NationStates Jolt Archive

Another day within the reformed nation of Velmora.

Although, not like most.

The snow was falling outside. Children were playing in the streets after school, and mages were studying within the vast Library which stood above all the other buildings, a monument to the knowledge and power that the Psi had over the arcane arts. In the highest room, Kain sat behind his vast Inglewood desk (a wood which responds very well to rune inscribing, which covered nearly all Psi buildings and functional furniture) scribbling with a silver pen which was made by Kain himself. Having only three cloven fingers, Kain did find it difficult to write, let alone try not to crush the damn pen.

He was writing in his journal, about the progress on the Constructs that Shar was pursuing with her Arcane side of government. For now, everyone had their own assigned roles, and government was in full swing. Kain himself was the head of General Observations, a side of the government which overlooked all other sides of the government, being the overall authority as such, making tweaks and adjustments where it was required. There were now six sides of government, all new and getting to grips with the sides of government, with a seventh side, a side concentrating upon the constructs.

A construct was what Shar was, a creature of metal, wood and magic, highly unique and powerful in their design, with their own personalities and traits. Or at least, that was the hope to make more constructs for more arduous tasks, and research into making arcane creations. The Psi revered Shar with utter reverence, which made Shar irritated often.

A snowball hit the window of Kain's office, just when a man wearing long thick blue robes opened his room slowly, peeking his head out to look at the green skinned vampire which acknowledged his presence with a look.

"Kain, communication devices are ready."

"Good man. I will be down shortly." Kain replied and finished the sentence on rune structures, theories why a certain detail could not be achieved upon the breastplate of a plate mail, due to the relationship with other runes.

Kain, putting down the pen and closing the book, took his great dark blue cloak and put it around himself. Emblazoned upon the back was the symbol of the Brightblade, the wave blade which was the very symbol of Velmora. It hugged Kain's vampire form warmly, not that Kain could feel the cold. His flesh was as cold as the snow falling gently around.

He walked outside, towards the throne room on the other side of town.


---

Shuman looked at the device dubiously, playing with his long dreds of black hair as he stared at the many prongs and spinning things which comprised of this new fangled, communication device.

Gullysmith Tinkerway, a gnome in a most bright and exuberant set of robes, was beaming with pride, his grin broad and his eyes wide.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/eb_gallery/82087.jpg

"Well, what do you think? Won't Kain be pleased!" The gnome said wonderfully, looking at the humming, glowing, spinning device of brass, silver, jewel and runes.

"Well, as long as the thing works." Shuman replied, walking over to the controls, taking a seat. The seat was slender and most comfortable, the padding in a luxurious style of being. The seat was in front of something like a piece of glass covered with light yellow runes, which made the eyes confused. Shuman did not understand most of it, because he was not very well taught in the rune language, unlike Gullysmith, who was one of the main heads of the Arcane department.

Gullysmith then proceeded to chatter how to use the device, while Shuman absorbed the new found information while looking at the towering device. It could do many many things, and this was one of it's lesser functions, communication. It was going to be the first time it was going to be tested, and people ran around, checking runes and looking over joints on each higher and lower level.

The way the thing looked, was a circular pillar made of stone with a bridge of stone leading to the doorway. There was a space of nothingness which was rather large and could certainly cause considerable damage if fallen down, and across around 15 feet of a gap, there were levels covered with devices, three levels in all, one above, on equal and one below with the actual control.

Kain walked in slowly, coming in from the snow chill, his cloak sprinkled with a white layer of snow, as was his green body. He shook himself, removing most of the snow before he came in, much like the way a dog would. Kain's large mane of white hair tossed all over as he did so.

"Greetings one and all. Things are ready and well I hope." Kain said pleasantly as he looked towards the gnome and the Psi. They nodded and smiled, Gullysmith nodding and grinning more enthusiastically than before.

"Oh yes, of course Kain. This device is one hundred percept operational. It is rather amazing that we found the correct rune structure. As you know, interlocking such complex runes structures leads to a breakdown of magical energies, often leading to dissipation of them, or explosion. But due to new breakthroughs, we have found a buffer-" The gnome chattered on lovingly with the details, only to be cut short by Kain, with a smile and a raising of his cloven hand.

"Yes yes Gullysmith. I understand the brilliance that your team and poured into this work, and Velmora thanks you for it. Continue like this, and Velmora will be the most educated in the arcane arts." Kain said smilingly, and turned his attentions to his newly appointed head of Foreign Affairs.

"All ready Shuman? Feeling nervous?" Kain asked curiously, coming closer to the man, and looking at his fine and smiling face.

http://www.creativeuncut.com/media/s2-shu.gif

"Kinda. I was in charge of smaller things in my previous occupation over seas, but nothing like this....I am grateful for the opportunity Kain." Shuman said slowly, breathing a little deeper than he should normally. Calming techniques which Kain recognised.

Kain nodded and patted his shoulder reassuringly.

"You will do fine, I have faith in you."

Kain walked away out of view from the monitor, and Gullysmith tended to the device.

Shuman breathed slowly, sucking air through his teeth, and rubbing his hands together.

"Here we go....activate the device Gullysmith!" Shuman said excitedly, his voice trembling a little.

Then, a movement of machine, a breathing of brass pistons, activation of humming runes accross the screens. Life was being imbued into the lower half of this device, which was indeed, the very building itself.

The device flickered, and the runes faded from view, and the glass became a sheet of blue. Gullysmith was delighted, running all over the place with a smile on his face, a whirling person of orange and purple robes. Kain just stood and watched out of sight, a smile on his face with satisfaction of the success.

Shuman spoke, his words going to a nation.

"Greetings. This is the newly reformed nation of Velmora speaking. If you can hear this, please respond to tell us that our communication devices are working. Thank you."


Velmora was talking!

The footsteps could be heard echoing down the aging halls of Tralin Castle in the heart of Tarlachia. Several heads turned to watch the figure dart past their doors.

"Sir, we have an active comm from an unknown nation, Velmora. It appears that they are testing their long range communication devices."

The chair turned around to face the mahogany desk. The figure lifted his head to the messenger, and took the note held out. His eyes scanned the text carefully, then read it once more.

"Interesting. Tell Comms that I will be there shortly."

"Yes sir." the messenger replied before quickly departing the office.

With a sigh, the man stood and glanced about his old office, filled with aging, yet well cared for books on bookshelves that surrounded the room. They were books of history of Tarlachia, from its ancient kingdomship, to the democracy, to the vampire-led coup long ago, and now to the unique Coven government. His thoughts floated upon Maximus Destroi, the vampire that started it all so long ago. For some time now, he had not visited, and no one could locate him. He flicked his tongue over his fangs, a trait he had acquired nearly 600 years ago. He walked out of the office.
_______________________

Once again the message from Velmora played on the High Intensity Lar Radio, aka HILR, a communication device created long ago that was capable of recieving and deciphering nearly a million languages of the universe.

"Greetings. This is the newly reformed nation of Velmora speaking. If you can hear this, please respond to tell us that our communication devices are working. Thank you."

The Elder picked up the Comm handheld and replied,

"Greetings Velmora. This is Nathan Erickson of Tarlachia. Your communications are active and recieved in clear condition."

Cheers eminated from the wild mages at the responce, who continued to observe and correct the flucations of magic which flowed through this sounding board of magic. Sounds of humming runes, cranking runes and lifting and lowered jewels were heard softly in the background.

Shuman received the sound from the board itself, the sound coming from all parts of the board in an erratic way. The voice first came from the left bottom corner, then speeding off to the top right and then back to where is should be, all around, after the mages contninued to alter the system. It was still in the testing stages, and for all anyone knew in this place, the entire system could break down in an erratic display of explosions, an event which Kain was slightly concerned about. He had his spells in his mind ready for such an event, everyone knew what to do in case an evacuation was ordered.

"Ah, I am glad that our communications are successful. It has only been made this communication device, and our experimentation on the methods used are still in prototype stages, because magic and technology can be rather haphazard to mix as you might know." Shuman said flowingly, leaving a little pause, before remembering his mistake.

"My apologies, my name is Shuman-Ka-reoman, I am pleased to speak with you. The reason why Velmora has decided to contact other nations, is that we are interested in methods of trade. Some material trade, some infomative trade. Did you wish to negotate, and learn more about one another?" Shuman asked calmly and pleasantly to the board, which was then transmitted through a field of floating runes to the complex array of devices which allowed the message to be sent back.

It was a few minutes before the reply came from Velmora. As it started to transmit, a blast of lightning struck somewhere nearby outside the castle, causing the walls to rumble.

Nathan looked out the window surveying the sky. "Yet another day of rain..."

"Sir. They have responded." reported one of the comm technicians, as he handed Nathan the sheet.

Nathan scanned his eyes quickly over the text, then spoke, "It has been nearly two thousand years since we've had any alliances...perhaps it is time for us to reintegrate ourselves into the world...Turn on vocals. It's time we write history."

A click was heard, followed by a thumbs up.

"Velmora, we would be honored to discuss the trade details out in person. Perhaps we can fly a representative out here for you, or do you prefer your own means of transportation?"

"We would be delighted to meet you in person. We will have our means of transportation, it would be faster due to the nature of it and our familarity of it. We have recieved the co-ordinates....We shall sent a small group of our officals, and myself of course. Thank you." Shuman said, and closed the communications.


"And the group will be?", Kain asked quietly and politely, his favoured position abandoned now. He usually took a backseat in all things, before his goverment position. In great parties he would lean against a wall, and listen to all things said, and only rarely made his presence known.

But now, he was standing, adding his own points healthily. Kain thought that he might seem cynical and synister if he took a place upon the wall. And image was something which Kain understood was vital for a leader. Some habits were changed, many were not.

Shuman got out of the padded red chair easily, a feat which many could not do, the curving edges could trip one up if they attempted to get out of the device in the wrong way, and thought about it.

"Well, yourself, Jazmin for taking us there and representing the Arcane council and Shar to discuss construct research, Miklotov due to trade...some others I will think of." Shuman said thoughtfully, speaking quietly. Kain could hear him clearly however, due to his sensative vampire ears.

"Well then, inform them and prepare yourself. I don't know what we will expect here. Most of you people have never been to such places." Kain said, walking away to go back to his study.


---

The journey was all ready. All five of the group were ready, and stood ready.

"Lets go."

And they teleported, a combination of arcane power and intellegence, with the assistance of a fair few psi around them, to teleport away.


(OOC Yeah, the end is shit. I will give you descriptions on who is going when they arrive. Just gimme a description of where they arrive ok?)

(Twenty seven minutes later)

A shimmering became apparent in the fabrics of reality in the throne room. A few servants moving about the room were all that were in the vincinity. One of the servants dropped his tray in surprise, sending a flurry of items in every direction.

"Greetings. We are representatives of Velmora. We have arrived to negotiate with your leaders."

The servant blinked, before stuttering, "Ah...yeah...be right back..."

He turned and ran from the room, leaving the tray upon the floor.

________________________________

"Sir!"

"Sir! We have visitors!"

The servant came rushing in, breathing somewhat heavily. The vampire, Nathan, stood and looked toward the incoming servant, before taking off on a brisk walk after the servant. He was led to the throne room, to reveal himself to the Psi representatives.

"Welcome! I am Nathan, the current leader of this nation. And I presume you are the representatives from Velmora?"

As he gazed at the visitors, Nathan was struck silent, paralysed, unable to control his body. It acted and reacted as if all was well, but the essence of who he was had left the immortal realm of his body. As he floated, watching the interplay below him, he was assaulted by images of fire, brimstone and an overwhelming stench of burnt flesh. In the distance, he could hear thunder, crashing towards him. Listening closely, he could discern words amongst the black, rolling darkness.

"Beware. Kain brings ruin. Death. Beware his Destiny."

A moment later, Nathan was back in his body, his brief excursion fading rapidly from his mind. All that was left was a sense of grave unease.

Nathan blinked rapidly for a few moments and drew his hand to his head, shaking it briefly.

Kain? Who the hell is he? he thought confusingly to himself.

"It appears that you are a distinct race of beings that I would thoroughly enjoy creating alliances and trade relations with. Come, let us settle down and discuss this in a more comfortable environment."

Nathan turned and led the Psi into an adjacent room, which held a large oval table. It was a room meant for working out such issues with foreign dignitaries. Nathan snapped his fingers and had a few servants step forward.

"Please, anything you wish to drink, we most likely have."

Nathan beckoned one of the other servants closer to himself. The servant promptly leaned his head closer to hear Nathan's whisper.

"Summon my council. Tell them this is a code 4 situation. They'll know what to do."

'Code 4' was a term that meant that negotiations was underway, and that all summoned persons were to come armed with their respective department's stats and information.

The servant nodded and departed quickly.

The group arrived, the group of six looking at thier new enviorment. One of which was Kain, who was the obvious leader.

The very varied group of six, sat down to the oval table, each taking thier own place. Kain sat at the other end of the table, awaiting for whoever might greet them.

Arranged were the six responcible for Velmora, these six held the responcibility of thier nation within their hands. Together, they resonated raw power, some more than others. Some resonated the sensation of great arcane power...others knowledge and skill.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/FR_ART/People/AlusairObarskyr.jpg

On Kain's left was Alusair Obarskyr, arranged in her golden armour, which had elaborate and flowing writing on it, magical in nature of course. The armour but made her seem taller than she actually was, the effect of her clothing and her image was one of control and power. Alusair was taller than Kain, and taller than most men. She was highly imposing, and had the attitude that she could achieve anything, and that cowards were not worth her time. Upon her belt was a scabbard, with her birthright, her own favoured blade. Alusair was the head of Military to do with the ground troops. Elaith, a famous duelist within Velmora, was one of her best sub-commanders.

Next to her, on her left was a smaller gnome which looked rather unfettered with this imposing and qutie cold woman beside him, who was called Gullysmith Tinkerway. A gnome which many ideas, and an irrepressable nature, he was full of igenitive ideas. He was prized amoungst the magical community, although his personality did become annoying sometimes. He sat, awaiting the goverment officals to arrive, twirling a small cystal coin within his small knuckles, and grabbing a cushion to allow himself to be taller, and somewhat more level.

Opposite Alusair, was again, someone who did not conform to the group. Well, there was no real conformity to the group to begin with. He wore a strange outfit, one which was not originating from Velmora. It shimmered slightly in the light, and made him appear very pure indeed. His face was rather calm, if hints of anxiousness could be seen in it's inexperianced complections. He had his hands formed into a small triangle, which moved from side to side, awaiting and contemplating things. He was new to his job, without much experiance. But Kain trusted him with this position, that of head of Foriegn Affairs. He would eb the lead talker, so....it was obvious that this man, who would be found out to be called Shuman-Ka-Reoman, a foreign name indeed to Velmora (the immigration of the Psi bringing many Psi back from strange cultures not of thier own). Not much is known of his past...but his abilities are not too strong within the field of magic, which is rare for Psi indeed.

And of course, on Kain's right, looking completely calm and composed, was Shar.

The Construct.

An entity of metal, wood and magic, she was the only one of her kind to be sucessfully created by her own magics. Shar was in actual fact a spirit which had melded into this form, and chose to stay here. Kain and Shar were rather close indeed...and everyone knew that something was going on between the two, however odd that relationship might be.

And Kain himself, sitting with the same composure...and more curiousity than anything else, how his fellow goverment officals would handle themselves, and hopefully make a good impression. He sat, and he wondered how his vampirism and appearance would be considered....

None talked...there was no need to. They refused politely for drinks, although the gnome, Gullysmith, was awfully tempted with a whisky. He knew when to behave, as he knew he would get glares from the others.

They waited...

Nathan carefully studied each of the members of the Velmoran council that sat before him. So strange they appeared to be, yet their purpose for existence was evident.

They were proud to be ONE. One nation. One decree. One people.

Nathan couldn't help but focus his attention upon Shar, the construct. So strange it was to see wood and metal melded together and harboring a magical entity within. Yet, here she sat, an impossible structure...possible.

Kain however, was the one that drew his attention the most. He, like himself, was a vampire, but differing in some strange way. Nathan sat thoughtfully for a moment, dwelling his thoughts upon Kain. He remembered that Maximus had once mentioned a Kain Irenicus, of a similar description as the one that sat before him now.

But one thing was inconsistent. Kain Irenicus had no home, according to the limited intel gathered from Maximus. At least, only the intel that Maximus had chosen to divulge to the government.

Is this the same Kain I was warned of? Nathan asked himself, remembering the strange experience he had felt when the Velmorans had arrived.

The door opened, causing Nathan to halt his thoughts and turn his head. In walked five figures, three men, two women. Each nodded respectfully toward the Velmorans and took their seats, and placing their folder upon the tabletop.

"This is my council, with whom I place my trust." Nathan announced.

Each member stood in turn and introduced themselves.

"Thomas Hapler, Director of Foreign Affairs."
"Michelle Romanov, Director of the Interior."
"Robert Reeding, Secondary Commander in Chief of Military Operations."
"Erica Ambers, Director of Intelligence."
"Andrew Young, Director of Extranormal Operations."

Each sat themselves down and opened their files, placing their hands upon them. Reeding shuffled through the paperwork, as if to make sure all his papers were there. Satisfied, he looked up with a smile toward the Velmorans.

The strange thing that was noticeable to the Velmorans, was that all members of the council were vampires. Thus, this established a sound council that would stand together much longer than any appointed human-council.

"Let's get this show on the road." Nathan announced, "First of all, please tell us what Velmora has to offer Tarlachia, and then we shall do likewise."

Shuman began, rather hesitantly, but fluidly when he actually started.

"Velmora offers many versitile services and knowledge. Our land is one of many oppertunities which we would like to share, and a wealth of infomation of the arcane which to be honest, few nations we have seen have matched." Shuman said, before being interjected by the gnome who spoke abruptly and out of place.

"Quite simply, we make the improberble possibility impossible to be improbible, so that the improbable possibilitity becomes in fact, a rather proberable and certain one indeed!" The gnome said in an ecstacy of speech, as if his words would be cut short at any second. he said it without effort, and it was not recited. It was from his own knowledge and understanding of magic, one which was shared with every Psi and the one Construct sat by the table.

Shuman coughed quietly, and said, "We are quite happy to share what knowledge we have got about magic, theories, major literature to do with the subject and so on and so forth quite fervently, if we could obtain more infomation on technology. Well, how can I put it?"

Kain said softly, speaking for the first time in a major way cutting in smoothly to help Shuman, "Velmora seeks to understand what others use in thier lives to get by and make achievements. This is not to say that we wish to convert to using more orthodox methods which are seen by the world, but if we are to initiate trade and active relations with other nations like yourself and others, we must know what we can expect. For example, for trade, we need to know what changes we need to make to our docks."

Alusair spoke, her voice cutting through the air with an obvious dominance, although it did not have that power of Kain's. Kain's voice was less loud at this point, yet it held more authority which was quite obvious. He had a quiet power about him, one which did not brag nor did need to remind others of it. It was innate, and one which only a fool could not notice. Not raw power as a warlord might have, but a power over others, charisma and experiance, athough his fighting abilities were indeed potent.

"And what we might face against in the future. As the head of defence, we must know what we might come into contact so that we are not caught off guard. Not that anyone will have fought anyone like us if the time ever came." She said rather cooly and as a matter of fact.

Shuman took over again, nodding in agreement. "Indeed. There are other thigns which we can offer, basic foodstuffs, rune inscribing services where we can send some of our workforce over to work for you for a charge to inscribe your buildings or ships. There are so many possibilities available. And also, we can trade arcane equipment and supplies. A list will be given later on."

Michelle Romanov, a black haired, blue eyed woman of an athletic build, was the first to speak.

"The technology we can most definitely assist you with. Your docks will be a minor issue for us, for we are very versatile in the development of technology. We can teach your people how to build stronger, faster ships, and also, we can establish a trade of our ships for something in exchange. We can send in as many workers as needed to Velmora to begin building and teaching your people the things we know, from machines of war, to simple automobiles, to missle defense and offense systems. In return, we would like to see what you have to offer in terms of warfare and peacekeeping methods."

Erica Ambers cut in once Michelle was finished. Her auburn hair flowed straight to her shoulders, upon which an azure blouse hung gracefully, accenting her features. Yet, despite her beauty, it was apparent that she was used to power, and getting her way.

"As for military and threats of other origins from international sources, we will be glad to cooperate with you in sharing any and all knowledge we have, in exchange for the same from you."

Erica was often one who was quick and to the point when she spoke, and hated the often all-too-common beauracracy the was evident in many political organizations. She had been raised in the streets as a young woman, and had learned how to deal effectively with others to get what she wanted, when she wanted. And she was as direct as a nail in a coffin...

Nathan waited until Erica was finished before inquiring, "You say your people have rune-inscription capabilities? How do those work? It is something we are not familiar with."

Shuman nodded and smiled.

"Yes indeed, we would like that very much. We are not interested in becoming offencive with technology, we have no intent of invading other nations, and if we did I am sure our methods would....suffice." Shuman said, looking at Alusair who gave him a very strange look indeed.

"No, we want to simply know what others might bring to us, so knowledge on the ways these weapons work would be invaluble. That way, we can deal with them with arcane methods, and teach our children the defence techniques." Shuman said, trying to get off the point of invasion.

Under the question of runes, Gullysmith answered with the same vigour he had in previous questions.

"Rune inscribing can make anything have a new property. The more extreme the property and how unreal it would be, the more complex and more costly the rune would be to make. Our currency are the crystals, which are used in enchanting and spellweaving you see. Runes can be put on almost anything, but not too many, otherwise the rune structure breaks down and reality snaps back and backlashes. Too much enchanting causes strange and often deadly things to happen. We have great experiance in knowing what combinations to and not put on. For example, if we wanted our home to be resistant to the rain and damp, we would scribe accordingly. For every circumstance, we would treat it differently. One of our most heavily inscribed buildings is the Library, the household of all our books. The originals that is. That building stood against dragonfire, earthquake, thunder, and meteor. It stood fast against everything which was thrown at it, with little more than a slight complaint!" Gullysmith said happily and with pride.

"Anyway, we can grant you infomation and our teachers in the methods, but the best idea is to allow us to rune inscribe your major buildings, major weapons, or even vehicles! An APC resistant to certain things can with increased speed enhancements would be a vast improvement! But of course, they require maintance, or arcane power generators. The Library has a massive internal power plant, which feeds the enchantments inscribed upon it."

Nathan smiled as he clasped his hands together.

"Then it shall be done! Your rune inscriptions will be greatly appreciated, as well as anything else you wish to contribute to this agreement. I will authorize as many men necessary to speedily update your technology to match that of ours, and give you intelligence on foreign technology and of possible foreign threats to you."

Andrew Young leaned over to Nathan and whispered into his ear, to which Nathan nodded agreeingly. Young looked back over to the Velmorans and spoke:

"I have noticed that there are a few civilians in our population that are strong in the arcane. Perhaps, we might be able to arrange to have those civilians interning in Velmora as your students, to learn of the Psi ways? In exchange, you will be more than welcome to send some of your people here to learn something of interest for you?"

Kain spoke this time, answering the question.

"Yes indeed, we would like that very much. Accomidation shall be made for them. They will not flow into the culture easily, as it is one which requires a great accusoming to, but I am sure they shall manage. We shall send some of our people over...it will be very interesting how they would fare. My own travels away from Velmora has made me a much better being than I was before. Psi are rather unaware of that outside of Velmora, so this should be good for both our people."

"I feel that this meeting has gone well gentlemen. Thank you for your time. Details about the specifics of events will be given over time."

Nathan and his cabinet stood as Kain made the closing statements. He reached over the table and shook each of the Velmorans' hands, but paused at Kain, noting his cloven hands. Kain nodded understandingly, to which Nathan drew back his hand.

"I'm very pleased we have been able to work out an arrangement with your nation. Let it be known from this day forth that Tarlachians and Velmorans shall be allies until the stars themselves die!"