Holbrecht gets his ale, and drinks heavily, washing the smoke out of his throat. Turning to the Half-orc, he asks, "Not sure if we met the night before, I'm Holbrecht, what's your name?" holding out his hand in greeting, pulling it back and wiping on his clothes, before putting it out again.
Hearing the knight's orders, Holbrecht suggests from over his shoulder, "Don't forget Sir knight, when weighing candidates for their value, avoid the waste of the quantification of emotional attachment, it only skews the numbers unfavorably." as an afterthought he adds, "I could do the math for you, that way you don't muddle it with your opinion and use only the facts instead."
Ravens continues to eat and drink as he observes the assembled nobility.
I should just take my horse, Luck, and get gone from here. With Syra moving in a different, more jerky, direction, I think I should move on too.
Ravens pockets a carrot from his dinner, and then, after thinking about it, orders a few more to pocket.
I'm sure Luck likes carrots.
Shaking Holbrecht's hand "Vishoon, bounty hunter. Glad we could save you from the burning building. Want to grab a table?"
Hearing Holbrecht talking to Ser Bregan
Maybe Tevok was with the bandits, and that's why he was supposed to be at the wedding. If this knight is going after them, maybe I should go too and see if I can find him and deliver the mother's justice.
Turning to Ser Bregan "When yer not sitting looking pretty on yer horse, you fight well. If yer going bandit hunting, I would be interested in helping.
Extending his hand to Ser Bregan "Vishoon, Bounty Hunter."
Areanna spends some time treating her wounds and cleaning herself up. She dresses in her explorer's garb. This time, just in case the bandits arent finished yet, Areanna gathers her armor, bow, and arrows. She returns to the party room after an hour of cleaning up. She takes in all the patrons and watches the proceedings.
"I lost my mother when I was young, too. Poor thing. Are you joking? Surely someone as beautiful as yourself has someone in your life. Ah here we are! Let me get the door for you." Aldern opens the door for you to let you inside the Rusty Dragon. "Can I get you anything?"
Aldern spots the rest of his saviors.
"Friends! It is good to see you, again."
You approach the unharmed Rusty Dragon and Aldern gets the door to let you inside. You see many knights and nobles around discussing the evening's attacks, assessing strategies and retaliations. Gregan, Syra, Peitros and the rest of the Bridal Party is present. Some other familiar faces from the fireworks, joust and the barn scenes are around.
Valeska turns to Aldern as she passes through the entryway, baby in her arms, raven on her shoulder. "Mmm, yes, perhaps it's not the most ladylike, but I think I'm going to need a tall ale after today's travesty... And maybe we should see if this little one will take some gruel."
As Aldern turns to go, Valeska reaches out to touch him on the arm. "Thank you, Aldern, for walking the two of us back. You've been more than kind."
A moment later, as Aldern gets out of earshot, Tzerny adds, "Oh yes, my prince, get me liquored up tonight. Raughh!" He yelps as Valeska flicks his chest.
She joins everyone in the main hall, and approaches the wedding pair. "Gregan! Syra! How it gladdens me to see that the two of you made it here safely. I was so worried! So sad that today had to be marked by tragedy as well as your blissful union." She stops, pulls out the warding poultice she had held onto for most of the day, kisses it, hands it to the baby boy, and says, "Here, kiss it." The boy kisses the wrapped bundle of herbs, and the witch gushes, "Very good!" She takes the poultice back into her hand, and prognosticates, "May your descendants be thrice as numerous as those who were lost today." She hands the poultice to Gregan, takes Syra's hand and brings hands and poultice together, and gives the couple as good a curtsey as holding a child allows.
Valeska, Tzerny, and the baby head to the corner, away from the main activity, for a little calm so that the child might find some respite from the events of the day.
"I could do the math for you, that way you don't muddle it with your opinion and use only the facts instead."
Bregan looked at Holbrecht with a look of I have no idea what you're talking about.
Bregan favored dwarves though, their work ethic was strong, they were mostly trustworthy and always seemed to turn up with ale when you most needed it.
Dwarvish (to Holbrecht): "You have any interest in chartering The Greenbelt?"
"When yer not sitting looking pretty on yer horse, you fight well. If yer going bandit hunting, I would be interested in helping.
Why am I not insulted by his sitting pretty comment?
Bregan regarded Vishoon with a half smile, unsure what to make of him. He seemed deadly with a sword and passable with a spear, but he had nerves of steel.
And I doubt there's exactly going to be a line forming in town for this task...
Bregan took the half-orc's hand and shook it.
"Alright."
Two strong warriors is a good start.
He looked around the room and spotted the bird-master.
"Ravens!" he shouted with all the softness of a hammer breaking rock.
Ravens visibly flinches, but keeps eating, hoping that he had misheard his name being screeched across the tavern.
Bregan stands, sighing.
If this is some trick to make me come to him...
With heavily armored steps, he moves to stand over Ravens, his long shadow hovering over the table and the bird-master's meal.
He forces himself to take on a softer voice, so as to not crush the spirit of the fragile youth.
"Ravens... I have this charter here." He sets it on the table.
"I need someone to tend the animals, send back ravens and keep Luck well. Make your lady proud?"
Holbrecht thinks for a minute, "Charting will require precise calculations... the ability to convert normal measurments to scale... if it needs to be done right, it is better to have someone that knows what they are doing..." He looks to the knight and responds "You have yourself a deal. You will not be disappointed by my work. It is thorough, and precise." He holds out his hand to shake on it.
Ravens looks up from his meal at Ser Bregan.
"Help with the animals, m'Lord?" Ravens eyes travel from Bregan's face to the charter.
Ravens holds his hand out asking to read the charter.
(assuming he allowed to read it)
"You know that I can read *AND* write, m'Lord? Magical and non-magical?" Ravens is proud that he can write the magical stuff...not too many can do that, especially not many fancy knights or high and mighty lords.
"Kill bandits? I suppose I could come along to keep the animals safe...sounds risky though. What is in it for me?" Ravens tries to keep his desire to get out of here from Bregan.
"Excellent."
He hands and allows Holbrecht to read the charter before heading over to Ravens.
The Charter ... from the OOC thread weeks ago.
"You know that I can read *AND* write, m'Lord? Magical and non-magical? Kill bandits? I suppose I could come along to keep the animals safe...sounds risky though. What is in it for me?"
Bregans nods. "I'm not inviting you just for your good looks. And it's Ser if you must, not M'Lord. Gregan is a lord, not me."
The knight points at Holbrecht and Vishoon. "They've both volunteered or agreed, as well."
Bregan strokes his chin.
"Anyone else we should bring along?"
Ravens repeats his question.
Is this a command? Or may I politely refuse?
"m'Lo-, eurhm, m'Bregan," Ravens tongue fumbles, "...what are you offering or paying those two? I'd like the same. I'll do good work, but I want to be the same as the others."
Who else to bring along? Is he asking *me* for advice?
"You should bring Luck, of course. A hero-horse is always a good omen."
Ravens scratches his ear and eats another bite before continuing.
"What about that scholar with the weird dog?" Ravens offers helpfully. "He seemed to know a lot about stuff?"
Areanna approaches Gregan as she reenters the tavern. She notices the busy work some of the other patrons are doing. She recognizes Vishoon and Ser Bregan as she makes her way to her old friend. "Gregan, this bandit attack was serious. A lot of the expedition crews were lost in the fighting. What happens now?" She stands waiting for a response.
Ravens nods at Areanna in speakin to m'Bregan.
"Oh yeah, this one here could shoot a bow."
"Hrmm. She could."
Is the Greenbelt a place for a woman? Even one with a bow?
Bregan looked at Areanna and contemplated. The original group did include Shelaina, but she was scarcely able to defend herself against a single man.
"Yes, and I suspect an elf would be useful in the wild. Ravens, why don't you see if she's interested? She seems to be friendly with Gregan."
Ravens goes back to eating.
If he won't answer my questions, I don't see why I should do anything he says.
"I don't know. Brevoy and my father must show we are strong so.... no doubts the expeditions will set foot next week as planned. I suppose Ser Bregan and my father will be busy tonight getting together new charters while I reclaim what beauty is left of my wife and I's wedding day." Syra looks at him upset. She knows what he is going to say next and disapproves. "I wish.. there was a way for myself to go, but I'd never leave my Syra behind. The married life here in Brevoy is the path for me." These words assuage Syra's earlier disapproving looks. She kisses Gregan. "I'm sure we'll find adventures in our new homes and safe from bandits thanks to the expeditions."
To Bregan, "She won the archery Contest, and Sings well, inspiring at times, yes you should see if Areanna wishes to go." Pointing at Areanna
Tzerny flies over and land's at Ser Bregan's table.
"My name's Tzerny, if you please. If you must call all the ravens in the room... oh, you mean him, don't you."
"No pay, but I understand we're to be supplied with horses and traveling gear. You can ask Peitros about the details." Bregan waves his hand, almost as if he's disinterested in this level of detail. Then, he gets an idea.
"Holbrecht, perhaps you can sort out the details... keep track of provisions and what not?"
That can leave me free to drink and generally take the blame for anything that goes wrong.
"Why not bring the elvish archer along? And her too while we're at it?" Bregan half jokingly gestures to the Valeska the fortune-teller.
Let's take all the entertainers from the wedding. Where are the halfling mimes?
As the talking raven lands, Bregan frowns at it. "There you go Ravens, your first messenger bird, although this one might talk back and deliver our reports to the River Lands instead of Restov."
Ravens shrugs and goes back to eating, glad that he doesn't have to go after Areanna and risk talking to Gregan.
While eating, Ravens will look up while chewing and always find Syra's face...her beautiful, perfect face.
No, I'll talk to the Master and see if we can take Squeel and TwoToes with us. Them be good ravens who are good messengers. Not sure what to make of Tzerny.
Ravens nods at Tzerny.
"You want some carrot? Bread?"
Ravens tears off a piece of bread for Tzerny.
Seeing Bregan frowning. Cheer Up Sir Knight, We have won the day, your friends are safe" pointing to Wedding party.. and still have our guts intact. Come have a drink...and"
pausing... and ummm Tell me who you are again..and why are we hunting bandits for no pay?
Holbrecht withdraws a sheet of paper and starts taking notes, "Logistical support, most vital, most vital indeed... given an area of four thousand three hundred twenty square miles... factoring average land speed of an unladen horse... or laden horse more than likely..." He stops and hollers over at Ravens, "Hey, excuse me, umm, horse-talker? Could you assist me possibly? I am uncertain on the miles of overland travel a horse can travel both laden and unladen." expecting the answer to be forthcoming shortly, he returns to his paper, only after taking a swig of his ale. "So, based on speed, modified by the number of participants..." He furrows his brow, seemingly frustrated, before turning to the knight in charge "I cannot complete these calculations until I am made aware of all the constants, too many variables at this time to get a solid computation. I will require the speed of travel, and the number of travelers. Thus far I can tell you that, for the amount of land we need to cover, we will need a large wagon to hold all the provisions we will need to traverse that distance. It may take us from weeks to months, and if we don't make good time our provisions just may go bad before we are finished..... you are definitely going to need me, you really haven't thought all of this through.... Humans, they are always in such a rush."
Ravens lifts his head from his meal when he gets shouted at (again) to see who the speaker is.
"What?" Ravens looks confused.
Holbrecht seeing the confusion, decide he needs to explain what it is he's looking for, and to clarify if he is asking the right person. "I believe you are the one that spoke with the horse earlier, are you not? The one you refer to as Luck? I am trying to gauge the amount of provisions we will need for the trip, and assumed you would be able to tell me, as precisely as possible, how many miles a horse, both laden and unladen, can traverse over the course of a day's travel. It is vital to the numbers, I am Holbrecht and will be handling the logistics, supplies that is, for this particular trip." He takes a swig of ale, then offers his hand to the man.
Traveling (Time to cross 1 hex)
Party Speed-----Plains-----All Other Terrains
15 feet---------11 hours---16 hours
20 feet---------08 hours---12 hours
30 feet---------05 hours---08 hours
40 feet---------04 hours---06 hours
50 feet---------03 hours---05 hours
Exploring (Time to fully map/explore 1 hex)
Party Speed---Plains---Forest/Hill---Mountain/Swamp
15 feet-------3 days---4 days--------5 days
20 feet-------2 days---3 days--------4 days
30 feet-------1 day----2 days--------3 days
40 feet-------1 day----1 day---------2 days
50 feet-------1 day----1 day---------1 day
Ravens face brightens when the topic turns to horses and Ravens smiles and invites the dwarf to sit down.
"Please, please sit! I am Ravens...you are...?" Ravens holds out his right hand in a fist, hoping for a successful "Aldori fist bump" of greeting.
"Laden or unladen horses, you say? Of course." Ravens launches into what might be a familiar refrain about horses that eventually gets into the correct maintenance and capacity of horses.
Horses in the subspecies caballus are domesticated, although some domesticated populations live in the wild as feral horses. There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior.
Horses' anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight instinct. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.
Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy work; and "warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific riding purposes.
Horses and humans interact in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, as well as in working activities such as inquisitions, agriculture, jousting, and therapy. Horses were historically used in warfare, from which a wide variety of riding and driving techniques developed, using many different styles of equipment and methods of control. Many products are derived from horses, including meat, milk, hide, hair, bone, and spell components extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. Humans provide domesticated horses with food, water and shelter, as well as attention from specialists such as druids and farriers.
Horses are rumored to be related to the pegasi, hippogriffin, griffin, centaur, among others. The best way to mount a horse is after buying it dinner...
Bregan turns to respond to Vishoon.
"The name's Bregan."
He has an excellent question, why are we doing this for no set compensation?
"Well, for however long it takes us, we are getting food and drink. I suspect if we are successful, there will be some rewards for our effort."
Bregan excuses himself to hunt down Peitros and bring up the subject.
"My lord, as I search for suitable members of the expedition, the question of pay keeps coming up. Am I to staff our group with prisoners forced as part of their sentence, or with competent mercenaries who would require at least some minimal weekly stipend?"
Bregan stands with his arms crossed, as if the decision of the success of the expedition depends on Peitros' generosity in the matter.
"I see." Peitros studies your question. He looks down and with a great sigh he begins talking.
"Where will you spend that stipend? The only trading post in the whole area is Oleg's and I am already giving you supplies and rights to claiming any possessions. Everyone always wants more."
He crosses his own arms.
"Apparently the deaths of men, women, and children mean nothing to some people. I have to speak to a crowd of your scared and worried countrymen with promises of retaliation and protection once and for all and you are telling me you can't find a group who will do this for King and country without a 'weekly stipend?'"
He comes very close to you in a soft, but extremely stern voice continues-
"There. Will. Be. No. Pay. You're going to the Greenbelt because your country needs you. If that isn't enough I can see that your Lord, Poul Orlovsky, demands that you do it. You aren't going for the money. I don't care what you tell people, but the expeditions are due to leave in one week. You better find some willing volunteers or it will be a lonely trip."
He takes a step back and politely speaks,
"Now if you'll excuse me I have to make last minute preparations for my speech."
Bregan nods.
"I cared not for pay. I was gladly serving Brevoy, my lord. It was for all these here hesitating in their duty."
Looks like I'm left with volunteers from the rabble, here. How many here are motivated by noble needs for Brevoy?
The best way to mount a horse is after buying it dinner...
Holbrecht appears surprised by this last, "How could I have forgotten? I hadn't even taken the horses provisions into account. Do their meals entirely need to be bought before riding, or will thay allow one to ride with prepurchased goods? Also, what do they eat, will it be heavy, and how much of it? Will we need a second wagon or even a third to haul the amount of food a creature that size will need for the course of about a months work? So many new factors to account for, I may be bothering you for more information later." He scratches his head with his inkpen, leaving a blot in his hair, before frantically scribbling more numbers onto his paper.
"I'm just a little shaken after today. I hope I did not disrespect your honor. Especially after you served Brevoy in her moment of need today."
Ravens is about to answer the question about horse feed, but then gets fascinated by the ink blot on the man's head and just watches as it slowly spreads.
"Uhm yeah...horses are easy to feed. We'll need some grain bags, but should be able to travel for a good distance...ink...uhm..."
"Worry not on the matter, my lord."
Bregan bows to Peitros.
I can wear honor as well a mummer wears a costume.
Returning to the common room, Bregan decides to visit Ravens again, to ensure the bird-master has approached Areanna about the expedition, as he was instructed to do several minutes earlier.
"Well, what did the elf say?" Bregan looks surprised to see Ravens eating and not standing near the entertainer-archer.
"What elf, m'Lo-, m'Bregan? What did she say about what?" Ravens eats another bite of food.
"Have you met this guy, here?" Ravens points his fork at the inky guy who refuses to name himself.
"Did you get an answer about getting paid? Will I get paid the same as everyone else? I'll do good work for you, m'Bregan, but I'll be leaving a good life here."
Ravens has a good life here however, it's taken a turn for the worse with Syra wedding another.
"Valeska.." He takes a finishing gulp of his ale. "Nevermind." He smiles awkwardly and approaches Ser Bregan. He speaks with an optimistic tone.
"Ser Bregan, a little birdy told me you are to lead an expedition into the Stolen Lands? Forgive me for interrupting, good sir," Notioning to Ravens. He laughs. "Before you get too excited I will not be interested in coming along... but I was hoping I could repay you and your friends here for saving me today. Before you go, I'd love to take Valeska, you and the others out boar hunting. Ever been?"
He gauges your interest. "Trust me, it won't be a long trip. It is about a day and a half ride north of hear. I hear there is this boar out there named Tuskgutter who sounds like quite a worthy adversary for a hero like yourself. Oh and don't worry- we'll have no problem of bandits north."
"At the very least, I figured the traveling and hunting could be fun and good practice of what's to come while exploring."
Areanna's eyes widen to see Gregan's lament at not being able to partake in the expedition. She straightens up and salutes in the typical Brevoy fashion. "My Lord Gregan, say no more. I the beautiful, dignified, and arrogant, singer, and archer extraordinaire Areanna Delante will rise to the call in your stead on behalf of my benefactor Ser Orlovsky. I will join the expedition into the stolen lands for the glory of Brevoy. You can count on me Gregan. Now where do I sign up?"
"What elf, m'Lo-, m'Bregan? What did she say about what?" Ravens eats another bite of food.
Not the sharpest tack...
Scowling at Raven's lack of follow-through, Bregan makes a point to explain to the bird-master what his expectation was.
"I had asked you to speak to the elf and see if she had an interest in the expedition."
He was so swift to search for information about The Greenbelt earlier, perhaps he is only obedient while outdoors.
Sighing, he adds. "It is no matter, it appears Gregan had done us the service of securing her assistance."
Bregan makes his way to Areanna to clasp her hand and relay his thanks for her volunteering.
"Before you go, I'd love to take Valeska, you and the others out boar hunting."
As Aldern extends an invitation for the boar hunt, he shakes his head.
"No, I'm not interested in hunting for sport. Perhaps you'll get someone else to take you up on the offer."
He then turns to the rest of the Dragon's common room.
"Are there any others who would seek the service of their country in scouring The Greenbelt of banditry for this charter?" Bregan unrolls the paper for all who are interested to see.
"I had asked you to speak to the elf and see if she had an interest in the expedition."
Showing a bit of backbone that not even Ravens knew he had, Ravens will answer directly to the knight.
"And I asked you if I would be paid the same as everyone else. I have not agreed to obey your orders...I am still in service to the Aldoris and my Master."
Ravens looks very nervous in his answer.
"m'Lord."
Yeah, that "m'Lord" will smooth things over. Nice going, Birdboy.
Holbrecht clarifies for Raven's sake, "As the Logistics Officer, I would most likely manage payroll, if there is one, and there is no reason that any one would be due more pay than any other unless they specifically were assigned more from the leader of the expedition's word... so that would be... oh, Ser Bregan... so he would decide.. maybe you should just ask him if you will get paid the same as the others. Let me know what he says, I will mark it in my ledger." He takes out a new piece of paper and writes 'Ledger' in big bold letters at the top. He leans in to Ravens and whispers, "If I have a say in it, it will be based solely on outcome of effectivness and balance against a scale of options... I went over the procedure earlier for the noble we saved." he reminds.
To Bregan, "She won the archery Contest, and Sings well, inspiring at times, yes you should see if Areanna wishes to go." Pointing at Areanna
The raven on the table spoke up in response to Ser Bregan's request. "I would be honored to be of assistance. I present to you Valeska, my companion, who should be able to handle the more, larger, mammalian tasks you wish to see."
Over in the corner, Valeska, the half-elf fortune-teller who somehow managed to survive and be present at all the events of the day, now stares at Tzerny, as she dribbles gruel down the front of the child she holds.
Boy is that dwarf talkative, but he seems to be on the organized side
To Aldren What do you need to hunt boar? Will a falchion do?
Turning to Bregan "Hunting Boar sounds fun, Do we have time for a hunt before we head out? We don't have Boars where I come from.
Areanna Good to see you again, Come join us for a drink....The dwarf..I mean Holbrecht is calculating supplies...be careful he talks a lot...mumbles even
Waves Areanna over
Waiting for the Halfling server to Come by"More Drinks please."