#preludetowar

[bwcfilms]

Actor/stuntman Darin Hicks is #Sith apprentice Quintus Minkar in BWC Films' Star Wars #fanfilm A Prelude to War. #SWTOR #SWTORseries #SWTORfilm #TORonNetflix #PreludeToWar #supportindiefilm #AtlantaFilm

[jay-brutality]

#raisethedead #hymnsofwar #ep #preludetowar #xoneofmagicalimmunity #warcraft #thecurseofyears #seaofdeadsouls #cloakofmist #todaysjam #myjam #jamoftheday #banger still one of my favourite ep's ever! Had the honour of playing many shows with these guys 🤘🏻☠️⚔️

[summoner-tybresa]

The Emergency Summit: Commencement (The Senior Steward's Perspective)

// I suck at keeping track so please don't hold it against me if I make a new post to respond to things bit by bit instead of cluttering it all up.

// LAST, AT THE SUMMIT ... //

The Senior Steward sat down and folded her hands on the table as she waited, the last folder being entitled to her, before she too made it seem like she was browsing through the papers and the information offered, though in truth she was observing each and every attendee’s expression for any kind of reaction.

[...], Kolminye leaned in beside the Senior Summoner-Steward, her own voice low and furtive.

“Tybresa. I must ask you this, and I pray to the Maker that you answer truthfully.” She whispered, pausing only to seek an opportunity in the ongoing debates to speak. “How much of your information comes from Renzus? There is a very real chance that his name may arise given his…activities of late. I know you trust him, but Mandrake doesn’t, and most present here either share that mistrust or are ignorant of why this man’s information should be heeded.”- summoner-renzus

Tybresa quickly caught the movement of the High Councilor from the corner of her eye, and with exercised subtlety, leaned closer towards Vessaria to hear her words, while also making it seem like she would continue keeping watch at the Summit attendee's around.

The softest of sighs escaped from her lips at the question, already knowing it would have arisen sooner or later - though sadly, it arrived far too soon for her liking. She furtively glanced at Kolminye, her expression genuine. "Almost all of it, my Lady. My service to the Institute takes precedence and I am not allowed to leave my seat of power to investigate ... not without your orders. You know this, just as well as Mandrake and I do."

She paused, now turning her gaze to fully face her, her expression marred with grim determination while her voice was a barely-audible whisper. "Mandrake should know better than to mistrust Renzus - she and I, and even you  ... we have all done unspeakable things, and all for the sake of the League. He has proven his worth, and his efficiency, and his loyalty is without question. Why is he under such scrutiny?"

For a moment, she raised her gaze to pointedly stare at Mandrake, before returning to Vessaria. "Ashram is gone. What is it Kiersta fears?"

But her question would never receive an answer, for the Zaunite Representative's voice rose through the room, and silenced all else. Tybresa straightened up to attention, listening to his self-righteous prattle with jaded eyes and stony expression.

[...]

"If I hear another moronic claim from any one of you, I will refuse any cooperation from Zaun. That decision is final!" - askmachineheraldviktor

Tybresa's reaction to the Herald's speech was the flaring of her nostrils and a soft, yet offended sniff as she raised her hands to place them on the table, with the intention to rise and meet his acclamations with diplomatic force - while his offensive jabs recoiled against her armor with nigh a scratch, she feared that the others would not take as lightly to his tactless speech. She had to instill the peace and polite conduit back to the summit - with, or without the High Councilor's given permission.

"With all due respect, Viktor -" Her voice echoed forth through the room as she stood up to her full height - not overly imposing, but it was the dignity of her stance, the fearlessness in her expression and the unyielding strength in her eyes as she stared back at the Zaunite, that made her all the more noble. 

" -but the very point of this Summit is to discuss all the possible options we have. To conduct a plan without thoroughly investigating and dissecting each facet in turn would be a very foolish notion - certainly, such an esteemed scientist as yourself would know this, would he not?" This blow at Viktor's own pride was subtle, but necessary, if only to appease the rest - but she did not stop here.

"Throwing around ultimatums without eventually considering what was said and given sounds utterly below what one would expect from a representative of Zaun. After all, your nation takes pride from the freedom of speech and thought it offers - does it not?"

A pregnant pause followed closely, but Tybresa did not relent from her attack, not without a coup-de-grace. "The purpose of this Summit is to take all the strength of the combined nations, and put it to good use - for the sake of all. And for the sake of all of Valoran, I ask that you lower your voice, and let the others speak out their minds, without fear of repercussions. We need the participation of all those present to succeed."

She bowed her head, signalling the finish of her speech, and sat down in her seat, politely keeping her gaze up, yet also vehemently avoiding to glance to her side, inwardly afraid to see the High Councilor's reaction.

But she would not need to - for in the next moment, the King spoke.

[...]

An audible sigh preceded more booming words, “So what say anyone on this table? Speak your piece. Demacia is not the only one with a voice I am sure.” Though he could’ve been wrong. - ask-king-jarvan

Tybresa nodded her head approvingly at the King's speech, feeling her heart flutter of pride, knowing that the Liege Lord of her natal city-state had such a wise and determined ruler. She did her best to hide this pride however, dig it deep within her heart - because now, she had no allegiances or ties whatsoever to any of the city-states. Her body, mind and soul belonged to the League now, as did her duty and her loyalty. She would not - and could not show any favoritism.

Still, when Jarvan the Third prompted for the rest to make their voices heard, Tybresa did not hesitate to rally up to the call. "With all due respect, your Highness, and all of you esteemed participant - but I would kindly ask that you seek through the folders I have helped provide for your presences for the sake of this Summit before one should speak their mind. All the information we have managed to gather about this ... 'Convergency' are there."

To further make her point, she tapped the folder set before her, which were also spread out to each and every participating member. "I feel I cannot emphasis it enough that they are the enemy that threaten the stability of our homes and our families."

She glanced at the King. "How many families will find themselves unable to feed their offspring after the Westerland incident? The granaries of Demacia have suffered a great blow from their bloody intervention."

Now, she glanced at the Grand General. "How can Noxus grow stronger, when the very soil they have built upon is unstable and toxic? The area once known as the port of Shade Lagoon has little chance from ever becoming habitable again? It has become a desolate, life-threatening space, and it serves Noxus no further purpose than to weaken it further. It is clear, the enemy does not want to see its people rise and thrive."

She then swept her glance around the room, lingering on each dignitary and turn. "And not just Demacia and Noxus - every city-state has suffered under their mysterious yet destructive plots. It is clear, they are either attempting to goad one at each other's throats, or simply eliminate us, one by one. For what purpose, we can only guess, but one thing is clear."

"The Convergency is our enemy - calculated, stealthy and ruthless, they are a fearsome force to go against ... but they are the enemy still. In order to defeat such an opponent, we must not allow them to divide us, lest we shall be far easier prey for them to feast upon."

Tybresa paused, blinking her eyes in surprise - suddenly, she became very self-aware, self-conscious even, of herself and her status, of all the zeal and passion of her speech. She bowed her head and swallowed dryly, trying not to let the sudden wave of embarrassment she experienced, show itself openly and in front of so many important personalities. She could feel the jagged stabs of the High Councilors pierce through her back - surely, she would hear about this once the Summit would break for the night.

"Of course, it is all at your leisure, your Highnesses." She excused herself with cold politeness, not allowing to let her voice crack, bowing her head in humility to show that now, she was certainly done speaking.

[summoner-tybresa]

(War thing) There was a knock at her office door and this time he waited for her to respond rather than barge in like he usually does. That always ended up with him in trouble again. This time, he felt there was a quiet sense of tension everywhere perhaps exercising caution would be advised especially after getting a direct order from Kristoffer, that in itself was already unusual.

The rumors going around in regards to the Steward's 'disappearance', or rather, lack of appearance were quite founded - for past the door and into her offices, Tybresa was hunched over her desk, tilling and toiling her mind over the messily-placed papers set on the surface, trying to piece together the puzzle of the recent attacks and atrocities caused by the mysterious and faceless organization known as the Convenancy.

The knock at her office was enough not only to snap her from her furious and fervent brainstorming, but to actually make her flinch startled, staring at the door with wide blue eyes, freezing in her place like a compromised doe, waiting and listening for any further signs of danger.

It was then she realized that there was someone past the door, waiting and awaiting an audience with her. Tybresa let out a weary sigh and rubbed her eyes - she had not slept well ever since the incidents happened, and she has not slept at all last night either, reflected by the soft shadowed circles underneath her eyes, her droopy expression and overall inattentive appearance, something that was not at all characteristic to the detail-attentive and perfectionist Senior Steward.

Clearly, the situation was far more severe than people thought it to be.

"Enter, if you will." Tybresa called out in a finality, beginning to arrange the papers and stack them over another, not wanting to leave them in plain sight for her visitor to see.

// summonernova

[summoner-tybresa]

Whispers in the Dark (War AU, Champion Notice)

The Institute of War had grown noticeably quiet in the days anticipating the Emergency Summit the Council of Equity had summoned for the following few days, simply because the summoner population had gradually started to leave, as per the Senior Steward's prior announcement, the men and women of the League either worried for their loved ones or simply not wanting to get themselves in something potentially dangerous.

The hallways grew emptier with each day, if not by the hours - without the summoner body to act as its life-blood, the Institute certainly felt like a husk of its former self, anemic and withering under the pressing atmosphere of the imminent threat that stood to defy it. Even so, it did not entirely disable the usual program of matches, though the champions would notice their schedules are growing lighter, with less fighting on the Fields of Justice to attend to.

Without the lively chatter and gossip, the whispers soon became easier to notice and listen to, from those who seemed to skulk in the shadows, like frightened mice. Those champions who were at the Institute, permanently situated or otherwise anticipating matches, would soon hear the voices that consisted the fabled, and now crippled Rumor Mill.

What is going to happen to us if an attack happens?

Who will defend us?

Silence. The Senior Steward has ordered the Peace Quarter fortified.

I hear they're vicious - shades who do not  even deem to show themselves before you die.

I've lost a friend in the Shade Lagoon attack. I hope I get the chance to return the favor if they'll attack us?

They won't attack us. Nobody's stupid enough to put siege to the Institute?

That one with the black robes - have you seen him? He's terrifying me. I bet he's part of them.

Who are they, though? They appeared so suddenly, and we know so little.

The Senior Steward looks awfully grim and is twice as snappish as before. You had best stay out of her way, else she might hang you with your coat for suspicious lollygagging.

Certainly a dazzling amount of questions, with little answers to truly settle the rising panic and distraught that lingered in the air. Even though you might hold little to no love towards the League, even as a champion it would also raise a signal of alarm.

Shouldn't you investigate?

// This is related to the 'This is War' AU/Event going on through the community -Champions ONLY are free to answer to this call whether through reblog or own personal post/drabble.

For more information, go here [x]

[summoner-tybresa]

Safety Measures (War AU, Summoner Notice)

Several days prior to the calling of the Emergency Summit ...

The news about the seemingly random yet nevertheless devastating attacks on the city-states at large eventually arrived the ears of the Institute and spread through like wildfire, with fear and lingering panic as its fuel. The summoner body certainly were worried for the safety of their loved ones, of their city-states and homes. Others had their suspicion roused and with it, tried to instigate the rest to accuse the Council and demand answers. All in all, the harmony of the place was thrown in disarray, shattering easily under the looming pressure of the ever-growing threat.

The sudden appearance of the Senior Steward - having grown more elusive in the past month until now - brought a flurry of new emotions with it, including hope ... and despair. The woman confidently strode amidst the crowds of summoners gathered in the Peace Quarter with terrifying detachment, seeming more like a ghost than a human being, her expression blank and inexpressive, only to stop in the center and allow herself the moments to look around herself, her gaze searching and scouring the faces of her brothers and sisters, pupils and colleagues.

A frown shadowed her features at the sight of their concern, anxiety and anticipation, prompting her to begin speaking. With grave ceremony, she raised her arms up in the air and opened her mouth to speak - her voice rung crystal-clear throughout the entire District, echoing softly against the walls and through the hallways. This was to be an important announcement, for the ears of those who needed and wanted to listen.

"Summoners! The news of the unfortunate events raging through the lands of Valoran has reached the Council of Equity's ears, and through me they will let their voice be heard. Firstly, those who have lost someone dear in these vicious and ruthless attacks, our deepest condolences and sympathies. All that we can ask if for you to be strong, summoners, and never falter in your conviction - our duty and purpose here is absolute, all in the name of peace."

"Secondly, we are aware of your growing worry and concern as well as the immediate measures that need to be taken to combat such a threat. For that, I have three announcements to make.

"All apprentices and summoners admitted for less than six months are to be forcefully dismissed from the Institute's Grounds and requested to return to the safety of their homes and families. Should that not be possible, accommodations will be seen to as a boon from the Steward Council."

The crowd was surprisingly silent until now, the announcement giving birth to surprised gasps hushed whispers of worry - however, Tybresa was not done, and as soon as she continued, the background noise ceased, the atmosphere seemingly pressing heavier upon them all with each spoken word.

"Those summoners who have a year of experience under their belt or already ranking amidst the silver divisions are given two choices - either temporary dismissal from the Institute of War with the option to return once the threat is dispersed, or remain as you are under the condition to aid the League by cooperating with the Steward Council and your superiors, for your sakes as well as that of Valoran."

Another pause gave the crowd the opportunity to restlessly rouse, questions and accusations being shamelessly flung at the Senior Steward's feet, though nobody dared to approach her any closer than the space granted to her in the middle of the entire district. She remained unmoving and unyielding, however, ignoring the voices of mixed anger and anxiety only to prepare for the third and last announcement.

"Lastly - the schedule and permissions for League matches and matchmaking has been changed. There will be a limit of five matches per day per summoner, with a limit of five hundred matches per Institute, with all but the Peace Quarter summoning chambers closed off - that would be thirteen out of sixty-five chambers. The Council hopes that the power used by the Nexi Crystal for each match in particular will be redirected and used for a more worthwhile cause." 

The crowd's reaction was surprisingly tame and jaded, their suspicion finally turned to fact - the Institute was preparing. For what, however -...

With her message spoken out and her purpose finished, Tybresa had no reason any longer to linger - she turned on her heels with a brilliant flourish of her rich purple and platinum-trimmed Summoner Robes, intending to make a path for herself through the summoners that absentmindedly and obediently complied. She stopped halfway, however, when she felt a hand press against her arm, a summoner looking to her with a pleading expression.

"Senior Steward, please." His voice was shaky, his eyes concerned. "Are the rumors true? Will the ... the Institute be attacked?"

Tybresa stared back with icy eyes, her expression jaded and with an air of emotional detachment - she seemed more like an enchanted statue than a living, feeling human being. She shook her head slightly, her voice clear enough for all to hear.

"I do not know - but to assume otherwise would be foolish. Remember this, summoner ... all that was decided, was done so for your safety, and for the safety of Valoran."

With that said, Tybresa left the Peace District, her stride no longer broken. And even as she left, silence reigned supreme in the once lively atmosphere that was the District ... no longer peaceful.

// This is related to the ‘This is War’ AU/Event going on through the community - While this post is directed mainly to summoners, everyone is free to react and participate to this event as they see fit and have these reflect upon their decisions. 

For more information, go here [x]

[ask-king-jarvan]

The Emergency Summit - A Summons

“Of course it would come to this…” He mumbled to himself. Before the monarch was a grand oak desk littered with all sorts of papers and nonsense that had been giving him migraines for almost two weeks. And, just to make sure his stress boiled over in the most perfect of ways, a letter adorning the wax seal of the Institute sat in his grasp. He rose to his feet then, and anyone watching him might’ve thought him mad. The way he talked to himself while he paced would suggest as much.

“This has all been ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. I did not shake hands to have an armistice challenged by… something…” He flung the letter that called for his attention away, not particularly fussed about where it landed. Comming to scroung about his work space again, he dug up the piece of parchment  the Institute had been circulating. Eyes narrowed and he examined the strange symbol for the umpteenth time, “What does it mean..? Who would do all this? It isn’t Swain. I know it… But then again that is just a gut instinct.”

Pacing resumed, and rambling continued, “It could be any number of factions. It could be all of the factions. It could be the damn Void. The only thing I know for certain is it isn’t Demacia...” Or did he? The Council had been up in arms last they met. Everyone was pointing the blame at each other. House Buvelle was notably absent, which he thought was justifiable, but even then the finger fell upon  them at one point or another. House Crownguard seemed absolutely bent on conducting their own investigation, and it led to the premature adjournment of the last gathering.

“Surely House Crownguard has nothing to do with this?” He grasped the bridge of his nose. No, now he was thinking without proper cause. There was not enough evidence to call anyone guilty. That’s what the summit was for. To try and figure something out, even if it was the smallest thing.

“The only problem is that it’s at the Institute…” The amount of times he had graced the grand building was minimal, and it was never for very long when he did. And there was a good reason for that, “This’ll be quite a scandal if I pass out during this meeting…” His voice dropped to a murmur, “So let’s hope it doesn’t happen.” All he could do was hope really. His body would be the thing that decided how he'd cope with the magical institution, not his preferences in consciousness.

Purposeful feet walked him to the door of his study. He knew he could think about all the terrible problems with the world during the trip to the Institute. He’d have enough peace to at least. So he opened the door and, standing outside as he had left him, Xin Zhao greeted him with a bow.

“We need to organize transportation to the Institute right now.” The King ordered, “The highest of security. Spare no expense, because I want to be one of the first to get there… and I want to get there alive.”

“Yes my King.”

“Oh,” He caught the Steward before he could run off, “And while I am gone Xin Zhao, make sure you keep an eye on Lord and Lady Crownguard.”

“… May I ask why my King?” Jarvan wasn’t really sure. He supposed he simply felt it appropriate,

“Just tell me If they do anything strange while I’m gone…”

[duchesskarma]

Storms and Omens (Emergency Summit Prologue)

A strong gust of wind blew through, scattering the flower blossoms of a blooming cherry tree nearby, causing a beautiful pink hurricane to dance in the air. Somewhere in the distance, a pair of bells chimed pleasantly at the touch. Save for the permanent murmur of the waterfalls, the Placidium was quiet and tranquil.

The Duchess had taken her afternoon tea outside of the living room, kneeling on a cushion on the front porch instead, admiring the dance of the flower petals in the air. In her hand, a small cup was filled with tea, the steam trailing upward and into the wind, tickling her nostrils and pleasing her senses greatly. She felt at utter peace in this very moment, in harmony with the world - her body was rested, her mind peaceful and her soul content.

But something had upset that balance as Karma narrowed her eyes and turned her head to stare westward from where she was standing, where she knew that ten million times ten million sticks away was a whole different continent, with different customs and painfully different people.

Another gust of wind soon came from that direction, this one more violent than the other - it made the flower petals scatter and flee panicking in the other direction, crashing earthward, while the bells let out a broken, irregular chime. The wind also stirred the Duchess herself, causing several strands of hair to fall from her flawless coiffure across her eye and throw back the silken folds of her kimono.

But it was more than just that - the wind was laden with traces of ominousness, warning of the storm brewing in the distance. A scent now overrode the perfume of the tea, one that was overbearingly unpleasant, enough to make Karma crinkle her nose, but not enough to throw her off guard just yet.

The Duchess calmly set the cup of tea aside on the serving tray set alongside her before she called for her maid and waited, her gaze affixed in the distance, her sea-green eyes looking yet seeing nothing that was actually there.

"Yes, lady?" A petite young girl of nineteen opened the door from inside the house and bowed.

"Chiyo, please prepare fresh clothes and all the necessary things for travel."

"So sorry, lady - are you leaving?"

"I fear there is no choice, Chiyo. This world is out of balance ... and the coming storm might topple it all into the ground." Karma answered with surprising calm, not at all distraught by the ill omens lingering in the wind. The corners of her mouth tugged upward, her lips curving into a sorrowful smile. 

"How strange!" She exclaimed to herself, her maid having already scurried away to make the needed preparations, though she still kept an ear open to listen. "To put all the important pieces in a single place, right in the middle of the world ... if the center falls, who will remain, I wonder?" She asked out loud ...

And the answer she received was the distant boom of thunder in the clouds.

// summoner-renzus