The mountain’s peaks tipped with snow. The harsh winds casting a brutal knife through the hardest of men dressed in the thickest of garments. And yet there he, Konstantin Sokolov, watching and waiting patiently for his plans to begin. The pillar of resilience now ready to rise once more. Solely dressed his three-piece guild master attire unsuitable for the mountainous winter climate. For this man, however, his clothes were a symbol of pride, a symbol that would be etched in the future of the land below. Staring down upon the humble mining town from the floating island, approaching the edge of the island, Clouds began to form as a steel hand was brought upwards. As the skies began to darken man leapt down from his floating domain of stone. Rain coated the man as he began to fall with the unforgiving wind catching him briefly before gravity took hold bringing him down. Silence was broken by powerful thunder while lighting began to strike the ground below him.  

Man shortly thereafter violently hit the rocky soil sending earth and debris leading his landing with his left hand first turning the ground into a slam of pure gold. Rising at his own pace, adjusting himself and his clothes, he began to take in his surroundings. It had been awhile since he had been terra firma. “Dry…” He commented with a croaky voice. “Nevermind, I’ll be back on the island soon…” Approaching the town, he paid little attention to the rain or blows of lightning that landed to his sides. Walking at a moderate pace, the suit cladded man watched on as men, women and children panicked and fled to the closest building. The powerful storm had startled them and for good reason, a single strike would likely kill them. Such a show of force was needed however.

Bending the strong will of these people would be difficult, power was just one part of swaying them. Reaching the center of town, the man shouted above the lightning which subdued almost at his will. “People of Rush Valley give me a representative of your town so I may discuss your independence.” Reminding them of the threat he posed, Lightning struck a home close to him. “If you don’t send one soon, further houses will be destroyed.”

Voices grew from various buildings, rage dominated the town only dulled by the thunder. Meanwhile there he stood in the rain, with each puff blowing a gentle cloud. Waiting patiently casually fidgeting with his cufflink, he listened as a door opened with a loud creak. A burly giant of a man with a wiry beard and blacked skin came into his vision who crutched to pass through the doorway. As the giant drew closer to him, he extended a right hand as a gesture of good will as the cloud broke revealing a clear sky.

“Nice to meet you, I’d like to give you my terms.” A confused expression grew upon the worker’s face who expected confrontation not peace. “Would you mind if we went inside to talk?” Surprised by his forward approach, the Rush Valley commented bluntly. “Of course, but when we’re done here you’re paying for those damages.” Mentioning to Konstantin before motioning to the same door he had just left. Following the man, Konstantin felt dozens of eyes glaring at him, some angry, most scared for their safety and their families. He was used to being the outcast, his unusual appearance, his reputation, who he had supported, all left him despised amongst the general community. Focusing solely on the representative. “I’d have preferred a one-on-one but this works as well.” Ignoring all the hatred shown towards him, Kon revealed himself. “My name is Konstantin Sokolov, I’ve been around working for many different groups in the past decade, primarily serving the country at large.”

A stunned expression took hold of the people before him as he mentioned his name. It was clear that his reputation did proceed him. Pausing for a moment trying to find the right words. “But now, I operate an organisation, We are a syndicate, The Sentinel Syndicate and I’d like to extend an offer to join our conglomerate for your protection at a nominal fee.” Raising a hand to stop any protests from arising both from the representative or the citizens of Rush Valley, Konstantin continued. “You had independence and you will still have it, we will merely act as benevolent overseers. As long as the Rush Valley follows our terms your people will prosper otherwise we will resort to unsavoury methods.” Kon remained stone faced as he gave his demands which in turn were met with a resigned acceptance. It was clear in their eyes that he was not someone to be argued with.