Heirs to the Final Empire: Roleplaying Thread

[Unodus he/him]

argh, I forgot to put this in on time x.x

 

Action 1

Who?  Metlina in her capacity as House Lady

What? Arranging a marriage for her daughter, Pialannia
When? First action 

Why? Because marriages are cool

Edited June 11, 2016 by Unodus

[Aonar he/him]

Action 1: Arrange two marriages between House Izenry and an NPC House, offering goods and Wealth to ensure the match is allomantically favourable.

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Generation 9: The Ruinous Power

 

Turn 1

 

Olivia Tekiel was not surprised to find the House Rotec guardsmen standing before the gates of Fellise, or the rubble that was left of them after the battle and siege, but she was surprised to see the madman himself standing in their centre. He was dressed in an expensive silk short-sleeved shirt and black trousers, the Mistcloak on his back looking more suited for a ballroom than for a battle. He had no weapons, but whether that was because he had not brought any or because they were taken from him, Olivia could not tell. Certainly it did not look like he had put up a fight, despite the bandage-wrapped hand.

 

“Maw,” she said, dismounting, not bothering with his title. His name was worthless these days, after all. “You're out of your city already? I expected you to be holed up somewhere with all your guardsmen, waiting for the inevitable.”

 

“I have no reason to hide from people like you,” Maw spat on the ground. “Besides, safer out here than back there.”

 

“Oh?” Olivia looked at the other troops, who all seemed to be in no mood to entertain the ex-Lord and itching to dispose of the problem of the traitor as soon as possible. “I am afraid you will have to enlighten me on that. It seems to me that you've simply surrendered to me, unconditionally.”

 

One of the Rotec soldiers walked over. It was clear that if he wasn't actually in charge, he was at least fairly important. That much was evident from the empty vials he wore on his belt, proclaiming him to be a Misting at the very least – There was no cloak on his back, so he was unlikely to be higher up the chain of command.

 

“Lady Tekiel,” he said, giving a small bow. “We have heard reports that the inner city is unsafe. The skaa within are rioting – understandable, considering the arson that they were forced to undertake recently – and supposedly there are assassins within the city too. Someone reporting to be from House Izenry has said that they will bring a present along. Considering the nature of the events here, I suspect it will be rather bloody.”

 

Olivia smiled. “I would find such a gift to be incredibly appreciated, regardless of its blood-content.” She walked over to the prisoner. “I suppose you could have always run, couldn't you?” She thought about it as she circled him, then shook her head. “No, actually, you could not have. Even with the world against you, your wounded pride would not let you flee and live, even after all that...”

 

“And how could I deny you the pleasure of being condescending?” Maw responded, folding his arms. “It would be almost cruel of me to stop you pursuing your hobby.”

 

That just made Lady Tekiel smile even wider. “I hope that The Lord Ruler makes your execution public, so I can be on the front row to watch. No, I hope he lets me wield the axe.”

 

“If you want to do it that badly, just get it over with,” Maw muttered. “Or else I will be forced to listen to more of your drivel. Just kill me.”

 

“Business before pleasure,” Olivia smiled. “And I certainly would not want this to be over that quickly. I want your capture and execution to be as slow and drawn out as possible, so you can realise your mistake and be filled with regret before everything ends. So no, I will not be killing you right now.”

 

“It would be kinder if you did,” Maw said, smirking. “And better for you as well!” He withdrew his arm, the point of a blade withdrawn from it. The old training wound re-opened, blood pooled onto the floor and into the dirt. His arm fell lifeless at his side, whatever semblance of strength he had in it now gone. But he didn't need both arms for this, just the one. Maw burned pewter, and in the rush he thrust the broken blade-point aimed at Olivia's neck.

 

But Olivia was Mistborn as well, and while the initial surprise of the attack gave Maw the advantage, she was still able to twist aside from the attack. The edge of the blade bit into her neck, but the obsidian dagger she drew found Maw's own neck without difficulty.

 

She took a step back from Maw as he choked on his own blood and struggled to breathe on the floor. “Who,” she began, looking at the House Rotec soldiers, “forgot to administer aluminium before taking a Mistborn prisoner – taking a Mistborn as a willing prisoner, at that?” She sighed and placed a hand to her face in irritance. A hand reached out for her boot, and she kicked at Maw's hand before moving away.

 

“Someone tie him up, and then try and save his life,” she said to her own guardsmen and soldiers. “I don't care what condition he is in, but I would absolutely hate for Maw to miss his execution.”

 

---

 

Generation 9 Turn 1 has begun! I am on holiday next week, so it will end on Friday 24th at 6PM GMT.

 

Generation 9 Player List

 

1. little wilson – Wordek Wilson

2. Unodus – Pialannia Uethorn

3. OrlokTsubodai – Gaius Tekiel

4. Aonar Faileas – Reane Izenry

5. Araris Valerian – Alain Penrod

6. Master_Elodin - Mazrim Rotec

7. Kinetic - Daerra Reiskar

8. Comatose - Daerra Elariel

9. Deathclutch 19 - Evelyn Jormungand

Edited June 15, 2016 by Wyrmhero

[Kinetic he/him]

action 1

try for a heir

action 2

build a fleet of ships for TLR

[Master Elodin]

Action 1:

Try for a Heir.

Action 2:

Build roads.

[Unodus he/him]

Action 3

Who?   Pialannia in her capacity as House Lady

What? Trying for an heir [M: Thalom; F: Thalem]

When? Third action 

Why? First turn, gotta use dat once per generation public action .o.

[Comatose he/him]

Generation 9 - Turn 1

Daerra Elariel (Just RP this time.  Actions coming soon.)

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

Author's Note:  So, since I've been away, I thought I'd do a little intro post to reintroduce myself.  I'll do another RP post that will correspond with my house's actions soon.  Since I was starting in after missing a whole generation, I gave Wyrm a male and female character, and let him toss his coins to see who the leader of House Elariel would be for this generation, and this scene is the result of that coin toss.  Though I've tried to tie House Elariel's Heirs to the Final Empire plot-line in with the Mistborn Inquisition plot-line, this should be treated as a fun cross-over, and not as a canon ending for my Inquisition characters.  For those of you who are not familiar with Mistborn: The Inquisition, I hope this scene still makes sense.  I tried my best to make this Daerra Elariel independent of her Inquisition counterpart, but I thought it would be fun to re-purpose the character, since she and Aaron are two of my favorites, and Generation 9 overlaps with the period Inquisition is set in.  

And yes, I've been planning this since I claimed House Elariel way back when .  Enjoy!

 

Daerra's calm mask betrayed no hint of the anticipation she felt within.  Finally, she had done it.  After what seemed like a lifetime of scheming and backstabbing, she had finally climbed to the pinnacle of her house and seized some real power.  Most of her immediate family had died in the process, true, but Daerra knew better than anyone that it took hard work and sacrifice to achieve greatness.  

Claudia, Daerra's first cousin and one of House Elariel's Mistborn, stood demurely at her side, eyes downcast.  Claudia's father had only inherited the House title because Daerra's father made the mistake of underestimating his younger sibling.  Daerra took no small amount of pleasure in the idea that she had succeeded where her own father had failed.  Despite being born to power and privilege as the heir apparent to House Elariel, Daerra's father, Andrew, had never stood where she did now.  Andrew pulled many strings from behind his brother's back, and wielded considerable power and influence throughout his lifetime, but he never reclaimed his birthright.  Now, he was dead, and Daerra, despite years of emotional abuse at her father's hand, and being born the female cousin to the presumptive heir, was accomplishing what he never could.  

Aaron, Daerra's twin and only confidant, stood from where he was seated, and a hush descended across the crowded room.  The Elariel elite had gathered from their holdings across the empire, to witness a shift in power, and the dawn of a new era. Aaron launched into the speech Daerra had prepared for him, and she could not help but notice a slight strain in his otherwise steady voice.  She had thought, for a time, that Aaron would never forgive her for making him their uncle's heir by having Claudia's brother killed.  And yet, somehow, he had found it in himself to do just that.  Since then, Daerra had tried to be a better sister to him, but she knew her performance left much to be desired.  

He knows you're a monster, so why hide it from him?  Daerra blinked, covering up her troubled thoughts with a serene smile.  She and Aaron had never spoken of her role in their father's death, but she assumed he must at least suspect.  How could he not, when he knew more about her than anyone?  

"When my uncle Alistair was killed by the skaa, I nearly lost hope.  Though I love our family, I did not think I was ready to be your leader."  Though the words were not his own, Aaron's natural sincerity and charisma still shone through.  Daerra was amazed at her brother's ability to win people over to his side, despite his ineptitude at manipulation or intrigue.  "If my sister Daerra had not stepped in, the results of that crisis might have been catastrophic.  It is only through her bravery, ingenuity, and dedication to House Elariel that we still stand here today, strong and unbroken.  It is in recognition of her achievements, and to ensure a brighter future for our House, that I stand before you today."

A slight sniffle nearly broke Daerra's attention, and her gaze flitted to the side.  Claudia placed a comforting hand on her mother's shoulder.  Of the main branch of the Elariel family, Daerra, Aaron, Claudia were the only survivors.  One year ago I had an uncle and aunt, two cousins, two parents, and a brother.  Now I have widow grieving for her husband and son, a Mistborn whose thoughts I can only guess at, and a Twin who I couldn't feel farther apart from.  And the house title, of course.  That last part was the important part.  She had to focus on her future, or else she could let new opportunities pass her by as she obsessed over her past.  

"I, Lord Aaron Elariel, son of Lord Andrew Elariel, nephew of Lord Alistair Elariel, name my sister, Lady Daerra Elariel, to be my heir, and hereby renounce my role and title as the Lord Paramount of House Elariel.  I do this in the presence of you, my assembled family members, and in before the eyes of our Lord."  Aaron paused to bow to the Prelan who was serving as their witness.  As he straightened, he cool grey eyes met Daerra's own.  It's done.  No turning back now.  He reached out and took her hand, and together they stepped forward to face the assembled crowd.  As they recited the House Motto, the rest of the family joined in, their varied voices blurring together to create a muddied monotone that echoed through the ballroom.  

"Never Trust.  Never Tell.  Always an Elariel."

EDIT:  I guess I'll just edit this, to avoid the double post.  Here is my official RP sample and action for the turn.  

Daerra Elariel:

Spoiler

While Daerra had silently celebrated when she sat down behind her uncle's desk for the first time, the space quickly lost its aura of prestige as she settled into performing her daily tasks as the new head of the house.  Odairn, Elariel's main Terris Steward, stood at attention nearby, bringing her up to date with the reports he was continually receiving from his many spies around the city.  Under Daerra's uncle, Odairn had been placed in charge of Elariel's considerable intelligence network, a job he performed with the same careful precision he brought to everything he did.  Daerra trusted in the Terrisman's competence, but his loyalty to her was sadly lacking.  Since his station was directly tied to Elariel's success, Daerra was reasonably the Steward was providing her with the information she needed to keep her House afloat, but it was the information he was undoubtedly keeping from her that kept her up at night.   Of anyone in the house outside of her inner circle, Odairn was the one most likely to be able to puzzle out her plans and unravel out how she had made her rapid ascent to power, and given his previous loyalty to her uncle and cousin, Daerra could only imagine how happy Odairn would be to see her fall and be replaced by another.  

"Finally, the reports from the plantations indicate a continually high level of skaa dissatisfaction.  You will have to be careful mistress.  It wasn't too long ago that Elariel skaa were burning businesses to the ground."

Daerra snorted and rolled her eyes.  "I know how to deal with a few measly skaa, Odairn.  It's the other nobles I'm worried about."

"An easy thing to say, Mistress, for someone such as you who has only interacted with the skaa in passing."

Daerra gave Odairn a flat look, expressing her displeasure with his attitude.  Her uncle's indulgence had made the steward too comfortable and secure in his position, and it would likely take Daerra years to bring him to heel.  "The problem with the skaa, as I see it, is simple Odairn.  They see us as their greatest enemy, and so they rebel."  Daerra began pulling out some books on family history she had sprawled out on the desk.  "Previous Lord and Ladies have tried to placate the skaa with empty promises or minor improvements to their living situation, but it's never done much good because the skaa can still see that we have everything and they have nothing.  They can't help but resent us."

"An astute observation, Mistress."

Daerra ignored the Terrisman's cheek and continued.  "The proper strategy is far more simple.  We can't stop the skaa from being hateful and angry, but we can change who their hate and anger is directed at.  Dress up some of your agents as Obligators and send them in at night to start taking skaa away.  Just be sure these operatives can't be traced back to us; we don't want the ministry breathing down our necks over this.  Then, start spreading rumours to sow some dissension among their ranks, set hovel against hovel.  If we can keep them snapping at the ministry, or at each other, hopefully we can keep them from burning down any more of our assets."

Odairn paused, and Daerra could almost detect a hint of respect beneath his unreadable expression.  "I will see it done, Mistress.  By your leave, I shall excuse myself."

Daerra waived the steward away and returned to her work.  She had so many plans to put in place, she really couldn't waste time on something as foolish as the skaa.  

Public Action:

Spoiler

Action 3: Managing Dissatisfied Skaa (Public):

Who: Odairn as Head of the Elariel Intelligence Network.
What: Using Intelligence network to focus Skaa dissatisfaction on the Ministry and against each other.  
Where: Elariel Holdings across the Central and Western Dominances.
When: Gen 9, Turn 1, Action 3.
Why: To avoid further damage to Elariel holdings from skaa.  

 

Edited June 24, 2016 by Comatose
No one else posted, I wanted to make my actions.

[Orlok Tsubodai]

I'm so sorry for the belated response, Wyrm - I had my final A-level exams this week, and with the referendum have been otherwise occupied.

 

Action 1: Try for an heir - edit: Male = Locke, Female = Julia

Edited June 25, 2016 by OrlokTsubodai

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Generation 9

 

Turn 2

 

In the twilight of the foggy, shaded night of Fadrex, hundreds of skaa dressed in lightweight and colourful Tekiel livery, laboured furiously at the behest of their masters. It was all night-work, done in the darkness where they couldn't be seen. When they were not working, they were herded like livestock into a barracks, unable to leave. Skaa had few rights anyway, and when working on this project, they had been sworn to secrecy and locked up to make doubly sure.

 

Elerekel sighed and drained his wineskin. While the work was hard and back-breaking, there were at least some benefits. They were well-provisioned, and it was rare that skaa of his stature got access to wine in this quantity and of this quality. It was honest work too, and for the Steel Ministry no less. He knew the teachings well and like many of the skaa here, was a devoted follower. He knew that he would be rewarded for this in time, either in this life or the next.

 

And, ultimately, it was also a change. Three weeks ago, Elerekel was running up and down a track in full armour, sweating himself to death. And then after that would come spear-drills, anti-allomancer training, and other, equally exhausting training methods. The work here was hard, and the Obligators were every bit as tough, but the novelty had not quite yet worn off.

 

They had dug underground in the city, below the Obligator's offices and the impressive and opulent Steel Ministry building next to the church. There was no room to build around within the city, as it was rather densely packed-in and they didn't want to purchase the nearby land, so instead they decided to create a basement for their additional workers.

 

Ultimately, Elerekel considered himself fortunate compared to the other men who had been placed at the Steel Ministry's disposal. A good majority of them he knew had gone hunting for remnants of the Skaa Rebellion, a group of ingrates and unruly criminals that preyed on nobles and skaa alike. They would just end up spending weeks and weeks traipsing around the Eastern Dominance, most likely with no luck, while they cooked in their armour. They might spend most of their time underground here, but at least they were out of the sun.

 

In addition to that, they weren't actually away from home. Elerekel was a Fadrex city-skaa, born and bred. Even if it was permitted for him to leave and visit the plantations or other cities, he wouldn't. His family was here, and so were his friends. Admittedly, a large number of them had been moved out the city for now, but they'd all be back here in the end when they were no longer useful to the Steel Ministry.

 

He had no idea where most of them were though; A large number of them were roaming The Final Empire even now, hunting down insurgents, criminals and traitors. Only The Lord Ruler knew where they were. The rest had stayed around for a while, feeling somewhat awkward and scrutinised by the Obligators watching over them. With nothing to do, they had fallen back on old habits, performing some drills while they weren't employed otherwise.

 

But then a group of Obligators turned up, headed by the most terrifying creature Elerekel had ever seen – A figure of almost divine presence, a bald-headed and tattooed female Obligator, eyes shining in the light of the training grounds. No, not her eyes, but rather metal piercings placed directly into the eyes. He wasn't the only one shuddered and scared witless by the sight, and she seemed to take pleasure in evoking that reaction from them.

 

She had divided the remaining Tekiel soldiers, which were much less than the overall number put at the Steel Ministry's disposal, up into four groups. They would be put to use on building projects in the various cities, they were told. One would go to Fadrex and expand the canal system and create a water resvoir for times of need. The rest would go elsewhere to expand the Steel Ministry offices. A fairly simple job, he had thought, and for the most part he had been proven right.

He stood up, stretching a little against the stone wall behind him. His fellow workers looked up at him as he did, stopping their animated chat due to his distraction.

 

“We're not back to work already, are we, El?” One of them moaned. “We've only been on brake for five bloody minutes.”

 

“Nah, not yet,” Elerekel smiled a bit. “Don't think they're going to work us to death quite like that. They seem pretty good about all this, all things considered.” he shrugged. “Wine's pretty good, at any rate.”

 

“So where you off to?”

 

“Just going to stretch my legs,” he said. “Back in a bit.”

 

There was a rolling of eyes at his cleaner turn of phrase, but they didn't say anything as he left the room to find the privy. He grimaced at the fact that they were all in use. Clearly they had put everyone on break all at the same time, and he regretted now putting it off until after he had a drink. He frowned a little as he considered the time they were given for a break. He wasn't sure if he had enough time to wait.

 

Well, he was technically employed by the Steel Ministry at this moment in time. So why couldn't he use the amenities above ground, as well as those installed below for the workers? He trundled upstairs, mindful of the time, scrapped the dirt off his boots at the stairway, and headed upstairs.

 

He got a few odd looks, but not even the Obligators questioned his presence. He was a bit glad of that, as he wasn't entirely sure he should be up here. But no-one yelled at him or took him to task for trespassing, so he reached the amenities without incident.

 

“It just seems... Like a shame.”

 

Elerekel stopped as he heard that, just walking round the corner into the corridor. The Inquisitor that had pulled them all here was standing further down, talking to another Obligator. He looked vaguely familiar, probably just one of the taskmasters overseeing the works. Yes, he could remember the man now. He seemed somewhat jovial usually, but now he looked completely pale and disheartened. And the Inquisitor... the look on her face scared him. He hid behind the wall.

 

“Those are your orders,” the Inquisitor said. “You would do well to heed them.”

 

“Won't House Tekiel complain?” The Obligator asked, hesitantly resistant to whatever the orders were. One did not easily disobey Inquisitors, after all. “They are his men, after all.”

 

“It is an occupational hazard,” there was an uncaring shrug. Elerekel froze as he realised what she meant. “They are soldiers. There will be casualties on those enforcing the law in the Empire, and he won't complain about those. And he won't dare complain to us when we are about The Lord Ruler's business. Besides, they are skaa. They ultimately belong to the Sliver, and it is only by his grace that they are able to be used by his nobility. Your orders are clear. As soon as they finish, dispose of them.”

 

“How?” The Obligator asked, clearly sweating. Elerekel could hear it in his voice. “There are quite a few of them, and they are trained. We've given them pickaxes and shovels, they could do a decent amount of damage with those.”

 

“I don't care. Use your Mistings, or bury them alive in another room. Or even entomb them in the room when I seal it. Quite simply, they cannot be allowed to spread what this room is for. Obligators we can trust. Skaa, we cannot. Understood? Or will you disobey The Lord Ruler?”

 

“...I understand,” The Obligator replied. “I will find a way to tie up those loose ends.”

 

'They can't find me here. I can't stay here either. I have to leave somehow,' Elerekel thought. No, he should have left immediately, but his legs felt as though they were made of lead. He had to leave now though, they couldn't discover him. He'd leave the building, maybe even the city. They wouldn't notice if one soldier disappeared on them. His family would miss him, but it would be best this way. Maybe he could get a message to them somehow. He didn't care about whatever the room was for, he didn't even know, but he did know he didn't want to die.

 

“Good,” The Inquisitor said. “And speaking of loose ends...” A step came towards him.

 

Elerekel ran. But before he'd taken even a few steps, he felt his belt buckle dig into his body, and then he hurled backwards. The force disappeared and he collapsed onto the floor, grateful, as it felt like the belt could have cut right through him given time. The Inquisitor picked him up from the floor with little grace.

 

“A shame to lose a worker before the great work is complete, but... It happens, I suppose. Your death will be a warning to those who traipse around on this level unwanted.”

 

Elerekel struggled, but her grip was unyielding. It was strange, she didn't look particularly strong before, even for a normal Mistborn, but now he was closer, he could clearly see the definitions of muscle on her arms. He couldn't break out; was this the power that Allomancy gave? He tried everything, twisting and contorting himself as much as he could to escape her.

 

His willpower reached a height, and he felt his senses expand, somehow. His sight became covered in blue, pinpricks of light twisting into ropes and strands. His belt, his boots, the window frame, all metallic objects in his sight became illuminated by this inhuman luminescence. Then, just as quickly, it faded, and the world became normal again.

 

“Hm, there is steel within you,” the Inquisitor said, her tone amused and interested. “How... Useful.” Her hand found the side of his face, and suddenly the wall approached at a blinding speed.

 

---

 

Elerekel woke up, and wished he hadn't. It took a while for his head to stop ringing, but the position he was in was clear enough despite the reverberation. The Inquisitor was standing above him, a thin metal nail suspended above his eye, a hammer in her other hand. She was covered in blood. He, meanwhile, was naked, and his table he lay on felt warm. No, he realised with mounting horror, it wasn't a table; it was another human. His chest raised and fell in time with the unknown person below him. Two bodies, breathing in unison.

 

“What-”

 

The hammer came down, and the nail descended. Elerekel screamed, and the two bodies became one.

 

 

---

 

Generation 9 Turn 2 has begun! I am on holiday next week, so it will end on Friday 1st at 6PM GMT.

 

Generation 9 Player List

 

1. little wilson – Wordek Wilson

2. Unodus – Pialannia Uethorn

3. OrlokTsubodai – Gaius Tekiel

4. Aonar Faileas – Reane Izenry

5. Araris Valerian – Alain Penrod

6. Master_Elodin - Mazrim Rotec

7. Kinetic - Daerra Reiskar

8. Comatose - Daerra Elariel

9. Deathclutch 19 - Evelyn Jormungand

Edited June 26, 2016 by Wyrmhero

[Comatose he/him]

GENERATION 9, Turn 2:

Daerra Elariel:

Spoiler

"I won't go," Aaron said, his normally mirthful grey eyes blazing with anger.  "I refuse to be shipped off, away from the action, like some porcelain doll in your collection."

Daerra sighed, letting herself feel the extent of her stress and exhaustion so that Aaron could tell how she was feeling.  She had resolved to be more transparent with him, and though the thought of being vulnerable enough to share her feelings and weaknesses with anyone was terrifying, it was somewhat comforting to know that Aaron was seeing the real her.  "There's not choice Aaron.  You and your family are the future of House Elariel.  We need to keep you safe.  At first, I'll it about that you aren't attending events because you are spending time with your family.  By the time we announce that you have left the city, I want you to already be safely in Tremredare.  I know it's not ideal, but I feel like we have no choice."

Aaron shook his head, tossling his newly regrown black curls.  Daerra was glad to see him regrowing his hair now that he was not the leader of the House.  He looked more like himself.  "And who will be protecting you?  I can't look out for you in Tremredare, Daerra.  You don't have any other supports here within the house.  What happens if someone decides to stage a coup or something?"

"I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself, Aaron."  Daerra crossed her arms and allowed a slight edge to enter her voice.  Her frustration in this case was genuine, but it also served a vital purpose.  "And besides, the things that are happening here are bigger than the two of us.  This is about the future of our Family and its place in the Final Empire."

Aaron snorted, "Don't feed me those lines you appease your sycophants with.  You're talking about my life Daerra.  I'm not a pawn you can move around at your leisure."

Aaron's words sent a chill down Daerra spine.  The language he used was almost identical to what he had said to her the night he found out about Mikhail's death and how Daerra had used Aaron to help bring it about.  After that argument, Daerra had worried that she had lost her brother forever.  She couldn't make the same mistakes again.  "I know it's frustrating Aaron, and please believe me when I say I don't see you as a pawn.  This is a temporary step, just while your children are young.  You can still visit Luthadel when you wish.  I know you don't want to go, but please, let me do my job as your big sister, and as the aunt of little Shae.  Let me protect you both."

Aaron sighed.  Daerra watched his slender frame deflate slightly as he released some of the tension he had been holding.  "I understand.  Really, I do.   I mean, of course I want my family to be safe.  If something happened to Shae I... I don't know what I would do.  I'm not happy about leaving, but I can see the reasoning behind it, I guess.  But Daerra, how are you going to manage alone?  You know it's not healthy to always be dealing with people from behind an act, and if I'm not here for you to relax around, I guess I'm scared you are going to lose yourself."  Again, Aaron hadn't said it, but Daerra could feel that last, unspoken word, hanging in the air between them.  

Daerra pushed her concerns aside.  She needed to show some vulnerability so that Aaron would know she was being genuine, but she also had to be strong, for the both of them.  "I'm worried about that too, Aaron.  But I promise to think critically and try to check myself.  And I'll visit you, and you can visit the city, and we can check in with each other that way.  I just need you to trust me, okay?"

Aaron nodded.  "I do trust you Daerra."

"Then you'll go?"

Aaron laughed, and Daerra's heart soared to see him smile again, "I guess you leave me no choice."

"No," she said, returning his smile in kind.  "I am most certainly not."  

Public Action:

Spoiler

Action 3: Trying for Heir (Public):

Who: Aaron Elariel and his spouse.
What: Trying for heir (Male: Daeron; Female: Darlene).
Where: Elariel Manor in Tremredare.
When: Gen 9, Turn 2, Action 3.
Why: To get more heirs for the future of the house, and to arrange marriage contracts.

 

[Araris Valerian he/him]

Actions:
 

Spoiler

 

Action 1:

Who: Alain

What: Try for an Heir

Names: Araris (male), Alera (female)

 

Action 2:

Who: Alain

What: Use stockpiled stone to upgrade the buildings in Hadrium to become more fireproof, and stop stockpiling stone

Where: Hadrium

Why: To increase the quality of living in my city

 

Action 3:

Who: Alain

What: Hold a contest for skaa craftsmanship in Hadrium. Only Skaa are allowed to participate, and the winner will receive a bead of Atium from House Penrod

Why: To promote the success of skaa workers and to draw more attention to Hadrium

 

 

[Orlok Tsubodai]

Action 3: Purchase atium

[Unodus he/him]

Action 3

Who?   Pialannia in her capacity as House Lady
What? Organize digging a canal connecting Lansing to the River Channel/ Improving the preexisting one (if there is already a canal)
When? Third action 
Where? Lansing/Around Lansing
Why? Improve productivity, and by extension prosperity, by encouraging more open trade with the other settlements
Plus I own most of the boat production industry, so...

 

[Wyrmhero he/him]

I am afraid I am feeling unwell today, so I am going to delay next Turn until next week.

 

I'd also like to remind people to give me orders by Friday. The reason for this is because if there are any Reactions required, I need to give people enough time to respond to them. I've been okay with accepting some late orders, because frankly no-one gets them in on time. However, from next Turn onwards, I will not accept any offensive Actions after Friday. I need to be able to get Reaction requests out by the end of the day to ensure as close to 48 hours as possible are provided. I feel this is the only real compromise that can work with regards to Action times.

Edited July 3, 2016 by Wyrmhero

[Unodus he/him]

What qualifies as an offensive action...?

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Anything along the lines of an attack on another player, essentially. I don't need one for spying actions, but if you are raiding a Property or attempting an assassination or something, I need to be able to get a reaction.

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Generation 9

 

Turn 3

 

Alain dressed himself in the shirt that was offered to him by his servant. He waved the man away as he did up the gold buttons on the front, preferring not to be crowded as he dressed. Instead, the skaa returned to the dresser and picked up a small jewellery box. Alain looked in the proffered box as it was opened, and selected a pair of cufflinks for the shirt.

 

Next came arguably the most important part of his dress this morning; The Mistcloak. While he did not pay much attention to the Ministry's teachings on the nobility being inherently better than the skaa, even he had to admit that Mistborn were simply different to other people, noble and skaa. Education, a good diet and physical training could eliminate most of the differences between skaa and nobles, but Allomancy was a barrier that could never be overcome by those without the potential to use it.

 

But the Mistcloak was important. As a noble and a wealthy man, he had authority, but the Mistcloak gave an entirely persona amongst the skaa. He was no longer their lord when he wore it, but a Mistborn; a secretive, almost divine presence amongst them. The nobility were a mundane disruption to life, but Allomancers were a religious threat instead.

 

He finished dressing and left the house. Hadrium was not a large city yet, and his House had no Keep in the city. No-one did; It was too new and too weak a town for anyone else to have a presence. And he personally felt less comfortable with the idea of looking down on the town that was his House's most important work for many, many years.

 

The festival was the culmination of months of hard work, and had transferred the town with a variety of colours. Even the scaffolding and building-works that the town was in the middle of were hidden away with an array of bright fabrics and paints. Stalls littered the main square in the centre of the town, each displaying the wares on offer – Clothes and toys and furniture not just for sale, but for judgement. Alain took his time at each exhibit, taking the items and examining them.

 

He found himself pleased with the quality, but nowhere near as much as he was with the atmosphere in the town. It felt genuinely cheerful, with the skaa willing to be outside on a day like this and mingle with the (admittedly small in number) of nobles. Sure, some were working, but they were able to take pride in their work. That was really what this festival was all about. Letting the skaa recover some self-esteem and see their own merits for themselves. And of course, if any of his peers were inspired to follow suit, that would be even better.

 

After some time walking around, Alain returned to the plaza. There was a wooden stand erected in the centre, and he climbed the stairs up to the podium at the front. He was pleased to see that a few of his closest friends, as well as his family, were present, sitting behind him as a show of support. He frowned a little at his daughter; The girl couldn't sit still. But perhaps that was expected at her tender age of four.

 

“Welcome to you all,” he said to the assembled crowd as he leant on the podium, “to this Festival of Craftsmen!” He smiled at them. “We are here to honour and praise the works of our artisans and merchants. They are the lifeblood of our city. I think it is only fair to reward them for their hard work and dedication to their craft. No other city can boast our skills, or our sense of unity. We are a model for others to follow.”

 

“I have spent many hours walking among you this afternoon, and I have seen all the crafts that have been put forward for this competition. I have thought about this, and I have come to a decision.” He lifted a sheet off an object on the podium, revealing a colourful wooden doll, a perfect, if more vibrant, representation of a Msitborn, right down to the tiny glass vials on its belt. “Would the Master Carver Albert please step up?”

 

An older skaa stepped up to the podium. He wore hard-wearing but not scruffy clothes. His beard was neatly trimmed, if greying. He bowed briefly to Alain, who waved the gesture away with a smile, and instead shook his hand firmly.

 

“Congratulations sir,” he said. “You have displayed a wonderful ability with your craft. You have clearly learned from years of experience and honed yourself to reach this level of detail and accuracy.”

 

“Thank you sir,” Albert nodded. “I have been a craftsman all my life. Forty years it's taken me to get to this level. An' now, I spend my time teaching it rather than doing it. Was nice to get back to it, for a change.”

 

“Well, you do yourself credit with this offering,” Alain smiled. “As reward, please accept this.” He offered a small pouch to the craftsman, who took it with a grin.

 

 

---

 

There was someone in his bedroom. Alain could tell that there was another presence here, besides his wife, without even trying. They were not concealing themselves. So, therefore, they wanted themselves to be known. They wanted him to see them. He opened his eyes.

A flash of metal glinted back in the darkness. An Inquisitor loomed above him. An axe lay against the wall in a casual yet menacing manner. There were many things wrong with this picture. He swore and jumped back, banging his head on the board behind the bed. That woke his wife up as well. She screamed.

 

“Be silent, you insufferable traitors,” the Inquisitor said. Alain's wife suddenly stopped, her face taking on a vacant expression. She was not terrified anymore, but she wasn't reassured either. She simply seemed to be blank, as if the Inqusitor had frightened it out of her.

 

The same was not true of Alain, however. “How dare you-”

 

“Don't try and be outraged with me, little lord,” the Inquisitor responded. “Not when it is only by The Lord Ruler's tolerance that you and your House are even still alive. We wanted to take action, but... One more chance. That is what we have been instructed to give you, after your joke of a festival. After this pathetic city.”

 

Slowly, Alain's eyes became used to the light again. He could see the emotion returning to his wife, and the colour leaving her face. Thankfully, she remained silent. But in the Inquisitor's hand...

 

“I gave that away,” Alain said.

 

“You gave a skaa atium,” the Inquisitor said. “Even ignoring your heretical fraternising with them, you gave them atium. What use do they have for it? Only selling it. And the only ones who would buy it from some no-named skaa... Well, the skaa rebellion is still around, isn't it? I'm sure they would love to get their hands on it.”

 

“That wasn't-”

 

“I don't care what your reasons were. Now, I am unsure what to do with you. We executed one of your forefathers for something like this. Clearly that was not good enough. So instead, we will take away that which you love.”

 

“...What have you done?”

 

“For a start, I have strung the old man up in the plaza. He will remain there until the flesh has fallen from his bones. We have also burned his art school to the ground, along with all his students that were inside. But that is simply his punishment, for daring to obtain our most precious resource.”

 

“And then?”

 

“Your daughter will become property of the Inquisition. I have heard rumours that she is Mistborn; she will be most useful. We will also execute some of your family, and take custody of the other children born recently to your House. You will also build an outpost for the Canton of Inquisition here. We will keep a close eye on you and this city, and we expect it to be run in the normal manner. Skaa will be isolated and worked as The Lord Ruler intended.”

 

“You can't-”

 

“Can't we?” The Inquisitor asked, the eye-nail stare burning into his eyes. “Unless you want to find all your family the enemy of the Empire... You will obey us. We will have Obligators following your every move. We will audit your accounts and your expenditure every year. You understand what I am saying? You will not be able to do anything without us knowing. Are we clear on this matter?”

 

“...Clear,” Alain muttered through gritted teeth.

 

“Good.” There was a nod from the Inquisitor. He picked up his axe, and left towards the balcony. As he opened the door and let the cold air in, he paused. "Remember, little lord. We'll be watching..."

 

---

 

Generation 9 Turn 3 has begun! There will be another week's hiatus, so the turn will end on Friday 22nd at 6PM BST.

Edited July 10, 2016 by Wyrmhero

[Araris Valerian he/him]

Bother. You know, that Atium was supposed to go to the House that had the best skaa, to encourage the Houses to treat their skaa well, not the the skaa themselves. Somebody in House Penrod should be executed for making a mistake like that... Oh well, it's not as if the inquisition was ever going to like me in the first place.

[Unodus he/him]

Action 3

Who?   Pialannia in her capacity as House Lady
What? Offering Minor Nobles Grants for establishing stables in the Lansing area
When? Third action 
Where? Lansing/Around Lansing
Why? 1. Further encourages trade in Lansing 2. Creates more jobs for Skaa (Jobs that might actually be pleasant compared to factory work and mining :V) 3. Make horse manure more abundant, improving the fertility of Lansings soil 4. Increase the horse population! Everyone needs horses!

 

Edited July 22, 2016 by Unodus

[little wilson she/her]

Action 2: House Wilson will be training their military in the Wilson training yard.

[Araris Valerian he/him]

Alain laid in his bed for hours after the Inquisitor had left, unable to return to sleep. Bother that skaa. He was supposed to give the Atium to his house, as a reward for their promotion of skaa craftsmen... This is the second time that the Inquisition has taken direct action against my House, and once again it is due to a lack of communication. All that matters right now is to get Alera back, though. We can put up with whatever foolishness the Inquisition requires, but I will go to war to save her.

His mind made up, Alain downed a flask of metals and began burning pewter, partly to stave off the fatigue, and partly to stabilize his trembling limbs. Then he headed toward his study and began penning the letters that would determine the fate of Alera.

Actions 1-3

Who: Alain Penrod

What: Writing 3 letters, 1 to the Inquisition, 1 to the Ministry, and 1 to the Lord Ruler

Why: To explain that the skaa craftsman was supposed to give the atium back to the House he belonged to, and to offer bribes and reassurances to secure the return of Alera to House Penrod

Where: The letters will be written in Hadrium, and taken by Alain himself to their various destinations

I'm going to try and write/post at least one of the letters here before the turn ends, and maybe work on them some tomorrow.

[Comatose he/him]

GENERATION 9 - TURN 3

Daerra Elariel:

Spoiler

Daerra took a deep breath as she glided into the sitting room where tea and her very special guest awaited.  Her guest, already seated, rose as she entered the room and curtsied politely.  "Good Afternoon, Lady Elariel.  It is good to see you."

"Please, call be Aunt Daerra," Daerra returned her niece's curtsy in kind.  "I hate to sound cliche, but I can hardly believe how you've grown.  It seems like only yesterday I was holding you on my lap in Tremredare, and now, here you are, a woman grown."  In truth, Daerra's visits to Tremredare had been few and far between, and she seriously doubted she had ever actually held her niece.  Children were generally distasteful and babies were outright terrifying.  Besides, there were always servants around, ready and willing to whisk the offending child away before it could become a nuisance.  Of course, Aaron had adapted admirably to being a father.  Daerra was certain that in Shae's youth he had spent more time on his hands and knees playing with his daughter than he had attending to House business.  

It must be hard for him now, to see his best friend growing up.  Aaron had confided that in recent years, Shae begun changing from a mischievous and playful child into a reserved and competent young woman.  Her Mistborn training likely had something to do with it--it was of paramount importance that House Elariel's greatest assets were taught from an early age not to fear death, and that training did not come easily--but Daerra suspected part of the rift that was growing between father and daughter would have occurred whether or not Shae was an allomancer.  "It's like you all over again.  I still don't think I've ever forgiven you for growing up and leaving me behind."  Daerra smiled inwardly at the memory of her brother's words, but kept her composure, not wanting to show weakness in front of her guest.  I wonder who I would have been, had we shared a father like him.

The last time Daerra had seen her niece Shae was right in the middle of that awkward stage in life where every physical and mental aspect seemed to be developing at a different rate.  Now, at fifteen, she looked positively gorgeous, and Daerra couldn't help but feel self-concious about the crow's feet around her eyes, the prominent veins in her hands, the slight bulge of her lower abdomen, and the grey hairs peeking out from among her formerly coal black locks.  Shae had inherited the same cool grey eyes Daerra and Aaron had received from their mother, but instead of the rich black colour that had been characteristic of the Elariels for the last few generations, her hair was a deep and rich auburn, the same as her mother's.  She was incredibly slender, likely both from genetics and from her rigorous Mistborn training, but was now just beginning to fill out the bosom of her ornate gown.  

"Please, let's sit.  I love your dress, it looks stunning on you."

Shae nodded graciously, accepting the compliment.  "Thank-you, Aunt Daerra.  The comment means a lot coming form someone as beautiful as yourself."  Daerra smiled warmly, trying to decide if her niece was subtly insulting her, or trying to be polite.  The compliment surely couldn't be sincere.  Nearing fifty, Daerra was all too aware of her many, increasingly obvious, physical imperfections.  

"You're welcome.  Now let's get down to business, shall we?"  Daerra gestured and several servants rushed forward to begin serving tea.  Daerra, already self-concious about her figure in the face of Shae's youthful perfection, waived away the dainties she was offered, but insisted that her niece try one of everything.  "Are you excited for your debut?"

Shae nodded, but her expression remained serene, betraying no hint of excitement.  Daerra would have to correct that.  Feigned excitement in the right circumstances was a far more effective mask in most situations than a forced calm would ever be.  "It feels like my whole life has been preparing me just for this.  It's like now all of the lessons and training will finally be worth it."  Shae took a dainty bite of one of her desserts and sipped her tea.  

"It is a very exciting time in the life of a young woman.  Now, we will have to go over the guest list, so that I can point out important figures you will want to remember and have actual conversations with.  Then, I've prepared a final short-list of options for decor and the menu..."

Public Action:

Spoiler

Action 3:Hosting a Ball(Public):

Who: Daerra Elariel as the head of House Elariel
What: Hosting a Ball to celebrate Shae Elariel's debut into Luthadel society.
Where: Keep Elariel
When: Gen 9, Turn 3, Action 3.
Why: To show off wealth and prestige of house, and to attract potential suitors for the presumptive Elariel heir.  

 

[Wyrmhero he/him]

Generation 9

 

Turn 4

 

[No write-up due to illness, might add one back at a later date]

 

---

 

Generation 9 Turn 4 has begun! The turn will end on Friday 29th at 6PM BST.

Edited July 31, 2016 by Wyrmhero

[little wilson she/her]

On this here Turn 4 of Generation 9, on action 2, House Wilson will be marrying it's daughter, Elesha, into House Tekiel, to marry Locke. In return, it will be accepting Livia Tekiel to marry the Wilson heir, Ohrek. These be felicitous times, filled with celebration and delight. Marriage all around!

[Araris Valerian he/him]

Actions:

1: Try for an Heir (male-Althen, female-Alethia")

2: Arrange a marriage between my new child and an NPC

3: In my PM