Active [Osun - Ryke] A Seat at Risk

[Maxxob]

DISCLAIMERS
​

This RP takes place after the aftermath seen in Graded - [Caelia Barony - Ryke] Be it Welcome or Unwelcome

GOALS AND POSSIBLE OUTCOMES​

Objectives that Regula might succeed in:
1 - Regula (and entourage) manages to convince Count Sadek that everything is fine in the Caelia Barony. (Best outcome)
2 - If Regula fails to accomplish 1, she might try instead to convince the Count for the creation of minor titles (Baronet) and suggest to whom those titles will be bestowed to. (Not that good of an outcome, but still better than having randos or Baron Highgrove taking part of her current administrated territory)
3 - (OPTIONAL) Regula convinces Baron Highgrove to get off her business.

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua

STREETS OF OSUN
​

The air in Osun shimmered faintly beneath the early spring sun, its golden light catching on carved cornices and tiled rooftops that lined the narrow, bustling streets. Between vibrant flags and the scent of blooming flowerboxes, the capital of Sadek County stood tall and unshaken—like a scholar with good posture, proud of its ancient knowledge and heavy with unspoken judgments.

Above the avenue, archways bridged noble estates and domed towers. The central spire of the Duke’s faith-sanctioned cathedral pierced the sky with authority, its bells silent for now, though birds wheeled around it like omens waiting to choose their bearer.

Through this storied road strode Dame Regula, the Baroness of Caelia. Her arrival turned a few heads—some in silent recognition, others in quiet whispering. Word traveled fast in Osun, especially when it involved trouble from Caelia Barony, where land and loyalties had grown as tangled as the old borderlines.

Retinue
​

Before her entourage could reach the next plaza, a distinct sound echoed down the stone—metal boots, perfectly synchronized. A retinue of eight guards, cloaked in old Sadek red and gold, marched forward at a purposeful pace. Their uniforms were older, worn with dignity rather than fashion. At their head, unmistakable even before he spoke, stood Baron Highgrove.

Baron Highgrove
​

His back was ramrod straight, the gold-trimmed mantle draped over one shoulder as if to remind the city it still had barons worth fearing. His expression, as ever, resembled a stormcloud carved into granite—set in disapproval, even when he meant to greet.

He raised one hand to pause his march, the guards halting instantly behind him. Without a bow, without a smile, he addressed her in that crisp, commanding voice—measured like a blade's edge.

"Dame Regula."

His eyes, pale with age but sharp with scrutiny, scanned the group accompanying her.

"The streets are busier than usual, it seems. Tell me—are you merely enjoying Osun’s architecture… or has Caelia Barony finally brought its troubles to Lord Sadek in person?"

His tone bore no hostility, but there was no warmth either. It was a formal probe, but one laced with implication—as if her presence might be interpreted as yet another administrative failing.

The guards stood impassive, but nearby civilians slowed, pretending not to eavesdrop.

 

[Elvario]

Spoiler: OOC Information:

Narrative Goal: – As stated by narrator.
Active Point Boosters: N/A
Title/Asset Goals: Internal Diplomacy Asset – Working towards Complex Asset.
(How well the barony gets along with the other nobles (barons, counts, dukes) and royalty in Ryke itself.)
Wanted/Criminal Titles: N/A
Special Skills: N/A
Notable Titles: Baroness of Caelia, Valkyrie, Evolved, Tail Freak, Hip Noble
Notable Skills: Minions [Tailed Administrative Taskforce] F (Talented Friends & Task Force), Minions [The Regulators] D, Wealth B
Using Downtime?: Yes
Character Sheet: Regula Caelia

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

One day, she was doing business with a high degree of fluff. Another day she was narrating a play and handing out toys for some orphans. The next, she was in the county's capital to try and finally get the increasingly annoying baron Highgrove out of her hair. Or, at the very least, to inspire some more confident from Count Sadek so that Highgrove's words wouldn't sway him.

The last time she'd been here was probably the time she'd actually been granted rights to the barony. Also when she'd pet some mermaid tail and first learned of her... specific interests. Yet that was a goal for later. She'd best stay serious today. The situation more than warranted it.

From a relatively small mountain city to an impressive city with a high-rise cathedral, Osun had grown a lot. Likely to do with Yemaya's downfall. She hadn't arrived alone, today. Whilst some of her administrative task force had remained to take care of things in the barony, she'd brought two of them along to take notes and serve as back-up for more annoying tasks. She'd also brought a few of her guards, but mostly just for ceremony. After all, Teuihua alone would normally keep any trouble at bay.

As if her day wasn't at risk of being annoying enough, she ran into that guy far earlier than she'd have liked. “Baron Highgrove.” She'd reply, though she decided to play it 'nice' and added the slightest of a bow. Just enough to be plausibly polite, not enough to seem subservient.

A practice smile would form on her lips. “Troubles?” She chuckled. “No, my dear colleague. I'm here to inform the Count of our latest successes.” With a smile as warm as the sunlight, she'd exhume a level of practised confidence that harvested much of what she'd obtained over these past years. Yet even a smile was a weapon, when wielded brazenly against someone far inferior with an overwhelming [Baroness' Charm]. Something that was welcoming someone to reach for the olive branch, but at the same time, warning what might happen if it wasn't accepted.

Spoiler: Ability and Relevant Titles

Baroness' Charm B – Seduction B, [Evolved] title, Character Grade B, Appraisal B, [Baroness of Caelia] title, Persuasion B, Energised B – Character uses their position and charm to make an appealing offer. - Grade Be – 3 Post Cooldown.

[Evolved] - Gain the title evolved. Something about your physiology or aura identifies to others you are of a higher species than your peers. Gain a +1 to social exchanges with others of your racial tree.

[Prideful] - Character has shown an awareness of self that would put them above other people and circumstances for better or for worse. Pride cometh before a fall, but it is only the prideful that strive for more, believing themselves worthy and capable. If their belief in self is true, who better to achieve the most?

[Well-Meaning] - Character has displayed several instances of attempting to help, so it is understood by many the character is at least trying to make circumstances better. However, their efforts struggle to achieve the best outcome.

[Connected] - character has a web of friends that are willing to support their endeavours. They will find it easier to gather support from those around them.

[Gregarious] - whether the character is among enemies or allies, they seem to know what to say or do that lets them thrive in the situation. A story or apt compliment, the character can make a good situation more fun or a bad situation more agreeable.

[Earnest] - This character has shown a willingness and drive to work hard for others.

[Peacekeeper] - Character tends to seek peaceful solutions to potentially dangerous conflicts.

[Hip Noble] - Character regularly brushes aside formalities of station to be more casual. Gives the character a more approachable vibe. Other characters of sufficient standing may be put off by the casualness of the character at times.

[Amiable] - Character has a knack for making other people feel more at ease. People character interacts with may feel less guarded in social interactions than usual.

Her smile didn't falter, even as she allowed her personality and character alone to potentially overwhelm the poor baron. “Then, baron Highgrove, might I inquire as to your own business here? Certainly, I hope all things are faring well in my esteemed colleague's bordering barony?”

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua

​

Elvario Maxxob

Teuihua followed Regula along, staying close, keeping watch with his [360 Degree Vision] feature, keeping view of the surrounding view on all sides of himself. The architecture was and definitely different than what he recalled from his own time in these sorts of urban areas, and he found it all to be rather interesting. However he made sure not to get distracted, his goal was in first priority, to keep Regula safe, second to keep the people of Ryke safe, followed by any innocents who needed help being safe. Hopefully there would't really need to be a reason for him to act in that capacity on this day and that his prominent presence alone would be enough to dissuade any shady uncouth business targeting the people who he was protecting.

The [Large] golem doing his best to keep track of what was going on exactly. Upon him approaching Baron Highgrove, Teuihua would take note of the guards which were present with him, as well as any other nearby people, before he'd give a respectful bow in his general direction. He figured it would probably be better not to say anything to him, and let Regula do the talking for the time being unless he was addressed personally, quite used to being a quiet authoritative enforcing presence.

All he could really do now was hope that Regula had the social game under control here and that they'd get positive results, knowing full well all these political matters weren't always that pleasant to deal with it.

 

[Maxxob]

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua - Personal Goal: ???

STREETS OF OSUN


Baron Highgrove
​

The Baron’s jaw shifted slightly—not enough to betray anything so vulgar as surprise, but enough to register that Regula’s response had struck, pretty effectively, somewhere beneath the armor of formality.

His gaze lingered on her longer than etiquette required. Not because he needed time to formulate his response—but because he wanted her to feel the weight of it. An old soldier's tactic: never speak first when being measured.

“Successes, is it?” Highgrove finally replied, his tone thick with aged skepticism, as if he were testing a wine that claimed to be vintage.

He took a step closer. His guards did not. The sun caught the silver in his hair and the edge of the Sadek red draped over his shoulder like a general’s memory.

“You’ll forgive me if I say the road between claimed victories and actual stability is paved with far too much optimism for my liking.”

His eyes shifted briefly to the scribes and attendants in Regula’s retinue, and then upwards to Teuihua, who still stood with poise and restraint. The golem's stillness, like a mountain observing a weathered hill, made some of Highgrove’s men subtly adjust their footing.

“I suppose bringing an honor guard does lend gravitas to one’s reports,” Highgrove said, his voice not quite acidic, but certainly laced with an intent to sting. “Or perhaps it’s insurance, should those reports be challenged too closely.”

He folded his hands behind his back—not defensively, but the way a commander does before delivering a field assessment.

“As for my barony, it fares as it always does—quiet, disciplined, and loyal. Though I confess, I hadn’t intended to stay in the capital long. But when a neighbor arrives in Osun so suddenly, unannounced, and with her full measure of retinue…”

“…well,” he said, drawing the word like a slow blade from a sheathe, “it would be irresponsible not to inquire whether she’s here for the Count, or merely hoping to pre-empt his concerns.”

He tilted his head slightly, watching her with that half-scowl etched into every line of his face. There was no subtlety in the implication: he knew she came to sway the Count—and he was not about to let her do so unchecked.

Around them, the street’s color returned faintly. A fruit seller called down the alleyway. A pair of priest-acolytes crossed under the arch nearby. But in this little clearing of power and posture, the real audience was watching from balconies, shaded porches, and shuttered windows.

“Still…” Highgrove continued, stepping to the side as if yielding the road, “...if your intentions are pure, then I imagine you won’t mind if I accompany you to your appointment with Lord Sadek.”

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Maxxob Elvario

The golem still stood tall, listening to what Baron Highgrove had to say. It became apparent fairly quickly that he was calculated. Teuihua took note of the highgrove men who adjusted their footing, but still he did not move in response, just continuing to survey any people who were within his [360 degree vision]’s scope.

This was the one who had been causing the Baroness some issues, and this was the one who made it clear that he wasn’t there on pleasantries. That was a shame, Teuihua would have liked it better if everyone could just get along but it seemed like that wasn’t going to be the reality of the situation.

Furthermore it was evident that he wasn’t there to necessarily help but to scrutinize Regula. It didn’t even take Teuihua’s fairly high grade social analysis skills to understand what was going on when Highgrove phrased his words

‘if your intentions are pure, then I imagine you won’t mind if I accompany you to your appointment with Lord Sadek.’Suggesting that he thought there was a possibility that her intentions were not.

Regardless of all of this Teuihua continued to monitor the surrounding area and was ready to get a move on when Regula was. Thankfully for the time being he didn't see any potential threats that he didn't feel confident that he wouldn't be able to take on if necessary, even all of the men who Highgrove brought if need be, the golem had vanquish men and beasts alike in his past time..even if he was really hoping that it would't be required today.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

The fact that she'd made an impact didn't go unnoticed. That said, victory wasn't that easily achieved, as it sounded like her colleague still wanted to have some degree of confrontation.

“In times of great turmoil, it's a combination of great optimism and great effort that can least to such stability.” Regula replied with a smile. She wasn't going to let herself be discouraged or talked into a corner that easily.

That said, a frown formed when he mentioned 'insurance'. Still, she did wonder, despite governing for a while now, she'd never fully settled in with most 'noble' habits. 'Honour guard' was fun and all, but the main reason she wanted them along was far more simple. “Truthfully, it mostly makes it easier to show the crowds that I am here on formal business and currently not to be disturbed.” Her smile never let up, as she'd formed a plan for a counter-offensive.

“Although, forgive my ignorance, but I must ask, for what particular reason did you ask for Count Sadek's guards to accompany you, rather than your own?” Phrased as a polite and perhaps innocent question from someone less experienced, she very well knew she was asking whether his own guards were too occupied or lacking for him to choose to rely on Sadek's guards instead.

Seeing how Regula wouldn't have just gone to the Count without announcing it, the baron's next suggestion was a tad confusing. Then again, perhaps... “My presence here is not unannounced, baron Highgrove. It merely seems that count Sadek may not have seen any reason to report it to you.” Her smile didn't falter, but she did hint a bit more criticism in her voice. “To that extend, I do hope your own presence has also been confirmed with the count?” She'd cast the ball right back at him, as he was being too openly hostile for her liking. She knew they likely wouldn't get along, but he did start off more brazen than expected.

Having baron Highgrove along would certainly prove more annoying, yet the answer to it was rather simple. “Although I see no reason to deny you such a request, it would be up to Lord Sadek to answer whether or not he desires to speak to us both at once.”

That said, she did feel some people staring at her. If she couldn't sway Highgrove himself... “Still, to hear a colleague of mine harbour such fears is rather disheartening. I'd encourage you to listen to the people more, as I can assure you, you'd know not to have reason to fear.” She'd once again lean on her Baroness' Word (whichever grade would be cooldown appropriate in this scenario), leveraging it along her reputation as a Hero of Yemaya as Redhook's Demise, as someone Well-Meaning, Gregarious, Earnest, a Peacekeeper, a Hip Noble and Amiable. If he was to question her character, she had plenty of titles to counter him. Even if he denied it, she knew the onlookers would not. If all went well, she'd make it so baron Highgrove would end up in a rush to count Sadek by feeling the ground getting hotter beneath his feet on these streets.

Baroness' Word B – Leadership B, [Evolved] title, Character Grade B, [Baroness of Caelia] title, Culture B, Etiquette B, Insight B,, Persuasion B, Religion B, Energised B – Character uses their position and social skills to make a convincing argument. - Grade Be – 3 Post Cooldown.

 

[Maxxob]

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua - Personal Goal: ???

STREETS OF OSUN

​

There was a short silence in the wake of Regula’s last statement. Her words rang out gently but confidently—layered with history, kindness, and strength of character. Even Highgrove, schooled in the art of verbal fencing, seemed to give pause as the effect settled in.

Onlookers who had initially slowed their steps now stopped altogether. A cloth vendor across the street leaned forward with folded arms. A pair of Sadek guards patrolling a side alley turned their heads—not to intervene, but to watch.

Highgrove inhaled slowly. Not in frustration, but in measured control. It was the breath of a man who had been rebutted in public, and was choosing not to draw his sword—not yet.

Baron Highgrove
​

“You do speak with the grace of a priestess and the confidence of a queen,” Highgrove said at last, his voice smooth, measured—but iron still lined its base. “Though I’d advise against attempting to dress a battlefield as a ballroom.”

He stepped forward again—deliberate, unthreatening, but unmistakably dismissive of her maneuver.

“Those who live beneath Osun’s rooftops may appreciate a rousing speech, but I’ve lived through three failed successions and two civil skirmishes. Words, however artful, do not shield villages from raids, nor convince bishops to return to their altars.”

He gestured faintly behind him toward his retinue—each man armored in the red and gold of old Sadek, same as the Highgrove’s house.

“And to correct your assumption, these are my men, Baroness. Perhaps Caelia’s earlier troubles with church oversight have made it difficult to tell whose banners march where.”

There was a flicker of steel in that last remark—a deliberate cut, wielded with precision.

Then, without waiting for a counter, he continued.

“Let us speak plainly, then. The people remember Redhook’s demise, yes. But they also remember the shrine that rose without sanction. The clergy's retreat. The merchants turning their ledgers to friendlier pastures.”

“And I remember, quite clearly, when Morbella’s trade routes shifted—while Caelia’s seat sat empty, and its steward whispered of orphans and stage plays instead of grain and faith.”

His voice never rose. He didn’t need it to.

“I am not here to undermine you, Dame Regula. I am here because Count Sadek—whom we both serve—is no longer content with promises.”

“I’ve proposed solutions. Territorial restructuring. Decentralization. Minor titles.”

“Not to punish—but to preserve. If you have better answers, he’ll hear them. But don’t mistake my scrutiny for sabotage.”

A beat.

“We are in Osun now. Not Stonewall, not one of your festive roadshows.”

“Here, your words must carry as much weight as your deeds.”

His final words were delivered with grave stillness, invoking the name of Sadek’s capital as if it were holy ground. And with that, he finally stepped back—clearly yielding the road once more, but now doing so in the manner of a senior noble allowing a junior to pass before the real test begins.

He would not press further in public. But he would be watching—and more importantly, reporting.

Baron Highgrove is using - Authority of Experience (Social Ability) – Character uses [Etiquette ?], [Insight ?], [Law ?], and [Standing ?] to invoke precedence and structure in place of raw charisma. Reduces the effectiveness of charm-based social pressure from lower-ranking or newer individuals if recent performance weakens their standing.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Languages: "Common" "%Analog%" "+Mictlantechulian+"

Elvario Maxxob

Teuihua listened to the conversation, indeed it seemed like a peaceful discourse wasn't likely to be brokered between Highgrove and the Baroness with the verbal back and forth. Regardless the [Sentry] continued to people watch for the time being, particularly those who deemed it of interest to spectate the nobles.

Teuihua then heard more of the general complaints that he'd gathered from spending time around Regula and likely hearing and seeing her have to deal with them. It was all rather unfortunate to say the least. Teuihua felt in general that the Baroness cared deeply about her people and was just trying her best to navigate not the most easy political landscape, but trying Teuihua supposed, wasn't always enough in the eyes of others and they wanted Regula to act more like a typical noble who was more concerned with the order of everything and preserving it even if it was at the expense of helping others. However Teuihua knew that it was not his place to express these views and opinions even if part of him really wanted too, all it would do Is cause more drama, no doubt Baron Highgrove would see his words meaning no more than they would coming from a talking tool who didn't understand politics. But that didn't mean eh couldn't reassure Regula later that he had her back and cared for her and her perspective on everything. Which he thought he ought to do ultimately.

The golem for the time being just stayed near Regula and followed along for now staying vigilant, fully aware that the Baron was going on a social counter attack from the looks of things, he really hoped that Regula had a proper response ready for this situation.

"+I cannot say I was expecting this degree of..opposing views so early on.+" Teuihua spoke softly to Regula in the ancient Mictlantechulian language.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

Seeing how words, rather literally, had convinced a bishop to return to his altar in her barony, Highgrove's words were rather ironic. Baron Highrove's counter to her address of his men was met with a frown. Even if he rambled first, she'd wait for him to finish and turn the topic back to it without falter. “How peculiar for your men to wear the same colours as those of House Sadek.” She lightly shook her head. “Not only is it against norms and might sow confusion” (Culture B, Leadership B) “it might also remind some of how you once proudly stated to be the only one with a claim to the county seat. It'd be best for nobody to risk thinking that dressing your men in House Sadek's colours means you still hold the ambition to take his place, would it not be?” She'd offered him an olive branch, but if he did not take it, he would end up playing with the roses' thorns instead.

“You speak of many issues that were identified, reported and resolved.” She stated. “Whilst it is good to learn from the past, something I can assure you has happened and will continue to happen, it does not do to dwell on it.” Admittedly, he was getting a bit under her skin. Thankfully, she'd resist showing signs of it (Character Standing S, Character Grade A, Evolved, Mind Shield B). She felt highly inclined to point out that the previous count lacked the aid and advise to steer him in the right direction and that she wasn't the one that was not in my current position during that time, whilst Highgrove was. Yet she withheld. She'd already been leaning enough toward hostility.

She took a deep breath. “Be it scrutiny or sabotage, I am, at least, willing to hear you out as you explain it before me and before Count Sadek.” However, she did want to add something. “Although, I shall say so openly and direct. Whilst I do not wish for negative relations with my colleagues, as I would rather we firmly cooperate towards a better future for both our domains, I will not sit idle if I feel the truth is bend to be against me or if outright lies are spoken. I have not forgotten the rumours surrounding Kirkwall.” She'd leave that warning in the air, especially as it came to sabotage. His presumed attempts at taking over the village through mayor Levin had made her doubt his words a whole lot.

As for Teuihua, whispering back to him in an unknown language would be rather rude, so she'd simply speak out in Common. “I'm convinced things will be sorted out.”