Off With A Rocky Start

by **Jed Radacke** on June 4th, 2014, 4:42 pm

19th of Summer 514AV

It was soothing, listening to his sister babble in the fading sunlight. It should have been annoying. It had always been annoying, but Jed had invited her out, he wanted to talk with his quiet sister. So he listened. His fingers intertwined behind his back and his eyes followed the smooth cobble underneath their shoes. His strides were much larger than his siblins, her petite pace forcing ghim to slow to stay next to her. " ... And you know, its a rather good thing that we grow the indigo. If it is in fashion, then we are going to make a lot of profit. I was talking to Ma about it this morning. The only downside is that I need to find new styles to sell. I heard that silver accents the blues nicely, but only in moderation of course ... "

An amused grin spread across Jed's face as he looked up at his youngest sister. Feigning curiosity he brought one hand up to smooth down his beard. "And what would you say to gold accents?" Jed asked returning his hand behind his back with the other. Jed let his eyes wander down the street as the two stepped off the bridge. At the end of the lane, Jed could see the carriage services. His precious time to spend with his sibling was coming to a close. Her gasp whipped his head around. Hands free from their interwoven position and ready for action. Ismerilda laughed beside him, her soothing tone resuming back to her relaxing conversation of the latest fashion trends. His hands relaxed and an amused smile set across his face. He couldn't care about fashion nearly as much as Ismerilda even if he tried.

"I don't think you understand. Gold is basically brown when it comes to colors. You never ever mix brown with cool colors. Ew. You need warm accents for warm colors and cool accents for cool colors. Its one of the most basic rules ... " Without looking, the man could hear the eye roll in his sister's words. Jed let his sister drone on again, becoming increasingly bored with the woman's talk of things that didn't concern him. Well they did, but not at the moment. Of course he wouldn't be caught dead in the wrong clothes, but he didn't care about his appearance every second of everyday. He was no woman. After a few short minutes, which could have been hours, according to Jed, the two reached Fire Fox Coach Services. The sun was at the end of its descent and the last carriages were leaving for their paid destinations. Swinging the door open, Jed nodded for his sister to enter first, into the candle lit reception area. "Eugkh. No, you do it. I don't want to deal with anyone today. Those freeborns can be so rude sometimes ... " Ismerilda declined, crossing her arms and turning her nose. The wind ruffled up her white hair and Jed rolled his eyes at her.

"I won't be more than a minute. Try not to smudge your makeup." He teased, entering the room with one big stride. It was the end of the night, and there was no line. Even if there was one, Jed would have ignored it. Waltzing up to the receptionist that stood there, he leaned one elbow on the counter. On corner of his lips pulled up and he let his eye lids droop ever so slightly. Catching the woman's eye, Jed's low voice spoke with as much elegance and seduction as he could authentically put into it. "Any cabs heading towards the plantations? Namely the ... whiplash plantation." Jed lowered his voice, flashing the tips of his teeth as the woman's eyes flew down his face. Past the groomed stuble and protruding adam's apple. Her eyes lingered on his neck where she could see the edges of ink that stained his skin. Immediately they flew to his forearms, revealing more decorative tattoos laid across his muscled arm. He was definitely a Radacke. The rugged and yet elegant look that only the Radacke's could pull of was a dead give away.

His eyebrows hardened as he scanned the woman's face. She was clearly trying not to role her eyes as she pulled out a sheet of paper and began filling it out. No longer caring to seduce the woman, Jed straightened out so that he was no longer leaning in on her. He let his foot tap impatiently, muscled arms crossing as he watched her careful handwriting fill out the information she already knew. His name, destination and price. Rolling his own eyes, Jed pulled a few mizas out of his pocket, tossing one glance towards the door to see if his sister would share his annoyance.

But his sister was not there. Hands stuffed the mizas back in his pocket, and he was out the door in a second. "Isa? Isa!" Panic was not what settled in his throat when he saw her, a few yards away. Anger pumped through his fists as he saw two men surrounding the woman. They seemed to be attacking each other but one would not let go of his grip on her arm. Her high pitched squeeling assaulted his ears as long powerful strides brought him to the scene. "Get off her!" The deep words took on a guttural tone, animalistic hunger for a fight leading his actions. Adrenaline threw his fist into a face, not caring to see whether his victtim was helping or hurting his sister.

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts

by **Roscoe** on June 10th, 2014, 7:11 pm

The evening was fading and a new night was dawning upon the city of Kenash. All around shops closed their doors, carriages and river taxi's carried the affluent back to their plantation homes, and the plazas filled with those who found no release in rest or sleep, seeking the pleasures and thrills one could only find in the night markets and eccentric plazas of the night in Kenash. Roscoe found himself walking along the streets alone, as he was wont to do most evenings. He wore his usual white shirt and black pants, as well as his brown hat, which he had never felt like taking off after finishing his work for the day. He found it lent him a certain unapproachable atmosphere, which he was thankful to have at times. Their were days when he was fine with conversation and socializing, but certainly not every day. Some nights he didn't feel like gambling, or going to the shops and plazas. Some days he would rather just walk the streets, admire the scenery, and smoke his pipe. And tonight was one of those nights. He walked through the streets, his left hand buried in his pocket, restlessly playing with a gold miza, while his right hand held his pipe in his mouth.

He pulled deep and hard on the pipe, bringing in a cloud of the wonderful, relaxing mists to fill his mouth. He let the smoke linger, washing over his tongue and teeth, imparting that magical flavor and the sweet release that only tobacco afforded. He savored the powerful, smoky flavor and the distinctly pungent taste gained from the fermentation process the swamp weed was put through. After holding it in his mouth for a few moments, he parted his lips, being careful not to exhale, but allowing it to drift out of its own accord, before finally exhaling a gentle sigh. As the smoke was blown away, he could tangibly feel his stresses becoming easier to carry. Life was always a little happier, a little easier, with something to ease the worries of the heart. He was thankful for his move to Kenash, if only because there was so much great tobacco to be smoked. If nothing else, these people knew how to enjoy themselves, something Roscoe could truly appreciate.

Roscoe had rounded a street corner moments before this, heading now toward the carriage station. As his awareness returned to him, he noticed a very striking woman standing outside the carriage building. She had the most striking hair he could recall ever having seen, a striking white. She was dressed pretty fashionably as well- Ros really needed to get on that, and made a mental note to try and pick something up soon. It was absolutely unbelievable to him how much these people cared about what you wore. He was starting to become convinced that wearing the right clothing was just as important in finding work and favor with Kenasherns as actually having the skills to do a job. Hell, they probably cared twice as much about what you wore than they did about your qualifications. Normally he would never have indulged the thought of conforming to such stupid standards, but he owed a debt, and that warranted considerations.

During this tangent of thought, Roscoe had continued toward the station, walking quite slowly and enjoying his pipe as he did. Suddenly though, something caught his eye and he snapped back instantly. Somebody was talking to the young woman, now only about fifteen or so feet away from him. Except this man obviously was not of a dynasty. He was dressed not that dissimilar from Roscoe. He would have guessed freeborn but he could see his hand bore no scars, so he was probably just a traveler. Ros could also see him struggling to walk straight and staggering as he did manage to move, and guessed he was probably a drunk. He started to move faster to get near the scene. He honestly didn't care that much about the girl, but drunkenness was a foolish thing and harassing people because you didn't have the common sense to stop drinking was deplorable. He simply wouldn't have it, and in this case, with a Dynasty brat being harassed, he figured he could probably get away with having a little fun. He tucked away his pipe in anticipation. As he drew near, maybe 5 feet away and to the mans back, he could hear him speak.

"Come on now sweet'eart! How much'lllll it be? I betchyou can charge a p-pretty p-p-penny, aye?"

The woman had been backed away to the side of the building, a little ways away from the door. She seemed to be standing her ground but Roscoe could see a definite look of disgust on her face, maybe even strong enough to match the one on Roscoe's. The man lashed out at her and grabbed her arm, and Roscoe knew he had to act quickly to keep the situation from getting messy. "Oi!" He barked at the man, who didn't let go but spun his head around. As soon as he had a clear shot, Roscoe shot out his right hand and gripped the man by the throat, squeezing tightly and hoping he would release the girl, though he somehow managed to hold on, and started retaliating with weak, drunken punches using his free hand.

"Let go and I might not break all of your bones, worm. If you're lucky, I'll even let you keep a leg." A grin cracked across Ros' face as he saw the man panic and gasp. His deep and abiding animosity toward the weakness in the drunk was rising up and taking control of his previously calm mind. He would hurt him. He would not kill him- death was a release that he didn't deserve. But he would make him suffer.

In the commotion Roscoe blocked out the sound and sight of the man approaching him from the side, having just exited the carriage building. It was only until he was nearly on top of the trio that his senses began to function again.

"Get off her!"

The words had a deep, distinctly violent tone. As though it was a monstrous creature that had bellowed them, and not a man. Ros swiveled his head as quickly as he could to see who or what had spoken, but he did not get his answers. As soon as he began to turn his head, he was met with a fist- a decidedly strong fist. He blacked out for a split second, but it was enough for him to lose his grip on the drunks throat and crash to the ground. He lay there for a few moments, knowing that there was talking and perhaps fighting going on. He thought for a moment he could make out the sound of the drunk gasping. But the punch had dazed him badly, and it would be a minute or two before he was totally present again. In the meantime, he hoped nothing bad happened to the girl. Judging by his assailants words, he hoped it was a missed shot by a bodyguard that had knocked him down, though he was disappointed that he might not get to have his fun with the drunk.

by **Jed Radacke** on June 10th, 2014, 10:26 pm

At the last moment, it occurred to Jed that he might have punched the wrong person. But it became more clear to him who he needed to pay attention to. The freeborn's grip loosened on the other one, who seemed far to intoxicated for Jed's liking. As the freeborn let go, Jed placed his forearm on the shoulder of the man, helping him to the ground with a little extra force. He turned to the man in front of him now, wrapping one hand around the back of his neck, stabilizing his head for oncoming violence.

"Jed! Not today ... " He turned his head to see that his sister had regained her voice. It was a wonder she hadn't already slapped the man. The corners of his lips curved into a smirk, ready to tease his sister about pitying her attackers. That was simply not how Radacke's acted. A fist always came before a word. Before Jed could turn his attention back to the drunk freeborn in his grasp, a fist connected with his jaw. The salty taste of blood coating his tongue and a sharp pain shot through his jaw. It was a poorly placed shot, not hard enough to cause Jed any real damage, or what he considered real damage. Using his muscles to wiggle his jaw, his smirk spread into a full out grin.

"Oh, you're going to regret that." Jed pulled his knee up with force that was no longer anger, but excitement. he groan of pain was his reward as the man crumbled into himself, clutching the vital organs that would be out of use for a bit. Jed let go of his neck, letting the man's own pain bring him to the ground. As soon as the freeborn hit the floor, Jed placed a foot on his chest. He turned briefly, to see that the man who he had first punched was just coming to his senses. Apparently he had been unaware of the amount of force put into his punch.huh. Jed thought, bringing a hand up to rub his throbbing jaw briefly. He was not the most skilled fighter in his family, something he knew he needed to work on. More rounds in the fighting ring with his cousins and the slaves. All Jed had to go for him was his family name. The Radacke reputation was were most of Jed's intimidation lay. Turning back to the trash below his foot, Jed leaned into a crouch. More moans of pain rose in protest of the weight, which simply made Jed lean more weight into his crouch. He brought his face close to the drunk on the ground, to help his intimidation. The man's face was contorted with pain, but Jed's foot kept his body from twisting as well. Jed knew all too well that the man just wanted to curl in a ball and wait for the excruciating sensation to go away, but Jed would not allow that.

"Now, you're going to tell me what you wanted with this lovely Radacke Lady. My sister?" Jed hissed the last words, bringing his face closer to the pungent smell of cheep alcohol. The man brought his hands up to cover his face, and that was when Jed noticed the lack of scars. There was nothing signaling a slave or freeborn status. "Oh, you aren't from around here? Well then I think I'm going to have to teach you a lesson about how things work around here. Unless you think you understand?"

"No! Yeah! I und'stand! I und'stand!" Jed didn't answer him, he wasn't getting out that easily. Too caught up in the man below him, Jed did not remember to watch his back. But he did wonder what the man did the to the drunk before Jed got to him. He was sure he wasn't that intimidating, but maybe he was. Jed curled one hand around the traveler's neck, pressing down slightly. Not enough to suffocate him, but to make him uncomfortable.

"No, actually ... you don't." Jed said simply and without emotion. He pulled an arm back, forming a fist to show the man what was coming. "You might want to get your nose checked out." He shrugged, closing one eye to aim and slammed his fist down. Jed turned his fist at the last minute, intent on getting a sound result. Satisfaction came from the audible crack of cartilage and the spurt of blood that wet his knuckles. Jed let his hand loosen from the man's neck and stood up, winking at his sister and stepping away. His sister called his name once, but Jed wanted to finish what he started so he opted to ignore his sister for a few moments. Swishing the saliva and blood in his mouth for the briefest moment, he let his spit fly in a neat ball. The translucent red liquid landed on the temple of the drunk, dripping down into his hair. It was a repulsive action but enough to add insult to injury. Maybe more than he needed, but Jed was enjoying it. "One thing you should be aware of in Kenash is who is Radacke and who is not. Try to stay away from us."

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts

by **Roscoe** on June 15th, 2014, 10:41 pm

Finally the intense ringing in his head began to subside. It wasn't even so much that he had been hit hard, as much as it was a well placed and totally unexpected shot. Roscoe decided that he was, at this point, tired of people hitting him in the face. It seemed like it had become the customary way to greet him in the city proper. It really was a wonder that he wasn't used to it by now. But then, how do you get used to people plowing their fists into your face or smashing your skull with their foreheads?

During these moments, he heard words coming from his assailant, though he didn't really catch what he was saying at first. The first sentence was like a mumble, and then there was a moment when he could distinctly make out the phrase "Oh, you're going to regret that." It was only a moment later that the drunk collapsed to the ground a few feet away from Ros, clutching his privates. It was enough to illicit a chuckle, even in his weakened state. 'At least somebody is giving this petch what he deserves.' He thought this to himself while beginning to pick himself up off of the ground. He figured the guy who hit him probably didn't mean ill, but it wasn't good to refuse a fight when it was brought to your own doorstep. As he got up from the ground, he watched the man place his foot on the drunks chest, and even proceed to deliver a truly fearsome looking shot to the face with his fist. There was a distinct sound of cracking cartilage, which took Ros aback to the several incidents in which he had experienced the same thing. It was not a good feeling, but that made it all the better that this man was feeling it now. He deserved it.

There was speaking interspersed in the actions he saw as he picked himself up, but he didn't catch all of it. As his senses finally fully returned to him, he did hear some things. The man stood in front of him now, with his back turned to Ros. The young woman therefore noticed Ros first, shouting "Jed!" Ros assumed that Jed must be this mans name. Maybe a good friend or a brother, then. Ros knew it was bad to cross a Dynasty like this, but you didn't just not finish a good fight. He watched as Jed spat on the drunk- now thoroughly disabled from doing drunken things- and spoke. "One thing you should be aware of in Kenash is who is Radacke and who is not. Try to stay away from us." So he was a Dynasty brat. And a Radacke at that. Ros had never met one, but their reputation certainly preceded them. Supposedly they were brutal slave owners and loved to fight. A reputation that made Ros feel nothing but good things toward them. 'Let's see if you love to fight as much as people say...' Ros thought to himself, ready to get things moving again.

He did not consider any particular plan of action, allowing the good feeling of a brawling instinct to climb into him and take over. For a moment he felt like he was about to step into a classic bar brawl in Sunberth. To begin the fight, he whistled a quick, high pitched whistle at Jed. The kind you use when you want somebody to pay attention to you. Assuming he would turn around, Roscoe cocked his right arm back behind him, twisting his body slightly, before releasing it and using the spinning momentum of his torso to propel a weighty punch. He figured he had a 50/50 of getting him on the face or getting him on the back of the head. Either one should lead to satisfying results.

by **Jed Radacke** on June 16th, 2014, 3:52 am

It had taken Jed too long to understand why his sister had called his name. Her words hadn't alerted him to oncoming pain as much as a short quick whistle had. He turned his head just in time to see the oncoming fist. Again his head followed his jaw as the force of the punch turned him. Letting his foot off the drunk below him, Jed stepped back, blinking twice before his eyes refocused on the man who punched him. Seriously? Jed groaned as the blood pulled in his mouth. He wasn't sure was from but if he had lost a tooth he would take out all of his attacker's. Spitting the blood another was of blood from his mouth, Jed brought his thumb up to wipe away the dribble, there was a lot more blood this time. "Guess I deserved that."

Jed took a stride foreword offering his hand to the man in front of him. He was so avid to fight a Dynasty member, as if Jed's rank didn't scare him. It was something to be respected in a town that bowed at the mention of you name. Oncomouse this man was not from around here. His mouth had been pooling with blood quick but as Jed swallows the fowl liquid once more, he realized the flow was going down, thankfully. "The name is Jed ... Radacke. And that is my sister, Ismerilda." Jed extended his fingers waiting for a name and a handshake.

Should the man take his hand, Jed would bring his other ham up to latch into he forearm of the freeborn, locking him in his grip. But he would not stand there for long. With an amused laughter, like a child playing a prank, Jed would bend his knees. Pulling with all of his strength on the man. As soon as the freeborn lost his footing, Jed would let go and step once out of the way, a grin plastered on his face.

Should the man not take his hand, Jed would step foreword once more, pulling his arm back to prepare for a punch. But instead of swinging, he would stick an ankle out. Turning the foot on the boot of the other man and pulling his foot out from under him, the same laugh erupting from the dynasty brat.

Either way, Jed would have his attention taken by not only his sister but the drunk as well. His sister would stamp her foot and whine about him having too much fun. "Take me home!" She would complain. "Stop playing around! It late and I want to go home now!" The drunk would distract him by simply shuffling away nose punched between fingers. Although repercussions were guaranteed and violence was definitely not a way to make a friend, Jed would grin the entire time, thinking it as play since he didn't actually have any cheap tobacco from the freeborn.

OOCI know it's bad, I'm not the best at fight scenes. I'm trying to not godmodder and leave room for repercussions but still have a solid action happen ... xD

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts

by **Roscoe** on July 5th, 2014, 10:11 pm

The punch found its target, releasing a satisfying smack as Jed- or whatever his name was- stumbled backwards. Roscoe noted that he didn't fall and seemed to absorb the blow fairly well, even for being a hit right to the face. He was clearly a tough guy. Not a weakling at the very least. This was going to be a good fight for sure. The man reeled for just a moment, before spitting a gob of blood from his mouth and wiping his face to get the rest of the liquid off. "Guess I deserved that." he said, causing Roscoe to be taken aback for a moment. The last thing he expected to hear from a dynasty brat was a recognition of fault. It was definitely a first. But the shocks didn't stop there. "The name is Jed ... Radacke. And that is my sister, Ismerilda." As he spoke he extended his right hand, as though to perform a hand shake. For a moment Roscoe just stood there and blinked.

'Is he being serious?' He thought to himself, totally incredulous. 'This guy just punched me in the face.... And now he wants to shake my hand???' Roscoe had never encountered such behavior from anyone before...... Anyone but himself. 'Very interesting.... Let's see what he's got up his sleeve. Surely he's not just being stand-up about this.' If Roscoe were in his position, there was a slight chance that the gesture might be being made out of honesty and respect. After all, he had punched him in the face when he was only trying to hurt the woman- Ismerilda's- attacker. And he had struck back well. It wasn't the best punch Roscoe had ever thrown but it was solid. But Roscoe had learned that people generally weren't quite so upright. Integrity and straight honesty weren't necessarily common things in Mizahar. You always had to expect a trap. Maybe Jed wanted to pull him in for a punch. Maybe he had a knife. There was no way of knowing. But Roscoe couldn't just turn him down on this. A peace gesture was always worthy of being honored if you weren't dealing with filth, and this man seemed alright.

Finally making up his mind to go for it, Roscoe clasped Jed's hand in his own. "The name's Roscoe." He might have said more, but that was all he could get out before he felt Jed's other hand clasp his forearm and pull. 'Petchin shyke..' He thought to himself as he was pulled forward off his feet. Jed quickly sidestepped and released, allowing Roscoe to fall to the ground just behind where Jed had been standing. He landed with a thud. It didn't really hurt, but it did make him angry. He knew it would be something. Sometimes trying to be honorable was a curse. He quickly turned his head to see what Jed would do next, expecting a kick or a descending punch, but he was surprised to see him just standing there, laughing and grinning. 'Was that.... Did he just play a trick on me?! He isn't even going to attack?!?!' It was somewhere between infuriating and perplexing. He had never dealt with such behavior from anyone before. He just was not sure what to do.

"Take me home! Stop playing around! It late and I want to go home now!"

'Playing around? Is this just some game to them??' As Ismerilda whined and Jed grinned, Roscoe could feel anger welling up inside him. It was like he was dealing with children and not adults. He wasn't sure he could handle it. At this point he got back up on his feet, and spoke to Jed.

"I'd go ahead and leave with her if I were you. I don't care what family you are or what you think that makes you entitled to, if you stick around we are going to have trouble."

by **Jed Radacke** on August 26th, 2014, 12:18 am

"Ha-ha! Now that's what I'm talking about! You're a good man, Roscoe," Jed couldn't help his excitement as he shifted his weight between his feet lightly, ready to really fight. He didn't glance at Ismerilda, keeping his eyes on Roscoe. "Go home, Isma. I'll pay you back for the carriage." That was a lie. Jed stuffed his hands in his pockets, moving his jaw around some. The dull throbbing in his cheek had already begun. His sister still lived with the family, meaning she got a hefty allowance. Since Jed had to make his own money, he would let her pay for as much as she could. And they both knew it.

"No you won't." Ismerilda grumbled, deciding it was better not to argue with her brother when he was 'playing' as she called it. It wasn't uncommon to she a Radacke, fighting, or even enjoying it. IF anything, Ismerilda was sick of it. "Have fun with your new friend! I'll tell Ma you said hi!" Ismerilda put on a mock cheery tone, stomping into the building. Girls. Jed wrote her off.

"Okay, Ros. Before we get to the fun part, mind explaining what you were doing with my sister?" Jed pulled his hands out of his pockets. Ismerilda burst out of the Carriage building, shooting Jed a glare as a carriage came out of the barn next to it. She strode right up beside Jed, not giving Roscoe a chance to speak.

"He wasn't the one being creepy ... just so you know." Ismerilda pouted at her brother breifly before turning to Roscoe. "If anything, he's the gentleman who rushed to my rescue. Before you." Ismerilda emphasized to Jed, batting her lashes at Roscoe. Ismerilda loved to tease his protective nature, but Jed saw it as completely necessary, especiallyfor his youngest sister. Jed rolled his eyes before he caught sight of how close Ismerilda had gotten to Roscoe. No way."My night in shining armor."

"Ismerilda." Jed took a step forward, placing a palm between his sister's shoulder blades protectively. The sound of horses hooves clicking on the cobble approached, just in time."Go home."

"Huh." Ismerilda huffed at Jed, not argueing with him. She spun on her heels, turning towards the carriage that just barely stopped, forcing the driver to scramble and hold the door for her. Jed turned to watch her close the door before turning back to Roscoe.

"Is that true?"

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts

by **Vice** on September 19th, 2014, 6:55 am

Jed Radacke :

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please send me a PM, and we'll discuss my reasoning behind why the grade given was received. Please make sure to edit any posts in the grading queue to 'graded' and update your CS as soon as possible. Enjoy! ^.^

Closed Off With A Rocky Start