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Everyone has gathered at the estate of Jamandi Aldori In the city of Restov. Jamandi's estate is a massive, sprawling affair that is almost a keep unto itself. The main hall looks like it could easily accomodate ober 100 people for a banquet. There are many out buildings as well.And, in preparation for this event, Jamandi has moved most of her retainers to the outer barracks to have enough rooms for all the people gathered here.
Each of you have responded to a call by Jamandi Aldori for adventurers to embark on a quest that the flyers said would be reminiscent of the great Taldan expeditions of exploration. The exact details were sketchy though and promises of substantial rewards were deliberately vague. One thing was clear though, all who participate successfully would be forgiven any past crimes, barring the most heinous.
The main hall is filled with people. You notice a few obvious froups, but none comprising more than five people. Jamandi is supposed to give a speech in about half an hour, giving you the chance to interact, observe, or ignore the other guests according to each of your proclivities.
Everyone with Knowledge Local and/or Knowledge Nobility please make those rolls. If you have both, make both.
Ikit shuffles into the room, so many man-beasts. He would have to walk carefully, some big ones, may step on him, but he jostles his arm under the green cloak that was draped over that half of his body. He could at least dish some out if they did step on him. But no, he was here to make his name great, despite what old clan said. He was a great inventor, they would see it, and here, he would make that name great. His name would be great. Finally bringing his mind back to the present, he scrambles up to the closest table, making himself comfortable. Man-beasts ate well, especially the fancy ones. He will for sure make full use of this luxury, indeed, much so. Yes yes
Gaxi was highly cautious; so many non kobolds here, he couldn’t tell who to trust and who to burn. But nobody seemed aggressive or willing to fight…for now.
The red kobold had the brilliant idea to pull his hood up to hide his features…but quickly forgot about the idea and skittered around in the most obvious way possible. Worst part, he wasn’t even paying attention to anyone behind him, only those who were in front.
The main hall is filled with people. You notice a few obvious groups, but none comprising more than five people. Jamandi is supposed to give a speech in about half an hour, giving you the chance to interact, observe, or ignore the other guests according to each of your proclivities.
Daxiana realizes with embarrassment she's not sure who the heck folks are. No doubt more than one noble is here but she always dozed off when her relations tried to teach her who was who outside the family.
Then again, some folks stand out for a different reason, such as being remarkably short and.. well, not human. There's a wee rodent fellow who takes a table quickly and then there is...
The red kobold had the brilliant idea to pull his hood up to hide his features…but quickly forgot about the idea and skittered around in the most obvious way possible. Worst part, he wasn’t even paying attention to anyone behind him, only those who were in front.
When the kobold almost backs up against her, Daxiana steps back a notch and says, "Need more room there? Quite a crowd. By the Accidental God, a kobold? Well, takes all kinds I hear. Name's Daxiana by the by, greetings."
The human looks to be a female of age 18 winters plus a few moons, with an amused look, not at anyone particular, but at the whole she-bang.
She's tanned, as if she spends a lot of time out doors, and wearing an outfit more suited to a hunt than a formal gathering. Her longbow is pristine even if the rest of her gear is a bit woodsy casual. Her bright green eyes sparkle a touch as she addresses the kobold who almost backed into her.
Piret came dressed to impress, wearing a medium grey ankle-length skirt paired with an emerald green jacket, waist length with a double row of buttons, over a wide-collared white shirt. Her black boots are well polished, and her hair is pinned up into a bun. She would look just right, extremely impressive, if she were interviewing for a position as a teacher or administrative assistant.
But, upon arrival, Piret finds herself looking very out of place among most all of the other applicants who are gathering. They are considerably more dressed down than she is; and absolutely better armed.
Piret's resolve begins to crumble. Of course she didn't expect to see anyone she knew there, but now she's stymied when even trying to think of something to say, some small talk, with the people around her. She gravitates toward a wall, standing with her back against it, and waits. She hides nervous hands behind her back while being careful about eye contact. Piret feels foolish. She should have known this would be very different from a campus gathering.
Piret came dressed to impress, wearing a medium grey ankle-length skirt paired with an emerald green jacket, waist length with a double row of buttons, over a wide-collared white shirt. Her black boots are well polished, and her hair is pinned up into a bun. She would look just right, extremely impressive, if she were interviewing for a position as a teacher or administrative assistant.
But, upon arrival, Piret finds herself looking very out of place among most all of the other applicants who are gathering. They are considerably more dressed down than she is; and absolutely better armed.
Piret's resolve begins to crumble. Of course she didn't expect to see anyone she knew there, but now she's stymied when even trying to think of something to say, some small talk, with the people around her. She gravitates toward a wall, standing with her back against it, and waits. She hides nervous hands behind her back while being careful about eye contact. Piret feels foolish. She should have known this would be very different from a campus gathering.
Piret might have heard of Daxiana Gloridia Medvyed, or at least of a recent scandal. She's a noble woman of a branch of the Medvyed family, who appears to prefer the woods and archery to proper courtly ways and most recently caused a bit of a scandal when she forgetfully left a would be suitor lost in the wild while she hunted down a poacher. Obviously, THAT attempt at matchmaking was a bust.
Daxiana appears to be dodging a Kobold and trying to strike up a conversation with him.
Restov. The estate of Jamandi Aldori. Sven took a deep breath. Not long ago he would have killed to be in such a place, for much coin could be earned in the homes of the rich and powerful. Only now he was there in search of something far more dear to his heart: making right the ancient wrongs that had befallen his people. He could almost feel the relics on his person weighing him down with the weight of what they represented.
He looked around to see who else had heeded the call. It was the usual mix of…a ratfolk. And a kobold. He had seen many an exotic customers in his years, but two in the same place? That was unheard of. He took a deep breath. If the Stolen Lands were to be tamed then it would take everyone working together.
The main hall is filled with people. You notice a few obvious groups, but none comprising more than five people. Jamandi is supposed to give a speech in about half an hour, giving you the chance to interact, observe, or ignore the other guests according to each of your proclivities.Daxiana realizes with embarrassment she's not sure who the heck folks are. No doubt more than one noble is here but she always dozed off when her relations tried to teach her who was who outside the family.
Then again, some folks stand out for a different reason, such as being remarkably short and.. well, not human. There's a wee rodent fellow who takes a table quickly and then there is...
1d20+6
The red kobold had the brilliant idea to pull his hood up to hide his features…but quickly forgot about the idea and skittered around in the most obvious way possible. Worst part, he wasn’t even paying attention to anyone behind him, only those who were in front.When the kobold almost backs up against her, Daxiana steps back a notch and says, "Need more room there? Quite a crowd. By the Accidental God, a kobold? Well, takes all kinds I hear. Name's Daxiana by the by, greetings."
The human looks to be a female of age 18 winters plus a few moons, with an amused look, not at anyone particular, but at the whole she-bang.
She's tanned, as if she spends a lot of time out doors, and wearing an outfit more suited to a hunt than a formal gathering. Her longbow is pristine even if the rest of her gear is a bit woodsy casual. Her bright green eyes sparkle a touch as she addresses the kobold who almost backed into her.
Gaxi jumped at the noise, and his hood fell off. He scrambled back, his eyes locked onto this tall woman-his actions were like a ferret having a war dance. Only in surprise.
Gaxi jumped at the noise, and his hood fell off. He scrambled back, his eyes locked onto this tall woman-his actions were like a ferret having a war dance. Only in surprise....
The Kobold speaks to her in a language that... well, Daxiana isn't sure what it is. She assume it is Kobldese or whatever that's called. "Oh dear, I only know one language and that's not it..." For a moment, she ponders the age old solution of talking slower and LOUDER, but instead she looks around "Anyone here speak Kobold?"
Cassia smiles internally upon seeing the way most of the people here are dressed. Makes it easier to fit in if most of the people here aren't done up like nobles. Still, it can't hurt to give everyone the old ocular pat-down, just to make sure that none of these not-nobles aren't ex-bandits that might hold a grudge.
Can't imagine that any Steel Hands would come out all the way to Jamandi Aldori's place, if any are still alive. Still though, no one ever died because they were too vigilant.
To other observers, Cassia is a woman in her mid-20s, 5'8", with short brown hair that's wearing a scale mail a dark brown shirt with sleeves going to her elbows. Her trousers are of a dark grey color and at each hip is a kukri resting in a sheath on her belt. For the moment, she seems content to let the kobold draw attention doing...whatever it's doing, she doesn't speak the language.
Aelbourne walks around the great hall, taking in all the sights and smells of the banquet. He notices some of nobility of Restov is in attendance, as well as some he can't quite place. As he wanders the room he notices the red scaled kobold try to sneak, badly, amongst the crowd. He makes his way over there as the little dragon almost trips over a young woman. He takes note of her longbow protruding over her shoulder as he nods to her "Yes, I do" he replies to her inquiry. He turns to the kobold and smiles
Standing just a hair over six feet tall, Aelbourne is dressed in leathers embossed with the seal of Restov. His silver hair and violet eyes show his heritage, as do his slightly pointed ears. strapped across his back is a rather long, elegantly crafted, sword of possibly elven design.
He extends his hand to the lady as well as the koblod "Aelbourne, Aelbourne Callandriil, of the Restov guard" he says in way of introduction.
He extends his hand to the lady as well as the koblod "Aelbourne, Aelbourne Callandriil, of the Restov guard" he says in way of introduction.
When it is her turn, Daxiana shakes the hand and says "Daxiana Medvyed, delighted. I startled this fellow and didn't know the words to apologize." She admires the sword "I'm more of an archer than a swordswoman, but that's a lovely blade." Her grip is firm enough and shows signs of an archer's callus.
[dice=Knowledge (local)]1d20+6
[dice=Perception check]1d20+8Aelbourne walks around the great hall, taking in all the sights and smells of the banquet. He notices some of nobility of Restov is in attendance, as well as some he can't quite place. As he wanders the room he notices the red scaled kobold try to sneak, badly, amongst the crowd. He makes his way over there as the little dragon almost trips over a young woman. He takes note of her longbow protruding over her shoulder as he nods to her "Yes, I do" he replies to her inquiry. He turns to the kobold and smiles
** spoiler omitted **
Standing just a hair over six feet tall, Aelbourne is dressed in leathers embossed with the seal of Restov. His silver hair and violet eyes show his heritage, as do his slightly pointed ears. strapped across his back is a rather long, elegantly crafted, sword of possibly elven design.He extends his hand to the lady as well as the koblod "Aelbourne, Aelbourne Callandriil, of the Restov guard" he says in way of introduction.
The kobold’s head shoots up-he was not expecting someone to speak his tongue, and with such gutso!
He then points to each of the two and croaks, as best as he can, “Dax…en…Ailbore?”
A dark-haired young man of about twenty years enters the scene. He wears unremarkable but practical clothing, has dark hair, and stands just over average human height. The one very noticeable thing about him is the Aldori dueling sword sheathed at his hip.
As he makes his leisurely way around the room, he takes in the sights. A motley crew indeed. A dwarf. A kobold, a half-elf and...that woman has the look of nobility, but I can't place her. Is that a large rat? Oh, she's lovely.
Eventually, he makes his way over to the blonde half-elf and attempts to strike up a conversation. [b}"You don't look a warrior, ma'am, if you don't mind my saying so. Have you come instead for exploration, and discovery?"[/b] Pyros asks. Belatedly, he extends his hand, adding
"I'm Pyros, by the way. Pyros Aldori."
It was getting busy, very busy. Even commotion with one of the small lizard people. Seem the man-beasts didn't worry about him or the lizard. That seemed good. Crowds meant this was popular. Popular was also good. More people to witness his genius
He then points to each of the two and croaks, as best as he can, “Dax…en…Ailbore?”
"Daxiana," She does say it a BIT slower than before but doesn't seem offended, "But Dax will do if it is easier for you." Then a sheepish look "Hopefully Aelbourne will translate for us."
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A man walks in wearing scale mail armor and carrying a large sword on his hip, which can only be meant to be used with two hands. He also has a short bow strapped to his back. He carries a backpack and clearly the weight of all this doesn't bother him, although the armor makes him a little stiff. He is tall and carries many muscles. Despite the hard structure of his facial bone structure, he wears a light smile and his eyes transmit tranquility.
He takes a look around the room and a few thoughts pass through his head. It's been a while since he's been to a noble's event, but he's never been to one that reminded him of longhouse meetings in small towns. Before embarking in memory lane, the man focuses on the people and tries to see if he recognizes anyone.
He suppresses his own curiosity to check the room for chaotic auras. This is not the time nor the place for this, and whatever he learned would not help him in any way. Instead, he notices some people talking. He sees a few people who know how to dress, which makes him think they might be aristocracy. Not wanting to visit that lane, he decides to approach some who are not yet talking to anyone, to see if he can learn some names.
Approaching Ikit carefully, he says "Good morning! Please, don't be startled, I just want to talk. Maybe start with something simple, my name is Harter. What's yours? I suppose it's stupid to ask what you're doing here, we're all here for the same reason, rewards, right? But I'm guessing you're smarter than most people, as your folk usually is."
The white furred rodent looks up at Harter, shifting his head from side to side as he takes in the image of the man. His green eyes contracting heavily against his white fur. His nose twitches before he speaks. You catch a glimpse of something metalic under the folds of the green cloak around his body, seemingly only draped across the right side
"Ah, man-beast, Harter. Yes yes, Ikit smart one, very much so. Ikit wants to create great machines, away from stupid clan. No appreciating my genius. So Ikit come looking at lady man-beast proposal to go into new places, so Ikit can create and make world tremble at his genius!"
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Harter nods at Ikit. He is unsure how to respond to it, due to not being particularly familiar with his culture. He nods and says "That seems very useful, Ikit. Perhaps we'll end up traveling together. Why don't you tell me a bit about your culture and these plans of yours?"
Himself being a representative of Erastil's faith, he doesn't know how to reconcile the technological marvels that Ikit promises with the community centered values he is supposed to uphold. Then again, these may be exactly the challenges that he is supposed to face, if he is to grow as a person.
He flips the hood off, exposing more of his face, then begins his explanation
"Clan big. Big stupid. Say Ikit make too strange thingsm too big for clan to function. Clan stay in small tunnels beneath city. So Ikit can't make big things. Ikit decide to leave. Like others, go seek smart man-beast. But Ikit look for smart man-beast that appreciate his machines. Yes yes. Help make man-beast people be great. And then that makes Ikit great."
Ikit's eyes light up at the question
"Oh yes yes. Right here" as he shifts his cloak to reveal the grafted metal arm on him. Still looks a bit crude and needed a lot of work. But it was functional. Not clockwork or even like a normal prosthetic arm. This looked more mechanical, also a glass like tube, filled with a green liquid tucked away in a protective casing inside the arm
"Ikit made self. Very good. Strong arm. Better than old arm. Yes yes!"
The young woman who enters next is relatively tall, at least a bit taller than the average human woman, graced with a naturally sleek athletic build. Possessing a wild, somewhat untamed appeal of a harmonious blend of elven and human features, she bears a complexion that carries a rich golden tinge of regular exposure to the sun. Thick, dark green, windswept hair falls across her shoulders, not quite concealing the points of her ears, and framing a pleasant face bearing unusual druidic markings across the bridge of her nose and along her cheeks. Perhaps her most notable feature is the piercing, deeply evocative emerald eyes that scan the room quietly.
Simply dressed in greens and browns, made of leathers and other natural fabrics, the woman has a decidedly rustic bearing, enhanced by the gnarled wooden staff she leans on slightly as she looks around the room at the bewildering assortment of individuals.
She knew that when she gave in to her wanderlust and desire to travel the wilds and spread the influence of The Green has led her to join this vaguely described expedition, she would encounter many strange and differnet people, but this was still quite a lot to take in.
Stanislaw strode into the Lady Aldori's manor, unstrung longbow at his back, along with two full quivers. Light mace, handaxe, and buckler hung from his belt, with the hilt of a dagger sticking out from behind his belt. His combat leathers were well-oiled, the studs polished to a shine. He still carried his backpack, cloak rolled up and strapped to the top - he hadn't had time to arrange an inn for the night, since he'd barely managed to arrive in time. Underneath the light armor he wore a clean coat of forest green, simple yet well-made, over a white shirt. His brown breeches were tucked into the tops of his boots, which he'd taken the time to polish. His holy symbol of Erastil hung about his neck - not ostentatiously, but not hidden.
He didn't look a nobleman - he'd long since decided that such finery wasn't suited to the rumored expedition - but his appearance made it clear he wasn't a pauper, either. He should be at least somewhat respectable looking.
Scanning the crowd with his grayish-blue eyes, he starts. Is that Daxiana? He was quite honestly surprised to see her hear - last he'd heard, her mother intended to lock her in a tower and not release her until her wedding day.
Moving through the room as smoothly as he could, he approached the crowd around her - which appeared to include a half-elf and...kobold? What strange company. Once he reached the group, he said, "Hello, cousin. I must confess, I am surprised to see you wandering free. Or will the house guards be coming in the door next to bring you back?" To the kobold and half-elf, he said, "I am Stanislaw Medvyed, servant of Erastil and warden of the wilds."
After spending some time doing surveillance, Cassia decides to get to know some of the others summoned here. She heads towards the half-elven woman in rustic attire, feeling more comfortable going for someone that, at the very least, doesn't seem to be associated with the nobility.
"Hey, name's Cassia." She offers. "Nice to meet someone cut from the common cloth among all these nobles."
"Coming here may have been a mistake..." Athrehon muttered to himself as he crossed the manor threshold, walking staff tapping quietly on the floor. Dressed in good quality but simple travel robes, he draws back his hood and glances around the room with a small sigh.
There are just so many people, already. I may have missed my window of opportunity to stand out amongst the applicants... he mused, his gray elven eyes taking in the assembled adventurers, nobility, and servants.
The crowd was far more mixed than he had expected, including at least one kobald, and a handful of other species he'd read about by never encountered before. Not seeing any other elves, specifically, Athrehon steps over towards a tall young woman clad in leathers apparently crafted to blend in within a forest setting. Noting her small tipped ears peeking out from beneath her mane of deep green hair, he offers a welcoming smile.
He then pauses, realizing he'd interrupted a human woman seeking to say hello as well. He quickly shifts to Common and says, "Forgive me. I spoke out of turn. But indeed, it is good to see people here other than myself of less-than-noble upbringing."
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The chamber starts to fill up rapidly as more folks come in and even as she spoke to Aelbourne and Gaxi (Was that his name?) she observed that everyone was approaching someone. Looked to be making a mighty fine shindig as the saying went.
Then the one thing she didn't want came upon her... family! Then, she looked again and smiled, for it was a cousin she could tolerate. Anyone is better than mother or one of my sisters now.
Moving through the room as smoothly as he could, he approached the crowd around her - which appeared to include a half-elf and...kobold? What strange company. Once he reached the group, he said, "Hello, cousin. I must confess, I am surprised to see you wandering free. Or will the house guards be coming in the door next to bring you back?" To the kobold and half-elf, he said, "I am Stanislaw Medvyed, servant of Erastil and warden of the wilds."
Daxiana laughs good naturedly at that, "Well, I wouldn't be surprised if mother tried. To answer your question, the family is a mite miffed given that wee understanding with my last suitor but as usual, I find it easier to beg forgiveness than ask for permission. I'm a grown woman after all. So if I want to answer a call to adventure, that's mine to do or not," Stanislaw and she have too many things in common for her to be completely on guard, like her, the fellow was a darn fine archer, for one. "I'm surprised to see you here as well. Are you under orders from Church or family to be here or just answering the call to adventure as I am?"
Cassia opts not to give any indication that she understands what the Elven man is saying. No need to make this awkward for him, or to give more away than necessary.
"It is." She says in response to the man. "Name's Cassia. Nice to meet you, and all."
Gaxi hides behind Daxiana the second Stainslaw approached. He looked in between the two, not sure what exactly they’re talking about. But…this man seems to know Dax? So maybe he’s safe?
A tall human woman walks in the door wearing scale armor. The armor is well maintained, other than the mud flecks around the lower legs, suggesting she quickly came a long distance by horseback. A house sigil adorns both the armor and a shield she carries lightly strapped to her back. her auburn hair catches the last of the sun as the door closes behind her. As she comes into teh spacious hall, she looks around at the large crowd, trying to pick out faces and names that she can.
"I hope I didn't miss Lady Aldori's speech..."
After spending some time doing surveillance, Cassia decides to get to know some of the others summoned here. She heads towards the half-elven woman in rustic attire, feeling more comfortable going for someone that, at the very least, doesn't seem to be associated with the nobility.
"Hey, name's Cassia." She offers. "Nice to meet someone cut from the common cloth among all these nobles."
Elenaril's eyes widen ever so slightly, as if being approached was unexpected, though not exactly surprising.
"Yes, it is, with all the armor and titles from the looks of it." she replies with a smile, looking around them. "I'm Enalaril..."
She trails off as an elven man in travel robes walks over to them, addressing her in the elven tongue. "Go bhfuil sé" she replies in elven that, while fluent, gave hints of having seldom been spoken, as she returns the smile. the smile.
Turning to include Cassia in the conversation, she grins as the elven man addresses the interruption.
"And I'm Enalaril, nice to meet you...." she says waiting for the newcomer's name.
A tall human woman walks in the door wearing scale armor. The armor is well maintained, other than the mud flecks around the lower legs, suggesting she quickly came a long distance by horseback. A house sigil adorns both the armor and a shield she carries lightly strapped to her back. her auburn hair catches the last of the sun as the door closes behind her. As she comes into teh spacious hall, she looks around at the large crowd, trying to pick out faces and names that she can.
"I hope I didn't miss Lady Aldori's speech..."
[dice=Knowledge Nobility]1d20+5
Daxiana sees Meredith and waves, "Meredith, that you? You didn't, not yet." Daxiana seems to be in conversation with one of her cousins, a half elf fellow with the seal of Restov on him, and a kobold who seems to be using her as a defensive pillar if need be.
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You know of the brewing trouble in Brevoy. Since the complete disappearance of the entire royal family of Rogarvia. The Suratovas took over and now the tensions between the two former countries that were united in to Brevoy by Charal the Conqueror, Issia and Rostland, are growing into what might become a civil war. Restov is the main seat of the Aldori Swordlords power and is a hotbed of seccessionist sentiment. Currently, much of the Swordlords' attention has to be diverted to watching the southern border that abuts the Stolen Lands. A new political entity that would stabilize that region and be friendly towards Rostland would free up that attention.
Meredith looks over towards the small group, and grins. "Ha! I shouldn't be surprised to see you here, Daxiana. I heard what happened, even out our way."
She raises an eye at the kobold before turning to Stanislaw, smiling warmly, "I know what brings Daxiana, but does the Church have business here, or is it personal? Forgive me if I'm prying."
Turning her attention to the half elf, extending her arm in greeting, "That is a fine blade you have, Sir...?"
Flicking her eyes towards the head of the room, she says quietly, "Jamandi Aldori, this should prove very interesting."
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a cloaked figure flits in through the doors, doing his best not to draw attention to himself. Those that catch his face will see a burnished brass-and-glass mask conceals his features. under the cloak well worn but cared for flashes of leather and steel are visible. at his sides are a peculiar combination of a rapier and a shortsword and a bow is strapped to his back He stands back trying to blend and listen to the goings on around him.
Eventually, he makes his way over to the blonde half-elf and attempts to strike up a conversation. "You don't look a warrior, ma'am, if you don't mind my saying so. Have you come instead for exploration, and discovery?" Pyros asks. Belatedly, he extends his hand, adding
"I'm Pyros, by the way. Pyros Aldori."
When he's closer it becomes apparent to Pyros the blonde half-elf isn't an aristocrat. Her clothes are nice, good material and well made, but there isn't an ounce of flash about her in them. She simply doesn't inhabit the clothes in the way a person who dresses in them every day would. Instead she seems a little uncomfortable in them, more like a person hired by an aristocrat who must dress up for her job. Also there is the telling lack of any accessories or jewelry to fill out the look.
She seems to be about the same age as Pyros. She's shorter than Pyros but probably not by as much as he's used to for a woman. Along with her blonde hair and blue eyes, her skin is light, but not extremely pale. She must have been quite freckled on her nose and checks when she was younger. Some freckles are still readily visible but most that he can detect have almost faded away.
Piret notices the young man coming her direction, but at first she assumes he is approaching someone he knows nearby. Her eyes dart about wondering who he's approaching, but any guesses she makes turn out to be wrong and soon there's nobody else left, which makes Piret a little nervous.
He is easy enough for Piret to read. There are a few of his sort around campus. Plenty more can be found about the city. None of them have ever had much use for her, especially at the university. They occupy higher echelons of the social pecking order than her, and have never been reticent about letting her know it. If she had wanted to, Piret could have said "Aldori" right along with him when he introduced himself.
This won't last long Piret thinks. No need to draw things out I suppose.
She takes his offered hand and introduces herself in return.
"My name is Piret Kersna. You're right Sir. I'm a student at the university. My field is natural philosophy so I came thinking perhaps my knowledge of the natural world could be of use to an expedition into relatively unknown territory."
Piret looks past Pyros at the gathered crowd.
"I think I was mistaken. It looks like this is a job for soldiers or mercenaries. I'm certainly not that."
"Oh. Yes yes. Ikit is genius. Very smart smart" the white rat seemed very pleased with himself. The fact that he lost his arm was due to his experiments had nothing to do with it
He then puts his cloak around his arm again, the grin not leaving his face "Still much to do. Ikit use trash to make arm. But want to get best metals, yes yes. Make arm best best!"
"Won't know till we go. Go find the shinies. Make proper claw for arm. Make slash slash and poke poke. Strong arm. And other machines. Many machines!" he coughs a bit and looks around, his nose twitches a bit then continues, much slower and a bit more reigned in
"What does Harter want to do? Man-beasts seem to like the plan to go all over the place. So Ikit wondering what Harter wants to do in new place, tell Ikit, yes yes"
Stanislaw replies to Daxiana, "You are, at that, although she may not see it that way. No, I am not here on family or church business, although I did get permission to answer the call to adventure before leaving. There are some advantages to being a second-born son."
He turned his attention to the armored woman Daxiana called over. Meredith? Why does that name sound familiar? As the woman came over, he realized they'd met a time or two at formal occasions, although they had spoken little. "It is good to see you again, Meredith. Stanislaw Medvyed. No, not formal church business, just a personal venture. If I may ask, are you here on family business or a personal venture?"
Meredith looks over towards the small group, and grins. "Ha! I shouldn't be surprised to see you here, Daxiana. I heard what happened, even out our way."
"You know I just can't marry some fumblefoot snob who doesn't even know which way North is , it just... wouldn't work," Daxiana smiles "I like the woods and outdoors too much to be cooped up in a tower."
Stanislaw replies to Daxiana, "You are, at that, although she may not see it that way. No, I am not here on family or church business, although I did get permission to answer the call to adventure before leaving. There are some advantages to being a second-born son."
"For one, they don't expect you to wear dresses at formal gathers," She smiles.
Then feeling a bit rude she says "Ah, pardon my manners." She notices Aelbourne has gotten a bit quiet (Though hopefully is still translating?) and Gaxi looks nervous, "The Kobold fellow is named... Gaxi I think? Sadly he doesn't appear to speak common Taldan, and I've never been one for languages so I don't speak Kobold. Seems a brave fellow to walk into a crowd like this though. And this fellow with the fine sword is Aelbourne Callandriil, of the Restov guard." In turn to both of them she says "My cousin Stanislaw introduced himself, and this fine lady is Meredeth Dawnfire, a heroine of mine for having the spine to make up her own mind about her life." Daxiana has snatched a mug off a tray and is using it , between sips, to gesture at each person she introduces.
Then feeling a bit rude she says "Ah, pardon my manners." She notices Aelbourne has gotten a bit quiet (Though hopefully is still translating?) and Gaxi looks nervous, "The Kobold fellow is named... Gaxi I think? Sadly he doesn't appear to speak common Taldan, and I've never been one for languages so I don't speak Kobold. Seems a brave fellow to walk into a crowd like this though."
The kobold poked his head around Daxiana's legs. "Ki, ki! Le Gaxi!" the little lizard croaked, nodding in head in response to Daxiana's introduction to him, "Urach oo Dax!"
"I am pleased to meet you, Gaxi, and you as well, Aelbourne. I, also, am unfamiliar with the Kobold tongue - although if he speaks the tongue favored by forest creatures and fey, we may find some shared communication."
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Harter's face relaxes as the small ratfolk asks about him. He answers "Well us.... man-beasts... do like to get into trouble. For me, I'm just trying to find the fortune I was never given at home. And if I can spread some Erastilian values, that'd be a great bonus."
He looks around and says "Jamandi doesn't declare we should test each other by combat. That's a gruesome way to start a venture. But hey, we should help each other either way, what do you say? This should be fun!"
"Hmmm, man-beast Harter correct, not doing the fight fight here. Just talking, hearing what to do next. Many people come to listen, even little lizard man kobold, though he cant speak like others, must be simple kobold, not learn trade talk" he too looks around to all that have gathered, noticing the others trying to communicate with the kobold
Eventually, he makes his way over to the blonde half-elf and attempts to strike up a conversation. "You don't look a warrior, ma'am, if you don't mind my saying so. Have you come instead for exploration, and discovery?" Pyros asks. Belatedly, he extends his hand, adding
"I'm Pyros, by the way. Pyros Aldori."When he's closer it becomes apparent to Pyros the blonde half-elf isn't an aristocrat. Her clothes are nice, good material and well made, but there isn't an ounce of flash about her in them. She simply doesn't inhabit the clothes in the way a person who dresses in them every day would. Instead she seems a little uncomfortable in them, more like a person hired by an aristocrat who must dress up for her job. Also there is the telling lack of any accessories or jewelry to fill out the look.
She seems to be about the same age as Pyros. She's shorter than Pyros but probably not by as much as he's used to for a woman. Along with her blonde hair and blue eyes, her skin is light, but not extremely pale. She must have been quite freckled on her nose and checks when she was younger. Some freckles are still readily visible but most that he can detect have almost faded away.
Piret notices the young man coming her direction, but at first she assumes he is approaching someone he knows nearby. Her eyes dart about wondering who he's approaching, but any guesses she makes turn out to be wrong and soon there's nobody else left, which makes Piret a little nervous.
He is easy enough for Piret to read. There are a few of his sort around campus. Plenty more can be found about the city. None of them have ever had much use for her, especially at the university. They occupy higher echelons of the social pecking order than her, and have never been reticent about letting her know it. If she had wanted to, Piret could have said "Aldori" right along with him when he introduced himself.
This won't last long Piret thinks. No need to draw things out I...
"Intriguing. I've devoted my life to the blade, which leaves little time for higher learning. But if I had the time, I would like to have studied history. I've always been fascinated by the tales of the Fifth Army of Exploration that first settled this land. I suppose that's part of why I signed up, to learn by doing, as it were." he says, with a small shrug. "But I think you're wrong about this being a job for soldiers. I mean, it is that. But it's much more than just that I'm sure. A warrior is useless without weapons, and the smith who makes them needs someone to mine the ore, and they all need food, clothing, shelter, etc. An expedition of any size will doubtless need people of many skillsets, that's even truer if we find untamed land to settle and need to build a town." He pauses, looking rather sheepish Well, that was a bit of a rant. Maybe let her talk, huh?
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Harter follows Ikit's gaze and suddenly notices other people as well. He says "Oh, I know that person. Come, let's make some new friends!" He walks over to Meredith, taking tare to wait for Ikit to catch up if he needs to. Approaching her, he says "Hello Meredith. It's been a while! Where's Rain? Did he not fit through the door?"
She shakes her head to Stanislaw's question, "No, this is far from a family matter. I feel I'd have been the last one they sent if that were case. This is entirely a personal venture."
"Harter! It HAS been a while. There's been so much going on taht we haven't been able to get a chance and head out your way lately. And don't you know, they wouldn't let Rain inside, no matter what I promised of his intentions," she says, grinning. "No, he's outside, some hands are taking care of him, or better be."
She turns to the group she's with, and starts introductions, "This is Daxiana and Stanislaw Medvyed. This here is Aelbourne Callandriil of the Restov guard. And the little fellow shivering behind Daxiana we believe to be Gax." She leans in conspiratorially and whispers, "We don't believe he speaks a lick of Taldane."
Chuckling, she stands back up, "But at least Aelbourne here seems to be able to speak with it. Everyone, this is Harter, an old childhood friend."