bed as it filled the small space. It’s presence grew until ever grain of wood and fiber of sheet had been caught in its rays, as well as the eyes of one particularly hungover demon-spawn.

The sudden light felt like a slap to the face to Marzes, a rude awakening that only compounded the ache drumming in their head. In an almost violent manner, the demon-spawn tore the sheets off their naked form and clambered into a slouched stance, groaning curses in their native tongue to the excruciatingly bright sun as they searched the room for their gear.

It wasn’t easy - Marzes had to sift through their late night partner’s clothing as well to find what was truly theirs or not. They were surprised to find that, upon remembering the girl’s existence in general, she was still there, fast asleep and turned away from the blinding light of the window. After a few lousy minutes of struggle, Marzes finally had assembled their small clothes, over and under shirt, pants, boots, and hat. The only things that didn’t need intensely drunken searching were their weapons and their coat.

That damnable coat. Marzes took a moment to gaze lovingly at it. This particular coat - large in size and gaudy in color - was the first thing they truly owned for themself. Sure it was indeed robbed off of a lesser noble’s corpse, it was too big for their lithe frame, it was ugly and tacky and probably smelled of both their and the noble’s rottenness but it was theirs. Theirs and theirs alone. Slipping it on, Marzes admired the faux gold embroidery, clashing fabrics, and cheap fur interior for all of three seconds.. until the migraines returned. With a groan, the demon-spawn took one last look at their sleeping partner before leaving the room and the inn entirely.

Marzes made their way south through the streets of Demera. Other than the headaches pounding in their skull, the devilish creature felt their stomach roaring like a lion. Closing their coat a bit tighter to combat the early morning wind, they swiftly, though limply, made their way to whatever tavern happened to catch their eye first. It took some time - every other person catching their attention before they finally made it to whatever tavern they managed to bump into.

The interior was very different from the literal and metaphorical cold of the streets. Though still tense with apprehension, the atmosphere was more welcoming and warm, the communion of the oppressed creating a solidarity among patrons. Marzes found no problem entering the establishment, finding a seat at an empty table for themself, and ordering a bit of lamb and pickles ‘for his morning fog’ like they had lived in Demera all their life. They knew the people here suffered daily - a kindling for a fire not properly sparked.

A shame, they thought as they enjoyed their breakfast, a peasant uprising would be a good break from the monotony of quiet villages. Though they did hear of some incident yesterday with a group of witches…

code by spidey

 

[Shaded]

Silvia Brandt
Location: Marketplace

A brisk and chilling breeze swept past the thin framed girl, had her arms been bare she would have shivered with the chill running down her spine. The air had the familiar smell of fish and other assortments lingering in the air from the open stalls attempting to bypass haggling customers, a wide array of merchandise was off for view in all kinds of ways that could attract attention. Some marketers had children standing in the front, calling out what goods they had or signs with sloppily written messages on them, all in hopes of getting some attention to their goods. The marketplace was a frequented area, people setting up their stalls st the crack of dawn just in the hopes of being the sole opened stall to vocalize the heavy need of their goods. Shoppers would often come here just like Silvia, browsing to see what they were in need of and what they wanted. Of course, the frugal half of the city’s inhabitants would haggle until no tomorrow if they could. Even now as the blue gowned girl slipped between the masses, she could see a few stall owners getting a run for their money as people tried to argue the worth of their goods, that they shouldn’t be priced so high.

“What are those? They lookin’ nothin’ but tadpoles—catch ‘em in yer pond?” one man howled, jabbing his fingers towards a row of fish hanging along the front of a particular stall. The bickering wasn’t loud to lead to an argument, the burly brute was just naturally loud and boisterous. It was amusing nonetheless, observing the poor old man being practically badgered for his fish, Silvia sidled her way up beside the bigger man.

The disgusting smell of fish had the pale toned girl scrunching her face up, the stench of fish never grew on her. Every time she went to the market and browsed, or even delivered some remedies to the few folk in need of some medicine, she always had to rush off to one of the stalls selling the scented oils or perfumes—though she also regretted hanging around there very often as well. The smell of perfume always had her leaving in a sneezing fit, she preferred more natural scents not something stingy and overbearing—though she did like some of the lavender scented oils.

Having been thoroughly sidetracked, the pale haired woman quickly gained the attention of the two men, the burly brute looking at her skeptically while the seller was looking at her appreciatively. Silvia had come by the previous week, just in time to see the man’s wife go into a coughing fit and covered in grime from a day’s work. The poor woman was ill with fever and coughing up a storm, Silvia had seen several other workers within the marketplace come down with similar symptoms as that woman. “—right, here make sure she mixes it in her meals for a week. It will help with digesting it and hopefully she’ll be feeling better,” she cut in smoothly, they had gone back to their previous conversation while Silvia pulled out a small paper packet. She learned to fold envelopes when young, she liked to play with paper and try and make things—though parchment paper wasn’t something she used unless learning to write or reading books.

The man at the stall nodded gratefully at Silvia, taking the parchment envelope in his grasp with a shaky set of hands. It hurt to know the shape and state the people were in. She struggled like them for a few years now, though not from the start but it hurt to know that an imbecile of a king ruled Demera, the bans and executions. Sure it wasn’t his fault for them being sick but she could not overlook the strict rules and how the rich stayed fat and happy, the death of people because they were different.

“Miss—miss? You might want to catch the lad who ran off with something from your bag,” a voice snapped Silvia from her trance. Confusion glittered on her features, people coming out slowly and steadily had meant pick pocketers, sure but—they weren’t out this early were they? Turning her blue toned gaze upon the short form darting around the skirts and boots of shoppers, she nearly blanched at the thought of being robbed blind. Bunching up the worn skirt she adorned, she made herself scarce at the fish stall as she ran after the child running off with something of her’s. A pouch had been left in her bag, that was the first thing she thought the child had taken, and that was if the child took anything at all—she was just trusting a stranger at a stall that a boy had taken something from her bag. “Hey! Wait!”

———————

Sylvester Brandt
Location: Business District

A lanky form leaned against the foyer of an inn, the building was digging into his back—able to feel the rough edges of the inn even through his clothing as he leaned there. Observing. Sharp and serpent like eyes slithered along the folk mulling around the district, his intentions clouded and vague aside from the fact that he was watching something. Sylvester was a careful and precise man, intelligent enough to irk any that cross him. Was it his deduction or his tactical intelligence that made him annoying? Accurate assumptions lead him to a pocket money full of coin, but having facts behind a discovery can have it fill up over time. A steady source of income for some time.

The white haired brute shifted on his feet, hands propped onto his hips as his analytical blue gaze snapped to a darker part of an alley. It was a surprise at first, finding some supplies missing that is, while reading a log from one of the caravans he had out in other kingdoms there was a report mentioning that they never received a specific sum of rations and two box fulls of a flammable substance. Sylvester tracked down the source of the delivery, then he weeded out the happenings before the delivery. Lastly, one lead that led to another lead, Sylvester found himself staying the night at an inn right across from a tavern who had a little problem with picking their informants.

Slouching slightly, Sylvester pushed off from the foyer as a young boy came around the corner. Fishing out a letter, Sylvester was quick to stop the boy. “Mind giving this to the man in that alley? I’ll give you a few coins for your help,” he informed tartly. The boy reeled with the idea of getting paid to hand some guy a letter, and it was seconds before he accepted and quickly rushed to the alleyway where a man was taking boxes into the tavern.

Brushing off something from his jerkin surcoat, the leather felt chilled to the touch, the morning air had been colder than usual. Well, colder than what he was used to, that was most likely due to his adventures outside of Demera and inward to the other half of the land. When he had returned with a jubilant amount of new rarities from another set of kingdoms, he was greatly annoyed when some of it went rogue. There weren’t very many visits from the Black Knights, which meant there were a few fishy things going on under the all seeing eye of the king. That made it possible for Sylvester to get intel though, figure out what he could use and what he couldn’t. Some might call his methods under handed, but when one needed information on a possible competitor—he could easily make do of selling information to entertain doubt. Everything was leverage against someone or thing, and as far as he knew the business district had plenty of people hanging around taverns willing to vent some helpful information. Which was what got the man across in the alleyway caught. A drunk, a specific drunk that had seen the contents inside one of the crates that was stolen goods.

“I delivered the letter like you asked!” the boy had returned eagerly waiting for his reward and promised coin. Fishing around in his trousers, Sylvester pulled out a pouch and handed off a handful of coins before the boy ran off somewhere else. The white haired man was long gone from his post near the inn by the time that man read the letter no doubt, inside it had stated that drunken men loved to chat and that if their operations should involve swiping his goods he’d have no choice but to report suspicious activity with little thought. Even if he was just trying to gain a few extra coin by selling the rations and the flammable substances, he’d be uprooted and exposed to the possibility of trying to encourage some kind of treason against the Black Knights. That’d be a problem, for anyone, innocent or guilty. With that in mind, he was off, the flicker of movement coming from the dark lapels of his jerkin and the wind breezing past his long hair.​

 

[SnowStorm42]

Rebecca
Location: Business District, Tavern

Knowing a Tavern was the best place to start his search for answers, Rebecca started to wander through the Business District. Her yellow eyes stormed all over the street before her, taking in every detail, face, and creature that moved. She felt odd, almost alone, being the only human walking around. Even those who looked to take the form of a human, gave off a sense of something more. She couldn't really say a whole lot though, being possessed by a spirit. Her eyes took in the signs hanging over each building before one brought her to a stop. The sign looked to be on the fancier side, but not a luxurious one for the wealthy.

The blonde haired woman walked in through the doors of the tavern. Immediately the quiet somber tone of the streets outside changed into a rowdy ensemble of drunken laughs, dirty jokes, and accusing screams. A few faces turned to her, almost as if they sensed an outsider, but almost as quick as heads turned they retreated back to their drinks, conversations, or games. Rebecca walked over to the barkeep and ordered whatever the cheapest but most potent elixir they had. The keep immediately retrieved a tall bottle with a clear liquid inside, that resembled water, but flowed into her glass like poison. The glass was poured to her liking, the poison poured to the brim of the glass, ready to overflow with just one more drop. Rebecca proceeded to sit at the wooden bar stool, and tightened the strap on the long zipper bag on her back, as well as the straps of her backpack.

Rebecca wasn't one to drink this early all the time, but her journey was a long one, and the gloom of Demera wasn't exactly the finish line she was expecting on her journey. Without hesitation she took back the glass, the liquor racing down her throat, burning everything inside her on it's way down to her organs. Her groan was a soft one, that gave away the fact that this wasn't the strongest thing she had ever ingested but that it burned horribly all the same. "From how you took that one, I'd assume you're one of the locals here" the barkeep joked, with a smile, having seen countless of the oppressed drown their misery in this tavern. "However you aren't from around here are you?"
"No. I'm actually from outside of Demera, looking to stay for a while. Do you know where I have to go or who I have to see? Or can I just remain in one of the inns for my visit?"

The barkeep shook their head. "If you're looking to stay you have a day to register with the Black Knight's Census Bureau at the far side of the Business District. However you might want to go back to where you came from" the barkeep said, before pouring another round for Rebecca. Rebecca took the liquor in a heartbeat, allowing the burn to flow through her body once again. Rebecca thought for a moment about the barkeep's words when suddenly a strong green hand clamped itself on Rebecca's red jacket. The treacherous smell of a brewery assaulted her nostrils. Rebecca turned her head slightly, her face a bit of an annoyed one.

"Y'can always stay with me sweetie. I'll give ya'a proper tour of the town" a deep voice said following a cackle. Rebecca lifted the demon's hand off her shoulder, much to the drunken demon's surprise. A few sparks of red lightning flickered from Rebecca's other hand. Immediately heads turned in the tavern, many of them in fear of what was about to happen. The law was etched into the minds of so many people, they knew what came next would only lead to another execution. Rebecca wasn't focused on the eyes on her though, but rather the demon who had drunkenly tried to make a move. "I'll give you five seconds, before I make a scene" Rebecca threatened.

The kingdoms she visited, and the tribe she grew up in, self defense was grounds for use of powers. It was evident now to all in the tavern that this woman wasn't from Demera, or privy to the laws.

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Maxwell
Location: Between the Business District and Marketplace

Eyes glared with disbelief and anger. Upset and rage. It had been so long since the King himself wandered beyond the walls of the Castle. As Maxwell and his entourage of Pawns moved, he could feel the emotions of the people whom he ruled over. Many of them would love to just run over to him and try to kill him, however between the Black Knights that guarded him, and the reputation and rumors, people were wiser than to run up to him aimlessly. Maxwell walked with a slight upward turn in the corners of his lips. It was rare to see him with a smile, but the air was so fresh today and all eyes were on him.

As the tyrant walked through the streets toward the Marketplace he couldn't help but notice a child shivering on the curb. An Elven child based on the ears. The Black Knight Pawns, as if receiving telepathic orders hung back a bit while Maxwell walked ahead of them toward the child. The elf noticed this and was frozen with fear, her eyes growing wide. As Maxwell crouched down to the little girl, she closed her eyes and cowered. Suddenly she felt a warm feeling on her head and her ears twitched to the sound of jingling. The child opened her eyes to see the tyrannical king holding her head with one hand and a pouch full of coins in the other. His smile was bigger now and his red and black eyes gave off a sort of genuine stare. The girl suddenly lowered her guard but was still terrified. "What kind of King can let a child shiver and starve in the streets where he walks?" Maxwell said with a smile. He extended the purse toward the girl. At first the elf hesitated but then took it and as soon as Maxwell removed his hand from her head she ran off.

The King smiled and watched as the elf ran toward the shopping district. Suddenly something caught the demon king's ears. Footsteps rapidly approached as a human in rags charged at Maxwell with a knife, screaming, his fear and rage coming full force toward the tyrant. Amadeus didn't budge as one of his Black Knight's jumped in front of the King and cut the human's arm off. Maxwell's smile faded. "The King feeds a starving child for weeks, and this is the thanks of his people?" he boomed, his voice performing a brisk crescendo from questioning to filled with rage. His voice echoed to all on the street who stopped to watch the situation unfold. "Take him to the dungeons and schedule his execution" the King said calmly. Two of the Black Knight's whisked the screaming human away, while the rest circled Maxwell and matched his steps, as he made his way to the Marketplace to continue to check on the people.

This was why his laws were in place. This is why the people thought he "reigned with fear and terror". A starving child needed food, and a man attacked him. It was as Maxwell had seen his entire life. Every race, no matter what realm they hailed from on this continent, was filled with violence. Soon however, Maxwell would eradicate that violence. He would show everyone that his methods were also violent, but for a more peaceful future.

 

[Ineptitude]

Voile
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower Inn​

The first floor of the inn was a cacophony of loud chatter, each table a cosseted huddle of people raising their voices to be heard above the din. The food and drinks were only secondary to the information passed around through word of mouth. Over the steaming plates of roasted goose and cold pints of ale, close friendships were formed and gossip was traded like poker chips. The staff, all hailing from the same pack of werewolves, worked in tandem in order to make sure that everyone was comfortable and at ease within the walls of their growing establishment.

There was one wolf in particular sitting behind the reception desk that just seemed to catch people's attention. He was someone who was difficult to miss, whether it be his striking features alone or the ebullient air that clung to his every movement. The owner of the inn and the leader of over three dozen of his kin, there were many who viewed him as a pillar of stability amongst the change.

The were carefully flipped through a leather-bound journal, old and worn down by time but lovingly maintained. Settling on a blank page, he pulled out a stick of graphite and started scratching out the story of their latest guest, as he had always done. That way, when he reads through the pages, he'd have something to remember them by. All the people who've stayed, he keeps them safely in his memories.

 

[frenchie.]

Y’isvia Andr’marzes Mavxius

Morning. Business District Tavern. Demera.

Of course, no day in Demera would be incomplete without some sort of strife. This is something Marzes has learned from their short few weeks in the city. Something would always happen, something that usually led to an arrest, a sentence, and an execution. Even if they were not personally there to view such an event, word spread fast in the peasantry, and would usually hear of the whole thing in an hour or so, or witness the poor saps burned at the stake or hung at the gallows.

There was a disturbance at the bar, a human-looking woman being harassed by a demonic man. Normally this would be something Marzes would ignore - most women around here are tough, swatting the nuance of man from them like the pests they are. This particular instance was different though. Everyone in the tavern caught on at just about the same time what was about to happen. It seemed a repeat of yesterday, except much earlier in the day.

Again, this was usually something Marzes wouldn’t get involved in, in the daylight at least. Sure they dealt with magics and other illegal things in the night, but it was strictly then. Furthermore Marzes didn’t pity fools like this woman! That was simply not their way, to deal with the dumb and foolish! At least they told themselves that. And sure enough, the demon-spawn’s inner compassion for all of man and non-men got the better of them once again. They knew this woman was just trying to ward off the demon, and knew she wasn’t from around Demera from her dress and blatant disregard of the infamous laws against public magic. She was simply trying to defend herself, but Marzes couldn’t just sit by and watch this innocent woman get killed for not knowing.

Near launching themselves from their seat, the demon spawn stepped swiftly over to the bar, putting themself between the demon man and the woman.

“Now now, calm down lassie.. you’re already making a scene.” Marzes told her, starting loud in exclamation, but ending with a mumble directed at her exclusively.

The demon-spawn took the wrist of the woman in his hand, pulling it off the green demon’s hands with agonizing slowness, seemingly with a purpose.

“There’s no need to get so aggressive in denying this gentleman’s request? Especially when what you want to do to him will get you killed within the afternoon. I’m sure there’s no need for violence, eh? We can talk out our conflicts, Ms…..?”

Interacting with: SnowStorm42 ​

code by spidey

 

[SnowStorm42]

Rebecca
Location: Tavern in the Business District

Rebecca's eyes met the demon's with a piercing from one thousand daggers. She was usually very flirty, calm, collected, willing to take a joke, but in this instance she wasn't having it. She had traveled a long way, was trying to enjoy herself a drink or five, she was exhausted, and this demon had the audacity to approach her with such a repulsive method. The red lightning around her free hand seemed to illuminate brighter and grow more fierce, causing the green giant to break a sweat. It was only when another hand removed her grip from the demon that the lightning subsided and her rage diminished although her annoyance still spiked.

The blonde's head turned to meet another demon although this one was red, and seemed to have the intention of diffusing the situation. The demon's words flowed into her ear, and processed in her mind. While his first words about denying the green demon left a bitter taste in her mouth, the way he projected the rest of the warning told her all she needed. Be it the laws of the kingdom or perhaps the dangerous connections the demon had, her killing the demon, or even wounding him seemed to hold some repercussion that would bring about her demise, or at least attempt to.

Taking a deep breath Rebecca's emotions calmed back to a normal composure. "Devlins. Rebecca Devlins" she said, facing the demon that had diffused the situation, being precise in letting the green demon know that her name was meant for his savior and not for him. Her gaze turned back to the green beast however. "Treat women with more respect. Buy them a drink first" Rebecca said sternly. Her eyes pierced the beast once more, and with a few nods and apologies, he made his way to the back of the tavern, returning to his friends, muttering a few curses quietly as they jeered at him and made fun of the rejection.

The tavern's wandering eyes slowly went back to their previous entertainment, and soon the noise level was back to what it was before the show that was put forth. Rebecca turned back to the red demon who seemingly, although actually, saved her life. "Seems I have a lot to learn? How about I buy you a drink, Red" she offered, sitting back onto her stool and gesturing to the barkeep for two glasses. "Perhaps you can tell me what was so wrong about refusing the 'gentleman's offer?" Rebecca further asked, gesturing for him to sit next to her.

Rebecca smiled now, a confident look on her face, however she hoped that demon wouldn't deny her, because she hadn't the slightest clue as to where to go and what she was supposed to do in this town; if it wasn't clear from her previous actions.

Spoiler

frenchie.

 

[Freshet]

[Several Days Earlier]
Location: Iron Spine Company Encampment

The Iron Spine Company, or to those who were unwilling to accept the nature of this lot - Von Hahnenhorn's Raiders, Encampment was full of the smell of freshly cooking meats, fermenting booze and the sounds of cheers of merriment through song and play battle. Younger children were practicing with wooden swords and rocks and were practically beating each other while laughing hysterically, some of the men of the camp were busy playing songs or cooking meat or the various other duties needed to keep a camp going. Some of the women folk were doing the same while a distinctive crowd of them were eyeing their various peers engaging each others in feat of strength such as drinking or wrestling. There were several hide and bone banners depicting the company's insignia, many bonfires going, as well as the many tents alongside some wooden housing structures, watch structures and further away various checkpoints carved out of stone.

In the middle of the encampment there was a large field with several long tables around an altar of various skulls and bones, from beast and man, the communal trophies of the group. Hunched over the largest table, which was not distinctive from the other tables beside the fact it was larger, was Karl Von Hahnenhorn. Plucking a sleek ram's horn from the table, Karl proceeded to take it and press it against his lips as he blew on the horn to gather the attention of his motley crew.

Waiting for a good period of time for his men to gather, Karl Von Hahnenhorn eyed them and smiled with a small yet prideful one. Lurching back up he threw his hands up to the air and threw up his hand.

"IRON SPINE COMPAAAANY. TODAY, I MUST DELIVER SOLEMN NEWS." The air was deathly silent from the sheer joy it had been moments before. Those in attendance stared at Karl, some with an intense worry present in their eyes, while others were staring with a concerned judgment and others with curiosity. Karl allowed the air to stay silent as he slowly gestured to the throngs of people with his palm facing up. "I still do not have a wife."

Karl began laughing heartily as his men began laughing and nudging each other, with some even wagering coinage on what this initial statement would be, before grasping at the air in a silent display to gather their attention. "BUT, that is not the whole truth. No. My em-. -No, my people. NO! MY FRIENDS! YES, MY FRIENDS, FOR WE ARE ALL BONDED IN THE GLORIOUS FRIENDSHIP OF BUSINESS WHICH ONLY THE IRON SPINE COMPANY COULD PROVIDE! Today I must march into that vile and sick den, the City of Deme-"

As he was beginning that sentence, the crowd began rising and flailing their weapons around as they began chanting wildly. Some were just screams for carnage that were incomprehensible as any language, while others were chanting for violence explicitly, and others chanting the name of their Warlord. Karl thrust his hand towards the crowd as he gave a hardened stare.

"NO." Karl slammed his ham-like hand into his chest hard enough to reverberate and redden the flesh as he stared at the quickly silencing crowd. "Here I must venture alone. I cannot risk your lives in this endeavor, especially when we are not ready for such a war. And more importantly..." The Warlord smiled as he gestured to the areas of the encampment. Much like a father he stared upon it with pride, knowing this would reinvigorate the Von Hahnenhorn name back to its glory. "LOOK UPON WHAT I, NO, WE WHAT WE HAVE BUILT. LONG AGO WE USED TO HAVE ONLY THE MOST PITIFUL OF SCRAPS. NOW?! WE ARE RECOGNIZED AS THE RIGHTFUL RULERS OF THESE MOUNTAINS! You can support families here, you need not worry from where your next meal will come from or whether or not you have a roof over your head. And just because I leave does not mean that business stops does it!? I TRUST IN YOU ALL TO KEEP OUR BUSINESS RUNNING WHILE I GO INVESTIGATE. THEN! WHEN I RETURN FROM DEMERA, WITH WORD OF ALLIES AND WEAKNESSES, WE SHALL VENTURE INTO THAT DEN OF SIN AND LAWLESSNESS AND ESTABLISH ORDER, AND REAP THE REWARDS OF IT! Who knows, maybe I'll plunder myself a wife there!" Karl began laughing again as the crowd was rallying around the hope of plundering that town and keeping the territory of the Warlord, and well their own homes, wonderful.

"ENOUGH TALK, I AM NOT DEPARTING YET! LET US FEAST AND BE MERRY!"

[After the Festival - Current Day, Morning]
Location: Village Outskirts of Demera: Outside the Gates

Dressed in less conspicuous attire, a simple set of linens and brown cloak, which he had obtained from one of his loyal merchants that passed through, Karl had traversed via horseback for the first part of the journey before giving it to a traveler who was heading towards his mountain home. Now he marched via foot and had set foot in the outskirts of the City. He could see the gates in the distance and he carefully eyed the surrounding individuals present.

This was a rather pathetic and sordid looking lot. Many appeared as if they were suffering from diseases, there were many pools of standing water which was dark and fetid, and several thin tents that were too close together. All and all it reminded him of those many, many ages ago when he had first encountered the barbarians that would become the first to join his company. Karl grunted as he marched past the peasantry, keeping a close eye on them to judge them and react accordingly.

For now he stood looking at the large looming gateways and the poor scene outside, pondering on how he ought proceed.

 

[EkoEkoAzarak]

Yeniceri
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower Inn
Interactions: Ineptitude
​

The streets were silent, shockingly so considering the time of day, save for the steps of a strange woman. Her skin was a sickly pallid shade that matched the long hair that covered her eyes. Atop her head sat a crown of roses that served as the sole source of color on the woman. But the most alarming thing about this woman, and was the reason the streets were so empty, was the suit of black armor that marked her as a member of the order of knights that served under the new king and the great sword resting against her shoulder. The woman, who called herself Yeniceri, gave this no thought as it had no impact on her current goal. If anything, it made it easier as she didn't have to force her way through a crowd.

It wasn't long until she was standing outside of a local inn by the name of The Feral Flower. One of her many duties was to make her presence known and according to the knight's records this inn was overdue for a visit. She didn't mind it, sometimes there would be children that she could watch and that always brightened up her day. Maybe today she'd even see a group of them playing together.

When she entered the inn, she was mindful of her weapon's length to avoid any accidents as her hidden eyes scanned the room. A slight frown then formed on her face, there were no children to be seen. Most unfortunate. Ignoring the guests who were now painfully aware of her presence, she made her way to the reception desk and pulled up a chair before seating herself. "Hello." She spoke in a low, rasping tone. "It is time for your audit." She wheezed slightly between sentences before continuing. "I will need to see your books. Nothing to worry about if you're following the law. Which I'm sure you are."

 

[Shaded]

Silvia Brandt
Location: Marketplace - Business District

With her lungs screeching at her to stop, Silvia charged out after the little thief. She was jostled around, apologizing to the people in which she ran into while running after the boy. Everyone gave fleeting glances at Silvia as she stormed through, or attempted to storm through the mass of bodies heading the opposite way she was. She bumped into shoulders, elbows, and pretty much anything. At one point she rushed past a few stalls that lead out towards an alleyway and nearly crashed into some crates that were being carried off to who knows where. Her eyes managed to keep track of the boy—and with just the back of him in view it was a rather tall goblin child.

Her blue hues just barely caught sight of the clothes the child wore before he disappeared off into a crowd. A family passed by then, Silvia rushing past she could hear them laughing and talking without a care in the world. There were people who had passive looks on their face, and as she wormed her way pass the throng of people she noticed that the goblin had run off and away from the marketplace—somewhere between the marketplace most likely. Silvia figures he might try and veer off to the housing, but the child was quick to try and loose her. Silvia didn’t want to be outwitted by a child but couldn’t deny that was most likely going to happen.

The fair haired woman didn’t notice the change of crowd, the scowls and horror filled looks. No, she was so intent and focused on getting what was stolen she didn’t give two glances at the faces of those around her, nor her surroundings. Soon things got cramped, and her eyes darted around the cluster of bodies, where had the boy gone? He had seemingly vanished from Silvia’s line of sight, and as she reached forward to part the sea of bodies she saw the glimpse of the green skinned child. Eager to retrieve what he had taken, she didn’t ask why he stopped moving when there was a clear shot if he went on—no one had been in front of him. That is, she was questioning it until she looked up.

Silvia didn’t expect to see the king—not once even within the inner walls, her family home had been there until she had to move away, the woman that raised her lived there still no doubt, but after running away rules changed things. But now as she stood there with her eyes wide, she wasn’t as happy as when she was young at the thought of meeting royalty. No, in fact her gaze was abnormally sharp and full of distrust at the sight of him surrounded by his men. There was that tiny voice in the back of her head that wanted to try and defend the guy, but it was overruled.

Placing her hand on the goblin boy’s shoulder, she turned away from the king—if he was going to saunter around asking to be gawked at then she would leave as soon as she retrieved what she needed. Her eyes softened, the half nymph looking down gently as the rugged looking goblin clutched a pouch to his chest. His face was half heartedly into defending himself when caught, a frieghtened and hateful look was all that was on his face and unsurprisingly it was not at Silvia.

Upon hearing a few murmurs from the crowd, she learned what had happened before showing up herself. Despite being out of breath from chasing the little thief down, she managed to listen intently that someone was to be executed after an attack on the very brute of a man. She wasn’t very skilled in combat matters, but she was aware that it had to be hard to get a drop on someone like him—was he distracted or something? Shaking her head, she slowly pulled the goblin boy behind her, tucking him out of sight behind her skirts. She was hesitant to really move after seeing him, the king just leisurely strolling by. Her blue gaze was sharp and cut through the air while she stared at his approach. He sure was a draw dropper, coming out in broad daylight was something she heard he did but never has Silvia seen him actually do it. She could honestly say she was in with the crowd, majority ruling here—Silvia did not like the sight of the brute. The moment she heard the murmurings about him sending someone off to execution she was unsure of what good there could be in him, of course that was spurred on with just the information she was given in the span of seconds.

“Can I have my money back, now?” Silvia spoke, angling her head hesitantly away from the show. Lifting her eyes to meet the still stunned goblin child, the boy was still keeping his eyes glued to the area around Silvia, though his hand went to hand over the pouch in the form of dropping it into her bag. Once his hand came back into view and no longer hidden under the short cloak over her shoulders. Side glancing at the goblin again, she fished out the pouch and handed over a handful or so amount of coins for the boy. She put it back in it’s place soon after before latching the flap back into place. “Try not to get caught next time, I wouldn’t have known it was you until you ran off,” the boy gave a nod hesitantly, his eyes never leaving the road as she whispered to the child. If she couldn’t stop him from stealing then she might as well tell him a way to not get caught. She wasn’t an expert though.

Sylvester Brandt
Location: Business Distract

Strolling along quietly, his eyes were cast downwards in a half mixed embrace of the view of the city he lived in and called his primary base. The brute of a man looked broad in shoulder but lanky in build, quick footed—easily an annoying type of man with his fitting his silver tongue was. Speaking of worming his way around with words, the brute had a few meetings to attend to, such as making sure the people in charge of the harbor section of his business were doing what they were supposed to. Sylvester was not permitted to be near the forest nor the harbor—though only half of a nymph he was practically outlawed from having a connection with anything living except for what was inside the Demera—except the harbor of course. That was still off limits. He did give his authority to a few dimwits though, they ran what went on outside of Demera for him since he could never leave unless given permission. The last visit took him a month to deal with everything. Setting up deals and signing contracts to ensure further business of transporting and then reselling specific items in which others wanted.

Sylvester did not like being invested with his business, in fact he hated how hands off he was. He backed the king however, that was apparent since he seemed to have avoided law breaking as of late. The sly fox was able to keep himself out of trouble and do as asked of him. Even if that meant being away from the Brandt manor and his mother—not biological. Lady Brandt didn’t venture out very often, and he had to stay away. Those were the only irritating things he would get annoyed with, what really made him angry was the ban of magical items and requirements for some potions. He transported those in and out of Demera, got a lot of money from some witches and warlocks who needed the herbs or items.

Huffing, the white haired man slipped out of the crowd. Sylvester did profit from the king though, he was able to sell medicinal properties more than ever now. The restrictions and bans also made for some interesting things to chat about during client meetings. Say one thing but mean another, either way figure out who your client stands for and then make them think you do too. Easiest way to get what you want. There was also the one law that made things interesting, vampires can’t feed but instead buy their meals. That was where Sylvester profited the most under the new rule. He had an entire assortment of things dedicated to it, to the vampires that is. They currently happen to be the biggest buyers of his wares and his services were needed out of the city—just transferring one shipment to another place in a sense.

Propping his hands behind his back, elbows jutting up and above his head, his hands briefly touched the scabbard of Kragar, the material rubbing against his skin before his back straightened. People always gawked at how he positioned his blade—behind him rather than at his side. He just wasn’t very intent on using it, well he was also trying to pass it off that way, making it look more decorative was useful since most would tend to overlook it afterwards—or even pay too much attention to it.

Slipping past a few people, Sylvester wandered into a tavern, the guy he was looking for was most likely drunk and wallowing in his sorrow—something like that. He was some kind of professional drinker, not Sylvester’s usual problem but him getting drunk before going out and checking on the shipments was frustrating. Glancing around, he spotted his stand in easily, surrounded by some friends more than likely. The white haired male was bound to find him in one of the taverns, luckily it was the first one he stepped into. He got to work right away, dragging the guy out by the collar of his tunic and hauling him off. “I need you to check down at the harbor—I want to know and make sure those crates aren’t missing anything. Besides I’m sure they’ll be checked before they go anywhere, you’ve got my authority as a trader and a merchant, now get down there and do your job. Drown in alcohol after we get paid,” he declared half heartedly. He was usually brisk like that, though this particular nitwit was one he drug around everywhere when it pleased him. He did the things and went places in which Sylvester couldn’t, made it complicated for business and trust but who needs trust when you’ve got money? Oh yeah, anyone who might ever want to invest. So instead of never having a representative—he chose one lucky brute to do it for him!​

 

[Ineptitude]

Voile
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower Inn
Interaction: EkoEkoAzarak
​

Voile blinked once, then twice, before flashing the woman across from him a pleasant smile—one that was full of glistening teeth and sharp canines, but a smile nonetheless. On anyone else it might have seemed aggressive, but somehow he made it welcoming. He was an innkeeper after all, it was his job to be inviting and it was one he took to heart. He gently snapped his journal shut and tucked it back into his pocket, ears twitching this way and that at some or other unknown sound.

"Ah, of course! Now hold on a minute—" Tail swaying leisurely, the wolf disappeared below the desk as he rummaged around for the inn's records. A short while had passed before he sat back up, looking triumphant at the thick book he held in his hands. "Here you are." He said, sliding it over to her with a nod and a smile.

There was the sound of a door creaking open, and a pair of crimson red eyes swiveled over to the source of the noise. Peeking out from the entrance into the pack's living quarters, a gaggle of cautious eyes stared at their guest. The pups were always careful during the monthly visits of the Black Knights, as they were, unfortunately, well aware of the change that had occurred well over a year ago, but never quite like this. It seemed they could also smell it—the smell of death that clung to her skin like a well-loved coat.

 

[DrBones]

Grimmus Blackfinger
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower
Interaction: Yeniceri EkoEkoAzarak , Voile Ineptitude ​

Grimmus stood carefully outside the door of the tavern. He was completely unaware of what his comrade was doing in this very building, given that their missions were entirely different. Where Yeniceri was conducting routine audits, Grimmus was tasked with the marginally more exciting task of tracking and seizing suspected resistance agents. With him was a trio of lower-ranked Knights: two Pawns, and a Rook. He didn't know the Rook's name, nor did he care to. He took a mental inventory of the alchemical tools he had brought with him.

Altogether, he had:

Spoiler: Inventory

• One sachet of Stingdust
• One vial of Healing Potion
• Two pouches of Flash Powder
• A flask of Wringer's Anti-Humanoid Acid
• A canteen of Grimmus's own Invigoration Solution, diluted in water and honey

Grimmus shook the jitters out of his system, and pushed the doors of the tavern apart. "Remain calm, assorted taverngoers," Grimmus barked, as his squadmates filed in at his flanks, "this is merely a random search of the premises! You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide! " The 'random' search was transparently not random, especially considering how it was happening on the same day as a full audit.

Now that the atmosphere was as tense as humanly possible, Grimmus set to strolling through the assembled tables full of patrons. His Rook began patrolling the tavern in the opposite direction, while the Pawns moved to blockade the door. He was given an equal number of eyes balefully glaring at him and nervously turned away from him; Grimmus's false heart throbbed painfully in his chest. Any and all of these layabouts could panic and end up causing a scene. He knew only vaguely what he was hunting for, but would surely find it soon.

 

[EkoEkoAzarak]

Yeniceri
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower Inn
Interactions: Ineptitude DrBones
​

The beastkin's smile could have easily been interpreted as an attempt at intimidating the knight but his eyes suggested otherwise. While he was quick to offer up his ledger, he also tucked away the smaller book he had open before she entered. Very interesting. "Ahhh, thank you." Yeniceri quickly flipped through the pages of the book rather quickly, more concerned with catching any especially outrageous transactions that couldn't be easily explained. "I'm sure you wont object to me checking your storeroom." With the book in hand, she got back up and started to make her way to the back but suddenly stopped upon hearing the creak of a door and snapped her head in the direction of it. She was being watched. The eyes peaking from the crack of the door were numerous, but more importantly they were fairly close to the floor. "Ahhhh! That's where the children are." What followed was an unsettling sound. What would have been a soft, gentle laugh was marred by her harsh wheezing. "Perhaps I should inspect that room as well..."

Before the innkeeper could respond to Yeniceri's less than professional suggestion, a fellow knight barged in and announced the 'random' search he was scheduled to perform here. It didn't make much sense to her for them to show up separately, but orders were orders and there was likely some sort of reason for it. Probably. "Ah, Sir Grimmis, what a pleasant surprise this is." She gestured to the innkeeper to come with her as she approached the other knight. Her tone was as pleasant as she could manage with her harsh rasp, but made no efforts to hide her frown from Sir Grimmis. "Seeing as we're both here to search for things that will assuredly not be here..." She glanced over her shoulder at the innkeeper to make sure he was following her before continuing her proposition. "Why don't we search together to speed up the process?"

She wasn't really thrilled to work with him, but she was even less thrilled to leave him on his own. He made a big show of acting bold despite the fact that he looked closer to the grave than she was and if that wasn't asking for someone to try something stupid, she didn't know what was. "So what do you say? The innkeeper will even show us around. We'll be done in no time at all."

 

[Ineptitude]

Voile
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower Inn
Interaction: EkoEkoAzarak // DrBones
​

At the woman's unsettling laughter, the wolf cubs visibly flinched at the sound. Their ears pulled back and their tails froze in place, hackles raised and bodies lowered at the perceived threat—growing especially agitated as even more knights filled the inn. Their eyes turned towards their alpha for guidance, but there was little Voile could do at the moment aside from giving them the most comforting smile he could muster. They managed to smile back—a little more unsure and anxious, but trusting that he would be able to handle the situation—before an older member of the pack ushered them back inside.

"Sorry about that, the pups just felt threatened by this whole... thing." Voile explained, rubbing the back of his neck as he flashed the two inspectors an apologetic smile. "So!" He clapped a pair of leather clad hands together. "Shall I show you all around?"

As a whole, there wasn't anything particularly unique about the inn—not counting the sheer amount of staff. The entirety of the pack worked together to keep the establishment running, and whether it be maintenance, management, service or security, everyone had a part to play. It wasn't all that different from when they were nomads, though some took to their new roles more quickly than others as they integrated themselves into the community, which easily accepted them into the fold. In the end, however, the safety of their members was more important than anything else, and if takes baring his neck and submitting to the new king to protect them, then so be it.

 

[frenchie.]

Y’isvia Andr’marzes Mavxius

Morning. Business District Tavern. Demera.

“Ms. Devlins.” Marzes repeats, a toothy grin etched into their crimson face.

Marzes watched as Rebecca easily shooed the rejected demon away, their smile maintained as they watched him return to his group of friends. If he were to look again, the green demon would see the red demon-spawn’s eyes turned an inky black in warning to not approach again, though the woman would not see the same.

“A drink would be lovely, my dear! How very kind of you,” Marzes replied cheekily, facing Rebecca once more and taking up the seat she offered them. “And I would be glad to tell you whatever you ask of me.”

The demon-spawn shifted in their seat, curling their large tail around the base of the stool as to avoid it being trampled. Taking up their glass of liquor as the barkeep poured, making sure to nod in thanks, they began to speak.

“It’s not the refusing that is necessarily wrong, rather it was how you chose to initially scare him off.” Marzes explained before taking a quick sip. He continued a bit more quietly.

“Magic is illegal in Demera, or at least publicly. It’s in your best interest to not use magic, or elude to the fact you have magic at all. Otherwise the Black Knights’ll be on your ass quicker than the flap of an insect’s wing.”

Marzes took another sip from his glass, looking about the tavern. They took a mental note of every patron at every table, seeing if any were still looking at Rebecca and them; if anyone was still listening.

“And barkeep’s right - you’ll need to get registered if you want to stay in the city. I can walk you to their Census Bureau if you’d like, but for a price..” The demon-spawn offered, a jesting tone in his voice.

Interacting with: SnowStorm42 ​

code by spidey

 

[DrBones]

Grimmis Blackfinger
Interactions: Yeniceri EkoEkoAzarak | Voile Ineptitude​

Grimmis paused when Yeniceri addressed him, completely blindsided by this sudden complication. There was supposed to be an audit here at this time? Was this part of the morning briefing, and did he just forget? Did someone else forget? ...Did he know this woman? What if she was a Bishop on a secret mission and he was inadvertently ruining it all for her and then she would reprimand him and there'd be investigations and they'd find he'd been using unauthorized supplements and he'd be demoted or or or
No, no. This was... Yes, this was Yeniceri; he could tell from the vague smell of preservatives and flowers. She was a Knight, like him: any issues she brought up would be only on equal standing with his issues. Everything was all right.

"L-lady Yeniceri!" Grimmis stammered, shaking off his own imagination. "My squad is not equipped for an a-a-audit at this moment, but we can assist as soon as our examination is concluded!"

Grimmis stepped forward until he was nearly colliding with an occupied table of nervous-looking patrons. "W-we will not take long," Grimmis noted. At the bottom of his vision he noticed slight movement under the table. "Only a simple check for..." A blue glass vial passed between two patrons, easily missed if not for Grimmis's chemically-heightened awareness.

"Illicit substances," Grimmis roared as his arm shot out and snatched the vial from its owner's hands, "seditious correspondence, unauthorized tools and trinkets!!"

"You!" Grimmis barked at the man he had disarmed, whose mustachio'd face went ghastly pale. "Why are you trading chemicals outside of licensed establishments?!"

"B-b-b--" the man stammered inanely, mute from panic.

Grimmis closely examined the contents of the vial. He consulted a small notebook, then a well-worn slip of parchment. Finally, he grinned.

"You're in luck, citizen," he stated, giving the man a comforting pat. "Lindwurm extract came off the banned substances list two weeks ago. The only crime here is failure to pay the proper tariffs."

Grimmis thumbed a couple silver coins onto the man's side of the table, and pocketed the vial. He spared a glance backwards. As all eyes were directed to Grimmis's violent outburst, none were available to notice his Rook struggling with someone right next to the tavern's exit. The Rook silently covered the man's mouth with a damp cloth, and his movements went still. As the Rook, his target, and the two Pawns filed out of the tavern, Grimmis hastily resumed his schpiel.

"Permits for sale of this good will be available by the end of this month. The Black Knights appreciate your generous service. Don't let me catch you again."

Grimmis raised his arms showily and looked right at Yeniceri. "That seems to be all," he declared proudly. Grimmis marched right up to the counter, next to Voile and her. "I'd be happy to assist with your audit. Where do we begin?"

 

[SnowStorm42]

Rebecca
Location: In a tavern in the business district
Rebecca took her toxin down in an instance and slammed the glass that had contained it back onto the counter, glad that the demon had joined her. If there was anything Rebecca had learned in her adventurous life it was that one should never drink in excess by themselves. Company meant bonding. Loneliness meant alcoholism. Rebecca always tried to hold true to that although these were tough times they lived in because of the wars. Her attention turned away from the glass she had placed down, to the demon though as it began to speak.

Magic. Illegal? Rebecca couldn't fathom such words. Clearly other kingdoms and villages had their rules, but the world at large, in her experience was tolerant of all things magic as long as it wasn't used in terms of violence. Although she knew a few kingdoms where even violence, be it fighting for sport or just crime, that violence was condoned. For magic to be totally banned though in public use? The man in the village outside of Demera had explained how the laws were strict and met with death often. He had explained to not fight the Black Knights because of the King and his rule. She was not aware that it was to the degree that even self defense was intolerable if magic was used.

"That's simply awful. In all my travels I've encountered nearly no kingdoms or villages that outright banned magic. Seems like this King of Demera has some insecurities" Rebecca muttered the last part, trying to process what purpose such a king would have for so many laws and bans. Surely there had to be a reason other than sadism.

As the demon sipped their drink Rebecca tapped the counter requesting more drinks at the thought of this tyrannical kingdom. Magic was banned, the king ruled with an iron fist, and any sort of self defense or retaliation seem to be met with punishment. The demon continued by confirming what the barkeep had said in that she would need to let the Black Knights know of her presence in the kingdom. The demon then seemed to have a more jesting tone. A smile crossed the blonde's lightly pink face now. She was feeling the drinks ever so slightly. The next one would be her last one she thought as she took the glass and slammed it hard onto the counter, before turning her attention back to the demon.

"Name your price, although I warn you, whatever it may be, let our demon friend from earlier serve as an example, to make it a fair price" she joked. Rebecca had her coin purse ready, for the demon, and the barkeep, who now seemed concerned with how much the blonde had drank, and how fine she seemed.

Spoiler

frenchie.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maxwell Amadeus
Location: Between the Marketplace and Business District.\

Maxwell continued to roam through the streets slowly, thinking of the poor man that chose to attack him now. It infuriated him, that the commonfolk didn't seem to understand his grand plan. He could not publicly announce it though, because he felt it would cause some greater distaste than there already was. Thinking of the peasant that attacked him though, he wondered if the man had any sort of magical origins or what races ran through his bloodline. Maxwell knew it was wrong to get his own hopes up, but lately he didn't have anything special to experiment on back at the castle. Times were difficult. Beings of the stronger kind that weren't in his army, were hard to come by, and few ever entered the kingdom. As a result the time he spent at his Castle was...dull.

As Maxwell and his entourage walked, he couldn't help but notice the silver/white hair on a woman. Maxwell was a sharp one and through the few bystanders and his entourage of Pawns he noticed a little goblin boy, handing the woman a pouch. Curiosity filled Maxwell. He wondered if he was a thief, a smuggler, or an errand boy for some thugs who thought they could take advantage of the uncertainty of the kingdom. Often these days it occurred that criminals would pay children, or beggars to be the messengers, eyes, or ears of the rebellion, or criminal trade. While some Black Knights were less likely to pay attention to children or the poor, Maxwell knew to trust not a soul.

As such, Maxwell stepped out from his entourage, once against his confidence showing as he moved without his Pawns. They stood at a standstill without him having to utter an order, perfect soldiers, loyal to no fault. Maxwell walked slowly toward the goblin and the woman. Examining them both, he truly did not want to have to kill them, a woman and a child. Those executions were usually the ones that met the most backlash come execution hour. He was confident that perhaps the two would be honest with him, and honesty always sat with Maxwell better than lies.

"I am very sorry, but I couldn't help but notice the pouch being exchanged. I hope no one has put you two up to crimes that are known to be against my law" Maxwell said, with a soft tone, but an underlying threat. He made no attempt to have them show him the pouch, but instead locked his eyes with theirs, choosing to seek their honesty rather than the contents of the pouch. Maxwell was told once that the eyes..they never lied.

Spoiler

Shaded

 

[EkoEkoAzarak]

Yeniceri
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower Inn
Interactions: Ineptitude DrBones
​

The children's reaction to Yeniceri's laugh had hurt her, not enough for it to show on her face but certainly enough to linger on her mind. "It is fine. Children can't understand the lengths one must take to achieve order and safety so our actions can come across as harsh." She smiled at the innkeeper to let him know he wasn't in trouble. Yet at least. "Yes, you shall." There was another outburst from Grimmis and Yeniceri had to fight back an urge to smack him. He was surely going to make the people here hate the Black Knights, but chastising him here would make them look weak and unorganized. She would have to try a different approach. "Sir Grimmis, that is quite the eye you have. Very admirable." She then put her hand on his shoulder and gripped it firmly as he asked about the audit. "Why the storeroom of course, we need to see if his ledger reflects reality." At this point she really just wanted him away from the citizens before he did more to piss them off. How he ever became a knight was a mystery, he seemed far too jumpy for his position, but the king had to have seen something in him.

As she followed Voile, an important detail she had overlooked came to mind. "Innkeeper, how many people do you have employed here? I will need to speak to them as well. There is a chance one of them might be up to something illegal and I would hate for you to take the fall for them." A harsh, dry wheeze escaped her lips again. If one was blind they would likely assume that the end was near for her, but luckily that time had already long passed. Now it was just a normal bodily function for her, much like blinking was for other people. "It just leads to more pain and suffering that way. I'm sure you wouldn't want that, after all you care for children. They deserve a crime free city."

 

[Ineptitude]

Voile
Location: Business District // The Feral Flower Inn
Interaction: EkoEkoAzarak // DrBones
​

The mere idea that any of his pack members would have a hand in criminal activities very nearly ripped a growl out of his throat, but he managed to bite back the sound before it could even begin to leave his lips. It was a ridiculous notion in Voile's eyes—lying to a werewolf in and of itself was a foolish endeavor, and lying to their alpha was something no self-respecting werewolf would ever think of doing—but he could begrudgingly acknowledge that it was a legitimate concern in the eyes of others. He didn't want to compromise the safety of his pack just because he was being defensive.

"There are about twenty werewolves working here, not including me or the pups. Of course, we have other people to look after the place during the full moon." The innkeeper easily replied as he led them to the storeroom. "I could call the pack over here if you need me to." He suggested, thumbing over a ring of keys in order to find the one that would unlock the door.

 

[yeeters08]

“Ughhh,Alright Father” Scarlett grumbled , picking up her purse and swinging it over her shoulder. Visiting her dad once a while , and the first thing he makes her do is a errand. Great. She can’t complain, he was always working towards getting better sales and trades. Barely any time for his children. She guessed it would be a good thing though , considering her current job.

On her way to the business district ,she spotted the King. Whaaat? She quickly hid around the corner and stared. The confidence seemed like it was radiating from Maxwell. Scarlett never thought she would see the King up this close , and didn’t know how to feel. Well , she kinda wanted to rush in and start fighting. But at the same time , her life would really be for nothing if she did that , cause she’d be killed! It would also be interesting if she could meet him in person. Have a civil conversation. So many thoughts roamed her head , it was almost driving her crazy that she couldn’t do a thing.

She huffed , rolling her shoulders back and shaking out her legs. As much as she wanted to , she had to move on. It wouldn’t be wise to to attack anyway.
It’s just...he’s right there...She took the time to observe the guards , then took off to the business district. It might seem suspicious if she stayed there too long anyway. That would be the last thing she would want.


Open interaction!

 

[Shaded]

Silvia Brandt
Location: Marketplace - Business District
Interaction: King Maxwell Amadeus SnowStorm42

Apparently the goblin boy was pretty unused to getting money from his previous targets, though it didn’t become a rejoicing matter for long. Silvia had gone oblivious once again to the people nearby, her focus intent on the boy as he examined the coins carefully, had she been aware of the parting sea of city folk she might have shimmied away with them before it was too late. Truthfully, she wished she wasn’t curious—her curiosity could probably be mistaken for a brazen attitude, being bold enough to wonder, so when she felt a bit of a disturbance in the air she breathed she realized she wanted to know why. The unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach, churning and festering, though her face remained in the gentle smile towards the goblin child—who happened to have her emotions slathered onto his face like a surreal painting. With him facing her, she declared he was scared, only a moron would think he wasn’t with the look on his face.

The pale haired woman tilted her head to the side, observing the looks of the people who had just been at their sides. It felt like a dramatic show of some kind, the ominous feeling and the edge of anticipation eating away at Silvia before she turned to face the source of the discomfort. Considering she never even imagined seeing a king out in public—seeing one up close and personal was not going to bode well for the half nymph. She didn’t have time to really register his presence fully when he spoke, his statement was heavy in weight of warning but sounded oddly calm and relatively soft in tone. After the initial shock of even standing close to a king, the shock of standing by this certain king was ready to start setting in. Truthfully, she was glad her thoughts remained her own, should he realize she thought of him as an imbecile of a king she’d surely be beheaded with a flick of a wrist. That’s what the rumors suggested, that is. King Maxwell Amadeus—the very man that restrains and limits potential.

Blinking away the sea of unease this man caused her and the goblin, she craned her head slightly trying to stare at him in the eye rather than at the ground the entire time—wait Lady Brandt did say to make eye contact right? Silvia nearly blanched, was she supposed to make eye contact or never make eye contact? Maybe she should have paid more attention with the ways of respect rather than plants after all, it felt like the old woman was going to yell ‘I told you so!’ the next they met. Either way, mistake or not, she didn’t back down with her eyes carrying uncertainty at what she had just gotten herself into, though the clear dislike of the man faded as she opened her mouth to respond, more like replaced with the fear of him. Yes, her hatred was stomped out with fear. The pouch had attracted his attention, she couldn’t help but resent chasing after the child at this point, letting him run off with it might have been a better deal for both of them.

“No need to apologize—curiosity never harmed anyone,” she couldn’t help but shift on her feet, sliding in front of the goblin boy who did not look like he was up to talking. Silvia really shouldn’t be helping him out—but she was anyway, they were both all in now. The old hags of the Brandt family were probably rolling in their graves at the situation, the only daughter in the family getting to meet a king and she looked like a fool—a child caught red handed, the only problem was that this king wasn’t the one they all wanted to meet. Shying her gaze away from him, her blue hues couldn’t help but retain some distaste for him, though there was an ounce of shame for acting the way she was, she awful for having to be polite...okay so maybe sort of polite. That wasn’t the point, Silvia’s etiquette skills weren’t being judged, not anymore at least. “You see, your majesty, the boy—ah, well he returned my money pouch for me,” she confided, there was some truth, and when she glanced back up at the brute Silvia was unsure if her answer was acceptable. She didn’t lie but she didn’t inform him of why he was giving it back, maybe he would ignore that detail for the goblin’s sake.

She finally recalled to not make eye contact, Silvia finally getting a hold of herself straightened her posture while her grip on her bag tightened slightly. She didn’t like being intimidated, no one did in their right mind, but as she stood there she didn’t know what scared her more. King Maxwell’s reputation or the fact he looked like he could break her arm without so much as resistance, don’t forget the little team escorting him around. Maybe his reputation was infuriating but in person, his eyes were chilling enough to have gotten her to freeze up. “I prefer to stay out of trouble, I’m sure the boy agrees, I rather heal than harm,” she informed stiffly, though if that were true it was a surprise she was shielding the child—it was feeling more and more like trouble every second she stood there. She couldn’t exactly do anything troublesome anyway, except for dislike the king to the point she rather heal a ragtag team of rebellious citizens. She was limited in what she could do, she couldn’t be near the harbor with the water which was frustrating even as being a half breed—what mattered was the nymph half she took after in almost every way. She was basically a human now, no magic of hers could harm, only her own skill with plants could now.​

 

[ListlessEvie]

Silvyr || Location: Business District Tavern

[div class=p]Silvyr was having a lucky day. Sure, at the beginning of the day he had fallen inside of the harbor while trying to wash his clothes, and he had also almost been caught using his blood arts by a Black Knight, but a rare occurrence that happened after all that outweighed the bad in Silvyr’s eyes.

A foreigner had shown up. Now, for most people in the poor village where Silvyr resided, a foreigner showing up may be a surprise, but nothing too extreme. For Silvyr, however, it was a completely different story. Someone from out of Demera showing up was incredibly important to him. First off, foreigners had information from many places. Information that could help lead Silvyr to magic that could revive the dead? Probably not, but the boy had to be hopeful to keep himself sane. Second, foreigners could be easy targets to steal from. Usually when someone travels to a hellish place like Demera, they had to have some sort of business here. A lot of the time, that meant they were distracted, set on something other than little thieves that were planning on snatching some money from them. Once in a while a powerful or paranoid foreigner could come along and render Silvyr unable to steal from them, but because the boy was agile he was normally able to get the job done without alerting them or anyone else, and he could use his blood arts to help him out as well.

And so, Silvyr hid, watching the strange woman from afar to see when he would have a chance to talk to her and/or steal from her. When the little thief saw her almost unsheath her sword in front of the Black Knights, he had to stifle a laugh. It was obvious that she didn’t know much about Demera or how strict the laws were. That just made her an even bigger target. Thankfully, she had been saved by a kind villager, and was even given a pass into the business area, which meant that Silvyr could slip past the guards while they were focused on her. The villager was one he knew relatively well, as sometimes Silvyr would steal things for him and his family, since the king didn’t seem too keen on helping the starving people of the village. He would only really ask for Silvyr’s help if he was in big trouble, though. Since the townsfolk knew Silvyr and his tactics, the man noticed Silvyr right before he was going to continue tailing the foreigner.

“Stealing again, Silvyr?” He called after the boy.

Silvyr shrugged in response. “Maybe. Depends on whether she has anything of worth to say or not.” He shined his signature smile at the man. “I’ll bring back something for you if you want me to, though! Y’know, nobody’s been asking me for any service lately because of the Black Knights surveillance, and personally, I’m offended! It’s like they don’t trust my ability to break the law, even if I’m a natural at it!” Silvyr puffed out his cheeks in mock anger and rambled on a bit more about how outraged he was, not even letting the man accept his offer before waving goodbye in a childish manner and catching up with the stranger.

Silvyr trudged behind the newcomer as she made her way through all the villages. He had to force himself not to scream “Are we there yet?” instinctively, something he would do with his parents whenever they went somewhere in his village. But finally, the gates were in front of them, and then came the hard part. Sneaking past the guards. Even if he had been able to barely slip past millions of times, it was still nerve-wracking knowing that one wrong move and his head would be sent flying. The boy took a deep breath and prepared himself to run, and was thankfully able to pass the guards in the small time frame that they had their heads turned.

The first thing he did was blend in with the crowd. The business district had tons of people from all over in it, so it was easy to hide and tail someone in here. When he heard her mutter something about a drink, he knew that he had struck gold. Drunk people are the easiest to steal from, and the easiest to drag classified information out as well. He snuck inside of the tavern hoping not to draw any attention, and continued stalking his prey like a (very small) lion in the wild.

[/div]