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.
Our dearest and lovely admin welcomed her new baby boy, Jet, on Sept 7th! We're so happy for her and her family! Congratulations Mama!! Your boys are all so lucky to have such an incredible mom to love them! God bless!
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 Mar 1, 2024 11:47:56 GMT -5
It had taken a lot of self-restraint for Tybalt not to help himself to the entirety of Augustus' whiskey bottle. It was only to a faint sliver of hope that the man clung. There was still a chance that his beloved wife had been trying to keep Simon Mikaels busy, until someone arrived. It was that prospect, and that prospect alone that kept the commander sane. It served another purpose, allowing him to stay just a little bit calmer. With luck, that would be enough to prevent Felicity Zane from sensing much of what was troubling him.
He'd climbed onto his horse, with Augustus Rainecourt in tow. There had been just enough time to pick up the gifted Silvana. She'd been waiting for the call, although perhaps hadn't quite been expecting to head to Birkhall. The shapeshifter took on the form of a white house fly, one which sat perched on the commander's shoulder, just waiting to be told to give chase. Tybalt had scarcely said a word.
Silently, and diligently, he lead the way to Birkhall, to his home, to an answer that he wasn't sure that he wanted.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Mar 2, 2024 12:33:46 GMT -5
Augustus had made conversation with Tybalt Zane at first, but after a while had let it dwindle. The man had much on his mind, and so the prince would give him the necessary space to work through it. When they arrived at Brikhall, Augustus would look to Tybalt Zane to give them entry and follow his lead as to where to start.
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.
Assuming that those guarding the gates of Birkhall didn't actually stop Tybalt, or Augustus from entering, then the commander would do so. He would appear to almost be acting on autopilot. In many ways, he was. He could use the bond that existed between himself, and his wife as something of a instictive compass. It wasn't infallible of course, but this close to one another, it wasn't much of a challenge for him.
"Felicity is this way." Tybalt had no idea just where Simon was right now. He was relying on Augustus to keep an eye on the pair through the enchanted mirror. Right now, his sole point of focus was his wife. She occupied the entirety of his thoughts. He would lead the way, heading towards where Felicity was.
Post by Felicity Zane on Mar 9, 2024 9:15:25 GMT -5
This was Tybalt’s home. Not a hand would be raised to stop him. He was not the enemy, even if he thought Felicity was. The servants showed him the honor he was due, and when he asked for his wife he was led to her personal study where she sat alone, a book in her lap, eyes fixed out the window.
Simon was…perhaps in the housing above the stables? She had encouraged him to take refuge and rest before his long journey to Nevermere.
When Tybalt entered, Felicity thought of her last exchange with him, in her carriage as he rode beside. It hadn’t gone exactly as she wanted, but he, too, had expressed a need for change in their kingdom.
Felicity rose and curtsied, immediately registering the grave look on his face and the stiffness in their bond. She crossed quickly towards him, concern on her features,
“What has happened?” She asked in a hushed whisper.
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 Mar 9, 2024 11:59:49 GMT -5
It took all of Tybalt's self-control to avoid broadcasting just how troubled he was right now. He could hide some of it. As his wife came into view, his doubts and uncertainties only doubled. On his shoulder, Silvana would scurry away to hide behind the commander. "Felicity has good eyes." Was the only warning that he would, or even could afford, to give his companions.
He couldn't find it within him to force a smile, as he approached. At least, he had a valid excuse as to why he might appear troubled. It was a story to hide behind, something which could realistically have been upsetting him. "Simon Mikaels has failed to turn up for his hearing. His forces are to be disbanded and redistributed, which is why I brought the duke with me. He has a proposition for you which I thought he'd better talk with you about in person." Tybalt would pause for a moment. "As for Simon, I've been ordered to bring him in..."
It was an olive branch. A way out if she would only take it. All she need do was say a few words: he was here. Let them know the truth. Tybalt prayed, his heart in his mouth the whole time.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Mar 9, 2024 12:09:09 GMT -5
Augustus followed Tybalt’s lead. He did not want to reveal the mirror, so he kept it as hidden as possible as they moved. He first asked for Simon. It seemed the man was in a dank-looking room he did not recognize with a man that he recognized as Simon’s assistant (they’d been working from the palace for years, after all). When they approached where Fecliity was, Augusts pocketed the mirror and stood at Tybalt’s side. The prince's expression was open, a soft smile on his features to balance out Tybalt's obvious anxiety.
"I hope you will forgive the intrusion, Lady Zane," the prince said warmly, "As your husband said, we have much to discuss. But perhaps...we should relax for a moment. The journey has been long." That was meant for Tybalt, clearly, as indicated by the prince's gaze. He turned back to Felicity and indicated to the sitting area. "May I?"
Post by Felicity Zane on Mar 17, 2024 8:08:08 GMT -5
Felicity collected herself at the sight of Augustus. She didn’t trust him, only because she didn’t know where he stood. As far as she knew, he whispered into the queen’s ear and she did as he said. So then, was he to blame for the crown’s inactivity?
“Your grace.” She curtsied deeply for royalty. Another time she would have been deeply pleased that she was hosting such a high profile individual. For the moment, Tybalt’s expression haunted her. His words had been stiff and strange, but any hope she had of answering him directly was overshadowed by the prince speaking.
“Yes, of course. Please, both of you sit and take rest.” Her heart began to race. Was this the action she had been waiting for her husband to take? Was Augustus here to do something about the troops that had been taken to Dresmond? Or was it something else? Had Simon been seen headed towards Birkhall? Would she be considered a criminal for politely taking in a guest?
Felicity dared not speak, lest she transgress. She moved to the door and called for the servant to bring tea. She would then move to sit, taking a seat where she was perched alone. Her eyes slid warily over Tybalt before fixating on the prince.
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 Mar 17, 2024 8:54:44 GMT -5
It was a strange time to realize that he wore his heart on his sleeves. Taking a few discreet breaths, the commander did what he could to try and soothe his soul just a little bit. Rather than try and dream up excuses, or reasons why he might have seen what he'd seen, the man chose to push such thoughts from his mind. Instead, he decided to focus on the task at hand. They were here to discuss business, after all, weren't they? Felicity was to be given quite the responsibility.
So it came as a relief for Augustus to take over. Tybalt would move to follow, keeping a few steps behind.
A thought occurred to him. He looked towards the building's windows. As winter crept closer, its residents should have been spending more of their time inside, as opposed to running around outside. "Are the children in?" The man would question, without turning back to look for his wife. He tried to make it sound as unworried as possible. Come what may, nothing was going to happen right here, and now. All the same, he thought of the three of them. Fearing that they might come rushing out to greet him.
For the first time in his life, he found himself unable to face the prospect of seeing them right now.
Assuming that they weren't around, the commander would remain standing, a little bit distant. He would allow Augustus to do the rest of the talking, unsure where the other man was taking this. In his effort to make himself more challenging to read, Tybalt cut himself off from caring as much as was possible for him.
Last Edit: Mar 17, 2024 8:54:58 GMT -5 by Tybalt Zane
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Apr 6, 2024 12:21:23 GMT -5
He’d let Felicity answer the question about the children and sit as he was invited. He’d glance at Tybalt who continued to stand, wary of the man in his current state. Betrayal made one speak out of turn, and this was a situation that would need to be handled carefully. Augustus would let a silence settle over the room as he considered Felicity before speaking.
“My lady,” Augustus said in a friendly tone, almost gentle, “It known to us that Duke Mikaels has found refuge in Brikhall. Before involving other parties, I thought it best to come to you directly to have a full understanding of the situation.”
Post by Simon Mikaels on Apr 6, 2024 18:12:17 GMT -5
Simon had been informed of their arrival. As they sat for tea, Kelton would begin to make preparations for his mentor's escape from where they hid in the stables. They'd make swiftly as they could to leave Birkhall and make for the Red Citadel, his home far from Loren where his wife Romilly and children were.
Post by Felicity Zane on Apr 26, 2024 5:51:53 GMT -5
Felicity didn’t know what to make of Tybalt at the moment, so she focused instead of the obvious person in the room. At his words she felt her heart slow, the sickly thunking sounding loudly in her ears. Her face showed her surprise openly.
“How could you know that?” She asked, eyes then moving to Tybalt, assuming he had a servant watching her who had reported. But in such little time? Perhaps with a bird…
“He is an old friend.” She also said, attention returning to Augustus by way of explanation. She knew this could lead to a very bad place for her, but it all depended on Augustus’ perspective of their motives. “Is there a reason he should not be here?”
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 Apr 30, 2024 1:46:55 GMT -5
Tybalt kept track on Felicity out of the corner of his eye. She wasn't going anywhere, and he wasn't really expecting her to. It was taking more self-control than he would have thought for him to keep his emotions in check, and avoid any outbursts. Hence why he was relieved that Augustus was taking the reigns for a while.
The commander was a simple man, probably simpler than his wife. He tended to see the world in black and whites. Had he been in Felicity's shoes, and informed that someone whose company he had just been keeping company only a short while ago was now essentially wanted, he would have been searching for a horse so as to give chase himself. The fact that she wasn't only served to unsettle the man further. "He's been under surveillance for a while now."
It wasn't entirely a lie. Annabeth Porter had been the one to bring many of Simon's actions to his attention, and continued to do so even now that he was a wanted man. If they were here right now, it was because of her.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on May 18, 2024 15:40:45 GMT -5
Augustus maintained his air of diplomacy. The twinkle stayed in his eyes, and the soft understanding—perhaps even patronizing—smile stayed on his face.
“Duke Mikaels has refused a summons from the queen. Old friend though he may be, he is at present, a wanted man.” Augustus sipped his tea.
Post by Felicity Zane on May 20, 2024 16:50:19 GMT -5
Felicity respected the Rainecourts and all they had done for Lorendale. Thus, she respected Augustus. Whatever condescension one might have perceived from his smile was overlooked by her.
The surprise was not something she has to feign. She did not know the Queen had summoned Simon. It didn’t surprise her that he did not answer it, anxious as he was. Felicity was not sure how to proceed. She could not hope to convincingly pretend not to know of the information he has dropped, but she also stood by what had been done. Was it so bad to encourage activity upon an inactive queen? Lorendale needed movement, and she remained stagnant.
“I’m sure there is a misunderstanding.” Felicity said, all graciousness for the man they spoke of. “Duke Mikaels is a patriot. I know this well. Is there a reason,” she spoke slowly, carefully, a quiet and rather in confrontational challenge, “he might be afraid to answer the queen’s summons—assuming he received them at all.”
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 May 27, 2024 1:23:39 GMT -5
Tybalt kept his lips sealed tightly.
No doubt there was a difference between the couple about how they would have handled this. Had it been Tybalt, then the commander would have been running for the stables to find his horse. He would have been hunting for Simon himself, not standing here playing devil's advocate. The commander was astounded that Augustus was being as patient as he was. It was one of the few things which caused the man not to snap. He forced himself to stay as calm as possible.
The commander pursed his lips, as he fought back a sharp comment about whether or not he had received the summons. The messengers were from the palace, not some tavern looking for one of their patrons. It was almost inconceivable that Simon Mikaels wasn't aware that the queen hadn't been expecting for him. "He shouldn't be." Tybalt spoke, sounding calm to the rest of the world, as he did everything that he could to fight back his flaring temper. "That is if he has nothing to reproach himself."