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!
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on May 31, 2024 20:30:43 GMT -5
Augustus shrugged gently, sipping his tea and not rising to the challenge in Felicity’s tone. His manner remained one of easy confidence. As if this were all simply what Felicity said it might be—a misunderstanding. Though Tybalt’s temper remained in check, Augustus kept his attention half-trained on the man…who not too long ago had been a drunken, furious mess. His eyes did not leave Felicity, however. It was as if they were the only two conversing, and Tybalt was not there at all.
“I cannot speculate as to the Duke’s reasoning,” Augustus said with a partial sigh, “But what I know is that in the absence of an explanation, it is only this…misunderstanding which remains.” He set his cup down on the table. “I come here seeking the truth, my lady. Perhaps he fears the queen’s summons, but he needn’t fear mine.”
Post by Felicity Zane on Jun 14, 2024 13:34:05 GMT -5
Felicity was in a corner. She had no choice but to trust Augustus and believe his words. Her eyes moved from the prince and to Tybalt, before jumping back to the royalty. She knew Tybalt would have strong feelings about learning what she had to say, but in her defense, she had not invited Simon here.
“It will be good if you ask him yourself.” She said, her tone a little shallow, not quite guilty but certainly betraying a truth. “He has only just paid me a visit and is here.” She didn’t want to say exactly where (hiding in the stables). So she would get to him first and bring him as if there was nothing untoward happening. After all, Augustus seemed reasonable. Perhaps Felicity was naive.
She stood.
“Shall I bring him?” If they were agreeable then she would leave to do just that—alone.
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 Jun 14, 2024 16:18:57 GMT -5
Felicity was right, but then with almost a decade's worth of mariage under their belt, three children and sharing a piece of one another's soul, that was hardly surprising. Tybalt was not best pleased. He would tense just momentarily. He only just managed to bite back words which he knew would be harsh, and likely only succeed in making things worse.
Perhaps a few comments might have slipped past his lips, had it not been for her offering to go and get him. In a flash, it was apprehension which took hold. Felicity might think Simon Mikaels to be her friend, but Tybalt knew that a wild animal, when cornered would become unpredictable. Yesterday's friend, could become today's enemy, or a convenient shield. For a few moments, all of the anger, and the irritation faded. It would show across his face, as the lines faded, and his muscles slackened. "Be careful." The man spoke softly.
Assuming that Augustus didn't forbid her from leaving, nor did he make any attempt to accompany Felicity, then Tybalt would allow his ears to do the talking. As long as things remained comparatively calm, then he should have been able to at the very least keep track of her, even without being there.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Jun 18, 2024 10:34:36 GMT -5
Augustus nodded in a gesture of gracious understanding. He was not here to accuse Felicity nor make an enemy of her. Felicity was too useful a potential ally for such sloppiness. But Simon Mikaels remained a loose end that needed tying up. A missing piece that needed to be placed.
“Yes, my lady,” Augustus nodded, “Thank you,” His gratitude appeared sincere, though you never could tell with these seasoned political types.
Post by Felicity Zane on Jun 19, 2024 9:22:49 GMT -5
Felicity wasn’t sure to make of all she felt from Tybalt. It was complicated, a rare thing for her husband, and so she only spared him a glance when he spoke, before dipping a curtsy to them both and leaving the room.
Once in the hall she would pick up her skirts and run. Her enhanced speed carried her more quickly than any servant could hope to travel. She would go to the place Simon was resting, entering into the room without warning.
“They are here for you.” She told him, only the slightest bit winded. “Duke Augustus and my husband. They have said you did not answer the queen’s summons.”
Post by Simon Mikaels on Jun 21, 2024 15:01:49 GMT -5
Kelton heard Felicity’s hurried footsteps first—or hurried footsteps, at least. He couldn’t be sure who. Kelton stood at the ready between Simon and the door (as if there were much that the academic could do if it were an unfriendly figure). Simon also stood, gripping the back of a chair when Felicity entered.
His face hardened. So the time had come. After a moment’s silence, Simon nodded slowly to confirm it.
Post by Felicity Zane on Jun 21, 2024 16:30:01 GMT -5
Felicity knew her had recorded them and didn’t respond, but hearing him say it made her heart sink.
“I’ve told them you’re here. I don’t know what you want—what you expect me to do.” She wanted to be a good friend and to be a support, but she did not expect this turn of events. Why had he fled? Surely the Queen could see the good of his intentions.
Post by Simon Mikaels on Jun 23, 2024 15:25:51 GMT -5
He’d put her in this position. A selfish move, perhaps, but it had been a necessary one. For Simon to go to the queen would be for her to have a scapegoat. For her to push off the regulations on another and relieve her of the responsibility of having to enact them. For him to flee was to deny her political cover. It was honorable cowardice—or at least, so he believed.
“No, no…” Simon responded with profound exhaustion, “You did what you had to. What you should have done. I’m sorry…” Simon scratched his beard thinking for a moment before sighing deeply. “Kelton, I believe the world has finally caught up to us. If you please…” He’d extend his hand to whoever would guide him.
Post by Felicity Zane on Jun 30, 2024 15:17:28 GMT -5
Felicity frowned towards Kelton, but ultimately would reach out to take his hand, placing it on her arm as was a proper form of touch between unmarried individuals, and would lead him herself.
“Prince Augustus is not angry.” She informed him quietly in their way. “I like to think he is open to reason. Your actions were the activity many were hoping to see. Surely even the prince himself can understand that.” She was nervous, and talking seemed as good a course as any. If he did not respond she would fall silent, leading him to the tea room without delay.
Post by Simon Mikaels on Jun 30, 2024 17:09:51 GMT -5
Simon nodded, trying to keep his composure. Mind over matter, he thought, as he tried to slow the beating of his heart. Simon did not regret his actions, but if there was ever a moment to doubt…but no. No, he would do it all over again.
“The prince has always been sensitive to public opinion,” Simon sighed, “Let us hope he hears the voice of his people when the queen did not.”
Simon was not overly talkative—too busy rehearsing what he may or may not say to those who were awaiting him.
Post by Felicity Zane on Jul 4, 2024 2:28:16 GMT -5
Felicity said nothing more, only nodded, a gesture that would be missed by the blind man. When they arrived at the tea room she cleared her throat to make their arrival know and would then lead Simon in.
“You are in the presence of Prince Augustus and Marquis Tybalt Zane.” She informed him, waiting for him to greet them as he would before she would help him to a seat.
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 Jul 6, 2024 13:56:22 GMT -5
Felicity didn't need to say, or do anything more. Whether she realized it or not, upon presenting Simon to them, she gave Tybalt the one thing that he had been desperate to see: proof of her continued loyalty. He felt well, and truly ashamed to have doubted her for even a few seconds. All the man managed to do was let out a sigh, one which felt as if he was freed of an eternity's worth of troubles.
He forgot about himself, and even Simon, and Augustus for a while. It was only his beloved wife whom he saw. "Thank you." He let out. Augustus would take over from here.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Jul 6, 2024 14:52:35 GMT -5
Augustus had interacted with Simon enough to be known to him, but not enough that they had any sort of rapport. He was the king’s adviser, after all, and Augustus the queen’s. And Augustus had never forgotten just who it was Duke Mikaels served.
“Duke Mikaels,” Augustus said, not standing but inclining his head in acknowledgment (that the Duke himself could not see, but no matter). “I appreciate that you’ve joined us. Given the present situation, I know that is no small thing, and I am grateful.”
Was it genuine? Or was it a game of charm and disarm? Difficult to say.
Post by Simon Mikaels on Jul 6, 2024 15:08:46 GMT -5
Simon would allow Felicity to lead him to a seat. Even if it were entirely a facade, he had to admit the prince’s demeanor did put him at ease—or at least, it helped a little. Simon maintained his typical surly demeanor, eyes gazing vacantly into nothingness.
“The present situation,” Simon repeated, “I suppose, that’s a way of putting it, your highness.” He paused, before deciding it would do none of them any good to beat around the bush.
“As I’m sure you’re aware, the queen had no part in releasing the declaration—neither did the king. I did what I believed was right and necessary in service to my kingdom. Whatever consequences may come, I accept them.”
Post by Felicity Zane on Jul 7, 2024 1:18:38 GMT -5
Felicity glanced towards Tybalt as his flood of relief splashed into her, providing a calm he hadn’t meant to extend to her nerves. Once Simon was seated she would take her seat once more, and the four would be seated to face off. Hot tea simmered on the table before them, but she did not offer to pour any for Simon. Especially not after he jumped right in.
“But,” Felicity said quietly, glancing towards Augustus before lowing her eyes, “it was much needed action. Celebrated, even. It was to the queen’s credit.” These were delicate political matters they were stepping into now, and Felicity needed to tread carefully. Surely Augustus had heard her during the open court. She would not pretend now that she thought what the queen was doing—which was nothing—was sufficient.