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 Honora Allemeade on Jun 21, 2024 16:42:16 GMT -5
As soon as the diamond dropped into Honora’s hand, fog started to swirl like mist over her eyes. Her fist closed around it and rose to rest against her mouth, her other hand digging into the side of Elena Eldouir’s face.
She was there.
Honora’s eyes flashed over with white. The memories and emotions were contained in the gem like a concentrated deluge, contensed into something so potent that Honora was unprepared for it. The room would start to feel a tingling pain like a creeping heat in their toes. It was as if Honora did not possess the diamond, it possessed her.
You.
Honora tore free with a hiss, pulling her hand from Elena’s body as if it were a hot stove but keeping the diamond firmly in her hand.
“I…She’s…” Honora turned the diamond over in her fingers, confused and full of wonder all once, “She’s not lost. But, also…not quite here.” She looked up at Hiram. “I need time.”
Post by Hiram Eldouir on Jun 21, 2024 16:52:33 GMT -5
Hiram glared at Honora as she worked, confused but determined, as if a stern gaze might further empower the gifted. Her inconclusive conclusion was lacking but sufficient for the time. Hiram held her gaze for a heavy moment. He didn’t think in words but in emotion. This was it. This was what he had saved her for. He hadn’t known it then, but they would both know it now, and perhaps the weight of it would keep her true.
The Eldouir’s eyes peeled away from the woman to glance at Avalon before shifting to Augustus and then Tybalt. It rest on the more familiar Captain of the Royal Guard (or whatever he was now).
“We will be staying here.” He informed him, his uncompromising tone leaving no room for protest. “The queen will do what she must to absolve me of what crimes your law would prosecute me for, and my family will reclaim its standing in this society and more.” He was talking to Tybalt, yes, but also Honora. Also Avalon. Also any other noble in the vicinity who cared to know why they were back.
Post by Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx on Jun 21, 2024 16:57:00 GMT -5
With the attention in the room on the Eldouir, Phaedra safely made her exit and hurried down the hall, passing along word of the Eldouir return to the appropriate people. She gave no orders, as she wasn’t sure what to do.
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 22, 2024 1:25:34 GMT -5
The commander watched the exchange between Honora, and the Eldouirs with some interest. It was his general understanding that once a soul was removed, that was it. There was no magically putting it back. As such, he didn't hold out too much hope where Honora's efforts were concerned. She seemed to think there was still something which resembled hope though. Honestly, at this point, he wasn't too sure what to even make of that.
As Hiram's gaze came to rest upon him, Tybalt readied himself. In truth, he expected to be attacked, blamed along with Augustus for what had happened.
If Tybalt had ever had any doubts regarding Hiram's sanity, they were instantly dismissed by his next statement.
The commander folded his arms across his chest, and raised an eyebrow dubiously. "You're more than welcome to stay in the dungeons." Tybalt had been trying to get them there for years after all. Any hints of humor, or amusement would be dropped a second later, as his expression became like thunder. "You must know that's impossible. You cannot murder, rape, and pillage your way, and expect to be welcomed back with open arms." For once, Tybalt didn't care what Augustus' position on the matter was, he would burn before he allowed the Eldouir to stay here. "Even if the queen were to allow it, do you really think that the people out there would accept the presence of even a single Eldouir here?" Tybalt shook his head. "Go back to your little kingdom, or isn't that enough for you?"
Blast Generation - Avalon is able to generate blasts of powerful, pressurized air at whatever she targets.
A pressure-force generates in her core that creates a blast. She can direct this blast at people or objects. This means that if someone stands in the way of the blast force, it will not go through the person but hit them instead. If someone knows about her Gift and is feeling heroic, they would be able to throw themselves between her and her target to intercept her attack. This would result in them taking the blow.
The force of power behind Avalon’s blast is determined by how much she “charges” the attack. Charging looks like her focusing contained magical power into her core that she then releases at will. An attack with lesser pressure will be generated and released in a single post. An attack with moderate power will be charged for one post and released in the next post. Her most powerful blasts need to be charged for two posts and released in the third. For context, the most powerful blast from Avalon can tear apart stone, earth, and sometimes even metals.
Apart from power, Avalon can also manipulate the size and precision of her attacks. Sometimes they are large and all-encompassing, like a hurricane, and sometimes they are small and specific, like the loosing of an arrow. She can release any size in a single post, and the wreckage it causes is then determined by how much power she charged into it.
Post by Avalon Eldouir on Jun 22, 2024 7:50:31 GMT -5
Avalon kept her eyes on Honora Allemeade as she began prodding Elena's memories. She was confused by what the woman said. "If this is Arynnite magic, we might need someone who knows more about it", she said softly, so Honora Allemeade and Hiram Eldouir would be able to hear it.
She then looked at Tybalt Zane when he started to respond to Hiram. If looks could kill, Tybalt would be dead for suggesting the dungeons. She wanted to speak, but for once, she didn't. She would let Hiram take care of this.
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Jun 22, 2024 18:44:51 GMT -5
“We will be staying here.”
No words could have been more chilling. However, Augustus remained calm, trying to lean into a normal courtly pace in a distinctly abnormal situation. Before the prince formulated his next words, Tybalt Zane spoke, saying what he wished he could but would not for the risk of upsetting the balance. He thought of his wife, of all the others who had yet to flee the palace, and yes—himself. Bullying the Eldouir would end only in death.
“That’s enough for now, Commander,” The prince said with stern, but not scolding, finality. He stepped toward Hiram Eldouir . He had never been near the man, having been in Arynn Frey for many years. It was surreal.
“Your estate yet stands,” Augustus said, “Reclaim your home, and we can discuss your terms. Claim the palace, and risk chaos and war. If you want to reenter society, let us not start by tearing it to pieces.”
Post by Honora Allemeade on Jun 22, 2024 18:48:21 GMT -5
After Hiram broke her gaze, Honora’s hand closed around the diamond. She held it to her chest, heart pounding against her fist as it rested against her blouse. When Tybalt Zane spoke, Honora did her best to calm him. To calm them all. She’d settle a subtle sense of ease that would unwind those present like a sigh after a long day.
Post by Hiram Eldouir on Jun 23, 2024 12:14:31 GMT -5
”No.” Hiram didn’t rise to Tybalt’s thunder as her night have otherwise. He was a calm, collected, oozing lava. It didn’t threaten quite like thunder did but no one would make the mistake of underestimating its lethality, surely.
“We will stay here in the palace,” his gaze flickered to Augustus, recognizing that the man had asserted his dominance over the Captain, “or it will burn with all of you inside.” He flashed a mirthless smile, gaze returning to Tybalt for a pointed beat. He let a silence fall, daring anyone to further push the situation. It didn’t matter if the people didn’t accept them. That was the advantage of having power.
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 23, 2024 14:34:34 GMT -5
Tybalt groaned, and raised a hand to his temple. He felt the wave of calmness curtsy of Honora. He wasn't used to his emotions spinning around like this (at least not when Felicity wasn't involved). It was unpleasant, and left him disorientated. He wanted to be angry, but wasn't. A deep breath served to settle his nerves.
He locked eyes with Hiram. Calmness didn't equate to a lack of hatred, and Tybalt still had plenty of it to go around. Years worth of it. "How many Eldouir have died?" The roar, and anger had vanished from Tybalt's voice. He would sound just tired right now. "-Because of your reckless arrogance?" Tybalt thought of Raine, Quincy, Samael, Blair... All good people, all dead. Then there were those who he hadn't cared for, and now lay dead. Elena was just the last in a long list. "None of you are immortal. Not one. How do you really think this is going to end? Do you think that Lorendale, Nevermere, and Arynn Frey will just roll over and let you do as you please? How many of your family are you going to get killed this time?" Tybalt nodded towards the diamond. "Is she still not enough?"
The commander let out an exhausted sigh, and shook his head. "Just. Go. Home."
Blast Generation - Avalon is able to generate blasts of powerful, pressurized air at whatever she targets.
A pressure-force generates in her core that creates a blast. She can direct this blast at people or objects. This means that if someone stands in the way of the blast force, it will not go through the person but hit them instead. If someone knows about her Gift and is feeling heroic, they would be able to throw themselves between her and her target to intercept her attack. This would result in them taking the blow.
The force of power behind Avalon’s blast is determined by how much she “charges” the attack. Charging looks like her focusing contained magical power into her core that she then releases at will. An attack with lesser pressure will be generated and released in a single post. An attack with moderate power will be charged for one post and released in the next post. Her most powerful blasts need to be charged for two posts and released in the third. For context, the most powerful blast from Avalon can tear apart stone, earth, and sometimes even metals.
Apart from power, Avalon can also manipulate the size and precision of her attacks. Sometimes they are large and all-encompassing, like a hurricane, and sometimes they are small and specific, like the loosing of an arrow. She can release any size in a single post, and the wreckage it causes is then determined by how much power she charged into it.
Post by Avalon Eldouir on Jun 23, 2024 14:45:36 GMT -5
While Tybalt and Hiram exchanged words, Avalon grew tired of listening to them. She let her eyes slide over the people and the throne room. Reckless arrogance. Blah blah.
The woman turned away from the small group that consisted of Hiram, Honora and Elena and walked towards the throne, sitting her pretty ass down on it and leaning an elbow on the armrest.
"You've heard my cousin", she said, loud enough so everyone would be able to hear it, sitting on the throne nonchalantly. "We'll be staying here. And you better agree soon, before I add you tied to my bed to the arrangement, mouthy one." Directed at Tybalt, of course. She grinned widely.
Last Edit: Jun 23, 2024 14:48:02 GMT -5 by Avalon Eldouir
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Jun 23, 2024 15:13:47 GMT -5
“That’s. Enough.” Augustus repeated, glaring at the man to his side with far less understanding than he’d spoken with before. He dared the commander to once again defy him—particularly in this moment of uncertainty, should he disobey the words of a royal? But just then, the calming waves from Honora started to pull him to the peaceful sea she’d created. Augustus’s eyes returned to Hiram, considering the man for a long moment before responding.
“Very well, then. Commander—” Augustus turned to the man at his side, beckoning for him to follow, speaking as he would seek to exit the throne room. “I want the palace emptied except for your guard. No servants, no staff, no nobles—no one. Whatever provisions are in the pantry, have them distributed among the waitstaff and sent home to their families. Do the same for any liquor or wine. I will remain here with our…guests. I’m sure they’ll make themselves at home.”
If Tybalt did not follow, he would seek to pull him by the arm. Tybalt was only fueling a fire there would be no putting out. Not yet.
Post by Honora Allemeade on Jun 25, 2024 6:56:15 GMT -5
The calm emitting from Honora would continue to surround them, letting the tension from the room like a valve. Outwardly, her focus remained on the diamond. She looked at its glittering surface with perplexed wonderment.
Post by Hiram Eldouir on Jun 25, 2024 7:49:44 GMT -5
Just as calmness did not negate hatred, it also did not diminish killer instinct. Hiram had already responded to the Captain. When his words rose up again, the Eldouir very calmly caused the blood in the ground around them to rise up as well. He was a murderer at his core. He could calmly kill, las a well-seasoned assassin quietly, calmly cuts the throat of his victim before slipping away. It was a good thing Augustus called him off.
“We will expect,” Hiram said to Augustus’ back, “every accommodation typically given to her majesty’s esteemed guests. Anything short of that and I can’t promise what one of my family members might do.” He shrugged, as if helpless, and turned to leave, casting a wink towards Avalon Eldouir. She had already asserted herself, and that would continue to be useful. No doubt Myla would, too.
“The others at the estate should be here with us.” He said offhandedly, leaving it in someone else’s hands to send for Azazel Eldouir and the other two.
If no one sought to intercept him, Hiram would leave the throne room to take Elena to a room where her body could rest. Then he’d go see the queen.
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 25, 2024 15:29:03 GMT -5
Tybalt had been more or less conditioned to expect to die in battle. He might not actively seek it out, but he didn't shy away from it either. The commander's hand was reaching for his sword, his armor spreading over his body as he readied himself for a fight. Augustus' efforts were enough to stop him. Tybalt would straighten himself. It was a disdainful look at he shot Avalon, irritated and exhausted, more than anything else. "Now that's a threat..."
The commander would turn his back on the group, Augustus wouldn't need to try dragging him. They could debate some of the more practical aspects of some of the man's orders later. There was no way that Tybalt was going to tolerate any of the Royal Guard being in the palace alone with the Eldouir, but one thing at a time.
"No good will come of this." Tybalt declared bitterly. He would begin to move back towards the door, not particularly caring if any of the Eldouir tried to take advantage of his having his back turned. "I wash my hands of what comes next..."
Unless anyone made to stop him, Tybalt would leave the room, his mind already spinning with the implications, doing whatever he could to think of what his next move would be. One thing of he was certain of, was that in Lorendale's future, there was no room for both himself, and the Eldouir family. One of the two would have to go, and he had no intention of doing so quietly.
Blast Generation - Avalon is able to generate blasts of powerful, pressurized air at whatever she targets.
A pressure-force generates in her core that creates a blast. She can direct this blast at people or objects. This means that if someone stands in the way of the blast force, it will not go through the person but hit them instead. If someone knows about her Gift and is feeling heroic, they would be able to throw themselves between her and her target to intercept her attack. This would result in them taking the blow.
The force of power behind Avalon’s blast is determined by how much she “charges” the attack. Charging looks like her focusing contained magical power into her core that she then releases at will. An attack with lesser pressure will be generated and released in a single post. An attack with moderate power will be charged for one post and released in the next post. Her most powerful blasts need to be charged for two posts and released in the third. For context, the most powerful blast from Avalon can tear apart stone, earth, and sometimes even metals.
Apart from power, Avalon can also manipulate the size and precision of her attacks. Sometimes they are large and all-encompassing, like a hurricane, and sometimes they are small and specific, like the loosing of an arrow. She can release any size in a single post, and the wreckage it causes is then determined by how much power she charged into it.
Post by Avalon Eldouir on Jun 25, 2024 16:46:50 GMT -5
Augustus seemed to realise what was at stake and shortened the leash on his guard dog Tybalt. Still with the same grin on her face, Avalon watched the scene in front of her. Hiram had winked at her, which she interpreted as him being pleased with her, so all was well. Amazing, actually. They were back in Lorendale, in the palace, and she was sitting on the throne. Where she belonged. Queen of Dresmond was one thing, but queen of Lorendale was where it was at. Of course she realised that sitting there didn't mean anything, but still. She was thoroughly enjoying herself.
She watched Hiram leave, then looked at Honora and Myla. "You stay here with me while Myla goes to fetch the rest of the family", she ordered, no idea whether Honora would obey orders from her, but she didn't want to let Honora out of her sight, and she also didn't want to leave the throne room and follow Hiram like a puppy.
Last Edit: Jun 26, 2024 7:38:40 GMT -5 by Avalon Eldouir