To Smendor: I heartily agree.
To Ry: Yes, he seems much to happy, something is up.
To Oleg: Of course good sir of course. Tell me how have you done with our stock? Have you... Alaric is attempting do draw Oleg into an area that they won't be overheard, perhaps his stockroom. The rest of the group is welcome to come but he wants to be away from prying ears.
If you had shown the loot to the group entirely, Brett will point out that it is all "company funds" by your own admission and contract. And though he is lax on some things, signing a name to the oath of agreement means you split company funds equally.
At the time you mention finding what you did, he will inform you that you are free to keep the loot on you, but it will be deducted from your total when you return to Oleg's. He adds that if you don't comply with your own deal, and are in breach of it, then maybe you should revist the deal.
To Gan
Remember, Gan, you have not met Oleg, nor have you formally met anyone in the group at this tavern/trading post. As play by post can be somewhat tricky, is it possible if you could please tell me who "him" is that you "want to get alone"; who "we" is that you want to get information from; and who you intend to follow where at this time.
Remember, again, Oleg has not met you. You have a copy of the charter, and that is currently all (as created by Brett, and signed by you). As for the division of loot, as Smendor is the custodian of that contract, he will no doubt ask the party to vote on including you into that addition. If not, Brett will sponoser you via the decision to add you in; but mainly because of the heraldic devises you wear. Even so, the party must vote (majority rule) to decide on if to include you on splitting treasure.
However, that may take time; the've just met you.
For now, assume this is all new, and that you have to interact with everyone in the trading post socially, and try to use propper names or descriptions so we are all on the same page when you say "him" or so forth.
Okay! That said... what do you do when you walk into this place?
To Gan
Remember, Gan, you have not met Oleg, nor have you formally met anyone in the group at this tavern/trading post. As play by post can be somewhat tricky, is it possible if you could please tell me who "him" is that you "want to get alone"; who "we" is that you want to get information from; and who you intend to follow where at this time.
Remember, again, Oleg has not met you. You have a copy of the charter, and that is currently all (as created by Brett, and signed by you). As for the division of loot, as Smendor is the custodian of that contract, he will no doubt ask the party to vote on including you into that addition. If not, Brett will sponoser you via the decision to add you in; but mainly because of the heraldic devises you wear. Even so, the party must vote (majority rule) to decide on if to include you on splitting treasure.
However, that may take time; the've just met you.
For now, assume this is all new, and that you have to interact with everyone in the trading post socially, and try to use propper names or descriptions so we are all on the same page when you say "him" or so forth.
Okay! That said... what do you do when you walk into this place?
"Aye, aye... business, business... "Oleg says warmly.
"Cold day for business... why don't you come back to my office and we discuss your notes there; be less drafty? Good Smendor, you can still find a place for the horses around the west side, if you recall, good Master Drake built those stables for you... They'll be no doubt warmer and safer there then wandering the plains, I'd guess..."Oleg calls out Smendor.
For those of you who bother to look, Drake seems to be very intent on his discussion with the other man... and seems to be ignoring your presence. Whether this is intentional or because the discussion is very important, you have no idea (though I suppose you could "sense motive" to find out his ideas).
Oleg is indicating that you (Alaric) follow him into his study. Smendor has volunteered to take the horses outside - whether it is in Drake's stable or simply on the wide grassy plains is up to Smendor.
Who amnog you will go inside with Alaric to talk to Oleg? And who will stay outside and introduce yoruselves to the others new folk?
Just let me know...
No worries, dude. Just let me know what you do now, now that you've entered the place. You're a samurai... do you introduce yourself to whom you perceive the ranking officer... do you introduce yourself to the man who owns this establishment... do you kneel on the ground, waiting to be noticed and enjoy the day's tranquility... or do you introduce yourself to someone else... or what?
I'm exited to see you play out a samurai, I enjoy the culture, and amd curious to see what happens next.
Upon hearing Oleg's greeting Gan approaches and bows,"You must be the Master of this place. The name is Gan."
While he waits for acknowledgement from Oleg he keeps his eyes moving about this bustling place looking for any potential trouble.
Perception:
Upon hearing Oleg's greeting Gan approaches and bows,"You must be the Master of this place. The name is Gan."
While he waits for acknowledgement from Oleg he keeps his eyes moving about this bustling place looking for any potential trouble.
Perception: 1d20+7
"Oleg be the name, aye indeed,"he says, extending his hand to you; seeing your bow he looks somewhat confused, then withdraws his hand and bows back, though very akwardly.
"You be a new fellow here, but ride in good company... I like that, and them that you ride with. That's me lovely wife there,"he says indicating to a somewhat rotund woman with a shy smile and polite nod of her head at your presence. "Her name be Svetlana..."She waves a bit, then ladels out another helping of the food into the bowl of the man under the tarp who is sitting with three other companions.
"Well, me and the good master Alaric got's business to discuss inside..."he says, pausing a moment to gauge Alaric's face. "Course, you're rigth welcome to come inside with him, and talk over the business of the day... if master Alaric wants company...?"
Clearly, in this matter, as you are a stranger, Oleg is taking his cue from Alaric on what to do next with you.
Your perception roll...
You notice that the "Captain" has not seemed to pay any attention to any of you at this point; his concentration is focused directly on a dark cloaked man with a long-sword. Based on the "heads-up" from the group during camping, you'd guess the man with the long sword is "Drake" a former bandit gone back to good (so thinks the party, and they may even be right!)
The other NPC's are eating a savory stew, but on the battlement is another of these mail clad men, though he carries a crossbow and is currently watching the inside of the compound, specifically the new people, very intently.
The only person who REALLY seems to be watching you all, is the black robed man... and just for a second (thank you Natural 20) you catch him glancing at your heraldry on your dastana even as his eyes flick up to scan you... and narrow coldly. Then, seeing your gaze, he draws his hood farther over this features.
A cursory glance around the place reveals the following (which corospond with an email I sent you recently with the map):
A1. Market Yard: This open area is where trade takes
place. The two tables near the fire pit are used to
display wares and serve food to visitors, while bulky
trade goods are offloaded into the storage pen.
A2. Guesthouse: Oleg rents out the beds in this
guesthouse to anyone who wishes to stay the night
at a rate of 5 sp a bed per night. A rustic breakfast
and filling dinner is included in that price.
A3. Stable: Oleg keeps his jittery horse Claptrap here.
He rents out the other stalls to visitors’ steeds at a
rate of 2 sp per stall per night—that price includes a
day’s worth of water and feed and a complimentary
rub down for the horse.
A4. Storage Pen: This fenced area has a wooden roof to
keep off most of the rain and snow—trade goods
like furs and other goods are stored here until
enough build up to warrant a trip to the city to sell
them off. The pen is currently empty, as Oleg’s been
forced to turn over his stock to the bandits.
A5. Middens: Three 3-foot-deep composting pits and
middens.
A6. Main Hall: This squat but solid wooden building is
Oleg and Svetlana’s home and the storeroom for the
trading post. The double doors leading out into the
market yard can be barred but not locked.
A7. Dining Room: This is a comfortable room with a
few chairs and a table—the Levetons use this room
primarily as a dining room.
A8. Office: This room is where Oleg keeps his ledgers
and meets with important visitors—in theory.
A9. Stockroom: This room is used to store the trading
post’s stock.
A10. Storeroom:
A11. Bedroom: This modest bedroom is where the
Levetons sleep.
I sent an email to Gideon... he is always welcome to come back to the game, and we will keep a place open for him. For now, he has not left the group... and will be NPC'd until an appropriate place to have him bow off correctly.
"Aye, aye... business, business... "Oleg says warmly.
Oleg is indicating that you (Alaric) follow him into his study. Smendor has volunteered to take the horses outside - whether it is in Drake's stable or simply on the wide grassy plains is up to Smendor.
Who among you will go inside with Alaric to talk to Oleg? And who will stay outside and introduce yourselves to the others new folk?
Just let me know...
Ariarh would like to go into the study with Alaric and Oleg. At this stage, Ry is a little put out by Drake ignoring (deliberate or otherwise) them and would like to hear what Oleg has to say (he may shed some light on the situation at hand).
Referencing the next dialogue to the gentlemen at hand: Alaric, Oleg and Gan,
"Gentlemen, I would join you in the study, if you're amiable to my company. I have much interest in business." Ariarh's tone is lighthearted on the surface. Her eyes hold Alaric's and their meaning is clear enough.
She turns to Smendor, who is offering to take care of their horses at this time,
"Smendor, can you please take Tal to the stables for me? He is trained to stay on command and not wander off, but I would feel better if he were secured in the stables at this time."
If you had shown the loot to the group entirely, Brett will point out that it is all "company funds" by your own admission and contract. And though he is lax on some things, signing a name to the oath of agreement means you split company funds equally.
At the time you mention finding what you did, he will inform you that you are free to keep the loot on you, but it will be deducted from your total when you return to Oleg's. He adds that if you don't comply with your own deal, and are in breach of it, then maybe you should revist the deal.
Does anyone else object to me keeping the coin to pay for the dead horse? It does seem I was taking them for the betterment of the group. If we are all simply individuals out to make a few coins than we really need to rethink how things are going to work. If the bottle of stuff, what was it tree branches, is worth to much sure sell it. I am only getting about half the value of the animal that way.
"Hmmm... I think I be taking ol' Stybba to the stables, too... I can take ol' Tal as well, if ye be needin' it..."Brett says pleasently to Ariarh as he turns to walk his pony and hers around the wall to the western stables even as Oleg indicates that Ariarh follows Alaric... and presumeably Gan, provided that Alaric make his plans clear for Oleg to follow.
Of course Gan please join us.
If you had shown the loot to the group entirely, Brett will point out that it is all "company funds" by your own admission and contract. And though he is lax on some things, signing a name to the oath of agreement means you split company funds equally.
At the time you mention finding what you did, he will inform you that you are free to keep the loot on you, but it will be deducted from your total when you return to Oleg's. He adds that if you don't comply with your own deal, and are in breach of it, then maybe you should revist the deal.
Does anyone else object to me keeping the coin to pay for the dead horse? It does seem I was taking them for the betterment of the group. If we are all simply individuals out to make a few coins than we really need to rethink how things are going to work. If the bottle of stuff, what was it tree branches, is worth to much sure sell it. I am only getting about half the value of the animal that way.
"Listen, lad... ye made the deal... ye sad ye wanted to take four horses... I took 1 horse plus me pony... ye don't hear me grudging on what happened. Yer horse be dead; as be yer coin... if we get back and find the place be burned down and all our horses done run off... then ye be ahead of the deal. If we get back and find that bandits sacked the whole place and that yer stuff not be touched on ye, then what? We said to make the terms; ye said "I be making the terms". We asked fer some to write the contract fer us to abide by. Ye said "I be doing it"; ye write the bloody deal, ye make the bloody deal, and then ye be looking the other way on the bloody deal when it suits yer fancy?"
Brett looks on him sternly.
"Ye've been comming about fine and well... but when I said it be best to take the gear back to Oleg's ye said "Nay; we vote"; like you a bleeding toff. I don't be gettin' ye at all... Ye make a contract... ye want us to abide by it... Here something ELSE to be considering... we all took a piece of healing potion... Some o' them drank it, some didn't... Them that drunk the potions to stay alive; ye be giving it back to them? Ye be paying them for their potions... if they don't drink it, they may not be living?"
Brett shakes his head on this point.
"Ye say loot be parties to keep. Ye say loot be divided fair and good. Ye say ye be taking "yer" four horses... one be dead. The others lived. If ye want the coin ye found, then stick by yer word, put it to the group and ask fer a vote, as ye said the group ought. Or we make a new deal. There; I can't be saying fairer then that... But if ye think ye get the coin without a vote, that be right unfair of ye, and contrary to yer own writ that ye wrote,"he adds, watching Smendor flatly.
"Hmmm... I think I be taking ol' Stybba to the stables, too... I can take ol' Tal as well, if ye be needin' it..."Brett says pleasently to Ariarh as he turns to walk his pony and hers around the wall to the western stables even as Oleg indicates that Ariarh follows Alaric... and presumeably Gan, provided that Alaric make his plans clear for Oleg to follow.
"Thank you, Brett. I think that would be a good idea as Tal and Stybba seem happy around one another. And Tal is comfortable around you." Ariarh gives Brett an appreciative, warm smile.
Very well, you and Brett go around the back... As for the division of the treasure, that can be ret-conned when/if everyone else chimes in. Brett said his piece on it now, and at this point has other things to think about.
Gideon will abstain... I need to hear from Ariarh and Alaric.... Formally Hermia has not been made part of the contract at this time, nor Gan. But perhaps that will change later.
"Smendor, there was a contract we all agreed to and signed, and I think it's best we stick to the initial agreement to ensure the authenticity of the document and arrangement. If each of us changed the terms as we saw fit, there would be no need for such a document to exist. The group has to have faith and trust in each other if this is going to work."
Very well if that be the vote than I will follow it, but I know if we persist in keeping money for ourselves in the face of what is right than we are going to have a really hard time controlling even a bucket of dirt let alone miles of open land. I openly gave Hermia a horse and I want no compensation for that coin it was simply done for the betterment of the group. We are here together not as individual filthy dogs fighting over some old bones. I think we need to revise the documents.
Oleg spells it out…
Oleg leads Alaric, Ariarh and Gan into the tight confines of his dining room, glances out behind him, and shuts the door. He lights an oil lamp and indicates that you huddle about him to forestall the possibility of being overheard. This is obviously a private conversation; as far as he is concerned.
He watches Gan from time to time, obviously not sure how to deal with the foreigner, but seeing that Arairh and Alaric don’t pay her too much notice he begins.
”Well, it’s like this… About three days back, not long after yer master Brett and the lady here be dropping off their bit o’ goods, we had some outriders coming in. They be attached to the squire, if ye recall? Well, he departed going on near over two weeks ago… Anyway, these lads arrived; and they said they be detached from the squire to offer the squire’s “thanks” for the assistance.”
Oleg shrugs.
”They offered me 1,000 gold, on the barrel, for bleeding rent, if I let them set up an outpost here… Rent it, too… not be owning it, just setting up a place to keep guard and so on… I said, “sure, why not”. If bandits be coming again, why not have more lads to look after things, seeing that ye and yer lads be far from this here place… I could use more then ol’ Drake to look after things…”
Oleg drinks from a cup and glances about.
”Speaking o’ Drake, seems that he and the chief o’ these men knows each other. When Drake were a lad his family were close and such, so they be almost like mates, as were. The man told him flat on meeting him that he’d have strung up Drake fer banditry, if he caught Drake, but then, as Drake were vindicated by eyes of law, he said “But as ye been expunged by them that take this place under law o’ land, so the law expunged ye too”… or some like that. Then acted like it were no more to be said after that, and treated Drake like he had a stain that got washed cleaned. Gave him a sword, too, and some new gear for him, as if naught happened – nor if as if he suggested he be killing Drake fer banditry… right queer that one.”
Oleg drinks again, and looks at the door for a moment, then back to his drink.
”They got twenty riders with them… all under their captain I spoke of. He be named Atain N’Var. He be a grim man, but true… don’t be dishonest and keeps his men square; they don’t let know trouble brew. Posted guards and got’s them riding patrol around the place; all proper and with “by yer leave”… So I be grateful fer that. Keeps in line the other folk that done come here… by the by… including, as may be… the lads ye done see out there. I be seeing the four of them; fer they came back even by this morning, and brought with them another mate o’ theirs. Ye see him in the corner, mayhap… him wearing a black mask and all? Claimed to be ill, say he got bad scars and what-not… be right proper strange, that’n be… Don’t like the “feel” of him, if you take me meaning. But in any case, if it matter much to ye, I be sending Dasha east a piece, to that old codger Bokken… he keep her safe from any more scum; as them the same four lads that be leering on her last piece they come by. Anyhow... Ye can travel there if ye want to be speaking with her, and visit with her, as ye like it.”
Oleg leans back and seems more at ease now.
”Now, don’t let me trick ye into thinking I brought ye all in here fer news… Business to, as may be… Fer I got’s business as well. I selled eight o’ yer horses, saddles, AND some gear… fer…”he ponderously wets his thumb and slides it through the pages of his ledgers, then reads the figures… ”Ahh… here it be… one horse, saddle, and gear fer three days (rations and such) fer… One hundred and twenty-five pieces… a PIECE… so… that be 1,000 gold pieces… with me ten percent cut fer the work… ye get 900 pieces o’ gold in yer coffers richer,”he says with a pleased nod, a well done bit of business; if he DOES say so.
”With all the loot that be coming in here, I may be putting some lands back a bit north, and mayhap fix this place up right proper.”
”Oh! Speaking on proper… Me wife fixed this up fer one o’ yer mates… whoever were to get it anyhow…”he adds reaching behind him and pulling out the heavy “Bear Skin” poncho.
Very well if that be the vote than I will follow it, but I know if we persist in keeping money for ourselves in the face of what is right than we are going to have a really hard time controlling even a bucket of dirt let alone miles of open land. I openly gave Hermia a horse and I want no compensation for that coin it was simply done for the betterment of the group. We are here together not as individual filthy dogs fighting over some old bones. I think we need to revise the documents.
Brett laughs and reaches up to slap you on the back.
"Fair enough, ye hairy bugger! Tell ye what, let's sit down, ye and I, and hash out them papers and such... fer now, I be trusting on yer good graces, as I reckon that ye trust on mine... Ye be doing better by the day, lad, and I'm warming up to ye sooner... we be fixing up some papers soon... fer now, ye want the coin fer yer horses... that be fine... put it all in the pile, including coin... But think ye; if ye keep the coin fer the lost of the horse; it means ye out the money fer the cost of the horse. Or the value of the horse be one that we split fer the whole o' the group. So either be "yer" horse that ye want full return on... or it be "our" horse split among the group... in which case ye don't NEED full coin on... But ye tell me now; ye want that horse as yers full, then keep the coin... or not. Say now what ye be wanting though..."
Hermia perception
Hermia Knowledge (Local)
Puck perception (scouting for trouble while riding Dior)
Hermia perception 1d20 + 4
Hermia Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 7Puck perception (scouting for trouble while riding Dior) 1d20 + 4
Just walking...
You know that Oleg is a man empowered by the government of Brevoy to sign off on maps and stuff; whatever you explore via the charter you were given he can "notorize" the information via a document that makes the land your formally.
He has a stamp to do that with on your maps.
Your perception roll reveals a tremendous ammount of grass and some other grass...
Your knowledge Local is enough to know that you are just south of Southern Brevoy...
Puck sees pretty much what you saw in the overhead map that you saw... He is comming back to report to you what you saw in the email.
Then Dior is going to fly back to Ariarh... Puck will go with him, or stay with you, as you like... You are now close enough to ride in on your own, if you stay due north (Puck will guide you)... let me know what you'd like to do... Thanks!
"I still have a problem with the four riders and their black masked friend. They don't seem right to me. This Captain Atain N'Var, well I will give him and his men the benefit of the doubt for now because of his prior association with Drake and his assistance to you, Oleg."
"Regarding Dasha, that was good call sending her to Bokken's hut. I think some of us will venture out there and see if we can't talk to the girl." Well, once Hermia gets here, I'll relay the information of Dasha's whereabouts. The lady can then make up her mind if she wants to travel to Bokken's with us or on her own. Dior knows the way, so I could always send him along to guide Hermia, Ry reasons.
As Hermia is intelligent enough to have purchased a compass as part of her starting loot, she sends Puck back with Dior.
"I trust you can effectively communicate to the others that I am well without speech?" she inquires of him with a smile. "I will be within presently, do not worry for my sake."
She gestures and asks Dior to fly to her in Celestial. "Go back to your Lady, little one. And do not accuse me of treating you badly, hmm?"
After watching the pair fly off, Hermia gets her bearings, and steers herself in the direction which her compass indicates is North, towards Oleg's outpost.
After the horses are done Smendor will walk back around to the gate, but while he goes he speaks to Brett, "I got this deck of cards here from the fort we burned down. What say we get a little game going to ease the tension with those others? We will know just about everything about those men after you see how good they are with a game or two, and we will surly know if they got any brains.
After the horses are done Smendor will walk back around to the gate, but while he goes he speaks to Brett, "I got this deck of cards here from the fort we burned down. What say we get a little game going to ease the tension with those others? We will know just about everything about those men after you see how good they are with a game or two, and we will surly know if they got any brains.
"If by "others" ye mean the the four outriders... that be a better plan... I don't be thinking well on gaming with the other rider-type... I got the feel their boss not be liking them playing too much... But I be worried a piece on them... if they be spellslingers... cards may not be our'n best bet... no matter how good we be...I don't trust them four, nor the masked man they stand with..."
"By the way when I rode in, I noticed the men up top with bows. If Dior comes flying in with Puck, I do not want them to go shooting their arrows at them. That would make my griffon quite angry not to mention me. Is there a way we can get word to them so they can allow Dior to fly safely in? I'm not sure if they will heed the instruction of some young woman they do not know."
"Naturally, my lady, I shall inform them at once... Indeed, it would be truly tragic if your good companion was injured in any way; for in truth, I feel him to be like one of our own at this time,"Alaric says with a bow, then moves out of the door a moment to pass the word to this Captain N'Var and his men.
"Fancy that,"Oleg says to no one in particular "that's the most I heard that lad say in a month of Moondays..."
"Naturally, my lady, I shall inform them at once... Indeed, it would be truly tragic if your good companion was injured in any way; for in truth, I feel him to be like one of our own at this time,"Alaric says with a bow, then moves out of the door a moment to pass the word to this Captain N'Var and his men.
"Fancy that,"Oleg says to no one in particular "that's the most I heard that lad say in a month of Moondays..."
With genuine warmth, Ariarh replies to Alaric before he leaves the room,
"That is very kind of you, Alaric. Thank you for your prompt attention."
And to Oleg,
"He's quite the able speaker, Master Oleg." There's a hint of mischief in her sapphire eyes now. "I am sure many a fair maiden will swoon upon hearing him speak." Ariarh laughs softly.
Then becoming serious again,
"What of Drake, Oleg? He barely acknowledged our arrival or presence, here. Do you believe there is some reason for this silence?"
Peering at the two lords of war stationed besides the gate, Hermia approaches the group of men working on at the encampment cautiously. She wears only her quilted armor, and carries no weapons. Her pendulum is wrapped securely around her neck, its comforting weight nestled against her chest.
"Good afternoon, master builders!" she calls out pleasantly. "Pray pardon me if I have interrupted your labors, I only wished to identify myself. I am Hermia Robin, and I am a healer. I should be installed presently," she pauses and flicks a nervous glance to the warlike men beside the gate. "Should you have need of my services, for preparing stocks of water, or maintaining your supply of food, you have only to ask for me. I can also fix small items, if it is required. And I do believe that identifying me henceforth shall not be too difficult a task, as I think myself quite lovely and able to the task of attracting attention any place I go."
Hermia smiles and bows to any that listen, and then passes through the gate.
"He's been in deep conference with that captain lad... like I said, they be like mates fer when they growed up... Have a lot to talk about... and I think he don't want to draw to much attention to the fact that he knows you yet, in front of the other four, er... five lads that be out there... You know, they aren't too keen on you going about 'sploring the place. You moved faster then they reckon, I think. They be vexed they didn't get the map done out right good... when ye got it be done first... I think they be eager to finish their map faster then you all... and stake a claim better then yers... So you may want to be keeping your eyes open on it is all I be saying..."Oleg says with a sage nod after answering Ariarh's question...
"He's been in deep conference with that captain lad... like I said, they be like mates fer when they growed up... Have a lot to talk about... and I think he don't want to draw to much attention to the fact that he knows you yet, in front of the other four, er... five lads that be out there... You know, they aren't too keen on you going about 'sploring the place. You moved faster then they reckon, I think. They be vexed they didn't get the map done out right good... when ye got it be done first... I think they be eager to finish their map faster then you all... and stake a claim better then yers... So you may want to be keeping your eyes open on it is all I be saying..."Oleg says with a sage nod after answering Ariarh's question...
"You may have the right of it, Oleg. I was not sure if I should approach Drake, but perhaps at this time I shall keep my distance until he comes to us."
"As for the other four men and the masked one, their ire at our progress is their problem. But, they are to be watched intimately and also covertly. No reason to draw further suspicion from their camp."
Gan listens intently to Oleg tell of his qualms with this group. Then once their business has been concluded Gan excuses himself with a bow."Now if you don't be mindin' I will excuse myself to talk to this Drake and the Captain."
Then Gan promptly walks out the door and surveys what has transpired since they walked in the storage room.
Perception:
Then Gan will make his way over to the captain once there Gan bows."Excuse me sir I was told you do be in command here. Name is Gan Mondragone, Hatamoto to the great Duke Esserian. With whom do I make aquaintances?"
First, Hermia will attempt to identify whatever heraldry these "knights" are wearing.
Knowledge (Nobility)
Thereupon, seeing the gracious hostess dolling out food to the suspicious pack of outriders, she will approach the sweetly rotund mistress and introduce herself.
"God Aften, Goody Wife, and sirs," she affects the shady assembly with a smile as bright and present as the winter sun angling just above the horizon. "I am Hermia, Hermia Robin. I am a healer and a traveler in these harsh lands. I have recently met with some ill fortune, and have lost a good deal of my kit. But, you needn't worry for my health!" she giggles disarmingly. "Pray, do not trouble yourselves for me! I only wished to express that should it be required of me, I am willing to barter my healing magics and talents for items of use, or small coin so that I might purchase them for myself, if you are disposed. Goody Wife, I may also prepare a spell capable of mending any small items that require repair, if you like. And you as well, sirs." she offers brightly.
She flicks a glance at the hooded figure with the pale flesh. "Dear me, sir, but you appear to me to be quite ill! Might you allow me to examine you? I have fair and efficient hands, and I am, despite my tendency to speak out of turn, which you may have noticed, quite discreet, as well."
Gan listens intently to Oleg tell of his qualms with this group. Then once their business has been concluded Gan excuses himself with a bow."Now if you don't be mindin' I will excuse myself to talk to this Drake and the Captain."
Then Gan promptly walks out the door and surveys what has transpired since they walked in the storage room.
Perception: 1d20+7
Then Gan will make his way over to the captain once there Gan bows."Excuse me sir I was told you do be in command here. Name is Gan Mondragone, Hatamoto to the great Duke Esserian. With whom do I make aquaintances?"
Drake and the captain turn to examine you. They are both stern looking men; grim in feature and hard weathered. The captain wears an air of noblity about him, and so too, you suspect, the one called Drake, though he is far more sutble with it.
"I am Captain N'Var; commander of this company, attached to House Kaid,"said the cleaner and more finely arrayed of the two men. His expression is neutral, and he nods his head somewhat. At this distance you can see his armor is well tended, and his gear weather stained. His weapon is finely made, and you see a man used to command. "Greetings; I know of your Duke, a worthy man and a noble lord, besides,"he adds with a nod.
"I am Robert Tyrell, by some called "The Drake","says the other, who nods also at the lean samurai. "I see you ride with that company that has come in... are you well aquainted?"he asks the last. You sense he is somewhat interested in your answer, but does not press you for details.
First, Hermia will attempt to identify whatever heraldry these "knights" are wearing.
Knowledge (Nobility) 1d20 + 3
Thereupon, seeing the gracious hostess dolling out food to the suspicious pack of outriders, she will approach the sweetly rotund mistress and introduce herself.
"God Aften, Goody Wife, and sirs," she affects the shady assembly with a smile as bright and present as the winter sun angling just above the horizon. "I am Hermia, Hermia Robin. I am a healer and a traveler in these harsh lands. I have recently met with some ill fortune, and have lost a good deal of my kit. But, you needn't worry for my health!" she giggles disarmingly. "Pray, do not trouble yourselves for me! I only wished to express that should it be required of me, I am willing to barter my healing magics and talents for items of use, or small coin so that I might purchase them for myself, if you are disposed. Goody Wife, I may also prepare a spell capable of mending any small items that require repair, if you like. And you as well, sirs." she offers brightly.
She flicks a glance at the hooded figure with the pale flesh. "Dear me, sir, but you appear to me to be quite ill! Might you allow me to examine you? I have fair and efficient hands, and I am, despite my tendency to speak out of turn, which you may have noticed, quite discreet, as well."
The four watch you as you approach, and hear your speech, looking up from their meals. You see that the one with the two scimitars looks you over hungrily, but says nothing; while the huge barbarian type tosses a bone crusted with elk meat into the fire and spits out the rest.
"C'mere little darlin'... I'll warm you fine as can be... get you hot in ways you ain't felt before,"he leers, even as the reak of sour beer pushes its way through stumpy brown teeth. The smell alone is staggering...
The man with the bookish looks and spectacles looks briefly up from his books, studies you, shakes his head and says nothing, but continues to read.
The black cloaked man moves from his position by the wall and slides slowly forward; moving in front of you.
"Good day, lady... "he says, his words and manner smooth as svelte, yet they are surrounded by a chill of ice. His speech slithers toward you like a viper, and it stings at your flesh, making your mind prickle in unease.
"Thou art new here, and... fresh... And have traveled long, methinks... tell me lady; is it true... can thee indeed heal me? I would be ever so grateful for thy good and noble services... I am, as thou hast no doubt suspected, burdened by many trials... by many hardships... Thou... if thy art, in truth, a healer of quality... it would ease me mightily... Yet I am ashamed of my wounding... its scars do give me a sense of unease... come, then and I shall show thee the totality of my injuries and yet feel thy... healing touch... properly..."
His accent is strange and foreign sounding. He seems to possess himself with a strong air of power, and even as he speaks to you, and asks you to follow him, the very word "Come..." has drawn you toward him, almost irrestiably toward him, as he leads you back into the shadows behind Oleg's house.
Even as your feet move forward you feel a sense silence envelop you. You cannot do other then you are... You follow him, as he gently beckons, and all others near you seem oblivious to this man and his simple request.
"By your leave, Oleg. I would like to go and see if my griffon has returned and all is well with him and his brownie rider." I wonder if Hermia has made her arrival, as well. Ry gives Oleg a courteous nod/bow of her head and leaves the dining room.
Hermia's Will Save
Hermia's Will Save 1d20 + 7
Hermia's Will Save 1d20 + 7
"'Tis true I ride with them my liege asked that I find them and help where I could. How is it that you know of my companions?"
Then turning back to Captain N'Var, "I myself do not know of your liege please tell me of him."
The man takes you back behind the walls of Oleg... he need not take you, his mind alone seems to be enough of a power to motivate you. Your feet, like lead, urge you to slowly follow; and you do.
No one else seems concerned with your vanishing... it is as if no one has seen you go... as if you are drawn into a mist of shadow...
As you turn the corner he presses your body back against the wall and you stay there, unable to move.
He then grabs you by the back of your head, tilting your head back with one hand, and with the other hand he presses down on your eyelids, seeking something, staring intently. At this range a smell nearly overwhelms you... it would otherwise make you vommit, but your body is unable to move, though the bile in your belly is growing stronger.
He stares intently at you, his gaze growing harder, searching for something deeper and deeper... you feel a fierceness in his search, your mind trembles, and you feel as if you could scream and weep, but can do nothing.
He drops his mask from his face. You would turn, if you could; the sight of his face would haunt you forever, what you see... yet your mind blocks it from your memory, lest you be swept by madness from its horror.
"Yug-shuboth Kolth-tien shauld... Yug-SHUBOTH..."he fairly snarls at you; his mask removed, his anger obvious.
You feel like your feet are going to fall from under you, and as if you could collapse any moment. He is angry... you feel his rage like cold ice stabbing you deep in your heart... you are choking... the pain is crushing you...
He flings his hands from you and you collapse to the wall and slide to the ground. When you reach the ground you shake and tremble, then vomit on the ground besides you.
You give thanks to The Mother, and any and all things living; dead and yet to be that whatever he wanted... you didn't have it. Otherwise, he may have been less gentle with the taking of it.
You want to run to your friends, to tell them of this horror... but even as you try to speak on it, your tongue feels as if it cleaves to your mouth. You shiver and shake, the taste of vomit awful... and the mud cold and clammy on your flesh... But it is somehow relieving...
It is releaving because it is not his touch... and he has turned his gaze from you... Whatever he is looking for; you don't have it. And for that you are glad... but he will not forget, nor will you, and the memory of it shall be with you for a long while.
Nevertheless; through fortune or fate, you feel as if you had a narrow escape.
Hermia Will Save, the Second
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