▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
— Fireday, Calistril the 24th, 4610 AR
— Morning
— The Free City of Restov
— Clear but cold
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Today’s is an important day for you all, without a doubt. Rumors about an eventual interest on the part of the Free City of Restov to promote and finance some missions aimed at the exploration and mapping of the wilderness area known as ‘The Stolen Lands’ have been out there for months now, but the official decree showing King Regent Noleski Surtova’s approval of the operation kept you waiting for a long time, so much that some well-informed citizens had started speculating that the King intended to deny his consent to Restov’s request.
Many of you reached the city some weeks ago, informed about the call which would soon be open to the public: some driven by patriotic ardour, others eager to start a new life, and others fascinated by the untamed wildlands to south; some seeking honor, others ransom or redemption, others a chance to claim glory and fame for themselves. The vast majority of those who flocked to Restov, however, did so with a much more mundane motivation: money. There are whispers the task is very lucrative and explorers get paid well for their services. That’s how the large-scale influx in Restov has to be explained.
In the last few weeks, some group of adventurers and explorers already left for some areas in the Stolen Lands: the first group walked to the Nomen Heights, but – rumor has it – the group was mainly composed of mercenaries directly hired from Restov’s Swordlords; the second group diparted towards the Glenebon Uplands, and word on the street is that, here again, the Sworldords directly recruited adventurers of attested reputation and loyalty for the task; the third group has been sent in The Slough instead, and in this regard the common opinion is that the Sworlords chose a bunch of Brevic government agents. The mission aimed for the exploration and mapping of the Greenblet is thus the only one which grants explorers, adventurers, mercenaries and individuals from all walks of life a chance to submit their applications so that the Aldori Swordlords can considered it. You are among these.
---
Yesterday, with a greaf relief for you, Restovian auctioneers announced in the city square and subsequentely in the various taverns and inns all over the city that King Regent Noleski Surtova finally gave his approval to exploration of the Greenbelt. As many others, you have thus rushed in to submit your application to the municipal palace and you have undergone an interview by Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius and some other prominent members of the Aldori Swordlords. After meticulously examining your motivations, competences and background, the city’s government members invited you to come back the next day to find out the outcome of the open call and discover the names of the four or five members selected for the lucrative and prestigious task.
---
Along with the many other would-be explorers of the Greenbelt, today you gathered in the municipal palace. You were greeted by some employees who put you in a vast and open courtyard in the building. In the center of the courtyard, a wooden stage rises about 3 feet from the ground and hosts two aldori duelists who are trading friendly slashing strikes with their aldori dueling swords in a ceremonial way. One is a in his early 30s, with long, flowing black hairs: he’s a pretty boy and his attitude is prissy at least. The other is a young woman with long raven hairs, almost entirely wrapped in a warm and long cape ornated with sable fur covering her shoulders but apparently not hindering her nimble moves in any way. Both wield their aldori dueling swords with incredible expertise and unmatchable mastery. Their movements are so armonious and swirling you could swear they’re dancing instead of fighting.
As for the rest, the courtyard consists of a rectangular area at whose center the wooden stage is standing. The courtyard’s perimeter is surrounded by magnificently carved pillars and arches, built in an utilitaristic but pleasant architectural style. A cobblestones promenade revolves around several flowerbeds covered with frost and the remnants of the snow still lingering in these cold lands, the last legacy of a dying winter preparing to relinquish its command to the new season. On the promenade there are several stone benches, on which many of the bystanders have sat down. Some nervously smoke their pipes, others look absentmindedly at the two aldori duelists, others chatter among themselves to fight back the sense of anxiety that the incoming winners’ announcement generates in their souls.
______________________________________
This sounds interesting, I think I will give a Halfelf Wizard a try.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Serolt, just shy of six feet tall but broadly built, walks casually into the courtyard, or tries to. He wears black leather armor and has two deep quivers along with a bow strapped to his back. A bulging sling bag rests over one shoulder, and a dagger and scimitar stick out from his belt. The hint of a tattoo can be seen at the collar line on his back as he enters.
At his side is his more or less constant companion - a Fire Pelt. A black-and-red-furred mountain lion kind of cat more common in Varisia than here.
He tries to move cleanly across the room to an open space when his cat decides to investigate the boots of an unsuspecting server just trying to do their job. Apparently the shoe-ties are just too much for the inquisitive animal and Serolt does his best to get a hold of his companion, ”Regin no. Down Regin, down… Regin!”
Eventually the fire pelt moves on at his ‘masters’ command, after one more playful swat. Serolt apologizes, a little red faced, and moves off as well and to the side. As he pets his cat, you notice he’s missing his left pinky finger almost all the way to the hand - down to the first knuckle.
He looks a little lost, as if he’d like something, but isn’t sure what. He seems to be looking at you as he looks around the room.
Of medium height and lean, a man stands tall with shoulders back as if he were barrell chested rather than wirey. Adding to the effect is a plaited, braided beard - such that you would expect on a dwarf rather than a human with the certain look of Restov blood about him. He is dressed all in leathers, with a backpack on the ground by his feet. Next to the backpack are his boots, oddly not on his feet. His toes seem to be wriggling into the dirt as he looks down, smiling under his beard. An intricately carved staff at hand completes the ensamble, but with his features you'd almost expect to see an Aldori blade in his hand as well... at least you would if it weren't for that odd dwarven-style beard.
He smiles again as he looks up at Serolt and Regin. "Beautiful lion..." He then whistles and gestures to help calm the animal.
"Name is Jellak Sto... Jellak Garess. Here to answer the call of the Swordlords as well, then?" Oddly his speech has a slight dwarven accent. Not thick light a true dwarf, but definitely having some lilt to it.
Dressed in scale mail, and a short white cape, impeccably trimmed in gold, Jacobus looks like an honest man that enjoys the finer things of life. Fair of skin and with short, blonde hair, his forehead is creased as if worried. He has a light crossbow strapped to his back as befits any clergy of Abadar and a heavy mace on his belt. A beautiful golden key hangs from his neck.
It is this key that he fingers when he breathes in deep. The interview had gone well. His recommendation letters from both private industry, his father's company, and from the church of Abadar had extolled his virtues quite well. But he sighed as he looked around at all the others gathered here. He mutters to himself in a slightly pessimistic way, "Not everyone can be selected..."
The courtyard setting does much to soothe his restless spirit. The obvious comforts of civilization is something he enjoys. Not caring much for the dueling Aldori swords, he scans the crowd trying to see with whom he might be sharing the journey with.
He smiles trying not to intimidate people with his gaze but old habits are hard to break. At last he finds someone who looks like someone he wouldn't mind spending the next few months with.
"So, what do you think? Do you think you have what it takes to be selected?"
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
- Robert Hodgson
- Human (Brevic)
- Dragon Blooded Sorcerer
---
- Counselor, Spymaster, Magister
- Buff/Debuff, Ranged Artillery
- Negotiation, Legal Advice, Looking Pretty
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
- Pacific Standard, but pretty much always available
- Alas, I'm pretty new to the art, but I've been enjoying the one game I currently play in, and would like more.
- He turns to the others, "Hide yourselves as you will. A flame does not disguise it's presence, so nor can I. If they wish us harm, I will draw them into the trap by fleeing through the trap-door." He memorizes the location of Smoog's deadly little gifts before inscribing words of warning in the ash upon the threshold with a claw. Fssst then bellows in the common tongue as best as he is able, "The Necromancer is Slain! His Thralls, Destroyed! Commune peacefully where the torchlight falls, in this hall of civilization, or be made into dry blood and cold flesh!" Moth To Flames, to bring the Dwarves into a parley: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 = 10
Fssst rises, ash billowing off him in a chalky cloud. He scoops up two fists full of the cremated remains and walks to the entryway of the room, where he carefully pours one handful across the threshold. Having done so, he takes a torch from a nearby sconce and stands in full view of any who might approach.
Fssst wrenches a fist-sized iron holy emblem of Enoreth, rusted to a blood red, from the altar. He turns it over in his hands, feeling the civilizing influence of the divine power within. Structured, beholden to the strictures of civilized life. This was not the way of an Immolator, but if the poisons coursing through Grick were to be turned to a new purpose, they would need a balancing power. Even a tainted Enoreth could fill that need.
The mad flame-tender walks a circle around Grick, pouring flaming oil from one of the lanterns that lit the room onto his path. "He will be born again as something...new." he said, as he leaps upon the fallen Shaman. "Call to your spirits, Shaman! Drink them down! Sate your gluttony for flesh upon those unworthy to serve you!" Fssst leans down and grips Grick's jaw tightly on one claw as he held the holy symbol of Enoreth above his mouth. Fssst whispers, with quiet glee, "Now be still. This will sting a bit."
The holy symbol burst into molten iron, pouring down onto shaman's teeth...
Fssst tosses the small lump of metal, still cool to the touch, over to the bard. Then he raises his other hand, glowing, to his ally.
"Now, would you accept the blessings of fire once again? Though it bears pain and worth in equal measure, I shall not force it upon an ally unwillingly."
Luck, Passion and Skill are what it takes, i have those qualties so hopefully it is enough. She answers to the man dressed in white and gold. The tall woman dressed in her own blue's and purples, a amulet of Shelyn hanging form her around her neck. A glaive, a long sword, and a finely carved wooden sword sheathed on her person,
Personally i've always wanted to meet them, My name is Anya She holds out her hand, dark green hair flowing about, the clink of her chain armor sounding as she moves about.
Kryolani lounges against the lip of the fountain that dominates the center of the courtyard, allowing it's bulk to shade him from the morning sun. He's a slight man, and beneath the hard gaze of Jacobus might be forgiven for withering. Instead he breaks out in a huge grin and hops lightly to his feet.
"Absolutely! Old Noleski is distant family, but he's still family. The name's Kryolani, professional lawyer-about-town and, well, mystical backup, I suppose. Never really done the adventuring bit before. The latter probably counts more than the former now."
The excitable sorcerer eyes the taller Cleric.
"You seem an alright sort. Fancy a drink?"
Kryolani waves a skin of what smells to be a sweetly mulled cider, still warm from the inn where it was recently bubbling over a fire.
I think I will withdraw, my concept is too much of an overlap of one of the pre-selected.
not sure if my back story has any viability anyway
A drink would be rather nice actually, but right now may not be the best time. She politely declines the exciteable sorcerer's offer.
I haven't done much adventuring either, mostly watching and reading. I just hope to impress them She refers to the Aldori duelists.
|
Moving silently and watching the aldori swordlords the young man listens to the man speaking to his furry companion and a little smile sneaks on his lips. Hearing the follower of abadar speak he moves up. "You pose an interesting question. I think most people have useful skills. But I think it needs more than skills. Also a sense of duty and patriotism, a willingness to bring law to a lawless land and the spiritual strength to endure hardship that will for sure wait ahead." Sighing for a moment he offers his hand."Titian, nice to meet you!"
"So, what do you think? Do you think you have what it takes to be selected?"
Roksana tilts her head slightly to listen to the conversation. Her hair, where unshaven, sways slightly with the movement but her eyes never leave the Aldori swordsmen dueling in the courtyard. "Of course I have what it takes. All of us do, we wouldn't have been summoned to witness the final selection if we didn't have some measure of competence."
Still watching the duel she slowly mimics one of the maneuvers that had just been performed, her chain shirt shifts with her, rolling smoothly over the worn blue gambeson beneath. A snarling dog is embroidered on the right shoulder.
"The question we should be asking, is if we're better than the people gathered around us. Are we more reliable by even a fraction? To which my answer remains the same. Of course." As she laughs her parentage becomes evident. Where her voice was light and almost welcoming, her laughter is guttural and harsh.
Finally turning her eyes from the entertainment she extends a hand to those speaking around her and any who take it find a firm grip. "Roksana, my previous company called me Rok for short, or maybe to make fun, they never dared laugh though. As for my credentials? Well nearly ten years wandering the River Kingdoms and I even swam most of the Sellen by now too, a few years of military service tops it all off."
Celest had been minding her own business on the 26th of Abadius in the market when a passing purse caught her eye. She had been minding her own business because she had been laying low. Laying low had been her primary job these last few days after after she had come to town from the River Kingdoms she had run afoul some of the lord mayor's thuggish city guardsmen and played them for a week's pay in a game of cards. They had been sore losers and had only gotten sorer after she was forced to stab one to make her escape.
Eluding them and over indulging in the local ale had left her wanting for money and purse seemed to call to her, so she followed, furtively looking over her shoulder as she did. She followed the purse and its owner--an fit, regal-looking man in his fifties surrounded by a nattering entourage of hangers on and yesfolk who clung to him like flies to horse manure through the muddy winding streets and into the main square. It was there as she contemplated relieving the man of his terrible monetary burden that she noticed the posted invite to explore the wilds to the west of the city, the Stolen Lands. Lands she had briefly passed through the autumn before hoping to elude her past in the River Kingdoms. One could be paid to lay low? I am so in.
She promptly submitted an application filled with fictions she imagined might look good on a Pathfinder's resume but would be hard to verify. And then she waited. And waited some more. And cheated the night guards at cards too. And hid out some more until finally a month later she was standing here among the other possible applicants and-and wouldn't you know, that half-orc was here....
Around the River Kingdoms half-orcs were nearly as common as half-elves were in Falcon's Hallow. But a goody-goody like this one would have stood out in anyone's mind in the River Kingdoms and gave the subspecies as a whole a bad name.
You can't outrun your past. You can only stab it a few times and leave it bleeding in some gods forsaken back alley. Celest stood there pondering her options. They hadn't formally met. She might not even recognize her.
"Of course I have what it takes. All of us do, we wouldn't have been summoned to witness the final selection if we didn't have some measure of competence."
Celest actually flinched at the pronouncement. No doubt about it. It's her. Still even if she does recognize me it's not like she can have any ill-will. I mean she obviously survived after all.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
- I guess would be Kordrek
- Dwarf
- Witch
---
- Spymaster (would like to create a network of animals within the forest), Treasurer (max 3, order by
preference)
- Buff/Debuff, secondary healer
- Knowledges(nature/history),Heal
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
– GMT-8 (PST).
– I have played extensively with a group of my old tabletop friends(both tabletop and PBP), but they have seemed to outgrown the game. I DM’d fairly extensively having completed both Rise of the Runelords and Skulls and Shackles with said group. I have the urge to be a player though and this will probably be the only way I get that fix.
Cousin to Toval Golka, Kordrek Golka was in Highdelve when the vanishing occurred. Young, by dwarven standards, Toval took him as his ward. Over the past 10 years, he has studied at court and anvil, but his heart yearned for something else. While on a scouting task back into the mountains, Toval never gave up hope on finding clues as to what happened to Golushkin, he locked eyes with a lizard along one of the tunnel walls. Entranced by what he saw, he could see himself within the animal and called to it. Losing all track of time, he spent three weeks within the tunnels with his new found friend. As the days went by he realized by talking to the lizard, he was able to manifest parts of himself into various effects. He was able to project his stubbornness as an invisible barrier about him. He could channel his compassion to heal creature’s wounds. He could use his anger to weaken those around him.
Eventually he was found by a party led by Toval himself. Finding Kordrek muttering about nonsense with a common lizard, House Garess officials quickly told Toval that Kordrek needed to leave before rumors of a crazy cousin helped fan the sparks of tension of a dwarf being named heir-apparent. He needed to distance himself from his crazy cousin. On their march back Kordrek had a dream; to the south was a land where the animals called to him. A giant lizard the size of a dragon whispered to him, “Come seek me out and I will give you the power to defend my domain.” White-eyed but no fool he knew he couldn’t just set out into the wilderness. He overheard Toval the next day arguing with the captain of the guard, “This is a ploy mark my words. They’re setting up for the storm that be ‘a brewin. The swordlords be looking to putting them and their own down into the greenbelt. Nice tidy set of resources that would be for them.” Realizing his chance, and not wanting to be a hindrance to his cousin who had looked after him for the past 10 years, Kordrek set out that night splitting off from the main camp headed for Rostland.
- Stopping his searching of the cavern, Koba comes over to the group as he hears himself being talked to by an assortment of people. Towards Anevia ”Yesss I am, I’ve come to show the city and the world that not all kobolds are the sssame. Just as I’ve come to notice neither are all you humans. Koba-Jol at your ssservice.“
Surprised that anyone would show interest in his race as much as the elf is, Koba cocks his head a bit but more than willing to share knowledge, ”Sssso many questionsss please slow down. Yes my sssscales denote some heritage of a mighty green dragon from ssssomewhere in my past. We are closely related you know. It isss known that kobolds are the forerunners of the dragon ascension in this world to their power.” Slightly jumping around as he is getting overexcited talking about the dragons, Koba tries to remind himself to stay calm ”As to magic, it is something I wish to explore further but need someone to guide me. All I can do is create small orbs of ……… Sind die Drachenschuppen!?!?!”
”Are those Dragonscales?”
Rushing to Melchesiech, Koba explodes in an excited anticipation of what he might be looking at. Extending a quaking arm towards the Elf, he asks
“Kann ich eins habe bitte?”
”Can I have one please?”
Is that a member of house Garess I see?
|
|
Showing his respect by an equally strong grip Titian repeats his name before answering."Well, Rok, if you do not mind me using your nome-de-guerre, you do have an impressive expertise in this area. Can you tell me, is the land really that wild and lawless as some try to make us believe? I have heard many a story, but surely they exaggerate?"
"Yeah, tell us all about it girl." She says playfully.
Luck, Passion and Skill are what it takes, i have those qualties so hopefully it is enough. She answers to the man dressed in white and gold. The tall woman dressed in her own blue's and purples, a amulet of Shelyn hanging form her around her neck. A glaive, a long sword, and a finely carved wooden sword sheathed on her person,
Personally i've always wanted to meet them, My name is Anya She holds out her hand, dark green hair flowing about, the clink of her chain armor sounding as she moves about.
Jacobus smiles, "Anya, it is good to meet you. The qualities you mention are certainly desirable but there are others who could probably claim similar."
He sighs, "If you are not so lucky today, I could put a good word for you in my father's company, Varadin & Sons. We transport goods all over Brevoy and are always looking for good leaders. Is this something that might interest you?"
Kryolani lounges against the lip of the fountain that dominates the center of the courtyard, allowing it's bulk to shade him from the morning sun. He's a slight man, and beneath the hard gaze of Jacobus might be forgiven for withering. Instead he breaks out in a huge grin and hops lightly to his feet.
"Absolutely! Old Noleski is distant family, but he's still family. The name's Kryolani, professional lawyer-about-town and, well, mystical backup, I suppose. Never really done the adventuring bit before. The latter probably counts more than the former now."
The excitable sorcerer eyes the taller Cleric.
"You seem an alright sort. Fancy a drink?"
Kryolani waves a skin of what smells to be a sweetly mulled cider, still warm from the inn where it was recently bubbling over a fire.
Jacobus notices the smaller man squirm slightly under his gaze and quickly softens his visage. He smiles warmly and offers his hand, "Well, family will get you places but not too far. We are going to have to stand on our own, especially in those lands where bandits and chaos rules."
He politely declines the offer of drink, "A lawyer, uh? We deal with lots of those in our temple."
He brings forth his key, "And so we are all judged. What made you want to leave your comfortable living to go exploring?"
Finally turning her eyes from the entertainment she extends a hand to those speaking around her and any who take it find a firm grip. "Roksana, my previous company called me Rok for short, or maybe to make fun, they never dared laugh though. As for my credentials? Well nearly ten years wandering the River Kingdoms and I even swam most of the Sellen by now too, a few years of military service tops it all off.""So, what do you think? Do you think you have what it takes to be selected?"
Jacobus is impressed with the credentials of Rok, his only journey into the Stolen Lands not having a happy ending.
"So, how bad is it? I mean with bandits and petty rulers, is there a chance to establish a trade route. You know a trade route that will be respected and allowed to profit."
He smiles again as he looks up at Serolt and Regin. "Beautiful lion..." He then whistles and gestures to help calm the animal.
...aid another...
"Name is Jellak Sto... Jellak Garess. Here to answer the call of the Swordlords as well, then?" Oddly his speech has a slight dwarven accent. Not thick light a true dwarf, but definitely having some lilt to it.
Serolt greets the man warmly, extending his hand, "Thanks for the help with Regin, he can be quite a handful at times."
"Name's Serolt, and yeah, I'm here to help investigate the borderlands. Bring a little wilderness to our civilization efforts." he grins. "Doubt I'll get in though - look at all these applicants? You're one too as well I suppose? Here to bring the greater glory of civilizations light to the downtrodden of the countryside?"
He speaks lightly, and he keeps scanning the audience for something. "Have you seen the servant with the drinks? I'm parched, and it might calm Regin a bit. With all these people, he might just start investigating everyone himself!"
He speaks lightly, and he keeps scanning the audience for something. "Have you seen the servant with the drinks? I'm parched, and it might calm Regin a bit. With all these people, he might just start investigating everyone himself!"
Smiling at the lion, Jellak gestures and says a brief supplication and causes fresh water to flow before the animal until it is sated.
"As for servants, I wouldn't expect any. Surely the Swordlords are looking for hardy enough company that they won't be providing refreshments." He pulls a waterskin from his backpack and offers Serolt a drink. "Here, this will help keep the dust off at least."
Scanning the crowd he adds, "There are more here than I would have expected... it will be interesting to see who is chosen among them. But then Father seemed to think there was good opportunity here, so perhaps we will get a chance to explore these wild lands together."
"As for servants, I wouldn't expect any. Surely the Swordlords are looking for hardy enough company that they won't be providing refreshments." He pulls a waterskin from his backpack and offers Serolt a drink. "Here, this will help keep the dust off at least."
Serolt, with a friendly gesture, waves away the waterskin. "Thanks, but I have water. I was looking for something stiffer." he smiles. "Though that's a handy skill, creating water from nothing. That's the sort of thing that can make a difference in the wild. I don't yet know much about spells, but I yearn to."
Scanning the crowd he adds, "There are more here than I would have expected... it will be interesting to see who is chosen among them. But then Father seemed to think there was good opportunity here, so perhaps we will get a chance to explore these wild lands together."
He looks around the crowd, trying to make eye contact - see who's uneasy and who's confident. "There are a lot of people here that's for sure." he frowns, a little, and absent mindedly pets Regin for support.
He takes a deep breath and straightens up. "Other than making water, what do you hope to bring to the expedition? I myself am a tracker and pretty good at surviving in the wild - and of course my bow is handy when the wild fights back... or bandit do."
|
|
Bowing to Anya, Titian smiles to the cleric before speaking.
"It is not difficult to meet a swordlord. It is just difficult to best them in combat. They are the best duelists in the world.And hard to follow their example. But it requires a dedication to one weapon, and I believe, well that it there are enemys better suited to other weapons. And nothing beats a knight on a steed charging!"
Tell us about the River Lands
"Lawless? No, not anymore than anywhere else at least. People think it's all bandits and in fighting but it's not unlike the Varisian city-states. Every city or town has been established long enough that there's order, even in Daggermark. We might go through five or six formal 'Lords' a year, or less, but the power never shifts all that much."
As she speaks Roksana raises an eyebrow at Celest, trying to place where she's seen her before but failing. Must have been on a job somewhere. I must have crossed everyone in the River Kingdoms by now.
"As far as the Stolen Lands go, well then it really is as bad as everyone says. My mercenary company only led two or three jobs in the lands. One we nearly didn't come back from, if it hadn't been for a stretch or particularly tall grass in the Kamelands. Set up an ambush and drove our daggers into the throats of a few bandits that were a little too well armed. That's where most of the trouble comes from. You've got an endless number of border disputes and those petty rulers, as you call them, love to funnel fine steel to any cut purse willing to murder. There's no order or respect like with the Guild of Assassins, it's just butchery." She smiles wide enough to show her teeth and puts her weight on one leg, fondly remembering the battle in the hills. She dodges an invisible blow and laughs again.
"But it makes for a good fight, and with the right group of men you could certainly protect a trade route back and forth often enough to make profit. That's why I'm here. I want to make a name for myself killing bandits and start my own mercenary group based in the Stolen Lands. There's lots of coin to be had but most companies aren't well oiled enough to operate in hostile territory. I intend to change that. What do the rest of you expect to find out there?"
Jacobus notices the smaller man squirm slightly under his gaze and quickly softens his visage. He smiles warmly and offers his hand, "Well, family will get you places but not too far. We are going to have to stand on our own, especially in those lands where bandits and chaos rules."He politely declines the offer of drink, "A lawyer, uh? We deal with lots of those in our temple."
He brings forth his key, "And so we are all judged. What made you want to leave your comfortable living to go exploring?"
Kryolani takes a swig and leans back against the fountain, relaxing. "Oh it's not so comfortable as all that. The branches of the family with any kind of money don't take to things so lowly as mere jobs. Besides, I got tired helping merchants argue contracts. How about you? What makes the big scary cleric leave the warming confines of his city?"
The lawyer seems to spy someone in the crowd, and calls out, "Hey! Serolt, over here! I found a drink!" waving his drink skin overhead.
Hey Giuseppe, (and Euan etc)
I appreciate the concern and character questions but I'm going to go ahead and withdraw my application.
While I can handle (and even enjoy) the super fast posting speed at the moment, I have doubts of my continued ability to do so when my life gets super busy in spring.
Thanks again.
Kryolani takes a swig and leans back against the fountain, relaxing. "Oh it's not so comfortable as all that. The branches of the family with any kind of money don't take to things so lowly as mere jobs. Besides, I got tired helping merchants argue contracts. How about you? What makes the big scary cleric leave the warming confines of his city?"
"Well, I follow my tenets. I aim to bring a little civilization to these wild lands. You know, turn a path into a road and a settlement into city."
He speaks with his hands, "I firmly believe that civilization and laws provide the framework that allows those that work hard to prosper."
He half-smiles, "I also intend to make some money doing it, mind you."
The lawyer seems to spy someone in the crowd, and calls out, "Hey! Serolt, over here! I found a drink!" waving his drink skin overhead.
Jacobus scans the crowd and see his old acquaintance, "So how do you know the Shoanti guide?"
"But it makes for a good fight, and with the right group of men you could certainly protect a trade route back and forth often enough to make profit. That's why I'm here. I want to make a name for myself killing bandits and start my own mercenary group based in the Stolen Lands. There's lots of coin to be had but most companies aren't well oiled enough to operate in hostile territory. I intend to change that. What do the rest of you expect to find out there?"
"Gold!"
Jacobus takes a step back and speak to those around him, "As a representative of the Lord of the Vaults, I intend to make a decent profit while allowing others to do the same. I intend to carve out a trade route to the Stolen Lands. I'm sure they have something to offer at a reasonable price."
He shakes his head, "But nothing comes for free and we must be willing to work hard to earn this gold."
He turns to the half-orc woman, "I respect leaders such as yourself. Hopefully, we can share the road of this journey. Your knowledge of the lands will be valuable. Do you know of any trade routes?"
"New beginnings" - Reknar pondered to himself, as if he heard Lucian's voice in his head - "Making a difference" - it sounded again, the remnants of a conversation held not so long ago, just before he left Absolom.
The weight in his backpack was a poignant reminder of his old friend - he had stuffed it with books - "One can never know too much my friend" - it was surprising how he ever managed to maintain his joviality and optimism after all that they had been through together, but the man seemed to look ever forward, and some of it had definitely rubbed on Reknar, though not that much...
As he reached the courtyard, his attention was immediately pulled to the boy and girl trading blade slashes, but more than one look was also drawn his way, as the huge man seems veritably an implement of warfare - two well used, enormous hafted polearms lay across his backpack in easy reach; multiple weapons dotting his simple, travelling attire - a mace to one side, a dagger and a sling to the other, all complemented by a well polished but dented shield, strapped to his arm.
In spite of all the gear carried, he walked casually, sporting only a light chain armor to protect his torso - his massive frame seemingly having no difficulty in carrying the great load.
His dark hair is somewhat disheveled due to the days on the road, and his skin is quite tanned by the sun - though none of it dims the glow in his dark, black eyes as he observes the ones engaged in combat, offering a chuckle and shaking his head with a grim smile - "New beginnings indeed Lucian..."
He looked around for a drink, something that would calm down his parched throat, but saw no servants or stalls offering any refreshments. Shrugging, he plodded along to a group apparently gathered around an half orc fighting invisible foes - "Well met and apologies for intruding on the conversation" - he offers - "Name's Reknar, and since it seems you have been here for a while I wanted to ask if there is anywhere I can get a drink? I have some dust in my throat that needs some serious cleaning. Eating wouldn't be bad also..." - he adds, a smile never leaving his face.
Jacobus scans the crowd and see his old acquaintance, "So how do you know the Shoanti guide?""But it makes for a good fight, and with the right group of men you could certainly protect a trade route back and forth often enough to make profit. That's why I'm here. I want to make a name for myself killing bandits and start my own mercenary group based in the Stolen Lands. There's lots of coin to be had but most companies aren't well oiled enough to operate in hostile territory. I intend to change that. What do the rest of you expect to find out there?"
"Oh, I don't. Passed him as he was looking for a beverage earlier. I'd be more than pleased to turn this taciturn lot into a proper party."
Kryolani then addresses the mercenary, "By all the hells, something more interesting than the miserable burg I've been stuck in for the last few years. If my little corner of the family is ever going to return to prominence, it won't happen in a small town where all the opportunity got sucked out years ago." The sorcerer's tone turns vaguely bitter, but then he brightens right back up, waving to another distance face in the crowd.
Taken back by Jacobus' kind words, something that doesnt happen often, Roksana blushes mildly and stumbles a bit over her response. "Unfortunately no, I don't know of any trade routes. Every time we were sent to the Lands it was to put down bandits who had been raiding settlements or farms."
Roksana smiles at Kryolani as he complains about his small town woes happy for a reason to change the topic.
"If I had a glass I'd raise it to you! Opportunity, that's what this venture is all about. New land to make your mark on, we could be legends in a few decades time!"
She looks over the newcomer with the pole arms on his back and nods approvingly. She points to Serolt, recognizing him from a previous conversation in town a few days earlier and laughs. "What's with you wilderness types and not carrying waterskins?"
Kryolani then addresses the mercenary, "By all the hells, something more interesting than the miserable burg I've been stuck in for the last few years. If my little corner of the family is ever going to return to prominence, it won't happen in a small town where all the opportunity got sucked out years ago." The sorcerer's tone turns vaguely bitter, but then he brightens right back up, waving to another distance face in the crowd.
"That's great." Celest says not having processed a word of what Kryolani said. "Where'd you get your drinks?"
Perhaps she processed one word.
"What's with you wilderness types and not carrying waterskins?"
"Yeah." Note to self....
Bowing to Anya, Titian smiles to the cleric before speaking.
"It is not difficult to meet a swordlord. It is just difficult to best them in combat. They are the best duelists in the world.And hard to follow their example. But it requires a dedication to one weapon, and I believe, well that it there are enemys better suited to other weapons. And nothing beats a knight on a steed charging!"
The concept of knighthood fascinated me as well, I've always felt the strictures and codes interfered a bit to much in doing good. Simply meeting one is a joy, but impressing them, maybe just studying their technique. She smiles quietly for a bit, The bandits might not be all bad, or at least some of them were just drawn to the life unwillingly. It would be smart for us to not attack immediately, maybe they could help. I believe if we are to retake the stolen lands we will need more than just law, we will need one who knows the lands as they are now. She says aloud to the group.
The lawyer seems to spy someone in the crowd, and calls out, "Hey! Serolt, over here! I found a drink!" waving his drink skin overhead.
Serolt turns to his companion, "Well that's my call. Nice meeting you. Take care."
He works his way through the crowd, cajoling Regin into more or less behaving, and he reaches the drink.
"Hello, uh, do I know you? I feel I should, as you're being so generous with your information, and flask."
Serolt takes out a relatively small wooden cup. He nods to Jacobus.
The bandits might not be all bad, or at least some of them were just drawn to the life unwillingly. It would be smart for us to not attack immediately, maybe they could help. I believe if we are to retake the stolen lands we will need more than just law, we will need one who knows the lands as they are now. She says aloud to the group.
"You have a point, we should be careful who we attack at that, though some bandits are quite harsh indeed."
The bandits might not be all bad, or at least some of them were just drawn to the life unwillingly. It would be smart for us to not attack immediately, maybe they could help. I believe if we are to retake the stolen lands we will need more than just law, we will need one who knows the lands as they are now. She says aloud to the group.
Great. Just great. "That's so... inspiring." Just beam and find the wine. There's gotta be some wine somewhere. "You got anyone in mind?"
No all i am saying is we try to negotiate help before attacking, if we tell them that the swordlords want them out that it may be enough to get them to help or leave. If that fails we at least have a chance to infiltrate their base or what ever they have. It's simple, we present the Rose before the blade.
He works his way through the crowd, cajoling Regin into more or less behaving, and he reaches the drink.
"Hello, uh, do I know you? I feel I should, as you're being so generous with your information, and flask."
Serolt takes out a relatively small wooden cup.
"Not even a little." he responds, passing the skin of warm cider, "But why not be generous? It's a cold, cruel world out there without a few friends to keep things entertaining. I am Kryolani. I'm a sorcerer of some small skill, but somewhat larger ambition. The big cleric is Jacobus. This fine lady is... um... I'm so sorry milady, I did not catch your name?" he continues, gesturing at Jacobus and Roksana in turn.
She smiles quietly for a bit, The bandits might not be all bad, or at least some of them were just drawn to the life unwillingly. It would be smart for us to not attack immediately, maybe they could help. I believe if we are to retake the stolen lands we will need more than just law, we will need one who knows the lands as they are now. She says aloud to the group.
Jacobus just cannot contain himself, "Who said anything about attacking? I am not here as a mercenary."
He looks at the half-orc, "No offense intended."
And then turns back to Anya, "The Lords have not called forth mercenaries but rather explorers. And if any bandit calls himself good, then they will follow civilized laws, which is the only way to get people to settle these lands. Laws go hand-in-hand with civilization which goes hand-in-hand with prosperity for all. It's all quite simple, don't you think?"
She smiles quietly for a bit, The bandits might not be all bad, or at least some of them were just drawn to the life unwillingly. It would be smart for us to not attack immediately, maybe they could help. I believe if we are to retake the stolen lands we will need more than just law, we will need one who knows the lands as they are now. She says aloud to the group.Jacobus just cannot contain himself, "Who said anything about attacking? I am not here as a mercenary."
He looks at the half-orc, "No offense intended."
And then turns back to Anya, "The Lords have not called forth mercenaries but rather explorers. And if any bandit calls himself good, then they will follow civilized laws, which is the only way to get people to settle these lands. Laws go hand-in-hand with civilization which goes hand-in-hand with prosperity for all. It's all quite simple, don't you think?"
Their are bound to be bandits and such in the wilds, natives, things that were their before us. Law and civilization are not always hand in hand, they are separate concepts. Usually they go together but not always, we will most likely be required to deal with whatever is found, and most likely they will not deal with us easily. People will settle where ever they will, if we take it back by force, nature will be ruined. we should make a land for all and work together with all