Masamura digs in his backpack & pulls out the rope and starts braiding it into a pattern that after a while looks like an Easter Dragon made of knots while grumbling about not having paper while listening.
"Hello!" Dareon says cheerfully. "My name's Dareon, as I know a few of you know already. I am here because the whim struck me and because these lands have a great reputation among trailblazers. I am an arcanist of some small power, although you will find my skills to be less useful in mortal combat than in simple traversal of the land or non-mundane ways of getting around problems."
Dareon's grin grows. "My weaknesses are simple and quite expected of a Desnan wizard. I am impatient and annoying, I need my spellbook to have full potency, and my upper-body strength is quite lacking. If we need a stuck door opened or a bugbear slain or a home constructed, I am most certainly not your man."
"I am Dantalion and this" Dantalion whistles a sharp note "is my feathered friend Caelus. I am came here hoping to make Brevoy a calm place once more. My strengths lie with the bow and in the forests, hiding and waiting for the right time to strike. My weakness however are that I have no skills in diplomacy nor am I as smart as most of my kin."
Anastacia stands forth. "My name is Anastacia Stormwing. I am an Acolyte of the Church of Pharasma. I am here to expand the interests of Pharasma into this area. In other words, I am here to found a Church. As we clear the bandits out, honest people will come here to settle. It is I who will lead them in spiritual matters."
Anastacia sits back down. "I have some skill in combat, and access to a few small spells, provided by the will of Pharasma. Healing and supportive mostly."
Wilhelm listens carefully as each companion introduces him or herself in turn. When the timing seems right, he stands and takes a slight bow before saying, "I am Wilhelm Orlovsky, paladin of the Inheritor Iomedae. I've come to these lands to earn my place in history and a bard's song. Given the chance, I'd also like to form a lasting legacy of good in the world. I possess skill at arms, particularly with a blade. I'm also something a negotiator and have aspirations as a leader of men. My role as a scion of my Lady also imbues me with certain powers. As for my weaknesses, I have a certain penchant to ramble." Wilhelm pauses as a grin breaks out on his face. "I'm sure none of you have noticed that. I've also a tendency towards rash action where I might be better served by being cautious."
Sanita grins at Wilhelm. "That's ok, I'll take a rambling Paladin over a lecturing one any day. Although you might want to work on that rashness thing. Leave that for us crazy troublemakers who are good at getting out of it. I've never seen a paladin who as as good at getting out of trouble as he was at getting into it."
Wilhelm barks a laugh at the young alchemist's quip and retorts in mock solemnity, "Have a care, Sanita, lest you find that I ramble while I lecture."
Sanita waves the threat off. "Oh, no worries, I'm used to religious types lecturing in the same boring tone for hours and hours and hours. I just pretend they're naked, have a laugh at their expense, and then go over the arterial structure of a rat or bat in my head. Did you know the two are closely enough related that they have 52% the same circulatory system? Or that they can take blood transfusions from each other? Once properly typed of course."
Rowan looks at Sanita with a bit of curiosity. Her knowledge of animals amazes him though he is a little concerned about how she has come across that knowledge. He shakes his head a little bit before addressing everyone.
"I guess I'll go next. I am Rowan Gideon, one of the faithful of Erastil. I've come to these lands to set an example for others to follow. To build a nation founded by good people striving to do good in this world and also make a home for my village to move to. It'll take a lot of hard work but I am a hardworking man. I may not be as great as Dantalion but I am a fairly good shot with a bow and can be stealthy when needed. I do my best to take care of others. I have certain powers blessed upon me by ol' Deadeye. As for weaknesses… I suppose I'm not so good in a sword fight and I have sworn off the personal use of metal arms and armor."
After all of the introductions have concluded, Rowan will approach Felix and ask for the cold iron sickle that they had recovered from Tartuk. He will also later ask Oleg to find a half charged wand of cure light wounds available for purchase.
Lanya listens and nods as each person before her is introducing themselves, when things seem to fall quiet she steps forward and calls around the room.
"I am Lanya Beladon from House Medvyed, originally from Lastwall and its city Vigil, I came to Brevoy some five years ago. Since then I've been active as a diplomat for my new House and that has been my most prominent role, though I have also skills in convincing others to believe what's not there or what might be there as well as using any arcane items we might find. I am a sorceress, as some would call me, though I find user of the arcane arts preferable, it has a slightly less negative feeling to it."
She looks around the people there and looks down at her clothes, gesturing to them and back to the others.
"My weaknesses as you can see, is that I don't wear any armour, ever. It tends to get in the way of casting spells for one not trained in the arts of war. That said I can prevent harm to myself and others via my spells and dish out a small amount myself. As to my reasons for being here, I was welcomed to Brevoy and into the home of Alexei Medvyed almost a stranger. When he asked me to come here I couldn't say no, feeling this as a small way to pay him back for all these years of giving me a new home. Though, as well as some of you, I also feel the pull from these lands in my veins and the desire to make this place an example of how things should be to the rest of the world."
After such a long speech, she steps back into the group of people, a little flustered that she said so much.
Dante listens respectfully and laughs were appropriate, standing in his half plate the towering man responds, "I am Dante and I take for myself the title of Skyborn because I was a combat instructor for several years at the Skywatch academy in New Stetven. My family name is Surtova, and I am the bastard son of the King's cousin. But I put little stock in those things. I came to these lands because I wish to lead men in battle, I don't care to rule, I care for glory and victory. And I wish to earn those things before old age sets upon me and my strength leaves me." He pauses for a moment sadly dwelling on the concept of being inept then he continues. "I bring to this company strength of arm and martial skill. I also have a trained and learned mind for large scale tactics and I am a cartographer by hobby and enjoy making maps and drawing sketches." he adds that last bit shyly
Fhârn nods in appreciation when Dante proclaims his interest in map. A good hobby was always useful. He steps forward to make his own introduction -
"I am Fhârn Uðrrúna, son of Theore - my name holds no title and little gold but I shall aim to bring it into history nevertheless! I hail from Issen in the north. Ever since I was a little child putting things together and building stuff has been one of my greatest joys - and what creation could be more glorious or challenging then a kingdom? This is why I came, why I sought your merry band out - to hopefully one day be part of this wondrous enterprise! When I grow old I want to sit by the fire and tell my grandchildren the tale of this kingdoms birth - and my place in it..."
Fhârn pauses briefly before moving on to the more tactical matters while Munin continues to eye the eagle Dantalion called suspiciously.
"I can throw my weight around in a fight - quite decently so if I dare say. I fancy myself as a warrior, arcanist and blacksmith. I am versatile with some preparation and can make a wide range of thing - even trinkets of magical power! But this split focus is also my weakness - I won't swing my blade as good as Dante here, neither will I be able to summon arcane torrents of power as Lanya. Another downside is - I've never been good at sneaking around or finding things hidden.
He seems to be done - and the raven on his shoulder bumps him (not so) gently, seemingly to remind him of something. He grinns and point towards the bird.
[b]"And this is my trusted companion Munin the Raven. He has a keen eye and a small size - he usually serves as my scout, aid and all-around sidekick. He is smarter then he looks ..." Fhârn grins towards the bird "But dumber then he thinks." The bird glares back at him and sighs.
Sanita quietly shuffles as people talk, putting Rowan between herself and Dante whenever the old man is busy looking at other people who are speaking.
“Guess it’s my turn then…” Bej steps forward, takes off his coonskin hat and passes a hand through his short hair “Name’s Bej, Bej Vanskian, from Gofsborg up north on the Lake. I don’t much care for titles, or glory or a bard’s tales. I came south to carve myself a nice, warm piece of land for my family to farm and grow and be safe, in respect of Erastil’s teachings. North’s getting darker – bad things are coming out of the Lake.” he lets this last sentence in the air, then changes the subject.
“I’m a decent shot with a bow, and I can swing an axe as well as the next fellow. I recently had some training in wizardry, almost by accident, and found myself quite suited to it. I favor magic that improves or changes what already exists… not one for flashy explosions, I want stuff that’s useful in times of peace, too. I also had the good luck of growing up with a few books in my house, and I learned the basics of many disciplines.”
“As for flaws… I guess you can say jack of all trades, master of none? I also lack the way with fancy words all of you m’lords and m’ladies seem to have. I’m not an expert forest-dweller, but I can manage. That’s about it.”
Realising he is the last Vors stands and looks at the gathered men and women. "I am Vors of House Garess," he begins and continues: "My reasons for being here are my own and none of your concern." Moving on he explains: "Those of you who I have spilled blood with know that I am a fighter by heart and will gladely stand in the centre of the battle." Chosing not to speak of his weaknesses he sits and nods to Felix ending his part of this show and tell.
Sanita rolls her eyes. "I am Lord Butthurt, of House Butthurt" She mouths silently, looking toward the floor. "My reasons for being here are about much butthurt. Those who hurt my butt know I will gladly get butthurt again..." She silently mocks while crossing her arms.
"Good, now that we are all acquainted. In the interest of saving strife, Wilhelm has stepped down and left me in charge of dealing with organization of our forces and priorities. Any who would like to voice concerns may do so without fear of reprisal, but I want you all to understand that this is final unless overturned by our patrons. I will take any advice under consideration, but I hope that you can follow orders when they are passed down. As for the question of groups is concerned I will be taking Sanita, Dareon, Vors, and Wilhelm. Lanya, Anastacia, Dante, and Masamura will form a second group. Rowan, Fhârn, Dantalion, and Bej the third team. I will open the floor to concerns now before we move on to assignments." Felix waits patiently for the rest of the party to digest what has been said.
Sanita blinks, looks at Vors, and sighs softly under her breath. But then she shrugs and nods assent at Felix. At least it will keep her away from the old man, who might ask the wrong questions. She's getting the sinking feeling the big band is going to go hunting people instead of flora and fauna.
Rowan, Danatalion and Bej - So three archers and me. Fhârn grins I think I might have to prepare some more defensive spells ... He looks around to see where the other members of his team is - and so he can introduce himself face to face.
Munin the raven seems less then happy with the arrangement. He glares at Caelus but looks away as soon as the larger bird of pray directs his attention towards him. The things I do for work *squack-sigh*
Wilhelm nods at Felix and casts a glance at Lanya and Anastacia before shrugging. "Without further idea what you intend for each group to do, I don't think we can make any real evaluation of what each group should consist of. I think I've made my allegiance to the success of the group clear," Wilhelm says the last with a hint of distaste. I assume that wasn't directed at me, but still... I doubt anyone will try to usurp leadership after I've stepped down. Setting aside his minor misgivings, Wilhelm spares a grin for each of his new party members. Wilhelm quips as he looks at Sanita, "I suppose I'll have to learn not to lecture or you'll be spending all your time thinking about bats and rats."
Dareon's mind works through the team he's been given.
Vors - a big man, probably good in a fight. That's good. Irritable and impatient. Probably not good. Perhaps will have to keep him from rushing off or will have to fend off irritation or depression.
Sanita - consummate researcher, probably good company, slightly creepy. May have to keep an eye on her.
Wilhelm - a paladin of the diety of Valor: not much to suspect from this one. If his bulging muscles are any indication, he'll be a useful one in a fight.
finally, Felix - too serious, but perhaps that's a good thing in a leader of men. Will have to wait on judgment.
Ultimately, Dareon is pleased. He also seems to have been selected for the larger group with the more definite mission. As much as he would have liked to pick through the Narlmarches, identifying shrubs and seeing mythical beasts from a distance...he can probably do that in his spare time.
"Good to know you folks, and happy to be working with you."
Sanita dimples with a smile at Wilhelm's comment. "Well, I can always think of toadstools and pond scum if you get too obnoxious about it." She responds with a small laugh.
Sanita does a small court bow towards Dareon, when he speaks. "I'm sure we can figure out some way of making it bearable. I personally suggest buying the lady lots of wine." Not that it will get them very far, but it will keep me in wine, which is always a good thing.
Dante thinks for a moment, then speaks to so the group can hear him. "Lord Felix, I nearly forgot to mention, there is a newcomer to the outpost a priest of Erastil named Jhod. He has asked if we would assit him in clearing an abandoned and ancient shrine to Erastil that has is apparently in the area, though by assist him I of course mean do it for him as he is not a warrior. I thought this may be of interest to the more religiously inclinced among us"
Dareon smiles at Sanita's bow, and does a bow of his own at her. "I'm sure we can figure something out."
"Thank you Dante, you seem to be our point man on the odd requests and clues around here. If no one else has any complaints about their new partners then I will continue. Our objectives should be simple ones right now, we need to hit these bandits hard. Remove the threat now so we do not have to deal with a better prepared threat later. To that regard I will ask this, have we attained any Intel on where their main camp is currently?
Turning his attention to Felix and his ale ass he sits he completely misses any signs Sanita might have given to her thoughts. Vors nods as he is assigned to Felix. Good, I know him. Lets see what the others are made of, he thinks. Looking around he tries to put a face to the name of the members of his new group. As the others begin to mingle Vors raises from his chair and walks towards Felix. "I'll miss fighting with you, but I believe the chance will come again," he says placing a hand on Dante's shoulder. To Felix hi says: "I'll stand by you once again, but I don't know these newcomers, all we have are their words."
Sanita raises a hand. "Mr. Felix, sir? I have a problem that I've just realized. I don't know this Vors person, all I have is his incredible Ego and massive Pomposity. I'm afraid I don't have anything in my medicinal herbs for either of those conditions that isn't fatal. Perhaps a lancing might help? If someone has a large enough lance? It usually does with boils." She smiles sweetly. Then she looks around concerned. "But I don't think anyone is big enough to use a pine tree for a lance..."
Not dropping his smile, Dareon leans in to Sanita's ear.
Leaning back out, he loudly proclaims to Vors and Felix, "Excuse my young friend, comrades. What she meant to say is that you were all once strangers to each other, were you not? Is it suddenly unfeasible to trust us, now that we are the newcomers?"
He plasters on his most charming smile.
Sanita frowns. "No, that's not what I meant to say, I said what I meant to say." She bows to Felix. "My apologies if you think it is not my place to say this, but it is obvious that you are trying to get us newcomers to trust those who were here before us, and vice versa. That is why all gave their names, and some of what they can do. It is perfectly understandable that everyone did not give everything in their history, but this man..." She indicates Vors. "...refused everything but his name. Indeed, he instead ignored your orders, told everyone, including you, that his reasons for being here were none of our business, and then proceeded to ignore your request for weaknesses. This undermines your leadership with both those who are established, as it shows he is not your man to command, and it seriously undermines it with us newcomers as it shows us he will not obey your orders. And with impugnity, it seems. This man shows nobody respect, and openly calls others honesty and competence into question at the very time you are trying to join them together into cohensive units. This is not the activities of a loyal man at arms, it is the activities of a subversive or a fool."
She turns to Dareon. "Do not tell people what I do or do not mean. If someone has a problem with what I say, they may take it up with me. I understand your concern, but this is not something I said on a whim, this man is actively undermining the cohesiveness of any undertaking, and it is not something that should go unchallenged."
Dareon blinks at Sanita's words. He hadn't really thought about it that way - he'd just been looking forward to the sights, but the little girl was surprisingly cogent and sensible.
His mouth thins as he presses his lips together. He nods at her. "No disrespect intended. You are most certainly correct."
Turning to Vors and Felix once again, he continues on to back her up. "On second thought, the girl is quite right. This one calls our honesty into question while at the same time giving us no excuse to trust him."
Anastacia is a little sad. She will miss having Wilhelm's company. At least Lanya would be in her team. Well, actually the leader of the team.
Anastacia snaps out of her reverie. "We were following some wagon tracks that probably go to the main camp, sir. Those have probably been blown over by now though." They seemed to be going South and Westerly."
Masamura looks up from his fiddling and stands next to Sanita."All I know is I like her."Jerks his thumb to indicate Sanita."I would most like to get to know her better as she seems to be my kind of person."
Sanita blushes. "Uhm, oh, uh, well, thanks..."
"Finally a noble that knows how to get things done."
At the small girls outburts, Dante furls his brow, stands and approaches Sanita and Dareon. "Sarcasm and provoking words will gain you little in life girl." he says in a non threatening but stern tone. "Every man is entitled a secret or two and one shouldn't go about challenging the honor of and mocking every person one meets." he sweeps his hand across the room. "Regardless of the small talk and nicities, the one thing that binds us together is our will to make a better life here. It is quite possible to think that some of us are leaving behind worse things than others. Master Masamura nearly admitted that he is a fugitve, though he failed to go into any detail. turning he addresses Vors.
"And you my friend, are guilty of what this girl implies, though I know that you meant no malicous intent by it. The first time I stood with you in battle I didn't know you nor you me, yet we trusted one another with our lives, we all did." he says raising his voice for that last part. "If we are to create a place of safety and freedom for all who would work toward that goal, we cannot meet kindred spirits with mistrust and paranioa. If the details of your past are grievious, embaressing or incriminating then I ask you to at least submit to our leader and tell Lord Felix in private." he turns to face the newcomers again,
"All of you have my trust until you betray it and my respect until you lose it though I believe that day will never come. We all have a commanding officer, and you will follow orders or you will be unwelcome here." He adds in a deep voice. "We don't all have be the greatest of friends, but we will work together. Let us be about our business, we have a wilderness to tame."
Sanita blushes deeper and mutters something under her breath.
"...not a stupid noble..."
She remains silent as Dante talks, and when he turns to Vors, she quickly sidesteps, putting Masamura between her and Dante.
Felix smirks at Dareon and Sanita's conversation, he openly smiles when they both come to consensus. "It is said that there was once a foreign emperor who controlled most of the known world in his day, everywhere he went the populace bent the knee and sung his praises for fear that he would strike them down for the slightest insolence. None dared question him save for one, a simple sweeper who cleaned refuse from the middens, in his society a man who could not be touched less the filth of his nature wipe off upon you. To this man was tasked one simple job, to sit behind the emperor and whisper into his ear as he traveled on his palanquin. You are merely mortal. Vors is entitled to his distrust, he does not fully trust any of us I do not believe. All I ask of him is that he works towards the good of Brevoy as any other would. This is all I ask of either of you. Know that I am willing to extend a measure of trust towards you, sometimes though you need a man of suspicious nature who can tell you I told you so when you are wrong about someone."
Sanita opens her mouth to respond to Felix, then ducks back to avoid Dante's gaze instead.
Lanya nods as Felix calls the groups and the names in those groups. She gives a small nod of understanding to Anastacia.
Glad to have her on my side again, Dante and Masamura eh? I know Dante is probably as capable a fighter as he looks, I think I will have little qualms about him. Masamura seems a bit of a trickster, no problems with that though I wonder what more might be behind that 'mask' of his.
She walks up to Felix and looks at him questioningly.
"Our initial sortie went south, so I'd start looking there for any signs of the Stag Lord, as it was also the direction Sweet was going. According to a repentant captive named Derek it was a few days journeying for Sweet and his crew from the bandit outpost we encountered, perhaps Derek can provide a little more information now if he's still around Oleg's. "
"So what do you propose to have the three groups do? I think our group is fine, though our wilderness survival might be a bit less, thankfully Dante's maps seem very beneficial in that regard. I assume you go hunting bandits, so if you'd do me a favour, be on the lookout for that bomb-throwing Jake Terril. I'd sleep easier if I didn't have my own personal assassin to worry about in the wilderness."
After Felix's reply, she bows shortly and sees to getting acquainted better with her teammates.
"Well Anastacia, it seems we're back in the same group again. No complaints from me there, I've seen your healing and battle prowess and look forward to our cooperation again. Perhaps now we'll have some time to get to know each other a bit better, instead of chasing bandits in a hurry."
She then turns to Masamura and Dante.
"Gentlemen, I'm eager to see what our cooperation might bring in the field. Sir Dante, I've good faith that you can keep us safe from harm, Felix had only good things to say about you and his comments only add to my own instincts about you. Masamura, I would like to get to know you better on our travels, that counts for everyone of our group, though at the moment I can't quite place you yet. You seem to have a touch of mystery about you, if you don't mind telling us some of it later I'd be much obliged to you."
Felix watches as Sanita seems to dance back and forth here and there. Not knowing why he racks his brain for the reason she seems so familiar.
Masamura looks around while holding his rope dragon."Wait we have decided on groups?"He then looks to Sanita."I'm sorry did I upset you?"
Fhârn is content to watch the commotion from a safe distance, but still within earshot. It seems as if there was somekind of disagreement about one gentleman's intentions or whatnot. But atleast Felix, the one his hosts had elected for leadership, seemed competent enough. And that Dante fellow wasn't half bad at disarming a fight either...
While Fhârn doesn't pay much attention to Sanita's shenanigans she can feel Munin the ravens eyes following her. The bird fascinated at her elaborate dance around the room - and her snarky commentary. Clearly enjoying all the distractions available from the eagle some higher power placed in his immediate company.
Masamura looks around while holding his rope dragon."Wait we have decided on groups?"He then looks to Sanita."I'm sorry did I upset you?"
Sanita firmly grips the man by the back of his neck when he tries to turn around, and hisses in his ear very quietly.
"Hsst! Quit turning around you idiot, keep looking at the old man and quit slouching, it's hard to hide back here with you moving!"
Anastacia smiles. Yes, I'm glad to be working with you again, Lanya. Her face grows impassive as she regards Dante and Masamura. "I think we have the foundation of a fine team here. Once we get used to working together."
"We must find these bandits and their hideout. I will go and talk with our repentants and if neither can give us information on the whereabouts of our enemy then I will have us move as a group down south each taking and searching a grid exploring down the western portion of our charter to hopefully find our enemy. Coming together to share information unless someone has the ability to keep us in touch with each other in the field."