[Game Thread] Twin Shields

[dbaque]

Curious, Louis looks ready to ask something of her comment on her dress but thinks better of it. Regardless, he finds himself flitting between staring longer at her than strictly polite and paying particular attention to anything but his guest. Taking a somewhat longer sip of his goblet, Lord Louis answers her query: "Well enough, I'd say. Nichen should be fine for another few days amid our quest. We've also a lead on an elusive player in this warmongering game; we can only wait and see how that turns out." He then asks of her: "So, we are traveling to your home, Aira? What was it like for you?"

[kaylara]

Aira seems to enjoy the undivided attention she receives from Lord Louis. That is good to hear. I look forward to tomorrow. she saya with a sexy, yet reserved smile.

What part would you like to hear? Things about the area? My youth with my parents, or perhaps how it is traveliing the highwinds and the reason I gave you the ring?

[dbaque]

"All of the above, really," Louis answers simply, settling his attention firmly on their conversation, and away from the looks of his bewitching guest or her distracting smile, and especially not on his thoroughly amused sister.

[kaylara]

Aira grinned, Everything? I thought you only had a few days available. I can summarize my childhood, else this dinner may last a very long time. Please do not think the wrong way, I am more than happy to share their stories as time permits. Aira took another sip of wine.

I'll start with the quick ones first. The high winds are air currents in the sky, these winds are very strong and fast. By navigating them, we can make the Grunnspike mountains in a days time. Not many creatures can navigate it. Dragons are very powerful fliers and thus able to navigate it. The ring is magical and will activate if you were to fall. It's magic will ensure you land safely on the ground shall the winds seporate us. In the morning, I would recommend using some rope and tie yourself to me, to prevent you from falling. Also, dress warm. It will get cold. Aira paused a moment. Anything else you like to know about that before I continue to the next topic?

[dbaque]

"I've never minded the cold," his apparent nonchalance belying his interest in her creative mode of travel, to say nothing of speedy. Something else about her explanation caught his attention. Waiting until the servers returned to the kitchen to fetch something, he asks: "If few but dragons are the creatures that can navigate it, what would that make you, m'lady?" calmly cutting out another juicy portion of his meal. While he certainly looks interested in the answer, his eyes bear none of the anxiety such a question normally engenders.

[kaylara]

Aira smirked, He is wise and analytical. I did choose a good leader. Well, you were going to find out tomorrow, I suppose we can ruin the surprise.

I am what sages of the old order refer to as a Shield Dragon or Guardian Dragon. To the regular person, they often say Silver Dragon, I prefer Aira Ru. she smiled.

I suppose you have more questions now? as she looked over at Lady Katherine as if expecting her to jump out of her seat.

[dbaque]

"I knew it!" comes the not unexpected outburst from the young siren, "Diego owes me 10 gold!" Sheepish and then sadly, she realizes what she said and how he is not here. "Diego thought you were just a sorceress with draconic heritage," she explains quietly as her brother's state dulls some of her enthusiasm.

Lady Anastasia's reaction is much more the expected mix of surprise and awe, any trepidation tempered by her knowledge of metallic dragons. Louis' reaction is little more than if she announced that she liked riding. He explains: "We knew you had dragon blood in you, silver dragons likely. We weren't sure how much. Still, thank you for confiding in us, m'lady." With a bit of an amused grin, "I've fewer questions than you might think. We can tell you've been forthright in everything you've said thus far. I fancy it safe to say you're far older than you appear, though I know better than to inquire of a charming lady her age. Suffice my present curiosity with this: prithee, why such genuine solicitude for the demihuman races and the whole kingdom, m'lady? Mayhap, the tale of your 'different' childhood would answer that best."

[kaylara]

Aira smiled, Different? A child is a child no matter the race. I've spent most my time in the human form you see now. Tis much easier getting around in smaller places and people

When I was a small wyrmling, I would spend much of my time in human form, playing with the other children of the village, learning their language and culture. When it was time for the other children to rest, I would go home to practice flying. It was during my night flights when I would occasionally run into trouble. Due to my small size as a wyrmling, griffons and other airborne creatures would try to eat me. Luckily for me, the creatures I'd encountered while out flying around were not immune to my breath weapon. After I spent some time flying freely thru the night skies, I would retire for the evening by locking myself in mothers library to study.

It was the same routine for a few years. Then the day came when I grew out of my small form and into a larger form. Due to my new size, the encounters I would previously run into while out flying, died down slightly.

When ever I was not flying, playing or studying, I develpoed a taste for good food. I would join in every festival so I could indulge in the foods they provided. The shop owners would make a lot of sales just from me. It did not take long before a few shop owners became my best friends.

Several more years passed until the big day came. When my parents had decided to move locations. Of course, being a typical rebellious child, I argued with my parents, for I was not about to leave my friends or the lands I was born in.

My parents just smiled as they knew that day would come and respected my wishes. After packing up most of their belongings, my parents gifted me with some books, magical items and of course gem and coin. Mothers last comments were that they will always love me and to not spend all of the treasure on food.

I watched my parents fly away into the starlit sky. Not much time passed as my home grew quiet, almost desolate as I was now all alone. Aira fell quiet for a bit as she endulged a bit of food and drink as she awaited any comments or questions.

[dbaque]

"An actual dragon's lair?" Katherine whispers with poorly contained excitement. Looking pointedly at Louis, "When I get back from charming House Slith, you owe me details, brother."

"Sure, Katherine," he chuckles. Louis had to say, not really expecting what a dragon's childhood would be like, hers seemed downright ordinary, just like any human child's, save the wrestling with flying predators. "Whither flew your parents, m'lady?" he asks before returning to his earlier curiosity, "Your living among the demihuman races explains a fair bit of your interest. But, you are far from home, m'lady, and you spoke of a peculiar solicitude for the whole realm, not just the lands about your home. Why so wide and far reaching a ... protective instinct?"

[kaylara]

Aira smelled the wine before sipping it. But these are the lands around my home. My family had protected this area for many generations. I had grown to love our land and its inhabaitants. I think the difference here is our scale is different. How long does it take for you to cross what you call your land? For me, we will travel across your land and a few others before reaching the mountians within the day.

My parents traveled east to protect the other side of the mountain boarder. Aira glances back at the young Lord. How about you Mylord. What drive you to remain and lead, protect?

[dbaque]

"Point taken, m'lady." Lord Galliberos swirls his goblet pensively before his answer: "As to my family's fief, I was raised to lead and protect it from my birth. As to the whole realm ... Heavens, it sounds conceited. I think it does, though my kinsmen keep telling me otherwise," moistening his lips with a sip of his drink, "As one of the peers, I am charged with electing the best monarch I can among our number, and 'tis my own personal wish, as well. The threat of civil war echoed by our history lends yet more urgent weight to the task."

Setting his goblet down, "Regardless, a monarch must be many things, but among his attributes he must have the respect of the peers, proven acumen, and inspiring conviction. Any incipient dynasty without these qualities will crumble nearly before it begins, and war we shall have anyway. This was also the sort of man the late sovereign Fredrick IV was (rest he in peace), whom I, and my father before me, greatly respected; nay, all the peers respected, in their own way. So, who among the nine peers comes even close to possessing all three? Verily, look among their number, and you will find that qualifying list to comprise just two: Lady Groff and myself. She is," shaking his head wearily, "a case both promising and frustrating, for reasons complex. Suffice it to say I cannot back her bid presently, disheartening as it is that I am contributing to the throne's vacancy," his eyes seeming so troubled and so terribly ancient.

[kaylara]

Aira nods in agreement and understanding.I can help protect you in war. Becides, if an honorable and just man such as yourself is unable to back her, then there must be a good reason for it. Even if that reason is not fully understood or known yet. As she finished a second meal then looks over at the young Lord. So, do you plan to retire earli or would you care for a evening stroll? Aira then grinned a little, Or perhaps you would like to work out before you rest and we could spar a little. The choice is yours Mylord.

[dbaque]

With glance up as if heavenward for guidance, Lord Louis wonders incredulously to himself: 'Really? Two warrior women eager to fight me, within the same week.' Pushing his empty plate aside, he replies aloud: "I might tell you more about the more discrete details of it in time. For now, I've no interest in turning in early. Besides, if you mean to quest with me, 'twould behoove me to learn how well you hold in a fight." Adding to himself, 'To say naught of her interest in playing sword or bodyguard by my side.'

Standing up and offering a bow, "Katherine will show you to the training room after you get changed." Offering a hand to the heroine, he kisses hers once she stands, remarking: "I'll take my leave and meet you there." Lord Galliberos excuses himself to get changed. Lady Anastasia turns a chiding look to her niece: "I've no doubt you encouraged this. Well, go on. I'll be there to make sure they don't bang themselves up too badly." Katherine doesn't even bother looking sheepish before excusing herself and walking with the heroine towards her room. "Not bad for a first dinner," she remarks amusedly.

Once she's changed out of her dazzling gown, the young siren is waiting to escort her. Some turns and hallways later, Aira is led into a large room with weapon racks and training dummies along the walls, all looking well used. On the side is Anastasia seated in a chair. In the center the Lord of Nichen stands, large shield strapped to his arm and his livery covering the full plate mail of his fathers, bearing the Galliberos crest on the chest. At his side rests his sword in the scabbard Katherine sketched. Without the loose by fine robes of earlier, his tall, broad frame stands out clearly, even beneath his heavy mail. Despite his deep eyes, he looks no older than Aira's human form suggests.

Nodding a greeting, "We shan't be disturbed here, so you needn't worry about revealing yourself, m'lady. So then, how earnest a spar were you fancying? A straightforward test of fighting prowess on foot? Or shall I pull out the stops and summon my steed from the stable?" he asks with a bit of a smirk. The room certainly looks large enough for horsemen to duel.

 

Louis
Hp: 49/49
AC: 25/11/24
CMD: 20
F/R/W: +11/7/10
Spd: 20'

Effects:
Aura of Courage
Resistance 5 vs acid/cold/electricity
Lay on Hands: 3d6, cures sickened/diseased, 6/6 uses, swift on self
Halo: light over head, +2 circumstance Intimidate vs evil, +2 circumstance saves vs blinded/dazzled Doused

 

Tencedor
Hp: 45/45
AC: 20/12/17
CMD: 23 (27/29 vs. trip/overrun)
F/R/W: +8/8/3 (7 vs enchantments)
Spd: 50'

Effects:
Evasion

[kaylara]

Aira nods as the lord departs. Aira bids him and Lady Anastasia

Dice diplo:

d20+15

(19)+15

Total = 34

good evening.

Aira follows Lady Kathrine to the changing area. Looking over at Lady Katherine, You seemed happy this evening. So, do you think I should spar as my true form, or as I am now? As she changes and gets redied in her armor.

Once they arrived, Aira took a moment to see the Lord dressed and ready. So, any preference, I can fight as a human or my true form. If you want, if in my true form, you can use your mount. I will not fly out of reach nor use my breath. Aira waits to see what he feels like challenging.

[dbaque]

"And why shouldn't I be pleased over the results of my efforts?" the siren quips. Grinning even wider, "Someone else seemed even more pleased with herself at the results and attention she was getting."

At training room, Lord Galliberos makes not a move in answer before what you assume to be his steed teleports next to him. Swinging into the saddle with grace belying the weight of his armor, Louis responds: "Your offer to not fly out of reach is generous. But feel free to wield your breath weapon."

"Show me what you've been hiding, Aira," closing his eyes in concentration, a literal halo appears over his head, emitting warm rays about him, "and I shall show you what I've been." The celestial radiance lends a noticeably different reflection on the knight from that of the light of the room. His blond locks shine like polished gold. His tanned skin looks bronzed like the statue of a god. The scelera of his open eyes are silver rather than white, and their blue glitters like a gemstone. Even his armor gleams a little brighter. Yet amid this unearthly beauty, terrible wrath sits poised in angelkin's ancient eyes. Seated on his mount, all the angelic knight seems missing are a pair of feathered wings and a flaming sword to complete the picture.

Weaving a Spellcraft DC16 to recognize it as Divine Favorspell on himself, "I shall hold little back. The first to bring the other to a i.e. down to 1/4 hpquarter strength wins." Drawing his lance from his mount's harness, "Ladies first, little dragon," the stallion pawing in readiness for his master's signal.

 

Louis
Hp: 49/49
AC: 25/11/24
CMD: 20
F/R/W: +11/7/10
Spd: 20' (mounted for 50')

Effects:
Aura of Courage
Resistance 5 vs acid/cold/electricity
Lay on Hands: 3d6, cures sickened/diseased, 6/6 uses, swift on self
Halo: light over head, +2 circumstance Intimidate vs evil, +2 circumstance saves vs blinded/dazzled
Divine Favor spell: +1 luck attack/damage, 10/10 rounds

Tencedor
Hp: 45/45
AC: 20/12/17
CMD: 23 (27/29 vs. trip/overrun)
F/R/W: +8/8/3 (7 vs enchantments), +3 while mounted
Spd: 50'

Effects:
Evasion

OOC They start about 50' from each other. Aira is given initiative.