Rosenkrantz Session 10

	RosenkrantzGM	IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
	RosenkrantzGM	Still, stable, and temperate, a comfortable distance from the Gillam Star, Faith rests in its orbit. A portion of its inhabitants have been visited by those Dynastic representatives to be the first to step foot on its surface.
	RosenkrantzGM	Their arrival has sparked curiosity and a pious loyalty, as local mythology has morphed the light in which the locals view the Explorers into that of a more divine kind.
	RosenkrantzGM	Lord Wilhelm has called upon all landers to begin the arduous task of unloading tons of cargo to set up camp at a location he’s come to call Erwinfall -- the area around the lake whither you first set foot on the planet, on what the locals might refer to as the southern regions of the Grand Duchy of Ethym (a matter of utter indifference to the Lord-Captain).
	RosenkrantzGM	Countless resources are brought into the lighter bay: tools, weapons, gear, armor, uniforms, banners and miscellaneous heraldry, and some 20 Household Guard in the Void-Blue and Cream-white Colors of the Rosenkrantz Dynasty.
	Lucrezia	tries to find the good Lord Captain in order to try and talk him out of his folly.
	Varenus_Grandier	tells some of the locals some of the stories of the Emperor and cataloging new species
	RosenkrantzGM	Every one of the Armsmen who have also been called (some 120 men), carry on their left arm and some on their chest, the version of the dynastic Coat of Arms patch signaling those troops in service to the Dynasty.
	RosenkrantzGM	Lord Wilhelm paces in front of these men, apparently quite pleased with their recently-mandated uniformity.
	Lucrezia	waits for Lord Wilhelm to finish before approaching.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Very good, Lieutenant..." he leans in to read the man's identifying decals, "Dreiger. Lieutenant Dreiger. Very good presentation, indeed."
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm turns, and spots Lucrezia. "Lady Gillam," he says with a smile.
	Lucrezia	smiles politely as she approaches and salutes. "My Lord, may I ask why you intend to head planetside? I believe it would be counterproductive in the current state of affairs."
	Baine_Mort	wanders around the lighter bay
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm looks at you, puzzled. "Why I intend to make my presence known to the planet which I have claimed? Surely, you jest?"
	Lucrezia	"I'm dead serious here. Unless you would like to risk escalating things into conflict with the locals? Locals which might be a good workforce later on if we take a subtler path and it works out."
	Lucrezia	"No offence meant, my lord. Just offering council and opinion."
	RosenkrantzGM	"Locals which are my subjects, whether they are aware of it, or not. What better way to raise their awareness of this fact, than to make my presence known?" he gives you a cheeky smile.
	Varenus_Grandier	shuffles his tarot cards and draws his fate over and over
	RosenkrantzGM	"Your council is valued, as always!" he says, as he walks to his Gun-Cutter.
	RosenkrantzGM	He examines some of the cargo being loaded into the spacecraft.
	Lucrezia	rolls her eyes as her shoulders drop in defeat. "Puppet rulers have their uses..." She whispers, mostly to herself at this point. She then follows him into the cutter. "May I explain to you what we know of local costumes and beliefs thus far? It has been a handy tool for our process thus far."
	RosenkrantzGM	"Of course!" his tone is appreciative... almost artificially so, as his eyes never leave the line of serfs carrying cargo into the gun-cutter.
	Baine_Mort	wanders into the bay with the Gun-Cutter
	Lucrezia	holds her tongue. "Just... try to work with the locals instead of imposing your will on them outright. You know, politics and such."
	RosenkrantzGM	Turns to look at his Seneschal, "And it is that touch of yours which I value, so," he says with a nod, placing his hand on her shoulder.
	RosenkrantzGM	After a second or two of uncomfortable eye-contact, Wilhelm paces back outside.
	RosenkrantzGM	"You there! Find fetch the box with Mr. Chomun's effects."
	Makh_Chomun	heads down towards the lighter bay to join the armsmen and the Lord Captain's retinue, greeting crew and armsmen as he heads down.
	Varenus_Grandier	makes his way to the librarium, wanting to compare notes with some of the new species he found
	RosenkrantzGM	A dynastic serf rushes in, holding a long rectangular dark wooden box, with the Raven of House Rosenkrantz carved on its face.
	RosenkrantzGM	"Mr. Chomun! A word, if you please!" Wilhelm calls out to the Master-at-Arms.
	Baine_Mort	looks around, "Seems like Wilhelm wants to show the locals who's in charge."
	Makh_Chomun	"Of course my lord!" Makh quickly strides over to the Lord Captain. Figuring he'll have a word with his leftenenant soon enough.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm takes a step forward, standing at what could almost be an uncomfortable proximity.
	Makh_Chomun	makes note of the close proeximity before asking. "How may I be of service, my lord?"
	RosenkrantzGM	"For reasons I will brief you on at a later time, the position of Dynastic Lord-Protector is open... and one of the Medicae bay's critical care units is now occupied by a rather unfriendly old sod."
	RosenkrantzGM	He looks around, to make sure he isn't being heard by anyone else, and signals for the young ensign to his right to approach.
	RosenkrantzGM	"You have been a loyal man in my employ, and I wish to reward you as you deserve... not to mention I have absolutely had it with absurd commentary from such 'noble' figures as the observant folk in Port Wander."
	RosenkrantzGM	He turns to the ensign, and unlocks the box. "For this reason, Makh," he lifts the long ornate, deep blue greatcoat inside the box, and places it over your shoulders, "I wish you to make planetfall today as Lord Chomun." He gives you a wide smile, and hands you the parchment which also lay in the box... it ascends you into minor nobility, a Cadet-Dynasty to House Rosenkrantz, enforced by its Warrant of Trade.
	Makh_Chomun	Makh stands awe-struck at this turn of events. He opens his mouth to speak three times before simply nodding.
	Baine_Mort	approaches Lucrezia, "Lady Lucrezia, how have you been?"
	Makh_Chomun	"I am literally speechless my lord. I have only done my duty as I've sworn to you since my freedom. You honor me deeply." Makh then bows at an almost 90 degree angle.
	Lucrezia	sighs and looks at Baine before leaning against a wall. "Same old, same old. Considering alternate employment opportunities. What about you, Lord Mort?"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "None of that, Mr. Chomun, none of that. You have work to do. Check the manifests and ensure that the Guard and Armsmen will have everything they need to set up a barracks on Erwinfall. I will see you by the lake."
	Makh_Chomun	"As you will my lord!" Makh says with a smile.
	Varenus_Grandier	eventually stops his research and makes his way to the lighter bay with the rest of the party
	Baine_Mort	"I've been good so far, was hoping to explore more of that space station but it seems like that won't be happening at the moment."
	Lucrezia	"How did your first exploration went?"
	Varenus_Grandier	walks up to Mort and Lucrezia and listens in
	Makh_Chomun	then summons a nearby junior officer in search of the manifests, he wants to be very thorough in seeing to the needs of his men and women.
	Baine_Mort	"We didn't get far, though we restored gravity to the station and ran into and shot a ancient servitor."
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm walks back into the Gun-Cutter, and taps on the pilot's shoulder, and appears to give him instructions.
	Lucrezia	""An ancient servitor, you say? Did you brought back what remained?"
	Lucrezia	"Mister Ziel and myself would be very interested in inspecting them if your lads brought it back."
	Baine_Mort	"Yes we did bring back the remains of it, I believe Ziel took it and locked himself away to study it."
	Varenus_Grandier	continues to listen, intrigued
	Lucrezia	"Ah, shame... I wanted to take a look."
	Baine_Mort	"I will say this, it did look disturbingly human."
	Lucrezia	"Huh... how odd." She then turns to Varenus. "And what does our good Navigator think?"
	Varenus_Grandier	"Definitely seems like something worst investigating, hopefully it is nothing Heretical."
	Lucrezia	"Here's hoping. Also, I suggest everyone packs a good gun when heading down again."
	Varenus_Grandier	"Expecting trouble?"
	Lucrezia	"Considering the way Lord Wilhelm wishes to go through with this? Yes?"
	Lucrezia	sighs. "Anyways, anyone know how much time we have before heading down again?"
	Varenus_Grandier	shrugs
	Baine_Mort	"Anyways, what happened on the surface anyways?"
	Varenus_Grandier	"We almost were eaten."
	Varenus_Grandier	"I blinked out of existence and took some notes."
	Varenus_Grandier	"The usual."
	Lucrezia	"Oh, we managed to mostly peacefully work with the locals. Apparently speaking High Gothic makes you a demi-god in their eyes. Something Caerwyn and myself made use of. But hey, now our good Lord, in all his throne-blessed wisdom, wants to head down and force things instead. Not sure why I stay around here sometimes."
	Baine_Mort	looks at Varenus for a moment, "Yea, I'm sure that's what happened." Baine looks at Lucrezia.
	Makh_Chomun	Makh finds several discrepancies in the armor choices for his armsmen, and no one bothered to list any food or meds. He quickly gets several ensigns to fix the matter and signs off on the list once everything is in order.
	Varenus_Grandier	shrugs"I may be a storyteller, but that's all true."
	Lucrezia	sighs and crosses her arms.
	Baine_Mort	"Knowing Wilhelm, I see lots of death in the near future."
	RosenkrantzGM	++PREPARE HANGAR FOR MASS-DEPARTURE++
	Lucrezia	"Oh, really? I sure don't see that coming..."
	Varenus_Grandier	"Out cue?"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm walks out onto the Gun-Cutter's ramp, and calls out to you.
	Lucrezia	turns toward Wilhelm and listens to whatever he has to say.
	Varenus_Grandier	turns to Wilhelm
	Baine_Mort	follow
	RosenkrantzGM	"Will you join me? Your experience on the planet will be valued."
	Varenus_Grandier	makes his way to the cutter
	Makh_Chomun	Makh has a quick word with ven Dreiger about the organization of the armsmen before heading over to Wilhelm's Guncutter.
	Lucrezia	thinks for a moment.
	Lucrezia	"Actually, there are some matters I'd like to attend to up here before heading down. I'll catch up, if I may?"
	Makh_Chomun	"Not joining us, Sister?"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm looks at Lucrezia for a moment, before replying, "Yes... of course." He turns back around and finds himself a seat.
	Lucrezia	"I'll be joining later on. Have fun, brother."
	Makh_Chomun	"You as well!" Makh then hops aboard and finds a seat across from the Lord-Captain."
	Baine_Mort	boards the  Gun-Cutter and finds a seat.
	Varenus_Grandier	does the same
	RosenkrantzGM	The loading ramp closes behind you.
	RosenkrantzGM	The Void-protecting membranes form out of the ancient generators, as the hull opens up in front of you, exposing the void.
	RosenkrantzGM	The Gun-Cutter takes off, and leads the small squadron of spacecraft pouring out of the Aurorae's protective belly.
	RosenkrantzGM	"Master Ch--" Wilhelm stops himself mid-sentence, "Lord Chomun, I trust you still hold the Claim on Faith?"
	RosenkrantzGM	The spacecraft race across the void towards the planetary surface, adopting an adequate entry-angle as they near the upper-most atmosphere.
	Makh_Chomun	"Not on my person, m'lord, I gave it to your honor-guard for safe keeping before we all started exploring."
	RosenkrantzGM	"Ah, I see... as long as it is in safe hands."
	RosenkrantzGM	The cutter jolts violently, as its bulky form punches through the atmosphere.
	Makh_Chomun	"Given what we ran into, I think it was a sound choice, m'lord." Makh then smiles. "Is this going to be a permanent thing, me being called Lord?"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm tugs on his seat's restraints, to ensure they are sufficiently secured.
	Baine_Mort	thinks to himself, "This was a bad idea having me come along."
	Makh_Chomun	"You coming planetside was bound to happen, Baine."
	RosenkrantzGM	"You are a Lord in your own right, Makh. Soon enough, you will determine what your House colors should be, and adequate Heraldry will be made for your new line."
	Makh_Chomun	chuckles at that. "This Lord business is more work than I thought it would be."
	RosenkrantzGM	The Gun-Cutter begins to rattle more and more, as the atmosphere gets thicker and thicker.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Rather... uncomfortable..."
	Makh_Chomun	starts to visibly dry-heave, thankfully having gone through this song and dance before he has nothing to give up from his stomach. Makh laughs bitterly to himself at how great of an idea it was to not eat before this.
	Baine_Mort	stomach becomes uncomfortable and he begins to vomit, a huge amount of it lands on Varenus.
	Varenus_Grandier	sighs as he is covered in stomach fluid
	RosenkrantzGM	"Govern your entrails, Master Mort!" Wilhelm barks back with the same tone he uses when issuing orders on the bridge.
	Varenus_Grandier	"Why me?"
	Baine_Mort	"Yes my lord captain." Baine says while trying to not vomit any further.
	RosenkrantzGM	The gun-cutter finally finds its lift, and steadies its flight-path.
	Baine_Mort	looks at the vomit covered Varenus, "Sorry about that."
	Varenus_Grandier	"I'll send you the bill."
	RosenkrantzGM	Some half hour later, the pilot finds his destination - the shining outline of that beautiful lake.
	Makh_Chomun	Makh grabs his canteen and swallows several mouthfuls of water as they land. "This song and dance is really getting old." Makh comments to no one in particular.
	RosenkrantzGM	Having touched ground, and powering down the engines, the Gun-Cutter's crew open up the landing ramp.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm unfastens his restraints and rises from his seat.
	Varenus_Grandier	immediately exits and travels to the lake to clean his clothing
	RosenkrantzGM	As Faith's crisp air floods the passenger compartment, Wilhelm closes his eyes and breathes in a deep lung-full.
	Makh_Chomun	"Watch your step, m'lord." Makh comments as he steps over the vomit area and down and off the ramp of the ship.
	RosenkrantzGM	He  takes his first few steps out of the ramp slowly, carefully.
	Baine_Mort	unbuckels from his seat and moves to the exit.
	RosenkrantzGM	As soon as his feet are on Faith's soil, he takes a knee and grabs a handful of the rich dark and moist material, examining it in the palm of his hand.
	Makh_Chomun	"There's a lake nearby, Baine, if you wanna clean off. It's very clean." Makh grins at that. "Nice and cool as well."
	Baine_Mort	"Will do," Baine says to Chomun as he slowly exits the Gun-Cutter and begins to make his way to the lake
	Varenus_Grandier	approaches Wilhelm " I Was wondering if I could have leave to document some of the native species."
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Taking a liking to the planet's lifeforms, Lord Grandier? By all means, add to the Dynasty's tomes. Record the wonders of the planet!"
	Baine_Mort	stumbles a few times while making his way to the lake, but he does arrive and begins to clean off the vomit
	RosenkrantzGM	Captain Bolton and his men have already starting setting up camp. The heraldry of the Aquila Brethren is displayed just below that of House Gillam… to the annoyance of at least one of the Aurorae’s Sergeant-at-Arms, who finds himself protesting to Lt. Dreiger on the Mercenaries’ ‘display of disorder and breach of protocol’.
	RosenkrantzGM	Serfs of House Grandier pick a particularly nice spot just in front of the lake, and have cleared a large section from rock and debris, in order to raise a large pavilion with Grandier colors.
	RosenkrantzGM	The full panoply of the Rosenkrantz Dynasty is in full display, a clear message to the natives who are now to be subjects or be crushed by the new Masters of this world.
	Varenus_Grandier	approaches Baine "Would you like to come with?"
	Baine_Mort	after cleaning off the vomit he takes out his canteen and drinks from it.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "And... you are all certain the water is safe?" he inquires, raising an eyebrow.
	Makh_Chomun	"Aye, m'lord, I swam in it myself, though I'm not sure to it's drinkability."
	Baine_Mort	looks at Varenus, "What do you plan on doing?"
	Varenus_Grandier	"Cataloging local species."
	Baine_Mort	"I guess, got nothing better to do." Baine says as he get up from sitting by the lake.
	Varenus_Grandier	walks to the nearest town and questions the locals on the different wildlife and where to find them
	Baine_Mort	follows
	RosenkrantzGM	The Arvus lighters soon land, having followed you down. Armsmen and Household Guard disembark, as do serfs and servants. They get to work unloading the cargo on the lighters.
	Makh_Chomun	oversees the unloading of the supplies with gusto.
	Varenus_Grandier	returns from the village with Mort and heads to his tent
	Varenus_Grandier	orders his serfs to prepare his gear while he rests
	Baine_Mort	wanders around the camp.
	RosenkrantzGM	Metal panels, large bundles of rolled up fabric, metal frames, all manner of gear, equipment, and supplies of all sorts are unloaded and set down to establish camp.
	Makh_Chomun	notices Baine wandering around and waves him over. "Already done with exploring the local wildlife, Baine?"
	Baine_Mort	looks over at Chomun, "Yea was hoping for some more action, though there was less then being on that space station."
	Makh_Chomun	"Oh you'll find plenty here, just give it time." Makh cackles at that. "More than enough wildlife that wants to eat us." He then raises a finger before continuing, "not including the armed locals."
	RosenkrantzGM	"Lord Chomun! Come, gather an escort. I wish to stretch my legs, and explore this wonderful planet."
	Baine_Mort	"Well I would love to show them the power of my Sword if they are looking for a fight."
	Makh_Chomun	"Careful what you wish for." Makh then looks towards the Lord Captain. "As you command my lord."
	Makh_Chomun	Makh then finds ven Dreiger and rounds up an escort of Armsmen and House Guard.
	RosenkrantzGM	Dreiger: "Ready, my /lord/," he emphasizes the title.
	Baine_Mort	makes his way over to Wilhelm "My Lord Captain."
	Makh_Chomun	"Oh Emperor save me, not you as well Leftenent. I don't know if I can have /you/ calling me that." He jibes, nudging him with his elbow. "It's all moving too fast for me, old friend."
	RosenkrantzGM	Dreiger: "I think it rather impressive..." he looks down for a moment, thinking, "... say, will /your lordship/ have the right to field your own personal house guard?"
	Makh_Chomun	"Don't give the Lord Captain any ideas," Makh answers with a wry smile.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm, you realize, has already started walking off, a proud stride about him.
	Baine_Mort	decides to follow Wilhelm
	Makh_Chomun	With a shout Makh gets the escort moving with a loud 'move out!'
	RosenkrantzGM	"Whereabouts is the town?" he turns to ask you.
	Makh_Chomun	"It's about that way," Makh points out at the horizon towards the North-East of the planet. "It's a bit of walk through the forest, but a little exercise never hurt anybody. Though..." Makh grins mischievously, "we were attacked by some manner of beast last time we came through."
	RosenkrantzGM	"Well, I wish to go the opposite way, then. I wish to see wilderness. To see the raw, untouched surface of this planet. North-West it is!" he exclaims, pointing far in the direction.
	Makh_Chomun	"As you wish my lord. Sergeant! Take point." Makh waves towards the front of the group.
	Baine_Mort	continues to follow behind Wilhelm and Chomun
	RosenkrantzGM	Just about an hour into the excursion, you hear the sound of a river. By now, Wilhelm has stopped walking on the roads, though he parallels one of them to be safe.
	RosenkrantzGM	He turns back to the road, out of the treeline in order to find a crossing. Sure enough, a cobbled bridge lies ahead, with a watchtower just in front, a green and gold banner waving atop.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "What a peaceful place..." he comments. The man is infatuated with his surroundings.
	Makh_Chomun	Makh is following along, keeping an eye out for any trouble and making sure nothing will come to harm the Lord Captain.
	Baine_Mort	"This place a little too peaceful if you ask me."
	RosenkrantzGM	You hear a call from the watchtower, as two soldiers lean out from atop. They don't speak low-gothic.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Friends of yours, Lord Chomun?" he teases.
	RosenkrantzGM	Out of the tower, a group of 5 of these primitive infantry block the path to the bridge, a more ornate man follows, standing in front. He holds out his arm, and calls out.
	RosenkrantzGM	"Halt!"
	Makh_Chomun	"Friends? Hardly, though they serve under the Duke." Makh approaches the ornately dressed man.
	Makh_Chomun	Makh grins as he approaches the man, "Greetings, brother!"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Halt?.. how peculiar a request," the Lord-Captain comments, maintaining his pace towards the bridge.
	RosenkrantzGM	"Hold your position, and identify yourselves!"
	Baine_Mort	follows with his hand by his boltpistol.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "You didn't tell me they were so insolent, Makh."
	Makh_Chomun	Makh turns Wilhelm, "Not insolent, m'lord, just ignorant of us. They are limited by their current Technology."
	Makh_Chomun	Makh thinks for a moment when an answer proposes itself. "M'lord they may not be so insolent in your presence if you speak High Gothic to them."
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Interesting..."
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: [High Gothic] "Stand down, primi--"
	RosenkrantzGM	A warning shot is fired at Wilhelm's feet.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Insolent," he repeats himself to Chomin, "They must be educated in what their new lot in life now is. Master Mort, you see the two men atop the tower? Do use them as a means to educate their fellows."
	Baine_Mort	pulls out his boltpistol, "With pleasure my lord."
	Makh_Chomun	hovers his hands over the holsters of his bolt-pistols ready to whip them out at a moment's notice.
	Baine_Mort	fires two shots at the two men up in the tower killing them.
	Makh_Chomun	"I'd suggest having your men shoulder their arms." Makh informs the apparent officer.
	Baine_Mort	lowers his boltpistol
	RosenkrantzGM	The officer is unshaken, and quickly takes a few paces to the right-flank of his men's formation.
	RosenkrantzGM	"Fire!"
	Makh_Chomun	draws both of his bolt-pistols lightning-fast and fires both of them at the infantry in-front. He manages to hit one in the torse and watches the man's chest explodes into gore gibs.
	RosenkrantzGM	A white smoke rises, almost completely hiding the infantrymen as their weapons crack. The primitive rounds kick up small plumes of dirt and dust, and even manifest as small flashes of bright light crackling half meter in front of Wilhelm's standing figure.
	Baine_Mort	opens fire on the guards, one of his shots lands, pouching right through his chest killing him.
	Baine_Mort	puts away boltpistol and pulls out his Powersword and charges
	RosenkrantzGM	The Armsmen behind you quickly run to your side, and attempt to support you.
	Makh_Chomun	sighs and moves forward. "They never listen."
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm stays put, hands on his waist, head lowered, but his eyes are fixed on the enemy infantry and his charging men.
	RosenkrantzGM	The enemy commences reloading their weapons... a lengthy affair, as becomes evident by their surprise to your charge through the thick smoke in front of them.
	Baine_Mort	Running through the smoke, Baine attacks with his power sword, cutting off one of the guards arms.
	Makh_Chomun	Makh walks through the remaining smoke and blasts the two remaining soldiers with his bolt-pistols. They both explode violently, managing to cover the front of Chomun's armor with their bodily fluids.
	Baine_Mort	runs over to the officer and point his power sword at him.
	Makh_Chomun	+Let's take him alive, Baine.+
	Baine_Mort	[Rogue Cant] +Understood+
	RosenkrantzGM	The Officer is clearly shaken, but grips his blade tight, and backs up a step.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm, meanwhile advances to your position, a slow and steady pace.
	Baine_Mort	approaches the officers with his sword pointing the officer.
	Makh_Chomun	"What a waste." Makh shakes his head at the gibbed bodies around him.
	Baine_Mort	"Stand down or I shall kill you like your men."
	RosenkrantzGM	He looks at you, at his dead men, and at Chomun approaching.
	RosenkrantzGM	He drops his blade, as if the grip were painful in his hand, and raises his arms up.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm raises an arm up, instructing the armsmen to stand back a few meters.
	Makh_Chomun	Mahk holsters one of his bolt-pistols and stops next to Baine, "I told you to tell your men to shoulder your weapons." He now gestures to the dead.
	Makh_Chomun	"What is your name?"
	RosenkrantzGM	"Sorcery... that bitch Leasah resorts to sorcery to win this war. She is lost!"
	Baine_Mort	keeps his sword out within striking range.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm now catches up to you.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Well, this didn't end anything at all like you wanted, did it?" he delivers with a cheeky smile on his face.
	RosenkrantzGM	"Who are you... witch?!"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm turns, and faces Chomun, holding eye-contact for a few seconds.
	RosenkrantzGM	He smiles wide, mouth open, and lets out a hearty laugh.
	Makh_Chomun	starts to chuckle as well. "Poor choice of words, friend."
	Baine_Mort	[Rogue Cant] "Permission to teach him a lesson my lord captain?"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm simply nods.
	Baine_Mort	turns off the swords power field and hits the officer with the flat end of the sword.
	Makh_Chomun	"He is the Lord Captain, and your Duke's Lord Liege. Now, what is your name?"
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "No witch, foolish soul. Your Lord, and Master of this world," he reaches into his pocket, and takes out an ornate little box, "and you?" he opens the box and removes a fine lho-stick, placing the box back in his coat, "You are now blessed with the opportunity of serving the Rosenkrantz Dynasty!" he smiles, placing the lho-stick in his mouth and lighting it with his blue-flame lighter.
	RosenkrantzGM	"Calidus Feulner... Lieutenant in service of the Army of His Grace, the Duke Aurelian."
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm: "Mhmm... I see," he nods. "Ah, care for a smoke?" he asks with a raised eyebrow, his hand back in his coat's inner pocket.
	RosenkrantzGM	The primitive lieutenant looks visibly confused.
	RosenkrantzGM	He looks at Chomun, and then Mort, for any clue as to how to react to the offer.
	Makh_Chomun	merely shrugs shaking his head.
	Baine_Mort	shakes his head.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm looks back over his shoulder to Chomun, "Insolent," he emphasizes with a nod of his head, and puts away the box again.
	Makh_Chomun	[Rogue Cant] "So we bring him with us, m'lord?"
	RosenkrantzGM	"In any case," the Lord-Captain takes a few steps back, "I think I've had enough of a walk for one day. Lord Chomun, be sure to lower such repellent colors from that tower... it offends my eyes."
	RosenkrantzGM	[Cant]: "Do as you wish, /Lord-Protector/, I haven't slept in days! Besides, I think it's about time you started making some lordly decisions, no?"
	Makh_Chomun	"As you say, my lord." Makh says with a sagely nod.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm calls back to the escorting troops, "Back to camp! I'm famished..."
	Makh_Chomun	orders the armsmen to take down the banner flying above them and bring it with them, and to clean up the dead. "Mr. Calidus Feulner, you will come with me for now. What I do with you...well I'll figure it out soon enough. Now, the choice is yours, will you cooperate with me, or shall I have you in chains?"
	RosenkrantzGM	Feulner: "I expect to be treated as an officer under your capture," he says with his chest out in pride.
	RosenkrantzGM	Wilhelm, now some 20 meters away, and still walking, let's out a single, echoing, "Ha!" without interrupting his pace.
	Makh_Chomun	"I can't guarantee that, depends on m'lords mood. Just be glad I'm giving you the choice. Now march!" Makh then motions for one of the armsmen to keep an eye on the captured officer as Makh follows in Wilhelm's wake.
	Baine_Mort	follows Chomun, while putting away his sword.


POV:
Lucrezia

<RosenkrantzGM> The text is written in an older version of the Dynasty's Cant, a derivative of the Gothic spoken on the Imperial World of Sophen. It isn't a large enough problem to make it illegible, however, as the more recent additions into the tome adopt a clearer use of language.
<RosenkrantzGM> The succession has shown anything but a "line" throughout the Dynasty's history. A number of heirs-to-be have been pushed aside in favor of more suitable Warrant Holders, and numerous challenges to the Right to Rule are immortalized in the tome's pages.
<RosenkrantzGM> The most recent such usurpation, being that of one Wilhelm Friedrich Johannes... your Lord-Captain.
<RosenkrantzGM> In all cases universally, however, the lack of an heir is one of the most immediately-weakening conditions on which a pretender may make his case.
<RosenkrantzGM> Wilhelm falls precisely under such a category. An addition, apparently by Lord Heinrich, wishes to add to this, calling for an exception in the case of recent-usurpers whose duties to continue the line have only recently been made their priority. The 'legal rationale' for this is weak, you realize, but the excusing is necessary, lest Wilhelm's claim be easily challenged by pretenders who you know to exist.
* Lucrezia rubs her temples. Maybe this wasn't the right place to look? Maybe she should give him another chance? Or perhaps she should give up on the idea of finding a justification? Maybe speaking with Heinrich could help her in coming to a decision. She couldn't be open with him but he's the closest thing she knows to a voice of reason among her superiors.
* Lucrezia goes to do just that.
<RosenkrantzGM> You find Heinrich in the Trophy Room, admiring some of the old art accumulated by the Dynasty through the ages.
* Lucrezia politely approaches, letting her pressence be known by clearing her throat. "Lord Heinrich?"
<RosenkrantzGM> The old man snaps out of staring at one particularly beautiful painting of a sunset behind rolling hills of green. He turns to you, slightly startled.
<RosenkrantzGM> "Lady Lucrezia! I would have thought you to be exploring the planet below."
* Lucrezia politely bows. "Well, I intend to join the others later. Event if I fear the exploration part will be cut short by a certain lordly visit."
* Lucrezia joins him in admiring some of the paintings.
<RosenkrantzGM> "Sophen... I haven't seen her valleys in three decades," he explains, turning back to the painting.
<RosenkrantzGM> "Some day, when Wilhelm's reign is secured through a worthy marriage.... and an heir, I will return and live my final last years there," he points to a manor painted on the horizon of the hills.
<Lucrezia> "Sounds like a good retirement plan... Speaking of marriage and our good Lord, how is that going along?"
<RosenkrantzGM> The old man sighs, his eyes breaking away from the painting.
* Lucrezia turns towards him, quiet but expectantly, wishing to hear what he has to say.
<RosenkrantzGM> "If I may confide in you, he doesn't take the responsibility seriously, Lady Lucrezia. When he was in Sophen, where the position of Lord-Governor is not a hereditary one, he never cared to settle down and have a family. He maintains his lavish lifestyle... the luxury quarters should bring us profit. Instead, free passage is often arranged for young Countesses and noblewomen... excuse me for saying, but... for reasons you may already suspect."
* Lucrezia nods and sighs herself. "You flatter me, I'm old enough that such courtesies are mostly lost on me. But it does seem he doesn't take a few things seriously, if I may be honest with you."
<RosenkrantzGM> "He is no fool, I assure you. In all administrative matters, and navigating the jungle of Calixian politics, he is hard-pressed to find an equal. And... he is proud. Immensely so. His heart is often in the right place, though his passions can lead him astray. What he needs, Lady Lucrezia..." he gives an apologetic smile, "is a woman like you, to be his spouse. Of good name, principled, and possessing discipline where he may lack it.
* Lucrezia listens to him respectfully but is unable to not smile as he goes on and on. "Are you playing matchmaker right now?" She asks with a soft laugh, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "I doubt he would listen to me. He hardly does now." Her smile remains, though now somewhat embittered. "Though I suppose I now see why you follow him."
<RosenkrantzGM> "A lady such as yourself may not be pushed in matters as these, I am fully aware," he laughs. Then, more solemnly, "My own Matilde is not unlike you. She refused me three times, you know. I never asked for her hand in marriage a fourth time. She came to me one day, and made her wishes clear. I stilled loved her then, and naturally, we were wed within the month," he chuckles, reliving the memory.
<RosenkrantzGM> "If you will permit me to inquire... you are the last of your line. Do you have any plans to make an effort on your part to find a suitable husband? To be wed and to bring a revival to the Gillam line?"
* Lucrezia turns towards him, somewhat surprised. "You are married? Bit hard to imagine, if I may say so." She then takes a somewhat more serious tone. "Barely a noble now, am I? Only a waning name making that so... I do wish to work on that, yes, quite a bit. But, it's a difficult task for a lady to continue a line. Part of why I politely do not put much thought in your offer, with all due respect. Why do you ask?"
<RosenkrantzGM> "I knew your grandfather. A respectable man, admirable. To see his lineage extinguished in the dynastic struggle was a sour loss. Knowing you survived brought some hope that the Gillam name may yet live. Then, again, a Gillam system will honor your family for millennia... a gesture, I venture to say, not without a deep fondness on the part of young Lord Caerwyn. Fondness which... has not gone unnoticed by those less accepting of the overture than I."
<RosenkrantzGM> He begins pacing to the following painting. This one, of a star in its final moments of life. Exquisite use of colors dark and bright create for a beautiful voidscape.
* Lucrezia follows along, the irony not lost on her. "There is more to a line than a name, sadly. Like actions. Those, I feel, are what define a line. Though believe me, such a gesture... well, it didn't go unnoticed by myself either. But what do these others say about such a gesture?"
<RosenkrantzGM> "The young Lord arrived on his vessel with trusted aides, and a dangerous, double-edged sword. I see it in her eyes... like a viper. I have never understood much in the way of ecclesiastical customs, though I know enough to see the confessor's passions as a breach of these. They inspire a disturbing fixation in that woman..."
<Lucrezia> "Words travel fast, don't they?" She lets out an amused little chuckle, ending with a sigh.
<RosenkrantzGM> "You needn't worry about me, my Lady. I am no threat to you or whatever passions you nor the young Caerwyn wish to pursue. But you must be aware that my indifference is not shared by all. And large as it may be, when in the void, this vessel is a small one."
<Lucrezia> "Smaller when there's at least one other who may not approve, right? And that other, if I am correct in my suspissions, is not one a blade would deter if words fail me. As they seem to be doing as of late. A troubling series of developments. I trust that we speak in good faith and trust?"
<RosenkrantzGM> "Smaller, indeed. And yes, Lady Lucrezia, as I said before, we speak in confidence," he nods.
<RosenkrantzGM> His face is one of sincerity as far as you are able to tell, a sort of caring mentor figure's expression of understanding.
<Lucrezia> "Thank you for that Heinrich. Uh, as weird as this sounds, I think Wilhelm isn't the only one who looks at your for counsel. And well, what does he think? If I may ask? Surely he has prettier ladies than I?"
<RosenkrantzGM> "He would never admit this, and again I appeal to your good trust, but he... doesn't say much about you. This is unusual, reflective of his demeanor towards you. His reservation is defensive somehow, and I suspect this is because you haven't so-easily come to be a chamber visitor. You, quite simply, intrigue him. And it's something he doesn't want to admit to even myself."
<Lucrezia> "Do you think offering friendship might be wise and good? For the two of us?"
<RosenkrantzGM> "I am unsure of how he would respond to such an offering. I am as intrigued by it as you may be. But it certainly can do no harm. You have had a rough start, and that he didn't have you killed speaks volumes to the effect you appear to have on him. You know... he insisted on being shown the reports of the naval action that most tragically saw your family killed. It was early days, then, and his admiration was instant, transparent."
<RosenkrantzGM> He turns away from the trophies around him, facing you directly. "But I trust in your judgment. As should you. You are guided by a discipline and inner compass which is a treasure all its own."
* Lucrezia nods at his words, intently listening. Her expression drops slightly at the mention of the day her family was brought low. But as he finishes, some of her smile returns. "Hopefully some of it does rub off on him." She takes a step towards him but stops herself and instead extends a hand. "Uh... thanks, for everything."
<RosenkrantzGM> He puts your hand in both of his, warmly, and gives looks intently at you. "Thank /you/, my Lady."
<RosenkrantzGM> With that, he lets go, and turns back one last time to that old beautiful depiction of his home world.
* Lucrezia looks at him curiously as he emphasises. She stands there looking at him for a moment more than would be prudent before walking out and back to her duties, a new direction now in front of her.