Badass Dragoons of the Highlands - Turn 1 - Avignon (c.1310)

messana · September 26, 2017, 12:04am

It all came to a head in the late 20th century…or the 56th century, or the 46th century, or in the 13th century. Honestly, it depends on how you choose to mark time. Time makes its mark on humankind - and we attempt to do the same in return. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For those that listen for the whispers of the oldest legends, things started to pick up a bit in the 14th century. Let me tell you what happened then.

Pope Clement V had moved the Curia from Rome to Avignon the year before. Popes get away with all sorts of things, but moving a papacy around is still the sort of thing that raises eyebrows. The curious and the faithful alike traveled to France to see the Pope. Among the throngs of the curious, few had any idea that twenty seven of them were Immortal.

The Armistice of the Immortals forbade combat for one entire year in each century. And in the 14th century, that year was 1310. And it is here our story begins.

Turn 1 Deadlines
Orders must be submitted by Fri Sep 29 by 2200 EDT.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

And most importantly:
The Travel Options for turn 1. Each turn, you must select a Travel Option to keep the Kurgan off your trail.

messana · September 26, 2017, 12:04am

@donald_petersen

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | "Bon" McEvoy           |  5 |  3  |  2  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 64
  | Origin: Scottish
  | Weapon: Chinese Broadsword
  |

@KeisterButton

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Maud d'Oilly           |  5 |  3  |  2  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 248
  | Origin: Frankish
  | Weapon: Viking Broadsword
  |

@CleverEmi

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Rachel McGinty         |  5 |  2  |  3  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Unknown
  | Origin: Scottish
  | Weapon: Katana
  |

@eve

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Aeaba Taylor           |  5 |  2  |  2  |  2  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 410
  | Origin: English
  | Weapon: "Mightier Than"
  |

@pogo

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | The Ratchet            |  5 |  2  |  2  |  2  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 644
  | Origin: Serbian
  | Weapon: "Pokolj"
  |

@guest_account_7

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | T.D. Himself           |  5 |  2  |  2  |  2  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Older than dirt
  | Origin: Unknown
  | Weapon: Wicked Rapier
  |

@daneel

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Zero Demos             |  5 |  2  |  3  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 2910
  | Origin: Minoan
  | Weapon: Damascus Longsword
  |

@ghoti

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Bark McBarkruff        |  5 |  3  |  1  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Woof ruff
  | Origin: Scottish
  | Weapon: Canine Swordcane
  |

@glutnix

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Maple Clamphoof        |  5 |  2  |  2  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 886
  | Origin: Kwakiutl
  | Weapon: Mooseblade
  |

messana · September 26, 2017, 12:04am

@DreamboatSkanky

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Bag of Hammers         |  5 |  2  |  2  |  2  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 581
  | Origin: Byzantine
  | Weapon: "Good Ol' #2"
  |

@Hadley

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | shemp                  |  5 |  2  |  2  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 3564
  | Origin: Babylonian
  | Weapon: Giant Lobster Claw
  |

@durhamindurham

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Groß Wilhelm           |  5 |  2  |  2  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 891
  | Origin: Germanic
  | Weapon: Zweihänder
  |

@Nightflyer

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Evelyn Wolff           |  5 |  2  |  2  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 111
  | Origin: Kievan Rus'
  | Weapon: Lovely Karabela
  |

@manwich

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | The Worker             |  5 |  2  |  1  |  3  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 760
  | Origin: Unknown
  | Weapon: Rough Cedar Board
  |

@strokeybeard

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Juan                   |  5 |  3  |  1  |  2  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 599
  | Origin: Iberian
  | Weapon: Sharp Toledo Rapier
  |

@SteampunkBanana

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Red Dog                |  5 |  3  |  1  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 60
  | Origin: Creek
  | Weapon: Wicked Axe
  |

@old

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Mom                    |  5 |  3  |  2  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Unknown
  | Origin: Unknown
  | Weapon: Paring Knife
  |

@MalevolentPixy

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Jane                   |  5 |  1  |  3  |  2  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Unknown
  | Origin: Unknown
  | Weapon: Machete
  |

messana · September 26, 2017, 12:04am

@ChickieD

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | The Three Sisters      |  5 |  3  |  3  |  1  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 21310
  | Origin: The Sea
  | Weapon: Katana
  |

@gwwar

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Ennis                  |  5 |  2  |  3  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Unknown
  | Origin: Unknown
  | Weapon: Longsword
  |

@penguinchris

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Nessie                 |  5 |  2  |  2  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Unknown
  | Origin: Scottish
  | Weapon: Enormous Longsword
  |

@tobinl

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Hamlar                 |  5 |  3  |  1  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 60
  | Origin: Pellucidarian
  | Weapon: Pirate Cutlass
  |

@Wisconsin_Platt

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Harry Farnsworth       |  5 |  2  |  3  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 90
  | Origin: Atlantean
  | Weapon: Atlantean Cutlass
  |

@teknocholer

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Other Pendragon        |  5 |  2  |  3  |  2  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 843
  | Origin: Welsh
  | Weapon: Saxon langseax
  |

@Justa_little_whinger

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | YOwOl                  |  5 |  2  |  3  |  1  |  3  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: Unknown
  | Origin: Ramaytush
  | Weapon: Plastic Lightsaber
  |

@miasm

  +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | "Hep" Burn             |  5 |  2  |  2  |  3  |  2  |
  +------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 197
  | Origin: Scottish
  | Weapon: Hinduwani Urumi
  |

@David_Falkayn

   +-Character--------------+-HP-+-STR-+-REF-+-PER-+-END-+
  | Mr. Collins             |  5 |  2  |  1  |  3  |  3  |
  +-------------------------+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
  | Age: 1610
  | Origin: Egyptian
  | Weapon: Papyrus Scroll
  |

Pogo · September 26, 2017, 12:15am

Side eye squint sizing everyone up

Eve · September 26, 2017, 12:41am

Watch where yer pointing those eyes, sir.

Pogo · September 26, 2017, 12:44am

narrows eyes further…

ghoti · September 26, 2017, 12:50am

messana · September 26, 2017, 1:12am

All players should have received a private message indicating hidden bonuses and/or special abilities that they currently have. If I’ve overlooked you and you have not received a private message from me, please PM me to let me know as soon as possible.

Turn options will be posted shortly. If the last game is any indication, the bot automation may be a bit rough the first turn or two - and it may be a little more difficult to troubleshoot since this will all be happening via PM. I thank you in advance for your patience. As always, bring any concerns or questions to me directly and I’ll address them as soon as I am able to.

miasm · September 26, 2017, 1:31am

Wisconsin_Platt · September 26, 2017, 1:34am

By Neptune’s beard…I haven’t felt this way since…

Never mind. It is clear what I must do. Where is my Parchment of Excel???

Eve · September 26, 2017, 1:37am

Is this yours? shudders I think it’s full of dark magic.

33 PM

Wisconsin_Platt · September 26, 2017, 1:42am

Aye. Tis magic most foul.

Glutnix · September 26, 2017, 1:43am

daneel · September 26, 2017, 1:47am

Pouring himself a generous Metaxa, Demos relaxes back into his chair, the heat from the fire warming his old bones.

He lets his mind wander back through the centuries.

Ah, yes. 1310. He remembers. When it began in earnest.

This is a good place to begin our tale, children.

He beckons you nearer.

At the time, I was living in Thessaly. Then under the nominal control of Istanbul. No - it was Constantinople, not Istanbul. I lived under the guise of a magnate known as Stephen Gabrielopoulos, and was sebastokrator.

archivist · September 26, 2017, 1:48am

TRAVEL options for Turn 1

The Battle of Bannockburn (1314): "The First war of Scottish Independence broke out at the close of the 13th century and raged through the early part of the 14th. The scuffle was almost certain to draw the curiosity of an Immortal or two."
Effects: +1 STR
Factions: England, Scotland
e.g. travel 1 england or travel 1 scotland
Crimea at the arrival of the Black Death (1343): "The plague initially came to Europe via the Silk Road and from the bustling ports of Sicily. Some say the Immortals may have even carried it with them as they traveled, as they were entirely immune to its effects."
Factions: n/a
Effects: +1 END
e.g. travel 2
The Battle of Crécy (1346): "The medieval era had been a tumultuous time for those who had possessed a sword. For those that possessed a sword and could not die, events were slightly less tumultuous but never dull."
Factions: England, France, Genoa
Effects: +1 REF
e.g travel 3 england or travel 3 france or travel 3 genoa
Lübeck at the Formation of the Hanseatic League (1358): "Meanwhile in the north of Europe, the traders of Lübeck had become wealthy. And as the wealthy do, they decided to band together to protect their economic and diplomatic interests."
Factions: n/a
Effects: +1 PER
e.g.travel 4
The Battle of Lake Poyang (1363): "After suffering through droughts, floods, and famines under the uncaring eye of the Yuan Dynasty, The Red Turban Rebellion rose up throughout China. The siege of Nanchang was one of the turning points of that time."
Factions: Han, Ming
Effects: +1 REF
e.g. travel 5 han or travel 5 ming
The Battle of Kosovo (1389): "The Serbian-Ottoman wars were among the bloodiest of the 14th century. The loss of life on both sides was astonishing, and although the battle itself was inconclusive, it would set the stage of history for what followed."
Factions: Ottoman, Serbia, Bosnia
Effects: END+1
e.g. travel 6 ottoman or travel 6 serbia or travel 6 bosnia
Serve in the court of Louis the Great (1342-1382): "Producing a third of the world’s gold and silver, Hungary enjoyed a century of prosperity during this time and the reign of Louis I represented the zenith of this period. Golden eras of this sort are always a novelty to Immortals and they often delight in experiencing them first hand."
Factions: n/a
Effects: PER+1
e.g. travel 7

archivist · September 26, 2017, 1:50am

“What will they do next? One wonders.”

    Current status:      Awake and listening
    Order submission:    Available
    Submission deadline: 2017-09-29 23:00:00 -0400
    A strange header:    1f4eab2a45a8259cd7584b4e323400e38e27d513

Wisconsin_Platt · September 26, 2017, 1:51am

Dum dum DUM de DUM DUM de dum de dum…

Even old New York, was once New Amsterdam…

messana · September 26, 2017, 1:54am

@archivist is up and listening for order submissions. Orders for this turn should include three things: a TRAVEL order, a TRAIN order, and a STANCES order and will look something like this in your private messages:

The bot still has a few bugs that I’m working out - in particular, if two players submit orders within the same 60s interval, the bot will lock up. If you don’t get a response from @archivist within 5 minutes, PM me for the moment and I’ll unmuck things by hand. Other than that - good luck, for there can be only one.

Glutnix · September 26, 2017, 2:27am

It was always challenging for Maple to smuggle herself into the human towns, much less a town full of Catholic pilgrims and courtiers, all watching out the corner of their eye for The Devil to reveal himself, searching perhaps for an excuse to distract those from seeing the demons within their own heart.

It’s not like she didn’t have non-moosekin friends though. She had made friends through the 800+ years of her immortality. A few humans here and there, but rarely city folk. Give her a forest or meadow away from the noisy highways and dangerous brigands.

Even with the Immortals centennial truce, cities were dangerous for a moosekin. Wearing a hood would get her through crowds, but in a conversation there was no hiding her snout, her strange hands and the hair covering her body and face. Being female had its advantages though: no antlers to conceal.

It was easy for Maple to perceive other immortals, as it was them her. There were immortals here in Avignon she had not detected in centuries, along with those she had not detected before. Of course, they could find her, but she could always sneak away, leading her would-be-opponent to an appropriate arena.

Immortals could not innately perceive she was moose-kin, but in combat, when her hood came down and eyes revealed the truth, it did lend an element of surprise, one she had learned to take advantage of. No monologuing for this quiet one.

A nap in a forest was the safest place. Most immortals were humans, well tempered for the farm, city or road. She’d know if they had entered her domain before they could tell the forest apart from the trees.

Meditating before meeting with those who sought her assistance would suffice. Then she would continue travelling through Europe to her destination, wherever that would end up being.