Strangers in a Strange Land, Prologue

[Ms.Ezra]

We call our world Nomae-Ralo.

Our world is very different from yours. Your world is dominated by humankind, with no room for other sentient life. The menagerie of races that is our world, is only the stable for myths and 'fairy tales' in yours. We have quarrels, and power struggles same as yours. Only we have yet to discover the inner might of a lightning strike, so we huddle around wood and rock fire, or oil lamps when the land is ruled by the night.

And yet here you are, in our world. An otherworldly force has opened a door between our worlds to pluck you from there, and dropped you here.

It's not just you who has come from that world, others were taken as well. They come from across your globe, and even from different times. Some of you lived centuries apart.

At first we just called you all Strangers. Because you spoke a tongue never heard, dressed odd to us, and some of you brought strange weapons. Dangerous weapons. The best of us took you in. The worst of our leaders jailed you for your strange ways.

But rather quickly, you Strangers became two very different groups. The Drifters are those of you who keep your distance from other Strangers and even the natives, preferring to wander in search of something only you could understand.

Then there are The Enders. Those Strangers who passed from your world and have taken it upon themselves to exert their will on the native races, to end their dominion and existence by any means. Maybe something horrible happened to them in their world, why they choose to do this.

In some of you, the passing between worlds granted you unnatural power. Most with this kind of power became an Ender, but the possession of power does not make one Drifter or Ender. Choices do that.

What choices are you going to make in our world?

=====================
Our Cast of Characters

Anne Bonny, The Pirate
Played by Ms. Ezra

Date Yuzuki, The Samurai
Played by Camleen

Albert Rhinegard, The Guy
Played by Ascendant

Craig Wittingham, The Old West Bandit
Played by Goodtvus

Sir Richard Francis Burton, The Explorer
Played by Gands

Felix Lars Helström
Played by Oryx

Grim Manne, The Hunter
Played by Papa Scorch

=====================​

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CHARACTER INDEX

Current Map​

 

[TheTechnologicVampire]

Ziarla sighed as she watched the leader send two small groups away to tend to some tasks. The first group seemed like they were going to retrieve something. The orange-haired rally driver hoped it was something that would aid in breaking down the language barrier between her and the Elves. The second group was obviously sent to get her some more food as the first had been sent while she had been eating the strawberry-tasting apples. They didn't taste too bad, she never had a dis-taste for strawberries, but they definitely didn't do much to satisfy her hunger monkey (metaphorically speaking).

Ziarla was surprised when the leader produced something that looked like beef jerky and handed it to her and motioned to himself, probably announcing his name in the garbled language he spoke. Unfortunately for the elf, Ziarla had tried some jerky when in America and discovered she had a disliking for it, so turned down the offer of the dried meat. She decided it would be polite to introduce herself, even if it meant speaking in a language not known to him.

"Ziarla Wilson" She said, stating her name. To give him insight into what she did on Earth, she pulled out her phone and opened up the gallery app. Fortunately, she had a video saved of her in action on Wales Rally GB. Playing the video she showed it to him. She then pointed to herself, made a steering motion as if miming driving a car, and then pointed to the M-Sport Fiesta R5 in the video. She did this as a way of showing him her occupation, saying in mime that she drives that rally car, whuch the video showed jumping and drifting through Welsh forests.

(Tagging: @Camleen )

 

[Camleen]

When Ziarla refuses to accept the jerky… every single one of those gathered around her gives her an odd look. Some even look offended. The piece of dried meat hangs in the air a moment more as Rhys holds it, staring at her as if unbelieving. After a few moments of silence, one of the 'elves' towards the rear of the group exclaims softly ("Really?"). Rhys pushes himself to his feet, replacing the meat into the pouch as he glances over his shoulder. ("She is Stranger. She knows not our customs.").

And when she speaks, Rhys' head tilts a little to one side. "Z…ee..ah…la.. Weeel… sons…" He says slowly, seeming satisfied that's exactly how it should sound. It's not, of course.

And then things get nuts.

Ziarla pulls her phone out, and some of the Zylrel audibly gasp, some of them even raising their bows towards her. Rhys calmly holds his armored hand up, staring down at the strange woman. She shows him the screen, and he leans in to get a better look. He actually flinches as the car moves along the screen, and he looks passed the phone, half expecting it to explode out of the small contraption. He leans back towards her, staring at the video with apprehension. And not a few moments later the rest of the group is suddenly huddled very close around Ziarla to get a better look at the small screen.

("Is this also her ability?") ("Strange little contraption…") ("Has she enslaved some type of Xanth there?") ("Can she know the magics of Avados? Is that what it is?") ("That's near Lyeecia, I recognize it") ("It isn't near Lyeecia, dolt. It's probably her world.") ("Maybe it's Xytri. Does this woman have a tail? Someone check for a tail.") ("My hunting party is made up of idiots.")

As the group talks amongst themselves huddled around Ziarla, Rhys has by this time stepped back, silently watching. Around then, the three that had broken off from the group return with a woven basket (looks to be made of a bamboo like substance), and Rhys looks to them with a smile. ("Ah, excellent timing. Well done.") He reaches out as the basket is offered, and as he once more approaches Ziarla, the group of scouts scatter without further words or orders. They now observe from a short distance as Rhys sets the closed basket down, motioning Ziarla to it. ("I hope you find this piece of our hospitality acceptable.")

In the closed basket she would find some kind of seared/grilled fish, more of the apple/strawberries, a few small loaves of bread, something that looks like rice wrapped in a leaf and a small closed cup (the cup being made of the same material as the basket) of liquid. The liquid has a very bitter taste to it.


Tagging: @TheTechnologicVampire

 

[TheTechnologicVampire]

Her eyes widened at the look of offence some of the group gave to her. A shocked expression crossed her face as didn't mean to offend anyone; it was just a coincidence that the piece of dried meat looked very much like beef jerky, which she unfortunately had a large dis-taste for. She then laughed at the leader's futile attempt at trying to repeat her name in English. It was a total failure, which she shook her head at and the spelt out how it was supposed to be pronounced. "Zee-are-la Will-son." Hopefully that helped in some way.

She was a bit shocked at the drawing of the bows, but it didn't deter her from showing the leader her phone. The sounds of the Fiesta's turbo inline-4 engine roared from the speakers, pops and bangs cing into play when the anti-lag would kick-in. She also reeled back in shock from all the Elves huddling around her, feeling that her personal space had very much been violated, to which she held her phone against her chest and gave each of the scouts a look of utter disgust.

Her saving grace was, of course, the arrival of more food. Opening up the basket, she was relieved to find what the natives must class as a full meal and started eating the offering. The fish was nothing to shout about, mostly tasting like smoked salmon from Earth. The bread was also familiar as that of freshly baked white bread rolls, and the apple/strawberries were definitely not an unwelcome addition.

However, the last two items caught her attention. The leaf-wrapped rice seemed strange to her, so she removed the leaf and just ate the rice instead as leaves were not something the human body could digest, and therefore, not able to be eaten. The cup of liquid was something that utterly disgusted her. After finishing the meal, she took a swig from the cup to wash the meal down with. It was not a pleasant taste for her tongue and she spat it right back out. She brought the cup up to her face and gave it a look of confusion and disgust, as if to say 'What the f*** is this!?'

(Tagging: @Camleen )

 

[Ms.Ezra]

===============
Craig Wittingham
===============

​

If Craig were to inspect the dirt trail nearby, he would note the marks of local animals passing through, and the familiar marks of a horse-drawn transport having also come by recently. And farther off in the distance, he would see smoke billowing up into the air. Nothing to indicate a large fire, but a campfire to be certain.

If Craig were so inclined, he could come to the campsite and see the smoke to be emanating from out front of a large tent, the carriage and horses he had seen the tracks of off to the side. There were two guards in leather and chainmail armor posted outside the entrance, standing stalwart and swithcing off which of them patrolled around the tent every twenty minutes. There was a white rose painted on each panel of the tent, but Craigs not being the scholarly type, would not know their significance.

What would interest him was that seated at a table just inside the entrance of the tent was a nobleman. Not old, but not young. He was dressed in clothing that fit the older era of everything around him, complete with a white powdered wig that marked him as a man of significance. (Should Craig know such a thing)

A pig was roasting on the spit over the fire, a servant in a tunic keeping watch over it.

@Goodtvus

===============
Albert and Yuzuki
===============
​

"Aye, finally, someone speakin' my language!" Anne threw her arms up in celebration as she walked forward to the pair, the kitten and other cat folk parting before as if in reverence. Anne walked with an unsteady swagger, indicating she was somewhat intoxicated, but together. She looked at Albert first, rubbing her chin. "You from the Americas? Cause ya certainly don't look like an inbred Brit." She asked, laughing and indicating the woman. "Yu...zuki? I say that right? What is she to you? Only Oriental I've ever known was the lay of the town." She gave Albert a light punch to the shoulder while smiling and then choosing to answer his question.

"This place? Well far as ah've been able to tell, this is a village of cat people, and they think me a god or sumthin, cause I can do this." She reached down, and scratched one of the kittens near her behind the ears, eliciting the kitten boy to close his eyes, smile, and rub his head against her hand. The rest of the kittens, and adults for that matter, became visibly excited but held themselves back.

Before Albert could try, if he had thought to do so, Anne put up her hand to him and warned. "Would not try it if I were you. One hand on the kittens, or adults, an ya might need the Oriental's hands for more than..." She trailed off, but grinned and made a lewd hand gesture with her right hand. "Savvy?"

@Camleen @Ascendant

===========
Sir Richard
===========
​

As he wandered the town, the people would see him, see his attire, but not engage him. They simply went about their business.

However he would come to a sign that stood out amonst the rest beause first of all it did not offer any kind of service, only a name on a wooden placard on its door: "The Red Shield Guild" , and a simple motto beneath that stating "Explore, Chronicle, Defend."

What likely would intrigue the good sir was the emblem of this guild beneath title and motto.

Should Sir Richard be so inclined, he could enter and see a reception area with a young woman at a desk. She had her feet up on the wooden desk, a canvas on her lap, and tongue out as she concentrate on her current task. The woman was dressed in a white militaristic uniform, black boots, and a white beret atop her short brunette hair. So engrossed was she, that a newcomer would need to make themselves known to get her attention.

Or by all means he could not investigate this Red Shield Guild, and keep exploring the city until coming to what had to be a market square. Evidently something important was occuring, as all the stalls were bustling with shopkeepers setting up, and a crew erecting a large tent at the center of the town marketplace. The tent would bear the same Yorkish rose as the banners.

@Gands

 

[Ascendant]

Albert Rhinegard

Albert found himself subtly recoiling from the drunkard woman, having always had an opposition to and distaste for alcohol. Her touch made him cringe a bit and look away from her face, examining the items on the woman's person while listening to her speak. The pistols seemed to indicate sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries most likely, probably earlier considering her 'pirate' outfit. Bonny's latently racist comments would probably be explained by that, but it still didn't entirely check the red anger that arose in his neck as she continued to speak.

At first he held his tongue, wondering exactly how to handle the situation, Albert found his jaw clenching as Bonny seemed to imply he'd use Yuzuki like some petty whore. Despite having nearly been killed by Yuzuki, Albert was not one to stand for disrespect as he spoke with a profoundly soft yet seethingly angry tone, finding himself glaring deeply into the woman's eyes, rage overcoming awkwardness, "I would appreciate it if you would refrain from disrespecting people on the basis of their race or where they come from. I come from the United States of America, a land composed of a multitude of peoples, and it is unacceptable in my time to make such comments. Yuzuki is clearly not a whore, and even if she were, her race does not determine her livelihood. She is currently my acquaintance, but I will not stand to see her honor trodden upon in a language she does not understand even if she did threaten me."

With that, Albert exhaled hard in an attempt to alleviate his anger, broke his eye contact with Bonny, and once more returned to inspecting the area. As his mind cleared, he realized the woman might actually fight him with that sword, which would be a terrible outcome, What the hell am I going to do with this place? Racist alcoholic pirates, samurai women, cat people, who knows what other types of fantasy nonsense exist here. And I'm stuck in the middle of it.

Interactions: Bonny, @Ms.Ezra

 

[Gands]

Sir Richard Burton
Small walled town

As Sir Richard wandered through the picturesque old style town, thoroughly enjoying himself, he came across the Red Shield Guild banner. He read carefully the motto, all of these things of course near and dear to his own heart. He decided to enter the building proper.

Past the entrance door he saw the young woman. He simply studied her for a moment. A few things he noted. Having a woman in a military style job would have been extremely rare during the time in England where these people theoretically came, let alone his own time, where it was only slightly less rare. The cut of her hair, simple, made to allow wearing a helmet with ease one would assume ? Burton stepped quietly closer, inspecting her boots. Well made, newer, not well used so far. He stepped back away then.

Dressed as he was, sturdy adventurers clothing, his tan East India military jacket with appropriate ribbons and medals such as they were. His own boots not so different from hers. He had his haversack, stuffed full of other gear. Field glass, weapons and ammunition belt. His hat under one arm.

" Ahem, I beg your pardon Miss ! I am rather new in town and noticed your guild banner over the door. What can you tell me about your guild ? "

@Ms.Ezra @Goodtvus

 

[Camleen]

With some satisfaction Rhys watches Ziarla as she opens the basket up. He stands before with his arms crossed over his chest, his armor glinting gently in the offered light of the forest. The Stranger seems, for the most part, to be pleased with the very typical meal offered. As she eats, he turns a little to look towards the rest of the group. ("Return home with the rest of the bounty. Advise Elder that we should perhaps post another guard. In case more Strangers appear.") The group of 'elves' now start to move away, most of them keeping their gaze on Ziarla for as long as they can before they disappear into the forest. None of them seemed to concerned with clearly invading her personal space… but once more their ways are a bit different from Zarlia's…

His gaze moves back to Zarlia as she gets towards the end of her meal, wondering if he's going to have to come up with more food from somewhere. He truly hopes not. Feeding the village is hard enough as it is, with the Palerme constantly testing their boundaries and their luck.

But when Zarlia spats the liquid out, Rhys looks to her with something of a 'come on now' look. He turns to fully face her, his patient smile still upon his lips. ("I'll just assume that insult is also because you don't know our ways.") He motions to the cup as he continues ("A common tea, made from some of the more plentiful roots here.") But of course Zarlia would have zero idea as to what his seeming garbled words were.

He once more kneels before her and puts the large wax like leaf into the basket, and he looks to her with a kind smile as he takes the cup from her. He tosses the rest of the tea out, speaking as he does so. ("If you're still thirsty… and if it doesn't offend your delicate palette… there's a river near here.") He points towards the south. ("The water is clean there, safe for you.") He nods as he replaces the lid upon the basket. He realizes his words won't be enough to convey what he advised her of… and while he hasn't been wholly concerned up to this point, he feels he should try to relay this particular message. "Hmph" he says softly, and then brings a hand up. He makes a sort of wavy motion with his hand, his other hand pointing towards the south. He isn't sure if she understand the sign for water, but he has to try at least.

Tagging: @TheTechnologicVampire

 

[TheTechnologicVampire]

Ziarla sighed. It seemed turning down food was considered an insult here. If she knew what they were saying and they knew what she was saying, they could communicate with each other. But as things were, it was near impossible to convey what she wanted to say.

She still didn't quite feel full enough, but she decided it was best to move on from here and find somewhere that inhabited someone that she could have a conversation with. Luckily for the elven leader, Ziarla understand what he was trying to say to her through the hand gestures. Giving a nod in acknowledgement, she stood and started walking in the direction of the water.

She soon came across the river, which luck would have it, harboured safe drinking warter, from which she took many gulps. Also luckily for her, a tree bearing the apple/strawberries was nearby, so picking as many as she could, she ate those to fill up the remainder of her energy reserves.

Now at full capacity, she could continue her run, though now with a different goal in mind: find a place that houses someone that can speak English, whether a native or a Stranger. She once again zoomed off at full speed, the draft from her running blowing leaves off the trees, flowing in the wake behind her, before settling down on the ground.

(Tagging: @Camleen )

 

[Camleen]

With wariness does Yuzuki watch Anne approach them. Her dark eyes study the other woman as she moves… watching for any subtle hints that she is going to draw her weapons or do something to attack. But as it is… the woman seems a little weak at the knees. Odd.

Once more she speaks to Albert, and she sighs in the back of her mind. She looks between them without words, wondering what exactly it is they are saying. But when she hears Anne say her name, she looks back to the dark haired woman. She nods obediently as Anne tries to say her name. Poorly. "Yuzuki" she says, saying it rather fast with a soft smile. As you would say a word that you're accustomed to spouting, without regard someone might be trying to learn it.

And when she playfully punches Albert in the arm, her grip on her naginata tightens a little. The only reason why is because she thought it could be an attack. But judging her body language as she thrust her fist forward, she felt the odds of that were very low. Luckily, she was right.

Her gaze is drawn to the child with Anne's demonstration, her head tilting a little to one side. She turns slightly to gaze towards the other children, wondering if she's supposed to do the same. But something tells her that seems… well rude. Perhaps degrading. If she's wrong on that, she'll take that.

Turning back to the conversation that she has no idea is about, she now stands silently slightly apart from them. She almost feels like she's back in Kurihara. One of the last of the guard left in the city, keeping watch as the politicians and those within power spoke amongst themselves. She was never big into politics (though she has had plenty of exposure to it), and so sometimes she would focus less on them and their words and more on the environment around them. As a good guard should. That's about what she does now as Anne and Albert converse. While before she didn't quite understand all that was said because of disinterest and naivety, this time it's because of the very big language barrier.

But as she observes the two quietly, she notices Albert starting to get… well he seems upset suddenly. "Hm?" She makes a soft noise of curiosity as she stares at him, then looking between the two of them again. Did he just find out something bad? Has he perhaps figured out what all this mess is? Was the bandit able to shed any light on their predicament? She hears her name once more, and then Albert looks away from Anne. Well that's not a good reaction. She watches him a moment, and then she looks towards Anne as she speaks. ("What did you say to him? Are you able to help us? Am I… dead? Is this the underworld?") But of course Anne would only hear "Anata wa kare ni nani o itta nodesu ka? Anata wa watashitachi o tasukeru koto ga dekimasu ka? Watashi wa shinde….. imasu ka? Kore wa Yomidesu ka?" Her tone that of a normal paced conversation… normal paced for people that understand one another of course. So it would seem like she's talking fast. But despite the language barrier, her cadence is a gentle one, almost tender. She is a compassionate being, and that is often carried in her voice.

 

[Goodtvus]

A sign-

After Craig started to soak in his surroundings he notices something, smoke coming from a fire.

"Well I'll be damned..." Craig says to himself with a smile as he takes a closer look. A camp near a large tent with two guards off to the side, something worth while perhaps? But there was something else, it looked to be a pig on the roast

"Hello there bea-u-ti-ful" he says to himself realizing how hungry he has gotten. He quickly checks his stolen revolver and starts to count his shots, as he finishes "Twelve, twelve bullets... looks like I'm being friendly" Wittingham says as he stands up and starts to follow the trail over to the tent. As he walks over to the tent he thinks to himself

"I should probably ask where I am while I'm trying to get a piece of that piggy." Not before long he makes his way to tent and before talking to anyone else he makes his way over to the guards. Clearing his throat loudly to get the one guard's attention he then tips his hat and smiles.

"Excuse me partner, but would you happen to know where we are?" Craig says in his most charming voice. "It must be a dumb question to ask but I was never one on directions" He says making sure his revolver his kept hidden in its holster.

Craig thinks to himself in the few seconds before the guard answers his question, "All I have to do is convince these yellow bellies to buzz off."

 

[Camleen]

{"The Stranger will pass through the lands we call home. She is lost. An arrow let loose into darkness. Her arrival heralds the New Age."}

The Zylrel did their best to be hospital to Ziarla, offering food. But they still couldn't trust her fully. Perhaps that's why Rhys directed her towards the river. Perhaps he suspected that once she was able to leave them, she would. It was obvious she had some sort of problem with them also. And it seems his hunch paid off.

But her presence has not gone unnoticed, by a number of interested parties. Far to the south, through the Selju Strait, word of Ziarla's arrival in the Zylrel settlement has reached the distant island state of Maagin. Amidst it's harsh desert like environment lies the very populated and very protected city of Ormus.

A Zylrel (elf) female moves quickly from the room she had been sitting, listening to the report from the north. She had been focusing on a small orb, a little bigger than a baseball. From it came a voice from the north, telling her of Ziarla's arrival. She strides into a large ornate room, in the center of the room a round table. And around it… almost a dozen beings of varying races, varying sizes. She stops just inside of the room, and she speaks. "A Stranger has appeared… near Alloralla." There is hushed conversation amongst those gathered around the table. She steps closer to the table and sits at her appointed seat. And as she does, a very large man pushes himself from his heavy chair. He stands close to 6'5", the whole of his form seeming to be nothing but muscle and armor. His features, well they can only be described as those shared by an orc. "Inform Linia and Gatecia. We all should alert our capitols now. Tell them to be wary of more Strangers arriving…" His tone is one of dire warning



Further north, on the main continent of Netokli, Ziarla would find herself moving farther from the 'elf city' and along some passes that lead into the mountains. Those passes are almost like a maze through the mountains… just when you think you've found the path through you realize you've been there already. And as she heads deeper into the mountains… it would be obvious she isn't alone. You know that feeling when you think you're being watched? Well Ziarla is being watched.

The city she left is far out of view by now… both by distance and the mountains themselves. As she moves, if she would look along the horizon… on occasion she would see something moving between the mountains themselves. As if something was circling the mountains itself… circling around her. She comes across a canyon then, a long canyon that many of the paths seems to lead. As if whoever laid those paths wanted whatever wanderers there were to eventually end up there. And in the distance, she would see the 'thing' that had been circling her this whole time. To say it's big is something of an understatement… like saying Ziarla is just a little faster than most.

The immense creature stands about 50 feet tall, it's movements casual and purposeful. His skin is coated with light colored scales, those gently reflecting the soft blue of the sky and the jade green of the grass and trees around him. His light colored eyes look into the distance, not at Ziarla. His massive wings unfurl a bit, as if he were stretching them. He seems to have come out of nowhere… as if he had been there this whole time. Or perhaps he was never there at all. His large head now cranes down, and he looks Ziarla right in the eyes immediately. Even if she had tried to hide herself from him, he still sees her. One of his front paws rises, and then takes a few slow strides towards each. Each footfall creating a faint rumble under her feet. His jaws part… and his 'voice' comes forth with a loud growling tone.

{"The Herald has arrived. I bid welcome to you… my inner divine light bows to your inner divine light, child of Earth. I have been waiting for you."}

And perhaps in another surprising turn… she would understand his words perfectly.


Tagging: @TheTechnologicVampire

 

[Ms.Ezra]

====================
Albert and Yuzuki
@Ascendant @Camleen
====================
​

The pirate woman's brows rose as what she had taken for a weak little man, suddenly admonished her with a very indignant tone. She had let him have his say, and the cat people around them looked confused as to what was going on. The kittens were taken away from the scene by their mothers quietly.

When this Albert had said his piece, Anne nodded in agreement. "Well said whelp." In one quick movement, Anne had drawn her pistols and trained them on both newcomers. The one on Albert was inches from his neck, the other dead-center on Yuzuki's chest. Knowing agression well, the cat people sprung into action and seeing the woman as more of a threat, surrounded her with claws out. The one that had guided them had been behind Yuzuki, and reached around to grab her by the neck. Just hard enough to hold her, with claws pressing lightly into her skin.

It was silent for a few long seconds as Anne looked Albert dead in his eyes, her own narrowed and her mouth in a snarl. " this be my apology. Make yer peace." She said pulling the hammer back on both pistols with her thumbs. There were another couple long silent minutes, followed by a sudden "BANG!" from Anne. Now instead of a snarl, Anne was smilling and laughing, bringing her pistols down and holstering them on her belt.

"Let dat be a lesson boyo. Yer mouth goin' off like dat, can get ya both killed. No matter what time yer in, rule is always choose yer words wisely." She said to the cat people "Down. Safe." And while the one holding Yuzuki hesitated, she released the samurai and stepped back. Anne walked back into her hut, beckoning them inside. "Come on in. Got food and water." She looked to the Japanese woman, looked to think hard with a scrunching of her face, then mimed biting something in her hand, then drinking.

The inside of the hut was about as primitive as one would have thought. The only thing that passed for furniture was a bed made from a thick pile of leaves in one corner. At the center was a basket of odd-looking purple fruit, a crude wooden bucket of water, and wrapped in leaves were what appeared to be squares of cooked meat on sticks. Anne sat down next to the pile, and took off her hat, then grabbed and bit into a fruit to indicate they were safe.

============
Sir Richard
@Gands
============​

The young woman stopped painting, put the end of her brush in the corner of her mouth and turned her gaze to the man. "What can I tell you? Well, I can tell you-" She stopped as she noticed the man's uniform and medals. The clothing he wore wasn't immediately out of place to her. The Guild's own white uniform was of the same style. However she did not recognize the particular medals."-we are not a military organization. We are dedicated to the study of Strangers. We seek them out, gather what information we can about them, and most importantly arrange for their detainment and/or execution as the situation requires. All to better understand them, but also defend all peoples from any dangers they pose." She explained professionally but kept her boots up and had a casual attitude.

Assuming the man gave her any indication he still had no clue what she was talking about, she spoke again. "Strangers? Those men and women not of this world?"

=================
Craig
@Goodtvus
=================
​

The guards saw the man approaching, and had their swords at the ready.

"Halt! Not one step further!" ordered the one guard when Craig was next to the roasting pig.

"At this moment, you are in the camp of Sir Fennith, Duke of Brognall. And it would be best if you move along, Stranger." said the other with a small degree of venom in his voice.

"An intruder?!" exclaimed the Duke from within the tent, springing up from his seat.

"I believe I heard Stranger, my Lord. How exciting! Maybe I know this one." said a fourth unseen man from within. The man walked out of the tent and into the sunlight. He was an older man with blonde hair, a dilated left eye, and dressed in a nice blue tunic with similarly nice shoes. "Well then. I don't know this one, but I could hazard a guess at an American cowboy, circa 1800's, if I'm not mistaken." The man gave his evaluation then warned the guards. "Careful. These cowboys tend to have a revolver or two." He then spoke directly to the man.

"You hungry, Stranger? Confused? I know I was very very confused when I came here." He pointed at the pig. "Have a seat, some pig, and maybe we can work something out."

The Man

 

[Gands]

Sir Richard

Burton listened carefully as she spoke, tilting his head a bit at the end, body language encouraging more, just to make sure.

" I see, I have not myself met anyone who was not from this world. Should I take it as a group they are feared and generally need to be executed ? Surely they as a group are not all bad hmmn ? "

The tone of his voice is soft, questioning, curious. There is now anger or fear in it. His body language is relaxed. Just the same, he is very subtly looking around the room and ready to leave.

@Ms.Ezra

 

[Ascendant]

Albert Rhinegard

Yuzuki's questions to Anne received only a simple reply from Albert in Japanese with a frown, ("She doesn't understand Japanese at all.") To be fair, Albert didn't understand a fair bit of what Yuzuki has said, but he could still manage to understand the gist of the majority. But Anne soon made herself clear through a show of force as Albert found himself staring down the barrel of an obsolete flintlock pistol, Well, I guess this is how I end then, dying for trying to protect someone's honor. At least she's aiming well so it'll be quick. Or perhaps Yuzuki will manage something, though can I really trust her? Albert glanced over at her, wondering how she was handling the sudden change of events.

The man actually sighed somewhat, resigned as Anne told him to make his peace and pulled back the hammer on the pistols, Albert simply awaiting his fate, until Anne finished her brutal 'joke', 'lesson', whatever it is she wished to call it. He felt his knees going weak as nausea and dizziness flooded his system while Anne disappeared inside the hut. It was somewhat of a struggle to get to the hut considering the woman would likely punish him for not following as Albert found himself having to support his weight using other huts and things along the way, barely reigning in vomit reaching into the back of his throat.

Still, Albert somehow found his way inside, sitting with his back against the wooden wall of the hut. His eyes glazed over as they observed the sparse furnitionings, the wooden, ramshackle walls. Drawing his knees up against his chest, Albert simply sank his face into them and ignored the food and water, What am I going to do in this place. With these people.

Interactions: Yuzuki, @Camleen

 

[Ms.Ezra]

============
Sir Richard
@Gands
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"Of course not as a group. There's plenty who keep to themselves, or around the Kingdoms of Gatecia and Linia some are no threat at all, and make rather interesting music for their patron lords and ladies. Our main concerns are those who are dangerous." She pointed at three paintings on the wall behind her. "Vlad The Impaler, and his cohorts Bonnie and Clyde, for example. Those are the Strangers, or Enders as they've come to be known, that we want to find and neutralize."

At that moment, an older man came running from the back offices, dressed in the same attire but with glasses. "Genessa! We just got an urgent message. A Stranger, female, appeared right in the middle of Alloralla, and took off like that Mr. Dean."

The woman, apparently named Genessa, got up from her chair, putting down her canvas and quickly shifting gears from clerk to operative. "Another one like Dean? Let's hope she doesn't suffer the same fate." She asked the man. "What do you say, good sir? Would you like to join us?"

The man suddenly became aware of Richard and unlike his apparent superior knew exactly what he was. "What? A-another Stranger? Right here?"

"Stranger? Oh." The woman smacked her own forehead. "Way to make a good first impression, Genessa." She held out her hand to Richard. "Hello, I am Senior Operative Genessa. And it would be an honor to have a Stranger join our organization, if you're so inclined."

​

 

[Gands]

Sir Richard

With their reaction, Burton did seem a tad more relaxed.

" Well, it does seem relieving that I won't have to try and escape certain death in the first civilized place I find."

He looks up at the painting of Vlad, recognizing it from his time in Trieste and his study of the history of that region there.

" I read about him ( pointing up at the picture ) a terrible human being in the guise of a hero to his people. ruthless almost beyond belief. I don't know them I'm afraid. "

" Oh, my pardon, my name is Richard Francis Burton, a soldier, scholar and explorer ! I must say, that your motto contains statements I hold dear Miss Genessa. Before signing my services away, I think we could spend some time conversing ? Trading questions as it were ? What do you two say about that ? "

He reaches out and shakes her hand.

He looks around a bit, "you don't have any tea do you ?"

@Ms.Ezra

 

[TheTechnologicVampire]

Things seemed to only be getting weirder and weirder for Ziara. First the walled Elven city, and then finding herself outside of an Elven settlement. Now mountains with maze-like paths? What sort of place was this? More to the point, what was that large creature that seemed to be circling the mountains? She sighed and shook her head as she let off the speed and came doen to a fast-paced walk, wanting to save energy so she at least had some form of escape.

Coming down into the canyon, she sighed, hoping it wasn't a box-canyon and had an opening for her to escape out of. However, that's when she saw the dragon-like creature, freezing in place with shock. Undeniably, she was scared, knees trembling and hands shaking as she locked eyes with the dragon. Ziarla wasn't really surprised about what it did next, considering the strange place she was in. What shockd her the most was that she could understand its words.

"I... I can understand you? How, when I couldn't understand other people I met?" She was very confused about that. Maybe it ws some sort of magic, but she pushed it to the side and focused on what the dragon said. "What do you mean by Herald and divine light? And why have you been waiting for me? I'm just a lowly M-Sport rally driver. What can be so special about me? Besides my skill behind the wheel, of course."

(Tagging: @Camleen )

 

[Camleen]

The towering dragon makes its way closer to Ziarla, his held high. Almost regally, proud. His wings settle against his sides as he moves, and he stops about 30 feet away from Ziarla. His clawed feet dig into the earth as he stands there, his lightly colored golden eyes gazing down at her. And as he settles there, small birds come out of the trees, almost a half dozen small sparrow like birds, and they perch along the top arcs of his wings. They sing softly upon the new perch, as if in gratitude for it. Perhaps he doesn't notice how scared Zarlia is, or perhaps isn't all that concerned about it.

Once more his voice comes forth in a low-pitched growling, almost having an echo quality to it. As if his voice were actually coming from all around Ziarla.


{"Select few will understand your tongue naturally here. The Zylrel are not amongst them. But the first of their part in your journey has been fulfilled."}

His gaze now turns slowly towards the west, towards the distant kingdom of Linia. As he draws his gaze back to her, his voice is once more heard.


{"Can you not see… there is something 'special' in every being. In every songbird, in every blade of grass. Your arrival… and the arrival of the other Strangers… bodes a time of change. The time of a new era. We have seen this very moment… you standing before me… the birds 'pon my wings… and you joining the others."}

Now his forelegs bend, and he lowers his massive body to the ground. With a rumbling trembling of the earth he sits on his legs, his wings spreading a moment. The small birds take off in surprise, but quickly circle back to once more perch upon those wings. Now that he's a little closer, she might see gentle steam huffing out of the corners of his lip every once in a while.


{"A second chance has been granted you. You and all other Strangers. For some this comes as a boon… for others a curse. Your other questions…"}

He pauses as he seems to think a moment.

{"I have been waiting for you because I am meant to be here. The birds are meant to be here. The sun is meant to be where it is. I am meant to speak to you… to give you insight, but not enough for me to interfere in the coming tests of your collected humanity. More questions?"}

He says in something of a curious tone, his large head bows down towards her a little, giving her a better look at jaws that could probably swallow whole one of her rally cars.


Tagging: @TheTechnologicVampire

 

[Camleen]

Yuzuki looks between them, still wondering what they were saying. Albert kind of half way in a sense explains… all of her questions will have to wait. Or not be answered period since Anne doesn't speak any of her language. But as Albert speaks once more, Yuzuki's brows furrow a little as she glances around them… seeing the mothers taking the children away. The other catpeople (Barbin is what they are called) seem to start to congregate discretely.

She has been exposed to the ways of the warrior since she was born… and trained HARD since she was a little girl. She knows trouble when she sees it.

Anne's hands flex as she just starts to reach for her pistols, and the world seems to move in slow motion for Yuzuki. Her feet slide along the ground to about shoulder length apart, her knees bending as her right hand reaches over her waist, her left hand drawing the standing naginata back a little. Anne's hands touch the handles of her flintlocks, and Yuzuki's fingers are already wrapped about the worn tsuka (handle) of her sheathed katana. Her left foot shifts forward, holding her weight as her right pushes her forward. With a soft click and a flash of metal she draws and swings her katana in one smooth motion, the blade extending outwards as if an extension of her arm. The pistol is leveled at her chest, and her blade is pressing across Anne's stomach. Not enough to draw blood yet, but enough for her to know it's there.

Anne orders them to make their peace… with whatever Gods they might believe in.

Yukuzi's voice comes forth in an almost eerily calmed tone, her narrowed dark eyes watching Anne's. As she speaks, she feels claws wrapping about her neck from behind… their 'guide' has moved to act also. "Watashitachi o korosu to, anata mo shindeshimaudeshou. Watashi wa kore o yakusoku shimasu. Watashi no saigo no kōi wa anata no chi o watashi no ha ni koboshite shimaudeshou!" Anne draws back the hammers, and Yuzuki starts to press her very sharp blade forward. But as Anne starts to laugh… Yuzuki immediately stops herself. She stares confused… and she feels the clawed hand relent against her neck. She spins around then, holding her katana in a middle guard stance, her eyes whipping around the area. The catpeople seem to settle, and Yuzuki pushes herself to her full height (5'3" if you're keeping track). With hesitation she sheathes her stylized katana, it coming to rest in her scabbard with a soft 'click' sound.

She twirls the naginata in her hand so now she's holding it closer to the bladed end. That bladed end pointing downwards as she moves, a majority of the staff diagonal across her back. She moves to Albert, scowling to Anne out of the corner of her eyes. She reaches out, grasping his bicep to help steady him. ("Breathe… breathe") she says in a calmed tone. She helps him into the dwelling, her gaze constantly moving to make sure they aren't jumped again.

Once inside, her eyes lock on Anne. Just to make sure she knows precisely where the bandit is. Albert sits himself down against the wall, and he draws into himself. Glancing to Anne once more, and she then moves to the basket. She plucks one of the fruit up, and then tosses it up to catch it in the at her bent elbow. She leans down more, plucking another one out. All the while staring at Anne. She moves to Albert, setting the fruit in front of his toes. She flicks her elbow up, the other piece of fruit drifting into the air a moment. She catches it, and then lowers herself to her knees upon the ground. Facing Anne. She sets her naginata at her side… but she doesn't take her scabbard from her sash. An indication she doesn't trust this woman, or this place. Normally the scabbard would be set in front of her, but not this time. She takes a bite of the fruit, thoroughly chewing it before she speaks. Her tone a calm one. "Anata no omotenashi to tabemono no teikyō ni kansha shimasu." Her upper body bows at her waist, her forehead almost touching the floor. She then sits up once more on her knees, and she pushes gently on Albert's upturned knees to get his attention. "Watashitachi ga kanojo no shūjindearu ka dō ka kanojo ni tazune nasai. Watashi wa koko de jikan o muda ni shitakunai." Something about asking 'her' if they are prisoners… and about Yuzuki not wanting to waste time. She doesn't seem particularly rattled by the little dust-up, but she understands why Albert might be. He seems one of those regal western types she sees in palaces sometimes. Not abiding the ways of her people, calling them savages.


Tagging: @Ms.Ezra, @Ascendant

 

[TheTechnologicVampire]

"What is this journey you speak of?" She asks the dragon. Ziarla did not know what journey it meant. Was it supposed to be significant? Either way, the next thing the dragon said greatly confused her. What was it trying to tell her? "You knew this day was gonna happen? And what sort of change?" Again, the orange-haired rally drivr had no clue about what the dragon was saying to her. It all sounded very cryptic, which she tries to stay away from, but she guessed this was not something she could run from.

"Are you saying there are others like me here in this world? From Earth?" That came as a big relief to her. She had not known if she had been alone here, but it turns out that she had been wrong, if given what the dragon was saying was true. "And why give me a second chance? I'm nothing special. I'm not some well-known historical figure. Just a regular civillian who happens to be extremely good at driving rally cars."

Another cryptic mesage came from the dragon's voice. So this meeting had been planned? What would've happened if she had gone in a different direction, or the drahon met someone else instead of Ziarla? These were all questions that would be left unanswered. "What is this imsight you are supposed to give me? And what sort of tests do you mean?" Ziarla then mumbled under her breath. 'I hate cryptic messages.'

(Tagging: @Camleen )