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At the moment, Vincent has spent his coin. But eventually he will look you up for something.
As Commissar Kathlyn excuses herself, Vincent turns to his cousin and says, "To be honest, ser, I had planned to volunteer, though I was going to make sure you had no other assignments for me before doing so. I'm glad we both agree that this is something the Order needs to keep an eye and ear on. I will see to the gathering up of a small detachment of squires to accompany us." When the festivities concluded, Vincent went to gather his things from both his home and his quarters, saying some polite goodbyes to his parents, and sought out the home designated for him in the Promenade. Therian and Dante had already been to the location with some of his things, and guided him to the proper address. It was a nice house, though not quite as grand as made out, and would suit his needs nicely. He made his way inside and got settled in. When he made a circuit through the backyard, he noted that there was currently no stable to be seen. "We are going to have to get us some stables for the horses," Vincent says to the men. "I had assumed such, sir," Dante says in his usual matter-of-fact tone. "I've already contacted a construction team to come and provide you an estimate." Vincent smiles, "Whatever would I do without you, Dante." The footman smirks and says, "Frankly sir, I wonder that myself," The man's joke caught Vincent off guard, and elicited a nice laugh from the three men as they stood by the fountain. The next morning, work had already begun on the stables, he donned his armor, and while eating breakfast, he says, "Therian, given all the new staff, I have a new task for you and Dante. I'd like the two of you to locate three strong and loyal men to join yourselves as security here at the manor." Both Dante and Therian look up from their plates, concern on their faces. After swallowing his current mouthful, Therian asks, "Sir, have we done something wrong?" "By the Heavens, no," Vincent replies. "By no means is this a demotion! It's just that, with the recent happenings, the number of people I truly trust has dwindled drastically, with the two of you being key members on that very short list. I know you are both capable combatants, and I trust you with my very life. You both will keep rooms here in the house, and will answer to me alone, not the steward." Dante nods. Therian, after some thought, says, "Very well, sire. Whatever you wish." After the meal, Vincent goes to the headquarters of the Exalted March while Dante sets to his own appointed task. He spent the next few days looking over the various new squires, trying to find the best possible candidates for his needs. They had to be good on horseback, good with their weapons, as well as follow orders well. After a few days, he had made his selections, as well as purchased the necessary supplies they may need while on the road to the Backar...
K. Will work on a long post in the morning. Going to assume Eodric is cool with me gathering some Squires into a unit to come with.
Brimley, I may recruit a couple "Teams" that will serve a in a defensive capacity, no combat role unless our camp or my home is attacked. Team 1: Cavalry Archers, representing a detachment of the Order under my command.
Neither will generate income, purely for background RP and security. That ok? Also, can I build a stable onto my manor house?
Vincent turns to the lovely form of Kathlyn, and says, "I agree, ma'am. Has anymore information been obtained in that regard yet?"
Hopefully after Sunday I will be able to provide everyone with details regarding the manors we have all been awarded. I'll be meeting up with Brimley in person and should (in theory) be able to knock it out in one sitting.
Vincent performed as expected, and of all the rewards and praise bestowed upon him, it was being knighted by his elder cousin that he was most proud of. He hoped to be able to live up to the honor, as his earning it was something of a farse, at least in his mind, and apparently the minds of a few others. When Hakar levels his degradation their way, he remains silent as both Sampson and Nathmir speak their minds. If they want to end up on the man's bad side, by all means, let them draw his ire. The last thing I need is someone breathing hatred down my neck. As to what he planned to do, well, frankly the sky was the limit as long as he did not have other orders from his cousin. He could use the coin to acquire some land outside of Braganza, perhaps found his own little village. Or, he could use it to recruit more able bodied men to the Order, if his cousin would be open to the idea of him leading and managing a branch of it. Perhaps, after this is all said and done, he could talk with Eldred and see what he may have planned, or what his interests may be.
Vincent relaxes somewhat at the gunman's statement. "Good to know," he says with a smile before turning back to the others and the Prelate.
"Indeed," Vincent says then turns his back to the rest of the group, appearing to help adjust Eldred's collar. He then says quietly so that only the gunman can hear, "So, you and Sampson got an interesting promotion. Should I be congratulating you both or bracing my neck for the executioner?"
Vincent allows the magic to recede as he sheaths his blade. He casts a sidelong glance towards the Prelate and says, "Thank you, ser. You are most kind." Vincent then opens a set of doors and calls out for some guards to come and take these assassins away for interrogation later. He then checks his own attire, making sure he is still presentable with a sigh. Despite the commotion, he is certain this little show will go on, if nothing else, this will add to the hubbub of the whole thing. Walking over to the Prelate's side, Vincent says, "So, shall we proceed then?"
Gonna stay as is.
"No, take the rest alive!" Vincent calls out after Eldred's gun fires.
Vincent moves to block the path of the acolyte to the North exit, and calls out, "Surrender and drop your weapons! There is no need to spill more blood in these halls!"
Vincent pushes the door closed and looks for a mechanism to lock it before turning back and heading for the others, seeing that it would appear their invisible assailant has revealed itself.
Strong arguments for both sides...I'm so torn on which to take!
"Why are priests attacking us, Athas!?" Vincent, had thought they were coming to protect them, but when their demeanor proves otherwise, he suddenly feels trapped. He draws his blade, and then wills the magic within him to radiate out to his allies. He then makes a dash straight for the door where the acolytes entered from. He plans to shut it and guard it's position should either their invisible eaves dropper attempts to leave that direction, or hold it against further attackers.
Seeing where all the other gathered guests eyes fall, as well as the expletive that was uttered,, gives Vincent at least a general idea of where the spy was located. Vincent he steps that direction and throws his hand forward, and a wave of white energy ushers forth and coats the ground in a slick substance.
Stretch of work coming up. 5 consecutive nights of 12 hour shifts. I'll still post when available, but if I'm holding anything up please feel free to DMPC me.
When Eldred uses his childhood nickname, Vincent hangs his head and pinches the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. Great. When the prelate pauses for a drink and apologizes, Vincent shakes his head and says "No apology necessary, sir. Do take your time." As he concludes and mumbles his final sentence, Vincent says, "My apologies if our presence there causes any inconvenience. That was not our intent or desire."
"Little Vin-Vin? Oh, the Keeper of Vaults take me, it is you isn't it? Why, the last time I saw you, you were running around in your birthday attire, trailing mud and disaster through these halls. Your mother chased and apologized endlessly, though there was nothing to forgive. . ." Vincent smirks and hangs his head just slightly in embarrassment. It had been a long time since anyone had referred to him with that name, even his cousin Eodric had stopped teasing him with it years ago. "Yes, m'lord. It has been a long time," he adds with a grin. "It's settled then! I insist! You shall share in my company at the feast—at my right hand!" Another objection from behind the Prince-Archbanker is squashed immediately by his insistence. "At my right hand. Terandar can make do with a seat to the left for a change, I think, yes?" Vincent starts to protest as well, but seeing the man had set his mind to the matter for now, he simply nodded and hoped it would not cause too much undue drama. "If you have any questions you would like to ask, now is the time. After we have commenced the festivities, I fear you shall have precious little time to yourself for the remainder of the evening." Vincent nods his head to the man. "Thank you, sir. I do have one question: what exactly is in store for us? We have been told that we are the 'guests of honor' of this ordeal, but nothing in regards to exactly what the festivities are to entail."
Waiting until last, Vincent finally introduces himself and Adurus. "And I, my Lord, am Vincent Teldas, along with Adurus Krupt," he offers a gesture Adurus' way. "Members of the Most Noble Order of the Exalted March." He offers the man a salute, and concludes with the motto of the Order. "Ever Forward. Ever Onward."
Epic diplomacy Crit FTW!
"My Lord, it is a great honor to be granted audience with you. That you would arrange such a spectacle on our behalf, for simply doing what was our duty, at least for most of our number, is a testament to your generosity and benevolence to your citizens," Vincent says, having begun his greeting with a bow to the man.
Vincent rode in silence at the end of the procession, allowing the rest of the group to travel ahead. He remained silent as they traveled, though he would smile and be polite to the crowd of onlookers. The information they had received in their meeting with Terandar as well as the changes in the rest of his companions weighed heavily on his mind. Why would they use us as bait? And for what? What has Braganza done in it's service to Molthune to warrant this type of retribution? For that matter, what HAS Braganza done... And as for Sampson and Eldred, why did the Directorate purposefully seek them out to recruit. Sampson I can understand, he's a ruthless, cold hearted killing machine that follows his orders without question. Eldred though? He always seemed to be of his own mind, and while loyal to Molthune, he never acted like he was THAT bound to duty. What is going on here?
Adurus: Friendship
I love social interactions. However, and I don't mean to be harsh by saying this Kage, but if you plan to lean on it, one of two things needs to happen: 1) You don't stay so dark for as long on the forums (what I'd prefer to see :-P)
Vincent remains silent as the Lord Bailiff scolds Nathmir. Hopefully now he will learn to hold his tongue. His final statement catches his full attention, however. "Bait, sir? Bait for what?"
"You as well, sir. Of course no disrespect was received, you had a prior meeting that required your attention, and we did not wait long," Vincent said politely, knowing the man likely did not really care that they wee waiting.
Vincent awoke the next morning, slowly, not due to any hangovers, but due to the fact that a night in his own bed at home was such a comfort compared to the hard, lumpy mattress provided him in the Order's barracks. He sat up in bed, stretching out his stiff muscles, and looked about his room. He quickly noted that apparently Dante had cleaned and polished his armor and new sword in preparation for the day's festivities, and had them placed in his room while he slept. Once he was fully awake, he made his way over to the blade and picked it up, again examining its exquisite make. He regretted not being able to find any leads on it's previous owner's family, but could not deny that he was glad to have such a fine weapon in his possession. He returned the blade to it's sheath and then set to donning his armor and blade and then heading downstairs for breakfast. He was met halfway by Therian, who bowed and greeted his liege, "Good morning, Sire. Did you sleep well?" "Better than I have in months, Therian. Thanks for asking. Are my parents still sleeping off their celebrations from last night?" Vincent asks. "No, sir," Therian replies. "They are actively preparing for today's jubilation. I'm afraid you missed them for breakfast." "That's fine. Actually that suits me better. I think I'm going to have my fill of being doted on today, I don't need them adding to it." Therian looked at him with a look of concern. "I did notice that you were absent from the party last night at a comparatively early hour, sire. Do you at least intend to stay for a proper breakfast?" Vincent shakes his head, "I think not. I'll just grab a couple things and eat it quickly. Have Dante prepare Midnight while I do so, would you?" Therian bows. "As you wish, sire. I will find him at once," he says and then walks off towards the servants quarters. Vincent continues on to the kitchen and finds the left overs from this morning. He has a biscuit with black raspberry jam as well as a couple strips of bacon before heading for the stable. The morning sun was bright, and the sky as clear as could be, not even a single cloud was visible. As he strode across the yard, he saw that Dante was just finishing up cinching the barding up on Midnight. "As you commanded, sir. He is all prepared for travel," the footman says as he hands the reigns over to Vincent. "Excellent work, as always, Dante. Thank you." Dante bows and steps aside as Vincent steps up and into the saddle. Vincent makes a couple clicks with his mouth and spurs the horse forward, and heads out from his families estate to report to the Bailiff before the day slipped by. Once there, greeted the rest of the heroes warmly as they arrived, though he was shocked to see that Sampson had apparently been made a member of the Directorate, judging by the new pin on his chest. He was almost as surprised to see Arzazel dressed as he was. But the most disturbing thing of all was when Eldred made his way into the hall, that he too bore the badge of station noting him as a tool of the Commissariat. He nods his direction, but says no verbal greeting, as his mind was spinning over their conversation last night. What in the blazes have I done? Did he report the things I said about the Nobility to the Commissars? If so, it's a wonder they haven't rounded me up and labeled me a traitor. And if not, how, and why, did they name HIM as one of their agents? And now that he was, would he use my rant last night as leverage in some political scheme? That doesn't seem to be his style...but then again...he has that badge now...
Kage had alluded to moving along to the feast soon last I talked to him about it. I've updated the game with all the info I have so far to move it to that point. Suppose we could find a way to do some pre-feast banter...
As his cousin turns to depart, Vincent thinks about what he just said. "Trials? What trials? What's going on, cousin?"
Vincent lets out a chuckle at his cousin's jest. "If only I could enjoy the celebrations," he says as he throws a nod over his shoulder towards the manor. "All the people care about in there is trying to advance their own place in whatever social ladder they can. They could care less about what had just happened, so long as none of the chaos affected their holdings. I couldn't take it anymore, so I slipped out." He stands and turns to face his cousin, forcing his legs to stand in a position at least reminiscent of attention. He grins as well, adding, "I hope your age hasn't started hindering your memory, cousin. for I'm no Knight yet." His words are likewise just playful banter, a game of words the two had always enjoyed, at least before Eodric had established the Order. Since then, Vincent realized he had hardly seen him, and he hoped his cousin hadn't outgrown the repartee of their younger years.
Just wanted to clarify: my background has Eodric as an elder cousin. How much older is he, because I didn't picture him being old enough for wrinkles. Just lemme know before I respond.
As the pair approach the squire, Vincent says, "Well met, friend. Any luck your search?"
Vincent nods his head, "Yeah. I know. I'm just tired of all the b!!!%#~~ that comes along with it." Changing the subject, he adds, "So, how have the rest of our 'group of heroes' been? I haven't had a chance to see anybody what with the clean up. Last I saw of Adurus, he was looking for some friends of his I think."
Vincent takes the offered cigarette and lights it with a flick of his wrist. "Family held this big to-do in my honor over what all we did to stop the chaos of that night. I don't hold it against them, it's part of the 'duties of being noble.' But most of the people there were just blowing smoke up mine and my parent's asses hoping to somehow latch on and advance their station. Like that was all that mattered. I didn't risk my life to try to improve my families holding or gain favor in the courts. I did what I did because the city needed my help." He takes a long puff on the cigarette before continuing quietly so only Eldred can hear, "Just makes me wonder if any of it is worth it. If the rulers of this city are so wrapped up in themselves instead of what is right, maybe it would have been better to just gather as many innocents as possible and let the whole thing tear itself apart."
Vincent signals the bartender to pour him a mug as he answers Eldred, "Just be yourself. I've had just about all I can handle of people pretending for one night, and we gotta go through it all again tomorrow." It's evident that the young Field-Squire is frustrated over something. When his mug arrives, he takes a healthy swig, coughing a bit as his palate struggles to adjust from the finer beverages he had been drinking earlier to the more earthy ale he now drank. "Any luck on finding our mutual friend that caused all this nonsense?"
On the night before the feast in his, and those that fought at his side, honor, Vincent was forced to endure a social gathering at his parent's estate, mainly to brag at the praise his own actions had inadvertently garnered in his families name. Vincent was proud of how he handled himself on the field that night, there was no denieing that. However, he did not do it to bring glory to his House or to try to advance his own standing. He did it because he thought, no, he knew it was the right thing to do. But, seeing all these other noble families and their spoiled children all feigning admiration and adoration on his actions, all the while stabbing each other, and likely his own family, in the proverbial back with sidelong whispers of rumor, gossip, and insult made him sick. Is this the type of behavior I am defending? These people could care less if Braganza, or all of Molthune, for that matter, burned to the ground so long as their own station was maintained or advanced. It's disgusting. As soon as he could, he slipped out of the stifling madness that was the banquet, slipped into some common attire, and headed for a nearby ale house he knew Eldred liked to frequent. He had had enough of people blowing smoke up his backside, and knew that the Corporal wouldn't care to call things like he saw it.
Going to finish up reading Kage's info he sent me, scheme up some things on my own, and get a post together this evening.
The moment Vincent could free himself of his duties to the Order and city, he quickly went to make sure his family was safe. Relieved to find they had suffered negligible damages to their holdings, he excused himself to his bunk at the new headquarters of the Order, and fell asleep quickly thanks to the long night he had endured. In the following days, Vincent was kept busy with his duties. He made a full, detailed report on what he had seen in the events of the madness, including who accompanied him, making sure to commend them for their aid to the city. Then, he was tasked again with patrolling the city as extra security. He left Dante and Therian to help with the repairs of his families few damaged properties, and spent his patrols astride Midnight overseeing a squad of five initiates that weathered the madness relatively unscathed. When he would pass any of those who had helped the city, he would wave politely, even stop to say hello should the time permit. The first couple of evenings off, he had attempted to track down any clues regarding the previous owner of the sword he wore at his side. However, unable to get anywhere, decided that he would have to let the matter rest and simply treat the blade as his own. Another thought that kept coming to his mind was the attractive Commissar he had met at the start of all the chaos. Kathryn. Her name stood out to him. I will have to try to see how she fared after all this insanity. Perhaps she doesn't have as brash of an attitude as Vik. One can only hope. Braganza isn't big enough to have two sticks in the mud like that.
A couple questions before I make a post: How did Vincent's family fair in the madness?
Rutilus was right. There appeared little they could do to contribute here. "Everybody prepare to move. We should go report and help in capturing any of the afflicted. That is, unless there is anything we can aid you with, Mr. Nail-Spitter."
I will be leaving for the beach this Saturday morning for roughly a week. My posting will be limited to from my iPad or phone. Shouldn't affect me in the game too much, but don't expect long posts from me during this time either. Hard to type with fat thumbs on a touch screen. Heh.
Moving this here for a proper round table discussion. As far as Vincent is concerned, unless someone can provide an immediate, reliable lead as to tracking down this traitor, his main goal is to resolve the current threat to the city, and that is wrangle up the remaining loonies and subdue them and hopefully find care for them. After that, he intends to do the following: 1) Find his family, and make sure they are alright. 2) Find someone in charge, and make a report of what he has seen, preferably with the rest of the party to explain things Vincent does not understand, like the magical aspects of the whole thing, the sights in Rud's, etc. Particular individuals he would report to at this time are limited, but preferably he would report directly to his cousin. 3) Write up formal requests for commendations for all who were involved in his "team." This is a two-fold purpose in his mind. Firstly, these men risked their lives for Braganza, and as such earned his trust and he wants to try to repay that incredible good deed someway. Second, he hopes it will encourage them to stick around in the city, perhaps in positions where they could help recruit others to move here. Beyond that, will depend entirely on how things develop in game I suppose, namely the extent of damage to the city, or to his own family, as well as any leads on the traitor.
Vincent turns and rolls his eyes. Another commoner with a grudge against those born of higher station. Why can't they take someone as an individual instead of lumping us into an assumed lifestyle. I've bled more for this city than most of those who share high births, hells, more than many of the common folk of Braganza. And I've shared drinks with them as well. He stands aside and lets those that have won over the crude man handle the interrogation. No sense in causing more harm than good by feeding into this man's prejudices. He moves over to Adurus and Sampson, and says quietly, "A traitor is responsible for this, so he claims," tilting his head back slightly towards Rud. "I don't like the thought of that, as where there is one traitor, there is likely more. We will need to keep vigilant for any signs or evidence." |