"Indeed, my lord although you will note I added in a set of chamagne artillery. I believe that if the Swordlords had, had access to blackpowder and even the most primitive of cannons the Dragons of Choral would not have stood a chance!" He notes several positions where guns or cannon would have shifted the battle. "I look forward to the opportunity to prove the effectiveness of black powder in the Stolen Lands.
Jemandi looks Venkar in the eye. "Do you have one of these weapons with you?"
At this Ioseph laughs and turns towards Evanki "David isn't the only one who will be fighting dragons for the rest of the day.'
Venkar lifts the scraps of several guns out of his pack. "I wish that I could say I do, but as amazing as these weapons are they do not fare well against a trollhounds stomach." He blushes at Ioseph's second comment but bites his tongue on further comment.
Casimir, having nothing but a smile in his hand, feigns the raising of a glass while the occasion mattered in saying Abadar's name.
However, having heard and noticed the Lord Mayor's attention to Vendar, he walks over casually, and takes a look at the display made. He smiles greatly, and looks at the battle, not even seeming to notice the historical aspects. He does point at a couple of things on the 'field.'
"Had they access to an engineer, they could have made pitfalls loaded with some vials of alchemist's fire, that would trigger and drop upon their heads - or perhaps simply thunderstones to shatter their resolve. Then the foes would suffer losses across their ranks, their morale would drop, and minimal casualties could be confirmed - because an offer to surrender should always be given after such things. Then again, soldiers are a stubborn lot, eh?" he ends with a jest.
Venkar stares at Casimir as one would with a very slow child "I highly doubt a few thunderstones would have made a difference when dragons were involved, I know that it was a massacre for the swordlords and Rostland but it was still brave and honorable to resist oppression when it arose. Rostland suffered greatly that day. Stubborn or no we stood against a tyrant while House Orlovsky hid from that fight like you alwa- He grows increasingly upset through his speech before cutting himself off. "I apologise... Sir, you cannot be held responsible for the actions of those 200 years past. I may have taken your jest wrong."
"Don't be too hard on Casimir. He's obviously a man with great skills as a builder, if not a tactician. Such talents will be highly valued in the rough lands we aim to settle."
He steps forward, nodding at the "cannons" on the table. "I am curious, Venkar, where did you gain such knowledge of this black powder. I've heard of it, but never seen it in use."
Venkar's face becomes abruptly grim "I began studying it after a raid of gnolls attacked my village with them, ever since then I've aimed to understand and improve these weapons ever since. If my people had, had these weapons as the gnolls had perhaps I'd still have a family."
Viktor's brow furrows at Venkar's tale, "What a horrible event! I don't know much about these gnolls, but I wonder how they acquired such technology.
"They were from distant Alkenstar. I hear they often steal guns around there. I have no clue how they made it this far north though."
Marick looks at the table and comments "I have heard some similar weapons being made in Numeria or they could be just been shipped up the rivers. I have seen black powder and have messed with it a little in the lab but I have never seen it used in a gun. If you get that gun repaired let me know I can help you with the black powder."
Jemandi looks at the ruins of the weapon Venkar shows. "If you ever get a working model I would very much like a demonstration. I've had conflicting reports regarding these weapons."
Dante stands among the many gathered, smiling and nodding here and there, generally feeling as he normally did at this sort of gathering, comfortable with the politics slightly out of place due to the fact that it appeared he was much bigger then most of his companions. Shaking the young noble Wilhelm's hand,"Dante Skyborn of House Surtova, there is something I like about you lad, a sort of genuine quality. I plan to earn much glory on the field with you."
Dante bows deep to the swordlord, "Your skill is famed far and wide my lady and the tales of your adventures spurred my training all the harder at academy.'
Majda looks surprised that even more people are coming over to talk with her and Lanya. She's about to respond to Viktor when he's seemingly distracted by a cutlery battle in full swing over at the other end of the table. She does turn her gaze back to Felix answering him, "My name is Majda, also of house Orlovsky. My family home is at Choral Hold. I've actually never been to New Stetven. Why have you come here Felix? Where does your family hail from? Clearly we're cousins, but that's not saying much. Hiding "high above" the conflicts allows plenty of time for reproduction. As everyone can see," she says waving her hand over the crowd, "There are more Orlovskys than rabbits in midsummer." She laughs a little at her own joke, her tinkling laugh is pleasant on the ears.
Dantalion laughs, if only to assure that she is not the only one laughing, at the joke.
"So it appears my Lady. What do you think of everyone here? I know that you just arrived but you must have some thoughts on at least those of your own house."
"I honestly know very little of my cousins. I spend most of my time in the wild, though when I heard of this chance for reclaiming lost lands, I couldn't help but think of the opportunities there will be for change."
Felix chuckles at Majda's jest. Sitting back he surveys the crowd of nobles that have been gathered here, mentally checking off every tiny bit of information he knows about each and every one. Sadly he does not know much, if anything, about the non-nobles in attendance.
A Surtova, how did I miss even one in attendance... Oh well, he is just one. Another Medvyev over there, one of Lichter's sons I think... Might be useful. Orlovsky, Orlovsky, we do seem to be plentiful today. A Garess over there... Not one I know though, maybe get to know him a bit better, they tend to be stubborn but loyal if you can win them over. Going to have to get to know the others. So much work to do, and so little time. Will have to watch the Half-Breed, she may be trouble. Oh but if I can convince her to ally her wants to mine... I don't see any others I would consider the diplomatic type.
Plots and schemes begin to form in Felix's head, plans for the future and eventualities that may never come. "Change would be a good thing cousin, but don't let the Surtova hear you say that. We may not be able to trust that he will not run to his kin and tell them the Orlovsky are not happy with their benevolent rule." Felix then gives Lanya and Dantalion a peculiar look." "To be sure I can not trust that you two would not do the same, so I would ask that you are not all too over eager to feed me or my cousin to the pirates if you would be so kind."
Merick grabs some of the food from the table and sits at a table. He grabs some wine and shakes his head at all the talk of cousins and noble families. Maybe I didn't miss out on much not having a family this is far to confusing. Hope this host gets things rolling before someone gets insulted and a fight breaks out, I imagine that is common place at most family reunions.
"Do you have something against the fair folk cousin?" Majda asks Felix with a frown, surprised at his insult of their elven conversation partners. "I've found Lady Lanya and Dantalion perfect respectful and kind so far."
Having not known anything of the situation, Casimir did frown at Venkar, and the tale he told of his family. It was then he clasped the man on the back, and spoke boldly - and also changed the subject.
"Listen - whatever happens out there, when we leave, know this: you are among good men and women. Good people, who will most likely look after each other. It's a wilderness out there, but I have this feeling that you'll find something, too. Something that will help prevent others from falling to the same fate. If we end up paired, Venkar, I will ensure you that any banditry we encounter meets swift justice, whether it be by shackle or sword. We will defend the helpless from the wicked."
He smiled sincerely, and nodded, then nodded also to Viktor, as though... motioning for him to also say something. Hopefully.
Dantalion mutters in Elven.
"Well I know who isn't getting my support for being leader of this incursion to the Stolen Lands."
Back to Common.
"Thank you Lady Orlovsky, but don't waste your breath on those who think they are above everyone else."
Dantalion walks outside and mutters in Elven.
"And I thought that the Orlovsky House was supposed to be one of peace through diplomacy."
"I have learned that it is not always a good idea to trust those you do not know, I meant no disrespect by my statements." Felix nods his head towards his new companions. "I am more worried about the Lord Regent and his sister and the punishment they might meet upon a few kind souls for saying there is anything wrong under their rule. They are sadly no Rogarvian rulers after all."
Must be careful it seems, I should remember I am not among friends. Even my kin may be enemies in the end. If I am to do any good for our people I am going to have to make sure I don't step on anybodies toes. Time enough to learn these people's habits and personalities.
Anastacia introduces herself, by name and station. Then fades into the background. With a small glass of white wine and a sparingly loaded plate of food she sits back to watch the posturings and social maneuver, as the contenders vie for popularity.
She hopes that whoever gains command is at least slightly competent as a leader, and not some self absorbed micro-manager.
"To be sure I can not trust that you two would not do the same, so I would ask that you are not all too over eager to feed me or my cousin to the pirates if you would be so kind."
"You can expect me to never go as far that, I might keep my House informed about the situation here, but that would be all. Or are you referring to my and Dantalion's shared heritage?" Lanya looks quite stern as she mentioned this.
She then turns on a lighter tone.
"We are what we are sir Felix. We can do many things to please those around us, but if they insist to only look at the outside, then they are blind. I hope within this group there are few blind people, wouldn't you agree?"
Felix feigns a lack of understanding. "Oh I have found that the world of nobles can barely see past their own fingertips let alone the outside world, strangely enough they can gain sudden clarity of vision when there is something they want." Felix smiles at that thought. "As to problems with your shared heritage, I wasn't aware you were from the same group of elves."
Rowan grabs a small plate of food and a drink as he observes the interactions going on around him. He smiles patiently at the gathering but he starts fidgeting with bits of his food, eager for the talks to be done and the work to begin. Noticing the Lady Stormwing separating from the others, he approaches her.
'I'm not intruding, am I?' he asks, unsure if the priestess was seeking solitude from the crowd. You mentioned earlier that Pharasma wants the new colony to take a shape that is pleasing to her. I'd like to know more about her plans for our endeavor. I'm afraid that I have not had much interaction with members of the other faiths and wish to correct that.
Jemandi nods towards Dante with a smile. "And who was your master at the academy?" Her eyes drop to the scimitar at his side. "It couldn't be Master Lorn or you'd just have the biggest sword you could carry, speed be damned. The scimitar is a good fast weapon, although the dueling sword is it's superior in many ways."
"Master Bonimi, Lady, and while the dueling sword is the preferred sword of many I find the Scimitar or longsword to better compliment a shield. I did however wield a dueling sword for the five years I instructed at the academy"
"I appreciate your sentiment sir Casimir. I look forward to when we can get to exploring the land."[b] He nods at Casimir and smiles as if nothing was ever wrong. [b]"Sir Marick I would greatly appreciate your aid in the black powder end of things, especially as I hope to refine or alter the recipe to remove the unfortunate cloud of smoke that it always produces and, perhaps lessen the strain upon the barrel per shot." Venkar hands Marick a small sheaf of notes on the subject. His eyes gleaming excitedly.
I never would have imagined such interest in my weapons or such popularity, perhaps my passions are not as persecuted as I thought.
Venkar stands very formally when addressed by Jemandi Aldori careful to show the utmost respect. "My lady it would be an honor and a privilege, I will admit there are some flaws, However I imagine when we first started forging swords instead of stone spears they had similar issues. I will be sure to demonstrate their abilities when I am able."
A swordlord is interested in my weapons! What honor, what opportunity!
Marick takes the notes and puts the in one if his many pockets, "Great I will take a look at them and after this huge meeting is resolved we can combine our resources and see what we can come up with. I might be able to help with the gun too, I will try anything but your firing the first shot." Marick smiles at the last part and winks.
Venkar smiles "Haha! Sounds good to me Marick."
Viktor smiles at Venkar's eagerness. It is nice to see some honest enthusiasm here. A refreshing change from all the shallow niceties. That said, perhaps it's time to stop ignoring the mastadon in the room.
After a few minutes as the various discussions continue to carry on Viktor moves forward and takes a wine glass in hand and taps a silver knife against it causing a clear ringing sound to carry over the crowd.
"Pardon my interruption, but I believe it near time to bring about discussion as to the true nature of this meeting: the organization of our expeditionary band. I've had the great pleasure of meeting most of you already. For those who haven't, my name is Viktor Stovyet of House Medvyed. I am sure our esteemed host," he gives a courteous nod to the Lord Mayor, "will be providing us with detailed instructions soon. With such intriguing figures present and such stimulating conversation, however, we could easily spend the remainder of the day exchanging in edifying discourse without coming to the subject at hand."
He grins cheerfully and gestures across the room, "Here, truly, is a collection of fair Brevoy's finest. A more diverse," he winks at the collection of Orlovsky's, "and capable group of people one would be hard pressed to find." As he speaks he looks at people in turn, "Of the people in this room whom I've met we have (at Casimir) engineers, (at Lanya) masters of the arcane, (at Rowan, Anastacia, and Wilhelm) religious representatives of Erastil, Pharasma, and Iomedae, (at Dantalion and Marick) esteemed members of the elder race, and a practitioner of the mysterious black powder(at Venkar). As for those I have yet to meet, (at Majda, Dante, Vors and Felix) I'm sure you bring great skills of your own. This is a testament to the wisdom of the Sword Lords who organized this meeting and to the greatness and diversity of our nation's people."
He pauses for a moment to smile at the crowd and guage reactions before continuing.
"Such a diverse group is capable of achieving great things together, but we must have cohesion. We need someone who can bring such strong wills in line to a common purpose. Who amongst us is willing to try?" He points a thumb to himself and gives a faint smile, "I, for one, would like to offer my service in this regard. I also welcome any others present who believe in this mission and it's people, and wish to lead to speak up as well so we may choose who we offer our support to." He reaches an arm out to Casimir and gestures him over, "I know Casimir has spoken his desire to lead as well. He appears capable and I know he can take a joke." He winks at the man.
"Who else will step forward?" He grey eyes look out at the crowd as he smiles welcomingly.
Dantalion walks back in as he no longer hears the loud conversations of everyone and only Viktor's voice.
OOC This happens after Viktor's speech and anything that comes of it.
Jemandi replies to Dante "Perhaps you will be interested in starting your own school. I doubt we will have time, but at some point I would like to test your skill with a blade."
To Venkar she says "I am half tempted to remove you from this charter and give you the funds to make a prototype." She pauses as she thinks it over. "It means that you would not be part of the formation of 'Ioseph's New Barony' however, and I don't want to deprive you of the opportunity. If we had stuck to Ioseph's original idea everyone here would be nobles."
Ioseph, in the meantime has grabbed the arm of a servant and whispers in her ear. I few minutes later the servant returns, gingerly carrying a bucket of ice with a bottle of wine. At this Jemndi starts to head towards Ioseph. The wine is quickly uncorked, examined and glasses are being filled.
The wine is a very fine Corentyn Wine worth almost 50gp a bottle
Venkar looks around for a moment before clearing his throat. "In the short time I've been here one man has moved smoothly between the great variety of personalities here. He has mediated arguments as they arose and ensured we all gained focus here. I would like to pledge my open support to Viktor Stoyvet as the leader of this expedition!"
Marick raises an eyebrow at the choice of wine. Apparently we are getting to high point of the evening, must be something important coming. Maybe they have decided on who will be leading this group.
Felix nods to himself as each contender is name, only half focusing on the proceedings.
Marick settles back in his chair and sips his wine looking at the other contenders interested in what they have to say.
Quietly"Mmmm A fine Corentyn white I believe, quite fine."
Lucky me, they bring out the only wine I've ever tasted at least I don't look like a complete bumpkin.
Dante listened to the young nobles speech, these young lordlings would probably vye back and forth for the lead. At the end he clapped his hands, ”Bravo, excellent. I agree we should come to a decision soon,’ he said with a icy stare at the crowd of nobles, ’however I would like to point out an issue that I have been weighing for some time. Nearly all of you are incredibly young, most under the age of 25. Now in my background as a teacher, I realized that inexperienced does not mean unfit. I mean to be successful on this venture and that means that whoever we choose, I will do my duty as long as they prove wise enough to heed council particularly mine and Ser Dantalion’s as we appear to be the eldest. I also feel that many of you may feel suspicious of my presence as the only present Surtova and son of the High Regent, I assure you that I know the absurdity that is our house motto “Ours is the right” and I make no such claim here, I will serve and together we will win back the Stolen Lands!” Dante finished in a calm firm voice.
He then took up a wine cup and drank, responding to the swordlord ”Perhaps once we succeed, there would be a place for a school in the new realm.”
Viktor studies the speaker intently trying to recall who from House Surtova this speaker is.
"Wise words indeed... sir Dante Skyborn, I presume? As I alluded to earlier, I am sure all here have something to offer and whoever is selected must make proper use of such a wealth of knowledge, especially from a teacher of the illustrious Skywatch academy. I am a lover of knowledge myself, and hope to have the opportunity to compare notes with a teacher and scholar such as yourself regardless of the outcome of today's selection."
"That is well Lord Stovyet. I am always delighted to share interests, I would love to go over my theorem on squad based tactical fighting. I'm also well versed in the maintain of or defending agaist sieges with a specialization in siege engines. But those are talks for around a campfire after a day of slaying monsters."
Lanya looks on as her younger companion exclaims his desire for leadership and only smiles.
I didn't think he had it in him. Perhaps this is best, I know him and if he gets enough support all the better. He know I'll have his back whatever the case.
"Hear, hear", she says as she raises the glass to Viktor.
"Well spoken indeed. If you do become our leader here, we know it is at least a kind and jolly one." She smiles appreciatively at Viktor, raising her glass and giving a quick nod to him.
"Though whoever might take the lead of this expedition, know that you can count on my guidance and quick wit in any social affairs we might encounter."
"And you can count on mine and Caelus's help on and off the battlefield."
Felix leans over to Lanya and whispers. "I am surprised you are not putting your name forth for lead. You have the mind for it, and the talent if even half the stories about your prowess among the dinner tables is to be believed."
Felix then stands before the combined host, cutting off any continued politicking from the younger noble. His slow inexorable clap resounds harshly in the hall.
Felix begins to sit back in his chair. He lifts his glass and swirls the contents a little, staring into the wine as it rolls perfectly around in the bowl. As he agitates the stem with his wrist it seems to catch a fire glow and the beams of the last dieing rays of sunlight. The bandages on his arms seem to have charred to his skin, little bits peel away and disappear in puffs of smoke and ash revealing newly charred flesh beneath. In a quiet voice that carries the weight of years beyond his mortal frame and echoes in the now quiet room, the young man speaks a few final words. "It has to be one who is certain, one who is capable of leading by example and is beyond reproach. It has to be one who is worthy or it will all be for naught." Without further explanation Felix slumps back into his chair as if exhausted.
Viktor smiles in thanks at Lanya's words and raises his glass in turn.
When Dantalion speaks he gives a respectful nod.
At last when Felix rises, he listens patiently and nods along with some of the man's points. "Lord Felix, I commend your passion as well. You obviously care deeply about this expedition's success and that speaks well of your presence here. I have passed your cousin a few times today, but have yet to have the fortune of meeting her. I do welcome her to step forward and speak. Sir Dante as well, if that is his wish."
He raises his hands in front of him in a calming gesture, "Again, I understand and appreciate your passion. I must ask that you not get too agitated, however. This is an important decision and should be made with our eyes unclouded by anger. I do not claim to be perfect, far from it in fact. I do claim a great love for this land and the people in it. I have also learned from many sources in my short time on this plane and can make this knowledge available for us. Whoever is chosen, I will support wholeheartedly for I truly desire great success from this mission. I agree, though, I would like to see more step forward."