» Sun Aug 12, 2012 1:45 pm The Bound Company
Thin shafts of light penetrate your cell through the small barred window, the dank stones and iron bars just barely illuminated by Magnus’s glow. Rats scurry along the moldy stonework, hoping to find some discarded crumbs from the stale loaf of bread that was your daily meal. Far off, down the corridor, you hear a noise- the clanking of the heavy iron door to the prison. Is it time for the Jailor to make his rounds? No, it’s far too early for a patrol. Perhaps the guards are coming to beat you, or to have some sort of twisted fun? Regardless, the chances of anything good happening are nonexistent, and you know it. Nothing good ever happens down here.
It seems like an eternity passes before the guard arrives at the door to your cell, and you can see his silhouette producing a ring of heavy keys from his belt. With a dull clunk, the door to your cell is unlocked, the iron bars slowly swinging inward. The guard takes a step forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
“You there” he calls into the shadows that conceal you. “Get up. We’re going on a trip.”
Wordlessly you rise, cautiously approaching the guard. He checks to make sure you are still shackled in your irons before leading you out of your cell, the sound of the door slamming shut without you in it producing a feeling of comfort and triumph among the sea of unease that persists in your heart. He begins to lead you down the corridor, out of the prison, your hope rising; along the way, you notice many other guards collecting other prisoners, following the same path. You look upon their faces, wondering who they are, and why they are in Skingrad’s dungeons. Highwaymen? Deserters? Thieves? Murderers? You cannot tell, for they all share the same malnourished and disheveled appearance as yourself.
You and your fellow prisoners are escorted from the cold dungeons and into the castle proper, the heat from a nearby brazier raising your spirits even further. Into a massive chamber lined with guards you enter, your gaze meeting that of a tall Colovian man, with dark hair and devilishly handsome features, his Imperial finery curving with his body as he sits lazily on the throne. Your hopes shatter as you set your eyes upon Count Aurrus of Skingrad, a hint of malice hidden behind his pleasant smile.
“Greetings, esteemed guests of Skingrad’s prison,” He speaks, voice laced with sarcasm; his smile widens, promising something sinister. “I call you here today to ask of you… a favor.” The malice in his smile and eyes increase tenfold, burning into each of you in turn. “You see, I have a job that needs doing, but no one able or willing to it!” His tone is of mocking despair, all too blatant. “So, I wish to ask of you, my friends, will you be willing to perform a simple task for me?”
Silence.
“Delightful!” Aurrus’ laughter, sharp and unnatural, breaks the quiet; he leans forward. The disquieting air around him grows only thicker. “I had hoped you would prove cooperative.” There can no refusing his request, whatever it may be, and both you and him know it – the difference is that he delights in it.
“This… task is nothing too demanding, I assure you. I am, after all, a gracious host, and ask only for a small favour to repay my hospitality. A short expedition…” He looks at his nails, fingers that have never seen an hour of work in their life. “Down south, into the Khajiit lands. Not too far, if you are fleet of foot it should only take you five days’ worth of travel into the badlands to reach your destination… Comfortably before, I am told, your supplies begin to run out and such inconveniences as death by thirst or starvation come into play.”
“Perhaps you have heard of the ruined city of… Qrrr’haj Nal? Quite a mouthful, but then that is what happens when you let natives build their own settlements. I suggest you remember the name, friends,” There is nothing about his expression that would suggest friendliness, feigned or otherwise, at this point – only unspoken threats.
“For that is where you must go.”
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The Characters
Count Tyranus Aurrus, rightful ruler of County Skingrad and her Vassals,
The prisoners are to be released tomorrow at precisely mid-day, as you have ordered, and will be brought to the throne room to be briefed and outfitted for the expedition to Qrrr'haj Nal. Attached to this document are the dossiers of each prisoner, upon your request, for you to review at your leisure, my lord. I do hope that everything is in order.
~Your humble servant, Citro sixtius, steward of Count Aurrus, County Skingrad, 4E 18
The Ascended Sleeper
[reserved]
Person From Anticlere
[reserved]
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So, in this RP, you will be assuming the role of the freshly released prisoner, conscripted into Count Aurrus’s insane mission. Your identity, your history, your crimes are all up to you. Were you a wrongly accused and innocent citizen of the Empire, or were you a dangerous murderer, or perhaps just a petty thief? Just make sure we don't start off with everyone being some sort of powerful murderous badass. Please keep in mind that you start with no equipment (some will be supplied before the adventure truly begins), and that the OP was simply an introduction, and you may RP your release however you wish.
As the GMs, Person From Anticlere and myself would please ask for all participates to act with civil decency when making characters, and interacting with other characters and players (this includes combat, conversing, PvP, and everything else). Don’t overpower or uber your characters, and don’t be upset if your character dies, which can and will happen throughout the course of the RP. Please, be logical and respectful. This is, after all, is about making a good story and having a fun time doing it.
Alright, that’s enough formal crap. Let’s get to it. Feel free to post sheets on the thread.
