The clothier's well-worded reminder that Theodric might well have use in the future for a proper court outfit makes him bring a palm to his mask in exasperation. He honestly hadn't even thought of such an eventuality, but now that it's been pointed out, begrudingly conceeds that such a thing might indeed be useful in the long run. At this point, Theodric sighs and decides to resort to a bit plain language with the clothier. He states, quite baldly, that his purse is effectively empty after seeing to the outfitting of his part of the company and the people in his retinue, and that the only payment he can offer at this time is what he's already put out; talking up the clothier's work to the sort who will most readily understand its full import--which Theodric is dimly beginning to comprehend himself--and future consideration in the form of a favor, or quite likely a few favors, owed.
He reminds the clothier that he will need this for not only himself, but for his second-in-command as well, and that Theodric himself will be responsible for the second oufit's cost as well, if his offer is considered acceptable. At the mention of Darvan, Theodric pauses the conversation long enough to turn his mask toward Lillana and give her some directions. "Speaking of Darvan, I want you to return to camp and tell him to come here. Might as well get him here, because if this negotation goes through, then we won't have any time to waste before getting fitted. After you send him out to join me, I want you to take over as greeter if anyone should seek us out. Remember, get as many details as you can from them, and give away as few as possible in return." Giving her a carefully-aimed pat on the back to send her on her way, he turns back to the clothier with a thoughtful hum. "Seeing as how we're negotiating over a not-insignificant sum of work, time, and money, I feel it proper that I should do the courtesy of introducing myself to you at the least. Theodric Valtrava, co-captain of the Dashing Harvesters, at your service," he offers with a restrained but polite bow. Theodric then passes the time until Darvan's arrival in idle chit-chat with the clothier, mostly inconsequential local gossip that won't cause any trouble for the clothier to reveal, while Theodric in turn relates a few of his less bloody adventures.
***Darvan***
Darvan has spent much of the time following his return to camp in meditation or practice, with little else of consequence to require his attention after seeing to Theodric's portion of the supplies. So Lillana's arrival with instructions from his friend is met with considerable cheer, especially in light of learning that a fine new outfit may soon be in Darvan's possession. Giving the foot-sore young lady a mug of hot tea and his warmed seat at the fire, Darvan tucks the two invitations into his satchel--after showing his own to the intensely curious Lillana, who reads each word avidly--then looks around the camp briefly. "I am most disappointed to inform you that none of our new partners have sought us out yet, though that is perhaps due to informing their own compatriots of the news first," the bald holy warrior informs Lillana. "So that might well change as the day advances, and they have a chance to take stock. Nor have we had any visitation from the curious, or those seeking or peddling favor and influence. Which I find most curious under the circumstances," Darvan concludes with a frown.
Shrugging, he finishes up his briefing for his replacement as greeter. "Mikos is sulking in the wagon over his confinement to camp, Seria is unsuccessfully trying to hustle some of the recent additions to the Harvesters with a shooting competition, and Antiros and Irelda are, respectively, seeing that the animals and gear are in proper trim for the journey to come." His report delivered, Darvan wastes no further time, heading to Theodric's location in the city at a steady, ground-devouring jog. His physical conditioning is such that he maintains the pace nearly the entire time, arriving at the clothier's shop only just starting to feel the burn in his muscles. And that feeling is quickly forgotten at the prospect of new clothing! Eyeing the work on display, Darvan nods in approval. "Oh yes, this is very nice indeed. Even cut to fit the sensibilities of your folk, I would be quite happy to wear this," he comments cheerfully as he occasionally leans in to examine a particular piece more closely. Finally turning to Theodric and the clothier, and knowing full well that his friend has barely any coins to rub together at the moment, Darvan claps his hands together expectantly. "Dare I hope that some agreement has been reached that will allow me to do so?"
[ooc]Finally, is it safe to assume that, between the time spent looking for a place to get these outfits, negotiating, and waiting for Darvan to arrive, Block 1 of today's available time is spent?
Tomas spends the next hours waiting for the meeting and having some couples of ale at the specific taverns where he knows he can get some information about the different groups involved in the march. A couple of coins here, a drink there and some help from Laszlo and Pavel should suffice to get at least the basics of some of their leaders.
PAVEL: "Don't worry, cousin. I have a couple of friends who..."
"I agree with Aolis. The fact that the scent fades in and out likely indicates that whatever this evil presence is, it is skilled at hiding itself. The fact it cannot hide itself from you completely not withstanding, Corwin, we could search all night and be no closer to discovering it. That we know of its existence is valuable enough. We now know to be on our guard, and to be cautious for things out of the ordinary. The warning in and of itself is valuable enough. We may have to wait for the presence to make its move first, before we can discern its nature and degree of threat."
I wasn't trying to sneak anything in, I just thought the most likely thing Yuri would do with all this spare time would be to get some work done (honestly I had planned to have him craft every single day, if possible), and I was under the impression that the game was now afoot. Please let me know how you wish to handle crafting moving forward so I don't further offend.
I'm sorry I went into too much detail with the followers as well, not sure what to say about that. Like I said in my previous posts, I was just hoping that Azagnar could find out what sort of trade goods found in the Stolen Lands might sell well in Restov, that Helga could learn any rumors being tossed about in the taverns, and that Tarna could find out about the local religious scene (with the possibility of perhaps establishing a shrine to Torag in Restov in the future). I sent some of the others hunting and fishing to save on rations (which I was under the impression would be tracked closely in this game). They will keep trying if possible, and will be doing so every day as well (unless that is a problem).
The rolls for the others were probably unnecessary, they were as much for flavor and my own purposes for future posts (for example, had someone really blown it on Perception checks while on watch, I might have had Volken finding them nodding off at their post, and being forced to reprimand them). If you don't want me to do these sorts of things, that's fine and I won't bother moving forward.
I thought that you were probably just allowing one roll per block, but I rolled for time just in case.
A few questions:
Where are we camped? My men would probably go out the nearest gate to do their hunting.
How many others beyond my 11 are in the Forgedawn?
How much do we know about the other groups? Was my earlier attempt to go speak to Aolis and Aramil by name going to far? Do we know the names of the leaders of each group and where they are camped?
After hearing the proclamation about who had been selected, Kyras found Milo in the madness that ensued, and they started making their way out of the square and back toward the west gate. Once things calmed down a little bit, Kyras pulled Milo off to one side.
"I need to head back to camp and let everyone else know what is going on; we've prepared a lot already, but I need to make sure everything is in order for the party and eventual departure. It would probably be a good idea to learn more about the various groups that were selected, though. Can you go try to round up more information on the various groups? Particularly any groups that might be antagonistic toward us at all. I know it's a wide net, but go see what you can find out, then meet me back at camp."
At that, Kyras leaves Milo and heads back out to his camp, to inform the party of their success in being selected, and to make sure he is ready for the celebration tomorrow.
Kyras will stay at the camp, making sure his courtier's outfit and jewelry are clean and ready to go, and celebrating / discussing with the other nobles of the Bronze Seal about plans going forward.
Milo will spend block 1 doing general information gathering about the various groups. At this point, all Kyras and Milo really know is the names of the other groups selected, so Milo is out finding out more about the various groups and which groups might be of significant importance for our group. I'm not really sure what else I can be doing at this point, given the relatively little amount of mingling I ended up being able to do.
Darg smiles at Zámoždom while looking him in the eye. "My friend, even while drunk, the Steel Fists are more formidable than most men in Brevoy, so I would not be too worried about our state. And you will be most impressed at our ability to survive off the land without the aid of a caravan. Marlovaur and myself fashion ourselves competent woodsmen - we have been hardened by many a frozen night in the tundra while defending the frontier of our beloved fatherland. But yes, you are correct to be leery of the Greenbelt - it is no place for the uninitiated."
Darg raises an eyebrow upon hearing Lisko's name mentioned. "I have heard of Kacper Lisko, but I have not had the honor to meet him yet. This will be a unique opportunity, indeed. Perhaps he can show me the finer points of using an aldori dueling sword? I must confess that I can't seem to get it right. But I digress Zámoždom Duchovný - we have wasted enough of your time. I look forward to seeing you again at the Gala. Please do not hesitate to call on me or my men if we may be of assistance in your preparations."
-Acaciano-
Acaciano notices that his presence is noted well before he got close to the camp. A few whistles alert everyone of his approach. All three and a half of its leadership are near the dug out entrance to the ranger camp ground. "We know. Get in here afore the cold silences ye fer good," shouts a dwarf with a green beard and leafy armor. All four turn and lead Acaciano through the tent city to a large pavilion in the center. The rangers here have strategically placed their tents, and spares, to block more snow from entering their shoveled and packed campground. All of them are wisely bundled up head to toe and move from one source of heat to another. Some tarps have even been erected in the trees to prevent snow and wind.
Many glance at Acaciano's companion with a muttered "Treant" but all the looks are of curiosity and not worry or suspicion. The inside of the pavilion is sparsely furnished and drab but at least it is warmer. A fire burns in the center, letting the smoke out through a vent in the top. There is no bed's in sight and very few people milling about so they must be using this as their meeting grounds. Lyda, Deneb and a human ranger of unknown name head for a table with enough chairs for them while the dwarf heads for barrel in the corner. "Ye want somethin warm or somethin that makes ye feel warm?" he asks. "Warm," they all say in unison. "Bah," is the gruff response.
A large hunting cat rests near the fire, opposite a wolf that looks up at the newcomer. Lyda sits near the cat while the wolf gets up and strolls over to the human as he sits. "So what do you want? Parties tomorrow," the human ranger starts impolitely.
"He's obviously wants to get to know the other members of this venture south better and the best place to start is those he's certain to have a connection with. You know, bird's of a feather and all that," says the halfling.
"I ain't a bird brain shorty."
Before an argument can ensue, Lyda cuts through. "Why don't we let him voice his own thoughts hmm?"
"Hahahaha. Voice," the dwarf laughs at Lyda's unintentional pun. He then takes a swig of something pungent and lights a pipe. "Voice o the Mountains. Pfffft. Requiem o Wolves. Now that's a name."
"We have a guest," Lyda says. At this point it is easy to see why she was chosen as leader. The human is too aggressive and the dwarf and halfling aren't serious enough.
"Doesn't mean I'm gonna treat 'im differ'nt," the dwarf says then turns to look at Acaciano.
Lyda gives Acaciano an apologetic look. At this point, Acaciano also realizes Lyda had been wearing the large coat and hood in the square for a reason. Two small horns peek out of her red hair and a very dexterous tail swings back and forth behind her. He realizes that his tree companion was not likely to get a lot of curiosity. This group was a curiosity.
"While I won't disagree with you regarding evil and its presence and the need for action or inaction, Corwin usually doesn't respond to random flashes of evil intent or small amounts of evil... this is something more... or different.. .For now, I'm more curious than ready to run out there with intent to destroy it."
"Regardless it's a moot point now isn't it. It was lost and we have more pressing matters then searching a swelled city. At least I do in my opinion, considering the announcement. Which brings me to the reason I asked that we meet in private. I suppose some if not all of us are aware of the rather subtle yet pointed statement that was made."
He gives them a moment to respond or speak of anything on their minds before he continues on the core of the matter. At least as he saw it.
"It was made clear that not only are those that failed to be accepted, not welcome but also threatened to stay away. That they would take such measures does not sit well with me. Not simply due to the provocative manner, they have in some ways made all those left behind into their enemies. I would expect some will not take kindly to this, even honorable people do not suffer such insults easily. The less reputable may well take advantage in this collective insult to maneuver or ally with others to bring about trouble for us or our endeavor. I would hear your thoughts on this and perhaps a solution?"
He had his own thoughts and possible plans. Still it was better to listen and collaborate. It had been some time sense they were all together, it wouldn't be the first time someone outgrew him.
"I picked up on it as well Aolis, although I don't tend to see as a massive cause for concern. Yes I agree, that the subtext could have been handled slightly more diplomatically, but I don't think its as bad as it appears. When we were invited, everyone knew that there was no guarantee of being selected - and while I think there might be one or two groups that feel that an application was unfairly judged - on balance I don't anticipate too much trouble - although I can both see and understand your concerns."
Nakir had been poking around the room as everyone spoke, seemingly not to listen until he chimed in.
"Miss Zephyra, have you ever dealt with Ulfen's. Fun people, yet if they feel slighted. They make you pay, in blood or gold. You can ask them to leave but unless your prepared to fight or even kill them. You never tell them to leave, makes all the difference. A dozen or more groups of people that don't get told by anyone what to do, just got told. I know how that would go over with a group of Ulfen, bartered enough with them. I think they have some idea too, otherwise they wouldn't have covered it up with double speak. Could be wrong."
He shrugs before going back to his exploration of the room and it's trinkets. Ulfen's were not as thick in the head as they were thick in the body. He had traded a good deal in their homeland and one thing you never do is threaten or try to be heavy handed. Not unless you had the muscle to back it up and even then you kept it civil less a blood feud ensue. Yet tricking them was perfectly acceptable so long as you do not make them out to be a fool. Adventurers and other independent minded folk tended to skew in that direction as well, the less moral minded and likely those quickly placed on the rejection list would definitely lash out in some way at such an insult atop the rejection. Pettiness being a common trait of such.
"I missed that subtext entirely. Diplomatic doublespeak was never my strong suit. I can understand why they did it, though. An adventuring group acting on its own can be disruptive, especially in areas where the rule of law can be questioned or ignored. We operated primarily in Brevoy, where things are mostly stable, but in the River Kingdoms, and The Stolen Lands in particular? No doubt Chalm plans to use Diplomacy to settle some of the prior claims that are down there, and a renegade adventuring group taking matters into their own hands could completely destabilize those efforts. I think this is more of a warning. It tells those groups in advance how they will be tested if they interfere in the process before Chalm has stabilized it."
:: Theodric and Darvan ::
At the clothier's, the blind swordsman can practically hear the shop owner frowning at his declaration of complete insolvency - or rather, of Theodric putting himself lock, stock, and barrel into the venture. He considers the plea (because functionally that's what it is) by the once-Aldori swordlord, glancing at his assistant (Lillana) from time to time as he considers the issue. "Mmm ... very well, I believe I can do this for you - as a loan - for tomorrow night." Lillana can tell Theodric (in a whisper) that the man is looking somewhat ambivalent about the situation, but when Theodric brings up clothing Darvan as well, he shakes his head. "No, I'm sorry. One I can extend my efforts - and offend a regular client - for. Your henchman ... you have my apologies, my lord, but the current magnificence of your public profile may make up for the inevitable loss of a client or three by doing this; were I to extend the courtesy to him as well, and in so doing wreck a working relationship with another client, it could destroy half my client list. Isn't he a knight of some sort? Have him wear a simple tabard of his order and have done. It may not impress, but it is not likely to offend."
:: Ishana ::
It's a winter drinking party - specifically a party centered around drinking - that isn't a masked ball. White for snow, blue for ice, green for pine, red for berries. The only thing that Noelia will be able to suss out is that if you really want to 'improve your position', try to find out what colors the King, his family, and his prime counsellors (the halfling and the knight) are going to be wearing. Unfortunately, she hasn't been able to find out any such information - or rather, the information is a complete and utter mess. Chalm is rumored to be wearing grey and blue, his daughter is supposedly to be decked out almost as flamboyantly as the Queen of Irrisen, while his son is said to be modeling old 'page' clothing of Chalm's from his time here in Restov. Oskar Vorwilde is supposedly going with green and red, while the leader of the household guards, Kawaler Alexeyevich, is one of those military men who feel that silver on black is the height of fashion.
Pay your money, take your chances. Or try to find someone close to the household who knows.
:: Lyda ::
Lyda's girls wind up finding a bloody-minded noble lady has no intention of going out and getting schnonkered and who is willing to part with an old dress (to be modified) as well as her maid (who, she states with a battle-axe-like thump of her cane against the ground, is looking to break into the dressmaker business, so your mistress had damn well better talk her up at the party) to do the adjustments. The girls can give a rough draft of Lyda's body, so the lady's maid can get a start tonight on modifications. "If she doesn't want to have to move far, then get her to come at noon. I shall speak with her about the possibility of a loan of my carriage, for only a pittance more than you are already willing to pay my maid to ambush her."
:: Dargaryen ::
Zamozdom listens to your brags - whether about being formidible while drunk, or being able to live off the land - with indulgent amusement clear on his face. Lisko again gives a slight bow, murmuring, "Be delighted to meet you for a friendly match on a table somewhere." The 'table' refers to the duelling platforms, called tables because of the one in Red Table Square.
"I can completely understand the role you are to play in his new Majesty's government, says Zamozdom, "and I certainly applaud Kowalskiy for selecting you; you are perfect for it, I could not have found anyone better. But yes, by all means, I'll be quite delighted to renew our acquintance at the Gala tomorrow night. And thank you for making yourself ... known to me." He gives you a smile that blends charm with oil and, even as you leave, seems to suggest a hint of the idea that you're the one being left behind.
:: Theodric and Darvan ::
Theodric's search, and Darvan's camp stay, will take up the entirety of Block 1; the tailor won't fit Darvan with clothing as well. The timing of Theodric's fitting will be at the direction of the tailor, I'll remind you. If Theodric wishes Lillana and Darvan to 'swap out', they can.
In regards to the tailor's name ... Albin Cankar.
:: Tomas Dusek ::
You already had Tomas tightening up the packing. You can 'information hunt' in Block 2 (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM), but since all you're looking for is general information, all you'll get is what's already been posted - but at least you'll have that. What meeting are you waiting for? The party? That isn't until tomorrow night, after Block 5.
:: Yuri Magrar ::
Let me be clear: 'Magical supplies' does not mean 'sh!t I can craft with'. If I had seen that, I would have forbidden it. This does not mean you cannot HAVE 'magical supplies'; it is simply not going to be stuff you can craft with. Instead, if you have a spell that requires a component expense above and beyond what's accounted for by your spell component pouch, you'll just so happen to have it (or something mystically suitable but equally as expensive to replace it) in your stash of 'magical supplies'. (Hope you bought a chest for it.)
Until you gain in wealth, I am not going to allow you to create it - which includes the casting (and selling the results) of spells like 'continual flame' (50 gp of ruby dust) is in the 'no-fly zone' on this one. This time is not for wealth generation; this is for checking out your soon-to-be allies, meeting with others, introducing yourself, trying to form alliances of mutual profitability. Go do that.
However, now that I know that you want to spend some of your time all the time basically generating wealth, I will factor that into your future wealth development, relying on you to take the 2/3 wealth (or whatever) you receive and develop it into the full 3/3. Because I'd rather not have everyone else at 35,000 gp and you at 50,000 gp.
About your followers - the Stolen Lands don't have trade goods. As far as almost everyone in Brevoy knows, they don't really have anything even remotely resembling civilization; they certainly don't trade. I'm not up for coming up with four hours worth of random rumor conversation; sorry. And I gave you information on the local religions, as well as instructions on what to inform me regarding hunting and fishing. You are welcome to continue to do the latter, but understand that dwarves moving at half-speed in order to be able to make Survival rolls to live off the land is going to move you at 8 miles/day on the road. Just as an FYI. If you're not moving, of course, that's fine, if that's what they're going to do every day. You won't know the results of the rolls you've made until the end of whatever block you tell me they come home at the end of.
In regards to the dice rolls - if you need rolls to decide whether or not something interesting happened, set up the rolls you need in some other thread, use the 'preview' function to see what they are, and then don't post there, but use the defunct rolls to inform your post here.
If you are "camped", you are outside the gates; there is no 'camping' inside town. If you are inside town, you are in an inn or renting a townhome; either way, you're probably crammed in to the rafters. Which gate you're nearest to is entirely up to you. I don't recall the specifics of what I said about Forgedawn's number of family groups; each group, however, will possess between 10 and 20 relatively-self-contained groups. You're together because a) you're all dwarves, and b) you all lost the vast majority of your families in the Vanishing.
While I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this previously to someone else, I suppose I can repeat myself. About other people and groups - you know what you ICly know, which is generally almost nothing unless there was history which, for most everyone, didn't exist. Knowing a name, whether group or leader name, is pretty much fine, because they're pretty much a matter of public record and rumor; knowing the face to go along with the name requires the aforementioned KS: Local roll with a DC as stated.
And finally, again as I've previously stated, going and finding other groups and leaders is not a problem, or even following on or looking up someone else if the first person (or second person!) isn't there. More than that and you've only wasted that block of time wandering around.
:: Kyras and Milo ::
Specify, specify, specify. Be of significant importance how? Military? Magical? Trade? Spy? Politics?
:: Lyda ::
Oh, I didn't need to know details, but a better idea - 'dress, battle skirt, leggings, trousers' - would've been better than nothing. ;)
:: Dargaryen ::
Thanks for getting me to bring Zamozdom out onto the page. ;)
:: Everyone ::
Two things.
First, getting a LOT of vagueness in the 'I look for information!' part of the posts. Look at the list and tell me who you want to rumor-hunt about. Like the 'go looking for', let's limit it to 3 groups at most. Of course, ideally you'd actually go there and talk to someone, i.e. each other, hint hint.
Second, something I should probably pre-warn you about, since there are people who are looking to rely on it: Survival. Yes, the book says only that you need to make a basic DC 10 roll to find enough food for yourself, which almost everyone can do with an Untrained Take 10. It is the GM's belief that this is complete and utter bullsh!t, because people have always died of starvation and thirst in the wild throughout history. I am not allowing people to Take 10 for Getting Along In The Wild, Surviving Severe Weather, Avoid Getting Lost, Determine True North, or Follow Tracks (or its variants). The only thing you can Take 10 to do is try to predict the weather up to 24 hours in advance - though even with this, you can't Take 20.
In addition there are seasonal and/or conditional/weather penalties to 'Getting Along' Survival rolls - seasonal mostly in winter, because a) nothing's growing, and b) there's not a lot of living things out and about. There's a reason we store food for winter consumption. I haven't yet determined what the winter seasonal penalty will be, but it'll likely be either -5 to -10 - or it just may depend on the specifics of you're trying to do.
So be warned.
Aolis shakes his head softly.
"It was unneeded and antagonistic, the truth of the matter is. The stolen lands are part of the river kingdoms, no one has any claim to anything there. It is this fact that allows us to even attempt this endeavor. The stolen lands may not be a nation but it does have it's own people and their own laws. We must respect them as well as those we will not be taking with us. If we do not then we will create more enemies then is needed and make no mistake their will be plenty enough as is. Diplomacy is compromise and understanding, this shows nether and does not instill confidence."
Aolis is about to continue when.....
::Nakir::
Nakir interjects at the pause.
"Diplomacy could also be manipulation, deception, and trickery. Maybe he is going for that."
He does a double take as Aolis stares daggers at him.
"Just saying."
::Aolis::
Aolis tears his eyes away from Nakir long enough to get back on track.
"Anyways getting back on point. We may not only want to be on guard but watchful of more then just external threats. We may have other issues to deal with now. Not to mention we should be active in preventing such missteps in the future if possible."
Gods knew the political state of Brevoy was unstable as it is. They did not need to bring that sort of mess with them into a new kingdom.
Theodric shakes his head in response to Darvan's question, disappointment apparent in his stance. "Afraid not, my friend. While Master Cankar has, quite graciously on his part, consented to fit me, he won't risk any more of his client list than he already has to handle you as well. Quite understandable, but it means you'll have to make do with something considerably less showy." Gesturing in a random direction, Theodric continues. "I brought you here because there may be something among his wares that will serve as a suitable tabard, which was a good suggestion on his part." Aware--thanks to Lillana's whispered words before she left--that the clothier is not entirely happy about this arrangement Theodric has managed to wrest from him, Theodric tries laying on some praise and appreciation in the hopes of improving his mood a bit.
Turning back to the clothier, Theodric tucks his hands behind his back and returns to the matter of his outfit. "Well then, I am at your disposal for the fitting, whenever it is convenient for you. While you do so, perhaps we can further discuss what manner of compensation would be agreeable to you." Finished, Theodric now waits on Master Cankar's direction as to the best time, while Darvan somewhat disappointedly looks around for something that would serve as an acceptable tabard.
Tomas takes a light stroll to the theatre. There he buys a pair of tickets for himself and Laszlo. "This will give us a good chance to ask the rich about those nobles from Mendev and the Khartorov lands. Besides, it could be the last time I can go to the theatre...".
Before visiting Laszlo for dinner and taking him to the theatre, Tomas decides to have a glass of wine at a tavern nearby. Who knows, he might find someone to have a chat with, either about the newcomers or about anything else.
"I must ask Laszlo to throw some inquiries about all those new holy people", he thinks as he is entering one of the inns. "He might know about them, who knows."
Also, please don't post ahead of the time-point. As you stated, and I confirmed twice now, Tomas is in camp tightening up the packing of his peoples' gear. If you want to post, post about that. We'll get to the second time-block (4 PM - 8 PM, 1st Calistril) on, probably, Wednesday; possibly tomorrow.
Darg wipes the sweat from his brow as he leaves the flat. He turns to Marlovaur and shakes his head. "That did not go as well as I had hoped, but perhaps we will have better luck at the Gala. We owe it to our king to establish the best possible working relationships with our fellow companies. Pride and petty squabbling will threaten the entire enterprise. I pray that we may somehow appeal to Zámoždom's better nature."
He sighs and mentally reviews their supplies. "You and I have ample rations, tents, blankets and bedrolls for the journey, but I don't know if the other Steel Fists are prepared. We should procure extra provisions to cover them, if necessary. Let's use the time that we have left today to complete our preparations."
Aolis, Amavin and you might need to agree to disagree on this, since Aolis seems to be pushing it as a massive deal, and while Amavin believes its something to be aware of, she doesn't really think its something huge yet. If its the only thing Aolis wanted all of us gathered together to discuss though, I cannot think of much I can add at the moment.
Though Aramil still doesn't quite see that part of the proclamation as the problem Aolis does, he decides there is no harm in taking precautions. "Tell me, old friend, do you have any suggestions on actions we can take, apart from being on our guard, to either soothe ruffled feathers or to prevent such missteps from occurring in the future?" His voice holds no accusation or annoyance, merely curiosity.
::BLOCK 1::
Hearing of his groups acceptance into the expedition, Bartek turns to the two he brought with him to hear it, Radovan and Kliment.
"Radovan, return to our camp outside the city and tell them to make both mine and Kliment's gear ready for delivery. Also, send some of our people out to see what they can hear of the groups not allowed in", turning to Kliment Bartek continues, "Kliment, let us remain here for a time, I wish to approach the other groups but its probably best to wait until they all settle in to the news of their acceptance first."
-Noble Lady's House?-
"Oh gods. Miss Lyda is going to look soooo pretty in this. Thank you so much," Charlotte exclaims when the dress is revealed. In her exuberance she grabs the maid doing the adjustments and twirls her around saying thank you over and over again. Winnie is a lot more calm about the whole matter and bows to the noble lady. "Thank you very much for doing this. I fear Miss Lyda would have walked into that Party in her traveling gear. While it is well kept, it wouldn't be at all presentable amongst nobility despite the group she represents. I am sure this will be a nice balance between what is appropriate and what is comfortable. And I will remind her to mention who did the adjustments."
**Lyda's Camp**
”Ha, ha ha,” Acaciano laughed softly but warmly at the large group’s interaction, as he shared a momentary glance with Lyda.
Friendly enough. That's a good sign.
”Well, thank you Lyda, but Deneb has in fact come right to the point.” Acaciano clears his throat, and continues.
”As you well know, there’s a great many companies now attached to this adventure, and who can even guess how many will tag along uninvited? I can speak for my group: we wish for the King’s expedition to find only the best fortunes. However, there are some groups, I fear, that have less scruples than we do with regards to maintaining the proper 'balance' of things.” At the word ‘we’, he gestures to the entire group. After finishing this thought, he lets it settle a bit, then finishes his speech.
”I don’t need any promises or politicking from you all, and I won’t ask for you to defend anything that you haven’t, I suspect, already committed to; I simply ask that you stay aware and be ready to raise your ‘Voice’ - as it were - when the time comes that any of the others in our expedition need steering away from any bad decisions.”
Acaciano looks around the group and notes the responses, finishing were he started by locking eyes with Lyda in eager anticipation of her response.
"I simply wish for all of us to be aware of the danger, not just what may be but what may come of it. Also as Aramil has brought up, this sort of approach should be avoided in the future. Something to keep in mind as we move forward and are consulted in such matters later on. We can not go into the stolen lands with a military state of mind or inflexible sense of entitlement. This is a founding not an invasion. If I have stressed that enough then I will leave it at that."
The stolen lands was wild and full of dangers. He would have no part in subjugating people or the land. He knew better from his travels and many years, that was the path of self destruction and ruin. He would not walk it or allow his friends upon it in silence. With that said he claps his hands.
"Now, anything else to bring forth? Should we do something tonight for Ishana's birthday?"
His usual carefree manner is back,if not entirely reaching his eyes.
No worries, he is just trying to get his point across. Now about that party. ;)
**Lyda's Camp**
Lyda is only mildly surprised that Acaciano doesn't comment on her horns or tail. Then again, people like them have seen a lot weirder wandering the wilder regions. She looks at each member of her group and sees a similar determination to keep the balance Acainao poke of. "We're all followers of Erastil. Balance between nature and civilization is what we strive for."
"Bah. Politics. Ain't gonna be no use traveling south in the winter," the dwarf says taking a swig of his drink. "Or makin camp. Or findin food. Land'll beat the politics right out o them. Good start too."
"You have our word that Erastil will come first." Which was something that made Lyda concerned about for tomorrow. That would put Chalm at second by default. How was that going to go over?
:: Lyda's Charlotte and Winnie ::
Well, the maid had overheard the girls' situation, murmured a comment to her own lady, and to make a long story short, yes. Don't get them wrong - there is a LOT of work to do, to bring it forward into fashionableness, instead of being forty years out of date. But ... everyone finds their payment in various things, and by the gleam in the old woman's eye, hers isn't just in coin. "You do that."
:: Lyda and Acaciano ::
The human ranger watches the tiefling hunter and the half-elf treesinger talking. "You better state that up front, then," he warns his group's leader. "Kings ain't the sort of men who like people keepin' secrets from them, 'specially ones what might come 'round and bite 'em on the arse. I'm sure they got something you gotta say, and let 'im know if you're gonna not do what he says, somethin' like that. Otherwise we're just wolves with the water sickness, need to be put down afore we hurt others."
:: Everyone ::
The sun is sinking fast, getting close to touching the horizon; winter days are short, and in half an hour, the now-ruddy orb will have sunk completely out of view. Twilight won't last long either on this clear, frigid day, but even now torches are being lit, and in certain high-end areas of town lanterns with the pure ever-burning heatless flame contained therein are being unshuttered.
Right!! 4:00 PM, sunset rolls around just after 4:30, full nightfall by 5:00, but most of the streets are more-or-less lit one way or the other. Go yammer at each other!!
Alerted to the fading daylight by Darvan, Theodric decides to spend some time visiting the other groups involved in the expedition to the Stolen Lands. In particular, he'd like to find the fellow from the Red Table Square who spoke of bandits, and a few moments of careful thought brings the name to mind; Aramil Wellys. At the same time, however, he really should devote some effort to learning what he can of the other groups named in the announcement. Fortunately, Theodric has competent people at his call, so they can handle some of that on his behalf. But before he can begin any of that, he needs to know what the clothier has in mind.
Facing the clothier--or so he hopes--Theodric clears his throat to gain the man's attention. "Master Cankar, I must know now what time you require my presence for the fitting. The day is fading, there are matters requiring my attention, and I'd like to spend what time remains before the Gala as efficiently as possible." While waiting on the answer, he addresses Darvan, a questioning tone in his voice. "Have you found anything that would look good as a tabard? If there isn't anything suitable, perhaps we can stop off at a few places on our way back to camp."
In the late afternoon Dargaryen will send out Marlovaur for additional supplies. Darg will spend the time debriefing the other Steel Fists on his conversation with Zámoždom and will listen to what, if any, information they were able to glean from the other companies.
Darg will also review the other member's preparations for the up coming expedition. "Roksana, Gregorz, Bartok, Ksawery - do you have sufficient provisions for the journey to the Green Belt? Do you and your followers have horses, rations and warm clothing for surviving in the arctic?"
Marlovaur will augment the team's existing supplies with additional tents, bedrolls, blankets, and rations.
Amavin cracks an amused smile at the topic change. "I don't really think Ishana has too much planned for a birthday celebration - being rather free spirited. Personally, I'm looking to give her as much of a night off as I can - some of that freedom so she can go out and enjoy herself without worrying about how it impacts on me - but if someone has a particularly good idea on how to celebrate it, I'm all ears".
Amavin eventually makes her excuses and leaves her meeting, before meeting with Ishana at their agreed upon location. Ishana takes the opportunity to inform Amavin about the Jade Legion's response, as well as her general inability to narrow down the fashion styles that would likely to on show at the party. The two converse casually while they wait for the runner to fetch them.
:: Lyda and Acaciano ::
The human ranger watches the tiefling hunter and the half-elf treesinger talking. "You better state that up front, then," he warns his group's leader. "Kings ain't the sort of men who like people keepin' secrets from them, 'specially ones what might come 'round and bite 'em on the arse. I'm sure they got something you gotta say, and let 'im know if you're gonna not do what he says, somethin' like that. Otherwise we're just wolves with the water sickness, need to be put down afore we hurt others."
Lyda hums in agreement, becoming thoughtful. A lot of other people had to be in the same boat. Powers that required devotion to a deity or cause. Ideas they would put ahead of all else. Guess they'd find out at the party. Winnie and Charlotte were taking an awful long time. Now she wished she had someone to find out. But the weather was too poor to send someone out now. Better she ask herself. This whole mission was well organized. They had to have come up with something. Odd they hadn't told them yet.
When the conversations begin to slow, Lyda excuses herself from the others and trudges through the snow back to the city. Hopefully she'd find Charlotte and Winnie on the way and figure out what they had gotten themselves into for so long.
If necessary?
After the meeting at Aramil's, Azrael will head back towards his townhouse, but not until after he has a little chat with Corwin. "Keep your senses sharp. Let me know if you sense what bothered you earlier and we can try to track it down. Hopefully it was nothing, just another ne'er-do-well, plotting something nefarious, but not in the scope of our duties. We'll see, my friend."
Once home, if nothing interrupts them along their path, he'll rejoin Hareth and their followers, checking gear and especially the new items, making sure all is in order for the travels into the Stolen Lands.
"Hareth, you did well with the shopping... it seems everything is ready to go... the new horses look fine, as do the extra wagons." He nods as he finishes his inspection.
"My only real concern is Chalm's oath that we must take... It is fine to have both a divine bond and an earthly one, but neither should preclude the others... I hope he doesn't require service that would put us at odds with our gods. Oh damn! I hate rhyming... " he says the last with a little grin.
"Want to tell me what you discovered about the others who will be going to this party?" Azrael asks.
Hareth imparts what he learned to Azrael in brief.
As the sun begins to set and the air chills to a frigid temperature, Sylvia casts a quick spell on each of them, and they warm appreciably. After dinner, they separate. Darivan, no longer bothered by the chill, changes into his standard apparel. As the streets darken, he wills the light on his hand to brighten, illuminating his surroundings in a blue light. This served a dual purpose, he knew. Not only did it allow him to see his surroundings even as the sun vanished, but it also showed his arcane talent, discouraging pickpockets from… visiting… his pocket. He spends the next few hours visiting taverns, listening to rumors, and hoping to run into somebody else going to The Party. With no luck, he meets up with Sylvia at Red Table Square a few hours later.
Okay, so Darivan is protected by endure elements (cast by Sylvia) for the next 24 hours, so until 4:30 tomorrow evening. In that, he’s wearing his normal gear, leaving his right arm exposed, and his hand glowing, as he ventures out on the streets. While I seriously doubt I’ll learn anything….
Yep. Sounds about right.
"Ah, Tomas! I was wandering whether you had been selected and went already without me! Hahaha!"
After being told the good news and also about the invitation to the theatre, Laszlo decides to correspond.
"Well, then, let me take you for dinner to one of those nice taverns near the theatre. We can enjoy a good meal - maybe our last in a big while. Who knows, the chatting could always bring us news, you know. Then we'll enjoy the play."
On their way for dinner, Tomas tells Laszlo about the strange guy who wields two swords.
"Ah, interesting, interesting indeed..."
As Acaciano left the Voice of Mountain’s camp, he smiled to himself. He’d hoped that he’d find a reasonable, like-minded group of folks, and it seemed he had. Good heads on good shoulders- or at least in the leadership. That would be good enough.
’Good advice, too,’ he thought, recalling the Ranger’s warning regarding swearing of fealty. He’d had similar concerns, and it was good to see they were justified. He’d need to talk to the others that night so they could come up with something mutually agreeable.
A good while later, having fully retraced his steps, Acaciano returned back to the camp. Tai, it seemed, hadn’t returned yet. He wasn’t necessarily surprised, or worried. Both Acaciano and Tai knew that sometimes you needed patience for results. He’d be back when he had them- or to sleep.
For his part, Acaciano decided to spend the rest of the day in camp, holding some time available for any visitors, and discussing Lyda’s company with Jem and Pine. He wasn’t worried about dress for the next day as he expected many others were; he planned to emphasize his more ‘natural’ qualities, rather than hide them. There would be little doubt who exactly stood for the ‘Voice of Trees.’
Tai continuing to seek out the Steel Fists, in an attempt to meet the other Nature-minded folks.
As the sun begins to set and the air chills to a frigid temperature, Sylvia casts a quick spell on each of them, and they warm appreciably. After dinner, they separate. Sylvia also mutters a quick incantation, coating her entire body with an invisible layer of force, giving her added protection should anyone be unfortunate enough to try and attack her. She calls Gwaihir, as well, and the falcon rests on her shoulder as they do a little bit of last-minute shopping. She had recently misplaced her miniature shovel, so she stopped by a magic shop to pick up a replacement one. She also stopped by a butcher, and paid a few coppers for some scraps for Gwaihir. Before she met with Darivan, she recolored her hair to be pure white, a new color for her.
So, Sylvia casts endure elements and mage armor on herself, giving her added protection as she does her shopping. She picks up a miniature shovel, the focus for create pit, for 10 gp, and gives Gwaihir a snack for a few coppers (How much would it really cost to grab some discarded scraps from a butcher shop at the end of the day, really?). Afterwards, she uses prestidigitation to recolor her hair from the vivid green it had been that day, and meets with Darivan in Red Table Square.
:: Amavin ::
Returning to the floor you're renting of a local (slightly upscale) townhouse, you have to wait 'only' about fifteen minutes or so past sun-down - just as twilight is really getting going on fading - for one of the Golden Company's now-familiar couriers to show up with your summons. Because really, that's what it is, at least in the eyes of the handful of merchants who you're representing; summoning a particularly useful hireling so as to issue her their directions.
The private club you arrive at, named "Mậtong Nốtđốt" (which Amavin knows but may not have related to her employers is an obscure Undercommon term that can refer to either a sweet-tasting poison or an addictive drug), is the same in which you've met the five merchants previously; it is an exceedingly fine establishment, possibly - probably - the best in the city, staffed by an all-female coterie of charming waitresses and companions, all overseen by one of six maîtresses d'hôtel which switch in and out of that rôle at apparent random times. While not all of them are pretty, all of them are beautiful - in possession of that combination of grace, poise, self-assurance, and charm that transforms a Jane-plain face into someone of whom songs are sung.
The maîtress of the moment, a tall and lean elf fem with ebon hair cut in a bob, escorts Amavin (and Ishana, should she come with) through the seventeen tables that, as always, are occupied by the rank-and-file members, their spouses, and the occasional house companions; while there could be a line outside, the house does not permit it, instead turning members away for as long as either the tables are full or the member is unwilling to rent a private room for a period of time. And the private room's rentals are said to be, well, exceptionally pricey; you haven't asked (and, not being a member, probably wouldn't be told) but in your several trips to the place, you get the sense that some of the rooms are proof against snooping by mundane methods, and possibly by mystic ones as well.
Escorted into the smallest of the five private rooms, one into which Amavin's only been once, there is a chair for Amavin at the small table; Ishana, as (from their viewpoint) a 'lackey', can stand against the wall, her presence in the room making it quite crowded in feel if not in actual physicality. Of the five men - stout and blustery Gustav Tovornik and Silvo Bauman, old but grimly serious Stepan Datsenko, young and eager Sandu Groza, and thin and quiet Dima Romanov - this last is the one that Ishana has decided is the most dangerous of the lot. The others quiet almost instantly to listen to his few, soft-spoken words, and the opinions contained therein are considered with the utmost seriousness, and almost always either carry the day or redirect the conversation and plan down a different channel.
"Ah, Żonka Amavin, excellent, excellent," greets Silvo heartily, none of the five leaving their seats around the table. "And your lackey Ishana, very good. Hmm, hmmm, yes, she can stay, four ears are better than two, eh? Eh? So!! Sit, sit and tell us what you think of the selections this king has made."
:: Lyda ::
The king's guard commander and his chamberlain currently reside, of course, with the king in the Citadel; it is to the Citadel you must go, albeit with a potential follower-encounter along the way. (Whether or not Lyda appreciates the effort that the two young women have undertaken for her is an open question.)
The massive tarred log gates of the Citadel are closed at sundown, but guarded and able to be opened for permitted riders, or a postern opened to allow individuals to enter or leave on foot. When you arrive, there's a moderate queue of twenty or so individuals, a very few presenting either permissions to enter, but most of them like yourself, requesting an audience with one of the notables inside; virtually all of the latter are turned down. When you request audience with either Kawaler Alexeyevich or Oskar Vorwilde, as well as your identity and the general reason for your request, the lieutenant looks dubious, but turns to the next page in line to give instructions on who to go hunt down and ask.
Behind you, a liquid-gold feminine voice says, "Lieutenant Maskro, it's all right - I'll speak with her." A hand presses lightly, but with gradually increasing pressure, on your arm to urge you to step aside; presuming you move, a mid-height female form from whose hood escapes several coppery locks eases next to you, lifting her hand to show something to the officer in charge at the gate.
"Ah, Żonka Alysandra. You'll vouch for her?"
"If it's necessary, Lieutenant, yes." She sounds a little disappointed in him - like he's a student that's gotten a tutor's question wrong - and he flushes at the subtle disapproval, but she leads you in through the postern and into the L-shaped courtyard, heading for one of the lesser, servant/guard/utility entrances. "So. Concern over the oath, was it? What in particular were you worried about?"
If all that Darvan is going for is a tabard with Irori's symbol on it - I presume that's what you have in mind - then he can get it from Cankar at standard price.
:: Dargaryen ::
None of the other Steel Fists will be at your inn of residence to either receive your debrief or to answer your questions. Addressing the same questions to any of the hangers-on remaining (there's always one or six about) will receive an answer of 'of course!'
Wise decision on extending your supplies. Also, Acaciano is knocking on your door.
:: Amavin (and a little for Aolis) ::
Yes, most of the private rooms for rent are behind thick stone; one small one (the one they're in now) is one of Aolis's magic-snoop-proof rooms. ;) Note that while casting magic isn't forbidden by the five men, it'll immediately draw their focused attention while they wait for the casting to be done and its effects known.
Amavin, you don't need to write out actual opinions, just a general 'I tell them what I think' bit is good enough unless you actually do have something to say - which I expect you to at least in regards to your fellow A-Team members. ;)
:: Azrael ::
Good, if brief - just as a thought, you might continue to poke around or go to meet other PCs for this block of time, leaving the 'info exchange and analysis' for the last block of the day, 8P-12A.
:: Darivan / Sylvia ::
I presume by the arm thing (and the fact that you didn't indicate you were paying the cost for the 'at will' light thing) it's the F/X of using a Light cantrip every hour? Just wanting to double-check. Also, before I go any further with you, I'd like to know if Sylvia is wearing the same sort of 'summerweight' clothing that Darivan has changed into.
Just as an FYI, in the pre-industrial world, there's no such thing as discarded scraps at a butcher shop. Fat gets saved for being rendered, bits are scraped off and fed to their own dogs, bones sold for stew or sold to be ground for other purposes. Like I said somewhere else about the deer-in-the-corpse-ferrying-bag, though there might only be 80 lbs of meat on a 150-lb deer, the rest - organs, bones, horns, hide, hooves, everything sees a medieval use. But a copper will get her a handful of fat/meaty gobbets to feed to the falcon.
:: Fr. Laszlo ::
Religions likely or known to practiced / Gods worshiped or honored by the groups:
- The Auram Chain: Monks, so Irori, probably.
- The Brilliant Sword School: Zámoždom Duchovný, the de facto leader despite not being a swordsman at all, is a known Sarenite cleric.
- The Bronze Seal: Unknown, but Brevoy natives, so Abadar, Gorum, and Pharasma are leading candidates.
- The Cenobitic Order of the Silver River: Again, Monks, so probably Irori.
- Dashing Harvesters: Unknown, but Brevoy natives, so Abadar, Gorum, and Pharasma are leading candidates.
- Forgedawn: Dwarven smiths, so Torag is very likely, maybe Abadar.
- The Frozen Flame: Mages, so probably Nethys.
- The Gilded Dawn: Paladins of different faiths, so ...
- The Golden Alliance: Merchants, so probably Abadar.
- High Bounty: Well, ex-cons turning over a new leaf, so maybe Caiden Caylean or Desna?
- Mageford: Mages, so probably Nethys.
- Nighthammers: Sarenrae.
- The Reckless: A bunch of rogues, so Caiden Caylean or Desna, maybe?
- Requiem of Wolves: Unknown.
- Shivering Exiles: Unknown.
- The Silver Star: Unknown.
- The Steel Fist: Going by their reputation as hard partiers, Caiden Caylean. But
- Brevoy natives, so maybe Abadar, Gorum, and Pharasma.
- Swords of the Legion: Unknown, but Brevoy natives, so Abadar, Gorum, and Pharasma are leading candidates.
- Voice of Mountains, Voice of Trees: Erastil, Gozreh, or the Green Faith.
- Companions of Armgaard: All gnomes, so ... could be various, possibly Fey Eldest.
- The Grey Torch: Pharasma.
- The Jade Legion: Unknown.
- Defenders of the Lane: (Was 'Swords of the Legion' in the original post.) Roadwarden-sorts, so likely Abadar.
:: Acaciano ::
Dargaryen is 'at home', though I will point out that the (well-earned) recent reputation of the Steel Fists is less 'animal' and more 'party'.
As Amavin stands before them, she reminds herself to speak carefully, the fifteen minute wait, the expensive location, even the all female servants or waitresses in this building, all serving to directly send home the message as to what exactly her place, position, rank and role are. She might be the face, or the representation, but Amavin figured half the meeting was reminding her who was still in charge.
Glancing at Ishana for a moment, Amavin makes a deferential gesture towards the five men. "Sirs, is it possible for a seat to be found for Ishana as well? I don't know the length of this conversation, and I wouldn't want my friends legs to collapse. Besides - its her birthday - if nothing else I'd prefer to avoid putting her in discomfort while I sit in comfort".
Amavin phrases this carefully injecting a little bit of innocence or timidity into the request. The goal was to make this seem as much of a tiny request as she could, without making it sound like an order - ideally not upsetting her benefactors.
Amavin pauses for a polite moment, before continuing. "Sirs, the list was rather large in length, unfortunately I have so far been unable to chat with many of the invitees - spread out as they are throughout the city. Any general perceptions of this list I have however - are mostly that it deals with people from various aspects of society, nobles, merchants, ex-cons, nature lovers, religious icons, arcane mages - clearly I would assume that the king is covering his bases in order to be as prepared as possible. Still - I spent the morning with several old friends of mine that were also selected, Aolis Greenborn, Aramil Wellys, and Azrael the Avenger - each members of their own factions, the The Frozen Flame, Mageford, and The Gilded Dawn respectively. I know of all three as being honorable companions, skilled fighters, as well as quick thinkers - with a wide variety of experiences behind each of them. All of us, for instance, were well aware of the subtle meaning behind the diplomatic speech, and all of us knew the potential political problems that could arise as a result of it. I think though, the pattern is clearly visible in the list itself. The king wants experience, not relying on anything or anyone untested - he is forward thinking, planning long term, and wants to surround himself with like-minded people."
Shrugging for a moment, Amavin makes an ambivalent gesture towards the five men, indicating control of the conversation was theirs - if they wanted it. "Based on how recently the list was promoted - that's my current viewpoint- if it helps you."
"If it's necessary, Lieutenant, yes." She sounds a little disappointed in him - like he's a student that's gotten a tutor's question wrong - and he flushes at the subtle disapproval, but she leads you in through the postern and into the L-shaped courtyard, heading for one of the lesser, servant/guard/utility entrances. "So. Concern over the oath, was it? What in particular were you worried about?"
Having lived most of her life in the relative solitude of the forests and mountains, Lyda wasn't up to date on any political processes or titles. It just wasn't information she used often. She hadn't realized how hard it would be to actually see one of Chalm's aids though in retrospect, that should have been obvious. Jostling among the crowd and keeping certain physical features out of sight made her very tense. None of which was alleviated once inside the Citadel with the strange new woman. Obviously, she was very important but Lyda's train of thought had been temporarily halted. "I did. Do. Have some...I'm sorry. Is your name Zonka? And how did you do that?" Smooth.
Having concluded his meeting with the others, Aramil bids his parents farewell and heads out into the cold and fading light. Looking about, he decides to see if he can locate and talk with the head of the Steel Fist - a group of nobles from Medvyed and Garess could be interesting, and he was curious to see if they were as foolish as rumor had it. He'd start by asking about to see if he could find where they were staying.
Porablum had gathered what she could about the Dashing Harvesters, and while Aramil might want to know more, she was more curious about the Reckless. Supposedly a group of former thieves and con artists, she was immensely curious about them.
::Dargaryen's Inn::
It had more than a few hours, but Tai eventually found out where the Steel Fists had set up their temporary headquarters. A great deal of time had been spent tracking down false leads to taverns and inns. The Steel Fists had indeed been to most of them at some point --in fact it was starting to seem that they'd been to most of the taverns in the city-- and they'd certainly been memorable. Ultimately though, Tai found what seemed to be the right inn, or at least he hoped. He could track a white hare in a snowstorm, but finding this group had proven more difficult that he'd expected.
'For such a rowdy group, these folks certainly are hard to pin down. Are these really the Erastil worshippers we saw in the square?'
Tai shook his head free of prejudice, and entered the Inn. He made his way to the bar and greeted the man, speaking loudly enough to be heard by the the others in the place, and in an inviting tone.
"Ho there. I'm Tai Reen, representing the Voice of Trees. I've been told I might find the Steel Fists here. Any truth to that?"
I suppose the others will have had time to settle into the news of their acceptance. Maybe some will be at home now
Having stayed in or close to Red Table Square for the last few hours, Bartek turns to Kliment to inform him its time to seek out allies.
"Kliment, we should head out now to converse with some people who can aid in holding our front line in melee. The Steel Fists seem a likely group for this" Bartek says to Kliment as the two head out to find the Steel fists
:: Dargaryen's Inn/Tai Reen::
Arriving at the inn where the Steel Fists are supposedly staying, Bartek and Kliment walk up to the bar and Bartek addresses the bartender.
"Might I get two ales for my brother and I? And are their any Steel Fists in residence, I've a need to talk to one of them?"
With that, the two settle in at the bar and look around the room.
Upon returning to the camp outside the city walls, Radovan organised two groups to head out to ask around about various groups.
Group of Tradespeople: Chelsea Seltov, Joten Gerlowsky, Erlan Dorlova - these three head out to a few taverns to see if they can find out if the not accepted groups have started purchasing services and supplies in bulk, and if so who.
Group of Guards: Vetner and Baljruf Stonehelm - They head out to wander around, sample some ales, and determine if any of the unaccepted groups are hiring, firing or otherwise shuffling around their combat members.
Darivan is simply (in OOC terms, at least) casting light every 70 minutes, as you suspected. He’s targeting the back of his hand for focus of the light, and (given light isn’t able to be dispelled, which, honestly, seems kind of odd), if he needs to dim it, he can simply re-cast light on a pebble or something. In his mind, this is because the arcane energy needs to go somewhere, so he channels it into a nearby object. (Because you can only have one light active at a time, and casting it again dispels any previous castings, this should work whether by RAW or RAI.)
Sylvia is wearing lighter gear. She’s removed her furs, but is still wearing the bulk of her cold-weather outfit (the hides offer more protection against Gwaihir’s talons than her full summertime outfit does, mage armor or no).
In any case, both of them simply stored the clothes they removed in their Handy Haversack (which they usually have with them, and, in Sylvia’s case, she wouldn’t go shopping without it). In fact, I have a list of where they usually keep each of their items, if you want that. (That is, whether any given item is stored in their Haversacks, their regular pockets, in their saddlebags, or in the wagon.)
Also, upon re-reviewing my gear, I noticed a couple of other things missing, that might be important, so Sylvia would have also purchased a bit & bridle, a pack saddle, a saddle blanket, a small tent, and 10 days of feed for Gwaihir. My gear and gold have been updated with these in mind. Sorry about that. IC, she dropped all of these off in her room before meeting Darivan in Red Table Square.
***Darvan***
In response to the question aimed his way by the blind swordsman, Darvan hums thoughtfully as he hands a likely prospect to the waiting clothier. "I believe I have at that. Not quite what I hoped to get, in all truth, but it will suffice. He need only add the appropriate insignia to complete it," he conludes, tapping his forehead with a finger to show Master Cankar what the insignia in question looks like. He then gives the waiting clothier the sum, in gold, required for the item before turning to Theodric. "And with that, my reason for being here is, quite sadly, concluded. Shall we get going then?"
***Theodric***
Sighing, Theodric nods. "Aye, I guess so. With Master Cankar apparently unwilling or unable to start work today, we should move on to our other business." Offering the clothier a short bow, Theodric takes his leave of the man's establishment. "You may send someone to my camp tomorrow when you are ready for the fitting to take place. Have a good day, sir," Theodric offers as he makes his way to the street with a bit of aid from Darvan. Outside, he takes a few moments to readjust to the biting chill, then nods to the camp's general direction. "Back to camp for a start, where we'll pick up Lillana, Seria, and Mikos. Mikos will keep me from tripping over someone or something as I pay a call on Aramil Wellys. Lillana and Seria together should be able to safely visit some other groups to make introductions on behalf of the Harvesters. And that leaves you to roam about on your own and visit whomever you wish. Probably some of the companies with a reputation for skill at arms, I'll wager," Theodric says, his voice laced with amusement as he gently pokes Darvan's well-established obessession.
His friend doesn't refute the charge leveled at him, merely laughing, and the two return to their camp in good spirits to give direction to the others of their little party before setting out again. Mikos is ecstatic at the proespect of finally getting to leave the camp, and even the baldy-stated guarantee of his cousin's boot in his arse if he gets out hand isn't enough to fully dampen his enthusiasm. Lillana and Seria acknowledge his instructions before leaving, each apparently already having a destination in mind, and cheerfully arguing over which to visit first. Darvan, however, joins Theodric in having a word with the other captains of the Harvesters, who have not been sitting idle themselves. While the pair were out, the other leaders of the company managed to establish a reasonably thorough list of where the other groups were either staying or most likely to be found if sought. Darvan quickly singles out the Auram Chain as his first choice, and is on his way with a smile and a farewell. Theodric himself looks up where Aramil Wellys is likely to be found, learning that he is a member of the Mageford. His destination settled, he leaves camp as well, his cousin chattering cheerfully in his ear.
With Mikos ensuring that few obstacles are in his way, Theodric seeks out the Mageford, intent on speaking with their leader Aramil. Finding the elf unavailable at the moment, Theodric politely requests knowledge of his whereabouts.
***Lillana and Seria***
"We're visiting the Voice of Trees first," Seria states firmly as she takes the lead out of the camp, forcing the shorter-legged Lillana to quicken her pace to keep up. Lillana is quick to object, even as she works to stay in Seria's footsteps as the larger woman breaks a trail through the snow. "Not that I mind, but could we not wait until after we've called upon the Forgedawn? Establishing a good relationship early on with a group that specializes in such fine craftsmanship can only be to our benefit!" In response to this Seria snorts dryly and points to the rapidly lowering sun before answering. "That is why we are going to the Voice of Trees before the Forgedawn, little one. Once the sun sets, the cold will get considerably worse, as you well know. You'll be glad then that we aren't bulling our way through knee-deep snow, or deeper for some of us," she adds with a pointed glance at Lillana, whom the snow would easily reach the mid-thighs of, "In the night and growing cold. So, Voice first, then your fancy crafters." Her place as lead firmly established, Seria smiles to herself as Lillana settles for muttered complaints about unfairness while following along in her wake.
:: Acaciano ::
With Seria leading, the pair are soon arriving at the campsite claimed the group known as the Voice of Trees, and Seria takes it upon herself to announce their arrival as soon as the light of the camp's fire is seen clearly; whatever etiquette city-folk may or may not use among themselves, woodsfolk know full well that approaching a strange camp unannounced is a good way to catch a few arrows for your stupidity. "Ho the camp," she calls out firmly, hands visible at her sides. "Seria of Valsic and Lillana Selveratva, both in service to Theodric Valtrava of the Dashing Harvesters, wish to enter." While waiting on a reply, she nudges Lillana into view as well, making sure that her hands are also visible.
:: Darivan Orlovsky ::
Passing through the Red Table Square on his way to where the Auram Chain are currently residing, Darvan comes upon a most curious sight that stops him in his tracks. A young man, one arm currently glowing a brilliant blue, draws his gaze, and Darvan is interested enough in this oddity to approach for a closer look. Clearing his throat politely to get man's attention as he converses quietly with his female companion, Darvan points at the arm. "Interesting effect you have there, how do you manage it?"
::Darvan Singra::
It takes Darvan a second to grab the young man’s attention, as he seems engrossed in his conversation. When Darvan asked about his arm, the white-haired girl turns aside quickly, but you catch the barest hint of a grin before she turns away. The young man shoots a glare at her, before turning back to Darvan.
”My arm? Well, you see, some years back, when I was first learning magic, I had a little… accident… with a spell. I was attempting to channel lightning through my hand, and it… backfired.” At this point, the woman is starting to chuckle to herself ”Oh, shut up Sylvia. It’s not that funny.” The man says, without pausing or even looking at his friend. Unfortunately, this only serves to make Sylvia laugh harder.
“In any case, the end result was what you see here,” he gestures to his right side. “But, personally, I think I'm better off with it. I can make my hand light up on command, and it serves to make all of my magic easier. I can push my shocking grasp beyond what my mentor could without even trying, and everything else just seems to come so much easier than Sylvia would have you believe."
"Anyway, I’m being rude. My name is Darivan, this hilarious young woman is Sylvia, and her chicken is named Gwaihir.” He gestures towards Sylvia, who is still chuckling, and has a falcon perched on her shoulder (for some reason, you get the impression that the bird is laughing as well). “Oh, and my sword is named Ardafax. He always gets so touchy when I leave him out of introductions. And you are?”
Just to clarify, it’s not the entirety of his arm that’s glowing, but the back of his hand is, and there are lines going up his arm that are glowing as well, but not quite as brightly, like in
this picture .