The peace that formerly reigned in Terra Nova has eroded, now little more than a memory. War ravages the continent. Disputes divide kingdoms; ideals divide families. The quest for power consumes absolutely and indiscriminately. None are immune to its allure.
Who will rise and who will fall? Only time—and ambition—will tell.
UPDATES
05.26.2023
2 month character creation hold for all existing members begins 6/5/2023. Ended 8/5/2023.
10.29.2023
Change in how times flows. Was 4 IC seasons, now only 2 IC seasons per 1 OOC year.
5 whole years of Heir Apparent goodness! When I started the site, I knew I was hunkering down for the long haul, but I never could have predicted the numerous twists and turns this roleplay site has seen. Hundreds of plots, characters, and members have come and gone, all leaving marks on the site. I am so very thankful for those who have invested. Because you keep coming back, keep getting on, and keep writing, Heir Apparent has the legacy it does today. Three cheers to us!
Animal Lordship allows the user to communicate with and command animals through speech, which to the outsider gifted or non-gifted sounds like gibberish.
Post by Ishmael Eldouir on Nov 29, 2023 19:56:49 GMT -5
It was that time again, Tribute time, and this year Ishmael was running it mostly solo. However it would be different in a lot of ways for the Dresmondi and definitely different for their dyrs, oh it would benefit them if they were smart enough to listen. Was Ishmael taking his reign as the Rat King with a few liberties? For sure, but again in the grand scheme of things molding some order around these primitive savages would do them good and with all of his research his plans were spectacular.
This year they would be lead one at a time into the Temple of the Eldouir, Ishmael sat in a crude tall wooden chair surrounded by his court (rats, bears, and wolves), to his left was Weylin & Beth , and to his right Eirwen & Yule . Of course Ishmael had hand picked a team of seven Eldouir to stand guard in case a Dresmondi got to bold and one more Eldouir stood beside a fire with the branding iron that would stamp this year's marks. Weylin had been instructed to be Ishmaels scribe and he would make a recording of every Dresmondi and their dyr and what their future held for them. Outside of the cave was a host of Eldouir and Dresmondi soldiers to escort and maintain order during the long long long Tribute a head.
"Bring the first tribute of the night," Ishmael told two Eldouir, the pair moved to the caves entrance.
Post by Weylin & Beth on Nov 29, 2023 21:48:20 GMT -5
Weylin still couldn't believe that he was actually here, standing where he was. He certainly had expected that when he had foolishly chased after Ishmael in the hopes of defending Demelza. Yet here he was. He looked nervous, not remotely confident in this new role, not like Eirwen. He looked over to the other Dresmondi with the rooster dyr, trying to figure out what had got her there too. She seemed much more confident and even...happy? Maybe he was reading her wrong.
If it wasn't for his time in Arynn Frey he wouldn't have been able to act as scribe but as he had learned to read and write there by his Arynnite friend, it was something he was now capable of doing. He was terrified to think of what Ishmael would have said if he told him that he couldn't accomplish this task. He just hoped he'd be alright with the chicken scratch handwriting.
Beth stood at his side, too nervous to sit, and they both stood staring at the entrance to see who would be coming in first.
Obri — tiger quoll — element: ELECTRIC
The ability to manipulate electric charges. Uses include: controlling the lightning in a storm, electrocuting people or objects, manipulating static, and more.
This time around, Ona dread Tribute as much as other years. Of course she wasn't looking forward to getting her flesh burned and having another mark on her arm, or wherever the Eldouir wanted to mark her, but she had found an Eldouir amongst them that seemed to not be all that bad. He had given her his word that her offering her tavern to him once a week was enough of a sacrifice for Tribute. Maybe he didn't see it that way, but it was in fact a big sacrifice. The people that trusted her would maybe, probably, look down on her for giving the Eldouir a safe space. She hoped that they would eventually realise that it was either going along with the idea or possibly having taken her tavern by force.
A pair of Eldouir approached her. Ishmael was ready for the first victim, it seemed. The woman followed in silence, doing what the redheads told her without asking questions. She approached the chair and held her head low, not even making eye contact with the Dresmondi near Ish.
"Lord Eldouir, I offer you my tavern one night a week. We have spoken about this before, so you know what I can offer you, your animals and your family: a place in the city to relax, discuss, gather, drink, enjoy your music, use our piano." She looked up at Ishmael. She now knew how much his music meant to him. If desired, I will offer my services as barmaid during those evenings. If not, I will stay away from the tavern."
Oh how she hoped Ishmael's word was worth something. She just wanted her mark and to get out of here.
Animal Lordship allows the user to communicate with and command animals through speech, which to the outsider gifted or non-gifted sounds like gibberish.
Post by Ishmael Eldouir on Dec 9, 2023 15:18:11 GMT -5
Weylin had the job of documenting everything from their names, their tribute, if they got a mark or how many, and what their dyr does.
As Ona recited their deal Ishmael being a man of his word nodded, "We had an agreement and you have earned your mark, but this year's Tribute is a little different," he pointed at the woman's dyr, "Before our arrival state what caravan you belonged to and what is it you and your dyr did? How did you contribute to your people?"
Obri — tiger quoll — element: ELECTRIC
The ability to manipulate electric charges. Uses include: controlling the lightning in a storm, electrocuting people or objects, manipulating static, and more.
She was confused. The woman looked at Obri, who seemed just as confused in his own way. He had shown interest in the caravans before, though.
"Uh- of course, Lord Eldouir." She regained her confidence quickly and pointed at Obri. "You've met Obri. He's an electric dyr. We were in the Adoi. I was a ranger, a hunter and a tanner."
Especially that first task hurt to repeat. The rangers guarded the borders, but they had been caught off guard by the Eldouir. "Which means we protected the caravan, gathered food for them and provided them with leather."
Animal Lordship allows the user to communicate with and command animals through speech, which to the outsider gifted or non-gifted sounds like gibberish.
Post by Ishmael Eldouir on Dec 10, 2023 20:23:01 GMT -5
"Add that to their details Weylin," Ishmael then indicated to the Eldouir with whom would issue the branding to be ready, "Ona and Obri, for a better future are you willing to return to your previous duties as Adoi? It will require a certain degree of leadership and your dyr will earn its keep by defending our current and future borders, you will be paired with Eirwen and Yule she will be your proxy so you can continue your duties at the tavern and between," he leaned forward looking down at her with one arm rested on his knee, "While we Eldouir and our soldiers will protect everyone from foreign threats....because they will come...I'm offering you the chance to protect your people inside the walls...do you accept?"
Obri — tiger quoll — element: ELECTRIC
The ability to manipulate electric charges. Uses include: controlling the lightning in a storm, electrocuting people or objects, manipulating static, and more.
Her heart was beating faster. Ishmael and the Eldouir knew more about her than she liked now, and while she was trying to deal with that, one of the redheads started to prepare for the marking.
Fuck. She had never met Eirwen personally but she had heard stories about her, and now they would have to start working together. Against her will, she was being drafted in the Eldouirs 'army'.
"I- I accept", she said, softly, but loud enough to be heard by Ishmael and Weylin. She would prepare herself to be branded in a bit, and for a whole new future to start. She wanted to talk to Demelza & Oberon, she wanted to explain herself and what she thought was going to happen. She would look for her after the Tribute.
Animal Lordship allows the user to communicate with and command animals through speech, which to the outsider gifted or non-gifted sounds like gibberish.
Post by Ishmael Eldouir on Dec 11, 2023 8:05:48 GMT -5
Ishmael stood and proceeded toward the fire where he took a brand and the other Eldouir took the other, the latter being a bit smaller and the pair would approach Ona and Obri, "Turn," and if she did of her own will Ish would lift the hair off of her neck and with little to no warning branded Ona on the back of her neck.
Obri — tiger quoll — element: ELECTRIC
The ability to manipulate electric charges. Uses include: controlling the lightning in a storm, electrocuting people or objects, manipulating static, and more.
She did what he told her, and turned around. She closed her eyes and breathed shakily. The brand would be touching her any second now, and she didn't know where it would touch her. She barely had the time to process what was happening, because there wasn't a lot if time between her hair getting moved to the side and the brand touching her neck.
Ona clenched her teeth and felt tears in her eyes, but she refrained from screaming. The sizzling sound and the smell of burnt fresh made her nauseous.
Once Ishmael was ready with the brand, Ona again did what he asked, and picked up Obri, who had been sitting next to her. Hesitantly she would turn around to face Ishmael again.
Animal Lordship allows the user to communicate with and command animals through speech, which to the outsider gifted or non-gifted sounds like gibberish.
Post by Ishmael Eldouir on Dec 11, 2023 8:23:20 GMT -5
Ishmael disliked the smell of burning flesh and hair, but things had to get done, when she picked up Obri Ishmael nodded to the other Eldouir who stuck the smaller branding to the hindquarters of the dyr leaving the first dyr branding.
Ishmael had already stepped away sitting the brand back into the hot fire, "Escort them to the field, they'll be one more announcement mandatory, so hang around for a while," Ishmael returned to his seat as the two Eldouir who escorted Ona in would lead her out, "Send the next."
Obri — tiger quoll — element: ELECTRIC
The ability to manipulate electric charges. Uses include: controlling the lightning in a storm, electrocuting people or objects, manipulating static, and more.
Neither Obri nor Ona had been prepared for the branding of the dyr. This had never happened before. Obri wasn't as quiet as Ona, and he did scream. The woman hushed her dyr and petted him. "It's okay", she whispered.
She would follow the Eldouir that brought her to another area, where she was supposed to wait until further notice.
Post by Demelza & Oberon on Dec 17, 2023 17:37:17 GMT -5
Demelza was here because of Weylin—simple as that. Perhaps the idealistic, strong-headed woman would have been inclined to make a statement by forgoing the tribute. But Weylin…sweet Weylin. It twisted Demelza’s heart to see him at the Eldouir’s side. Her friend had told her, of course, what had happened that had brought him to that place. That she was expected to make up for what embarrassment she’d caused the foul, redheaded beast.
When Demelza entered, she barely glanced at Weylin & Beth , knowing it would only hurt him for her to acknowledge his presence. So instead, it was Oberon who spoke for them through Beth.
Our spirits are with you, little ones. All will be well.
If only Oberon thought his own words to be true. The massive battle-worn bear followed alongside his soul companion. Though much had changed since her arrival in Elderkeep, Demelza refused to have it dampen her sprits. The woman dressed as if she were back in Arynn Frey—in signature canary yellow and all the unruly patterns she could get her hands on. She winked when she passed Ona & Obri , shooting her a wild grin before coming to a stop in front of Ishmael Eldouir.
Demelza’s chin was held high, her curls pinned to the top of her head and her hands at her sides.
“What is it I should call you? This bein’ my first tribute and all. M'lord? God of all? Or simply Ishmael?”
Animal Lordship allows the user to communicate with and command animals through speech, which to the outsider gifted or non-gifted sounds like gibberish.
Post by Ishmael Eldouir on Dec 17, 2023 18:15:27 GMT -5
"Ishmael," he stood and walked toward the branding fire pit, "State your names, what your previous caravan was, and what does your critter do," he arranged the brandings, "and what you did in the caravan and how it contributed to said caravan."
Post by Demelza & Oberon on Dec 19, 2023 6:42:31 GMT -5
Demelza’s chin lifted a fraction as if the thought of times past had put new wind in her sails. Pride was an unmistakable thing, and it was a badge that Demelza wore openly now.
“My name is Demelza, and I am a child of the Rashai. Oberon is my dyr—ore the element of his skill. As far the caravan?” Demelza grinned, “Everyone needs a little music to lift their spirits. I provided.”
Animal Lordship allows the user to communicate with and command animals through speech, which to the outsider gifted or non-gifted sounds like gibberish.
Post by Ishmael Eldouir on Dec 19, 2023 6:54:01 GMT -5
"Weylin add a notation of semi-cultured," Ishmael told the boy as his green eyes found Demelza again, "What was the function of the Rashai as a whole? Don't lie because I'll know," Eirwen seemed to swell with pride behind Ishmael knowing she'd told the truth about her peoples but a little bit of her wanted to hope someone lied for the sake of seeing what would happen.