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!
Iliana had fallen ill immediately following the chaos of her last public address. For several weeks, she had remained unable to make it far from her bed chambers, and for several weeks she had struggled to get her footing back under her. Cassian had stepped forward then, with Augustus in his absence as well, handling the immediate aftermath.
But there was finally a day where Iliana had felt better, no bouts of fever or sickness, so she called for ladies and escaped her room. She sent notice that she wanted a meeting with her royal court. Set for the next day, right after lunch. No excuses would be accepted. As they arrived in the larger meeting room (not her personal office), they’d find the Queen waiting. Perhaps a bit more thin than she usually was, thanks to the weeks of being ill. But color was back in her cheeks, and her eyes held life once again.
Her curls pinned back from her face except a few that refused to remain tucked away, brushing her cheeks. Her gown a deep maroon and fitting for the season. Her golden crown resting upon her head. She’d welcome each one, giving nods as they came in. Each one passing some royal guards outside the door, and two of her own inside. October Montgomery being one position just behind her chair.
Last Edit: Dec 16, 2023 17:06:36 GMT -5 by Deleted
Ring of enchanted combat: ring that, when twisted around the finger three times, enhances one's combat abilities (the equivalent of ten additional combat points).
She had had some time to herself, but it still hadn't quite been enough time to put everything behind her. She hadn't seen Augustus Rainecourt much since she had kissed him, because she had been at home for a while and because she had tried to avoid him for a bit. She had made a move on a married man and even though he had made her feel safe with him, she knew she had crossed a line. She would have to see him again today, though, as well as other cabinet members. Luckily what had happened stayed between them.
The blonde arrived at the location before the others and passed all the guards, nodding to them as they let her through. Scout curtsied to the queen and smiled slightly. "Good to see you're in better health, your majesty", she said. A lot had happened since the last time she saw the queen. She was curious what would be said at this meeting.
Post by October Montgomery on Dec 17, 2023 23:12:16 GMT -5
October hadn't taken any time off while the Queen was ill. His responsibility in his role and worry for her well being was too pressing on his mind to let anyone take his shifts. Meal breaks and a few hours each night to sleep were the largest amount of time he'd spent away for weeks, spending countless hours either at her side or outside her door. It was with great relief when she finally started to feel better and he could see the color beginning to return to her cheeks.
Today he stood behind her chair with his hands tucked behind his back with another guard while the royal court began to gather. He'd give a polite nod to anyone who happened to look in his direction but he mostly maintained his stance of drawing about as much attention as the wallpaper though far more alert to any potential threats than the walls could ever provide.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Dec 19, 2023 5:28:43 GMT -5
Time in a medieval land moved differently than our modern world. Messages took hours, not seconds, to send and receive, trips took days, not hours, to take, and business to months, not days, to conduct. When one was sick it wasn’t “Take an advil and bounce back by tomorrow.” Time was given, ample time, even trips to the country for fresh air and the like. All this to say, yes, the Queen had been absent in her illness, but it wasn’t an inexcused absence. No doubt some in the kingdom were feeling the lack of activity by the crown, but these things took time. Everyone knew that. Only the impatient complained about it. The impatient and the desperate.
Cassian used his portkey to attend the call of the cabinet. He entered the room just after Scout, ignoring the soldiers as they bowed for the incoming king. Approaching Iliana, he dipped his upper body towards her, before moving in closer to exchange a quiet word only for her ears:
“I am glad to see you in better health.” He reached out a hand to subtly brush her hand with his fingertips, and then moved to stand beside her, setting his focus on Lady Kane and the others as they attended the meeting.
Once more he found himself unaware of what it was his wife had planned for this, if anything, but Cassian’s demeanor did not betray as much.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Dec 19, 2023 6:29:40 GMT -5
Augustus’s arrival mirrored the king’s. He would dip in a bow toward the royals, lingering for a moment as he scanned his niece for any signs of continued ill health. There were a few, but he decided all and all she looked rather well. He’d meet her eyes and smile at her; a warm fatherly smile of comfort before he’d take a place nearest the monarchs with Scout Kane, at his side. His eyes lingered on her with a smile as well. A slight nod would have to do as a greeting before things got underway.
Arynnite armor: The armor have two states: active and inactive. When inactive, they look like little more than ornate metal bracers, easily ignored. When triggered, the armor covers Tybalt and serves as an exoskeleton. It will protect its wearer from physical damage and is practically indestructible.
The armor has a certain "preprogrammed" purpose which is to protect its host. To do so, it reacts to heightened emotional states such as fear and anger, at which point the armor will trigger regardless of whether or not Tybalt wants it to or even if he's immediately aware of the threat. It has some degree of awareness and sentience although very basic and one which struggles to differentiate between enemies and friends. Whilst not actually in possession of a will, the armor can guide or direct its host in a specific action, much like a reflex.
The armor needs to be "fed" as Tybalt has discovered meaning that he must hold and absorb through touch certain metals such as steel, copper, iron and tin, a process which takes a few minutes. Without which, the armor will begin to weaken and become less effective until no longer able to manifest.
Perhaps its greatest weakness is that if being consistently bashed or beaten, it would begin to repair itself by using parts of the armor from elsewhere. For instance, if the wearer is being consistently hit in the chest, the armor will begin to pool away from other parts of their body such as the feet and hands, leaving them vulnerable.
Post by Tybalt Zane on Dec 21, 2023 16:03:43 GMT -5
Tybalt was last to arrive. The commander's expression was grave. He had some idea about what all this was about, and from what he'd been able to piece together over the course of the past few weeks - thanks notably to Annabeth Porter, the man knew that it was unlikely to get any better. He had his sword, and bracers with him, and was about as prepared for whatever today might bring as he could be.
When the man entered the room, he would take note of those present - and the one man who of course wasn't. He would settle near to his niece, and Augustus Rainecourt, waiting for what the queen might have to say about current events.
Scout Kane was in first, and relief seemed to ease her shoulders just a touch. She smiled at the sentiment and gave a tuck of her chin. “Thank you Lady Kane,” she answered, though her attention was drawn to the next figure in the door.
Cassian Rainecourt would be next, and as he bowed she curtsied deeply for him. While married, it had been a while since she had seen him and it was clear how happy she was to see him now by the way her smile was barely contained. Her fingers reached for his, the touch so subtle for a married couple, but it made her heart soar. This was their relationship in front of others, and she found peace in his presence. “I am glad you are here.”
Augustus Rainecourt arrived right on Cassian’s heels, keeping her from saying much else as he took a spot beside her and she felt her shoulders ease a bit more at seeing her uncle. Both him and Cassian had looked after things while she was unwell, and he was given a warm smile and a small curtsy before she turned to look at the next guest entering.
Tybalt Zane’s face did not show the same things as the others, which made her heart squeeze as she remembered why exactly they were here today. She gave a small nod to him before he took his place and— they waited. Minutes passed, and no Simon Mikaels. She knew he had been given the summons. A small glance to Cassian was afforded before she gestured to the seats around them. “Please sit,” and she’d sit first to signal they were beginning.
Once everyone was in place, she started. “First, I want to thank you all for continuing on in my absence. The time to recover has been most appreciated, and I hope we can discuss anything of importance today. Though I will start with what I want to discuss.” She glanced around the table. “The Eldouir we have,” though not technically there, “should be taken to trial.” Cassian had persuaded her to not follow in her mother’s footsteps and start executing anyone without a trial. “Do we have any objections?”
Last Edit: Dec 24, 2023 16:06:30 GMT -5 by Deleted
Ring of enchanted combat: ring that, when twisted around the finger three times, enhances one's combat abilities (the equivalent of ten additional combat points).
One by one, the other cabinet members started appearing. Augustus Rainecourt found a spot next to her and the queen. Seeing him again made her feel a mixture between relief and anxiety, which was a weird feeling given the two contradicted one another. There was no time for personal conflicts now, though. Her uncle Tybalt Zane entered and also stood by her side. Scout was glad that she had some wonderful men in her life that looked out for her, and they were standing right next to her right now.
She focused on the queen once she started to speak, also noticing Simon Mikaels's absence. Scout sat like the queen asked of them. After a brief thank you for looking out for the kingdom in her absence, the queen mentioned the Eldouir they had captured.
"No objections", she said, looking around the room before continuing. Was she important enough to take the word before anyone else? Since when did she feel so insecure? She brushed it off and spoke again. "But I do wonder if it would be smarter to not have a public trial. History tells us Eldouir trials can get out of hand quickly, and the other Eldouir are surely going to be trying to get Elena out."
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Dec 29, 2023 3:28:59 GMT -5
”Lady Kane’s suggestion is a wise one.” Cassian said with a nod tests the young Steward who had proven to be a faithful party at this table. As far as he knew. “Perhaps a private trial with a board of witnesses in Arynn Frey?” He suggested to his wife. He was king and ruler as well but he had made a habit of deferring to Iliana.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Jan 5, 2024 8:54:25 GMT -5
Augustus felt a surge of pride as Scout’s suggestion was accepted. He’d claimed her as his so far as court life went, and so allowed himself a moment of smugness (kept entirely to himself).
“I would be happy to assist in facilitating the trial,” Augustus said, “I have goodwill and connections in Arynn Frey’s court. The Arynnites certainly have their own charges to bring against Elena, given the attack on the wall. But if I may, your majesty…” Augustus spoke directly to Iliana now, “I believe it is important that your role in dispensing justice remain prominent. Her attack was against your people. You cannot be seen as passing the responsibility of punishment entirely to the Arynnites. Your people must know that you are ready and willing to defend them with swift punishment befitting the wrong done.”
Arynnite armor: The armor have two states: active and inactive. When inactive, they look like little more than ornate metal bracers, easily ignored. When triggered, the armor covers Tybalt and serves as an exoskeleton. It will protect its wearer from physical damage and is practically indestructible.
The armor has a certain "preprogrammed" purpose which is to protect its host. To do so, it reacts to heightened emotional states such as fear and anger, at which point the armor will trigger regardless of whether or not Tybalt wants it to or even if he's immediately aware of the threat. It has some degree of awareness and sentience although very basic and one which struggles to differentiate between enemies and friends. Whilst not actually in possession of a will, the armor can guide or direct its host in a specific action, much like a reflex.
The armor needs to be "fed" as Tybalt has discovered meaning that he must hold and absorb through touch certain metals such as steel, copper, iron and tin, a process which takes a few minutes. Without which, the armor will begin to weaken and become less effective until no longer able to manifest.
Perhaps its greatest weakness is that if being consistently bashed or beaten, it would begin to repair itself by using parts of the armor from elsewhere. For instance, if the wearer is being consistently hit in the chest, the armor will begin to pool away from other parts of their body such as the feet and hands, leaving them vulnerable.
Post by Tybalt Zane on Jan 5, 2024 11:57:19 GMT -5
Tybalt didn't want to be a spoil sport, pessimist or party-pooper, he really didn't. He was also the man who usually had to write the letter to Mr. and Mrs. Royalguard, explaining why their beloved son/daughter had been killed in the latest attack by the raging gifted.
All the same, the commander would voice his numerous concerns: "Regardless of where it's held, Hiram and his ilk are very much likely to come knocking." Frankly, Tybalt was astounded that they hadn't suffered an attack already. He'd rather been expecting hell to descend upon them as soon as they'd captured Elena. "We will need to be prepared, as much at the trial itself as in the rest of the nations concerned." A few months ago, he wouldn't have been worried about Arynn Frey. Then the wall had fallen. Now, the commander was highly dubious that they would be able to hold off a concerted attack.
Iliana’s eyes cut to Cassian Rainecourt when he agreed with Scout Kane… wasn’t a private one what he had advised her against? What she had wanted in the first place as all of her public trails and announcements had always gone sour. Something hummed in her; something that had been a new edition to her since that day weeks ago, an almost tingling feeling as if she had been sitting on her foot too long and it lost its usual blood flow. But she shoved it aside, as she did many things. Not important right now.
The idea of the Arynnite’s holding the trial and serving justice was immediately addressed. “That was not the deal we had with Arynn Frey,” at least not the one she was aware of, if Cassian had made another deal… this was his time to speak. “She will face her charges here. If Arynn Frey has anything for her, then they can join us.” She doubted that Akagi Llewellyn would keep Elena from them…
“While we are calling this a trial, we all know this outcome,” she looked towards Tybalt Zane. “I do not want what has been becoming a tradition now within this. For once I’d like to speak and not have our people suddenly scrambling in chaos and death.” She wasn’t lecturing the man, in fact, she blinked several times to battle the wetness that had grew in her eyes. A softness, but not one that would incapacitate her. “I have not seen or heard of Simon Mikaels being back within the castle. It has come to light that this letter,” the word left a bitter taste in her mouth, “came from him. I want him found and brought to me.”
Ring of enchanted combat: ring that, when twisted around the finger three times, enhances one's combat abilities (the equivalent of ten additional combat points).
Scout tensed up. @iliana seemed... Unhappy with the suggestions. Personally she fully agreed with Cassian Rainecourt and appreciated that he found her suggestion to be wise.
"Your majesty, they will suspect Elena to be here. Chaos and death is almost... Inevitable when it comes to the Eldouir, especially if they were to find her. Elena being in Arynn Frey, and facing her charges there, might be the right thing to do, for the people."
She didn't know what the agreement with Arynn Frey was, but she suspected they wouldn't object to having the trial there if it meant justice for their kingdom. "We do not exactly know what Hiram is capable of, but it might be more difficult for him to locate Elena if she's not in Lorendale."
The matters turned to Simon Mikaels, and she became silent again. She had said her piece, and she found herself more and more frustrated with the queen. She didn't want to see the answers that were right in front of her, and the fact that they were a better option than what she suggested herself. The more and more she thought about it, the more it seemed like she worked for Augustus Rainecourt. He and even Cassian appreciated her opinion far more.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jan 10, 2024 12:35:10 GMT -5
Cassian’s inward shock was not present on his face as Iliana seemingly jumped to oppose him. She had wanted to execute Elena without a trial; Cassian had insisted on one, but privacy for it made sense. Then she spoke of a deal with Arynn Frey. A deal? Perhaps her sickness was more than just physical. Akagi had graciously agreed to hold her. A trial in Arynn Frey was sensical because of their magical defense. Lorendale had none. In fact, the kingdom and palace had fallen victim to the Eldouirs more than once in the past.
Cassian wouldn’t say more. Iliana, with wetness in her eyes, was thinking with her heart and not her head. He only had rebuke for her, and he wouldn’t disgrace her that way in front of her court.
His eyes moved to Scout Kane as she pushed the topic, admiring her boldness.
Iliana’s eyes cut to Cassian Rainecourt when he agreed with Scout Kane… wasn’t a private one what he had advised her against? What she had wanted in the first place as all of her public trails and announcements had always gone sour. Something hummed in her; something that had been a new edition to her since that day weeks ago, an almost tingling feeling as if she had been sitting on her foot too long and it lost its usual blood flow. But she shoved it aside, as she did many things. Not important right now.
The idea of the Arynnite’s holding the trial and serving justice was immediately addressed. “That was not the deal we had with Arynn Frey,” at least not the one she was aware of, if Cassian had made another deal… this was his time to speak. “She will face her charges here. If Arynn Frey has anything for her, then they can join us.” She doubted that Akagi Llewellyn would keep Elena from them…
“While we are calling this a trial, we all know this outcome,” she looked towards Tybalt Zane. “I do not want what has been becoming a tradition now within this. For once I’d like to speak and not have our people suddenly scrambling in chaos and death.” She wasn’t lecturing the man, in fact, she blinked several times to battle the wetness that had grew in her eyes. A softness, but not one that would incapacitate her. “I have not seen or heard of Simon Mikaels being back within the castle. It has come to light that this letter,” the word left a bitter taste in her mouth, “came from him. I want him found and brought to me.”