Bjorn stands firm with a blankly face. The question that Ivari exposed was in his head too, but the Vicarius answer reassures him.
So, another diplomatic mission. I'll try to keep my mouth shut, thats the best way I will help with it.
"A small delegation from each Order is going, about fifty Hellknights total. Your squad plus Maralictor Saren will be representing the Gate. You won't have to worry about him though, he will have other duties to attend to. As for the exercise, I'm unsure as to the details, though it will apparently involve a three day excursion. This portion will be just as important as the diplomatic part of your mission. The Blackjackets are easily the most skilled force in the world at small unit tactics. You will learn as much as you possibly can about these tactics and their general strategy, and disseminate this information upon your return. We are looking to begin incorporating this method more into the Hellknights as a whole."
Ivari nods at the information but otherwise says nothing, looking at the others to see if they have any questions.
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Cassius nods again, fingers steepled before his face. "Orders heard and understood, Vicarius. I have no further questions at this time."
He glances to the rest of the squad to see if they have any.
If nobody has further concerns, Cassius will accept any physical dossier the Vicarius has for them, or not, if there isn't one.
"We will be ready when the caravan departs, sir."
In the hallway outside the Vicarius's office, Cassius looks to the others. "Most of what I know about Druma pertains to their wealth-oriented society and religion. Acquisition of wealth is their chief societal good... their High Prophet is also the head of state, a fellow named Kelldor. Supposedly quite amiable in person, but one ought not to let the cheerful demeanor let you forget he is the most powerful man in Druma. Whether he will be personally attending this ceremony, I could not say, but let us strive to avoid a diplomatic incident with... anyone.
"Signifier Kayle-- or anyone else-- do you know more of their religion? I confess I haven't studied it extensively.
"My orders stand thusly: every person in this squad should have the ability to attack both at range and in melee. Every person in this squad should have the ability to attack non-lethally. Every person in this squad should have at least one bottle of a substance useful in dispersing small verminous monsters-- I find acid to be cheapest. If you do not have these items, obtain them before we leave. I would also suggest we each buy much finer clothing than we are currently wearing, to better impress the Drumans, but," Cassius smiles thinly, "that is currently beyond my personal purse, at least."
"Are there any questions? Assemble in the courtyard with the caravan, one hour prior to departure."
Kayle will address Cassius's question.Sadly, i am not well versed in other religions.
At Cassius' invitation for questions and having given his orders the paladin offers some thoughts:
I will see if the armory has a supply of blunted arrows, I can shoot regular ones in a manner as to not permanently damage a foe but the blunt ends make that easier...
As to the issue of finery and finances. I have some money, I might be able to afford outfits for many of us who do not have them but I wonder if I should wear such a thing. Now armored in the steel of our order should I not wear it at any sort of formal function?
As a final thought Ivari offers, What of a page, squire or servant? Armor is a tedious thing to put on and I would not wish to force the group to aid me day in and day out? I can look into it on my own, it merely occurs to me it might be taken more seriously coming from you?
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Cassius nods to Kayle, and nods more slowly at Ivari's words, looking from Ivari to the also-heavily-armored Kayle and Bjorn.
"The armor of our Order is a credit to us-- I should think it would be sufficient at any gathering, really. Or at least," Cassius half-smiles, grimly, "our most memorable masks."
As usual, Cassius stoically ignores his familiar's life advice, carrying on as though the interruption had not occurred. "Regarding a squire...? I suppose that might make the day-to-day tedium of armor management easier for us all. At a gathering such as this, it might well seem boorish to not have servants performing those tasks for us," he muses.
That would be great. I'm not wearing my armor just because of the annoyance of finding someone to help me to don it.
I'll help on paying it if necessary.
Bjorn finally breaks his silence, but he remains still and with a serious pose.
Knowledge Geography (Druma): Druma is predominantly hilly and much of its terrain is dominated by the mountains that make up two sides of its border.
Knowledge Local (Malachai): Malachai is currently a rather famous and extremely temperamental paladin of Ragathiel. Said by many to be almost entirely unstoppable once he decided that a target was guilty, he is also the only Hellknight to have flawlessly defeated his devil with no magic whatsoever. Despite that though, a shadow does loom on his record. During his first year in his order he slew the two members of his squad. Despite the many rumors about the reasons for that, none seem to quite fit.
Vorgal remains silent through the Vicarius' instructions, sure to make eye contact between writing notes. His own knowledge of the events and places doesn't seem to add much to the conversation, so he keeps quiet as the group talks, trying to figure out how Cassius will react to leading and how Kayle will react to not leading.
The conversation seems to bear out no ill changes in the party mechanics, so Vorgal settles in to listen further.
The elf scoffs at the mention of a squire. Despite growing up in a wealthy family, he had been tasked with all of his own personal care and the idea of someone else handling his gear seemed lazy, and beneath the ranks of the greatest fighting group in the land.
Vorgal tries to brush away the attention his scoff gets. "Perhaps that would be a question for Paralichtor Malachai, I've heard he can be quite testy about things like that."
Ivari cocks an eyebrow at the magus as he scoffs and tilts his head at the comment about Malachai, I'm not sure how much experience you might have with full plate Vorgal but its is burdensome to don and while I am happy to do as much as I can, until the gods or the Order allow me to have the power to reach through behind myself or merely summon the armor on me it requires another set of hands. Better from one tasked to such work than yours, I would think.
Vorgal smiles. "I don't have specific knowledge of it, but I do think I just saw a spell that might be of assistance. "
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"If we were going into known hostile territory, I would deem it best to travel with as little dead weight as possible, and expect that we should partner off for any assistance required with our armaments," Cassius says. "But, under the circumstances of this mission? Where appearances may matter as much as pragmatics? I think it a viable request. Ivari, I will accompany you to the quartermaster's to expedite the requisitioning of a squire and the blunted arrows. If anyone else needs other supplies, see to it."
He sighs at the mention of that very useful spell. "Swift Girding, yes. A useful magic-- and one I would find difficult to learn, alas, as that branch of lore was one I did not study at Academy..."
*
Cassius makes his way to the quartermaster's, garish parrot on his shoulder as usual. "It was your idea-- you may broach the request of the quartermaster," he murmurs to Ivari. "If my current status is needed, I will assist."
At the offer of Cassius, Bjorn just asks him:
Where we must go to get the alchemical fire? Is at the quartermaster? or there is a separate alchemist workshop? Never worried about it, and I'm totally clueless about.
I could use some alchemist fire or some acid if we are going to encountering swarms on the way. I think a squire would be a wonderful idea. Would save us the time and hassle of donning full plate. I can spare quite some coin to cover the cost.
Ivari will got with Cassius to make said requests. (I assume there might be some roleplay so I will hold off my rolling until I see what comes up...)
You make your way to the Requisitions office, Ivari remembering the way easily, now that the previous commotion has died down. Once again you see the same clerk, in the same position, his small mustache just as pristine as you last saw him. He looks up as you approach, or at least one of his eyes does.
"Mr. Thien. And Mr..." he pauses for just a sliver of a second, thinking, "Thwaite. Of course. May I help you?"
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@ Bjorn:
"I imagine the quartermaster would have such things or be able to explain where to obtain them," Cassius says with a nod. "If you wish me to see about it while I am there, I will do so."
**
@ Quartermaster's:
Cassius offers the quartermaster a grave nod and a small bow. "Good day, Quartermaster, sir. We have been assigned as part of the delegation to Druma, under Paralictor Malachai, and have a few supplies to requisition: blunted arrows, I believe, and combat-ready acid vials; Signifier Thien additionally wishes to place a request for one of the Citadel's squires, I believe?" he says with a glance to Ivari.
@Cassius
You right, and I'll accept your offer of getting them, if you dont mind. I'm more for the fire, even if more expensive.
Indeed. With tensions high and donning armor being a task that requires time and aid it seems best to have other hands so that my allies can be at the ready if there is an issue...
"Arrows and acid vials would be located in the armory. As for a squire... I'll have to talk to Ms. Falconi," he seems particularly pleased about this, "But I'm sure that due to the importance of your mission I can requisition an armiger for you. Do you have any one in specific that you would like to request?"
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Cassius nods acknowledgment of the armor being the place where such items would be found-- he's never bothered to equip himself with anything but the most simple and basic of actual weapons usually, so it's new data to him-- and looks to Ivari at the question of what sort of squire.
"You would know the martially-inclined armigers better than I, Signifier Thien," he says. Cassius spends all his time in the damned* library.
The parrot on his shoulder squawks something that makes Cassius smile thinly.
"Are any of our armigers originally from Druma?" he asks deadpan.
* 'Damned' is potentially a literal adjective, in Cheliax...
The clerk pauses, his eyelids fluttering for a moment as he thinks.
"Yes actually. Two of them. Kazmuk Gorzoth, a dwarf, and Romar Lex, a human."
Vorgal follows the others, curious if they will actually obtain a squire. He keeps quiet though, understanding his place in the party.
Kayle follows, hopeful they can acquire a squire or two to help with some of the burden.
Meanwhile, Bjorn goes to his room to prepare for the trip, cleaning his armor and aconditioning it.
Learning skirmish tatctics can be interesting, lets see how it goes.
Ivari offers as short shake of his head to indicate he has no preference and stands by as Cassius states his preference.
"Very good. I will see what I can do, and will contact you as soon as I have an update on the situation," the clerk smiles to himself, jotting a note down in his ledger, sanding and blowing it dry before bustling off on his new errand.
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Cassius inclines his head in thanks to the quartermaster clerk and murmurs his appreciation for the man's time. He turns around and realizes he's acquired a gaggle of, well, everyone. Well, that works.
"To the armory, I believe, to requisition those supplies."
Decibel squawks and takes off from his shoulder, because everybody loves a parrot flying over your head in close quarters. Notoriously poop-happy birds, parrots.
To the armory!
Bjorn, being well versed with the path down to the Armory, leads the way. Nothing seems to have changed, the same surly Maralictor-at-Arms sits at the same table playing the same game against the same Hellknight. She does not seem to be quite so smug this time, though, and you notice that she has significantly fewer pieces on the board than he does. They both look up as the group enters.
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Cassius offers the Maralictor-at-Arms a bow, his eyes wandering the game board absently to judge what they are playing and the strategies they are both employing. Board games were very popular back at Academy.
"Forgive the interruption," he says. "Acting-Maralictor Cassius Thwaite reporting, with requisition requests, or purchases as needed: we would appreciate blunted arrows and combat-viable acid flasks."
Ivari follows the wizard dutifully flanking him, a hovering well armored presence...
The Maralictor-at-Arms seems to be slightly less grumpy than usual, though it's hard to tell with his seemingly permanent dour expression. He gets up wordlessly and grabs a ledger and a keyring, opening a thick door (one of many in the room), and points back into the corner, where you see stacks and stacks of various types of ammunition piled.
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"Thank you," Cassius murmurs. If he had longer to study the game he might offer strategy tips, but as is... "Good luck with the game, sir."
He leads into the room, studying the ammunition on display, and selects a flask of acid for himself before looking to the others, with a little go ahead gesture.
He grunts and looks back over at the board, a small smile almost imperceptibly appearing on his face as he views his impending victory.
The Citadel is in as close to a state of chaos as you can imagine Hellknights being. Workers surround several wagons, loading supplies and equipment for the journey. As you approach the staging ground four people approach you. You recognize the lazy-eyed clerk immediately. He looks very pleased with himself. Training-Marilictor Falconi however does not, and you inwardly cringe at the all too familiar look of ire on her face.
"Mr. Thwaite, here is Mr. Gorzoth, per your request. Just please sign here..." he struggles to hold an oversized ledger out towards you with one hand and a pen with the other.
Falconi glares at the clerk and then you, shoving the ledger down.
"First, please explain to me why I should let you take one of my armigers. You're barely more than armigers yourself!" she growls through gritted teeth. To her side the small dwarf looks torn between trying to keep a straight professional face and intense glee and seeing someone else be on the receiving end of her wrath for once.
You're distracted from all of this though by the other member of the group. Standing with arms folded is another Hellknight, his mask smooth and, oddly, made of leather, rather than the typical metal often favored by most Hellknights. Though it retains the standard vortex pattern, there is also a subtle flame motif that you can only see in certain lights from an angle. Greater than that though is the pair of massive bronzed wings sprouting from his back. Even folded in they form a large hump.
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Ah, Cassius thinks as Maralictor Falconi makes her displeasure known. Decibel shifts around nervously on his shoulder.
Cassius stands straighter and salutes Falconi, trying to find the right balance between suitable respect for her rank and yet trying to draw a subtle line to indicate he himself is no longer an armiger, and will not instantly kowtow to her displeasure, either.
"Maralictor Falconi," he says respectfully. "With all due respect, madam, the request is not for ourselves personally, but due to the demands of representing the Order in a suiting fashion. This is a ceremonial and diplomatic occasion where the Drumans will be regarding us through the lens of seeing how we comport ourselves and seeing what face the Order presents publicly. To not have junior staff in our squad's retinue would indicate lowly stature on our part, in the eyes of the Drumans. As our presence has been specifically requested by the Drumans, I should hate to make them feel they were getting anything less than they deserved, from the Order.
"Additionally, Armiger Gorzoth is a native Druman. I know less of Druma than I would like: Armiger Gorzoth's insights into the culture and etiquette may help overcome my shortcomings in this regard. I should rather be overprepared than under, Maralictor Falconi, with all respect.
"Finally, this represents an opportunity for the armiger to serve the Order in a special capacity-- as adjunct to our retinue, he will be in a prime position to better understand the responsibilities that await for him at the hopeful terminus of his training... and for you, Maralictor, to better assess his worthiness to continue his training depending on his performance with us. It was not our intention to deprive you of an armiger, madam; only to temporarily borrow one for a mission that benefits the Order as a whole, and gives you insight into his capabilities."
"I don't give a flying shit about the Drumans and I care even less about your shortcomings. My job is to make sure that he knows the Measure and the Chain and that he can kill that f*$&ing devil. And gallivanting around the countryside isn't going to help him in either of those regards," her anger, burning bright at the beginning of her speech slowly drops down to a baleful simmer as she notices Saren looking at her.
Vorgal is very careful to hide his smile, but he's pretty sure he called this one correctly.
I also care not for the Drumans but I would take their blood and steel to win our wars and create our better world. One who would serve needs to see how that is accomplished. To kill the devils he must know his arms and armor. Know how best to suit himself and others in times of crisis. To smile and make pretty to test the mettle of those he would ally himself with. The strength of our relations with the world is as powerful as the magic and steel that we wield. Just think, Maralictor, how fearsome and powerful we are that already ones you have trained wear the armor of the order and serve the order in its missions and the next batch is licking at our heels soon to join our swelling unstoppable ranks. A fitting testament to the power and promise of the Measure and Chain.
Falconi sighs and rubs her brow, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like "Idealistic f$#+ing paladins".
"Fine, but if she is not returned in the EXACT same condition as now then I promise you will regret ever hearing about the Hellknights," she growls before stalking away. Saren chuckles.
"Fantastic woman, Ms. Falconi," the clerk says, polishing his spectacles busily as you sign the ledger, "Very passionate about her job. Dedicated."
He takes the ledger back from you as you finish signing it, trotting off with somewhat more pep in his step then really should be warranted given the previous exchange.
"Well then. I think we have a little time before the caravan is ready. The Vicarius told me a little about you, but to make introductions formal; I am Saren," he says, offering a polite nod to the group. His voice is deeper than you would expect from such a small man.