Let the slaughter begin.
Filios and Solomon were graciously welcomed to join the merchant caravan in route to Kaer Maga. When they entered the rough circle of wagons, they made their way to a central campfire where most of the caravan members were currently in various stages of eating and talking amongst themselves. Most were reclining on bed rolls or various boxes of goods turned into makeshift chairs. Filios and Solomon were scheduled to assist with one of the nightly watches but not for a few hours.
As Filios slides a box closer to the fire, he motions for Solomon to do the same. It does not appear that we will get much sleep tonight, friend. We should take our rest while we can
Filos rests his elbows on his knees and glances around the campsite at the shadowed faces of the other caravan members to see if he recognizes anyone, by chance, or if anyone is paying too close attention to Solomon or him.
[occ]Perception:[/ooc]
Morthos looks up from his place by the fire, where he has been quietly enjoying a loaf of fresh bread and bowl of stew, when the two strangers are ushered into the ring of caravans.
Interesting. I wonder what those two are doing traveling in these parts without an escort...
He gets to his feet, brushing crumbs from his evening repast from his beard, and greets the Dwarf warmly, with a hearty handshake.
"Welcome and well met. My name is Morthos von Janderhoff. It is always a pleasure to meet a fellow Dwarf, particularly when so far from home. Tell me, what brings you and your companion to these parts?"
Mention of the school helps Darren work it out. The school recommended me? My, Lenore can get people to work for her, can't she?
"Well, to be honest, sir, I was hoping to find a more lucrative opportunity. One of those big treasures like you'd read about in one of those Pathfinder Chronicles books that float around. Where you'd have enough to retire when you got home. I know that's pretty unlikely, though... do they have long terms of service in the militia?" Darren takes another bite of turkey and gravy.
Aye, well met indeed. I am Solomon Wise-Axe, and the elf is Filios . I had been travelin to Absalom at the bidding of Mighty Torag, but Filios here has convinced me there may be people in need of Torag's aid in Kaer Maga, so we are taking a detour.
What about yerself?
"Long term you ask. Well, I've been with the city militia for a few years now. Going on 6 or 7 I believe. Of course a couple of the people I serve with have been there more than double that."
Petvar takes out his note and licks his finger. He then smudges some of the writing on the note and folds the paper back up and places it back in his pocket.
"More lucrative you say? Well, I suppose there is the odd occurrence that we might be asked to do something above and beyond our regular call of duty. I hear stuff like that pays really well. Haven't had the chance to participate in anything like that yet, but you never know. Kaer Maga is a big city and the Undercity is even bigger. You can't just expect someone to come over to a table like this and offer you a chance of a lifetime, can you?" Petvar winks at the waitress and signals for another drink. This is going to take a little longer than he expected.
Filios glances up at the newly arrived Dwarf, and smiles. Filios Philandril, at your service.
Another dwarf...I am beginning to feel outnumbered...
"Yes, sir. I've just got some debts I'd like to repay. But it is a good opportunity. I will come with you to the main offices." He smiles at his good fortune, and finishes his ale. He may be able to make his family proud, after all.
Morthos nods a greeting to/the Elf.
"I hail from mighty Janderhoff; my family sent me abroad to look into opening further trade routes, and had I heard that Kaer Maga was considered to be a significant trading site amongst the humans, so thought that it would be an excellent place to visit."
"Sounds like as good a reason as any to be goin. What kinds of things you got fer trade?"
Morthos, from what I gather, there will be all sorts of different peoples among the populace of Kaer Maga. Some of which may be considered the dregs of society in certain circles. It should give you an excellent opportunity to sample all sorts of wares. If you have no connection to the caravan, other than travelers like Solomon and I, maybe we could experience the fine city together once we arrive?
Petvar waits for Darren to finish his meal, sipping on his Storval Whip. When Darren finishes, Petvar pays for his second drink and gets up ready to leave the little outdoor cafe.
"If you would come with me, I'll see if we can't get you in to the office right away."
As the two begin to head toward the city militia office, Petvar attempts to glean a little more information about Darren.
"So, Darren, any family nearby? How do you know, Lenore, is it?"
"My family specializes in glass-blowing, and delicate work involving mithral; however, my personal specialty is rune-crafting. You can see some minor examples of my work here," he says, gesturing to the faintly glowing dwarven runes adorning his beard-rings.
Morthos then nods to Filios.
"If what you say is true, then Kaer Maga could be quite a profitable trade hub, danger not withstanding."
He then smiles.
"I would be perfectly happy to explore the city with the two of you. Do either of you have any experience with smelting/smithing/glass-working?"
My experience leans more towards the role of scout and tour guide. However, I have been known to involve myself in the acquistion of such finely-crafted items at the bequest of others...sort of like a broker of fine goods in exchange for gold. In any event, Kaer Maga should have plenty to offer for all of us, even a thrill seeker like myself. I see that you carry a fine Axe...I am willing to bet that you would be a great ally in a pinch...just like Solomon here with his Hammer and Torag at his side. It will certainly make traveling around Kaer Maga much less intimidating.
Morthos raises an eyebrow at Filios' revelation.
"Well, as long as you don't try to broker anything belonging to me, we should get on just fine..."
Nonetheless, his face breaks into a broad grin when Filios comments on his greataxe.
"Ah, you have an eye for fine workmanship. This heirloom has been passed down through my family for generations. It is perfectly balanced, and beautifully decorated - just look at the cunningly-etched designs on the axehead! It originally belonged to my great-grandfather, who was a holy-warrior devoted to Angradd, and has been passed from father to son ever since."
A truly magnificent possession, Morthos! Have no fear, as I would never steal from a friend and compatriot. Filios winks and smiles. Feel free to let me know if anything catches your eye in Kaer Maga, though.
You continue to converse with each other over the next few days as you travel to Kaer Maga. When you get there around noon, you and the other foot bound travelers are checked out by the gate guards, and all seems to be going well as the inspection of the first wagon begins just as you prepare to leave the check in yard.
Having signed up for the militia, Darren finds his next few days to be busy ones as he processes paperwork, is given some basic tests to determine the level of his skills, and some basic training. Petvar is of course kept busy with his normal duties, not thinking much about Darren, as his recruitment thus far is pretty routine as far as recruitments. A couple of days later, Petvar and Darren find themselves working with each other on gate guard duty under the watchful eyes of the sergeant who is training Darren in basic duties. Around noon, a rather large caravan rolls up to the gate, needing inspection before entry can be allowed. The inspections for the foot travelers have just been completed with no surprises, and all but 3 of them have moved on into the city. The first wagon has been pulled into the yard to begin inspection.
As the sergeant in charge of the inspection detail, searches the wagon, he apparently finds something problematic, as he suddenly straightens up and starts to say something as the "merchant," who had kept to himself with his personal guards equally private, standing by him buries a dagger in his back, dropping him immediately. The folks watching the yard from above immediately begin sealing off all exits from the yard.
Morthos turns to his companions, and remarks wryly:
"I see what you meant about this being a tough neighborhood..."
"Well Darren, you said you wanted a taste of adventure." :)
Darren knew that Kaer Maga was supposed to be a tough town, but he hadn't expected trouble on gate guard duty. Sergeant Anson had even joked that most of the "scum" coming through can wait till they get to the tavern before they show their true nature. Now the sergeant's bleeding out and I should probably be drawing my sword already!
Filios sets off at a dead run to assist the guard to the right front of the cart. Did not see this coming.
Come friends, these guards look like they may be in for a fight!
"Sergeant!" Petvar draws both his swords and slices across the "merchant" guard standing in front of him.
"Those are quite nice. If you had the time to do it, Id be interested in getting a set o' those beard rings, if you could put Torag's symbol on 'em."
"Myself, I do stonework, mostly. It's more of a hobby than anything else right now, but I have sold a couple of these in the past."
Solomon pulls out a nicely polished stone board with a checkered pattern on it, along with two sets of stones, one black and one white.
The white stones are carved to look like dwarves. Eight short dwarves carrying shield and axe are all slightly differnt, so when they are lined up, looking from one end to the other, it appears they are making one chopping motion. There are a pair of dwarves riding on boars, a pair of castle spires, a pair wearing robes similar to the ones Solomon himself wears, a grand Dwarven King and a beatiful (to a dwarf) Dwarven Queen.
The black stone are carved to look like goblins and orcs. The front row is made of eight goblins, from end to end appear to be pumping their spears in the air, a pair of orcs on giant lizards, a pair wearing clerical robes,a pair of twisted, dead trees, a defiant looking Orc king, and a vile looking Orc Queen.
"Aye, that is a mighty fine axe. Very nice, indeed."
Oy, rough neighborhood, indeed.
Seeing the guard downed so quickly, Solomon runs, making his way over to the victim to try to help.
Petvar's blade just barely misses the smuggler's heart, but still does enough damage to the smuggler down.
"Well, I can't let the duly appointed representatives of the city be assaulted like this..."
So saying, Morthos draws his axe, and moves closer to the combatants...
The smuggler leader will pull out a rapier and move in on Petvar, determined to take as many stinking guards as he can out with him.
Meanwhile the two remaining guards will attack Darren, also with the intent of going down in a big flame of glory.
The charging bandit will catch Darren as he looks in wonder at the unfolding battle and inflict a decent amount of pain as his rapier slips through an opening in the armor.
In that case it's still x4 for a run, which would be 80', so you could easily reach the leader after he charged Petvar.
Seeing that two of the thugs are ganging-up on one of the guards, Morthos waits for an opening, and then charges S3!
Filios rushes to Darren's aid.
Filios rushes to Darren's aid.
1d20+3
1d8+4
1d20+3
1d6+4
As Filios passes the desperate smuggler, he lashes out at and catches Filios in the leg.
Knowing a good flank is worth its weight, Petvar begins to slide around the merchant leader to gain a more profitable position from which to attack.
"Someone get to the Sergeant! He needs medical attention, NOW!"
Longsword:
LS Damage:
Shortsword:
SS Damage:
Also, Sneak Att Damage:
The smuggler leader, ignoring the one hit from Petvar , the leader takes a 5' step away from the wagon keeping Solomon in range, unleashing a two weapon attack on the dwarf as he shifts positions, failing to hit both times.
The withering attacks from Filios and Morthos were not quite enough to drop S3, though he looks like just a poke would be enough to send him to his final nap, and he lashes out furiously at Morthos as he looks like the mostly likely candidate to successfully drop, as S1 takes a 5' back toward Filios, putting some distance between him and the two other opponents in the fray.