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Brayden looks about their unit, then to the General, a little perplexed. Finally, he clears his throat. "Sir, if the three units are to launch a unified attack on the same target, would it perhaps make more sense for us to plan the assault together, so we could act in unison and have a better chance of success?"
Brayden kneels down at the pile of equipment that has been arranged for him. He draws the sword from its scabbard and carefully inspects the weapon, from pommel to blade tip, checking its balance, weight, speed, and edge. Satisfied, he resheathes it then runs the morningstar through a similar, if a bit simpler, process. Comfortable with his arms, he traces his fingers across the leather scales and pauldrons of his armor. "This will do nicely, I think..." he mutters out loud, though to no apparent target. Donning the armor, he hangs the sword sheath as a baldric across his back, from right shoulder to left hip, with his morningstar tucked into its straps as well. On his right hip, Brayden secures the the hand axe and dagger he had acquired the day before. Then he pauses. Looking at the empty space before him, then across at the possessions of his companions, he sees a problem. No ranged weapons. "Pardon me, General, but if we are to seize these shipments in transit, would it not be wise to grant us some ranged weapons that would allow us to bring the fight to our targets as we are closing to melee combat?'
Brayden awakes early, with the dawning sun. Noting the others still asleep, he remains in his bunk, trying to process everything that had occurred over the last few days. As several others began to stir, Captain Layzee stormed into the room and summoned them all to the assembly field. Guess this is life in the military... or as a slave... what are we after all? Perhaps today will shed some light... Seeing no other particular option, Brayden rises, straightens his clothes and belts on his meager arms, then follows outside as commanded, ready for what the day may bring.
Brayden has remained silent, trying to feel out the others that had been drawn into this gambit with him. What is expected of us? Can I trust any of them? He eats his meal and retires to the bunk room with the others. When the dwarf-like woman offers her comparison to Heaven, Brayden snorts. "Heaven, perhaps if your paradise is to be a slave to another, serving and dying at their whim. Make no mistake, things are about to get ugly. And soon." Settling into his bunk, Brayden places his dagger under his pillow, and ties the hand axe to his wrist. I will be ready for what the morning... or the night... brings.
As the bandits gather their fallen and depart, Brayden takes in the General's words carefully. As the group begins to depart and head back toward the barracks, he steps down from the benches and picks up a hand axe and dagger from the arena sands. Tucking them into his belt, he heads back with the others, preparing for whatever may be next.
Brayden looks down toward Runt, "Trolls, oh? And I suppose you have seen many trolls fight in your days?" he finished a bit sarcastically. Hearing Sarah's unique battle cry, he looks puzzled, "That is an interesting, umm, battle prayer. Though, I am now feeling a little hungry, wish their was some roast corn." He muses out loud.
The thoughts continue to play in his head as Officer Lay Z ushers them out the door and into the woods. Where to now, I wonder... As the company of 'enlisted men' emerges into the clearing and gets sight of the sand-filled pit, Brayden's lips part, "An arena? Are we to fight each other?" He realizes his thoughts have escaped his mouth just as the last word slides off his tongue. Damn, I will likely pay for that. He bites his lip in frustration, awaiting what may come next.
Still uncertain of the context of everything, Brayden appreciatively accepts the food and a mug of ale then begins eating. Dragged from our homes for a sack of coins akin to slaves, yet now we are welcomed with open arms and honest hospitality, what is all this? The thoughts continue to play in his head as Officer Lay Z ushers them out the door and into the woods. Where to now, I wonder... Emerging into the clearing, Brayden's lips part, "An arena? Are we to fight each other?" He realizes his thoughts have escaped his mouth just as the last word slides off his tongue. Damn, I will likely pay for that. He bites his lip in frustation, awaiting what may come next.
Brayden reaches out his hand toward Stewart, tentatively offering a hand shake. "Much appreciated sir." Turning to the others who are introducing themselves, he looks from the small, blonde teen up toward the tall redhead, repeating their overheard names to confirm he has them correct. "Billy... Winst... I am Brayden. Suppose we should get to know each other a bit, seeing as how we've been thrown together." With that he gestures towards a table before moving to sit down.
Brayden had entered the tower along with the others, being careful not to draw too much attention to himself. Who knows what is in store for us... he thought to himself as they gathered within. After the short man's initial question and the others' responses, Brayden was about to chime in when the kitchen maid burst in. A Name, so these are still people. Leaning down toward the smaller man, "Stewart, was it? You ask us about armaments but we were not permitted to bring possessions. That said, I trust you are here to equip us so we can face... whatever challenges lie before us? As for me, I have some militia training and am capable with most arms, though prefer a good stout axe to most others. A bow would do me well as well. And armor, something to keep this body protected so I can put my muscles to use. Can you help with that?"
Three thousand crowns?! By all the Gods, what horrors do they have in store for us that would be worth that sum... Looking up and down the line of 'recruits', Brayden takes note of several other young men who confidently step forward. For his part, he remains still. Bold ones, those lads are. But given that we know not what is in store for us, I will not put my head on the block first. Sure, they have the chance for rewards, but they will also bear the brunt of any blame. No, I will stay quiet and do my part. Survive, that is all.
Brayden smiles warmly at Auntie Baldwin as he puts his hand on her shoulder, [b]"Auntie Baldwin, you are a good person who does a great service here. Take heart and comfort in the just nature of your work. The bottle will provide you with no solace, only more pain. We will speak to the Temple for you and see what assistance can be sent."[b]
Brayden chuckles at Auntie Baldwin while giving Zarunkumar a quick look. "No no Auntie, the tea is quite enough for me, thank you. Shouldn't we be administering the medicine to the children? I have some skill as both a chemist and a healer, and would gladly see to it while you relax and enjoy your... tea. After all, most of the time there is no one but yourself to care for the little monsters, let me ease your work for today." Raising from his chair, he turns as though to head upstairs for the medicine, while keeping an eye for Auntie Baldwin's reaction.
'In a rush to get the medicine, but then gives not a drop to the children. She is ill at ease, look at her shaking... it could be her age... the alcohol... or something else. And what was that sound I heard? Twas familiar, the sound of a glass vial being bumped in a lab...' Brayden looks down at the tea before him, smiles, and picks up a mug while sitting down. Lifting the mug toward his face, he slowly closes his eyes and inhales deeply. "Auntie Baldwin, this tea smells divine. Tell me, what kind of leaf do you use?" Brayden raises the cup and pretends to drink, but only smells, seeking some clue as to what the lady added to the tea.
Brayden turns quizzically to Zarunkumar, "For someone who cares for orphans, she doesn't seems to like them very much. And though she was in such a rush to get the medicine, she seems rather unconcerned about giving it to the obviously ill children." Moving to the bottle of brown liquid, he glances in the direction of the kitchen to ensure Auntie Baldwin is still working on the tea. He gingerly lifts the bottle, first smelling, then tasting the liquid before putting the bottle back down, hoping his alchemical knowledge will reveal the secrets of the liquid.
Brayden glances back at the medicine package left casually upon the cupboard, then at the children and finally up at Auntie Baldwin, "If rest and quiet are best, then what is the need for the medicine?"
Pausing for a moment, he continues, "But I will take a cup of tea, thank you." strange that she would now offer tea, and leave the medicine haphazardly on the cupboard.....
Brayden looks toward Zarunkumar then follows up with Auntie Baldwin. "I too can assist in some minor ways with healing, though my studies have not led me very far. Still, as I said before, we are here to assist you Auntie Baldwin." If only I had more time for research, perhaps I could find a way to concoct something that would heal others the way my experiments can heal me.
Walking through the crowd of children in from of Auntie Baldwin's home, he quickly blends a few minor ingredients to create a sparkly-shiny firework that causes no harm to anything nearby. He tussles one boy's hair as he makes his way to the entrance.
At first taken aback by Auntie's Baldwin's abrupt statement, Brayden smiles and bows slightly, "Auntie Baldwin, a thousand blessings upon you for the good work you do here. We are but humble servants, sent by Lady Ollysta Zadrian of the Temple of the Shining Star to both check on your well being and deliver much needed medicines to aid you in the care of these orphans. How fair your challenges? With so many young lads and lasses running about, how do you manage it all?"
A quizzical look upon his face,"Indeed, I noticed a young lass, dressed distinctly, staring at us. As I looked closer, she disappeared into a crowd. Perhaps it is part of our test?" Having known "kind people" in his childhood, Brayden is curious about the motivations of this Auntie Baldwin and does some inquiring from townsfolk as they slowly make their way to the Home of Recovery.
"I agree. There are quite a few of us, splitting into two parties would allow us to accomplish the work in half the time. Looking about this new company of allies, he continues, [b]"And as to get formalities out of the way, I am Brayden Baxton, chemist and explorer, and a man who can hold his own in a scuffle."[b]
One quick question to make sure I have things correct for legal PFS. It may sound stupid, but its the one thing I have not been able to answer from reading the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play. Do I get a Favored Class bonus as per standard? If so, are alternate options available from Advanced Players Guide? |
