Well here we are, the tournament about to begin! I'm still not really sure why we're bothering with disguises at all, but we used them to enter the tourney anyways. And my brother entered too! I wonder what he'd pick if he wins... But now a dragon showed up, and a royal one too! I've never met a dragon before, but he seems nice enough so far. At least, he hasn't tried to eat anyone, and he's remained polite despite us being rude at first! * Lily is now known as Magical_Princess_Sakura * Magical_Princess_Sakura is now known as still_Lily <@Brand> The royal hall for formal audiences is... awkward, at best. <@Brand> A single chair has been provided for Prince Grougalora, who sits languidly back in it, practically sprawled on the chair, arms and legs out, one leg hooked over an arm, one arm over the back of the chair, one arm over the other arm of the chair. A little smirk, as he gazes up to King Royvice. <@Brand> King Royvice, for what it's worth, is good at pretending that he's not scared of a goddamn dragon. YOU think its awkward? Imagine how Roxy feels! Just mentally shes panicking like fuck what is she going to do. Is she going to get married to a Dragon? He said he wanted a mating union... Would that be just a kid? But at the same time she... Founders help her. <@Brand> "So let me get this straight - you've come from this Flamesky, a kingdom in the skies, seeking marriage with my daughter, because... your kingdom is looking to make pacts with kingdoms of..." <@Brand> "The Plane of Sea and Soil." Grougalora explains, idly waving a hand left and right. "We are of the Plane of the Sky, you are of the Plane of Sea and Soil, and those such as Drow or Mind Flayers are of the Plane of the Rock. Those are the three levels of the Material world." "...So Upper Plane, Middle Plane, and Lower Plane?" <@Brand> "See? She gets it. And while I can tell Princess Roxana would be a fine wife, no, any princess of this region will do. See, we've come seeking trade and alliances with Kingdoms of the Sea and Soil, and in exchange for cultural and material trade, we provide our knowledge and, well, other sorts of aid in times of crisis." A somewhat sharp grin. Myria leans forward a little, listening eagerly! She'd heard this, of course, but she's always interested to perhaps learn more, from a dragon no less! <@Brand> "... hmm." Royvice narrows his eyes a bit, thinking. Roxy looked VERY awkward. Royvice could clearly see she wants to say something but she knows the betterment of the kingdom is what she should concern herself with... <@Brand> "I bid you speak, Princess Roxana." Prince Grougalora says. "You are among equals here." Fuck. "...I'm sorry. I am simply thinking of my marriage prospects right now. However, I must say that you are very lucky to have all four Princesses here." <@Brand> "We do do our research before we head down." A chuckle. "The Topaz Empire has helped with this - by their kingdom being so... widespread, it bled near territories we have alliances with, and so we've sent in agents through them." A triumphant smirk. "In any event, I imagine you have questions of such a being as I. Be frank and honest. As I said, we are all equals here, and I will not simply smite Terrans for speaking their mind." "...There are those within your kingdom that do that?" <@Brand> "Nay. See, long ago, Dragons roamed among the Land of Sky and Sea. Clearly, you've heard legends of these days. Dragons as great tyrants as kings, ruling lands with terror and an iron fist." Prince Grougalora clenches his fist! "True power over those mortals. But those ancestors of our's underestimated the tenacity of humanity. And when humanity revolted against the tyranny of the Dragon Queen, Tiamat, she and many of her spawn were slain, gutted and used for regeants and armor and trophies by humans. No matter how many thousands we slew, tens of thousands more struck back." <@Brand> "Those of us who survived fled to the skies, taking refuge in sparse lands above the clouds. To make use of the most land possible, we took the form of the creatures that struck us down so balefully." A brief motion over himself. This... She was doing her best to just smile. "My Prince, are you truly set on marrying me? As I did say before, there are the other three princesses here, and I imagine a many other royal and noble maidens that you could marry too. I do not mean for this to sound like I am scorning you... I just..." She said, fidgeting her hands. <@Brand> "Our sympathies changed, over time, coming to understand the actions of the humans we mimic. And respect, to some degree." A chuckle. "See, humans, fae - we could attempt the mistakes of the past, coming down and murdering and trying to take dominion of the land once more. But we'd rather make amends, and unify with the land of the Sea and Sky once more. To create a new era, where dragons can share among the plenty of these lands and not fear the humans who throw their lives away for a sliver of chance to prove themselves a hero." <@Brand> A smirk. "I understand, Princess Roxana." * Naomi_Pentegast (~Rhoe@39D21D2.141093FE.61DD5283.IP) has joined #BrandGames-ic * Naomi_Pentegast is now known as Samurai_Princess_Jun She takes a deep breath. "I imagine as your Queen, I would have to travel up to the sky with you and take my duties as Queen there... But I am both duty bound and bloodline bound to rule Colitur as the direct line to the Throne. I do not know if I could do both." Lily taps her chin, "How old are you anyways, Prince Grougalora?" Lily is asking because she doesn't know if dragons age similarly to other races. <@Brand> "Oh - you misunderstand. I am not the sole heir to the throne of Flamesky. I am actually fairly far behind in line - and by the time I ascended, most mortals will have long passed. No, I would actually be staying here, with whomever I married - we would visit Flamesky, of course, but I would ask no mate to leave their home." <@Brand> A look to Lily! "An excellent question. I am Four-hundred, thirty-six come Winter Solstice." "Oh... Hmm..." Fffffffuck "O-oh." <@Brand> "This is a political marriage." "...Founders... You're almost old enough to have met the Founders themselves..." "That's an impressive age." She murmurs with a nod. "What is... the Flamesky like? If I might ask?" <@Brand> "It is a network of large islands, a pennesula of sorts, that floats over the Land of Sky and Sea. The land grows some plant life, and we mostly grow hardy vegitables and grass for livestock. Sheep are quite popular, as are goats. Sometimes, we catch birds, when they are fool enough to wander close." A chuckle. "This is lean living, however, for creatures as dragons. As you can see, I can eat quite a bit. Flamesky drifts over the Land of Sky and Sea in a certain pattern we've graphed out, and as we've begun to return to the Land of Sky and Sea, we've made an effort to create marriages of alliance over every region we've come across." @Brand> A motion, out toward the entire kingdom. "There is little vastness for creatures of such size as I. Instead, our homes are small and cramped, and we live in human form much of the time simply to fit and make ends meet." <@Brand> "We've little need for war engines or castles, I suppose, so that helps." "Hm." She nods thoughtfully as she listens. "It sounds lovely, at least." Jun is trying very hard not to blow a puff of air out at how pompus this bafoon sounds. Kind of like a young father... <@Brand> Does he make Jun as uncomfortable as Mitsuhide does? Very close Roxy quietly listened to his predicament... All she could think of was how to steal uninhabited islands to maybe bolster their land mass up there... Or would that mostly be sand... Hmm. She pulls out one of her many notebooks and charcoal pencils and starts writing things down. <@Brand> "It can be, when the skies are still and the clouds drift peacefully among us." A chuckle. "We used to have to deal with Githyanki sky pirates, but then my father grew tired of their games." "Githyanki...?" "Who tends to be dominant in your culture's marriages? The males or the females?" <@Brand> "Women, of course, with exceptions based on necessity and prowess." Prince Grougalora says. "With all due respect, as much as I respect your cunning - few whelps could have survived the ordeals you did in your youth, even those of Royal lineage - we would not risk a potential heiress to the throne coming to the Land of Sky and Sea." "The githyanki were an old race of humans taken as slaves and held in thrall by mindflayers. One day they broke free but they've changed from what they used to be. Now it's said they roam the outer planes, fighting against their old oppressors." <@Brand> A nod! "Indeed. I sympathize with their plight, but their attacks were not to be tolorated." "I've heard they can be quite cruel themselves. I guess being trapped for so long can do that to a people." "...But you said the Mindflayers were in the Lower Plane, no the Upper Plane... Maybe they wanted to be as far away as possible." <@Brand> "They wanted the same thing many human adventurers want, when they see Dragons." <@Brand> He reaches up, fingers lazily brushing back red hair. "Legends say dragons always had huge hoardes of treasures. I don't know if that's actually true or not... but I can't blame someone for believing it if they never met any dragons.." "Probably did when they ruled these lands..." Lily flies on over to the Prince and circles him, "Hmm..."ing quite audibly. <@Brand> "A dragon is a treasure." A moment, Prince Grougalora says, looking at his splayed fingers. "My skin, my teeth, my eyes, my blood, my liver, my humors. Every little bit of me is worth a fortune among your kind's arcanists and sorcerers." "Arcane reagents." She nods at that. "Of course. THat makes sense. As awful as it is." Lily flies in front of the Prince, "Okay, you may take me out on a date." Roxy thought a rather crass thought but kept it to herself-- OH OKAY LILY. Don't worry, Lily will find the answer to Roxy's question probably. <@Brand> ... <@Brand> Prince Grougalora stares at Lily for a moment. <@Brand> And then he BURSTS OUT LAUGHING. "She means it." * still_Lily crosses her arms. <@Brand> "Hahahahaha! Such bravado and confidence! You really are fellow royalty!" "I'm going to tell you how to appease her, its Sweets." "That's cheating, Roxy! He has to woo me on his own!" "I have many suitors and he needs to impress me to stand out." She currently only has three suitors. "She'll marry anyone who gives her chocolate." "Give her the best chocolate ever." <@Brand> "Alright, alright." A snort, a chuckle, standing to hold a hand out. "I'll take you about the Carnival - surely we shall find things worthy of our courtship among the best of Colitur's festivities!" <@Brand> Royvice simply nods. "You have my leave to roam the kingdom as you wish. By my word, no harm shall come unprovoked to you." Lily lands in the dragon prince's hand. "Sounds like it could be fun!" "Though I would ask not to spook the citizens like your fabulous entry..." <@Brand> "I shall not do such a crass thing." A nod in agreement! "Now then - if you've no further questions, I will take my leave with your friend for the day. I will have her promptly back by dusk." <@Brand> (Mini unlocked: "Lily and Grougalora's date") * still_Lily waves goodbye to her friends and bows to the king. Roxy quietly waited till the two left. "... I suppose that solves that, then." <@Brand> .... <@Brand> ... <@Brand> ... When they left Roxy couldn't help but hold her face and just... Melt into her seat. <@Brand> "That... certainly happened." Royvice mutters. "I must say, I'm glad the Emperor decided to sit this one out." "I agree..." "I need to get married soon...Just so I don't have to deal with stuff like this anymore..." "I'd imagine he'd have immediately demanded Jun marry him just for the prospect of having dragon minions." "Don't say that, his ears might start burning." "Well, if that's literal, it might help?" She grins. <@Brand> "He's a little arrogant, but his character seems upright." Royvice says. "I suppose when you're only used to your own kind..." <@Brand> "Still, it doesn't change the proceedings, though it does introduce a power imbalance." Royvice says. "Not that I imagine we'll be going to war with the Bloomwood, but..." "Honestly, I like him. It'd be good to be on peaceful terms with his kind." "He reminds me of Mitsuhide, someone with power who simply wants more" "I don't get that feeling from him." "Hrm...perhaps it is just me then." "Honestly...If I'm being honest, I'm not too worried. Him marrying into Bloomwood would actually be the best for the two. Bloomwood could help assist them with their food problems, and the Dragons could... Very easily help deal with their insec-- You don't!? Hes ABSOLUTELY the scummiest person I've ever seen! And I've seen some very scummy people! I'm hoping to the Founders that he isn't entering! "He's a noble, just like any other noble I've met. He stated what he wanted without making it a demand, I felt." She shrugged. "Maybe that's just me, though." "Ah... No, Prince Grougalora is a bit much, but I'm complaining about Mitsuhide" <@Brand> "... unfortunately, General Mitsuhide did enter the tournament." Royvice says. <@Brand> A moment, his eyes squinting. "FUCK!" Language! "Oh. Fair eough." She giggles at the sudden outburst. "I knew it." She says with a sigh <@Brand> "Speaking of which, I've heard of some very odd types seeking to enter the Grand Melee for nobles." "Who?" <@Brand> "A Menkese who I know for a fact isn't in their family records." "Really?" <@Brand> "Mmm. And a fairie woman named Sakura. Among two others." An eeeeven stare. Jun has her arms crossed and is trying not say anything She keeps her poker face back at him, not breaking eye contact. It is quite difficult * Myria just watches the others, her head tilting slightly. <@Brand> .... <@Brand> Royvice is not stupid. <@Brand> "Just be careful, Roxy." <@Brand> A sigh. "You could just *ask him*." Wait what? She just goes red and sputters. "I-- But--" Jun is biting her lip and trying very very hard to not say anything! "I still think it was a dumb idea anyways.." she murmured softly. She crosses her arms and pouts, looking away. <@Brand> Royvice smiiiirks. <@Brand> "Are you perhaps, scared of possibly being rejected?' She just throws her hands into the air. "I'm trying to tell if he likes me back, okay!?" <@Brand> Royvice guffaws! Jun tilts her head "Waaah!?" "A-and... If he wants this, and if it will make him happen, okay!?" "Well you could try asking him, silly." "Thats harder than you think!" Jun scratches her cheek. "Who...are we talking about...?" She was a bit dense wasn't she <@Brand> "The young Ser Albert." Royvice says, giving name to Roxy's crush. "It's not hard at all!" Not that she's even tried it, herself... "Oh, I thought we were talking about...nootthing at all of course thats what!" "...And I was worried that everyone would throw a fit if I suddenly got engaged before the Noble Tournament..." <@Brand> .... Royvice blinks a bit at Jun. Part of him wants to poke fun, but he doesn't tease another king's child, instead going back to Roxy. "Well, you certainly aren't wrong! But I think perhaps that that boy is smitten by you. Did you see the look on his face when that dragon lad told you of his intentions?" "...No... He was behind me..." "The look was fairly unmistakable." Jun says trying to go with the conversation. "I do not believe anyone would be upset with you announcing your marriage during a festival, it seems like the perfect time." "W-well I have to ask him first, and he has to say yes, and I... Okay I'm afraid of being rejected, okay?" "It would solve this whole matter quite easily, really! You'll be fine!" "Roxy, you are perhaps the most skilled with words among us. I believe you will be fine, and if it is not then well he is making a very big mistake." <@Brand> Of course, it wouldn't solve the matter of Jun and her father. "Though dad... Can I ask you one thing?" <@Brand> "Hmm?" "Whos Wiston Wolfgang?" <@Brand> Royvice frowns. "Never heard of him..." <@Brand> "Winston Wolfgang? It's a very... ahem, alliterative name? But I know of no man with that name." "Hmmm... But I... If... I... Hmmmgh..." "How do you even ask someone a question like that!?" <@Brand> "Perhaps directly." A sigh, Royvice standing. "I'll look into it. But there are nobles from across the land and some beyond here, so it can be difficult to figure such out." "I agree with His Majesty, ask him, if he rejects you I will take you out for a nice dinner." "Okay.. I...... I....Argh!" <@Brand> ~~~~ <@Brand> Would the princesses like to witness the peasant division of the Grand Melee? Seems like it could be fun Roxy would be watching like shes wanting to, but shes constantly in her notebook and trying to word things. Myria would spend some time reading up on this kingdom of the sky! * Myria (~Rhynia@Rizon-8DDB26F4.washdc.fios.verizon.net) has left #BrandGames-ic * Myria (~Rhynia@Rizon-8DDB26F4.washdc.fios.verizon.net) has joined #BrandGames-ic Jun is simply watching the tournament. She's excited to see others who might be solid additions to a topaz honor guard <@Brand> A band of plucky guys with farm instruments and bows does battle with a handful of centaurs with ropes and lassos! The sharp farm instruments wear down the centaurs, but when lassos do land, the farmers are done in - dragged along behind running centaurs, run around the arena until the farmers finally pass out! "Oh some Centaurs are fighting this year... Thats fantastic." "I would have thought that weapons would be provided for the combatants..." Lily is genuinely surprised to see them fighting with farm tools. <@Brand> One farmer however, when he's lassoed, fights back - quickly looping the rope around the centaur's arm and YANKING back, forcing the Centaur to stumble, before he leaps forward, landing a solid blow in the shoulder! <@Brand> The crowd goes wild! "Same, I figured at-least blunted weapons would be provided" "They were at first but Colitur people are prideful, and they wish to do it based on their own merit... And uh... First come first serve at times..." <@Brand> But in the end, though, the centaurs superior speed and co-ordination win out - lassos bringing the Centaurs to the final rounds! The crowd goes wild, some cheering, some booing, all riled up! <@Brand> Dust flies through the air! "People seem to be having a good time at-least" "Oh absolutely! And I imagine this is many of their first time seeing a Centaur fight!" <@Brand> "They'll probably make it all the way." Alder says, chewing on what appears to be a sweetloaf. "Well I wish their next opponent luck, they seem quite skilled" <@Brand> "But there's not just one winner of the Peasant Grand Melee. The group I'm kinda interested in seeing is..." A moment, pointing to the next warriors coming up! "These gentlemen." Approaching is a group of militiamen from a southern village in Colitur, but across from them... "If they are victorious, I wonder what they will ask as their boons... Will we have Centaur Nobles? That would be fantastic to see." <@Brand> A man with a hook hand a scimtar, an eyepatch over his left eye! On his right, a... IS THAT A MERMAID?! Roxy slams her hands on the table and stands up "Woah!" Is it their mermaid friend from before? :O "Did she follow us after all this time!?" <@Brand> She's riding what appears to be a wooden wheelchair, wearing fancy glass jewelry that looks vaguely familiar. Next up is a... a... <@Brand> Is that a shark? A shark head on the body of a... <@Brand> .... uh. <@Brand> Shark. Man. Shark. <@Brand> Shark ogre? <@Brand> Shark Giant? "IT IS HER!-- wait Shark.... Shark... Shark?" <@Brand> He's like ten feet tall. "Shark!?" <@Brand> The last member of their team is an Adanir wizard, one you don't recognize, but his clothes are obvious, he looks like a trainiee, almost too naive and new. But still, the four are clearly more than their opponents bargained for, staring in horror. <@Brand> SHARK!. "I...would not want to fight that Sharkman." "Thats... Hmm..." <@Brand> You'd expect the sharkman to be vicious and cruel when the fight starts. <@Brand> it is ONE of those things. <@Brand> The spearmen go for the shark first, trying to stop him before he rampages through their group - and they fail. A spear hits the sharkman, but his skin is like chainmail, and a spear is grabbed, and swung... its wielder still holding onto it! <@Brand> CRASH! <@Brand> "And Chomper sends the other team flying!" "...I think we found new winners... I don't know if the lassos can deal with him." "They might be exactly what they need...keeping him pinned gets rid of his strength" "His other team members might get him out..." "GO GO! SMASH SMASH!" <@Brand> Chomper absolutely smashes. <@Brand> "I'm looking forward to seeing him in the Noble tournament, when he gets there." Alder says, chewing on his sweetbread. "Hes going into the Noble Tournament?" <@Brand> "The top three teams this year. If they make it to the end, they will." "I'm excited!" "It will be an interesting fight thats for sure..." <@Brand> "You've quite a lineup this year." Alder says, whistling innocently. "Or at least that's what I'd say if you were competing." "What are the other lineups?" <@Brand> "There's the team with the Drow..." Alder eyes Myria a moment, but doesn't say anything, "There's the team with Albert, of course. Mitsuhide's taken up a few of his servants to join in.... those orcs, they grabbed a shaman and want to compete, I think just to show everyone who's the best. I'm almost certain those Centaurs will make it in." <@Brand> "And the third favorite for the peasant division is a druid and his three animal companions. He's been garnering favor by having them do tricks and play with children after battles." "Seven Teams..." <@Brand> "I'm also curious to see if that prince with the impossible name will join in the tournament." Alder says, chewing popcorn! <@Brand> WHERE DID HE GET THAT! "That would make an even eight teams..." <@Brand> "Three rounds... three rounds to victory." A chuckle. * Lily (~androirc@4841153E:AB366DF2:409F07D7:IP) has joined #BrandGames-ic Roxy grumbled and immediately went back to writing on her notebook. * still_Lily (~chatzilla@Rizon-5A87C99D.hsd1.il.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds) * Lily (~androirc@4841153E:AB366DF2:409F07D7:IP) Quit (Remote host closed the connection) Roxy flips her book into the air "Founders strike me down now! I can't think of the words!" <@Brand> Alder quickly catches it for you before it lands in public and starts a scandal. "Oh right, thank you." She took in a deep breath. "Tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm going to talk to him. Thats it." "If you don't I will lock you both in a room until you do" "... Please do if I chicken out." <@Brand> Alder chuckles. "Ah, to be young and in love." "Well how did YOU ask your wife out, then?" <@Brand> Alder laughs. "She actually asked me out. She'd actually left a love letter in my locker, and I'd always thought she was cute, so I went up to her between classes and told her I'd gotten her letter and accepted her feelings." * Lily (~androirc@4841153E:AB366DF2:409F07D7:IP) has joined #BrandGames-ic <@Brand> "Turns out, she actually meant it for the fellow whose locker was next to mine." "...Well shes yours now so" "Yes it sounds like it worked out in the end" <@Brand> He laughs. "She is indeed. She was nice enough to give it a shot, so I took her along the beaches and the coves and we talked for ages." "And turns out you were her type?" <@Brand> "And she hadn't realized it until she gave me a shot. See, she wouldn'tve met her soulmate if she hadn't taken a chance when the results were uncertain. You have to take chances, Your Highness." "Alright... Tomorrow... And if I chicken out, Jun lock me in a room with him." "I could do it now if you like" "No I need to psych myself up and think..." "Fair, you have this Roxy you'll regret it more if you don't try"