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The early morning spring weather made the morning brisk at the Silver Shields compound, A large walled manor half a days ride out of Macridi. The air was still minus the smoke slowly beginning to rise from the chimney of the kitchen... and the chimney of the forge built along the outer wall of the keep.
Inside the large manor like building the smells of honeyed bread already cooking wafted through the air. Low murmors of several of the mercenaries who worked for the lord of the smallish keep and leader of the Silver shields were already down stairs in the large common room, sitting at the series of tables set about the flooring, having muted private conversations. . . until the doors opened and a messenger came rushing in carrying two leather satchels.
My lord! Urgent messages!
He began panting as he stopped up short as the still spry halfing leader rose from his chair in front of the fire.
Calm down down Thomas calm down.
He began leading the young man to a seat and motioning to one of the staff, a pretty half elven lass named Alinna to bring something to drink for the messenger. it was a little amusing looking, the young man still taller even than the halfling though he sat on the bench next to a table. The halfling still managed to carry the room.
There... were two messengers with satchels sent for you they arrived late at the mayors last night, he sent me on here as soon as he could.
He began pointing to the two satchels and the halfling nodded setting them apart on the table. Two of the senior members of the Silver shields and long time friends moved forward, The wise elder human woman, Allura, a noted mage and cleric of Ambadar sat across from one opening it up and peering into the satchel... their was the heavy chink of coin within it, but it was the two scrolls inside the pulled out. She opened the first and began reading.
The quiet elven ranger Tamrinil did much the same with the other.
Good job lad, grab a bite to eat catch you breath then take one of the horses back.
He nodded to the young man and pulled off a small pouch of coin putting it in his hand.
And you let the mayor and those messengers know we have recieved the satchels and word will be sent as soon as It can be arranged.
He added glancing to his friends and nodding just once before returning to his chair... he didnt like to start business before breakfast, but they would look over the missions and let him know their thoughts before he made a decision about whether they would be taking the jobs or not.
Dharkantia, as always, started her morning with exercise. One didn't keep a firm physique just by eating the delicious food that always seemed to be around. As it was she would watch the young man run into the manor house looking desperate as she did her cool down.
Her eyes looked impassive but she knew something was up. Either new work or some other emergency. Stretching her four arms she grabbed a bucket of water and towel rinsing herself off. The others had not complained of her smell after working out but she could smell it even with her face mask on.
After she was dry she would walk into the manor house to grab a bite to eat. It was some of the most entertaining times because people would try to figure out how she ate and look under the mask all Kasatha wore.
Having just finished his hour-long morning spell preparations, Frank came out from his room to discover a messenger leaving and his superiors considering something important seeming.
It looks like we'll have a mission today; I had better eat quickly before they call some of us over. It wouldn't be fun to march on an empty stomach.
Frank looks around to find food to eat as well as a friend to sit down with.
Brother Davco is up at the crack of dawn. He quietly dresses to let Fritz sleep a little longer. Slipping out the door of their room he heads off to the chapel where he spends time meditating and praying until hunger gets the best of him. He heads to the dining hall and sees that several others are already there. He gets his meal and sits down at decides to sit with Dharkantia.
"Good morning my friend. Any new gossip this morning?"
Dharkantia would look over at Davco quietly before nodding. Her four arms reaching for various platters as she pulled something off of them and handed them to him.
"Messenger came in today. The young man looked like he had ran very hard. I am guessing it is urgent from the mayor considering that is the whisper going around. He even opened it before breakfast. So expect a job or two to open up soon. How were morning prayers."
Dharkantia would cut off a small piece of food and slide it under her mask. It was hard to tell if she chewed or not as she would withdraw her fingers.
"Morning prayers went well I take it?"
After a few moments of discussion amongst the senior leaders of the Silver Shields Colewin nodded torwads his study just up the stairs on the other side of the large hearth.
After breakfast you all might want to prepare your things, it looks like we have business.
The paladin announced, sliding back to the large chair he was sitting in and grabbing his cup that was sitting there following the other two up the steps to the "office".
Katja, sleeps until around 9 in the morning. She wakes, and dresses in her typical purple tunic, with forest green edging. She gets to the eating hall, just as she sees a man go blazing by her in the opposite direction.
I hope I can eat before the mission is selected. I can't be any help with a rumbling stomach.
She tries to quietly enter, but fails as she sees all eyes on her. What, I need my beauty sleep. I can't turn this type of beauty on or off at a moments notice ya know, a large grin showing.
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The shovel bit down into the barrel of coal. Rising up, a few pieces fell astray, but as the young woman turned a majority were tossed onto the remnant embers from the previous day. She stepped to the billows, pressing down hard. The embers burned bright, and slowly the flames leapt across the newly added coal. The new day's work had begun, and dawn was still an hour away.
Salyne had arrived at the Halls of Silver a few months past and, after the rescue of her mother, had begun her training under her uncle, but had not seen an opportunity to truly test her mettle in combat. Still, she was happy to be a part of something greater, and her skill as a smith had found her a useful role as a junior member of the Shields. She liked to get to work early, to have a purpose for the day, yet she yearned for something more.
After a couple hours progress, she took a break, cleaned up, and headed to the great hall to have a bit of breakfast. Walking in she takes note of the commotion. "Mornin' all, what's the buzz?"
Frank looks up from his breakfast and says "Good morning, Salyne!" as he beckons to her.
"Hurry up and eat! Colewin said that we have business, and it seemed urgent."
Frank quaffs some water and adds "Think we'll get picked to go this time?"
Dharkantia looked up thinking she saw a familiar face and waved one hand at Salyne and points to a place near her if she was looking for a place to sit.
The loud buzz of talk filling the room as everyone started shoveling food in faster wondering who would be tasked with what. Also, Dharkantia saw some enterprising halflings pocketing rolls and cheeses for later.
Considering what she wore, she had little in the way of pockets but that was fine with her. She preferred as much freedom of movement as possible. With a job she would be putting on armor and working again. It was good she kept up training.
The rumors continued to build some of the other younger members notably Barnaby Goodberry began getting more and more boisterous excited about the prospect of going out again. Finally after what seemed forever (though in reality was maybe 20 minutes The door to the study opened and the three leaders managed their way down the stairs. Colewin smiled at the wide eyes and expectant smiles from the mercenary group.
As you have probably gathered we have recieved two ...interesting requests. They are not in the realm of dangerous dragons or evil armies of orcs marching on homesteads but those'll come one day. They are however requests from old associates and friends so they are just as important...
We will split into two teams, with appointed captains. This is temporary so no growing a big head on the appointment, but during the mission if it comes down to a split vote the captain makes the final call.
He began standing up on the table beside his chair so everyone could see him clearly.
The first team will consist captained by ....hmm Dharkantia, Frank, Katja, Salyne, Davco, Fritz, and hmmm Zarzuket. come speak with Allura or Tamrinil, make a decision on which mission you want to be sent on then gather your things for the final breifing.
He began hopping off the counter to go round up the other slightly more experianced members to give them a few words while they waited for your decisions.
She goes on to explain where Hardswick is on the map and what she expects from you all... namely an investigation in good faith on what is occuring, and putting a stop to it if possible.
He goes on to explain where Nighford, is and what is expected from you all. Merely to act as helpful heros and be as tactful as possible in provided aid to the town.
Few in the compound liked Fastolph's cooking, but many admired his deft skill with blades. He often sliced and diced his way through the day, cutting the meats, vegetables and bread with a blade in each hand.
After working his morning shift in the kitchen, he was enjoying his second breakfast when the boss came in with a job.
Quickly inhaling his first, second and third helping, he pockets a few sandwiches and follows the rest of the selected party.
Frank exclaims jubilantly "looks like we're going!" as the team gathers.
Less loudly he adds "I've never been very interested in politics and I also rather like food; I think I prefer the crop rot mission, but what about you guys? "
Salyne had just sat down with her new friend Dharkantia and begun eating her meal when the elders came down and her uncle made his announcement. As the company gathered, she chuckled at Frank's words. "A bridge building contest? Doesn't some like much for us to do there. But a people plagued by failing crops ~ I can think of a half dozen maladies off the top of my head. That calls for heroes ready to heal the land! I say we head for Hardwick."
After taking a large bite out of a roll, she continues, "Lady Allura, do you know how long the town has been so afflicted?"
"The suffering of the people needs to be address before we handle who should should be headsman of Nighford. It sounds as if they already have a system worked out but if politics are involved they may not be playing nice."
Katja, swallows the last bit of her cranberry muffin, and drinks the last of her cider. She looks on as Colewin displays two potential undertakings to be had.
She goes to both Alurra and Tamrinil, and listens to a small briefing.
Hmm, being a mediator or finding out what is killing crops? I do not know much about crops or the issues they may have. As far as political dealings go, I know even less about politics, but have been known to have a soft voice from time to time.
Katja, after pondering the choices, looks to Mr. Tamrinil, How long is the bridge building taking place? When does the voting commence? How far of a travel would it be from here?
She than walks over to Ms. Alurra, Miss, can you tell me how long the crops have been failing, and what rate their are failing at?
She looks to the others, I have no clue about crops, and even less about the bugs or issues that could affect them. My talents would be better suited to more diplomatic endeavors
As the group assignments are announced Sin stands from his place in a secluded corner of the hall, where he sits each morning in an effort to avoid stares from visitors to the Shield's enclave. He frowns around his short tusks as he makes his way over towards Alurra; he'd been introduced to her before, though she wasn't one of the few members of the Shields he'd interacted with more personally. Reaching her, he crosses his arms looking up at her as the others crowd around, attempting to ignore anyone that might stare down at the imp standing in their midst.
"If I'd known something like this was going to be my first job I'd have stuck around in Detmer rather than letting the old man bring me in. I'll be as likely to get run out of town with torches as the cause of the blight as anything else." He sighs, shaking his head and kicking one shod hoof against the floorboards.
"Well, I guess I'll just keep my head low, not like I don't already have plenty of practice. Anything you can tell us about the one farmer who's not failing?"
Frank looks startled as “Sin” appears ”Oh hey Sin... did Colewin just call you Zarzuket?”
Frank flinches as a raven alights upon his head and pecks him.
Frank says ”Ow. Tim, I thought we agreed that you’d only fly around outdoors or inside our room. Let me guess, you couldn’t bear my excitement anymore?”
Frank sighs, adding ”You’ve all met my familiar Timothy, right?”
Frank looks to Allura ”Sorry about Tim. Anyway, as Sin and Katja just inquired, do we know anything besides the town name and location for the crop job? Or is there anyone in Hardwick we need to meet with first?”
From the letter, the crops have only started failing somewhat recently. The midsummer harvest was bad, over half their expected crop was rotted and no good, the winter fallow they focused on restoring the land, but the spring crops... all bad except for one field. If it gets time for summer crops it could very well end badly.
She began looking over what notes they had sent with the request.
She did pause and glance torwards "Sin" still not as comfortable as Colewin was with the lad.
You will be fine Sin, just make sure to keep your tabard on and stay near the others should you all choose this mission. To answer your question, the only information we have on the farmer is that he is a good pious man, and his family has been in the township since its pratical founding.
She paused making a motion to the other elder member who nodded and gathered the briefing for the mission.
That is part of the mission, investigation. If you can collect soome of the tainted cursed or ruined crops and bring them back when you are done, I am sure we can send them on to an old druid friend for study.
Dharkantia would sit there quietly as she listened to the announcements. Surprised that she was chosen as the Captain, but she knew the responsibility that meant. If they failed it would be her fault. If they succeeded it would because the team worked well together.
Standing as everyone made their way over to ask questions she kept an eye on each of her team mates deciding at first to let them ask all the questions.
”I will not say which I prefer, this is a group decision, I will wait to see what others wish to do. If I need to step in then I will.” She responded to Frank. Her voice soft but firm, having learned there was no need to shout over a crowd here.
Seeing that one half of the group seemed to be gravitating towards the crops she would look at Katja.
”With one family having a good crop, and all the others not, there may be enmity and hatred. Your talent for talking with individuals would be needed. Not only that, I am sure you could find out more than I. Most spend time being asked about how I have four arms, or how I eat then getting answerers of questions I ask. Your talents will not go to waste. It is good you have spoken up on which you prefer though.”
Brother Davco saw Dharkantia look to him. ”Politics can indeed become dark when a leadership position opens up. It is something to consider.”
Looking at Sin she didn’t seemed to be bothered by him at all. In fact, she was comfortable around him. One of her former teammates, a womanizer through and through, was a tiefling so it never bothered her in the least.
To Sin she says, As she said, keep the tabard on and I will personally vouch for you. If anyone hurts my team they will answer to me.”
Looking to the Raven she would nod. ”Hello Timothy.”
Turning to Allura. ”If we are to take this mission. Who would be our point of contact in the village? How long a journey and will we be paying for accommodations once there?”
Looking to Fritz/Fastolph and Zarzuket she would ask. ”Which mission do the two of you wish to go on?”
Timothy replies ”Hello”
He watches as Frank pulls corn kernels out of his pocket and then pecks at them hungrily.
Timothy then says to Fastolph and Zarzuket ”You heard nice lady, what you vote?”
Frank interrupts "That's enough Timothy, no need to be rude. They don't seem to have strong enough opinions to dissent."
Turning to the others he adds "But please correct me if I've presumed too much."
Frank Looks past the group and others nearby, away from the warmth of the hall towards the stairs to his room, thinking aloud "I think I'll head up stairs and gather all my things; do any of you think we'll need camping gear?"
Indeed, the journey there is at least a five days by horseback, once you are there the method of your lodgings are your own. Gather your things and meet me in the stables.
Alurra began rising from the table and collecting the series of parchments...
Outside of the stables there was a small little crowd of the older mercinaries that you had all come to know as both trainer and supieror during your short time there at the compound. Colewin was standing there next to Alurra who was next to a wooden crate that had been brought out.
Today marks a special occasion to you my young friends, your first steps into a wider world. The Silver Shields have always stood for doing the right thing and being rewarded for your talents, and we have a standard of getting the job done well and for the right reasons. As such, we have become a symbol however small. To express this, I reward you with the first icon of our future endevours together, the tabard of the Silver Shield!
He began to a small smattering of huzzahs and light clapping from the more mundane staff at the compound. Allurah removed a series of ivory colored cloth embroided with a large Silver shield on the front and back of the tabard for them to where over their gear and show their affiliation.
Colewin continued
It will not always be pratical but when the time for subterfuge is gone, wear there tabards to remind those you deal with that you work for an organization that values, truth, justice and our word. I have great faith that you will do your best, and that is all I ask."
Two of the stable boys began to leave the stables leading the assorted ponies, horses, and mule's for the party. Colewin's own warpony Illuminous too was being led out.
I will ride with you as far as the river then wish you well my friends
He began to the light applause and cheering of the assembled small group. Alurra approached with a small wooden case.
This is a enchanted message slate, if you have any questions while you are gone simply write upon its surface and it will magically transcribe the same words on a tablet I have here. The magic is limited, to three times a week but if you reach a moment where you are truly lost as to what to do, please dont hesistate to use it.
She finished handing it to this mission's leader Dharkantia.
Katja, sees Sin walk in, and she isn't one to judge...but he gives her the "willies". She knows that she herself is "different"...but damn.
Katja, checks over her supplies, making sure she has all she need for the journey ahead. She buys 10 days worth of gnome rations, as well as bottle of fine wine.
She gathers at the stables, and looks over the various transportation before her. She goes to each pony, and pats them on the side. She looks at each horses "coat" and marvels at their general beauty.
I will take this beautiful girl here, as she pats the brown and white pony.
Frank likewise goes to buy some extra trail rations as well as extra water-skins for the trip.
After saying farewell to his roommate and some of the other mercenaries he returns to the stables to choose his transportation as well as find his mule, Jim.
While looking around Frank says to the stable hand "I'll take my mule, Jim, and the horse that gets along with him, please. She should be easy to find around all these ponies..."
Frank eventually finds both Jim and the friendly gray mare, Sunny.
Standing next to them, with a raven on his shoulder and boots already covered in dust, Frank watches those who are still making ready.
Brother Davco gathers his gear and stops by the store to pick up a few items for the trip. Rations and a small keg of beer. For medicinal purposes of course. He also picks up a bag of apples.
When he arrives at the stables he is presented with a pony. He is told that the pony's name is Melody. He pulls out one of the apples and feeds it to her, "Hello Melody. We have a long way to go together. I hope we can get along."
Dharkantia would look at everyone as they gathered the mounts they would be using. After a bit she would look at the various horses before she chose a stallion that was spirited. She knew he would give her fits but that was fine. Kept her on her toes.
Gathering her supplies and putting them into saddlebags before going to mount up. As usual, he started to side step. She would just walk following him as he did so until he made a mistake and didn't move fast enough and she got her foot in the stirrup and swung up. He snorted.
"Everyone ready?"
Hello...Brisby, you don't eat me and I think will get along just fine. Right? Right...SO...Um, you guys can help me saddle him in the morning, right? Easy...god boy. um...here, noms..
Feeding the enormous monster a sausage he snaged from the kitchen, Fastolph tries to befriend the dog as best he can...which may not be much.
Attempting to look professional, he stows rations and water skins in the saddlebags and mounts, ready to travel.
Ready when you are!
@ Dharkanti: Yes Mam, I am ready!
Falling silent at the astounding lady that moves in line near him Falstolph stumbles over his words .
Um...er are you ...hi, I think you've eaten my food...seen you around....ya, er..um..SO, I'll take point then. yes. Nice to meet you
Interesting group the boss picked out. Lotta shorts, four armed lady, wizard...fumble mouthed knifer. Don't talk to much, dumbie, you talk best with steel and shadow. Capable looking bunch. I'ma gonna look like a moron.
Brisby woofed happily its big solid tail moving back and forth rapidly and you were all off, ready for your first mission... it was reaching dusk and as camp was being set or the well worn road. As the camp was being set, Fastolph, Sin, Salyne and Frank all saw the two horses pounding down the road at a rapid clip. Much too fast to have been riding that way for a long time.
As the figures closed it became obvious that the lead rider was a human woman, her white clothing and sparkling jewely obvious even in the failing light, and her companion A rotund fellow barely able to keep upright on his large horse was wearing more of a pearl like set of colors was bedecked as richly. They were obviously adherants and merchants of Kalistrade.
You there! oh thank the stars above! The woman called leading her horse torwards them still at a breakneck pace. The other horse followed even as the rider looked to almost tumbling from the saddle.
We.... we were ambushed! He panted literally falling out of the saddle at your half formed camp.
Dharkantia's arms reached out to grab the more rotund individual as she righted him with one set of arms. The second grabbed the reigns before the horse lost its head and kept running.
"How long ago and how far? Also, how many and by what? How many survivors are left behind."
Dharkantia asked quickly even as she studied them.
Frank intoned while gesturing "'adwa' alrraqs"
Four small orbs of light sprung into being about a hundred feet down the road, providing a small beacon against a dimming background.
Frank then readied his Crossbow while saying "Timothy and I will keep an eye down the road, anyone care to stand with me until we decide to move or not?"
Brother Davao runs over to the man.
"Sir,are you hurt?
Katja, helps to set up camp. She unfurls her bedroll on the ground, because sleeping directly on the ground has never appealed to her. She is just about to eat a ration, when she hear a few of the others make note of something approaching their location.
She immediately gets to her feet, and grabs her crossbow just in case it is trouble. As she sees the circumstances unfold, her eyebrow raises and furrows. She looks the at the woman, and the heaver set man nearly falling over in his saddle.
It could be a trap, but I highly doubt a heavy set man would be a bandit. If it is, then they are some great actors
She listens, in and out of the conversation as she ponder potential risks of the two before her. She asks to repeat everything again, and ponders what to do.
She offer both people her waterskin, seeing as they have "ran" from whomever ambushed them.
Here, drink some water. You seem to be lucky, or cursed...all depends on your point of view I suppose
Frank told Timothy "Tim, stay near and keep your eyes on the road."
Frank then turned towards the two newly arrived riders asking "Bad luck with your saddle after bad luck with bandits, eh?" He paused a moment, looking over the dirt that had been deposited everywhere in the wake of the rotund man’s fall, and then added "Let's clean you off at least."
Frank then gestured and intoned " khiffat yd "
The clothes of those nearby started becoming cleaner.
Frank then turned back towards the road, asking over his shoulder ”Mind telling us if we’re going to have unwelcome guests shortly?”
The two merchants, the haughty but attractive woman harrumphed at the efforts of the party to aid the hefty man who had tumbled from his horse.
You waste time with that buffoon. I told him that campsite looked suspect. Now our goods are probably being rummaged through by those nastly little kobolds and our workers are probably all slain.
She said petulantly almost pouting... it was hard to tell if she was more upset by the loss of goods or the loss of the workers, though smart money was probably on the former.
The large man had started to dust himself off when Frank's helpful spell removed a large portion of the soil from his clothing.
There.. up the road about a mile or so... we had a camp.
He panted out ignoring the woman's angry comments.
We had two guards, two porters and a servant... One of the guards went into the woods for dry kindling for a fire when he cried out. Almost right after that those filthy yipping monsters appeared.
Frank glances at the sun as it approaches the horizon all too closely.
"It seems that either we have to hurry or it's already too late to avoid fighting in the dark."
Frank removed a bit of horse hair from his spell pouch and then intoned and gestured " hisan "
A light horse appeared before Frank.
"Anyone up for a fight in the dark?"
Sin speaks up from his place lurking towards the rear of the group, arms crossed and tail lashing behind him. "Kobolds eh? The scaly little things will have better sight at night than most of you. Lucky there aren't many kinds of dark that can stop me."
He steps forward to join Frank, one hand lifting his rapier to check its scabbard clearance. "I'm in, lets get moving before they've run off with whatever goods were being transported."
scaly critters then? welp, if we are to keep any one over there alive we should get moving then, ya? Whats tha orders, Boss? Charge in like Knights in Shiney Armor or go quiet like?
*Looks to four armed...lady..person?*