Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
Open to EIRAL Andronikos practically threw his papers on the counter as he stood before the reception desk and looked down at the person working there with an unintelligible expression, his helmet shrouding his brown eyes in shadow. "My papers." he grunted with his low, gravelly voice "I'm joining." Not that anybody would not be able to tell that he had arrived, as his heavy suit clanked with every step he took and was quite a spectacle when he had first entered the hall, with his metal-clad body and massive size. He had in his hand a half-eaten peach, and as he stood waiting for a response, he brought it up to his mouth and ripped off a chunk with his teeth, and a few droplets of the juice dribbled down the fruit's meaty flesh.
The receptionist just gave a glance to the armored man and then took his papers, making sure everything was in order, including the medical. Couldn't have any Anders sneaking in, after all. She was about to put the packet into the capsule to send up to the High Commander, when Alistair walked in and cleared his throat. "Thanks, I've got this one." he said in an authoritative tone.
"The High Commander has stated that he wishes to interview all candidates, first." The receptionist said in a snooty tone.
"The High Commander is busy at the moment dealing with our response to Sveden," Alistair lied. If it was his choice he'd have had the blonde behind the counter brought up on charges for disrespect to a senior office. Luckily for her, Faolan was a tad more forgiving. Kill them with kindness, egh. Alistair would rather just kill them. This was no place for the weak. They were were a Guild filled with Duty and Honor, but no one had ever said that would be easy. Bravery was a must, and knowing where one stood was better. For now, he had a part to play.
"Welcome to the EIRAL," he said,turning to face Andronikos even as he grabbed the papers from the receptionist before she could argue further. "You look quite the capable sort, if not a tad over dressed." he rapped a knuckle on the man's armor plating. Is this for show, or can you actually fight in it?"
Regardless of the response he shrugged and gestured towards the door, "Follow me."
Andronikos turned as this new person's voice arose. The man who the voice belonged to and the receptionist seemed to have a rather snooty conversation, and Andronikos watched, waiting patiently for them to figure out what they were going to do. "Welcome to EIRAL." The man finally said, and Andronikos stared down at him. "You look quite the capable sort, if not a tad overdressed." Andronikos would admit that he probably looked that way to most people, but it was matter that should hold no significance to them. The man rapped on his armor, and Andronikos was unmoved, take for rubbing the plate that had been touched instinctively. "Tch... Sho-" He started to say in reply to the question, but was cut off as he was instructed to follow him. He did as was instructed without further question.
Alistair made a show of taking Andronikos around the grounds. He even went so far as to point out specific points of interest, as if giving a tour. He didn't want anyone to overhear his eventual conversation. Once they were closer to the old Barracks, he stopped and turned back to face the large man. "Sorry about the long walk, but what I want to talk to you about is not for prying ears. I remember your story, especially what happened to your father. I was one of the first responders to the scene and made sure you got to the hospital. So I understand, but I need to know your motivation for being here."
He was relatively sure he already knew the man's motivation, and that was another reason for their little covert meeting. If he'd let the man go to Skye, he would have been back out on the street in relatively short order.
OOC: Hope it's ok putting Alistair into your character's background, thought it would make things more interesting, let me know if you want me to change it
Post by Lorraine Blackmoore on Oct 6, 2014 7:48:35 GMT
As always, Lorraine had been out training day in and day out. After her sessions with her usual squad, she made her way back to the barracks in order to continue her solo training. Just as she was ready to round a corner, Felix rushed out, sunk his teeth into the back of her boot and yanked back. As this was an action for the fox trained to do, his teeth did not puncture her skin though they did damage the leather of her boots. Felix's response brought her to an immediate halt and she listened, her ears now picking up on the conversation.
After a moments pause, Andronikos finally replied. "To protect the citizens of Lodan." Which was a lie. He clenched his teeth as the memory of the whole ordeal flooded back to him, and balled the hand that was not holding the peach into a fist, but he hoped that Alistair would not notice. What he claimed to be his reasoning was not his true purpose for joining, and he was pretty sure the man before him know that too, but even so...
Post by Alistair Malak on Oct 11, 2014 2:39:29 GMT
Alistair watched the man's features and couldn't help but see his jaw muscles contract. "Yes yes," he waved a hand in dismissal at Andronikos' statement. "We are all sworn to protect the citizens of Lodan. It's part of our oath and the code we live by. I would give my life to that cause. However, that is never the reason one seeks to join. I joined because I believed I could do a better job at cleaning up this city than anyone else, our illustrious High Commander," he said with a hint of disdain in the title, "joined because he was forced to. Some join because they are hungry, or angry, or simply want a place to lay their head at night. So, I ask again, what is your reason for wanting to join?"
Andronikos stood in silence for a few moments, unsure as to how to respond. What could he say? The true reason was probably quite obvious: revenge against those who had wronged him. However, to say that would most certainly not go over well, and he did not want to appear as if he was one to dwell on the past, or seem needy or self-absorbed. ".... I need work. I can fight." These false sayings fell from his lips slowly, with small, practically unnoticeable fractures in between the words. Andronikos was not the most clever, and coming up with such excuses did not come easily to him.
Post by Alistair Malak on Oct 11, 2014 3:34:39 GMT
"Very well, just know that I understand your true motivations. I see only one threat to this city and it is the Anders. We may soon find ourselves in a war with an outside force. The last thing we need is for the inside force to stab us in the back. High Commander Skye would see us work hand in hand with them, but men such as us know that is not possible." he considered his next words carefully. If this boy was not the man he thought him to be, well he could simply arrange an accident to take care of him, but Skye...he was another problem. "A change is in the air. You're about to join the EIRAL at a very decisive time. War is upon us and every decision we make must be made for the greater good. So I offer you a choice. I mean to take what should have rightfully been mine and win this coming war. You can join me and be in a unique place on top of the food chain, or you can run and warn Skye, in which case you are welcome to go down with the ship."
With a solid nod, Andronikos grunted in order to convey to the man before him that he understood. He knew he was not alone in his opinions of the anders, and he was relieved to know that this man thought as he did. The potential for war, however, Andronikos was not aware about, but what surprised him most was Alistair's plan for takeover. He had yet to make acquaintances with the commander, but based on what this man was telling him, he must be too kind to the demon vermin that came uninvited into the streets of Lodan, and therefore, was quite willing to comply with Alistair's plan. He took another bite out of his peach, but a bit of juice sprayed out and landed on Alistair's cheek. With a grunt Andronikos apologized, but did so almost apathetically. "Sorry."
Post by Lorraine Blackmoore on Oct 20, 2014 6:12:10 GMT
Lorraine held her breath for the greater part of the conversation that took place. Tilting her head back, she scans the sky briefly before looking down at Felix. 'We shouldn't be listening to this,' she mouths to the beast and slowly backs out the way she had come, careful not to make any further noise. Could this mean the High Commander was in danger? Once she was far away, she bolted into a run to get to help her concentrate as her as she thought of what to do. Should she tell Skye? Well of course, he could get hurt by not being warned... but would be believe her? Taking the chance, she makes her way for the High Commander's office.
Skye was in his office, as usual, buried under a pile of paperwork. Alistair's mission to scout out Sveden's boarders had brought back news that no one wanted to deal with. That was always the case with bureaucracy. No one wanted to look at the hard truth, and even when they did, they needed someone to blame for it. There were those who said they should have been better prepared for an eventual attack. They were the same ones who had denied giving the EIRAL the funds to build up their forces only months ago. There were still others who wanted to try a diplomatic solution, but that would be tipping their hand that they knew what was coming. Lots of words were being tossed back and forth, but none of it was helpful. What he needed now was cooperation, even if he had to look elsewhere. These bureaucrats would drown Lodan in paperwork and when the enemy was at their doors, then they would demand action.
Post by Lorraine Blackmoore on Oct 21, 2014 6:17:14 GMT
Lorraine passed the receptionist as she made her way toward the High commander's office, Felix hot at her heels. When she came to the desk, she slowed to a brisk pace. "I need to see the High Commander, it's an emergency," she states, not giving pause. Once at the door, she knocks loudly, calling out to the man inside. "High Commander Skye, Ensign Lorraine at your door. I need to speak with you at once. Please, I think this is important and needs your attention."
Post by Alistair Malak on Oct 21, 2014 9:49:37 GMT
"Best you learn your place," Alistair said as he wiped the juice from his cheek. His eyes were cold and hard. He wouldn't even need half this man's strength in order to put him down, but he felt he owed the boy something. More importantly he could still see use him. Commanders knew how to use all of their pieces on the battlefield. "You're going to have to put that armor away until you have need to wear it in combat, and put on a uniform of the EIRAL. There are no exceptions to this. You will be placed as any other Ensign, you will have duties and training, and when I have need of your skills, I will summon you. If this is acceptable than repeat after me. I do pledge my life to the protection of Lodan and her people. I am the sword that protects her borders, I am the shield that defends the peace. Even when the night is at its darkest, I will be the torch that lights the way. The people of Lodan are my charges, but I take all those who wear the blue and gold as my brothers and sisters. I vow to protect them as I would my own family, knowing that they will do the same for me. All of this I swear until the day I draw my last breath."
"The armor doesn't do anything. It is rather pointless, but I would prefer not to take it off." Andronikos said, talking more than he would in most cases. He was completely oblivious to Alistair's manipulative nature and intentions and believed him. He waited for a reply from his commander. Whichever way Alistair answered, Andronikos agreed, grateful if he was allowed to keep his armor and grudgingly if he was not, and repeated. "I do pledge my life to the protection of Lodan and her people. I am the sword that protects her borders, I am the shield that defends the peace. Even when the night is at its darkest, I will be the torch that lights the way. The people of Lodan are my charges, but I take all those who wear the blue and gold as my brothers and sisters. I vow to protect them as I would my own family, knowing that they will do the same for me. All of this I swear until the day I draw my last breath."
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