Bloodlines of Lodroii

[Tyr Alexander]

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Bloodlines of Lodroii. Lodroii is a planet going to a dark ages where the nobility is trying to carve out kingdoms and empires. Where tribal barbarians are fighting tooth and nail to maintain their identity and culture. Kingdoms will rises. Empires will fall. Lives will be lost for the glory of others. Blood will be spilled. This is a narrative interactive AAR.

Lodroii

Here how this interactive AAR works:

1. I am going to present you all with four different randomly selected characters (nickname the Usual Suspects).
2. I am going to write a brief snippet of the character and their history.
3. You all will choose who you want me to play and write for. Majority vote.
4. I will play until the character's death.

4a. Occassional I will submit an dilemma to you to choose the course of actions (such as imprisonment, assassination, to rebel not to rebel, whatever)​

5. Repeat step 1.

Okay The Usual Suspects

Apats Bot of Kavakoth: The young ruler of the Kingdom Of Kavakoth on the continent of Cleyohen. This eleven year old gained the throne at the tender age of seven after her father untimely death of natural causes. In the care of her dutiful uncle Sunej Narimaralgia. Surrounded by treacherous and greedy nobles, her future as Apats is uncertain.

Badn Tons the Tormentor: A powerful ruler of the Qyaruet Kingdom on the continent of Usura. Fear and domination is his bread and butter. While his favorites live in reality safety and security, those who that earn his ire...well...don't earn his ire. He desires to expand his power. He has earned the nickname the Tormentor for a reason.

Apats Tetimir the Cleansing Flames: A pious and faithful ruler of the small Kingdom of Torii on the continent of Cleyohen. Tetimir is a very faithful man. He spent a lifetime fighting and defending his faith from heathens aboard. He is a veteran of several holy wars against heathens. To heathens he has earned the nickname the Cleansing Flame.

Kihr Dutonz of Kyerakon: a Kihr of the High Chiefdom of Kyerakon on the continent of Eudinune. Vassal of the Rahl Rutev. Dutonz rules the four tribes of the Kyerakon. Korere, Agocand, Edobekka and Racali Tribes all bend a knee to Dutonz. While expanding is not on his agenda, it only a matter of time before he may be forced to go war with someone. His loyalty to his lord is unquestionable.

People pick your poison....

 

[Z-Z-Z]

Apats. Apats is now my fam.

 

[Idhrendur]

Bot.

 

[DavidMK]

Bot.

 

[Tyr Alexander]

Prologue: Coronation

14 August 744
Liran, Capital Of The Kavakoth Kingdom

Sunej sat at the head of the table. The councilors glared at him after his last comment. How dare he was the common though shared. The first to speak was the chancellor, "Her father's body isn't even a year cold and you want to hold a coronation," he said trying attack the regent.

"Qarulf, the kingdom is in turmoil. Plagues ravaged the land. People are saying that Ra has turned his back on us," the court patriarch Lonej said.

"How would putting her through that song and dance work out?" the spymaster chimed in.

"Aconadk I know it hard for you to believe but those faithful to the teachings of Ra while galvanized by the mere act of the coronation," Lonej fired back.

"Our troops abroad will get a morale boost. Knowing you have an Apats on the throne is enough. Maybe will enough to carry this day." Devoth, the marshal, said.

"Gentleman. As regent can execute my authority in this matter." Sinej paused for a second, "I would rather not. I will however put to a vote."

"Nay," Aconadk said immediately.

"Yay," Lonej said when it was his turn.

"Nay," Qarulf said looking angrily at Devoth.

Devoth, to his credit just smirked, "Yay." All eyes turned to the steward. Kanor often casted the tie-breaking vote for the previous Apats. Kanor was a kinsmen to Aconadk prided themselves on being cold and logical. Unswayed by foolish notions of faith and alliegances. Simply put there house served the Apats because they found no better options. Secondly they could reap the rewards of service without truly ruling themselves.

Kanor moved his spectacles to the table and stated bluntly, "Yay."

Every eye turned to Kanor as he spoke, " The kingdom needs a ruler. The ruler must anointed by the clergy to be accepted by the people. Bot is seven. In ancient emanisa traditions, a ruler could be coronated if she could recite the royal oath."

"We are not emanisans. We are rakoth. I will not but a child on the throne to shoulder the burden of the kingdom."

"But the precedent exist. The council of Prince Wern himself justified his ascension to throne using that exact logic," Kanor continued, "And he was five. He learned the royal oath which was seventy five members long. While remembered, he made himself a new royal oath."

"It does not matter. She is too young," Qarulf said as he slammed his fist on the table.

Sinej laughed, "You are right. It doesn't matter. This is settled. On the fifth day of the tenth month she will ascend the great stairs. Any councilors who is opposed to this will be dismissed from this council."

The appointed day came. Bot dressed in regal black. The entire court was in attendance. Above a short set of stairs was a throne. Lonej stood at the top with a crown in his hands.

"To receive this crown. You must recite the royal oath," Lonej said as Bot stood at the bottom of the stairs.

"I, Bot Qarigtars Lunid, daughter of Qarig the Tenacious, firstborn son of Narim of Kavakoth, only son of Qarag One-Hand, firstborn son of Kous of Kavakoth, the second child of Wern of Kavakoth who united the warring tribes. He who defeated the barbarian hordes of Werer and founded the kingdom of Kavakoth. I swear to defend the people from heathen abroad, tyranny and corruption, abuse, plague and famine. I will expand our borders in war. I will bring prosperity to our lands in peace."

"Then ascend the stairs to receive your crown." Bot ascended the stairs and Lonej placed the crown on her head. It was bigger than her head but only slightly. Lonej then helped her to her throne. He turned to the court assembled around.

"I presents to you all the new Apats of Kavakoth, the Lid of Duchy of Qayian and Duchy of Narona and the Dils of the Counties of Siricia, Wilen, Senicia, Navilen, and Lulad. All hail Apats Bot." In unified chorus, they all said, "All Hail Bot, Apats of Kavakoth."

 

[Nuada Airgetlám]

Now, what are her people and faith like?

 

[Tyr Alexander]

The Battles Among Nobles

5 November 750
Naeworth Palace, Capital City Liran

Bot sat on the throne. Her uncle, Sinej,stood on the third step. One of the merchant princes from Keulan had come to complain about a recent problem they were facing.

"What brings you here?" Sinej said as he adjusted blade on his hips. The merchant took the customary three steps and placed him hands on the first step.

"My Apats. My Regent. I am but a humble merchant in the great Keulan," the merchant said.

"The Apats' time is not infinite," Sinej said.

"Recent a troupe of Qazarah Ascetics have invaded our city from abroad," the merchant said.

"I don't see it as a problem. As long they aren't attempting to forcibly convert anyone, why would her majesty care?"

"They are parading around naked as the day of their birth." The court started snickering and laughed. Sinej shook has head and Bot however laughed. "My Apats. My Regent. This is no laughing. They offended almost every citizen. It will eventually begin to affect trade."

Sunej drew his sword and pointed at the merchant. "You are wasting my niece's time with this prattling. The ascetics are no more a bother to trade than the ant is the bother to the earth. Begone before I have your head." The merchant stood and raced out of the throne room before he lost his head. Sunej put his sword back in it's sheathe.

Epats Devoth of Elaudia and Patriarch Qiga of Kavakoth watched from a quiet corner. Qiga turned to Devoth, who looked furious. He grasped the hilt of his ax. "He has to be stopped," Devoth said looking.

"I know but as long as he is regent," Qiga said making a ceremonial gesture, "We need to get him out of the palace."

"No chance of that," Devoth said, "He will not leave the Apats' side." A man walked into the throne room. While he carried himself as a noble, it was clear to anyone that saw him he was a foreigner. He knelt down at the foot of the stairs and Sunej smiled. Sunej ascended a step. He pointed his hand at the man.

"My Apats, may I present to you Qasarz Avarvnaln," Sunej said turning to his niece.

"Uncle what brings this man to our court?" Bot asked looking down at him.

"He is the true master and Eprer of Laudl," Sunej said, "His family were usurped and his land seized by a cruel regime."

"I see," Bot said as she rose and bowed to the man, "I welcome you to our lands. You may seek asylum here among us."

Qasarz looked at Sunej confused. Sunej merely smiled and gestured for the man to remain calm. Sunej smiled, "My Apats, Qasarz has come to us to seek our aid. He wishes a small force to be loaned to him for the purposes of retake his lands." When Devoth heard this he moved from his locaton and stormed over to the stair. Qiga followed him closely. Offering up a small prayer.

"Epats Devoth is there something you need from me?" Bot said returning to sit on the throne.

Devoth angry pointed at Sunej, "No, my Apats. My quarrel is with the Regent." Sunej descended to the second step.

"Quarrel? Have I offend you somehow?" Devoth drew his ax and slammed into the stone of the floor. It was a perfect cut that life the ax planted firm.

"I challenge you to Asern," Devoth said squaring his shoulders. The court broke out into murmurs. Qiga walked up behind Devoth. "I hope you know what you are doing," she whispered to him.

"I am ending his reign as regent," he whispered back.

Sinej started frowning. "On what grounds do you issues this challenge?"

"Long have you reigned as regent. You have used your authority to abuse the people. Long have I tolerated as your authority ends on her sixteen birthday. However, you have offered the lives of our citizens to died returning this heathen dogspawn's land if he was too stupid to secure it."

Qasarz began to say something in his native tongue. Devoth turned to him. Devoth was much taller than Qasarz. He looked down at him with a frown, "Either be silent or lose your head."

Qasarz placed his hands up defensively. Sunej descended two steps. "He has been granted asylum by the Apats. To threat his life is tantamount to treason. Guards." The guards moved to arrest Devoth. However, Qiga stopped them.

"An Asern challenge has been issued. The authority and power of the regency is in a flux state. Interference will invite Ra's wrath upon you," Qiga said looking at Devoth and Sunej, "Refusing once a challenge is issued will be considered forfeiture and lost on the regency." Sinej sighed as he jiggled the ax free.

"I accept your challenge," he said he handed the ax back to him. Qiga stood between the pair.

"As we did in the Helian Era, an asern challenge has been issued. This challenge is between two councilor to settle a matter of authority. The authority in question is that of the Regent," Qiga said for all to hear, "This fight needs not be to the death. However, this matter has been settled, these two warriors are not allowed to revisit it. Do you both understand?"

"I understand." Devoth said as he readied his ax.

"Let us decide this once and for all," Sunej said drawing his sword. Before the men could be take the first blow a messenger raced in. "I bring an important message from the Apats. I bring an important message for the Apats." The messenger ignored the dueling men and ascended to the third step. "My Apats a host of raider have descended upon Navilien." The court members gasped.

"We are unable to sortie as it would leave the townsfolk unprotected."

Another messenger ran in screaming, "I have an important message for the Apats. I have an important message for the Apats." The messenger ignored the dueling men and ascended the throne beside the first messenger.

"My Apats, a host of raiders has descended upon the city of Kalliani. Lid Lyanadk of Qenara has requested additional forces to assist." Devoth and Sunej glared at each other. Devoth sheathed his weapon and Sunej did the same. But faced Bot and took a knee.

"My Apats, please give me a force and I will march on Navilen and Kalliani," Sunej said.

"You would never make it to both. My Apats, please give me a force and a city to save," Devoth said.

"Do you doubt my abilities? These are savages I can over come them easily."

"Enough!" Bot screamed as she stood up, "Uncle you will take a force of two thousand to assist Kalliani."

"Aye."

"Devoth you will take a force of thirty-two hundred and save the city of Navilen."

"Aye."

"And if you either use my forces for anything other defending my citizens, I will be displeased. Extremely displeased. Once this crisis has been dwelt with, Asern will be answered in court." Sunej nodded and both he and Devoth stood up. They left together. When they were out of earshot from the court, Sunej turned to Devoth who turned to him.

"We will settle later."

"Yes...we will." The two turned their back on each other and walked in different directions.

 

[Nuada Airgetlám]

Tensions rise.

 

[Tyr Alexander]

Born on the Battlefield

6 January 755
At the Siege of Esara

Bot was in pain. A lot of pain. But Qiga had been there with her. She had been reassuring her as both the court physician and the court patriarch.

"Come on. Just a little more," Qiga said as the servant girls brought in more wet cloths and warm water. Qiga looked at Bot. With a smile and said, "Our future Apats is almost here. Just one more strong powerful push."

Bot did as she was told. She pushed with all her might. She gave her all and was exhausted. The sound of a crying newborn woke her from her daze.

Qiga smiled and carried over the child to a warm basin. "In the name of Ra the Life-giver, I anoint you." She wiped his forehead and cheeks. "In the name of Ra the War-maker, I anoint you." She wiped his hands and feet. "In the name of Ra the Castle-minder, I anoint you." She wiped his over his chest. "Be as Ra the Perfect made you. Sevid Ravirmaralgia firstborn son of Bot."

Sevid was handed to Bot as Ravirm, her husband walked in, "House Lunid has another strong warrior among them."

Bot held Sevid close as he nursed on her breast. Bot looked to Ravirm, "How..." she said between breaths, "how goes the siege?"

Ravirm sat beside her and looked at his family. He has received word that his elder brother, Sanm Liloth was blessed by Ra the Life-giver with another daughter. He had to close his eyes to recall her name. Dilucia.

"Have the heathens give up?"

Ravirm looked pleased, "Though the number two thousand strong they are but a leaderless rabble. Your uncle leads the siege. He orders his men to hurl insults goading them to open the gates."

Nine Months Earlier

Bot sat beside Qiga as the council convened. Qiga had taken a liken to the younger woman especially after she trained her into the priesthood.

Devoth was happy. Happy Sunej no longer had free reign of the kingdom. Though he felt slightly cheated when Bot intervened on Sunej's behalf. He could not refuse a request from her.

Sunej had been appointed marshal. As chancellor, Devoth held authority over him. All that needed to be done was to produce an heir. There by weakening Sunej's claim to the throne and all will be right. With Bot marriage to Ravirm of Latict, it was a matter of time. In fact many of Bot's nursemaids have been talking about vomiting after the morning meal and frequency of which they change the chamber pots, a heir would be soon upon us.

"I want to start with this. I make this decision not out of malice or hatred. I have studied many texts and heard how the lands have been divided by warring nobles," Bot said standing up from her throne, "I have decided to make all internal wars between vassals illegal. If you swear fealty to House Lunid, I here by announce we will find another way to settle our internal grievances."

Devoth lead the council in a round of applause. Sunej to his credit like the notion. It meant Devoth could not come for his head.

"Next I wish to expand our lands. And strength our borders. Any suggestions?"

"The alliance with the heretic Wasn Bevalt keeps us from attacking him," Devoth said as scratched his beard.

"Apats Taraj has been a loyal trade partner and keeps the southern lords in check," Sunej said looking over the map. Each council made a suggestion but was shot down. Qiga thought for a second, "To the east there is the kingdom was Wayyuan ruled by a heathen. If we ask for the Atticaeous for permission and his blessings, we could gain the land in five years."

"Have a letter dispatched his holiness at once," Bot said turning to Qiga. The patriarch nodded and left to compose the letter. Bot hurried to dismiss the other councilors. When the room was empty, she rushed to a window. Retching up her morning meals had become a bothersome event. Qiga continuously told her nothing is wrong with her. In fact she seemed quite pleased. Bot knew something was wrong. She just couldn't figure it out. She complated removing her as the court physician but decided against it. Qiga has been a second mother. She would trust her for now.

The reply came back weeks later. Atticaeous King had sent her the blood seal. A seal with a golden relief of Ra the War-maker beheading heathens set inside a wooden circle made from blood oak. Apats Bot had chosen to lead despite both Qiga's and Devoth's protest. Sunej and Kater were chosen as her seconds. Qiga insisted on going after revealing that she was pregnant. Despite the joy and even customary life-giver banquet, Bot still insisted on leasing her troops.

Sinej came into the war tent as Ravirm and Bot looked over their Sevid. He took a knee before them. "The future is protected. Praise given to Ra."

Bot waved her uncle to stand, "How goes the battle?"

"It is only a matter of time. I am worried however."

"Of what, uncle?" Bot asked as she rocked her baby to sleep.

"Apparently, we aren't the only ones that desire this land. In Saragia, the armies of Ebarsrarid led by the holy man Tarislav fight with two thousand men against Risl of Wayyuan's fifty-seven force. It is unlikely that either army will come out unscathed. But I want permission to scout out and report enemy movements."

"Dispatch the scouts and any others forced needed. I want that fortress to fell uncle before they finish fighting uncle."

"Consider it yours," Sunej said as he rose and left. Bot turned to Ravirm. "Husband I want you to accompany my uncle."

"Is my place not here with you?"

"I am here my Apats. I will allow nothing to happen to her and her future," Qiga said drawing a dagger from her robes, "Ra the Perfect has three forms. Life-giver, Castle-minder and War-maker. As his patriarch I have three forms as well."

"Then I will leave you in her care. And placed all my trust into you and this task."

 

[Alex Borhild]

This is definitely interesting.