Godefray Hamonet's Story

It was dusk in Stulhelm and the once bustling capital of Mordania was now desolate and silent with their new owners, the Exalted. The Exalted were currently patrolling the street and enforcing their rules. They say its for the peoples own good, but as a rebel resistance fighter, Godefray thought differently. He though that it was just because they can have an easier time hunting down resistance members.

Inside a tavern cellar which as been designated as a hideout to those still loyal to the old crown and rebel forces willing to fight to rid the land of the Exalted, one man was talking to those inside the room. "Alright everyone, it is time for our progress reports." One man known as Godefray Hamonet was speaking, one of the few rebel captains fighting to free Mordania for its oppressors. "Today I have made some progress to our resistance efforts, today I have secured another supply route and recruited another resistance member willing to brave the new supply route." He addressed everyone in the room.

After speaking and listening to everyone's progress report, a familiar individual walked into the room who he knew him as Nigel Mordaine, the son of the crown. He noticed that Nigel seemed a bit off, his tone was shaky and when he paled at the face when he pulled out his note he could only imagine that there was only bad news waiting for them. Nigel showed the group his note and what was written on the note caused his blood to start boiling, what was written on the note was a list for people who were officially selected to undergo the exalted ceremony, and one of the names of the note was the young man sitting down in this very room.

"This is bad news indeed, to know that one of our trusted allied has been selected by the Exalted to become an Exalted is most troubling. I am not sure what to do but we can't give up hope yet! I am certain there are many things we can do to help you out but I am not willing to watch as you get converted by the Exalted and turned into...something else." He enthusiastically exclaimed.

The sun sets, and dusk crept over Stulhelm, the capital of Mordania. The once bustling city was no more, and the streets were desolate from the curfew enforced by the Exalted. They roamed the street, saying that it's for the people's safety, but under that cover was the intention to sniff out resistance within the city.

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Gathered inside a tavern cellar were the loyal subjects of the old crown and now a resistance group who seek to take back what was once theirs. The people had grown impatient over the years and progress seemed slow as ever. Individuals who took up the role of leading the fight had made their reports one by one, but with hardly much of a good news.

(Haha I don't know why, but I also paraphrased the first two paragraphs.)

A young man with blonde hair straightened his back as Godefray addressed him as the new recruit. "I am proud to be of duty, Sir!" He exclaimed and saluted the captain. He was a squire in the past, but for some reason he only decided to join the resistance now, he was hoping to prove that he can be a valuable asset to the group by accomplishing as many mission as he can.

(OOC: had to change his history cause I guessed the time the Mordania was under their rule to be around half a year, but after reading Nigel's profile I guess not. I made it fit his nickname better, and I took advantage of marine's post to introduce Arthur. I talk too much...)

Arthur's jaw dropped at what unfolds next, a man whom anyone would recognize anywhere has entered the room. He was none other than the son of the king! The rebels were familiar with him as he seemed to be a key player of the resistance, but what got his attention was how shaky and pale he was. The prince sat down on an empty keg and pulled out a note with great grief. Upon revealing what the note meant the people didn't hid their displeasure.

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Around the ring of the gathering people were the taller sapient creatures. Among them was a man with the head of a lion. He was Rak'ran, the man who caused quite the commotion a year back. He awaited good news, but still nothing. He growled in disappointment as his revenge still seemed far away.

Again there was another new recruit who wishes to join the cause, they appear to only increasing in number, but so far they got nothing to show for it. Having more would only increase the risk of detection for as far as he can tell.

Then the son of the crown came in. He was an important ally and helped fight for the cause, his information helped the group more than once and he only felt more disappointed at the terrible news he delivered. If not averted the greatest ally will join hands with the enemies carrying all the information regarding the resistance.

"Things only grow worse as time pass." He sighed.

Nigel looked up at everyone gathered there, a sense of guilt passes through him that he started things off like this, it wasn't at all good news. He got to his feet, trying to shake off a look of defeat, though he was conflicted inside. "Well... that isn't everything, from as long as I've spent around them, I've learned several things, some of which I wasn't sure of until now." His tone grows a bit more certain, perhaps trying to distract himself as well from his uncertain future. "Gabrielle seems to only hold some kind of religious power, but actual leadership seems to come from the red haired demon... who seems to spend a large amount of time sleeping or at least highly inactive."

He folds his arms and rubs his chin, trying to remember other things he's noted. "I don't think they are Exalted, either, they don't have the black eye or give off that weird magic they all have, in fact I don't feel any magic from her at all, as if she's just this vacant void. I mean, even the lowest affinity have at least trace amounts but there's just... nothing, and I always feel like I'm burning inside when near her." He continues, pacing back and forth, his tone shifting into agitation. "Worst is the fact that she knows my mother, they seem to have a long history that she never told me of before. Needless to say, my mother is far older than she looks and I wonder why it has to come from this... tyrant's mouth about some kind of bandit past life my mother had and being..."

He sits back down and sighs, rubbing his temples. "But that changes nothing... back on Gabrielle though... her blood is the key to making the Exalted, it seems to have some strange transformative property, but they don't just drain it out every time it is needed, they store it in a ceremonial flask and keep it in the prison dungeons where it is kept cold, and close should a prisoner... give in to them... the dungeons themselves go relatively unused and unguarded, suppose they figure that the last place anyone would want to go is there..." He puts his hands on his legs and leans forward. "And should it... disappear, replenishment will be a slow process given how they pamper their goddess, and perhaps we could use it as bait to get them to face us on our own terms for once..."

Godefray listened to Nigel's report on the Exalted and he was very much happy to know all this information he had managed to gather. For one, Gabrielle did indeed have the power to transform people into exalted but not because of her own powers, it was because of her blood. What was also good news is that they kept vials of the stuff unguarded in dungeons, if he could spread the word to other resistance members, they could have a sort of bargaining chip like Nigel suggested. Godefray was also intrigued when Nigel talked about Gabrielle, it seemed that she was a mysterious individual who knew a lot about Nigel's mother. But disregarding everything for a moment, if they capture or eliminate Gabrielle he could only imagine the severe impact it would do on the Exalted, but that dream would be saved for another time.

"I have to say, you certainly pulled out some really great information that we can easily use to our advantage. Just like you said if we can get our hands on these vials then we would have an "ace in the hole" that we could use when we truly need it. If we can just get word to other resistance members then we could possibly stop them from turning more people into Exalted in different towns and sabotage some of their operations. To be honest if we did not know this information I would have planned to fake your death, but thankfully we don't have to do that." Godefray chuckled.

"Another thing to note, if Gabrielle does indeed have the power to make the Exalted with her blood then it would be wise to plan to take her out in the future. If we can eliminate her, then we may not have to fear any more people turning into an Exalted and it would have a serious effect on the enemy as well. Of course she must be well guarded every single second of the day so we can think of something when we cross that bridge."

"Over here, Helena. The place was right up this street, I'm sure of it!"

Rina crept up the darkened alleyway, looking left and right for any guards that might be on patrol. Skulking around in the dark during curfew, especially in a city like this, was a fair bit more difficult than slipping by the less populated settlements on the way here. Still, they had come this far already. No sense in turning back now.

After waiting for a minute or so, the young sorceress was satisfied that the way was clear and gave her companion the signal to move, heading first for a parked cart at the side of the street.

And there she went, darting off into the vague directions a non-descript contact had given about the whereabouts of the resistance.

Helena walked calm and steady, much in contrast to the overexcited girl a few inches in front of her. She didn't quite get why she seemed so enthusiastic about sneaking around the place, then again with Rina it wasn't so much being a sneak as it was how far can you get without stumbling head-first into trouble, because the little sorceress was not exactly the most subtle. Then again, neither was Helena.

From her spot behind the cart, Rina could see the sign of the tavern, at long last. She was about to break cover when she heard footsteps. Not Helena's, but someone else's. Immediately she grabbed the other woman and pulled her behind the cart, covering her mouth with one hand. Mere moments later, a guard clad in the uniform of the city watch marched past in the opposite direction the duo were headed. Once Rina was sure he was out of earshot she breathed a sigh of relief and let Helena go.

"See? Sneaking about like this helped us after all," she told her companion. "We don't have to be so prim and proper when nobody will see us."

The knight raised a single, disapproving eyebrow. "Perhaps. I'm certain we needn't worry about the guards, my lady. I don't think they'd arrest us needlessly." Unwise at best, and it would only feed the resistance's influence. Regaining her composure from the sudden stranglehold, Helena proceded to make her way towards the tavern, signalling for Rina to follow.

"Perhaps. They might just punish my family instead." Rina followed her to the door and, after knocking on the door and reciting the code phrase they were given to the lookout who answered, they were in. The pair of them were led behind the bar, towards the back of the tavern. There they found a hatch in the floor that led to the basement, and opening it revealed a small crowd of wary faces, their eyes now turned towards the two newcomers. Obviously the meeting was already in progress.

"Ah... S-sorry we're late," Rina stammered, momentarily caught off guard by just how many people were down here. "We made sure we weren't followed." With little else to say, she descended into the basement to join her would-be comrades.

Nigel's eyes widened for a moment, he seemed somewhat bothered by something Godafray had said, but he decided to keep it to himself. "Yeah... that would be the ideal outcome, then we can reestablish the old laws, and be done with being locked in one's own houses." He said, a hint of hesitation within his voice. He looked down at his hands then took a breath, prepared to say something else, but is suddenly cut off by the new arrivals.

He gets up, seemingly cheerful all of a sudden, in part because he's getting distracted from some worrisome thoughts. He holds out a hand, as if expecting a handshake. "Oh, it is no issue, what matters is that you were uncaught and unharmed getting here, anyways, I bid you welcome."

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The man who was dressed as a ragged commoner stepped in, permeating the entire room an unusual sense at his presence. It was the human Exalted, Mercy, who had once worked under the crown, a turncoat when the Exalted took over. He casually pulls over a chair and sits in front of Vigil and crosses his leg and rests his head on his arm, staring at him, his eyes look exhausted, a blue upon black. He then takes his hand and rubs his chin then waves a finger. "You are definitely Cambiregeist, aren't you, my friend? Long way from home I'd say, a spy perchance?" He is fairly softly spoken, his tone is calm but probing somewhat, as if he's testing Vigil. He then casts a knowing grin. "Or perhaps curiosity simply took your feet?"

"A... what? Him? But I expected something more..." One of the patrolmen stammers only to be cut off as Mercy raises a hand, signaling him to say nothing more.

Mercy shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head. "Whatsoever the case may be, whether you know of current matters or not, I hope you take no ill will that you will be detained for a while." He makes a motion to the guards to take him. "And please do not make this more traumatic than it needs to be, and equally I hope they will not give you a hard time." He glances over at the guards, being sure they understand he's serious.

As the meeting went on, Godefray noticed the new arrivals and decided to greet them with a bow. "Nice of you two to join us, so please get comfy for we have some good news that you should know." He greeted them before continuing. "What our friend, Nigel has discovered, it seems he has found out how people become an Exalted. So far we understand that Gabrielle does indeed turn people into Exalted but not with some special magic, Nigel has discovered that her blood is the means for people to turn into Exalted. Now actually eliminating Gabrielle is out of the question, but it seems that vials of her blood are kept inside the dungeons of towns, they are even unguarded most of the time. But you might be thinking "Well so what, they can always get more blood right?" That is true, but she is a godess and gathering more blood from her seems to be the last thing on our enemies mind. With all the information we have discovered so far, I propose this." Godefray raised his fist in the air.

"I propose we assault one of these dungeons and steal these vials of blood, then we send word to other members of the resistance and tell them to do the same. Once we have these vials, we can use it as our ace in the hole and force our enemy into our hands! If anyone has any other plans I am all ears but this is our best plan so far and Nigel does not have much time since he was chosen to become the next Exalted. We can also rescue any prisoners captured by the Exalted and have more members with us. So, any questions? Or any alternate plans?" Godefray finished speaking.

Reinhardt stared blankly at the others and pondered. He was having some doubts about this operation. "If I may, Sir." Reinhardt raised his hand causing people to turn toward him. "It might just me being paranoid, but..." He paused, having some second thoughts, beads of sweat started trickling down his forehead as he kept the people waiting. "I think, just maybe... this might be a... trap?"

He swallowed a lump and slightly turned his head to the side, embarrassed for not having a solid basis, moreover people might not like him for doubting Nigel's report and the leader's judgement. He was usually more assertive, but he was never good at important speeches. "I just think we should be careful, I mean what if the Exalted let the prince have that information? I could be possible that they found out that he is with us." He laughed awkwardly, thinking how dumb the words that are coming out of his mouth sounds. It is hardly possible that Nigel could be found out after all this years, really like why would they find out now? this thought made him slap his head. Reinhardt thought about how conceited he seemed to try to make a suggestion in spite of being a new recruit.

"Uh... Thanks for listening." Reinhardt shrink back to the crowd. He sighed heavily, thinking that he made a bad second impression of sort. He tried the cheer himself up by thinking of being active in the upcoming operation, already making a small smile at the thought. "Yeah, and then they'll forgot all about this embarrassing moment." He whispered to himself and chuckled. Making the person beside him back away.

Nigel listened to Reinhardt's concerns, and it raced through his head. Could it be that he had become the unwitting accomplice in a trap set for them? Worries swim through his head once more, that he had been discovered, that he missed a step, that they planned the whole selection as a ploy to make him act, that all this time he's been allowed freedom was just for this. He turns pale and his face turns blank. He begins running a series of scenarios in his head. If Reinhardt were right, he would become a traitor, whether he intended to or not, and worse he'd be risking the people who trusted him, that had become comrades... friends. This is why he feared a leadership role.

"I... I..." He stutters, adjusting the collar of his suit. He remembered that the one, Balor, had always had their eye on him. But they couldn't know he's been a double agent for the resistance, they spend most of their time sleeping. "I've seen it myself, though, but... it is a strange place to break into, I admit... I mean breaking into a prison... i-is absurd... but... well, we must interfere with their supply as well."

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Mercy holds up a hand for the men to halt their actions. He looks down with a frown holding his head, running a hand across his hair and scratching the back of his head. He seems conflicted, uncertain at this point on what to do. This uncertainty is, however, brief, as a sudden jarring motion runs across his body.

Mercy looks into Vigil's eyes and leans back with a sigh. "To be perfectly honest, I believe you. You went without resistance, you could have used any number of traits your race has to escape. You don't seem like a bad person, maybe a tad disconnected is all, but that could just be a... racial trait for all I know." He admits earnestly, his tone growing weary. "But that doesn't change certain facts about what has been foretold. Whether I believe you or not... I am to do as I must to protect this land, to protect her."

He turns his back and looks over at the guards signaling them to take Vigil away and they react immediately to take him away. "Honestly, perhaps this is an opportune twist of fate," he mumbles. "You'll be closer to more things of curiosity." With that the men begin to take him out to the dungeon.

With the mention that the dungeon could be a trap, Godefray turned to Reinhardt before speaking. "You are right to think that this could be a possible trap, and even I thought that the information could be some type of trap. But we have to have to take the chance, if the information we had gathered is true then we have to take the risk, trap or no trap. It is our duty to beat the Exalted and I will not let a simple trap be the end of us. So even if this is a trap we will take down every single Exalted that jumps us, come out alive and show them that we are going to free the land from their control." He spoke with a large amount of vigor behind his words.

"So whatever the case, I still call it a win-win situation for us. We either eliminate the Exalted that was part of the trap or obtain vials of blood capable of giving us some sort of leverage on them. Of course I have full hope that it is not a trap and that the vials of blood are indeed hidden inside the dungeons. But thanks for speaking up Reinhardt, the ability to sense wenether something is amiss or not will be very helpful for you, especially for when you will become captain one day." Godray finsihed and gave and affirming nod that he was still dedicated on raiding the dungeon.

Admittedly it was a bit strange to be met with a warm welcome. Sure they probably wouldn't have gotten in if they had bad intentions, but still, it was a bit odd to be so forthcoming with supposedly secret plans when you didn't know the ones who just entered were friend or foe. Regardless, Helena managed to conjure up the effort to bow to her soon to-be comrades. Although she was skeptical, they seemed harmless enough and not worthy of caution.

Rina listened as the group filled them in on their plans, surprised that they were so readily trusting herself and Helena with such sensitive information. Truth be told, she got bored and tuned out a fair bit of the natter, but two main points stuck with her. First, the prince had been chosen to become one of the Exalted, and secondly the rebels had confirmed the whereabouts of the key ingredient to the process; Gabrielle's blood.

"If this is all true, then why are we all standing around gossiping?" Rina asked. "The prince only has so long until the ceremony!"

Nigel nodded his head. He had little other options than to agree. Time was of the essence, in more ways than for his own sake. "Yes, which gets to what I figure is the best course of action... two groups will be assembled, an infiltration and a backup in the case it is a trap. Thank you for your input by the way, Reinhardt." He holds up his hand and looks around. "As it was me who presented this in the first place, I nominate myself as part of the infiltration team. After all, if I go in first then there is a chance I'd give some diversion."

He then looks over the room then at Godafray. "I would ask that you be part of the backup team, in case things go awry, we would need someone to take immediate action." He didn't want to say that that he's also not exactly the most stealthy with all that armor.

"Now where will the rest group into?" He says holding out his hand among everyone gathered. "Remember, the key to the infiltration is stealth, we don't want to make a lot of noise or have too many people as part of infiltration."

Godefray nodded as Rina asked them they were still standing in this room. "Agreed, since there seems to be no more arguments we can say that we agree to partake in this operation." He spoke before he listened to Nigel as he though of a plan. After Nigel finished explaining his plan, Godefray spoke up. "I had already planned to be part of the backup team, I will gather a group of soldiers willing to come with me, anyone else who knows how to stay quiet and sneak around are welcome to join the infiltration team. Now for a signal when things go wrong, if anyone has the capability to use magic, launch something in the air like a fireball or whatever magic affinity you have into the air, but if not just yell for assistance and we will come running. Now gather your gear, we head out immediately!" He slammed his fist on his chestplate and the few fighters gathered in the room went over to his side to join up with their captain.

Reinhardt was glad that his opinion wasn't pushed aside and they actually thought about it. They considered the possibility and had decided to be careful and split into two teams so as to make sure that whatever the trap might be they'll see it coming.

Reinhardt went toward the backup team. "I have to make sure this uneasiness is just in my head." He looked uneasy for a moment as beads of sweat trickled down his cheek. If there's no trap then it's good, if there is... it's probably not something a moment of preparation can counteract against. Reinhardt could only brace himself for what's to come, still he is more than willing to play a big part in the mission. Looks like they've put aside some other missions for now. Reinhardt checked his reflection in his sword, still looking a bit nervous. He shook his head and grinned before putting the sword back in its sheath.

Nigel nods his head. "Right then, we are to disembark immediately." He heads to the doorway, signaling the barkeep to close up behind them and looks out for a patrol. It looks clear, oddly enough, a strange feeling comes across him. To his knowledge there should have been a patrol just passing here. Something must have happened, gotten their attention elsewhere. Regardless, he looks back to the others to move forward and heads out into the streets carefully, an eye towards the Mordaine castle.

"Where is the patrols," he mutters, looking nervous. The streets were silent, when not long ago did they echo with footsteps. He slips up by the main gate and peeks in through the bars. He noticed something occurring near the royal dungeons causing a pause. Several guards were escorting a prisoner. Some of the younger recruits kept some distance looking reluctant to get closer as the rest take Vigil into the dungeon where he is most likely put into incarceration.

Nigel signals the others to get by the wall and wait. After a moment the soldiers exit and much of them disperse for their patrols. "That was... strange," he comments looking to the others. "Whoever that was, they really had them rattled." With that he moves some bushes and opens a latch under the gate wall revealing a dark hidden passageway, likely intended for evacuation in case of invaders, not that it was any good when it actually happened.

"Never thought I'd use this to sneak into that place," he mutters, creating a small fire in his hand for light as he heads in front.

As Godefray finished gathering his team, he and everyone else letf the bar and onto the dark streets outside. What struck him as strange was the absence of the patrols, normally they would be hearing the footsteps of the Exalted guards but all they heard was the unnatural silence. He had decided that they must have rounded up some poor sap who broke curfew and decided to keep moving towards the dungeon.

Soon they arrived near the dungeon and noticed several guards escorting a prisoner. He or she must have been the cause for the guards absence, but knowing that the dungeon they were about to assault had a prisoner he wanted to save that person. "Alright, if you guys can try to save that person they just incarcerated. Another possible recruit is always welcome, or if they decide not to join at least we saved someone from the clutches from the Exalted." He chuckled a bit as he took position in the shadows of an alleyway, they were the backup team and they were going to assist in case the infiltration team got into trouble.

"Alright...Have to remember that this is a combat operation. Not a leisurely stroll through the woods to find a supply route." He told himself as he waited for a signal.

At Rina's insistence, she and Helena had volunteered to be a part of the infiltration team. The sorceress had reasoned with her companion that she was very capable of casting a fireball to act as a signal flare for the backup should they be discovered. They followed the group of rebels through the streets, Rina looking around every so often like when she had been sneaking around earlier.

Likewise, Helena was not too far behind Rina and the group; having taken the decision upon herself to watch their backs. She wasn't exactly ecstatic about infiltrating supposed enemy territory (especially if she wasn't familiar with the place) and had wanted to argue against getting in the thick of things, but Rina always had a way with words when the need arose and so Helena had reluctantly agreed -- despite the dangers. With a reassuring nod towards her companion, Helena awaited further orders.

Nigel watches Vigil's skill and delicate tact in retrieving Bolin's gear, then tranquilizing the guard with minimal drama. To say he was impressed would be an understatement, he was in jaw-dropping awe. It reminded him some of Mercy's talents to disable an opponent, but it was far more subtle than that, requiring no strike but a mere touch. "You have some interesting magic, Vigil, like a phantom or shadow," he says finally, tempted to ask for training. He then turns his head, hearing Bolin speak about locking back the doors for the sake of the guards. He figured they'd know either way, and are not seen to punish their recruits either way. He proceeds to close the doors anyways, requiring little effort. "Let us head onward then... we seem all prepared now."

With this he continues onward into the tunnel, still pondering over if this was too easy, or if they were too skilled. When he comes out, he looks out to where the backup team had remained, but something walked in front, standing there in the way was a familiar figure. It was Mercy, soon surrounded by soldiers ready to jump in. He holds up and arm and motions for them to space out, and despite their confusion, they comply. He looks out at Nigel then back to where the backup team was hidden and lets out an audible sigh.

"So you really have betrayed us, Nigel," he says, a clear tone of disappointment in his voice as he stares right at Nigel. "Or rather, you were never one of us to begin with."

Nigel was frozen in place for a moment, it took a moment to grasp the situation. It was a trap, but not by the entire Exalted, only Mercy, he was wanting to isolate the resistance himself, to try to stop them himself, it was... how he was even before the indoctrination as an Exalted. He liked to diffuse situations. "Erich, you saw what they did when they came here, the destruction and the takeover... does-"

"I give you all a chance to surrender, I don't want to use force but I will if necessary," Mercy says, wiping his forehead. "I promise you will be treated fairly."

Bolin listens to Mercy speak as he get rest of his armor out of his pack and finishes dressing himself for battle and makes sure he has his Flash-flames and smoke bombs in the pouches on his belt before putting his pack on his back.

Slowly making his way forward till he is beside Nigel, so he can ask him what he plans to do now they have been caught.

As Balor leads Jonathan to the main royal gates, Nigel feels that burning sensation again, turning his head slowly to catch a glimpse of her. She was not in a form familiar to him, but she felt the same as the monster he had been near for a time now. His mouth goes agape, reaching for his bow, arming it and taking aim. His hands trembling. She pauses and casts a glance to him. "You... you knew all along, didn't you," Nigel growls, his tone both frightened and agitated, a feeling of being played this entire time washes over him. In a moment he struggles, hesitant, part of him not desiring to hate the tyrant, but another wanting to erase her from the throne no matter the cost.

"Mind... them not... they are... noth-ing," Balor says to Jonathan, a tone cold and dispassionate. She then looks to Vigil, causing a twitch in her expression, as if she were shocked for a moment before heading forward into the castle gates. "So it begins..."

Nigel held frozen with his bow, his skin bleached, as if he's seen death. Mercy sees this and charges him, and in like a blink, disarms him and shoves him back to the others. "Make this easier for yourselves and just surrender."

The prince has been thrown into a loop, this had gone wrong and he knew it. He had hoped not to fight but the situation was providing little other options. He snapped a spark into the air, signaling that it went awry.