Coatleque

I placed Coatleque's birth at just after the fall of Ala'Mhigo. She was ~17/18 when the Calamity hit. I'd say she's ~23/24 by 3.0

I can second this. I had to look it up for my own background as well.

I've noticed these trends for years. People who claim to want to live in these worlds - the first thing I bring up is the rampant killing the world is filled with. All MMO's play to one basic emotion - lust for power. We don't play them because we want to vanquish evil. We do so because we like the idea of being stronger than we are in real life. To fantasize of having the ability to do what you want, and destroy anyone who stands in your way with little to no consequences.

Coatleque sat quietly as she listened to the story. If she had felt any emotion either way she did not show it. Her eyes remained fixed on the Nuhn and she occasionally sipped water from her cup. Even after he had finished his pleas, she was silent while left to her thoughts. As his looks of despair began to fade she set her cup down on the table and broke the thick silence that had settled. "I will tell you true that I am glad my journey led me to you. You have shed much light on not only the man's past, but why he behaves as he does. As a Paladin, I am charged with administering justice where it is due. Surely justice is not deserved by the man, G'leo, in this case. However, I am also charged with upholding the law. That is not the same as enforcing it, mind you. His tribe offered the Brass Blades a substantial amount of coin. They would laugh me out of their offices if I arrived with the notion of dismissing such a sum. This is especially true because it is Miqo'te tribal laws, not Ul'dahn which are now in question. In short, they have no incentive to care about the man except by whatever goodness of their hearts they can muster. The Sultana has allowed the tribes of the Sagolii to handle their own affairs in this way out of a cultural respect, so neither shall I infringe upon it. The man is not guilty in Ul'dah, nor the borders of Thanalan except to the extent that his tribe is willing to hunt for him." She leaned forward, her gauntleted hands steepled in front of her. "I regret that I myself cannot release him. But do not lose heart. This man surely requires some aid, and I do know a branch of the Immortal Flames who specialize in humanitarian relief. I will contact them to see if they can have him moved discretely away from the city, right from under the Blades' noses. What happens to him then is his own affair, as well as yours I would imagine, and his tribe's. I can almost guarantee the bounty notice will also be drawn up again. I have a ... contact who has some pull with the Blades. Perhaps I can trade a... favor to have this ignored. I highly doubt they will ignore the sum of five-hundred thousand though. Do not wait for me in this matter if you have your own way to call of the hunt. If these terms are acceptable to you, then I will declare my judgement complete and return to my duties in the city."

Coatleque had since taken a seat within the house. Her legs bent straight in front of her, and her posture rigid. She may as well have remained standing as it may have been more comfortable. "Save him? From what, exactly? The man has confessed to the crimes. I know not what he meant to you, but I would be a very poor Paladin if I simply allowed him to walk out of his cell before answering to a charge of murder let alone treason." They sat in silence for a moment as she allowed him to consider her words. Coatleque took that moment to drink from her cup before continuing. "Master U'odh. It is my job to see that justice is served. Justice, however, must be blind as they say. What I know of this man is what we have been told by the G tribe's representative when the bounty was posted. Perhaps, however, you can shew me a different perspective of the man?"

Of course you can count on at least one guard present.

She smiled and bowed low to the Nuhn, one hand remaining on the hilt of her sword all the same. Righting herself slowly she stood with feet slightly parted. "The honor is mine, Master U'odh. It has been quite some time since I have been this far south. Even longer since I had attempted to traverse the Sagolii. Be at ease, however. I am not here in official capacity. Her Grace certainly has no qualms with your tribe." Pausing for a moment, she shifted slightly on her heels. "I am here, rather, to discuss the fate of a prisoner who decided to turn himself in recently." She proceeded to explain the situation of how G'leo came to her and accepted his imprisonment without aggression, of how nobody had come from the G tribe yet to claim him. Her words were laced with sympathy to his plight, but it was clear she had come to perform her duty to the city just the same. "So, you know my predicament here. He is unharmed, well fed, and waiting. I've come to find someone who is to take charge over him that we may receive the promised payment."

My character connection is based on those around me. If something interesting is going on, I can usually find a way to interject where appropriate. If left to myself, I generally get bored and move on to another game. Example: Last night, I was about to log off for the night when I noticed someone else had come online that I was waiting for. I went out to the Quicksand to engage her. 3 hours later, it's 1am and I'm surrounded by 5 other people because things only escalated from there.

Nobody ever expected Crofte to seriously suggest torturing a prisoner.

How the Sworn Saved Starlight. A new TV special. Tonight at 8, 7 central.

Unfortunately I haven't found any other MediaWiki extensions for my Tooltip idea yet. I've not had a chance to really look either. But I'll try again eventually.

It was late in the afternoon when Coatleque arrived at the Forgotten Springs. She had made the treacherous journey herself from Little Ala'Mhigo down through Zanr'ak. The trip was dual purpose for her. She had promised the Flame Commander stationed at her departure that she would report back on any Amalj'aa movements she could spy on as she hugged the mountains down through the pass. Thankfully the trip was uneventful. She kept to the side of the cliffs as much as possible to shield from the desert winds. At least her target was a known destination. There was no envy lost for those who had need to wander aimlessly into the Sagolii. The springs were a stationary landmark, and the last, best source of water for at least three days. Having stabled and made arrangements for her bird at the Flames outpost, she first checked in with the local Commander to make her report. They would be able to send word back north as soon as a runner was available. Once that business was settled she proceeded to question the Commander about her own business. There was a prisoner back in the city who was waiting transport to his clan. They had offered a five-hundred thousand gil reward for his capture. The Blades promptly accepted the task and put out their own bounty notice of seventy-five thousand to whoever could bring him in. There was profit to be made here. What a surprise when the man had turned himself in. He may have even saved his own life by doing so to a Paladin rather than a Flame or Blade. But that was almost a sevenday ago, and there had been no word. While the Blades would have been content to simply let him rot, and the Flames had nobody to spare for such a menial task, contacting the G tribe had fallen to the woman who brought him in. Unfortunately for her, this outpost knew barely any more than the last. There was only one advantage here, however, which was the presence of the U tribe. It would take a Miqo'te to find a Miqo'te. And so as the sun hung low in the sky she found herself slowly approaching U'odh Nuhn with hand raised as if to hail him.

((Everyone is getting ready for the upcoming Ball! Below is an edited example of how we are all preparing! {edited for length} )) Coatleque glanced at the guard by the stairs. Zachary had expressed his worry as to if the man would mind that they were performing a basic dance lesson half-way up the stairs to the Palace where the hallway opened into a sort of rotunda. Three thin pillars surrounded them in the middle of the red-carpeted room. "He is on duty now, so as long as we don't bother him. I doubt he would mind some entertainment anyway." Zachary went red at her mention of him being entertainment, scrubbing his nose furiously. "S-so when do we start?!" "Right now, of coursee! So you want to learn to dance ballroom style? The easiest and most popular by far is the Waltz." "What's a Waltz?" "A basic dance that moves in time with a one - two - three pattern. It is meant for two persons. As the man, you will of course be leading." "O-oh! Okay, sounds simple enough." "You can walk in a square, yes? Forward, side, back, side?" "Yes Ma'am." "Then you already know the basics. After that, t'is pure technicality.", she continued with a nod. "That's all?" He seemed almost disappointed. "For the basic Waltz? Yes. It sounds easy, but you have yet to execute it. First, you will always begin with your outer foot. Your left, in this case." "M'left?" She pointed to his left side. "That side." "Just didn't know if you meant my left or your left..." "... your left. It will be the outer foot when you are paired, as she will be standing like so..." Coatleque moved close to Zach, offset to his right side and nodded to him. He straightened up suddenly with her so near. "Yes ma'am. Is there anything else? Umm...", he hesitated as she stepped back away. "Of course! We've only just begun, Mister Evans." His voice trailed off as if he was about to ask something before simply shaking his head. "Yes ma'am." "So, as I said, stepping in a square. You begin with the left foot and take one step forward. Then you bring your right foot forward and to the side, so you are standing with feet apart." "Like...this?" She nodded at his example. "Aye, simple, yes? Finally you bring your left foot in to meet the right so you are standing as you began. This completes one half of your square." He tried his best to mirror her instructions as she continued. "For the second half, you repeat the same thing only backwards. Step back with the right foot, then the left apart. Finally, bring your right in to meet the left. This leaves you where you started." "Seems really simple for high-brow affairs..." "Of course it does! I did say that was the basic gist of it. Once you have that down you may embellish the dance with rotations, flourishes, and the like. And simply walking out the motions here is one thing, repeating them faster and to the rhythm of music is quite another. You must also lead your Lady partner! This dance is not about you, Sir. You are only directing her." "Okay... I think I've got it." She stood back as he repeated the movements a few times. At length she nodded. "Very good. Now then, as I said, this is a two person dance. So you are going to have to not only lead her, but hold her accordingly. For this I must demonstrate." Once more the man turned red as a beet. Coatleque moved in reeeeal close to Zach, her head turned away to the side. She reached down and took his right hand and arm. "Now, your right hand will go around to her back, under the arm." "Y-y-yes m-ma'am!", he almost started as he jerked completely rigid, straight faced and tense. She lifted his arm up slightly and placed her own arm across his with her hand on his shoulder. "Now, you must keep your arm raised almost level. Not too high, but definitely not angled down. And your hand must be firm!" His hand tightened into an almost inescapable cage. Certainly not bone crushing, but a very solid grip. "O-o-o-o-kaaaaay..." he stammered. Coatleque jerked forward slightly before grinning. "Why Mister Evans... such a grip you have!" He nodded in a very mechanical fashion. "Y-y-y-yes ma'am! Thank you ma'am!" "Now then, your right hand is how you direct her. She will be mirroring your movements to an extent. The left hand is more for show, so you will raise it up as so..." She took his left hand with hers and raised them both up to about head-level in a slightly bent manner. "And for this hand, you need not hold tightly. As I said, t'is for show. So once you are in place as we are now, the dance may begin. As you step forward, she will step back. As you step back, she will step forward. Understand?" "Got it." "Good. Shall we then?" "... Y-you mean now? While... holding you?" "Well of course now! How else are you to practice?" What followed may have been one of the most awkward and amusing shuffles of two people to ever be seen in the Palace. Once stopped he quickly removed his hands and stepped backwards. "Okay, alright, how'd I do?" "Good, except you stepped the wrong way." "Damnnit!" "You step forward then to your right, Mister Evans", she chuckled. "Sorry, this is well... just alot different from the feastday dances back home." "Of course it is! Come on, try it again then." "Okay..." This time she moved closer to him once more but with her hands raised waiting for him to assume the correct position. He took a deep breath before taking her again, and looking down to his feet. "Okay, step one..." They practiced the movements once again, this time in the correct direction. "Nicely done! Was that so hard then?" "Yes." The pair went over the moves a few more times before stopping once more. "Now, all you need is practice. As much as you can spare. I also hope your Lady friend can dance, or else said practice will be for naught. Even if she cannot, at least you will know how. That alone should be impressive enough." He only blushed again and turned away. "Crofte? Can you... teach me to spin her around on the ballroom floor? I... I wantto make that night a fairy tale come to life. I'm not fancy, or refined like any of you. But... teach me enough to deceive her, just for one night? Yeesh... sounds horrible saying it out loud like that." She gave him a gentle smile at his shyness. "That is where you lead her, as I have said. Remember how your hands were placed?" "Yes ma'am." "So, we stand as before..." They both re-assumed the starting position with him holding her hand and waist. "Now, to have her spin you must tell her to do so, raising your hand up slightly and gently pushing from the side as if you were going to actually pull her around. But do not let go entirely of her hand. Once she has done so, you will gently pull her back to your position." "Alright, I've got it." They began the moves once more, but this time as they returned to start, he added in what he had just learnt. She slowly spun to her right, under their arms, and then back to his shoulder once more. "Very good, Mister Evans!" As they stepped back from the lesson again she curtsied to him. He bowed in a surprisingly formal manner to her. "Thank you. I hope I'll get it right at the ball. I really do owe you for this." "It is no trouble. Remember, practice when you can!" With that he turned to leave slowly, hands in his pockets and head slumped as he walked away.

I know Tylwyth Narah focuses on organized crime, though I don't think they serve as a false front as well. Being on the other side of the line, I'm not privy to all the secrets of dangerous men

... ... ... Do you realize how many star systems were just vaporized in that Galaxy?

If someone is cleverly hidden at the corner of a wall or behind crates or the like, and using stealth, then I will give them the benefit of the doubt and RP as if I didn't see them. If someone is standing blatantly out in the open or right behind me, it's fair game at that point.

The Paladin stood in the back corner of her office, leaning against the wall. The events of the day were replaying through her mind as she scowled at the floor. A copy of the Lantern was sitting on her desk a few fulms away. She did not notice the woman standing at her door till she decided to call out. There was a quiet knock and a meek "H-hello?" as she straightened herself. Coatleque looked up momentarily startled and cleared her throat. She scrambled to the desk as she had not been expecting anyone this evening. "Oh, yes? Apologies... one moment!" Quickly taking the paper from in front of her she crumbled it and dropped it into the waste basket to the side. She then sat down abruptly and scooted forward to address the newcomer. "May I help you?" "A-ah? Yes. Hello, um, Miss Crofte. My name is Anita. Anita Aezantia, and I'm a trainee under Captain Jenlyns...!", she began with a salute which Coatleque returned quickly. "Oh, another new initiate? A pleasure to meet you Miss Aezantia." With that she gestured to the chair before her small desk. "Did you need something? Please come in." "Y-yes, ma'am.", the woman nodded before proceeding to walk in. Her posture was straight, perfectly rigid as she had been taught. "I was here to... um, inquire about the Trials?" "Ah, the initiate's Trials? Your sword training has been completed and you wish to move up to the Gallantry then?" Anita squeezed herself into the small cubicle-like room, her heart slamming against her breastplate. She did not let her nervousness show through. She responded with a small nod before sitting. "I've had both training from the Captain himself, and my own private tutoring." Coatleque smiled. "I should first congratulate you then, for coming so far! Have you already sworn your oath of fealty to her Grace?" "I... yes, yes!", she replied enthusiastically. "I do apologize for not being there. I know how important the ceremony is, however... the Captain typically has me attending other business so that he may be present himself. So... have you bee told anything about the Trials before?" She leaned back in her chair in an attempt to relax the mood settling over the room. It snapped and creaked under the weight of her armor - a miracle it still has not broken yet. "I understand the Sultansworn are quite bus-- um, no, I haven't... my wife is also something of a Sultansworn, but she's more of a, um... a diplomat..." She trailed off at this, realize she had not mentioned such before. "Anyway, she told me of the trials." "I see." Anita stood then, the metallic fingers of her gauntlets crossed together. She looked over the room quietly before settling her eyes on the veteran Sworn before her once more. "Well, the first thing you should know is that the Trials in no way impact your current status as a Sultansworn. You have completed the training. You have sworn your Oath. You are a full-fledged member. We are all equals under one banner." She nodded softly. "Yessir. Captain Jenlyns taught me as much. And I am glad for it." "Aye, good. Good. Some have placed too much weight on them in the past, declaring themselves failures based on their own performance without me ever having cast such judgement. The Trials are not a test of usefulness to our cause. They are more a test of self worth. What you gain from them is different from what someone else may." Anita closed her eyes for a minute, thinking back to her own performance. "I've made my mistakes, but I won't let that stop me. I am prepared..." Coatleque nodded once before continuing. "While your training to date has been more martial than anything else, the Trials teach the finer points of morality. Service, brotherhood, loyalty, justice, courage, meekness, humility. In essence, what it means to be a Paladin. You may learn much of yourself in the process. Is that something you are prepared for?" "Yes, sir. I'm confident that I've already found myself... and I believe the Trial a test to further my convictions." "As you say, Ser Aezantia. Hold to those convictions, to that purpose, and I believe you shall do well." Anita cracked a soft smile at that, her emerald eyes lidding. "Yes, sir." At that, the Paladin opened the top drawer of her desk and reached in to retrieve something. She slid a linkpearl across the desk to Anita. It was white with a swirling blue pearlescent color. "This is the Sultansworn's own pearl. It is held by those of us in the Order, as well as Free Paladins who have left to pursue their own goals. We use this to relay orders, news, in effect - any business that we Sworn should be privy to. It is often quiet, but rather useful when it needs to be." The woman took it from the desk, metallic fingers dancing across its surface. "I understand. Thank you for this.", she said with a nod before inserting it to her ear. Coatleque leaned forward and folded her hands on the desk in front of her. "Congratulations once again, Ser Aezantia. Your Trial of Purpose is now complete. With this you now have a goal. I pray the Twelve give you the strength to see it through. Her look of surprise was evident. "...ah! Sorry?" There was a light chuckle from across the desk. "Unexpected?" "... honestly, yes. It is a good surprise though." "Allow me to explain then, as I am wont to do at these times... You sought me out, Ser Aezantia. Or your own initiative and desire. It was your own interest in the Trials that brought you here. You set yourself to a task, and saw it carried out, simple as it was. So should you approach everything you do as a Paladin. We perform our service with purpose behind each of our actions. And even now, I would imagine you begin to understand the Trials more than when you started." "A bit, I suppose." She rubbed the back of her head, face flushing in embarrassment. "Do not worry, they will not all be so easy. In fact..." The Paladin held a hand to her ear for a moment before continuing. "To all current initiates. I am preparing us for the Trial of Service and Brotherhood. This is a group Trial for all who are interested. Not tonight, mind you, but soon. It was a favorite of the late Ser Mcbeef. I aim to carry it on in her memory as well." Her hand lowered with a smile to the woman across from her. The pair conversed for a few more minutes before Coatleque stood to bow. "Thank you, Miss Crofte. I have some business to attend to, but I hope to speak with you more in the future." "Of course, I look forward to it. May Nymeia guide your path until then." "You as well.", she replied with a final salute before turning to leave. Coatleque sighed as she retook her seat. Once Anita was out of site she retrieved the crumpled paper from the waste bin and flattened it back out.

As the door clicked shut she let out a slow breath she did not realize she had been holding. Shaking her head in measured disgust, she opened a desk drawer and withdrew a yellow and orange colored pearl. Switching out the one in her right ear she spoke to no one in particular. "Commander? Apologies for such short notice. Is the Nunh still in custody? I see... No word yet? Very well. I shall be there shortly. I need a few words with him. Understood. Crofte out." Replacing it with the original peal, she quickly hid it away in her drawer once more before leaving the office and locking the door.

I -always- play humans. And midlanders looked too scrawny for melee combat.

She sat rather uncomfortably as the man circled her desk, only moving to lean back when he stopped at the front once more. "I appreciate your bravado, Master Fortomb, but you have just admitted to being the foreigner here. Quite odd that you come seeking me out and then demand that I declare mine intentions to you. I serve the interests of her Grace, Nanamo Ul'Namo, the right and proper ruler of Thanalan. Is this answer sufficient for you? Perhaps I should ask whom you serve as well?"

For my part, I am typically a quiet person. My friends list is 99% people who added me first. And I rarely send people tells unless it's to clarify something from RP. Doesn't mean I don't like people. I'm just not one who engages others.

Considering it is on neutral ground, I'd think arms and armor would be in poor taste. That makes your choice even easier!

Coatleque watched as the Roe whipped his cur into submission and pushed him out the door. As the door closed, she sighed and folded her hands once more on the desk. As the man turned his eyes upon her she met his scrutiny with her own measured glare. "It is Miss, thank you, and you are certainly a stranger to Ul'dah if you do not know what this office stands for; Seeing how it is lambasted by the Lantern at least twice a week. So this is your chosen strategy already then? You bring mine own loyalties into question and then spend much needed breath on systematically proving how they are flawed to try and gain some form of leverage, and then use said lever to pry what you want out of me. A tiring game these politics are. Perhaps I should save you the trouble and merely reiterate what I've already told your servant. Oh, but you have left me at a disadvantage, Master... ?"

Her expression did not change as she listened to his second plea. If she felt anything at all it would be sympathy that the man had no choice but to try again. She turned one hand over in a questioning sort of gesture. "Apologies, but you misunderstand me. Even if I wanted to hand him over to you, it is not within my power to do so. It was not Ul'dah who wanted this man, but his home tribe. The reward they offered the state was significantly more than the bounty we offered for his capture, and I am not about to step on some monetarists toes to hand him over to you now. As of now he is being kept at the Hall of Flames until his tribe comes to collect him. When last I checked the Flames are not in the habit of selling prisoners. What interest is this man to you anyroad?"

Jameson leaned back in his chair with his glass in hand once more. His expression had soured slightly "I meant what I said when I told you I mean to see no harm come to the girl, Deneith. I know she was not treated well under Anduron's command. I was not pleased." With that he took another quick sip. "I... I see. And if he is as angry as you have painted him... I doubt he will be very forgiving any time soon." He leaned forward again, retrieving his utensils and began to eat once more, as if the admission was displeasing to him. She watched his mood change once more. "I do not think it likely." "Then a pox on him, I say. He is only one man. A man in command no less, but just one." "He is of a notable family. To shame him without reason will bring notice of a Royalist family. I would prefer that not to be the case unless there is irrefutable evidence. And this woman seems violent herself. I would tread the waters carefully." "If you have any idea how I can obtain evidence against him, be sure to let me know. I can only keep this woman from the Blades for so long before a trial is demanded, or the Captain forces me to pass her off to the Blades." She sighed as she pushed her plate towards the outer edge of the table. "Hmm, but here we are discussing work as always. Have we really nothing else to speak of?" He continued to eat, enjoying a good portion and chasing it with wine once more. He snorted quietly as he set the glass back down. "Do we? Our work is our life." "Then we must needs find something else to do on occasion." His smile returned at this notion as he regarded her from across the table. A blush suddenly washed over her face as she realize what she had just said. "Well. Perhaps I have just the thing." "I mean, not that we must do something together of course, I simply meant... oh?" "If fanciful affair is something that would please you. I hear there is a Ball, next moon. Some Starlight affair in Gridania. Thrown by the priests." "Is there? I... hadn't heard", she said in an attempt to feign interest. "I have been asked to attend. A few families attending will need some attention. I would be honored if you would accompany me. I daresay your presence next to me would be quite enchanting." A smile slowly crept back to her face as well. "And I gladly accept." Jameson cocked his head, looking genuinely amused at her willingness. "Now, do understand... this will be a formal outing. I had not been extending any arm or hand to you in public. I will do so at this Ball. Your friends and allies will likely not be too pleased, if Miss Leanne is any indication." She cleared her throat softly. "They will think what they will. Mostly sorrow that they have no one who dresses as sharply." "And you still accept my invitation?" "I do. That is, if you would have me on your arm all the same. I am sure your own business contacts may murmur at seeing you with me." "I look forward to having you on my arm, Lady Crofte. I shall brave the glares and the snide remarks for the honor. As I said, who I consort and find company with should not please nor displease anyone else as long as I do what I do, and well. My employers and those I consider valuable contacts understand this." They exchanged smiles at this, and he even chuckled at the notion. "It is settled then." "I daresay, I cannot wait to see the look on Jenlyn's face!", he said with a laugh. "Hmm... you might not. I will stay clear though. He knows where my loyalties are." "He will be most displeased, I am certain." They sat quietly after this. Coatleque turned her gaze to the view of Thanalan out of the airship dock. "And what of you then? Have I been sufficient distraction for the day? Or do you require... more?" He was studying her while she had been looking away. As her attention returned he broke his gaze and finished his wine before setting the glass back down and smiling. "You have been a delightful distraction indeed, Lady Crofte. Alas my small respite of freedom is coming to an end." "For the early evening, of course. I was not speaking of right now, however. We both have our business to attend to." He leaned in towards her, his voice quieting. "I enjoy these little distractions. I should make an effort to do it more often. Speaking frankly, it is not something I do. At all." She also leaned towards him, her voice quiet just the same. "As do I. I shall be... free again tonight, if you desire for me to meet with you. Elsewhere, perhaps?" His smile curled once more into a type of grin she had only seen once before. "Perhaps, Lady Crofte. If I can afford another escape, I shall seek you out. As I said, you are my only distraction of late." She leaned back up straight and turned away, slightly overcome by his admission once more. He waved the server over and placed a small pouch of gil on the table, then rose to leave. "I look forward to seeing you soon, Lady Crofte." "As do I, Master Taeros. And if you are busy... have a pleasant evening." "A pleasure, as always." Later that evening as she sat in her office attempting to catch up on her now growing pile of papers, a courier arrived with a small and sealed note. Thanking him she opened it and scanned it before quickly tossing it away. Blowing out the lantern she rose and left the office in a hurry, locking the door. It seemed another distraction was required after all.