RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Dragonstar Empire: Legions

15:47, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter Two:  Choices.

Posted by GMFor group archive Z
Kalic Vorniir
player, 5 posts
Drow Freedom Fighter
Seeker of Relics
Sat 26 Mar 2011
at 08:36
  • msg #19

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Kalic rose, nodding to the older half-dragon.  "Asha'faelon.  I am Kalic Vorniir, Paladin of the Unification Church, and an appraiser of antiques and more mundane items.  My skills are mostly with my sonic pistols, though I can wield my elven blades with equal ease.  I am honored to be given the chance to join this venture."  He spoke simply, but with great respect to those at the table.
Vorneyl Kenath
player, 157 posts
Soulmech: Half-Elf Model
Gundancer/Legionnaire
Sun 27 Mar 2011
at 03:48
  • msg #20

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Vorneyl noted the Captain and the Commander, perhaps taking slightly longer to size up the Commander as a fellow veteran ex-Legionnaire.  He merely nodded his head in silent understanding and tacit approval.

Hmm... might want to chat with Karde later on, compare Legion campaign notes.  I wonder if we shared any battlefields during my tenure in the Legion?

However the Drow really caught Vorneyl's attention and perhaps not for the better.  Of course it is hard to read a Soulmech, emotions don't really get reflected well in their artificial facial features and their artificial glowing visual sensors lack the expressiveness of organic eyes.

Vorneyl stared at the Drow for a few moments before speaking aloud in a cautiously curious tone, "Ahh yeah... a "Drow Paladin"... can't say I've run into many of them before, Blackguards sure... Paladins, not so much.

So Vorniir... the Unification Church is a big organization, lots of deities and a fairly wide spread of core beliefs among them.  Just which 1 of the 12 gods have you pledged your devout service to and what is the name of the actual Order you loyally belong to?

Or... are you perhaps a Paladin of the Spider Goddess, whom I believe is counted as possessing the dual aspects of both Destroyer and Mother?"


This Vorniir is certainly an interesting addition... I wonder... a concession perhaps to the ISPD to get them to stop breathing so hard down our necks for simply doing our jobs?
Kalic Vorniir
player, 6 posts
Drow Freedom Fighter
Seeker of Relics
Sun 27 Mar 2011
at 09:55
  • msg #21

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Kalic raises an eyebrow, snarling slightly when you mention the Spider Goddess.  "I do not devote myself to any one deity of the Church, believing that the principle on the whole is more valuable than dissecting it to oblivion.  I align myself with the positive aspects of the church, Love, Life, Justice, Creation, while respecting the other aspects as valid and natural causalities of the universe.  What is Life without eventual Death?  Creation without Destruction?  Magic without Technology?  Justice without Crime?  Perhaps most of all, what is the meaning of our lives, without Love?  I hope, that despite my race, that you will grant me some consideration for my talents."  He spoke, looking almost directly into the mechanical eyes of the Soul Mech.
Vorneyl Kenath
player, 158 posts
Soulmech: Half-Elf Model
Gundancer/Legionnaire
Sun 27 Mar 2011
at 19:31
  • msg #22

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Vorneyl chortled slightly (with an electronic echo in his voice) as he shrugged and said in a bemused but resigned tone, "Well now Vorniir... that sure is a pretty speech, but it doesn't exactly answer either of my questions.

If you're not specifically devoted to one of the twelve Unification Deities, then why not just become a Dualist and be done with it?  I believe The Creator counts all those nice sentiments within his portfolio.  But I suppose such religious philosophizing is a topic of discussion better suited for another time and place.  After all, your choice of god or gods is your business.

That said... you didn't mention which, if any, Paladin Order you belong to.  Of course I realize that not every paladin is a member of a specific Order.  I'm just wondering if you have any special association with say... SOLAR (Special Outlands Army Recon), the RMS (Royal Marshal Service), Task Force Sanctuary, or The Celestial Guard?  If not, so be it.

Regarding your race as well as your talents, you can be sure I'm granting you plenty of consideration.

Perhaps you're not aware, but Lord Regannos and his team, of which I am a member, had a "minor" unexpected run-in with the ISPD (Imperial Special Police Directorate) not too long ago.  I'm sure I don't need to tell you who, or rather which race, primarily runs the ISPD... so pardon my curiosity about you Vorniir but I don't think it is entirely unjustified given recent events."


Vorneyl shrugged again as he added in a casual tone, "But seeing as you're on the Team in any case, I'm sure it'll all work out one way or another."
Kalic Vorniir
player, 7 posts
Drow Freedom Fighter
Seeker of Relics
Mon 28 Mar 2011
at 22:08
  • msg #23

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Kalic examines you for a moment, before shrugging off your comments.  "I do not belong to any order, since I do not devote myself to any of those deities specifically.  If I had to choose, I would choose the Lover, due to my love of art.  Anyways, I was unaware of your groups troubles with the ISPD, but I will count that as a bonus to working with you.  They abuse their power far too much for my liking.  In time, I hope that they spread the candidacy for the ISPD, but I do not think that will happen for some time..."  He spoke, looking at the others of the group for issues with him.
Sister Aria
player, 99 posts
Transportation
Need Speed?
Mon 28 Mar 2011
at 23:12
  • msg #24

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

The mercenary pilot barely moved her head to look towards Kalic as she speaks. "As long as your personal beliefs do not interfere with the performance of your duties, I feel no need to analyze your philosophies."

Her eyes look towards Vorneyl for a moment before turning back to the Drow, "I would ask you to keep in mind, though, that Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith is undertaking this venture for profit, not an instrument to confront the injustices of the Empire."

Aria's concerns were probably the direct opposite of Vorneyl's. Her concern was that overzealous devotion to any diety, particularly those aligned with 'good', could lead to more ISPD scrutiny than a Reaper cultist. From what little she knew of Drow society, refusing to follow the teaching of the Spider Goddess in itself would draw unwanted attention.
Vorneyl Kenath
player, 160 posts
Soulmech: Half-Elf Model
Gundancer/Legionnaire
Mon 4 Apr 2011
at 06:10
  • msg #25

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

When Kalic mentioned not knowing about the ISPD trouble, Vorneyl glanced briefly over at Regannos and his father before returning his gaze to the Drow.

With a shrug of his shoulders, Vorneyl said in a nonchalant tone, "Well I hope I didn't let the "cat out of the bag" vis-a-vis the ISPD, but then again if you're going to be working with us you ought to know everything you're stepping into.

That said, as Sister Aria just mentioned, Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith is essentially, when you get right down to it, a business.  We're not doing this for our health or as part of a moral code or even out of a concern for the common good... we take on jobs to make a profit, the bigger the profit the better.

Now while we may have had a run-in with the ISPD, it wasn't planned nor was it looked for nor relished.  I'd just as soon not have another meeting with them if at all possible to avoid.  But like it or not, we're on their "radar" at the moment or so it would seem... at least until we either slip off it or something bigger comes along to grab their attention.

And... however they use their power, they have a lot of Imperial "juice" backing them up and from what I remember of my Legionnaire days, that power only gets weightier out on the frontier of the Outlands.  The less we can do to attract that sort of unwanted attention the better, official backing or not."

GM
GM, 178 posts
Ready for Adventure?
That looked like it hurt
Tue 5 Apr 2011
at 12:17
  • msg #26

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Regannos's father clears his throat, speaking up.  "Be that as it may, perhaps a little morality in our dealings would be more appropriate.  Part of the reason why I hired Kalic was to provide a little more positive motivation to the groups working, not to mention his extensive works for various factions within the Unification Church.  Anyways, I shall leave you all to decide the next step for the company."  He spoke, excusing himself from the table.

A few messages are pending your review.

"Greetings and salutations.  I am Renfar Inoma, Chief Researcher of Quantum Physics and Arcane Dynamics in the Imperial Society of Arcane Magic.  Recently a disturbance has caught our attention in a remote fringe world, where time and space appear to be fluctuating.  We need to discover why this is so, and perhaps establish a permanent research facility on location to continue beyond our initial frame of study.  I eagerly await your response."

"The Smith's blessings upon ye!  My name is Roruk Torin, Acquirer of the Dwarven Commonwealth in exile.  I have recently uncovered some clues to the whereabouts of the famed Soulforge, said to be the site where the Smith helped to create all life in the cosmos.  If we of the Commonwealth where to bring this discovery to light, perhaps it would give my people hope for a better future.  I look forward to your reply."

"Good evening.  We of the Necropolis Society are seeking transportation and protection while we research a recently discovered planet with a significant undead presence.  We are seeking help in establish a staging area to conduct our research planet side, with possible exploration of ruined cities.  We appreciate your time, and would be pleased to hear your acceptance of our mission."


It appears there are a few candidates for your first mission.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:17, Tue 05 Apr 2011.
Vorneyl Kenath
player, 161 posts
Soulmech: Half-Elf Model
Gundancer/Legionnaire
Tue 12 Apr 2011
at 02:14
  • msg #27

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Vorneyl listened to the proposals and considered both the needs of the proposed missions as well as the expertise reflected among the current team.

Vorneyl glanced over at Regannos and said, "Well Boss, while I'm wary of dabbling in more "religious matters" again... I gotta say that the 2nd job offer, the one from Mr. Torin dealing with the Soulforge, appeals to me the most.

I don't mind the 1st job offer from Dr. Inoma and it might be nice to get an "in" with the ISAM... but I'm a bit wary about all the mysterious unknowns disturbing time & space.  It sounds a bit "egg heady" for our respective talents, though perhaps Sister Aria might like the technical aspect of the assignment.

I am really not comfortable with the Necropolis Society job offer.  I don't know, maybe it is because, as a Soulmech, I'm not all that far away from being "undead" but I would prefer not to deal an entire planet full of undead.  Now the one plus side is the opportunity to loot... I mean "explore" the ruined cities, they might have some interesting items in them.  But I'm not sure it is worth the risk.

The 2nd job offer though has more of an exploratory element to it and, while it deals with religious myths, the essential job aspects seem pretty grounded... as long as Mr. Inoma can actually ID the Soulforge he's looking for.  The other benefit is that a success on a job like this could gain us and Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith so really good press... good PR is bound to generate additional attractive job offers.

But I realize that you're the Boss, so the final decision probably rests with you.  I just thought I'd share my impressions on the offers currently on the table."

Regannos
player, 104 posts
Half-Dragon of Sarava
Aristocorp Offical
Tue 12 Apr 2011
at 02:43
  • msg #28

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Regannos listened to all of this, preferring not to get involved quite yet. As it was, he knew enough about the newest arrival from his dosser. Rather, given his status as the defacto leader, he knew that he had to make sure not to show preference among others under his command.

Rather, he gave a nod to his Sire as he left, rather aware that the schedule for a full-bloodied dragon could be rather packed. "I would have to agree that the offer from the Necropolis Society would likely be a last resort. As it stands, Sarava has never had quite good relations with the undead. Which leaves the offer from the Commonwealth and the Imperial Society of Arcane Magic. Both have their obvious advantages. Personally, I would prefer to take the request from the Imperial Society, given my own interest in magic, such as it is."

Argos had his other reasons to be intrigued from such a disturbance, they were rare of course and the idea of anything disturbing space and time at large was intriguing to the Half-Dragon. "With that said, I would like to hear everyone's comments about the offers we have available before making a final choice."
Jouhan Calader
player, 92 posts
Mysterious warrior
with mysterious talents
Sun 17 Apr 2011
at 18:32
  • msg #29

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Jouhan has been silent, when Regannos asks for his opinion he replies; "My abilities would be hampered while figthing against undead. Not useless but less effective so that mission would be less ideal for me.

The mission regarding the Soulforge is interesting expedittion and looks promising. But I have doubts is it so easy to find and is the clue perhaps false? Or that there is something our employer does not tell about dangers in reaching the soulforge.

The mission regarding investigate the area where time and space are fluctuating and help establishing research station sounds something perhaps out of our league but then again our task is to guard against threats so who knows what dangers research team may face. As such unstable area could randomly conjure things out of time and space to scientists and attack them or pirates attempt attack them and steal goods. I am fine with this task so long we do not get direct contact with the phemomemon.

Either way, I could suspect there is competition from other companies to the Soulforge and the time and space research tasks, but no better way prove our skills as company than face those odds and succeed."

Sister Aria
player, 100 posts
Transportation
Need Speed?
Mon 25 Apr 2011
at 04:19
  • msg #30

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

"Hmmm... How unfortunate," Sister Aria says with a sigh, "I find the Necropolis Society's offer to be the most interesting. Tombs, after all, are often known to contain all manner of valuable grave goods. Exactly unlike spatial anomalies, which are notorious for their disinterest in gathering large piles of treasure. Also, it's likely that with the proper containment procedures, our ship could serve as a useful fallback position should the situation SNAFU on the planet's surface. Again, the anomaly is not likely to offer us the same safety net."

"Those reasons, along with the unpredictability of anomalies in general, makes the Imperial Society's offer rank last in my assessment."
The mercenary adds, "I also have a distaste for problems that cannot be solved with a well-aimed round, and I haven't found an effective weapon for combating time and space."

"The Soulforge intrigues me, with the possibility for encountering some very interesting loot. And of the three, I believe our particular skill-sets may be best served with the Dwarven Commonwealth."
The mercenary's eyes travel to each of her teammates as she concludes, "As something of a craftsperson myself, I should warn you that mechanics do not react kindly to other's using their tools unbidden, and making off with the Smith's toolbox while he's away could be a quick way to earn the wrath of a God."
GM
GM, 182 posts
Ready for Adventure?
That looked like it hurt
Fri 29 Apr 2011
at 07:23
  • msg #31

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Captain Sebastian takes his time in considering what exactly his opinions are.  "I happen to agree with your mercenary friend.  The Silverwing is fit for travel, and as a base of operations for a research mission.  A question about the Soulforge would be is it even movable?  I imagine such a place would be set by its creator for future use...  Another point your friend brought up is that although the Necropolis Society is a sub group of the Imperial Society for Arcane Magic, it must follow Imperial Laws."

Commander Karde speaks next.  "Aye.  My team are not spellcasters or mechanics.  We are definitely more a physical solution to a problem.  Give us targets, and we will take em down.  Ultimately, it is your choice, and we follow."  He spoke, looking at Regannos.
Regannos
player, 107 posts
Half-Dragon of Sarava
Aristocorp Offical
Sun 15 May 2011
at 02:16
  • msg #32

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

After a long period of consideration from the group and his own thoughts on the matter, Regannos tapped one of his claws against the surface of the conference table in thought. As much as he believed that the Necropolis Society would follow the Imperial laws, the fact was he had to think about the reputation of the company at large. Showing direct involvement within such things could bring a deal of negative press, and while there was no such thing as Bad PR, it could still reflect negatively at the end.

"I understand and appreciate the comments that have been given. However, the best chance for Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith to gain attention for this new venture, and thus our new avenues for clientele would be to take the offer from the Imperial Society of Arcane Magic. It may not be the most....active assignment for us to take, but on our first voyage, I would not like to risk our new equipment with out need."

Giving a nod to the others he added "I will make the arrangements. Please keep yourself available for departure as soon as possible."
GM
GM, 186 posts
Ready for Adventure?
That looked like it hurt
Sun 15 May 2011
at 04:23
  • msg #33

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Hearing a clear dismissal, Both Captain D'arville and Commander Karde nod their heads to Regannos, before departing the room.  The first assignment was chosen, now it was time to contact the Imperial Society of Arcane Magic.  With their new member of the team, perhaps the situation will be easier than the last assignment.
Kalic Vorniir
player, 8 posts
Drow Freedom Fighter
Seeker of Relics
Sun 15 May 2011
at 20:37
  • msg #34

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Kalic had remained silent, listening intently to the others arguements.  He had to agree with most of them, but something disturbed him greatly by the Imperial Society of Arcane Magic's request.  Some hint of foreboading kept him from speaking, and filled him with doubts about the mission.  Setting them aside for the moment, he nodded curtly to the others.  "Now that we are settled, perhaps we should go and see Mr. Inoma, and find out what exactly we are getting into."  He spoke, raising an eyebrow.
Vorneyl Kenath
player, 164 posts
Soulmech: Half-Elf Model
Gundancer/Legionnaire
Tue 17 May 2011
at 07:20
  • msg #35

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

If the Soulmech could still breath, he would probably be sighing right now.  Vorneyl had never liked dealing with "unknowns" in fields he was not even vaguely versed in and this ISAM assignment seemed jammed pack with unknowns in areas Vorneyl has no knowledge of whatsoever.  Still at least this was better than being forged to tangle with batches and batches of undead.

But the Boss was the Boss and he'd made his decision (that's why he got paid the big coin) and Vorneyl would just have to live with it one way or another (well as much as a soulmech could ever be said to "live" with anything).

With a small shrug of his shoulders, Vorneyl accepted the final call by the Boss and waited for the next stage in the assignment.  Perhaps the type of threat they were going to face would be further clarified in the mission briefing... Vorneyl just hoped there was something he could actually contribute to this assignment.
Jouhan Calader
player, 95 posts
Mysterious warrior
with mysterious talents
Wed 18 May 2011
at 08:32
  • msg #36

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Jouhan Calader nods calmly, altough he likewise like Vorneyl was worried about unkwon factors in the mission but he was ready to take them as yet another challenges to face in his future work in the project and so he departs from the room and ready for mission briefing with their client.
Sister Aria
player, 102 posts
Transportation
Need Speed?
Fri 20 May 2011
at 04:39
  • msg #37

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Aria taps her finger on the board room table in a rare show of irritation. Waiting until the door closes behind the captain and commander, she rises from her seat. "I'd like permission to speak freely, sir."

Without waiting for permission to be given or denied, the mercenary continues. "While I made my preference clear, I was prepared, and even expected, to accept the obvious consensus choice of the others. With all due respect, I feel the need to ask why you chose the assignment your 'underlings' almost unanimously agreed to be most ill suited to our abilities."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Sat 21 May 2011.
Regannos
player, 109 posts
Half-Dragon of Sarava
Aristocorp Offical
Sat 21 May 2011
at 04:32
  • msg #38

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Regannos waited for Aria to finish speaking, leaning back into his chair some and looking across the width of the table at her. He hadn't shown any outward signs of his emotions at her choice of words, his finger tips tapping against one another a little bit. The silence would stretch onwards for a moment before he at last leaned forward and started to respond. "I wish things were as black and white as you may think Aria. What matters in this case is not what the task is...but who it is for, and what we can make of it." Rising from his seat, the Half-Dragon trailed his fingers along the smooth surface of the table, walking a few short steps over to look out the window to the city beyond the tower.

"Everything that is done, even for me, is at the whim of my Sire and his Kin. For the look and view of the company, and the standing of my Clan" He added, tone soft, possibly even sad sounding. Though it quickly formed up shortly after that moment. "As you said, I do not have to explain myself to you. But that is something a Dragon does....and I am not one of them" he continued, turning back, though there was something missing from the end of that statement as he looked at Aria. "We are going there because the exposure for the company would be best. The process of Soulforging is not always well viewed, or accepted depending on what circle you exist in, and to turn it to a certain positive would need resources and connections that the company lacks. The last thing I need are protestors outside of this office ready to riot."

Taking a low breath, he continued to look at Aria and added "Freedom of choice, while good as a concept, does not always apply. Is there anything else?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Sat 21 May 2011.
Vorneyl Kenath
player, 166 posts
Soulmech: Half-Elf Model
Gundancer/Legionnaire
Sat 21 May 2011
at 04:51
  • msg #39

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Vorneyl paused in mid-stride as Aria unexpectedly asked the question that had rattled around inside Vorneyl's own mind but which he had decided for various reasons not to ask.  It was risky pressing The Boss on his reasons for choosing one job over another, but then again she had waited until the "hired help" had left the room.  Of course the "new boy" Mr. Drow was still in the room and that meant it wasn't just "all in the family" here... but sooner or later the Drow would have to learn how this tight knit group functioned.

Vorneyl was glad that Regannos chose the tact he did in replying, certainly a full Dragon wouldn't have bothered... and that was only if the full Dragon was feeling particularly charitable.  Nevertheless, it didn't do much to assuage Vorneyl's concerns.  A "spacial anomaly" wasn't exactly something that Vorneyl could "settle down" with a well aimed shot.  If anything Aria's piloting ability made her the most likely to be able to handle any trouble caused by the spacial anomaly.

But it certainly sounded as if the Boss had made his mind up for good (no surprise there) and Vorneyl decided that pressing the issue would only be futile (or worse).  It was never wise to upset a Dragon... and only slightly less unwise to risk upsetting a Half-Dragon.  However it was for exactly that reason that Vorneyl's appreciation of Aria's moxie went up a couple of notches, the girl had guts there was no doubt about it.

Vorneyl looked at the others before shrugging his shoulders and saying to Regannos, "Well I'm sure there are still a bunch of questions or at least a fair number of "unknowns" still hanging in the air... but I guess some of that may get resolved in the briefing from the client.  Since the choice has been made, what do you want the rest of us to do at this point Boss?  Are we off to consult the client on the job?  Do you want any of us to do something else in particular?"
Sister Aria
player, 106 posts
Transportation
Need Speed?
Sun 22 May 2011
at 16:32
  • msg #40

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

The mercenary stands stiffly after her statement, only her head turned slightly to face her Half-Dragon employer. While her body remains nearly perfectly still, subtle eye movements make clear that her mind is busy processing the information Regannos is coveying to them. In the end, she purses her lips and nods.

"Very well." She says, "Thank you for your candor, sir." While she understood the decision as a business prospect, she felt the Half-Dragon underestimated the dangers of the venture to the entire crew. The odds of boredom were high, but should the odds flip, any losses of equipment or personnel would likely be high, if not total. But then, she had never been overly concerned with avoiding danger when she was choosing contracts, either.

"While you finalize the contract terms, I will attempt to gather any additional information on our beloved 'space-time ananomly' and make any preparations that we can."
GM
GM, 187 posts
Ready for Adventure?
That looked like it hurt
Tue 24 May 2011
at 21:15
  • msg #41

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

With nothing further, Regannos goes to meet with Mr. Inoma.  Does anyone desire to go along, or would you rather prepare to leave quickly?
Vorneyl Kenath
player, 167 posts
Soulmech: Half-Elf Model
Gundancer/Legionnaire
Tue 24 May 2011
at 21:52
  • msg #42

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

GM:
With nothing further, Regannos goes to meet with Mr. Inoma.  Does anyone desire to go along, or would you rather prepare to leave quickly?

OOC: Well if Regannos doesn't object, then Vorneyl wouldn't mind tagging along to hear the mission briefing first hand.  However if Reg has other duties in mind for Vorneyl, he'll go do as the Boss instructs.
Jouhan Calader
player, 96 posts
Mysterious warrior
with mysterious talents
Fri 27 May 2011
at 13:17
  • msg #43

Re: Chapter Two:  Choices

Jouhan would ask from Regannos to tag along to listen mission briefing himself. While discussion about mission earlier was going on he had only silently listened. He himself had already said opinion of his mind and so found no reason repeat it.
Sign In