"Horses..." Piroska bit her lip as she pondered the option. She liked the idea of a wagon better (much more fun to ride!) but when the idea was shot down she had no option but to nod. "Horses should work," she finally agreed. "I've not ridden much, but I should be able to manage."
"What concerns me is the contradiction. She said by herself and yet her father said escort. So expect more than just one person. What I would suggest is we talk with someone to rent or buy horses and ask them to have them ready for us in the morning. That way if she comes with some it is one thing but if not we can go with the walking. Since we are not able to talk with her about details means we have to adapt."
Shifts and stretches. "I hate people that have no respect on all it takes to do our job. Simple planning goes a long way towards preventing mishaps. How far by foot is the trip? So we can get food supplies and the like?"
Eric would ponder for a moment, before piping back up.
It'll take about a day and half if we ride, two or three if we walk. Assuming everything goes wrong and all roads are washed out and all the forests are set on fire and bandits pop out of the ground like rain from a cloud during a storm, I would plan for at least a six day trip. I intend to visit the Temple later, see what they gave for a weather prediction.
How much should we set aside in the event she doesn't bring enough supplies? I mean, I can't imagine that happening, assuming she's put -any- forethought into this. On the other hand, getting anyone too prepare a trip could alert the people around her, and she seemed fairly adamant on keeping as much as she could hush hush
Korvek nods at the timeline proposal before laughing and shaking his head at the list everything that could go wrong. "Mm.. lets assume she comes empty-handed so we're ready to go. Ah get the feelin she'll be more talkative in the morning.. Ah'm guessin' she was worried somebody in there might hear what they shouldn't."
"Plan for the worst hope for he best." She said. "Alright if everyone will get me a list of things they need I can get shopping out of the way for gear and horses. Unless you each want to do that individually. I figured split up for the major purchases to get more ground covered."
The next morning, very very early (the 4:00 hour in our time), a resounding knock on the door rang out. One that was probably intended to wake up anyone sleeping inside.
Shadow would get up and yawns heading to the door and checking outside to see who it was. It was still dark so she didn't have trouble seeing. It was a good thing she didn't wake up grumpy.
Ever the light sleeper, Harland would also rise quickly, wearing naught but a pair of light pants. Seeing Shadow going to the door, he would give her a quick "Mornin'." and instead go to the kitchen, set some wood in the stove, and begin the arduous process of making food for three women and a dwarf, as well as a kettle for tea. They could have the briefing first, and he could study his spell book later.
Standing outside the door was two figures.
The first was tall, and he wore a set of Full Plate, minus a helmet. He had a halberd strapped to his back, and was rather tall. He had all the trappings of a Paladin, really, with the Arenstone logo, a Diamond Crab, on his breastplate. Brown hair was cut short.
"Are you sure this is the right place?"
"Positive."
The other voice was from a young girl in appearance. She had a full set of studded leather armor, also sans a helmet, and had attached to a belt at her waste, a spellbook, two belt pouches, and another pouch of unknown usage. Her back had slung over it, a backpack that looked remarkably well-tailored. Sheathed at her side was a generic looking Rapier, and on her shoulder, a crab seemingly made of diamonds. A living, breathing, Diamond Crab. Her pink hair and blue eyes may have been the giveaway as to who she was, but the royal drills were gone, instead her hair done into twintails.
She moved to knock again.
Shadow moved and opened the door. "Yeah, you don't stand out at all." She drawled and moved back to letting them in. "Come on in to our humble abode. Breakfast will be served in a little bit." Shadow was still in her nightgown, her feet bare.
Once they were in she would close the door. "Yeah, we will expect a lot of bandits on the road with you two looking like that. Give me a second to get dressed and we can talk properly." She waves them towards the table and heads back to her room changing and grabbing her disguise kit as she heads back into the common area looking a bit more presentable. Her pale skin and eyes hinting at her ancestry.
"So tell me what you have planned in your mind since you seem to know what you want to do. Then we can tell you whether or not it will work for what you are wanting." She casually applied her make up as she looked at them.
The man bowed. "I'm merely her adjutant. I will not be joining you guys on the road. I made sure she was fully prepared, and provided escort to you. Now that she is here, I will take leave. Good day."
As he turned to walk out, the Princess cleared her throat. "So, I stand out? Hmph. What would you suggest then? I can't possibly change anything further. This armor is uncomfortable enough already."
She pouted a bit, a puffed cheek for a moment some would say, but she quickly regained composure. "As far as the plan, we'll travel towards Roughtcut Village in Zelnite. However, I'll leave the actual route to your group, as you obviously have skill in discerning paths.
As I am temporarily accompanying you, I have decided that I will go where you go, so long as the end destination is the village itself. If this means you feel you must clean out a dungeon mid trip, I will join in such an endeavor, but keep in mind that my safety is to be prioritized over riches, for I can reward you thrice over whatever you could find."
She used a hand to push one of her twintails behind her shoulder, to match the other one. "Do I make sense? Or do I need to repeat it?"
She was a Princess alright. The Diamond Crab seemed to be clinging to her shoulder.
Shadow chuckled lightly looking at her. "Oh you are a princess alright. Well first things first. Your hair and eyes are a dead give away. Hair we can dye. That's easy I have plenty. The diamond crab stands out but is very beautiful. Wizard spell book with the armor also kinda clashes but there are Magi called Magus's or some such thing that do the same. Over all it is pretty good for a basic disguise. Also, how you talk but that is okay. I can easily attribute that to you being a spoiled daughter to an aunt of mine if anyone asks." She teases lightly obviously just poking fun a little.
"The backpack is well tailored but a couple of rags and a little dirt can conceal that on a passing glance. I will look at the board and see if there are any jobs on the way. That way we can see if there is anything to do. We figured hiring out horses could work but if you are up for it walking would probably be best for disguise."
Looking at her she smiled and leaned back. "So what changes are you willing to make?" She said putting down her make up brushes.
Speaking as he enters the room, "Tea is ready." he would carry in a tray of five mugs and a steaming kettle, setting it in the center of the table. His eyes would linger a moment on the crab. "... Bacon and eggs will be ready shortly, and we have bread handy. Do you eat anything? We don't have anything exotic on hand." Was he speaking to the crab? Yes, yes he was.
Korvek, apparently half asleep, wanders into the common room. The dwarf wears only his britches and a blanket draped over his left shoulder as he scratches his hair and yawns deeply, crossing the room opposite the entrance. Reaching his left-over bread from last night he stuffs it into his mouth before wandering back from whence he came. Before reaching the barracks once again he pauses, head tilts then turns, and the dwarf squints his glazed eye briefly. As if unable to process the calamity, or mistaking it as a lingering dream, he returns his attention to the door before disappearing once again.
The crab says nothing, but seems to wave a pincer around. A closer glance reveals one of its pincers is instead a wicked sharp blade. It's body had not the normal shell, but rather one made of solid diamond. It probably weighed more as a result.
"I will make no changes. I'm fairly certain no one will connect me to being the Princess easily. Also, just so you are aware, I am not helpless by any means, and am capable of using both swords and sorcery. The disguise is not just for looks.
I'd pray you do not look down on me as incapable."
She'd take her crab off her shoulder, and place him on the table before taking a cup of tea.
"Now, since I'm here, I may as well share some information with you. As far as the item being taken to my friend in Zelnite, it would be this..."
She reached into her backpack, and pulled out a large, elliptical, glowing, gray stone, holding it with her hands in a method that'd let your group see it.
"...as far as I've been able to find in the castle's library, this is a Hue Stone, and has something to do with ancient myths regarding a singular stone that could grant it's bearer a single powerful wish, one that could resculpt the world to their liking."
"Mmmrrggpph."
The incoherent mumbling that almost vaguely resembled a greeting was Piroska's morning announcement. Bleary-eyed, her brown hair a tangled mess, and clad in a massively oversized tunic, the girl looked like she was about to tip over and fall back asleep right there on the floor.
Yawning, she rubbed blearily at her eyes as she attempted to process tje gathering before her. "Oh, 's you. Thought it was *yawn* th' ghosts again..." Her gaze somewhat sharpens into focus as she notices the stone. "Wha's 'at?"
"Suit yourself. I am more cautious than you are." Shrugs and sighs. "Have I once said you were incapable. I am sure you are. You would be trained by the best. I was stating that the image you present makes you stand out if people look you over."
Watching Korvek walk around she chuckled and then seeing Piroska she would pour her some tea. "Yes indeed. Here is some tea Piroska. Come warm your bones and wake yourself up." Smiles warmly at her.
Turning her attention back to her as she decided to share. Leaning foward she would study the stone. "Do you mind telling me the parts of the legend you do know? History is not my specialty, nor is legends. Though I can tell you almost anything about the city."
The Princess seemed to think for a moment before relenting. "...Fine.
The legend states that there are seven stones, each one matching one of the rainbow's colors, with an eighth stone being the gray catalyst, unmentioned by common retellings of the story. When all are brought together, they supposedly form the Capstone of Iteria, a magical artifact that lets the wielder receive a single wish.
There is a price however; the wish is corrupted somehow when the wielder makes a wish out of selfishness.
There is supposedly said to also exist, a map that can lead the wielder to the stones. Once they acquire the gray catalyst, they can illuminate the map with it, and reveal the true location of the next stone.
The map itself is said to have rudimentary markings similar to the stones in color and shape, but those are merely camouflage to hide the artifact from the common crowd.
Of course, that all assumes the map exists and the legend is true. I highly doubt it, but my friend would likely know more. If this stone is really the catalyst as mentioned in the legends, then this could be big.
I don't trust the other groups to not misuse this item. They've already proven their ill intentions many times over to me in the past, and if I have any reason to suspect you guys of ill intentions as well, I will carry true on my earlier warning of grim endings.
So don't disappoint me."
Shadow laughed looking at the Princess. "I'll give you credit you have balls. Don't take offense this is a compliment. My mother would love you. I have no ill intentions as of yet so no worries there."
She was well aware of the map in her handy haversack but she thought it best not to mention it just yet. Learn more and then she can make a decision. Providence was a strange beast it seemed. The luck, or curse of the gods was with them. 'May we live in interesting times.'
*Just snorts in disbelief.* The Capstone is a myth, a fairy tale meant to inspire children. If it's real, then the legends have grown beyond all proportion.
Without another word, he would go to the kitchen and finish making breakfast. He could be heard speaking loudly, though.
I'm not saying we're not with you on this, however. You've got coin, we've got weapons, and they're both at you're disposal.
Followed immediatly by the clank of plates and the sizzle of bacon.
Korvek erupts from the barracks, evidently far more awake now as he boots the door open and marches loudly towards the kitchen. His hair and beard were more ruly now, and his lower half now covered by heavy plate armor. His top remained uncovered with the exception of hair, muscle, and scars. "Smells like somebody wants to be my friend this mornin!" The dwarf laughs, giving the wizard a probably-too-firm grip on the shoulder. He busies himself in tracking down some drinking water.
"Precisely, it is likely a myth and nothing more. That is why I wish to take this stone to my friend, so she can tell us for sure."
In her half-awake state, Piroska obediently stumbled to sit at the table and accept the offer of tea. She drearily sipped it, her gaze staring vacantly at the stone. "Mm, I heard that story," she replied vaguely in response to the Princess' tale. Another sip of tea, and she seemed to perk up slightly. Setting the cup of tea down, Piroska leaned forward to look at the stone. "How's your friend gonna know it's real? Any idiot with a touch of magic skill can make a rock glow." she sat back, scratching at her tangled mass of hair and eyeing the princess for a response.
Coming out of the kitchen with a stack of bacon and eggs, he would set them down on the table along with a small pile of plates, setting them aside for everyone.
It's not that simple. Any idiot can make a rock glow, but any other idiot can tell that the rock is glowing because of a specific spell, say the 'Light' spell, and it would be easily verified as fake or temporary. On the other hand, sometimes a magic object glows just because it has magic, if that makes sense. But even then, just because it glows isn't a certain giveaway as to whether or not it's a genuine artifact. Too fake that, you would need to know what the object actually looks like, or what the legends say it looks like, down to the most obscure detail. Only a true specialist would be able too determine the truth of the claim.
The Princess nodded.
"Precisely, hence, why I want to show it to my friend, since she'd be one who could tell. She examines these types of things for a living, and makes a pretty penny, as she's the only person who does this sort of thing in Zelnite."
She took a small container out of her backpack and removed it's lid. It seemed to be filled with water, and she placed her crab inside, collecting it from the table.
"On a sidenote, Roughcut is know also for it's Arena, a location where fighters from all over come and participate to win fame and fortune. You may find some entertainment and fun once we get there if you don't wish to sit down and listen to babble about myths for a couple of days. It'll be your choice."
Shadow looked at the others and smiled. "I will check the board. So are we walking or riding? If riding I can have the horses brought here." Pushes some food to the princess.
"If their is a job on the way there we can do that and bring in some more coin. Also solidifies her cover."
Stretches putting up her make up munching on bacon.
"I got supplies for two weeks for each of us. Arranged the horses if we still wanted to use them."
Korvek clunks and clanks his way over to the table, a near-pitcher-sized tankard in one meaty hand and his axe in the other. Setting his drink on the table - which looked suspiciously frothy for drinking water - and his axe to lean against it's edge, the dwarf sits and helps himself after raising his drink towards Eric in appreciation. Though he would indeed use a fork to shovel, the unrefined dwarf likely still gave off a rather rough impression. Evidently he was still listening however, as he gives a satisfied nod at the capability of the princess' contact. He pauses eating to watch curiously as the crystalline crab is stashed away before grinning widely at the mention of the arena.
"Aha! This magic stuff'll prolly take a while, hm? Sounds like a way to pass the time."
"Indeed it may take a while. Depends on how much time my friend needs. But don't worry about the Arena too much. It's more entertainment oriented. If you do sign up, you're legally able to participate as long as you show up at least once in a while. You also save all position and ranking you gain, and keep any rewards you earn after fights.
Most people just watch though, although I had also hear rumors that another stone like this one may be the Champion's reward, as it's a part of the belt they're awarded.
Rumor of course. Take with a grain of salt. As far as travel. Horses would draw too much attention. Unless one of your guys' talents requires one, we should go without. Besides, they'd never fit in anything you may want to explore, as per terms."
She pulled the crab out of her container once the Crab had some sufficient time in the water. The satchel was relatively nondescript, but has some decoration. Nothing too fancy.
"The breakfast is appreciated. While not castle standard, it was close enough. I'll need to remember the local farmers and butchers when I adjust the budget next time. We can leave whenever you're ready. My father made sure I didn't leave castle without three weeks supply of items, assuming I may need to have shared with you.
She finished eating as she finished talking. The crab that was now back on her shoulder fed scraps of her bacon she didn't eat.
Feel free to ask me if you need information on something, or wish me to abstain from or participate in anything particular. I'm quite well versed in book knowledge on almost anything, although the engineering and planar pursuits escape me.
I can also share the supplies I mentioned if needed, so prepare for what you guys need, and not worry about me. If we stick to the roads, we should avoid trouble while in Arenstone, as I made sure our military regularly patrols the roads.
Once we reach Zelnite, then we should be more cautious. They have a lot of stuff going on, and are often total brutes. Of course, if you need information on Zelnite, I can give what I know.
Regardless, I've babbled too much. Let us leave when you guys are ready."
Korvek nods approvingly as the princess goes into further detail about the arena, and nods understandingly at the decision to proceed on foot. He was an aggressive eater, but he seemed to know better than to try to talk while doing so at least. He grins widely as he finishes clearing his plate, raising his tankard once more to the mornings chef: "Much obliged lad, well done."
Standing from the table, clears his place before heading back into the barracks. Some might find it peculiar that he bothers to drag his axe with him the short distance. A few moments later the dwarf returns with his pack before sitting near the door and casually taking his whetstone to his axe as he waits.
Shadow smiled listening to the Princess babble. She probably didn't often get to talk without worry about what political ramifications happened with it. Her knowledge skills would come in handy as would anything she could bring to the table.
"Yes, thank you Eric. It was very welcome as was the tea. Korvek I could easily see you entering the Arena. Wonder if they do team battles." Smiles sweetly.
"Well, honestly if you are one of us then you should fight along side us. But if things get to deep then we will tell you what we need you to do to keep you safe. I actually bought supplies for you also. Two weeks worth so that can help us. We have extra incase anything happens. I will go tell the stables we won't be needing the horses and check the board, but first." She stood and stretched before looking at the Princess.
"Now that everyone is up and fed let us actually introduce ourselves. Since you are part of our guild now it benifits you to know our names. I am Shadow Silvertongue." She sticks out her tongue and the princess realizes it was a dull silver color. "A moniker from my actual silver tongue and ease at which I pick up languages." She motions to Korvek. "Korvek the Unyielding, the muscle in our group. He is a sight to behold when he fights." Motions to Piroska. "Our beautiful Piroska, our healer. We owe our lives to her because of her skill." Motions to Eric. "Our expert on magic is Eric here. I am sure you will be able to have very fascinating conversations that will go right over my head. I am sure you already know but it feels better to make introductions nice and proper. What shall we call you?"
After she got the answer she would smile and nod and heads into the barracks to get dressed before heading out to cancel the horse order and to check the notice board for any jobs between here and their destination.
After she answered, Eric would clear the table and dump the dishes in the sink before laying on his bed, pulling a leather-bound book from a small brown bag, and studying it carefully for an hour, muttering too himself every now and then.
"Fine. If you need introductions, then so be it. I'll keep it brief.
I am the Crown-Princess of Estelle, and the only person of importance within the castle and royal lineage at the current moment. The crab is named Diamonds, and simple as it is, we don't knock around others for their personal preferences.
Although many of you I'm sure would likely know this by now."
After she finished, Shadow's look at the board outside lead to no results of note beyond a request for help. Someone got lost within a small dungeon, and the location is halfway between Arenstone and Zelnite.
The order for horses was also canceled successfully by mere mention of the Crown-Princess' name.
Back in the guild, the Crown-Princess sat quietly, playing with her crab as she waited for you guys to ready to go.
While the others engaged in their lengthy (read: boring) discussions about the arena and travel preperations, Piroska slipped away from the table, reappearing just as introductions were passed around. She still looked like she belonged more with the dead than the living, but at least now she was wearing what she thought passed for proper attire. Much of her gear and clothing was battered, worn, and in need of a good wash, it was better than the tunic she had been dressed in earlier. Fussing with her hair in a failed attempt to smooth it down properly, Piroska retook her seat as if she had never gone.
"So," she pointed out after the Crown-Princess' introduction, "What do you want us to really call you? You keep going on about keeping quiet and making this as low-profile a joirney as you want, but you're gonna be needing a nickname or something if you really want it to work. Going around calling you 'Crown-Princess' this and 'Crown-Princess' that is going to raise suspicions. Even your proper name could be risky, depending on how eager these nobles you were talking about may be..."
"My true given name isn't public yet. Refer to me as simply 'Ellian'. Estelle is my middle name I use in public settings for formality and ease of reference."
She was quite serious on this matter.
Shadow would take the notice and bring it with her when she headed back into the guild.
"Looks like someone got lost in a small dungeon halfway between Arenstone and Zelnite. Seems like a simple enough job for us to do on the way and give us a decent cover half way there."
Looking at the Princess then Piroska. "Thank you Piroska for clarifying what I was asking." Smiles sweetly and looks at the Princess.
"Ellian, it is a beautiful name. Well Ellian welcome to our guild. We haven't even named it yet so maybe you can help us come up with a brilliant name as its newest member." Her voice was lighthearted and teasing. "Now, is everyone ready to go?" She asked as she moved into the bunk room gathering her own things quickly.
Having completed his hour of study, he would have donned (at some point) a pair of breeches and vest, black and dark blue all over both except for a white insignia on the right shoulder, about the size of three fingers held together. He also wore a black hooded travelling cloak, a dagger and sheathe on his left hip, and a small brown bag on his right. In his right hand, he held a blackened yew staff.
Sorry for holding everyone up. Well aware the group could have left an hour ago if not for him and his need to prepare spells everyday. I'm ready to go, at long last. Walking over to the door, he would hold it open for everyone else.
The dwarf, noticing the others readying to make their leave, stands and pockets his whetstone. Pack goes over his shoulders, weapon cord attached firmly to his wrist, axe gripped by the haft. Ready. He gives the wizard a nod of thanks and steps through the door.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Piroska replies, nodding in assent.
Shadow gathered her things and yawned slightly but smiled at Eric.
"Thanks sweetheart." She said as she walked out. Looking around the crisp cool air made her a little more alert. "Well, lets head out to the dungeon and see if we can rescue the poor fellow."
As they traveled she whistled and looked at Ellian. "Ellian,what languages do you know? I love collecting languages to learn to speak and write. Maybe we can trade in languages. I teach you one, you teach me one? It's one of the few shared passions me and my birth mother have in common." Smiles pleasantly and seeing a local vendor up and about early she gave him a wink. Continuing on, once he was out of earshot she would continue.
"This goes for any of you if you want. I know Abyssal, Aklo, Celestial, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Gnome, Halfling, Infernal, and Orc."
The travel time was quite manageable, as there was little disruption on the roads. None of the roaming guards even gave more than a small glance at the Crown-Princess (probably for seeing pink hair if anything), and demonstrated no change in posture or standing.
"I speak the major languages akin to each state, those being Zelnic, Elven, Dwarven, and Necril. I then also speak the Common tongue shared by anyone who is anyone within the world at a whole. By royal requirments, I have also been taught Celestial, Infernal, Daemon, and Abyssal.
If I require any further linguistic training, it will be handled by my tutors."
The Crown-Princess seemed uninterested in the proposition of language trading, and would probably have to be persuaded to do so.
About halfway along the short off-road path leading towards the dungeon, the road ends in a fork that leads around a small clearing, and leads into it. You stand at a cliff face right before you, and see several tents and some bustle.
They could be archaeologists, or bandits, but whatever the case, you have the advantage in that they have not seen you, and they can be avoided if you simply take the left side of the forking path.
Going right leads you towards the entrance to the clearing.
Frowns at the encampment and turns to the Princess.
I know you aren't expected to know every little thing that goes on in the state, but would you happen to know if that's supposed to be there? Then turns too Shadow. Or maybe it's the friends of the guy trapped in the dungeon?
He would crouch down behind the edge of the cliff, using it as cover. If they -were- bandits, he wouldn't want to leave a group of them behind them like this.
Figuring it was best not to press her majesty she would continue on. Guess she really did have a stick somewhere where the sun didn't shine. Someone needs to teach her to loosen up a little. Shadow understood the weight she held on her shoulders but it didn't mean she couldn't be at least friendly.
Seeing the group she motioned for her own group to stay back and would slink into the shadows. One thing you learn on the streets was how to conceal yourself to eavesdrop.
Without breaking stride she moved into the underbrush quietly to move close enough to listen.
If in dim light or darkness
While the light wasn't quite dim, there was enough cover to avoid detection, and an argument could be heard.
"...should step aside."
"Like I would. You've been nothing but a joke this entire time!"
"A joke? Your best fighter a joke?"
"Yes, the only thing you fight is dead bodies!"
"Hmph! Just you wait wussycat! I'll take out the next traveler myself!"
"Yeah, he'll probably be some sad little sob with no way to defend himself. You couldn't take an armed warrior if he surrendered to you! Anyways, we're behind our schedule. Our bosses won't be pleased if we don't hurry it up! We find six more units, and we're golden. Preferably "Type B" units."
"Why Type B units? Type A's are more valuable."
"You imbecile! Type A units are always heavily guarded! We'd lose too much!"
The bickering continued, and seemed to involve some kind of power dispute, and was circumstantial evidence to mark them as either treasure hunters or bandits. No solid method of discerning which they were.
Moving back to the group she reported what she had figured out a shining gleam in her eyes. They recognized this look. She wanted what they had and was going to try to convince them to help if they could come up with a good plan.
Korvek marches in relative silence as the group travels. As they reach a fork in the road, Shadow motions for a pause. The dwarf grips the haft of his axe firmly, taking a moment to survey the area before watching her sneak off. He smirks as Shadow returns and relays her findings, giving the princess a look with raised brows and a little grin. "Ready ta get inta character?"
Grinning, anticipation already making his heart pound somewhat... but he had to say it.
Are we absolutely sure that they're bandits? I'd hate to attack a group of merchants and be bandits ourselves. Slides a look at the princess, figuring it probably wouldn't go over well with her either.
In the event that they are, though, I propose that Korvek, obviously, take the vanguard, followed by myself and Piroska. Ellian, you know better than we what compliment of spells you have, and the full extent of your skills, so you'll stand behind us and assist where reasonable. Shadow, use your discretion. I can Enlarge Korvek and set one or two of them ablaze, but I mostly went for defense and utility today.
If they choose to go with this plan, Everyone should remember that the mission comes first. If, for whatever reason, victory appears to be untenable, we should withdraw and attack them again later... I don't want to leave bandits behind us to attack other travellers.
The leader's tent was easily seen. Being the largest tent, it was also the most extravagant one in the camp, and was probably too large for just one person. He seemed to be standing outside along with several others, at which a quick count pegged the number of individuals to be ten strong.
Of the individuals, one stood out. While the rest looked like various men of the fighting, thuggish, or barbaric sorts, wearing various leather and cloth armors (if any), he stood out as the only one in rather glamorous clothing (spoiler below).
Of everything in the camp, a small crate of weapons placed right outside the leader's tent drew quick attention. The weapons looked of quality make, and were definitely taken care of compared to some of the equipment the individuals were equipped with.
After a quick thought, you realize the units are more than likely slaves; connected to the obnoxious size of the the leader's tent, this was a fair assessment. Based on further remarks they make as you approach in quiet, the two types seem to be a way to difference between commoners and the nobility. "Type B Units" were probably the nobility, if their bickering was any indication.
As far as you could decipher, slaves probably sell for a lot of money in all the major states. After all, why else would they be trying to deal in such things for money?
So far, the lot of them seem unaware that you got close enough to hear more of their conversation before retreating to let your group know.
The man who looked different wore a blue cloth shirt that had a large single stripe ripped out of the center, with yellow cloth stitched to replace it. The stitching looked decent however, and wasn't shabby. The sleeves were long, but were apparently not a part of the original shirt, as they were baggy and black, matching the pantaloons he wore (perhaps the sleeves were recycled pantaloons?).
His boots were nice, blue leather, with yellow knee guards, and a yellow cloth stripe continuing the stripe of yellow to the pointed tip of the boots. He had a somewhat expensive looking brown belt made of similar leather used in his gauntlets. His wrists were armored with guards not unlike the ones protecting his knees, but they were polished steel instead of colored.
A yellow mantle supported by brown straps ringed his neck, taking on the appearance of yellow flags, six of them. A blue cape and a stylized blue tricorne (with a feather that looks very artificial) rounded out the outfit.
As far as you could decipher, based on Shadow's information, slaves probably sell for a lot of money in all the major states. After all, why else would common bandits seeking a quick buck be trying to deal in such things?
The Crown-Princess nodded. "If needed, Unyielding. I'd side with Magical Man here. Confirm they aren't legitimate merchants before trying any sort of attack. Do also remember, that while I'm not entirely helpless, it is still best to keep me away from direct harm. If the state loses me, the state loses everything, and will only be thrown into further disarray."