[Siona] The Gates of Siona

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The City of Siona was framed by the rising mountains behind it, equip with the Citadel known as the Arcis Firmitas Pietas. The grey granite wall which surrounds this village meets up with the Great Mountains and there finishes, creating a huge semi-circle of solid stone, save for the only Gate which is located at the most Southern part of the wall. The village walls appear to be more than thirty feet high and are patrolled by the City’s Guard, the Adductae Fulguru.

The gates themselves are double layered like the walls; the inner layer consisting of 2.5 inchs thick metal bars positioned at certain intervals and formations. The outer layer of the gates are thick, strong wood with metal poles that reach from the inner layer to the outer layer and then project outward from the wood in a spike, which is what is seen. The Gate House is 45 feet from ground level to allow for the thirty-foot tall gate which will only rise up fifteen feet from the ground. The ceiling behind the gates has a strong steel grill held against it.

Outside the village walls at regular intervals are ten, thirty feet tall stone keeps, each of which is position two hundred paces from the town walls. Each of these keeps can hold a garrison of one hundred men. These are for extra protection for the farming and ranching populace of the town and Centripax’s Heartlands.

With the opening of the Village of Siona the Gates were raised and citizens of the empire were permitted to enter the village and assume residence there. Two of the four guards outside the gates checked the visas and belongings of those who wished to enter, saying the usual welcome of: ”Serale, Welcome to Siona. May I please see your visa? What is your name and where do you hail from?”

If everything was in order the guard would smile, return the visa and wave them through with the parting words of: ”If you are seeking residence in the village and its various business opportunities, there is a pavilion you will see as you emerge from the Gate Walk. Head in there and they will be able to assist you. Enjoy your stay in Siona and I hope it is a long one.”

OOC: Welcome to Siona. These Gates are self-moderated, however if there are any special cases I will be happy to moderate the interraction. Please PM me if I do not see to this moderation within 3 days. Thank You!

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Forty Eighth Brightening of the Fifth Cycle in the Month of Junctior in the Season of Autumn; Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII
Post Fractum. The First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.

Rapidly a mounted man in Imperial Colors rode towards the gates of Siona, his cloak flicking in the wind wildly however the rider paid little attention to it as his steed moved towards the gates at full tilt. Dust still being kicked up from behind him. As he approached the gates likely attracting attention he started to slow his horse who was still in a wild state, even when the horse stopped he would be forced to move the animal around in a circle or two before it became calm enough to ride close to one of the stationed guards.

Once in range of any guard or man around him. "I require to speak to Sir Raliric Ered`Gard immediately," he would say, obviously he was tired but air gripped his lungs rapidly. Should he be informed that the Knight was not within the Citadel he would ask the location of the man as he was required to deliver a missive to him at once per his superiors orders. If offered to present the letter to someone to have it delivered he would refuse on the ground that he had instructions to deliver the order himself to the Knight and no one else.

Once the man was taken to Sir Ered`Gard he would deliver the following. "Milord, Provost Keldon Elsdragon has instructed me to deliver this missive to you with great haste." handing over a sealed parchment, once opened it would read the following.

The letter was written quickly, at some points there was odd gaps in the words obviously of someone who had taken time to think out what they were going to say but paused to change the direction of the wording.

Secrets : Greetings my friend, I hope you are keeping yourself busy in Primus Gaudeo with my absence, and Siona. It is something different serving in the Military... My friend there is no need to fill this letter with ridiculous nonsense, I have known you far to long and with the speed this letter was delivered I have a feeling you are already reading it with a sense of urgency. Which it is indeed, not only to my own personal self however to the protection of the citizens of the United Arium Directorate. I require your assistance, and that of your knights as I am leading a force to the city of Vortex to place the Captain of the Guard under Imperial Arrest for several charges. But the disgust that resides in this letter is not only about putting a man who has violated the law and its people... but whom he choose to violate. Which was his fatal mistake. I went to the city of Taralon during my training with the Legion. Long story short I met a women by the name of Selena Ile Andra. Just like you were once... so hopelessly in love with a women or two.. I fell... so madly in love.. and obviously we became one. During my departure she informed me she was heading to Vortex to find her brother but never told me why. I offered her my family ring to let her know I would see her again. However after arriving to Paxia which is now my current post I was presented with a letter that contained my family ring and a statement from a friend of Selena... a plee to help the women. In Selena's own words the Captain of Vortex is enslaving citizens of the empire.. her brother included... (The words become spaced, several letters are placed and words were started but never finished. The writer obviously trying to find the words to what was going to come next.) Selena is impregnated... with my child... and he raped her... the man.... he... he has crossed the line into something that not only is bound to me by duty to protect all those he has harmed and enslaved. But to get her out of his vial grip and to safety which is what I tend to do... I am moving to Vortex with an armed Imperial Force to place him under arrest and have him tried for his crimes, but I do not know what I will do if harm has come to her my friend... I know I can trust the Imperial Force's I am bringing with me, I am also going to be sending for Provincial Forces to be present, after all I doubt the local forces can be relied on... but I want someone who I can trust without a doubt to protect those around him should something go wrong... and I need someone to arrive before I or the Provincial Forces. As I fully intend to be the first force to arrival to the city. I need your assistance my friend, I need you to set-up a camp near the woods east of Vortex which will be the rally point before I march on Vortex. Which you are welcome to accompany if you wish. Once there I will dispatch a missive to the Fortress to inform them of the action. The forces shall be there the first cycle of the next month... if you are not there I will understand my friend... otherwise I shall see you there... I will not allow her to remain in that city Raliric... even if it costs me my life... I am attaching a copy of the letter in Selena's own words... it brings a foul taste to my mouth reading it... Your Friend, Keldon Elsdragon Secrets : Arriving back home was more trouble then I ever could have expected. Upon arrival I found that my mother, Diana rest her soul, had been murdered by a bandit. My father's hatred of me grew and he resisted any possibility of us coming to any sort of understanding, so I left again. I have never felt so alone as I did then, blaming myself for my mother's death and wishing the pain would end, I never found out the name of the bandit nor was he brought to justice. I have thought about returning to Nexus Prime after the first tragedy, however fate took me to Natura where I thought I could perhaps see Dhwae again. I found myself lost in the woods of Natura, feeling that I couldn't come to any harm, I proceeded to find my way around. I stumbled across a large band of men and although I had a bad feelng about them at first, I figured they were not able to hurt me seeing as how the spring came into play. I was met by a charming young man, his name was Yuri was his name I believe however I cannot recall his last name or what his duty was. He escorted me over to where a man in pure white silk sat and introduced me to Dimitri Wladisyaw, the supposed Duke of Vortex and the reason for my suffering. He asked me to sit a while and talk with him and I foolishly ignored the bad feeling I had inside and sat with the monster, he asked me about my family and such I answered his questions honestly, seeing no need to lie or hide anything. He seemed attracted to me and didn't hide it, stroking my chin and things such as that. Feeling uncomfortable I decided to take my leave, that is when things went from normal to horrible. Dimitri decided that he wished to own my father's land and would take me along as ransom. Running did nothing but bring me pain as I was tackled by a brute of a man, I was roped up like some kind of animal and placed on his horse. (teardrops on the parchment here… making watermarks and slightly blotched ink) I rode back home almost the whole way on Dimitri's horse, enduring his disgusting kisses and various other tortures. He mentioned slavery a few times. However there was a point when I angered him... Dimitri handed me off to his men to have their way with, telling them to keep me awake however possible. I was so frightened but I fought against them as best but they were too strong for me. It was only because Dimitri decided I had been tortured enough that I was taken back onto his horse with my innocence still intact. Soon we arrived at the farm, but I was placed in a hidden compartment in the wagon. I could hear my father's and brother's voices and could hear all the screaming. I was taken from the wagon to be placed by my brother Kaiser who was already tied up. My father lay on the ground, stabbed to death. All the while I knew it was all my fault, Kaiser wouldn't have been in danger and my father wouldn't be dead if it hadn't been for me. Even though I believed I had hit an all time low as I lay there at Dimitri's feet, it seemed my humiliation had not ended. I and Kaiser were dragged behind Dimitri into my parents house and up the stairs to the master bedroom. Upon entering the bedroom I knew what lay in store for my brother and I and was terrified. I was thrown hard onto the bed while Kaiser was forced to sit in a hard wooden chair, Dimitri proceeded to torture me and Kaiser with needles and toe crushers. I believe he broke at least one toe as he did that before he….Dimitri raped and tortured myself and Kaiser many times during the course of the night, I don't think I ever felt so much pain before in my whole life, it was maddening. By the time he finally finished, the sun had risen and I was in such pain that I was fading in and out of consciousness. He then told me that although he wanted me as a slave, he was going to release me but take Kaiser with him as his pleasure slave. I would have to go to Vortex if I was going to get him back, he promised me he would kill Kaiser should I tell anyone important or discredit him in public. signed: Selena Ile Andra

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric had arrived in the Fortress town of Siona and had assumed his responsibilities as liege lord over the lands surrounding; up until that time Barthanes had acted as his steward and had done quite a nice job of ensuring the town was well cared for and that their religious needs were well seen to. When the Imperial Soldier reached Siona he was politely welcomed, shown into the under-mountain fortress and there given food and drink. Once he was suitably rested and fed he would be shown to Raliric's office, which happened to be in the higher levels of the complex. The room he was shown into was bare save for the desk, chairs and some weapons and pieces of armour hanging on the walls. Raliric stood as the Imperial Soldier was shown inside and he stepped forward to shake the man's forearm before motioning him toward one of the seats. ”Serale, I am Raliric Ered`Gard. I am told that you have arrived at the direction of Provost Elsdragon; what is it that I can help him with?” He said before being given the letter.

He did not immediately read it, first he poured himself a mug of water, and another for the soldier which he delivered to him personally, then he sat at his desk to read the missive. The expression upon his face changed considerably, not to mention that he sat up before too long and read the letter with more focus. He read it once, then again and then a third time so that every part of it could be absorbed. Once he read it for the third time he set the parchments upon the desk and stood, taking his water he moved over to where the pitcher rested. There he drank the mug entirely and poured himself another water. An expression of deep thought was upon his features and then, after a few minutes of silence, he turned toward the Imperial Soldier, set down the mug and said. ”Convey to Provost Elsdragon that the Knights shall answer his call. However, do inform him that we can not come in any great force of numbers due to our responsibilities here, but that I shall do my best. The camp shall be set-up by the appointed date and I shall be waiting for him.”

He moved to the door then and after opening it he issued an order to one of the Adductae standing guard. ”I wish to meet with all of my commanders within the candle mark.” The soldier, an ex-Phoenix Legionary, inclined his head and moved off quickly to summon the commanders. By the time the commanders arrived the Imperial Soldier had gone on his way to deliver Raliric's reply.

Raliric was still standing when the last of the commanders entered his office. ”Serale. We have been asked to assist in a matter of Justice in Arium province. In the city of Vortex. We shall answer this call. I want twenty Knights and thirty Adductae assembled and ready to march by suns rise next brightening. And inform the Elites that I wish to speak with them privately.” The commanders nodded and left, and within another candlemark the Elites were within the office. ”No doubt your commander has informed you that we march to Vortex. I would like you six to leave as soon as possible and to enter the city under suitable disguise and separately. Do what it is that you do best. Should the local forces not comply with our demands a signal will be made. This signal will be your cue to action. Your Main Objective is to open the gates and keep them open so that our forces may enter the city. Your Secondary Objective is to apprehend the Captain of the Guard; Dimitri Wladisyaw. He is a man of no small influence in the city and thus will no doubt have guards suitable to his status. You are all important members of this Knighthood and the Adductae Fulguru, if you believe that you are unable to fullfil these objectives given their risk to your lives then do not attempt them. You are only to attempt the objectives if you believe you will succeed with few to no casualties. The signal will be a Thaumaturgic Flash in the sky. The signal to stand down will be a ball of flame exploding in the sky.” The elites nodded, having nothing to really say about the matter. ”Excellent. Prepare yourselves and may Aslan and Ioannes be with you.” The elite's saluted before exiting the room and going about preparing for their mission.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Immanis 38, Spring of Era XIV – mid morning

A stone’s throw from Siona’s granite walls, a large group arrived in two shifts, their impending arrival having already been arranged by way correspondence, added personal word of confirmation several candlemarks earlier by way of Manyc Ulairi, sorcerer in service to the Imperial Regent. It was never beneficial, after all, to so surprise the guards at any set of gates across the Empire by subjecting them to the unexpected appearance of a large, well armed group with little to no warning.

Nonetheless, with the aid of Mr. Ulairi and his ever eccentric counterpart Gwygwin Hurin, six Knights of the Black Rose appeared first in order to satisfy themselves that the area was secure in advance of the Regent’s arrival, they dressed in their uniforms of black, red and gold, their armor gleaming black and suitably armed. Upon the wizards departure, a few minutes later they returned in the company of two additional Rosemen, Sir Raliric’s own Knight who’d been kept comfortably accommodated in the palace itself these last few brightenings, and the Imperial Regent himself.

Milo had long ago resolved himself that were he compelled to indulge in the practice of travel by portal the rest of his brightenings, he’d never grow accustomed to the sensation of having his wits catch up with the rest of him after a second or three’s delay. It was a strange slingshot effect that though it didn’t dizzy him to the extent it might others, was still a somewhat unsettling sensation. This time was no different. Nevertheless, they were arrived and after a blink or three he was himself again. Hair loosely bound, he was dressed in brown trousers and a matching brown frockcoat of three quarter length, white linen shirt sans frills and a russet colored waistcoat buttoned up neatly under his open frockcoat. He wore little by way of jewelry as was his habit, only a pocket watch dropped into his pocket, indicated by a silver chain fixed to a button on his waistcoat and on his left hand, a wide gold band with a large jade stone that blended into the band itself. He’d no luggage, none of them had in fact, given that such a means of travel allowed for a visit to be conducted in the space of a brightening and home again.

And once his wits were gathered around him and Sir Pious had indicated his satisfaction with security measures, Milo turned a smile on the Knight sent to Prime brightenings earlier by Sir Raliric. ”We are in your capable hands Sir. Lead the way.”

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The Knights who manned the Gates and Walls had been informed about the arrival of the Imperial Regent and his escort upon the 38th brightening of Immanis, and they had taken every precaution in securing the Gates, Corridor, and Road leading to the Arcis Firmitas Pietas. The Adductae Fulguru had not been informed about the arrival as these men were not trusted as greatly as the Knight’s brothers. Raliric had not wished to alert the entire city to the fact that the Imperial Regent would be visiting and thus inform any would be assassins of their chance to take a pot shot at the most important man in the Empire.

When it was evident that the Regent had arrived through his sorcerous means the Knights upon the Gates and Walls calmed the Adductae Fulguru down (who had, upon seeing the escort arrive, begun to ready their weapons). They then rode through the Corridor and out of the Gates to take up positions to either side of it in preparation to escort the Regent and his own escort to the Citadel. Raliric was among them, having prepared for this brightening also, though he waited in the middle of the Gates for the Regent so that he could lead the entourage and greet the man on behalf of all of the Knights.

Milo’s first view of the town and the Citadel that held sentinel over it was probably the most spectacular view of the location. It presented a picture of strength and security that could probably not be replicated anywhere else in the Empire. The first thing he would no doubt see would be Siona’s Walls, thirty feet high, crenellated and sporting a few archers here and there who were patrolling, though those men had stopped to watch the Regent’s party. A building rose up from behind those walls, it was thick and squat even its size, and built of dark granite. It also sported a crenellated roof. Then the mountains rose up behind all of this, appearing simply as any mountain would… until his eyes rested upon the top of that mountain. For the top changed from a simple mountain into a fortress. It appeared to have been built from the mountain itself and obviously constructed through elemental arcana, for it appeared that the Fortress was indeed –part- of the mountain. It appeared to have walls of its own, crenellated also, though the reason for that would be unknown as at that height no arrow could reach those men, and no amount of accuracy could be used to shoot downward either. Buildings could be seen emerging from the fortress wall, stone buildings that served some sort of purpose at height; every building save one was small. The last building, set within the middle of that fortress, rose upward at a dazzling height straight into the ever present clouds. Milo and his escort could not see its top because of those clouds, but by the size of the tower it rose up quite a distance. From this distance the tower could only be seen as a round piece of granite jutting up into the clouds, but perhaps when they rode closer more detail would be evident.

The Knight who would lead them to the Gates, and who had stayed with them at the Palace for the last few brightenings, allowed the party the chance to take in the town and the Citadel known as the Arcis Firmitas Pietas, before he began to move forward, taking the lead. He drew them toward the Gates, leading the party between the assembled Knights of the Argent Sword and up to Sir Ered`Gard. The Knight took up a position behind the Knight Champion.

Raliric moved forward when the Regent was led to him. ”Serale, Your Imperial Excellency, it is good to see you again. I hope you are well and that the journey via sorcery was not too taxing?” An inquiry first before he continued, ”Did you wish for a tour of Siona as well as the Citadel?” Another inquiry as he was not entirely sure whether Milo wished simply to meet all of the Knights and judge what to do with the Knighthood, or whether he wished to see the prospering town first.

OOC: I'll see about getting a thread up based upon Milo's response to Raliric's last question.

[Milo L'Evienne]

While it was always an encouraging sign to see a city’s security, those at the gates, on their toes, Milo would admit that it was a little unnerving to witness weapon’s being readied upon his own immediate arrival. More so for Sir Pious it seemed, as the dark haired half elven Roseman hissed through clenched teeth and immediately put himself in the line of possible fire. That was, of course, till all was sorted out and deemed a misunderstanding born of good reason. And the reasons why, completely understandable in retrospect. Nonetheless the whole of the scene was a fantastical and impressive sight, a fortification the likes of which he’d hardly seen before and nestled into a setting possessed of its own natural majesty. Something he was surely glad he’d decided to see in person rather than entertaining a meeting in Prime.

His gaze then drawn away from the scene and focused on Raliric’s approach, Milo turned to the Knight who’d accompanied he and his entourage and with a smile and a nod, indicated his readiness with a ”Lead on Sir.” And born of repetition, Rosemen and wizards took up their protective positions in tandem as the Regent followed the man’s lead.

”Good brightening Sir Raliric,” he said, his smile broadening when coming face to face with Knight and friend. ”The journey was mildly disconcerting as usual,” added with smile turned to a crooked grin, ”but a far less taxing one than chasing across the Empire by coach. And the recovery, managed quicker by far. It’s good to see you again my friend. And I do believe I’d like a tour of Siona, if it’s no imposition? I’d like to see what you’ve managed here.”

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The Knight nodded in agreement regarding the sorcerous travel and its being disconcerting, he had never truly gotten to used to it either, though he had not thrown up since his fourth time, which was a bonus he thought. ”A tour is no problem at all, in fact I would be most happy to show you the town and its progress.” He motioned to one of his Knights, whom was known as Gedriwyn, and spoke to him for a few moments. ”We will proceed with the tour, form the Knights up as a rear guard and honour guard for the Regent and his entourage. Once we get to the Knight’s Compound you may dismiss the men before returning to continue the tour with myself and Barthanes.” The Knight nodded his head and moved off. Then Raliric turned back to Milo.

”Shall we?” He wheeled around his horse slowly to allow Milo and the Entourage to move forward. He would ride beside Milo so that he could answer any questions and also point out various features of the town. The first such feature was immediately apparent to the Regent and Entourage, and perhaps immediately disconcerting for them all…

Gedriwyn formed the Knights up behind the Entourage and followed the procession in a column.

OOC: New Thread!

[Palacrisis D Jones]

[Siona] - An unexpected visitor [Palacrisis]



25th Kalendryas era XIV ~ Winter.


Siona took a bit of finding Pala and his companion the master sorcerer Hassan Bey were taking the wizard express by short hops. Primus Gaudeo revealed the general direction , Midpoint confirmed it and by dint of asking further directions they were able to hop vast distances by the magic of his sorcerer.

Pala had time on his hands now that he had retired from the governorship of Arakmat and time meant he could catch up with old friends. Thus it was that cold clear morning the two companions found themselves at the gates of Siona .

Pala whistled softly as he regarded the tall walls and the obvious attention to defence that epitomised the entrance this was a long over due visit but Pala also had an ulterior motive for flitting half way across the empire to talk with an old friend.

The guards greeted them with polite efficiency and after the inevitable examination of visas, he answered the guards question I am visiting with your lord, Sir Raliric Ered’Gard we are old friends …and no we do not have an appointment but he will wish to see me, we go back a long way believe me pilgrim.

So standing in the cold air of the mountains they waited the pleasure of the guards Hassan Bey glowered at the wait, born in the desert of Arakmat the concept of winter was understood but not the practicalities of surviving in the bone chilling ache of snow and ice. If he thought the people of the west were softer than his desert brothers he was rapidly changing his mind.

He had repeatedly shook his head and once posed the questions how do you people endure such weather ?

Pala had laughed and merely shrugged but the fur coat that reached to Hassan’s feet was evidence that Pala understood the shock of a cold climate and had taken pity on his mentor.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

OOC: Continue in here Pala: LINK