Andustar

"For a time, I resented your position. The crown-bearer who couldn't possibly comprehend the weight of loss. Whose whims and wishes were served upon a silver platter," Albéric said to himself, reading the missive in isolation. The knight of the lake never felt close to his cousin, yet he could not deny the sorrow that gripped his core. "In truth, perhaps I misjudged you. Despite your mistakes, you were more complex than I gave you due credit for," he mused. A fact that had become more apparent in their most recent conversations. "I don't know with any certainty what lies beyond for you, Hadrian. I simply hope that you find the freedom you craved..." "...I look forward to a time in which we'll meet again."

Absolutely wonderful! Amazing work from both of you @tcs_tonsils_@MapleSunflower

[Disclaimer: This is a personal post detailing my character's mindset following an event and thus is not public information.] Cowardice. Weakness. Failure. The words rang through Albéric’s ears. Yet, he possessed little awareness of his surroundings. Before, he stood upon the weathered defences of a shamanist temple, but the storm that previously battered him had subsided. The cold rain and sea spray had been replaced by an intense heat that radiated anger, shame and disgrace. “I know this place,” he managed to utter through parched lips, hands purchasing a grip upon grains of sand. Years ago, the desert before him had appeared in a vision, rendered barren by the eternal watch of the sun overhead. It threatened to beat him into submission with every step, the heat scorching his calloused feet. The knight swore to walk this unforgiving path, even if the pain was too great a burden to withstand. And still, he had fallen in his stride, broken body coming to a halt in a barren wasteland. The figures in the distance, whom he sought to follow, grew further and further away, never wavering in their steps. “I-...” Barely a rasp escaped his dry mouth. He wondered, had the heat stolen his capacity to speak, or did he lack the courage to admit his folly? Perhaps it did not matter, for there was but one truth he now believed. I cannot do this. I’m little more than a disgrace. The sands rippled at the thought, threatening to swallow him whole. The knight felt himself sink, and part of him welcomed the enveloping embrace of judgment. “Now hold on there,” a pair of voices declared in unison, reaching into the sand to grasp a singular arm. Albéric wondered, who now clung to him, determined to rob a coward of his deserved fate. A woman spoke, “So easily you judge yourself. Yet, you gave me your hand when I was undeserving.” He recognised the shrill and noble tone and perceived an elegant figure, his blurred vision just about defining her face. She was a persistent individual who had suffered at the hands of betrayal and her own oppressive paranoia. Then, a man spoke. “You suffered a defeat, but there will be battles to come. Would you rob the realm of a sworn sword?” Again, he recognised the voice, touched by a tone of unmistakable pride. This figure was distorted and gravelly, like shattered limestone fragments someone sought to piece together again. He was a stubborn memory, felled in a war some considered righteous, others treacherous and immoral. “Who would judge me deserving of sympathy? What could a broken sword, who trampled his vows, possibly offer that permits his existence?” The two figures scooped Albéric across their shoulders, “You are more than your past mistakes,” again they spoke in unison. “It is cowardly to run in the face of fear, but it is worse still to bow one’s head and succumb to despair. You held on to us, now let us do the same.” They lifted him from the barren wastes and into the light. The broken knight’s feet found grip upon the dunes yet again, the figures who had hoisted him up now fading like a mirage. He looked back towards the light in the distance and the people he longed to follow getting further and further away. The digits upon his single hand clenched as he realised some strength remained, so he took another step. To make amends, first you must forgive yourself. Now walk, son. Those voices beckoned him like a divine chorus, crying out from beyond. Defeat stung, but life still clung to his body. Amidst the shattered ruins of the temple, Albéric awoke.

"'Twas merely my duty, Catriona." Albéric whispered, reading his niece's expression of gratitude under lantern light. "There will be many more obstacles to face, for your rule has just begun. Surmount them with honour, integrity and compassion."

Marcus looked over the ruined fortress, stonework crumpling in wake of the Coalition's barrage. "The debt against Brasca has been paid. Now, let us finish the campaign well and truly." The battle may have been over, but there was still a war to be won.

"We stand triumphant, sister. May your reign raise the Commonwealth to greater heights yet!" Marcus looked up his twin with pride, honoured to stand by her side in the years to come.

Marcus hummed softly as he read the missive, before glancing to his sister. "At least they recognise when they've been dealt a bad hand." @Zaerie

Prince Marcus Antonius reunited with his family in wake of the victorious battle, wiping his sword clean of heathen blood. "For the Commonwealth! O Sainte Règne Petrére!"

Albéric produced a warm smile in delight as word of his newborn nephew reached his ears. "I guess I owe Paul a visit," he concluded happily. -=- Meanwhile, Marcus' attention was diverted from the intrigues of war, the teen now flowing with joy. "Congratulations, uncle! I just hope we're due for more good news in the days to come."

"The words of a coward," Albéric stated to his mother in response. "He cares not for his family in truth, but only for vain glory." @tilly

I feel like this subtracts from the concept of having a unique mental landscape by imposing a mental code and total harmony. Imagine the aesthetic options people could explore with say a more radical or harsh mindset. A swelling anger they can control through sheer will and concentration, manifesting as something akin to a wartorn or volcanic region, littered with battered banners, weapons and fire. Furthermore, what about mindscapes in which people are thinking of themselves as ther rulers of their own worlds? Imagine a greedy mental landscape of gold or riches. E.g. a vast vault of perceived or desired wealth. Even if we did not go that far, 'attachment' to physical things could make for an interesting set of details in a person's mind. Say they were a blacksmith whose mindscape possessed a standing copy of every weapon they might have forged? I think that could make for some really interesting roleplay and I believe you are missing something here. As for the romantic distance aspect, it looks to me that this is an attempt to expand upon simply saying 'No FTB'. Instead of forcing people to become hermits, I reckon it would be better to keep it simple and block the degeneracy, or just outline that romance in general is impossible within the mindscape. Whilst I appreciate you are trying to stop deplorable RP, I think it is a bit much in this case.

I have been trying to follow up on searching for a material in roleplay that my character uncovered during the Mori'Quessir eventline, but thus far events pertaining to the acquisition of interesting materials or learning how to refine them are all but non-existent. Please, bring them back. +1

I appreciate the clarification on these mechanics and I wish you luck!

While no one magic should have a monopoly on certain combat mechanics, this alongside the 'Lightning Step' do sound very similar in concept and application to the paladin 'Stalker Step'. Furthermore, whilst I enjoy the concept of lightning evocation, I do feel the manoueverability this rewrite offers greatly mitigates one of the established weaknesses of mages, that being their vulnerability to physical strikes and their mental focus being shattered by distractions. If you are to go down this route, I would personally suggest that the amount of slots this magic requires be raised to 2 at least. Overall, your formatting is excellent and I appreciate the effort you put into expanding upon the aesthetic value of the magic. I simply worry about the balancing of the mechanics. Here is the Paladin lore if you would like to read it:

Within his apartment in the Petrine palace, Albéric was reading over the plans for his furniture and decorations. "Hmm.. Yes, yes. That there will go there and that-..." He paused to a delicate yet urgent knock upon the door which he opened hastily, only to find his mother standing in the hallway. "Matrère, is everything alright?!" His face, bruised from a recent skirmish, was gripped with an expression of immediate concern.

Albéric du Lac scanned over the invite with a mix of pride and yet apprehension. Hastily, he would write back to his younger brother.

"She deserved better," Albéric concluded upon reading the missive, producing a lengthy sigh.

Albéric felt genuine pride as he scanned the missive, his student and niece now destined to be Queen. "You've come a long way and will assume a great deal of responsibility, Sibyl. Yet, I trust you shall be up for the task." The Knight returned to his devices, believing it prudent to piece together a gift marking the occasion.

It was a nice little shop that hardly impacted the minimal merchant roleplay we see anyhow. The excuse for removing it in the first place was rather weak imo. Bring back the Auction House!

"The sins of the past have finally caught up to Ottomar. May he and his followers be called to account for their atrocities!" Albéric stated assuredly as he read the missive.

"Well then, here's an occasion I ought to attend," Albéric remarked, placing his attendence form in his brother's hand. @Chorale__

I'm glad to see some plain and simple undead again. +1

"About damned time," commented Albéric.

This revelation struck Albéric deeply, sorrow emanating from the wound that was his student's passing. Where exactly had he gone wrong? Was there a lesson or perhaps a measure of guidance that could have prevented this tragedy? Alas, he would never know, and the prospect he had so much hope for would be denied a true chance to shine. "Johanna... I'm so sorry..." The Knight clutched the talisman strung around his neck, his prayers offered to the comet-born Princess, now lost to the primordial seas.

[!] A series of flyers would be laid out on noticeboards throughout the realm. The Hungry Hippo Established: Circa. 1st of The Deep Cold, 61 BA. People of Portoregne, the Kingdom of Balian and all of Almaris! It is with great pride that we announce at long last the official grand opening of the Hungry Hippo Tavern, located in the heart of the Balianese capital of Portoregne. Eagerly supplied by the local region’s rich selection of vineyards, breweries and distilleries, this humble spot provides a vast range of beverages to choose from, whether that be a crisp wine, fresh lager, or a heart-warming whiskey. You will scarcely find a cheerier establishment to rest your weary feet! The establishment is located just beyond the front entrance to the city, open to the main square and primary canal within the city. With three floors and a broad layout, the seating arrangements are plentiful and we possess two rentable rooms for those seeking temporary accommodation. ~ Menu ~ Reduzzan Merlot 2 Minas Reduzzan Sauvignon 2 Minas Verdant Coast Cider 2 Minas Enderocan Lager 2 Minas Butterfly Tea 2 Minas Northern Isle Whiskey 3 Minas Marsanan Vodka 3 Minas Portoregne Spiced Rum 3 Minas In addition to serving as an inn, the Hungry Hippo additionally houses the Portoregne fighting arena. Located on the lower floor of the tavern, the chamber bears a spacious gallery, large enough to house a sizeable audience. We regularly hold fight nights in which the local populace and distant travellers may test their martial strength, or otherwise observe and place bets on spectacular entertainment. Furthermore, the champion of said events may purchase their drinks at half price, so long as they retain the title. One such event shall be hosted during our opening night, so if you feel confident why not have a go? We look forward to hosting you on this grand occasion!