The Shadow Under Fort Sutch, RP Playground Thread Options

[Uleni Athram]

The Shadow Under Fort Sutch
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Things were slowly going back to normal.

The momentous events of the Crisis were undeniable and unforgettable, but as time marched on ever forward, so too did the memories of fire and Oblivion slowly fade. The Empire, battered and bruised, laid low the Prince of Destruction and His unholy legions with the help from her sons and the Divines. They paid a heavy price, for the glorious line of the Septims ended with the shattering of the Amulet, and Martin's ascension to the splendors of Aetherius. The Ruby Throne lies unseated, the Crown unwore. The Scepter that commanded red legions to conquest commands them no more. The last divinity of Tiber's line stands petrified in the bloodlines' last moment of glory. A grave price indeed, one that would echo and change the Empire's fate forever, but it was a price they willingly paid. To maintain balance and order in the world of mortals. The populace all over the Empire contributed heavily into itz rebuilding. The toils of restoring the glory that was Cyrodiil slowly helped ease the shock and the horror. The Crisis would never be forgotten, yes, but in time it would be fade.

Things were slowly going back to normal.

From Bruma to Leyawiin, from Cheydinhal to wounded Kvatch, news spread of the collaboration between the three Guilds of Anvil. Even wounded Kvatch has heard, and the Empire bristled with curiousity and excitement. Even the other provinces took ear of the Expedition, headed by the famous Oedipus Nebraska, he who is renowned in the land for his deeds of daring. The eyes of this veteran adventurer has seen something in the darkness below Fort Sutch, and is eager to drag it into the light of discovery. All manner of characters and personalities are drawn to this expedition. The thrill of journeying forth in a strange land? The riches and rewards of fame it allures the world with? The discovery of secrets long buried by the ancients, whether it be damning or enlightening? Or the chance to create history with their own hands?

The Shadow under Fort Sutch detests the light from above, and will test those who invade if they are strong enough to even uncover its barest of secrets.....

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OOC: Okay, the introduction is finished. Since DE is the first poster, please, do your magic and let's get this show on the road! *roars*

[mALX]

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Maxical

My entering the Count’s Arms went unnoticed, thanks to all eyes being trained on the brawl taking place on the floor of the main dining room. All eyes except one, that is. A handsome young Redguard was standing back from the rest, his eyes were scanning the pockets and purses of those viewing the fight. They lingered slowly over the gold pouch of one well dressed Noble that was staring intensely at the bleeding cheek of one of the brawlers.

I quickly untied my own pouch of gold from my waistband and jammed it down the front of my greaves before sidling up to the Publican. I had to dig my elbow into his side to catch his attention.

“I’ll lay ten gold on that Imperial boy, he looks pretty strong.”

Wilbur’s eyebrows raised in recognition and surprise. “Maxical! What ill wind blew you back to Anvil? Him? Yeah, he smells strong too; like he’s been sleeping in a kennel or something. He’s staying in one of my rooms, that’s one set of sheets I’ll need to wash before I can rent the room again.”

“What’s going on, Wilbur? Where’d all these people come from?”

“They’re all volunteers for some excavation going on up in Sutch, from what I overheard. If you‘re wanting a room better speak up quick. I expect they’ll all need a room except Tarrick over there.” Wilbur pointed at the Redguard. “He’s a local.”

Wilbur leaned closer and lowered his voice. “I‘ll warn you now that I’ve doubled the rates while this bunch is here, you’ll have to pay what they would to stay here. Man’s got to make a living you know.”

“Geez, doubled rates? What’s the chances I’d get clean sheets?“

Wilbur shrugged.

“I can’t afford it. Anyway, with all this going on I’d be better off staying at the Fighters Guild. I’m going to talk to Azzan about joining them.“


*


The brawl was already breaking up, the Imperial boy climbed off the Bosmer he’d had pinned and was helping him up. A soft whistle blew out under my breath as the Bosmer came into full view.

“Dear gods he’s tall, and look at that hair! What are those markings on him, some kind of war paint?”

“Ask him, not me. From the look of him, he’s one of those Tribals.”

“I’ve heard of them. He sure has a good tan.”

My eyes slid over the group as they began settling back into their chairs. A pretty redheaded Altmer was berating the Imperial boy. That Redguard Wibur had called Tarrick glided silently closer to the others, his feet never making a sound on the tiled floor. His eyes darted to the many rings decorating the hands of that Imperial Noble with a calculating expression in them. No doubt I was right to hide my gold pouch, although it might be too light to tempt him.

That Noble seemed to be sizing the other‘s up…wait, huh? How odd! When I first saw him I’d thought him handsome, a lot younger than he looks now. Maybe it was a trick of the lighting. With the candle light full on his face the lines were clearly visible. He must be a lot older than I’d thought. His movements were cat-like as he approached the group, as agile as any Khajiit‘s. My interest was perked by the fact that he carried two swords, one was a beautiful saber with an ornate hilt. The other I recognized as a Blade‘s Katana. He sure didn’t seem like any Blade I’d ever met.

I shivered at the expression in those intense eyes of his. Cold and detached. I’d bet those two swords he wears have seen plenty of blood, and he’s never lost a minute’s sleep regretting a drop spilled. Without a word his nod brought Wibur’s serving wench on the run to take his wine order. That man was used to being in charge, either that or the wench knew him to leave large tips.


*


The men began settling into chairs, and without them blocking the view I could see a tiny blonde Wood Elf perched in a chair with her feet tucked under her, probably to not feel so dwarfed by all those strapping men around her. Being short myself I understood that, and usually sat the same way. I shot her a commiserating smile that she didn‘t see, her full attention was caught by the Noble who was joining her table.

The odd looking bow hammocked across her back caught my eye, I’d never seen anything like it. It had to be as long as she was herself, and looked like a fresh-cut sapling with the leaves still attached. Something about that struck a familiar chord. Hadn’t Delphine Jend’s last letter mentioned some kind of living bow one of her guild mates had…a tiny Wood Elf named Buffy! No doubt that was the same girl. Delphine said that poor girl lost her man at the battle for Kvatch, and hasn‘t been the same since. I tried to send her a look of deep sympathy, being widowed too. She didn’t see that either, her eyes once again were on that Noble as he was speaking.

The words, “The monks at the Priory do not focus much on armed combat." Floated across the room to me, and before I could stifle it a loud snort escaped me.

“Monk my a$$!” I hissed under my breath. That man was of no religious order, and those two swords weren’t just for looks. Out of the corner of my eye I caught Wilbur frowning at me, shaking his head. “Sorry, Wilbur.”

“You can protect me from harm, and I shall dig for clues.” The Noble continued. His smile didn't reach his eyes; fake, put on for effect. More likely the others would need protection from him. His gaze was now fixated on the bleeding cut of that tribal Bosmer, the intensity in his eyes…frightening. I felt another shiver shoot down my spine. There was trouble ahead for this group, no doubt.

"The monks never drank much wine in the Priory.” He said, then ordered a bottle of Tamika’s Best while claiming to be penniless. His clothing made a lie of that, it was the finest cloth…the man came from wealth, that was obvious. I snorted loudly again, this time on purpose.

As I watched, the Noble lay his gold pouch on the table beside him. The Redguard Tarrick’s eyes widened, then the lids hooded over them quickly. That Noble wasn’t dumb, he must have done that for a reason. I’d bet there was very little he did without some reason. Maybe he’d seen Tarrick eyeing his jewelry and hoped to give him a taste of that saber before the night was over. Between the two of them, in my heart I’d root for the Redguard…but doubted he’d come out of a match-up with that Noble alive.

The pretty Altmer girl was gulping down the Tamika’s way too fast, she’d be drunk soon if she wasn’t careful. Sure enough she wavered and staggered as she rose, bumping into tables as she made her bleary eyed way toward us.

I dug my elbow into Wilbur’s side again, pointing at her slow progress. “I think one of your double priced rooms is about to be requested. I’m going to head over to the Fighters Guild before any more fights break out here. I’ll see you later.“

I dodged the drunk Altmer and slipped out the front door, heading down toward the Fighters Guild. Something told me this excavation group was going to bring a lot of trouble to Anvil. I hoped little Buffy would be safe, with her husband dead there was no one to protect her.


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OOC: This post was a surprise cameo walk on, one of the many surprises Uleni and Mustard have planned for this RP and its members.


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This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 6 2013, 11:40 PM