Loric Bentha's page

"Aye, this turtle shell is a mite inconvient when not dodging sword and claw! Please, if you would?" Loric says, offering Cairn access to the number of straps that keep the armor on his body.

As Cairn tugs at the straps, Loric continues "As for squires, I'd not be willing to take any on. I'd not be able to offer them any advancement of worth."

Cairn tucked his unruly auburn hair behind his ears and nodded at the man's compliment. The Varisian was being kind in regards to the common conception of his people though.

Thank you Loric. It don't take long to look around and see the broken spirits in the people of Karcau. And fair enough as they've been dealt a poor hand in the last several months with what looks like a long game left to be played. A serial killer running amok, their beloved Countess and countless others dead at the hands of a plague and now an enemy army of brutes at their gates. Tis dark times indeed. But we Sczarni don't tend to dwell on the negative. It don't solve any problems. And believe me, its a good sign having new friends like your self and Krisaga.

Not seeing his cousins about, Cairn found an empty stable for Loric's horse and laid fresh hay as well as filling the water trough.

This spot will do her just fine. When you're ready we can go get some hot vittles.

Loric takes the time to remove the saddle and bridle from his horse, then grabbing a brush, vigorously tends to the beast's coat. Satisfied that his mount was taken care of , he laid out some hay , gave the horse an affectionate pat on the neck, then followed Cairn back to the main building.

"It'd be nice to be out of this armor for a time, would you be able to provide someone to assist me?"

Cairn shook his head at his uncles' conversation. They'd had the same one many times and would have it many more. The sight and sound of the Shark Pool let the youth know he was home and the smile splitting his face was genuine and he gestured with wide open arms.

Here we are. Krisaga you can follow my uncles inside while I show Loric to the stables.

Cairn led the way around to the side where there was a gate leading to the courtyard housing the stables and hoped his cousins were about their tasks instead of loafing... that would be a bad impression...

Loric follows Carin, leading Bannon by his bridle. "This seems an unlikely place, Cairn. Given the state of the city, that is. It would seem the Szcarni's reputation for resoursefullness is deserved."

Loric eyes the men and women slowly scattering into the city, There's something more to they eye here, I think

At Cairn's comment, Loric nods Ah, there we go...Sczarni.

"Indeed, ser Stern, my appetite can be prodigious at times. Sczarni you say? Can't say I've had the privelege of dealing with your brethren before, but if they can take care of Bannon here and fill my emtpy stomach, I'll reserve judgement." he says with a smile.

"If this Shark's Den has a decent livery , I'll accompany you. If not, do you have any recommendations?" Loric asks from astride his warhorse.

"The simplest among us often see things the clearest!" Loric proclaims, "'Twill be a contest for the ages, should the gob speak true. A fitting test, I think , for Karcau's chosen." he says without a trace of sarcasm.

Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

"Your answers are: most assuredly, usually and at a moment's notice, m'Lord." Loric tells Solaric, with a smile as he glances around at the others gathered, pausing a moment on Johenrics, then moving on.

With a sigh, he continues "Evil has a nasty habit of continually needing to be battled! I shall lend my arm and blade to your cause!"

He then pauses and asks "Karcau's chosen? Is this a moniker of your own choice or one bestowed by another?"

"Well met , indeed, Lord...Zekkaran? Did I pronounce that correctly? My condolences on your loss, your grief must be great." Loric says , his own face becoming cloudy for a moment, "I am Loric Bentha, and no , Bannon here is usually as steady as a mountai. Must have been that over sized cat that spooked him.". Loric's mouth twists into a sardonic smile, like one who has realized that the joke was on him.

Still smiling at his misfortune, Loric clucks his tongue a few times and the warhorse obliginly allows him to grab its bridle, hauling himself upright.

"You speak fairly, my lady. It would seem some of my family's casual cruelty has snuck itself into my speech, any offense was not intended, my heartfelt apologies." he says good naturedly, hand over his heart.

He then turns to examine his horse, ensuring none of his tackle was disturbed. He fetches his scattered gear,mounts, then waits patiently, saying "Lead on."

Ride 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Leaning forward over his saddle horn, Loric is caught completely unprepared for the sudden rear and buck of his usually stoic warhorse. Armor and weapons make a hideous noise as the warrior is tumbled over the horse's rear-end.

"WHaaaaa.....Oooof!" Loric utters as he falls flat on his back. Groaning, he manages to lever himself onto his side, only to fall back on his back once more, chuckling at his predicament, or at least trying to chuckle, having been winded from the fall.

The horse , somewhat chagrined, walks over and nuzzles its master, causing more sounds of mirth to emerge.

Gorian had eyed the stranger too, trying to look casually disinterested, but those who know him realise that he is paying close attention. He nods to Cairn and then adresses the newcomer

Loric, mhm? Did you stumble upon any traces goblins, orcs, trolls or other monsters of the fell north? I just ask, because the foraging was most probably done by our troops.

"Indeed, 'twas most organized. There were some signs of critters you mention as I travelled the forest, but they kept their distance. I doubt they were part of any organized force. " Loric offers, meeting Gorian's distinterested gaze with his own.

Turning back to Victoria, "Indeed, keeping a clean and orderly demense is important" he says with a slight smile, "Please as I said earlier, do not let my arrival keep you from your interrogation...oh look, the half-breed has begun again."

"I'll wager there will be no shortage of death or violence in the next little while, and both fame and glory will no doubt be quite abundant. Don't be sad, for this is the stuff honour and chivalry are born of - a chance for the very best in us all to shine forth, and a time for the tree of life to be trimmed of dead wood"

Loric inclines his head in acknowledgment of Victoria's wise words, then his lips twich in small smile "Forgive my prying, but why do you transport this collection of empty coffins, you don't look the type to be undertakers."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Sense Motive 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

If Loric notices the Sczarni's subtle message to the older man, he gives no indication, instead merely nodding at the question "While my journey took me through the wooded lands to the southwest, I did see signs of foraging but no troops as such....and no giants were in evidence. "

With a creak of metal and leather, he turns to regard Victoria "I am proficient in the meteing out of violence and death, whether fame and glory will stem from such....time will tell." he says with an edge of sadness.

As he turns his body, all notice that there was once a family crest graven into the metal of his breastplat,above the heart. Now there is just a roughly circluar area of scraches and gouges.

"Well met, indeed." the rider states formally, his face then relaxes some and he continues "Loric... Bentha, at your service." he says nodding to Johenric, "You may be right in that, for I was on my way to Karcau to find....something interesting to do now that my..." here he pauses, his face changing as if a cloud had passed over it "let us say, I've been occupied these last few years with family business, and now find my self at a fork in the road , so to speak"

The interrogation is inturrupted by the sound of a galloping horse reverberating across the road.

A single rider, armored and armed canters up to the motely group before him.

Helmet tied to his saddle, the warrior inclines his head to the beautiful lady, raises an eyebrow at the sight of the drow half-breed with Imodea's device so prominently displayed; his eyes glance over the others, the open coffins in the wagon , to finally rest on the prostate goblin being questioned.

"An interesting tableau to find on the road to Karcau. A tale worth telling, I'm sure. Please, do continue, don't let my sudden arrival hinder your discussion with yonder gob." he drawls , leaning forward on his saddle horn.

@T'Rose K I'll pop a PM to ZZ.

@Steihl9s Ha, true, but then he wouldn't have his appropriately dark and gloomy background :)

ZZ, Heart of Lighters

Just took a look and saw that Twighlight had begun posting , should I just jump in as well?

I was waiting for approval on my character.

Here's Spazmodeus' addition to HOL for your approval.