Ttaur looks for the most uncomfortable looking chair in the room and sits in that one, he doesn't like getting comfortable, makes him soft. "Seems like they possibly have scouts, maybe even living in town by the sounds of it. Either that or its much more complicated..."
"I believe the former to be likely as well."
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"Do we have to bring any back alive? and if so,... Do they have to have all limbs?"
"If the opportunity presents itself you may take prisoners, but don't risk your life for it. They likely are just common bandits."
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"Being the responsible type takes alot out of me..."
"Well then. I shall leave you to it, no doubt Black Wolf and Sheep are tormenting your companions over their deaths, I'll go and rescue them."
"Feel free to enjoy yourselves for the night, your clan mates should join you within the hour."
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"Thank you, Sir. Appreciate the info you were able to provide."
Enten nods to Dusk Wolf. Then gets up heads over to the diner table and starts enjoying a meal.
Arnesto lowered his shoulders, " Well this should be relatively easy only kill MOST of them. Be careful of fun times in the dorms. Being new recruits have this kind of prestige. Just new enough not be known but in enough to have a slight slice of life with some benefits. Loki, don't worry yourself about responsibility. It's not expected of you past not making us look bad. Now then, I should get ready for the onslaught of hate we shall soon receive. "
The man pulls out what seems to be a deck of cards.
Ttaur finds the largest piece of food he can find, probably a whole ham leg. He then sits back down in the same chair and eats in quiet contemplation. His Greatsword lays on his lap. After a few bites he will look at Arnesto and just stare at him and continue eating.
Arnesto will raise an eyebrow at Ttaur, " Myes? You seem to be indicating you wish you use common language to communicate a thought to me. What is it? "
"Your words indicate that I don't understand social interactions, because I'm a half breed? Your view of us half breeds might compromise the task we have been given, seeing as how your teamed up with two. Even if you have proven yourself to be capable, I simply can't rely on you is all... Not yet. But that is fine, we all walk on the same ground, breath the same air, drink the same water, and are warmed by fire. In the end, we return as dust to the earth to be used again."
The man smiled like a shark, shuffling the deck with practiced ease and skill as he spoke. You see at least three different sorting methods happening while his eyes lingered. " Ahahaha, No no. You misunderstand my large Half-breed friend. What I do for business and what are do for pleasure are two completely different scenarios. I am not one to fail at anything like that. A job is a job and as an Apprentice Tradesman, I know the value of good hard work. It's simply my skills vary. Trust if nothing that I can place the pointy end into the flesh and I'll trust you swing that blade of yours around with your magic the same. OH, and if there needs to be... particularly delicate speaking, trust I do that a bit better than you, simple? "
"Still didn't deny my first point. Typical of 'civilized folk' though, labeling themselves to make them seem more self important or thinking that they have more sway because of a title. The only reason I chose a name and use labels is because it just make things easier when dealing with society. A hungry beast cares not who you are or titles you have. And neither do I. That is why I'm fine with you dealing with social interactions... my human 'friend.'"
With that Ttaur goes back to eating his ham leg. After which he will sharpen his greatsword.
Arnesto shrugged, " No, I did not. And truthfully I don't need to. Those of power are universal. I'm sure you realize that even in nature Strength is king and the social bits simply come with creation. We are very social creatures. Then again I didnt label myself a hungry beast either. "
"Oh but you have, as has everyone in this room. All of us are 'hungry' in our own way for personal desires... our own goals. If not, then we wouldn't have fought so hard in the blooded room. What is it? What makes you hungry? Myself... Power... power to kill the beasts that made me this."
Ttaur motions to his quills and overall body. "I am as much a monster as a barbarian who slaughters his children, I only never had a choice."
"WAIT-A-MINUTE!..."Loki interrupts abruplty... Looking to Ttaur, "You never told me you were a dad?!?!..." Sarcastic or serious was unapparent in the way he voiced his words. He fiddled with one of his daggers tying a small string to one end then throwing it at some fruit and reeling it back in. Pulling the blade out of the fruit and begins eating.
Enten sighs. Looking at all the others."Guys, while philosophical debates can always be interesting, now really isn't the best time. We have some delicious food and drink before us. Enjoying a nice peaceful meal, to help relax, after a battle is much better for us."
"Oh yeah! Not to mention the fact that we are soon to have company join us. I don't know about you but we worked fairly well in the battle room. I'd hope that we can show unity in front of the other groups. Better to not let them see any division between us. That could lead them to think we have weaknesses. Hate for them to think of ways to try and exploit such in the future."
Enten glances at each of them again, before calmly returning to his meal.
Arnesto blinked, twice. He then looked up at the ceiling as if contemplating something. Looking between the two halfbreeds.
" Well, that's why I was setting up a game of cards, a bonding technique if you will. As for 'Hunger', no not really. I killed because I was instructed to, to which I wasnt fairly certain Vasper was telling the truth. Thus hesitation to kill some of the women-folk. I'm here because my skills fit the job. No more, No less. Sorry to disappoint you. Being part of this Clan and being capable simply allows life to be easier for a trade-off of possible danger. "
"Hunger for an easy life... Good way to get soft and get killed..."
" A damn shame really, because I resemble neither of those things. Easy doesnt mean ignorant. "
"Never said ignorant, though defending that your not when I didn't imply that says much about your character."
" I apologize, for I assumed you used higher order thinking and thus should not have attempted such a response with less knowledge. If one does as you say and becomes soft and weak in this field of work, they of course would be doing so ignorant of their position and situation. What I said is simply words, my character is whatever I need it to be at the time. believe what you want, that makes my job easier. "
The door to the lounge opens and you catch a glimpse of blonde hair before it darts into the room behind you all, "Oh thank gods! Food!"
You hear the tearing of meat before the woman's voice says again clearly with a mouth full of food, "Dying takes a lot out of you apparently." says Jordan.
Soon the rest of the new recruits have entered the room as well, excepting for Krenshaw.
Many of them wave or acknowledge the small group already sitting and many seem interested in coming to sit with or talk to you all, but none are able to resist the call of food first.
Ttaur looks to the group that enters and then stands. "Well you do assume a lot... but at least you admit your stupid."
And with that, Ttaur yells out! "Tandy! Try the ham leg! It has a nice smokey taste!" He then sheaths his greatsword in his frog, walks briskly over to the newly arrived group and begins pointing out all the really good food to them. Leaving Arnesto to his own devices.
" Farewell my inbred companion. "
Arnesto waves him off as the group comes in, he looks to them with a smile. " I see you are all quite hungry. Please have at it all, they taste delightful. Did you all have a nice revival? Who wants to play a game of cards? "
Arnesto gestured as he watch Jordan devour the food. " Oh, did you all get those notes I handed you? "
Loki simply watches the others filter in and continues eating at his own playful pace. Food always tasted better after a good fight, he thought. Softly he begins humming to himself, occasionally replacing a note for a word, negligent and disregarding most of the conversations around him.
hmmm hmm hmmm hmmmm stupid hmm hmmm,...
hmmm hmmmhmmm hmmmmm hmmm.....
hmmmm hmm hmmm inbred hmmm...
Those who received notes from Arnesto give nods though some admit they've yet to look at them.
After eating the other newest members of the Night Wolves filter into their own groups or join the company of Enten and others.
"I hear you've all been given a task already. The Black Wolf says we won't even see the field for at least a month." says Tandy, who had been heavily drinking but remaining apparently quite sober.
"Better than us, the Sheep said we could see field work at anytime, or never at all." complains Theo.
"I welcome the training that Wylla promises us. Our friends here may be combat able already, but the Black Wolf is a widely feared combatant, it will be good to learn under her." says Aszeera.
"Agreed." says Jordan, "Who knows what kind of tricks she might be able to teach us. I'll be interested to see how I do in our next combat exercise after she trains me up a bit."
"I should be with the group of the Dusk Wolf, the only reason I'm not is I made the mistake of underestimating our spiked friend." complains Beth.
"What? You're daft girl, beheaded by a big ass sword, impaled by a spear, or having your damn legs shot off by a crossbow, no one was gonna fight that group and come out alive, especially not after Krenshaw went down." responds Tandy.
Beth folds her arms stubbornly, "Maybe not you. I just needed to approach the fight differently. "
Tandy just shakes her head.
"Speaking of Krenshaw, what do you reckon is going to happen to him?" asks Jordan.
"Who knows?" says Carl, "Can't say as I much care."
"Yeah that was uncalled for Carl. I imagine the Sheep has uses for people like Krenshaw with his line of work." says Aszeera.
"So cards, was it?" asks Aszeera moving a table together for Arnesto and herself and others to join.
"Ah, count me in." says Tandy getting up from near Ttaur, "Loser drinks?" she asks, "Winner drinks more?"
------------------------
The conversations carry on for a few hours and some games of cards before everyone eventually filters out to their beds or homes.
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The group awakes the next morning, perhaps some of you a little hung over, but with a job to do nevertheless.
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Arnesto awakes doing his normal ceremony, searching for his pants, checking his ass and inspecting for any unidentified markings too his body. It didn't hurt to make sure. He was relatively fine and it was unfortunate that nothing wholly came of it, though he found out quite a bit about each person he played with. From mannerisms and playstyle to quirks and worries. It was most enlightening.
Scrubbing his body clean Arnesto equipped himself for the day as if going on a normal venture, checked his crossbow for maintenance and sharpened his daggers. Within an hour he was ready to go out awaiting the rest of the group primed and ready to prove themselves. Or die.. though that was Plan X.
Enten looks at Tandy and Theo after their comments.
"Yes, that surprised me. Honestly, I figured we would get some kind of training before going into the field. I guess I did okay for my first real battle."
Enten joins in the card game with the others. It is quickly apparent he has never played before. Losing a couple games quickly. After only a couple hours Enten stands up.
"Wow it is getting late. I should go see how Bova is doing. Well, it has been great getting to know all of you. I wish you well in training. I hope we can see each other again. Goodnight!"
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Enten awakes just as the sun starts to rise. He cleans himself and quickly dons his armor. Slipping his cloths over it once again.
'I hope hiding my armor under my cloths will help others underestimate me. Just might keep me alive longer.'
After eating a quick meal Enten heads outside. Enten proceeds to feed and groom Bova. Then checks his supplies. His javelin case was full and spear in hand. Attached to Bova's saddle is his bigger javelin case, in which he has 5 spare javelins
.
Then Enten attaches his small simple wagon, which has feed for Bova, a bedrool, a pick, an axe, a sickle, 20 ft. of rope, and a good portion of seeds for various fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
'I think having trade seeds will add to any cover story I may need. Also I may make some extra money as well.'
Enten slips inside around noon to grab a bit to eat. Seeing Arnesto waiting in the dining hall for the rest of the group.
"Ah, good morning Arnesto. You are finally awake. Are you ready for our first adventure? Are the others up yet? We should probably head out within the hour if we want to make it there before the raid begins."
Ttaur goes to bed full that night, first night in a long while he had a proper meal. He dreamed of the earth, the sky, and then Tandy. She was a fine woman...
The next morning, Ttaur gets up and inspects his Greatsword, picking up his only possession in this world, (aside from pants, a belt pouch and his frog sheath) he heads to meet the others. Enten was a decent fighter, Lókiii seemed great a cutting off legs, the man who's name is not Nick Cage had magic. There was someone else right?... Ttaur couldn't remember, must not have made that big of an impression on him.
Arnesto turned to see one of the half-breeds, this one Enten. From what he could tell it made sense, his clothing was that of the commonwealth. The man pointed over to the moving porcupine that seemed to approach.
" Well, there is one is suppose. Similar kin to you. I am always ready for such things, as long as I have my pants. The others have yet to arrive. "
Loki spent a good amount of time in the hall in his own world while inspecting the others. He felt intrigued by the great variety there were and wanted to utilize any information for possible future outcomes. Eventually he would leave to the dorm to find his room. Possibly the softest bed he'd called his own... ever.
The sound of large, thunderous steps caused Loki to wake from his slumber the following morning. Hurrying to place his ear against the floor, he was reminded of a stampede that took place years prior. But now he had no time to waste, placing his ear to the floor he listened as Ttaur passed by, "yup... it's definitely a minotaur... hard to discern if it's inbred or not though..." he says to himself. He gets up brushing himself off. On leaving his room he said scratches a notch in the wall beside the door just inside his room then heads to the food hall to meet up.
"I'll investigate more later"
The group of five leave just before midday and arrive just before dusk settles in on the small hamlet of Tas Mora.
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"What do you think? Just head for the tree line and wait?"
"The cart Enten brought along would make for a solid ambush point too if we like I suppose."
"Well for you all at least, I'd rather not be that close to the blades once they're unsheathed, provided it comes to that of course."
"I must confess, the most elaborate of battle plans are not my strong point."
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Arnesto chuckled, " Do not worry my companion. The plans are those that do not survive battle. The best situation we can make simple requires our robust members at the close range while those with ranged capability at the longer range. It's quite simple. "
Pointing to the trees, " Using those would make it easier. "
Ttaur looks around and breaths in deep. "Well, I believe me and Enten will stick out to much just walking in town. Shall we hang back while you others enter the town tonight?"
Arnesto shakes his head, " No no, it would likely be worse if we did that, we are regular people. But we need people not to even know we exist, that way the situation goes in our favor. "
"I was thinking along the lines of being able to intervene right as an attack happens. Otherwise we might have to chase them."
"it poses a problem, we do not know their numbers nor location. If I were in control I wouldn't send all of my men in for an attack, I would hold back sending in a few mooks with perhaps a couple heavy hitters for intimidating purposes. Having a reserve of some sort only poses for more success. On that note, we need to catch them off guard without a chance to reform so we can truly gain and maintain control via confusion."
Looking to Ttaur, "I don't mind chasing them, however if we cut their legs off...." loki smiles showing he was making a light joke. "seriously though, should we need to chase or split up, going alone could be a guerilla warfare counter tactic to us. We don't know how many of them are among the townspeople laying in wait."
Arnesto claps his hands together amused, " Yes, yes! Loki here understands. Splitting could end up disastrous and could follow up with one side becoming overrun or worse. It simply isn't tactically sound to be truthful. So our options are either to wait in hiding until they cross a specific path known to frequent, or wait for something to happen in town and jump on it. Effectively using the element of surprise, yup. "
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As night falls a group of bandits appear on the road escorting a large cart.
Arriving in town they quickly begin making demands of the villagers and the apparent head of the town is trying to keep everyone calm and cooperating with the bandits as best they can.
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