[Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Pinot on 18-10-2011, 00:40:12</h2>
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				Title: <strong>[Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>18-10-2011, 00:40:12</strong>
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				<strong>First post reserved for setting information and character bios</strong><br><br><br><strong>Maps</strong><br><br>The Continent of Celanta (http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3649/celantam.jpg)<br><br>Taldoran outpost: at <strong>Salay</strong>, in the north<br><br>Chelaxian outpost: at <strong>Myrs</strong>, to the northwest<br><br><br><strong>Pictures</strong><br><br>Contessa Megaera (http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/83/fantasywallpapers552560.jpg)<br><br><br><strong>Dramatis Personae</strong><br><br>Contessa Megaera, ruler of Myr<br><br>Livia Leroung, High Infernal Scholar<br><br><br>Noravia Ratarion, Hellknight commander<br><br>Morvious Sarini, Chief Inquisitor and priest of Asmodeus<br><br>Kalchas of Taldor, Spymaster
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				Title: <strong>Re: [Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>18-10-2011, 01:02:00</strong>
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				<em>When the court of Queen Abrogail II learned of the Taldoran expedition to a previously uncharted land, a counter-expedition was quickly approved. Under the leadership of Contessa Megaera, the Chelaxian armada made landfall at the rocky shores of the crumbling city of Myrs.<br><br>A full month behind the Taldorans, and beset with problems including the shallow harbor, the state of the decayed city, a tenacious type of fire-resistant ivy, and pests in the granaries, the expedition was well behind schedule. Their resources and armies were greater than that of the Taldorans, however, and patrols had found the ruins of a greater civilization farther inland. Ruins waiting to be reclaimed in the name of the empire of Cheliax.</em><br><br><hr><br>(http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/9828/pzo1111cheliax1.jpg)<br><br>Myrs was starting to resemble an actual city. The buildings along the waterfront had been torn down, and the narrow, meandering streets replaced by paved roads precisely oriented to north and south, east and west. Although the majority of the Chelaxians still slept in tents, there were ever increasing numbers of crude wooden barracks and slave pens, all identical in plot and plan.<br><br>At this point the more permanent construction was largely hollow shells, arches of timber or stone with slowly rising walls. But a few structures were complete, and though they lacked the features common in Chelaxian architecture- towers and spires, gargoyles lining the eaves, marble facades engraved with red and black runes- Myrs was starting to feel more like home. <br><br>At the heart of the city was a tower built of red limestone and ringed with a barbed iron fence. Asmodeus's Spire, they called it, the home of the current ruler of Myrs, Contessa Megaera. A dark haze ever surrounded the spire, sheltering it from unpleasant sunlight and isolating it from the cooling sea breezes. The scent of brimstone hung heavy in the air.<br><br>It was a pleasant day in late summer when the Contessa called a meeting of her inner council. The first to arrive at the circular second-floor chamber and take her place at the five-point star table was the Hellknight commander, Noravia Ratarion. Dark of hair and eye and pale of skin, she was a native Chelaxian, and imposing in black, spiked plate armor. Next was Morvious Sarini, Chief Inquisitor and priest of Asmodeus. His head was shaven, the left side of his face tattooed in swirling black symbols, and his robes were red and black and worn with a sweeping red cape. He gave a token bow to the others before taking his place at the table.<br><br>Contessa Megaera lounged in her throne, legs seductively crossed. At six feet she was very tall for a female human, though the large, black feathered wings at her back suggested she was anything but. Her clothing, if it could be called that, was a breathtaking blend of leather straps and sheer black silk that revealed more than it hid. Long brown hair framed a lovely face set with lustrous dark eyes. Eyes that burned red as flame when displeased.<br><br>They were not burning yet, though if the others did not arrive soon, they most likely would. Three seats were taken, two remained. Only the High Infernal Scholar and Spymaster were absent.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>VNConsort</strong> on <strong>19-10-2011, 04:37:10</strong>
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				The Scholar walked briskly down a reddish corridor in Asmodeus’s Spire.&nbsp; While the tower remained one of her favorite architectural work in Myrs, she could not spare the time to admire its details.&nbsp; &nbsp;Livia Leroung was running on very little time to spare.&nbsp; She navigated the Spire with fluidity, drawing on her exceptional memory of the tower’s floor plans.&nbsp; She had yet to explore the Spire in its entirety since it was not her own property, but she possessed nearly every official document in regards to Myrs’ plans, structures, and reinforcement of the order of matters.&nbsp; In a well-guarded but very simple building, Livia also kept official documents of other matters regarding Cheliax’s spreading dominion on the new continent.&nbsp; Since the moment Livia stepped on to the rich and mysterious land, book after book was filled with her unbiased detail gathering.&nbsp; <br><br>The lady Leroung had stepped onto the isle with previous orders in regards to documenting Myrs startup and had been engaged ever since.&nbsp; With her first abbreviated report completed and sent back to the capital, she awaited further orders in regards to her official occupation as the Contessa’s advisor.&nbsp; The Contessa Megaera, the overseer of Myrs, had summoned her and Livia knew better than to be late…but, of course, her research never failed to distract her until the last possible moment.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>She crossed the final hallways that led to the designated meeting room, fully confident in her ability to service the Contessa in all matters regarding Myrs.&nbsp; Her black cape, clipped at her collar by a dark crimson gem, fluttered around her full bodied figure.&nbsp; Her clothing was an example of the trends of both the Society of high scholars and Cheliax's human elite.&nbsp; Beneath her black silk cape, with ivory taffeta lining on the underside, she wore a thick and lavish red robe that was cut even shorter than her cape.&nbsp; The dark red of her short robe was accented by the House Leroung’s crest colors: black, white, and gold.&nbsp; The soft robe was tied at her waist in a modest fashion and secured with an ornate leather belt, but its length left her long pale legs exposed.&nbsp; She was slightly taller than the average human Chelaxian but still often dwarfed among demonic species.&nbsp; Her dark and wavy tresses were piled loosely in a bun at the nape of her neck and complimented her pale, sometimes peachy, complexion.&nbsp; Dark mahogany eyes with goldenrod flecks, sharply and swiftly scanned her surroundings as she tore through the Spire.<br><br>Livia felt a deep excitement stir inside her at the thought of working alongside masters of their fields in the conquering of Celanta.&nbsp; As a sorcerer, the magic in her being hummed in pleasant anticipation of gaining power through knowledge from some of the most respected and feared individuals in Cheliax.&nbsp; The name Leroung combined with her raw talent helped propel Livia into the spotlight for a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the lead party in the kingdom’s expedition in Celanta.&nbsp; To even be considered though, Livia had to meet the same caliber and strict expectation of other master Scholars, which, to the young Leroung’s amusement was done with a degree of ease.&nbsp; <br><br>Finally coming down a large corridor she saw one of two magnificent double doors stand ajar.&nbsp; Pulling the heavy door back, she entered to see the Contessa on her throne and the council waiting.&nbsp; The Contessa’s aura dominated the room and Livia felt it hard for her gaze not to be drawn solely to the ruler of Myrs.&nbsp; Livia Leroung bowed deeply before the council and their ruler and, for one of the first times in her young life, she felt the uncomfortable prickle of intimidation run down her spine.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>20-10-2011, 01:56:03</strong>
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				An Erinyes's sight pierced darkness, however deep; saw through magic, no matter how concealing; and distant things were clear to them, as if they were birds of prey. In the armies of Hell, those qualities made them scouts and winged hunters, and they also served as consorts. Rarely, an Erinyes distinguished herself through cleverness or guile, and rose to the rank of a commander or noble. Such was the case with Contessa Megaera, who had earned the favor of the infernal regent of Cheliax, General Gorthoklek, and been twice promoted.<br><br>Eyes that saw everything fell upon each of her advisors as they entered, and each dropped their gaze before she did. Noravia, loyal almost to a fault, did so out of respect. Morvious, loyal to his own ambition, because it was required. And Livia, youngest of them all and untried, seemed apprehensive. As well she might in the presence of a devil, a Hellknight whose task was to enforce cruel Chelaxian laws, and an Inquisitor alert for any disloyalty to the queen or to Asmodeus.<br><br>A hint of a smile came to her lips as she studied the raven-haired sorceress. She made a note to try Livia, later. Megaera's passions ran highest after bloodshed, and there had not been nearly enough of that in recent days. Who can I start a battle with, and quickly, she mused.<br><br>Regretfully, there was other business to attend to. "Late, but I am in a generous mood today. Rise and take your seat, scholar," she instructed in her rich, commanding voice.<br><br>But before Livia could move, a figure appeared in the doorway and advanced to stand beside her. A voluminous grey cloak covered his shoulders and swept the floor, and beneath that he wore a green doublet, ruffled white shirt, and sky blue pants. Bright and colorful clothing that seemed to mock the red and black the others favored. His brown hair was artfully styled, his eyes were hazel, and his skin bronzed. There was a soft rustle as he made an elegant bow.<br><br>"Kalchas." Megaera addressed the last of her council, the spymaster. Originally from Taldor, he had been banished from his homeland on account of conspiracy and murder, and had since cultivated a network of spies, both within Taldor and without. Megaera had requested he join the expedition; who better to spy on the Taldan camp than him.<br><br>"Forgive my lateness but I bring interesting news, Contessa," Kalchas said. He threw back his cloak as he straightened, and as he did his hand ran along Livia's bare thigh, lingering a moment. He regarded her from the corner of his eye. "You look- no, feel, well, Livia," he added in a softer, smug tone.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>VNConsort</strong> on <strong>21-10-2011, 22:14:05</strong>
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				<em>Late</em>! The Contessa's dark voice cut through Livia's moment of uneasiness and she had to fight to keep a frown from twitching across her face.&nbsp; Livia was not often late, neither was she often rebuked.&nbsp; Though, she quickly realized, perhaps she should just count her blessings before the great Erinyes and take her seat.&nbsp; She let her gaze linger on the Contessa's wings before she moved to her awaiting seat.<br><br>Quickly approaching footsteps from behind alerted her senses to the final advisor's apperance.&nbsp; The all too quiet footsteps belonged to no other than the spymaster as he stood at her side in his gaudy attire.&nbsp; His Taldorian bronzed skin never failed to make Livia instantly frown, especially when she saw him in the Courts, beguiling his way through men and women alike.&nbsp; <br><br>She could not contain the look of horror that flashed across her face as warm fingers met her thigh.&nbsp; Instinctively her magic surged forth but a glance at the Contessa stifled her ire at Kalchas.&nbsp; She was already one point down for being <em>tardy</em>.&nbsp; Livia was content with the fact that Kalchas would get his due and she would get to contribute at some point.&nbsp; No way in glorious Hell would his slight have no consequences.&nbsp; She was young but she was Leroung.&nbsp; <br><br>"Next time the fee is a body part of my choosing, Spymaster," she said coolly as her piercing dark eyes met his arrogant smirk.&nbsp; She took her seat, giving the floor to Kalchas and his news.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>22-10-2011, 17:43:32</strong>
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				The Spymaster's eyes reflected his amusement; if he feared Livia at all, he kept it well hidden. He snickered as she passed by. "I'm curious now, as to what parts the lady favors. Do you have a wall where-"<br><br>"And what news, Kalchas?" Megaera said sharply. It was not for Livia's sake that she spoke; she knew the sorceress was fully capable of handling the matter on her own. Rather, it was time and vexation she hoped to save. Listening to Kalchas talk was not a favored activity, and he always had much to say. She hoped to be rid of him as soon as Livia did. Eventually he would outlive his purpose, but first the Taldan outpost had to be crushed and its people forced to acknowledge their superiors. <br><br>The Spymaster sauntered to his chair and leaned back, studying the others. "Just a moment ago I received a message from my informant, and not in the usual way. Something so urgent they sent it via the circle."<br><br>For a reason they had yet to discover, many forms of magic were not as effective on Celanta as they were elsewhere. Spells that usually worked over great distances would barely reach the nearest mountains, and were far more exhausting. Teleporting directly to the Taldan outpost was only possible with the aid of a magical focus, a teleport circle. During their one attempt at diplomacy, when a Chelaxian delegation had visited the Taldan outpost, Kalchas had placed such a circle nearby. And one of his informants knew enough magic to send small objects through it. <br><br>A silence followed. "And?" Megaera raised a delicately curved brow.<br><br>In reply Kalchas took a paper from beneath his cloak. "This morning the outpost met with a strange visitor. A woman all in white, brown of coloring and dark of hair, with pointed ears. She claimed she was Shory, a people thought long extinct. These are their cities, are they not? Even now she meets with the governor-general and word has it they are planning an expedition deeper into the ruins. She has asked for help to save others of her people."<br><br>The spymaster tossed the paper onto the table for others to see. "I'm not a commander," he shrugged at Megaera, "nor a scholar." He cast a sly glance at Livia. "But this visitor sounds like someone <em>you</em> ought to be meeting, and not the Taldans."<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [Cheliax side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>VNConsort</strong> on <strong>04-11-2011, 23:43:43</strong>
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				"This is..." Soft words tumbled from Livia's lips as she could only passingly imagine just what this could mean for both Cheliax and Taldor worlds.&nbsp; As Kalchas described the Shory woman that was discovered, Livia drew her vividly in her mind.&nbsp; Her mind allowed itself to fill in a rich setting of the Shory before their demise and wondered if their mythical power had any claim.&nbsp; And there were <em>other</em> Shory!&nbsp; Perhaps there was a functioning city as well?<br><br>A jolt of envy passed through Livia but she kept her face deadpan as she met Kalchas's gaze with an unpleasant look.&nbsp; Dare she say, she would give nearly anything to have been in the Taldorian's place when he or she met the Shory.&nbsp; She only hoped the Taldorians would not taint the Shory woman's mind too much.&nbsp; It was not easy to obtain information from a group of people who did not care much for you.&nbsp; In the back of her mind she wondered who's hands she would have to warm in order to join the next Chelaxian delegation to their outpost.<br><br>She, almost shyly, looked over at the Contessa to see what she how she was digesting the news.&nbsp; She knew of many of those who were more battle-minded would not necessarily grasp the importance of the news.&nbsp; 
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