Cainiam

*AHEM* You do know we're right here, right?

[colour=#8b4513]"Chainmail[/colour][colour=#a52a2a]"[/colour]. The voice echoed around the inside of his head. Chainmail gulped and kept his hooves on his spear when he noticed something infinitely more frightening rear up behind Umbrosa. A colossal stallion in thick black plate. Of course Chainmail recognised the mighty Black Knight. The stallion was practically a living legend. The Empresses right and mighty hoof to stamp out all threats to the Empire, both foreign and domestic. Chainmail had never been this close to anypony with such prestige, and who inspired such terror. He felt faint, but the sudden brutal impact of the Knight's hoof against Umbrosa's head brought him straight back into the world. This was actually happening. Would the Knight think him an accomplice? Did he see his attempts at intervention? Would he leave this encounter alive? Chainmail listened intently to the Black Knight's speech, his heart in his mouth the entire time, his hooves still frozen to his spear in an attempt at combat readiness that would have made his mother cringe. At the cry of Bel'Rahmane Chainmail's eyes were drawn to his opponents horn. That answered some questions, but raised one as to why he didn't just fry him too. A harsh bark of "YOU!" snapped Chainmail's attention straight back to the Knight as he stared straight into the large black helmet and suddenly found himself standing up straighter on reflex. He tried to mumble something in response, but the Knight's verbal tirade completely drowned it out as more threats were levied at the prone Umbrose, whose expression was slowly turning more and more hysterical. He was worried. As if things couldn't get any worse, another stallion wandered onto the scene in an outfit befitting of a Prince. Sure enough one word form him and the Black Knight stopped what he was doing. Chainmail found himself shrinking more and more into the corner, as the prince glared at the scene before him. He pulled out an elaborate weapon and pushed something on it, causing Umbrose to suddenly look even more panicked. Something was clearly going on here. The Prince then advanced on the Knight, his eyes afire with barely held back rage. Why was this prince saving what Chainmail could only assume to be an assassin? Maybe there was some kind of plan to this, Chainmail was just glad that maybe there wouldn't be more bloodshed right now. Then Umbrosa jumped to his hooves with a dagger out, and a look that could best be described as cornered rat. Chainmail wasn't stupid, you don't mess with a pony looking like that, but he couldn't let him escape in front of the Black Knight and one of the Princes. In fact this was his chance to prove his loyalty, and maybe not end up being executed through a case of mistaken loyalties. Gulping he threw down his spear and galloped at the pony, throwing his armoured body at him in a mad tackle to knock him to the ground and knock away his dagger.

Oh... so you did. My mistake. Well, I could have Chainmail react, but at this stage he'd do little but panic. I'll write up a panicking post then. That should start things up again. Sorry.

In our particular four-way, I was imagining that it was your turn, as a lot of the action revolves around you, and Chainmail has little to go on himself at the moment.

Not to be pedantic or anything, but isn't the Initiation Ritual supposed to be a closely guarded order secret?

Okay, well I've posted now. It's good to see a lot of new faces here. It's funny how much this has blown up. Looking forward to rping with you all.

Soon as he regained his fleeting wits he noticed something that made his blood chill... that the intruder was smiling. There's only one reason he'd be smiling, and that's because he knew there wasn't a snowballs chance that Chainmail would be able to take him on. Worst part was that Chainmail was inclined to agree with him. He really didn't stand a chance. It's the reason why he should have turned and run! He flinched, waiting for a sudden violent attack the likes of which must have taken down the two guards outside, but none seemed to come. He cautiously opened his eyes again to see the intruders smile grow wider as he introduced himself. Chainmail nodded slowly and the suggestion of staying silent. Perhaps this blunder didn't have to cost him his life. That or Umbrosa just liked playing with his food. Chainmail took a tentative step back as the stallion in front of him took a step forward. He didn't fancy letting the stallion get too close. As long as the spear was between them, then he had a ghost of a chance, which was better than none. When asked for his name he somehow managed to stammer out his name, [colour=#00ff00]"P-p-private Chainmail. EVA Conscript."[/colour] His forced speech somehow managed to help him relax a little and the part of him that still somehow felt dutiful gave a resounding push. [colour=#00ff00]"M-m-may I... uh... ask what you're... uh.... doing here?" [/colour]

~Chainmail, Imperial Palace Corridors~ Chainmail was carefully trailing the pony that had somehow taken out the Imperial District Guardsponies. His courage was constantly fleeting. Every time he had an opportunity to confront this possibly extremely dangerous pony, he would freeze up, and he'd almost get away. What was he, a lowly recruit in the EVA doing trying to confront somepony who had eliminated two extremely well trained warriors? Did he want to die? Crippling doubt in his own abilities was fighting tooth-and-nail to try and overcome the sense of duty that came with his actual job. He couldn't let this intruder ruin the Imperial festival. Sure he had no love for the Imperial family, but this was a sacred holiday and it was his duty to protect that. This intruder could potentially be a dangerous spy, or even an assassin! He had his spear drawn and ready in case the pony turned around, but he had worked out a compromise. He couldn't tell the guard about an intruder unless he knew exactly what he looked like and where he was, so he had to keep following him, but he wouldn't confront him. Instead the second he ran into a guard he would tell them to apprehend him. They were sure to trust an EVA trooper, and the guards outside would be evidence enough. He inwardly applauded his resolution to the problem, although part of him was annoyed by his cowardice. If he took this guy down single hoofed then he would probably have enough goodwill to skip his EVA service... or get promoted. He didn't know if he could handle a promotion. All this inward drama had kept him rather preoccupied and he suddenly realised with a start that the corridor was empty. The pony had gotten away! How was that possible?! Chainmail wheeled around frantically, searching left and right for any sign of the intruder. There was no way he could let him escape? But what could he do? The door behind him suddenly opened and he spun around to see the pony he had been tailing stood directly in front of him. Chainmail completely froze up. He tried to bark a warning, but his mouth just flopped open and closed soundlessly. Quaky hooves brought his spear up in front of him, and he finally got control of his tongue. [colour=#00ff00]"H-h-halt!"[/colour] he tried to bark threateningly.

Sorry guys for holding this all up. I've been so busy over Christmas and New Year, and I'm heading back to University on Sunday, so I'm trying to see all my friends and family as much as possible before another eight or so weeks in a different city. My posting schedule should return to its previous rapid pace once I'm back at university. I'll make a quick post now though to keep it moving along. Again, apologies for grinding this to a halt.

~Chainmail, Edge of the Imperial District~ Chainmail was happy to note that Lady Arial stopped asking questions after his response. She seemed like a nice mare, but as a Low Blood, he knew that she could make his life a living hell if he made the wrong move or said the wrong thing. That is, if she was a High Blood, that was still a question that weighed heavily on his mind, as much as he tried to ignore it. She every so often seemed to eye him strangely, as if maybe she was looking for suspicious behaviour, much like he was eyeing her actually. No, no, he was looking for evidence to fit a theory. He'd read enough books on the matter to know that's not how a soldier or guard is supposed to act. He should be looking for a theory to fit the evidence, and it'd be foolish to accuse a High Blood based on a gut feeling and the fact they're nice. Chainmail always felt extra uneasy when around the palace, as if his every move was being scrutinised. Worst part is it probably was, guards were all over the place, and not the raw recruits and old colts that you'd find in the other parts of the city. The Imperial District guards had better armour, better weapons, and each had more experience than Chainmail ever would, and that was just the District Guard, the Palace Interior Guard were even more elite. If you then continued up the ladder, you'd reach speculative territory. Nopony even talked about the guards of the current Empress. Chainmail almost walked into a passing Rahmane, but caught himself just in time. He felt kind of sorry for the poor guys. Ponies were always talking about how it was necessary to keep them locked up, about the threats their powers gave them, but underneath it all it was just another form of injustice. Never hear about a Royal Rahmane. Chainmail's outburst to cover his positively unpatriotic rhyme suddenly sank him in more trouble. Why would he ask a High Blood their business? He was constantly telling Straight Lace not to, then he went and did it. Silverwing bristled noticeably at the question before swooping down on him like an eagle. Chainmail quickly bowed down to his knee and apologised for his actions. His head remain bowed until Lady Arial stepped forward and started to speak. Her voice was kind as ever, and Chainmail slowly looked up to see her smile. Then he hears a clink of coins as a leather pouch is added to Chainmail's belt. Chainmail slowly stood up, speechless at her generosity, when she gave him a small peck on the cheek. All his doubts and fear faded away as he absent mindedly rubbed his cheek with a hoof. He then noticed she had turned away and had left while he'd been distracted. He didn't get to say his own goodbyes. Chainmail wasn't comfortable with looking through a pouch of gold while he was out in the open. Even in the Imperial District there was the occasional cut-purse, though that paled in comparison to the eyes. A lowly recruit with a sizeable pouch of gold was sure to draw somepony's attention. He trotted around to an alley and looked at his spoils. That was a lot of money. There must have been a mistake! There was no way possible that she meant to give him that much! He had to give it back. He quickly left the alley when he heard the sound of metal against stone. Curious. He walked over to the source where he noticed two collapsed Imperial Guards, and an open door behind them. That was not good. Without thinking he trotted through the open doorway and into the Palace.

Chainmail trotted through the street, his standard issue spear sat snugly on his back. He couldn't help but stare at the splendour of the festivities as he and his temporary companions passed them. Dazzling colour and glittering metals filled his vision. The scents of cooked foods and sugary treats drifted around the air. The sounds of joyous exultation and clanks of contraptions rang throughout the town. The celebrations were in full swing. Chainmail was doing a decent job of avoiding the larger crowds by taking the side streets, but the further into the city they went, the thicker the celebrations became. Eventually there was no choice but to pass through the larger crowds. All manner of pony, griffon, and Baraki thronged the inner city streets. Chainmail's breath caught in his chest when a small pegasus foal ran straight into Arial. He'd seen High Bloods physically lash out for lesser crimes. When she reacted with a smile, and then pulled out a beautiful blue flower he couldn't help but smile himself. They always say power corrupts, and in Chainmail's experience that held true of most High Bloods. Chainmail then noticed the griffon eyeing him up from behind Arial. His gaze was enough to send a shiver down his spine. Wordlessly he managed to quite clearly convey a message that he was extremely capable of killing Chainmail and wouldn't hesitate to do so if the need arose. Not a very lordly look. Something was definitely off about this pair. A High Blood with a conscience and a servile Lord. Both were completely at odds with the normal. Chainmail knew that messing in their affairs would be enough to end him, so he kept his trap shut and continued on the way. As he concentrated on keeping their way as clear as he could, Arial suddenly spoke up to his surprise. He glanced to his side to see she had moved up beside him, and noted out of the corner of his eye that Silverwing had turned his gaze to the surrounding area. Chainmail had to suppress a scoff at the cheesiness of the "Knight in Shining Armour" comment, but that wasn't to say it didn't make him feel more at ease, just a little. His suspicions were getting the better of him, and he responded rather nervously.[colour=#00ff00] "Me? I am but a Low Blood Private in the Ever Victorious Army," [/colour]Chainmail began, playing up his lowliness and unimportance. Feeling that he hadn't said enough though, he continued,[colour=#00ff00] "I only recently concluded my training. This is my first assignment. Ashen Gate is my home, I've lived here all my life, and it is an honour to be allowed to guard her."[/colour] Chainmail's answer was fairly textbook with a healthy dash of patriotism. It wouldn't do to appear even slightly doubtful before a High Blood. He looked up with a smile to note that they had arrived at the Imperial District. The royal palace came clearly into view as they passed through another gate, and the crowds seemed to lessen as the guard presence grew thicker. What had first seemed like it would be an easy job and excuse to travel into the city was quickly becoming a worrying affair. Chainmail had quite the imagination, and the actions of Arial and her partner were only feeding it. The rather attractive black mare's smile seemed genuine, and her actions seemed kind, which would put her in his good books in almost any other situation. Chainmail tried to be as kind as possible to other ponies himself. Chainmail looked up at the palace and another rhyme popped into his head. Chainmail knew that poetry wasn't just rhyming, obviously, but a strong rhyme scheme helped a message stick.[colour=#00ff00] "The palace towers overs us in the distance, stamping the Dragoran seal of authority over our existence,[/colour]" Chainmail found himself saying aloud quietly before he could catch himself. He physically cringed as he realised what he said and quickly added in a much louder voice. [colour=#00ff00]"We have arrived at the Imperial District. Where exactly is your destination?"[/colour]

[colour=#282828]~Chainmail, Ashen Gate's Northern Gate~[/colour] All this standing around and doing nothing was making Chainmail tired. Surely his shift had passed? Private Gildermane, the pretentious twonk was no doubt trying to avoid his duties. Chainmail was no expert at deducing the time from the lunar position, especially in special circumstances like the illustrious Festival of Lights where the moon always seemed so much larger, but surely his three hours had passed? No doubt Straight Lace would know. [colour=#00ff00]"Hey, Straight,"[/colour] Chainmail called to his current partner. [colour=#8b4513]"It's Private Lace, Private Chainmail. We're on duty therefore we must uphold the appearance of professionalism. Our actions would reflect poorly on the EVA otherwise,"[/colour] Private Straight Lace replied rather snappily. Chainmail made a show of rolling his eyes.[colour=#00ff00] "Of course, Private Lace. I was just wondering if my shift was over, and if it was time to summon Private Gildermane,"[/colour] he then replied calmly. [colour=#8b4513]"You should be able to work out the time from the lunar position yourself, but seeing as it would be improper of me to not assist you." [/colour]Straight let that hang as he checked a large brass watch attached to his wrist. [colour=#8b4513]"Your shift ended... half an hour ago. Private Gildermane should have relieved you at that exact time. Another display of negligence! If he wasn't Imperial Family then he would be facing severe disciplinary action! If he didn't relieve you, and then you were to fall asleep and allow creatures with ill intent through the gate, then it would all be on his head!" [/colour]Straight Lace was positively fuming. This was a serious breach of protocol in his mind. Of course to Chainmail it was a different story. [colour=#00ff00]"Don't worry, Str- Private Lace, I'm sure th-" [/colour]Chainmail began when he noticed two cloaked figures moving up towards the gate. He lifted a hoof to point out the rather suspicious figures when they removed their cloaks, and he clearly saw their faces. Straight Lace noticed his staring, and then the figures, and quickly scrambled to return to the official guard position. Chainmail was less obsessed with the official stance, but still made sure to straighten his posture. They looked like they were on business, but the lack of luggage was surprising. As they drew to a stop, and the mare stepped forwards, Straight Lace opened his mouth, but Chainmail spoke first. Didn't look like the kind of ponies to trifle with.[colour=#00ff00] "Welcome to Ashen Gate. May I ask your name and business in the city?" [/colour]he asked politely. As the mare responded, Chainmail noted curiously that the pony had some sort of crystal on her forehead. Of course he made a point of not staring though. She introduced herself as a High Blood, like he had assumed, but he was surprised that her griffon companion was a fellow noble. He had assumed him a bodyguard from his bearing. There was something odd about the serene manner in which she had responded too. Even the most polite inquiries from the guard tended to draw the ire of a High Blood. It was a pleasant change, and there was something... enchanting about the mare. Not just her physical appearance, which was rather appealing, but something... deeper. [colour=#8b4513]"I must inform you that it is not the duty of the-" [/colour]Straight Lace began, but Chainmail nudged him with a hoof to shut him up. [colour=#00ff00]"I was just about to go off-duty and head into the city myself. It would be my pleasure to escort you to the Imperial District,"[/colour] Chainmail replied with a dutiful nod. Before Straight Lace could raise another complaint, Chainmail gestured with a hoof for Lady Arial and her cohort to follow, and he began to trot into the city proper. Even the outer city was crawling with ponies, but the combination of the High Blood, the EVA Soldier, and the rather large griffon was enough to have the crowd make room. Chainmail may have only been a recent conscript and fresh out of training, but he wore the distinct uniform of the EVA, and that was enough reason for the Commoners and occasional Low Blood that frequented the outer city to give room. Having lived in Ashen Gate all his life, Chainmail knew where the main hubs of the festivities were, and was able to guide his charges around the thicker crowds, taking a slightly longer trip with more twists and turns. It wouldn't be too much longer until they reached the gates to the Imperial District.

Okay, made a first post, If there's anything there you don't like, then give the word and I'll change it. I'm not very familiar with Asiatic culture, so if it's too Western then just point it out. Also not too familiar with the crossover material, so if rankings and such are wrong, then, y'know.

~Chainmail, Ashen Gate's Northern Gate~ Private Chainmail was unhappy. As a Lowblood he had always enjoyed the Festival of Lights. Everypony relaxed themselves, even his mother, and he was able to actually enjoy himself. This year, however, he had to refrain from participating in the activities. Most of the veteran guards took the Festival as a welcome break, leaving the jobs of guarding the city and dealing with potential crimes to the new recruits of the EVA who only just finished their training, and would spend the next ten days waiting assignment, unless there was some sort of national emergency. This meant rather than the customary ten days of fun, he would spend all ten days guarding various parts of the city. To add insult to injury he was stationed at the northern gate. He would see none of the revelry that was taking place in the city proper. He stood to the right side of the gate, while a fellow recruit stood at the left side. A small guardhouse built into the gate housed another six guards, or it should do in theory. At the moment only two other guards were on station. Another recruit and one of the actual town guard. Nopony wanted to miss the first day of the Festival. The guardspony, Plume, apparently had drawn the short straw and was stuck on the gate for the day. [colour=#00ff00]At least he had a chance to draw a straw[/colour], Chainmail thought to himself bitterly. As if all this wasn't bad enough, the recruit he was paired with was as by the books as possible. Every search had to be thorough, there could never be less than two ponies on the gate at a time, all documents had to be verified by the highest ranking officer on station. Needless to say Plume already harboured a hatred for him. Most businesses were halted, so a lot of the ponies who came trotting up to the gate were out of town tourists. Easy enough to process. Chainmail let Private Straight Lace deal with most of the ponies, only chipping in when he looked like he needed help. Straight was decent enough with ponies, a bit probing, but most seemed to expect that. Of course the few Highbloods that came by went by a lot more quickly than the others. Straight Lace may be a stickler for protocol, but he didn't want to make enemies. Highbloods could hold a grudge about some of the most petty things. Lowbloods too tended to get involved in the so-called "Great Game", but Chainmail didn't give a care for it. His family, being mostly military, tended to abstain from participation, and Chainmail personally saw it as nothing but the twiddling of hooves that could afford to be idle. Chainmail looked up at the abnormally bright moon, it always seemed to get brighter for the Festival. As if the gods themselves accepted the praise that was showered upon them.[colour=#00ff00] "O, bountiful orb of sublime beauty, may your radiance reflect everlasting glory. May it's lights guide us in our duty, your waxing and waning a memento mori,"[/colour] he whispered to himself. At times of peace like this, he liked to work on his poetry. He just wished he had a quill and parchment. Less and less tourists had filtered in until now the gates seemed to have grown quiet. Inside the walls a cheer so loud he could hear its echoes from the gate rang out. The celebrations had begun. He sighed loudly, and gripped his spear with his two forehooves.

Sorry if I sounded rude up there. Thanks for clearing that up. It's a bit late here at the moment, so I'll try and make a decent first post tomorrow.

Huh, only just noticed this. Has the rp actually started then? Not to nitpick, but there's no link to this in the other OOC, and there's no link to the rp in either OOC. I don't imagine I'm the only person who signed up in the other OOC who's not aware that this is now active. While I'm at it, I'm not 100% sure my app was accepted. Could I just have a little clarification please?

Ooh, A Dragon's Age Crossover! Count me in! Dragon's Age is such an awesome game! Name: Pinprick Class: Pegasus Rogue Duelist Background: His mother died during his birth, and his father was always too busy trying to eke out a living for the two of them on the farm to invest any real time with him. As soon as Pinprick was old enough to hold a hoe he was forced to help him, but the work-shy foal would always do his best to dodge away and roam the small town of Hoofton. There he discovered a use for his quick hoof and became associated with the sudden absence of many-a-thing. Soon as he got the chance, he left the village with a freshly pilfered sword and signed up with the nearest group of bandits. There he looted and stole his way to a pretty bad reputation, until his entire outfit was wiped out by a travelling Grey Warden. Pinprick gave the Warden a surprising run for his money in a one-on-one duel with his quick hooves and use of a sword and dagger. The Warden eventually overpowered him, but was impressed by the pluck and ability the young pegasus possessed, and offered to spare his life if he signed up with the wardens. By some miracle, Pinprick survived the initiation ritual and has since honed his combat skills. Pinprick rarely uses a bow, instead relying on lightning fast strikes with his signature sword and dagger approach. His biggest strength is his very impressive dodging ability, making him an extremely hard target, and his reliance on the wear them down with needles strategy. He has a knack for poisons, and is drawn towards weapons that deal elemental damage. Also while he's on the field, expect no corpse to go unlooted, and no chest to go unemptied, locked or not. Pinprick is hopeless with traps, and has a strong distrust of explosives however. While he can mix some very virulent poisons, even a simple health potion somehow evades his ability.

Technically there's only one Hunter, and that's you, but Irons has a habit of giving nicknames to ponies he's just met, and he gave the nickname Bounty Hunter to Chardude's Silver. So, uh, if any other character refers to a Hunter, it's almost definitely you, Gecy, but if my character, Irons, refers to a hunter and not a Bounty Hunter, then he should be talking about Silver. Until he finds out Silver's name at least. Hope that clears things up and doesn't make it infinitely more confusing.

Uh, Chardude, the Alicorn is bound for Baltimare first. They're not going to make port at Coltuga unless they spotted Shame's vessel or Black Mane prompted them or something. Otherwise it's Baltimare first for a very short stay. They need to drop off Soul Flare, have Royal Range official get promoted, and get wind of this artefact/Shame's vessel/some other thing to bring them into the main plot.

There we go, String Heart. One post a la vin. Just, without the wine unfortunately.

Royal Range suddenly returned to the land of the living with a loud cough[colour=#00ffff]. "Oh, sorry about that,"[/colour] he said with a thin smile.[colour=#00ffff] "Chiron has caught you up to date then? Very good. If you don't mind, I have matters to attend to,"[/colour] Royal Range nodded his head before taking his leave. Chiron however decided to stick around for a bit and nodded tersely at the thanks.[colour=#800080] "While you are technically a free pony, we have been asked to keep you under guard until the hoof-off, otherwise we would have let you out of that cell a while back. Lance and a few of his men will take you to the arranged meeting point where the academy representatives will receive you. I'm afraid I'm unaware who the sent though. They didn't mention that for some reason,"[/colour] he replied sensing that Soul was perturbed about this change of events. [colour=#800080]"I don't suppose you'd be willing to divulge anything about that book now?"[/colour] Chiron added with a raised eyebrow. He knew the answer would be another resounding no, but the fact that he kep the secret so closely guarded interested Chiron to no end. Lance trotted past Black Powder without almost realising while descending into the ship, but then he spun around when he caught site of the pirate. [colour=#00ff00]"You!"[/colour] Lance said with a grimace and a growl a she followed him back up to the top deck. [colour=#00ff00]"You have the gall to stand on this ship again! You're lucky the captain says your off limits, or I'd have your guts for garters before you could say "Black Mane save me!" Not to mention I'd cut out that lying tongue of yours. You'd best keep one eye open while you're on this vessel."[/colour]

Don't worry about it, LordGecy. You can't have anticipated a nickname given in the rp to be the same. Got me a workaround anyway. Word about somepony with as much pizazz as Bounty Hunter is sure to get around after all. Especially to an Equestrian Marshal like Irons.

Ah, a bounty hunter actually called Bounty Hunter, Irons is going to need a new nickname for Silver. Welcome to the rp, LordGecy. I don't really want to double post, (well technically Talex posted but it's OOC) but if my actions are holding things up, then I'll get another one out. I just need the green light to do so.

I could post, but I was waiting on Talex as he is yet to.