[Ironworks] A-sides and B-swords [Radiant]

by **Markus Andres** on May 17th, 2014, 5:09 pm

34-Spring-514

The steps of the sergeant were heavy indeed. The blade strapped to his waist hung loosely in its scabbard and it swung slightly from side to side as he walked. He wore plain clothes today, only a regular set. None of the cumbersome armour covered his body. Only cotton. Blue cotton blouse and a matching pair of pants. The weapon by his side was the only weapon he carried today. Though still he seemed burdened. Encumbered by something as he tentatively walked through the city of peace.

For the business of the day was something he had not looked forward to. For almost a decade, the blade that so playfully swayed behind him as he walked had been his faithful ally and companion in the battle for civilization. For peace. But today. It was time to change that. Replace the old with the new. It had not been an easy decision, but the pragmatic in him had won over the emotional side. But he would keep the blade, of course, it would be mounted on his wall. Proudly displayed and a reminder of the many glorious battles it had partaken in.

Then why do I feel so horrible about replacing it? It is only an item!

Markus sighed as he stepped through the doors into the Ironworks. He rarely entered the place. His equipment was mostly from the knights, borrowed. But he did not want a second grade sword. If he was to replace the Bastard, it would have to be with a worthy blade. There was an Isur in these parts, someone capable of crafting blades worthy of masters. He would need to find this Isur, see if he might impart some of his time, sweat and soul into forging him a new blade. Where to find the man, however, was a different matter altogether. Markus found someone, a human man, boy would be more correct, in his late teens, carrying what appeared to be a slab of iron. He did not know the purpose for the iron and he didn't particularly care. He approached the man with a polite smile on his lips.

"Hello, sorry to disturb, but I am seeking Ros Vizerian. Have you seen him around?"

by **Radiant** on May 17th, 2014, 6:10 pm

"Oh?" The boy's eyes perked up at Markus' questions, then as if on a hurry, he quickly gestured behind him with his head, "Master Roz is at one of the forges behind me, I'm sorry, I must hurry!" He quickly went with his work, not that he was impolite, but his arms were killing him from working all day carrying heavy slabs. His shift was almost over and the boy couldn't afford more delays, he didn't realize Markus was a Sergeant Knight though, if he did, the boy might act differently.

"Yes, I want this forge fixed, and I want it now." A strong-looking man with chiseled abs and an exotic grey left arm adorned with silver veins could be seen standing before about three blacksmiths, all paying attention at the man, he looked to be their superior, the famous Isur master smith named "Roz Vizerian" or "Roz" for short, "Well? Get to work then." the dark-haired Isur spoke with calm, but firm words as he watched his three subordinates dismissed to do their jobs, one of the forge had malfunctioned and Roz wanted them to be fixed immediately, Syliras couldn't afford any delay in his production of armor, weapons, and tools, the Knighthood and Syliras as a whole needed them being the biggest city in all of Mizahar.

"Hmm?" Roz turned around as his dark eyes examined the approaching man with the blue clothing, well, if there was one thing for sure, this man was huge, Ros quirked an eyebrow as he examined his body and equipments, oh, a warrior for sure, but was he a knight? Or was he just somone who is skilled in the arts of combat? Either way, Roz respected strength and this man looked like he deserve it, the Isur approached him as he regarded Markus with a welcoming tone, "Yes, I am he, what can I help you with?" He didn't use his usual proud 'What do you want?' sentence, already marking his inital respect from the first impressions he had of Markus.

Then, as if realizing something, Roz curiously asked him, "Hey... I know you, are you Ser Markus Andres? I recognized your stature and well, the bastard sword you carry, not many knights use those, especially Sergeant Knights. Well then, how may I assist the Knighthood today?" His tone turned to be even more welcoming for obvious reasons.

by **Markus Andres** on May 20th, 2014, 4:24 pm

Markus wasn't insulted when the boy was quick with him. Markus was interrupting his work and even then the boy provided the answer he was looking for, so he gave the boy a nod of gratitude to accompany his words.

"I understand, thank you." The knight looked in the direction he had been led trying to find the person he was looking for and soon enough he saw what could be an isur. Markus approached the man the boy had pointed at and immediately could see that it wasn't a human being. Such things rarely bothered Markus unless they were vastly different. Charoda and Pycons were the first that came to mind. He supposed Dhani fit under that category when they were in their snake/half snake forms. But this man, apart from the arm and stature could without difficulty be considered similar to humans. He heard the master smith issue orders, although he tried not to overhear, he did hear that there were problems with the forge. An issue Markus had absolutely zero expertise on so he wisely decided not to offer his help. Would probably only end up getting burnt.

Markus eyes widened a little in surprise when the man recognized him. Though the isur did explain where he knew Markus from. Which was a relief. Perhaps the young sergeant had forgotten that he had once done some mischief in the Ironworks that the master smith had remembered.

"Hello mr Vizerian. This is personal business, but you would make a single knight very happy And funny you should mention my bastard sword." He said tapping his left hand against the hilt of the blade. "It is the reason I am here. My blade is in dire need of being replaced. Has served me faithfully for close to a decade now, but it is time for it to be retired to hang on my wall." Markus stopped talking as he realized he was rambling and shook his head a little at his foolishness. Best to be straight forward about it and get straight to the point. "Ah sorry, I am rambling and you are a busy man. I was hoping you could forge me a new bastard sword in cold iron and..." Markus paused a little the next request was going to be a bit weird to ask. Markus had been by Eanos' and seen the offers he made. Including one about Isurs using their innate or god-given ability to strengthen the sword. "... I was hoping you might bless it with your mark. If at all possible." He didn't know if it was customary for the smith to bless weapons with the mark. But Markus would want the best kind of blade he could get. His life would depend on it in the future. Besides, it couldn't hurt asking the proud smith if he was willing to give Markus the honour of a blessed isur crafted weapon.

by **Radiant** on May 22nd, 2014, 2:53 pm

"Hmmm, I see I see.." Roz nodded as he examined Markus' bastard sword, from his master-smith eyes, even not holding it himself, he could see it was worn and indeed, in need of replacement, "A personal request, eh? Well, A request from a knight is a request," The Isur smith then raised his izentor-hand as he rubbed his chin, seemed pondering for a moment, "To have a weapon blessed is an utmost devotion to Izurdin and I would not do it to some random swordsman, however you," He turned his eyes at Markus, "is worthy." With a nod, Roz gestured for Markus to follow him.

They walked through the huge ironworks, massive forges lining up all around them, smiths, workers, and laborers working to get one of Mizahar's largest forge going, "I assume you will be covering the expenses with your own wealth, no?" Roz inquired, almost rhetorically since he expected the answer to be 'yes', then he opened the door to office, gesturing Markus to enter and sit on a chair in front of his dek, then he sat on his own work chair, taking out a quill and parchment, "One cold iron bastard sword, marked with Izentor, would cost..." He paused for a few ticks, then nodded, "One thousand and fifty gold mizas," Roz wrote it then offered the contract to Markus, "With all due respect, I accept no less, I want to honor Izurdin with the price his mark deserved, just sign here, Ser Markus." He tapped at the dotted line, the contract saying that Roz had the signer's permission to take the massive amount of money and give time for Roz to work on it.

"Once you sign, I shall personally craft your blade, give me one month to finish it, You can expect no flaws, not even a minuscule one. I promise you that."

by **Markus Andres** on May 23rd, 2014, 12:02 pm

Markus felt his pride and ego soar when the master smith of the ironworks deemed him worthy of a blessed weapon. He could not hide the smile that appeared on his lips. Grateful and a little stoked that he would be given a weapon of the highest quality. It was an honour to be deemed worthy. He followed Roz when he motioned for him. Eyes looking around the area as he moved further into the Ironworks.

Markus could not recall ever being this far into the Ironworks. The forges lined up. The heat emanating from them brought some sweat to the brow of the knight. Not accustomed to such heat, especially not this early in spring. "I will." He responded to Roz' rhetorical question. Making it obvious for them both that this was entirely private funded enterprise and not related to the knights other than his rank with them. As far as he was concerned, he would rather avoid being a burden on the knights. He was there to serve them, not the other way around. He stepped into the office and sat on the chair with ease. So much easier to move about without the plate armour restricting certain movements. He sat and waited as Roz spoke. A brow raised curiously as the smith paused with the price. Was he doing the math or making up an arbitrary price? When he spoke the price Markus looked at him a little harder. One thousand and fifty gold mizas. In terms Markus knew, that meant two and a half seasons worth of regular knight's salary. Or a fifth or a sixth of his current fortune, he didn't know the precise number. It was only gold lying in a vault to be used occasionally when the need arose. He recognized that he would probably be the easiest person to steal gold from. Skim a little from the top and he would never notice. Before Markus could even agree or haggle about the price, the smith played his strongest trump card. That of divinity. Any argument Markus might have voiced now would in part be an insult to his god.

Luckily for both, unlike the rest of the Andres family, Markus had become a knight and not a merchant. Gold had never been a concern for the knight and the smith could probably have doubled the price and Markus would still have accepted. A blade forged by a master was worth more than any lump of gold. No matter the size of the lump.

"And I couldn't dream of dishonoured Izurdin by haggling. Your price is fair." He picked up the quill and dotted down his name. Markus K. Andres. It was obvious that Markus' talents lay with the sword and not the quill. For the letters, while readable, were not a work of art. He handed Roz back the quill and slid the contract back over the table at the same time.

"Thirty days. That would be..." Along with stylistic writing, Math wasn't one of his strong suits. Luckily the numbers were rather easy. Add three tens to thirty-four - forty-four - fifty-four - sixty-four. A few precious seconds had passed in silence. "The sixty fourth. Shall I return then or is it better if you notify me by letter?" He inquired. Already eager to see the new blade. That was when he remembered. "Right. Before I forget, could the pommel be shaped like this?" He said as he pulled up his right sleeve and showed the master smith the mark of Sylir upon his shoulder. The simple oak leaf. "I should have mentioned this before I signed the contract. I apologize."

OOCI assume you meant 30 days and not a month? (since months don't exist IC)

by **Radiant** on May 24th, 2014, 6:02 am

OOCYeah, 30 days.

Sorry bout that.

"Wonderful," Ros put his fingers together as he accepted the contract back then read it thoroughly again to make sure everything was cleared up between Markus and him. This was a big project after all, the Isur then put his right hand to his chin, "You can come back to see me in thirty days, rest assured, I keep my deadlines." Roz quirked an eyebrow as Markus showed his Sylir gnosis mark, "Ah, the mark of Sylir? Of course, of course, I can do that. Anything else?" The Smith would listen if there are any additional requests.

If not, he would politely mention for his door, "I shall begin designing the best blade in the realm for you, one of my assistants will escort you," The forge was enormous after all and if one got lost in it, it wasn't uncommon.

OOCYou can make your next post with Markus coming back in 30 days.

by **Markus Andres** on May 25th, 2014, 11:08 pm

A happy and relieved smile crossed his lips when Roz said it wouldn't be a problem to implement the mark of Sylir into the pommel. It might be a bit pretentious of him to carry the mark of Sylir on his blade, the weapon definitely not made for peace. For keeping the peace perhaps, but never swung in peace. Perhaps the great god would see it as a sign of respect. That Markus carried the blade for his sake. Markus pushed those thoughts aside, he was not worthy of guessing the will of the gods.

"No, that would be all. Thank you very much."

Roz motioned for the door and Markus understood the hint and he got up from the chair. There was still a warm satisfied smile on his lips. He walked for the door and Roz spoke only made the smile widen. The best blade in the realm. Markus was not in doubt that it would be up amongst the top. Which meant he would probably have to give it a name. Certainly it couldn't carry the same name as his current blade, that would be an affront to the master smith.

"I would except nothing less from a smith of your renown. I will see you in thirty days, sir." Markus turned and left through the door and sure enough there stood an assistant ready to lead him out.

:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Time skip of 30 days. Spring 64th 514. :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:

Not much had changed with the sergeant as he stepped through the entrance. Only that he looked very excited. An extra jump in his steps. Eager to see the new blade that he had waited for in thirty days. Difference today was that he had come from work, so he was carrying the armour of the knights with the double sword pin on his shoulder against the cloak. Any normal knight might have gone home and changed into civilian clothes, but the knight had not had the patience or the willpower to wait that long. The entire ride back to Syliras the only thought had been upon the new blade that would be waiting for him when he returned through the city walls. The master smith had promised the best blade of the realm. Markus knew the Isur smith could deliver his promises. Which only added to his eagerness to hold the blade in his own hands. Markus recognized the assistant boy he had seen the last time he had been there. He briefly considered bothering the same man, but decided against it. Mainly because he actually saw Roz and without any delay he approached the Isur. He was quite impatient, but that did not mean he couldn't be polite as dictated. He would wait some seconds, precious ticks for the Isur to notice him, if not he would speak.

"Hello Mr Vizerian. I am here about the blade I ordered thirty days ago?" His face very animated with excitement. Eyes sparkling with barely contained patience. By his side the old blade still hung. It had seen its use the past thirty days. It was good it would soon be replaced so it might be given a worthy retirement.

by **Radiant** on May 26th, 2014, 1:56 am

"Ah!" The look of joy could be clearly seen on the normally stoic and calm Isur, the joy of creating a masterpiece most likely and the honor of presenting it to a Knight. "Come with me, Ser Markus, I've just been waiting for you." Eagerly, he motioned for Markus to follow him into his office, his steps slightly faster than usual.

Once inside, the master smith then closed the door and locked it, clearly even presenting a sword he personally crafted and blessed with the might of Izurdin was a big thing. Once they were properly secluded. Roz went to the vault built into the wall behind his desk then used two separate keys to unlock it, with a heave of his powerful arm, the steel vault grated open, revealing an ornate scabbard covering a sword in it, only the hilt was visible at the moment.

"I present you," he brought up the sword with two hands, lying horizontally across his body then offered it to Markus, "Vizerian's personal craftsmanship, a sword fit for a knight, blessed by the strength of Izurdin." When Markus unsheathed it...

Izentor Cold Iron Bastard Sword :

He would find a gleaming bastard sword with clearly utterly sharp edges and tip, the blade had a slightly bluish quality to it and cold to touch, evident of the cold iron, a few engravings could be seen at the blade near the hilt, it was a few words in Isur, if Markus could read it or find someone to, they would say "Vizerian, Izurdin, Strength". Of course, at the bottom of the hilt, Markus could find the symbol of the Windoak leaf emblazoned on it.

"Marvel at the power of the God of Strength, Ser," He reached out to brush the blade with his left arm, "You shall find this sword to never break, tarnish, or chipped in any way. It shall faithfully serve you until the end of days. Only the blessed arm of the Isurs are stronger." He nodded then sat on his desk, pride and joy radiating from the silver-armed man, "I am going to take a day off today, need a rest after blessing the sword, it is a taxing act, Ser. So, shall we get a drink or two in the Stallion?" He closed the vault back, locked it, stored some paperwork, then began walking out of his office.

OOCAlright, one last post from you then it will be your grades.

by **Markus Andres** on May 27th, 2014, 3:57 pm

Markus' own excitement was only matched by that of the master smith himself. Which only served to have Markus get more eager. For if the master smith felt such eagerness, the product must truly be awe inspiring. His right hand felt the itch to hold the blade. To see what made the Isur so eager! Markus followed him, he was impatient. Very impatient. If it would not have been a serious breach in social etiquette and down right rude, he would have picked up the Isur and sprinted to the office with him in the arms. But the knight noticed, with some satisfaction, that the Isur was moving quicker than he had last time. There was eagerness in his posture. Into the office they went, Markus eyes moved about. Spun in his eyes, trying to find the blade or scabbard holding it, but seeing nothing. A little bemused his eyes went to Roz, pondering what was going on. Only to see the Isur fish out a pair of keys and opened a vault in the back of the office. A vault that utterly eluded his vision the last time he had been in the office. Then he had also been more tense, hopeful that he could order the blade.

The vault came open and it took every ounce of knightly restraint for him to remain standing where he was. Roz brought out the ornate scabbard. Markus felt his heartbeat begin to quicken in his chest. The Isur offered the blade and eager hands took it from his grip. The weight, similar to his old blade. He did not recall Roz ever holding the old blade. Truly a master craftsman. A hand on the hilt. Fingers closed around the hilt. Felt good. A firm grip. A good hilt. A hand on the scabbard. Pulling the blade from its resting place. One long movement and Markus stood with a beautiful piece of craftsmanship in his hand. It was a marvellous blade. He stared at the blade with admiration in his eyes. Like an archaeologist unearthing an ancient artefact. Silently looking at everything. From the windoak leaf shaped pommel in honour of Sylir. To the words near the crossguard. Words he did not understand, but he could ask about that later. When he was done admiring the blade. The gleam of the blade. The balance excellent. The specs almost identical to the blade by his hip. Markus was torn from the blade when Roz spoke to him. Eyes fell upon the shorter Isur and a warm smile spread upon his lips as he saw the smith himself admire his own work. Markus could understand. Compared to his old blade, this was an artefact of old.

"The blade is magnificent, sir Roz. A testament to your craftsmanship and to the awe-inspiring power of Izurdin." Words of respect and reverence to both the Isur and his god. Capable of crafting such a blade. The smile that crossed his lips when the master smith spoke of ale was genuine. After all the waiting for a blade and to finally see it go beyond his wildest imagination, it was a sweet release of all the anticipation. The sergeant sheathed the blade and wished he had the equipment to strap it to the other side of his hip. Although that might look stupid. Who would in their right mind carry two bastard swords and use them? Markus stepped behind the Isur. He was still a guest in his forge, when they reached the streets he would walk beside him like an equal.

"I'll buy the first round."

by **Radiant** on May 27th, 2014, 4:15 pm

Markus :

Notes :

My radiance is not bright enough?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, beam me a PM and we can work it out.

Skill	XP Earned
Socialization	+2 XP
Negotiation	+1 XP

Completed [Ironworks] A-sides and B-swords [Radiant]