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Clarius returns from the stables leading a narrow framed tan horse. His equipment hangs stowed in saddle bags and from the saddle including, a shield emblazoned with a rearing black horse over a broken gold scimitar on a white background with an orange border. He approaches the others and nods to them to signal his readiness to set out.
Clarius gives the other paladin a small nod before falling in step with Alduin. "Sprinting to the rendezvous point might only serve to give away the plan to the orc's scouts and give them two weeks to prepare the ground. If that happens, we're then stuck in that one place trying, less and less successfully, harrying their efforts. The main army will have an advanced guard to spring traps and we can circle to the meet up a couple of days in advance to ensure there are no surprises awaiting the army. I am thinking that we should first discover where they are massing and, after such a public announcement of Lastwall's intentions they will be coming together, go after small groups, supply lines and scouts in that order. Your thoughts?"
The ranger listens quietly to the Praetor's brief. The mission is straightforward and to the point. They were being left to their own devices free to make decisions on the fly. A high honor indeed. When the obsequious knight steps up and begins begging for command, Clarius shakes his head in disappointment but otherwise awaits Saville's dismissal.
Clarius arches an eyebrow, "Good to know."
The ranger listened to the ruler of Lastwall's speech along with all the other assembled warriors. Blessed with the long flowing brown hair commonly associated with Taldans, he wore it tied back into a ponytail. Conversely, his beard was short and neat. His bronze skin was clear and shone in the bright sunlight. He looked around himself as the speech ended and everyone began to assemble around their assigned standards. He slowly, even nonchalantly, made his way to the black standard and looked to the others stationed there, "Hello. Looks as though we'll be spending some time together." He says with a nod to all around.
Lucas is the sort of person who prefers to focus on deeds instead of words. Those who keep going when things are tough, pull their weight, and are more concerned with success than appearances are the types of people he prefers to be around. Given the showiness of Taldor, he generally avoids judging by appearance, since he doesn't trust it. XD Oh, you bring up a good point. Is there anyone else besides Lucas and Clarius from Taldor? @Alduin - I don't know that our two characters know each other, but I do not doubt that we would all know of each other. Clarius has been mostly riding courier and scouting missions on his own. He seems to have maintained a polite distance from others.
I am very interested in this type of campaign. Here is my submission: Clarius Monastero, a Human Ranger (horselord) from the border counties of Taldor. The concept is a knight/forester. He has seen some play and was level two when the other game ended. I will level him up to three and incorporate his previous play into his background.
@Aydan & Zurladew - I completely agree with the level and quality of role play in this game. I can't believe I lucked into this game my first time out on PbP. Aydan is not the only one cracking up. Clarius has gone through massive changes in the short in game time that has passed. EDIT: I removed the rest of my post to avoid even the hint of negativity or remonstration.
"Sir Clarius, no one doubts your dedication to the Baron or to the ideals you have given unto him. However, I do believe that your obligation extends to his daughter as well, as she is the heir apparent of Redwyrm, and your fealty should be to the house, not the Baron. Furthermore, right now our lady is a mystery and an enigma - not yet a threat. She needs support and supervision, not suspicion and certainly not steel... not yet." Sir Clarius speaks to the bonds of vassalage. "A vassal pledges himself to a liege. Their oath goes both ways. These oaths rely on the lives of both parties. Only a fool gives his honour away to unnamed persons who have made no pledge to him. You are reminded jester that Lady Rebecca was never officially proclaimed as the heir of Baron Otto upon her majority nor has she accepted, or more importantly, made her oath to the liegemen of Redwyrm." He continues, "Lest you advise her wrongly, do not counsel that she force this issue. She has not earned the swords of her father's men beyond those vestigial duties to see to her present welfare." "As to the matter of her disposition, I defer to your greater knowledge in these arcane mysteries. If possible, I will seek your counsel before making any judgements." Instead the young ranger pushes away his anger again, and let's out another calming breath before answering simply, "Then I hope you never feel it comes to that. Blood or not, she's my sister Clarius. I'll do whatever I have to, to protect her." At these words, Sir Clarius moves nose to nose with the ranger. "That's a matter that will be put to rest right now. Bastard you are, but Rebecca is the only living child of Baron Otto of Redwyrm! You keep your addlepated fantasies to yourself and never spout such nonsense again. It is enough that she will face contest to the legitimacy of her claim without you further undermining her position by proclaiming you share her sire. You are damn fool to spout such nonsense! The girl cannot even grieve that you pounce upon her misfortune for your own ends. Were you a noble, we would meet on Grimsmoor's field to quickly, and permanently, settle this dispute. Consider well that your common blood has saved your life."
Sir Clarius narrows his eyes at the gnome's implication yet still nods at Zurladew's words of caution. At Crow's accusation he responds, "Masters Minstrel and Woodsman, do not overstate our obligation. I was vassal to Baron Otto of Redwyrm. The oaths he and I swore came to completion upon his death. No one has been acknowledged as the new baron or baroness of Redwyrm nor have I given any pledge of fealty. The service I now perform, to remove his daughter to safety where she may decide how to press her claim, is in memory of a man I served as a knight and loved like a father. Otto stood for good and justice and was the stalwart foe of evil and tyranny. He would, nay did, die to prevent the spread of evil." Clarius' eyes glints with steel as he levels his stern gaze upon his fellow forester as he continues. "Should his sole living progeny become corrupted, my final homage will be to cull her from the line of Redwyrm before she brings to ruin that proud and noble house."
Clarius listens to the words of the minstrel and paladin. His sword still drawn, he counters. "So you are both insinuating that she is some kind of red dragon? How many times did we hear the tales of the Red Wyrm and the evil it laid upon the land before Gustav of the Many Quests defeated it? Now his descendants are sprouting claws, red scales and spouting fireballs while another who takes on the form of a white dragon knew to expect this from her. What evil is this?"
Sir Clarius rears back in horror at Lady Rebecca's transformation. "By the Hunter! That is unnatural! What fell creature is this before us? Is it another shapechanger like that which killed the baron?" Clarius draws his longsword and holds ready with both hands upon the hilt. Eyes wide, the whites clearly showing, he continues, "Zurladew, Lady Beatrix, did you just see what I saw? What say you?!" His voice rising in near panic.
Okay, with the last post in game I must ask what our characters all commonly know. Are we all familiar with the family history as presented in the original recruitment thread? Would we recognize red scales and dark claws as a manifestation of a red wyrm? If we do indeed know the family history, would we know that a red dragon is evil? Will a halberd work in place of an axe for chopping a stake upon which to burn the witch? =P
Sir Clarius regards the young woman before responding more gently than he had initially intended. "Wisely spoken, however; words are not going to be enough in the coming days. Currently, you are an orphan whose hand in marriage dispenses lands and titles. You have no acknowledged legal guardian save, by default, our most exalted Grand Prince Stavian III. He will harbor no qualms about auctioning you off to the highest bidder, but only after letting several petty rivalries and feuds spend their blood fighting over you. If you would take the reins of your destiny for yourself, you must present a formidable figure. People must regard you as a threat in and of yourself because at present you are accompanied by only three knights, a forester, a minsterl and one lady-in-waiting." He holds up the armour and longsword. "No one learns how to wear and wield these before first taking them up. They expect a demure young noble girl. Show them a warrior instead and let them think upon all that the name Redwyrm has meant for these many centuries."
Sir Clarius stands silently as Lady Rebecca makes excuses for herself. Speaking gently and quietly, he attempts to comfort her. "You have had a horrible couple of days. You need a place to rest and grieve for your losses, isn't that so?"
In answer to Lady Beatrix' request for a weapon, Sir Clarius gives her a belt with a sheathed longsword and dagger. "It's best you also put on some of this piecemeal armour as well. Every little bit helps." Turning to Lady Rebecca, the horse knight offers her a sword, dagger and armour, too. "Lady Rebecca, you need to wear some protection in case we come under attack. Here, too, is a sword for you."
ProfPotts:
As Lady Beatrix approaches, Sir Clarius extends his hand holding the crossbow to her as he reaches back with his other hand to take up his shield. "It is already cocked and loaded. Just point and squeeze the trigger." He says as the beautiful half-elf lays her healing hand upon him The knight straps on the shield and draws his longsword, taking up a defensive stance in the face of the oncoming barbarians. Grinning at their leader, he calls out, "I am going to cut a fine figure in Oppara wearing that breastplate."
At the change in tactics, Sir Clarius takes up position just ahead of Sir Jaymin. 'Go, Aydan! We do not have much of a lead and I saw what Sir Ranulf described as a winter wolf dashing off back into the trees. We cannot be caught out in the open if they do indeed have a dragon at their beckon call.'
Sir Clarius pulls up short at the edge of the moors. "This will be dangerous going through these bogs." Hearing the swish of cloth on reeds, he whirls around to see the enemy appear from the fog. "Enemies behind us!" Not waiting for his friends, or enemies, to react, Clarius lets loose a bolt from his heavy crossbow, sending it streaking towards one of the blue skinned barbarians.
Sir Clarius goes with Aydan to help set false trails and disguise the area's tracks. While they are out obfuscating the trail, Sir Clarius speaks to Aydan. 'You said earlier that a white dragon killed the baron, yet you also said a man called Ademar, who claimed to be Lady Ailith's brother, killed him. They are one and the same? What else happened?'
Clarius stops at Aydan's words. His jaw drops in shock. "Wha...? The baron is dead?" His shoulders slump as he hangs his head in grief. As Zurladew and Aydan reenter the hut, Clarius stops at the door, his eyes empty at Lady Rebecca's surprise. When she turns to dote on Aydan, Sir Clarius motions to his fellow knights.
Sir Garrett, Sir Jaymin, ProfPotts: Quietly walking a short distance away, he addresses Sirs Garrett and Jaymin in a low voice. "Gentlemen, as the sole remaining authorities, you must hear my account without delay. This afternoon Lady Ailith and I arranged a rendevous. We slipped away to the castle where I foolishly took her to the private chambers. While there we were caught unawares." He blushes fiercely as he states, "We were in the throes of passion when I felt a cold so intense it burned my skin. I lost consciousness. I came to with the chambermaid, Rose, screaming at me in fright. She thought I might be dead, and truth be told, I wish I had been. Lady Ailith was gone; taken! Moreover, Pax Pacis was also missing from it's place of honor." Clarius looks to his fellows with twin looks of anguish and shame. "I ran downstairs to find, Phenrist, the guard on duty dead, frozen solid. I called for the guards. When Barthalius and Icarios came, I had Barthalius stand guard over me while I sent Icarios to bring Sir Ranulf." He pauses here, seeming to think before continuing, "I intended to submit myself to his custody, but Icarios came running back to tell me that he couldn't leave the keep. When I arrived at the doors, there was an opaque white fog covering the entire courtyard. The guards were all dead or unconscious. An arrow struck down Icarios then several large white skinned, blue haired men attacked. I killed the first, but was struck down by anohter. When I regained consciousness, I was on the floor of a cell in the dungeon. That mage who attacked Ladies Rebecca and Beatrix was in the cell with me. I tried to formulate a plan of escape, offered him my protection while we escaped and for so long as he would accompany me, even to let him go free upon our success or vouch for his actions with the baron, but he instead attacked me, crazed by a hatred for nobility." Again, the knight stops his tale, his eyes hollowed by the memory, before recounting, "I lost control and killed him." Clarius takes a moment to collect himself before going on, "After regaining my senses, I noticed a raven in the dungeon. It spoke! Proclaiming it was the familiar of the Chelaxian Ambassador, it offered to help me escape in return for meeting with an associate in the future. I agreed and it managed to get me free of the cell. It told me that a man named Ademar had taken the keep and was holding a banquet for all those who had wisely not put up a fight." Taking a breath, he says, "I then scavenged the bodies of the two guards who had been on duty in the dungeon, outfitted myself as well as possible before sneaking out the postern gate. Upon exiting the tunnel, I found two sellswords with Galtan accents trying to wrangle Argos. I shot the one while your mount kicked the other. I stripped them as well before hiding their bodies and disguising the scene. With any luck, pursuers will think the one injured by the horse and the other leading the horse away." "I overheard them talking about the various search patrols and how they were searching for everyone who had escaped, especially Lady Rebecca. They are obviously out to this point in their search and will likely center in on this area when the searchers do not return. Tired we may be but thought must be given to what to do next and then do it. Waiting for morning may be too late."
Clarius turns up his nose as Sir Jaymin applies the tincture. 'What is that, boiled cow urine?' As color returns to his face, he takes a deep breath and stretches. 'Well, whatever it is, it works wonders. Thank you, Sir Jaymin.'
At the sound of the old crone's voice, Clarius turns, an expression of wry amusement writ across his face. 'Mother Maggie! No pheasants this e'en, mayhaps you would boil this beast, eh?' He motions to Argos as he continues, 'He might at least make for good glue.' The knight good naturedly rubs the horse's neck. 'Then again, he does make for a decent bloodhound.' Turning to the diminuitive jester, Clarius answers, 'All in good time, Master Zurladew. If you would kindly point me to the baron, I need only once make my account.'
ProfPotts: Clarius reloads the crossbow and moves to Argos. Letting the steed get his scent, he raises his hand to stroke it's muzzle. 'Well done, Argos.' Moving to the two downed men, he grabs up one and takes it to the concealed entrance where he manhandles it through the narrow opening and well into the tunnel. Clarius comes back out, quickly moving to the other man and repeating the process. Returning to Argos, he directs it to guard the entrance.
Going back to the bodies, Clarius thoroughly searches them, taking anything he finds. He takes care to retrieve the boots of the man he shot. He then takes on the odious task of dispatching both men. He recites Erastil's prayer of blessing for a successful hunt over their bodies before changing out his boots for the dead man's and hauling the items back outside to Argos. Stowing as much of the gear as possible on the warhorse, Clarius murmurs soothingly to the stallion, 'Sorry, friend. I mean you no disrespect and do not perceive you as a pack mule, but your master and our other friends may have need of these.' Taking the lantern, Clarius goes back to where the men fell and does his best to remove any trace of his presence and the marks of the man he shot falling to the ground. That done, he tries to confuse the scene with more tracks in the purloined boots.
Clarius leads Argos off into the forest away from the hillock some ways before leaving the horse to circle back and obliterate any other traces leading back to the concealed entrance.
Clarius returns via the roundabout way to Argos and let's the horse have his lead, figuring he will have a better idea of where to find his master.
ProfPotts: Quietly setting down the halberd, Clarius shrugs one arm out of the backpack before switching hands and setting the backpack down.
Taking back up the halberd, he moves around the hillock so as not put himself in profile against the night sky atop it. When he can see the men and horse, he tries to notice what horse they are molesting. Clarius takes careful aim at the one that is not in contact with the horse. When he has a shot, he will fire.
Prof Potts: Clarius keeps the hood almost completely closed letting out only a sliver of light to dimly show the way. He hefts the backpack onto his shoulders and proceeds to quietly make his way down the passage, sliding home the hood on the lantern every twenty feet as he stops and looks for any light ahead and listens for anything he can hear.
ProfPotts: Clarius snatches the key up and uses it to unlock the door to the cell. He heads directly to the guards, checking to see if either of them yet lives.
Confirming that they are indeed dead, he begins the odious task of stripping one of it's armour and weapons. Clarius also searches them for anything of use beyond their armaments [including money and any items of value that could be sold or traded (hey, hard times mean hard decisions)]. Once done, he dons the armour and straps on the weapons. (I assume you'll let me know the particulars of what he finds) Quietly climbing up the stairs to the entrance of the dungeon, he looks and listens to make sure the way is still clear.
Again, assuming the way is clear, he proceeds through the cellars. As stealthily as possible, he searches for anything else useful, i.e. backpack, belt pouches, food to include rations, waterskins, etc. Clarius goes to the concealed door which leads to the room containing the postern gate maintaining his stealth.
He listens at the concealed door for anyone that may be in the room before entering. Once inside, he quietly closes the door behind him and thoroughly searches the room for any concealed items which may have been hidden for just such emergencies.
Taking whatever he finds, Clarius listens at the postern gate for any clue that someone may be waiting on the other side.
ProfPotts: 'Do not get your feathers ruffled on my account, friend Faust. I agree to hear any petition from the first to tell me they are sent by Faust.' He pauses before stressing his point, 'By Faust.'
Nodding, perhaps more to himself than the bird he adds, 'That might just be doing you a favor.' He starts to speak again then thinks better of it, closing his mouth.
ProfPotts:
Eyes narrowing in suspicion the knight responds, 'A real friend wouldn't put a price on their assistance, however; a real friend does repay the favors of their friends.' Continuing to blankly stare in the bird's direction the knight responds, 'For whatever that is worth... So be it. Get me out of here.'
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