Fantasy The Queens Guard

[Enolx]

Kalidin looked up from talking to Finn when he heard his named called. He saw Spiora making her way towards them. "Hey Spiora," Kalidin said " good to see you made it back, and nice job on revealing the man's "secret identy" as soon as you arrive. I'm sure all kinds of unsaveroy people will love being able to put a name to the legend. To answer your question we have orders to go find a man so we are about to head out to search. The queen is back at the orphanage so I would go there and tell her your back."

 

[Wiggle]

"Who said we were running?" Finn said. "I hope you're good at stealing a horse, but I'm afraid that the queen should know of this before we leave."


Sparrow looked behind him when he heard a female's voice. He smiled and winked at her, then turned back to Kalidin.


"That's quite alright, who's to say that Finn is my real name." Finn said. "I don't even know my real name anymore. But anyway, we should alert the queen of the spy."

 

[theunderwolf]

Spiora Sighed at Finns wink. When would he learn that she was not interested? Probably never. "I'll tell the queen for you two so you can head out." She volunteered, "As for horses, there's a stable a couple houses that way," she gestured in the direction, "The owner owes me a favor so just tell him I sent you and he'll set you up for free. Oh and before I go, anything else you want me to tell the queen?" She had wrangled half a herd for him a few months ago and the man had been her go to for horses ever since. Jasa meanwhile had made her way up to Finn and put her head against his side, trying to connotate, as far as Spiora could tell, that the tiger will get her head scratched or people would be eaten.


@Wiggle @Enolx

 

[Brwler]

"Do not underestimate those warriors, wise ruler. It may be easy to defeat their forces, but if they defeat you, it would mean the end. As their army. It is a simple one. Infantry, cavalry, archers, artillery. That army is not used to fight against other kingdoms. You definitely have the upper hand." Said Phaze. "Now, it is time for my final question." He pulled out a map and an other sheet of paper. He reached them out to the Emperor. "The marked land on the map is a potential home for you and your people. Its fields are rich, strongholds are massive and you can see which kingdoms is it bordered with." Told the king with a smile on his face. "As for the other paper, my last question is in there along with some more information that you will find helpful." He stood up, hanged his sword onto his back, and reached his right hand to the Emperor. "I shall take my leave then. If fate would make us meet again, then I'll be gladly answer any of your questions. But now, I shall head back to the capital. I have many things to do there. Good bye friend."

 

[Wiggle]

Sparrow completely ignored Spoira and the cat and sighed.


"There's no point in going after the man, by now he's already made it back and told the Emperor all he knows, and could be on the other side of this continent. What happens if they attack while we're not at 100%? By what I was told, there's no way that our disorganized rabble can stand against a organized military, we're better off closing our borders, and watching for troop movement. And as much as I hate to do such a thing, we could assassinate their Emperor or generals if we needed." He said.


Something caught his eye in the sky, circling around for what seemed like forever. Sparrow cleared his throat and turned back to the two.


"If you excuse me, I'll have to go." He said quickly.


He dove off the wall and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

Sparrow completely ignored Spoira and the cat and sighed.
"There's no point in going after the man, by now he's already made it back and told the Emperor all he knows, and could be on the other side of this continent. What happens if they attack while we're not at 100%? By what I was told, there's no way that our disorganized rabble can stand against a organized military, we're better off closing our borders, and watching for troop movement. And as much as I hate to do such a thing, we could assassinate their Emperor or generals if we needed." He said.


Something caught his eye in the sky, circling around for what seemed like forever. Sparrow cleared his throat and turned back to the two.


"If you excuse me, I'll have to go." He said quickly.


He dove off the wall and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

((And how did you figure all of this out? Phaze was the only one who even heard the explosion apparently. Knowing my intent before I even moved is also kinda BS.))


 

"Do not underestimate those warriors, wise ruler. It may be easy to defeat their forces, but if they defeat you, it would mean the end. As their army. It is a simple one. Infantry, cavalry, archers, artillery. That army is not used to fight against other kingdoms. You definitely have the upper hand." Said Phaze. "Now, it is time for my final question." He pulled out a map and an other sheet of paper. He reached them out to the Emperor. "The marked land on the map is a potential home for you and your people. Its fields are rich, strongholds are massive and you can see which kingdoms is it bordered with." Told the king with a smile on his face. "As for the other paper, my last question is in there along with some more information that you will find helpful." He stood up, hanged his sword onto his back, and reached his right hand to the Emperor. "I shall take my leave then. If fate would make us meet again, then I'll be gladly answer any of your questions. But now, I shall head back to the capital. I have many things to do there. Good bye friend."

Karaii nodded. "I thank you for your wise council, my friend. May we meet again." he said, with a customary bow, as he turned, and walked back to his horse, grabbing his spear, and mounting. He and his Gaurdus Emperii rode back to his people, to discuss to them what information Phaze had brought. A new home with ample resources, and weak nearby kingdoms rich for the taking. At this, his people were happy, and they set off to the nearby kingdom which Phaze had told them. Within a fortnight, they had arrived on it's borders, finding a small army of 3,000 militia to face them. The militia simply turned and ran at the sight of the Barovian force, scattering into the country side. The Barovians marched through, killing no one, only claiming towns and cities. ((THis isn't Alexandria by the way.)) Within days, they had arrived at the small kingdom's capitol, an impressive mountain fortress. Before the city, it appeared the country's leader had gathered the entire millitary. They appeared around 100,000 men strong, but not very well equipped, and their formations were lousy.


It was more of a giant mob than anything. Karaii formed a plan, deciding to bait the enemy. He pulled back the 10,000 pikemen and 5,00 javelins he had in his vanguard, having them retreat down the gentle slope of the mountain, to more level terrain. The enemy general, sensing their "weakness", brought his whole host down, charging after them. They had ran right into Karaii's trap.


From the nearby rock formations, a single banshii jumped into the air, flying upwards. Once it was high enough, and directly above the enemy, it dropped it's payload. The small blue vial fell, and fell, picking up speed, before landing directly in the middle of the enemy. A large blue explosion the size of a basketball court ripped through the enemy's ranks, blowing men off their feet. Every man touched by the flames was now burning, the fires devouring them, and refusing to go out. THe flames stuck to them, as they screamed, running into their comrades in the frenzy.


And then, the vanguard turned, their wall of bristling pikes ready, and the javelin men stood in varied locations, throwing their projectiles, as the rest of the pikemen apeared on the flanks, forming a U-shape around the enemy. They attempted to retreat out hte back of the U-, but the Barovian Cataphractii came screaming in, their armored warhorses trampling the enemy underhoof. The enemy was completely srrounded, as the rest of Karaii's forces closed in, joining the massacre. Within about 30 minutes, 50,000 of the enemy had died, and the Barovians had lost 5,000. A white flag quickly rose from the center of the enemy's formation, from where their leaders most likely hid. The locals dropped their weapons, and kneeled in surrender. The day had been won.


Karaii spared every man who surrendered, bringing them into his empire as civillians. Their leaders were made part of Karaii's council, to help him with the local affairs, since he was new to this country. He made few changes, allowing the locals to keep their own culture and beliefs. Within another week, the entire small kingdom had been taken, granting the Barovians quite the foot hold in the West. Word quickly spread of this foe from the East, and the fate of the army that tried to fight them.

 

[Brwler]

Phaze was on his way back to the capital of Alexandria. He did not rush the horse. Calmly riding it, he thought about further plans against the kingdom. He felt that soon enough, he can start moving. There he was. The one behind all the evil plans; in a robe from which only his wide smile could be seen.

 

[Enolx]

Kalidin just cocked his head and looked quizzing at Finn as he spoke. " He hasn't seen Harbinger and I really fight before has he," Kalidin thought to himself as Finn talked " Also disorganized rabble is the last thing I would call the army Harbinger oversees. Their closer to an elite squad if anything as stoic, uncaring, stone like elite squad. He might be using the guard as a bases for our entire military, bad call on that one. For all the information the man is suppose to have he seems oddly in the dark about things close to him, well whatever."


" Are you afraid of them Sparrow," Kalidin said to Finn " We have been attacked many times, this is the same thing with a different name. My queen has give me an order so, I will go at least attempt it's completion before determining if it's impossible. Also assassination is cowardly and nothing brings more shame than that."


Kalidin watched as Finn ran off into the crowd after something in the sky caught his eye. Kalidin then turned to Spiora and said " I will be off now. I will take you up on the horses, it makes me seem like a normal person. Hold down the fort for me while, if you see a shady looking guy with a cloak capture him. Kalidin then took off towards the stables.


It did not take long from him to get a horse and soon he was off. To pass the time, since he didn't have to do much other than sit, whenever he would let the horse slow down to rest he would play a song. As he rode he kept his senses around him ready for any sign of his target.

 

[theunderwolf]

Spiora and Jasa watched the two go and when they were out of earshot they snorted simultaneously. "You'd think they'd be more polite or at least a ""hey Spiora, how was your trip up north?"" Honestly I've seen more civil grace in wolf pack." Spiora confided in the large cat as they strolled to the orphanage, "Oh well, serious business I suppose." They walked in silence for a few minutes, not noticing of how the crowd seemed to part in front of the strange woman and her ravenous beast. Eventually though, she arrived in front of the orphanage. 'Now remember Jasa," Spiora whispered at the cat, 'They will pet you and probably tug at you, but you can't eat any of them." Jasa sighed in disappointment as Spiora opened the door and walked to the dining room where she heard the loudest chattering.Sure enough the room was full of children, greedily chowing dwn on bowls of delicous smelling food. There was a brief outcry of "Kitty!" Mixed with "oh god a tiger!" that ended with Jasa on the floor with children petting her and generally being adorable little monsters to the poor tiger. She walked past the chaos and bowed briefly bowed to Aria, "Ari- My queen I have returned." Spiora said with a quick correction, "But before my news are you well?"


@ValkyrieRose

 

[Wiggle]

((And how did you figure all of this out? Phaze was the only one who even heard the explosion apparently. Knowing my intent before I even moved is also kinda BS.))
 



Karaii nodded. "I thank you for your wise council, my friend. May we meet again." he said, with a customary bow, as he turned, and walked back to his horse, grabbing his spear, and mounting. He and his Gaurdus Emperii rode back to his people, to discuss to them what information Phaze had brought. A new home with ample resources, and weak nearby kingdoms rich for the taking. At this, his people were happy, and they set off to the nearby kingdom which Phaze had told them. Within a fortnight, they had arrived on it's borders, finding a small army of 3,000 militia to face them. The militia simply turned and ran at the sight of the Barovian force, scattering into the country side. The Barovians marched through, killing no one, only claiming towns and cities. ((THis isn't Alexandria by the way.)) Within days, they had arrived at the small kingdom's capitol, an impressive mountain fortress. Before the city, it appeared the country's leader had gathered the entire millitary. They appeared around 100,000 men strong, but not very well equipped, and their formations were lousy.


It was more of a giant mob than anything. Karaii formed a plan, deciding to bait the enemy. He pulled back the 10,000 pikemen and 5,00 javelins he had in his vanguard, having them retreat down the gentle slope of the mountain, to more level terrain. The enemy general, sensing their "weakness", brought his whole host down, charging after them. They had ran right into Karaii's trap.


From the nearby rock formations, a single banshii jumped into the air, flying upwards. Once it was high enough, and directly above the enemy, it dropped it's payload. The small blue vial fell, and fell, picking up speed, before landing directly in the middle of the enemy. A large blue explosion the size of a basketball court ripped through the enemy's ranks, blowing men off their feet. Every man touched by the flames was now burning, the fires devouring them, and refusing to go out. THe flames stuck to them, as they screamed, running into their comrades in the frenzy.


And then, the vanguard turned, their wall of bristling pikes ready, and the javelin men stood in varied locations, throwing their projectiles, as the rest of the pikemen apeared on the flanks, forming a U-shape around the enemy. They attempted to retreat out hte back of the U-, but the Barovian Cataphractii came screaming in, their armored warhorses trampling the enemy underhoof. The enemy was completely srrounded, as the rest of Karaii's forces closed in, joining the massacre. Within about 30 minutes, 50,000 of the enemy had died, and the Barovians had lost 5,000. A white flag quickly rose from the center of the enemy's formation, from where their leaders most likely hid. The locals dropped their weapons, and kneeled in surrender. The day had been won.


Karaii spared every man who surrendered, bringing them into his empire as civillians. Their leaders were made part of Karaii's council, to help him with the local affairs, since he was new to this country. He made few changes, allowing the locals to keep their own culture and beliefs. Within another week, the entire small kingdom had been taken, granting the Barovians quite the foot hold in the West. Word quickly spread of this foe from the East, and the fate of the army that tried to fight them.

(I'd appreciate if you had a problem with my posts, the way I RP or a difference in opinion, you came to me in PM in a mature fashion rather than slamming my post, thanks.)


Sparrow had been a little late going after Kalidin, but eventually he did. He traveled out of city for a while before coming across what looked to be horse tracks, which Sparrow followed hoping to find Kalidin.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

Aria turned while she was in the midddle of serving... the amount of children were larger than she expecte,d which saddened her. "Ah, Spiora. GOod of you to show up. You were missed at the meeting today." She said with a smile as she welcomed her trusted survival expert. "I'm doing pretty well... It always makes me smile, being t able to help in small ways such as this." She says, looking back to the children with a loving smile. "But that can wait until later. What of this news you've brought me?" She asks.

 

[theunderwolf]

"Well to start, my trip to the north was fruitful. The bandits were... dealt with and the villagers won't have trouble finding game any longer. They were very grateful and promised to let us know if they have any trouble in the future." She sighed the villagers had waited far too long to snd for help and had made her job significantly harder," In more recent news Finn and kaliden have ridden out to catch a foreign spy and possibly scout an invasion force in one the neighboring kingdoms. i ran into them on my way into the city and they asked me to pass the message. And finally in recenter news, there is a child on my back and I don't know how to remove it." She looked back at the young girl who had grabbed her traveling cloak and climbed up it to rest on her back.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

Aria listens to the news with a patient ear. "WEll, it's good you were able to help the noth in time... i understand their pride, but there comes a time for everyone person to ask for help. I'm glad you were able to help... This spy, however, worries me." She says with a furrowed brow. "The invasion force as well... I have an incredible sense of foreboding... why? All i want is peace for my country, yet war knocks on my doorstep like some unwanted fishmonger." She says. "I need more on this than i thought... can you scout these forces from a different perspective... or , better you, interfere? If you can track them or anticipate their foraging routes... try and starve them, lay traps... anything to weaken them, really." She says, her mind working on what could possible be donw.


"Aw, she likes you." She says with a smile as she helps the child off. "Thank you for your report. Why not rest a spell before you head out?" She offers, holding out a bowl.

 

[theunderwolf]

"No disrespect milady but is that wise? They may not wish us ill. From what I've heard they sound like a wolf pack without territory, they need a space to hunt but do not need any more on that. I could determine their intentions if you will it." She finished as she lifted up the girl, "I like you." She said to the toddler, "You have guts. You wanna fed Jasa?" The girl squealed her approval as Spiora filled another bowl with half her food and handed it to the child who scampered over to the tiger. Spiora meanwhile collapsed into a chair and started eating her own food.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

"If there's one thing I've learned as queen: an enemy force doesnt just stop to say hi as It passes through to another country." Aria says. "I may seem like I'm jumping the gun, but even if this army is heading somewhere else, it will cause trouble forus eventually." She says. "Of course, If you wish to track them the entire time and guess their paths before acting, then i do not mind this either." She said with a shrug. "Either way, I'm butting my men on alert as soon as I'm done with this...we can't be too careful."

 

[theunderwolf]

Spiora was gladdened by the queens decision.It showed the right amount of both initiative and caution."I will get right on it then milady. By the next week, that army's lives will be miserable. By your leave." She stood up and gestured to Jasa who disengaged herself from the gaggle of toddlers with a ferocious yawn. The two exited the orphanage in a rush and ran through the town and plunged into the forest outside,moving at the quick but expert pace of experienced delvers of the wild, they charged towards the kingdom with the offending army.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

By Karaii's order, the army began stationing itself in the castles and cities of this small kingdom. They couldn't live here forever, te land was too small and too infertile to hold the remnants of the empire. They had to expand eventually. Karaii remembered Phaze's words about Alexandria, wondering if they should be his next target.


Meanwhile, he passed a note to Marius, telling him that he would be touring the city alone. If he was going to make these new citizens to love him, he needed to prove to them that he could trust them. He walked down the main street, armed only with a dagger, like many common men in this city, and average cotton clothing. He walked down the streets, noticing many of the city's higher borns being followed by malnourished men and woman, with little more than rags on their backs. He thought about it, remembering the raggedy militia he had seen earlier, realizing this country had put their slaves to the sword. He scowled. He knew the first thing he'd change. He approached them, and the higher borns bowed immediately, recognizing him, and their slaves bowed even lower. "Rise," he said simply. Both the salves and nobles rose. "Not you," he said, gesturing to the higher borns. "I meant them," he said nodding his head towards the slaves. The slaves remained standing, scared and confused. "In the Barovian Empire, we do not hold slaves. You are free," he said simply. "But, before you begin making yourself a new life, go about the city, telling all other slaves that they are freed, and that it was I, Emperor Karaii of Barovia, who ordered it." The slaves nodded shakily, before running off.


However, the nobles looked up at him, in fear and shock. "You can't do this!" one of them yelled, getting up, and rushing him with a silver dagger. He sidestepped as the lady lunged at him. His elbow swung down, right into the lady's back. She fell to the ground, groaning in pain, the knife clinging to the floor.


Within days, every slave in the country was made a free man, given every right any other citizen would have. This kingdom was made up by mostly slaves, 53% about. And as such, he had just won most of the country's loyalty.


Karaii decided, that like his predesccesor, he also must be one to help the common man, so he left the city, with his spear, venturing down the steep roads, to the small farms beyond. The walk took nearly an hour, as Karaii showed up at one farm. He could hear the clanging of steel on steel, as he ran towards the house. He could see some bandits, brandishing clubs and scimitars, attacking a small farming village. He ran in, spear in hand. He lunged forward, stabbing his spear into the ribs of one. He ripped it out, as the man fell over, gasping in pain. Another ran at him, swinging his sword over his head. Karaii stepped to the side, as the man's sword swished past him. He stabbed forward, the spear catching the man in the throat. He saw another bandit running towards him, and ducked, as the bandit nearly decapitated him. He struck out with his elbow, smashing the woman in the gut. The bandit bent over, the beath knocked out of her, as Karaii ripped out his spear, and smashes the butt of it into the girl bandit's skull, shattering it. He looked up, watching the farmer lunge forward with his pitchfork, impaling the last bandit. Karaii looked around, noticing the dead cattle, and the dead bandits. The farmer approached him, smiling, "Thank you!" he said. "Please sir, may I know your name?"


Karaii nodded, smiling, putting out a hand. "Emperor Karaii, the new emperor of this kingdom," he said. The farmer shook his hand reflexively, before his eyes widening. He bowed, "Y-your highness! Forgive me!" he pleaded. Karaii shook his head. "There is no need for forgiving. You need not bow and scrape to me like you would your former lords." Karaii said, before giving the man his farewell, and turning and leaving, returning to the capitol.

 

[Skull Knight]

Marius silently nodded as Karaii informed him of his want to show the people he was unlike most lords and rulers who demanded respect. He bid the emperor farewell before crumpling the paper and walking off to his men. Currently the Emperii Guardus was training potential recruits for the elite guard, so far only half of 20 selected individuals passed the first test. These tests and exercises pushed the boundaries of physical and mental strength, only those who could adapt and tough it out were brought among the ranks of Emperii Guardus. Marius found his way to the training camp currently his second in command was forcing the recruits to do aerobic exercise in pits of mud while he howled at them to hurry up. The captain found his way to the personal tent that had been set up for him. Removing his armor and weaponry except for his sword WolfBane, something he always kept on his person, he sat upon the makeshift bed. From the ground he grabbed a small stylus and scroll and began to jot down statistics and recordings of supply and other such things for the Emperii, he would continue the writing until the sun set where he would then fall to sleep with his blade nearby.

 

[theunderwolf]

Spiora watched the proceeding with a focused stare. This "emperor" seemed to be a just ruler, but just rulers do not flee their own lands to conquer others. So she cut a few strings. Stole some coin. Loosened a few hubcaps. All minor inconveniences, but ones that would slow the army down if they were to move on Alexandria, she would save the large scale sabotage for when she was sure they would. Speaking of motives, she watched the captain go about training the soldiers harshly. He seemed to be the one to talk too, close to the mans side yet much more accessible. Moving quietly she donned a leather jerkin and cloak and slipped over to the captains tent and gave the flap a quick knock, hoping the man was still awake, "Excuse me sir?" She asked with some steel in her voice, "I have some questions for you."


@GunzABlazinz

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

Karaii sat at his desk in room, scribbling down on a paper, oath an ink feather. He had been doing all sorts of work as of late, but right now, he was rewriting this new kingdom's taxes. He had found that the old system favored the rich too much, and put too much pressure on the poor. He wouldn't immediately change it, as not to alarm anyone, but instead he'd gradually change this. Over the next few months or years or so. But in truth, he may not even have that long. He knew this desert kingdom's food supplies wouldn't keep them alive for too long. He needed more. H knew there were two choices. Beg the neighboring kingdoms for help, which they most likely wouldn't accept, or take what they needed. Karaii didn't want to make too many enemies yet, so he decided he'd ask for help. He wrote out a note for Marius. telling him too ready half of the Hairdos Emperii veterans, and prepare for a journey to Alexandria, while leaving the rest here to help continue training.

 

[Skull Knight]

Marius set down the scroll and pen at the sound of a female voice. "Enter, what do you need girl?" The captain stood to face her, keeping his hand upon the hilt. His first reaction was to be untrusting, her accent was foreign, probably native of the kingdom his Emporer recently conquered. Only a few minutes away a messenger traveled to the military camp, holding the note Karaii had addressed to Marius asking for him to ready half of the Gaurdus Emperii (I'm assuming you mean Guardus instead of Hairdos, your character post has no troop labeled as Hairdos. @SirDerpingtonIV ).


@theunderwolf

 

[theunderwolf]

Spiora strode in and looked around the tent warily, "Excuse me sir," she said slowly, perfectly emulating a confused woodsman," But a couple days ago I went off on a hunting trip and when I got back there was an army on the doorstep and right where I usually track pheasants . So who exactly are you people?"


@GunzABlazinz

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

Marius set down the scroll and pen at the sound of a female voice. "Enter, what do you need girl?" The captain stood to face her, keeping his hand upon the hilt. His first reaction was to be untrusting, her accent was foreign, probably native of the kingdom his Emporer recently conquered. Only a few minutes away a messenger traveled to the military camp, holding the note Karaii had addressed to Marius asking for him to ready half of the Gaurdus Emperii (I'm assuming you mean Guardus instead of Hairdos, your character post has no troop labeled as Hairdos. @SirDerpingtonIV ).
@theunderwolf

(Sorry, my tablet's auto correct success)

 

[John Abraus]

(I sent a request.)

 

[Skull Knight]

Marius sat down on his bed with a thoughtful look upon his face. "We are the Empire Barvoia, under the leader ship of the great Emperor Karaii." At the mention of his friend Marius dawned a look of pride. "Well I've set up the army here so you'll need to find a new pheasant hunting area." (@theunderwolf)