Scene #6256: GH - The Royal Knights

Owner	Pose
August Kohler	AFTERNOON THE KINGDOM The Kingdom that the Royal Knights belong to has put out summons for those that assisted them (including Staren, despite his opposing them recently), as well as general invitations to the Paladins and the Concord, if any members wanted to assist. The summons were clear: the Royal Knights seek assistance and mercenary work where possible, due to a rebellion having multiversal support, and are willing to pay well for any aid. The warpgate is outside of city limits, but there's a carriage waiting for the group to pull them into the city. Whether they take it or travel on their own, there's a bustle in the streets as people work, eat, play...and there's also several buildings that look damaged, like they've been shut down and abandoned, and at least one looks like it was burned. There is also, if anyone cares to check, no swords on the general populace. The carriage does not take the group to the castle, if that's what they were expecting. It takes them to a great outpost made of wood and stone, with knights in red, blue, or black armor patrolling it. Once inside the hall, two people are waiting. One would be recognized by Staren. The two people are a man in blue armor, a short-haired blonde with an eyepatch over where his left eye should be. He has a big sword on his back, and is waiting patiently, while the woman next to him is not. She is Katrina, the pink-haired knight in red armor who opposed the rebels the other day, and she does not seem excited for this meeting. As they approach, one of the knights in blue leading them speaks up. "Commander Gash, Sub-Commander Katrina. The Multiversals are here." Gash gives an affirmative 'hmph', and speaks up. "Thank you for coming. I am Gash Deadeye, leader of the Royal Knights, and commander of the Blue Division. This is-" Katrina stops sulking to introduce herself, confidently. "Katrina, second in command of the Royal Knights, /commander/ of the Red Division." She smirks a little, as Gash just continues on. "You've all been called here because you either are with a group that may prove helpful to the kingdom, assisted with us before, or, plainly, are just strong." He seems no-nonsense as he talks, a bit gruff, but Gash is getting straight to the point. Gash then finishes with, "And we're hoping you could work with us to root out the Resistance causing chaos in our kingdom."
Stella	Stella's motivation was always the same. She liked knights. There were few things in this world she knew with more certainty than that. She had been forged into weapons, bonded with countless knights, remade into a person and then, immediatly, demanded to be a knight like her wielders. It was odd, externally, but made perfect sense to her. And so of course the Royal Knights had caught her immediate interest. It helped, of course, that she always felt more comfortable serving than taking decisions. She felt, she hoped, that her actions could make her useful to the Concord by gaining it new allies in the form of a king and his knights. The best of intentions. And so it is Stella's first reaction to kneel in front of Gash. She lacks any weapons to speak of right now, but that's irrelevant. "I thank you for granting us an audience. I wish to learn the ways of the Royal Knights." It's straight to the point too.
Doctor Strange	The Sorcerer Supreme is not feeling like a good sport today. Rather than take the carriage outside the city limits, he simply appears nearby, stepping through a hole in reality. His mystic sight observes the city from afar and spies for him a place for a second portal, so that he can look like he Just Showed Up. He likes doing that. As he steps through the second, Strange's attention lingers on the damaged buildings. His usual vaguely displeased frown is there, as is a furrow of his brow. From within the city, he observes the passage of the carriage, without really attempting to conceal himself. People who ride in it will catch glimpses of him, standing in alleys or hovering in the background, if they are actively looking. No matter how many times they pass him, there he is again, somehow just ahead of them. Finally, Strange is standing near the outpost, awaiting the carriage's arrival--and playing nice, by not just waltzing into the place without everyone else. "Doctor Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme." This is the introduction Strange gives to anyone who hasn't met him yet--and it is the same greeting he gives to Gash and Katrina. In the case of the latter, he also presses a palm to his chest and gives a deep, traditional bow at the waist, reminiscent of European nobility. At the lowest point of his bow, Strange glances towards Stella. He offers an addendum to her statement as he rises. "As do we all," rumbles the sorcerer in his baritone. "Maybe you could start by telling us your side of this whole... resistance... thing."
Zenos yae Galvus	"I will not be traveling in...that," Says a man in full armor, the dark steel armor that covers the large man from head to toe also conseals his face, with a single white peal gem in the forehead of the helmet itself. However, from the sides of the helmet, you can see strands of blonde hair. On his side is what might best be described as a golf bag, however it contained swords. Nearby, was the airship that carried him through the portal, and towards it the man would walk. "Those who do not wish to travel through the mud behind the smell of beasts of burden, may enjoy the hospitality of my ship." He offers. The trip would not be long, especially on the wing, as the Garlean airship would land at the gate of the capital, and allow the crowned prince and any passengers that came with him to disembark, and then return to the sky to patrol. Behind the man, came several other guards, all of them dressed in similar (but more rank and file) armor that the man in question wore. Their ascenting colors of either red or blue follow the Prince, obviously his honor guard. He would walk the streets to the castle...to the castle made of stone and wood. Scrunching up his nose under the helmet, he did not like this place at all...full of squaler. Finally, the man would reach the hall, his men behind him still as he finally came to come face to face with the represenitives. "Good, straight to the point. There is that at least. I am Zenos yae Galvus, General of the Garlean Army, Imperial Viceroy of Ala Mhigo and Doma, and Legatus of the XIIth Legion," he states his titles and name, before looking towards the one speaking. "If you would have our aid in this measure, I wish to understand your state, what these rebels want, and what you plan to do about them?"
Staren	Staren's back in his usual armor. He's still trying to avoid moving the hurt arm, though. He offers to fly rather than take the carriage, but accepts if they insist. They need to feel useful, after all. When he meets the two, he gives Katrina a curious look, and retracts his visor. "I want people to be safe. I want them to be able to get on with civilization and their lives and dreams and everything and stop... dying. I did everything I could to save people in that first confrontation... and your people repaid that by cutting my arm." He glances at the arm and then back at her. "A temporary inconvenience at worst, but still, the intent was clear." Staren sighs. "So... what do you really want? The... the rebels, stopping them is a means to an end, right? Getting that sword that the hermit says Kanon is after. Or maybe you really do just want stability for the kingdom, but then what's the deal with the sword? I gotta know what's going on here. Why your people are really fighting and dying. I need more information so I know how to help you /find/ that stability."
August Kohler	As the group finally is gathered and says their peace, Stella is responded to as well. Gash gives an affirmative nod, seeming to respect her politeness and the fact that she wants to work with them. The others ask important questions. Katrina glares at Staren a little, but Gash glares at her in return, and she stops. Gash proceeds to reply, sweeping a broad arm towards a window. "We are the Royal Knights of this kingdom. Our job is to protect and secure it, and to follow the orders of the king. Some time ago, the king made a decree: swords were illegal without possession of a special license, to be offered to knights, bodyguards, and those with a valid reason otherwise. We were to confiscate any swords otherwise. To my knowledge, this was to secure peace and stability in the land. The people decried this, and formed a rebellion. We tried to talk them down, but they were keen on fighting..." Gash gestures. "So we had to use force to capture and imprison them." Katrina just scoffs a little. "Eventually, they would have gotten their swords back if they'd just filed for a license, instead of trying to fight us." Gash nods to the part about the license, though doesn't seem to like Katrina's way of handling it, but he continues. "We plan on rounding up the rebels if possible and punishing them to the furthest extent of the law for the chaos they've caused." Staren's comments get Katrina frustrated. "Of course Valgar attacked you, you were aiding the wizard we were capturing! And /of course/ we want stability. What kind of knights would we be otherwise?" Gash sighs. He's getting too old for this, and he adds on himself. "Only the king and his royal advisor, Kanon, who you mentioned, know the full information about that sword. However, seeing as it's magic and summoned quite a vicious monster, their reason is just. The rebels, allied with the multiversal Watch, will use that sword to sow chaos, I'm sure of it."
Stella	"Why did they rebel? Civilians do not need swords. Civilians use axes to chop wood, knives to carve meat, hammers to forge and repair. It is absurd to risk your life for something you do not need," Stella says - her tone not one of doubting Gash's words, but rather admonishing the behavior of the citizens. "Even considering the factor of self-defense, an axe, mace or staff would do just as well." "Where I am from, owning a sword was almost always an earned right. Knights, lords, nobles and royalty were permitted blades, but it was not a peasant's place to travel with a blade." Well, generic medieval status quo, really. "They are wasting the kingdom's resources and lives resisting a law that barely concerned them. What is the process of acquiring such a license? I believe I should seek one." Wouldn't want to offend.
Zenos yae Galvus	Just like that, the mention of a sword like this... "The sword you mentioned, it is currently in the hands of the Rebellion, yes? Apparently it is a powerful sword?" he asks, "What information DO we have on it?" He asks, more interested than just before. Shifting from a bored light, to one that is more curious. He looks towards the woman, who is looking to pick a fight with Staren. "You." "You are a represenitive of your country, and right now you are doing a poor job of that, unless you want to leave the impression all soldiers are ones who throw recriminations around so easily. If you must squabble with him, do it on the field of battle or resolve it with a duel and be done with it, I have little time to listen to your prattling," he scolds, and turns to focus on One-eye, who has managed to hold himself like a warrior, and getting a slight be more respect from Zenos. "Compensating of swords, and they could regain their blades should they get a liscense? Tell me, is there a process to this? A fee? How long does the liscense last? People do not make a rebellion over something trivial, unless swords are an important part of their lives. Are there monsters that attack civilians alot? Were there rebellions before this one where swords were often used? Information you share, if shared truthfully, will aid in trying to understand the motivations of the enemy...allowing us to predict their better." A beat, "However, rebellion against the state, even if justified or caused by incompetance is still that, rebellion. Garlemald will aid in the putting down of any such revolutions."
Staren	Staren listens coldly, looking interested at the mention that civilians could apply for a sword license, and rolling his eyes when they effectively say information about the magic sword is classified. Finally he tilts his head when they call the skeletal swordsman a monster. "The skeleton hardly seems a monster, any more than a multiversal swordsman might be called such." Staren takes a deep breath. "Alright. Given the amount of training it takes to use a sword, even IF the land outside the cities is all as dangerous as that stupid forest, people should be traveling with crossbows, not swords, anyway. So, the restriction seems pretty reasonable." Staren nods. "But have you considered the possibility that someone else, who wants that magic sword in particular, or just wishes to usurp the throne, has roused up these rebels with rhetoric about opression and the right to weapons, and is using them for their own goals?" Staren tilts his head again. "There's a bigger game here, and we're only seeing some of the pieces. Maybe, with nothing but force, you can kill enough of the rebels to force the rest to give up. You'll lose a lot of knights too, of course. But if we could see the whole board, maybe we could find a smarter move." "I'm willing to work together. But working together means finding the truth and acting on it. Not using my considerable resources to just kill whoever you see in your way."
Doctor Strange	Strange gives Gash a hard, appraising stare as he explains the situation. Its weight only seems to increase the further he goes on, and it takes on the appearance of an almost paternal disapproval upon 'we had to use force.' He gives a long sigh. "C'mon," he urges scpetically. "What's the... literacy... rate, here?" Strange gestures vaguely with two flicks of his wrist. One for 'literacy,' the other for 'rate.' "You told them, 'hey, we'd like you to have a license for these now,' and they just... rioted?" He gives one single sharp, humorless, and dry chuckle, his body rocking with the noise to further punctuate his air of contempt for the notion. "I don't buy it, no... Had to be more complicated than that. Yeah, I'm with Zenos on this one." A pause, a breath, an inquisitive angling of the head. "Did, uh... did /everybody/ qualify for this? Was it /accessible/ for everyone? Was there a fine?" He shrugs. "I-- Just..." He squints, almost confusedly. "I mean, if that's what happened, that's what happened. Staren. Can you shed some light on this?" He looks over his shoulder at the scientist, the one person here he's met so far. "I'm just having a hard time believing that people on this kind of world suddenly rioted because they... didn't want to register their swords?" He looks over next to Zenos. "I mean," he says, looking back at Katrina. "It's... I'd buy it more if this was like, some place with... flying cars, and this debate was about... laser swords. Or ray guns. Let's go with ray guns." He clears his throat. It kinda... dampens the whole 'I am smart' vibe he was trying to put out. Is this man an idiot or a genius? "Not trying to pick a fight, here--I just need to know what actually happened, so I know what problem I'm actually fixing. Kay? M'kay." With that, he 'graciously' gestures to their two hosts, and sloooooowly places a hand to his goatee, letting his fingers rest upon it 'contemplatively.' It is, in short, the most condescending exchange either one of them has endured in rescent months.
Staren	Staren looks at Strange, and shrugs. "I was originally called here by a priest seeking to protect the magic sword. Knights rushed in and attacked us. I tried to talk to them, and... they actually did listen, so I made sure to heal the dead that resulted from others defending themselves. However... others decided to flee with the sword, and it somehow summoned that skeletal warrior who now bears it. The obvious conclusion is that Kanon -- the king's advisor, and an ancient wizard, supposedly -- fears that warrior. ...I was told a story, later, implying that the current king's bloodline rose to the throne by killing all the rightful heirs. There was some prophecy or curse about how the sword would one day lead to the rightful family being restored to the throne, or something... I can give you a recording from yesterday, if you like."
Stella	"Does it matter who rightfully belongs on the throne? If it was seized through might, it is proof enough the current king earned his position. A weak king should not rule, and should not expect to keep his rule through words written on paper or carved in stone," Stella says to Staren, pointedly still kneeling to Gash because he never actually said 'get up'.
August Kohler	Stella gets a nod from Gash. "Many swords are family heirlooms, so there's some sentimentality to these people. But it's for their safety. If you plan on being here for long enough time to get a license, there's things you can do." To Zenos, Katrina frowns sharply when Zenos scolds her, but from another glare from Gash, she straightens up and stops being so immature. Zenos also gets a reply from Gash. "The only restriction is that there is a month-waiting period before you can get your sword returned." He doesn't appear like he exactly knows why that is. "Few rebellions, none in generations. Regarding monsters, they're common in the forests outside the borders, but any travelers or merchants may be granted special provisions to have weapons to take with them." Staren's suggestion gets a rub of the chin from Gash. "At first, people only grumbled about the new laws. But then, only a few weeks ago, the Resistance formed. There are no other kingdoms of importance that would have done it...but you may be on to something. Perhaps they have a benefactor." Katrina is the one who responds to Strange. "Many commoners can't read, but there are those at the offices who will assist with the licenses, and symbols on them for marking.But yeah, the license was accessible for everyone. There was no fine. We wish we knew the root, of course, so we could squash it." And then, Katrina's frown grows sharper when Staren tells his story. "Of course the royal family is rightful! My dear Valgar is the prince of the kingdom, and his father the just king." Gash realizes Stella is still kneeling, at this point. "You can stand, now." Gash just sighs again. He seems really put-upon. He must have a lot of work dealing with this. "You want answers. So do we. But while those rebels disrupt everything, we cannot stand idly by. Perhaps their leader will be able to shed more light on their motives, because our attempts to talk them down shined little beyond the fact they wanted their swords back." Katrina mutters as Gash says 'their leader'. "Serena, ugh."
Staren	Staren tilts his head one way then the other at the comment. "It's just a story I heard. I don't put much stock in others' claims of what makes something 'rightful', except to be aware of what powers they have to enforce those claims. It would seem /you/ have a king and an army and /they/ have an undead swordsman with a magic sword." He sighs. "Yeah. I guess I'll see how long talking to both leaders works out for me, before one of you decides to end even indirect diplomatic negotiations." Staren blinks. "Hey, there's a simple fact you should be able to verify: /Is/ the King's advisor a centuries-old wizard? And why were you after the hermit in the woods, anyway?"
Zenos yae Galvus	"Hm," Zenos says, with a cooling of his interest. "It fits a patter of something we have to deal with at home. Influence from something else, apparently working it's way through these people. Why else would inbred, unlearned peasants decide to rise in rebellion over having their blades taken away. More to the point, that such things could be done to retain them. More to the point, if it was so important, why did it take this long to mature into a rebellion?" "Have you Identified the leaders and high ranking members of the rebellion? Found who their familes are? If so, round them up and make them...guests of your king until they turn themselves over. Execute them as Rebels, after trying them. Do not allow them to become marytrs. Simple enough, I am surprised that you have not already tried this tactic? Perhaps your king has not chosen his men as well as is claimed. Or perhaps it is a failing of his advisor," he shrugs. The mask turns slightly towards Staren, "You ask a lot of pointless questions. There is no need for negotiations. Stamp out the rebellion, showing mercy where needed, and a closed fist where necissary. Brutalize the Watch's agents, and fracture their alliance to prevent such things from happening again, and firmly inform the Watch that they are unwelcome here."
Staren	Staren crosses his arms and gives Zenos a look that is nearly a glare. "I don't care what /you/ think is pointless, either."
Stella	Stella stands, on command. "I will remain as long as you are in need of additional knights and possess the strength to command me," Stella answers Gash, "And so a license seems like it will be of interest." "Regardless. I will assist in any way I am able in crushing this rebellion. I do not care about the politics at play. If the king is powerful, I will follow."
Doctor Strange	"Waiting period," repeats Strange--saying it along with Gash about a half-second. The tone implies 'oh, that's what you did.' He looks over at Zenos and nods knowingly. "And... okay." He nods again, this time at Katrina. "There... might... be a conspiracy... here? In the Rebellion, I mean. I want you to understand that, even if there is... I think 'give us your swords for a month and trust that our interpreters aren't screwing you out of them' might've been your powder keg. But it's okay! I feel like I'm seeing where the misunderstanding is here." "You think they're being unreasonable, they think you're at best trying to screw them out of their swords, and, at worst, guilty by association of killing a king a long time ago, upholding a bodus regime, /and also/ screwing them out of their swords." He pauses, after uttering that. "So," he says, looking over his shoulder, "Based on that, I'm not really thinking h--'guests' would go over so well. Can't guess how every leader's gonna respond to that kinda threat, and... also, it's just... a little... tacky, don't you think?" He gives Zenos a brief, thoughtful frown. His usual frown steps in to replace it. "I know you said you talked to them. Did you ask them what they actually wanted, or just stand around and tell them they were being stupid, but in a calm tone of voice?" He tilts his head forward as if giving them both a tip. "Because if that's what you did, I'm gonna go put in the effort that you should have. Soon as we're done here."
Zenos yae Galvus	Zenos pointedly ignores Staren, who did not have anything worthy to respond to. At least that is his opinion. Towards Strange, he shrugs, "Oh would you have us instead negotiate with them? Let us talk, sure...inform them that whenever they rise up and cause trouble, we'll cave to their whims? Where does it stop, Doctor? When they are asking for swords? For equality? For their leader to now run this country?" He says, firmly. He looks towards Stella for a moment. Interesting, he thinks.
August Kohler	Katrina responds to Staren, a little mollified when he defends himself. "Yes, Kanon is a powerful wizard. The hermit was old and dangerous, according to our orders, so we pursued him for questioning." Gash nods to Zenos, but he doesn't just yet make a statement on whether or not they're going to capture the families. He does make a statement when Zenos insults his skill. "This only just began a few weeks ago. The only known 'leader' is the former commander of the Royal Knights, Serena, and she has no living relatives." Katrina again makes a noise when Serena is brought up. Seems she doesn't like her. Though, Gash does mention again. "You asked about the sword before. It seems to be capable of commanding the dead and summoning fire, on top of being a magical sword." Strange's line of questioning brings more frustration to Gash, especially when Strange questions how they talked to them. "We asked them their motives. They're against 'old wizards telling them what to do' and taking their possessions. It's anger and irrationality that's putting the kingdom I protect at risk." Gash doesn't reply to Zenos replying to Strange, but he seems to be more favorable of Zenos' tactic than Strange's. He does speak to Stella, though. "I'll have my men get you a license as soon as this is done."
Zenos yae Galvus	Zenos looks towards Gash, there is a single small nod towards him, "Forgive me, I have misjudged you then. You are a worthy servant for your king, and I hope he is worthy of both your skill and devotion. I will bring my legion here to aid you and yours, and bring this to a quick and satisfying conclusion." To which he turns towards Katrina, "You, however, are unworthy of your lord. Emotional, squaking like a weak fool whenever your royalty is offered any slight, and completely inflexible. You will shatter, the moment you hit anything tougher than a Farmer's tunic. If you are going to act like this, at least have the decency to chase after the woman you so obviously hate and kill her. As it stands now you seem more like a caged animal, than a woman worthy of the Prince." He says, and turns. "I should know, I am one." He says, walking towards Steven. "We have much to talk about, Doctor. I will accept your aid, I do not doubt you wish to make sure my plan remains as humane as possible, and for this I will accept your consul on the matter. However, there will come a time where words will not save them, and only action will defend our allies." Towards Stella, the mask turns slightly towards, "If you wish to aid our efforts, I will accept the aid of someone who values strength, as I do."
Staren	"Hmmh. Well, I have a few more pieces now. I'll see if the rebels will let me talk to their leader. I don't suppose the King or Kanon would grant me an audience? If not... I guess I'm done here, for now. Of course, if what I learn from the rebels could bring the conflict to a swifter close in your hands, I'll return to let you know."
Doctor Strange	Strange likely gives Gash and Katrina even further reason to be frustrated with his next response. "That wasn't so hard, was it? Next time you guys ask for help, give people the whole story from the get go, yeah? ...I'm satisfied. I'll help." He turns to face Zenos fully--is he admitting to being a caged animal or a prince? His emerald eyes attempt to pierce the helmet. Nonmagically, of course. "I appreciate your willingness to accept counsel, Lord Zenos," says the Sorcerer Supreme. It's the first time he's sounded serious all day. "I'll show an equal willingness to consider your perspective." He even gives a respectful nod of the head--though his eyes bore into the dark eyes of the helmet intently. "I can get one," Strange confidently offers to Staren. "Anything you want me to tell him? Think of it all now, 'cause it's only gonna happen once."
Stella	"I do not know what your efforts are, but I value those with the strength to rule and grasp the world before them. So long as your efforts do not oppose the Concord, I will be willing to help. Does your culture have knights? I would like to learn of them, if you do." Though given Zenos' attire, the question may be moot. But Stella doesn't assume! Except she just got confused and thought Zenos may have meant efforts outside this world. Maybe he did? She's not good with words. Her eyes linger on Staren for a moment, but she chooses to say nothing, deeming it unproductive.
Staren	Staren turns toward Strange and tilts his head. "I want the truth so I can work out what to do. If it only happens once, then logically I should visit the king last, after the rebel leader." Staren blinks, and tries to sound less dispassionate. "Thank you for the offer. I... hope I can help resolve all this more peacefully. Or with less bloodshed, at least."
Zenos yae Galvus	"In a manner of speaking, though we do not call them knights. We can speak abord my ship, and I will entertain some questions. However, the majority of our talking will need to be about what we will do. Other pleasantries will need to wait until we are done."
August Kohler	Gash nods to Zenos as he praises him. Katrina, on the other hand, is clearly pissed off. She almost says something, probably even mentally considering slapping Zenos, but it seems...she has enough restraint to do neither, even if she's a bad-tempered woman. She moves to excuse herself into another part of the outpost, and some of Gash's frustration seems to lessen, though he doesn't say anything. It'd be unprofessional otherwise. Strange is slightly disliked, as is Staren, and Staren actually gets a reply. "If you are willing to join us, we can see about the king or Kanon granting an audience. Otherwise, as long as you remain 'neutral', I can say nothing." If everyone's done with questions, the meeting ends soon after, hopefully on civil terms, and everyone can part. The question is: what is their plan? Gash seems respectful and trustworthy enough, though Katrina's a loose cannon, it'd seem.