Kaddon - The Story

[Mizagium]

“I present to you – our new Champion!”

The bailey of the castle was littered with the remnants of the Champion’s Tournament, which had occupied the city’s attention for the last few days. It had started strong, but after it became apparent that no one was going to attempt to assassinate King Karyein (nor were they required to attend as initially believed) the populace began to resume their daily routines, unconvinced that a Champion would affect any real changes in the realm.

Evaline couldn’t help but smile as the atazi captain, Edrich, presented her with the Blackblade, the ceremonial sword of office. Not many people were actually cheering for her, in truth. Those that had stuck around to the end clapped a few times sarcastically, or glared jealously at her. Among those glaring at her was none other than His Majesty himself. She met his gaze with a smirk that slowly faltered.

Those were studious eyes, the kind that reached into your soul and sorted through its contents, checking for weaknesses. The longer he stared, the more uncomfortable she became.

He knows, she realized. Her stomach dropped into her feet and a chill overtook her. He’s known the entire time. And her realization must have shown because, ever so slightly, he smiled.

She turned away. He can’t know. There’s no way. But maybe he does. I can’t let him know that I might know he knows. Eva screwed up her face into the most neutral expression she could muster. The same atazi captain addressed the dwindling crowd with what was likely a rousing speech about the steadfastness of the realm and how they will meet any threat and how this Champion will pave a new future and so on. She wasn’t listening; she was thinking about how she was going to break the news to Arrick that she was now in good with the king. The prospect of his jealousy made her smile and eased some of the tension.

Opposite the king, cloaked in shadows, the enigmatic wizard stood apart. Hood drawn and hunched over, he watched the theatrics in unemotive silence. Eva hadn’t had much interaction with that man, except for when he used orange magic to blunt all the contestants’ weapons. He hadn’t spoken to anyone the entire time. No one seemed to know where he had come from, since he hadn’t existed prior to the tournament. Eva didn’t like how he glared at her and turned back to the crowd.

A few onlookers clapped lazily as they drifted away. It was over. Just like that. All the ceremony the situation should have afforded was lost because no one gave much thought to the crown anymore. It was a hollow symbol now and this Champion business was clearly an effort to bring some respect back to the monarchy.

Unfortunately for them, the fates had chosen Eva to take up that mantle, to shape the position of Champion, to direct opinion of the king in whatever way she saw fit.

With that knowledge, she faced King Karyein, her confidence restored. “I am yours to command, my liege.” She knelt, playing the obedient servant for now.

“Yes,” he observed slowly, and rose. He towered over her and said, “I suppose you are. Take note of this now, so that you do not forget it. You are nothing more than a glorified errant…girl for me. You will go where I say, do what I say, and nothing more. Is that clear?”

“As crystal, your majesty.” Try as she might, she could not keep the sarcasm out of her tone.

“Hmph. Let’s figure out exactly how useful you will be for me, then.” He folded his hands behind his back and paced. “There have been…rumors floating about of an illicit substance making its way into my city. Shockweed, I’ve heard it called. While I don’t normally care what goes on down in the Crawl, this substance has begun to appear on the surface—and I can’t have that. Take your sword and my authority and…put a stop to the trade.”

Eva waited for more instructions, but when it seemed none were forthcoming, she asked, “Would you prefer me to handle it in any particular way, my liege?”

“Hmmm. Just get it done…Evaline.”

Her whole body chilled when he spoke her name, but she didn’t move. “It will be done.”

“Go, then.” Done with her, he motioned for his meager entourage. “Edrich, Aodh; come with me.” The three men left her there in the bailey to rise alone. Aodh—the wizard glanced backwards once, but said nothing.

“Well, Eva” she muttered, leaving the castle grounds. “You’re in it now.” And she began making her way down to the docks.

Kaddon: City of Crossroads - Episode 1

[Myrdraxxis]

"You must be outta yer gods damned mind."

The man sitting before Rashid blinked rapidly, trying to not let it show on his face how much the haze of tobacco smoke around them irritated him. "Excuse me?"

Rashid didn't answer for a moment, taking a long drag on his cigar and blowing the smoke in the man's direction. THe man, yet another potential client, coughed lightly and tried to control the twitch steadily forming in his left eye. Rashid tried not to grin.

Truth be told he disliked smoking. Disliked any sort of vice that made him feel out of control. He only did so on instances like this: It generally made people uncomfortable, and off-guard. Forced them to make mistakes.

"I don't think I stuttered." Rashid said. "You must be out of your thick skull if you think I'd accept a deal like this."

The potential client, Yarick Aeot, frowned. "My contact said you were supposed to be the best. A sellsword-"

"Yeah, you're damn right. A sellsword." Rashid cut in. "Not a gods-damned drug runner. Listen up, you need someone taken out, threatened or hell you need a damned fortress cleared, I'm your man. That's what I do. These docks are full to bursting with scum that can peddle whatever shite you’re selling.”

“It’s called shockweed.” Yarick interjected. “A new product that’s going to make anyone invest rich-“

“I don’t give a rats ass.” Rashid growled. “No deal.”

He stood, ignoring the short squawk of protest from the drug dealer behind him and stalked away from their table nestled in the dark corner of the tavern. A few patrons gave him looks as he passed but most simply ignored him, hoping to be ignored in turn.

This tavern of was one Rashid’s frequent haunts for both business and pleasure, and most of its patrons knew not to get on his bad side.

“Kaiyan!” Rashid called over his shoulder towards the bar. “We’re leaving!” with that Rashid stalked out the door.

[Calefrun]

The young man at the bar downed the remainder of his drink, then stood to leave. On his way out, he turned to the angry drug dealer still seated at his and Rashid's table. He made an exaggerated shrugging gesture at the man, and casually said, "Sorry about that. I had a feeling he wouldn't go for it, but I figured it was worth a shot." He left without bothering to wait for a response.

As he walked quickly to catch up to his partner and mentor, a lock of black hair fell in front of Kaiyan's eyes, much to his annoyance. He normally kept most of the mop on top of his head tied back, but he hadn't had the time to deal with it before leaving in the morning. His shaggy mane now hung loosely about, occasionally flowing in a passing breeze. With every step he took, the sheathed longsword on his back made a small clinking sound, as did the buckles on the leather armor he kept mostly hidden under the black cloak he wore.

When Kaiyan finally reached Rashid's side, he slowed his pace and placed his hands behind his head. "Okay," he commented offhandedly, "so maybe that wasn't the most... honorable work we could have found, but come on. It's been about three weeks since our last job. I'm getting tired of eating potatoes every damn night. This shockweed stuff is getting pretty big, too. Probably could have gotten enough to buy a week's worth of meat with what that guy was offering." His mouth watered at the thought.

[Sariel of Tevet]

"Hey! Kid! What are you doing?"

Mygdon snatched the silver from the contact's hands and turned out of the alley, heading into the first direction he found. The market was crowded and he began to bump into bystanders as he attempted to fall into stride ahead of the city watch.

Shit, that's the second time this month. These contacts are going to have to start meeting me outside of the city. It seems like His Royal High Horse is really trying to crack down on shockweed.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he noticed that he was about to run himself into a corner, so he darted into the nearest alley and collided into someones chest and came crashing to the ground. He looked up and saw the contact staring down at him with an outstretched hand. A man was on either side of him, arms folded and not looking amused.

"Alright kid where is it? You can't just take your cut and scram like that. I want my package."

Mygdon was confused at first, but then he glanced down and noticed the bulge in his coat pocket.

Shit, the shockweed. The city watch really must have caught me off guard this time. I never screw these things up. Krauden is really going to have my ass for this.

"Boss, isn't that the mute kid? I don't think he can answer you. Maybe he can't even understand you at all."

"Right, I guess we will just have to kill him and take it. Just find it."

One of the henchmen stepped forward and pulled a sword from its sheath, placing the tip inches from the end of Mygdon's nose.

If I make it out of this that is...I could really use a miracl..

"You there! All of you, halt."

The three city watchmen were now standing behind them all, cutting off the other end of the alley.

Yeah, that's not what I meant, but thanks.

He sprang to his feet and squeezed passed the contact and his crew and making his way up a nearby ladder. He ran across the rooftops, eying the docks the entire way. The city watch kept their pace alongside the left of the building, while the contact and his posse were in stride alongside the right. Migdon was running as fast as he could manage, but his energy was giving out quick. Unfortunately, he would run out of buildings to scamper across before his stamina gave out.

He looked over his shoulders and noticed that neither the city watch, nor the drug dealers were on his tail any longer.

Thank the Gods, finally a miracl..Shit!

He had run out of buildings and was falling fast. He landed on a merchant's horse that was standing against the wall of the building and it took off. Draped over the horse sideways, Migdon couldn't control the horse and would have screamed if he could have. The horse tore down the streets and deep into the docks where he finally lost his grip and landed at the feet of two men who were walking down the street and arguing.

He rolled over onto his back and gazed up at the two men, but then his attention was drawn away by footsteps. The breathless city watch had found their way to him at long last, while the drug dealers loitered behind a stack of fish barrels and looked on to see what happened.

.....Shit...

[Myrdraxxis]

Rashid snorted, taking a final drag on the cigar before dropping it and snuffing it out under his boot as the pair walked through the docks. "Honor? Honor is for fools, Kaiyan." he shook his head.

""It's not about honor, it's about being a damned professional. This city is full of second-rate scum and thugs. We're mercenaries, boy. Which means we act like it. We take jobs that are worth our damned time. And drug running sure as shit aint."

Rashid's attention as drawn to the sudden commotion before them as what appeared to be a runaway horse barreled by them, depositing a form in front of the two ex-mercs as the out of control animal disappeared down the street, followed by cries of alarm from the citizens.

Rashid leaned over the fallen form and nudged it with his boot. It was a boy, a street urchin from the looks of him.

[Calefrun]

Kaiyan started to argue back, but instead just sighed, letting the issue go. Arguing with Rashid never accomplished anything except giving himself a headache. As his partner went to inspect the boy that had just fallen before them, Kaiyan grumbled, "I'm twenty-five years old; you can stop calling me 'boy' any day now."

It was then that he noticed the watchmen trying to catch their breath a short distance away. He scowled, and his whole body tensed up. Muttering quietly enough that only Rashid and the guy on the ground could hear him, he growled, "Dammit all. What do they want?"

[Sariel of Tevet]

Mygdon stirred a little when the man nudged him with his boot.

I suppose getting poked with a boot is better than getting poked with a sword. I guess I'll take my chances.

He scrambled to his feet and hid behind the newcomers. While out of site from the city watch, he hid the silver in one shoe and the shockweed in the other, just in case things didn't go his way. As he was standing back up, he noticed that the knee of his pants were torn and he was bleeding slightly.

Mygdon walked in front of the man who hadn't been prodding him with his boot, and tugged at his shirt to draw his attention. At which point, Mygdon pointed at his bloodied knees, and then to the city watchmen before them.

[Calefrun]

Kaiyan raised an eyebrow at the boy. "What? You probably did that when you fell off the horse. I can't stand the watch, but I'm not going to start something because some kid scraped his knees." He heard the slight jingling sound coming from inside the thief's pocket. "Now... I might be convinced to give you a hand by other means, if you're willing to discuss."

[Myrdraxxis]

"Kaiyan we don't have time for this." Rashid muttered, eyeing the approaching City Watchmen. Obviously this kid had run into a spot of trouble with the law. Not necessarily uncommon around these parts. Hell, Rashid was no stranger to the the other side of the law, especially dodging the Watch those first few years after the Coalition broke.

That said, he'd rather not return to those times.

[Mizagium]

Evaline only caught the tail end of the commotion in the market, but she recognized Mygdon - well, she knew him as 'that mute kid' who sometimes appeared and disappeared in the Crawl. She didn't know the other two at first, but they certainly weren't ordinary citizens. Or city guards. In fact, she might almost think they were...

"Whoa there," she hailed the Watchmen, who slowed, suspicious. "These three giving you trouble?"

"They, uh, they.." the larger man faltered, visibly confused. Who was this girl and why was she addressing us so?

"Sorry 'bout that," she waved her hand dismissively. "They're with me. Undercover. You know."

The second regained his composure to ask, "Oh yeah, and who are you?"

"Someone you oughta listen to," she offered coyly, making a show of resting her hand on the hilt of the Blackblade. The one guard nudged the other and indicated the sword. Realization dawned, and then curiosity. 'Her?' his face asked the other. A nod.

The straightened up and the first said, "Of course. We'll let you take it from here, then." He nodded curtly and led his companions away. The second nodded as well. The third muttered, "Champion" as he did so and followed along.

Eva smirked, feeling a weird mixture of pride and discomfort. "Well," she said to the two men and one mute boy. "Looks like someone owes me a favor."

[Calefrun]

Kaiyan relaxed as the watchmen departed, and then eyed the newcomer up and down with a look of mild interest on his face. "A favor, huh?" He scratched the slight beard on the end of his chin for a couple of seconds, pretending to be deep in thought, then said, "Yeah, okay. Technically he-" he flicked Mygdon on the forehead to indicate who he was, "-was the only one in trouble here. My buddy and I were just passing through, and happened to run into the poor kid. At any rate, if you really want me to pay you back so badly, why don't I buy you dinner sometime? That should cover it, right?" He put on his best 'earnest' face as he awaited a response.

[Myrdraxxis]

Rashid just groaned into his palm. If dealing with the City Watch was bad news, tangling with the "famous" Champion was a disaster. And Kaiyan was hitting on her.

"We need to move on, Kaiyan." He spoke up. "Appreciate the assistance, Champion." He nodded to Eva. "I'll buy you a drink sometime, yeah?" He was already trying to walk away as he said that, really trying to vacate the area quickly.

[Sariel of Tevet]

Mygdon swatted at Kaiyan for flicking him and shrugged it off.

A favor? I suppose so. Anything is better than returning to the Crawl. I'm not to happy about having to see the boss anyway. And I think those other guys are still looming behind those barrels over there.

He managed a slide bow towards the Champion, not knowing what he had just gotten himself into.

[Nel]

Kaylean stood back to get a better look at his handiwork. A mural covering the length the wall of an apartment building near an entrance to the Crawl. It displayed the king standing atop corpses of men, women, and children alike. His sword raised triumphantly and a smirk upon his face. Now for the final touch. Kaylean placed his hand upon the mural and gave it little mental push. Immediately, the picture began to move. The king began to thrust his sword into the corpses over and over. Blood sprayed his face and he laughed uncontrollably. Kaylean smiled and then thought of his wrist and his smile died.

Let's see them cover this one up, he thought as he put his coat on and grabbed his supplies. He checked for any guards around before exiting the alley and made his way home. He had not planned to paint today, but the idea had struck him as he left the dock. He knew his mother would be expecting him, but he just could not shake the image. He had to paint it especially after the guards covered up his last mural. Albeit, it was anti-king propaganda, but they didn't even report it. They just painted over it. Well, he was going to make sure this one got attention.

Noticing the orange and purple in the sky, he quickened his pace. He told his mother he would be home right after he got off work. There was no telling how late he was now. As he approached the door to his house, he noticed a figure leaning against it. Waiting for him. Too built to be his mother.

"What are doing here?" he demanded, recognizing the figure. The man smirked.

"Heard about that new drug? Gettin' pretty popular ya know?" Kaylean tensed.

"I told you. I'm doing with that shit. I'm no thief anymore either. I told you that last year when you showed up at my door. And the year before that. I'm not coming back. Now leave." The man did not move, the smirk gone from his face.

"Look, I'm just saying we could make an easy profit. You were one of the best we-"

"I'm not coming back!" Kaylean insisted louder than he had meant. The man met his eyes for the first time since they had begun talking. He held his gaze for a moment then turned to leave.

"You might be done with us, Kaylean, but we are not done with you." His eyes fell to Kaylena's right wrist and then he turned and walked off.

[Damien]

Out on the streets if Kaddon, you must always be on your guard, both to protect others...and yourself.

Vyncent had never heard wiser nor truer words since his mother had said that to him the day before she and his father were murdered. He'd lived by those words ever since, and today was no exception.

On his way home from the clinic where he volunteers, Vyncent noticed two men and a young boy being questioned by two guardsmen. He approached as a woman sent them on their way.

"Is everyone okay?" he asked. He'd never trusted the guard to protect the people as they were supposed to after they just dismissed his parents' death and "chalked it up to a loss".

He quickly scanned each of the four over for injuries, catching the two men before they turned to leave. He then saw the young boy was bleeding from his knee.

"Here, allow me to heal that for you," he said as he approached the boy. He knelt beside him and hovered his hand above the wound. A warm, white glow emanated from his hand and into the wound, and the skin immediately began knitting itself back together.

"How's that?" he asked. "Better? You can just nod or shake your head. I know your mute. That's an advantage of white magic. It allows me to know anything wrong or abnormal with a person so that I may heal it." He turned to the woman. "Good evening, milady Champion. Is there aught I can help you with? "

[Mizagium]

Only slightly surprised at the sudden appearance of yet another civilian (although this one seemed much more willing to do what she said), Eva took a tally of everyone: two armed warrior, whom she suspected to be mercenaries; one mute thief; and now this healer. Boy this day could not get any better unless the drug runners themselves jumped out and suddenly attacked her.

"Careful," she warned Kayain. "Might just take you up on that offer, but some other time, perhaps. Now," she continued, ignoring Rashid's attempts to vacate the area, "I'm sure you're wondering why I've gathered you all here. Perhaps even how. Well, that's not important right now. What is important is that we have some drug runners to bust and we best not waste any time."

[Sariel of Tevet]

Drug..run...shit...does she mean me?

Mygdon subtly began to look for an escape route until he noticed the contact and his two henchmen still crouched behind the barrels, looking on.

Those three could make quite the scapegoat. I could never do this by myself though.

He tapped Kaiyan on his side and motioned towards the three that were tailing them. He gave a thumbs up and a half smile to Eva and took off away from the group. He headed down towards the docks and away from the group. He hopped on top of a nearby cart and used it to just up to grab the roof. He pulled himself up on top of the roof and made his way across the buildings and into a tree above the contact and his men. He waved over to the group and then pulled a small bone handled blade from his sock.

[Myrdraxxis]

Rashid did an about-face and returned his attention to Eva, waving off the healer that had shown up out of nowhere and was hovering around.

"Catching drug runners you say?" He inquired. "Miss Champion, I do hope you intend to ah...compensate for any services rendered?" Mercenary mode activated. Rashid sensed a job at hand, and a fairly easy one at that. His eyes drifted back down the road towards the tavern he and Kaiyan had just left.

The one where a Yarick Aeot was no doubt still enjoying his meal and searching for someone to sell his product.

[Damien]

"Drug runners?" asked Vyncent. "Well, I can't very well allow such people to go about peddling their evil substances and causing problems." Besides, maybe they'll be able to lead me to the people who killed my parents over my magestone...I can only hope... "What can I do to help, milady?"

[Mizagium]

But Eva was considering Rashid's question. "But of course," she declared as confidently as she could. Years of running a thieves guild has honed her bluffing. "The king always rewards those who serve...er, assist him. Why do you think I'm here? This?" She indicated her sword. "Please."

She did her best to keep her attitude towards Vyncent in check. "You can follow me and do what I say - and not screw up my first outing, ok?" She pointed to each of them. "That goes for all of you."