Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Captain Whitebread on 14-12-2015, 20:41:39</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>14-12-2015, 20:41:39</strong>
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				The weather had finally broken and the cloud cover had scattered enough for the descent of the two dropships to be visible.&nbsp; One had been waiting for almost two days for a landing window.&nbsp; The other had only just arrived.&nbsp; They came down together, both pilots clearly eager to be on the ground.&nbsp; Their descent was as carefully watched as their credentials were carefully screened.&nbsp; Weapons both visible and invisible tracked their journey from orbit to ground.&nbsp; Any deviation from their flight path would be met with a firestorm of munitions and energy weapons.<br><br>At the starport, each ship had its own very distinct welcoming committee, despite the fact that the passengers on both ships were heading for the same place.&nbsp; &nbsp;No matter how tired or how travel weary they were, the newcomers were expected to attend a welcoming feast.&nbsp; It was as much a test as a welcome, pushing the diplomatic skills of the nearly exhausted nobles to their limits while pretending to offer hospitality had long been a tradition on Siege Perilous.<br><br>There were other less official people waiting as well, those who rarely saw the inside of the feast halls.&nbsp; The ships carried more than just fresh meat for the social grist mills, they carried much needed supplies and less important passengers.&nbsp; Few nobles considered the soldiers that fought and died beside and under them but these were the backbone of the small armies that protected Siege Perilous.&nbsp; As flashy and as imposing as the battlemechs were, it was flesh and bone that won battles as well as blood.&nbsp; There was always blood.<br><br>Usually the five Houses fought against each other, rather than dining together but Siege Perilous was an exception to the rule in many ways.&nbsp; For the most part it was unclaimed, except for the growing number of noble holdings that were spreading across the planet with each new influx of fresh blood.&nbsp; These claims changed hands frequently as fortunes changed on the battlefield or in the conference room.&nbsp; There were even tales of large tracts of land changing hands over the gaming tables.<br><br>For some reason Siege Perilous had been designated a 'free world', much to the annoyance of the Free Worlds League.&nbsp; All five Houses were represented to a more or less equal degree.&nbsp; No one House controlled the entire planet but all five defended it and their portion of it with a zeal that bordered on jealousy.&nbsp; It was a fertile bed of intrigue and deception and influence was wielded less like a hammer than like a scalpel.&nbsp; It was a game of chess and the pieces changed value frequently and often unpredictably.<br><br>Now there were newcomers, who had to learn the rules quickly before they were too far behind to ever recover.....<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>17-12-2015, 01:16:34</strong>
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				Viscount Leftenant Edward duPierre watched with some interest as the dropship carrying him and other members of Davion loyalist nobles slowly descended towards the planet named Siege Perilous. It was no secret that each and every one on this ship belong to families loyal to the Davion family, though all of them here are not first in line for the title in their respective home planets.<br><br>He was a mere third son of the Earldom in Bristol, his home planet and so being free of the pressure of being the heir he was able to devote himself to his studies and gained a rank of Leftenant in the AFFS, and was proud to be a part of the 3rd Crucis Lancers. Fighting in the Third Succession War was brutal, and he had lost some friends fighting against the 15th Dieron Regulars. But that did not made him hate the Dracs, suspicious and wary yes... because he realized in war the loss of life are inevitable. <br><br>He glanced at the other men and women here and knew they outranked him not just in military rank, but also in their social status in nobility. Still, if he was to survive out here... he knew that he had to learn to play the political game. But he does not know if he is able to do so with honesty, and he did not like to seem to be licking anyone's boots or kissing anyone's arses to do so. He knows that in politics, you have to do so... but he is still reluctant to go that avenue if he could help it. <br><br>Instead, once the dropship touched down he focused himself on getting ready to be received by the welcoming committee and brought to his quarters so that he could rest before going to the welcoming feast.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>17-12-2015, 10:14:53</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Planetfall</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>"They've done this on purpose."<br><br>Kathryn's rant continued to be interrupted by grunts as she fumbled with attaching the half-cape to her right shoulder. A shock of red carved a swath down the white outer side of the accessory, and and iridescent black subtly glistened on the inner side. The effect made the white look whiter than white, and the black blacker than black. It was very impressive when worn correctly. It was a symbol of not just her title and position, but <em>her</em> specifically. Yes, it was impressive and grand and wonderful.<br><br>At the moment though, it was twisted and tangled with her black and grey dress uniform in way that rather killed the effect.<br><br>"There's no reason to throw a giant 'welcome' ceremony the instant we arrive other than to undermine our position. And I can't refuse without causing offense. But if I do go I'll almost certainly do something to cause offense. Normally I'd just say 'fuck it' and reject the offer, but-"<br><br>The Countess sighed and sunk downwards, defeated by the symbol of her position. She spread her arms weakly.<br><br>"Help."<br><br>Her valette, Charlotte, rose and detached the uncooperative accessory and began re-attaching it to Kathryn's uniform. "But~ you've got to be on your best behavior since the, ah, 'incident', yes?" Charlotte smiled at Kathryn in the mirror, who responded with an aggravated sound and averting her eyes. The Countess's valette had been annoyingly happy and speaking in an annoyingly pleased sing-song tone ever since they boarded the dropship. Charlotte beamed and turned her attention to her mistress's hair. "Well, I'm sure whoever she was, she was pleased you were so... offended, <em>Countess Lieutenant</em> Foss."<br><br>Kathryn blushed/fumed and dropped her arms. "Please stop talking, <em>Lady</em> Althaea."<br><br>"As you wish, Excellency."<br><br>The pair stood in silence as the dropship shuddered around them.<br><br>"..."<br><br>"... Why are you even trying to fix my hair, anyway? I seriously doubt your efforts will survive planetfall."<br><br>"Because having nice hair will make you feel even more badass/professional when you do your 'clasp hands behind back and pose in front of the nose cam vid with the re-entry flames' thing you do during planetfall."<br><br>"I- Wha-"<br><br>"Please, Kathryn. You do it during every atmospheric entry. Of course I've noticed."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>19-12-2015, 07:59:10</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Planetfall<br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><strong>Content</strong>: Arrival<br><hr><br>“Throttle up +20%; maintain decent speed Mach 4.” Kurumi’s eyes instinctively flicked over to the Captain. Members of the crew repeating his order, other voices relaying information other orders as the crew worked together with a practiced calm to bring the Union class dropship into the planet's spaceport.<br>Her hands squeezed the rail just a bit tighter as a steady rumble thrummed through the massive craft as it&nbsp; streaked through the planet's atmosphere the sound more felt than heard, she could feel it in her hands even the soles of her feet the faint vibrations increasing as the fusion drives of the dropship roared. the sound would be defining outside the craft as tons of reactant being were dumped into the engines, vaporized in an instant to slow the spherical shaped craft as it burned through the atmosphere.<br>She seemed just a bit out of place as he watched the bridge crew from her elevated position. The crew were dressed in the DCMS duty uniforms she however was dressed in a black umanori hakama over a black long sleeved Kimino, or to the uneducated in the ways of proper Kurita culture, Samuri Robes. A yellow Obi circled her waist and a white full length samurai haori completed her dress. The Long white coat adorned with seven narrow black diamonds around the hem as well as the Kurita Crest in black on the center back of the coat, a black square diamond surrounding the crest with four smaller crests for her family, her father, her sensei and unit.<br><br>The controlled ‘standard’ landing seeming to take forever compared to a combat drop. The Asian woman half smiling as she leaned on the railing, her eyes flicking to the various view screens before fixing on the one that showed another streak burning through the atmosphere the Davion dropship that was making to the same planet. perhaps this really is a combat drop. Her eyes moving to the screen that showed the green planet below and the unnatural splotch that was the planetary capital, Percival. <br><br>Almost no one called the place by its full name, the more apt ‘Perilous’ usually sufficing for the world. Which seemed quite fitting as it was one of the few ‘shared’ planets and systems among the great houses. The planet was known to be a nefarious hive of intrigue, and deceit, rumored to be even more conspiratorial and dangerous than the imperial city on Luthien, as dangerous as the seat for which it was named. If that was true then this world would seem to be aptly named. Regardless she was a Shogun, a Duchess of Kurita, of the Dragon. Sworn to serve and protect the combine and the Coordinator. This is where her duty had led her and here she would fulfill her duty and honor to her family and her House.<br><br>Her attention was pulled from her revelry as the Captain's voice called out again. <br>“Begin landing cycle stage two, prepare for landing strut deployment.”<br><br>The dropship would be touching down shortly. There was already a feast scheduled for their arrival that she was obligated to attend. Arranged perhaps as a test, a pitfall to weed out the unwary.&nbsp; The ship rocked gently as the landing struts deployed; Kurumi glancing over to the main monitor, the city sprawled out around the starport. This may prove to be an interesting assignment. <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Annaamarth</strong> on <strong>19-12-2015, 09:11:48</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/31/Male_Asian_Hair.jpg)</div><hr><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 199cm, 86kg, green eyes and black hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: the <em>Spring Dream</em><br><strong>Current event</strong>: Planetfall, disembarkation<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Open<br><hr>While some of the passengers of the Spring Dream stared at viewing screens or buckled into crashcouches for the descent, the Marquis Captain Alaric Mitsuhama Arkady Whitecliff (of the Emerald Shore Whitecliffs, thank you) looked petulant.&nbsp; In fact, an ungenerous observer might have even accused him of sulking, though it was unlikely anyone here would be so crass as to say such a thing.<br><br>Alaric was tall and lean, often dressed in the military or off-military style that was the fashion in Davion court, and despite being given a respected name from the history of medieval Europe he was clearly descended from the Japanese genotype- though the bright green eyes he'd inherited from his father lent an exotic cast that was at odds with that phenotype.&nbsp; He was good-looking and knew it, always clean-shaven, hair well-groomed, dressed in the latest fashion of the Davion court- usually military or 'militant inspired.'&nbsp; Despite his martial attire he always came off as a bit effete, and interaction did not seem to improve that impression in the slightest.&nbsp; In fact, he typically gave an impression of being a clotheshorse, and there was certainly truth to that.<br><br>He'd brought more luggage on board than anyone had a right to in space travel, mostly clothes of various cuts and styles, though there was a single gun bag that stood out from the rest of his equipage.&nbsp; He'd carried that himself, and had kept it in his room during the voyage, but that was a minor, easily overlooked detail.<br><br>He sat in the drop bay, fidgeting in the crash couch he'd come to occupy (we mustn't risk the lineage, after all, he'd thought bitterly as he'd secured himself) as he waited for the ship to finally land so that he, and all of these other people he didn't really care about, could go to a party he didn't care about on a planet he didn't care about for reasons he didn't care about.&nbsp; He was going to do what was required of himself, when all was said and done, so he'd taken the time to wear his tailored dress uniform, though he wasn't wearing his cloak yet.&nbsp; His manservant, the everpresent James Connolly- an old, refined gentleman with all of the dignity Alaric seemed to lack who evidently had the unenviable position of manservant to the young marquis- sat next to Alaric with the dress-cloak carefully folded in his lap.&nbsp; Where Alaric was fidgety and ill-at-ease, Connolly was self-possessed and reserved, his sense of pride helping him to mask the nervousness that always came with atmospheric re-entry.<br><br>Next to Connolly sat Alicia Corleone, who was white-knuckling the seat restraints and looked as though she was about to vomit.&nbsp; Hers was the... dubious honour of being Alaric's tutor in history, advisor in diplomatic matters... and often coach.&nbsp; She was not, however, particularly brave or hardy, and re-entry did not sit well with her.&nbsp; She had attended prestigious schools and was respected in her field, but she cursed the day that she had landed this job.&nbsp; She hoped that it would be temporary though, and she might be assigned to assist Alaric's older brother or sister... or, better yet, be offered a position at one of the few surviving universities in Davion space.<br><br>Opposite from James Connolly, Leftenant Sir Isaiah Marks, a knight in the service to the duke Alaric's father, sat chewing gum.&nbsp; He was perhaps fifty, perhaps sixty, but where Connolly was clearly a bodyservant Marks was a warrior and a man-at-arms, experienced in war an combat, hard and weathered.&nbsp; Even now his eyes flickered across the bay, watching and waiting, though he knew that all of the best ways to assassinate his charge the idiot would involve privacy, he still took his duties seriously- which he'd most recently demonstrated when he'd insisted that Alaric get in the damn crash couch.<br><br>And so, Alaric looked impatient and petulant.&nbsp; Perhaps he was even sulking. "So, explain this to me," he was saying to Corleone.&nbsp; "Why are we doing this dog and pony show?"<br><br>Marks was clearly annoyed, but he was doing a remarkable job of suppressing his exasperation considering that Alaric had asked this very question already twice since occupying the couch.&nbsp; While Marks might have been admired for his restraint, though, Connolly might have been sainted, for his expression was just as patient and reserved as it always was.&nbsp; After all, nobody had really taught his Marquis any better, and Ms. Corleone had not realized Alaric's potential- nor should she have, truth be told.&nbsp; Matters were what they were, that was all.<br><br>While Alicia appeared to be much less sanguine about Alaric's stubborn unwillingness to accept matters, she didn't really mind answering him anyway- it distracted her from the state of her stomach.&nbsp; "It's all a matter of showing face, of course.&nbsp; There are representatives from each of the Great Houses here, and so every action is scrutinized and observed.&nbsp; This is the most significant arrival of force on-world in quite some time, and this JumpShip brought not only us, but a Combine dropship as well.&nbsp; That means that everyone is watching, and the local leaders of each faction felt a gala in our honour would be appropriate.&nbsp; To ignore them would be an insult to not only your commanding officer and the head of the AFFS contigent here, but also the DCMS, the LCAF, the FWLM and even the CCAF."<br><br>Marks grunted at this point- he was tempted to add that it might be useful to watch the other contingents and try to take their measure in turn, but he didn't really think Alaric would appreciate the advice.&nbsp; Or take it.&nbsp; Or care.<br><br>Alaric, either ignoring the grunt or assuming that it was merely a statement of agreement with Alicia, frowned.&nbsp; "And then Father would hear about it." <em>And have another reason to lecture me.</em>&nbsp; He sighed, resolving to at least try to make the best of it, and looked about the cargo bay.&nbsp; The relatively slow and even pace of the landing meant that most of the crew- and most of the passengers, in fact- had forgone the protection of crash couches and were moving about in relative ease- though tools and loose equipment had been secured.&nbsp; After all, nobody wanted to take a chance with an airborne torque wrench flying freely throughout the bay.&nbsp; Nevertheless, some passengers were reviewing planetary data, some were reading, some were watching viewscreens, and some were just watching the passengers like himself.<br><br>When the dropship <em>About time!</em> landed, Alaric released himself from the restraints and sprang to his feet with the smooth grace of an athlete, snatching his cloak from Connolly's lap as he stood.&nbsp; Marks had to hurry to keep up as his charge strode toward the disembarkation ramp, donning his cloak with a smooth, practiced flourish.<br><br>If he was going to be required to be here, at least he would look good doing it.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>21-12-2015, 03:15:49</strong>
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				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Starport Tarmack<br>Tagging: Open<br>Content: Welcoming Committee<br><br><br>At the foot of the landing ramp for each drop ship, a man in uniform waited.&nbsp; In neither case was it a welcome or familiar uniform or, for that matter, even a dress uniform.&nbsp; Those well schooled in the uniforms of the enemy recognized the men greeting them as&nbsp; Hauptmann of the LCAF Terrestrial Air Service.&nbsp; They were pilots of the sort that never reached space, restricted as they were to aircraft that required an oxygen rich atmosphere to operate.&nbsp; <br><br>"On behalf of Margrave Colonel Averill Marquis of the Lyran Commonwealth's Armed Forces, welcome to Percival, capital of the planet Siege Perilous," both men said at roughly the same time.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Transport is waiting to take you to the welcome feast."&nbsp; Both men indicated an area of the tarmack where a single Kharnov sat,&nbsp; flanked by a pair of attack helicopters.&nbsp; All three were painted in Steiner colours.&nbsp; A man could be seen directing the loading of cargo onto the transport vessel&nbsp; He seemed to be being very specific about what was getting loaded and what was not.&nbsp; Already a large pile was forming beside the Kharnov.&nbsp; It didn't seem to matter which drop ship was the source of cargo.&nbsp; If he didn't want it on his transport, it wasn't getting loaded.<br><br>He turned when the newcomers approached and smiled.&nbsp; He snapped of a textbook perfect salute.&nbsp; "I am Kommandant Richard Cavanaugh of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces," he said.&nbsp; "The equivalent would be a Sho-sa within the&nbsp; Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery and a Major within the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns.&nbsp; I'm no relation to Baron leftenant Philip Cavanaugh of the Federated Suns, who I'm sure you'll be meeting shortly.&nbsp; &nbsp;You've already met Hauptmanns Angelino and Parrish.&nbsp; They'll be escorting us this evening.&nbsp; &nbsp;I've had all your essential luggage loaded, so if you'll find yourself a seat we'll be leaving shortly."<br><br>Richard was pale skinned with dark hair, similar to the inhabitants of Trellwan but his use of a surname suggested that he was from elsewhere.&nbsp; His flight-suit was clean but lacked any attempt to dress it up.&nbsp; It, like his Kharnov, was mean more for function than fancy.&nbsp; His eyes swept over them, taking their measure.&nbsp; "Shogun Tai-i, would you care to join me in the cockpit?&nbsp; You'll find the view a little more interesting."<br><br>His omission of Kurumi's surname was deliberate, that much was clear, given the thoroughness of his own introduction.&nbsp; Whether it was an attempt to protect her from the Davion contingent or to isolate her for another purpose wasn't clear.&nbsp; What was clear was that he fully expected them to get aboard the Kharnov.&nbsp; Even from the outside it was easy to see that the transport had been fitted with a spacious and comfortable passenger area forward of the main cargo area.&nbsp; He didn't seem impressed by their prestige.&nbsp; In fact, he seemed quite relaxed in the presence of so many powerful people.&nbsp; Perhaps he was just used to being around them.&nbsp; Perhaps it was something else.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>23-12-2015, 07:13:01</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Name</strong>: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<strong><br>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Starport Tarmac<br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><strong>Content</strong>: Arrival and greetings...<br><hr><br>Kurumi made her way down the boarding ramp flanked by two female attendants. Their long hair looped in back, the front is slicked back with wax, and a flowered comb is inserted on top at the back. The pair of attendants were dressed in matching black samurai robes similar to Kurumi’s but topped with a sleeveless white samurai haori though marked in the same fashion&nbsp; to Kurumi’s but sporting a red and black tiger stripe band along the hem. Matching yellow obi tied around their waists. Kurumi's hands were hidden in the wide sleeves of her robes, her arms folded before her as she made her way down metal slope of the ramp. Her Katana and Wakizashi carefully tucked in her bright yellow obi tied around her waist. Her soft soled jika-tabi boots making almost no noise as she descended the ramp. The Shogun’s eyes studying the situation the arrangements that had been made as well as the Davion contingent as they exited from the other dropship.<br><br>The Davions seemed to have a rather large contingent arriving to the planet, more fodder for Perilous or lesser nobles eager to make a name for themselves. She didn’t recognize them, not at this distance though she would have to review any ISF intelligence on them when she finally arrived at the Shōen that had been procured for her stay on the planet. Then there was the Lyran’s and Stiner Someone had gone to a great deal of trouble to make a show of the great houses all seemingly working together. It made sense, keep all the houses interacting, at least in public, and they could all watch each other. Of course she hadn’t seen any representation of House Marik.<br><br>Kurumi paused at the base of the ramp as the two Captains or Tai-i welcomed each group to the planet. <br><strong>“Konnichiwa,”</strong> Kurumi pausing for a moment as she politely bowed to the Captain at the foot of her ramp her hands still hidden in the sleeves of her robes, <strong>“We thank Margrave Colonel Averill-san for his gracious welcome to Siege Perilous, and Percival.”</strong> Her head making a little nod as she followed the Lyran Captain to the waiting officer. Her attention briefly flicking to the Davion’s as they approached the officer, then to the waiting VTOL’s in Stiner livery. Still no Marik an oversight, deliberate or were there none on the planet she wondered as the Lyran officer introduced himself to the assembly. <br><br><strong>“Konnichiwa, Sho-sa Cavanaugh-san.” </strong>She said, her arms uncrossing as she bowed formally to the officer. An interesting choice to send a higher ranking office, with no title to greet them. her head making a polite nod as the officer continued reviewing the current plan and arrangements that had been made for their arrival. She appreciated his professionalism when dealing with her and the the other nobles.<br>Her head making the slightest little tilt as Cavanaugh addressed her specifically. Kurumi noting the omission of her family name. There was only the briefest pause as she nodded to the major deciding to accept the offer.&nbsp; Her reasons for being on Perilous didn’t involve the Lyrans so the offer was unlikely to be a risk, besides the view from the cockpit would undoubtedly be better than staring at the Davion contingent for the duration of the flight.<br><br><strong>“I’d be honored to join you in the cockpit Sho-sa Cavanaugh-san.”</strong> She said simply in response her hands disappearing into the sleeves of her robes again as she crossed her arms. <br>Her head turning to the attendant silently following her on the left.<br><strong>“Sadashi-san, Nokori no nimotsu o sanshō shite kudasai,”</strong> her head turning to the other attendant as the first replied with a simple <strong>“Hei”</strong> and bow, <strong>“Yori-san Fudōsan e no watashi no meka no yusō o kakuho shimasu.”</strong> The second attendant responding as the first, before they went off to complete their assignments. The Shogun taking a moment to study her Davion counterparts as she as she waited for the Major or one of the Captains to lead her to the flight deck.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>23-12-2015, 11:53:13</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Starport Tarmac</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn returned the Kommandant's salute, snapping her gloved hand to under her beret. Her outfit was not exactly a military dress uniform; the material was nicer, and the cut was tailored. The whole thing was a compromise between the military's need for standardization and expendability, and the nobility's political needs for individuality and majesty. It was designed to cultivate an air of not only authority, but superiority. <br><br>By contrast, her valette was attired in a black suit and bow tie. It was clearly expensive, but otherwise utterly nondescript. Her entire appearance was carefully engineered to be invisible in a crowded room. The favoured appearance of discreet, classy security since humanity first reached for the stars. And, like most outfits like it, it no doubt concealed an array of subtle communications gear, potent weaponry and other useful items.<br><br>Her advisor hung in the back, and was apparently entertaining himself by socializing with his counterparts. The older gentleman carried himself with a supreme yet relaxed confidence. He had somehow managed to acquire lowball glasses and some species of expensive alcohol, and had decided that it was never to early to begin sharing. His own glass seemed to be emptying at a far slower rate than that of his associates though.<br><br>Kathyn stood straight, her hands clasped behind her back, flanked by her valette as the Lyran delivered his spiel. When he was done, she nodded curtly and boarded. The craft was unimpressive, almost pitiable. It and its token escort were either another calculated insult, or this planet really was as much of a backwater as she'd heard. The fact that they'd been invited to a 'feast' suggested the latter. Events tended to be named in way that highlighted the key feature. For that to be food of all things suggested chronic supply shortages. Not enough to cause open unrest, but enough that access to food was a mark of social status.<br><br>This was gonna suck.<br><br>Once aboard, she considered the other passengers. The Drac was likely one of the more patriotic ones; if the archaic dress wasn't a hint enough, the use of a Kuritan title instead of Cameronian title was. Granted, Kathryn had limited knowledge of the Combine's cultural norms, but her understanding was that the usage of Kuritan titles was limited to ceremonial occasions. Her prior interactions with the Combine had been limited to their military forces on the battlefield during the last Succession War, and with their diplomats after it. The Shogun would be her first personal encounter with a Kuritan noble. Perhaps she would learn something new.<br><br>Her Federation counterparts had so far failed to make an impression. The clotheshorse in the cape looked vaguely familiar. He was probably even further down the line of succession than she was. Those who were the last in a very long line they couldn't leave tended to cope in one of two ways: by becoming invisible or by becoming <em>very</em> visible. The flourish with the cape suggested he'd walked the latter path. She couldn't place why he looked familiar though. The unresolved question was irritating her and consequently so was the Marquis Captain.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>23-12-2015, 14:14:37</strong>
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				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Starport Tarmac<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Edward gave the Kommandant a crisp salute, his form of respect befitting his rank and position on the planet. His dress was a simple tailored suit that had military insignia showing his position in the AFFS as well as the unit badge of the 3rd Crucis Lancers that he belonged in. His dress showed a regal air of authority, but also the simplicity and humbleness that has always been his trademark.<br><br>He did not bring a valet, not because he cannot bring one but it was by his own choice that he did not bring. Unlike his elder brothers who he saw as snobs, he preferred to do things that valets do himself, though he does ask people to help him in certain things when he feels that he is not able to do so. When the Lyran officer delivered his speech, he stood at attention and listened with his hands clasped behind his back and boarded the craft after giving the Kommandant a respectful nod.<br><br>The transport itself that they were in was quite unimpressive, but he shrugged as he didn't care what it looked like as long as it delivered him and its occupants safely to their destination. He then studied the&nbsp; other inhabitants of the craft and was surprised to see a Drac with them. He had clashed with Kuritans in the field before and one thing he knew about them is that while they were enemies of the Federated Suns, they were honorable warriors... something that he could respect. Having one noble here from the Combine would prove to be a learning experience for him as he has never interacted with one outside of the battlefield.<br><br>He then watched his other Federation counterparts with some interest, though most of them were further up the line of succession than he was. Not that he gave a damn about that, and to be honest he knew most of the nobles here were seen as spares who their families do not see as important anyway. He then&nbsp; looked at the female noble closest to him and said to her in a polite and respectful manner. "Greetings, Countess Foss. I am Viscount Edward Dupierre... pleased to make your acquaintance."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>29-12-2015, 16:55:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Starport Tarmack<br>Tagging: Open<br>Content: Boarding instructions<br><br>Cavanaugh hadn't been kidding when he mentioned that the co-pilot's seat would have the best view.&nbsp; The wide cockpit window dwarfed the smaller windows in the passenger compartment.&nbsp; There were fifteen seats set in three rows of five.&nbsp; They were roomy and comfortable compared to the cockpit of a mech and didn't smell of sweat metal or smoke.&nbsp; There was a single bulkhead door that linked&nbsp; passenger compartment and the cockpit.&nbsp; Cavanaugh stood at the door, allowing his passengers to sort out there own seating.<br><br>"Personal cargo is being loaded.&nbsp; Any other cargo that has been brought will be handled by ground transport, unless you want to make other arrangements," he said.&nbsp; "Currently your fast freight options are convincing me to fly it or contact the Draconis Combine camp and see if you can convince their quartermaster to retask some of their Maxims.&nbsp; In either case, the ground shipments tonight will likely be completed long before you can make arrangements to have things shipped by a faster vehicle.&nbsp; It's more for future endeavours that I mention it.&nbsp; My shipments are always accompanied by the two Warrior attack choppers that will be with us on this trip.&nbsp; That's Hauptmann Angelino on our port side in the Double Angel and Hauptmann Parrish to starboard in the Double Devil.&nbsp; Whether you wear seat belts is up to you.&nbsp; For those unfamiliar with the Kharnov, it is a VTOL, which stands for vertical take-off and landing.&nbsp; The engines rotate from vertical to horizontal for forward flight and back to vertical for landing.&nbsp; If I tried landing with the engines in the forward position, we would all die a horrible fiery death because the propellers are longer than the Kharnov is high.&nbsp; Any questions so far?"<br><br>He seemed like a cheerful, engaging sort but then he was a peasant dealing with nobility.&nbsp; It could all have been an act.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Annaamarth</strong> on <strong>30-12-2015, 10:32:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/31/Male_Asian_Hair.jpg)</div><hr><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 199cm, 86kg, green eyes and black hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: Starport Tarmac<br><strong>Current event</strong>: Boarding.<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Open<br><hr><br>At Kommandant Cavanaugh's blasé attitude toward the various assembled nobility, Alaric's habitually bored and vaguely superior attitude changed <em>very</em> quickly.&nbsp; Rather than being irritated at not being given his proper due, as might have been expected, he instead returned the Kommandant's salute, though his form was lazy, and listened attentively.&nbsp; <em>A Lyran pilot carrying Federated and Combine nobility.&nbsp; How odd!</em> he thought to himself, but that was mostly a minor background thought as he started paying more attention.<br><br>Meanwhile his manservant Connolly, had been conversing genially with the circle of 'help' who had congregated around the Foss woman's advisor, though he'd refused the offer of alcohol, citing a stomach upset from the planetfall as excuse.&nbsp; He nevertheless was deeply involved in the conversations there, mostly about cooking tips- "I once trained to be a restaurateur, you see," he said affably... though his ears were open.&nbsp; He'd long since served the young master, and he knew how the game was played.&nbsp; He also never stopped paying attention to his master- when Alaric gave a subtle wave to Connolly as Cavanaugh briefed the party, he immediately excused himself ever-so-politely and came to Alaric's side to receive instructions.<br><br>Connolly then gathered up Alicia Corleone (who had accepted a drink, but had immediately begun discussing the various exports of Siege Perilous and their affect on the local derivatives market) and began supervising the transfer of Whitecliff's luggage to the trucks tasked for transport, as well as herding Alicia away from the Kharnov- who probably wasn't in any condition to ride in the notoriously bumpy craft.<br><br>Isaiah Marks never left Alaric's side, and if Alaric looked as though he'd put on the spit-and-polish, Marks did not. Where Alaric's tailored uniform was ostentatious and Charlotte's suit was a classy standard, Marks wore a simple, clean uniform, well worn but bereft of medals, campaign badges, or indeed any insignia but for his rank and the arms of the Whitecliff dynasty and the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns.&nbsp; He carried two large bags behind Alaric- one a simple small duffel, probably loaded with spare clothes, and the other a large ballistic-cloth bag suitable for carrying a large firearm.&nbsp; He didn't like the situation here at all, but there was little he could do about it so he was doing his best to maintain his calm by performing a methodical check of threats in the area... and his eyes stopped on Foss's Valette.&nbsp; He didn't know her name- yet- but he recognized someone who hid a threat, and she moved more like an agent than a soldier, but she clearly bore watching.&nbsp; She wasn't all that hard on the eyes either.&nbsp; He knew she'd noticed him noticing her, so he allowed his eyes to meet hers, flint-grey eyes in an weatherbeaten face, far older... but he knew his job was the same as hers, so she warranted the respect.&nbsp; He'd still have to watch her though.&nbsp; She was FedSuns like him, sure, but she wasn't Whitecliff.&nbsp; She wasn't Emerald Shore.&nbsp; She might not be an enemy, but that didn't make her an ally.<br><br>Alaric nodded as Cavanaugh finished his speech with a probably-practiced dark humour, nodded and said "One question pilot.&nbsp; Er, Kommandant."&nbsp; He began boarding the craft and tossed an over-the-shoulder "Can you give us a guided tour during our flight?" to the Lyran pilot considering where to park himself.&nbsp; He briefly considered sitting next to the countess who'd travelled with them- after all, she seemed familiar to him, though he had trouble recalling from where- but then one of the other passengers on the dropship (Alaric thought he might have something to do with the tanks?) sat with her and began talking to her.&nbsp; Alaric hesitated.&nbsp; Interrupting would be rude and pointless.&nbsp; He couldn't talk to the duchess- ah, shogun, rather, because she was going to the cockpit, and there weren't a great deal of other choices.<br><br>Suddenly, Alaric's reverie was interrupted by Mark's, who harrumphed unsubtly, reminding Alaric that he was blocking boarding access.&nbsp; He flushed slightly, and simply found a place to sit off to one side, near a window.&nbsp; Marks boarded after him and sat next to him, laying the bags at their feet.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>05-01-2016, 01:02:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Name</strong>: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<strong>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport<br><br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><br><strong>Content</strong>: Departure and musings<br><br><hr><br>Kurumi settled into the co-pilots seat at the front of the Karnov transport. The view was superior to what she would have in the passenger compartment. Even with the cargo bay fitted with VIP sitting the VTOL was still a military aircraft not civilian so the windows were tiny and widely spaced.<br>Not that that mattered she was on the flight-deck her view out of the craft was wide and unobstructed she mused as she started to click each of the five-point harness tabs into the center buckle as she listened to the Major's little speech as they prepared for takeoff.<br><br>Still she couldn't help but let a faint smirk cross her lips at the mention of needing to try and secure the aid of the Combine to use their Maxim hover APC's as an alternate means of high-speed transport.<br>She wondered why he had made such a...odd speech about the vehicle and it's operation though. All of the passengers were probably familiar with the vehicle, even if they had never flown on one, they were in widespread use by all of the Houses,&nbsp; most mercenary units and there were similar functioning civilian models.<br>Part of her wondered if it was it just a thinly veiled dig at the nobility at his current passengers who would need the obvious pointed out to them. <br><br>Which lead her thoughts back to the Davion nobles that had arrived with her on this odd little world and were currently riding behind her in the converted cargo bay.<br>None of them looked like warriors, not to her anyway. They seemed to be the usual pretentious nobility that failed to live up to their place, their duty. Surrounded by advisers and servants to make them fulfill their roll and to keep them form making a complete ass of themselves. She would look up each of them in time to find out who she was dealing with. None the less she had other questions that were more pressing at the moment.<br><br><strong>"So Kommandant,"</strong> she made sure to use his Lyran rank, her voice soft and even, <strong>"To what do I owe your most gracious offer for such a fine view of our little trip?"</strong> The Shogun's attention focused on the Lyran rotor-craft outside as it started to prep for take off. The rotor starting to move slowly at first then seeming to vanish into a blurry disk. They always reminded her of dragonfly's the dangerous looking craft fearsome but so very fragile, the unarmored rotors vulnerable to the lightest of weapons carried by a BattleMech,<strong>"And is the armed escort necessary?"</strong>&nbsp; Her eyes finally shifting over the the pilot.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>07-01-2016, 01:39:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Open<br>Content: Make sure your seats are in the upright position<br><br>"There will indeed be a tour," Cavanaugh replied.&nbsp; "It won't be particularly spectacular but there will be a few notable sites on the way.&nbsp; It's a good thing we've still got some decent daylight, otherwise this would be a boring trip.&nbsp; The local day is twenty seven hours and the year is three hundred and eleven days.&nbsp; You can find clocks for Luthien, New Avalon, Tharkad, Atreus, Sian and Terra on the local internet, if you really want to keep up with your times.&nbsp; They also have multiple clocks at the star port itself.&nbsp; If you have any questions during the flight, there is a headset on the arm of each chair.&nbsp; Push the red button if you want to talk to me.&nbsp; Set the channel and push the green button if you want to talk to one of the other passengers.&nbsp; There are seven available channels, so most of you will be able to have private conversations.&nbsp; In the meantime, I'm going to get this bird in the air."<br><br>He swung the cabin door closed and settled into the pilot's seat.&nbsp; He rapped his knuckled against the bulkhead.&nbsp; "Soundproof," he said.&nbsp; "We can have a private conversation without using the comms.&nbsp; I'll be able to hear them and unless I've got the mike cued to the cargo bay, they won't be able to hear me."<br><br>He paused, flipping a few switches.&nbsp; With a whine, the engines sparked to life.&nbsp; "As far as why I invited you up here with me, I'm going to let you venture your opinion as to what my reasons are.&nbsp; As far as the escort, it is, as you likely suspected, a show.&nbsp; If anybody on this planet wanted to shoot us down, two Warriors aren't going to stop them.&nbsp; They're rigged with missiles rather than the usual autocannon, sacrificing a little bit of range for a serious increase in firepower.&nbsp; They out-range pretty much anything else in the air but if a Mechbuster or God forbid one of the Thush aerospace fighters does a fly-by and those choppers are in for a world of hurt."<br><br>He pushed another button.&nbsp; "Galahad tower, this is Cobblestone Road.&nbsp; The Double Trouble fight is ready for take-off."&nbsp; &nbsp;The engines were whirring loudly, making conversation in the cockpit momentarily difficult.&nbsp; <br><br>"Roger that Cobblestone Road.&nbsp; Double Trouble is clear for take-off.&nbsp; Unlimited visibility and a six knot wind from the south east."<br><br>"Thank you, Galahad Tower.&nbsp; Unlimited visibility and a six knot wind from the south east."&nbsp; He pushed another button and announced their imminent take-off to the other passengers.&nbsp; "If you can look out the port side, you'll get a better look at the star port than you did coming in.&nbsp; This star port can handle six drop ships at once.&nbsp; It employs six thousand people and has its own hospital."<br><br>Without even a hint of a wobble, the Kharnov lifted off and the two attack choppers rose with it.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>10-01-2016, 06:36:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn tilted her head as she looked over the Viscount. "An honour, Viscount DuPierre." His choice of outfit and lack of servants was unusual, but not unfamiliar. She'd seen ones like him before. They tended to be more optimistic than their peers. Endeavoring to be self-reliant, proud of their own accomplishments, that sort of thing. Probably thought most of the nobility still acted with honor. He would soon change; sociopolitical realities would see to that. Still, it was nice to meet someone who hadn't been thoroughly jaded. Assuming it wasn't all a deliberate deception, at any rate. That was unlikely though. Few of that inclination would pose as someone so hopelessly naive. It strained credulity.<br><br>Still, she had to play nice. Sticking to small talk and meaningless pleasantries would be her safest bet for now. They were on a shuttle; wasting their time was impossible. "Looking forward to the, ah, 'feast'?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>10-01-2016, 07:40:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Starport Tarmac<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Edward smiled at the Countess and was glad that she had replied him. He never figured her as a snooty person, well at least that was the impressions she gave him so far. He wasn't stupid that the game of politics involved deception, play acting and much more and he was a little sick of that. Though he had to admit he was going to be plunged feet first into that world of deception, intrigue and so much more.<br><br>He then chuckled softly and said. "Well, if you were asking that question to a man who is in hunger after a long trip... the answer would probably a resounding yes. Still, I am not naive as I might seem dear Countess. I might not be a jaded person, nor can I proclaim myself as a totally naive person. I have seen such things, though never really been a part of it on my home planet. THis 'feast' serves more than keeping us fed and watered... this whole thing&nbsp; is a beautifully disguised farce if I say so myself."<br><br>"That is what I think, anyway... what do you think of it, dear Countess? Are you looking forward to this 'feast' as well?" He inquired with her politely, giving her a friendly smile on his face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>10-01-2016, 08:05:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn listened to the Vicount, carefully picking apart his words. It would be good practice for the 'feast'. Recent events suggested she badly needed a refresher on etiquette.<br><br><em>"Well, if you were asking that question to a man who is in hunger after a long trip... the answer would probably a resounding yes."</em><br><br>The Viscount was better at small talk than her. Unsurprising. While she was aware of the tools of politics, her skills with them were lacking.<br><br><em>"Still, I am not naive as I might seem dear Countess. I might not be a jaded person, nor can I proclaim myself as a totally naive person."</em><br><br>Meaningless. Anyone would self describe that way. Odd that he would say it out loud though. Probably didn't spend much time at court or politicking.<br><br><em>"I have seen such things, though never really been a part of it on my home planet."</em><br><br>Called it. Still, it was good to have confirmation (still assuming it wasn't an act). It explained a lot too. Those less experienced in courtly matters tended to be better conversationalists. Spending time talking like a normal human being and not watching every word said had its advantages.<br><br><em>"This 'feast' serves more than keeping us fed and watered... this whole thing&nbsp; is a beautifully disguised farce if I say so myself."</em><br><br>The Vicount's grasp of the obvious was astounding. Still, at least he wasn't a total idiot. He may have even actually earned his position.<br><br>Probably the only noble here who did.<br><br><em>"That is what I think, anyway... what do you think of it, dear Countess? Are you looking forward to this 'feast' as well?"</em><br><br>Kathryn paused, attempting to phrase her response in a way that wasn't a complete and blatant lie. Charlotte diplomatically injected herself into the conversation. "The Countess is, of course, most thankful and appreciative of our hosts hospitality."<br><br>Kathryn smiled. "Indeed. Thank you, Lady Althaea."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>10-01-2016, 09:52:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Edward knew she was hanging on to every word he said, and not because of anything. He knew that paying attention to any conversation between nobles or others is important, as it would reveal a lot of information about said person. Still, he felt that the Countess did not speak much either because she disliked making small talk or maybe she was just a little rusty about said department.<br><br>As he waited for the Countess's reply, he noticed that she was at a loss at what to reply when her valette replied for her. He then smiled and nodded. "Of course, that is mostly certain Lady Althea... after all we are finally on planet after a long journey from our respective planets and rest and good food and water is something that I think most of us need. But I think it would be best if all of us keep an eye out for each other here. We do not know why we are here on this planet, but I do know that while most of us are from the Federation and the lone Drac is here as well... we need to look out for things that might hurt all of us in the long run."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>15-01-2016, 10:06:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn winced as Edward referred to the Shogun as a 'Drac'. Out loud. Fortunately the Karnov was loud enough no one else could hear him. Kathryn interrupted Charlotte's polite non-reply to the young Viscount. "Viscount..." The Countess sighed. The Viscount could not <em>possibly</em> be this naive. It would be almost adorable if it wasn't so tragic; like a puppy chasing a butterfly onto a railway. "Speaking of looking out for one another; refrain from addressing the Shogun and her associates in that fashion in public."<br><br>Kathryn paused, attempting to find the right words. Trying to tactfully educate the Viscount while simultaneously avoiding giving cause for offense was straining her diplomatic skills. Normally, she would be decidedly less tactful, or simply let him walk blindly into his fate. But the former approach had landed her here, and as for the former, well... She couldn't let the puppy get hit by the train. "That sort of terminology is... impolite when addressing such a distinguished individual." The Countess leaned back and stared blankly at the interior of the transport. It wasn't always going to be this stressful, was it?<br><br>It probably was. When this flight ended, she was going to need more than just water.<br><br>Her mind wandered, imagining what would happen if the Viscount had been fool enough to call the Shogun a Drac in public. Or to her face. Kathryn winced. That would end badly. The Viscount would probably end up in an honor duel or something. Were those even real? They showed up in vids all the time, but Kathryn had her doubts as to the accuracy of that trope. Wouldn't surprise her if the Shogun actually did have one of those curved swords though. The Combine diplomats she'd met had always seemed very keen on them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>16-01-2016, 10:28:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Edward looked at the minor wince that was on the Countess's face and wondered what he had spoken was wrong. It was when the Countess told him that he made a mental slap over the verbal blunder he had made. He then fell silent and he nodded when she gave him the warning, as well as a caution that was quite appreciated. After all, no one knew how the Shogun would react and if he had been stupid enough to call her that in public... he suspected his life expectancy was going to drop to zero in a rapid rate.<br><br>He then fell silent before saying. "I apologize, Countess... and I cannot thank you enough for giving me valuable advice. Perhaps it is the stress of what we all are going through that made me committ that verbal blunder of mine." He then looked at her and said. "If I may be so bold to ask, which world did you hail from within the Federation, my lady?" His words were polite, and also slightly apologetic and also held a hint of gratitude for her advice earlier.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Annaamarth</strong> on <strong>16-01-2016, 10:40:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/31/Male_Asian_Hair.jpg)</div><hr><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 199cm, 86kg, green eyes and black hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current event</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Open<br><hr><br>Alaric was wearing the earmuffs with the communication gear that Cavanaugh's crew had doled out, but he hadn't made any effort to establish any of the private channels that others had, and he'd made no effort to keep track of anyone else's behaviour- after all, why bother when you couldn't tell what was being said?<br><br>Isaiah Marks, however, was a soldier and bodyguard with decades of experience operating in court.&nbsp; Professional paranoia, experienced combat training and precisely directed violence on command were his stock in trade; it was the former that caused him to notice the tension between the countess, her valette, and the viscount, evidently over the viscount said.&nbsp; He noticed the noblewoman gesture to her companion for silence, and her body language suggested that she was focusing more intently- or perhaps better said, more intensely- on her companion in conversation.&nbsp; Perhaps the viscount suffered a faux pas?&nbsp; <em>Alicia's dossier said that DuPierre wasn't much of a politician.&nbsp; Reading between the lines, that doesn't surprise me.&nbsp; I think DuPierre would have even less of a chance of going anywhere politically than Alaric, if it weren't for the fact that he can carve something out for his own name here.&nbsp; Good luck getting Alaric to do that.</em><br><br>His attention spent and the interaction noted briefly, Isaiah returned to watching the compartment whilst his charge, oblivious, continued to stare out the window.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>16-01-2016, 11:32:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>"If I may be so bold to ask, which world did you hail from within the Federation, my lady?"<br><br>Oh god.<br><br>This kid was going to be <em>eaten alive</em>.<br><br>At least the poor guy was making his mistakes on the transport where no one else could hear. Kathryn dreaded to think what would've happened to him if he'd chosen to speak with someone else, or not at all. The Viscount seemed like a good and noble person; it would be an appalling waste to lose him to the pointless trivialities of courtly etiquette. That was probably why all the Succession Wars had ended in bloody stalemates; anyone who was even half-decent at their actual job got replaced by someone who was worse, but better at politicking. All the Edwards of the galaxy had been chewed up by the meat grinders while the Kathryns stayed home.<br><br>Goddamn was she being depressing today.<br><br>Kathryn massaged the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Your Excellency. The correct form of address for a Countess is 'your Excellency' (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=239393.msg11896980#msg11896980), not 'my Lady'."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>16-01-2016, 15:35:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Another verbal blunder, one that he could not afford to make once he mingled with more people. At least the Countess was nice enough to point out his mistakes before he made one fatal mistake after another in the real deal. He looked quite ashamed and said softly. "Forgive me, Your Excellency... it is not my intention to offend you nor do I purposely make these mistakes. I should have been more careful and I thank you for pointing out mistakes that might cause me trouble in the future."<br><br>He then sighed and said. "This is why I am more home sometimes in the company of machines and manuals... not that I dislike the blatant farce that we all have to take part in this whole planet, but I personally think that if we are to do this well... we have to start scouting out potential allies amongst the people here. So far there is only us, the Federation and the Draconis Combine that is represented here... not to mention the Lyrans as well. I am not surprised if a Capellan or a member of the Free Worlds League is present on the planet as well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>16-01-2016, 16:58:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Open<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br>Cavanaugh's voice cut in, interrupting any conversation.&nbsp; "If you look to your left, you'll see a large field with a number of odd holes.&nbsp; Those of you with significant combat experience will be able to recognize the majority of them as foxholes left over from a large battle.&nbsp; That was the last major battle fought between the factions present on this planet and it was interrupted by a bandit raid.&nbsp; The bandits deemed the forces involved to have been depleted enough to overcome, so that they could seize control.&nbsp; They serious underestimated the skill and tenacity of the warriors involved, as well as their ability to set their differences aside to deal with a common enemy.&nbsp; The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as they say.&nbsp; During the battle the eleven of the bandit mechs were utterly destroyed and six others captured.&nbsp; This particular bandit group was being led by a coalition of disgraced Lyran and Draconian lesser nobles who seemed to have decided to try and carve out their own fiefdom.&nbsp; Since that time, there has been a truce between the five factions on the planet and open warfare had come to stop.&nbsp; Currently any large scale military actions involve raids from the outside.&nbsp; Whereas the various factions are like the fingers of a hand, when faced with an outside threat, they form into a fist that is terrible to behold and impossible to withstand."<br><br>Cavanaugh turned off his mike and looked at Kurumi.&nbsp; "The enemy of my enemy is my friend,&nbsp; I wonder how many realize that as soon as I no longer have another enemy, I no longer need the friend."&nbsp; Perhaps it was idle conversation.&nbsp; Perhaps not.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Annaamarth</strong> on <strong>16-01-2016, 21:38:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/31/Male_Asian_Hair.jpg)</div><hr><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 199cm, 86kg, green eyes and black hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current event</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Open<br><hr><br>Alaric's reverie had been interrupted by Cavanaugh's sudden tour-guide performance.&nbsp; He hadn't really been paying attention to what was outside, and he hadn't really noticed the battlefield.&nbsp; Now that his attention was drawn to it, he considered the field briefly.&nbsp; <em>This battle wasn't terribly long ago, or the foxholes would have eroded away by now. Unless this world has particularly gentle weather patterns, I suppose.&nbsp; Probably no more than a year, maybe two.</em>&nbsp; Finally roused from his silence, Alaric paged Cavanaugh. "Whatever happened to the bandits?" he asked. "I mean, you said that they lost and the houses banded together, but did that end up wiping out the command structure?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>17-01-2016, 02:05:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Open<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br>There was a chuckle in Cavanaugh's voice when he replied.&nbsp; "Like any cowards, they retreated in the face of concerted opposition.&nbsp; Sadly their forces were significant enough that there was no chance to wipe them out entirely but they did suffer serious losses.&nbsp; This has not entirely dissuaded them from raiding.&nbsp; It's been almost a year and a half since the last raid, so it is likely that they will show up for another attempt this time next year."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>20-01-2016, 01:55:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Name</strong>: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<strong>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport<br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><strong>Content</strong>: Conservation and Plots<br><br><hr><br>Kurumi watched Cavanaugh as he spoke her expression mute for a few moments after he asked why she though he had made the arrangements for her to be alone with him in the cockpit. There were four potential reasons off the top of her head.<br>He wanted to keep her away from the Davions during the trip to the feast. Unlikely as none of them appeared to be a threat to her of course it could be to protect them from her...<br>She almost giggled at that thought...<br><br>The other option was he was part of ISF and here to go support her on her assignment. That was possible, though unlikely. Particularly in the fact that if he was, he had just given away his position within the LAAF.<br>The other option was that he wanted something form her, form Kurita.&nbsp; That was probable he knew she was arriving and of course there was a possibility that it was some setup to undermine her or the Dragon.<br><br>She considered the officers mention of the battle involving the pirates, the houses putting aside their differences to combat a shared enemy... and his comments solely to her. <em>"The enemy of my enemy is my friend,&nbsp; I wonder how many realize that as soon as I no longer have another enemy, I no longer need the friend." </em> Was it a warning? an offer for an alliance?&nbsp; Perhaps there were rumblings of another clash between the houses on the planet... Perhaps he wanted to prevent that bloodshed but why confide in her and not the Davions?<br><br><strong>“Well I could assume it’s not simply to chat about our Davion friends, most obviously you want or need my assistance in some endeavor,” </strong> She said her gaze returning to the view out of the VTOL’s cockpit, <strong>“Of course why you want the Dragon’s assistance and why you would expect to&nbsp; have it is another matter. Of course though it would be impolite of me to speculate on your motives since we have just met...Kommandant.”</strong> She said her attention finally returning to the LAAF pilot as she waited for his reaction to her statement before she continued.<br><br><strong>"Friends are earned, Kommandant; by honor and deeds. Friends of convenience are... allies and are expendable but often unreliable."</strong> Her eyes narrowing just a hint as she studied him. Perhaps this place was going to be more interesting that she had thought.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>21-01-2016, 00:41:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br>Cavanaugh grinned.&nbsp; "Perhaps I just enjoy the company of beautiful, powerful women.&nbsp; I have no doubt that you do not need my protection from those in the passenger compartment and I'm not going to protect them from you."&nbsp; He shrugged.&nbsp; "I agree that friendship and trust are built over time but there also has to be a kernel of self interest for things to start.&nbsp; What I have that you might need or want remains to be seen.&nbsp; On the other hand, there aren't many that don't want something from you.&nbsp; You can't satisfy everyone and you have no need to satisfy any of them to begin with.&nbsp; So, the way I see it is this; the only thing I have that you do not is knowledge of this planet.&nbsp; That advantage is time sensitive.&nbsp; The longer it goes unused, the less value it has.&nbsp; So, the choice is yours.&nbsp; Do you take advantage of an opportunity with no idea what my motive is or do we just enjoy a pleasant conversation and a nice flight?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>21-01-2016, 01:10:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn nodded. "A astute observation, Viscount DuPierre." She sat in silence for a moment, having nothing to say. Her eyes suddenly glimmered as she noticed a teaching opportunity. "You appear to have been attempting to secure an alliance with me during this flight, Viscount." Somewhat ham-fistedly, she did not add aloud. "How would you respond if I accepted your offer?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>21-01-2016, 01:20:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Edward chuckled softly as the Countess said that he had made an astute observation. Good, that would mean he wasn't as rusty in this whole military analysis thing... though he did have to brush up his political acumen the same way with the blunders he was making. When her eyes glimmered and she made her own observation, he then said with a smile. "Ahh, I suppose you caught me by my ill disguised attempt at doing so... Your Excellency." He said politely to her. "If you do accept, I would probably offer you whatever resources I might have in my disposal and an assurance that we sign a treaty or pact to safeguard each other's backs if the time of conflict does happen. And while our true loyalties lies to the Davions on New Avalon... I would not mind you being my superior in this alliance of yours. A pseudo-vassal if you may."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>21-01-2016, 05:56:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn sighed. "It is far to early for such a formal arrangement, Viscount." She leaned back into her seat. Enthusiastic though he was, the Viscount's inexperience made him far too much of a liability at this point. A formal alliance would tie her to whatever political disaster he inevitably found himself in. Although given the state of her funding and supplies, she might have to resort to doing it eventually simply to gain access to his resources. The thought of being reduced to such a pitiful state made her stomach turn. "No, I'm talking about a much more informal hypothetical alliance."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>21-01-2016, 06:36:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Edward nodded when the Countess sighed and said that it was far too early for a formal arrangement. It was true, and he wondered whether it was indeed to early to propose such a thing to her. He then thought for a moment before saying. "Well, I suppose in an informal hypothetical alliance... the best thing we could do now is to be seen together almost all the time. That way, in the eyes of others... we could already being seen as slowly maneuvering towards an alliance with each other. As to what nature of an alliance we allow others to perceive, I think it is up to others to discern. For all they know, we could be planning to have a strategic alliance to safeguard territories, share intelligence and resources to a political alliance between our respective families."<br><br>He paused for a moment before saying. "What do you think about that?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 01:24:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn managed to suppress an exasperated sigh. "No, Viscount; if such an alliance were proposed, it would not be in our best interests to be seen as forming an alliance." It certainly wasn't in her best interests. "Just the opposite, in fact. If it is thought that we are allied, third parties will treat us as one. If we are though to be separate, we may identify enemies when they attempt to entice us by offering their support against the each other. Do you understand?" She eyed the Viscount, hoping that it was possible to teach him the most fundamental tool of politics and warfare: deception.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 01:29:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>His eyes lit up with enlightenment. The Countess was far more familiar and apt with politics and deception, and that was something he could learn from her. He nodded and said. "I must thank you for your enlightening advice, Countess. Now that I have known this... what shall I do to ensure that such a plan works? Should I cease to be seen around you, or even speaking with you in any matter at all?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 01:40:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>"It would be best for you to act as if nothing has happened. For indeed, nothing has." She leaned back into her chair. "Now, time for one final lesson, Viscount. If I were to agree to this hypothetical informal alliance, would you trust me to honor it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 01:52:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>He nodded and found what she said made a lot of sense. Should they be seen together, regardless of whether an alliance is formed or not... others would perceive it as such and whatever political blunders he might make due to his inexperience might spill over to her and he could not do that to her. He nodded and said. "I understand, Countess." SHe then posed a last question and he glanced at her thoughtfully before saying. "I would... up to a certain degree to be honest. Alliances and interests shift every single moment, Your Excellency... I might be a total novice in politics and intrigue but I have caught glimpses of it within the hallowed halls of the Academies that I attended. There is no true steadfast alliance unless the members of the alliance have sworn themselves in their blood or there is an insurmountable goal that each member of the alliance cannot overcome on their own. After that goal is achieved... it is yet to be seen if their personal interests do not cause the alliance to crumble into dust once more."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 01:55:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Name</strong>: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<strong>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport<br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><strong>Content</strong>: Conversation and Plots<br><br><hr><br>Kurumi smirked at Cavanaugh's comment about the company he enjoyed. <br><strong><br>“I have no doubt of that Kommandant,”</strong> her eyes flicking to the view outside the canopy again, <strong>“I appreciate the boldness and forthright nature of you and your offer to me&nbsp; and having an inside lay of the political landscape would be valuable intelligence to have access to,”</strong> Her gaze returning to the man,&nbsp; <strong>“So I’ll Accept your offer for intel about this lovely little world Kommandant Cavanaugh. And since you know me and my reputation I trust that you know what a woeful thing treachery would be.”</strong> She said her tone even, almost matter of fact even as a sly little smile curled her lips, as if she almost hoped that she would have the opportunity to bring woe down on the Kommandant and those involved in the treachery; as well as probably anyone else unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity…<br><br><strong>“So I trust that I can make arrangements as needed to have you ferry additional cargo to my estates… so that we can meet in person should we need to exchange information?”</strong>&nbsp; She asked her smile gone from her lips as she settled back into her seat. Cavanaugh seemed competent, too bad he was part of the LAAF. Of course he could always come over to Kurita though he’d never be fully accepted, always viewed as someone untrustworthy, even as a traitor.<br>Still he could prove to be a useful ally in her dealings on Perilous; of course She wasn’t planning on being on this back water planet for any longer than necessary.&nbsp; Which would probably be far longer than what she had pessimistically estimated.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 02:06:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn grinned. Perhaps he could be taught.<br><br>"The correct answer, Viscount, was to say that you would trust me, but to not actually trust me."<br><br>She shifted in her chair, assuming a more relaxed pose. "Perhaps you can meditate upon that while we wait to arrive." She closed her eyes, indicating that their conversation had concluded.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 02:15:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>He did something right, judging by the grin on her face... though he was probably half right in his answer when she corrected him with the right answer. He then nodded and shifted away from her when she asked him to meditate about that. He certainly would as he started on his personal journey to learn how to actually survive in this political intrigue of a battlefield he found himself currently in.<br><br>He knew he had to learn fast, or be crushed under the boots of those who were more politically apt than him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Annaamarth</strong> on <strong>25-01-2016, 08:40:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/31/Male_Asian_Hair.jpg)</div><hr><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 199cm, 86kg, green eyes and black hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current event</strong>: The scenic route<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Foss, DuPierre<br><hr><br>Alaric leaned back into his seat, again watching out the window, though he was perhaps paying more attention to the scenery.&nbsp; Then again, perhaps not, and the tenor of his thoughts would have almost certainly surprised everyone in who knew him- or thought they did.&nbsp; Certainly, Marks wouldn't have thought that Alaric might have been thinking about the larger strategic picture.<br><br>He hadn't responded to Cavanaugh- after all, there was nothing to say to that. <em>They're supposed to come back in a year.&nbsp; With all of the Great Houses here, banded together and ready for them, what must they be thinking?&nbsp; What do they know that the Houses don't?&nbsp; They have the initiative, but is that enough of an advantage to overcome so much might?</em>&nbsp; His eyes flicked to the reflection of the interior of the craft on the window he was looking out of as Countess Foss grinned at the Viscount.&nbsp; They were talking to each other, bonding in the face of a new duty (<em>as I should be,</em> he reflected, guiltily), but were they aware of the dangers around them?&nbsp; The Lyran pilot and the Combine Shogun were certainly making overtures towards each other, feeling out a relationship and perhaps a back-channel means of communicating to each other for their respective factions- meanwhile, he sat in silence, alone in his thoughts, while his juniors discussed who-knows-what.<br><br><em>The enemy of my enemy is my friend, he said... but we've not had enemies here but each other for over a year.&nbsp; The bandits may well have moved on.</em>&nbsp; What if the bandits never showed up?&nbsp; If an external threat never appeared, tensions here would only rise between the houses, and eventually someone would see and opportunity to seize.&nbsp; That Shogun seemed traditional, properly militant for a representative of the Dragon, and he'd overheard his father the Duke deride the eager foolishness of Lyran "social generals."&nbsp; The Free Worlder and Capellan contingents he'd not yet seen, but the League was always a hotbed of intrigue (according to Alicia, but she never really thought Alaric paid attention) and the Capellans never could be trusted.<br><br>Who would pull the trigger?&nbsp; Where would it go from there?&nbsp; How many worlds would be embroiled by a war that might start for want of an outside threat?<br><br>Stricken by a sudden urge, he triggered the comm again, addressing Countess Foss and Viscount DuPierre.&nbsp; "I apologize for interrupting your conversation," he said, not knowing that they had just concluded.&nbsp; With his habitual air of superiority and a tone of voice that seemed faintly arrogant, he continued, "I am Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff of the Emerald Shore Whitecliffs, and I wished to know whether you would be dining together this evening?"&nbsp; The innocuous question would have seemed out of place, but it was really a placeholder to get their attention.<br><br>As he broke radio silence, he was pointing to his helmet with his left hand and holding up three fingers with his right.&nbsp; Marks, sitting next to him, jerked up in surprise, but wasted no time in adjusting his helmet comm to the third private channel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>26-01-2016, 00:50:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br>A warning that is almost but not quite a threat.&nbsp; Well played.<br><br>Cavanaugh nodded.&nbsp; "I'm pretty much the only game in town for rapid shipping,"&nbsp; he said.&nbsp; "With an escort, the only way to take down a cargo is to commit serious assets, which will tell you something about who wanted the cargo stopped.&nbsp; As far as the planet goes..." he chuckled.<br><br>"You're taking command of the Draconis troops, which makes you an instant rival for the top seat.&nbsp; A large portion of the Davion command is sitting in the back seat right now, including their highest ranking officer, so he will also be watched to see if he has what it takes to handle the big chair.&nbsp; Currently it is held by Margrave Colonel Marquis, a man with a confusion last name in social circles.&nbsp; According to rumour, he's here by choice.&nbsp; Equally according to rumour but far more easily verified, he is an highly skilled pilot and in his first encounter with an enemy force was responsible to destroying the entire command lance of an attacking company and did it solo.&nbsp; He's equally adept politically.&nbsp; His chief rival within his own faction is Derek Hoffmann, a man of similar social rank but inferior military rank.&nbsp; Both men present as social generals but neither is as incompetent as they would have you believe.&nbsp; Hoffmann may frequently appear drunk but it is an act.&nbsp; He also has a history with one of the officers in your forces.&nbsp; It ended badly and there is nothing more Daimyo)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tai-i&nbsp; Higgins would like to do that face him on the battlefield."<br><br>He adjusted one of the controls, peered out the window and then returned his attention to Kurumi.&nbsp; "In any case, it is very likely that Hoffmann will ask you to dance tonight.&nbsp; He will judge things based on your response and may use the opportunity to discuss 'matters of importance'.&nbsp; Militarily there isn't much difference in the weight of the mechs between three of the four factions.&nbsp; Liao comes in a distant last, mainly because one of the lances they field is made up of Urbanmechs.&nbsp; Of course that means there is one thing Liao owns that is very heavily defended.&nbsp; Where those mechs go will tell you something about what they are trying to protect.&nbsp; I wouldn't put it past Duke Major Liao-Chang to use that expectation to have people slavering over a box of rocks.&nbsp; She's won the loyalty of her warriors and the majority would take a bullet for her.&nbsp; The rest would try and push her out of the way."<br><br>His head swivelled to look at her.&nbsp; "Any questions so far?"<br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>26-01-2016, 01:35:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre, Alaric Whitecliff</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn cursed internally as she opened her eyes, just barely managing to catch the Marqui's hand signal. "Greetings, Excellency. Our hosts have thus far declined to share their seating arrangements with my staff. I imagine I will be dining with whichever parties they choose to allow me the honor of." She wasn't going to get any rest on this interminable flight, was she? Sighing, she rubbed the bridge of her nose and swapped over to channel three, awaiting the Marqui's actual question.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>26-01-2016, 01:52:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss, Alaric Whitecliff<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>A crackle in the comm system alerted him to Marquis Whitecliff's inquiry about who they were going to dine with during the feast, as he vaguely caught the hand signal that the Marquis had made. It was the time to test out the lessons he had learnt from the Countess. "Greetings, Your Excellency. It is as the honored Countess had mentioned, that our hosts have not been forthcoming thus far in informing any of us of our seating arrangements during the feast. I believe that I would be dining with anyone they assigned each of&nbsp; us to, at least that is what I perceive of the situation thus far." <br><br>He was intrigued why the Marquis had contacted them, and immediately switched to private channel three and waited curiously... wondering what the Marquis had wanted with the both of them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Annaamarth</strong> on <strong>26-01-2016, 06:11:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/31/Male_Asian_Hair.jpg)</div><hr><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 199cm, 86kg, green eyes and black hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current event</strong>: The scenic route<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Foss, DuPierre<br><hr><br>Pleased, Alaric saw the two nobles he shared the cabin with swap to the third channel.&nbsp; He responded to the blank channel, "Ah, assigned seating.&nbsp; How the Lyran's love their order and lists."&nbsp; He allowed a plaintive note to join the arrogance in his voice.&nbsp; "Well, I suppose it was too much to hope for a semiformal barbeque and hor d'oeuvres.&nbsp; Disregard then."&nbsp; He turned back to the window and surreptitiously adjusted his own headset to channel three.<br><br>"Forgive the subterfuge, Excellencies, this will only be a moment," he began, quietly less out of a desire to be quiet, but more as a necessity when trying not to <em>look</em> as if he was speaking. "I merely wished the relative privacy of a channel to ask you to consider the implications of our pilot being seated next to a Combine duchess in privacy.&nbsp; I also ask you to consider that the foes which have caused this tenuous peace that our pilot has made such a deal of have not been seen in over a year, and are not expected to be seen in another.&nbsp; A lot can happen in a year.&nbsp; I'm sure I don't need to tell you to keep your eyes open during the dinner and see who is dining with whom or who is laughing at who's jokes."<br><br>Alaric knew he wasn't a leader and that he was, politically speaking, a liability to his father.&nbsp; He didn't understand why that was, but he knew that his father couldn't stand to be around him and consistently sent him to the back of beyond.&nbsp; There was <em>no</em> way that he could get his fellow passengers on a unified front when they arrived without preparation, and now they were going to this dinner without preparation. They were going in cold... but he couldn't <em>say</em> that without tipping his hand just in case someone was listening in after all.<br><br>That was like hunting Cape Buffalo without knowing that they stalked hunters back.&nbsp; That was how hunters didn't come back.&nbsp; "If either of you wish to speak with me, I'm leaving my man-at-arms Marks on this channel.&nbsp; He will inform me if you signal.&nbsp; If you have any questions or comments now, now would be a good time."&nbsp; He waited before returning to the common channel and hoped his compatriots didn't ask anything that would give away too much.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Paranoia woo!</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>28-01-2016, 23:40:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Name</strong>: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<strong>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport<br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><strong>Content</strong>: Conversation and Plots<br><br><hr>Kurumi watched the terrain streak by outside the VTOL as Cavanaugh began providing her information on the current powers that be on the planet the people that were influential and whom she would most likely soon be dealing with.<br><strong>“True, many may see my arrival as the sign of House Kurita’s taking and increased interest in the planet and it’s nobles. Some will see me as a threat, real or imagined to their own less than Honorable dealings.”</strong> She said her eyes momentarily moving back to Cavanaugh before she let him continue with his intel.<br>Having inside information on their natures and dealings would prove to be invaluable. Of course until she completely trusted the Kommandant and the information that he shared she couldn’t treat it as actionable intelligence.&nbsp; Still it would give her an edge in her dealings on the planet.<br><br>So the current nominal leader of the planet was here by his own request; interesting too was that he was a proficient pilot and warrior. She mused as Cavanaugh continued his impromptu briefing. So the second in command seemed to be capable as well yet preferred to play the social general as well, to act the fool, or at least in his case the drunkard.<br>The obvious question was why. It clearly made them appear to be less dangerous than they were, but again that deception usually only suffices for so long before it’s known to be an act. Especially if there are two playing the same game and they were rivals however private.<br>The Kommandant knew that it was an act so who else did as well, or was it more intended for the probably endless parade of lesser and useless nobles that visited this charming little world. Of course it could be them playing to what the expectation of their role was, a backwater planet not crucial to the plans of any of the Great Houses yet occupied by all of them to some degree the place that the less competent would be sent, out of the way. <br><br><strong>“Dance?”</strong> She repeated to the man, in a halftone, her gaze looking back to him as he continued his assessment.<br><strong>"So desu ka."</strong> Kurumi said her head making a single nod, her lips in just the hint of a smirk. <strong>“So what is your estimation of his assessment of me should I agree or decline his offer to dance Kommandant?”</strong> She asked her attention now focused on Cavanaugh as she awaited his response.<br><br>She would have to speak with Kagamusha-san about his dealings with Margrave Hoffmann and if they would interfere with her own plans…<br><br><strong>“So does House Liao have anything worth protecting… on Perilous, and who runs the black market?”</strong> She asked her smirk plainly evident before she settled back into her seat. She assumed there would be a thriving black market on the planet in fact she’d be surprised if it wasn’t the real power on the world at the moment.<br><br><br><br><br>So desu ka&nbsp; = I see<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>summoner2183</strong> on <strong>29-01-2016, 00:13:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Viscount Leftenant Edward DuPierre</strong></span></span><br><strong>Time:</strong> May 3025<br><strong>Location:</strong>Siege Perilous: Kharnov Transport<br><strong>Tagged:</strong> Kathryn Foss, Alaric Whitecliff<br><strong>Content:</strong> Arrival and Introduction<br><hr><br>Edward considered the question that the Marquis had posed to them in the private channel for a moment, and he sat back before he spoke as softly as he could into the channel. "In my opinion, Your Excellency..." He began. "It might be that the Lyrans are moving to secure a pseudo-alliance with the Combine... or it is just a ruse to get the Combine to be wary of us and not turn their attention to them. But I certainly agree that we should all keep an eye out on the goings on at dinner... while maintaining the facade of us not have had this conversation nor have spoken about any chance of an alliance amongst ourselves."<br><br>That was what Countess Foss had taught him, and he wondered if he did it correctly this time and he waited for their reactions to see if his hunch was correct about it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>30-01-2016, 09:54:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre, Alaric Whitecliff</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn half-listened to the Viscount and the Marquis, barely interested in the discussion. They'd been on this planet for less than a day and already there were suspicious goings on; so what? It always seems like somethings going on, because there always is. Separating signal from noise was a vital skill, and so far there wasn't enough of anything to begin to hope to figure out what was going on. Chasing down hunches and suspicions now would only lead to obsessing over phantoms. The pilot may have separated the Tai-i to begin an elaborate and subtle scheme against them. Or he may simply have hoped for a better view of her assets (just because someone was up to something did not mean they were up to something grandiose; petty revenge and cheap thrills drove most intrigues). At this point, there was no way to tell.<br><br>No, she was going to wait until after she'd slept before she even attempted to untangle the local political scene.<br><br>It didn't help that her most likely allies were a hopelessly green newbie and an arrogant fop. She would bemoan her situation and demand that the universe tell her why she was being put through this, but she already knew the answer.<br><br>After responding with a non-committal 'hmm' to the Viscount, Kathryn eyed the Marquis again, trying to place him. He was irritating. Unnecessarily so; she should've long ago been rendered immune to dealing with shiftless layabouts who outranked her. It was practically all she did at court. Eventually, she reached for the comms.<br><br>"Marks."<br><br>"Your Marquis is familiar to me; have we encountered one another before?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Annaamarth</strong> on <strong>30-01-2016, 11:23:04</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<hr><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Isaiah Marks, Man-At-Arms to Duke Emerald Shore, Rurik Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 189cm, 95kg, Brown eyes and brown hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current event</strong>: The scenic route<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Foss<br><hr><br>Marks smiled faintly, though his craggy face revealed little.&nbsp; "Beggin' yer pardon, yer Excellency, but the master saw yer work on New Damascus," he replied respectfully.&nbsp; Ideally of course, he'd have replied with a bland non-answer, but Marks had admired the Countess' form that day and couldn't resist responding.&nbsp; There was a policy in place for such things in any case- nobody wanted to admit that they didn't recall Count Suchandsuch of Backwater County, and speaking with the help, though considered uncouth, did happen to save face.<br><br>When it came down to it, though, court behaviour such as the Countess had displayed that day wasn't really couth either."If ye ask yer handmaiden, she'll confirm like as not," he continued.<br><br><hr><div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/31/Male_Asian_Hair.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font">Marquis Captain Alaric Whitecliff</span></span></strong>, <em>Human, 199cm, 86kg, green eyes and black hair</em><br><strong>Current location</strong>: In flight<br><strong>Current event</strong>: The scenic route<br><strong>Current tags</strong>: Cavanaugh <br><hr><br>Alaric heard none of that though.&nbsp; He'd heard DuPierre's polite, but ultimately meaningless response and Foss's rather more terse- he might even have said rude- answer, to which he'd replied "Excellent," and simply returned to the common channel.&nbsp; Once there, he'd asked Major Cavanaugh- <em>yes, I'm going to use</em> my<em> rank structure when I think about you dammit-</em> "So, what's on the agenda for this little soiree, Kommandant?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>31-01-2016, 18:08:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br>Cavanaugh keyed the general comm line open.&nbsp; "If you look out&nbsp; either side, we are crossing Banshee Vale.&nbsp; Among other things, it features one of the largest suspension bridges ever built, spanning a distance of almost three kilometers.&nbsp; The Vale is so deep that there is frequently unmelted snow in the middle of summer.&nbsp; A dense fog usually fills the Vale occasionally rising up enough to reduce visibility on the bridge.&nbsp; The most interesting local rumour is that Banshee Vale gets it's name from the fact that one of there earliest battles on the planet involved several assault class mechs, including one BNC-3E, better known as a Banshee.&nbsp; It is noteworthy that over one hundred people have died searching the Vale and sixteen of their bodies were never recovered.&nbsp; On the other hand, it might have been named for the winds that howl through it on a regular basis."<br><br>He turned the comm back over to the private channel he shared with Kurumi.&nbsp; "Honourable or dishonourable," Cavanaugh answered.&nbsp; "Make no mistake.&nbsp; This is war, just a very subtle one where the first one to pull the trigger is the one who has realized he's about to lose and he needs to change the venue.&nbsp; A shooting war on this planet would be short and savage and the one who starts it will most likely be facing four, not one enemy.&nbsp; I'm sure alliances could be arranged but they're likely to be very costly if they are going to lead to open conflict."<br><br>Crossing over the Banshee Vale was creating some mild turbulence, so Cavanaugh paused to adjust the controls slightly.&nbsp; "I suppose that would depend on whether you like to dance," he said, once his attention was back on his passenger.&nbsp; "Hoffmann pilots a modified Blackjack that he calls the Herd Stallion.&nbsp; Most people think it is because he wants to play the lady's man.&nbsp; Whether that is true or not is for you to decide.&nbsp; What information you use to make that decision is up to you.&nbsp; You'll certainly find out faster if you dance."<br><br>Cavanaugh chuckled.&nbsp; "The primary black market is run by civilians.&nbsp; You can access it through your infantry commander or your quartermaster, although you can be fairly certain that they aren't going to admit to it up front.&nbsp; You might want one of your subordinates to approach them on your behalf.&nbsp; The military black market has been pretty much cornered by Marik.&nbsp; We gave them a run for a while but we're a distant second.&nbsp; None of the other factions have much of a stake in the game.&nbsp; We stay in to keep the prices down."<br><br>He checked the chronometer, then looked out the window to check their location.&nbsp; "We've got a few more minutes.&nbsp; Interested in individual rivalries or would you prefer less specific information?"<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>04-02-2016, 00:03:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>Arrival</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>"Beggin' yer pardon, yer Excellency, but the master saw yer work on New Damascus. If ye ask yer handmaiden, she'll confirm like as not."<br><br>Kathryn tilted her head back and glared at the ceiling. Of course. She flicked the comms back on. "I see. Thank you for your assistance, Marks." She closed the channel and switched over to Charlotte.<br><br>"Charlotte, was the-"<br><br>"Yes, Excellency."<br><br>Kathryn sighed and closed the channel. This was annoying, but at least she had her answer. As for Charlotte's quick response, well... it was better not to ask some questions. If questions were asked, the answer was always that the valette excelled at anticipating her liege's needs. It may have even been true. Kathryn had never inquired; a certain amount of selective ignorance was beneficial.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>04-02-2016, 00:41:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Name</strong>: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<strong>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport<br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><strong>Content</strong>: Conversation and Plots<br><br><hr>She listened to the Cavanaugh&nbsp; as he played tour guide again pointing out the bridge and gorge that it crossed. Kurumi portrayed the tourist as well as she played sightseer from the cockpit.<br><strong>“Do you think there is an assault mech lost in that chasm?” </strong>She asked her tome flat, almost matter of fact as she studied the graceful arching span of the bridge, the asymmetrical cables.<br><br><strong>"Well then I hope that my western dance skills are up to task then. I'd hate to disappoint Margrave Hoffmann."</strong> Kurumi said with a faint smirk on her lips as she looked over to the pilot. <br><strong>“I have no illusions that this is war Kommandant, subtle, or the old cold it is war and even more dangerous than open conflict. It's easy to protect against the enemy that you know it's far harder to protect against the dagger in the dark.&nbsp; And you mistake my interest in the shadowy dealings. I’m more concerned who may interfere in my plans Kommandant. So who runs the black market for House Marik?”</strong>&nbsp; She asked after a short pause. Interesting that the combine had not made a play to at least have a fraction of the black market on Perilous. She would see what the ISF had on the players in the black market on the planet.<br><strong>"Individual rivalries Kommandant. I think they would be the most useful at the time being."</strong> She did have another question for the Kommandant.<br><br><strong>“Oh, Kommandant Cavanaugh&nbsp; what is your assessment of the current Combine commander?"</strong> Kurumi asked her eyes shifting to look back at the pilot.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>04-02-2016, 02:03:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br>Cavanaugh shrugged.&nbsp; "The Vale covers literally thousands of square kilometers and has a reputation for killing explorers.&nbsp; I've never ventured in.&nbsp; Is there actually a mech down there?&nbsp; Probably several.&nbsp; An assault mech?&nbsp; Unlikely.&nbsp; Still, the risk is worth the reward, at least to someone who can benefit from the ownership of a battlemech.&nbsp; To me, it might be worth a promotion or a transfer and a serious pile of cash.&nbsp; To someone like you, who could actually make use of it?&nbsp; It would allow you to pretty much assure that your destiny goes where you want it to.&nbsp; If you're looking for a search partner, I might be talked into it, if there was proper incentive."<br><br>"Donna Ramirez is the one you're interested in.&nbsp; She runs the black market.&nbsp; I can arrange a meeting between your representative and her.&nbsp; I'm assuming you don't want to meet her yourself."<br><br>He paused, pursing his lips.&nbsp; "You already know about Hoffmann and Higgins.&nbsp; That's one reason you might want to consider not dancing.&nbsp; The fact that I might be horribly jealous would be another.&nbsp; Most of the other rivalries are because of competition regarding who can pilot whichever model mech the best.&nbsp; &nbsp;Liao's Raven versus Marik's Hermes II.&nbsp; One notable rivalry is Irene Chapel and Simon Newkirk.&nbsp; According to rumour, he drugged and raped her.&nbsp; There was no real proof, so it&nbsp; didn't go anywhere.&nbsp; As expected, Chapel wouldn't let it lie and made the situation very public.&nbsp; As you would expect, the results were quite interesting.&nbsp; She might as well have castrated him and he of course had already crossed the line once.&nbsp; It's quite tense when they are near each other."<br><br>"Personally, I think the current Combine commander is intelligent, discerning, beautiful, cautious, ambitious, determined and ruthless."&nbsp; He turned to face her.&nbsp; &nbsp;"That is my personal opinion, of course."<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>07-02-2016, 01:04:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br><em>"So, what's on the agenda for this little soiree, Kommandant?"</em><br><br>Cavanaugh keyed the mike so that only Alaric could hear, Alaric and Kurumi.&nbsp; "You ask as if I would know," he replied with just a small hint of laughter.&nbsp; "Not being a noble, I don't get invited and rather than plaster my nose against the window in an undignified manner, I choose ignorance.&nbsp; What is it you nobles do at parties like this?&nbsp; I mean, are they drunken orgies?&nbsp; Staid and dignified affairs will eleven pieces of silverware and six course meals?&nbsp; Can you cut a guy a break and let me in on what happens?"&nbsp; He chuckled.&nbsp; "I'm assuming it will be a formal affair,&nbsp; seeing as the House famous for its social Generals is hosting.&nbsp; I was the welcoming committee, so I have no idea what the planning committee has managed to get its hands on.&nbsp; I'd prepare for something halfway between a spring social and a promenade."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ghostraven</strong> on <strong>10-02-2016, 20:11:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/6/68/Soifon.jpeg)</div><strong>Name</strong>: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<strong>Date</strong>: May 3025<br><strong>Location</strong>: Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport<br><strong>Tagging</strong>: Open<br><strong>Content</strong>: Conversation and Plots<br><br><hr><strong>“I would think that having aircraft would make the search for the lost Assault mech easier or do the winds in the canyon preclude use of aircraft for searching?”</strong> She asked. An assault mech even a Banshee would carry an enormous amount of prestige. Of course the logistics of recovering an inoperative&nbsp; 95 ton mech would present its own challenge. Of course she was under the same impression as the Kommandant that such as machine would not have been abandoned in the field. unless it was completely reduced to slag.<br><br>Her head barely nodding as the Kommandant mentioned the head of the black market. <strong>"Correct, I have no intention on seeking an audience with Donna Ramirez-san but knowing who I may be forced to deal with has it's uses; I will let you know if I need a meeting arranged."</strong><br><br>Kurumi eyes shifted over to Cavanaugh as he responded to her question of dancing with Hoffmann and other events of the planet's...leadership. The situation between Chapel-san and Newkirk-san seemed like it should have been resolved... she would have made sure it was resolved. Her eyes narrowed slightly. <br><strong>"Interesting that such a situation would remain.... unresolved."</strong> She said her tone carrying a darker tone as she responded. The Shogun's brow quirking as Cavanaugh made his comments on the current Kurita commander. There was a roguish charm about the Kommandant; of course he was a lowly commoner and not even one of the Combine. Of course those things only seemed to add to his&nbsp; charm and in a sense would make him more alluring as a dangerous…’bad boy’. Too bad for him she wasn’t a rebellious teenager. The charming Kommandant&nbsp; would have to remain beneath her notice in that regard. <br><br><strong>“Be wary that you don’t overstep my appreciation&nbsp; of boldness Kommandant Cavanaugh,”</strong> She said flatly her, her lips in half smirk, her eyes not quite as hard as she continued. <strong>“Your flattering words aside I was asking about my predecessor whom I assume will be attending the feast.”</strong>&nbsp; She said her eyes shifting back to the view outside as the question about the agenda for the coming feast was to be. <br>Kurumi almost, almost snickered at the Kommandant's response to the Davion nobles question. Her head making a amused little shake at Cavanaug-san's antics. <br>So was Cavanaug-san eager to advance his position and standing and sees me as a quick path or does he see himself as a dashing rogue ready to charm his way into power, wealth and hearts? She mused. He seemed to mask a disdain for Nobility behind humorous sarcasm, or was he merely playing a role.<br><br><strong>"So Kommandant Cavanaugh-san. Tell me about yourself."</strong> Kurumi said as she looked back over to the man. Her eyes studying him as she sought to gain more insight into the roguish Kommandant.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>11-02-2016, 01:55:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<br>Content: The Scenic Route<br><br><em>“I would think that having aircraft would make the search for the lost Assault mech easier or do the winds in the canyon preclude use of aircraft for searching?”</em><br><br>Cavanaugh chuckled.&nbsp; "The winds make flying over difficult but not impossible.&nbsp; It's a virtually useless to try using an aircraft, though.&nbsp; The Vale is heavily overgrown, so sonar is useless, metal detectors are useless because there is a significant amount of low grade ore in the surrounding rock.&nbsp; A powered down mech gives off virtually no energy signature.&nbsp; It would have to be a ground search and you would need to be very close to either spot it visually or pick it up on hand held sensors.&nbsp; I do have a few ideas, if you are interested in actually searching.&nbsp; Nobody seems to be willing to put the effort in and there is no point in me looking on my own.&nbsp; I somehow doubt they'd let me keep it."<br><br><em>"Interesting that such a situation would remain.... unresolved."</em><br><br>"He's a better pilot," Cavanaugh answered.&nbsp; "And Marquis keeps him on a short leash.&nbsp; He's the Steiner hatchetman, the pilot they send out when there is dirty work to be done.&nbsp; Yours is Theo Sweeney.&nbsp; I'm sure if you wanted to intervene, he'd be able to invent a reason to challenge Newkirrk."<br><br><em>“Be wary that you don’t overstep my appreciation&nbsp; of boldness Kommandant Cavanaugh.&nbsp; Your flattering words aside I was asking about my predecessor whom I assume will be attending the feast.”</em><br><br>"You can't blame me for trying," Cavanaugh said, not seeming the least put off.&nbsp; "You won't see him there.&nbsp; He was a waste of flesh that drank himself into an early grave.&nbsp; Got drunk, fell down a flight of stairs, ended up in a coma and finally had the good sense to die two and a half months ago.&nbsp; There is some rather wild speculation that he had help either falling down the stairs or dying in his bed.&nbsp; I personally think that he had help getting drunk as well.&nbsp; He wasn't considered a particularly good representative of the Dragon, unless you mean the lazy dragon who sits on his horde and gloats about how awesome he is, while thieves are robbing him blind right under his nose.&nbsp; His nephew showed up a month or so after he died and took possession of his Shadowhawk.&nbsp; &nbsp;Tozama Daimyo Tai-i Kagamusha is your second in command."&nbsp; He paused.&nbsp; "I suppose that does make him the current Kurita commander.&nbsp; He's in good physical condition and enjoys high risk hobbies but from all accounts, he's a very competent and careful combatant.&nbsp; Rumour has it that he's won six duels over the name he's chosen for his mech.&nbsp; I suspect that he picked the name to draw challengers.&nbsp; so far he's had no issues here but naming a mech 'Ronin' is pretty much baiting at its finest."<br><em><br>"So Kommandant Cavanaugh-san. Tell me about yourself."</em><br><br>"Formerly artillery busted down to transport for having the bad taste to disobey an order to retreat and not only survive but hold the position and stabilize the line.&nbsp; Embarrassing high ranking officers is not a way to win friends but it certainly influences people.&nbsp; I'm ambitious, willing to take risks and always try to have an ace up my sleeve.&nbsp; I like to have a plan for the immediate future as well as a long team goal, which involves retiring rich, in not necessarily&nbsp; rich and influential."&nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Captain Whitebread</strong> on <strong>23-02-2016, 23:24:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Date: May 3025<br>Location: Siege Perilous: Aboard the Cobblestone Road<br>Tagging: All then Kurumi Tatsu Kurita<br>Content: The Red Carpet<br><br>There wasn't time for more much more conversation before the Kharnov slowed, hovered and gently settled to the ground.&nbsp; "Ladies and gentlemen, we haver reached our destination," Canavanugh announced.&nbsp; "Unfortunately it would seem you are being thrown right into the lion's den without the chance to freshen up.&nbsp; The major clue is the red carpet that runs from the landing pad to the entrance of what is effectively the centre of military operations.&nbsp; This isn't something I was expecting.&nbsp; No doubt the mess hall has been pressed into service as a reception hall.&nbsp; Your luggage will be offloaded and prepared for shipping to your respective camps where you will most likely face an second welcome."<br><br>He turned to his 'copilot'.&nbsp; "It has been a definite pleasure, Lady Kurita.&nbsp; I look forward to speaking with you again in the future.&nbsp; I sincerely hope the reception goes will for you.&nbsp; No doubt the social generals will know that they have competition after tonight."&nbsp; He unbuckled himself and opened the cockpit door.<br><br>"My apologies," he said to all the passengers.&nbsp; I was unaware that there would be no break between arrival and presentation.&nbsp; I hope there will be no problems with that."<br><br>The red carpet that awaited them covered the twenty yards or so from the landing pad to the door.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was lined on both sides by Steiner infantry in dress uniforms.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Siege Perilous - A Game of Thrones set in an alternate 3025 Battletech Universe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ThisOneGal</strong> on <strong>27-02-2016, 05:37:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/0kQTA1Z.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>Countess Lieutenant Kathryn Foss</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td>May 3025</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location&nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></td><td>Siege Perilous: Karnov Transport</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tagging</strong></td><td>Open, Edward DuPierre</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Content</strong></td><td>The Red Carpet</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><br>Kathryn freed herself from the crash harness and stood up. She whispered under her breath as she adjusted her beret. "Well, here we go..." After navigating out of he transport, she strode confidently up to the carpet and past the Steiner troops. Charlotte followed after her, staying behind and just to the side of the Countess.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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