Fantasy World of Gea: The Greatest Adventure [IC] [CLOSED]

[EdwardDewey98]

Through the shinning halls of an ancient castle could be heard the choking coughs of a young man, laying still on a bed while surrounded by both Clerical members of the Church of Gaia and Chirurgeons of the Royal Academy of Eran. Both his legs and arms were surgically cut to reveal the veins, which were engorged. As if they were filled with some sort of hard object rather than blood. The chirurgeons were performing their operation as best their could, cutting the affected veins and removing strange and long objects that had clogged the veins on the limbs. It was an excruciating procedure that took several hours, but they were eventually successful. With that done, the Clerics used their miraculous powers to sew and mend the flesh. Allowing the veins to regrow and new blood to flow through the young mans body.

But they were not done yet, as an elderly woman with dark skin approached the sick young man with a pot of what looked like a soup. "Drink, my Emperor. This will heal your lungs." she said, while gently pressing the edge of the bowl against the Emperors lips. He began drinking the concoction as best he could. Not soon after finishing it, he began to cough violently, and his assistants were quick to hold him tight while another placed a wooden bucket in front of him. Blood, litters of it began pouring out of the young mans mouth, violently splashing into the bucket until he couldn't vomit anymore. The exhausted young man looked at those surrounding him, his weak eyes trying to meet theirs. "Once... again, I... thank... all of you... thank you..." he said, before slowly resting his back against the wall behind his luxurious bed.

The health professionals and clerics soon departed the room, and were replaced with guardsmen and nobles who quickly surrounded the sick Emperor. "Frère...?" asked one the nobles, a dark-haired young man in knight's armor. "...how are you feeling?" he asked while taking a seat on the beds edge. The young Emperor, Leshy d'Toulie-Laflèche, looked at his sibling with a weak little smile. "...P-Puking half my body in blood is not something I'll ever be used to, brother. But I am fine now... Today is a good day after all." he said while looking at one of his assistants, who handled him a bunch of papers and documents. "Is the mistress of the guild here yet?" he asked while looking at his papers. His brother, Reynauld, looked at a dark skinned lady who stood behind the other nobles. "She's right here with us, brother." he said while presenting the scholar. "Lady Cécilia Delafosse, the Master of the Cartographers guild."

Cécilia bowed before the sick Emperor before giving him a smile. "C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer, mon Seigneur Leshy. I cannot thank you enough that you are sponsoring the expedition." she said with a genuinely thankful tone. "De rien, mademoiselle Delafosse... It's the least I can do as a ruler. The benefits that a new Mapamundi of Gea could bring to civilization would give us hope and possibly avoid another Age of Regression!"

As the Cécilia and Leshy talked, Reynauld stared at a large jar of green liquid that was resting besides the scholars bag. He swore he saw yellow eyes from the jar but decided to not press about it. "Uhm... I know it might be a bit too late to protest this brother." said the Prince, slowly removing his eyes from the jar and looking back at his brother. "...but isn't this just a waste of denaris and resources? Why not just let some other Kingdom do all this cartography hassle."

Leshy smiled while putting down his documents. "...Well brother, back when we were being tutored by one of the greatest scholars of Helmos, I paid attention. And I know that trade routes are the lifeblood of a civilization. I am sure you would know this as well if you had paid attention instead of... playing the gallant knight and 'courting' young noble maidens." Reynauld became flustered for a moment. "Besides... it'd be beneficiary to find other routes to prominent Kingdoms and Empires. The route to the Heavenly Empire became home to nomadic bandits, and the Pagan Road is currently under the threat of the southern Orks." Cécilia quickly commented on something elder. "Mon cher ami Reynauld... the current maps the guild possessed are seriously outdated, for Gaia's sake... The one I have with me at the moment still shows the Martorian Empire!"

"Hmm... bien bien, I understand... Still, I don't know how we will be able to protect this expedition. We can't spend soldiers to protect them, the Skæglins have raiding us a lot more often now and there's talks of the Hamalans attempting to attack the E-... Eonak... Coil... uh, the Emerald Woods or however those heathens living there call the woods." said the Prince. The Emperor nodded in agreement. "Indeed, things are dangerous even a decade after the Maelstrom. But worry not my brother... for there's plenty of brave souls out there willing to go all in for adventure and gold."





Throughout the busy streets of Eran, countless peasants, freemen, traders and travelers walk through seeking new opportunities in the "Blue Gem of the West". Its grand buildings and large walls are only dwarfed by Emperors Palace, Castle Le'Noire. In the Market Plaza, a man wearing the royal blue colors was being escorted by members of the militia until they reached the center of the Market. The portly royal clerk clumsily got on top of a platform used for important announcements, and that was enough for some of the passerby to look with interest. "Attention! Attention à tous les citoyens et voyageurs valides!" called out the portly crier while looking into a document of some kind. "...To all able-bodied men and women of Eran with experience in mercenary work, the Emperor calls you to raise your arms and serve him!" As he continued reading from the announcement, other royal clerks began attaching the announcement to the boards scattered throughout the market plaza. On one corner of the plaza, an old knight approached one of these posted announcement with great interest, carefully reading through it.



A small fortune was being promised, and that was enough to attract the common sellsword. But this old knight was not interested in the fortune or what loot awaited. This was what he was looking for decades ever since he was expelled from his order by corrupt officials and greedy nobles. This could be the final and grandest adventure to end his story - and he was not alone, as several young men and women began making their way towards Castle Le'Noire. And among these interested souls were a few strange and particular individuals who were about to change their lives forever.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

CHAPTER 1: TO THE NORTH
​

It was very early in the morning as the people of Eran started their daily communes. Inside the Happy Goblin, Cécilia slowly woke up. She could feel a knot in her stomach, consumed with worry and concern. Fear that this expedition might end in ruin. She did not want to share these feelings with anyone, not even Grunde. Fearing that it might affect the performance of others if they knew that she had little trust in their abilities. While she was not a religious person, she was a follower of the Cult of Gods, so she made a small prayer to the Goddess Gaia and all the Gods of the Gea. Hoping that they will listen to her prayers, and ensure the success of the expedition.

In another room, Ser Alberto sat comfortable on his bed. Examining his blade and polishing his armor best he could. He was the first one to come out of the inn, enjoying the little free time he had before amassing at Castle Le'Noire. He went to the stables that were near the western gate of Eran. It was so early that the ostler that had helped him yesterday was not here yet. The knight waited for about ten minutes before the young ostler appeared. The peasant boy looked at the knight, and gave him an understanding nod. He walked to the stables and unlocked the gate, leading a grey stallion out of it. "Ah... Pedro, my good boy." said the old knight while gently petting the horses snout. "How much was it for the night, stable boy?" he asked while rubbing his face against the horses. "Hm? 'tis only 5 silver, m'lord..." Alberto looked at the ostler and decided to give him ten silver. "I can tell that you groomed him well! So I believe you deserve an extra bonus for taking good care of Pedro." The peasant's eyes lit up as he watched the silver coins fall on his hands. "Je vous remercie Monsieur!" shouted the boy as Alberto and Pedro slowly walked away from the stables. Castle Le'Noire was their destination.


"...And the Duke of Vaugeois insists that the taxes of the village of Piaget should go to him, something the Count of Beaugendre disputes since the land is still on his territory. I believe that Duke Égide Peltier is trying to abuse every single decree of the Empire to annex more of the land of Beaugendre. I personally believe that the biggest problem is the fact that the Duke could use his extensive network of petty nobles and small houses to spread rumors against you. my lord." Emperor Leshy d'Toulie-Laflèche simply sat there in utter silence, his tired eyes drifting away from the stout councilor standing in front of him. Next to him was Crown Prince Raynauld d'Toulie-Laflèche, who noticed that his brother was uninterested in the conversation. He looked at the nobleman, trying to look professional. "I uh... continue, sir."

The portly little man eyed the Emperor for a moment before continuing. "...Your majesty, we had problems with some of the other nobles... The Marquess of Longchambon went on a bit of rampage, performing the... Droit du seigneur." The Emperor closed his eyes as a frown appeared on his youthful face. "...He went to two villages, one that in the territory of Longchambon... but the other borders the lands of Duchess Inès Beaulieu... It is said that... he killed a woman there. The Duchess wants the Marquess to be brought to justice, but as you know, the Marquess is part of house d'Toulie-Durand... A branch of your family house... This would br-"

"Enough."

"I... I beg your pardon my lord?" asked the noble as Leshy looked at him straight in the eye. "I tire of this nonsense. It feels like I am ruling over a bunch of spoiled children! And by Gaia's sake... a 'lord's right' night? For Gods sake!" As the Emperor ranted, he began coughing a bit of blood on the mattress beneath him. Raynauld quickly jumped in to help his brother. "Please... sire, our Emperor needs rest." he said while holding his brother's hand. "A...as you wish... sire."

As the noble left the Emperor bedroom, Leshy huffed and clutched the sheets beneath him. "A droit du seigneur?! Such barbaric traditions should have ended when the Mad Emperor died! Exedum take them all!" As he shouted, he puked a more blood into the bed. "G-gah... and now... Dukes and Counts want to fight wars against each other... Almost as if they have forgotten about the sky changing shape and monsters being spawned from thin air ten years ago!" Raynauld looked away for a moment, before giving his brother a hug. "...Leshy, please calm down. This will only worsen your condition." The Emperor went quiet for a moment since it had been a while after the last time his brother had hugged him. "...Yes, I am sorry brother... I just... these nobles and their petty squabbles. It's infuriating." Raynauld nodded. "...I don't envy your place at all."

Leshy gave his brother a smile. "Well, get ready... A few years more, and you'll be sitting on the throne that I can't use." Raynauld returned him the smile. "I better get ready..." said Leshy as he tried to get off the bed. "For what?" asked his brother while helping his older brother off the bed. "...Did you forget brother? In a few minutes, I'll be sending the Expeditionary Company off. I am very excited for it." A few maids entered the room to help the Emperor dress, and his brother also helped him get into more noble clothing. "...If this works, my brother... there'll be many great stories about them and us. This is an important day... not only for Eranoire, but all of Gea." Raynauld didn't exactly agree with the importance of this expedition, but perhaps, some use will come out of it in the future.

"Sire...?" asked a steward who entered the room with a silver tray with pastries and tea. "The clerks have been dispatched and everything is ready. I believe the Oracle and the High Priest will be arriving in a few moment." he said while putting the tray down. "Excellent, my good man! Most excellent!"




More minutes had passed, and the members of the company were awakening. Preparing themselves to to head to Castle Le'Noire. The main company was being led by Cécilia, who seemed to be in a better mood now. She waited until everyone was down in the main part of the tavern. The only ones that were missing were Alberto and Dakarai, but a warrior in the company told her that both men had left earlier at different times to get their mounts. Knowing this, she relaxed and asked everyone to follow her. Luckily the other members of the company that didn't stay in the Happy Goblin were already waiting in Castle Le´Noire.

Outside in the streets, everyone in the company noticed several Imperial Clerks moving about the city. Placing decorations and organizing lines of Eranoiran soldats and Eranoiran militia across the streets. Clearly in preparation for a parade. City criers began ringing their bells to gather the attention and attendance of everyone in the city. Cécilia knew there was going to be a ceremony, but a parade? It seemed a bit too much for her, but some members of the company seemed to enjoy the idea quite a lot.

After a few minutes of walking down the streets of Eran, they arrived at the gate of Castle Le'Noire. In front of it were a few of the other members such as the two Dvërgr as well as Dakarai and his strange beast mount, which gathered the attention and worry of everyone around, and Ser Alberto and his grey stallion, who waved at the party as they arrived. Just as the last few men arrived at the gate, it opened for them to get inside. The party was welcomed by Captain Védevel, who gave every a respectful bow.

The courtyard to the castle was far more busy than yesterday, as there were twice the number of soldiers standing there. Which were going to join the group in the parade until they were out of the city. There was also several nobles of small houses, all of them talking about the non-human members of the party. Fingers were pointed and laughter could be heard from the dumber ones, but discriminatory comments and jokes were not rare either. "Alright everyone!" shouted Védevel. "Form three lines! You are about to receive your blessings from the Oracle of Eran and the High Priest of St. Lucius."

As everyone took their spot on the lines, two men emerged from the crowd of nobles. An Oracle of the Cult of Gods and the High Priest of the Cult of Gaia. While the slight majority of Eranoire worships Gaia as the one and true Goddess of the world, Eranoire was a large empire that housed many minor faiths and many temples to the Cult of Gods. Religious turmoil was extremely common for generations until the father of Emperor Leshy, Emperor Claudel II, organized the Council of Vaugeois. A decree was instituted that Eranoire would respect all faiths and the condition that no Emperor or noble of the Empire will show preference for either cult. Because of this, royal events like this required the blessing of two priests.

The Oracle wore simple aqua-blue clothing that was akin to a toga, but he had a few elements of Eranoiran clothing as well. The man gave a speech about the importance of worshiping and fearing the Gods' judgement. He then began chanting something in what seemed to be Old Martorian, the official language of the Cult of Gods. The High Priest on the other hand, was wearing rich clothing and habits with a point clerical hat resting on top of his bald head. The man gave a speech about Gaia's love and how she will protect you in the journey ahead of you. He then began spraying blessed water on you. It was a strange experience, especially for those that were agnostic.

After the rites were done, the Captain and his royal Dragoons joined the company. "We will be escorting you out of the city now." said Védevel with a smile on his face. Cécilia was a bit confused. She couldn't see the Emperor anywhere. "What about the Emperor? I thought..." Védevel quickly interrupted her. "Do not worry, you'll see him on the way to the Northern gate..." as he finished speaking, he noticed that the preperations were done now. Behind the company, there were ten sturdy mules and five horses. Several carriages and carts were attached to the mules, carrying valuable supplies such as food and water. While some of the men in the company sat down on the driver's seat of the carts, Sentry took the opportunity to rest her Anvil on one of them.

While concerned that they would not be seeing the Emperor before leaving, Cécilia agreed to follow the captain. She looked at everyone behind her and gave them a smile and a nod. "It... it is time, my friends!" She tried her best to not cry out of joy as the company began marching out of Castle Le'Noire, escorted by the company of Soldats and Dragoons. As they leave the castle behind, they begin hearing the cheers of the Eranoiran people. The city was decorated with the banners of the Empire and the banners of the Cartographers Guild everywhere. The Soldats and Dragoons then began to chant the anthem of Eranoire, and they were joined by the peasants and commoners watching the parade. From the rooftops and balconies, women and children began throwing flowers at the company. Some were even throwing copper or silver coins at them, a sign of good luck for Eranoirans.

As the company marched through the street, they neared a manor known for housing most members of the Emperors noble house. House d'Toulie-Laflèche. From the balcony, the Emperor waves at the party with a big smile on his sickly face. The sight of the Emperor so far from the Imperial palace stuns the commoners and peasants, who cheer and call for his name as he waves at every single one of the group. "Remember, my friends! You are about to embark on an adventure unlike any other... Might Gaia and all the Gods bless you!" he shouted while the clerks next to him threw rose petals on the party. Every peasant and commoner on the sidewalks waves at the group, and gave them their blessings and hopes for a safe travel. It must have felt strange for some, being in the eyes of so many people and yet they were all wishing them well. It's almost as if they had forgotten that some of them were not even human to begin with.

Captain Védevel looked at Cécilia and gave her a respectful nod. "...Eranoire has high hopes for this expedition. I wish you the best... and please, take care of the kid while you are out there." he said while eyeing Callop a few metters behind. Cécilia gave the man a nod and a smile. "Of course... and thank you, captain." As she finished thanking them, she could see the Northern Gate not far from here. The captain gave everyone one last look and a nod, before walking away alongside his Dragoons. The escort of soldats continued marching until they were at the gate, before they saluted every single one of the group as they exited the city. People still waving and cheering them on from the vast farmlands surrounding Eran.


As the company continued marching down the Northern Road, slowly but surely the fields began disappearing and the sight of human houses and settlement became rarer. Cécilia stopped everyone for a moment, walking up a hill near the road to look at the sight ahead of them. A single tear fell down her cheek. "I am finally doing this..." She then looked at the party, pointing at the sight ahead of her. "...WE are doing this... Bienvenue dans les champs de verdure!"

 

[EdwardDewey98]

CHAPTER 2: BRANNORIA​

"So... you want to sleep with the Minotavur?" asked one of the warrior women at Paulin, who was washing his face on the camps water barrel. "M-merde! W-who in Hel starts a conversation like that, I just woke up!" he said while grabbing a piece of charcoal from the used pit fire, rubbing it on his index finger and then smearing it on his teeth. "...b-befifes, nonef of yer busnuf!" He said while cleaning his mouth and then spitting the water on the grass beneath him. "Just wondering... never met a sodomite before, and never expected them to be attracted to such a weird creature." said the lady warrior while eyeing the camp around them. It was still early in the morning, everyone was getting up by now. "S-Sodomite? Tsk... you Gaians and your stupid terms, us at the Cult of Gods call love for what it is! Love!" he said while puffing his chest, the lady warrior raised a brow. "...and does bull boy reciprocate that love?" Paulin's face changed from pride to fear. "I dunno... I hope so... but it's too early for that... come, help me prepare the fire to cook breakfast!"

While Paulin and the lady warrior prepared the fire, Alberto got out of the tent where everyone in the "leading team" slept in. "Cold morning... I can see my breath!" he said as Cécilia emerged from the tent as well. "I-indeed... it's a good thing we are heading north in spring though, I wouldn't want to explore Brannoria in winter... by the way, monsieur Alberto, when do we meet the Sheriff and the Mayor?" asked the lady scholar while gently petting Grunde, who was resting on her shoulder. "Eh? Ah, right... after the early morning, m'lady." Cécilia nodded, wondering what sort of ceremony the Hobs had for their departure. "Well, I hope it doesn't take us too long, I love Waterham but I want to see more of the north. I am really curious about the independent cities!" While the scholar sat down on a log, getting ready for breakfast, she noticed something odd. "Uhm... Alberto, did you see Devereaux get up earlier today? I haven't seen him." Alberto shakes his head in response, completely unaware of Devy's current state. "Maybe the others know... at any rate, it's time to wake up these lazy kids!" he said before grabbing a pan and hitting it repeatedly inside the tent to wake everyone up. "Good morning everyone! It's a brand new day to pack everything up and do some cartographing! Come on!" He said while watching everyone's groggy faces.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Intermission​

A Day’s Travel from the Expeditionary Company…​

The woodlands of Vaugeois were notable for their thick pines and sparse underbrush, save for the bushes and ferns that took root on the forest floor, and was host to an abundance of wildlife. In particular, a group of deer were grazing on the vegetation under their hooves without much worry or harm. Their brown coats contrasted against the darker pine bark and the greenery of what they were eating, and such stood out to anyone or anything that would observe them. Yet their calm demeanor was shattered as they raised their heads in alert as a noise was heard nearby, and then scattered deeper into the woods.

Two bannermen of House de Lyonesse walked on patrol together, passing the time as they did their rounds without much interest. They didn’t expect any trouble in these woods, or in this region in particular given how sparsely populated it was outside of the Free Cities themselves, and were rather bored of their assignment. One in particular was voicing his displeasure to his comrade as they walked: “Can’t believe we were the ones chosen to be sent on this stinking company.” He complained as he muttered, “And we have to accompany the little lordling to his death, thanks to the Duke de Lyonesse. Den of vipers them lot-“

“Don’t speak like that.” The other practically hissed, shaking his head ass he kicked the ground beneath him while they paced through the thicket. “I don’t want to be here any more than you do, shitting in the woods and marching till my feet ache, but… we have a job to do. Regardless of what you think of the Duke de Lyonesse, we still need to go along with what he assigned for us.” He then glanced quickly back from where they had been previously and shrugged: “And besides, maybe the little lordling isn’t as bad as his uncle?” he then asked but was only met without words as a response from his compatriot who only grunted and shrugged at such a notion.

Back where they had come from, a small clearing in the forest was inhabited with tents and people who were not natives to the land. Bearing the banners of House de Lyonesse near the entrance to the encampment as to signal its authority and prestige of its owner to whomever might chance upon them, however unlikely that prospect was at the moment, which proudly displayed a golden lion upon a field of blue. Majestic in its presence as it was out of place when compared to its more natural surroundings. A total of seven tents had been set up in a semi-circular fashion around the main bonfire at the center of the clearing which served as the main hub for the traveling bannerman, their liege, and the others who were with them as well.

Small wooden stakes had been set up at the perimeter as a rudimentary and quick way to establish a perimeter just near the tents themselves, offering a small feeling of security as well as to ward off animals from venturing too closely. Two of the regular levies stood at attention at the front of the camp’s entrance, at guard next to the banners themselves, while a few others went about their business inside the camp ground. Some were relaxing, others were sharpening their blades, and some were having a meal at this time of day. Two courtiers that had accompanied their liege were busy charting their next course of travel as they looked over maps of the area and discussed with furious mutters on what route or path they should take.

For the camp’s leader, Olivier de Lyonesse, he stood at the bonfire of the camp along with a few other travelers who were indeed neither associated with House de Lyonesse or Eranoire, nor from this region either: Amani, Mihret, Tate, and Hazel all stood close to Olivier as to speak with one another and chat about whatever it was they were speaking about. How they came about on this journey varied wildly on their reasons and intentions, but they all nonetheless traveled the same as they had for many days prior.