-I am going to start off by saying that the sign up thread is still open and anyone may join at any time as long as they place they're aplication in that thread, however, if you join after the RPG begins then you must still start emptyhanded and you must meet my character at the specified location.

-Rules: No one post kills of another player, I will judge on this. As for killing an enemy, do what you like but be realistic, in other words don't charge into a battalion of ten Imperial soldiers and explain how you killed them all. You start with nothing but the clothes on your back, and your first post must be meeting me at the location specified, assume that your character is expected to arrive and knows where to find 'my letter' as if they were informed earlier. You are allowed to defect to the enemy, however I control the enemy soldiers around you (other than when you say that you are attacked or the reaction of a soldier after you attack him). I will act as a game controler, however you can decide to search a body and decide whether you find what you are looking for or not, just keep it realistic, don't kill a farmer then find an imperial broadsword on him. Try not to alter the basic storyline that I will be setting up throughout the RPG, however as I said, you can choose your characters actions and defect if you like, but if have stated that an enemy army is headed towards us then don't say that you ran ahead and found out that there was nothing. -NO MAGIC- Well that's it.

-Setting: My home lies deep within the eastern foothills of the Rakatal Mountains, which mark the extent of the empire in that direction. From them flows the icy cold, Rakatal River, it continues down through the valley and through the Imperial City before dissapearing into the dense forests beyond.
The Imperial City itself is vast, dangerous and the center of everything, I visited there often to sell my produsebefore Emperor Denilk was overthrown by the invaders. The new Emperor who has claimed the throne there rules cruely and viciously. My family was murdered as an example to others when his great army swept across the land. The Imperial City is walled on all sides by a paliside wall, within that there are packed streets with houses until they brush up against the enormous stone walls of the Imperial Fortress. Within those the nobles live with there families and there are the stables and barrackses for his armys. The inner most part of the city is the Keep, it is a single structure shaped like a rectangle, towering up above the entire city. It is visible even from my former home with the new Flag being flown as a symbol of his power.
Outside the city's paliside walls the farmers live, in fact all that is to be seen between that paliside wall and the foothills is one huge expance of farmland, interupted only by the Rakatal River itself. In which the tower Belanser on a small island, it serves as a watch tower, and I know that it is heavily armed, once I saw great flaming objects fly from it's top and land with an explosion right in the center of a rebellious mob. We will be much more secretive... until the time is right.

And so, at long last (and a long list of rules) A New Power online RPG begins, have fun.

A dark figure silently slips a secret note under the doormat at the Five Horse Tavern, in the very center of the Imperial City. He is dressed in a black wool robe, the hood draped low down over his forehead to prevent his face being shown. The man walks away from the tavern down the main street of the city, ahead of him a fully armed gaurd on patrol turns down an alley way not even sparing a glance at the elderly looking man, he was walking hunched over... very convincing. The man reached the alley way and turned down it, off the cobble stone road and onto a firm dirt walkway. He walks silently, coming up behind the gaurd. Suddenly with a silent movement the man pulled a concealed dagger from somewhere in his thick robe and with a quick motion planted it in the gap between the gaurds helm and chain mail cuirass. A silen kill, just the way he liked it. When the man emerged from the alley his robe was noticably proturuding, and a careful watcher may have seen an imperial broadsword scabbard flash out from within the black fabric of the man's robe. He dissapeared down the main road and off into the farmlands towards the far hills. At his own home the man lifts the dark hood from his face, revealing a much younger man, his eyes were blue, brown hair that reached a quarter of the way down the man's forehead. He shed the entire robe, revealing the full set of Imperial armor he now wore. He pulled the broadsword from his newly aquired scabbard and waved it in the air, slicing motions. He looked up, parts of the ceiling were missing and the rest was charred black, nothing remained in the home but the smeel of burn timbers and sorrow. He recalled sliping his note under the doormats of many inns and taverns taverns throughout the city, then drew out his own copy.

In the foothills of Rakatal I wonder and wander, my home destroyed, I presumed dead. Those who seek refuge come to the hills. I await you near the destroyed mill.

Quite pleased with himself quarian, fore that was his name refolded the letter and pondered: Those who wish to join know where to look for my instruction, but surely only the smartest will be able to carry out it's direction... I can only wait and watch.

(Continuing)

In the allyway the following morning, at the door of the Tora (Tiger) Fist Dojo, a young boy steps out. Kataiyo, a newly earned First Degree student of Tora Fist, is intendent on training until he is a master of his Martial Discipline, and now secretly practices at night against street punks who underestimate his abillity. Although, upon seeing a deceased guard, he headed to the nearest tavern for gossip, inquisitive as a boy's mind is.

He runs to the best of his skill towards the Five Horses. However, before he reaches it, he is jumped by a rival student of the dojo.

First, he speaks with a serpentine lisp, "We don't appriciate common rats in our school. I think that I, Kaire, diserve the First Degree bandanna more than you; if you argree to hand it over, I'll make your beating breif!" Then, he lunges in full force with a small iron shard about five inches long.

In full form of Tora Fist technique, Kataiyo dodges left to avoid the blow, and then elbows the undeserving heathen in the back.

"If you believe you deserve it, then why did you lack the basic skill to defeat me? I do know my skill is worthy of First degree. You couldn't beat a basic student with those moves," Kataiyo bluntly replies afterwards. "I suppose that this should be your lesson for the day. As pennance for attempting to strike me, relenquish your blade and leather bracers."

The shamed child does as he is told and returns to the dojo to explain to his father Master Kaire of how this happened and to accept his punnishment for dissobeying the first rule of the dojo: never strike a fellow team member without provocation.

Kataiyo, after his stunning victory, continues on course until he reaches the Five Horses. Upon entering, he spots a hastily scrawn piece of paper sticking out at his feet that reads:
In the foothills of Rakatal I wonder and wander, my home destroyed, I presumed dead. Those who seek refuge come to the hills. I await you near the destroyed mill.
However, since nobody but the publican was currently there, he could not ask of the Murder Near the Tiger Dojo as the publican runs the place like a home as well.

Seeing a training oppertunity, Kataiyo asks to borrow a map to find this wondering wanderer and perhaps ask how he survived such a tragedy. Maybe he will even know of the shadier side to things in this small villa. But, first, he writes down what he sees on the note and repositions it under the mat.

"I guess my gods want me to do field training."

Armiena climbs above the rooftops, trying to sneak inside her abandoned house, in the outskirts of Imperial City. About a block away, she loses her footing and trips onto the roof, and tumbles onto the ground. Fortunately, she lands in a conveniently placed pile of leaves in an alley. For a few seconds, she tries to catch her breath. A patrolling guard hears the commotion, and decides to investigate.

He turns into the alley, and instantly recognizes her face, as it was burned into every trooper's memory by the "Wanted" posters. He draws his sword.
Oh sh**
The guard, being new, swings his broadsword wildly at her head. By instinct, Armiena ducks it, and plants her knee into the guard's groin. Even protected by his chainmail, the guard drops to the ground, gasping away the pain.

Armiena takes the time to run for it, and hits the door of the Five Horse Tavern as a patron opens it. As she drops to the ground, clutching a bloody nose, she notices a mysterious note, and reads it quickly.
Refuge is definitely something I need....

She executes a quick about-face, and runs out of the city before the guards identify her. She heads toward the Rakatal hills, keeping her eyes open for a burned mill.

The night had arrived, and Quarian armed himself with his sword and made for the southwest, where he could hear the gentle swish of the Rakatal River. He emerged from the riverside brush to see the old mill, it's wheel charred and ruined, although still turning in the rivers current as if a ghost was moving it. Quarian entered through the former doorway, ducking under a fallen timber. He positions himself inside where he has a view of the path leading to the mill, just as he did eveynight, waiting for someone, anyone to accept his alliance. Thoughts of his dead wife and children filled his mind, it was quickly replaced by thoughts of vengence against the new emperor.

Following the gentle stream to the north, Kataiyo swiftly ran. In the distance, down the next hill, he spotted a small mill at a fork in the river with its waterwheel churning violently. Kataiyo had ran for an entire day just to arrive at this forboding location.

Upon finding the mill, Kataiyo climbed to the roof, but unintentionally fell through onto a strange cloaked figure. Kataiyo looked at what happened. A large hole in the roof of the mill seemed to depict an angel with large wings streching out a sword. A sign of things to come, he thought to himself,But I had better try to wake this strange man up.

With his dark-black clothing, Kataiyo found the night eeriely quiet. He tried as best he could to awaken the unconcious gentleman, who was, unbeknownst to Kataiyo, Quarion himself. Having no luck, and no food, Kataiyo searched him for a crust of bread. The man immediatly woke up and said...

It seems that you have found me Quarian said from the ground before the other man gave him a hand up. Are you here to help me or kill me? Quarian said, making sure not to hint about his rebellion. Surely if this person had seen the note they would know what he was talking about.
Out of sight from the man Quarian tightened his grip on his broadsword, just in case the man attacked.

The boy looked speechless into his elders eyes before replying:

"I am here to push the limit of my mind and body. I am here to serve a cause worthy of redemption in these dark times. I am here to serve under a true leader. And, most of all, I am here to find myself a true father."

Armiena follows the road to the Rakatal foothills, keeping alert for the Emperor's henchmen.

She sees a large group of torches to the south. As she runs off the path, she hears wild laughter, and a woman screaming. Curiousity overcomes common sense, and she decides to turn around and see what's happening.

She creeps through the woods, and soon sees a small farmhouse burning. The corpses of a family are illuminated by the fire. A group of horsemen mount up, and ride back towards Imperial City.
Bastards. They just killed them...
Armiena realizes with a nervous pang that she needs to get the the burned mill before the day comes.

Through the spaces between the chared boards in the mill Quarian sees a figure, running towards the mill. In the distance the sun was rising.

He calls to the figure: Over here, hurry before dawn sheds light on our conspiricy!

Kataiyo watches from inside the mill as Quarion leads this new adventurer towards it. He then begins searching for some thin cloth, thread, and a sewing needle to bind his small iron blade and glass shards to his bracers.

Seeing only charred walls, he asks his new Sensei: "Do you have anything i can use to attach my bracers and weapons?"

Aerial, on his way home from a hard days work at his Alchemist job, decided to go into his favorite tavern, The Lion's Den. Screams of laughter drifted from the tavern among the evening breeze as the sun went down behind the mountains. "Seems like a busy night", Aerial thought to himself, "I hope I brought the package for Mr. Keling that I promised Amy I would deliver." After checking his robe pockets and feeling the small lump of the package, he felt relieved, ready to do some relaxing and drinking. But mostly the drinking. As he stepped inside the dark, cold, smoke filled tavern he noticed what looked to be a piece of parchment lying on the floor. It was almost completely concealed under the bear skin rug which occupied the entrance hall to the bar. Bending down to pick up the paper was a challenge for Aerial. Stooping over the Alchemist's couldrons all day was no easy task for an already weak back. After reading what the parchment had to say, he turned around without even thinking until he was well on his way to the burnt mill.........................

I have no supplies whatsoever Quarian said to Kataiyo and he watched the dissapointed look apear on his face.

Quarian steps toward the newly arrived man and says: We will spend the day here, I have a feeling that more will be coming

Kataiyo appears dissapointed, but understanding. He then speaks, "Ok then. I'll go hunt for some provisions, as long as you guys are ok on whatever I find. While I'm out, I'll keep my eyes open for a suitable weapon."

As Kataiyo stealthily wanders the wilderness, he comes upon a dead villiger with nothing but a peasantry shirt and pants. With his small iron blade, he cuts the cloth into rope. Kataiyo then uses this rope to bind the glass bottle shards to his right bracer. He pierces the cloth with the glass making sure that a smooth side is toward his skin. He makes sure that it is suffeciantly anchored. Kataiyo then uses this rope to attach the five inch blade to his left bracer by tying it down.

Kataiyo comes upon a nest of black snakes in the river nearby, but, although snake meat is tempting, he dares not delibretly disturb them, as they might be poisonous. He then sees a small shrubary of wild onion growing. He picks all that he can and quitly makes his way back to the burnt mill.

"I know that you've seen enough fire, Quarian," Kataiyo proclaimed as he entered, "but these are just as good raw. If you are interested, near where I found these, I also saw a nest of moccasins, which are delicious smoked in onion. Are we going to camp within this building, or out in the wilderness, inconspicuously?"

Sounds great, It will be just like old times Quarian once again let the memories of his family seep into his thoughts.

Coming back to the world, and seeing Kataiyo waiting with an expectant look on his face, he said: I am not sure that it is safe to stay in the mill another night, The soldiers have probobly stumbled across one of my letters by now. But we must return here often, we will wait out of sight for any other people who wish to offer resistance. Let's move out, I think it is worth our time for me to explain some more about my plans once we reach a safe distance away from here.

The three walked out through one of the empty doorways and out into the wild, Kataiyo leading the way towards their next meal.




ooc: check back in the sign up thread, you will find something very interesting that I hope you guys will enjoy!

As the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon, Alenee finally reached her destination. The source of the smoke the day before that had drawn her here was obvious, a burned mill stood next to burned houses and burned crops. An unusual place for trouble, that close to the Imperial capital, she had thought when she decided to investigate. Where punishment by fire was, rebellion could not be far. And rebellion this close to the Empire's heart was just what she needed.....

Now she only wished some of her soldiers were here. Even an army of peasants could be dangerous if led properly. But wishes had no purpose here, even by the fastest messenger, her troops were weeks away. Whatever would happen here would be her duty alone.

The three men walking away from the mill caught her attention. They didn't look like Imperial soldiers.... but she couldn't afford to get careless. Staying carefully covered in the trees, she followed behind them.

Armiena sees a fire, and hears conversation near the burned mill.
Obviously not Imperials. They'd want to stay quiet.

She decides to follow them, and introduce herself at a more convenient time. If they decide to return to the mill, she will introduce herself then.

Kataiyo leads the two silently down river towards the snake's nest. One of these serpents menacingly rears up out of the water for a second to gleam at its attackers.

"This wouldn't be a very good job for me, as my weapons are short," Kataiyo proclaims to the group, "but, if there was a long weapon available, like a staff or spear, we would easily be able to catch all of them. Maybe even a broadsword would work, although it would be better if it was longer. I'll go pick some more herbs and spices."

Kataiyo leaves to gather more onion, garlic, and rice growing in a nearby flooded field. He uses the remaining cloth from the dead villager to make a small satchel. Then he collects all that he can carry in spice and rice. Interestingly, he also notices that in this field are wild crawfish. He creeps in his shoes through the water and gathers them one by one in with the satchel of herbs and grains. However, the satchel soon gets wet.

Nearby, he notices an imperialist rookie (noticed from the helmet style) guard spoting him from affar. The guard chases him, as this flooded field is a rice plantation, and he is tresspassing. Kataiyo runs at full strength back towards the river. The guard, apparently very swift, catches him soon. However, Kataiyo has sufficient skill in his martial arts to retaliate as soon as the fighting occurs. Kataiyo's companions are watching from up the small hill as He blocks the sword swing with his left wrist's Iron blade. Kataiyo then strikes the guard in his face with the glass, shearing the guard's eye and busting into the guard's temple. Kataiyo then spins the guard around and brings his neck swiftly into Katiyo's knee, breaking the guards neck on contact. Kataiyo, weighted down alredy, can only take the soldiers curiass, boots, helmet, sword, and liquer by strapping it all to his belt. Katiyo then brings his splendor to share with his new companions.

"So, any of you guys want 'Dibs'?"

Akechi walked past dark houses and alleyways for a short while before coming upon Dunahad's Inn, the local pub. He plopped himself down and called to the keep for a mug. The days seemed longer since he was alone; his mother passed away just days ago. I can forget it all tonight, I can let it all go he thought to himself. After a night filled with laughing and storytelling, drinking and the occasional roughhousing, Akechi decided to call it a night. He realized maybe he should've called it a night sooner when he tried to go for the door and fell like a rock to the ground.

"Ow! What the hell?" He said as he looked up from a ground to see a scrap of paper underneath the doormat. He grabbed it swiftly as he arose from the ground, and halfheartedly waved a good night to the other patrons. Akechi read the note over and over on his way home, and admittedly drunk, decided that he would sleep, and try to comprehend the note again.

As Akechi woke, he felt a strange sensation that his life was going to change dramatically. He rose out of bed and took the note in his hand once more.

"By the gods!" Akechi exclaimed. Not another word was muttered until he was at the door with a certain satchel he had pulled from secrecy. "It is time," he said, "Father." He then shut and locked the door to his house, knowing he may not ever be able to return. Silently and skillfully he made his way to the foothills of the Rakatal Mountains.

Upon viewing the burnt out mill, Akechi didn't notice anyone there. He decided to make camp for the night there if anyone happened to show up. After he set up camp he went hunting for small game. He found two rabbits and ate their meat. Akechi then went to bed.

<OOC: I edited my post, since ObsidianKnight didn't seem to notice that I require him to respond to me.>

Quarian found sport by picking up small stones and throwing them at the snakes, angering them greatly.

Kataiyo, I will have the licker, I need it more than any of you right now.

After taking a short swig he pulled a sturdy stick from a nearby tree-branch. He made his way slowley back to the snakes nest, keeping at a safe distance he proded the animals. Maybe trying to coax them out of their defencive position and into a position more suitable for his broadsword.

Quarian laughed, as though he got a kick out of his new idea. His iron dagger was loose around his waist, and he removed it efortlessly. took aim, and threw it at the nest. Surprised when he saw the headless body of one of the snakes squirm and wriggle out of the nest before abruptly becoming still.

I got one! Quarian proclaimed, showing his more childish side.

Kataiyo then get's an Idea, "The helmet could make an ingenious pot. If it is allright, I would like to keep the boots."

Armiena slips back into the forest, and heads for the hills. About an hour later, she sees the corpse of an Imperial, most likely a soldier.
Geez, not even a helmet... It occurs to Armiena that the man that killed him was likely a rebel.
She continues to search the corpse, but the man was very thorough. The only things left were his gauntlets and pauldrons, which she takes.

Armiena sees a small cooking fire, and decides to head there.

The snakes body sizzled in the bubbling greece, the aroma from the onions filling the air.

I think we should take Belanser Watch Tower Tonight Quarian said to the surprise of his two partners.

"I wish i knew where that was," replied Kataiyo, " could you please pass the crawfish and rice? thank you."

Kataiyo slurps down the head of a freshly garlic-seasoned crawfish. He then gobbles down a small helping of rice.

"Well, that was a nice meal for living off the land. Miss, you seem the most unprotected of us. I would like to extend my courtesy and give you this curiass for your protection." He then hands her the armor.

Quarian throws a crudly drawn map of the land (see attachment) and points to the river island. those two circles there are the towers. They are quite large, multi-roomed and heavily gaurded. Through combat I garuntee that we will all be killed. We must use stealth, and flame. I plan to set fire to the innards of both towers.

"Is the wilderness around hilly or flat? We could use that to our advantage. I don't think that my combat skills are quite worth your time, but the imperialist guards would recognise me as a chief ally (ooc: SP?) , as I used to spy for them. I could go in and ask questions first. Then, I could report back to you and be on your side as we siege the tower. For the sake of future intellegince missions, the second trip will require a mask."

"So you're outnumbered, attacking a fortified tower, and your only chance is an impossible stealth attack....." Quarian and Kataiyo turn to see a cloaked figure walking towards them. Though she carries a longbow with an arrow on the string, it is pointed at the ground and undrawn. "You don't really have any idea what you're doing, do you? What you're talking about is a suicide run... even if you could get in, you'll never get out alive. And for what? So the Empire can burn a few more towns as punishment? What greater plan do you think you're trying to accomplish here?"

"Excuse my rudeness, Miss, but who exactly are you? And are you a friend or foe? Two attackers could easily put you out of comission if it is the latter of the two," Kataiyo leered at her.

Kataiyo was alredy formulating his defenseive moves in his mind as he said this. He soon thought, however, that two arrows would be childs play for a skilled archer to get out, especially since they were sitting down and at point-blank range.

"Well, if it is the latter, Quarian, we are pretty much doomed. Seeing as you havent yet killed us, Miss, would you like to share in the bounty of our meal?"

"If I wanted you dead, you'd be lying dead with an arrow in your back from a hundred yards away," she says calmly, her words absolutely serious. "And you'd never even have heard it coming. That's my first bit of advice... you're never safe, so don't ever assume you are, no matter how much you might think you are." She walks over to their camp and sits down... still out of reach, and longbow close by her side. "I hate the Empire as much as you do, but careless vengeance will get you nowhere. Now, what is this plan of yours?"

"If you want the specifics, ask Quarian. I just get Ideas from time to time. But, they would notice me as I used to work for them. I could report about a recent reconocinse mission, fake of course but sounding official. Then I could ask what they want me to do next, what the overall battleplan is, etc. I dont hold any loyalty to them anymore, they had my father poisoned because he started snooping around documents. I wonder where he hid them? The overall plan isn't very realistic on its current member rate; we'd welcome any help we can get, and an archer is definitly an important asset."

Honestly death dose not seem like such a bad idea if I get a few of those bastards to burn like my wife and 3 children did. one of them was only four years old, burned alive. Quarian said, never letting his eyes meet the newcomers.

then he looked up, staring into them, but I am willing to hold off our first move if you are willing to help us. Originally my plan was to go down to a the local taverns, a few 'agents' at each one and start riots. It would be a good distraction for one, maybe two others to set fire to an important government building. All we need in this stage of our rebellion is small bits of chaos for the Empire to try and take care of.

"Don't let your hate blind you to reality. What good would it do to kill a few minor Imperials? The 'Emperor,'" she says the word with suprising contempt, "probably wouldn't even notice. All you'd do is bring down the wrath of the Empire on more innocent victims. Is that how your family would like to be remembered?" She looks around to all of them, making sure they are paying attention. "Mere riots will not bring the end of the Empire. If you want true justice, you must be prepared to follow this war to the end. There can be no surrender and no retreat. Tell me, Quarian, can you do this?"

"I can tell that I am talking to a true leader" Quarian says. "But there are not enough peasants in this land that are not too cowardly to take up arms. They are all afraid, living under a giant stone that is poised to fall."

"A leader in battle, perhaps, but nowhere else. If you can get me an army, I can lead it." She pulls a map from her cloak pocket and unrolls it on the ground. "This, as you can probably guess, is the Empire. These areas," she points to a few marked spots on the map, "are where the Empire's control is weakest. You understand the problem fairly well, the people are too afraid to do anything. The Empire is too good at presenting the appearance of strength, even when rebellion elsewhere has badly strained their control. But their problem is lack of hope, not lack of potential. Give them motivation to fight, and they will fight. But chaotic rioting will bring only death for us. They need someone to lead them, and that is where we find our job. Lead them well, and they will follow you into Hell... and the Empire will fall."

After a few hours of rest, Akechi wakes up feeling uneasy.

"I smell the scent of a not-too-distant fire," Akechi said, "Perhaps this is where I'll meet the author of this note."

It is dark, so he ufolds the satchel and reveals his father's Old Imperial Cloak (with the Old Imperial symbol on the back) and his Old Imperial Dagger, both still in great condition. Changing the position of his equipment to be slightly stealthier with the cloak on, Akechi moves his quiver of arrows to his right hip, the dagger to his left hip, and the bow on his back. Now well concealed with the night in the former agent's cloak, he quickly makes his way to the source of the smoke.

Akechi reaches a small ridge near the campfire after people around it. He listens to a part of their conversation; "Don't let your hate blind you to reality. What good would it do to kill a few minor Imperials? The 'Emperor' probably wouldn't even notice." 'So these will be my allies,' Akechi thought to himself. He then dropped himself down from the ridge and made his way to the fire. Not drawing his weapons, he made his way to an open side of the fire and noticeably walked up.

"I presume that one of you wrote a certain note, may I ask who that would be?" Akechi confronts the group.

"Sir, if you have business of an important nature, state it in all honesty, including what we may call you. After that, your mysterious author would be in a better position to present himself."

"Yes, rioting won't get us anywhere," Armiena says as she steps out of the shadows. She tosses the rest of the trooper's armor next to the fire.
"Really, we are weak. Rioting will get us killed by some lowlife Imperial guard."

It occurs to Armiena that she hasn't even introduced herself.
Armiena extends a hand to Quarian.
"My name is Armiena. I used to be a legionaire, but that was before our 'great Emperor' took over."

"I see that we have added two more to our rebellion, and I would be the author of that note," Quarian says, standing up.

Quarian gestures to the two to sit down, "let us discuss this matter further."

As the author of this note beckoned, Akechi sat himself promptly where he stood and started speaking.

"I would be more than pleased to introduce myself," said Akechi pausing for a brief moment, "I am Akechi Tralen, currently a hunter although I think that will change soon." With a smile, he continues, "My father was a well respected agent among the Old Empire, but was captured and killed while he was on an undercover mission. This is why I have his cloak that you see on me, and this dagger." With that, he slowly pulled the Old Imperial dagger from his cloak. It looked to be in great condition and also like it could be thrown quite easily. "My mother passed away just recently, so I have nobody to go back to." Akechi mentioned. "I don't know about the rest of you," He quickly changed subjects, "but I could go for some food." With this he pulls some dried rabbit meat and takes a bite. "I've got plenty more food, and not just rabbit!" Akechi exlcaims, "Would anyone else like some?"

"We have plenty of food, for the moment," Quarian says. "Let us continue our discussion once again..." His voice trails off as a sound catches his ear. Galloping hooves, many hooves, perhaps six, seven horses he thinks. And coming closer.

Quarian stomps out the fire and swiftly gathers the evidense of thier camp. "HIDE!" and Quarian threw himself into the nearby shrubbery.

Alenee stands up quickly, bow already in hand. "If they spot us, you must leave no survivors." She disappears into the forest, gray cloak hiding her well in the shadows of the trees. Eventually, she finds the ideal firing position she had used earlier to observe the camp. She readies her bow, but doesn't draw back the arrow yet. Judging by the sound of their approach, there are far too many targets to let her arm get tired early.....

Akechi also stands up and draws his bow, nocking an arrow to it quickly.

"At least we are fortunate to have archers with us," He said to Alenee, "That's quite a nice bow you have yourself."

With that, he went back to the ridge he was first on, but instead of staying on top of it, he went into the recess that it made. Completely guarded from the and rear sides, all he had to watch now was in front of him and to his right -- where the campfire had been and where Alenee was.

"No problems, we can take 6 guys just fine." Akechi chuckled to himself.

Listening to the sounds around him, he could tell that they would be on them soon. The animals in the area had recently stopped their daily singing, a sure sign of disturbance. He took four arrows from his quiver and stabbed them head first into the soil for easy access. Raising his bow slightly, Akechi waited for the skirmish.

OOC:EDIT: I didn't realize that it had become day already... wasn't it nighttime just a few posts ago?

ooc: edit your post ensis, it is early afternoon

Into the clearing of their camp a small boy ran, he was covered with dirt and grime. The sound of the hooves was just behind. The boy glanced to the bushes and his eyes caught Alenee's suddenly he snapeed his head back to the ground, but it was to late, he tripped over the still smouldering log of thier fire. Before any reaction could be made one horse appeared, followed by four others. The lead horses rider was a stout imperial soldier, his revealed face showed no emotion as he drew his sword and rode by the boy, decapitating him. His horse whined and turned as the other horses arrived, trampling the body. There was now some sort of commotion, a soldier had spotted the camp.

Armiena hides behind a tree, waiting for the knight's shadow to pass her. The riders pass through the camp, and gallop along the edge of the forest, looking for movement.

She fingers her dagger, waiting for a chance to throw it into a horse's backside.

Kataiyo flips backward, out of the clearing, down the hill into the river. Once there, he picks a reed and uses it to breathe while underwater.

After seen the Knight decapitating the young boy, Akechi quickly made his way to cover behind the ridge he was at (taking all of his equipment too!). He put his arrows back into the ground, and drew his bow even further, ready to fire any second. In all honesty, he didn't want to be the first one to fire, but he was enraged to his utmost capacity. Killing someone so innocent and weak would cause that man a most painful death, if you would call that thing a man. With fierce red eyes, Akechi prepared to battle.

As the boy died, Alenee barely managed to hold in her fury. But one thing stopped her from firing, the fact that their own deaths would do nothing to help. The odds were still against them, and with any luck, the Imperials would assume it was a hunter's camp, or something equally normal. As she drew an arrow and took careful aim at the leader, she whispered a prayer that the Imperials wouldn't see the true nature of what they had found.

the armored horses whined and the leader's turned in circles, continuing to trample the body. The lead Imperial jumped off the horse and knelt to the indisinguishable corpse. After searching through the boy's rags of clothing he laughed and pulled out smashed eggshells, dripping in yoke. "Well there is two wasted eggs, shame we could not have returned them to the royal kitchen usable." He climbed back atop his mount, shaking the liquid from his hand. "At least the thief is dead..." and he spurred his horse, it whined and galloped off, the others followed.

Kataiyo stealthily crawls out from the river back towards the clearing. "Their leader," He says to Quarian, "I recognize him. He was the captain of the guard for the Lord in the fortress along the ridge. As I recall, his favorite passtime was murdering peasants. When he got the order by the Lord to set fire to the serf's homes, he was overjoyed. I tell you, sir, he is most insane of any I have met. If you wish to hear some of the horrible attrocities he has commited, ask me at any time. But, for now, let us leave it at that."

Kataiyo then thought for a minute. "As I recall, the particular fortress he served in was north east of here, over the hills. As a stratigic point of view, It is the strongest fortress the enemy has. The guards there train with weighted armor and clothing. They spar with each other there, nearly to death. These men are not men anymore, they are weapons of war, fiercely loyal, dedicated to pushing the limit of will and steel. If I had the choice, I'd not want to face this particular fort's legionaires."

Even as the men were galloping away, Akechi quickly made his way to the group, which was now reforming. He listened to what Kataiyo had to say, and he thought that it might be a good idea to heed what he was saying. He wasn't sure if he, or anyone in their group had the ability to win against him, but at least with archers it would be easier.

OOC: Sorry about the brief post, but I've been pretty busy with work lately.

"We must share this boy's story, If it dose not strike fear into the hearts of these peasents, it will give them the urge for vengence. With the proper leader." Quarian turned a full circle, to stare deeply into the eyes of his companions. "Tonight we will return to the capital city and tell them all of a begger boy, who stole two eggs, probobly to feed his own to feed his family, and was brutely murdered. They will all know that they are being slowly starved and killed by a cruel and malevolent evil that is the emperor!" Quarian was surprised by his growing anger, and his own words that could inspire someone to take up arms against a superior foe.

The day wore on, Quarian buried the begger boy where he had laid his own family to rest. The group backtracked to the burned mill and waited there for much of the afternoon. As the sun hid itself beyond the rolling black silloughettes of the cascading Rakatal hills on the horizon the fire still burned in Quarian's heart, fueled by desire of vengence.