The Mute that Spoke

[GhostSHTR 1205]

The Mute that Spoke

Rickard Nord, Age 35

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Bjolfr “Rickard” Nord, the eighth of his name, was born in the icy tundra of the Katerinas. Sent to Isaakev, he was raised by his distant cousin, Otto Ludovar, now Margrave of Kvaz. Following the tradition of many Carnatians before him, Rickard proved his coming of age by slaying a direwolf, though the beast claimed his voice in exchange for its life.

 

Rendered mute at the age of sixteen, Rickard became a loyal retainer to the Ludovars, serving as the Margrave’s most trusted advisor. He and Henrik-Otto, the Margrave’s son, grew up as brothers, sharing many adventures until Otto Ludovar passed into the Seven Skies. Upon Henrik-Otto’s inheritance of the Margraviate title, Rickard sought to serve both the Ludovar family and the Kingdom of Haense with greater devotion. However, before he could do so, he was determined to regain his lost voice.

 

Rickard’s quest led him to the Cove of Nevaehlen and eventually to the Koyo-Kuni Shogunate, where Shugo Kato crafted and installed an Animaii Voice Box into his throat. After thirty long years, Rickard could speak once more.

 

With his voice restored Rickard enlisted in the BSK, following in the footsteps of his forefather from three centuries ago. Through perseverance and dedication, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a lieutenant and a trusted advisor to the Lord Marshal. After decades of service, Rickard was knighted as a Kossar of the Order of the Unyielding.

 

And so, we arrive at today. For Rickard Nord, it began as just another day in his well-worn routine. The morning air was crisp as he made his way to the gatehouse for a brief chat with Viktor Weiss. They discussed the latest updates on those wanted by both the Church and the BSK. After their exchange, Rickard returned to his office, a space cluttered with maps, documents, and spreadsheets. Sunlight filtered through the narrow windows, casting long shadows across the wooden desk where he sat.

 

 

Upon his desk would be a letter from Ser Capsian.

 

“Rickard, bandits have overrun a disused mine, they’ve built a small stronghold there. Take the brotherhood and burn the place to the ground and kill all the inhabitants” - Signed Ser Caspian

 

Taking the letter in hand, the dutiful lieutenant stepped out of his office with a clear sense of purpose. His eyes were sharp, his movements deliberate, as he tucked the letter securely into his coat. Without hesitation, he set about rallying the Brotherhood.

 

Once assembled, Rickard led the Brotherhood to the bandit stronghold. They fought fiercely, tooth and nail, until the last two bandits, defeated and cornered, surrendered. Dropping their weapons, they handed Rickard a key.

 

 

Taking the Key, Rickard would open the gate into the mines

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Upon getting snatched by the Cave Troll, Rickard Nord was taken into the depths of the Mine.

It is unknown what transpired in that cave,

After a 2 years, the Brotherhood finally breached the Troll’s Lair after much fighting. Upon reaching the Lair, they discovered the Cave Troll was sleeping, upon reaching the entrance of the cave. The Troll Awoken

 

The brotherhood would find themselves face to face with a pissed off cave troll

During the fight, Jan Nord would see a familiar golden crow emblem. He rushed to it, discovering it to be the chest plate of a BSK Lieutenant. Inside the armor lay the decaying skeleton of a man, with strands of gray hair clinging to what little skin remained on his skull. They have found their beloved Lieutenant, but they were too late

 

Rickard Nord was dead, struck down by a cave troll while fulfilling the oath he had sworn. His final moments were a testament to his courage, facing the darkness with unwavering resolve.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

(OOC NOTE: This information is not publicly known. Please do not metagame. This is a point of view section)

 

Spoiler

 

 

As the Cave troll gripped Rickard in its massive fist, he gradually became aware that he was being taken deeper into the mine. Scanning his darkening surroundings, Rickard began to formulate a plan. His eyes traced the contours of the tunnel, noting the scattered rocks and the ominous path ahead.

 

Eventually, the tunnel would become dimmed by light as the Cave troll brought his victim to its dwelling. Torchlight would fill the dark cave, and the Cave troll would bring Rickard up to its face

 

“Yub gun be yummy!!!”

 

Rickard would look up at the cave troll. Within the helmet, the Nord’s blue eyes became a firey red and began to glow as streams of red veins cascaded down the throat of the man. Ashes and embers began to creep from the sides of his lips flying out of his helmet. A plume of ashy smoke began to creep from his maw before spreading into the area around him. Small flecks of gold shimmered among the torchlight of the cave

 

The cave troll staggered back still holding Rickard in his large hand, as Rickard exhaled smoke and ash, its menacing presence momentarily subdued.

 

"You’ve chosen the wrong man, troll!”

Rickard exclaimed, his glowing eyes locked onto the creature. His chest and arms began to radiate a fierce glow, emitting heat that shimmered beneath his armor.

 

Dropping Rickard, the cave troll braced itself against the edge of its lair, preparing for whatever came next., 

 

“Ewuil man, makica!”

 

Rickard landed heavily on the cave floor, coming to rest amidst bones, mold, and other grim debris. Rising to his feet, he faced the troll, his Draan swirling around him as ashes drifted away. With a determined gesture, Rickard removed his helmet and tossed it aside.

 

“Virolah” His voice would bellow in low draconic

 

A cloud, 5x5 in size, swiftly billowed towards the troll from Rickard. The smoke began to condense in the area, and the Draan within it vibrated, emitting a soft, ominous hum directed at the cave troll.

 

The gold-speckled smoke filled the air, covering the five-foot square area with shimmering particles. Draan permeated the smoke, creating a dense, magical haze. The cave troll was enveloped in this arcane mist, its vision starting to distort and become unclear. As the troll inhaled the smog, it began to experience vivid hallucinations of dragons and the sensation of being constantly watched, coupled with a growing sense of inebriation.

 

The troll slid down the cave wall in a mix of fear and confusion, its mind overwhelmed by the hallucinations. In its disoriented state, it completely forgot about the man it had kidnapped. Seizing the opportunity, Rickard began to remove the rest of his Brotherhood armor. Carefully, he placed a skeleton that bore a resemblance to himself into the discarded armor, creating a convincing decoy.

 

Standing in front of the now-armored skeleton, dressed only in a thin white tunic and pants, Rickard’s Ordainment tattoos along his arms and the Eye of Azdromoth brand on his chest glowed a fierce red as his Draan continued to flow through him.

 

“I did not wish to leave, but it seems my hand has been forced. Rickard Nord is dead,” the man declared, gazing at the skeleton in his old armor. With one last glance at the troll, he turned and began his exit from the cave.

 

“Only through sacrifice can one achieve Asioth,” the Ordained Herald whispered to himself as he felt the sun warm his skin upon exiting the cave.

 

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Letters to Kin and Friends, to be sent upon my death

 

The Most Honorable, Heinrik-Otto Ludovar, Margrave of Kvaz @HogoBojo

Spoiler

Heinrik-Otto,

 

Brosa, look how far we’ve come. I never thought I’d be the first to go, but here we are. Though we may be only distantly related by blood, you’ve been the brother I never had, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I still remember the day I first arrived in Isaakev, and you welcomed me with open arms. Your kindness and that of your family is something I’ll never forget. I can only hope that my loyalty has repaid even a fraction of your generosity.

 

I Love you brosa.

 

Sincerely, Rickard
 

 

 

His Lordship, Sigmund Karl Ludovar @Legoboy7984

Spoiler

Lord Sigmund,

 

We may not have been the closest as you grew up, but I’ve always regarded you as my nephew. You are my godson, and I am proud of the man you’ve become. You will make a great Margrave, just like your father and his father before him..

 

Remember, family always has your back

 

Sincerely, Rickard Nord
 

 

His Lordship, Ludvik Marus Ludovar @FredrickTeufel

Spoiler

Ludvik,

 

You are a man of great kindness; don’t let the darkness of this world take that away from you. I am proud to be called Aedypapej by you, even if we aren’t bound by blood. Take good care of Astoria—she loves you more than words can express. 

 

Love is a rare thing, do not lose it

 

Sincerely, Your Aedypapej, Rickard
 

 

 

Her Ladyship, Reza Elizaveta Ludovar @iris1612

Spoiler

My Dearest Reza,

 

I’ve watched you grow from a little girl into the wonderful woman you are today. Though I may not be your uncle by blood, I’ve always seen you as my niece. I’ve been there every step of the way, and my only regret is that I won’t be able to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day or hold your firstborn.

 

I may be gone but I will always be in your heart

 

With Love, Uncle Ricky 
 

 

 

The Right Honourable, Karl Weiss, Viscount of Novkursain @CasChaos

Spoiler

Karl,

 

My boy, how you’ve grown. You’ve become a respectable, brave, and kind young man. I still remember when you were the tiniest initiate I had ever seen. I may have been hard on you at times, but it was only because I cared. Though not by blood, I’ve always seen you as one of my sons, and I felt it was my duty to help guide you in becoming a man. Even as a humble peasant, I hope my lessons have been of value to you. You are and will continue to be, a great Viscount and the proud Patriarch of your house.

 

Don’t forget that great men come from humble beginnings

 

Sincerely, Rickard Nord
 

 

 

His Excellency, Ser Caspian Colborn, Lord Marshal @Sandman_Plays

Spoiler

Ser Caspian,

 

It has been my honor to serve under you. I’ve learned a great deal, and I hope you’ve learned something from me as well. You are one of the most capable Lord Marshals Haense has seen in decades—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. My only regret is leaving you without one of your trusted lieutenants, but young Karl will be a great replacement. He is like a son to me, and I have no doubts about his abilities.

 

Those who don’t wish for power, often deserve it more than those who wish for it.

 

Sincerely, Rickard Nord
 

 

 

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Marius III, King of Hanseti-Ruska @Dogged

Spoiler

Your Majesty,

 

It has been the greatest honor of my life to watch you grow from a young prince into a regal king. Guarding you, and being considered your friend, is something I can’t truly put into words. Despite all the challenges of being a king, always remember to trust yourself and your advisors.

 

Just because you receive criticism, it does not mean they are against you.

 

Sincerely, Rickard Nord
 

 

 

Jan Nord @Aden
 

Spoiler

To Jan, My Son

 

You have made me proud, my son. Though you are my secondborn, you have earned the right to call yourself a Nord proudly. I am saddened that I won’t be able to see you grow into the mature man I know you will become. Make our name proud, and continue to serve Haense and the Ludovars with honor.

 

To be a Nord is never to falter.

 

Sincerely, Your Papej
 

 

Nemea 

Spoiler

Nemea,

 

I know it has been many years since we spoke, and we didn’t leave on the best of circumstances. Despite it all, I have loved you since the day we meet and loved you since you broke my heart. My love never faded despite the distance and years. If you are receiving this then, I’d died before I wanted too but within this letter is a gift I wanted to give you but never did.

 

*An engagement ring made of wood and gold would be inside the letter*

 

Love, Rickard
 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

OOC Note: Rickard was descent from my first character on lotc, it was only fitting to rejoin lotc with a Nord as well. His story went with the flow, I didn’t have a set plan for him but let the roleplay go organically which lead to me joining communities I never would have thought I’d be a part of. Even Though Rickard’s story is done, it doesn’t mean he’s gone. I look forward to seeing what happens to him next. -Ghost

[Hawkeye_Gough 624]

Jan Nord, having lost a leg against the troll who claimed Rickard's life, salutes to his father's memory. He will seek to follow the shining standard set by the greatest Nord who ever lived.

[HogoBojo 4725]

Henrik-Otto Jakob Ludovar would shed a tear upon hearing of the loss of his closest retainer, one whom he considered to be like his own brother. "Ea will miss vy my borsa, truly. Ea hope that vy are resting peacefully in the Seven Skies." The elderly man would sign the Lorraine Cross, reminiscing of all the good times he shared with the man.

[Sandman_Plays 659]

[!] Ser Caspian heard the troubling news before pouring out a drink for the fallen.

"Gone but not forgotten Rickard... never Forgotten"

The man would sit in his dimly lit office contemplating how many of his Brothers and Sisters would perish before him, a Chilling though passed over him as if he were being watched?

OOC- Been an absolute pleasure to have you around Ghost massive help to me and to build the BSK, an all round amazing friend, thank you for all you do and have done, Im glad I was the one to tell the story of Rickard's final moments Hope you enjoyed the event :) See you when you return!

[wolfersquad2004 207]

A certain elfess would find herself with a new letter, she stared at it for a long while...along with the ring. She may not have held love for the man anymore but she still felt a twisting in her stomach, tears rolled down her face as she carefully put the ring away along with the letter. "Rickard...I hope you are resting well...friend" 

[iris1612 1780]

"Aedypapej Ricky, nie!" Reza Ludovar collapsed with a wail when she read that fateful letter. "Ea never got to say goodbye to vy. . ."
 

[Legoboy7984 3155]

Sigmund Ludovar dips his head.
"He has nothing but serve in his life with no breaks. But now it is the time for him to rest. Rest in peace, Rickard."