Everyone has been invited to the large manor house of the Lord Mayor of Restov. Feel free to continue the conversations begun on the Recruitment thread here. There is a large table set up with snacks, wine and cheese.
The Lord Mayor is a distinguished man in his mid 40's. He has two daughters Lovi is 16 and Istar is 12. He also has a son who is 13 named David. His wife Lani has greeted everyone and directed them to the buffet. Ioseph is deep in conversation with Jemandi and Ezvanki near the buffet table.
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori is taut muscled older lady who even though approaching 50 moves with the grace of a panther. She has the reputation of being the finest swordsman in Restov, perhaps all of Brevoy.
He turns a wounded look on Anastacia, "Is it flattery to speak truth from the heart, dear lady? Your conviction shines through you and pales the rest of us by comparison."
His slate eyes grow serious for a moment, "And if the unliving truly roam in the lands we are meant to tame, I will not be alone in being grateful for you to be at our side."
"It's not flattery to speak from the heart, to be sure. It is flattery to give something or someone, greater praise than is deserved. I am not so mighty as you seem to think. And the Lady of Graves is relentless in her demands. When Death calls, all must answer."
Anastacia smiles. "Don't worry Viktor it is not my duty to play the Reaper. I do not know when your time is up, so I shall do my best to mend your wounds, if need be."Anastacia's hand touches the mace that hangs at her belt. "It's true, that Pharasma's clergy have a hatred toward undead. They are abominations that must be purged from this world."
High Priest Ezvanki Keegh is the ranking cleric of Erastil in the city.
He looks ill at ease with the gathering.
"Well I feel safer knowing that we have someone who can mend our wounds if we get injured. Remind me to not get on your bad side."
The last part said with a smile.
"Might and conviction are two very different things, milady. We are both green and untested in this world." He nods towards Swordlord Jemandi, "If might is your goal, look no farther than there. That lady could send us all to your mistress before we could raise a prayer for help. Might isn't everything, though, and there's a light in your eyes that speaks of its own strength."
He blushes suddenly as if discomforted by his own sincerity. "Anyway, I look forward to working together." Viktor bows, his easy smile returning before turning to mingle with others.
Marik flashes a small smiles at Viktor's embarrassment, "Indeed it will be nice to have someone like you around when things go bad." he finishes looking at Anastacia.
Majda rides up to the Lord Mayor's manor on Thunder, still dusty from her long journey south across Brevoy. I hope I'm not too late. she worries, guiding Thunder into the courtyard with her knees. There are a stable boy and house servant waiting there. The servant asks, "Who might I announce?" as the stable boy reaches for Thunder's reigns. "NO! Don't!...." Majda cries, warding the boy's hand back just before Thunder tries to bite a few fingers off. "I'll stable Thunder myself. Sorry, he's just very particular about who touches him." She smiles at the boy, whose eyes have gone wide as he clutches his hand to his chest. He nods meekly, stepping back. She turns to the steward, "You may announce Majda Orlovsky, daughter of Lord Grigori Orlovsky of Choral Hold."
Majda swings gracefully down out of the saddle. When the steward notices her crippled leg for the first time, he rushes forward to assist her. She stops him with a partially raised hand and a firm smile. "I'll be fine alone, thank you." The servant turns crimson, but he dare not contradict her. "I'll just go and announce you then..." he says awkwardly, before bowing and retreating to the manor proper. Majda turns to the boy, "What's your name?" The lad blushes a little but replies, "Willem, m'lady." Majda smiles and taking Thunder's reigns in one hand hobbles forward a couple of steps to stroke Willem's auburn hair. Crouching down to be on his height she asks, "How about you show me the stall where you were going to stable Thunder?"
*****
A pretty woman, enters the long dining room. She stands a little taller than the average Avistani woman, and has a fit athletic build. Her hair is braided and held back from her face by a headband. Her lower right leg and foot are twisted unnaturally outward, and stunted. She wears armor fashioned from thick hides, and has a small wooden shield strapped to her back. At her waist there is a wicked looking morningstar swinging from a belt loop, and a well-worn sling tied around her like a second belt. She appears to have just arrived from the road, as evidenced by her hands and face still being wet from washing up, and the dust on her armor. She glances around, noting all the people in the room already. I'm pretty sure half these people are my distant cousins, she muses. Majda finds a corner somewhere off to the side of the room to place her weapon and shield. She begins the laborious process of shrugging out of her armor, and a few moments later is left standing in a practical woolen tunic with elbow length sleeves and well fitted doeskin trousers. She tosses the hide armor down onto her morningstar and shield in the corner. She rakes her fingers quickly through her mussed hair, then winces a little. Leaning on her left leg, she hobbles towards the table of refreshments, and one of the blessedly high backed wooden chairs there. She plops into the seat and stretches out her crippled leg. Sighing with relief, she pours herself a glass of water. As she sips her refreshing beverage she takes a moment to orient herself to the room, listening to the conversations buzzing around her.
Venkar wanders about the ground until he hears of the buffet. As he hasn't eaten in a few days he eagerly follows straining his manners and chattering with the large fellow who had spoken to him earlier.
Wilhelm arches an eyebrow and allows his grin to dim slightly on hearing Viktor's analogy, "I'm glad to hear you take no offence. And while not the words I would have used nor that I'm entirely comfortable with, you speak wisely. The task ahead of us is no simple tourney joust, though there would be no glory nor thrill without, eh? Still, good spirits all around shall make the task rather more likely to succeed, don't you think?"
Wilhelm seems slightly taken aback by the abrupt entrance of the large raptor. This initial shock is quickly replaced by genuine glee. "A pleasure to meet you, master Dantalion. Caelus is surely a remarkable creature. He's a truly noble beast. I've never taken to falconry myself, but it's clear you're quite accomplished!"
"Your desire for peace is noble and I look forward to that end. My teachings as a paladin, however, make it important to note that even if peace is desired, it is necessary at times to fight the good fight. True evil, for example, should be extinguished that the innocent may live without fear. Such is the teaching of the faith I am sworn to uphold. I presume you're familiar with the Inheritor, Iomedae? As for my family, I'm afraid the entire clan is rather spread out so I can't say if we'll be joined by any others. Certainly none of my siblings will be joining us."
After speaking briefly with Casimir, Wilhelm turns his attention to the buffet and selects a glass of wine. Sipping it and nodding in satisfaction, he performs a brief survey of the room before his attention is drawn to a small knot of folks speaking quietly off to the side. Seeing Viktor amongst the group, he approaches them, smiling warmly in greeting, "Merry meet, friends. I see you've met Viktor already. Keep an eye on him, he's a crafty clever one."
Wilhelm nudges his companion playfully before bowing slightly at each of them, "My name is Wilhelm Orlovsky, paladin of Iomedae at your service. Might I inquire as to your own names?"
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
After speaking briefly with Casimir, Wilhelm turns his attention to the buffet and selects a glass of wine. Sipping it and nodding in satisfaction, he performs a brief survey of the room before his attention is drawn to a small knot of folks speaking quietly off to...
Marick nodes in the paladins direction, "I am Merick June and I am just looking for a new place to explore and hold no stock in any family but it seems the Orlovsky family is really needing to expand out of Brevoy."
Casimir, having found himself in a position to collect himself, simply turns to the window, and utters a phrase under his breath. The construct, if anyone is watching or in eyesight, vanishes in a small electrical spark, and is seen no more.
The halo of runes on his forehead vanishes, making him appear like some robed engineer, when you really thought about it - but he still had this look of someone who might take charge when you didn't expect it.
Heading to the congregation, Casimir bows as he approaches. "Greetings to those I've yet to meet! I'm Casimir, and I'm anxious to get started. We might have a lot of work ahead of us, though it seems everyone from House Orlvosky's showing up for this venture - the family must have sent the summons far and wide, this time.
"Tell me, friends and compatriots, what do you look forward to in the coming days? I'm curious, so I might keep such things in mind. After all, if we're to lead an expedition together, we should know what we favor and what we don't, eh?"
He winks softly.
I wonder about that... Good sir, what is it about your lands that seems to make the entire family want to move away? Rowan politely jests at the newly arrived paladin. He offers his hand in friendship though and introduces himself.
Well met! I am Rowan Gideon, servant of Erastil. I'm looking to settle these lands and make a new home for my village. To bring balance between nature and civilization. I aim to keep men like Viktor here from spreading the legs of nature open and taking whatever he pleases. His voice taking a little edge but still keeping a humorous tune while flashing a wolfish smile at the young man.
"Not rude at all, friend! Frankly I'm shocked to even be noticed standing next to such a bright flame." He grins warmly at the man, "I like your confidence, but I'm not sure the ripe lands below will spread her legs quite so readily. The Stolen Lands are a fierce beauty and those are hardest to conquer." He nudges Wilhelm with his elbow and winks, "But they offer the sweetest reward."
Lanya rolls her eyes at Viktor's comment. What an eloquent speech, clearly he hasn't spend much time in court.
"My Viktor, what a surprising comparison. Who ever besides the Stolen Lands are you referring to?"The last part is said sarcastically and with a smirk in Viktor's direction before she nods to Wilhelm and Viktor, "Sir Orlovsky, Viktor." and goes on to mingle with the other guests.
Lanya goes to the table with refreshments and takes a seat next to Majda.
"Well hello," Lanya says as she looks at Majda's foot. "I presume you are Majda Orlovsky yes? Lanya Beladon of House Medvyed." she says while extending her hand.
"How is the life along the Choral River?"
Majda smiles at the half-elven woman. "Yes, that's right, I'm Majda." Majda takes her hand and shakes it warmly. "Pleasure to meet you Lanya. Life along the Choral is fine, if you're not me." Majda chuckles a bit, perhaps nervously, but she does a good job of covering it. Here I am, already bringing up my personal baggage with a woman I've just met. Subject change time. "You seem to have me at a disadvantage, where do you hail from exactly?"
"Originally I'm from a simple farm from Lastwall Majda. I moved to Vigil when I was 17 and moved to Brevoy when I was twenty. The last years of my life I have been in service to Alexei Medvyed, you might have heard of him I guess."
Lanya sits half leaning on the table and half-eyeing the other people in the room.
"It is good however to see more women attending this journey. I was worried I might have been the only one when I arrived here."
Majda leans in a little closer to Lanya, talking in a low conspiratorial tone. "Honestly, my eyes kind of just glazed over whenever my tutors starting talking about all the other noble houses. I barely even know anything about my own house. Who is Alexei Medvyed? I agree with you about seeing another woman, we've got to stick together. Too many of our sisters can't see past staying home to bear children and be a good wife." Her smile is one of a person who is confessing a somewhat abnormal opinion and hoping that their audience agrees.
Lanya leans in closer as well.
"In some cases it is only good to know nothing of the Houses. Some of the people you don't want to know. Though Alexei is a different story, he is of a minor family within the Medvyeds, but good and honest enough to be chosen for the Trade advisor of sorts to the Medvyed House."
Lanya thinks on the last part of Majda's confession.
"I can't see myself settling down in the near future as well, not many men can keep up with my way of living, or my character for that matter." She looks around the room for the men gathered around there.
"Though there might be one or two whose company I would enjoy."
"I've nothing against men, simply no desire for the shackles of marriage. I've yet to meet the man who can keep up with me," she jokes, smirking. "In fact, I feel a bit crazy now seeing all these lordlings flitting about, but I had designs on leading the whole expedition. I figure if we enfranchise the people in the Stolen Lands, instead of trying to grow rich off them, that less of them will turn to banditry. You've been here longer than me, has anyone else been declaring intentions for the position of leader?"
"Well except for Casimir Orlovsky proclaiming himself to be a good leader", Lanya points out the armoured architect, "and Dante Skyborn over there proclaiming the young Wilhelm Orlovsky as the one he envisions to be a leader, not many have dared to speak up any leadership ambitions."
She looks carefully at Majda to judge her character.
"You'd be the third Orlovsky put forward for leadership, though I doubt you'd do it for your House's sake right?"
Lanya pauses for a moment to get a reaction from Majda before she continues.
"Still I wouldn't mind a woman being the leader for a change, though I'd wager the lot of men there wouldn't care for one as much."
"I'd do it for the sake of everyone who lives in the lands we'll be taking over. For the sake of peace, and harmony with nature. I'd do it to prove that I can." Majda's forehead wrinkles at hearing that so many of her widespread cousins were in the offing. "I've never even met those men. It would be nice to have one who can bring life into the world in charge for once wouldn't it? All most men are good for is f%*&ing and fighting."
"Pardon me I sent Caelus off to eat while I haven't had anything myself since arriving."
Dantalion walks over to the concessions table and fixes himself a small sandwich and a glass of wine.
After eating, he walks over to newest arrival.
"There are quite a few from the Orlovsky house my Lord and Lady. I am Dantalion and my feathered friend I've named Caelus, I'm pleased to know that house Orlovsky has sent so many to go and reclaim the Shadow Lands."
Not to be taken aback by the lack of attention payed him, Felix watches the room and tries to note all the people of interest. Not suprising they have not reacted to my presence. A minor noble among a crowd of warriors and such. Felix is brought out of his musings as yet another cousin enters the hall. He watches as she slowly, almost tortuously makes her way to a table. Felix began to make his way to the table as the young lady and the halfbreed from house medvyed struck up a conversation.
"Yes, and I do believe so many here would be better at the latter than the former. I do apologize for the interruption, but I could not help overhearing some of your heated conversation."
Majda looks up as the two men approach her and Lanya. An elf with a bird, and short but striking human man who seems to have been eavesdropping. She blushes at him having overhead what was meant for Lanya's ears only. "Oh! Uhm...hello?" Majda's gaze is immediately drawn to the eagle resting on Dantalion's shoulder. "My Dantalion, Caelus is magnificent," she says with genuine glee, smiling as she examines the large raptor carefully. Not wanting to ignore the other man, she clears her throat and sizes up Felix. "I'm sorry sir, but I don't believe we've met. Who might you be?" Her gaze lingers on the burnt, crackled flesh of his hands and arms. Wonder what happened to him? Hideous, but at least it doesn't look like he's crippled. Lucky.
"Well met to you indeed, Rowan! I cannot promise that Viktor here will be unable to do so, but I can support the want to make a new home, one where we can all take and give back to the land around us."
Casimir shakes his head, and holds up his hand as if to signal for Dantalion to stop, soon as he finishes.
"I am no Lord, I promise you that. I have no real standing compared to my cousins, but I do wish to stake a claim, at the very least. The Stolen Lands have been a place untouched by many, and look like a fine place to set up a new town."
He looks around at those nearby, and leans in just slightly, lowering his tones.
"I will say this though, my friends: since I believe we're all arrayed for the same cause, I believe we should make our own claim. Most nobility here are concerned for their pockets and their linens, and not enough of the common man. No, I mean to make a place hospitable to all, where people are not segregated by class. What say you, to this?" he asks in hushed tones.
Lanya looks both newcomers up and down intently.
She looks at the human man and his hands before speaking.
"Let me guess, another Orlovsky am I right? You have the air of a noble house about you. Though eavesdropping is not known to be a noble's trait."
Lanya is afterwards intrigued by Dantalion.
"I've seen your feathered friend, a marvelous bird if I've ever seen one. I am glad there are some free spirits like you amongst us, it calls me back to my old home."
Marick looks Casimir over, "Indeed making a place for our selves without Brevoy influence would be preferable. I would be very inclined towards that plan." Marick says in a hushed tone."Something to look into but not here and this early. Our benefactors will not be so forth coming if this is know." Marick looks around the room again and back to Casimir, "I noticed your strange creature before you dismissed it. Are you skilled in conjuration or summoning than? I have found that I like to rely on science more that mystic powers."
Venkar begins piling his plate as patiently as he can manage while listening to the general murmur of conversation. He didn't care much for the Orlovsky's or any of the noble houses. Mainly because he blaimed their lack of protection the reason he had lost his village. Still he was a practical sort and knew it was unlikely any of these nobles were directly responsible for that tragedy.
He began wondering how this expedition would unfold and whether his goals would survive this 'noble struggle'.
To the group he is now conversing with.
"Thank you, Caelus has been a friend for a long time."
To Lanya specifically.
"And where might your old home be... err I don't believe that we have met before, and if you are of a noble house I mean no disrespect for not knowing of you."
"Ahh apparently I am not as memorable as I thought. I have the small pleasure of being Felix of house Orlovsky. As to eavesdropping, well you have been to court functions and the many grand parties even if my lovely my dear."
Viktor barks a laugh at Rowan's remark and claps the man on his shoulder.
"Come now, Rowan, you misunderstand. My love for the land is as great as my love for women. Like a woman, nature can be fierce and run hot or cold, but can also give warm solace in her embrace. As a follower of Old Deadeye, I'm sure you know that family and the act of creating one is merely another part of nature. A particularly pleasing part at that."
He turns to the other elf present.
"Marick June, is it? How curious to see another of the elder race here amongst us. 'Tis an auspicious sign for our journey.
Viktor steps towards the new crowd and moving beside Lanya he smiles at Majdga, "I fear I have yet to be honored by your acquaintence, milady."
He sweeps a bow before her, "Viktor Stovyet of House Medvyed at your service." Cocking his head towards the entrance, "You arrived by horse, did you not? What truly a magnificent beast that was, and his rider appeared as skilled as she is beautiful."
"Ah, well, I'm only as strong as what I can create, so to speak, so it limits me to my imagination." Winking, he continues with a smirk on his face. "You're right, but I might be trying to pick a prime piece of land to settle, if only for a house. Who knows! I will let Abadar guide us to success."
He smiles, and notes the attempts to brush off the subtle insult, crossing his arms in a casual way - not defensive at all. It's as if I might have a chance. A chance to make a vision come true, and have people who I can count on - not those students, who always said I limited my own potential.
Venkar coughs down a biscuit before raising a glass To Abadar may his vault hold our fortunes
Marick looks at Viktor, "Don't get to excited, I was raised in a human city and I have met very few of my own kind. I don't really know if I would be a good luck charm or not but I do know I will be able to help out with what ever party I am part of." Marick looks at the man in front of him. "You appear like a capable man ready for adventure. Who among all this 'nobles' would you look to follow?"
Marick turns back to Casimir and smiles, "Only being limited by your imagination is a great way to shape your creations."
Marick again unconsciously tugs on the straps of his coat. Unlike Casimir I am limited by my own body but that will not stop me from pushing the limits.
Marick shakes his head and brings his attention back to Casimir, "Regardless if our philosophies do not align I will be grateful having your creations helping us out on this adventure."
She talks to Dantalion specifically now.
"I have served House Medvyed for the past six years as an emmisary, but I originally come from a farmstead in Lastwall, very close to the Fangwood. Though my life now is far from nature, I do enjoy being back out in the wilds again."
Now to the group in general.
Felix Orlovsky? I can swear I've heard the name before, not sure if we've ever met before though. I've attended many of those parties you speak of, but usually hear things through gossip, not eavesdropping."
She smiles knowingly at Felix.
I remember him, I've seen him move and mingle at those parties, now to see if his pride is hurt. Strangely though, we've never been introduced.
"I think the distinction comes from whether or not you are part of the conversation, or more importantly if you are actively listening for, or just happen to walk upon a conversation. Either way well met. Lanya of Medvyed and Dantalion was it. Ahh but I seem to be at a loss to remember your name though my dear, something tells me you don't come to court often." Felix smiles warmly at Majda and awaits a reply.
Venkar begins constructing a mock battlefield on the buffet table out of utensils and foodstuffs. Reenacting the Battle of the Valley of Fire, though with wine bottle cannons attacking the dragons. He has attempted to recruit young David Sellemius to help him play out the battle.
"Glad to have met you Felix. And Lanya, was it, living in Lastwall must have been very tough I understand why you must have left and I'm glad to hear that House Medvyed has taken care of a distant cousin."
David eagerly begins to play with Venkar and seems convinced that Venkar was actually at the battle. This goes on for a few minutes, but is brought to a end by the Lord Mayor firmly putting his hands on the shoulders of his son. "David, I think your mother needs some help. Why don't you go find her."
"But Daadd" David exclaims. "We were fighting dragons." Regardless of his protests, David scampers off towards his mother.
Ioseph turns to Venkar and with a smile remarks. "You're going to have him fighting dragons for the rest of the day." Jemandi seems to be studying Venkar's mock battlefield.
Please make Sense Motive checks
15 or above: Venkar seems to have annoyed him although not overly so.
25 or above: He is disappointed in David, like he has failed some sort of test. But he conceals it well.
Viktor watches the man and child play with amusement.
Vors extends his hand to Venkar, "Vors Garess" he answers the question. Following the other in his quest for food Vors walks inside with him, leaving him as Venkar heads for the food.
Walking to the side of the room he puts his backpack down along with a studded leather armour strapped to it and a large two-handed sword. He pauses for a minute to survey the gathered crowd.
When the Lord Mayor greets him, he politely accepts and returns the greeting and follows him to the buffet. In this wealth of food Vors takes some time to select his food, ending up with some fresh berries and a slice of smoked pork.
He separates himself from the mock battle and listens to the different conversations around him trying to size up the others.
Venkar frankly feels honored. Out of all the other more noble people gathered here, the Lord Mayor has seen fit to address him first. Jemandi looks over the battlefield and remarks. "Despite your use of cutlery this is a fairly good representation. I assume this teacup is Lord Corwin's cavalry?"
to see if the scene looks accurate.
Well, I sure as heck can't make sense of those untensils and saucers. I wonder if Venkar knows what he's about.