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Moloch Markus

"My dreams and goals will be fulfilled. Woe be unto any in my way." - King Moloch of Drake City

0 · 417 views · located in The Old World

a character in “Crowns & Swords”, as played by almostinsane

Description

Moloch Markus


Image

Where?
King of Drake City

Gender
Male

Age

25

Personality
Moloch is royalty and he knows it. He thinks that false modesty is for fools unfit for their position in life. Domineering and stubborn, once Moloch sets his heart on something, there are few that can turn him from his course. Moloch believes in his own right to rule as it is his nature and birthright. Moloch is politically and socially savvy, able to judge the motivations of those he is talking to just from speaking with them for five minutes. Moloch is also keen on strategizing, preferring to have a plan in place before he says or does anything. However, Moloch is not a cool-headed as he thinks. Like his father before him, he has a volatile temper and arrogance to mach which can blind him. He also has a love for battle and violence. Despite these traits, however, Moloch does care for the few people close to him and his city, including his family.

Brief Description

Moloch is about 6"1 and has short dark hair. His frame is generally strong, but flexible.

Skill(s)/Abilities

Moloch's chief skills are that of a politician and strategist. He is able to read people's emotions well and he exploits this mercilesslly off and on the battlefield. His understanding of tactics are supberb when his emotions are not in the way and in battle, his skills as a warrior are something to be reckoned with.

Likes
Ruling over his people
Getting his way
Politics
Tactics
Diplomacy
Strategy
Sparring and Jousting
Reading
Entertainment

Dislikes

Being taken by surprise
Fooled
Foolishness
His people and his loved ones being hurt

Fears
Failing his people.

What do they wish for most?

To unite the lands under him and order them about for the greater good

History
Moloch was born to the King and Queen of Drake City and was groomed to succeed his father since day one. As such, he was taught that he would inherit the city one day and have the role of its caretaker, lord, master, and judge. From an early age, however, Moloch saw the ways the city's nobles eyed his family, like wolves waiting for the slightest sign of weakness. Foreign dignitaries too would eye the city and the throne enviously, causing Moloch to take to his studies with gusto. He learned how to run the city and read its people while simultaneously manipulating them. He also came to the conclusion that the King of Drake City would either expand his dominion or he would bow to another.
A year ago, Moloch's father and mother were poisoned, part of a conspiracy involving a couple of nobles and agents from the Kingdom of Baldore. Only he and his brother, Adrian, survived. Quickly, Moloch uncovered the truth and upon his coronation, as his family's guests drank the toast to his good health, the nobles responsible and the diplomats from Baldore fell dead from the very poison they used to murder his and Adrian's family. Now, Moloch seeks to expand, starting with the goal of eventually conquering the Kingdom of Baldor. To do this, he will bring the surrounding cities and kingdoms to heel through marriage, alliances, blackmail, and, of course, conquest.

Crush
He likes many beautiful women, but there are a couple who have piqued his interest.

So begins...

Moloch Markus's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Niall Callhoun Character Portrait: Moloch Markus
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Moloch Markus


Bermuda City. Truly, it was a beautiful city, though nowhere near as magnificent or powerful as Drake City. Still, they were good trading partners and its king had chosen to ally with Drake City rather than suffer the fate of Mexico Land or the Celtic Lands. Truly, it must be disconcerting, to see one's neighbors fall to the growing power of a city that had until now proven only to be an economic power. Queen Stormborn, like her father before her, failed to grasp the need to think before acting. Her military power was boosted, but at the expense of her credibility to foreign heads of state. Meanwhile, despite his rhetoric to the military and nobility, Moloch had proven cautious. His treaty with the young Queen had netted him the disputed territory northwest of Drake City, followed soon afterward with the purchase of land near St. Helena City. To the world stage, he appeared to be a more dependable ally and a shield against the Stormborns. After all, it had been he who had slain old King Stormborn in battle.

For now, though, he had turned his mind to smaller nations. The Gadalka were a proud and tough race. Landless, they survived against all odds. There was much they could offer him. There was much he could offer them. It was for this reason he was approaching their camp, hooded and cloaked, counting on them to stop him and bring him before the Seer.


Niall Callhoun


Bards were not so different from the Gadalka. Thus, it was only natural that he be drawn to their camp. There were other people, of course, people from Bermuda City who came to trade. Here, Niall simply wanted to rest and forget. The Life-Force was strong here. It called to him and reminded him of the College of Bards, the physical one, where the old masters met and the students mingled once every year. Now, he just wanted to sleep. As he neared, he began to sing.

"Our [C] land is changing no [F] more can I [C] lie
and [C] pretend it's [G] all for the [C] better
gone are the days of shillelagh and fairies
down in the grave with our heroe's

[F]Celtic Land of old is [C]gone for some
[G] Celtic Land of old is[C]gone

The old ones are dying so too are the young
the price of life is soaring
what of the many who are left behind
to struggle wuth lifes daily burden"

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5L1VgNwNFw)

A tear rolled down his eye.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Alexander DeBious Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Kindema Trolika
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Kindema Trolika

Kindema was a great hunter, no one who knew her could deny that. However, as a teacher, she was as skilled as she was at sewing. Both usually ended with her having a headache. Right now, she was out on a practice hunt with a youngling named Jurganu. He was supposedly in need of a teacher to teach him how to better use his bow, and from what she saw, he needed a lot of help.
"No," She said for the tenth time that hour, "You are holding the bow as if it would bite you. Hold it as if it were an extension of yourself." After that he seemed better. She spotted a doe, "See that one over there?" He nodded, "I'll throw the stone, you take the shot." A common practice was for the archer to throw a stone so the deer would look up, and then an arrow right in the eye, painless and quick. However, after she threw the stone, the deer looked up and he fired, missing by around three feet. "No, No, NO!" She yelled and then told him to get back.
"Like this." She threw the stone at another doe close by, and once it looked up, she let the arrow loose, and the deer was down in a fraction of a second. "See, no hesitation." She ordered him to collect the body, and once he returned, she put it on her back. "Look, you have improved and sorry for yelling, but remember we are the source of meat besides banditry, and if you ever do that, i'll string you up by your toes." She smiled, and felt a pang in her right hand. It was a bit sore after punching an outsider pervert of her caravan a few days ago.
Once they reached a place near an opening, she left the deer on the ground near the skinner she knew best and sent Jurganu on his way home. She then went on her way to see the seeress, but saw a man trying to enter the gates. She didn't see the guards, so she decided to action in her own hands, and took out an arrow and strung it. She was about twenty feet from him.
"From here I can hit your eye, your heart, or your manhood. Unhook and reveal yourself or pick which I hit first."

Alexander DeBious

Alexander was in the market place of Labrador City, a beautiful place with great vendors and if looking for the right service, great women. He was raised here, so obviously he knew his way around. It was actually a rare thing that he got to visit now ever sinse he was made a knight-in-training he was usually training or in prayer or other so called important tasks. He was glad for the day off, and happier he choose to visit here. Last time he got free days, he went into the Gadalka, at night obviously. It had its benefits to be sneaky. He didn't even mean to enter that woman's tent, but he thought he heard someone coming and he made a quick choice.
Yes, he did see the woman changing her clothing, completely naked, and after she turned around, her wild hair was not what he was looking at. She yelled at him, and then proceded to beat on him, all the while calling him things he hadn't heard before. When he scrambed out, he was bleeding, and if she wasn't naked, she would have probably come out and kill him.
So questions happened when he came back with a black eye, and large bumbs on his head, which he thankfully could avoid. Another great thing about being raised by whores, he could lie very easily to men, but to women he had a harder time. After buying an apple, something that six years ago would have seemed crazy, he decided to see if he could get into the castle to see his lovely princess, Aldea. Yes, he was partially obsessed, but hey... Every great knight needs a princess.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Nadya Albescu Character Portrait: Matushka Albescu Character Portrait: Moloch Markus
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The men were preparing to start their rounds for the night, there was always someone at night to guard the mouth of the camp. The Gadalka always circled the wagons in the caravan at night, the light for the flames of the camp fires were dancing over the entire camp. Most of the children were either, settling down for the night or being chased home by their mothers. Nadya how ever was old enough that her aunt wasn't going to come chasing after her telling her to go to bed. She had settled herself in a tree right by the mouth of the camp her mandolin in had strumming a few chords here and there.

"Nadya don't stay all night in the tree your aunt gives me fits when you do that" said a voice.

Nadya sat up and looked down at her uncle, she smiled.

"Okay uncle Emilian I wont" she strummed to loud chords as he shook his head, chuckled and walked away.

She loved her uncle he was like a father to her, in fact she had very few memories of her own father, people always said that her uncle and her father were very close. She went back to strumming and began to hum along with a song that she had heard many times and had been sung by her people for many generations.

That's when there was a commotion with the guards, Nadya looked up from her hiding place. A man had walked up to the mouth of the camp, he was cloaked so that would explain the nervousness of the guards. She slid down the trunk of the tree, a small cloud of dust coming up when her bare feet hit the ground. She weaved in between two wagons and moved closer so she could hear what as going on.

"What is your business here sir?" asked the guard.

Nadya came around so she could perhaps get a glimpse of the mans face, he was a tall man dark hair a well kept beard. She could tell he was a wealthy man why would he come here unless he was here to visit some of the more "loose" women of the camp. But there was something about this man that intrigued Nadya.

"Nadya what are you doing, go home who ever this is could be dangerous" now blocking her view was her cousin Milosh.

Even though they were both the same age he always treated her like he did his little sisters.

"I am not a child Milosh, and if he was dangerous he would have done something already", she crossed her arms across her chest.

"Just because you are next in line to be Seeress doesn't mean you get to act like you are in charge. You have to learn that sometimes bad things can come under the guise of good, or look innocent before you find yourself stabbed in the back." he said.

She new it was his general concern for her, but she did not treat her place in the Gadalka as Seeress as a way to get to do what she wanted. If she had her way she would ask the Gods to take her ability to see the future away. The thought of knowing anything before it happened always scared her.

"Fiiine Nadya if you don't want to go home at least go to grand mama's cart if this man has any business here that is where they will take him" Milosh always hated to see her pout.

Nadya smiled really big and the quickly pecked Milosh on the cheek, he was right of course but she would never let him know that she thought that. She began to skip toward Grand mama Matushka's wagon, hoping she will be able to find out what's going on. As she peeped her head into the open door she smiled. Matushka sat in her rocking chair blowing a pipe in her mouth and rings of smoke hovering above her head.

"Nadya... wipe your feet" said Matushka.

Nadya sighed and did as she was told, no matter how hard she tired to sneak up on her old blind great grandmother it never worked and she always new it was her.

"Yes grand mama" she said as she stepped in.

"Come sit with me child they will bring him here" Matushka pointed her arthritic bony finger and a pile of colorful pillows on the floor next to her.

It never failed Matushka knew all, and she knew that whoever the man was she was going to have to talk to him. So Nadya full of curiosity sat down where she was told to sit to wait for the mysterious visitor.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Nadya Albescu Character Portrait: Niall Callhoun Character Portrait: Matushka Albescu Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Kindema Trolika
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Moloch Markus

Sure enough, he was stopped by one of the Gadalkas. Unusual for them, it appeared that she was a female, beautiful too and light-skinned. She may be of mixed-heritage. His spies had told them that while they are a matriarchal society, most of their hunters were male. It made a sort of sense. Men were the more physical of the two genders, but that was never a concrete rule. Lady Bellona, the Goddess of War, was female, taking the form of a small girl in order to teach her followers that one should never be misled by how things seemed. There was a significant minority of female warriors in his own forces, after all. He smiled at her threats.

"I think that harming me would prove detrimental to your people, as satisfying as it might be. Trust me, there are many that would like to see me dead," he told her, slowing his gait as he reached the camp, stopping as another guard opposed him. He bowed and took off his hood. Reaching in his pouch, he flipped a gold coin towards the first hunter, one of the Sovereigns his city produced for its currency.

"I'm sure you can see the resemblance. If not, then let me say that I run the most magnificient city in the world and, as such, I have a great many enemies far too few allies. I have a proposal for the great Matushka, whom I have heard nothing but good things about. Of course, I could leave..."

He smiled as he saw one of the guards grab one of his limbs, firmly escorting him to a more well-taken care of caravan. For all intents and purposes, he behaved as though he were in control of the situation. Of course, he was.

Before him were two figures, an older one dressed much like her own people, but with the aura of authority much like his own. He bowed his head respectfully and squelched the protestations of his pride. If Matushka was everything he heard she was, then she deserved his respect and, more importantly, his fear that she would turn her power against him. Beside her was another female, pretty, but uncomfortable. She lacked confidence. If that continued, her enemies would easily conquer her. For her sake, he hoped she gained some. Unless, of course, she made him an enemy.

"Your people are on their guard," he complimented, "I have a proposal for you, if you'd listen."

Niall Callhoun


Niall seemed to receive a less hostile welcome. Perhaps it was his manner. He was tired and broading. His manner mirrored that of an old man who had seen too much. Really, he knew he was sulking, but he didn't care. He heard of his people now marching under their conquerors' banner. It boiled his blood. Did they forget about the Bards? Their beliefs? Their traditions? He spoke with a guard quietly.

"I am a magic-user of some skill. I'm willing to heal those who need it for food and shelter for the night," he told him plainly, "If you desire currency, I am afraid my skills are all I have."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Adrian Markus Character Portrait: Adela Adelmar Character Portrait: Moloch Markus
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Adrian Markus


Adrian was just arriving in Labrador City. His mission, as assigned by his brother, was to woo the princess and gain an ally for Drake City. What happened between Adela and him afterward was up to them. The city was beautiful, of course, but in Adrian's eyes it was dull compared to his home. He traipsed through the city leisurely, his personal guards not far behind, and took in the sights, sounds, and smells of the foreign land.

It wasn't long before he reached the castle, and the guards reassembled themselves so they were both behind and in front of him. As the doors opened, his arrival was announced by his head guard.

"Prince Adrian Markus of Drake City!"

He didn't know what he expected, but the scene in front of him wasn't it. It was true, his visit was unexpected, but he had still anticipated a bit more than that. They should really get better spies in Labrador, Adrian thought.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Adrian Markus Character Portrait: Adela Adelmar Character Portrait: Nadya Albescu Character Portrait: Niall Callhoun Character Portrait: Tobias Adelmar Character Portrait: Alexander DeBious
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Kindema

While the man spoke, she did not take her eyes off the shot. She was about ready to take it when he reached for something,but the coin he threw seemed innocent enough. When she lowered her bow, he was being taken to the seeress by Nadya and a platoon of guards. While she harbors no ill feelings towards the girl, she was taking a man to see the seeress directly, what of he were an assassin. She knew the seeress to be well, and while thinking of her as close, she did believe that she was not leadership material, too soft. She would never say thing to her, if she was picked the she was picked, nothing to do about it.
She was about to follow them into the seeress tent when a guard came to her, explaining that another person was in the camp. He explained he was a magic user who openly admitted himself. This she could appreciate. She walked up to where the man was standing by the guard and dismissed the guard.
"So you are throne who freely ad it's to sneaking to our camp," She started and looked him over, "Well welcome to the tribe. I am Kidema of the clan Trolika, though most call me Dema. Our seeress says that magic is a noble art, and anyone who comes to us with that is a guest, and I apologize for not noticing you earlier. What brings you to our camp?" She asked earnestly. She was told stories on how one with magic could be stronger than any other, and she liked the idea of seeing such a person for herself.

"Perhaps," she thought, "He could be a great ally."


Alexander

Alexwas made that he couldn't see the princess, Offical business The guards told him. But he saw the men enter the palace. They were probably trying to get princess Adela to marry, and this boiled his blood, "The knight must end with the princess. He thought.
So, thinking quickly, he decided to sneak around in the palace. A feat both difficult and fun if one knew what they were doing. The palace was supported by high rafters that span almost the entire complex, and while a very tight space could be navigated if o e was small enough. So for once inhis life, he was glad about his size and started his way to the knight keep in the palace. It was one of the only places he had access to, given his rank, but it would work.
He made sure that no one was around, and hoped onto the rafter of the building and walked it until it connected to a upstairs window. He climbed out the window, and made his way over to the main part of the castle, and snuck through a open window in the kitchen. He hid until the chef had left and then hoped onto several tables and then the rafter. Crawling on his knees, he made in his way upon high, where fortunately, very few people looked.
He watched The party enter the map room, and he was quick on catching up. The room itself wasn't to high,so he had to make sure he was quiet as a mouse, less he get the paddle or worse. He was stiff as a board and tried to listen to the conversation, while trying not to sneeze on the dust up in the rafters.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Himiko Hatsumomo Character Portrait: Katsura Shiraishi Character Portrait: Niall Callhoun Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Masaki Mizuno Wa Character Portrait: Ulfar Leiknir
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Niall Callhoun

The feast hall was different from what he had grown used to in his youth, but Niall had gotten used to the nature of the people he now entertained soon enough. These were simple people: mead, food, sex, and, of course, war, were their past times. He remembered what the Bard had told him about these people, how they once posed a threat to the Celts, but were defeated. Then, as was their nature, each clan sought power when their king died, leaving no heirs. They were harsh as the mountains that forged them. Yet, they were rich in the Life Force, their lives short and violent, but shining bright, like the sparks of a campfire on a cold winter's night.

He played for them. There was the usual fare of praising Ulfar's skill in battle (and in bed), his skill with the sword, his cunning mind when it came to battle, his fierceness in battle, his great leadership qualities, his mercy (in giving his opponents an honorable death after he burned their villages to the ground and in taking sniveling thralls as slaves instead of punishing them for their cowardice), and of his great riches and worth.

"Skald! Sing of Ragarok," one of the warriors shouted, drawing murmurs from some of his fellows. He was obviously drunk. Niall sighed slightly. Bards or Skalds in the Fyrkat tongue were respected, but they could still be forced to do things they did not want to do, such as sing of the Death of the Seven Worlds and the Gods.

"Ragnarok is but one leaf off the Great Tree. It need not happen as long as men and gods refuse to accept it," he stated tiredly. Arguing this point here was like arguing with a stone wall.

"Thrall! Think you know better than Odin-One-Eye?" the same warrior growled. Niall was about to retort when he heard the knocking of the door. He smiled slightly.

"Keeping a guest waiting is an insult to Odin, isn't it? Go on and answer it. It might be the All-Father himself," he stated. The warrior flushed and a few of his fellows laughed as he stumbled to the hall.

Moloch Markus

These mountains were far from Drake City and civilized lands, but Moloch knew that if he played his cards right, he could gain not one, but two sets of allies if his spies' information was correct. And they always were. He made sure of it. The warriors of the fort were suspicious, particularly at the sight of his bodyguard. No more than ten men wearing the finest armor and wielding the finest armor, both made from dragon ore, the fossilized remains of great dragons of old.

The people of the mountains were naturally suspicious. Thus, Moloch was made to swear before his gods and theirs he meant no harm and would not attack, but he added the perquisite that he was released from his oath upon being attacked. Some were insulted. Some respected that. As it was, he was led to the Chieftain's Hall/Keep, a few slaves he bought from Drake City carrying a chest that was his gift to the Chieftain, Ulfar Leiknar. He needed to tread cautiously. The chieftain was intelligent but fierce. Both presented their own challenges. As the door opened, one of the clansmen escorting him grunted.

"This outsider states he has business with Ulfar. He comes bearing a gift and the laws of Odin state we must bring him to Ulfar. The gift better be good, outsider. Ulfar is not renowned for his patience," the man stated as he tried to pry the chest open. Moloch gripped his wrist.

"Would you insult your lord that you'd look at his gift before him? Are you a god in disguise to presume primacy over him?" Moloch asked lightly. The man glared at him, then paled as he took in his words. He was led into the hall. He smiled pleasantly.

"Your people do themselves credit, both in their observance of the gods and their observance of their duty to you, Great Chieftain. I apologize for the abruptness of my arrival, but need seldom allows for niceties. I come bearing a gift to make up for it and as a gesture of friendship from Drake City," Moloch announced solemnly. Sincerity was the best route with these people. Any hint of deceit would embitter them towards him.

He gestured for the slaves to open the chest, presenting armor forged from the very best dragon ore, reserved for the highest nobility of Drake City. It was tough, but could be adjusted for bulk. Upon its helmet were three great drake stones. Whoever wore this armor was not just well-protected. He made a claim at supremacy. His own helmet was emblazoned as such.

He regarded the other foreigners in this hall. As he expected. He smiled, "I have to admit, it is a pleasant surprise to see the People of Wa venture out of their Kingdom. I hope this means they have taken in account the movements of South Pacific Kingdom."

Niall watched the man. He had made all the right moves for a visitor who came unannounced, but he could sense he wanted something. Something that Clan Leiknar could offer him and there was only one commodity they had in abundance: Warriors.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Himiko Hatsumomo Character Portrait: Katsura Shiraishi Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Masaki Mizuno Wa Character Portrait: Ulfar Leiknir Character Portrait: Tyra Leiknir
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(collaborated with Turtlesoup)

Masaki looked up as if slightly surprised that Tyra was asking him to spar. He was so accustomed to soldiers being sheepish about asking him to spar due to him being the Emperor's son. He was also considered the descendant of the sun goddess so that made others very hesitant to so much as place a scratch on him. But once he made most aware that all was well and that they should practice with him as an equal, the ice would melt and they felt better.

Masaki was somewhat in awe of Tyra's boldness and mindset of treating even a foreign emperor's son as an equal. He liked it when people didn't pamper him. He smiled and stood to his feet. After giving a deep bow and a pound on his chest, in an effort to mimic the gestures of the foreign soldiers, he spoke.

"I humbly accept your challenge Lady Tyra. I primarily use a bow and arrow in battle but I will opt for a boken if that is alright."

Tyra smiled cockily as Masaki accepted her challenge. Gripping her two wooden weapons tightly. "A boken?" She asked confused. "What's that?"

Masaki gave a slightly embarrassed smile and whisked a few strands of hair behind his ear. He had forgotten that Wa's weaponry was also slightly different than that of Fyrkat's. "A boken is a wooden practice katana or sword. Is this weapon acceptable?"

Tyra hefted the wooden axe in one hand, eager to get the match started. "I can't see why not. If it's wooden then it's allowed." This was proving to be even better then she'd hoped. Masaki using the weapon of his own people would be an even greater thrill.

Masaki, still smiling, bowed in respect to Tyra. Katsura then brought to him Masaki's Boken. Katsura after giving it to Masaki, smiled and said in hi snative tounge, "Be careful. Remember this is a practice match and that she may be stronger than you'd expect. and to have fun." Katsura smiled at both Tyra and Masaki before standing back. Many soldier on both sides seemed to turn their attention to this duel as well.

Masaki thought to himself, 'I suppose we will have to give them our gifts later. Oh well, Masaki focus on the duel and nothing else'. Masaki took a battle stance and replied to Tyra. "I am ready now."

Tyra copied the bow, her form still awkward in the movement. "Then let's do it." Without warning she let out a shout and crossed her arm against herself and swung her axe rapidly towards Masaki's arm. Her sword arm left ready to push forwards behind it.

Masaki had decided to spend time observing rather than making any heavily offensive moves yet. Tyra was a bit tricky to read. She gave the impression that she'd attack wildly yet in that wild display hid much tact and planned movement. A deadly strategy indeed.

Masaki opted to evade as best he could by jumping backward, then sidestepping to the right. Then he quickly positioned his boken horizontally in front of him and thrusted forward toward Tyra in an effort to ram her from the right side. It was an unorthodox move for him, but it allowed him more time to figure her out before he committed to outright attacking.
Tyra had to move fast to dodge the counterattack spinning herself off to one side to avoid the wooden sword but as she moved Tyra span herself wildly around and once again her axe was swinging, this time towards the boken which she quickly hooked with her axe and shifted the blades angle pressing her sword in once again though this time aiming for the metal covering Masaki's chest. She had to give it to him, so far he was proving to be a worthy opponent.

Masaki wasn't expecting her to rechamber so quickly, let alone in such a manner. She was truly creative in her movements. Masaki had never fought an opponent like her before. He then realized that her fighting style didn't allow him the luxury of analyzing her before committing to attacking. It was all or nothing but his embarrassment.

Before he knew it Tyra's axe had hooked his boken and reeled him into a sword to the chest. The impact knocked the air out of him a bit. He was now somewhat face to face with Tyra and she could see the surprise on his pristine face. He spoke in the common tongue, "A notch to you." before he forcefully raised his boken upward knocking her axe and sword upward as well. He then gave a thrust kick toward Tyra's torso.

Tyra couldn't help but smile at the prince's surprise, lowering her guard for the moment he needed to lift their weapons upwards and leave her chest entirely unguarded. She took the boot heavy and reeled several feet backwards before catching her balance again.

She winced slightly at the winding but was quick to raise her weapons again. Masaki was definitely on the defensive and his large weapon was leaving her few options for attack and it was unlikely that the same trick would work twice. Instead Tyra rushed in once more sweeping her axe towards the boken, sword ready to follow behind.

Masaki decided it was time to attack as well. He charged forward hoping to avoid Tyra's axe attack to his Boken but it was unsuccessful. The axe struck his boken with great force and sent it to to the ground. Like before, her sword was ready for the follow up attack, yet Masaki had no problem using his hands. As her sword thrusted forward, Masaki evaded only slightly and made sure to remain close to Tyra. He locked Tyra's sword wielding arm with his own and quickly disarmed her of her sword. He then disengaged and leapt backward to put space in between the two once more. Now with no weapon, Masaki prepared to attempt to disarm Tyra of her Axe.

Tyra had somewhat expected Masaki's dodge but hadn't expected him to grab hold of her arm instead, yelping in pain slightly as his arms wrapped firmly around hers and forced her to let go of the short wooden sword.

She began passing the axe between her hands, ready to attack the now open Masaki, totaly ignoring his obvious skill in hand to hand combat. Suddenly Tyra launched forward again swinging her axe downwards at her opponent aiming for his shoulder her free hand, preparing for a counterattack.

Masaki was quite excited. Tyra was excellent and forced him to think outside of the box. If she fought like this, then Ulfar’s enemies must truly be something to behold as well. As Tyra's axe swing swiftly approached Masaki's shoulder he needed to move and fast. He ducked down and moved in toward Tyra to strike her up close and avoid a hit that would potentially dislocate a shoulder. He Successfully landed a forceful palm to her torso at the same time her counter attack struck him hard in the jaw knocking him staggering to his left holding his jaw. No one had ever struck Masaki that hard in the face before. It actually scared him for a moment.

Tyra felt the wind knocked out of her and almost totally lost her footing, staggering back several steps before managing to compose herself, leaning over and resting her arms on her knees, dropping the axe lightly to the floor. The crowd around them had fallen silent as the two heirs fought to keep their composure.

"Ow." Tyra eventually spoke standing herself up with a massive grin across her face, her non throbbing hand extended out to her opponent. "Masaki, if all Wa soldiers fight like you then I would be honoured to fight alongside you." The smile hadn't dissipated from her despite her visibling wincing from the pain in her chest.

Masaki remained slightly leaned over and huffed as he tried to catch his breath. He rubbed his jaw in an effort to soothe the throbbing pain left there. He smiled with the utmost cheer and accepted her extended her hand with his own. "I must say, I learned so much from you today! Thank you very much! It is a great honor to fight at your side as well! No one has ever struck my face as hard as you did! You are very strong."

Hatsumomo, who stood near Ulfar, stated calmly, "The nobles of Wa would have someone boiled in a pot of hot oil for striking the prince like that. Tyra got away with murder, hahaha... I'd say she was the winner." She chuckled.

Tyra nodded in agreement. "I learned a lot too! I would love to learn how you use the..." She struggled to remember the word. "catananana?" She ventured uncertain. "I can show you how to use our weapons if you'd like?" she asked beaming once again.

Ulfar was mimicing his daughter's smile as the soldiers erupted in cheers for the young royals. Atleast her grudges would be put aside now. He turned towards Hatsumomo as she spoke his eyebrow raised. "Pot of oil? In Fyrkat if that had happened outside of this sort of fight it was a question of honour settled by real combat between the two concerned. Much less hassle." Ulfar smiled to the Geisha. After the practice sparring concluded, the Leiknir people had a sudden visit by another Foreigner."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Himiko Hatsumomo Character Portrait: Katsura Shiraishi Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Masaki Mizuno Wa Character Portrait: Ulfar Leiknir Character Portrait: Tyra Leiknir
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Ulfar and Tyra Leiknir

Ulfar clapped proudly along with the cheering of the men who were excitedly slapping Tyra’s back in congratulations. The moment was interrupted however as the doors to the hall flew open announcing a new arrival. Ulfar’s joyous smile fell slowly as he weighed up the men now entering the room, the circle of men opening to allow them entry.

"Your people do themselves credit, both in their observance of the gods and their observance of their duty to you, Great Chieftain. I apologize for the abruptness of my arrival, but need seldom allows for niceties. I come bearing a gift to make up for it and as a gesture of friendship from Drake City,"

Tyra’s smile had disappeared, her hands now gripping her axes at her waist this man reeked of deceit and trickery. Loki himself may as well have just walked into the room, she circled him several times eyeing him up as she did so, checking for any sort of hidden weapon.

Ulfar ignored his daughter’s reaction and really wasn’t surprised at her reaction, he too had noticed the burning fire in the man’s eyes, an offer of friendship perhaps but this man had come to Leiknir for one reason alone and friendship was not his goal. “I hope they treated you well, King Moloch.” He answered as he walked towards the Drake King. “I hope the gods were kind to your travel across the mountains. A gift of friendship you say?” he asked looking over to the chest, his face showing no emotion.

“And what could make the Drake King himself need to travel so far north across treacherous land?” Ulfar asked already knowing the real answer, the same reason anyone allied with a Fyrkat clan, warriors. Although trade did happen between the clans and Labrador city on occasion it was rare for anyone to specifically ask for weapons to be made, dwarves did not work for cheap.

Tyra had stopped circling by now, her curiosity now turning to the contents of the chest. Wrinkling her nose at the heavy and cumbersome armour she withdrew the shining helmet, running her fingers across the three inlaid gemstones. Peering through the eyeholes Tyra tested its weight before placing it lightly on her head, tapping it slightly to test its comfort.

“And what would the Leiknir clan have to gain from such a meeting?” Ulfar asked continuing to ignore his daughter. “I am also interested to know what exactly it is that makes the Leiknir useful to Drake City. Your war is over is it not?”

Tyra removed the helmet her ruffled by the dragon-bone metal but her demeanour towards Moloch had not changed; she didn’t trust him and could only see bad ends to this man’s wants, he carried the eyes of deceit as if Loki himself had just walked into the room wishing to speak with her father. War Tyra could live with, all war was the same to her regardless of who was involved but diplomacy was never her strong point. Replacing the helmet in the chest she moved to stand next to her father, begrudgingly staying quiet, her hands still firmly gripping her axes.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Himiko Hatsumomo Character Portrait: Katsura Shiraishi Character Portrait: Niall Callhoun Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Masaki Mizuno Wa Character Portrait: Ulfar Leiknir
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Moloch

Moloch was careful to show no anger or annoyance as the Leiknir sized him up and down with suspicion. Truthfully, he was a bit bothered that neither the Chieftain nor his daughter seemed impressed with his gift. It was the very best set of armor he could offer them short of his own. No matter, he had a few moves left. Diplomacy was his bread and butter, as it were.

“And what could make the Drake King himself need to travel so far north across treacherous land? And what would the Leiknir clan have to gain from such a meeting? I am also interested to know what exactly it is that makes the Leiknir useful to Drake City. Your war is over is it not?"

"Fair questions, Great Chieftain, although I am sure you can come to the answers yourself. Drake City has stood alone against the attacks of its neighbors, like a great jewel gleaming in the night, but it has proven much more formidable than her enemies could ever have imagined. It was at my hands that the King of the South Atlantic Kingdom fell and their armies crushed. His daughter was forced to sue for peace and I was forced to accept as I turned my attention on the South Pacific Kingdom as its king thought that he could seize my throne while my forces were weakened. My forces proved him wrong."

He paused for a moment, allowing his audience to take a minute to imagine far-off battles. Then he continued.

"Of course, my enemies thought they could lull me in a false sense of security by ceding small tidbits of territory while they gathered their forces. Queen Amelia Stormborn has proven remarkably skilled or lucky as she invaded Mexico Land and the Celtic Lands, which border your people's home, correct?"

Niall grimaced at the reminder of his people's conquest. They had not seen it coming and paid the price. He spoke as he recalled something.

"She gained slave-soldiers, didn't she? They were skilled, disciplined. They had no regard for their own lives. They sought only to carry out the Queen's will," he stated.

"Yes. The Unsullied. Freed slaves who, like a dog who has been beaten, latched onto the first person to show them true kindness through freeing them. Now, Queen Amelia visits the South Pacific Kingdom to form an alliance through agreement or wedding the prince. My two greatest enemies would seek to become one Kingdom should they marry. I am outnumbered. Not to mention the dragons," Moloch stated, leaving the last statement hanging. He was not disappointed.

"Dragons?" one of the Leiknir asked. Some looked doubtful. Others, looked excited. He smiled.

"Yes, the rumors are true or so I am led to believe. You have asked me what I came for and what I can offer you? I have come to offer you the chance to participate in the greatest war in human history. Queen Amelia and Prince Tyronell will march on Drake City and her allies and we will fight to the death rather than submit. Then, they will turn their attentions East and West..."

He glanced at the people of Wa meaningfully, "You have heard rumors of Tyronell's nature, have you not? When he achieves power and Drake City is gone, who else would neighbor him?"

He turned his face towards Ulfar and continued, "And if Queen Amelia conquered the Celts for being barbarians and taking slaves..."

Niall looked indignant, "Our slaves always earned their freedom and place among us."

Moloch nodded, "Her words, not mine, Sir Bard. If she conquered the Celts, how shall she treat the Leiknar or their clans?"

He paused, allowing it to sink in.

"I can promise you the chance to save your people. The chance for your names to be sung about until the Twilight of the Gods and the End of All things. I can promise you land in the South Atlantic Kingdom, plunder, slaves. I can promise you..."

He gestured for one of his men to hand him a scroll with the seal of all the Clans of Fyrkat on it, "Your people united. Curious, isn't it? The old Fyrkat King's slave sold it to a merchant in Emerald city and it passed from collector to collector until finally... I bought it. It compels the Clans to hold a tournament if they cannot decide on a king. The Clan's Champion who wins is the Clan who claims the throne."

"How do we know you didn't steal it? You spout pretty words of glory and battle, but your eyes are that of a trickster. Has Loki himself stepped into this place. Is this one of the Trickster God's little pranks?" a warrior bellowed, causing people to murmur and shout. Moloch raised his hands.

"If I stole this, would I be presenting it here, amidst a group of warriors outnumbering me 100 to 1? Furthermore, I offer you this: a look into my mind to check if I'm telling the truth, to any of your magic-users," Moloch stated smoothly. Sure enough, Niall moved forward of his own volition.

"If he's a trickster, I won't let him prepare. No man can deceive a Bard," Niall stated, gripping his hand as Moloch gasped in surprise. Images and plans flashed through his mind for a moment until, finally, Niall stepped away.

"I did not want you to see that much," he growled.

"So you didn't. He has been telling the truth. He did not steal the scroll, but he intends not to stop until he destroys both South Pacific and Atlantic Kingdoms, divvying up land among himself and his allies. He plans to gift Labrador City with Mexico Land and Emerald City in exchange for their commitment to the war since the latter ceded itself to him for protection. He will not break his word, but he would think of his people first."

"As do we all," Moloch stated simply, "But I do not turn on an ally or double-deal with them. My honesty is verified, then?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Himiko Hatsumomo Character Portrait: Katsura Shiraishi Character Portrait: Tyronell Stormborn Character Portrait: Niall Callhoun Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Masaki Mizuno Wa
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As the foreign king Morloch gave his proposition to the Leiknir the people of Wa watched intently. They were not very trusting of this man. He for one did not follow proper protocol by Wa standards. Visitor should most never appear unannounced. Nobility was to most always observe protocol, at least while in the public eye. To Katsura and Masaki, Moloch’s actions were indeed bold. They listened as the conversation continued while sitting silently.

"Fair questions, Great Chieftain, although I am sure you can come to the answers yourself. Drake City has stood alone against the attacks of its neighbors, like a great jewel gleaming in the night, but it has proven much more formidable than her enemies could ever have imagined. It was at my hands that the King of the South Atlantic Kingdom fell and their armies crushed. His daughter was forced to sue for peace and I was forced to accept as I turned my attention on the South Pacific Kingdom as its king thought that he could seize my throne while my forces were weakened. My forces proved him wrong." Moloch spoke.

To Katsura’s eye, Moloch was indeed confident in his prowess. It was very important to the people of Wa to remain humble, even when confident about a situation. It was considered good form. Things were very different, customs wise, on foreign soil. Katsura felt it best to keep an open mind about Moloch, but a closed and vigilant heart.

Moloch paused for a moment, then he continued. "Of course, my enemies thought they could lull me in a false sense of security by ceding small tidbits of territory while they gathered their forces. Queen Amelia Stormborn has proven remarkably skilled or lucky as she invaded Mexico Land and the Celtic Lands, which border your people's home, correct?"

"She gained slave-soldiers, didn't she? They were skilled, disciplined. They had no regard for their own lives. They sought only to carry out the Queen's will," The Bard stated.

Himiko found the Bard a very interesting fellow. He was clearly musically talented like herself. However Himiko knew little of the ways of foreign music and singing. Perhaps dance was different here as well. As she examined the Leiknir people, none of their movements seemed capable of naturally achieving the Wa aesthetics of movement and dance. Bowing wasn’t even an easy feat for them. She wondered if the Bard would be any different from the rest. She decided she’d have to have a talk with him in the near future to appease her curiosity. However she continued to focus her attention on the conversation at hand, even if she was only listening.

"Yes. The Unsullied. Freed slaves who, like a dog who has been beaten, latched onto the first person to show them true kindness through freeing them. Now, Queen Amelia visits the South Pacific Kingdom to form an alliance through agreement or wedding the prince. My two greatest enemies would seek to become one Kingdom should they marry. I am outnumbered. Not to mention the dragons," Moloch stated, leaving the last statement hanging. He was not disappointed.

"Dragons?" one of the Leiknir asked. Some looked doubtful. Others, looked excited. He smiled.

"Yes, the rumors are true or so I am led to believe. You have asked me what I came for and what I can offer you? I have come to offer you the chance to participate in the greatest war in human history. Queen Amelia and Prince Tyronell will march on Drake City and her allies and we will fight to the death rather than submit. Then, they will turn their attentions East and West..."

He glanced at the people of Wa meaningfully, "You have heard rumors of Tyronell's nature, have you not? When he achieves power and Drake City is gone, who else would neighbor him?"

Katsura’s eyes widened in worry. He very much disliked the foreigner’s constant desire to take over and expand their territories. He didn’t understand why they weren’t content on cultivating and being satisfied with the land bestowed upon them by the Gods. To Katsura and other citizens of Wa, such desire for territorial expansion was simply a sign of one being ungrateful to the Gods for the sufficiency of what was given to them. It was only when in a situation where there were few resources left in a land with no hope for revitalization should a nation seek to turn their eyes from their own lands. Even then, that nation should be sure to respect the lands of others.

Katsura realized once again that foreigners were of a very different mindset. Many of them held such ambition for dominance and control. He wondered how long it would be before outsiders turned their attention to Wa. Moloch talked of the South Pacific kingdoms prince, which caused Katsura to become alert immediately. The South Pacific Kingdom’s Prince was ruthless and cold. He knew that the bandits and small cities of the South Pacific Kingdom often had skirmishes with the Samurai of Wa. The Samurai always came out victorious. The South Pacific Kingdom had never successfully breached the Kingdom of Wa in the past. But if a merger was to occur between the South Pacific Kingdom and the South Atlantic Kingdom, Wa would have trouble defending itself from a joint attack should the two kingdoms decide to harm Wa.

The conversation continued between the Leiknir, Moloch , and the Bard.

"If he's a trickster, I won't let him prepare. No man can deceive a Bard," Niall the bard stated, gripping his hand as Moloch gasped in surprise. Images and plans flashed through his mind for a moment until, finally, Niall stepped away.

"I did not want you to see that much," Moloch growled.

"So you didn't. He has been telling the truth. He did not steal the scroll, but he intends not to stop until he destroys both South Pacific and Atlantic Kingdoms, divvying up land among himself and his allies. He plans to gift Labrador City with Mexico Land and Emerald City in exchange for their commitment to the war since the latter ceded itself to him for protection. He will not break his word, but he would think of his people first." Niall said.

"As do we all," Moloch stated simply, "But I do not turn on an ally or double-deal with them. My honesty is verified, then?"

Himiko was impressed by the abilities Niall had displayed. He seemed to be a bit more magically adept them she had expected. Katsura’s level of trust for Moloch had increased a little after hearing the bard’s confirmation of Moloch’s intent. Perhaps Wa would need to be more prepared for conflict after all.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Adrian Markus Character Portrait: Amelia Stormborn Character Portrait: Tyronell Stormborn Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: CADEYRN GEIRR
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Amelia sipped her wine as she waited to hear Cadeyrn's opinion on the matter. She couldn't help but feel that his words would be similar to those her spoke earlier but she wouldn't be able to blame him for his feelings. In all honesty she needed the honest voice of her right hand because after today she was more confused about what to do then ever.

The sound of a loud caw made Amelia jump as she hadn't noticed the crow perched outside the window. Rhaegal who didn't have a particular liking for crows after an indicated with them when he was a baby screeched before attempting to fry the messenger bird. Fortunately for the crow the young dragon fire had missed and before he could make a second attempt Amelia stopped the dragon "Rhaegal! NO!" was all she had to say to make the dragon stop and retreat. Although he did make a few growling noises and protest before going back to its scorned meal.

Getting up she walked over to the black bird and allowed it to perch on her arm as she untied the message attached to its leg. Placing the crow on the back of her chair she unfolded the message and began reading. Word must have gotten out about her trip to the South Pacific Kingdom because according to Tristan a man on her council the royal brothers of Drake City had taken trips of their own. The whereabouts of Moloch Markus they didn't know but were looking into and as for his brother he was seen entering Labrador City.

Crumbling up the paper and tossing it on the floor she sighed, it seemed the brothers like everyone else was preparing for war. Looking over at Cadeyrn she said "The Markus brothers are out making alliances. One with Labrador City and the other .... who knows." Picking up the paper she tossed it in the air in Viserion's direction "Dracarys" the dragon on command breathed fire that instantly turned the paper to ash. Turning her attention back to Cadeyrn "This news makes me crave sleep. We will talk tomorrow." she said sending Cadeyrn out of her room and leaving just herself and her children.

She cleared the table not feeling much like eating any longer and sitting back down to the table she wrote a respond letter back to her council. She wanted to know what Moloch was up to and she wanted all eyes and ears on prince Adrian. If they were readying themselves for war then maybe she would marry Tyronell and with him lead their armies into battle. Tying her message to the leg of the crow she released back into the sky. Walking over to her dragons she caressed them all as she got them ready for bed and once they were settled and comfortable she herself got into to bed ready to sleep away her worries.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Himiko Hatsumomo Character Portrait: Katsura Shiraishi Character Portrait: Niall Callhoun Character Portrait: Moloch Markus Character Portrait: Masaki Mizuno Wa Character Portrait: Ulfar Leiknir
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Ulfar and Tyra Leiknir

Ulfar listened intently to Moloch’s tale but he still remained stoic throughout, this could not however be said for Tyra who’s eyes were easily betraying her discontent for this southern foreigner. Warmongering Tyra could relate to this man’s idle threats of an invasion from his enemies seemed exaggerated. The South Atlantic army could never defeat the Fyrkat clans; united or not no foreign soldier would ever stand on Fyrkat soil and survive.

"She gained slave-soldiers, didn't she?”

Ulfar was less than content with the Skald speaking out at such a time but his questioning did fuel Moloch’s case so the Chieftain made no move to stop him, instead he continued to listen to the Southern King’s case. Ulfar had to admit the idea of dragons added a whole new swing to this war, there was once Dragons in Fyrkat but like in all of the other nations they had disappeared suddenly without any sort of trace.

It was obvious from Ulfar’s expression that his interest was beginning to pick up, the King did make a good point. If his nation fell then the imperialistic nation from the south would move north and there would be nothing to stop her attacking the divided lands of the Fyrkat. To have such a time restraint on reuniting the clans could be impossible.

Tyra however had only began to show any interest at all at the promise of Dragons, such a battle was what she lived for especially the added chance to destroy a nation of the south and expand the Leiknir clan lands into the south.

“The Clan's Champion who wins is the Clan who claims the throne.”

Ulfar’s expressionless gaze faltered as his eyes lit up at the scroll. “I had heard legends of such a scroll but I had put it down to myth. He reached across to see the scroll for himself, it was definitely real or an impeccable forgery he recognised the seals of the many clans, even those that no longer existed or had become vassals of others.

Tyra’s eyes flared open at the scroll, leaning over to see the scroll her father held firm in his grasp. If this was real then her dreams were within reach. This foreign king was offering the chance for the Leiknir to rule the Fyrkat and even the chance to expand in the war. For her it couldn’t have been more perfect bringing everything the Leiknir deserved in one fell swoop.

Ulfar waved Niall in as Moloch offered a look in his mind, though by this point he was already certain of the scrolls authenticity and Niall’s scrying only confirmed that. “Your offer is a generous one and your gift is as well. However if Labrador city is gaining land then I think it is only fair that we do too. Fyrkat reuniting is good for the both of us but there is always the chance that if I didn’t accept your scroll that we would unite Fyrkat before the Southern Atlantic kingdom ever even turned their eyes northwards and your offer would’ve been worthless. We will join your war if you grant us the Celtic Lands. The Seidhr could benefit greatly from the Skald knowledge and I’m sure our southern cousins would prefer a Fyrkat ruler then a Southern Kingdom.”

Ulfar allowed Moloch time to think through his words before speaking again. “With such a promise we would accept your deal and I would call the council to meet to put across our champions. The Seidhr should have no problem with a quick and virtuous chance to end the war and upon my daughter’s victory I would begin preparation of our armies.”

Tyra felt a well of pride fill inside her at her father’s confidence of her ability in battle and was almost struggling to control her excitement her hands finally relinquishing the grip on her axes.