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The Queen is Dead, Long Live the Queen



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Sun Dec 14, 2014 2:06 pm
StellaThomas says...



Queen Esther of Fovria is dead. Her daughter Lavinia is set to take the throne in two weeks' time.

But not everybody is accepting of this plan. Lavinia was born from Esther's first marriage - to a man who worshipped Hata, the old goddess. In the twenty two years intervening since Lavinia's birth, the Queen and nearly all of the country converted to the new faith, worshipping the god Paulus. But sweet-tempered Lavinia still keeps the old gods, unaware of the danger that her faith might bring her.

Not so her younger brother, Henry, who was born of the Queen's second marriage four years later. Henry is the new monarch of choice for the Paulans of the country, a charismatic eighteen year old who is passionate about his faith. But the line of succession holds strong, Henry cannot be king unless something should happen to stop his half-sister Lavinia taking the crown.

And then there is their uncle, Esther's own brother, Bernard. A man in his forties, never married, childless, has only ever wanted one thing: his sister's throne. Bernard has no claim to it - except if both Esther's children are out of the picture. Unlike Henry, Bernard has no movement or force behind him except his own ambition - and his money.

So in the two weeks leading up to Lavinia's coronation, as courtiers and nobles roll in from all over the country, and ambassadors and representatives come from beyond Fovria's borders, tensions are rising in the Palace. There are assassins around every corner, poison in every cup, and it isn't just those in line to the throne who are in danger. If you want to survive in this world, you're going to need your wits about you - and a few allies wouldn't hurt either.

How this is going to work

-I have no plans for plot of this SB, except that there's going to be lots of political intrigue.
-You may play a named character, or create a new one. But your character must be a player in the political game, they can't be a kitchen maid (unless said kitchen maid has a role to play).
-This is going to be plot driven, and thus everybody needs to contribute to the plot in the DT.

The World

Fovria is a small kingdom, bound by the sea to the north, east and south and to the west by mountains. It has a Mediterranean climate - hot in the summer and damp in the winter. It'll be September-time during the SB. Fovria has over the past two decades taken up the Paulan tradition. Those who still worship the goddess Hata do so quietly, and in fear. Around them, neighbouring countries generally worship one or the other, but there is fear that there will be war between the two faiths.

Rules

-Keep it 16+. Swearing is allowed in small amounts.
-Posts should be written in third person, past tense.
-Before you make a profile, please post in the DT about the plans you have for this character's role in the SB. I won't approve the profile until I am sure that the character will be important to the overall plot.
-No god-modding, no killing without permission etc etc. the same rules apply as any SB.
-Posts should be of a reasonable length, and make sense in the plot.
-Head all posts with your character's name and location.
-Use the DT, plot, and stick to plan.
-I get final say (woohoo!)

Characters

Feel free to claim any unclaimed named characters - or make a new one. Unclaimed characters will be NPCs.

Lavinia - 22 year old Crown Princess. Worships Hata, the old goddess.
Henry - 18 year old prince. Charismatic leader, worships Paulus. claimed by Stella Thomas.
Bernard - middle aged brother to deceased queen. Wants the throne to himself.
Amelia - 24 year old, trained as courtesan and posing as a lady. Will seduce anybody for anybody's money for information.
Cecil - prince from neighbouring kingdom, sent by family to woo Lavinia and convert her, or kill her and put Henry on the throne, whichever suits better. Worships Paulus.
Verity - Lavinia's savvy lady-in-waiting and advisor. Worships Hata.

Profile template

Code: Select all
[b]Name:[/b] full name, including titles
[b]Nickname:[/b] What we're going to be calling them.
[b]Age:[/b] no under sixteens please
[b]Position/rank:[/b]
[b]Nationality:[/b] Fovrian, or from elsewhere?
[b]Religion:[/b] Do they worship Hata, Paulus, or something else?
[b]Appearance:[/b] description, but picture also appreciated!
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Strengths:[/b]
[b]Weaknesses:[/b]
[b]History:[/b]
[b]Alliance:[/b]
"Stella. You were in my dream the other night. And everyone called you Princess." -Lauren2010





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Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:10 am
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StellaThomas says...



Henry Emadrys |His chambers

Beneath in the courtyard, Henry could see coaches arriving.

He squinted at the coats of arms on the carriage doors, but he was too far away to see them properly, and besides, he'd never really paid much attention to the classes where he was supposed to learn which coat of arms was which. He chewed the inside of his cheek.

"Your Highness? Don't you wish to come downstairs to greet your guests?"

"Which ones?" he asked.

"Many dignitaries have come from all corners of the continent, and further still. It would be a great courtesy if-"

Henry stretched and yawned. "No, thank you, Gordon," he said to his manservant. "They are here to meet my sister, not me. I am sure I can meet them all tonight at the feast - there is a feast, right?"

The long-suffering Gordon sighed. "Yes, Your Highness, there is a feast. It starts at six o'clock sharp."

"Perfect," said Henry. "I can't wait." Maybe there would be a few pretty girls, there would certainly be wine, maybe Lavinia's coronation needn't be doom and gloom the entire way through.

"Your Highness," Gordon started again.

Henry turned to look at his manservant, who was now quivering with fear. "Are- are you coming to the temple beforehand?"

Henry turned back to the window, to the stream of guests coming into his home. Would they all share his faith? Or did they share Lavinia's - or something stranger still? More importantly- how much did Henry care?

"I will," he said, after a long pause. "I'll be there at three o'clock." He agreed simply because it was the easiest thing to do.

Gordon nodded and with a bow, backed out of the room. Henry paced across the bare stone of the floor, onto the carpet, back onto the stone floor, then turned again. He was bored, and restless. The autumn sun had just passed its midway point, his lunch lay eaten. An hour and a half until he was due in the Temple. And on that long walk to its doors, would be spies and watchers and people waiting to see the pious prince, the saviour of the Paulans from his terror of a sister.

Henry really didn't want to be that prince. He wanted to go riding, go somewhere where people weren't expecting anything of him and he could have some fun.

But for now, he couldn't. Now, not even Henry Emadrys would shirk his duties. He shut his eyes and exhaled, trying to blow off some of his excess energy. Then he slipped his shoes on and went out into the corridors of the Palace. Maybe, just maybe, he could find something (or someone) to hold his interest.

Verity Adelward | The Secret Study

"And Princess Aria of Sorille is also arriving today or tomorrow," the under-butler said, handing over the scrap of paper where he had written his notes to Verity.

Verity studied it. "Princess Aria? Are you sure? Didn't we invite a... Madeleine? Madelyn?"

"Malyn," the underbutler said. "She is the heir to the throne."

"So what's her cousin doing coming in her stead?" Verity sighed. "Alright. Is that all you have for me?"

"One more - a princess... Amelir- Amelior- Ammali- a princess something has just gotten off a ship from the Ripple Isles in our court."

"Ammarilae," Verity said shortly. "She's not a princess, her father was deposed, and even then she was only half a princess. What on earth is she doing here?"

"She's High Priestess of Hante now." Verity tried to hold back her scorn against the peculiar sect of Hatanism.

"Well," she said with her most winning smile, "I suppose we must give her a royal welcome nonetheless. Keep eyes on her the entire time."

The underbutler nodded and made his way out. Verity added the names he had mentioned to her web-like map of guests. At this stage, it was easier to navigate it by ruling out those who didn't have hidden agendas.

She closed the ledger and put it on the shelf behind her, then went to the door and came out into the great Adelward apartments. The door to the Secret Study (the study was a secret itself, and it was a place to study secrets) lay behind a tapestry of a goose girl tending her flock, gold hair flying in the wind. Verity checked the string of pearls i her own hair in a foggy mirror and smiled at herself, reassuring herself. It's all going to go fine, she thought. She needed to relax a little bit. As long as Verity was around, no one was going to hurt Princess Lavinia. She would make sure of it.

Speaking of, she hadn't seen her best friend all morning. Perhaps she should go and see how she was getting on.

Verity left her room and started to make her way up to the Royal Apartments, checking behind her to make sure she wasn't being followed.

After all, in this palace, spies were everywhere.
"Stella. You were in my dream the other night. And everyone called you Princess." -Lauren2010





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Tue Dec 23, 2014 3:14 am
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Caesar says...



Bernard | Gathering

The only thing more refulgent in the garden than Bernard's smile was his jewelry. He beamed at his guests and spoke.

"Most esteemed ambassadors and honored guests, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Fovria."

In front of him, standing around, clearly unsure of what to do, were those drawn by the thought of power and the prospect of intrigue. They were like moths to a flame, Bernard thought, and he was a candelabra.

"Please, sit," he said. "In the stands before you we have bottles of Hata's Tears. Finest wine in Fovria. My treat. Drink."

He waved a hand, and servants stepped in from the shadows. They poured wine, offered cups, and melted back just as smoothly. The guests eyed the glasses, unsure of what to do. A few shot each other questioning glances. They still did not sit on the couches beside them. Bernard smiled and drank himself.

"Where are the princes?" asked a red-haired young woman. "We were all expecting to be greeted in a way becoming to nobles."

She matched the description given to him of that Aria Langdon. Princess of Sorille. Impatient. "Henry is no doubt goofing off somewhere, and Lavinia is immersed in her books. I felt it, as you said, unbecoming, to leave our guests hanging, so I arranged a little reunion beforehand." He flashed her a wink.

"And how long do you intend to keep us, Mr. Bernard?"

The one talking was the dark skinned woman in the vaguely white dress. Her eyes were cold. No doubt, she was the Bishop's child. She would be an interesting person to have around, Bernard was sure.

"Jaqueline De Laurent," he greeted her. "Not very long. Shortly we will all head to the royal temple, where our princes will make an offering to the gods."

"Which gods?"

First Priestess of Hante, Ammarilae Nadarys. Without the guard Bernard's informers had reported. Curious.

"That is an excellent question," he said. "It seems they have not decided upon that, either. We will find out."

There was a crash. Everyone jumped, and one of the shadowy servants stepped forward, hand falling casually to his hip. One of the guests, standing next to a stand, had bumped into it, sending the exquisitely blown glass bottle rolling to the floor. The Bernard motioned to the servant to pick it up. The servant's hands immediately went to the ground.

"Throw it out," Bernard said. "It's dirty."

"I apologize," said the man. Bernard had barely noticed him in the group. Dark and of average height... he had no idea. He was forced to assume he was of some importance, if he was here. Bernard frowned to himself. He'd have to ask somebody.

"Worry not, my friend," Bernard said. "It's just wine. But now, we'd best be off. I have chariots waiting. We have enough time to take the scenic route. Fovria's gardens are very pretty this time of year."

They were led outside the walled perimeter, to a little clearing in the greenery. Several chariots waited, drawn by pale horses. Yet more servants were in waiting, helping the guests inside.

"This path cuts to the temple, never once leaving the gardens. Keep your eyes peeled, it's quite a sight," Bernard said, hopping into the foremost chariot.

The horses trotted forward. It was mostly silence. Bernard heard all he wanted to hear: hooves cutting into the dirt, flies buzzing among the vegetation, and the hum of conversation from within.

He indulged in another smile. The pieces were set. Now, who would make the first move?
Last edited by Caesar on Fri Jan 02, 2015 9:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
vulgus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur







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Tue Dec 23, 2014 8:40 pm
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Sunshine says...



Lady Amelia I A Duke's Room

Amelia woke up in the bed of a Duke. It wasn't an uncommon thing, besides the fact that she had gotten hardly anything of worth out of it. The Duke, a relatively young widower, liked to hear himself talk and often said nothing. Last night, he thought he had things to say, but they were all things she knew; the coronation guest list, and already rotting theories about the old Queen's death.

Amelia, with the skill of a cat, slid out of the Duke's bed. As a rich man, his floorboard's did not creak, and she got across the room safely. She did not look back.
Lady Amelia made fair trades. The Duke wanted company, someone to wake up to, more than anything. She wanted new knowledge. They would both go deprived.

She went to her own room, which was less nice than the Duke's. Guests were arriving, and so she had to put on her best. Stripping down her gown, she called in her servants. They were mostly low, rather incapable girls, not tusted with the royalty. Amelia, however, saw potential in few of them. Zia watched the upper class better than anyone, and could choose and properly fit any gown for an occasion. Little Anaisa had an eye for the best jewelry. Minzy, for hair. Amelia relaxed in the chair and let the girls who would not judge her prepare her for those who would . Around her, her three chosen girls were a chatter of excitement. To be honest, Amelia was pretty excited too. There would be a lot of people to... get to know.

"You're done, Miss." One of them, probably Minzy, says.

Amelia reaches up and touched her hair, walking over to stare at herself in the mirror.

"As always, you girls have done wonderfully. A bit of allure, without killing the class. Good work."

"Thank you, Miss. We must be going now. There is much to do."

"Of course." Amelia kissed Anaisa on the head, smoothing her untamed curls, not unlike her own. "Good luck, be safe."

"Thank you."

The three of them scurried back out. Amelia stared at herself in the mirror a little longer, straightening a posture that could not be straightened anymore.

There are so many opportunities coming,She thought to herself. How in the world do I make the most of them?

She went out of her room, making her way down to where the people were starting to gather. Food was still a while away, but people enjoyed talk. Royals, she'd found, especially enjoyed saying nothing until people just left them alone. It was a strategy beloved of wise man and idiot.

Thanks to her research, Amelia had a decent collection of who was going to be there, but had no knowledge of what they looked like. A useless list of names, when she could not attach the faces.

Perhaps I should wait. Dinnertime might be a better opportunity. All around her, people embraced like old friends. It could be a bad entrance. She knew the babbling Uncle had a few trapped in the garden, so that was not an option.

The Duke of Mindar, the man whose bed she'd rested in last night, began heading towards her. He wore a face of joy, as though they should be happy to see each other. Amelia could not stand to get trapped again in his web, or she would stand there talking all night! She turned, quickly grabbing onto of the nearest person.

"Hello. My name is Lady Amelia Senara. It is so pleasing to make your acquaintance."

That ending is a bit out of shape, but guess it's another opening.
I have loved the words and I have hated them. I only hope I have made them right.

---The Book Thief---

Hi, I'm Sunshine! It's lovely to meet you!





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Wed Dec 24, 2014 5:41 am
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UshertheThird says...



Daniel Ludwich--Gardens

Daniel turned down a side path in the garden, looking to the left and right as he passed between the rows of bushes sprouting bright flowers. He had never seen so many colors in one place before. Back in his own castle in Antigon, the garden was all stone walls and plain vines.

He walked slowly through the quiet corridor of leaves. His legs still felt unsteady beneath him; he had spent several days in a ship, and he was not used to standing on unpredictable ground. But the trip had been bearable, at least. The water was calm the entire way, thank the sea-wraiths for that.

He had arrived in Fovria only hours ago, on one of his father’s finest ships. He had made his way onto the dock and toward the castle, accompanied by some of the soldiers his father had sent with him. When he reached the entrance to the courtyard, which was filled to the brim with visitors, one of the guards stopped him and asked for his name.

“Prince Ludwich of Antigon,” Daniel said.

The guard looked down at a sheet of paper in his hands, and then up at Daniel’s escort of several dozen soldiers. He reached into his coat and brought out a sheet of paper, which he handed to Daniel.

Daniel was ushered into the courtyard, and most of his soldiers turned back to the ship. He handed the paper to one of his escorts and sent him into the castle. Then he stood in the courtyard for a while, watching the guests stream in. He noticed that many of them were filing through the garden gates, and he followed them in.

After a pleasant tour through the gardens, he had ended up in an echoey building with intricate decorations, where he sat through a long ceremony, during which a crowd of people spoke intensely to whatever being they thought was listening. He slipped away before it was over, regretting that he let himself get trapped in such a dreary event, but he knew it was just one formality in a thousand that he would have to bear in the coming weeks.

He continued down the garden path, searching for an exit that would return him to the courtyard. There he would find his escort, who by this time had made arrangements for his quarters. He would go directly there; he was not yet in a mood to mingle among royalty.

Back at home, just before leaving for Fovria, his father had told him, as a final piece of advice, to make sure he did not get swept away by the luster and excitement of the court. Hearing the chanting voices of the ceremony still ringing in his head, he felt he would not have to worry about that. He was certain he would be unimpressed by the Fovrian court. He had no intentions to enjoy the festivities; he had come to the country only to gather details on the political situation, which he would report back to his father. By the end of it all, perhaps Fovria would be yet another territory controlled by the Antigon empire. Looking around, though, seeing himself surrounded by colors brighter than the sky, and feeling enveloped by the warm scent, he thought he could get used to these flowers.





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Mon Dec 29, 2014 8:53 am
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Griffinkeeper says...



Simas was one unhappy Gryphon. His mission was stupidly dangerous; reckless even. He had to fly with Aaron on his back, land in hostile human territory. Furthermore, he had to fly in the most obvious way possible, neither using the sun, the forest, or even the safety of height. In other words, he would be low enough for humans to shoot him with their arrows; and thanks to the weight of his passenger, he would have no means to avoid it, save for magic; which he had also been prohibited from using.

It was stupid, but the last thing he would ever do is refuse a mission; especially one from the Matron. The other gryphons would talk and soon no one would trust him with anything but simple messenger duty. There were worse things than death.

Aaron spoke little during the journey until the castle came into view. Nestled on a peninsula overlooking the bay, it was huge in size. The building rose high into the sky, with turrets rising hundreds of feet off the ground. Walls surrounded the castle on all sides. Guardsmen were positioned strategically on the wall to look for intruders. It wasn't long before Simas saw one pointing at them.

"We've been spotted," Simas said.

"Good. I want you to orbit the castle twice. We're looking for any weaknesses in their defenses. After the second one, set me down in that garden area; it should be fairly close to the Queen, but not so close that they'll beat us there," Aaron answered. Simas did as he was told and watched closely as the men below shouted to one another.

As he orbited, Simas looked at the garden and found a spot inside a hedge maze. Once the scouting was complete, he landed in the maze. Aaron disembarked immediately, along with his bag.

"Well done Simas. Let's see what kind of reception we get."
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Lauren2010 says...



Jacqueline de Laurent | Castle Grounds

With the aid of her footmen, Jacqueline descended her private carriage in front of the castle, amid a swath of royalty. She adjusted her sleeves, smoothed her skirts, and clasped her hands demurely in front of her as she surveyed the dignitaries the Fovrian court had deigned to invite. Mentally, she took stock of the blades strapped to her thighs and the small knife tucked just inside her right sleeve.

"Madame," one of the footmen addressed her, his gaze cast to her feet. Jacqueline repressed a sigh, grateful for the fact that soon she would no longer be dealing with anyone who knew her past. The entire journey, her footmen could not manage to disregard her station as a Holy Daughter and their behavior had nearly given her away on more than one occasion.

"The prince has entered the palace's inner courtyards," her footman continued, remembering himself enough to force his gaze to her elbows at least. "It seems now would be an opportune moment to make his acquaintance."

Jacqueline nodded. "Yes, it seems," she said. She placed a gold coin in his hand and waved him away. "Now off with you. You're to remain in the city until I call for you. Don't get into trouble."

The footman bowed, and Jacqueline took the liberty of escorting herself into the courtyards. Dignitaries gathered in small groups, each making smalltalk based on their various loyalites, their imports and exports, the gods they served. Jacqueline's gaze passed quickly over them, only stopped with a small, satisfied smile as she met eyes with Prince Henry.

"My dear Prince," she said as she stepped toward him, her skirts drifting gracefully around her ankles - politely covered by the high cuffs of her boots - and stirring the light, loose dirt of the courtyard. "It is well we meet at last."

Henry bowed respectfully. "It is," he agreed. "But I'm afraid I don't have the pleasure of knowing such a lovely face. Might you introduce yourself again?"

Jacqueline smiled, a little sly pleasure bubbling in her chest. "Why, Prince Henry, didn't your late mother make you most aware? My name is Jacqueline de Laurent, of Cera across the sea, and we are to be wed."

Spoiler! :
@StellaThomas feel free to take that in whatever way you want. I literally have zero plans going forward xD
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