Roleplay

The Empress Maudeleyn, ruler of the Deteron Empire, is dead.

Her heir is due to be crowned, but such an event is not done lightly. Nobles from inside and outside the Empire have come to pay their respects to the dead and celebrate the living. At the palace, they attend feasts, balls, and ceremonies. But despite all their shows of condolence, the nobility are not here to grieve. This is the ultimate place to forge alliances, size up rivals, and court potential partners.

The party’s pretty good, too…

Assassins are attracted to so many rich nobles like bears to a beehive. Where better to make a move, with so many suspects, and so much bustle? The nobility are not alone, either. Bodyguards, servants, and other residents of the palace manage the work that keeps the world running while the nobility and assassins play their games of words and knives.

This is a spin-off of In Shadows.

In this game, you will be playing a member of the nobility, an assassin, or someone else who would be at the palace (servants, guards, etc.).

If you want to play the heir being crowned, or a relative of the Empress, talk to me in the OOC about what you have in mind briefly before submitting.

• Characters may be humans or non-humans, but must have a humanoid form if they are a fantasy creature.
  
• Wait for your character to be accepted before posting.
  
• No more than 3 characters per person active at once.
  
• Please use the default font size and black color for your character sheet and posts.
  
• Keep up with the OOC thread, and engage in OOC conversation to keep the game flowing.
  
• If you are waiting on someone to reply, and they have not responded, wait for 48 hours from your last post. Then, tactfully figure out an explanation to remove the character from the scene, or remove your character from the their character’s presence.
  
• You are encouraged to add details to the scene, create and control NPCs, and to insert plot elements. If you’re going to take the scene in a drastically different direction or otherwise change things up a great deal, ask first. You can also specify whether other players are allowed to control and/or play with aspects you’ve added to the plot and NPCs.

[center][b]About The World[/b][/center] [b]Demographics[/b]: The population of the Empire is over three quarters human. The nobility are more likely than average to be non-human. While there are enclaves of non-humans, most of the country is populated by average human farmers, laborers, and craftsmen. [b]The Deteron Empire:[/b] The Deteron Empire is perhaps the most powerful political force in the world, having conquered kingdoms far and wide. Nowadays, the conquering has ended, and pieces at the edges have begun to break off. The Empire is both admired for its efficiency and the security it brings to those that fall within its borders, and hated for its greed and militarism. [b]Empress Maudeleyn:[/b] A wild conqueror in her youth, the Empress eventually saw the writing on the wall and focused on maintaining what Deteron had instead of stretching its resources any further. Some thought her weak when she allowed colonies to rebel without a fight, claiming that she would allow the Deteron Empire to fall, but overall she was a well-respected ruler. Her recent death due to illness (supposedly) has produced widespread grief among her subjects. Those who remember the bite of her sword have less fond feelings. [b]Gender:[/b] Men, women, and other genders are treated equally in the Empire, and there are no gender restrictions when it comes to whom one can marry. However, being nobility comes with expectations. Nobles and royalty are expected to pass on their bloodline and make politically viable matches. [b]Heir:[/b] Oldest child of the late Empress Maudeleyn. Awaiting their coronation. [b]Nobility in the Empire:[/b] [list][*]Emperor: The Heir is being crowned the new Emperor [*]Prince/Princesses: Younger children of the deceased Empress; younger siblings of the new Emperor. [*]Nobility, from highest rank to lowest... [*]Duke/Duchess [*]Marquis or Marquess/Marchioness [*]Earl or Count/Countess [*]Viscount/Viscountess [*]Baron/Baroness [/list] [b]Stormfair Harbor:[/b] Seat of the Empire. A port city with a natural harbor. The opulently wealthy and the miserably poor live side by side. The palace gleams like a great beacon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. [b]Sunreach Palace:[/b] A majestic building of towers, spires, and glass. It has blood and magic in its stone, which is how it stands so tall. It is the home of the late Empress, and any of her children. Nobles visiting to pay their respects to the new and former monarchs will be provided accommodations here for the duration of their stay, along with their entourage of bodyguards and servants. [b]Technology:[/b] Vaguely Medieval. Guns, with the exception of canons, are rare, cutting edge technology. Machines that do exist typically have some magic involved, and resemble highly complicated clockwork contraptions.

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Late Morning at the Sunreach Palace...

Ainsel "Moonmane" Mesulina, Prince of Elphyne, leaned out the bedroom window, pushing silver-whit hair back from his face as he loked down at the city known as Stormfair Harbor. He'd never seen so many humans-so many people, even-living in such close quarters before. And with so little plantlife! Even in the most populated parts of Elphyne, fae, nymph, satyr, and centaur made their home among the trees and shrubs Trees were grown to living houses and leafy vines crept over stone buildings.

It was strange, and bit frightening. Or exciting? Ainsel never strayed for from the borders of his forest homeland. And without either of his parents, too.

Someday, you will be King, my little colt. It's time to broaden your horizons.

Ainsel closed the window and gave himself a final once-over in the mirror. His servant has prepared his hair in an unusually elaborate braid, decorated with violets. The outfit was heavier and more closely tailored than his usual preferences, made of a shimmery white material and edged with indigo silk and velvet.Then there was the jewely (diamonds and black pearls) and the scarf draped around his shoulders(a translucent silk). Did he look good enough? He was surprised the whole thing hadn't been soaked with nervous sweat already.

Ainsel had arrived in the evening of day before yesterday, and hidden away most of yesterday, claiming illness. It hadn't been a complete lie, as anxiety was making him sick, but he couldn't keep using that excuse.

Today was the day this...whatever it was would really start moving, he knew. Besides a few stragglers, all the important guests had arrived by the night before, and were rested and ready for politicking. There would be a grand dinner tonight, and a ball. Introductions.

No. This was fine.

Okay, maybe he wasn't fine, but he could do this.

Adjusting the blacement of his thin silver crown a final time, Ainsel took a deep breath and poked his head out the door. No one in this hall.

Which shouldn't have been a relief.

Where to start? The garden, perhaps. Ainsel had passed it when he'd first arrived, he was sure. He quickly headed out.

The garden was actually a courtyard, though it was the largest courtyard Ainsel had ever seen. It wasn't on the groundfloor; someone had transported tons of soil up to one of the Sunreach Palace's tower's, which struck Ainsel as a bit much. Cobblestone paths weaved around statues, topiaries, stone benches, trees, shubbar, and flower beds, all meeting at a central fountain.

This seemed like a nice, quiet place to get his bearings. It smelled nicer than the city, certainly. A bit more like home, too.

Ainsel headed into the late morning sunlight. He took a seat on the edge of the fountain, examining the marble hippocampus rearing up and spraying water from its mouth.

Flame Caller was checking her hand work in a polished mirror. It was perfect. Her hair was swept into an elaborate braid. She had beautiful white wings. She had blond hair too. She was trying to disguise herself as an angel and it had worked. She had a white dress and sandals on.

She smiled and waved at a group of serpent nobles as she passed by them. She strode into the harbor and waited. She walked into the city and pretended to marvel the statues around her. She waited for her new employer to arrive.

She turned around. They were coming. She made the signal they had agreed on. They made the correct signal back. She keep pretending to marvel at the statues. "They're pretty aren't they?" she said to her employer. She made sure that patrols or such had come along.

Ulinza was had only woken up about an hour ago, and was now rushing around her room like a headless chicken. Her lady's maids were late and she couldn't for the life of her decide what to wear. Should she be extravagant or modest in the name of the dead emperor? Due to the fact it was a ball, probably something that draws attention to her.

Finally there was a knock on her door and she opened it to find her rather flustered lady's maids. "Where have you been? Actually, don't tell me, I need your help with getting ready." They all nod and rush around the room setting up their things. One pulled out a lush green dress made of silk, it rippled like sunlight falling through the trees. The neckline was just low enough to be modest and the sleeves cut across her chest and down her arms. "Perfect!"

The island born prince was sitting in one of the various libraries that was tucked in a corner close to his room. He was in black dress pants, shining black sturdy boots and multiple silk scarves over his top half. Dark eyeliner lined his eyes and made them seem more intense, as if he needed anymore help with that.

His sister was asleep when he went into her room last, so he should have some time before they get their body art done together. It was tradition for then to get it together, and he had about fifteen more minutes to finish the book he was on before her Lady's Maids tracked him down. A servant or two would cycle through and offer refreshments, but he simply waved them off.

Lafayette had awoken to the first rays of sunlight filtering into his room at the Sunreach Palace. He had no desire to awaken at such an early hour, seeing as his trip to Stormfair Harbor was a long and tiresome one. He, his servant, and his bodyguard had arrived late into yesterday night and the Marquis was unable to sleep for a few hours, leaving him quite exhausted now. Though he didn't stall any longer, rising from his comfortable bed that was given to him for this visit. His dark, curly hair fell around his bare shoulders as he stood, waking himself up by stretching and easing the ache in his muscles.

He dressed himself in his white undershirt and blue overcoat, the entire outfit verging on a more military style type of clothing. He combed through his silky hair, tying it up in a high ponytail atop his head with his delicate yet strong fingers. He slipped on his knee high boots as well, wanting to leave a good impression on all of those who saw him. Any evidence of exhaustion was slowly wiped away as he became more active, the incubus of him erasing any imperfection showing on his skin. He kept himself as quiet as possible, not wanting to awaken his servant or bodyguard who were residing in the rooms beside his. Addressing the final small details of himself in the mirror, he set off to explore the palace which he would be residing in for awhile.

At this hour, not many were awake, save for the Palace's servants. So he was able to walk the halls and towers in peace, mapping out the place in his mind. He admired the work that went into building the walls, running his hands across the stone as the clacking of his heels echoed off the walls. As he walked, he kept in mind the parting words his king gave him. "Do not go there just to pay respects to the late empress mon garçon, go there to make the others fall for you too. Make new alliances with the other kingdoms in the way you know best ma beauté. We are counting on you." Yes, his job was to secure relations with other kingdoms, making his own safer and more prosperous. It was one big chain reaction that would better his home, making them stronger.

After a few hours of wandering, he came to the garden, the smell of flora drawing him in. He, as many of his kind, were drawn to the light scents of flowers and sweets. In fact, it was a succubus thousands of years ago that created the first perfume, despite the fact that every incubus and succubus has some aroma unique to them. That is how his kind mainly remember each other, as many forget names as soon as they learn them. His own is a deep and rich scent, with a hint of rose that adds a bit of flare to him. Walking into the more courtyard style garden in the tower, he strolled around for awhile, taking in the sights of the colorful bushes and smells of exotic flowers and plants.

Out of the corner of his eye he caught movement, his attention being drawn away from the rose bush that had first caught his fancy. Seeing another by the main fountain, he decided to make his way over to him, as it was rude in his culture not to introduce yourself to another when they were in your presence. The sound of his heels on the cobblestone gave away his position as he walked over, his hips naturally swaying with each step he took.

"This place is simply marvelous non?" He asked the smaller male, standing beside him and studying the fountain alongside him. "I can't help but wonder how long it took them to build all of this." He said, gesturing with his arms to the area around them. He looked down at Ainsel, taking in his appearance and letting his lips pull up in a smirk. "I am Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette, though please, just call me Lafayette. And who do I have the upmost pleasure of meeting here, mon chéri?" He introduced, deep voice tipped lightly with his accent.

Ainsel's fingertip brushed across the water's surface, and he repressed a sudden impulse to strip and lounge about in the cool fountain.

He was so busy congratulating himself for remembering not to treat fountains like common forest streams that he didn't hear Lafayette approach. He reeled in surprise, soaking the cuff of one of his sleeves as he scrambled to keep himself from toppling over.

"O-oh! I'm sorry! I didn't, um, hear you." Ainsel jumped to his feet,running his hands over his clothing as if to smooth out any wrinkles, not that there were any since he'd dressed barely an hour ago.

A tall, handsome man, with the most exceptionally high heeled shoes. He certainly looked at home here, much unlike Ainsel.

Ainsel managed a bow, though not his most graceful one. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lo-Lafayette. I am Prince Ainsel Mesulina of Elphyne." He paused a beat, then quickly added, "And you can call me Ainsel, of course. And, um, yes, I was just wondering about that. It seems like it must have been a great deal of trouble. But, I suppose, if you live in a city like this, without any greenery, it is quite convenient. Or maybe they just don't want to make the trip from the towers down to the earth."