Addressing Vishoon's question: "Ha! No my friend. We have spears for that! Your exotic blades could help, but it is with spears one partakes in the noble sport of boar hunting. Getting too close to its tusks could be deadly."
"Ser Bregan, a knight such as yourself knows better than to turn down an opportunity to go boar hunting! My servants will take care of the logistics and travel. This is to clear your mind and relax. Drink, ride, hunt. You know: live the Brevish dream! If it is your wish to remain in town for a week and help with the dead and clean-up, be my guest."
He looks to Valeska. "Volunteering? This may be one of the last chances I see you! Certainly you will come along for the hunt? I feel like you are a good luck charm for me! Ha! I don't want to go back to my estate without returning proper thanks for my life! Also... I've been thinking..."
"I know this sounds insane! Believe me... but if you are going to explore, I would like your permission to take care of the child. I can do the paperwork and talk to Peitros. My wife... recently passed.. and I would love some company at my estate. I would treat the child as my own and tell him everyday about the compassion Valeska showed him on this fateful day! That is... if you permit it."
----------------------------------
Gregan looks to Ser Bregan who is holding his personal charter. "That'll be the one. He saved my life you know. If he's leading you all, you're in good hands." Syra asks Gregan "Are we set to leave after my father's speech?"
The Halfling server brings you a tall glass of stout. "As wished, hero."
Every time Aldern spoke, Bregan grew more annoyed. Clearly the noble did not understand when someone politely declined.
I will just busy myself, to continue to converse with this one is an invitation to have to listen to him further.
"There is no pay Ravens, just the honor of serving the Aldoris and the necessary provisions for our task."
Bregan did his best to make it sound like an exciting opportunity, but he too would have preferred some sort of guaranteed compensation.
"If you wish more, take it up with Peitros."
Maybe Ravens will accomplish what I could not.
Bregans looked at the talking raven, unsure what to make of the bird who volunteered the fortune-teller, who appeared to be nursing her child.
"Raven, and I mean the bird, not the bird-tender." He addressed Tzerny. "I'm not certain mothers with children should be coming to The Greenbelt. It is a dangerous frontier."
Areanna turns to Bregan pleased to hear that she was accepted. "Of course I am a good choice. After all I beat Lionel in the archery competition. I proved myself in the defense of the wedding. So I will be an asset for sure." Areanna shakes Bregan's hand.
Areanna hears Vishoon call out and turns to him excitedly. "Vishoon! It is good too see you again. You were spectacular in that fight!" She moves over to sit next to Vishoon. "Now some drinks to celebrate our victory over the bandits and the revival of the expedition and a new fellowship!"
"There is no pay Ravens, just the honor of serving the Aldoris and the necessary provisions for our task."
Ravens looks confused. He thinks for a minute as he realizes that this opportunity is better than being paid...in a way.
"Pay? Pay would be nice...but I can do this for the Aldoris. Would I get the same chance at treasure and reward as everyone else? That would work for me."
If there is no pay, then I have no master. We work together for the good of all and we share in the rewards and the failures. I could make my life that way.
Bregan shakes Areanna's hand and manages a smile at the elf.
"Indeed, I'm sure your archery will come in handy. Are you able to track as well?"
Bregan studies Ravens for a moment.
He seems more enthusiastic without the pay. Why?
The knight's eyes narrow as he tries to truly see Ravens, but Bregan discerns nothing at this time.
"Yes, the same chance as everyone else."
Ravens has no interest in the boar hunt...he doesn't really see the need to kill innocent animals, but moreso, spending time with foppish nobility sets his teeth on edge.
Also, he probably wasn't invited.
"m'Bregan, when did you want to leave then? How many days? I could leave on the morrow, but have preparations to make. I'll see if we can borrow some ravens for our trip...unless you have another way to report back?"
Before Areanna joins Vishoon at the table she does turn back to Bregan for a moment, "Tracking? No, find someone else more fitted to the wild. I merely have perfect aim, good looks and a beautiful voice, I have never had need of such skills as tracking, though I am sure my song could inspire competence for those who may need it." If Bregan is satisfied, Areanna will proceed to Vishoons table and continue with her actions mentioned in the before post.
Holbrecht approaches Bregan, hastily scrawled notes in hand, "Ser, if I judge correctly given the variables, it should take us roughly a month's time to cover the square mileage indicated by the charter. Given four to six explorers, and including mounts, we will need approximately five meals a day and five bags of oat, factor weight of total multiplied by days of travel, include water... oh, and water for the mounts.. four times as much?... seems right... that will be... one hundred fifty-five pounds a day... thirty days... We will need a wagon, or two if one isn't large enough, that can haul, at a minimum, four-thousand six-hundred fifty pounds of food and water for everyone to be equally provisioned for the duration of our excursion. Now this will be a larger or smaller total once I know for certain the exact number of participants." He looks at the man matter-of-factly, adding "Now, I have not priced the local shops for these wares or whether they have them available in this bulk, but once I do I will give you an estimated cost assessment. Will you be covering the bill?"
Bregan stood and listened to the dwarf's recount of necessary provisions. It was a long description and detailed and gave Bregan considerable confidence in the dwarf's ability to plan for their needs.
However, after the dwarf was done recounting the details, Bregan forgot almost all of them.
Five meals a day?
Bregan shakes his head. "No, it was something that Peitros said about covering our supplies. Perhaps you can handle the details with the Aldori and Ravens as well? He seemed interested in bringing some birds along to send back letters."
Ravens tilts his head as he hears Bregan speak.
Can he not see me? And why isn't he answering my question? Maybe if I ask more slowly.
"m'Bregan, I'm right here...sitting with the dwarf. We were discussion provisions and horses and what not. Hello? Hi! When did you want to leave? I'm happy to get provisions and birds, but also knowing when you want to leave would be nice."
Under torchlight, men and women of the wedding celebration somberly come to the stage to be an audience once more. Peitros takes no pleasure and offers no welcome or good news as he comes on stage. He sighs and with a grim tone proceeds to make his speech. Everyone who volunteered is already on stage behind Peitros.
"Today, Erastus 22nd, 4710, we became under attack by bandits. We know they were led by the disgraced ranger, Bruthazmus, who dwells in fear in the northern reaches of the Stolen Lands. As this is my keep and you are my guests, I have directed all possible measures be taken to insure against another attack. For many, that point comes too late and I can only offer you my sincerest, deepest sympathies for your loss. I assure you, men and women of Brevoy, that this attack has not delayed our resolve or hopes to live our lives free of fear, In fact, it has only strengthened our fight against injustice and those that will bring harm and destroy what we hold so dear. A new group of heroes is being assembled to reclaim the Greenbelt as I speak to you this evening. Men and women who have distinguished themselves today in defense of you all. In the defense of Brevoy and civilzation. We will not go quietly as our children, husbands, wives die from thugs like those who attacked here tonight. We will bring the fight to them and ensure peace and economic prosperity to the lands we hold so dear to us. So help us Abadar."
He does not wait for applause, but merely steps down from the podium.
He looks at everyone. "A word with you all, please." He gestures for everyone to follow him and his retinue of guards as he shuffles away to his keep for the night.
"Thank you again for doing this. You are doing your country a great favor." He closes the door as you enter an official looking office chamber. "If you have any questions about anything, let me know. I can do what I can to provide for your trip, but today has costed everyone a lot and I don't mean just money." He gestures everyone to a table with some papers and ink on it. "As the Mithral Falcons wings are clipped, we'll need a new group. Ser Lionel named the last group, but I think I'll let you all have the pleasure of naming yourselves. Just don't take too long. Ser Bregan's charter is all ready and in effect, but it will take some time to get everyone else's. I'll be needing everyone to sign their names, birthday, and next of kin where possible. We'll need this for our records and for Magistrate Ironbriar's in Restov. When done, I trust Ravens here to take these to the aviary to be sent off. He should know the address by heart by now."
Ravens follows and says little.
Uhm...what have I gotten myself into?
Vishoon, preferred if he was paid also, but his desire for vengeance will override that and will go on the hunt for bandits. Hoping to find Tevok and maybe others out there
After Peitros speech "I suggest the Iron Justicators, as we will be bringing Justice to those wretched scum, who kill innocents and then try and hide in the Greenbelt." Saying the last part quite angrily and slamming his fist down thinking of Tevok and the other five.
Catching himself, He looks around, eyes darting back and forth "Sorry, its The orc blood in me....We can pick another name too if you rather"
Quickly calming down, and taking another drink
He takes the paper. and fills it out
Name:Vishoon
Birth Date 4690
Next of Kin:Dead
"Here, I think, I give this to you. Handing the form to Ravens
Looking at Ravens "Your Name is Ravens? Are you from a family of bird-handlers?"
Ravens accepts the form from the half-orc, not quite sure how to address the man. Quickly scanning the sheet, he finds what he is looking for.
"You are...Vish-oone? Yes, yes, I am Ravens...and I do work with birds. You're very perceptive."
Ravens looks over the document before accepting the ink feather to write down his own information.
Name: Ravens Stone
Birth Date: Abadius 1, 4692 A.R.
Next of Kin: none
I do not know my real date of birth...the orphange just said it was the first day of the year. So it is.
Ravens wrinkles his nose at the suggestion of the Iron Justicators.
What is a justicator? And what makes us 'iron'?
"Uhm, I don't really have a good name. I like anything with birds in it. Ravens, eagles, rocs, harpies, boobies, etc." Ravens responds to Vishoon.
During the ceremony, Bregan stands, arms crossed, the image of an agent of retribution.
During the time in the office, Bregan stands, arms crossed, the image of an agent of retribution.
"I'm had enough with falcons. I'm the last of the Kupfer Falken. Possibly the last of these short-lived Mithral Falcons. Just no more falcons."
We do seem to have a lot of ravens about... is that a good sign or an ill one?
Guess I wasn't clear
"No I Meant were yer family fortunetellers like Valeska or is Ravens a nick name."
Hmm bird related names....hmmm
"Bird names huh....How about Birds of Vengeance."
Areanna watches Vishoon strike the table in fury as he names the group. She coos at him in a flirtatious tone. "Ooo, that was so forceful and authoritative. I like the way you say the name too. I vote for Vishoon's idea. The Iron Justicators is a very strong name. Very nice. Your are both wise and intense Ser Vishoon." Areanna looks down at the sheet. "Let's see."
Name: The Beautiful, Dignified, and Arrogant, Archer and singer extraordinaire Areanna Tesbellen Delante
Birth:Year 4572
Next of Kin:Ser Orlovsky, and Maybe Madaline Delante, my mother. Go to the Orlovsky's first for anything.
Once Areanna finishes writing she perks straight up and in a very musical tone she pronounces "Finished" She passes along the sheet to the next in line. "So, when do we begin to aid the kingdom?" She can't help but squeal with excitement. "OH this is soooo exciting I can hardly wait! My first real assignment. This is going to be an adventure!" Areanna has begun a rather uncontrollable bouncing act.
Holbrecht looks caught off guard, "A group name, I hadn't even time to collate associated animals or personal histories to establish a common theme, oh my."
He writes on the form as he mumbles to himself, over names
Name: Holbrecht Bastionne
"What about crows? what do they call a group of crows... wait, murder? No murder isn't good."
Birthdate: th of Kuthona, Year 4644
"Order, I like the title order... order of what.. a bird? Order of... the Phoenix? why does that sound familiar?"
Next of Kin: Toval Golka, Cousin on my mother's side
"What about giving it the Old Taldanic style, Ordus... Ordus.. something intense, powerful... something considered wise or all-knowing... Draconis? Ordus Draconis. I like it."
He turns to the group and asks, "What about something like Ordus Draconis? It involves a flying creature for some, intelligence for others, and power for the rest."
Ravens looks at Ser Bregan standing, arms crossed, the image of an agent of retribution.
Mayhaps "The Un-led"? "The Leaderless"?
"How about Luck and his Murder of Crows?" Ravens chimes in, hopefully.
Bregan looks back at Ravens looking at him.
This one has a strange infatuation with my horse. Perhaps it will be better when he has one of his own.
"I don't know if a name is necessary at this time, I'm sure one will come to us once we have spent more time together."
Didnt know the calaner either...found this
Adds 18 Sarenith to his Birthdate
Areanna also adds to birth date. Neth 15.
Valeska's birthday is Pharast 13.
"Oh, don't worry, the child isn't hers, she just picked up a baby whose mother was shot down. Better that than the arrows, but Valeska is no mother."
Steaming, Valeska calls back, "Enough, Tzerny, I don't need your help!" The boy awakens at the sound of Valeska's anger, and starts to cry.
"There, you see? No mother at all," Tzerny rejoins.
"You would take care of the child? Tzerny is adamant that I should go off into the woods... but I'd rather make sure that the child is cared for. Dear Aldern, you are the greatest of gentlemen. Thank you. I... I don't want to miss you."
Crying babies and bars really don't mix...sigh
I know a good song would calm the spirits,and maybe the baby too
Turning to Areanna "Would you play us one of you wonderful songs, to help raise folks spirits after the rough day?
Still wondering who makes STONE skeletons...tho someone controlling stone skeletons could be useful
And has some more drink
Bregan squirmed in his armor at the thought of an infant child being reared by Aldern.
No doubt, he will teach it the finer points of boar hunting and how to whine when his soup is luke-warm or his wineglass is smudged.
"Well, if she's not shackled to the responsibilities of a new mother, what can your keeper do to assist with our charter, raven?"
Bregan couldn't believe he was talking to a raven. It was hard enough talking to Ravens.
--------------
Peitros smiles at Areanna's enthusiasm.
"There there Areanna, I know you are eager to go... I just have to have Justice Ironbriar to sign off on these new charters. It is a formality, but required. To hasten the process, I have requested an injunction for your cases to retroactively be enabled should you leave in one week and your charters be delayed. I'll know in two days time of the status of my request."
He addresses everyone,
"Now to the matter of supplies...I hope Ser Bregan has told you of the generous supplies we'll be providing you for service. Horses, tents, a reasonable amount of food, rope, papers, ink, maps, journals...This is a one time supply. It will be difficult to re-supply on your journeys and get in contact with you. You will be on your own mostly out there. Oleg and his outpost has requested aid for some time now and perhaps you should make that your first stop on your journey. He'll be the only trader in the region, let alone the only place with access to an aviary. Extra supplies requested will be sent there should proper necessity deem it required. Ser Bregan, who shall be your group's quartermaster?"
After those logistical matters have been addressed, he adds
"One last thing before you go, everyone, I'll require your discretion about somethings. Rumor has it that a few of Ser Bregan's fellow falcons defected or aiding Bruthazmus' gang. Should you hear any word of truth to this on your expedition please let me know."
Areanna seems quite excited. "This is it. And now a song!"
Perfor Sing:
"As I travel far from kinships.
As I wander far from home.
The Gentle beam of light will guide me
As it wakes me with it's glow.
May it bring me hope
Hope I have never never known
may the light of hope
enter the place I've ever known"
Ravens Training/Expedition Montage:
Day 1: Ravens will spend the next day helping bury the dead and cleaning up after the wedding.
Day 2: Ravens will spend the day working with the ravens, sending up the hundreds of follow up messages that would happen after an attack like this with so many dead.
Day 3: Ravens again works hard, but actually finds some time to sleep. He has no trouble falling asleep while thinking of names for his new horse.
It won't be as good as Luck the Hero Horse but I'm sure he'll be great. I wonder if he'll have paladin-smiting hooves too?
Day 4: Finally getting a chance to prepare for the journey. Ravens will work on some of his magical writing. Taking time, he will scribe the following scroll:
Scroll 1: Entangle, Faerie Fire, Magic Stone
Day 5: Packing! Or pre-packing. Ravens will tend to supplies for the Ravens and his new Aldori-gifted steed, BaneCrow. Or is it CrowBane? LucksFriend?
Ravens spends the day pondering good names as he schleps supplies to and fro.
Day 6: Spends the day talking with his few friends and colleagues within the Aldori household. He spends more time saying goodbye to his bird and horse friends than humans, but is saddened to leave them all. He promises the ones he likes jobs when he becomes a Lord of his own estate (ha ha! they laugh together), but Ravens actually means it.
This day passes too fast but Ravens believes he's done all that he can do to get ready.
He has a quiet meal with his Master wherein he thanks the Master profusely for his time and training and patience and promises to pass along what he learned to others.
Day 7: He decides to learn different spells for traveling than he usually does in the morning. Picking up Squeel and TwoToes, the ravens, Ravens is ready to leave...excepting not having a horse's name picked out yet.
Ravens is ready to go.
Hearing Areanna's Song lifts Vishoon Mood a bit. Yes Hope is nice thing to have,
Raising his mug Here's hoping I find Tevok soon, so I can send him to the mother. Fingering the Holy Symbol beneath his tunic
He offers to buy Areanna a drink when she is done, and sits down and listens to the supply and preparation discussion Ravens and Holbrecht are having. But his attention span for that stuff is short, and soon their discussion turns to like a buzz in the background.
Tzerny squints, nictitates, and leans in conspiratorially to Ser Bregan. "She might not look it, but she is a spellcaster and a healer. She is already well-trained in potion-making, and carries a number of healing draughts on her person. In fact, she is not here as a fortune-teller at all. Although her cartomancy skills are far greater than even she recognizes, she was actually brought here on the request of Gregan Orlovsky himself. Indeed, she kept him safe via hexes throughout today's ordeal. She already saved Gregan's cousin once before by diving into ice-cold waters and pulling him to safety. No, she can't wield a sword. She can't even string a bow. But her eldrtich powers, though subtle, mean the difference between life and death. Ask yourself... why is it that of all the people involved today, she was the one that was already in the thick of the action... and unharmed?"
Bregan nods at the information shared by the feathered resume.
"A healer's hands will be very useful in The Greenbelt!"
He does his best to politely acknowledge Valeska now that he understands her substantial value to his own life.
In fact, she may be the most useful of all of us. Any man can pick up a sword.
Bregan looks about at the others.
Or almost any woman can pick up a bow.
When Aldern mentions knowing of the status of retroactive charters, he adds, "perhaps we can leave in two or three days instead of seven then?"
Waiting a whole week will just make me anxious. The sooner we're away from all the nobility, the better.
"Will you be at your estate, then? Perhaps one day we can spend more time together, see how this fine young boy is doing... Plan for something better than how this day turned out. Just... thank you for being such a good man."
She quickly looks around, notes Tzerny's continued antics make for a reasonable distraction, bites her lip, then quickly gives Aldern a kiss on the cheek.
Tzerny caws triumphantly and flies back to Valeska.
"So you are joining the expedition!" he replies.
Valeska stares at Tzerny meaningfully impatiently. "Not now, Tzerny!"
The raven looks at Valeska and Aldern, and lets out a guttural cackle. "The time you'll understand all of today will come. Come, there's a paper they want you to scratch ink to."
Peitros looks around for everyone's sentiments about Ser Bregan's wishes to leave ASAP.
"Is everyone ok with leaving as soon as possible then?"
Peitros looks around for everyone's sentiments about Ser Bregan's wishes to leave ASAP.
"Is everyone ok with leaving as soon as possible then?"
Ravens nods furiously.
Aldern smiles and looks at you.
"Yes. I'd like that very much. My estate is about a 3 day's journey easy of Silverhall on the main road."
After your kiss, he is flustered and tries to maintain composure. He takes your hand and kisses it.
"Goodbye, Valeska. Until we meet again."
Areanna Joins Vishoon for a drink. After her first glass she looks closely at Vishoon. "You have to be one of the nicest half-orcs ever. You also have such a winning smile too. Say, how good are you at Performing. I bet you will be a spectacular comedian or maybe even a good dancer. I'm going to spend my week performing and then I will but some more gear with the money I make. I am sure I will make off well. Don't you think?"
In response to Peitros Areanna nods. "I can go anytime!"
"I need to pick up a new Weapon from Das, Not sure how long that will take, but after that I'll be ready."
Holbrecht looks up as the question is asked, having been declared the quartermaster, he responds proudly "I'm able to leave whenever the correct amount of supplies are gathered... I already have the list... leaving sooner, I can pare it down... now that they explained that we don't need enough to last the whole time right when we leave... Yeah, I can leave soon enough." He states plainly, before stuffing his face back into his ruffled papers.
"Well, since I've been invited on this endeavor, I'd like to prepare a few more healing potions, if I could have access to the proper materials."
Valeska also heads over to place her information in the register.
Name: Valeska of Byelsk
Birthdate: 13 Pharast, 4687
Next of Kin: Lyudmilla of Byelsk
Nodding at Areanna "Yes I think you will do well performing until we leave. Me a comedian? No I don't have any funny stories, my stories would not, make people laugh." Sounding a bit sad.
He takes another drink "If you perform, I will come listen...I like your songs...they make me smile...especially the one about Vishoon...hah hah" His mood seeming to lighten some
Good, if they can ready themselves in three days, they aren't weighing the group down.
"I think it's appropriate that we begin spending time training together. I would appreciate it if we all met tomorrow morning to get to know each other better. The tournament grounds should be acceptable."
"I can be there in the morning...
Areanna notices Vishoon's glum mood and sets down her drink. She calls out to any musicians on duty. "Come! Play us a song! The expedition will carry on for our great home. We shall perform for you this evening! Your brave heroes. The Beautiful, Dignified, and Arrogant archer and singer extraordinaire and the Wise, Strong, and ever Vigilant, Bounty Hunter, The Great Vishoon!!" Once the band gets going, Areanna will move up to Vishoon and take his hands. Even if he fights, she will drag his out into the dancing area and begin to sing and dance. She will Perform Inspire competence and attempt to aid Vishoon in his footwork.
Areanna's Dance: +2 If the Bardic Performance is allowed.
Areanna aiding Vishoons Dance: +2 if Bardic Performance is allowed.
If aid is successful, Vishoon gets a +2 and another +2 from Bardic Performance.