Coatleque

Looks like I'm going to have to practice posing and finally concentrate on a few screenshots.

Now that she has insight into Coatleque's past, is she going to start asking for makeup and clothing advice?

And Nat was so worried she didn't look pretty or something. I just realized I never uncrossed my arms the whole night. Probably better that way, knowing who we were dealing with.

:blush:

There are too many what if moments in Coatleque's life. I don't think I can pick just one.

The Knight stepped into her office, swinging the door wide. She removed her beret and left it on the rack just inside. It was mid-morning now, and she had just returned after seeing to the comfort of her ward as she did every morning. Leaving the door open now, she sat down to her desk and began going over duty rosters for the week. Her concentration was broken by the arrival of a new initiate. Ser Tohen had completed his oath not two months ago. She had assigned him the simple task of finding Ser Besten, the Sworn who had taken a recent interest in the well-being of her ward, but who was now shirking his own duties. He stepped up to the open door, boots clanking hard against the floor as he saluted her. "Ser Crofte!" She looked up at him from over the paper she was reading. "Aye? As you were." "Excuse the interruption, my Lady. We have found Ser Besten. I came as soon as I was able." She knew right away what news to expect from the worried expression on the young man's face. She dropped the report with a sigh and rose to leave. Plucking her beret from the rack once more she gave him the order with a flat and determined tone as she passed. "Show me."

Addendum on Polearms: The polearm is the weapon of the commoner. This category of weapon includes any long wooden hafted weapon with a metal blade/hook/tip at the far end. The spear was the most common until the Halberd in later times. Most polearms were simply taken up and fashioned from whatever farming equipment was available at the time. Hoes, shovels, pruning forks, things that could easily be hammered and sharpened into a weapon. The weapon itself is one of the most versatile in skilled hands. The blade can be used to keep opponents at range, and if they close distance the shaft can be used like a bo staff. The primary function of a polearm is the line of pikes at the head of a column which is set to receive a charge. After that, it depends on the type of polearm. A simple spear is obviously a piercing weapon and may be short enough to throw. The more elaborate halberds were, in reality, glorified can openers. They had many edges, spikes, and hooks which can pierce, slice, pry, grapple, and disarm. There is no one effective armor against a polearm. They may be used to exploit the vulnerabilities of all, but are most effective against fully armored knights and cavalry. Halberds were designed to easily hook onto plates to pull men off horses, or force knights to their knees so they can be easily finished off at close range.

That's okay. She still made a new enemy that day. :evil:

Conquest: The Axeman.

Very informative show from the History Channel called "Conquest". This is about swords if anyone wants to watch. I'll try to find the one on axes as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAjx8X35wYg

A little more about swords: The sword is the only weapon in history with the singular purpose of killing another person. All other weapons are derived from tools for farming, hunting, or building. A properly smithed sword will have a hilt and pommel that equals the full weight of the extended blade. When a blade such as this is held, it allows the wrist to rotate without feeling any off balance effects from the weight (unlike swinging a baseball bat, or a hammer). This is crucial for effectively parrying attacks. The sword is primarily a slashing and piercing weapon, not a hacking or chopping weapon. How to effectively "slash" with a sword requires a fluid movement that draws the weapon across the body in a singular motion and at close range (almost full body-to-body contact). There is no sawing involved. The Scimitar in particular is curved specifically to allow this motion to flow even longer, causing a much deeper cut. Piercing with a sword is typically easier to do, but also easier to block. It also allows further range of motion. Typically the blade is then twisted after entry, and withdrawn at an angle to again take advantage of that long slashing ability. Parrying with Swords: You should always aim to knock an incoming attack away with the flat of the blade to avoid dulling the edge in the middle of combat. Sword Fighting: Is not fencing. It is close-quarters combat with a lot of grappling and hand-to-hand. The main idea is to move in, lock blades and disarm your opponent, then finish them off with the sword, not to inflict damage from two feet away as is often shown in movies. Armors VS Swords: A properly sharpened sword will cut through leather with ease. Even studded leathers are little match, as the blade can easily weave between the studs. Chainmaille will protect fully from the slashing effects, as the metal will not cut. But the pressure of a piercing attack will easily split rings under force. Scales have the same effect as chain, but piercing must be done from an upwords angle to get under the overlapping scales. Plates are the only full defense from a sword, as it requires much greater pressure than a man can deliver to pierce the blade through, typically.

So a lot of times in games and movies, songs are written with the specific notion that they will flow seamlessly between each other. Mass Effect did this a lot. Baldur's Gate did it at certain points. Lord of the Rings is another great example of a recurring theme. These songs, while different, are in the same key/notation/pitch/tempo. It adds dramatic effect and allows a recurring theme to be used. The hard mode instance idle music: ...And battle music: ... is another example. I don't know why, but I never considered songs like these to be "complete" when they are kept separate. So I overlaid them on top of each other. If you want to hear them together, here it is.

Zhavi? (Edit: More specifically, I should say Kink)

Finally, an easy one. Here's Askier:

Early the next morning...

There was another pause in the conversation as the three of them exchanged glances. Or maybe it was simply for dramatic effect as their words began to sink in. Only Coatleque knew for sure, and she wasn't about to break the silence. "Someone is trying to kill your ward, and laying the blame on me. I am not pleased." "But whom? You had mentioned a former employer to me before. Someone whom I assume was interested in her brother. You lost the target, as we spoke about. I would imagine this employer is not pleased." "Mm. Well, I am not a very good employee if I divulge my employer's secrets now, am I? I would be out of a job very quickly." She gazed at him with a slight smirk. "Master Taeros, has it occurred that you already are?" Natalie tapped her jaw as she chimed in. "There is only room for so many puppet masters in Ul'dah. It's only natural they try to cut each others strings." Jameson took up his glass and took another long sip of the red liquid. He held the glass there as he looked towards Coatleque with narrowing eyes. "Believe me, Ser Crofte, I would know it." He returned the glass to the table. "How was the assassination attempted?" "A high dose of Somnus was placed into a water skin Roen used. Enough to cause her body to fail." "Somnus you say?" Natalie nodded. "A very strong dose. I felt the effects from just a taste." "Was there not some investigation about a Somnus dealer in Deneith's past? I have done quite the research on her. I've read it in her files." Natalie nodded in agreement to him. "Though it never got very far. Certainly not far enough that they'd wish to take revenge." "... Natalie, that investigation was started because someone tried to stab her in the middle of the street in broad daylight. Yes?" "That..." He gave her a knowing smile, clearly reading her astonishment. "I have read her file extensively. Sordid history on that girl." Coatleque gave him a slight glare at his comment. One he returned with his ever pleasant smile. Natalie cleared her throat. "Ok, so let's level.", she began. "Roen is Garlean, right? No shock there. Though she is Ala'Mhigan by birth, and was adopted. Apparently her father was some sort of big shot scientist guy and was not pleased that she deserted the empire, and embarrassed his family." She tapped her jaw. "So on one level he wants her back, but on the other level he seems equally happy to just silence her for good. I believe the one who stabbed her was related to her family, but it was never proven. Or if it was I am not privy to the information. While Roen's heritage was secret, it's possible her family was content to just ignore her. But I don't think they can handle the embarrassment of a second Cid." She shook her head. "If Roen is publicly Garlean, and serving Ul'dah, it's possible they'd rather just silence her." Jameson sipped his drink languidly. Coatleque had almost forgotten about hers entirely at this point. "A plausible theory.", he nodded. "The last thing the Empire needs is for their conscripted soldiers to know they can find a place in Eorzea", she continued as she shrugged him off for now. "Most of them don't want this war any more than we do." Coatleque turned her gaze to Natalie with an almost worried expression. "If that is the case, she will never be safe." Natalie laughed. "She's a Sultansworn, Crofte. If she wanted to be safe, she picked the wrong job." The Knight smirked at her comrade. Jameson regarded her over his own drink with a curious glance. "Either way, I think this attack has little to do with local politics. If the Syndicate wanted her dead, a rigged trial would be all it would take." Coatleque turned back to Taeros. "After this night, I am inclined to agree. That still leaves the question, Master Taeros, of who would want to frame you? I doubt the Empire cares about what you do here." "Indeed. But... given our history, I would be a likely suspect." Natalie laughed. "Perhaps someone was jealous of your fashion sense?" He ignored her comment and continued. "I would like to speak to this Ser Besten." "Perhaps I should as well, if you would desire my presence. He may speak more freely with another Sworn present. That is, if there are no objections of course." She glanced towards Natalie. Jameson nodded in agreement. "He is a Sworn. No objections from me. Like I said, more the merrier." "Well, I'll bow to your authority on if I should come along or not, Ser." She thought for a moment before passing down the order. "I shall handle this, Ser Mcbeef. He and I have already butted heads over his orders. Too many and he may realize something is amiss. Though I shall certainly keep you informed." Natalie smirked slightly as she bowed in deference. "As you command." Coatleque turned back to Taeros for the moment. "He does report to you, does he not? I am sure you can arrange the meeting?" "He does not. I know not this Ser Besten personally. I assumed someone was assigned once I voiced my concern." "It seems there are too many assumptions being made lately. Very well, I shall find him." "Indeed. I am quite interested to hear what he has to say." "Well, I'll let you two be alone then. I can understand why Ser Crofte would want to be alone with you in that dress. Well, probably she won't be in it for long." With that, Natalie gave her a quick salute and turned to leave. "That will do, Ser Mcbeef!" Taeros laughed as the Knight shook her head slowly. "One must love or hate her, yes?" "Indeed. I swear I only retain my position so the Captain does not have to deal with her directly." "Perhaps you may be right in that, Ser Crofte.", he replied as he finished his drink. Her own drink was barly half touched. She pushed the glass further towards the center of the table now. "I believe our business is concluded for tonight, Master Taeros." "Alas, I would love to indulge further here, but I must return to business as well." "Aye, and it has been nigh near twenty and four bells... I have another meeting I must attend. Or a tongue to remove, we shall soon see." They both rose from their seats and bowed in turn. "Has been a pleasure, Ser Crofte." "Thank you for your hospitality, Ser. Twelve guide you."

Jameson smiled at Natalie. That same emotionless grin he had been using all night. She returned it to him as best she could. "Oh? Interesting clothes for a business meeting, Ser Crofte." Natalie bowed courteously to Taeros. "Hello again Jameson." "Mm... Indeed.", Coatleque replied flatly. Her stomach was already beginning to churn and she wasn't sure it was from the drink. "Good to finally see you as a Sworn once more.", he remarked. Natalie laughed. "If only all thought the same." Jameson gave her an odd sort of grin. "If only I could keep her in uniform", Coatleque quipped as she noticed the Miqo'te once again wearing her non-issued red and bronze hauberk. "I don't see you wearing plate either Ser.", she snapped back. Coatleque considered retaliating once more. She was off duty after all. No, this was not a battle she cared to fight here and now. She held her tongue and cast her gaze back to Jameson across the table. Natalie continued. "I need to speak to you as well. Should I wait for you to finish with beautiful over there, or should I pull up a chair?" "But you were never the one for caring what others thought, hm?" She winked at him. "People believe what I want them to believe." Jameson tossed glances to both women. "More the merrier.", he said at length. "I suspect you are here for the same reason as she. to tell me I tried to kill your girl? Deneith?" "Two reasons, actually. Let me handle the first one quickly." With that she walked to the bar and promptly ordered a tankard of ale. Coatleque maintained her eye contact with Jameson as they waited. Her head tilted, she offered him a rather strained smile. He sighed. It was as if the two were feeling the same pain. Natalie returned a few moments later sipping her drink. "As for the second, yes I do have some concerns. I thought we had somewhat of an understanding about Roen." "We did, and we do, Natalie.", he replied sharply. "I was just reminding Ser Crofte that it was I that gave over the evidence to you, rather than having her arrested in the first place." Natalie nodded. "Of course." "She was foolish enough to turn herself in." "So the inspection... was a political matter?" "The first inspection, it was my doing. After all, I saw a Garlean sympathizer visiting a potential Garlean spy. No one seemed to be concerned about that but me. Ser Crofte... sent me a report." "Fair enough, many would have had them detained as well. An inspection seems rather levelhanded of you." "Then I heard nothing else until today. That there was another search, something found... and an attempt made on her life" Coatleque sat quietly and listened to them go over everything once more. She swirled her drink once more before taking another sip. Natalie tapped her jaw. "A second search which you had nothing to do with?" "I am but a cog in this wheel, Natalie. I play by the rules as much as it will allow me. First inspection, I had full justification. Second... Jenlyns would have been furious with me." "I sometimes forget, you two go back quite a ways." "He has been rather... vexed with me of late. It took much work for me to smooth things over again." "Probably because he thought he was rid of me for good." Jameson laughed at this notion. "Imagine his consternation to find I was coming back." "Indeed. He was vexed with me and yet... could not deny the cure you brought." Natalie grinned. "You and I are like the scales of Nald'Thal, Jameson. We bring misery and fortune in equal amounts." She turned to her superior. "Ser Crofte, do you have some evidence that Jameson was part of the second inspection?" She looked over to Natalie. "As I told him, the same man returned and said he was ordered to carry out the inspection himself the second time." "Ser Besten. I should speak to this Sworn." Natalie removed her beret. "I see no reason why Jameson would lie." "Nor do I, if I must be honest." He smiled once more as Natalie chuckled. "Excellent." "Plus, if he really did want to kill Roen, he wouldn't be so ham-handed about it. Jameson never does any villainy he can't get away with." "... You give me far too much credit, Natalie." "Yes, I am sure the two of you are very well acquainted by now." She laughed. "Well, I don't wear dresses to meet with him. So I imagine you're quite well acquainted as well." He smiled at Coatleque then turned to regard the Miqo'te. "You should. It is quite flattering on the eye." Coatleque blinked once and nodded politely towards Taeros, ignoring Natalie's comment. "I wouldn't even know where to buy one.", she said as she took another drink. "Well... where are we to go from here? Jameson, you're not behind this, but something tells me you're interested in who is." "Indeed." (tbc)

Why? Why did I only just see these this afternoon?

Coatleque stood casually in the Ruby Exchange, fanning herself from the heat. She was thankful to not be on duty today. And even though she had a reprieve from her uniform, the heavy dress she wore in its place trapped just as much heat against her. The sun was just now setting. She hoped for at least some reprieve soon. A man approached her then, wearing all white as she was. He seemed to recognize her from afar. His shoes fell lightly on the stone road and his feathered hat bobbed with every step. Stopping just before her he bowed courteously. "Ser Crofte.", he said with a smile. "Master Taeros, I presume.", she replied with her own flourish. "I received a missive that... you want to take me up on that drink finally." "Want is not the word I would have used." "But yes, I believe we should speak.", he said with another smile. "It has been far too long. Captain Jenlyns has told me about you long ago." "Do not presume that you know me, Master Taeros." "Forgive my rudeness. I should have made your acquaintance long before today.", he said, his smile never seeming to leave his face. "Come now. Come, come. Let us relax over a drink, hmm? Perhaps the airport lounge?" "As you would, Ser." He nodded and turned about. She followed him to the lift as they continued on. "Such a quaint place, this. Quiet. Don't you agree?" "I do, Ser.", she replied curtly. He slowly led her across the lounge to the seating area by the bar. Pulling her seat out from the table he turned to her. "Lady first." She thanked him as she sat and scooted the chair forward. He moved to the other side of the table and also sat. Folding his hands in front of him, he smiled at her then gestured to the bar tender for two glasses. "I will have him prepare us my favorite." "As you see fit, Ser. Though I do not drink usually." His hand waved her off dismissively. "It is my philosophy that we all need to relax now and then. Our jobs and duties often waste our day." "Perhaps your job, Master Taeros. Mine is hardly a waste of my time." He smirked. "Indeed. Even I would hold your job as loftier than mine. Protecting the life of the Sultana and all." "And that is why I asked you to meet with me. I assume you trust the life of Her Grace in my hands, Ser?" His hand raised momentarily as if to request pause and she nodded lightly. Jameson arose and walked to the bar. Nodding to the tender he left the required gil and returned with two glasses. One he sent in front of her, the other he set before himself as he retook his seat. "Thank you.", she said as she swirled the contents of the glass before her. "Why would I not trust you? Or all of the Sworn for that matter? You all swore the oath to protect our Grace." "That is my same question to you, Ser. What is your interest in my ward?" He paused. "You are full aware that this investigation was given over to me." "I trust you speak of Deneith." She took a small sip of her drink. It was the most pungent, awful thing she ever tasted. She thought of spitting it back out but instead swallowed and did her best not to show her disgust. "I do. And what is this called?" "Ah! That.", he remarked with the same smile. "Sandsnake. Made from the venom of sandworms I believe. Potent thing." "I trust you are not attempting to poison me, Master Taeros. T'would hardly be proper for our first true meeting." His smile seemed to grow slowly wider still, as if he knew the game she was playing. He lifted his own glass and took a sip, his eyes never leaving her. He returned the glass to the table gently. "Distilled, it brings out a dark but subtle flavor and loses the poison." His hand remained on the glass. "Back to business then. Why was my ward targeted by your thug?" He arched a brow at her. "My thug?" "You needn't keep up pretenses, Ser. I know you ordered the inspection. You received my report and did not like it. So you had him return to plant false evidence." He nodded slowly as she spoke. "Ah yes. I did get that report. Thank you for the courtesy." He shrugged. "I did spy a Grimsong visiting her dungeon. I merely suggested that they be watched carefully." Coatleque lightly sipped at her drink once more before returning the glass to the table. "Mm." "If they took that as to searching the place, well... I think that was cautiously wise, don't you think? Considering Grimsong's history with the girl." "Searched? Her cell resembled a war zone." His other brow now raised as well. "I understood you took over the search." "The first one, yes. What of the second, after my initial report?" He blinked once. It was the only crack in his otherwise impeccable facade. "Second?" "I am not a fool, Master Taeros." "Perhaps not. I suspect you show indulgence and favoritism to the prisoner." "I am her advocate. T'is my job to show her favoritism. You were not pleased that it was I who filed the inspection report. Your same man returned and said so himself. That it was his own neck on the line if he failed to deliver the second time." "... My man. Hm. Yes. Just who was it that inspected the cell?" "Ser Besten." He eyed her steadily before reaching for his drink taking an indulgent sip from it. She also lifted her glass, swirling the contents before taking another sip, albeit a slightly larger one than before. "Besten, I see." He set his drink back down and smiled once more. "And this Ser Besten said that I sent him?" Her eyes narrowed as she watched him, looking for any signs of a lie or cover up. He maintained his smile but his eyes were intent. They never lifted the same time his lips did. "I will not be another pawn in whatever political game you are playing." "A bit of an obvious power-play, don't you think?" "Explain?" "She is clearly your ward. Under your care. But I had every right to voice my concern when a Garlean sympathizer visits an accused Garlean spy. It led to a search, I find that perfectly reasonable. Even Jenlyns could not argue. But after nothing was found? What? I send someone again to search her room? Don't tell me. this time... something was found?" "Indeed." "Of course it was." "I am not questioning your search warrant, Ser. Ser Besten was to make the report to you directly. You did not hear of this?" He leaned foward towards her. "Ser Crofte. Let me make this clear. I did not send Ser Besten. Not personally. I voiced to a Sworn that a Garlean sympathizer was visiting a potential spy. That is all." There was a pause. She swirled her glass around on the table once more as she watched the contents lap at the sides of the cup. "So you are also unawares of the attempt on her life?" He blinked at her once more, though his expression did not change. "I take it she still lives." "Thankfully. I arrived in time, as well as Ser Mcbeef. Poisoned. A lethal somnus overdose in her water.", she replied as she took another sip and set the glass down once more. "Hm." The man paused, letting the news sink in as he pondered the implications quietly to himself. "So, you think I tried to kill her." "I think many things, Master Taeros. The evidence is pointing a certain direction. What I can't seem to figure out though, is why you would want to?" "Indeed, Ser Crofte. Why would I?", he said as he leaned back. "I am the one that gave Natalie the evidence. If I wanted the girl convicted, why even bother?" "Aye, after she delivered the girl's brother into your hands." He shrugged casually. "A high-value target. One you no longer possess." "It was at my employer's behest. And it seems he was broken out. Of a Blade prison no less." "Yes, I heard of that. Nasty business, aye?" "But guarding a prisoner already caught is not my responsibility." "Except now you have the only true leverage against him sitting in my care. Just beyond your reach." She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Mm. Ah, you see the link do you?" "As I said. I am no fool, Master Taeros." "Indeed. Deneith would be a good bait. She always was. For Wolfsong." He smiled at her then his eyes seemd to drift beyond her momentarily. The Knight watched him and suddenly felt as if she was being watched from behind. An uneasy feeling settled over her as she eyed her own drink. "Ah! Natalie." (tbc)

Everything happens for a reason. Here you thought she was just throwing you to the wolves on a whim?

So, with only a day a way, I assume we're not showing up wearing full battle regalia? That would make close contact fairly awkward. Someone needs to rent a tux.

(( Jumping in since you opened cross-server )) Coatleque stood at the end of the bar with arms crossed, simply surveying the room as she often did. Her eyes passed over the Roe a few times before focusing on him. For some reason he looked familiar to her, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Then she noticed his bloodied axe by the table. "Miss Momodi will simply love that.", she murmured to herself. He looked to be engrossed in some sort of paperwork, and was not causing a scene. Her gaze passed on after a moment as she focused on another conversation nearby.

Master Tane. Her own politeness now sickened her. That she would even bother to call him that? She felt as if she would need to bathe for a day just to rid herself of his smell. Of all people, why did it have to be Alabrous Tane? She could deal with his lewd insults. His creepy smile. His unwillingness to cooperate with her. What she could not deal with was the fact he remembered her. Even worse, that she could not forget him. On top of that he seemed to be quite familiar with that bard who was cozeying up to Warren the other night. She was one step away from drawing her blade to his neck this night. The whole investigation was putting her on edge. His inability to focus on the task at hand was infuriating. She felt as if she was the only one who cared at all who lived or died anymore. He finally listened to the clinking of gil. A hefty price, though much less than she was prepared to spend. The deal was made and she returned now with a substantially lighter purse. Making her way back to her room where Warren was waiting, she just wanted to forget everything else this night.

:blush: *blink* :blush: *blink* *escape* :cactuar:

Coatleque sat in her cramped little office reading over the latest missives. These were dark times in the city. Membership was slipping once again, corruption was more rampant than it had ever been, and despite her best efforts the Order was still seen as nothing more than the Palace's own hall monitors. On the one hand, Ser Mcbeef seemed ever eager to resume her duties now. She had already found a promising new hopeful and had requested permission to continue training applicants. Coatleque was still hesitant to order the veteran around though, despite both Natalie's and the Captain's reassurance. She read through the official order before signing off on it with her personal seal. She sighed to herself, unsure if this was the right decision. This city wasn't big enough for another Mcbeef to be running around. She sealed the order and had it sent to Ser Nyalie to process the necessary requisitions and make arrangements. Her attention then turned to the other notice, straight from the Captain.