Active [Caelia Barony - Ryke] Be it Welcome or Unwelcome

[Rev IX]

What to expect out of character:
Weekly at its slowest would be appreciated, but twice a week would be the ideal pace. How long it will take to finish is still not set in my head, but I'll try to not overly prolong it. Depending on interaction between characters and NPCs, it could be just a social RP. It could potentially also become combat oriented, but the former takes precedence. It is mostly geared to contribute to the creation of a Barony Complex Asset (Through a favorability/safety Asset. And others depending on how the story progresses). Elvario might help me run this, so he can use NPCs or other plot devices to keep things going. Just in case.

What to expect in character:
A small festival is taking place in Stonewall, with unfortunate circumstances requiring the celebrations to halt and make an emergency visit to Yemaya.

When joining, please let me know the following things in your first post:
1 ) Any specific achievements/goals your character would have within the overall goal of the RP, such as trying to increase standing with a certain faction or obtaining a certain item/asset. So long as it doesn't diverge too much, I'll see what I can do to include it.
2 ) Any point boosters the character might have. (Attentive Student, Mentor, Devour, Narrative Booster, etc.).
3 ) Any [Wanted] or criminal titles your character might have. (Note, some city or guild-related settings will make entry for criminals considerably more difficult and would need discussion pre-joining.)
4 ) Any Buddy Skills, Masterwork Skills or Complex Assets your character might have.

Tag and character goal:
Elvario | Regula Caelia
RavenSong | Aria
conman2163 | Retili Loxinofican
Ersatra | Anastasia Von Arbin - Establish/Purchase a freighting business
TheTimePiece | Teuihua

Stonewall

From: Here

The walled town was in a joyous mood. The most recent harvest was a resounding success, with all the settlements of the Caelia Barony sharing the same fortune. The townsfolk decided to throw a celebration festival. Since it was mostly organized by the common folk, it is small in scale. Making it something akin to a party in the town square.

Delicious aromas of various foods permeated the air, with the noise of enthusiastic cheers and toasts heard from all over the place. The tavern had taken its business outside, offering ale and similar beverages, as well as serving the resident chef's unique specialties. Even to those who weren't loudly voicing their enthusiasm or dancing to the beat of live music played by a few locals, the festive mindset was contagious.

All of the people of the Barony who wished to attend this party had already made their way into the town square... With a couple of exceptions.

Spoiler: Donald

"We are almost there, young lady." A well dressed man, driving a wagon led by two horses, told his only passenger. The man's name was Donald, he was a blacksmith from a village called Liemann on northern Ryke. That's about the extent of what he told his passenger about himself, not wanting to bother the young lady he met on his way to Stonewall with potentially unneeded small talk.

After the lady left to attend her own business, Donald noticed a local or two giving him strange looks, but he didn't think much of it. After ensuring his cargo was safe, he wandered into more crowded areas, where he started asking around for the whereabouts of a certain person. "Do you know someone here who goes by Ryan? about this tall, green eye, red hair, eyepatch..."

 

[Ersatra]

Anastasia Von Arbin

The last month had been a whirlwind of progress for Anastasia. Upon leaving Stonewall, she returned to the capital with a renewed focus and determination. Her printing business, once merely a budding concept, had fully taken root. She managed to secure contracts for producing pamphlets, instructional manuals, and even serialized fiction—a move that catered to the capital's literate elite and growing middle class. Profits had begun to roll in steadily, enough to reinvest and expand her operations.

At the same time, her venture into Azon was proving fruitful. She had partnered with traders to refine and market the product, creating a supply chain that stretched through the capital. While it required careful oversight, the income it generated was worth the effort, adding a steady flow of gold to her coffers.

Her focus wasn’t just on building wealth but also on establishing a network of operations that would interconnect seamlessly. With the cocoa business in Kirkwall nearing operational readiness, her next step became clear: transportation. If her businesses were to thrive across regions, they needed a reliable freight company to ensure goods moved swiftly and safely. Stonewall, with its central location in the Caelia Barony and strong connection to trade routes, was the perfect place to start.

Now, as the carriage rolled along the dirt path toward the walled town of Stonewall, Anastasia allowed herself a brief moment of satisfaction. The air was crisp, the skies clear, and the rhythmic clatter of the horses' hooves on the ground was almost soothing. She had hitched a ride with Donald, a blacksmith she had met along the way. While his conversation was sparse, Anastasia didn’t mind; it gave her time to reflect.

The distant sound of music and cheers floated toward them, carried by the wind. A warm, festive aroma—a mix of roasted meats, baked goods, and ale—grew stronger with every passing moment. Stonewall was alive with celebration, its joy palpable even before the gates came into view.

With Donald announcing their near arrival, Anastasia nodded politely, glancing out the window of the wagon. The sight of the walled town came into view, its gates wide open, a colorful bustle of people filling the square just beyond. Though she had work to do, the atmosphere was infectious.

She allowed a small smile to tug at her lips. The last time she was here, she hadn't much time to sightsee, but given her Grandfather was away on business of his own, she had a few extra days to kill before suspicions of her whereabouts would likely take root.

With that in mind, she disembarked the carriage, offered her thanks to the driver and made her way inside the walled town to explore what it had to offer.

[Narrative Booster - Striking a Business Deal] (Asked for upon entry to rp, not yet in effect)
[Thieves Guild Associate F] - likely not a relationship one would want widely known, but not inherently illegal.

Rev IX​

 

[Elvario]

Spoiler: OOC

1) Get the Favourability or Safety Asset, working towards a Complex Barony Asset (whichever of the two would fit the most based on the results).
2) N/A
3) N/A (Though the [Tail Freak] might make [Beast] characters react to her presence and it's pretty notable she's the Baroness of the region, title included.)
4) N/A – Working Towards Barony Complex Asset
5) Let me know what NPC's you'd want me to co-narrate and when, including whether you'd want me to bring (some of) Regula's Tailed Administrative Task Force ones (of which Anastasia knows Nightshade).

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Mentions: Teuihua TheTimePiece | Aria RavenSong | Retili conman2163 | Anastasia Ersatra

Today was a day of mixed feelings straight from the get-go. This celebration in particular, was pulling her both ways. She genuinely enjoyed seeing her people have fun and was happy to try some of the foods offered to her. On the other hand, sometimes the attention got a bit much and she realised she might be too approachable at times. As a baroness, it surely wasn't expected to spent half an hour shaking hands or listening about how the kids were doing in school? At least, she did learn that they were finally teaching proper mathematics in her barony. Though perhaps an even better education would be another plan for the future... It was thoughts and deliberations like that, that kept her on edge.

She also made sure to spent her money carefully. Stimulating the economy in her barony was a worthwhile endeavour, but being seen as frivolous and wasteful would be horrible. In the end, she was mostly just buying gifts for others. “Any foods you like?” She'd ask Nightshade, wanting to buy her something to eat. “What about you, Teuihua?” Knowing he could 'taste' as well, she might as well extend the offer to her trusty guard. On the topic of trusty guard. “Has either of you seen Aria? We haven't had a proper talk in ages, but I thought she'd try make it here today. I can't wait to see her again.” The latter was true as it got, as it felt like it'd been years since she'd properly talked with the girl she'd considered as a sister to her.

Wait, someone else was missing. “Come to think of it, I haven't seen Retili yet either. He was going to be in Stonewall at least, if I recall, no?” She started second guessing herself. Was he planning to stick on Sootspire or to be here?

Nightshade

Spoiler: full image and source

From: https://www.tumblr.com/karasvu/662750335642812416

“Truthfully, I believe you should be the one to try the corn, milady. Simple as it is, it seems the latest harvest has gotten even juicier and tastier results. They have it roasted whole on the cob, it seems.” She'd state, tail swaying gently from left to right. Her main reason for tagging along was to get some time with the baroness, though she did wish to check on how the business was doing during this event. Sometimes, combing business and pleasure was the best way to keep going in life. For now, she'd not noticed Anastasia (though for Anastasia to notice her at some point was likely, as Nightshade and the baroness she was with were attracting a decent amount of attention). “Also, if memory serves, mister Loxinofican was indeed planning to visit these festivities.”

 

[RavenSong]

It had felt like ages since she stood before Stonewall. Having arrived the night before she hadn't thought to mention anything to Regula. She wanted to recapture the sight, the smell, the memories in her mind. Her quarters as impeccable as her aim with the sword. She'd go through her wardrobe, finding a dress the marshall would have one day attend a date with her beloved. A moment that never came to be.
A runaway tear would give away her broken heart, revealed only to the empty room before her. Once lit aflame with laughter and passion. Now, cold, lonely and empty save for the work left unfiled on her desk. The moon lit room was melancholy, but the marshall had slept the best she could, as anyone with a broken heart could really. Her last conversation with Amanda echoed in her head, perhaps a snippet said it all, "Perhaps in another life, this love story is writing us apart."





The following day, she wore the dress she prepared the previous evening. Deciding not to draw too much attention she diligently entered the kitchen and offered her services. She'd get double takes but no one thought to mention she was the marshall and what on earth was she doing serving the populace. Aria would take the plates as they came out of the kitchen and brought them outside, bowing briefly at any thanks or lack thereof and returning to any duties brought to her.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Teuihua goals:
Help Regula with her goals.
Keep people safe if necessary
Interactions: Rev IX Elvario

“If it isn’t too much trouble I would appreciate something sweet.” Teuihua replied warmly, staying nearby Regula on guard as a [Sentry] tended too.

“Hm..I cannot say I have seen Aria in quite some time myself, I do hope that she is alright, last I heard of her was when she was with you on your business with religious figures of the Ryke Church..while i was assisting Gunhild on the island for the first time.”

“It would certainly be nice to see her again.” He’d add in with a nod.

“It’s been sometime since I’ve properly seen Retili as well, I do hope he can join us then.” He’d also add in, after hearing Nightshade mention he should be there.

“Corn hm..Zeouli appreciates and favors corn, it is one of the signature crops of Qeotl for harvests, that..and squash and beans if i recall..”

Teuihua continued to look around for anyone or anything of interest to make sure those he cared about were safe. Overall he was feeling pretty optimistic about the safety of those there, but there was still a caution which Teuihua tended to hold onto, by the nature of his very design, that it always paid to be vigilant regardless to some extent, utilizing his [360 Degree Vision] to do so.

 

[Rev IX]

Elvario | Regula Caelia - Aid Yemaya
RavenSong | Aria - Aid Yemaya
conman2163 | Retili Loxinofican - Aid Yemaya
Ersatra | Anastasia Von Arbin - Establish/Purchase a freighting business, Aid Yemaya
TheTimePiece | Teuihua - Aid Yemaya, help Regula with her goals, keep people safe if necessary

Anastasia would be welcomed by a sight that definitely matched the sounds and aromas that reached her from afar. While the mood was festive and people were excited, the noble woman from Ryke wouldn't be pushed around or yelled at to catch her attention. But some Caelians with different kinds of successful produce did invite her to indulge in some dishes made from them. With a few eagle eyed merchants picking up on her noble demeanor and inviting her to examine their goods for a chance at earning top ryke.

From behind her, she would hear a voice, followed by another, and some more after that, greeting Regula. Which was also beckoned to try the goods in the stalls near her and her entourage. One such person, be it due to Nightshade's work, or mere excessive enthusiasm, offered each of them one cob of roasted corn "It's on me, Lady Caelia. Please enjoy, all of you!" then she happily went back to her stand.

Aria, in the meantime, caught up in a pessimistic spiral, almost crashed into an unfamiliar figure. But he caught her by the shoulders before it could happen. "Ope. Easy there." He offered a wide grin "Good day, young lady. I'm looking for a kid. About this tall, green eye, red hai..." The big man stopped himself, as he noticed something was wrong "What's the matter young lady? You look way less festive than the rest of the town" Donald asked, seeming undoubtedly concerned.

 

[RavenSong]

Aria had fondly remembered her time at the tavern. It truly felt long ago in the Marshalls mind, yet the muscle memory; and the routine was recalled rather quickly.

Delicious plates continued to pour out of the kitchens, pulled pork, roasted chicken, steaks, all with their respective sides beautifully presented with garnishes. However, soon she would be told to take over beverages, which being a former barmaid was very easy.

Aria would mix the drinks, sometimes having to ask another waiter exactly what mixtures we're expected. It was common for a tavern to have their own versions of popular drinks, after all.

The stares would continue however, she'd spot people whispering and pointing at her, shrugging with confused faces as Aria went about her tasks. It was here that she was then asked to take the baronesses order. She had nearly forgotten about the fact that she was in Stonewall, perhaps it was the predictability of her task in a reality that was all too unpredictable. She'd not say a word and bowed lightly at her temporary taskmaster.

As she would then begin to approach Regulas location however, Aria wondered what she woils say, how would she explain she'd been gone so lomg without notice or word? Deep in her thoughts and her eyes fixed upon the group of familiar faces she'd accidentally tripped.

"Hm!"

Then a pair of large hands grasped her shoulders which kept her from falling. Then before her eyes a wide grin, to which Aria couldn't help but look away from once inquired. "I.. do I?" She stuttered as her grayish green orbs returned the gaze, searching her mind for words to explain her melancholy nature. "I just.. didn't sleep very well.. I.. I've been anxious about work today." She was clearly not telling the whole truth but it was the best she could do.

Yet, curiosity got the best of her once she regained her footing. "Thank you." She bowed her head briefly as her hands then entwined in front of her, then, asking politely. "Who are you?"

She couldn't help then to glance at Regulas table, then towards her taskmaster before returning her gaze to the man who saved her from an embarrassing blunder. Regulas table was close, and it seemed the man before her was quite the jolly one from demeanor alone.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
Granblue Fantasy Wiki

Mentions: Rev IX | Teuihua TheTimePiece | Anastasia Von Arbin Ersatra | Aria RavenSong

Something sweet? Regula would nod at Teuihua's reply and look around. She'd spot and buy a type of candy she vaguely recalled having had as a kid, buying it and handing it over to Teuihua. Though not before trying one herself. “Wow, these bring back up some memories.” She'd chuckle, handing one to Nightshade as well. It was slightly sweet, mostly tasting like honey.

“Squash?” That sounded unfamiliar to her. A type of produce she'd not heard about in either her past or in this life. Or perhaps something she'd justk known by another name.

Before Regula could refuse the free corn, the woman had already left again. She'd chuckle. “It sort-off feels bad being among the wealthiest and having things for free.” She'd admit. “Nightshade, would you do me a favour and buy some from here to bring to the guards later?”

Nightshade

Spoiler: full image and source

From: https://www.tumblr.com/karasvu/662750335642812416

“Of course, milady.” She'd state, tail still wagging after having been given the candy earlier. She'd been silently enjoying herself, though she was quick to make a note to do so. As she looked back up, however, she did notice a somewhat familiar face. Was that Anastasia? The fact that she was given some more room yet was still drawing attention, the silver hair and red with black clothing. Yep. She'd wave. “Milady, I believe the noblewoman whom I reported starting up a farm in Kirkwall is present as well, should you wish to meet her.”

Regula, looking in the direction, would be down to meet her. Yet she also recalled something Retili had tried hammering home. The higher ranked nobles shouldn't be the ones to approach first, right? Resisting the urge to just walk up, she'd instead, look around a bit more. Perhaps her fellow noble would introduce herself first instead?

That said, her staring around had her gaze meet a familiar visage. “Wait... Aria?” She asked, confused. Seeing Aria waiting tables with someone that made her think of an older version of Ryan was not something she expected. “W... what are you doing?” She asked, utterly confused. Rather than coming to greet her, be it as sister or as Marshall, or reporting or just... letting her know she was back, Aria was... waiting tables? She wasn't sure whether to be sad, disappointed, angry or annoyed. For now she was just confused.

 

[Ersatra]

Anastasia Von Arbin


The town square was alive with color and movement, filled with stalls offering delicacies crafted from the Barony's successful harvest. The townsfolk were friendly, their enthusiasm evident but not overwhelming. Instead of being jostled or swarmed, she was met with polite invitations. She responded with gracious smiles, sampling a few offerings here and there. The flavors were robust, the local produce shining in each dish. It was clear the harvest had been exceptional, and the pride of the townsfolk was well-placed. As she continued through the square, a group of merchants, keen-eyed and opportunistic, approached her. They clearly recognized the telltale signs of wealth and status.

Anastasia entertained their offers with polite interest but kept her focus on observing the celebration. This was a chance to learn about the people, their livelihoods, and their personalities—valuable information for anyone hoping to establish a business in Stonewall.

From behind her, the sound of voices caught her attention. More greetings followed, and Anastasia turned her head slightly, curious. It seemed someone familiar—or at least prominent—was arriving as well. It wasn’t unusual for nobles or influential figures to make appearances at such events, especially when spirits were high. However, spotting the woman's wing's and hearing her name aloud quickly gave the woman's identity away, nightshade or not.

Indeed the woman being approached so earnestly by the people was none other than the very Baroness who ruled this land. Baroness Caelia, the daughter of a whore who had quickly risen to prominence after the cult fiasco. Rumours surrounding the woman were all the rage in the capital but they were just that, rumours. Looking to Nightshade, Anastasia approached the woman with a smile and offered her hand, stopping just short of the large golem clearly meant to guard the two women "Nightshade, how nice to see you. Are you enjoying the festivities?"

Elvario RavenSong Rev IX TheTimePiece ​

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Languages: "Common" "%Analog%" "+Mict+"

Interactions: Elvario Ersatra RavenSong Rev IX

"Thank you my lady." Teuihua responded with a warm tone upon receiving the candy. He took it in his extended hand and 'ate' it, the candy burning up and sort of just turning into a very fine bit of ash.

"I can see why you liked this." Teuihua found it pleasant.

Teuihua likely could see the corn distributor coming with his [360 Degree Vision] feature, but he did pay attention to them closely just the same.


If Teuihua had received some free corn he'd 'eat' that too, burning it up. "Thank you kindly." He'd enjoy the sweet natural taste. "Yes..I understand why Zeouli says that Qeotl would enjoy such an offering."

"That is quite considerate of you to think that way, but there is a joy which you are providing to those who wish to give you gifts just the same, I think of it as thanks for you hard work, ensuring that the barony is in good working order, prosperous, and safe which you put a great deal of effort into."

"I think you solution is the best of both worlds, you give the gift of letting them give, and give them coin for their work so that you may partake too in gift giving to your guards."

Teuihua gave a friendly wave to Anastasia upon hearing Nightshade give context, using his more dexterous arm.

He'd give Anastasia an appraising gaze after she approached even if it wouldn't be obvious given his face's considerable lack of obvious mobility, instead standing by and listening, keeping guard of Regula, but what appeared to be off was how Regula was looking over at..ah yes, Teuihua saw her too that was Aria wasn't it? Even Teuihua as a construct (whose emotional intelligence was quite human level to be fair) could understand that this would bring out complex emotions, given the circumstances, however he'd give a wave Aria's way too even so.

Hopefully everything would work out, as for now he continued to be on standby.