"Gaelin, of course we can talk. Although, I refrain from alcoholic beverages, a nice warm cider would do nicely."[/b]Constance smiles warmly at each in turn, excited by the fact that she might actually be able to make a difference here.
Well I hope you don't mind me drinking. If someone as beautiful as you wants to learn more about my past I'll need a few pints. Gaelen winks, attempting to be a little coy in hitting on her but clearly he has never been a good conversationalist and comes off a bit obvious.
"Polson, you make a fine point, of course I do not plan on leaving right this moment, a hot meal and a good nights rest will do us some good. Besides I would love a chance to learn more about each of you since it appears we will be spending quite a bit of time together."
"Gaelin, of course we can talk. Although, I refrain from alcoholic beverages, a nice warm cider would do nicely."
Constance smiles warmly at each in turn, excited by the fact that she might actually be able to make a difference here.
Don't mind if I drink? he asked though it was obvious that his heart was set on having a few drinks. He stared at her and smiled, though it was obvious his eyes seeked other parts of her body. It has been a long time since I've spoken to someone so beautiful and yet clearly so strong. he gives her a wink though he was clearly coming off too obvious yet it was obvious he hadn't gained many skills in talking with women of such beauty.
Gives a perplexed look at Ilya"Oi! Can you speak that again in a more simple way Ilya, I didn't catch it all, or maybe I didn't understand it all the right way" thinks This Ilya talks smart, hope I get smarter with himmakes somewhat shy/sad faceYeah! yer just a simple guy Caelin, just focus on what yer good at and learn from the rest
Erian wanders toward the group--it seems he's been surveying the place for his endless map-making..."What's all this about drinking and bandits? I should probably be clear in my intent. I am here to explore and document this wild land more than kill everything that crosses me. Now, of course I'm all for defending the rule of law, but advise we considers words before blood when possible."
Bowing to Oleg and Svetlana, he then introduces himself, "Erian El'ranelen, son of Sevren, and charterd cartographer for this merry band. My services are yours for the asking."
"Intresting way to say it"grabs his chin with one hand in a thinking posture "I always sed that you should take what is rightfully yours, honor your clan, family, friands and your ways, the weak are for the picking and the keeping and protect your own and honor your word"Smiles happy "Oi! sounds similar to the old ways, just like I learned from my elders back at home" looks at the party "So, we are alraedy invited to go in what are we waiting for"pats Polson in the back "I might not pay this drinks today but I'll give a toast for ya and the rest of us"smiles very happy as he starts walking inside.
How does THIS look? The yellow line is the boundary of our charter. Please let me know, Black Fang, if you have something else in mind. ;)
"No, of course you can drink, who am I to stop you. I have no problem with others drinking, I just choose not to do so myself." Constance smiles and shakes her head at Gaelen's flirting.
Tam turns from the board to join in the drinking as she follows a few of the others toward the ale, "I hope they have the strong stuff. Keeps the blood warm." Her brow scrunches up once more in thought at a few stray words from Ilya. Her thoughts bubble to a head before they spew forth from her mouth, "Don't think a criminal cares much if they are in the way of the just or not, even if they ask them to move out of the way all polite-like. Isn't that the point of being a criminal?"
"No, of course you can drink, who am I to stop you. I have no problem with others drinking, I just choose not to do so myself." Constance smiles and shakes her head at Gaelen's flirting.
So...maybe you can start off the conversation? he raised a eyebrow as he was genuinly interested in learning more about the people he was travelling with. Was it by your own choice that you came into faith? I've heard of people falling into faith when things get rough. Gaelen would perfer to learn more about the people who were behind him and gain their trust rarther than enter battle with a bunch of strangers who for all he knew might drive their own weapons through his back.
Constance thought about Gaelen's question before answering. "Well, my parents were devout, so in one way I fell into it, that and of course the boarding school I went to was devoted to Erastil. It just comes natural. So what about you?"
Constance thought about Gaelen's question before answering. "Well, my parents were devout, so in one way I fell into it, that and of course the boarding school I went to was devoted to Erastil. It just comes natural. So what about you?"
I only wished I had parents that were devout. he sighed, showing that he is holding back a lot before taking a sip of Ale and then looked up at her, looking around as he was afraid of what other people would think. I was raised in a poor family. At times I almost starved and had to steal to eat.
"It seems our parents were quite opposite I'm afraid. But one thing I have learned is that you can't judge a child by his parents. Each person is in control of their own destiny, it's not where you have come from, but where you choose to go that matters. I'll not judge you for where you have come from and I hope that you wouldn't judge me the same." Constance takes a sip of her cider and continues listening to the conversations that are going on.
Polson drinks quietly in the corner taking in as much of the conversation as he can before making his excuses and retiring for the evening.
"It seems our parents were quite opposite I'm afraid. But one thing I have learned is that you can't judge a child by his parents. Each person is in control of their own destiny, it's not where you have come from, but where you choose to go that matters. I'll not judge you for where you have come from and I hope that you wouldn't judge me the same." Constance takes a sip of her cider and continues listening to the conversations that are going on.
I see. You are very wise and I see nothing wrong with what you say. he smiled back at her as he was enjoying this conversation, even though his past was not a good one.I find it wise to learn about this group. After all, if I know of our abilities we can work together very well. So far I'm a tracker and a hunter of people who find themselves on the bounty board, what about you? I was too busy in battle with the giant wolf to notice what you or the others were doing.
"Ilya, I appreciate the offer, but I am afraid I have everything I need at the moment. I must bid you all farewell, as I am off to bed." Constance pays for her cider as well as a room for the night before making her way to bed.
I will see you in the morning then, Miss. the way he said it appeared he was trying to be curtious, however it seemed as if it had been a long time since he showed anyone curtasy in any form. If I come knocking I've probably drunk too much so you have permission to kick me very hard. as she left Gaelen made sure to watch every move of her hips, watching her going up the stairs. Gaelen, if everything goes well you might have someone to settle down, maybe even some land here. It all depends what'll happen.
"Well, I am versed in courtly matters, I know how to handle myself in an out of combat, I can hunt a bit, ride horses, pick up on subtle cues, tell when someone is lying to me, and even dabble with magic items. Honestly, a little bit of everything."
"Ilya, I appreciate the offer, but I am afraid I have everything I need at the moment. I must bid you all farewell, as I am off to bed." Constance pays for her cider as well as a room for the night before making her way to bed.
Angus finishes his ale and approaches Tam "See you felt the wolves' teeth too...Nasty critters...bark is worse than ther bite tho, but still, ye should have that looked at. May I?"
While Svetlana is serving food...
As the group talks about the various activities they could engage in...
Sense Motive
Angus notices...
Erian listens intently to Gaelen and Constance, obviously interested in learning more about his companions as well. He bids Constance good night when she leaves, then offers up his own story. "Gaelen, I'd say as much as you are a hunter of bounties, I am a hunter of knowledge. I traveled the whole of the Inner Sea region with my father, at least up until I was "of age" for schooling and he pulled some strings and placed some coin top run me through the various schools in Absalom. My skill lies primarily in cartography and wilderness lore, though I'm a fair shot with a bow when need be and also love to spin a good tale. When my father went off to the map Mwangi Expanse last year, I sorely wanted to go with him. However, he said it was time for me to walk my own path, at least for a time. A few of his friends in the Society pointed me this direction, seeing as my strength in map-making would come in handy and my skill at survival might mean I'd outlast the more bookish cartographers. So, here I am..."
After finishing his ale "Oi! Gaelen be very careful with Constance you will have warmer winter's than her" pokes him and makes a pun intended smile and wink just to be sure he gets the idea "Gaelen it's not that bad I understand your childhood very well, I was a raider out of necessity, harsh winter, scarce food and besides raids made sure the strongest survived and we taked what we needed" touches his amulet gently like remembering something and looking at the roof "Those days are over, I sell my sword and seek companions to get glory, honor, mead, women and treasure" big wicked smile "I don't mind the order of things as long as I get them" pats Gaelen in the shoulder "A toast! stands up looks around "Let there be known that this is an oath of everlasting friendship with my fellow travelers, that Erastil provides plenty of bounty, wimen and beer"laughs out loud and raises his pint of beer "And that our skill at arms and those of silver tongue too, brings us adventures to fight untold foes and treasure"
Erian notices...
Sense Motive:
Caelin turns to look at Ilya"Oi! what a clever idea, never crcoss me mind"[b]rubs his chin like he is actually thinking something [b]"Well! I can take some ideas, I just might have a few now that you mention it"
makes a somewhat shy face "Well my writing is not that pretty Ilya, do ya mind if you write them down for me?"
+2 for favoured race.
Erian listens intently to Gaelen and Constance, obviously interested in learning more about his companions as well. He bids Constance good night when she leaves, then offers up his own story. "Gaelen, I'd say as much as you are a hunter of bounties, I am a hunter of knowledge. I traveled the whole of the Inner Sea region with my father, at least up until I was "of age" for schooling and he pulled some strings and placed some coin top run me through the various schools in Absalom. My skill lies primarily in cartography and wilderness lore, though I'm a fair shot with a bow when need be and also love to spin a good tale. When my father went off to the map Mwangi Expanse last year, I sorely wanted to go with him. However, he said it was time for me to walk my own path, at least for a time. A few of his friends in the Society pointed me this direction, seeing as my strength in map-making would come in handy and my skill at survival might mean I'd outlast the more bookish cartographers. So, here I am..."
I see. Well having a map maker will be very important for us to map out this place, especially if we are to tame these lands and take them for our own. he looks around the room and notices that Oleg's ring is missing and there is a clear look on his face that he wants to ask the group something. Missing a ring, Oleg? You seem interested when we mentioned hunting down the bandits. Have they wronged you?
After finishing his ale "Oi! Gaelen be very careful with Constance you will have warmer winter's than her" pokes him and makes a pun intended smile and wink just to be sure he gets the idea "Gaelen it's not that bad I understand your childhood very well, I was a raider out of necessity, harsh winter, scarce food and besides raids made sure the strongest survived and we taked what we needed" touches his amulet gently like remembering something and looking at the roof "Those days are over, I sell my sword and seek companions to get glory, honor, mead, women and treasure" big wicked smile "I don't mind the order of things as long as I get them" pats Gaelen in the shoulder "A toast! stands up looks around "Let there be known that this is an oath of everlasting friendship with my fellow travelers, that Erastil provides plenty of bounty, wimen and beer"laughs out loud and raises his pint of beer "And that our skill at arms and those of silver tongue too, brings us adventures to fight untold foes and treasure"
"Mayhaps I like them cold?" he smirked as he looked down at his stout comrade. He appeared sympathetic, though he still felt his own life was still worse. Did you end up killing your best friend because you found out he stole from your family? as he said this for a moment there seemed emotion, but he had done what he learnt over the years and put a wall up. This was the most he had ever spoken about his past to anyone. Not even the whenches he had he ever spoke more than a sentence about his past, which wasn't very discriptive."Mayhaps you want Constance all to yourself and try to ward me off her?" he laughed, changing the subject.
Caelin laughs with Gaelen "Gaelen I don't like Constance I had my fare share of winter to seek more of them" he looks up the stairs "Well I'll be keeping an eye on the stairs in case she send you flying when you go knocking on the door" laughs out loud showing a friendly supportive smile and whispers to Gaelen "I like Tam more" backs up a bit "Not saying that Constance ain't good"pokes Gaelen letting him know he agrees with him about how good Constance look.
Turns to look at Ilya "Oi! Ilya, so about giving ideas to this group, I think I have one! How about Black Lions Company?" he looks at his pint of aleI haven't forgotten about you he he he he".
I see. Well having a map maker will be very important for us to map out this place, especially if we are to tame these lands and take them for our own. he looks around the room and notices that Oleg's ring is missing and there is a clear look on his face that he wants to ask the group something. Missing a ring, Oleg? You seem interested when we mentioned hunting down the bandits. Have they wronged you?
Erian shakes his head and chuckles at the bantering between Gaelen and Caelin.
Having noticed the same behavior with Oleg and Svetlana, Erian adds his voice to encouraging them for more information, "Indeed, if there has been trouble with these bandits here, I would be more than happy to assist. Ruffians have no place in either civilization or the wild."
Oleg and Svetlana look at each other communicating nonverbally, the way folks do after many years in a good marriage. Then Svetlana says, "Ask them Oleg, they obviously noticed something, so ask. I'll...be inside." With that, Svetlana rushes into their house barely holding back tears.
After watching his wife leave, Oleg clears his throat and says, "Well, the bandits have been coming by about once a month and collecting their taxes. The first time there was 18 of them, that's when they took my Svetlana's ring. Their leader was a cruel woman with twin axes in her belt. After the first time, she hasn't returned. A rather dull-witted man was with her and I think he was her second in command, and he's the one who's returned the last three times to collect. The generally show up a couple hours after dawn. Help us out and I'll give y'all free room and board for a year and a 10% discount on any goods you purchase from me."
Erian's brow wrinkles and his lips draw into a tight line. "Well, that won't do at all! When are they due to come around again, and how many are present? I'm certain that we can give them a fair surprise the next time around. Of course, that will likely set any friends of theirs off as well--we might be best off with some subterfuge and tracking rather than simply trouncing the louts..."
Missing a ring, Svetlana? You seem interested when we mentioned hunting down the bandits. Have they wronged you?
Oleg and Svetlana look at each other communicating nonverbally, the way folks do after many years in a good marriage. Then Svetlana says, "Ask them Oleg, they obviously noticed something, so ask. I'll...be inside." With that, Svetlana rushes into their house barely holding back tears.
After watching his wife leave, Oleg clears his throat and says, "Well, the bandits have been coming by about once a month and collecting their taxes. The first time there was 18 of them, that's when they took my Svetlana's ring. Their leader was a cruel woman with twin axes in her belt. After the first time, she hasn't returned. A rather dull-witted man was with her and I think he was her second in command, and he's the one who's returned the last three times to collect. The generally show up a couple hours after dawn. Help us out and I'll give y'all free room and board for a year and a 10% discount on any goods you purchase from me."
Stands up "Erian as clever as ever you have been" he has somber look in his face when he says"To clever I only got to the part were we give them a cold welcome" touches Reuze Klap gently with his hand "Oi! Oleg when is their last visit... er... next visit?"
Smiles wildly "Yes! I've got a quetion!!" looks at everyone before saying anything "Can I be the first one?? You know in the frontlines, my blood is boiling already, I'll give them a proper welcome... I promise I will...wicked evil smile makes it self noticed in his face, as he thinksYeah! when Reuze Klap speaks for me
Erian shrugs his shoulders, "That sounds like a solid strategy, but we have to consider future repercussions. If we capture or kill all of the bandits, it sounds like there are more out there that will come looking. We could, of course, then set another trap but they are then more likely to come in force and ready for trouble. Or worse yet just burn the place down...Now, we could set a trap and then let one or more get away, giving us a quarry to track. However, that also introduces the element of an armed and informed group facing us in the future. We need to get back to this ax-maiden Oleg mentioned to get at the root of this problem. We may be better off finding out where they camp and assaulting them unawares there. I'd guess they are not expecting an assault on their camp. Hmm, we could even perhaps include a good amount of liquor in the next tax. I've never known bandits to be too controlled in their consumption, and that could give us an even greater advantage. We've even got some wolf pelts to add to the pile, so as to not deplete Oleg unnecessarily."
"That's one option, but we'd have to be sure to hit them in their camp before that last bandit warned of an attack. I'm a cautious fellow by nature, so would prefer surveying their camp and assessing an overall approach rather than rushing in. They may have some traps of their own set up, for instance. Or they may have a man watching the approach and return from the trading post, so that any trouble here gets reported before we have a chance to track them down. If it simply costs us some trade goods, that we can then recover, it seems to me there is little sense in tipping our hand too early."
Oleg says, "They've been showing up on the first or second of each month, so y'all have a couple weeks plus a few days before they should be back again. Also, the number of them showing up to collect has been decreasing with each trip. Last time only seven came."